East County Observer 12.18.25

EAST COUNTY

Observer

Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998

Putting their spin on it.

PAGE 6B

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

VOLUME 27, NO. 19

Lakewood Ranch lawn pests eat like pigs

YOUR TOWN

Trappers are hired to stop wild hogs from chewing up River Club yards.

SEE PAGE 3A

Courtesy image

Snow day on the Manatee River Despite the warm temperatures, East County sees snow once a year at the Christian Retreat off Upper Manatee River Road when the Family Church hosts its annual Winterfest.

About 750 people attended the festival Dec. 5 to tube down the snow mountain slide and then warm up with hot cocoa and s’mores around the fire pit.

The festival also included food trucks, live music, karaoke and bingo.

For the kids, there were crafting stations, Christmasthemed bounce houses, hay rides and a rock climbing wall. East County’s 8-year-old June Hunter (pictured above) stopped by the cookie decorating station to ice a cookie shaped like a Christmas tree.

RUNNERS JINGLE ALL THE WAY The annual Jingle 5K lights up Lakewood Ranch for charity.

SEE PAGE 1B

Courtesy image

Cookies with Santa For Myakka City’s 5-year-old Cash Brown and 3-year-old Olivia Brown (pictured above with Santa), Christmas is filled with decorating the house as a family, driving around looking at lights, and being filled with excitement.

This year, they added an extra bit of fun by attending the Milk and Cookies With Santa event at Myakka City Elementary on Dec. 2. Cash asked Santa for a dirt bike, while Olivia requested a puppy.

“Christmas is the best through a child’s eyes,” said their mom, Kierstyn Brown. “I remember the same excitement as a kid and love seeing the same from our own children.”

Carol Ricks, principal at Myakka Elementary, said the holiday season is time for connection and celebration.

Jay Heater

Sebastian Nantes is ready on Dec. 12 to run his first 5K with support from his mom, Karyn Nantes, at the Jingle 5K in Lakewood Ranch.

A+E

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

$0.10

A blast of Broadway INSIDE

Why does an Elk need a shoebox? ... ... to fill it with joy for a homebound senior.

SEE PAGE 8A More than 50 raffle baskets were offered at the 20th annual Community Holiday Shoebox Collection Drive and Reception on Dec. 13.

Jay Heater

2A

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

MATCHING GIFT CAMPAIGN On Dec. 1, “a generous Risen Savior family” offered a $650,000 matching gift to help raise money for the church’s expansion project. Through Dec. 31, any donation to Risen Savior Lutheran Church’s capital campaign will be matched up to $650,000.

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Pastor Caleb Free’s daughter, JoJo Free, attends Risen Savior Academy.

Lakewood Ranch church expands its school Risen Savior Lutheran Church is breaking ground on its expansion toward becoming a K-8 school in January.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

P

astor Caleb Free of Risen Savior Lutheran Church said the expansion of Risen Savior Academy will be a blessing to the community.

“It’s another option for kids’ education — private Christian education right here in Lakewood Ranch,” Free said. “A lot of people value that, but they have to travel to Bradenton or Sarasota or somewhere else.”

Lakewood Ranch Christian School

provides K-7 classes and Woodland Academy on State Road 70 offers K-8 classes.

Right now, Risen Savior Academy is only K-2, but the school is growing with its students and is in the process of expanding up to eighth grade.

The academy will welcome its first third grade class in fall 2026 and is breaking ground on a new education building in January.

The school is currently operating out of four classrooms in a 5,500-square-foot wing of the church that was opened in 2023 to expand upon its already established preschool.

The academy has 88 students enrolled in preschool and 58 students enrolled in elementary school. When the building is completed, the academy will be able to accommodate up to 150 students in the preschool and

up to 200 students in the elementary school.

The two-story building will feature nine classrooms, a library and a science lab. The pre-kindergarten classes will stay within the preschool.

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

When Risen Savior decided to expand to include a school, it was a decision made by the entire congregation.

