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Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026
VOLUME 28, NO. 9
YOUR TOWN
Does Myakka need a clinic? Two nonprofits consider opening a health clinic on school property. SEE PAGE 3A
Madison Bierl
Grateful for grandkids Angela Maasdorp and her granddaughter, 2-year-old Ivy Maasdorp (above) are no strangers to parks around Lakewood Ranch. They visited Summerfield Park on Oct. 5 for some girl time. Ivy likes playing just about everywhere outside, but she especially enjoys playing on swings and playing with worms. She was especially brave attempting the climbing wall. Two weeks ago, Ivy’s little sister, Sloan, was born at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. Angela Maasdorp said they are “besties already.” “They say that there’s nothing like being a grandparent, but it’s during moments like this that it all starts making sense,” Angela Maasdorp said.
SPLENDOR IN THE GRASS Breeding at Big Cat Habitat could help sustain cheetahs. SEE PAGE 2A
Courtesy photo
They should have worn scrubs Is there a doctor in the house? Or a veterinarian? Well, no, but a team from Lakewood Ranch Medical Center went to the Humane Society of Sarasota County on Oct. 2 to do cleanup work inside the Humane Society’s headquarters. Helping with a two-hour dose of elbow grease were Kerry Ninkovich, director of Environmental Services; Walker Wells, infection prevention manager; and Nicole Humenick, a lab manager. Lakewood Ranch Medical Center also sent out more teams to help during the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance’s Alliance Gives Back event that ran for three days. Read the Observer anytime, anywhere on our free app! Visit YourObserver.com/app-offer or use the QR code below
Photo courtesy of Max Strong
Zuri, a 2-year-old cheetah, has a lazy day with Big Cat Habitat COO Clayton Rosaire. Rosaire hopes to breed Zuri at his sanctuary.
A+E
Giver’s time to receive Maribeth Phillips honored as the Humanitarian of the Year. SEE PAGE 4A
Small wonders INSIDE Jay Heater
Humanitarian of the Year Maribeth Phillips enjoys a chat with LWRCF Executive Director Kate Mulligan.
YourObserver.com
EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026
The purr-fect job at Big Cat Habitat The Sarasota sanctuary and zoo wants to concentrate on strengthening the population of exotic animals through its breeding program. JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR
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layton Rosaire ran his fingers down the side of Zuri, a 2-year-old cheetah who came to Sarasota’s Big Cat Habitat in 2024 as a baby. Zuri’s head fell back, she closed her eyes ... and purred. In that moment, she obviously was in heaven, well, except for one fact. She doesn’t have a guy yet. Zuri lives in a habitat created for her within the 10 acres the sanctuary/zoo was able to purchase in 2018 from neighbor Jean Palumbo. That 10 acres doubled the size of Big Cat Habitat and gave birth to a plan that is coming to fruition now. Rosaire talked about how he wants to use the area primarily for breeding efforts to support the populations of
endangered species. Cheetahs are classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. But things move slowly in the animal world. Rosaire said it took seven years for him to find and acquire a cheetah. Federal regulations, which Rosaire said are mostly good for the animals, slow the process. Two years after Zuri came to Sarasota, Rosaire has lined up two male cheetahs to come to Big Cat Habitat in the next few months to see if they are a match for Zuri. The habitat for the males is directly across from Zuri’s habitat, and a connecting passageway will be built between the two, which will only be open when workers want the male and female cheetahs to interact. Rosaire said cheetahs have the opposite behavior of humans. It
Lesley Dwyer
Kay Rosaire, founder of Big Cat Habitat, is proud of the work she and her son, Clayton Rosaire, have done at the sanctuary/zoo.
Jay Heater
Zuri, a 2-year-old cheetah, has lived at Big Cat Habitat with Clayton Rosaire since she was a baby.
seems that when female cheetahs want to show they have identified a potential mate, they “whistle” at him. Other zoos are hoping Rosaire has good luck with Zuri and her potential mates, as well. “We have been working with other zoos to assure there is a quality bloodline for a species,” Rosaire said. “We want those animals to be the ambassadors for their wild counterparts.” All over the 10-acre purchase are empty habitats, just waiting to be occupied. The area remains rough, but Rosaire talked about the new habitats and a future guest area in the center of that parcel, where donors will be able to attend member events a couple times of year. Visitors to Big Cat will be taken to the new area on carts. Construction of habitats continues all over the newer 10 acres. The pace of the entire project is sluggish, as the staff at Big Cat Habitat has to keep an eye on the economy. Already, though, jaguars, clouded leopards, caracal, servals, Watusi cattle, a kunekune pig, donkeys, goats, tortoises and emus call the area home. Rosaire has to be selective as he adds to the lineup. “It’s funding,” said Rosaire, Big Cat’s chief operating officer. “How
IF YOU GO
What: Savannah Nights When: 5:30 p.m. Nov. 21 Where: Big Cat Habitat, 7101 Palmer Blvd., Sarasota Tickets: $250; VIP $750 The event: Come enjoy a wild evening of dinner, music, raffles, auctions and plenty of opportunities to meet exotic animals. Purpose: To support Big Cat Habitat, which has many new breeding projects along with its overall mission to protect exotic animals.
do you build when you don’t have money (for expansion)?” Big Cat CEO Kay Rosaire, who bought the property in 1973 and is Clayton’s mother, isn’t worried about putting a finish date on improvements that involve the 10-acre purchase. She was just pleased to get through the summer. “It was a tough summer,” she said of the heat and the rocky economy that kept visitors away. “Fortunately, we have wonderful donors and we managed to survive. “We are doing this breeding program, but we are limited on how many animals we can get. That’s
OK; I am enjoying it right now and I am happy the way things are. People don’t have to go far to see these animals.” To help with the projects on their second 10-acre parcel, the Rosaires are hosting Savannah Nights, a Nov. 21 fundraiser at the sanctuary. “Some people feel the word zoo is not a good word, but it should be,” Kay Rosaire said. “Not every child can go to Africa or Asia to see these animals.” Kay Rosaire grew up in the Rosaire Family Circus, and her father, Derrick Rosaire Sr., developed animal shows. They traveled the country, touring with various troupes. Derrick Rosaire Sr. is a member of the St. Armands’ Circus Ring of Fame. Kay Rosaire’s goal when she purchased the Big Cat land was not to build a zoo. She didn’t even found Big Cat Habitat until 1987. It became a nonprofit in 2005. “We were still touring at the time,” she said of buying the property. “My dad owned 20 acres and I owned 10. I had a dream because I had traveled around and I saw all these terrible roadside zoos. I wanted a place for circus animals after they retired.” Eventually, Big Cat became a home for abandoned exotic animals that people purchased as pets and then couldn’t take care of them. “So many people had those animals as pets,” Clayton Rosaire said. “That’s where we got a lot of our animals. They would wake up one day and say, ‘Oh my God! I have a tiger.’ “But we are getting very few animals from the pet world now. The regulations have changed, and those regulations have led to good things, but we do have to work harder.” While certain groups often attack nonprofits that care for exotic animals in captivity, Kay Rosaire said Big Cat’s goal is to reproduce the exotic animals. “We need them and they sure need us,” she said. Clayton Rosaire said his family always asks, “What do we do to leave our mark? Did we help make a difference? He looked at Zuri and then around the undeveloped 10 acres. “It’s hard to dream,” he said. “But you need to dream, because sometimes they come true.”
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YourObserver.com
EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026
This AIgenerated image shows what an MCR Health clinic might look like at Myakka City Elementary if enough community support is shown to make it happen.
MCR considers opening Myakka City health clinic MCR Health and Results 1st received a grant from the Bishop-Parker Foundation to assess the need for a clinic and whether it could be located at the Myakka City Elementary School property. MADISON BIERL STAFF WRITER
W
hen it comes to viruses, bumps, bruises, pink eye and more, Myakka City El-
ementary School clinic nurse Shelley Washington has seen it all. But there is only so much she can do as a school nurse. A lot of the time, a visit from a student means a trip home. “If it’s something that’s easily treatable, like pink eye or a little cavity, it would be so beneficial for them to walk a couple doors down and get it taken care of instead of their parents having to take off work,” Washington said. “Especially if their parents are single, their partner’s out of town, or they just started a new job.” MCR Health and Results 1st, both nonprofits, are currently assessing whether a school-based community clinic is feasible in Myakka City. A $37,000 grant from the Bishop Parker Foundation is funding the study. Aarti Lalwani, chief impact officer for MCR Health, said it has on-site clinics at Manatee Elementary, Southeast High School and Daughtrey Elementary. School District of Manatee County Associate Superintendent Kevin Chapman said when students miss days of class, it lessens the students’ achievement and instructional time. “At Manatee Elementary, Southeast (High School), and Daughtrey, where there are MCR Health Clinics, we’ve seen very quick turnaround where kids don’t miss quality instructional time because they’re sick or needing to see a doctor,” Chapman said. “Those clinics are right there on campus.” Carol Ricks, the principal at Myakka City Elementary School, said the idea was first brought up in 2021 when discussing the future of the school. “Honestly, a lot of kids here, if they’re sent home sick, they just don’t go to the doctor,” Ricks said. “They just stay home until their symptoms are better.” Currently, a bus comes every Tuesday to the Myakka City Community Center parking lot to provide primary care to those who might have transportation limitations. “I was shocked how many kids were like, ‘I’ve never been to the dentist before,’ or ‘This is the first time I’ve gotten a new toothbrush in three years,’” Washington said. “Those little things are so eye-opening.” Lalwani said they see all patients
regardless of demographics or ability to pay. “We see the person on their first visit for free because we obviously can’t turn away care as that’s part of our mission,” Lalwani said. “But after that, they’re put on a sliding fee scale, dependent on what they can pay. That’s with the documents that they have to bring in.” Ricks explained that the clinic’s goal is to be more accessible. Many students get to school by bus, so if the clinic wasn’t located on school property, those students wouldn’t be able to be treated. In the existing building, where two resource classrooms currently sit mostly empty, there would be two sections of the clinic. One would have access to the rest of the campus for the students and the other would be for adults. School district and city officials have talked about safety concerns with a community clinic located on school property. Cassie Ingle, a Myakka City Elementary School parent, said she is concerned with adults being on campus, even if there is a separate area for them. She said someone’s criminal history does not mean that they don’t deserve healthcare, but she thinks healthcare for adults should be located elsewhere. “I believe in healthcare for all,” Ingle said. “The majority of people are good people who follow the rules. But security protocols aren’t designed around the 99% of people who follow the rules. The rules are for people who don’t.” Ricks said it is hard for people who don’t work within the school system to know all of the security protocols that will be in place if the health clinic comes to fruition. Assistant Principal Leslie Jones said, “Everyone acknowledges there’s a need. It’s more about the details and logistics behind how to serve that need.” “The school district and MCR Health would go out and find grant funding for this project,” said Chapman. “There would be very limited capital funding from the district. It would all come from grants — either local, state or national foundations.” So far, two town hall meetings have taken place with little attendance. Ingle said she appreciates the genuine effort Ricks and the school have made to communicate with the public about the proposed clinic. But Ingle also said she has heard from people who didn’t know about the town halls. She said some marketing, such as hanging flyers around town, is probably needed to get more feedback. Ingle said more people should be involved in the town halls to form their own opinions in a respectful
Photos by Madison Bierl
The proposed building for the clinic is currently two large, mostly empty resource classrooms. It directly faces the parking lot, and if it becomes a clinic, the two areas will become completely blocked off from one another.
PROPOSED CLINIC AT MYAKKA CITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Potential services for a new health clinic include primary care for both children and adults, labs, prescription medication delivery and mental health services via telehealth. There would also be potential dental and vision services through their mobile unit. Students would be escorted to the clinic by an adult with written parent/guardian consent. Student health information is strictly confidential and services would be delivered by licensed, qualified healthcare professionals. Expected benefits: ■ Less travel time for families who currently drive 30-40 minutes for care ■ Fewer missed work hours for parents and caregivers ■ Reduced student absenteeism and fewer early dismissals for routine medical appointments ■ Enhanced support for student health, well-being and academic success through improved access to care ■ Increased access to healthcare services for the broader Myakka community, including adults and families
Shelley Washington, the Myakka City Elementary School clinic nurse, says the proposed clinic at the school would provide a world of relief to both students and families who struggle to find the time and resources to get treated for illnesses and injuries.
Carol Ricks, principal at Myakka City Elementary School, said there is a great need for accessible healthcare for Myakka residents and safety is always the No. 1 priority.
manner. “Our community doesn’t have to agree, but it should be informed and involved before a decision affecting our school and our children is made,” Ingle said. “This isn’t something that MCR is pushing on anyone — it’s more about how we can serve the community and residents of Myakka. We serve everyone and our goal is to serve the community and bring quality access to healthcare closer to home for them.”
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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026
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Humanitarian of the Year honored Maribeth Phillips’ years of work feeding the hungry and providing for the homebound is recognized at Soirée at the Ranch. JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR
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EAST COUNTY
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aribeth Phillips didn’t take long in addressing the crowd at the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation’s Soirée at the Ranch on Oct. 1 at the Lakewood Ranch Country Club. Phillips, who has been president and CEO of Meals on Wheels Plus Manatee since 2012, received the 2026 C. John A. Clarke Humanitarian of the Year award. Every waking hour since that time has been dedicated to feeding the hungry and serving home-
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Former Manatee County Commissioner Vanessa Baugh and her husband, Donnie Baugh, were the Humanitarians of the Year in 2016.
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Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation’s Kate Mulligan (left) and Keith Pandeloglou (right) present the 2026 C. John A. Clark Humanitarian of the Year Award to Maribeth Phillips on Oct. 1 at the Lakewood Ranch Country Club.
YourObserver.com
EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026
“This is just about a love of community. I had a desire to help where there was a need. But I am very humbled.”
Jenny and Mike Schenk enjoy supporting the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation and enjoyed the Oct. 1 event at Lakewood Ranch Country Club.
— Elizabeth Baran
But after Phillips was called to the podium to a huge applause from a packed house, she was concise, simply thanking the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation and Executive Director Kate Mulligan, whom Phillips said has “raised the bar” for that organization. She added that she told Mulligan she had raised the bar before the foundation had selected her as Humanitarian of the Year, which drew laughs from those in attendance. Phillips said it was an honor to celebrate with her family and friends and noted she was extremely proud to follow in the footsteps of the previous winners of the award. She now has her name inscribed on a plaque near the fountain at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch with the other honorees. Former Manatee County Commissioner Vanessa Baugh was at the event with her husband, Don. They were the C. John A. Clarke Humanitarians of the Year in 2016. “The Humanitarian of the Year Award is the biggest honor you can earn in this community,” Don Baugh said. Vanessa Baugh was a Meals on Wheels Plus board member when she nominated Phillips to take over as CEO and president in 2012. “It’s her heart,” Baugh said of why she nominated her. “She is the real deal.” The Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation, which raised approximately $150,000 on the night, also presented other awards at its gala. Elizabeth Baran won an Extraordinary Community Impact Award along with Chris Williams and Hugh Shields. Baran has volunteered with area nonprofits for more than 20 years. She has been on the boards of the Bishop Museum, the Women’s Resource Center and Meals on
Extraordinary Community Impact award recipient Elizabeth Baran says Humanitarian of the Year Maribeth Phillips “is full of heart.”
Tommy and Jaymie Klauber are regular contributors to the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation, which benefits area nonprofits with grants.
