Dressed to a tea In honor of National Friends of Libraries Week, the Friends of Lakewood Ranch Library threw a tea party.
Not everyone wore a fascinator for the occasion, but those who went all out, like Barbara Pfeiffer and Gayle Sweda (pictured above), were rewarded. Pfeiffer won the prize for “Most Theme Appropriate,” along with a $25 gift card to Barnes & Noble for working 64 shifts in the Book Nook last year. Sweda won the prize for “Most Remarkable.” She wore a pair of pristine, white gloves that belonged to her grandmother, Helen Engelhardt. Sweda didn’t know she had the gloves until she opened a box a few months ago and found three pairs.
Market magic
While at Main Street Market in Lakewood Ranch, cousins Raelee Bruce, 3, and Trinity Howard, 5, (above) ran ahead of their family Oct. 18 to discover something that caught their attention.
A face painter.
Bradenton’s Ben Bruce said his daughter, Raelee, always points in the sky whenever there is a rainbow present so it made the perfect decoration for her face.
“My daughter likes anything bright and cheery,” Bruce said. Bruce described Trinity, his niece, as a creative kid. He was not surprised that she picked a unicorn.
The girls’ faces were painted by Nancy Napoles of Party Palace.
The 2025-2026 market season runs once a month through April 11, 2026.
State audit chastises Manatee’s taxation
Jay Heater
Lesley
Lesley Dwyer
Madison Bierl
He protected ... served ... retired
Jay Romine served 33 years in law enforcement and over 12 years as director of the MTC Law Enforcement Academy.
LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER
When Mill Creek’s Jay Romine started out as a police officer with the Palmetto Police Department in 1979, officers were issued guns but not bullets.
Because he was 18 years old, Romine had a problem — he wasn’t old enough to purchase bullets.
“The chief (Mike Rushing at the time) put me in his car, and we drove down to the local sporting goods store, which was owned by my cousin,” he said with a chuckle. “The chief bought me three boxes of 357 rounds, set them on the counter and said, ‘There you go. You’re on midnights.’”
For the next 33 years, Romine protected and served Manatee County, first in Palmetto for about two years, then in Holmes Beach, where he served as chief for 20 years. When Romine retired from law enforcement, it only lasted for about six months before he was hired on as the director of Manatee Technical College’s Florida Law Enforcement Academy.
The job brought him full circle back to the place his career started in 1979 when he attended the academy as a cadet. He also took over the position from Rushing.
This time around, thanks to 3-month-old granddaughter Lilliana Jayne, Romine’s retirement from MTC is more likely to stick. His first day of retirement is Nov. 1.
“It’s time for me to be a poppy,” he said. “My priorities are probably three-fold. Lillie is first, the deer population in Alabama is second and staying out of my wife’s hair is third.”
Jayne Romine described her husband as “the old man at the window noting everything in the neighbor-
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
1988: Awarded Manatee County Officer of the Year
1993-2013: Served as Holmes Beach chief of police
1996: Graduated from the FBI
National Academy
1997: Founded the Manatee County Law Enforcement Council
2008: Elected chair of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission
2013-2015: Served as the director of the Florida Law Enforcement Academy at Manatee Technical College
2020: Inducted into the Florida Law Enforcement Officers’ Hall of Fame
2025: Opened the Law Enforcement Training Center in Myakka City
hood.”
Since she still works from home, she’s counting on the baby to keep her husband busier this time around in retirement.
Romine laughed and said cops don’t stop watching what’s going on just because they retire.
Romine’s retirement party was held at Beef O’Brady’s on Oct. 17.
MTC co-workers, law enforcement, family and golf buddies gathered to celebrate a 46-year career marked with honors, such as graduating from the FBI National Academy and being inducted into the Florida Law Enforcement Officers’ Hall of Fame. Only about 4% of applicants are
accepted into the FBI National Academy.
“He’s done great things,” Romine’s sister, Gina Page said. “I’m so proud of him. My son is a detective with the Bradenton Police Department, and it is because of Jay.”
Detective Michael Page described his uncle as someone to emulate because he always does the right thing.
Over and over again, the party guests kept describing Romine as a man with integrity. While Sheriff Rick Wells was not in attendance, his comments fell right in line.
“As director of the MTC Law Enforcement Academy, his unwavering commitment to training the next generation has made a lasting impact,” Wells said. “Jay instilled in
Ed
THE CASE ROMINE WILL REMEMBER
After a bicyclist asked Dr. Juan Dumois for a ride from the Kingfish Boat Ramp in August 1980, the bicyclist opened fire inside the car as they pulled away. Dumois, his two sons, 9-year-old Mark and 13-yearold Eric, and brother-in-law, Raymond Barrows, were shot in the head. Only Barrows survived.
Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Robert Matzke confronted the killer after he fled the scene and was also shot and killed. After shooting Matzke, the killer got into a car with another unidentified individual and effectively disappeared thereafter.
“The Kingfish Boat Ramp murders will always stick with me,” Romine said. “When I went to Holmes Beach, I was an investigator there, so it became my case. Ultimately, when I was the chief, it was my case. So many avenues were explored, but we were never able to identify the person who did it. It’s the type of thing that sticks in your mind because you wanted to see it resolved.”
his trainees the same integrity, discipline and work ethic that defined his own service.”
The largest and latest project Romine leaves behind is the Law Enforcement Training Center that opened earlier this year in Myakka City. It was 18 years in the making, and Romine was not going to retire until he saw the project through.
The $7.01 million facility features a 50-yard pistol range, 200-yard rifle range, 300-by-600-foot driving pad with adjustable lighting, two observation towers, a classroom and an armory room.
The 70-acre campus is a partnership between MTC and the Bradenton Police Department. Good working relationships between law enforcement agencies in Manatee
“Tales from the Island: The Kingfish Boat Ramp Murders,” by Bradenton’s Alan Cross, was released in August on the 45th anniversary of the murders. It’s available on Amazon or locally at Three Island Monkeys on Longboat Key, The Beach Shop in Cortez and Ginny & Jane E’s
County was something Romine created years earlier.
In 1997, Romine founded the Manatee County Law Enforcement Council. Romine is also a founding member of Manatee County Crime Stoppers. In 2008, Crime Stoppers renamed its Officer of the Year Award the Jay Romine Officer of the Year Award.
“Jay has exemplified what it means to serve with dedication and passion,” Wells said.
Cafe and Coastal Store on Anna Maria Island.
Lesley Dwyer
Jay Romine, director of the Law Enforcement Academy at Manatee Technical College, waited 18 years to see the Training Center open.
Jay Romine and
Smyth work for the Palmetto Police Department in 1980.
Courtesy image
Manatee commissioner calls DOGE audit ‘accurate’
Commissioner Bob McCann said it’s time to ‘tighten the belt and cut some people loose.’
LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER
Less than one month after Manatee County commissioners finalized the FY2026 budget, Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia announced they had “overspent” $112.4 million in FY2025.
Ingoglia did not release specifics on how his team came to that figure.
Commissioner Jason Bearden said CFO Sheila McLean certainly didn’t give him that impression during the recent budget meetings. Manatee County’s FY2026 budget was approved Sept. 22.
“I was struggling to cut $3 million from a billion-dollar budget,” Bearden said.
Bearden, along with Commissioner Bob McCann, advocated for a larger cut to the millage, but in the end, Bearden settled for a reduction of .05 mills.
McCann was the lone vote against the millage and the overall budget. He told the East County Observer that he dissented because the millage was too high and the administration was too top heavy. He also cited too many workers.
During a press conference held Oct. 16 at Pier 22 in Bradenton, Ingoglia said Manatee County could have cut 1.09 mills. On a $500,000 home, that is the difference between $25 at .05 mills and $545 at 1.09 mills.
Bearden noted how helpful that information could have been during the budget workshops when he was making a case that the county is holding far too much money in its reserves, which are nearing $1 billion.
“Staff is going to tell us what they’re comfortable with,” he said. “They might not be comfortable with a 1.0 millage cut because they have to make it work.”
While Bearden never attempted to reduce the millage by as much as 1.09 mills, he’s interested in learning how the state thinks it’s possible when county staff has told him far less is impossible.
Ingoglia said there were two audits being conducted. He only discussed the first audit that addressed “highlevel overspending.” Results of the second audit will provide specific line items that the state’s auditors deemed wasteful.
Manatee County released a statement following the press conference that read in part, “Our team has supplied all requested information promptly and in good faith and has maintained regular communication with state officials, even meeting with the DOGE team yesterday in Tallahassee. We were not previously aware of the details released by the Chief Financial Officer during his news conference October 16, 2025, but we welcome the opportunity to review the findings and better understand the analysis.”
Information Outreach Manager
Bill Logan noted that the Manatee County Government Efficiency
FAFO
During the Oct. 16 press conference in Bradenton, Florida CFO
Blaise Ingoglia stood behind a podium with a sign that read, “FAFO Audit.” In modern slang, FAFO stands for (explicative) Around and Find Out. In this case, it also stands for the Florida Agency for Fiscal Oversight.
Gov. Ron DeSantis posted to X in early August that FAFO “had a nice ring to it.” Since then, it’s become the unofficial name for Florida’s Department of Government Efficiency.
Liaison Committee would update commissioners on its findings at the next commission meeting scheduled for Oct. 21.
The public is also invited to attend the committee’s next meeting at 10 a.m. on Oct. 28 in the Manatee Room at the Manatee County Administration Building.
EXPANDING AT AN ‘UNPRECEDENTED RATE’
During the press conference, Ingoglia didn’t cite any major examples of “wasteful” spending outside of the county staff itself.
Ingoglia noted that Manatee County’s population increased by 61,545 residents over the past five years, while the county staff increased by 472 full-time employees.
“This is why the budget has gotten away from (commissioners),” he said. “They’re hiring librarians, administrators, clerks and expanding government at a rate that is probably unprecedented in this area.”
McCann called the assessment “accurate.”
“The county doesn’t need this many people,” he said. “Taxes should go down, not up, with more people to pay in.”
Bearden argued both sides. On one hand, he said if there are 10 emergency operators and over 12,000 more residents a year later, then 10 operators might not be enough to service everyone.
But Ingoglia mentioned “administrators,” and Bearden voted not to hire Corey Stutte in June after Evan Pilachowski resigned from one of three deputy county administrator positions.
Bearden’s decision had nothing to do with Stutte or his qualifications for the role.
Bearden had concerns that the appointment was slid through by staff members at a time when com-
“You’ve got the staff telling the commission what to do because they were used to that for many years. Now, they’re being questioned, and they don’t like it.”
Bob McCann
missioners were expressing concerns that a third deputy county administrator might not be necessary.
McCann not only shared Bearden’s concerns, he had proposed a hiring freeze two weeks earlier. “Critical roles required for Public Safety, emergency response and essential county operations” were excluded from his proposal.
Nicole Knapp, director of Development Services, asked McCann to remove the item from the June 3 agenda.
“The tail is wagging the dog,” McCann said. “You’ve got the staff telling the commission what to do because they were used to that for many years. Now, they’re being questioned, and they don’t like it.”
McCann cited two departments that he said would be better off hiring outside contractors over employees — stormwater maintenance and the county attorney’s office.