With over $3 million raised over the past two years, Elementary School Administrator Jodi Batsch said 98% of those funds were donated by church members.

“We’re here to be a light in the community,” Free said. “There’s a solid commitment from the people in our church to offer Christian education.”

The entire expansion, which will

also include a sanctuary that will seat up to 400 members and a larger parking lot, is estimated to cost $11.65 million.

The school was prioritized to keep up with its students as they age, so those who started in kindergarten will be able to continue their education through eighth grade.

The sanctuary will eventually double in size. The current seating capacity is 200, so the church runs three Sunday services to accommodate its approximately 500-member congregation.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the building is scheduled for Jan. 11.

The plan is to have the school movein ready by June 2027, and then move forward with the second phase of expanding the sanctuary.

To reach the goal of $11.65 million, Risen Savior bonded $7 million and is working to raise an additional $1.1 million to close the gap by the end of 2026.

The bond went before the Mana-

tee County Board of County Commissioners for approval Dec. 2. The county is not guaranteeing the bond, but because it’s being issued by the Public Finance Authority Education Facilities Revenue Bonds, the transaction was required to go before the commission and the public.

As a nonprofit organization, the church is able to finance the project on a tax-exempt basis and secure a lower interest rate.

Free said the project was phased to keep it financially manageable.

While not fully built out yet, the school is receiving positive feedback from parents, which is illustrated in its nearly 100% retention rate.

Each classroom has about 20 students with one teacher and one assistant.

The curriculum meets or exceeds state requirements and also includes chapel services and age appropriate Bible lessons.

“The low student to teacher ratio is intentional,” Free said. “We don’t want to minimize the quality of education we give to these families.”

Tuition costs $13,500 per year, and Step Up for Students scholarships are accepted. Step Up for Students is a nonprofit that provides funding for customized learning, including private school tuition.

The scholarship fund, which is provided by the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program and the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options, offers Florida residents enrolled in K-12 public schools an average of $8,000 to attend a private school of their choice.

The new education building will include a larger library.

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

BLUE BOARS In July, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife issued a warning about pesticide exposure in hunter-harvested wildlife after several wild pigs were found to have bright blue fat and muscle tissue, which was described by one hunter as the color of a 7-Eleven slurpee. The color was attributed to the feral swine eating rodenticides, which often include blue dyes.

“Hunters should be aware that the meat of game animals, such as wild pig, deer, bear and geese, might be contaminated if that game animal has been exposed to rodenticides,” said Ryan Bourbour, CDFW Pesticide Investigations Coordinator. “Rodenticide exposure can be a concern for nontarget wildlife in areas where applications occur in close proximity to wildlife habitat.”

File photo

Wild pigs look for food near Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.

PIG PROBLEMS

The River Club’s homeowners association and the village’s neighbors have hired trappers to reduce the number of wild hogs.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

W

ild hogs long have been members of the East County com-

munity, but sometimes they fade into the background of the brush without anyone noticing.

At other times, they root so voraciously that they tear up thousands of dollars’ worth of sod in yards while also destroying wiring or other infrastructure below the surface of a lawn.

Over the past few weeks, residents in the Sanctuary at River Club have been experiencing the latter.

The hogs have torn up lighting and countless squares of sod. Resident Richard McDonnell said one of his neighbors paid a sod company $600 to repair his front yard; three nights later, the hogs tore it up again.

Another neighbor was “hit” four or five times. The repairs cost thousands.

McDonnell collected more than $2,000 from 18 neighbors to hire a trapper. He said The River Club Homeowners Association also hired a trapper who is using dogs to track the hogs. The HOA didn’t respond to the East County Observer’s request for confirmation.

The trapper hired by neighbors is only using a trap to try to bait the hogs.

The Sanctuary backs up to a preserve owned by Schroeder-Manatee Ranch. McDonnell wishes the trapping effort could have started three weeks earlier, but the HOA needed permission from SMR to allow the trapper onto its property.