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Wheels Plus of Manatee. Williams has spent more than a decade helping the Salvation Army and is active with the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance. Shields has been a champion of the community almost two decades with Gold Coast Eagle Distributing. He always has been willing to donate his time, his talents and his resources. “This is just about a love of community,” Baran said of her award. “I had a desire to help where there was a need. But I am very humbled.” Baran had worked with Phillips at Meals on Wheels Plus. She said it wasn’t a surprise to see Phillips earn the Humanitarian of the Year award. “My gosh, she is truly full of heart,” Baran said of Phillips. Also awarded was the 2026 Junior Humanitarian of the Year award, which went to The Out-of-Door Academy student Liza Friedman. Hanna Schulz and Isabella Garcia Uzcategui were Junior Humanitarian honorees. One of the surprises of the night was Out-of-Door Academy senior Tom Bergerat, who entertained the crowd with his talent on the piano. Over the past 26 years, the foundation has awarded almost $2 million in grants and has supported 170 nonprofit organizations.
Maribeth Phillips (second from left), the C. John Clarke Humanitarian of the Year, was joined at the event by her sister, Theresa Aquino, sonin-law Nick Shirley, and daughter, Ashley Shirley.
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akewood Ranch’s Lydia Kolbas says retirement is overrated when it comes to work. Now that she doesn’t have any pets, properties or people to oversee during her own retirement, she would much rather be making an impact in the community — such as her volunteer work for the Neuro Challenge Foundation — than sitting on the couch. “You owe it to your community and to yourself,” Kolbas said. “When you give, you get so much more. You get such a reward from giving.” Alliance Gives Back, a three-day volunteer event organized by the Lakewood Ranch Business AlliL E G I Tance S C R took I P T Cplace E R T I FOct. I E D 1-3. The event included 350 volunteers and covered 30 projects. One of the volunteers was Seacoast Bank’s Diana Correa, who lost her uncle, Jorge Velez, to pancreatic cancer in December 2024. She hadn’t been back to the Florida Cancer Specialist Foundation since he died. That changed when she volunteered alongside other Seacoast Bank
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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026
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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026
OPINION / MY VIEW
EAST COUNTY
State Amendments 1 & 2 One amendment would increase Florida’s rainyday fund, extracting more money from you. The other would cut taxes.
MATT WALSH
W
ith each statewide election cycle, Florida voters are confronted with proposed amendments to the state constitution and, likewise, confronted with special, local governance questions. Typically, these measures are confusing. They may sound and look good on paper. But in many cases, voters cannot see what the consequences will mean for them. This year is no exception. As they say in the government, we’re here to help. In the next few weeks, our intent is to help voters discern some of the merits and demerits of the proposals. This week, we examine proposed constitutional amendments 1 and 2. For the three state constitutional amendments on the ballot, each will require 60% of the vote for approval.
AMENDMENT 1
Budget Stabilization Fund Proposing to increase the amount of funds that may be retained in the Budget Stabilization Fund from 10% to 25% of general revenue collections, require the Legislature to transfer the lesser of $750 million or the amount required to reach 25% of the general revenue collections each year unless certain conditions are met, and allow the Legislature to withdraw funds for critical state needs.
Let’s start by first congratulating the Legislature for achieving a feat that is almost unheard of in American government and politics: For two consecutive years, the Legislature adopted budgets that promised to spend less than was spent the previous year. Much of the credit for this should go to Speaker Danny Perez, R-Miami. He was the leading force above others and should go down in Florida history as a legislative and political hero. Perez did more than talk a good game. He actually showed and proved to be a real fiscal conservative with his dogged, determined leadership. His muscle is also all over Amendment 1. Perez is advocating its passage. He had overwhelming bipartisan support when state lawmakers voted to put the measure on the ballot. The House: 100-1; the Senate: 29-4. But curiously, Gov. Ron DeSantis opposes the amendment. We’re on DeSantis’ side. Here is why: Florida has plenty of money in the bank for a rainy day. The Budget Stabilization Fund is the state’s supposed “don’t touch this money” fund, unless there is a dire emergency. Florida voters approved the creation of the fund in 1992 with 82.7% of the vote (only 60% was required). That vote set parameters of a
ELECTIONS 2026 minimum of 5% of the last completed fiscal year’s net General Revenue Fund collections and a maximum reserve of 10% of those collections. Since that time, the state has maintained the 5% minimum. The only time the Legislature withdrew money from the fund was during the Great Recession (2008-09). According to Florida TaxWatch, ever since 2021, thanks to COVIDrelated federal aid, rapidly rising revenue collections and $1.1 billion in transfers from the Lawton Chiles Endowment, the stabilization fund has mushroomed. It currently has $5.056 billion and is closing in on the 10% maximum. What’s more, Florida has a mountain of other reserves (see box below). Truth is, the state is doing just fine vis-à-vis rainy-day fund standards. The Government Finance Officers Association, for instance, recommends a minimum unrestricted general fund balance of no less than two months (or typically 16.7%) of operating revenues or expenditures. Florida’s reserves are approaching double that standard, according to TaxWatch. TaxWatch also reports that Florida has sufficient reserves to run the government for 125 days, well above the median for all states, which hovers at 90-91 days. That 125-day benchmark actually is common among many municipalities. For tiny and conservative Longboat Key, the town policy is to maintain rainy-day reserves between 120 and 180 days of operating expenses. One other part of this amendment worth noting is the requirement of the Legislature to contribute $750 million a year, or whatever a lesser amount would be to reach the target of 25% of revenue collections. In TaxWatch’s analysis of this, it calculated it would take $750 million of annual contributions until 2049 to reach the 25% threshold. That is crazy. As with everything, this is about tradeoffs. It doesn’t take much to think how that $750 million a year could be put to better use (roads, for example?). For that matter, why should the state benefit from that money (the interest earned) instead of you, the taxpayers? Or think of this. As Adrian Moore, vice president of the Reason Foundation, notes: “Florida has a $45 billion debt in its government worker pension plans. Why would you increase your savings when you have a debt? “It would make far more sense to focus any excess revenue on paying down that debt. After that, the top priority should be giving the money back to taxpayers. And maybe if there’s some good reason to slightly grow the reserve fund, doubling it to $10 billion would be more than adequate. A $25 billion to $30 billion reserve would be crazy.” To an extent, everyone’s rainyday funds have a Goldlilocks aspect to them: How much is too much? How much is too little? And how much is just right? Overall, Florida’s lawmakers have been fiscally prudent with the level of the state’s emergency funds. Yes, the Legislature easily could boost the Budget Stabilization Fund over time from its current $5 billion to the maximum $10 billion. That would fit Goldilocks — just right. But over the past two years, Speaker Perez, Senate President Ben Albritton and Gov. DeSantis repeatedly have spoken about their top priority, putting more money into Florida taxpayers’ pockets. Amendment 1 would do the opposite. A constitutional mandate to raise
FLORIDA’S CURRENT RESERVES Budget Stabilization Fund...................................................$5.056 billion Emergency Response & Preparedness Fund.......................$250 million Unobligated General Revenue (cash reserves)................$11.045 billion Total GR Reserves............................................................... $16.351 billion Percentage of 2025’s General Revenue collections ..................... 31.5% Source: Florida TaxWatch
OBSERVER RECOMMENDS The following are the Observer’s candidate recommendations for the Nov. 3 election. Recommendations on all constitutional amendments and local referendum questions will appear in the Oct. 17 editions.
FEDERAL
U.S. Senate — Ashley Moody (i) U.S. Congress, District 16 — Sydney Gruters U.S. Congress, District 17 — Greg Steube (i)
STATE
Governor — Byron Donalds Attorney General — James Uthmeier (i) Chief Financial Officer — Blaise Ingoglia (i) Commissioner of Agriculture — Wilton Simpson (i)
FLORIDA JUDGES
Supreme Court — Carlos G. Muniz / Yes 2nd District Court of Appeal — Drew Atkinson, Morris Silberman, Daniel H. Sleet, Andrea Teves Smith / Yes
FLORIDA SENATE
District 20 — Jim Boyd (i) District 22 — James Buchanan
FLORIDA HOUSE
District 70 — Michael Owen (i) District 71 — Jordan Varnadore
the rainy-day fund to 25% of collected revenues is overkill. We don’t need that embedded in the state constitution. We recommend: Vote no on Amendment 1
AMENDMENT 2
Exemption of Tangible Personal Property on Agricultural Land from Taxation To exempt tangible personal property habitually located or typically present on land classified as agricultural, used in the production of agricultural products or for agritourism activities and owned by the landowner or leaseholder of the agricultural land from ad valorem taxation. If approved this amendment would first apply for tax years beginning Jan. 1, 2027.
Florida’s personal property tax and sales tax systems have a decidedly Swiss cheese character — full of holes, crafted with tasty exemptions and favors that relieve socalled aggrieved and favored people and industries from paying taxes. Actually, we all benefit from these tax schemes. You don’t pay sales tax on food or medicine, on school and hurricane supplies or on hunting equipment at certain times of the year. You don’t pay property tax on household goods. But the losers with Florida’s tangible personal property tax are businesses. They are required to pay the local and school millage rates on their machinery, furniture, computers, tools, supplies, leased and loaned equipment and an assortment of other tangible goods. And like federal income tax, Florida businesses are required to file tangible returns each year with county property appraisers. This tax raises about $3.2 billion a year for counties, municipalities and school districts, a 5% share of the $59 billion that those government jurisdictions collect each year. With Amendment 2, the Legislature wants to bestow more breaks on Florida’s agricultural industry, a sector that already avoids sales taxes on farm equipment, fertilizers, feed, fuel and myriad other ag products. Amendment 2 would eliminate the tangible tax on equipment used “in the production of agriculture products or for agritourism activities” and located on farmers’, ranchers’ and leaseholders’ land. During his term as Senate president, Ben Albritton, a fourthgeneration farmer and ag leader from Wauchula, lobbied hard for legislation to help Florida agriculture. Amendment 2 was one of the results. The House voted 110-1 and the Senate voted unanimously to put the measure on the ballot. When Rep. Danny Alvarez, R-Riverview,
District 72 — William “Bill” Conerly (i) District 73 — Fiona McFarland (i) District 74 — Nick Pachota
MANATEE COUNTY
COUNTY COMMISSION District 1 — Elizabeth “Liz” Arnold District 2 — Amanda Ballard (i) District 6 (At-large) — Tara Poulton SCHOOL BOARD District 2 — Cindy Spray (i) District 5 — Jonathan Mullis
SARASOTA COUNTY
COUNTY COMMISSION District 4 — Jim DeNiro SCHOOL BOARD District 1 — Heidi Brandt CHARTER REVIEW BOARD District 3 — Chip Adams District 4 — Taylor Collins District 5 — Erin Halstead
CITY OF SARASOTA
At-Large Commissioner (vote for 2) — John Harshman
filed the bill for this amendment, he made the pitch: “Farmers are the lifeblood of our state, and removing barriers to their survival and therefore our own is essential to making sure we have a safe and secure food supply. The tangible personal property tax literally handicaps a struggling sector of our society that we so desperately rely on. Getting rid of it allows farmers and ranchers the chance to reinvest their money in themselves in order to insure we all have a better tomorrow.” Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson described his support this way: “By eliminating the burdensome multiple taxation of agricultural production, we can pave the way for sustained growth and resilience within our agricultural sector, strengthen and secure our food supply chain, support our hardworking farmers, and safeguard our state and nation’s well-being.” To be sure, agriculture is vital to Florida’s economy. It’s the secondlargest industry. The governor’s office says there are 45,000 farms and ranches in the state “supporting 2.5 million jobs” and generating a $387 billion economic impact on Florida’s economy. Given all that, it’s difficult not to be sympathetic to the people who feed us. But for every tax break you give to one, you must take away from someone else. The local governments, especially those in rural counties, won’t like losing the $30 million this tax generates each year — especially with the losses expected if Amendment 3 passes. What’s more, whenever one exemption is granted, the tax burden simply shifts to another. Even so, look at the tangible property tax this way: Any tax imposed on business hurts everyone — for the simple reason that businesses don’t pay taxes. They pass on that cost to their customers. Taxes on businesses drive up the cost of everything. Eliminating the tangible tax altogether should be done for all businesses. The results would free up cash for businesses to invest and innovate more, create more jobs and generate more economic growth and wealth for residents statewide. Take away the tangible tax on agriculture, and voters will do what Commissioner Simpson said: strengthen our food supply. Selected tax exemptions for one group over another distorts fairness. But cutting any tax on business always produces positive benefits for the larger good. We recommend: Vote yes on Amendment 2 Next week: Constitutional Amendment 3
“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” Friedrich Hayek
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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026
JAY HEATER
Hydros robotics system easy to talk about cial. Boy, has that changed. I am not a prude, but please bring back some of those 1970s standards for commercials. Even though the 1970s were known for being the free love period, that must have been in someone else’s neighborhood. Interestingly, while we now can peruse any R- to X-rated image that we seek, or that we can stand, our conversations with our doctors haven’t progressed accordingly. Perhaps your doctors are great about having those conversations, but I have plenty of friends who say their doctors are happy to avoid any sensitive conversations. It is one of the difficulties that Dr. Green faces as he tries to promote Lakewood Ranch Medical Center’s more than $600,000 investment into an upgrade for urologists. In a community with more than its share of retirees, you would think the addition of Aquablation therapy would be on billboards as you drive Interstate 75. “This is a relatively new procedure,” said Green, who admits he had pondered cutting Lakewood Ranch Medical Center out of his professional life if Universal Health Services, the parent company of our local hospital, didn’t upgrade its surgical offerings. Last spring, he went to Lakewood Ranch Medical Center administrators and told them they needed to upgrade their urology department or they were going to lose surgeons, or fail to hire quality ones in the future. They listened. On June 30, the Hydros Robotic System was delivered. “That was a hell of an investment,” Green said. “It is incredibly important and it is essential if we want to deliver the highest level of care to our community. This hospital did everything I asked them to do.” It has been a common theme at
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. The hospital opened a $120 million patient tower in April. A $28.5 million expansion project was finished in 2019. In September, I wrote about the hospital spending more than $2 million for a da Vinci 5 Surgical System, its third entry into state of the art robotics. I don’t care if Universal Health Services is being preemptive in bracing for possible Orlando Health and Sarasota Memorial expansion into Lakewood Ranch. Lakewood Ranch Medical Center’s ability to serve this community has greatly increased no matter what your age. Green just has to figure out ways to tell people about it. Word of mouth is kind of hard when it comes to urine flow and sexual function. In just a brief meeting with him, I am sure he is up to the challenge. Effusive when it comes to his profession, Green knows how to tear down those uncomfortable walls. He talks about a man’s prostate as being like a hard-boiled egg. As the prostate grows as men age (and, yes, that means you, too), it presses against the urethra and blocks or slows the flow of urine from the bladder. “We need to get the yolk out,” he said. For almost 30 years, Green has done transurethral resection of the prostate surgeries to reduce the size of the prostate and “get the yoke out.” Now he most often does Aquablation therapy which uses a powerful stream of water to basically power wash the prostate. “It is like you would clean your deck,” he said. It cuts the time needed by 80%, getting patients out of surgery in 25 minutes or less. In many cases, they can go home the same day. He said the surgery has less complications than other methods and
Jay Heater
Dr. Joshua Green says the Hydros Robotic System was a critical purchase by Lakewood Ranch Medical Center in serving the community.
involves less blood loss. The Hydros Robotic System is the second evolution of Aquablation therapy. The system purchased by Lakewood Ranch Medical Center has been available to hospitals for fewer than two years. Lakewood Ranch CEO Jason Madsen said the purchase of the system just shows a commitment to the community. “The addition reflects our commitment to continually expanding access to innovative technologies that improve the lives of our patients,” Madsen said in a release. “As our robotic surgery program continues to grow, we remain focused on bringing advanced treatment options to our community. Aquablation offers men a proven, minimally invasive solution for (benign prostatic hyperplasia) that can provide lasting symptom relief while helping preserve quality of life.”