He added that if the county kept an outside law firm on retainer, such as GrayRobinson, the move would also eliminate the need for a Government Relations department because GrayRobinson provides lobbying services, too.
McCann said the county only needs one county attorney and one land use attorney, not an entire law firm that includes multiple attorneys, paralegals and receptionists. He shares that same sentiment when it comes to county administration, which he has repeatedly called “top heavy.”
Currently, the county administrator is Charlie Bishop, and the three deputy county administrators are Courtney De Pol, Bryan Parnell and Corey Stutte. All three deputy county administrators earn nearly $200,000 a year, and McCann maintains that three are unnecessary. He said there should only be one county administrator and one deputy county administrator to fill in as needed.
As far as the county’s stormwater system, he argued that outside con-
STATEWIDE ‘OVERSPENDING’
Manatee County is not the only local government the Florida Agency for Financial Oversight is auditing. Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia said six governments came before Manatee County, and the “grand total of excessive and wasteful spending” was over $1.1 billion in just one year. Here are the amounts FAFO cited each government as overspending.
Manatee County: $112.4
million
Orange County: $190 million
City of Jacksonville: $199 million
Hillsborough County: $278 million
Alachua County: $84 million
Broward County: $189 million
Seminole County: $48 million
tractors with specialized equipment could come in once a year to “do it right.”
“The truth is that there’s a lot of mismanagement right now,” McCann said. “We didn’t need to buy that second building if we didn’t hire all those people.”
In May, commissioners voted unanimously to purchase a second administration building in Lakewood Ranch. The approximately 100,000-square-foot building will house seven departments and about 550 staff members.
McCann also pointed to the amount of membership dues the county pays to organizations, such as the National Association of Counties and the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, as another waste of taxpayer dollars.
The county pays $12,500 a year to maintain a presidential level membership with the LWRBA.
“At first, I thought this was a revenge tour,” McCann said of the recent clash between the state and Manatee County over Senate Bill 180. “It’s not. (Ingoglia) pointed out some very good things.”
Courtesy image
Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia holds a press conference in Manatee County on Oct. 16.
Commissioner Jason Bearden wants money released from Manatee County’s reserves, which are nearing $1 billion.
File photos
District 5 Commissioner Bob McCann votes against approving Manatee County’s FY2026 budget.
EAST COUNTY
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A new fireproof pavilion opens at the Adventure Park
More than two years after smoldering fireworks caused the original structure to burn, the replacement is complete.
Community Development District 4 has been burned once, so board members spent over $700,000 to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
After an attempt to clean up fireworks went terribly wrong just after midnight on July 5, 2023, the pavilion and restrooms at Greenbrook Adventure Park burned and were completely destroyed.
Video footage of the incident shows what looks like a group of teenagers setting off fireworks and putting the remnants in a trash can, which then caught on fire an hour after they left.
The CDD replaced what was a
wood pavilion with a steel pavilion, and the $711,707 price tag included several accessories, such as an updated security system. Cameras are mounted inside and outside of the pavilion.
“If there is any vandalism,” said
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Photo courtesy Lynnette Beecher
The new pavilion and restrooms at Greenbrook Adventure Park are open to the public.
Cameras are mounted inside and outside the new pavilion.
REPLACEMENT COSTS AND FUNDING
Overall, replacing the pavilion and restrooms at Greenbrook Adventure Park cost $711,707.
Pavilion: $420,703
Restrooms: $239,295
Tables, grills, trash cans and security system: $41,835
Landscaping: $9,874
The FY2025 budget for Community Development District 4, where the park is located, dedicated $500,000 from its reserves to the reconstruction of the pavilion and restrooms. The Greenbrook Village Association Inc., which is the homeowners association for the neighborhood, voluntarily contributed $150,000.
Steve Zielinski, executive director of the Lakewood Ranch Inter-District Authority, said CDD 4 will have to absorb the additional $61,707 minus any insurance recovery funds. Liliya Sablukova, CFO for the IDA, told the East County Observer in July 2024 that insurance paid $54,000.
Steve Zielinski, executive director of the Lakewood Ranch InterDistrict Authority, “we can capture that instantly to get a better sense of who might have perpetrated the bad deed.”
The cost also included grills, picnic tables and metal trash and recycling bins that are fireproof.
Laura Adcock, principal architect and Florida region manager for WBRC, the firm that designed the pavilion, said the new structure is much more resilient than the last.
The frame of the pavilion was made with structural steel that is coated to prevent rust. The roof is metal, and the bathrooms were built with concrete blocks.
“If the bathrooms flood, they can be rebuilt and put back in commission within weeks,” Adcock said. “If something catches on fire, they can repair it and open it back up. That was one of the goals — if anything were to happen to it, it would be able to go back online as quickly as possible.”
Beyond being stronger, the new pavilion is also more flexible as far as hosting events and activities.
While the new pavilion is the same size as the old pavilion, the roof is pitched higher, so the space feels larger.
Plus, the old pavilion had a row of support beams through the center that divided the space. The new pavilion only has outer support beams, so it’s one big shady area that can accommodate a yoga class or be used as a dance floor.
Zielinski noted that the outdoor yoga classes are held under the sun, so the pavilion will be useful.
Keith Pandeloglou, CEO and president of Lakewood Ranch Community Activities, said the pavilion hasn’t been reactivated for programming yet, but it will be used for events that draw large crowds, such as the kids’ craft classes.
Bingo is unlikely to return because it attracts a smaller group of attendees. About a dozen residents meet regularly at James L. Patton Park to play.
Patton Park is much smaller than Adventure Park, which Pandeloglou said can make the park difficult to
program, so Bingo has been a good fit there.
However, the Mobile Plant Clinic that master gardeners from the UF/ IFAS Extension currently set up at Bob Gardner Park makes a better fit at Adventure Park, so it will move. Pandeloglou said that move makes sense because of the community garden that sits next to the dog park. He also noted that there are still a few plots available in the garden.
A private soft opening and ribboncutting ceremony was held Oct. 18, but the grand opening for the public will be Nov. 22, which is also the 25th anniversary of Lakewood Ranch Community Activities.
Pandeloglou said the opening won’t be a large-scale event, but it will be a party for the community that, at the least, will include a oneman band and a food truck.
CDD 4 board members
Nancy Johnson, Bonnie Sidiski, Keith Davey and Michael Griffin, along with IDA
Executive Di-
rector Steve Zielinski cut the ribbon on the new pavilion Oct. 18.
Photos by Lesley Dwyer
The trash bins are also fireproof.
Neighborhood where screams come true
Mallory Park of Lakewood Ranch turns creepy — in a fun way — in October.
LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER
Some people might move to Mallory Park because of its coastal architecture or resort-style pool, but for Brian and Maryann Goetsch, it was the Halloween spirit that sold them.
Every October, the neighborhood turns from great to ghoulish. Skeletons break through the ground to tower overhead. Witches hover on broomsticks, and monsters line the streets.
“How big Halloween was here is one of the reasons we decided to buy and move to Mallory Park,” Maryann Goetsch said. “It’s very events and family focused.”
The adults have fun, too. Jello shots are a staple of the trick-ortreat route Halloween night.
The neighbors also like to “Boo” each other, which should not be confused with heckling. Maryann Goetsch described the game as a gift-giving version of “ding dong ditch.”
After getting booed, a sign goes up that reads, “We’ve been booed.” Then, that person or family has to boo someone else so the fun continues all month long.
“We booed like five people,” Maryann Goetsch said. “She (5-year-old Victoria Goetsch) likes to run away, but there are no secrets because everyone has a Ring doorbell.”
And with such elaborate decorations, everyone has their own tricks for haunting Mallory Park.
The 16-foot phantom in Jeannie Gast’s front yard is zip tied to a palm tree after wind gusts blew it over one too many times, and Jon Pilz keeps his pile of skeletons in a storage unit because he might not fit his car in the garage otherwise.
Riverwalk Meadows, 7419 Arrowhead Run
The Goetsch family uses their attic as storage because there’s room to expand. Each year, another couple of animatronics or inflatables are added to the display.
“My wife does all sorts of stuff in the community and takes care of all
the holidays,” Brian Goetsch said. “I picked one thing. It’s Halloween, and I go big on it.”
He’s been accumulating Halloween decorations since 11-year-old Olivia Goetsch was a toddler, so just about every inch of the yard is spo-
ken for by a spider or a gargoyle at this point. Alex Bajgrowicz said he had a “special relationship with Halloween growing up” because his birthday is Oct. 21. But like Brian Goetsch, that relationship has intensified
since becoming a dad.
He and his wife Melinda have two boys — 8-year-old Eli and 11-yearold Jacob.
“(Decorating for Halloween) is like a generational thing,” Alex Bajgrowicz said. “My mom decorated, but never like this. Now, people are doing this everywhere.”
The scarier the better for the Bajgrowicz boys. The only exception is that dad doesn’t care for creepy clowns.
Alex and Melinda Bajgrowicz go over-the-top decorating for Halloween because their sons, Jacob and Eli, love it.
The spookiness starts just beyond the entrance gate to Mallory Park. Olivia, Maryann, Victoria and Brian Goetsch add a giant spider to this year’s display.
Photos by Lesley Dwyer
This is a glimpse of the display at 7419 Arrowhead Run that is lighting up Riverwalk Meadows for Halloween.
Building the Ranch ... with a humanitarian’s touch
SMR CEO and President Rex Jensen is named the 2025 C. John A. Clarke Humanitarian Award winner.
JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR
In Lakewood Ranch’s 31 years of development, it’s unlikely you’ve ever seen Schroeder-Manatee Ranch President and CEO Rex Jensen handing out food on a soup line.
But it’s a good bet that the vision he has had in building the community was responsible for that soup line being there.
“Not all areas have the foundation for nonprofits and philanthropy,” said Jeffrey Toale, president of the board for the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation. “It all starts with a good core community and people who are giving their time and money. Rex put together a master plan for Lakewood Ranch to flourish, and he helped shape the community to make it what it is today.”
That would be a community of giving.
“Some people donate their treasure and talent ... Rex’s crew donated an entire community,” said Brittany Lamont, the president and CEO of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance. “You can go back to the inception of the Alliance and the Community Foundation (both started by SMR). Rex’s biggest act of humanitarianism is creating a community where humanitarians can live. They live here because of what Rex built.”
Jensen’s contributions to the community will be celebrated Nov. 13 during the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation’s Soiree at the Ranch. He has been named the 2025 winner of the C. John A. Clarke Humanitarian Award.
The award was named for and presented to Clarke in 2005, the year Clarke retired as SMR’s CEO. In 2006, the award was presented to Don O’Leary, who died in January. O’Leary, who served as fire commissioner of the East Manatee Fire Rescue district, often was called “the unofficial mayor of Lakewood Ranch” for his philanthropic ways.
“John Clarke ... the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund was his idea, not mine,” Jensen said. “John Clarke, and Don O’Leary ... how do you better exemplify community involvement? Those are people who
of Jensen’s humanitarian efforts.
“When you think about where to develop, he could have made changes and made higher dollars. He always has looked at the spectrum to see what is needed. He doesn’t blink. He went after workforce housing and continuing care facilities. When it was needed, he went after industry. Family housing? Entry level housing? He went after it.”