A representative of SMR said in an email that because the hogs travel freely, mitigation depends on where they’re causing an issue. Responsibility could fall to a homeowners association, community development district, the Lakewood Ranch Stewardship district, or Manatee County.

In this case, the HOA and the neighbors have taken responsibility for mitigation, although no hogs have been trapped yet.

Gary Clark, “The Hog Wrangler,” called hogs “trap smart.”

“You’ll catch the small ones, but the big ones are still there reproducing,” he said. “They’ll eat the corn and the bait all the way up to the door, but they won’t go in the trap.”

Clark stopped trapping hogs a couple years ago after a sounder of hogs killed his dogs.

ON THE NUTSEDGE

McDonnell has lived in the Sanctuary for 12 years. He’s used to the hogs, but can’t remember them causing this much damage since 2017, when a trapper pulled 15 of them out of the neighborhood.

“This seems to be worse,” he said.

“We’ve had multiple sightings of a really big one, and he seems to be the guy doing most of the damage.”

Most homes in the Sanctuary have cameras with motion detectors.

Recently, the most hogs to be spotted at once is six.

Thomas Sewell owns Swine Solutions, a hog trapping company. He said this time of year, the food sources in the woods dry up, so the hogs tend to be on the move more.

“September and October, we had acorns, so the hogs were pretty much staying in the woods,” Sewell said.

“Now, they’re looking for low lying areas. In people’s yards, they’re looking for nutsedge weed.”

Nutsedge is also called nut grass, but it’s an aggressive weed that’s hard to get rid of because of its deep root system. The roots form tubers called “nutlets,” which is what the hogs are after when rooting.

An article from the Penn State Extension website about controlling nutsedge states that hogs can be used for weed control in pastures and in fields during fallow cropping periods (breaks in planting when the soil is being renourished).

Sewell said Bermuda and St. Augustine grasses are a darker green.

Nutsedge stands out because it’s a bright chartreuse color. While it’s a tough weed to eliminate, it can be controlled with the use of herbicides.

But ridding the yard of nutsedge only eliminates one food source, so it’s not a guarantee that the hogs won’t return. They’ll eat acorns under oak trees and bugs out of garden beds, too.

NO TRESPASSING

Hogs will also eat table scraps or anything else they find, and they’ll return for more.

While it’s not expressly illegal to feed feral swine, as it is sandhill cranes and coyotes, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission discourages feeding all wildlife because it can overpopulate a small area, cause unnatural behaviors and aggression towards humans.

SMR took legal action against two River Club residents in 2020 — not for providing food to the swine — for trespassing. The couple had allegedly set up feeding stations, troughs and a fence in the preserve behind their home, which SMR owns.

The Lake Vista Residences are on the south side of the preserve, and further south from Lake Vista is Colonial Grand at Lakewood Ranch.

SMR’s complaint states that some residents at Colonial Grand were approached by feral swine and were demanding to terminate their lease agreements early because they feared being attacked.

The River Club residents claimed they were not responsible for the feeding stations and set out the troughs of water for all the wildlife.

They said the fence was to keep the hogs off their property.

The couple entered into a settlement agreement that included a permanent injunction to stay off SMR property on June 13, 2022. By Aug. 25, 2022, SMR claimed they violated the injunction. The couple claimed to have fed the hogs as a distraction to get the hogs away from their property.

One of the defendants was put on probation for a year and six months.

A second complaint was filed by SMR in April 2023 claiming that the same defendant was caught on camera with “food for the swine in her possession,” to which she was found guilty.

Because she breached the settlement contract, SMR was entitled to recover its attorney’s fees.

By email, SMR said the lawsuit “followed a lengthy and challenging series of events involving an individual who repeatedly fed the animals, causing additional property damage and public safety issues for surrounding residents. As you might imagine, the costs of litigation far outweighed the lawsuit’s outcome.”

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Firefighters say hogs are a regular nuisance at the East Manatee Fire Rescue station on Lakewood Ranch Boulevard.

This is one of several yards in the Sanctuary at River Club that have been torn up by feral hogs.