The release also stated that “Aquablation therapy is supported by long-term clinical data demonstrating significant and durable symptom improvement while preserving sexual function.” So if you are seeing a urologist, use these magic words. “Let’s talk.” For information about Aquablation therapy and urology services at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, go to LakewoodRanchMedicalCenter.com.
Jay Heater is the managing editor for the East County Observer. Contact him at JHeater@ YourObserver.com.
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r. Joshua Green, who met with me this week at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center for a story I was doing about a new robotics system, obviously saw something in me. My age. He paused for a moment from talking about the hospital’s new Hydros Robotic System to ask me, the 60-something guy standing in front of him, a question. “Do you want one of my cards?” Dr. Green is a board-certified, urological surgeon who only was half kidding about me being a future customer. I laughed a bit, and then answered him. “OK, sure.” As you age, your sensitivity to speaking openly about previously taboo subjects drops. Could you imagine in your 30s openly talking about your urine flow or sexual function? Those were topics you only discussed with the door closed in a doctor’s office, and perhaps not even there. It was much too embarrassing to have a conversation about your stream going left when you were aiming right. It is amazing in a world where every subject known to mankind is discussed on social media, that we are reluctant to talk about our own health matters with our doctors. When you think about it, it isn’t just the patients who aren’t willing to discuss touchy subjects. Many family doctors aren’t willing to open a conversation about how you were doing ... down there. Times have changed in terms of information we can gather. We know that to be true if we watch television or listen to the radio and see and hear an endless stream of commercials that cover everything from leakage to sexual disfunction. In the 1970s, you seldom saw anyone — man or woman — showing off their underwear in a commer-
YourObserver.com
EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026
Getting clients fit is a family affair Doug Hange decided to leave the corporate world behind to bring personal training directly to clients in the Lakewood Ranch area.
STAFF WRITER
W
Doug and Michelle Hange welcomed their quadruplets eight years ago. Michelle had a healthy pregnancy and delivery. The babies were born at 29 weeks and were just under three pounds apiece. They had to be in the NICU for 78 days. Doug hopes to eventually pass on Gymguyz Suncoast to his children.
GYMGUYZ SUNCOAST
MADISON BIERL
hen Doug Hange considered opening a gym, he thought about the cost of buying or renting a building and the challenge of getting people through the door. Instead, he and his wife, Michelle, chose a business — Gymguyz Suncoast — that brings personal training directly into clients’ homes and gives Doug Hange more flexibility to spend time with his family. His family includes 8-year-old quadruplets — Jackson, Oliver, Kate and Elle — and 1-year-old Sadie. After 19 years working for a major auto manufacturer, he was being forced to move to a new location.
SERVICES General training services, cardio fitness, stretching, virtual personal training, group training, nutritional counseling, senior fitness training, sports conditioning, strength training, homeschool physical education and more For more information, visit GymGuyz.com/Suncoast-FL or contact Doug Hange at Doug.Hange@gymguyz.com or 299-7514.
That would have made it difficult to be near his extended family who had provided important support in raising the couple’s children. “I chose my family over my career, which is rare in this day and age, because I want to keep my family local,” Doug said. Michelle Hange said her initial reaction was to worry about her husband giving up a longtime job with good pay and benefits.
Courtesy image
Running Gymguyz Suncoast is a family affair for Doug, Jackson, Oliver, Kate, Elle, Michelle and Sadie Hange.
FOUR TIMES THE FUN
Madison Bierl
Gymguyz Suncoast Owner Doug Hange and his wife, Michelle Hange, live their lives prioritizing three things: faith, family and fitness.
“Overall, though, I trusted Doug,” Michelle Hange said. “I knew it was his dream to own his own business, and I knew that he wouldn’t get himself into something that was too risky.” Doug Hange said he built his business on three factors: faith, family and fitness. He said the company’s values are captured by the acronym DRIVE, which stands for determination, respect, integrity, versatility and excellence. While Doug Hange handles the ownership duties, Michelle Hange assists with the hiring process and marketing while also being a stayat-home mom. “When you have your own business, you’re in charge of your destiny more so than working for a corporation,” Michelle Hange said. “The work you put in leads to the result.” Doug said the “secret sauce” for clients to see results is working out at least twice a week. Gymguyz does not use a “cookie cutter program” because it serves a variety of clients, including homeschooled children, prior athletes, retirees, military veterans and more. Before training begins, the team
conducts a 60-minute assessment based on age. There is one for kids, one for adults and one for seniors over 65. Trainers ask about a client’s medical and orthopedic history, goals, exercise habits, diet and sleep habits. They also take measurements and assess factors such as flexibility, balance and range of motion. A certified trainer uses that information to develop an individualized plan. “For a lot of our seniors, it’s about balance and mobility,” Doug said. “It’s getting off the floor when playing with their grandkids.” Doug Hange said muscle memory often comes into play when assessing the abilities of clients. He can usually tell if a client has played sports or has some sort of related experience, such as serving in the military. He said those clients were trained well and it is still in their mind and their body subconsciously. “They can do it on demand,” he said. When trainers go to a client’s home for a 60-minute session, out of respect they wear shoe covers to avoid bringing in dirt.
Courtesy image
Michelle Hange gave birth to quadruplets Jackson, Oliver, Kate and Elle eight years ago.
“I’ll tell you, nine out of 10 times, people are like, ‘Oh, you don’t have to do that. It’s OK,’” Doug Hange said. “The answer is always the same — ‘It’s the Gymguyz way.’” In the Gymguyz van are over 300 pieces of equipment the trainers use to design customized workouts. They mix up the equipment every two or three weeks to provide variety. Doug Hange’s goal is to run the business for 15-20 years, and hopefully pass it down to his kids if they show an interest. “We only have a limited amount of time on this Earth,” Doug said. “God only gives us so many days and you’ve got to make the most of every day. You can’t get back time with your wife, your daughter, your best friend or your family. That’s what I think is important in life.”
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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026
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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026
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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026
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Life Comes Together Here At Wild Blue at Waterside, life revolves around exceptional waterfront living, thoughtfully designed homes, and an unmatched collection of resort-inspired amenities. The spectacular 30,000-square-foot waterfront clubhouse, opening soon, serves as the heart of the community, featuring indoor and
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huge,” Correa said. “We all help each other professionally — give referrals, opportunities — but we also get together to do amazing and greater things for our community like this.” Aaron Walters, a volunteer supervisor at All Faiths Food Bank, said his nonprofit would not be successful without volunteers. “They volunteer their time, so they’re aware that we have this need in the community,” Walters said. “It’s awareness of the food insecurity that we have and even though we live in pretty affluent areas, folks everywhere need the assistance.” Donita Pace, the office manager at the Neuro Challenge Foundation, said there are only six full-time staff members, so they rely heavily on volunteers. “We are super appreciative of the alliance for organizing it, but also for those people’s employers who are letting them be out for the day,” Pace said. “They’re giving them their time for service, not only for us, but for all the nonprofits. It’s great.”
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SPORTS
“My strengths are in my short game. My weaknesses, sometimes, are my woods.” — Lakewood Ranch High’s Liana Odendal SEE PAGE 17A
Paradise catch fire
FAST
BREAK
The Lakewood Ranch-based soccer club had a seven-game unbeaten streak that put it back in the playoff hunt. JACK NELSON SPORTS REPORTER
M
ika Elovaara knows about unbeaten streaks.
Jack Nelson
Defenseman Jackson Ellis (left) and his Lakewood Ranch teammates have an opportunity to go back-to-back this season in the Lightning High School Hockey League.
During his time in soc-
cer, the Sarasota Paradise coach has overseen many of them. Images courtesy of Max Konovalov/Sarasota Paradise
In 2022, he was on the sideline as lead assistant for the Richmond Kickers of USL League One when the team won its final nine matches of the regular season. Two years later, he was with the Kickers, who won five straight matches from late September to early October, securing the last spot in that year’s playoffs. Elovaara learned a thing or two about what goes behind such streaks. “Sometimes, it gets overlooked that the challenges you experience together with that group are an important part of the foundation, as long as the culture is set up right,” he said. The Paradise have had challenges of their own. Up until recently, their first professional season was defined by more tribulations than triumphs. By mid-August, the Lakewood Ranch-based club stood at 5-12-3, and well below the eighth and final playoff spot in USL League One. Not anymore. Sarasota went unbeaten over seven matches from Aug. 19 to Sept. 26. Its record improved to 9-12-6, and now it’s among the league’s hottest teams. The streak snapped Oct. 3 with a 3-2 loss to Charlotte Independence. “We have (seen) this coming for a long time,” said defender Anderson Rosa. “A lot of the games that we’ve played, we (conceded) a goal at the end or just couldn’t find the back of the net … Now, the details are actually (coming together) and we’re getting good results.” Finding the back of the net was a struggle for the Paradise across their first 20 league matches. They averaged 0.9 goals per match without scoring more than two in a single match. There’s been no struggle of late. The team outscored opponents by a
Anderson Rosa, a 24-year-old defender, leads the Sarasota Paradise this season with seven goals and seven assists.
During the Sarasota Paradise’s recent streak, Anderson Rosa scored three goals, trailing only Sander Roed’s teamhigh four in that time.
Image courtesy of Hunter Butler/Sarasota Paradise
Sander Roed, a 25-year-old midfielder for the Sarasota Paradise, has scored seven goals on 14 shots on goal in USL League One this season.
REMAINING MATCHES FOR SARASOTA PARADISE
■ Oct. 10 vs. Richmond Kickers, 7:30 p.m. at Premier Sports Campus ■ Oct. 17 at Fort Wayne FC, 7:30 p.m. at Ruoff Mortgage Stadium ■ Oct. 21 vs. FC Naples, 6:30 p.m. at Premier Sports Campus ■ Oct. 24 vs. Westchester SC, 7:30 p.m. at Premier Sports Campus
combined 18-7 during its streak, and averaged 2.5 goals per match. On Sept. 26, the Paradise stormed past Portland Hearts of Pine 4-1 after an offensive outburst Sept. 19 against Greenville Triumph SC in a 6-0 win. At the beginning of the streak Aug. 19, Sarasota scored three goals in the first half alone against Chattanooga Red Wolves SC. “The culture has been the same. We always believed that we could do it,” said midfielder Sander Roed. “Now, finally, it’s actually showing that we can outplay teams, we can score goals. (We’re) just (having) more fun together on the pitch.” Elovaara and his staff didn’t revamp how the team practices, he said, to inspire the turnaround. The coaches didn’t change the team’s style of play, either. The roster changed with two lateseason additions. On Aug. 24, the Paradise acquired defender Kisa Kiingi on loan from Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC of USL Championship. They signed midfielder Romain Gall on Aug. 30. Those players were brought on to create more scoring chances. “We’re very difficult to defend against now,” he said. “We’re able to attack right, left (and) center.
So we’ve become a more versatile team and also a deeper team, because we’ve added two very good players.” Gall has accounted for two goals and an assist since joining the team, while Kiingi has scored once. They’re under contract until the end of this season. To complement them, Roed scored a team-high four goals during the streak. Rosa tallied three, midfielder Brendan Krueger had three and forward Jonathan Bolanos had two. Nine different players scored in all. Sarasota tightened up defensively, too, by conceding no more than one goal to six straight opponents from Aug. 22 to Sept. 26 — its best such stretch of 2026. During that time, it held Union Omaha and Forward Madison FC to one goal each, and tied with both of them. Those are the league’s firstand third-place teams, respectively. The Paradise are 12th. “This is going to be our standard for the rest (of the season),” Roed said. “Then, we’ve got to make that final push to get to that playoff spot.” The team has 33 points in the USL League One standings. That’s six shy of the final playoff spot. The Paradise will have to jump four teams — Westchester SC (33 points), FC Naples (34), Corpus Christi FC (36) and Fort Wayne FC (39). They have four matches remaining to do so. Other teams are right on their tail. AV Alta FC and Portland Hearts of Pine have 32 and 31 points, respectively, as of Oct. 3. Two months ago, the postseason outlook was dim. Sarasota was more accustomed to losses than wins. Challenges are just part of what Elovaara sees as this club’s foundation. They’re something to build on, and something to learn from. It made the streak all the sweeter. “It is rewarding,” Elovaara said, “to see how much the players are enjoying their soccer right now.”
L
akewood Ranch boys hockey, which competes in the Lightning High School Hockey League, has embarked on a quest to defend its championship. The team went 20-1-0 last season and defeated Newsome 6-1 in the title game Feb. 6 at Benchmark International Arena. This season, Lakewood Ranch got off to a 4-1-0 start, with its only loss at the hands of Steinbrenner, 8-0, on Sept. 19. Victories have come against George Jenkins, Cypress Creek, East Lake and Parrish Community by a combined 32-7 score. Senior forward Chase Koski has a team-high 14 points, as of Oct. 1, with five goals and nine assists. Senior defenseman Jackson Ellis owns five goals and four assists. For their next game, the Mustangs will take on the Sarasota Ice Rays, scheduled for 9:45 p.m. Oct. 16 at Ellenton Ice Arena. ... A new NHL season represents a new beginning for Sasha Pastujov. The 23-year-old forward and Lakewood Ranch native is in his first year with the Montreal Canadiens organization after playing in the Anaheim Ducks organization from 2021-26. He collected 21 goals and 36 assists last season for the San Diego Gulls — AHL affiliate of the Ducks — but was traded July 27. Pastujov had two points in three preseason games for the Canadiens, but is still looking to make his NHL debut and did not make the team’s season-opening roster. ... The Out-of-Door Academy girls volleyball team finished with a 5-0 record in FHSAA Class 2A-District 9 play and clinched the No. 1 seed for the district tournament, which will run from Oct. 12-16. The Thunder are 15-8 overall, as of Oct. 5. Sophomore Alex Beasley leads the way with 168 kills, 145 digs and 41 aces. Junior Gabi Schauenberg’s hitting percentage of .331 and 23 blocks are also team-best marks. ODA will play its regular-season finale at 7 p.m. Oct. 8 at Sarasota.