To build Lakewood Ranch into the nation’s No. 1-selling, multigenerational, master-planned community, he also made the decision to build nothing at times. Of the roughly 50 square miles of Lakewood Ranch, 46% will lie in open space. Those categories include more than 3,000 acres of conservation areas that aren’t open to the public, as well as wetlands, ponds and lakes, trails, greenways, recreational areas and 13 community parks.
“You don’t make money on parks,” said Jensen, who is 71.
He is proud of SMR’s commitment to churches and schools.
“We have a constant conversation here about infrastructure and capacity,” Jensen said. “Do the residents have a place to put their kids in school? When you talk about schools in Florida, you can’t build a school until you are two schools behind. We aren’t two schools behind, and we haven’t been for years.
“I make it easy for (school board members and district executives) to do their jobs. Roads and utilities are available before they build a school. It’s a plug-the-thing-in-and-hitplay environment.”
Creating a great environment for people to live meant conservation efforts by SMR.
“We have 400 acres of swamps,” Jensen said. “But you don’t preserve something by leaving it alone. You have to actively manage it. Our wetlands had been drained by farming practices. We restored them. This company’s ethics in handling the environment have been well in excess of recommendations. We have done it for years, we just haven’t talked about it. That’s the DNA of our company.”
Raised on a farm in the Sidney Township of Michigan as the oldest of five children, Jensen didn’t spend a lot of time talking about humanitarianism with his family.
“If you didn’t work, you didn’t eat,” Jensen said.
IF YOU GO
What: Rex Jensen, the CEO and president of SMR, is honored as the 2025 C. John A. Clarke Humanitarian Award winner
Where: At the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation’s Soiree at the Ranch at the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club When: 5:30 p.m. Nov. 13 About the event: A formal attire gala that begins with a cocktail reception and live auction followed by the program, dinner and a raffle Tickets: $250 at LWRCFSoiree. GiveSmart.com/ Did you know: This is the grand finale event of the LWRCF’s 25th anniversary year More information: Go to LWRCF.org.
walk the walk, and they delivered.
That’s more prototypical (of the Humanitarian Award).”
Not so fast, says Lakewood Ranch Senior Vice President Laura Cole.
“What he does is a lot,” Cole said
He grew up in an atmosphere where if you took care of business at home, you were taking care of your community, as well. After earning his undergraduate degree at Michigan State and his law degree at Michigan, he worked as a corporate lawyer, real estate consultant and owner of his own consulting company before bringing that philosophy to Lakewood Ranch when he joined SMR in 1990 and became CEO in 2005.
When SMR decided to use its land to build a community three decades ago, Jensen said there was an “institutional plan” where philanthropy would be part of the “community’s DNA.”
“You have to believe in it, and implement it,” he said. “Otherwise, the community won’t know how to walk the walk. How do you put together the infrastructure driven by those values and goals? It’s not painful, it’s just part of the process.
“We created a rising tide that lifts all boats. We’ve lifted a lot of boats.”
In doing so, Jensen said SMR has created a great place to live that includes hundreds of businesses and a reason for being, to thrive.
Whether or not people consider him a humanitarian, Jensen hopes people see his contributions.
“I am trying to build a community,” he said. “Residential is too one dimensional. A community requires uses that are not so profitable.”
“Some people donate their treasure and talent ... Rex’s crew donated an entire community.”
Brittany Lamont, the president and CEO of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance
THE COMMUNITY THAT REX BUILT
Among Rex Jensen’s priorities for building Lakewood Ranch:
13 community parks
150 miles-plus of trails
2,344 acres of recreational land
2,517 acres of conservation land not accessible to the public
5,385 acres of wetlands
5,611 acres of ponds and lakes
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Schroeder-Manatee Ranch CEO and President Rex Jensen has been credited with building a humanitarian environment in Lakewood Ranch.
Photos by Jay Heater
Schroeder-Manatee Ranch CEO and President Rex Jensen said he didn’t want to just build residential villages in Lakewood Ranch, but wanted to cultivate a thriving community with humanitarian potential.
DOGE witch-hunt haunts Manatee County
It will be interesting to see what the DOGE team finds when it audits Gov. Ron DeSantis’ travel expenses.
I would imagine a state representative — perhaps Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia — will hold a press conference at a restaurant in Tallahassee, and he won’t alert Gov. DeSantis about the findings until he launches his scathing report to the public. That $10.7 million in the last fiscal year in travel and security expenses seems crazy excessive, doesn’t it? Oh, and $12 million the year before. Yikes. Your taxpayer dollars at work.
It would be only fair to hold such a press conference, because that is how Ingoglia handled his announcement about Manatee County on Oct. 16 at Pier 22 in Bradenton. Ingoglia announced to the world that Manatee County has wasted $112.4 million of taxpayer money in the past fiscal year. And while he said the main culprit was excessive staffing, he didn’t go into details about how that overspending figure was calculated. Trust me.
This all annoys the heck out of me, on so many levels.
First, if the state wants to send accountants to pick apart a county’s or city’s budget, I have no problem with that, especially if it is a combined effort done in cooperation to come up with the best possible verdict. This doesn’t have to be an
antagonistic relationship.
But holding a press conference a couple of blocks down from the Manatee County Administration Building seems kind of strange. Did Ingoglia have to pay for space at Pier 22? That seems kind of wasteful when he could have held the press conference in the administration building for free. Was he trying to avoid Manatee County commissioners and executives? Why wouldn’t he allow Manatee County representatives to give a statement about his findings? It makes this all seem like a political ploy instead of a genuine effort to cut government wasteful spending. Is Ingoglia promoting any bills that will eliminate property taxes? As idiotic as it sounds to eliminate property taxes, it is a subject that will be broached in the near future.
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Now, there are a number of forces at play here. First, I have no doubt that Manatee County has overspent on its staff and that it hasn’t been the best steward of taxpayers’ funds. Over the past 10 years, I have watched the county’s leadership go through several versions due to some unscrupulous practices, and every time it seems like we add county executives. That is why I constantly ask our readers to get involved in their local government.
We saw our residents rally in the 2024 election in an attempt to change the makeup of the Manatee County Commission and to secure representation that respected their desires. It was impressive, and effective.
But it’s a long process and that interest can’t wane, especially now.
The urgency has hit a new peak with the DOGE righteousness. It would appear that state officials are plotting ways to gain more control over your tax dollars while at the same time weakening the power of local governments. The first part of this strategy involves angering taxpayers to the point they want to dump their local representation.
Has Manatee County angered me with its decisions over the past decade? Yes. But as a voter, I still feel I can have an affect on our future. Can we let commissioners know we aren’t happy with an executiveheavy staff? Absolutely. District 5
Commissioner Bob McCann already is leading the push to eliminate positions. Can we get commissioners to reduce ridiculously high reserves, which are nearing $1 billion as compared to Sarasota County’s $163 million in reserves? I would admit that has been a struggle, but I still have hope that it is possible.
Would it be possible to stop our commissioners from pushing their multimillion-dollar pet projects that have no place at a time when we can’t afford to finish key road projects? Again, I am hoping. But the bottom line is that I don’t want to lose local representatives who at least know why I am angry. It is so hard to navigate this polit-
ical storm because I support many of the Republican policies that have been crafted at the state level. I want to support Gov. DeSantis, but I also want him to understand that I don’t want to lose the power to have influence over the policies being made in my county.
Am I freaking out about my county overspending $112.4 million in a $3.5 billion budget? Not really. I do know we need to do better ... even before DOGE.
I am worried about giving statelevel politicians more power over my community. When everyone in Manatee County wanted to protect its waterways, the state caved to developers who want to build right up against our wetlands. New state law took the teeth out of our local voters’ campaign to put teeth back into a developmental boundary. It goes on and on.
In the end, to be fair, DOGE is coming up with some important issues that can be fixed through our local government. Thanks for your help.
But perhaps you should take a look at state government? The governor’s salary is going to at least double — DeSantis earns $141,400 in salary (not including perks and compensations) — to more than $251,414 in 2027. State law has created an exemption from public records to law enforcement records related to transportation and protective services for the governor, which we pay for with taxes. We have no idea why travel and security costs of skyrocketed?
Isn’t it time for the governor, whose office oversees DOGE, to set an example? Clean up your own house.
Jay Heater is the managing editor for the East County Observer. Contact him at JHeater@ YourObserver.com.
PALMERA
Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia’s press conference smacks of a political ploy.
Commissioner Bob McCann has looked into the possibility of a hiring freeze in Manatee County.
Inspiration from Simba
Darian Sanders spent five years traveling on tour with ‘The Lion King’ and uses that experience to inspire students.
MADISON BIERL STAFF WRITER
When Darian Sanders’ key moment came on stage, he knew it was his time to roar.
What he thought was a “crappy” audition tape transformed into five years of touring as part of the cast of “The Lion King” in its Broadway North American Tour. For two years, Sanders worked in the tour’s ensemble, but he then took advantage of a big break and when the role of Simba came open, Sanders proved he could be a hit, spending 2021-2024 singing tunes that included “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” “Hakuna Matata,” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?”
With his role as Simba finished, Sanders spends time working with students around the country, and on Oct. 6-7 visited Lakewood Ranch High School.
Sanders likes sharing his own story about working hard and making the most of opportunities.
He didn’t always want to be a professional performer. He was a minister for 16 years before he began to pursue acting and singing at 33.
Before making it to Broadway, he was part of regional productions of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Dreamgirls,” “Music Man” and “Newsies.”
the Lakewood Ranch High students — “The Wizard and I” from “Wicked” and “This Is Not Over Yet” from “Parade.”
Ayleen Pineda, a senior in choir, said she cried when Sanders was performing. She said she gets extremely nervous when auditioning for anything, but was provided comfort when Sanders said he also gets nervous and has insecurities.
“I was genuinely happy, and it inspired me so much,” Pineda said.
Alexandra Mihaquez, a sophomore in the high school’s theater program, said Sanders exudes confidence, something she lacks.
“I know everybody’s journey is a little different,” Mihaquez said. “As somebody with anxiety, it is nerve wracking to not have a set-in-stone path for me.”
freshman orchestra member Elizabeth Argo said she felt transported in another world. She said it gave her hope that she, too, could pursue a career in music, perhaps as a music teacher. Argo said the world of music is intricate and she suffers being a perfectionist.
“It gave me a sense of relief knowing that I can be myself, especially in the music world,” Argo said.
Desmond Cross, a senior in the school’s drumline, said he feels Sanders brought a new wave of energy to him through his talk.
“There are a select few people in the band who are super passionate about the band, and we were at the point in the season where we were getting extinguished,” Cross said.
DARIAN SANDERS
On top of being a performer, Sanders also wrote a book titled “Don’t Fear Your Roar.” “In this inspiring memoir, Darian Sanders takes readers on a transformative journey from his humble beginnings in Kentucky to his triumphant rise as Simba in Disney’s National North American Broadway Tour of The Lion King. With a heart full of faith and determination, Darian shares the setbacks and triumphs that defined his path, offering readers a beacon of hope and encouragement.