3A

4A

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

Dance, sweat and say hello to your Dance, sweat and hello Dance,new sweat and say say hello to to your your favorite workout. new favorite favorite workout. workout. new

Sarasota Sarasota Sarasota Lakewood Ranch Lakewood Lakewood Ranch Ranch

NEWS BRIEFS

New New Years Years Sale!

Sale!

In-studio and online classes.

In-studio and online classes.

In-studio Check outand our online currentclasses. offers!

Check out out our our current current offers! offers!

Check jazzercise.com jazzercise.com jazzercise.com

2 2 Months Months for for $99 $99 No No Commitment!

Commitment!

In-Studio and Online classes.

In-Studio In-Studio and and Online Online classes. classes.

446480-1 446480-1 446480-1

RAIN RIDES

Jazzercise Studio Name Jazzercise Jazzercise Studio Studio Name Name Studio Phone number Studio Phone Studio Phone number number 6265 Lake Osprey Drive | 860-833-4874 Studio Email Address 6265 Osprey Drive 6265 Lake Lake Osprey Drive || 860-833-4874 860-833-4874 Studio Studio Email Email Address Address Studio IG Handle Studio IG Handle Studio IG Handle

|| jazzerciselwr.com | jazzerciselwr.com jazzerciselwr.com

U-PICK

STRAWBERRIES

3

$

/lb

ALL TOMATOES

5

/half bushel

453958-1

5500 County Road 675 Bradenton, FL 34211 | 941-322-2168 Mon-Sat 8am-5pm | U-Pick closes at 4pm | Sundays 10am-4pm | U-Pick closes at 3pm HunsaderFarms.com

The Bishop-Parker Foundation has awarded $4.2 million in grants to Manatee County and Sarasota County nonprofits, including a $120,000 grant to East County’s SMART with Heart for its equine therapy programs.

Grants went to 35 organizations in total.

“Our fall 2025 grants focused on basic needs such as access to food and health care, as well as efforts to improve the local environment through innovative projects,” said Wendy Deming, the CEO of the Bishop-Parker Foundation, in a news release. “We’re happy to continue Ned and Patty Bishop’s and Mary Parker’s advocacy for animal welfare through grants supporting the care of rescued animals, equine therapy horses, and the local brown pelican population.”

According to the release, the largest grant was a $1 million gift to Community Assisted and Supported Living, which is based on Fruitville Road in Sarasota. It will go to support its Legacy Village project, a $27 million inclusive housing and employment community in Bradenton.

The four-story, 60-unit development will provide a “live, work, and play” environment designed to empower adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live with dignity, independence and purpose.

Another key grant was $315,868 going to the Food Bank of Manatee for its expansion while the State College of Florida Foundation received $500,000 for Phase 1 of the SCF’s Parrish campus.

Clean-up day scheduled for Myakka City Community Center, Parrish Community Park Residents of unincorporated Manatee County will have an opportunity to dispose of some of their bigger items without paying a fee during a clean-up day from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Jan. 10.

The sites will be Parrish Com-

munity Park, 7550 Fort Hamer Road, Parrish, and the Myakka City Community Center, 10060 Wauchula Road, Myakka City.

Items that will be accepted include old tires, large appliances (refrigerators, washing machines), bulky household items (sofas, mattresses), and bagged, tied, or bundled yard waste (under four feet and under 40 pounds).

Recyclable materials will be accepted, however, household hazardous waste (including paint, chemicals, oil, and propane tanks) will not be accepted.

Electronic devices such as televisions, computers and printers also will not be accepted.

Participants will be asked to provide proof of residency at the drop-off sites. Businesses, landlords and contractors are not eligible to participate.

Residents are asked to sort materials before arrival and to follow instructions of on-site staff.

The county said it will announce other cleanup dates throughout 2026. For more information, go to MyManatee.org.

Manatee County reminds residents it is free to drop off hazardous waste at the Lena Road Landfill.