OLYMPIC DREAM PAGE 16A
16A
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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026
NELSON’S NOGGIN
JACK NELSON
Local lacrosse star chases Olympic dreams T
he highest honor in athletics is competing in the Olympics. It’s the one stage on which the greatest athletes from all corners of the world come together. The athletes bleed the colors of their home country and vie for the holiest of hardware. Athletes chase any opportunity to get there. Some who seek it eventually earn it. Most do not. Lakewood Ranch’s Sean Laureano, a talented lacrosse athlete, is trying to qualify for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Lacrosse has been added to the Olympic Games lineup for the first time as a medal event since 1908. The competition will be held in lacrosse sixes, which features six players per team competing on a smaller field in four eight-minute quarters. Laureano is attempting to earn a roster spot on the Puerto Rico men’s national team. “It’s going to be a fight,” Laureano said. The 21-year-old did take a considerable step toward earning a spot on the team last week. He competed for Puerto Rico at the Pan-Ameri-
can Sixes Lacrosse Championships in Oshawa, Canada, from Sept. 29 to Oct. 4. Puerto Rico went 2-2 and placed fourth, advancing to the 2027 World Lacrosse Sixes Championships. That tournament will be held Oct. 4-10, 2027, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and will qualify five of 16 participating men’s teams for the Olympics. Only six teams each on the men’s and women’s sides can make the Olympics. The sixth and final men’s spot will be determined by another tournament in March or April of 2028, though dates for it are not yet finalized. A major moment for lacrosse will arrive in 2028. Laureano said it would be awesome to say he was a part of the first Puerto Rican lacrosse team to earn an Olympic berth and the first Puerto Rican lacrosse team to earn an Olympic win. “We already can imagine ourselves there, but we’ve got to put in the work now to get there,” Laureano said. Puerto Rico defeated Jamaica Sean Laureano, pictured here in 2025, helped Puerto Rico qualify for next year’s World Lacrosse Sixes Championships in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
20-12, and Chile 21-16, but fell to the United States 25-10, and the Haudenosaunee — a confederacy of Indigenous peoples — 15-13. In the tournament, Laureano contributed five goals and two assists, playing in all four games. He was one of 13 players on the roster and would’ve played alongside his older brother, Christian Laureano, who was absent because he couldn’t get time off from work. The younger Laureano graduated from Cardinal Mooney in 2023 and plays for Rollins College at the NCAA Division II level. He now is in his senior year as a business management major. He’s not training around the clock like some prospective Olympians do. Being a full-time student doesn’t allow him such freedom. His Olympic pursuit is more humble than others. He works on his skills when he can — trusting he will improve without separating from his studies entirely. It’s a good sign Laureano has made it this far, but there’s no guarantee this road will end in Los Angeles. If Puerto Rico fails to qualify, he will have to do all of this again to have a shot at qualifying for 2032 in Brisbane, Australia. What he can, and should do, is relish the journey. “I’ve been lucky to be on a lot of great teams that have motivated me to love the sport and keep up with it,” Laureano said. “When you’re playing with about 20 other guys or more that you can share a laugh with, be serious with, and all of the above, it makes it easy to fall in love with the sport.” Thanks to their father, Jason Laureano, who was born in Puerto Rico, both Christian and Sean have the heritage necessary to compete for the nation. It was 2022 when Sean Laureano first traveled internationally to compete for the U21 men’s field
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national team at the World Lacrosse Men’s U21 Championship in Limerick, Ireland. He also played on Jeju Island, South Korea, in the 2025 World Lacrosse Men’s U20 Championship. Puerto Rico has been on Sean Laureano’s radar since 2019, when a tryout for the U21 men’s field national team was held at Premier Sports Campus. He’s stuck with the organization ever since. “I knew I wanted to continue competing as long as I could,” Laureano said. “When I saw that lacrosse was on the docket to be voted on to see if it’s going to be in the Olympics or not, it really just added the fuel to my fire to keep me motivated and keep me working.” This past spring, he had his best season yet with Rollins College, recording three goals on eight shots across 10 games played as an attacker. He played in four games across his freshman and sophomore seasons. Men’s college lacrosse uses the traditional “field” format, where games are 10-on-10 and played on a 110-by-60-yard field with four
15-minute quarters. At the Pan-American Sixes Lacrosse Championships, Laureano took on the “sixes” format, which will be used at the Olympics. Games are six-on-six and played on a 76.5-by-39.3-yard field. From what he knows about this style of play, and what he knows about the international lacrosse scene, he expects the road to 2028 will only get tougher from here onward, including the Colorado Springs qualifier. He will keep refining his own game in the meantime, when he can. Meanwhile, he should enjoy this pursuit as long as it lasts.
Jack Nelson is the sports reporter for the East County and Sarasota/Siesta Key Observers. Contact him at JNelson@ YourObserver.com.
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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026
friends play golf, so we do it to hang out and just have fun. What’s your favorite golf memory? Just playing with my friends. When we play together, it’s just so fun. We make jokes the whole course. Which quote or piece of advice inspires you? “It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be.” Albus Dumbledore said it. It’s on my wall (at home).
What have you enjoyed about the season so far? I have a lot of friends on the team, so that’s been nice. It’s nice to have friends on the team just so you can feel comfortable on the team.
Who’s your favorite professional athlete and why? Nelly Korda for golf and then Serena Williams for tennis. They’re just good, and they stick with it all the time.
How did the team welcome you as a newcomer? They were welcoming. All the freshmen on the team — we’ve known each other for a long time, so that’s been fun.
If you could go anywhere for a dream vacation, where would you go and why? The Maldives or Australia. I love the beach, and I’d want to swim and snorkel.
What are your goals for this season? One of my goals is probably to shoot even or under (par). I’m not quite there, but I’m almost there.
Finish this sentence. Liana Odendal is ... Hard-working.
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The game of golf is nothing new to Liana Odendal. Lakewood Ranch High is, but in Odendal’s first season with the team, she continues to score well for the Mustangs. The freshman shot a 4-over-par 40 on Sept. 30 at Lakewood National Golf Club in a match against The Out-ofDoor Academy and Manatee. The Mustangs carded 166 as a team compared to the Thunder’s 157 and the Hurricanes’ 200. On Sept. 24, Odendal finished with a 5-over-par 41 at River Strand Golf and Country Club in a match between Parrish Community (140), Lakewood Ranch (158) and Cardinal Mooney (181). Odendal is the East County Athlete of the Week.
If you would like to make a recommendation for the East County Observer’s Athlete of the Week feature, send it to JNelson@YourObserver.com.
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YOUR NEIGHBORS Filip Spilka, Patrick Brady and Bruce Becker take school spirit to another level by spelling ODA on their chests for homecoming Oct. 2.
Hannah Bowers Parker, who graduated from ODA in 2006, is happy to relive memories and make new ones with her sons, 3-year-old Joshua, and third grader Jack.
GENERATIONAL HOMECOMING H
omecoming at The Outof-Door Academy in Lakewood Ranch isn’t just for the students. It is celebrated by generations or by future students on the way. Hannah Bowers Parker, who graduated from ODA in 2006, attended the homecoming game with her two sons, Jack and Joshua. Jack is a third grader at ODA. “When I graduated, there wasn’t a football team, so homecoming was with the basketball team,” Parker said. “It’s amazing to come back and see how the campus has grown and feel the spirit. It’s like coming home.” Some ODA middle school students were given a taste of high school. For seventh grader Jax Bergerom, music has been a lifelong passion, especially when it comes to the drums. When he and eighth grader Ethan Gabrici were called up to the “big leagues,” which meant joining the high school drumline for the Out-of-Door Academy homecoming Oct. 2, they were excited. “I would always practice the techniques, but I never actually had a real drum,” Bergerom said. “This year was my first time ever playing on an actual drum, and I felt the groove; I felt the balance. I started remembering all the things I practiced.” Chelsea Santucci, the middle and upper school band director,
said the band performed “a world tour” at all of the campuses on homecoming day. “I know how exciting it can be and what a big community boost it can be,” Santucci said. “They hadn’t had that taste of the excitement just yet, and after this first game, they’ll get that bite of the bug and get excited to do more.” Head of School Deb Otey said she loves cheering on her students and providing an amazing place for families to get together and celebrate the school. “It’s amazing to see generations of alumni celebrating together,” Otey said. — MADISON BIERL Sophomore Dawson Erdei plays saxophone in the 60-member pep band during the ODA homecoming game Oct. 2.
Julia Dillingham and Cash Murphy are awarded as Senior Queen and Senior King at ODA homecoming Oct. 2.
Junior Sadie Sherman and senior Jennifer White are excited to perform as part of the cheerleading squad at the ODA homecoming game. The Out-of-Door Academy football team plays against the Southwest Florida Christian Academy in the homecoming game Oct. 2.
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akewood Ranch 8-year-old Xander Portaleos has been fishing since he learned to walk. He had already caught three other fish on Oct. 3 when he felt a 10-inch bluegill on his line. “I was like, ‘This is a really big fish!’” Portaleos said. “It’s just so much fun, and it’s a challenge.” Portaleos was one of 115 participants to fish in the Youth and Teen Fishing Tournament Oct. 3 at Lake Uihlein. The event was hosted by the Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club and Lakewood Ranch Community Activities. In the 5-9 age group, Zachary Vongsyprasom came in first, Xander Portaleos in second and Timothy Oberly and Sophia Portaleos tied for third. In the 10-14 age group, Tyler Felicello placed first, Santi Leguizamon placed second and Zachary Bennett placed third. In the 15-19 age group, David Littleton placed first and Maurizio Fornieri placed second. The event was also supported by Pre-
Photos by Madison Bierl
Lakewood Ranch 8-year-old Xander Portaleos caught four fish at Lake Uihlein during the Youth and Teen Fishing Tournament sponsored by the Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club and Lakewood Ranch Community Activities on Oct. 3.
SEE FISHING, PAGE 4B
Trusted by Sarasota and Manatee Families for over 15 years
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Benjamin Brault, Cruz Blaney, Santi Leguizamon, Bryce Yeater and Luka Poposki compete in the 10-14 age group at the Youth and Teen Fishing Tournament on Oct. 3.
941-484-3700
Compassionate & Skilled Care
Kessler was taken to the emergency department at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center and shares that the staff provided prompt treatment. He was also treated as an inpatient for a wound infection and had surgery on his right lower leg. “From the time of admission to the time of discharge, the excellence in care from the physicians to the nurses and techs prevailed,” says Kessler. “Dr. Sergio Hernandez, general surgeon, performed surgery to ensure I would not lose part of my leg. Although I am still healing and will have a significant scar, it was the skill of the staff at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center that literally saved me, life and limb,” says Kessler.
After I was attacked by an alligator, the staff at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center literally saved me, life and limb.”
Kessler was also very happy with the care he received at the hospital’s wound center, joking that “gators are not known for their oral hygiene” when he required antibiotics and a skin graft.
Earl Kessler Patient
Skilled Care Saves Patient Attacked by an Alligator For six years, bass fishing during evening hours in the large pond behind his home was a relaxing activity for Earl Kessler of Sarasota, until one night in May when fishing became a nightmare he would never forget.
“On this particular evening, the fish weren’t biting and it was getting dark,” says Kessler. “I collected my gear; and as I turned to walk back to the house, I fell to the ground. When I looked behind me to see what caused my fall, I found myself staring straight at an alligator.
My calf and foot were in its mouth. As it began to tug me toward the water, the alligator caught its teeth on the heel of my shoe. It was only because it opened its mouth to accommodate the shoe that I was able to pull my leg free and scramble into the house.”
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center is recognized for patient safety and award-winning clinical care. See our services and find a doctor at lakewoodranchmedicalcenter.com
Kessler just got the okay to start golfing again. He even plans to keep fishing in the pond behind his house; but now he’ll have just a bit more diligence toward his surroundings.
8330 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
Physicians are on the medical staff of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice visit ourr website. 264390699-4900297 9/26
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502717-1
In Home Senior Care | Private Duty Personal Care | Skilled Nursing
YourObserver.com
EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026
3B
It’s Time to Give Your
MEDICARE COVERAGE A CHECKUP To help people with Medicare make informed decisions for the coming year, Sarasota Memorial offers this information about Medicare Open Enrollment, now taking place through December 7. This year, Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7. During this time, Medicare recipients can make changes to their health and prescription drug coverage, including:
returning to Original Medicare (also known as Traditional Medicare) joining a Medicare Advantage Plan or switching from one plan to another joining or changing prescription drug plans Health and prescription drug plans can change from year to year, so it’s important to review your coverage during Open Enrollment to ensure it meets your needs. Any changes made during Open Enrollment will go into effect on January 1, 2027.
ORIGINAL MEDICARE (“Traditional”) Sarasota Memorial and First Physicians Group (FPG) always accept all Original Medicare and Medicare/Medigap Traditional supplemental plans.
Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C Plans) IN-NETWORK with Sarasota Memorial and FPG as of January 1, 2027.
Aetna Florida Blue* Florida Blue HMO*
Florida Complete Care Freedom Health* Optimum Healthcare*
Simply Wellcare
*Note: These plans are in-network with SMH and FPG Specialists only
Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C Plans) OUT-OF-NETWORK with Sarasota Memorial and FPG as of January 1, 2027. American Health Advantage Healthspring Ultimate Health Devoted Health Humana UnitedHealthcare Gold Kidney Health Longevity Health Plan If you have already made your Medicare selections for the coming year, you can make additional changes through December 7, 2026.
For assistance with health insurance issues, contact SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders), a free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the local Area Agency on Aging. Specially trained volunteers can provide one-on-one counseling and information. Call 1-800-963-5337 or visit www.floridashine.org. This information is not a solicitation and is not intended to persuade you to make any changes to your relationship with any health insurer. For more information about insurance plans accepted by Sarasota Memorial, go to www.smh.com.
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For more information about insurance plans accepted by First Physicians Group, go to www.smhfpg.com.
4B
YourObserver.com
EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026
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*Restrictions apply. See server
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FISHING, FROM PAGE 2B
mier Tackle, which donated over $4,000 of fishing supplies and gift cards that were awarded to the nine winners and those who were drawn for the raffle. Jordan Grabski, the manager at Premier Tackle, said he and the rest of Premier Tackle wanted to do as much as they could to support the community. “One of my favorite things is teaching the kids to get outdoors and put the iPad down,” Grabski said. “We would love to see more families support local and come get their fishing needs from us, a smaller but more professional tackle shop.” Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club President Ed Van Stedum said his goal is always the same — to provide smiles and memories for the children. “I’ve been fishing since I was 5 years old, so it’s fun to pass that on to these children,” Van Stedum said. “I’ve fished everywhere from Alaska to Florida to Canada.” — MADISON BIERL
Lakewood Ranch 8-year-old Mason Lis fishes with Premier Tackle Manager Jordan Grabski at the Youth and Teen Fishing Tournament.
MANATEE
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Come out and meet the area’s Top Home Improvement Experts!
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Special Gift to First 200 Attendees Each Day Presented by
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Photos by Madison Bierl
Sarasota 11-year-old Gunner Knouse has fished his whole life, but this is his first time participating in the Youth and Teen Fishing Tournament.
YourObserver.com
EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026
5B
More of the care you need without all the running around.
BayCare HealthHub Now Open in Palmetto ®
BayCare HealthHub gives you lots of ways to access your health care, including adult primary care for checkups and ongoing care, adult specialty care, lab services and advanced imaging, with X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds and mammograms. And even better – It’s all in one convenient location.
Located north of the Manatee River, right off I-75.
To learn more: BayCare.org/ManateeHH
464156-1
26-16772-0926
YourObserver.com
EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026
Families run to fitness through new club The Lakewood Ranch-area club meets at Nathan Benderson Park and is designed with families in mind. MADISON BIERL STAFF WRITER
W
hen Lakewood Ranch’s Jessica DuBose was postpartum for five months after having her second child, she began searching for a running club. However, she couldn’t find a family or stroller-friendly running club in the area. So she took action and created her own. “Running clubs serve a different audience,” DuBose said. “Mine is very niche, so I’m never going to reach hundreds of members, and that’s not the goal. The goal is to have our families come together and move our bodies in a safe place, and to be active.”
Keith and Jessica DuBose, along with their son, Ezra, and daughter, Naomi (not shown), love staying active as a family and with others.