Darian’s story is a unique blend of spiritual devotion and artistic passion, making this memoir a standout in the genre. Whether you’re a fan of musical theatre, a Christian seeking inspiration or someone chasing your dreams, “Don’t Fear Your Roar” will leave you feeling empowered to reach higher and dream bigger. For more information on Sanders and his journey to Broadway, visit DarianSanders. com.
last 32 years. He currently serves as its program director.
Hall taught Sanders at Phantom Regiment (Rockford, Illinois) from 2005-2007 and said his command of the audience and leadership style was exceptional even back then.
“Our effort seemed pointless and he gave us advice on how to be infectious among the other people in the band. I very much appreciated that.”
“The Lion King” was his big break. He tells students about that break, but he also normalizes his career path and success. He said his job does not make him any better than anyone else. He wants students to see themselves in him.
Mihaquez said she always hears from parents and teachers that it would be difficult to succeed in chasing a theater career. They often question whether she has a backup plan.
“Teachers and educators see the value in what I bring to the table,” Sanders said. “It started out with them asking me to come in to just share my story and share my journey. Now it’s like, ‘Hey, can you come in and infuse some excitement and joy into our programs?’” Sanders performed two songs for
She said it was refreshing to hear Sanders say effort is the key.
“Learn to be moldable,” Sanders told the students. “Learn to be adaptable, but also learn to be dependable. Have drive, have determination. Have it for yourself, not for anybody else.”
When Sanders was performing,
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“Be infectious,” Sanders said to the students. “Be so good at what you do that other people want to rise to your level.”
Tony Hall, an independent contractor who works as a show advisor and drill designer for marching bands, works with several schools across the country, including Lakewood Ranch. Hall has worked with the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps, a competitive junior drum and bugle corps, for 25 of the
“After he aged out as a performer, we brought him on as an instructor where I’ve experienced first hand how he inspires our members,” Hall said. “His personal message and his journey in the arts, made it a nobrainer to work with the students at Lakewood Ranch.”
John Wilkerson, director of bands at Lakewood Ranch High School, said he instantly saw a change in the band program when Sanders came to visit. He said Sanders provided a different perspective and validated what he has been teaching for three years.
“It is amazing watching him come in and the light bulbs start coming on,” Wilkerson said.
Samuel Yelverton, MD
David Dexter, MD, FACS Alexa Kinder, MSPAS, PA-C
Kimberly Laguatan, PA-C
At Lakewood Ranch High School, Elizabeth Argo, Desmond Cross, Darian Sanders, Ayleen Pineda and Alexandra Mihaquez share a love for music and performing through orchestra, band, choir and theater.
Madison Bierl
Courtesy image
Darian Sanders played Simba from 2021 to 2024 in “The Lion King” Broadway North American Tour.
Circle Chiropractic opens office in Lakewood Ranch
Their own injuries prompted Ben Duke and Greg Hengel to pursue careers in chiropractic care.
MADISON BIERL STAFF WRITER
When Ben Duke, owner of Circle Chiropractic, was 15 years old, he suffered a lower back injury and was told he needed to have surgery.
That devastated his mother, because she was raising two children on her own. Instead of surgery, though, Duke and his family decided to give chiropractor Pat Gottfried a try.
Within two weeks of the first treatment, Duke said he felt considerably better, so much so that he continued his basketball season. The experience inspired him to become a chiropractor, instead of following other medical pursuits.
“It shifted my awareness,’” he said.
Duke purchased Circle Chiropractic three years ago and Oct. 6 opened a new location at 8120 Lakewood Main St., Suite B101.
He hired Greg Hengel to be his clinic director. Hengel moved from Port Charlotte, where he ran his own practice for 21 years.
When it came to choosing the chiropractic field, Hengel had an experience similar to Duke’s. He was a swimmer at the University of Kentucky who had developed pain in his shoulder. He was taking a cortisone injection before every competition, and he said those injections actually led to more damage. Like Duke, Hengel was scheduled to have an exploratory surgery.
A chiropractor on staff at the University of Kentucky (Eric Gottfried) convinced Hengel to give him a try.
After receiving therapy from Gottfried, Hengel’s shoulder was pain free for the first time in two years. He eventually decided to pursue chiropractic care.
COMMON CONCERNS TREATED
■ Headaches and migraines
■ Neck and back pain
■ Auto accident injuries
■ Sciatica and pinched nerves
■ Pregnancy related discomfort
■ Stress and muscle tension
The two are now working together.
“Our philosophy is we want to empower people to understand that the body was designed to heal, and that’s through the nervous system,” Duke said. “That’s how your brain communicates. When we talk about balance, we’re talking about the balance to the nervous system, because it governs all other systems. That’s where we start.”
Duke said patients are set up with personalized care through stretching, exercise and nutrition protocols.
As far as a place to open a business, Duke said there are plenty of active adults in booming Lakewood Ranch.
“Everybody’s getting older, and as you get older, stress builds in the body,” Duke said. “Without having an avenue to release that stress or to manage it, it just continues to become a problem. A lot of what we do has to do with anti-aging and regenerating.”
Duke said it is inevitable that aging, active people are going to suffer from injuries.
“You’re going to run into roadblocks, and things are going to happen,” Hengel said. “Nobody gets out of this life without being injured or hurt. We need to hold
their hand and help them with that to maintain those levels of activity and the lifestyle they’re looking to maintain.”
Duke said he wants to promote and accelerate healing through natural measures.
Zoey Young, marketing director of Circle Chiropractic, said it’s important that alternative forms of wellness flourish. She said the three main components of care at Circle Chiropractic are chiropractic care, spinal decompression therapy and soft wave tissue regeneration therapy.
Alex Scholz, operations director at Circle Chiropractic, said the practitioners always ask the patients why they are in pain.
“They’re coming to us and they’re complaining saying my neck hurts, my lower back hurts, but that’s not really the root of the problem,” Scholz said. “It’s ‘I can’t play golf. ‘I can’t lift my grandkids.’
There’s something bigger that’s affecting their life that’s making them come seek us out.”
Sarasota resident Patti Como is a longtime Circle Chiropractic client who fell playing pickleball and tore her rotator cuff.
“I might be 70 years old, but I still work at a full-time job (as a mammographer at Sarasota Memorial) and I don’t plan on retiring anytime soon,” Como said. “I do yoga all the time. I still do my own yard work. I’m an active person, and the idea of being laid up was just terrifying to me along with the pain.”
Como tried soft wave therapy at Circle Chiropractic. A year-anda-half later, she continues to be active.
“That is our bread and butter — people who see radical improvement, radical life change through nonsurgical means,” Young said.
Madison Bierl
Circle Chiropractic’s Zoey Young, Greg Hengel, Ben Duke and Alex Scholz welcomed clients for the first time at their new location in Lakewood Ranch on Oct. 6.
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Senate Bill 180 fiasco had earlier roots with the passing of House Bill 7207 in 2011
From oversight to opportunity, here is how Florida’s growth management reversal empowered developers and eroded public trust.
In 2011, Florida’s development landscape changed dramatically with the passage of the Community Planning Act (HB 7207).
This legislation replaced the 1985 Growth Management Act, which had long required that new development be “concurrent” with infrastructure— meaning roads, schools, parks, water, sewer, and waste systems had to be in place or financially guaranteed before projects could proceed.
The concurrency requirement, especially for transportation, often stalled developments that would overwhelm local infrastructure. While critics argued it encouraged sprawl, it also protected communities from overburdened roads and schools.
HB 7207 dismantled this safeguard, repealing the transportation mandate and shifting planning authority from the state to local governments. It streamlined permitting, renamed the state’s land use framework, and gave municipalities greater autonomy to approve development projects.
But this shift wasn’t just about policy — it was about power.
HB 7207 was championed by Rep. Gary Aubuchon and Rep. Chris Dorworth, both deeply tied to the real estate and development industries. Aubuchon, president of the Aubuchon Team of Companies, directly benefited from the bill’s deregulation. His firms — spanning real estate, construction, and design — gained faster approvals, fewer hurdles and greater flexibility in land use decisions. Dorworth, a real estate investor, also stood to gain, despite facing personal financial challenges including an active debt collection lawsuit.
Their advocacy for HB 7207 blurred the line between public service and private gain. It wasn’t just a legislative win — it was a strategic move that aligned perfectly with their business interests and those of the broader development lobby.
And it opened the floodgates.
Fast forward to 2025, and Senate Bill 180 (SB 180) has emerged as a direct descendant of HB 7207’s deregulatory legacy. SB 180, passed under the guise of post-hurricane emergency relief, strips local governments of their ability to impose land-use regulations that are more restrictive than those in place before recent disasters. It prohibits moratoriums on construction and limits
amendments to comprehensive plans — even in counties devastated by hurricanes like Debby, Helene, and Milton. The backlash has been swift. Over a dozen cities and counties, including Orange County and Manatee County, have joined a lawsuit challenging SB 180 as an unconstitutional infringement on home rule. Critics argue it undermines long-term planning, silences community voices, and hands developers a blank check to rebuild without accountability. SB 180 didn’t appear in a vacuum — it was made possible by the precedent set in 2011. HB 7207 weakened state oversight, emboldened developer-backed legislators and normalized the idea that growth should be dictated by market forces, not community needs. It was the key that unlocked the door to SB 180 and the broader erosion of local control.
In the end, Florida’s development policy has become a cautionary tale. When lawmakers with vested interests rewrite the rules, the public loses its voice, and the landscape — both political and physical — is reshaped to serve private agendas. The consequences are playing out in real time, and communities across the state are left fighting to reclaim the power they once had to shape their own future.
JOHN PHILLIPS III LAKEWOOD RANCH
Stop overcharging us for taxes
Manatee County has a $1 billion surplus because it takes us too much. Give it back. In the event of an emergency need for cash, it has ample capacity to borrow money.
DAVE DUNCAN EAST COUNTY
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Have something to tell us? Send your letters to Jay Heater at JHeater@ YourObserver.com.
SPORTS
Soaring on skates
The 2025 Florida Inline Skating Marathon at Nathan Benderson Park will attract participants from more than 30 countries.
“I’m
a very competitive person. But I love hanging out with the team. They are so fun.”
JACK NELSON SPORTS REPORTER
Debbie Rice and Mike Mason remembered skating laps around Nathan Benderson Park when it was known as Cooper Creek Park back in the early 2010s.
The two still look back fondly on those outings, even if there were no medals or points at stake. They just shared an obsession with the sport.
Both of them had the same thought — why not create a race of their own?
“It would be perfect to have a marathon here. It was like a dream we had,” said Rice, a 58-year-old Palmetto resident.
For a while, that was merely an idea. But when the COVID-19 pandemic arrived and brought about a resurgence in outdoor roller-blading, Lakewood Ranch’s Mason knew the time was right.
The Bont Florida Inline Skating Marathon was born, and five years later, it’s still here. Set for Nov. 8 at Nathan Benderson Park, the marathon — the largest of its kind in the state — will commence at 8 a.m., followed by age class, 25K and 13K races starting at 9:30 a.m.
All ages and skill levels are wel
event of the country’s inline marathon season following the Sept. 27 NYC Skate in Brooklyn, New York, and the Sept. 13 NorthShore in Duluth, Minnesota.