DuBose said creating the club, which welcomes all members of the family, is important to her and has become part of her identity. She runs with her husband, Keith, her 2-year-old son, Ezra, and 10-month-old daughter, Naomi. It is a big deal to her to have that desire to be healthy and she hopes running eventually becomes part of her children’s lives. “I want moms to feel empowered, DuBose said. She hopes club members will have their children with them on that journey. “One day, they’re going to look back, like, ‘Oh my God, I did those 5Ks pushing a stroller,’” DuBose said. Before Keith DuBose met Jessica, he hated running. Now he has been bitten by the “run bug.” “Running gives me a sense of peace and mental relaxation,” Keith DuBose said. “It’s weird that running is physically demanding, but at the same time my body feels refreshed after a run.” Keith DuBose said his wife has taken on the role of making sure their family is committed to a healthy lifestyle. “The Fam Run Club is her way of spreading that commitment to physical health to other families,” Keith DuBose said. “I am proud that she has been able to combine her passion for family with her passion for running.” Sarasota’s Lindsey and Mike Tumbush attend the club with their children — 3-year-old son, George, and 3-month-old daughter, Crosby. Lindsey Tumbush began running after college and enjoys it both as a solo activity and a family activity. “Whether it’s the endorphins or
Photos by Madison Bierl
The Fam Run Club meets at Nathan Benderson Park to provide an opportunity for family, accountability and movement with other members of the community.
having the time to yourself, it clears your mind,” Lindsey Tumbush said. “I feel so good with music going (when she runs), and sometimes I listen to a book. I am calm, while also simultaneously being pumped up, it’s like, ‘Wow, I’m so strong, and I’m so amazing.’” Lindsey Tumbush said the run club keeps her motivated. “There is a group waiting for me and other families to show up,” Lindsey Tumbush said. Sarasota’s Tia Calvin, a selfdescribed casual runner, said she loves running in the sun, soaking up vitamin D. She met Jessica prior to the founding of the running club and was one of the inspirations behind it. She initially saw running is a way to be more involved in the community. She attends with her husband, Ryan, and their 10-month-old son, Wes. Ryan Calvin grew up doing crosscountry and track and is glad to get out and run with his family. “It feels good, even if it’s something you’re not super jazzed about,” Ryan Calvin said. “It’s good for you and you’re putting yourself out there. Eventually, you get that little runner’s high. Once you
catch your breath, you feel accomplished.” Bradenton’s Katelyn Harper hates running. She’s had bad knees since high school and would avoid it as much as possible. But she attends the club with her son, 9-month-old Beckham, while her husband, Lee, works full time to support them. “It’s nice to see so many kids around his age because a lot of the other mom groups have a little bit older kids,” Harper said. “We’re trying to get out and socialize, but it’s hard when they’re not mobile. Harper’s goal is to run a full mile without stopping and then complete a 5K. Tia Calvin said athletic ability doesn’t matter. “We’ve got runners, we’ve got walkers,” Calvin said. “It’s just a fun time to get out of the house and be outside in nature with the kids and do an activity as a family together.” “I’ve run while grieving, and after adjusting to my new body after two babies,” Jessica DuBose said. “I’m reminded of what I’m capable of doing when I run.”
FAM RUN CLUB The Fam Run Club is free to join. The club typically meets twice a month, once on a weekday and once on a Saturday, based on what running activity is planned. Club members also participate in community events.
Upcoming events: Wednesday Morning Run: Oct. 21, 8:30 a.m. at the Nathan Benderson Park playground Boo Run 5K: Oct. 31, 7:30 a.m. at FCCI Insurance Group Building Saturday Morning Run: Nov. 7, 8:30 a.m. at the Nathan Benderson Park playground Turkey Trot: Nov. 25, 9 a.m. at Bayfront Community Center For more information, visit TheFamRunClub. com or contact TheFamRunClub@gmail. com.
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6B
YourObserver.com
EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026
Emerson Lakes
Is Opening S O O N !
Conceptual rendering
Resort-style Living in Lakewood Ranch Is Almost Here Emerson Lakes,℠ the new retirement community by Erickson Senior Living,® is coming to Lakewood Ranch! The first phase of construction is almost done, with the beautiful Coral Ridge Clubhouse set to open in December 2026. Afterward, three residential buildings will open throughout 2027.
YO U R E V E R Y D AY G E TAWAY
Conceptual rendering
Enjoy a variety of resort-style amenities: • Multiple dining venues • Outdoor pool with a walk-up bar • State-of-the-art fitness center • Pickleball and bocce courts • And more!
P R E D I C T A B L E C O S T S, E XC E P T I O N A L VA L U E Our Monthly Service Package streamlines many everyday expenses into one convenient monthly payment, including: • Utilities, maintenance, and property taxes • Cable TV, internet, and landline phone • Use of fitness center, pool, and dozens of other amenities
Conceptual rendering
Take the first step and call 1-888-515-6435 to learn more about this exciting new community!
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6045 White Eagle Boulevard Lakewood Ranch, Florida 34202 EmersonLakesCommunity.com
7B
YourObserver.com
EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026
YOUR CALENDAR
WagnerRealty.com
8141 Lakewood Main St., Your More Than Eight Decades! Suite Hometown N106 LakewoodFavorite Ranch, FL For 34202
LOCAL, VETERAN OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1939 941-756-7800 HELLO OCTOBER!
redu Longboat Key Longboat Key ed! filled Wagner Realty is welcoming a new cmonth with cooler mornings, fall festivities,
community events, like Boo-Fest, and exciting real estate opportunities along Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast. Whether you’re buying, selling, renting, or simply enjoying the season, out local team is here to help you feel right at home this fall.
826 Bayport Way | Bayport Beach & Tennis Club MLS#A4554124 | 2/2 - 1,676sf | Bay View | NOW $949,000 Matt Faul (941) 345-3255
5393 Gulf of Mexico Dr. #207| Longboat Ter MLS#A4553218 2/2 - 1,300sf | Gulf View | $989,900 Trish Carruth (601) 212-7476 Jonna Humphries (941) 465-2357
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Harbor House West | 226 Golden Gate Point, Sarasota
4BR/3BA/$875,000/A4692945 Maryann Lawler Garcia (941)587-4623
2BR/2BA/$859,000/A4705271 Alba Lange (941)704-3026
COMMUNITY
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FRIDAY, OCT. 9
MOVIE IN THE PARK Begins at 6 p.m. at Waterside Park, 7301 Island Cove Terrace. Movie in the Park returns with an outdoor showing of “Wicked.” The movie starts at sunset, while inflatables for the kids are available beginning at 6 p.m. The event is sponsored by Grace Community Church, which will provide one free burger with chips from Two Guys to the first 130 attendees and one free popsicle from Florida Pops to the first 260 attendees. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis so bring a blanket and chairs. For more information, go to MyLWR.com. SIGHTS AND SOUNDS Begins at 6 p.m. at Waterside Place, 1560 Lakefront Drive. The monthly, free arts series, Sights and Sounds, returns to Waterside Place with a performance by Asolo Rep on Tour performing Shakespeare 45. The show has been adapted from William Shakespeare and created by Asolo Rep’s Director of Education and Engagement Terrance Jackson. The revue will showcase a selection of scenes, sonnets and soliloquies. For more information, go to MyLWR. com.
SATURDAY, OCT. 10 4310 Falmouth Dr. #202 | Longboat Harbour MLS#A4554378 | 2/2 - 1,071sf | Bay View | $749,900 Jon Patella (941) 228-1613
612 Marbury Ln. | Sleepy Lagoon | MLS#A4552342 2/2 - 1,128sf | Canal Front | $1,375,000 Rebecca Samler (941) 737-7955
Del Tierra | 126 Tierra Verde Way, Bradenton bradenton
Veranda IV | 6715 Grand Estuary Trail, Bradenton Cortez 2BR/2BA/$305,000/A4707474 Donna Channey (941)527-6909
383 Aruba Cir. #301 | Marina Walk/One Particular Har. MLS#A4552479 | 2/2 - 1,456sf | $975,000 Becky Smith (941) 773-1954 Elvira Starrett Vivienda | 3308 60th Ave. W, Bradenton (941) 720-3528
FRIDAY, OCT. 9 THROUGH SUNDAY, OCT. 11
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 includes Doug Deming (Friday), Billy C and Marvin (Saturday) and Matt Federic (Sunday). The Friday and Saturday shows have a $5 cover. For more information, go to JiggsLanding.com.
4510 125th St. W. | MLS#A4556067 | 6/5+ - 5,107sf Bay View | $5,500,000 | Custom designed estate w/Guest House - Rae Ellen Hayo (941) 920-0364
River Strand | 8403 Grand Estuary Trail, Bradenton 2BR/2BA/$239,900/A4703150 Jill Perfetto (732)610-5464
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2BR/2BA/$264,000/A4707576 Margaret Watson (941)928-3535
MUSIC AT THE PLAZA Runs from 6-9 p.m. at Waterside Place, 1561 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch. Nashville recording artist Bobby James Music will perform for those strolling the streets of Waterside Place. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.
MUSIC AT THE LODGE Runs from 6-9 p.m. on Saturday
Longboat Key Office
SATURDAY, OCT. 10
PARADISE SOCCER Begins at 7:30 p.m. at Premier Sports Campus, 5895 Post Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. The Sarasota Paradise hosts the Richmond Kickers in a USL League One contest. The Paradise have been unbeaten in their last seven games, going 4-0-3 over that stretch. The Paradise are 4-1-3 over their last eight games as they make a run at a playoff berth. The Lakewood Ranch club has just three home games remaining in the season. Tickets start at $13. For more information and tickets, go to SarasotaParadise.us.
and noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday at Linger Lodge, 7205 85th St. Court E., Bradenton. Schmitz Brothers is the featured band on Saturday, while Scotty Yates plays on Sunday.
SUNDAY, OCT. 11
FARMERS MARKET Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Lakefront Drive in Waterside Place. The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch, which in 2025 was selected as the nation’s best Farmers Market, runs 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. Go to MyLWR.com for more information. YOGA IN THE PARK Runs 9-10 a.m. at Waterside Park, 7301 Island Cove Terrace. Start the morning off with gentle yoga with lake views. Go to MyLWR.com for more information.
TUESDAY, OCT. 13
BARKS AND BREWS Runs from 6-8 p.m. at The Green at UTC, 125 N. Cattlemen Road, Sarasota. Celebrate Howl-o-ween at the Barks and Boos event by dressing up your pups. Then enjoy the lives music, craft beer samples, local vendors and a doggie costume contest, which begins at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds support Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue.
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8B
YourObserver.com
EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026
9B
Dogs Inc Visitor Center in Lakewood Ranch
Meet the life-changing dogs next door.
We may be new to the neighborhood, but for more than 40 years, Dogs Inc in Palmetto, FL, has been changing lives through extraordinary
guide and service dogs. Now, we’re bringing the magic to Lakewood Ranch at the Dogs Inc Visitor Center, where you can experience our mission
firsthand, get involved, or begin your journey with a guide or service dog.
Dogs Inc Visitor Center
Grand Opening Celebration Saturday, October 24 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Dogs Inc Visitor Center | 5815 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Bradenton, FL 34202 Witness guide and service dog demonstrations Get up close with our ambassador dogs
say Come
Discover what it’s like to raise a future guide or service dog
ove to l ’d e W you. meet
Experience the Discovery Zone and browse the gift shop
! O L L E H
Meet a Dogs Inc graduate and hear their story
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For Visitor Center hours and a full schedule of events, visit dogsinc.org/LWR
10B
YourObserver.com
EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026
8207 NE VIS RUN
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THE ISLES 4 Beds | 5/2 Baths | 4,134 Sq. Ft. | A4702239 | $1,890,000 Kathy Barrie, 941.757.7872
AHEEEHAPEBMKHMDMDIJCLBMGECDMGKNIECDMEGCDHNHGFAFHHMDODIMGJPAHEEEHA BNFFFNBPIONOMKIHMPJCNKECNPIDIHAHFHAHEOECMGACADJOMOFPJHIPEPBNFFFNB KFIGMGFDFCBENAEHCGADPKLLCICOENFEBFGKOFGBIMGBJPLIEEGFGIGPFBHGMHAID HFNGCLFINMFNHGNMGAOKNPNHKHIFJFLMMCDIEKFJGHHGCDKKEGNIEGPGPNDEGBLDM ICAOJOFBEFFGCHIKIGELGFHFJMKNONONMKKGOOLCJBGPECOBGIAOJKGGJHODAEJEI OLJGPBFEILOIELOOGMPHGNCKGNNLGCMFEPHHLPGKCIOIJJMDGHHMBOGEEIEPAPAGJ EDNOILFPDJCHLEAENGGICPGONDOOGLPDGBFGLKNDEHPCAODHCLNBOMJEHNCCEBBIC PAINAFFFIIBJDBJNFIAEKDNNKDDPAPINFBIBCBLENKPBAJHBBDDEJFPHINFBEBJEF AJPKANFMAANMPCLGNHKHFGLMJIFAAPBNFMAKKDNFAOOCPEHGEPHHEMHDBMENBFOID FMBLGOFPIKGPKBIBEENOAADJMJJPIFCHNIPCCBHEGLOAFGLGEFFAGCHNKNIPPNNBF LBBNNNFIJNOHCHNDDJEDILAOLCDEOOKIGHFOMIDANKJIOHHAGFKGNDOGIANENEPBB MJMHPLFCKHFHFPCCIIOKPFCCDOCBADGFNLKLNHODFPPMNAFMCFPBCOGJBMGNNLICL IDNFHIFCHPGELAHLKCHENAEBKOPGKDPGKLIDEBFOAGPBABAHENNFGFHLPNEEMPNAF GHFMHNFBFLKIKHGMEOPGGJJGCMPOGFGMKHENLCILPLHMAPHKAEKLNCHCHACLCEJAJ MFFNFNEHABLJMFHLCFKPBLKHAANLNPAHFHAMDNBFGOOHLGNAENACCOGPAHFHALEBL APBBBPAPKOGFAFJKMAIGHNNHENLDPBBHEFGAFDKFAHPOGADOCANLHMPMCHBCBBJCB HHHHHHHPPPPHPPHPHHHPPPPPPHPPHHHPHPHHHHHHPHHPHHPHHPPPPHHPPHHHPHPHP
8214 PORTLIGHT COURT THE LAKE CLUB 4 Beds | 3 Baths | 3,425 Sq. Ft. | A4705064 | $2,825,000 Stacy Haas, 941.587.4359
LAKEWOOD RANCH COUNTRY CLUB 4 Beds | 3 Baths | 3,983 Sq. Ft. | A4699545 | $1,650,000 Tina Ciaccio, 941.685.8420
AHEEEHAPKGJLDLJLADALKPOOCCEJNEALBFOPMKGMCOKHMOAKGLFMGKMGJPAHEEEHA BNFFFNBPEDMCEKIHJKNOMDAGAGNONPAHFHACEDBOJLFGFLNONCBDAKIOEPBNFFFNB OGLGACFNFHDIKPJCHBBELHLJOMHJMOBDEABJNKDBDDCIOOCDBKLMHACCBAGOHDJGP FFENPKFKGEMCGJINOKBOGPHIPLCAIIBKAFGHNPAEHHLODMPDFOJDBKLJKCGNDGMMB FFJHABFKPGDMCFLGEBFMCIEENANHFGEMHNJFGIOKINKDDMLGBJJBMOCJMILOHLILN JEHHEKFHEJDMCKFPAAKIDMOCPCPHBDCJGACAEHDKDMKHIGJIBICCEICLBHBABCBJM GINHNFFCDGBEMBKOPCDKPILEPEOHPLAKONMIOGJKFLKMDIGIHEIBFNAEFNOJBAIFF JKOAIBFBABOAEDBCANHDOPKCNPJNCNEBNNAGOPPLOHKMFGLPEMOPOKKDMJJJEBDKN OPPJAMFNBAJOPNIFAPBKFJFHEPMMDAANENBNDCFLHKKNKBAHPKKJDDCGANFMAALKG OGEEEIFANDMAPGMJEGPODFBOGEMBFIEGNDKFPFANBHCOACOMFAALFMCALPFBKCIIA MHAFBLFGNKDLDEBDJCEAJNPPMBKGOAPLEIGEJBOPILAJFILDHNGLKPDNDCMLILKKJ LCJNKIFCILCFICMELLCAPPGIBEBOFBCHFMHEPADNAAKBKABBDALKBNDEADHCIENOP LPNBAJFMFMBPEHCNHBOCBHHONMFFIPIIOFFABFIOLILNHAJMFNIMBMDGFCNLJGOLJ GDNALBFMMGDPIKANJKLMEPJJHHCOOMCDPGDMFOOHOMCBAACHDEOEKPKPKAJLADIHM MFFNFNEHCBEAPHAOEODFPOFJNKAPDKAHFHAPGNJJHDDIKIIBFMJNHIDAAHFHAABOO APBBBPAPCPGHHNCCNNPJCBIPDHAAGHDHHGDHGGBOBMLBHGPBHPIFCKDDHAEEFGONE HHHHHHHPPHPHHPHHPPHHHPPHHHPHHPHHHHPPHPHPPPPHHHPPHHPPHHPHPPHPPHHPP
LAKEWOOD RANCH COUNTRY CLUB 3 Beds | 4 Baths | 3,548 Sq. Ft. | A4700380 | $1,525,000 Pamela Modisett, 941.993.3967
LAKEWOOD RANCH COUNTRY CLUB EAST 3 Beds | 2/1 Baths | 2,908 Sq. Ft. | A4705876 | $1,525,000 Tina Ciaccio, 941.685.8420
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AHEEEHAPEBMGPNBLPKBLBPKIJENCGMPMEKOBKEDDHBPIJGFLPGCMDIMGJPAHEEEHA BNFFFNBPILMDADBKFCNGFOMHMKFDIPAHFHALMLFDMGAGMKIOMOFONHJOEPBNFFFNB PAKHIFFAHABBNMIHCEEOBFDNOIBABGFEBDHMDNHOHMGAJBHPAFOFECHPHHDBKFCIC DAHNMOFMPIEOGFMEKHFAHNEHKMPCAMIABBPPJDFBPHGOCDKIALEIAPHEONDEGNLDM MOLEIEFPJJHINNPPCOEPEJCOGAMGGEKCLCAKAOCCJDPKECODCGMOJCPGJHOHEOJEI PLDLNNFDFDDHHABLPOPHGHMCIDNFOOLGDPHBDHNAGHHGNBFDGHHNBLPEEJEMCLEGJ HNHIILFHDAIOKKPBFGLNKLGFADEOEAJJFFAHLCNECFPAAFCHCKNPACFLAHCOGNNPB HOJPEBFFABDJMIMNFPIKFDMHPDGBPLAJJBIFPIAFLJPBABHABKKENFPMIFNNEOONI BCAPBNFNAINNJNKMBNMFNLNPLMFKKFBNEMADLNAEEHPCPFNIKMOEEMHBBMENALOJK DBBLMJFPIBLPKLLLPGGLDOHIFIKBPDHMLKGCHCFEAKPBFOLMENMFGDGNMEIKNNNNE BJFHCMFFCJCLAPDPEEHONMBNLBGJFOKLJODHPMCANEFHAHHBCNBFNBOEEENENEPII FKIHECFLNFGAEIKIMGHEAIONMAIBAJDEEPOOHFHCFPPJPJMMEEGOCIHJFMGNNNMBD JCMONAFBOAKELEDNKGDGBBPBKHNOANGLONLMMLEAPGPBGPMHCDMLAOOLCAMEMNNJE CHBAHFFJPMGIIGHFOOFAHFNGCHMAFJHMKHPAEHNJJLPMAPHOEJDPPDGAHPMEFEJAB MFFNFNEHAMKBLMCPHFGGFFJIILDODGAHFHANODNFGCGHNHNOEDMCCAPLAHFHALGBL APBBBPAPKMPEEMMHCAKGHEFPDOBHPFHDBAGONLCFAHFAABDOCANKHPOMCHBCBJLCB HHHHHHHPPHHHHPHPPHPHHPPHHPPHPPHHHHPHHHHPPHHPHHHHHPPHHPPPPHHHHPPHP
LAKEWOOD RANCH 3 Beds | 2 Baths | 1,917 Sq. Ft. | A4700252 | $520,000 Mark Boehmig, 941.807.6936
7519 MIZNER RESERVE COURT
AHEEEHAPJFIHKOFEHPAEDPEPNACCCBFDMDGBFHPPLCMLFNLCMANAHOMGJPAHEEEHA BNFFFNBPNKILILFPBGBGJHALIDAGNGAHFHADNCAGJOIPJLNPFCBCMPIOFPBNFFFNB JGAEPBFOJADLFCFBLCKPALCCPAMPEMHCAACNCHOOHCIKIAGCIFHGHAJHFOKOMPHBL BCILOHFGOJKLGEAFDHGFABNEJFIOMALDBMDLLCLGIEEGOPGLDKAAMHEFDBPHDKDHI ECHGOMFCLFMKKPFDECILFCBNKLBHIBPLMJDKGAEGOLGEBEJNOOLJOLOOOAJKMIODP DHBJIFFAJMEHCEMFNBBJHFMMGCJECJDKOOGPFJPBDCBBKJEPOJGMAJBKFIEGKJDHI PFJOEJFBKLNEOOAKIADCLLKHPEAHBBHKDBLEJCJKIEEDKKPEBJBCMBGIMIPHFIHDN JBPNIJFNEBJIHLIKCOFCCGJFFKABALABFBIFLKPHKJPJHOIIJLNJONHNMBBNIOJOO AHLHAMFMABEICIMPIKBLEKEIAKIJDLBNFMAMFDAEBDIMOEMHEOPEDDJDANFMABNEO AGNHONFMEOHMJPMHDBFAMKJCEJEKCCAGGPMOMAAKMLECJJOBHGBMMIFMIIMPMOBNB OGPNMKFPKOBONHMILCHMIKOBBIHEHHCCMMDBJGEHKMNPHBBJMEFPKJPMILOMFMIGP CIJGPKFFMHHOKEKKPBIGCALBHOOABNCJHCANPCPDEBBHMAFFOLGJFJBFBEPDDFPEK OJKMMJFJOCOEIHLMJFIPLCJEHHLLJHJINNGFCKCNCEMEODAAHAJJIGFOIMMHPGDJB KPNALBFGGJMNIOBBAGNCLNMOKCLHCOIENNJMIPKOMLGDDIAEMFEMOAGOMILMNOOHO MFFNFNEPCLDLABFGGHMMEMIMHLGBLKAHFHACPNMDDABKIGMCINNDDAJBAHFHAFHAK APBBBPAPIJOBNDEDMCKFLKKMAEGNFEBABECDIIGGIFENOMGNBDBGLENPGDFECGBON HHHHHHHPPPHHPPHHPHPHHPHHPHPHPPHHHHPPPPHHPHHHHHHPPHPHHHHHPHHHHPPHP
17128 KENTON TERR ACE DEL WEBB LAKEWOOD RANCH 2 Beds | 2 Baths | 1,543 Sq. Ft. | A4704039 | $459,000 Judy Wright, 941.232.8041
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AHEEEHAPKOBMJKIJFJIMDAIIPJFNFHCDJGNGHJFMCOKGMPDOCPGMCCMGJPAHEEEHA BNFFFNBPEDMHEPAGMGBGMCFHIDIONKAHFHAOIGAOJLFLNPNPBGADEOJPFPBNFFFNB JBIDEDFJBCFOLHJJJCJMBPGAMJKLCOEDEBADALLADDDFOOCCDLLOHBCBDGAMFAJCO PICDJAFFJGCONLJOCOKLIBPIPPNAEMKMALLJHCBDHKCMBMPJDOJHFKDJKCGMFOMMB NFDIMCFOMPJGCFEBIJBGMODGGHCFFKEEPFFIKDOJMBCHBMLMFJJBMOBJMILLFDMLN JEAPIOFKGIKOANPMLCLIDONCLCDDKCMJABCOKIKIGHKAKOBKFICCEAKLBHAAFIBJM JOMAMEFMFJHKJJDMDLJCHIHMFNHFDJDOGELIONIKHIDJHKOIHEIAFNAEFAPNBOKBB KMIIMBFBIEPMFLACADFOLMLEGEIHHGENBBEJHHHFMMLIFBDPEFGJKKKBEJBNEEIOE EFAFBMFNBNLMFFABCKNGBIGMIHEOJEANEMAPBDFOBBCNKIBGPPLIHDCGANFNBEHHH IKEEMLFANHDAPPJMLDMDLILGEFNDLAGBGEDNBBIJHJCOADPLDMIJBEKAHKMIJCIKB JNIMOLFPLCDHKBJPBPKBGCMLLOIIBAPKNPGGFAOPILAIFILIBAGPIPCPJIILILKIE JIOEHEFLMJDGMEODOCPBNJKIFIEOFLHINJAJLBDNAAKDMKJDHKCIDJKAFKDCIHLOP ELDIHKFFOCPKKPCMBBJOFLIFFAEJFJEPJHGKFHIPLILOHAJBDOAMBLCAFKFLJGIHJ GHJADFFLAHJAJLBEKCPCPHEJHLDMEPCDPLLLAMGPIMDGFACBDIGEMODNKNNILLMPE MFFNFNEHKFOGCBHPKGPOELGHDFPFADAHFHAHCMJKDBCFIJIDDMJNHBLAAHFHAODOO APBBBPAPCBHEJMEMKPOJCHGNDEKHPPFFHFGPMGBNBECCBGGBHPIFCCDDHAEBFBINE HHHHHHHPPHPPHPPHPHPPPHHHHHPPHHHHPHPPHPHPPHHHHPPPHHPPHHPHPPHHHPPPP
LAKEWOOD RANCH COUNTRY CLUB 3 Beds | 4 Baths | 3,816 Sq. Ft. | A4706245 | $1,225,000 Deborah O'Mara, 941.730.0777
AHEEEHAPKOBMJKIJFJIMDAIIPJFPJLKHJGNGHJFMCOKGMPDOCPGMCCMGJPAHEEEHA BNFFFNBPEHNHEPAGMGBGMCFHIDIONKAHFHAOIGAOJLFLNPNPBGADEOJPFPBNFFFNB JBIDEDFJBCJOLHJJJCJMBPGFHJKLCOEDEBADALLADDDFOOCCDLLOHBCBDGAMFAJCO PICDJAFFJGCONLLOCOKLIBPIPPNAEMKMALLJHCBDHKCMBMPJDOJBBKDJKCGMFOMMB NFDIMCFOMPJGCBMBIJBPIODGGHCFFKEEPFFJLDOJMBCHBMLMFJJBMOBJMILLFDMLN JEAPIOFKGIKOANPMLCJIDONCLCDDKCMJAACMIIKIGHKAKOBKFICCEAKLBHAAFIBJM BCMAMEFMEJHKJJDNNDNCHIHMFNHFDJDOGGDIONIKHIDJHKOIHEIAFNAEFAPNBOKBB KMIIIBFJIEPMFLACADFOLMIEGEIHHGENBBEJHHHFMMLIHBDPEFOJKKKBEJBNEEIOE EFKIAMFNBNLGPFABCKNGBMGMIHEOJEANEMAPBDFOBBCNKIBGPPLIHDCGANFNBEHHH IKEEMLFANHDAPPJMLDMDLILGEGODLAGBGEDNBBIJHJCOADPLDMIJBMCAHKMIJCIKB JNIMOLFPLCDHKBJPBPKBGCMLLGMNNBPKNPGGFAOPILAIFILIBAGPIPCPJIILILKIE JIOEHEFLMLDGMEODOCPBNJKIFIEOFDAINJAJLBDNAAKDMKJDHKCIDJKAFKDCIHLOP ELDIHKFFOGLKKPCMBBJOFLIDDAEJFJEGLHGKFHIPLILOHAJBDOAMBLCAFKFLJGIHJ GHJADFFLAHJAJJBEKCPCPHEJHLDMEPCDPLLLAMGPIMDGFACBDIGEIODNKNNILLMPE MFFNFNEHKFOGCFLPKGPKALGHDFPFADAHFHAHDMJKDBCFIJIDDMJNHBLAAHFHAODOO APBBBPAPCBHEJMEMKMNJCHGNDEKHPPFFHFGBEGBNBECCBOGBHPIFCCDDHAEBFBINE HHHHHHHPPHPPHPPPPHHPPHHHHHPPHHHHPHPPHPHPPHHHHPPPHHPPHHPHPPHHHPPPP
LAKEWOOD RANCH COUNTRY CLUB 3 Beds | 2/1 Baths | 3,093 Sq. Ft. | A4705037 | $975,000 Laura Navratil & Tim Carney, 941.806.7436
THE ISLES 3 Beds | 3 Baths | 2,890 Sq. Ft. | A4695943 | $1,074,000 Kathy Barrie, 941.757.7872
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AHEEEHAPEBEKJEDGLHAFOKNIGEAAMBBMAOIKJFBDHNHGFDFHLBAEDBMGJPAHEEEHA BNFFFNBPIONOMONOAKNKNOJPELBDILAHFHAKBKECMGACEPJDEKECFGJOFPBNFFFNB OFOGLAFBHOHKAMMJFCMDJMLLCIOGIGCEBHEFLHPAJMGHNPLMCFONGOGNFBHHMDEIC FGPNGJFMCACADFOHJBPCDNEHKNDFJIEIECDDNDMJEFGBGDKIEAFKCOOGPNDDELPDM ECDLJOFCACHNHLICNCECFJPLDEEOKENNMGCLOODFNDPMACPDEIAOJDHGJHOAGALEI MJKCHPFEJGMFNAKDCPNHGOAKGBDKMEPCEOGHJMOFGNHGLIEBAHHMBMOEEJEPADGGJ JPOGIKFILPDFEIJEJHAMPPOICLKBICDBOAJGKJONBMPACGLHCKNBOMJEHKKGENLIC NLONMNFNIIPBIOFNFOOEKBPMHBAOOPABFJEFKHNEPOPBEKGBBCCBJFPGIJNBAJJAA FCMMBMFNBANCMGCCBCLBOAJKAMFGNPBNFMAKKDNIGEOCPGNGEFOIANHFBMENBFMBK KEBLFPFPIIEPKIFBEDFPFNMCKJJNEDANPIGIPDFEGLOAFMLOGNFHCKHPOHIPONNFN GNMNDIFGMBOFBHNEHIBDPEGLCLHCEOKBFCNBKOCANKJIOMGCAHDBJDGCMFBENEPJI JKMHKCFCKEGHFMAOPJIKALCLLAOBALLKJHBNCHNDFPPKLKFOBPGMECHLBIGNNLIAC MLLJIHFMHMMCIMHJMCLFLMFNBLOLCCBPAHELHCNPAHPCCBAHGDFBGJHNKMIEMLJJF GHNIDFFFNJNLDEGDNNMHLIBGCIDOGEHMKDLIEIAKJLGIEPHOAGCPJJHAPACLCANIB MFFNFNEPAIFFEJMIPNOHJDGDBCCFDMAHFHAEJMABCOPHLGNIGNACCPPPAHFHAFEBL APBBBPAPKIEMGMKNLBKGHNOHEEKMNDEEDFGGLBEAEMHJAJDOCANLHAPMCHBHANPCB HHHHHHHPPPHHHPPHHHPPPHHHPPHHPHPPHPHHHHHHPHPPHHPHHPPPPHHPPHHPHHPHP
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AHEEEHAPDGDCJJDEFKJHPEKDLBONJHJJNOAMAODMACCMEODMGODIEOMGJPAHEEEHA BNFFFNBPNDMOMLECEONCMHAKJCAOJCAHFHAGJDIPNHFDMKILNGIPEGIPFPBNFFFNB MGLPLPFGBAHDIPDJHLMBMHAOJDNDGGHDGHHOCDBOEADBIAHDBAJCODCKAELMNIJEH AFBIHHFFLLMPNMNAGLMCGEMIPAPNCGEDMHHDEHMBHKDIBMNMFDEHHIDPOCEIBAOEL FMPHGMFDAEHPBDDOANFMJOHEHKLFJDDIANHEIBHKKACCMMPCHGMBIALIFIPCBEHLJ JNCHPJFOAMBELEJAPAIABENIODLCBAEOFAKPIJBKKMCLOGJPDAADNKDDDGIIAPBJF OPGFPFFDMJOJDAAMAMIJLANOGGILBMGLKKFJOBMKBDCFHKFIHDNOJDMNGKMJDGMFC JMMLABFBEJAKOHHCEDNMFPMLNGCOGOENJBIMONPFMKKPMEPCEEOJIGKKEFNBEBDCB EIBDANFMAINMODPNDKJFMNFJFHKKBHANFMAEOEKIKCCFIEJLBDIJKACBANEMBGFKP BDAEAOFGJFOAPEBJHKJKEKKPHDLAKCFELPJKNMNJFCDJECENHGFOHNDELLLAJEMKC MNFLKFFPDKPIOOCNEOBKPBEFIBJHPMPJPKFGNCHPMJMGCJHBBGOJOBCMALEHIKDKI FFKIGHFKELIHACLOCNMKGLLOKOHOMMKOBOEOCLBMJDKEONBBBBBPMCCMEPKBIIPKH MJLBIFFKEJAJDBGEMOPILMLAHCIFAOFDFFBFHKNAHILFBOHJDDFOBDCELGCLJAILC OLFAPFFCBDGBFJJDCNGOEDFFHECLKNFCGMNIJOGDOADAOAGDDAOGMDKIPPDFKIFPI MFFNFNEPBCGJPOIKOBDIPAKFLOOJBBAHFHAJBLGJOLCEOJBCFKHNODLIAHFHAMBOH APBBBPAPOACDIGCNONMPGEIOBBCFMIDEFFBDAKLICELAFHEBHJMEAJCFDAGFFCMNG HHHHHHHPPHHHHHPPPPHPPPHPHHHHPPPHHHHHHPPPPHHHPHHHHHHHPHHHHPHHHHHPP