“This is one of the most fun races to have,” said Gregory Mallek, a 57-year-old Lakewood Ranch resident. “Everybody seems to enjoy it — the ones who are doing world-class and the ones who are doing it just as recreational. There’s no pressure in that space, other than if you want to put it on yourself.”
It mirrors a runner’s marathon — just on Rollerblades. Races are 26.2 miles long and can be grueling for even the most experienced distance skaters. But there’s also similarities to cycling, since skaters get in draft lines and use slipstream to boost their speed.
Inlines (Rollerblades) are commonly used for both speed skating and marathon skating as opposed to recreation-friendly quads (roller skates). Speed skating is mostly indoors on banked-wall circuits, where marathons are exclusively outdoors on a point-to-point route or closed loop.
Mason, the founder/president of FISM, targeted 2021 for the inaugural event. He was involved in triathlons at that time and, through his connections with race directors, gained an understanding of what it took to build an event from the ground up.
“We offer something that nobody can in the United States. We’re at UTC,” Mason said. “You can watch (the marathon with) a 360-degree view at Nathan Benderson tower. You have the shopping, dining, fun stuff for the family. It’s a one-stop shop for this area.”
An obstacle he’s faced since the beginning is finding promoters. In a niche sport where popularity has fluctuated, there simply aren’t any.
The World Inline Cup offers a helping hand in that department.
FISM is an associate race in the circuit — the highest-level international marathon series for inline skaters — but not a points race. Their results won’t count in the year-end standings of the four-stage 2025 WIC
Mason would’ve had to dish out a hefty $20,000 buy-in to be a points race. Instead, he paid $2,500 in return for associated status and the ever-valuable advertising that comes with it.
“I promote the living (heck) out of this event. I’ve traveled literally all over the world promoting it,” Mason said. “South America, Germany, England … making connections.”
With the exception of 2022’s iteration, which was canceled
2025
WORLD INLINE CUP
■ Funchal, Portugal on March 22
■ Rennes, France on May 25
■ Schaffhausen, Switzerland on June 9
■ Berlin, Germany on Sept. 20
■ Sarasota, Florida on Nov. 8 (associate race)
because of a hurricane, FISM has steadily grown into a skating destination with international appeal. Several competitors are flying in from Europe and South America, and there’s even a team making the trek from Mongolia.
But the marathon also respects its roots. The biggest advocates for its success hail from within the state, and have continued to show out accordingly.
Rice — a USA Roller Sports Hall of Famer and 30-plus-time national champion — has been a crucial voice since the start. Fitting for such an age-friendly sport, though, there’s been outspoken representatives for generations after her.
FISM was the first marathon Brooke Pavek ever did.
“I’ve been skating since I was really little, but I’ve always loved distance. It clears my mind,” said the 23-yearold Gainesville resident. “(There’s also) the thrill of going super fast.”
She was on the scene at July’s 24-Hour Rollers of Le Mans in France, recruiting and promoting right alongside Mason.
He gave up the sport entirely at 16 years old and didn’t strap on a pair of inline skates again until he was 33. It was the simple decision to plop down on the couch with his daughter and tune in to the Olympics which spurred him to compete again.
And he’s so glad that he did.
“It’s knowing that people are filled with love and bringing their love for skating here and having a good time,” Mason said. “Hey, it’s a win-win for everybody.”
FAST BREAK
Community.
Both the Lakewood Ranch and Braden River high school volleyball teams secured district titles last week in dominant fashion. The Mustangs swept Parrish Community on Oct. 16 — 25-20, 25-13, 25-13 — to lift the trophy in Class 6A, District 11. Over in 5A-12, the Pirates cruised past Port Charlotte that same night — 25-17, 25-13, 25-20. Both squads are bound for the regional quarterfinals of the FHSAA state tournament. No. 1 seed Braden River (17-10) squares off with No. 8 seed Northeast (15-11) at 7 p.m. on Oct. 22, while No. 5 seed Lakewood Ranch (19-8) pays a visit to No. 4 seed Steinbrenner (158) at the same time and day. ... The Out-of-Door Invitational was held Oct. 18, and it proved to be a coronation for the Lakewood Ranch High boys’ cross country team. The Mustangs placed first, edging out ODA among the eight participating teams in the threemile race. Lakewood Ranch had three runners place in the top five with Junior Kenneth Destefano (16:07.0) in second, junior Colton Prater (16:21.5) in fourth and sophomore Jake Fellin (16:22.2) in fifth. St. Stephen’s Austin Carr was the overall winner in 15:57.1, while ODA’s Jackson Bowling paced the Thunder with a third-place finish in 16:15.9.
... The Parrish Community football team moved to 7-1 by getting past previously unbeaten Lennard 14-6 on Oct. 17. Senior wide receiver Brandon Trucano had 81 yards on four catches and junior wide receiver Nathan Schueller had a 28-yard touchdown catch. ...Lakewood Ranch football (35) snapped its five-game losing streak with a 36-14 win on Oct. 17 at Gateway. The Mustangs rolled out to a 36-0 lead by the end of the third quarter. Next up is Parrish Community on Oct. 24 in Week 10 for their penultimate contest of the regular season.
— Lakewood Ranch’s Kenny DeStefano SEE PAGE 17A
File photo Kora Yanes and the Lakewood Ranch girls’ volleyball team won the district championship with a victory over Parrish
Brooke Pavek (left) and Xochitl Napoles skate down the path at Nathan Benderson Park on Oct. 18. Both will be active in this year’s marathon.
Photos by Jack Nelson
Mike Mason is the founder of the Florida Inline Skating Marathon and has run it since 2021.
Gregory Mallek leads a draft line on Oct. 18 at Nathan Benderson Park. The former Northwestern men’s track & field athlete first picked up Rollerblades to help with his offseason training.
Local swim clubs hope to call new aquatics center home
The wait for a new home has been difficult for youth swim programs in Lakewood Ranch.
For years, local swimmers have had to accept limited space or long drives just to practice.
So naturally, ever since Manatee County broke ground on a competition 50-meter pool at Premier Sports Campus North, the swimmers have pestered their coaches with questions about it, hoping for good news.
“They keep asking us all the time, ‘Have you heard anything about the new pool? Do you know if we’re going?’” said Amy Barrett, a fifth-year assistant coach for the Lakewood Ranch Swim Association Lightning.
The 44,000-square-foot Athletics and Aquatics Center at Premier Sports Campus North changes the game for local swimmers and is the first of its kind in the area. Construction formally began in January, and the facility is scheduled for completion in summer or fall 2026.
It will also offer 24 pickleball courts, a therapy pool, restrooms, locker rooms and walking trails. But the Olympic-size, long-course pool alone will be a major draw for swimmers in the area.
Local swimmers have been accustomed to practicing and competing in short-course, 25-yard pools. That’s the national standard used for learning fundamentals, improving strokes and competing when the swimmers begin their respective careers, whether it is recreational or competitive. Longcourse, 50-meter pools, though, help swimmers focus on endurance and technique by reducing the number of turns.
For programs hoping to attract
top talent, or to keep top talent at home, being able to offer a longcourse pool isn’t just a boost — it’s a necessity. Elite competitors require elite facilities.
“These swimmers want to go to college on scholarships, and you can’t do that when you’re getting half the amount of space and time,” said Ira Klein, the 16th-year head coach for the Sarasota Tsunami, which draws many Lakewood Ranch-area swimmers.
The Lightning and the Tsunami are two clubs with particularly strong interest in making the Premier pool their new home if Manatee County will adopt them. Both programs have experienced an influx of swimmers looking to join their respective programs.
Steve Lubrino is head coach of the Lightning, and has held the position since 2018. He’s run operations alongside Barrett for eight years. In that time, their program has blossomed from 45 kids to around 130.
They hold six practices weekly during afternoons at the Lakewood Ranch YMCA, and depending on the season, will have as many as eight if mornings are added. But that location only allows them four or five lanes throughout the year.
“Right now, we’re a travel team. We do not hold swim meets at our pool because we just don’t have the spacing for it,” Lubrino said. “It would be nice for the kids to feel like they have a home meet. That would be exciting for them to feel like they have this pool that they can call home.”
Olympic-size pools typically include at least eight long-course lanes. And because it’s 50 meters long by 25 meters wide, the pool can also be divided into lanes by width,
offering at least 20 short-course lanes.
Lubrino and Barrett both anticipate that being enough space for the Lightning to use the pool yearround while sharing it with other potential suitors.
The Tsunami will be one of their biggest competitors for pool time, in that regard. Co-founded by Ira and Cindy Klein in 2010, the club has always been branded with “Sarasota,” but also offers a program for Manatee County-based athletes.
They’re hoping to move that program’s operations to the new pool once it opens, though. As of Oct. 20, Ira Klein said they do not have an arrangement in place with the county to do so. Their Sarasota County-based athletes would not be part of the move if an agreement is reached.
Currently, the Tsunami’s nonSarasota swimmers practice and compete at Arlington Park and
Aquatic Complex in Sarasota — which offers a 50-meter pool and is at least a 18-mile drive southwest of Premier Sports Campus. The club’s other location is Lincoln Aquatic Center in Palmetto, which would require another 17-plus-mile drive northwest of where the Premier pool will be.
“It’s hard to get brand new swimmers,” Ira Klein said. “Many of them are young swimmers, on average 7 to 12 years old. The parents are not as willing to say, ‘Yes, I want my child to swim,’ when they have to drive all the way down to Arlington Park, many miles away or try to go to Lincoln when the traffic up the 301 is just horrendous.”
Parents of swimmers from both the Tsunami and the Lightning have long been some of the most outspoken advocates for a 50-meter pool in Lakewood Ranch. Their kids often also compete with area high school swim programs.
There are three East County-
based high schools which offer swim programs —
Braden River and The Out-of-Door Academy. It’s uncertain if any of them would make a move to Premier Sports Campus. It’s the Lightning and the Tsunami who are poised to use the new aquatic complex if the county allows it. They hope this dreamturned-reality will push swimmers toward their goals and further boost the already-strong interest in their programs.
Nelson is the sports reporter for the East County and Sarasota/Siesta Key Observers. Contact him at
Lakewood Ranch,
Courtesy image
The new aquatics complex at Premier Sports Campus is expected to open in fall 2026.
Jack
Kenny DeStefano
The Lakewood Ranch boys’ crosscountry team won The Out-of-Door Invitational on Oct. 18, as seven of its runners placed in the top 12 of an 81-runner field. Kenny DeStefano paced the group, clocking a team-best 16:07 in the 3-mile race to secure second place individually. The junior was 19 seconds faster than the team’s average on the day, and was bested only by St. Stephen’s Episcopal senior Austin Carr (15:57.1). Following his standout performance, DeStefano is the East County Athlete of the Week.
When and why did you start running?
I started running because it was a fun way for me to immerse myself with other people. It’s just a sport I like, and I enjoy it.
What do you enjoy most about competing in this sport?
I like the team aspect of it. Obviously, I want to run with my friends and all. I like competing — I’m a very competitive person. But I love hanging out with the team. They’re so fun.
What’s your favorite cross-country memory?
On Sundays, we do long runs and we all have so much fun. We eat breakfast after.
What’s been the most humbling moment of your career?