EDGEWATER 3 Beds | 3 Baths | 2,454 Sq. Ft. | A4705449 | $741,900 Ray Rausa, 941.228.7614
AHEEEHAPEBMKHMDMDIJCLBMHEBPIEOEAACDMEFDDHNHGFAFHHMDODIMGJPAHEEEHA BNFFFNBPIOIOMKIHMPJCNKEGNHADIKAHFHAHEKECMGACADJOMOFOJHIPEPBNFFFNB KFIGMGFDFJLENAEHCGADPKLEBICOEFFEBFGKOFGBINGBJPLIEEGHGIGHEBHGMHAID HFNGCLFINIJNHGNMGAOAPPNHKHIFJFLMMCDIEKFJGJHGCDKKEGNOEGPGPNDEGBLDE ICAOJOFBEFFGCGGKIGEFAFHFJMKNONONMKKMKOLCJBGPEDOBGIAOJKGGJHODAEJEI PIJGPBFEJLOIEHGLPMOHGNCKGNNLGCMFEPGFPPGKCIOIJBMHEHHMBOGEEJEPAPAGJ GHNOIKFCAJCHLEAMBHDICPGONDOOGLPDGJEGLKNDEHPDAODHCKMBOMJEHFCCEBBIC HMBLABFNMIBPGBJNFEIEKCONKDDPAPINFJMBCBLENKPDEJHBBLDEJFPHINFBEBJEF AJFCBNFMBANMECLGNHKHFKIMJIFAAPBNFNBKKDNEAOOCPEHGEFHHEMHDBMENBFOID FMBLIIFPIKGPKBIBEENOAMPJMJKGJFCHNIPCCBHGGLOAFGLGEFFAGKHNKNIJONNBF LBBNNNFIJNOHCHNDDJEDILAOLMPEBOKIGHFOMIDANKJIOHHAGFKGNJOGIANENEPBB MJMHPLFCKFHHFPCCIIOKPFCCMCGBAMLFNLKLNHODFPPMNAFMCFPACOGJBMGNNPKCL IDNFHIFCHNEELAHLKCHENAEFOOPGKLFNLLIDEBFOAHOBABAHENNDEFHLONEEMPNEE GHFMHNFBFPOIKGEMEOPJIJJGCMPOGFGMKHENKCILPDHMAPHKAEKLNCHCHACLCEJAB MFFNFNEHABLJMGPLCFKJMLKHAANLNPAHFHALMNBFGOOHLGNEENACCOGPAHFHALEBL APBBBPAPKOGFAJFFOCLGHNNHENLDPBBHEFGIJDKFAHPOGADOCANLHMPMCHBCBBJCB HHHHHHHPPPPHPPHPPHPPPPPPPHPPHHHPHPHHHHHHPHHPHHPHHPPPPHHPPHHHPHPHP
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AHEEEHAPJFIHKOFEHPAEDPEOMMBEINODMDGBFHNPLCMLFNLCMANAHOMGJPAHEEEHA BNFFFNBPNKNLILFPBGBGJHAPJDAGNKAHFHADNCAGJOIPJLNPFCBCMPIOFPBNFFFNB JGAEPBFOJIHLFCFBLCKPALCPOAMPEEHCAACNCHOOHCIKIAGCIFHCDAJAHOKOMPHAL BCILOHFGOFKLGFDFDHGALBNEJFIOMALDBMDLKCLGIGEGOPGLDKAGOHEHCBPHDKDPI ECHGOMFCLFMKKONDECIHACBNKLBHIBPLMJDHCAEGOLGEBEJNOOLJOLOOOAJKMIODP AEBJIFFBJMEHCAECBCBJHFMMGCJECJDKOPHFPJPBDCBBKJENIJGMAJBKFIEGKJDHI ANJOFJFCELNEOOAIDMMCLLKHPEAHBBHKDJEEJCJKIEEDKKPEBIBCMBGIMGPHFIHDN NJJPAFFBIBJBILIKCOJCCEKFFKABALABFBMFLKPHKJPLDOIIJKMJONHNMBBNIOJOO AHNABNFNBBEPNIMPIKBLEHDIAKIJDLBNFNAMFDAFBDIMOEMHEGPEDDIDANFMABNEO AGNHHLFMEOHMJPMHDBFAMGNCEJHEMCAGGPMOMAAMMLECJJOBHGBMMAFMIIMMNOBNB OGPNMKFPKOBONHMILCHMIKOBBDHHJHCCMMDBJGEHKMNPHBBJMEFPKJHMILOMFMIGP CIJGPKFFMEEOKEKKPBIGCALPCOKABAMMECANPCPDEBBHMAFFOLGIFJBFBEPDDBLEK OJKMMJFJOCOEIHLMJFIPLCJHOHLLJBINHNGFCKCNCFNEODAAHAJJMGFOKMMHPODJB KPNALBFGGJINIODBAGNNHNMOKCLHCOIENNJMJPKOMLODDIAEMFEMOAGIIILMNOOHO MFFNFNEPCLDLAEHGGHMOJMIMHLGBLKAHFHAEDNMDDABKIHNCINNDDAJFAHFHAFHAK APBBBPAPIJOBNHIMMCIFLKKMAEGNFEBABECDEIGGIFENOMONBDBGLENPGDFECGBON HHHHHHHPPPHHPPHPHHPHHPHHPHPHPPHHHHPPPPHHPHHHHHHPPHPHHHHHPHHHHPPHP
EDGEWATER 3 Beds | 2 Baths | 1,698 Sq. Ft. | A4699286 | $449,995 Laurie Minear, 941.301.8050
888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM
463649-1
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AHEEEHAPEJEEJNJILMDHPDIMOHGAIOHIIPKCGEADHBPIJBHBPDBMLNMGJPAHEEEHA BNFFFNBPIOJDADAKEOJOMCFPILFDICAHFHALFKFDMGAHMOIHNKEGJHIOEPBNFFFNB PAJFOHFAADMFLMEAKMEBBKDPFONOFKBEBBDDMJPPGMGEJBHMGLGFGOHPFHDAKBGND CBEHCEFFCBOIFEMJPEFCHNBHKGECADIANAPIJBHKEFHFCDKIAJMIAEHEONDEAJPDM MKABJEFKMCLCCMCEDKAABFGFCDGAPJHDLOEKFIDBJDOMGCOFGGMOJDGGJHOCEAJEI NKAIJLFOINFJMGJHEMNHGENCIMIFDHNEPOHHPHOACMPPLAFDGHHNBHPEEJFIEHCGJ GBFCJLFINHBHNNMFJBMBHHGEMHMLNCEJPAMHKBFGEHHAGGDHCLNOACFLAGDEGLLPB FFKGEFFBAGONKDPNFONKFAONNCHGHDIJBBANDCIANBHDEJPABKCOJFPFIFFFAGOJJ OJNCBNFMAAFNJGNOJEPFFGHGOEJICFBNEMBCLNBEANGCPFNJKIGFCNGNBMEMAPMFP DFBLIDFPICLPKMALPCGDAKFBHLJBLBDFKDANPDMEGIHBFFCCEFNAADHPEEAMPNNBN GOIKLCFHNJGGFPLPMKPEPNJJJBDNIPKKLLEJBODANEFHAGGBEMCINDPEPMJENEPBI MGIHOEFLNFFAEKLLOPGIDBKLKADBACGKIDBDBMOCFPPJNBELAFHIEHPLAFONNNMFL NKGAAKFKCFOHLEHAFGLMHOFLIEHHFKAEDBKGBJOBOHOHCPMDEDFBCFGNHAAEMFPDN CHJEPJFOBCHFAGHGHOFPOKLGCKMAFGAMKKOEAHNJLLGLEPHMENDNNIOCPPMEFGJAJ MFFNFNEHAKCFOBOHHJCIANJCJFHAKEAHFHAJIDNCCOPEJGNMGDMCCOHLAHFHALGBL APBBBPAPKFCCOAEGACKGHGGPDHKBJHCDFAGILLKKEGHOCIKOCANKHHOMCHBHBFNCB HHHHHHHPPPHPHHHPHPPPHPHPHPPHPHPPHHPHHHHHPPPPHHHHHPPHHPPPPHHPPHPHP
YourObserver.com
EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026
REAL ESTATE
Country Club home tops sales at $1.88 million
RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS
SEPT. 21-25
ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR
A
Country Club home topped the week’s sales at $1.88 million. Robert Minton, trustee, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the home at 7312 Greystone St. to Donald Keith Reardon and Susan Reardon, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1.88 million. Built in 2012, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,871 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.95 million in 2022. Joseph Carubba, trustee, of Elma, New York, sold the home at 7431 Greystone St. to Dmitrii Lashin, of Bradenton, for $1.77 million. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,167 square feet of living area. It sold for $2.05 million in 2022. Howard and Diane Germon, trustees, sold the home at 7147 Sandhills Place to John Pimentel and Sally Adie, of Lakewood Ranch, for $575,000. Built in 2004, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,753 square feet of living area. It sold for $321,800 in 2004. William Stephen Perry and Sheila Perry sold their home at 7163 Sandhills Place to Steven Kurtis Wilson, of Henderson, Kentucky, for $541,000. Built in 2003, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,949 square feet of living area. It sold for $347,800 in 2003. SHOREVIEW
James Joseph Nolan and Stephanie Nolan, of Sarasota, sold their home at 809 Sigsbee Loop to Alvaro and Courtney Bada, of Sarasota, for $1.38 million. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,492 square feet of living area. It sold for $799,700 in 2021. COUNTRY CLUB EAST
Carol and Donald Mead, trustees, sold the home at 15402 Castle Park Terrace to Mark and Christy Baugh, of Carmel, Indiana, for $1.3 million. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,686 square feet of living area. Anthony John Monzo sold his home at 16525 Hillside Circle to Howard Germon and Diane Germon, trustees, of Bradenton, for $836,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,228 square feet of living area. It sold for $466,000 in 2018. WENTWORTH
Mary Thompson, of Sarasota, sold her home at 7331 Saint Georges Way to Jean Reaves Rollins, trustee, of University Park, for $1.14 million. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,631 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.38 million in 2024. RIVER CLUB SOUTH
Frank and Adele Barone, of Parrish, sold their home at 7517 Coventry Court to Andrea Brunton-Ellis and Wade Gene Ellis, of Columbus, Ohio, for $1.05 million. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, a pool and 4,079 square feet of living area. ESPLANADE
Richard and Darlene Muth, of Mitchell, South Dakota, sold their home at 4909 Napoli Run to Daniel and Colleen Krauss, of Bradenton, for $965,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,369 square feet of living area. It sold for $636,200 in 2020. Richard and Mary Jo Petschke, of Bradenton, sold their home at 12729 Del Corso Loop to Nick Maddock and Karlyn Maddock, trustees, of St. Louis, for $575,000. Built in 2013, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,874 square feet of living area. It sold for $825,000 in 2022.
Courtesy image
This Country Club Village home at 7312 Greystone St. sold for $1.88 million. Built in 2012, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,871 square feet of living area.
SWEETWATER
Jonothan Shane O’Dazier and Jamie O’Dazier, of Bradenton, sold their home at 17506 Savory Mist Circle to Kirsten Ray, of Lakewood Ranch, for $950,000. Built in 2024, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,573 square feet of living area. It sold for $929,900 in 2024. AZARIO ESPLANADE
Darin Revermann and Tina Marie Revermann, of Breese, Illinois, sold their home at 16415 Isola Place to Matthew Braatz and Sandra Braatz, trustees, of Palmetto, for $915,000. Built in 2024, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,391 square feet of living area. It sold for $908,600 in 2024. Lisa Conit Amick, of Bradenton, sold her home at 3571 Santa Caterina Blvd. to Frederick Lawrence Angst and Victoria Elliott, of Bradenton, for $840,000. Built in 2024, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,380 square feet of living area. It sold for $878,100 in 2024.
square feet of living area. It sold for $526,300 in 2022. EDGEWATER
David Paul Henneman and Allison Miller Henneman, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, sold their home at 8412 Misty Morning Court to Douglas and Sheryl Ferrie, of Bradenton, for $710,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,236 square feet of living area. It sold for $870,000 in 2024. GREYHAWK LANDING
Brigitte Mays, of Bradenton, sold the home at 267 Petrel Trail to James and Lindsey Lavallee, of Bradenton, for $675,000. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,865 square feet of living area. It sold for $365,000 in 2009.
Brooke Natasha Cash sold the home at 235 Dahlia Court to Thomas Yaw and Philip and Teri Yaw, of Port Charlotte, for $600,000. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,835 square feet of living area. It sold for $532,000 in 2025. SAVANNA
Robert Thomas Conner and Enid Magaly Conner, of Parrish, sold their home at 3116 Desert Plain Cove to Ann Carol Kern, of Bradenton, for $657,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,641 square feet of living area. It sold for $390,700 in 2020. SEE REAL ESTATE, PAGE 12B
CRESSWIND
Vera Ellen Rippa-Rizzo and Patsy Rizzo, of Bradenton, sold their home at 4921 Surfside Circle to Randall Paul Laumer and Alana Holley Laumer, of Bradenton, for $830,000. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,302 square feet of living area. It sold for $572,600 in 2022. ROSEDALE HIGHLANDS
Randolph Gangle, trustee, of Bradenton, sold the home at 5318 97th St. Circle E. to James Alan Lasswell and Sharon Orcutt Lasswell, of Bradenton, for $800,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,896 square feet of living area. It sold for $575,000 in 2016. MILL CREEK
Dennis and Lorie Chambers, of Sarasota, sold their home at 1719 145th St. E. to Jeffrey Lynn Forcino and Cathy Lynn Forcino, of Bradenton, for $730,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,405 square feet of living area. LORRAINE LAKES
Antonio Tavares, Brian Tavares, of Ontario, Canada, and Sabatino Meffe, of Quebec, Canada, trustees, sold the home at 4967 Seafoam Trail to Gareth Evans and Emily Marie Evans, of Bradenton, for $725,000. Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,439 square feet of living area. It sold for $635,000 in 2023. Robert William Macrum and Rhonda Kay Macrum sold their home at 5105 Marina Basin Court to Patricia Rourke, of Bradenton, for $630,000. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 1,840 square feet of living area. It sold for $630,900 in 2022. Edward and Joanne Neumann, of Rockaway Township, New Jersey, sold their home at 5325 Coral Reef Way to Brett Ian Yader and Natalie Ann Oliver, of Bradenton, for $540,000. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,586
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463762-1
COUNTRY CLUB
11B
YourObserver.com
EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026
EXPERIENCE LAKEWOOD RANCH THROUGH
Real estate
pool and 1,932 square feet of living area. It sold for $374,300 in 2020.
FROM PAGE 11B
DEL WEBB
HARMONY
Eric Scott Koenreich and Kelsea Marie Koenreich, trustees, of Argyle, Texas, sold the home at 5232 Bentgrass Way to Christopher and Alexandra DeLuca, of Bradenton, for $627,800. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,430 square feet of living area. It sold for $395,000 in 2019.
Winter Edition Publishing:
November 2026
STATE ROAD 64
Marguerite Parsons, of Bradenton, sold her home at 15211 S.R. 64 E. to Andrey Kurkov and Emma Kukova, of Bradenton, for $600,000. Built in 1978, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,493 square feet of living area. It sold for $141,000 in 1998.
LWR Life connects readers with the people, places, businesses, and events that define life in Lakewood Ranch. Written by Observer journalists who live and work in the
RIVERWALK VILLAGE CYPRESS BANKS
community, each issue showcases
Paul and Iris Kraft, trustees, of Venice, sold the home at 7210 Switchgrass Trail to Jorge Schuldberg, of Lakewood Ranch, for $585,000. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,746 square feet of living area.
the neighborhoods, culture, dining, arts, real estate, and local experiences. Position your brand in front of Lakewood Ranch residents invested
ROSEDALE ADDITION
in their community.
Michael Beatrice and Lorrie Michele Beatrice sold their home at 10103 Marbella Drive to Robert and Beth Ann Hunt, of Youngstown, Ohio, for $560,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,016 square feet of living area. It sold for $385,000 in 2018.
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Sheila Maslow sold the home at 5511 Country Lakes Trail to Jimmie Lewis White III and Sarash Mae Estrada, of Sarasota, for $550,000. Built in 1985, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,304 square feet of living area. It sold for $279,000 in 2003.
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October 13, 2026 Contact us today! 941.366.3468 | advertise@yourobserver.com
502766-1
Jose Antonio Silva, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the home at 12109 Whisper Lake Drive to Annette Roccapalumba-Garrett, of Bradenton, for $535,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a
Anthony and Catherine Murri, of Loudon, Tennessee, sold their home at 16723 Blackwater Terrace to Stanley Baldwin Ledford II, of Bradenton, for $525,000. Built in 2019, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,879 square feet of living area. It sold for $395,800 in 2019. STONEYBROOK AT HERITAGE HARBOUR
Geralyn Callahan, of Middle Island, New York, sold her home at 9007 Willowbrook Circle to Floready 3 LLC for $520,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,228 square feet of living area. It sold for $265,000 in 2012. NOTTING HILL
Cheryl Smith, of Bradenton, sold the home at 7235 Kensington Court to Toby Lynn, trustee, of University Park, for $499,000. Built in 2000, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,801 square feet of living area. It sold for $296,000 in 2011. VIRGINIA WATER
Spencer and Mary Goodson, trustees, of University Park, sold the home at 7147 Prestwick Court to Charles Douglas Stine and Teresa Rasmussen-Stine, of Mosinee, Wisconsin, for $489,000. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,735 square feet of living area. It sold for $350,000 in 2017. NAUTIQUE AT WATERSIDE
Lisa and Eric Vega, of Sarasota, sold their home at 1989 Splashrail Lane to Herman Andrew Kirkland and Ann Willis Kirkland, of Sarasota, for $484,000. Built in 2024, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,743 square feet of living area. It sold for $523,000 in 2024.
ONLINE See more transactions at YourObserver.com.
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www.homesbytowne.com 501569-1
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13B
EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026
THURSDAY, OCT. 8
WEATHER
NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH
SUNRISE / SUNSET
FORECAST
Sunrise Sunset
High: 84 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 76%
FRIDAY, OCT. 9 High: 86 Low: 77 Chance of rain: 71%
Thursday, Oct. 8
7:26a
7:08p
Friday, Oct. 9
7:26a
7:07p
Saturday, Oct. 10
7:27a
7:06p
Sunday, Oct. 11
7:27a
7:05p
Monday, Oct. 12
7:28a
7:04p
Tuesday, Oct. 13
7:28a
7:03p
Wednesday, Oct. 14
7:29a
7:02p
MOON PHASES
SATURDAY, OCT. 10 High: 87 Low: 76 Chance of rain: 78%
Oct. 10 New
Oct. 25 Full
Nov. 1 Last
RAINFALL
SUNDAY, OCT. 11
Gordon Silver captured this photo of a monarch butterfly feeding on the nectar of some milkweed in Del Webb of Lakewood Ranch.
Oct. 18 First
High: 87 Low: 75 Chance of rain: 48%
Monday, Sept. 28
0
Tuesday, Sept. 29
0.03
Wednesday, Sept. 30
7.23
Thursday, Oct. 1
0
Friday, Oct. 2
0
Saturday, Oct. 3
0
Sunday, Oct. 4
0.01
*Rainfall totals from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport
Submit your photos at YourObserver.com/Contests. All submissions will be entered in the 2026-27 Weather and Nature photo contest. In February 2027, you will vote for your favorite photo, and the submission with the most votes will win a $500 gift card.
YEAR TO DATE: 2026 44.86 in. 2025 43.53 in.
MONTH TO DATE: 0.01 in. 2026 0.68 in. 2025
We have all of your luxury flooring needs carpet | hardwood | tile | stone | pavers | and more Sarasota 941.355.8437 | Bradenton 941.748.4679 | Venice 941.493.7441 | manasotaonline.com
Daily crossword puzzles available at YourObserver.com/crossword
By Luis Campos
DOWN
©2026 Universal Uclick
36 Sway, or a jazz style 1 Gumbo recipe verb 38 Place to purchase a pint 5 Greek X 40 Glass fragment 8 Ease, like fears 13 ___ the day (prevents a 43 Frame job? 48 Song such as “A Little disaster) Priest” 18 “Goodness gracious!” 49 Cargo-hauling vehicle 19 “Wicked cool!” 20 “Love Sex Magic” singer 52 Reimbursement promises 21 Make great efforts 53 Theater section 22 Hit job? 54 “Don’t be so idealistic!” 25 Miles Caton’s role in 56 Nickname for Isaac “Sinners” 26 “I’m blown away!” feeling 57 “Industry Baby” rapper Lil ___ X 27 “I have a lot to ___” 58 Ouija ___ 28 Rush job? 59 Playfully bashful 30 Payment to a landlord 60 “Aw, drat!” 32 “Silly me!” 62 Apt name for a nimble 34 “This too shall ___” ballet dancer 35 “Army” crawlers
63 Stick (out) 64 Palindromic time of day 65 Temp job? 71 Mean, selfish person 72 “Blonde” brew 73 Record-breaking stuntwoman Kitty 74 Conviction 76 Bird on the Australian 50-cent coin 77 Operatic solos 78 Corn holder 81 Red camcorder button 82 Stun with fright 85 “Give it a ___!” (“Hush!”) 86 Erin or Aaron 87 Frat guy 88 Mystical glow 89 Spin job? 92 Like dirt roads after a
rainstorm 94 Doug the ___ (famous pet with a rhyming name) 95 “It ___ hit me yet” 96 Social signals 98 Adored figure 102 Cocoa cup 104 Prefix meaning “all” 105 Cushy job? 109 “Scram!” 111 Psychoactive ingredient in cannabis tea 114 Drop by the house 115 Steady job? 118 Grapefruit relative 119 Make things right 120 Put on 121 List with starters and sides 122 Absolutely wiped
1 Buckwheat noodle 2 Opposite of freeze 3 “Not kidding!” 4 Reuben bread 5 Stonemasonry or glassblowing 6 Two quarters 7 Sat at a red light 8 Often-torn knee part, for short 9 “You peddle falsehoods!” 10 Basic basketball shot 11 Basketball venue 12 Tall tales 13 Go ___ (attend without a date) 14 Limb-restraining judo hold 15 Enthusiastic energy 16 Boot out, like a tenant 17 Tries to find 21 ID that the DMV might request 23 Son cubano drum 24 ___ up (physically supported) 29 Debate topic 31 Laryngitis docs 33 “Wait, what?” 36 Turn like a dreidel 37 “I’m blown away!” 39 Say “Please? Please? Please?,” say 41 Toupee’s place 42 Lost city in a 2001 Disney film 44 Rub it in after a win 45 Insect targeted by Raid 46 Feel the same 47 Happen again 48 Word before “land” or “martini” 50 Related (to) 51 Pickleball barrier
55 Eco-friendly bag 58 Rotor-slowing car part 61 Yuletide carol 62 Actress Jewell 63 “Morning” brew 65 “Happy you’re back with the family!” 66 “Oppenheimer” actor Malek 67 Pillow Pet filling 68 Device that removes an apple’s center 69 Star ___ (five-spice powder ingredient) 70 Chairs 71 Taunt 74 “gimme 1 moment” 75 “Family ___” (“Survey says ...” game show) 76 Time period 77 Leafy green aka rocket 78 Person caring for a calico 79 Foreboding sign 80 Ernie’s pal 83 “Have a sip!” 84 Puppy’s sharp sound 86 Bread served with dal makhani 90 Chew on this! 91 Cambodia’s official language 93 NYC tennis tournament 96 Astrological borders 97 “High five!” 99 Buzz-free coffee 100 Give a speech 101 Citrus fruit in kabkabou 103 Crystal-filled rock 104 Bakery appliances
“RE WBVSQIF SIBBRJ DUWAIF JWAJ JVYISQRBT BITWSRMI, R JWA, ‘SQWS TRFU CRUU BIMIF LIWS YI.’ CI EIIG VEE SQI HFRSRHRJY.”
MIBKJ CRUURWYJ
“H MXS’J JRHSI CSLXSD DFDP ISXTB TRCJ’B ZXHSZ JX GD ZXXM JDNDFHBHXS ... H MX TRCJ H MX GDKCQBD HJ HSJDPDBJB YD.” KRPHBJXARDP ZQDBJ
“OY T GLPABD CTUXA OD VKL CBBIA TDI UOAVLDA NTPLYJUUZ, KL NTD ULTPD WBPL VKTD CKTV OA OD QBBXA.” RLBPRL CTAKODRVBD NTPMLP Puzzle Three Clue: O equals I
123 ___ off (repels) 124 Podcast installments, for short 125 JFK or FDR, informally
Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.
Puzzle Two Clue: C equals A
ODD JOBS by Jared Goudsmit, edited by Jared Goudsmit
ACROSS
celebrity cipher
Puzzle Two Clue: U equals L
crossword
Flooring Made for Your Family
500131-1
at MANASOTA FLOORING INC
sudoku Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.
106 Pleasant vocal inflection 107 ___-Caps (movie theater candy) 108 Tear to shreds 110 Per person 112 Sharpen, like a skill 113 Singer Celia known as the “Queen of Salsa” 116 Hi-___ monitor 117 Electric cello’s volume booster ©2026 Andrews McMeel Syndicate
10-8-26
Made for where you live. Here!
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026
RED PAGES Autos Wanted
DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at 11:30AM
CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you! Ho Ho Buys cars. 941-270-4400.
Service Directory - Friday at 3PM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card The East County Observer reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only. *All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher. *It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in the East County Observer to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with towncodes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property Notice: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis..
stuff
FOR SALE: Lights in a bottle 40 bottles $200 Call for more information 941-750-9858 or jodavepeck1932@yahoo.com
Antiques/ Collectibles
ANTIQUES WANTED •Paintings •Bronzes •Sculptures •Oriental Rugs •Asian Art •Antique Furniture
DAD AND DAUGHTER TEAM BUYING GOLD JEWELRY, COINS & CURRENCY Call Today! 941-795-3203
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Garage/ Moving/ Estate Sales Annual Creekwood Community Wide Yard Sale Five neighborhoods to participate. Saturday, October 17th 8am-2pm SR70 & Creekwood Blvd Furniture, small appliances, clothing, toys and more
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Waterfront Estate overlooking Anna Maria Island 4Bed 5Bath 10K#&24K# Boat Lifts $7,250,000.00
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Items Under $200 ADVERTISE YOUR MERCHANDISE with the total value of all items $200 or less in this section for FREE! Limit 1 ad per month,15 words or less. Price must be included next to each item. No commercial advertising. Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer. Call 941-955-4888 Or Email ad to: classified@yourobserver.com (Please provide your name and address) Or Online at: www.yourobserver.com Or mail to: The Observer Group 1970 Main St. - 3rd Floor Sarasota, Fl 34236
POST YOUR AD WITH EASE
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Items Under $200
STORAGE FACILITY Boat/ RV/ Trailer. Secure facility, low monthly rentals, Clark Rd area. 941-809-3660, 941-809-3662.
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Near Downtown Sarasota one level 3BED 3Bath $1,000,000.00 Near Downtown Sarasota New Construction one level 3BED 3Bath $1,000,000.00 CALL O’Malley NewBrooke Construction CLUB REALTY 941-726-2677 CALL Brooke O’Malley CLUB REALTY 941-726-2677
SELL YOUR STUFF HERE!
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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026
Health
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This week’s Crossword answers
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peekers’ place
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160
25 $
UP TO
This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers
Puzzle One Solution: “If another tennis player says something negative, I say, ‘That girl will never beat me.’ We feed off the criticism.” Venus Williams Puzzle Two Solution: “I don’t think anyone ever knows what’s going to be good television ... I do what I do because it interests me.” Christopher Guest Puzzle Three Solution: “If a person walks in the woods and listens carefully, he can learn more than what is in books.” George Washington Carver
This week’s Sudoku answers
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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026
A Higher Standard in Real Estate Representation Top 1% of Realtors in Sarasota and Manatee Counties Top 1% of Coldwell Banker Realtors Worldwide
View Listing
7219 Ashland Glen | Country Club $1,395,000 | 3,309 Sq Ft | 3 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | Office | Bonus Room | Pool/Spa
Under Construction
8613 Sandpoint Street | Wild Blue
8435 Lindrick Lane | The Concession
$3,479,875 | 3,632 Sq Ft | 3 Bedrooms | 3.5 Bathrooms | Office | Pool/Spa
$3,200,000 | 4,819 Sq Ft | 3 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | Office | Bonus Room
17129 Waterworks Terrace | Everly at Wellen Park
1538 Westover Avenue | River’s Reach
$2,595,000 | 4,189 Sq Ft | 4 Bedrooms | 5.5 Bathrooms | Office | Pool/Spa
$399,000 | 1,744 Sq Ft | 3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | Community Pool
Sold - Represented Buyers
Sold - 100% of List Price
16525 Hillside Circle | Country Club East
7147 Sandhills Place | Country Club
$836,000 | 2,228 Sq Ft | 3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | Office | Pool/Spa
$575,000 | 1,753 Sq Ft | 2 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | Den
SHANAHAN LUXURY GROUP 941.961.8205 | 941.702.0437 ShanahanLuxuryGroup@CBrealty.com 8334 Market Street | Lakewood Ranch, FL TOP PRODUCING LAKEWOOD RANCH TEAM 2023-2026 for Coldwell Banker Realty Contact Us to Learn More or to Schedule a Showing. 502815-1
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