I got into a slump my sophomore year towards the end of the season, and it took me from a seventh-place runner to a ninth-place runner.
What have been your goals for your junior season with Lakewood Ranch?
For me and my team, to go to states, and also to get into the 15 minutes (for a 5K race).
What’s been a recent focus of yours in practice and preparing for competition?
To give 100%. That’s all you can really do.
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.
When you’re not running, how do you spend your free time?
I study for school sometimes, and if I’m not studying for school, then I’m hanging out with friends or family.
What’s one quote, if any, that you live your life by?
“Never believe in impossible, because anything can happen as long as you put your mind to it.”
If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go and why?
I want to go to Hawaii. I’ve been there once before, but it’s just so beautiful there.
If you were stuck on a desert island with only one item to survive, what would you bring and why? If I could bring a family member, I would bring my mom.
What’s your favorite movie?
I like “Secretariat.” I watched that the other night before my race.
Finish this sentence. Kenny DeStefano is ... Amazing.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
YOUR NEIGHBORS
Waterside Wonderland
The pavilion at Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch was staged with a threequarter thrust on Oct. 17 for a performance of “Alice in Wonderland” presented by the Asolo Rep on Tour.
Stage Director Audrey Dixon explained that a three-quarter thrust seats the audience on three sides of the stage instead of just one.
“It brings the audience in a little bit,” she said. “It’s more immersive.”
The play is an adaptation of the Lewis Carroll novel. Instead of sitting on a riverbank, Alice is on a class field trip to a museum when she spots the white rabbit.
Director Cat Brindisi’s husband, David Darrow, wrote the adaptation of the play, which Brindisi described as “actor-driven.” The costumes are simple, and there aren’t a lot of props.
The simplicity of production allows the third-year acting students more opportunities to perform because they can set up the show in 20 minutes whether they’re going to be on a stage or in an elementary school cafeteria.
Asolo Rep on Tour is a program through the Asolo Repertory Theatre that adapts classic books
communities and schools.
Last year, students were scheduled for just 12 performances. Thanks to the ease of production this year, the students are performing two shows and have 53 performances scheduled.
Asolo Rep on Tour will return to Waterside Place 6 p.m. Nov. 14 for a performance of “Shakespeare45,” “a fast-paced celebration of Shakespeare’s greatest hits — blending iconic scenes, sonnets and songs.”
Asolo Rep on Tour’s Will Westray plays the Mad Hatter during Sights and Sounds at Waterside Place.
Asolo Rep on Tour performs an adaptation of “Alice in Wonderland” at Waterside Place on Oct. 17.
Cat Brindisi is the “Alice in Wonderland” director, and Audrey Dixon is the stage manager during the Sights and Sounds performance.
Photos by Lesley Dwyer Lakewood Ranch’s Brad, Emma and Cara Githens watch an adaptation of “Alice in Wonderland” at Waterside Place on Oct. 17.
It takes an ensemble cast to play a caterpillar.
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YOUR CALENDAR
THURSDAY, OCT. 23 THROUGH
SATURDAY, OCT. 25
‘THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW’
Begins at 6 p.m. each night at the Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Lakewood Ranch. “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” as presented by The Sarasota Players, returns to Lakewood Ranch for its annual run. Enjoy Washington Irving’s classic, following Ichabod Crane as he navigates ghostly legends. A nightly Halloween costume is included. Bring your own chairs and blankets for open seating. Preferred seating is $30; general seating is $25; children (under 18) are $20 preferred; $15 general. Tickets can be purchased at ThePlayers.org.
THURSDAY, OCT. 23 THROUGH SUNDAY, OCT. 26
LIVE MUSIC AT JIGGS LANDING
Runs from 4-7 p.m. each day at Jiggs Landing, 6106 63rd St. E., Bradenton. The live music lineup at Jiggs Landing includes Steve Arvey (Thursday), David Fowler (Friday), Side Two (Saturday), and Santiago (Sunday). The Saturday show is $5 and the others are free. For information, go to JiggsLanding.com.
FRIDAY OCT. 24 AND SATURDAY. OCT. 25
MUSIC AT THE PLAZA
Runs from 6-9 p.m. at Waterside Place, 1561 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch. Frankie Lombardi plays rock/pop for the crowd on Friday while Zack Pomerleau entertains the crowd on Saturday with blues. For more information about the free music series, go to WatersidePlace. com.
SATURDAY, OCT. 25
BOO RUN
Begins at 8 a.m. at 6300 University Parkway, Lakewood Ranch. The Boo Run is back for its 22nd running with proceeds supporting Another Day for Gray and the Big Bill Foundation. The fee is $50 in advance by signing up at RaceRoster.com/ Events/2025/93916/22nd-AnnualBoo-Run; $55 the day of the race. The Kids Dash (age groups 3-4, 5-6, 7-9, 10-12) is $23 in advance; $28
BEST BET
FRIDAY, OCT. 24
BOO FEST
Runs from 6-9 p.m. at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch. Boo Fest, presented by Veteran Air, returns to provide an evening of family fun. Children in their costumes are invited to trick-or-treat along a street filled with vendor booths and merchants handing out sweet treats. A Kids Zone, presented by Grace Community Church, includes face painting, balloon twisting, inflatables, and more. The main stage will include Music Compound entertainers at 6 p.m., the Mad Scientist’s interactive science show at 7 p.m. and a magic show at 8 p.m. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.
the day of the race. Race includes chip-timed 5K, bib, glow-in-the-dark finisher medal, race shirt, and afterrace party. Another Day for Gray was founded by Jen Tulio in honor of her son, Grayson, who was born with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The Big Bill Foundation was created with a mission to provide secondary education scholarships of $5,000 to students who survived or who are currently battling childhood cancer. Costume contest awards will be presented to “Best Human and Pup Pair,” Best Couple, Best Adult Costume, Best Child (17 and younger), and more.
File photo
Ashley Taylor and McKenna White hand out candy at last years Boo Fest for Arts A Blaze Studio.
ROOFTOP YOGA
Begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Lakewood Ranch Library, 16410 Rangeland Parkway, Lakewood Ranch. Adults (18 and older) can participate in the Rooftop Yoga program. The donation-based group class is designed to inspire and invigorate. Beginners are welcome as are those with experience. The workout focuses on balancing effort and ease through breath work and postures. Those who participate are asked to bring a yoga mat. For information, go to MyLWR.com.
SATURDAY, OCT. 25 AND
SUNDAY, OCT. 26
HARVEST FESTIVAL
Runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Dakin Dairy Farms, 30771 Betts Road, Myakka City. Dakin Dairy Farms hosts the event that includes food trucks, vendors, live music, a kids’ zone, pumpkins, a corn maze and more. Admission is $20 per person; children 5 and younger admitted free. Parking is free. For more information, go to DakinDairyFarms. com.
PUMPKIN FESTIVAL
Runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at Hunsader Farms, 5500 C.R. 675, Bradenton. The 34th annual Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival offers live music and shows, crafts, pumpkins, the Tiny Town, Pioneer Trades Village, hayrides, pony rides, scarecrow display and more. For more information, call 322-2168 or go to HunsaderFarms.com.
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 The Divebombers on Saturday and Steve Cherubino on Sunday.
SUNDAY, OCT. 26
FARMERS MARKET
Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Lakefront Drive in Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch. The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch, which was just voted as the top farmers market in the nation, will run year-round every Sunday. 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.
YOGA IN THE PARK Runs 8-9 a.m. at Waterside Park, 7301 Island Cove Terrace, Sarasota. Start the morning off with gentle yoga with lake views. For information, go to MyLWR.com.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 29
RANCH NITE WEDNESDAYS
Runs from 6-9 p.m. at 1560
Lakefront Drive in Waterside Place. Join the crowd at Waterside Place enjoying the food trucks and live music or playing in the cornhole league during Ranch Nite Wednesdays. Weekly programming is offered each week in Gateway Park. No outside food or beverage is allowed. For more information, MyLWR.com.
HOB NOB BBQ
Runs from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at the Lakewood Ranch Library, 16410 Rangeland Parkway, Lakewood Ranch. Grab your western wear and enjoy networking with the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance during its 36th annual Hob Nob BBQ. The event features grill teams from local businesses and restaurants and live entertainment. Tickets are $65 for LWRBA members and $75 for non-members. Go to LWRBA.org for more information and tickets.
SATURDAY, NOV. 1 AND
SUNDAY, NOV. 2
SARASOTA MEDIEVAL FAIR
Runs daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 29847 S.R. 70, Myakka City. The 21st annual Sarasota Medieval Fair returns with five weekends of jousting, music and medieval merriment, running every Saturday and Sunday in November. Visitors step into history with jousting tournaments, artisan markets, live performances and family friendly activities. Among the events are human combat chess, washing well wenches, the New Riders of the Golden Age jousting and the Knightwings Birds of Prey. For more information, go to SarasotaMedievalFair.com.
For nearly four decades, World Class Dentistry has set the standard for personalized care in Sarasota. Founded by accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Jill Morris and her husband, dental surgeon Dr. Burr Bakke, the family-run practice has built its reputation on trust, artistry, and innovation-qualities that are increasingly rare in today’s world of corporate-owned dentistry. Patients come not just for beautiful, lasting results, but for the sense of continuity and care that only a dedicated, independent team can provide.
Now, that legacy of excellence continues as Dr. Morris’s children join the practice, each bringing their own expertise and
passion for patient-centered care. “The power of two has become the power of family,” says Dr. Morris. “We support one another in every decision, and we’re always collaborating. Although we each have our own specialties, we’re united by the same goal: to do what’s best for every patient,” she adds.
Their son, Dr. Cameron Johnson, focuses on biological dentistry and early airway development, guiding healthy growth for children and adults alike. Dr. Sydney Johnson, a holistic dentist, explores the vital connection between oral health and whole-body wellness. Kelton Johnson oversees the on-site lab, crafting custom restorations, veneers, and crowns-often the same day.
Together with Dr. Bakke’s expertise in surgical and neuromuscular dentistry, the team offers patients the advantage of comprehensive care in one place. Every step of treatment, from consultation to lab fabrication, happens under the same roof, ensuring precision, collaboration, and accountability.
Dr. Keyur Kurani brings to Intercoastal Medical Group at the Cattleridge office a wealth of knowledge and experience in Internal Medicine.
Dr. Monica Drummond brings to Intercoastal Medical Group at the Lakewood Ranch I office a wealth of knowledge and experience in Family Medicine.
Undergraduate: University of South Florida, Sarasota, FL
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
Graduate School: Liberty University, Lynchburg, Virginia
University of Medicine and Health Sciences, St. Kitts, Basseterre, SKN
Medical School: Campbell University, Buies Creek, NC
Residency: Colquitt Regional Medical Center, Moultrie, GA
Family Medicine Residency, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Jackson, TN Board Certified, American Board of Family Medicine
Certification: Board Eligible, American Board Family Medicine, Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (AOBFP)
Hospital Affiliations: Sarasota Memorial Hospital; Doctors Hospital
Hospital Affiliations: Lakewood Ranch Medical Center TO SCHEDULE
Lakewood Ranch I 11505 Rangeland Parkway, Bradenton, FL 34211 www.intercoastalmedical.com and most
In an era when more than seventy percent of dental practices are owned by corporations, World Class Dentistry remains proudly independent. “Corporate dentistry answers to stockholders,” Dr. Morris explains. “We answer to our patients. Our recommendations are the same ones we’d make for ourselves or our loved ones.”
That philosophy, which is rooted in family values, artistry, and excellence, has earned World Class Dentistry generational trust.
“I still see patients who first came to me 38 years ago,” says Dr. Morris. “That continuity matters. We get to see what works, refine what we do, and grow right alongside the people we care for.”
To learn more visit SarasotaDentist.com, where you can also schedule a discovery call, or call 941-923-6363 directly.
First Physicians Group Welcomes
Specialty : Internal Medicine
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL
Residency: Florida State University –Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, Sarasota, FL
IT’S READ EVERYWHERE
Headed
STEP-BY-STEP WITH THE OBSERVER: Kent and Ileysha Ramos with the East County Observer at the Cathedral of Murcia, Spain, during a 10-day trip, driving more than 3,000 miles and walking over 120,000 steps.
Writers on the Ranch
The Novel and Screenplay Critique Group of Lakewood Ranch is led by Joe Rendace, who says feedback is important to create successful stories.
MADISON BIERL STAFF WRITER
When Lakewood Ranch’s Joe Rendace was a child, he wanted to be a comic book artist or a newspaper cartoonist.
However, one movie — the 2000 film “American Psycho” — inspired him to express himself creatively in a different way.
“I love that movie. It’s so stylish,” Rendace said.” People don’t
even understand that movie. It’s not some horror slashing movie. It’s all in his head. He’s nuts.”
When it comes to adaptations from book form to a movie, Rendace said often you like one or the other, but not both. After loving “American Psycho” the movie, Rendace read the 1991 book by Bret Eston Ellis. That read sparked inspiration for Rendace to begin writing. Rendace, an author of three published novels and seven screenplays, is leading the Novel and Screenplay Critique Group in Lakewood Ranch. Members of the group are asked to read and critique each other’s work. Rendace has led other similar groups in both New York and Atlanta.
“I find when everybody has skin in the game, they show up to get feedback,” Rendace said.
When Amber Nelson moved to
the area a couple of months ago, she knew no one. She decided to attend the introductory meeting and said joining the group has meant a lot to her. She said she has gained a per-
JOE RENDACE
To learn more about Joe Rendace, who is leading the Novel and Screenplay Critique Group in Lakewood Ranch, visit JoeRendace.com.
sonal connection with like-minded individuals through their common thread — writing.
“It’s an exercise in humility,” Nelson said. “You have to be humble to come to something like this.”
Nelson won “Best Series Pilot Script” for her screenplay “Amberica” at the World Film Festival in Cannes 2025. It is a story that is a combination of real life events and fiction — the story is about a character named Amber whose life is a mess and her Muslim mother is dying.
“I feel like I was hit by a lightning bolt,” Nelson said. “This lightning bolt said, ‘Thou shall write.’ That’s the only explanation I have — I literally woke up and I felt compelled to write a story.”
Mike McClaskey, a North Port resident who is part of the group, has written various screenplays, commercials and has a published book titled “Mr. President?” which is about a professional wrestler who becomes president of the U.S. He keeps a notepad by his bed as he has vivid movie-like dreams.
“It’s an expression of my thoughts, whether they’re sub -
Joe Rendace and Amber Nelson are eager to read and critique each other’s work through the Novel and Screenplay Critique Group in Lakewood Ranch.
conscious or whether they’re Godplanted,” McClaskey said. Before he joined the group, McClaskey only had family members read his work. Therefore he now can get unbiased feedback from people with similar backgrounds. He wants to know whether or not his story is good, and if the script is structured properly.
“I don’t want to put out a great structured story that (is bad), and I don’t want to put out a great story that’s structured wrong. I want to do both,” McClaskey said.
Sarasota’s Naida Joanides is a retired circus performer who has written seven screenplays and two novels. She has also written two award winning short films at the Sarasota Film Festival — “Katia” (which is available on Amazon) and “Moon Dust.”
“I think it’s imagery and it’s words, and it’s just remembering those emotions,” Joanides said. “We all have those strong emotions. It’s always telling a story, no matter what format. You could do it in painting or poetry or screenwriting, a novel of imagery — it’s always a story.”
Joanides is now working on a Christmas screenplay and is always open to critiques. She has been in a similar group before with both writers and actors.
She said if one person gives a critique you can think about it and not necessarily put it in action. However, if multiple people say the same thing, it’s important to think it through.
Rendace said that writing is rewriting. He often writes a screenplay and revisits it later and finds it to be “horrible” and completely rebuilds the story.
“You should take that feedback, you can’t be stubborn,” Rendace said. “Your baby might be ugly at a certain point, but you have to take the feedback. Otherwise, it doesn’t get any better.” Rendace said word count often can be a problem. In a previous group, he has been thanked for having the word count be no more than 3,000 words.
“We’re just hoping somebody reads it. You have to keep it as short and tight and perfect as possible,” Rendace said.
Photos by Madison Bierl
Mike McClaskey, Amber Nelson, Naida Joanides and Joe Rendace all have writing experience with screenplays and/or novels. Through the Novel and Screenplay Critique Group in Lakewood Ranch, they hope to strengthen their skills and work.
Vibrant Senior Living Coming Soon to Lakewood Ranch!
Emerson Lakes Is Now Accepting Reservations.
The first phase of construction is now underway. This includes the beautiful Coral Ridge Clubhouse and three residence buildings: Sandhill Point, anticipated to open in the fall of 2026, followed by Laguna Springs and Mangrove Run, opening in the first half of 2027.
Everyday Resort Living
Here are just a few resort-style amenities you can expect:
• Multiple dining venues
• Outdoor pool with a walk-up bar
• State-of-the-art fitness center
• Pickleball and bocce ball courts
• Outdoor fitness center with meditation garden
• Firepits
Predictable Costs, Exceptional Value
Our community’s smart financial structure will provide peace of mind and security by streamlining most bills into a simple monthly payment. Your Monthly Service Package covers:
• Utilities, maintenance, and property taxes
• Cable TV, internet, and landline phone
A Community You Can Trust
• Use of fitness center, pool, and dozens of other amenities
Emerson Lakes℠ is a part of Erickson Senior Living,® one of the largest senior living providers in the nation. Here, you’ll enjoy a maintenance-free, independent lifestyle backed by over 40 years of trusted experience.
Don’t wait! Call
to learn more about this
community!
Happy Howl-o-ween
Since 8-year-old Shih Tzu Mushu was born, Sarasota’s Teagan Nickols has dressed him up in various costumes.
The tradition expanded when Mushu’s son, Emmett, who is now 5, was born.
Last year, Mushu, Teagan and Emmett dressed as Woody, Buzz and Jessie from “Toy Story” for various events.
On Oct. 14 at Barks and Brews at The Green at UTC, the three unveiled this year’s costumes, as they followed the yellow brick road with a “Wizard of Oz” theme.
Mushu was the scarecrow, Emmett was the tin man and Teagan dressed as Dorothy.
After parading around The Green, Nickols described the event as a “cuteness overload” and said she loves seeing everyone’s creativity. Thirty participants signed up and strutted down the runway.
“Everyone is just so cute, and I’m brought to tears almost every time because I love dogs so much,” Nickols said.
Sarasota’s Britteny Boyd goes to Barks and Brews on a regular basis and said she didn’t want to miss the dog costume contest. Two years ago she competed with her Dalmatian, Dottie, as Cruella de Vil.
This year, Boyd dressed as a cowgirl, Dottie was a cow and her golden retriever, Gracie, was a chicken.
“I love all the creativity that everyone puts into their costumes and I love that it’s a big fundraiser for (Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue),” Boyd said. “We try to support their efforts as much as possible.”
Barks and Brews raised about $700 for Nate’s Honor.
— MADISON BIERL
Building meaningful connections between the non-profit and for-profit sectors, our volunteers helped with everything from constructing a home, organizing clothes, painting the walls of an afterschool program and more!
Thank you to the Alliance Members who donated their time with friends, family and colleagues to give back to our community. We couldn’t have done this without you!
our sponsors, your commitment to AGB directly supported:
Photos by Madison Bierl Rye, a 2-year-old poodle dressed as Glinda the Good Witch of the North, walks with Eryn Skage, who is dressed as the Wicked Witch of the West.
Shih Tzu father and son, Mushu and Emmett, dressed as the Scarecrow and Tin Man from the “Wizard of Oz,” pose with Sarasota’s Teagan Nickols as Dorothy.
Sarasota’s Olivia Gibson and dog Pixie went with a mermaid theme, while Jessica Thomason and dog Summer went the chef route.
Nokomis resident Casey Jones and his 4-year-old cavapoo named Hubble used a bike decorated with lights and flames to accent the costume.
Sarasota’s Britteny Boyd says her dogs Dottie the Dalmation (cow) and Gracie the golden retriever (chicken) are
excited to see people when they rock their costumes.
This English bulldog honors “The Lion King.” Although his name is Pumba like the warthog, he dressed as
Sound off to play in new band
Polo Run’s Chuck Huffine is seeking interested musicians for the new Lakewood Ranch Big Band.
olo Run’s John Selvaggio wasn’t sure he would pick up the trumpet again.
After half-a-century of being an “ace” player, he put his instrument down in 2008, seemingly for good.
But then his neighbor, Chuck Huffine, told him he was starting the Lakewood Ranch Big Band and was looking for musicians.
“Living in Lakewood Ranch, how
much sunshine can you enjoy?” Selvaggio said.
Selvaggio, 79, decided to attend
Huffine’s first rehearsals at Lakewood Ranch Prep, to see how the band would come together. He found that picking up his trumpet and playing again wasn’t like riding a bicycle, but more like falling off it.
“I am the son of a musician and I grew up playing trumpet, so it’s hard to be the worst guy in the section, but I am enjoying it,” Selvaggio said, “Surprisingly, I am not as good as I thought I would be. I am doing exercises to improve my wind control. I can’t fight the clock, but I can go down swinging in a jazz sense.” Selvaggio is glad he already can see some improvement in his play, as he said he is performing with a talented group. Huffine has started big bands in
Photos by Jay Heater
Lakewood Ranch Prep Band Director Jay Belmont has not only given the new Big Band a place to play, but he has joined the band as well.
Rochester, New York, and Denver, and he saw a void in big band music in the Manatee and Sarasota counties area. He said musicians have to go south to Venice or north to Clearwater to find big bands to join.
“Musicians like to play this stuff,” he said of big band music. “So I reached out to musicians I know.”
His goal is to put a 20- to 22-person band together and eventually play about 15 concerts a year.
“Big band music started in the 1920s,” he said. “Before rock bands, these were the pop bands. It was very popular in the 1950s and 1960s, and there definitely is an audience for it now. People like to dance.”
Huffine needed a place to rehearse and he went to Jay Belmont, who is the band director at Lakewood Ranch Prep. Belmont, who plays the trombone, not only is letting the band use the high school’s rehearsal room, but he is playing with the group as well.
“It does make my day kind of long because I am up at 6 a.m. and then I have our jazz band, but this is a lot of fun,” Belmont said about the Lakewood Ranch Big Band’s evening rehearsals. “I’ve played in big bands. Playing in bands helped me pay my way through college.”
Belmont, who is 26, eventually could see some of his high school students playing in the Lakewood Ranch Big Band in the future. He said solid high school musicians would be a fit for the new band.
Huffine, who plays trombone, trumpet and piano, signed the band up as a Lakewood Ranch Community Activities club to also help attract members.
He said it will be a challenge to get a set lineup.
“You have to see if (the musicians) like the music and the people they are playing with,” he said. “We have 18 now, and that includes two vocalists. But we need drums.”
The band members aren’t likely to get paid.
“It’s tough to pay 20 people,” Huffine said. “But we will take donations. We mostly want to serve the community. I could see us playing on Main Street.”
He said he foresees the band playing one or two “auditorium” concerts a year, and then booking various other concerts, especially during
the holidays.
He said he has a library of more than 500 tunes, so he isn’t worried about needing to buy music to perform.
“I don’t want to overtax people,” he said.
He expects the band to be ready to play together “hopefully” in December.
“It depends on the drums and the piano,” Huffine said. “There is a lot of stuff to coordinate.”
Those interested in joining the big band can contact Huffine at 720670-7712 or by sending an email to LWRBigBand@gmail.com.
Polo Run’s Chuck Huffine is seeking musicians who would like to play in his new Lakewood Ranch Big Band.
After years of being “retired” as a musician, Polo Run’s John Selvaggio has picked up his trumpet again to join the new Lakewood Ranch Big Band.
Lake Club home tops sales at $3.15 million
HUGHES
ADAM
RESEARCH EDITOR
Ahome in Lake Club topped the week’s sales. Alan and Nicole Maio, of Darien, Connecticut, sold their home at 8532 Pavia Way to Joseph Palazzolo, of Bradenton, for $3.15 million. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,162 square feet of living area. It sold for $2,685,700 in 2023.
POMELLO PARK
John and Simone Brown, of Bradenton, sold their home at 19006 69th Ave. E. to Aaron and Amanda Huffman, of Bradenton, for $2,322,000. Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,487 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.1 million in 2022.
WILD BLUE AT WATERSIDE
SDWB Waterside LLC sold the home at 1127 Blue Shell Loop to Tanneshia Ingram Kirby and Mason Collis Kirby Jr., trustees, of Smyrna, Georgia, for $2,209,600. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, fourand-a-half baths, a pool and 3,028 square feet of living area.
Anthony and Maren Curtis, of Bradenton, sold their home at 8364 Sea Glass Court to Eric Friedberg and Veronika Friedberg, trustees, of Sarasota, for $1.7 million. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, a pool and 3,054 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,550,600 in February.
SDWB Waterside LLC sold the home at 8509 Sandpoint St. to Brian Nathan Robbins and Suzanne Robbins, of Sarasota, for $1,650,800. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,636 square feet of living area.
LAKE CLUB
Eric and Veronika Friedberg, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the home at 16707 Verona Place to Eric and Cynthia Fortmeyer, of Bradenton, for $2.15 million. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,025 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,046,000 in 2021.
AZARIO ESPLANADE
Arthur and Doris Zielinski, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the home at 15209 Montello Way to Thomas Shaun Kelly and Mary Innamorato Kelly, of Bradenton, for $1.29 million. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,976 square feet of living area. It sold for $730,300 in 2021.
HENLEY Long Boat IV LP Inc. sold the home at 7003 Lancaster Court to Donald Brown, trustee, of University Park, for $1.2 million. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,439 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,284,000 in 2022.
LAKEWOOD NATIONAL
James Douglas Triantos and Michele Anne Secco sold their home at 5735 Arnie Loop to David and Adrienne Willich, of Potomac, Maryland, for $1.19 million. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,776 square feet of living area. It sold for $685,000 in 2019.
LAKEHOUSE COVE AT WATERSIDE
HBT at Waterside LLC sold the home at 1028 Waterline Court to Karen Crow, of Sarasota, for $966,700. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,254 square feet of living area.
EDGEWATER Manikyam Tilak Sunder, trustee, of Venice, sold the home at 6605 Waters Edge Way to Edward Morgan, of Lakewood Ranch, for $909,500. Built in 1997, it has three
bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,520 square feet of living area. It sold for $650,000 in 2005.
RIVER CLUB SOUTH
Robert Washburn, of St. Cloud, sold his home at 7513 Coventry Court to Daniel and June DeBaun, of Lakewood Ranch, for $895,000. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,874 square feet of living area.
Mary Jane Clark and Judy Clark, trustees, sold the home at 9819 Sweetwater Ave. to Louis Grande and Caitlin Marino, of Bradenton, for $652,000. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,392 square feet of living area.
COUNTRY CLUB EAST
Gregory and Natalie Smith, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 14216 Woodhall Place to James McLoughlin and Eilis Purcell, of Bradenton, for $845,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,478 square feet of living area. It sold for $595,900 in 2018.
COUNTRY CLUB
Richard and Susan Rose, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 7180 Whitemarsh Circle to Julia Dawn Nutty, of Paducah, Kentucky, for $679,900. Built in 2001, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 2,048 square feet of living area. It sold for $460,000 in 2007.
TARA
Marilyn Whitler sold her home at 6503 Turners Gap Road to Thomas and Martha Orchard, of Bradenton, for $675,000. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,672 square feet of living area. It sold for $282,000 in 2014.
Anthony and Mary Hicks, of Bradenton, sold their home at 6385 Rookery Circle to Julio Enrique Levisohn and Karla Levisohn, of Bradenton, for $570,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,803 square feet of living area. It sold for $483,200 in 2022.
WOODLEAF HAMMOCK
Yann Emmanuel Chupin and Christy Chupin, of Lake Worth, sold their home at 2209 Woodleaf Hammock Court to Ryan David Wallace and Rachel Beth Tokarczyk, of Bradenton, for $670,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,299 square feet of living area. It sold for $449,000 in 2020.
WINDWARD
Neal Communities of Southwest Florida LLC sold the home at 2572
Star Apple Way to Gregory Taylor Jack and Jennifer Jack, of Sarasota, for $666,000. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,334 square feet of living area.
TREYMORE AT THE VILLAGES OF PALM AIRE
Ronald and Nancy Hurley, of Bradenton, sold their home at 4751
Carrington Circle to Ernest and Iris Thirtle, of Sarasota, for $645,000. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,035 square feet of living area. It sold for $530,000 in 2006.
EAGLE TRACE
Martin and Monica Dorey, of Niceville, sold their home at 12706 Lake Silver Ave. to Edward and Linda Godin, of Bradenton, for $600,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,148 square feet of living area. It sold for $615,000 in 2023.
Lorraine Bobel, of Hamburg, New York, sold her home at 12343 Halfmoon Lake Terrace to Douglas Mascher and Belinda Mascher, trustees, of Kansas City, Missouri, for $449,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,932 square feet of living area. It sold for $337,500 in 2016.
MILL CREEK
Gregory Michael Despot and Emily McCane Despot, of Cumming, Georgia, sold their home at 13621
Third Ave. N.E. to Aaron McKamey, of Bradenton, for $575,000. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,798 square feet of living area. It sold for $237,100 in 2014.
PALM AIRE AT SARASOTA
Frances Anderson, trustee, of Wethersfield, Connecticut, sold the home at 5649 Country Lakes Drive to Ann Marie Bonanno, trustee, of Sarasota, for $575,000. Built in 1987, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,261 square feet of living area. It sold for $275,000 in 2010.
CENTRAL PARK
Thomas and Sara Wishman, of Summerville, South Carolina, sold
their home at 4529 Golden Gate Cove to Jeffery and Danielle Lefebvre, of Bradenton, for $530,000. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,136 square feet of living area.
Benjamin and Emily Heding, of Orlando, sold their home at 12149 Forest Park Circle to Gregory and Melanie Eckelman, of Bradenton, for $459,000. Built in 2010, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,784 square feet of living area. It sold for $349,500 in 2020.
Mitzi Lavecchia, of Bradenton, sold her home at 4919 Mission Park Lane to Tatum Alexa Gordon, of Bradenton, for $415,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,702 square feet of living area. It sold for $315,000 in 2020.
FAIRFAX
Gregory and Robyn Hall, of Bradenton, sold their home at 4585 Dover St. Circle E. to Abdulio Molina and Jason Molina, of Bradenton, for $510,000. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,328 square feet of living area. It sold for $183,000 in 2001.
RIVER SOUND
Volker Nagel and Marion Uhlmann, of Sarasota, sold their home at 5320 Tide Point Way to James Edward Tulskie and Colleen Cannon Tulskie, of Bradenton, for $485,000. Built in 2009, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,112 square feet of living area. It sold for $275,000 in 2011.
SABAL HARBOUR
Gordon Carter and Penny Carter, trustees, of Palm Bay, sold the home at 4839 Turtle Bay Terrace to Charles Robert Linger and Nancy Linger, of Bradenton, for $480,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,236 square feet of living area. It sold for $246,000 in 2013.
COUNTRY OAKS
James and Michelle Glenfield, of Clermont, sold their home at 5061 82nd Way E. to Abigail Gleason, of Sarasota, for $460,000. Built in 1989, it has three bedrooms, twoand-a-half baths, a pool and 1,804 square feet of living area. It sold for $103,000 in 1997.
SUMMERFIELD
Brenda Robinson, of Morrisville, North Carolina, sold her home at 12113 Whistling Way to Alexander Kraynov and Viktoriya Balamadzhy, of Bradenton, for $439,000. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,137 square feet of living area. It sold for $396,000 in 2005.
PALISADES
Robert McCormack and Nicole Seevers, of Valley Park, Missouri, sold their home at 5920 Silver Palm Blvd. to Monica Robinson, of Bradenton, for $415,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,047 square feet of living area. It sold for $332,000 in 2019.
Lakewood Ranch Family Rentals LLC sold the home at 13829 Camden Crest Terrace to Jason and Ahlam Wolf, of Bradenton, for $390,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,047 square feet of living area. It sold for $525,000 in 2022.
TERRACE AT TIDEWATER PRESERVE Gary and Cheryl Raab, of Parrish, sold their Unit 411 condominium at 1010 Tidewater Shores Loop to Deborah Morgan, trustee, of Bradenton, for $385,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,302 square feet of living area. It sold for $271,500 in 2020.
NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH
CREATIVE THINKING by Jared Goudsmit, edited by Jared Goudsmit
By Luis Campos
Calm. That’s the overall feeling my wife and I had working with Katina and her team. We were extremely apprehensive about selling our house- we’d been through it before-all the preparations, decluttering, questions about how much, how long, etc. Katina and her team sat down with us and made us feel so comfortable and we felt CALM. We were actually able to sell our home with very little work from us- they took care of most of the details we were so worried about. And since we sold the house IN ONE DAY, we never had to worry about staging, but if we had, they were ready to deal with that also. Finally, they got us well above what we were expecting and guided us through all the closing details, which were tricky, since we were closing on a new house the next day! And they also recommended a fantastic cleaner and mover. Thanks to Katina, we are in our new house with no worries. Thank you Katina! — Stephen K.