Manatee seeks two Library Advisory Board members Manatee County is accepting applications for two seats on its Library Advisory Board, which serves in an advisory capacity to the Library Services Manager and assists the Board of County Commissioners in improving library services.

County commissioners will appoint a representative for the county at-large who must be a resident, and a representative for unincorporated Manatee County who must be a resident of unincorporated Manatee.

Each member will be appointed to a four-year term. The advisory board meets on the third Wednesday of each month in the Central Library, 1301 Barcarrota Blvd. W., Bradenton.

Applications are due by Jan. 5. For information about the application process, call Brooke Frasca, senior administrative specialist, at 7485555, ext. 6389.

Happy Holidays!

Peace. Joy. Health. Wishing you all the best gifts of the holiday season.

Quality Care is Here Every Day of the Year.

OUR SERVICES

• Breast Health

• Physical Therapy

• Cardiovascular Care

• Podiatry

• Emergency Services, including ER at Fruitville

• Respiratory

• Gastroenterology • General Surgery

• Stroke and Cerebrovascular Center

• Imaging

• Urology

• Laboratory

• Weight-Loss Surgery

• Maternity

• Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Medicine

• Orthopedics & Spine

Sparkle

• Sleep Center

Into the Season

& UNWRAP THE MAGIC

This year and always, we’re here for the healthcare needs of your entire family.

Visit doctors.lakewoodranchmedicalcenter.com to find a doctor.

Learn more about our comprehensive services at lakewoodranchmedicalcenter.com.

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 our website. 252877059-2981188 12/25

438688-1

8330 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

PUBLIC NOTICES The Sarasota/Siesta Key, East County and Longboat Observers meet the legal requirements to publish legal and public notices in Sarasota & Manatee counties, per F.S. 50.011.

WAT E R S I DE PL AC E 1561 L AK EFRON T DR I V E SUITE 105

AUDITOR INFORMATION Circulation Verified Council 12166 Old Big Bend Road, Suite 210 | St Louis, MO 63122 314-966-7111 | www.cvcaudit.com

SAR A SOTA , FL 452114-1

453960-1

$

VISIT Our: Produce Market, Petting Zoo/Playground, Ice Cream Shop, and Gift/Antique Barn

SMART lands $120,00 grant from BishopParker Foundation

34240

( 9 4 1 ) 3 5 1 - 8 7 9 2 • W W W. C I L E O N E . C O M

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

5A

Planning commission rejects one new project, approves the other The two projects would add nearly 400 housing units to the area in East County.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

T

he Manatee County Planning Commission saw packed chambers for its first meeting that includes two new members.

Myakka City’s Rob Brown and Lakewood Ranch’s Bruce Stamm joined the board Dec. 11. They replace members Jeffrey Eslinger and Cindy Kebba.

Like Brown and Stamm, most of the residents in the chambers were also from East County. The residents were objecting to two proposed developments — a proposed 100 townhomes near the intersection of Waterline Road and Rye Road and a joint planning agreement that would add 289 single-family homes north

of State Road 64, near Zipperer Road.

Residents complained that the developments would worsen flooding and road conditions.

The Planning Commission only makes recommendations. Both projects will have to go before the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners for final approval or denial at the Jan. 8 land use meeting.

ALTMAN RYE TOWNHOMES

The Planning Commission was unanimous in recommending the denial of this project. Alyssa Gay was the only member absent.

The request is to rezone nearly 18 acres from agriculture to planned development residential to build 100 rental units with 25% of the townhomes designated as “affordable.”

The affordable designation allows for density bonuses and expedited permitting.

A major problem for planning commissioners was that Rye Road’s existing level of service from State

Road 64 to Upper Manatee River Road is designated by a C (rating), which grades it as a functional road.

However, unless it’s widened from two lanes to four, the level of service will drop to an F once construction is completed on the already approved developments in the area.

An F is considered a total breakdown of the road by Florida Department of Transportation standards.

Country Creek’s Cara Misiewicz said she won’t let her children ride their bikes to school no matter how much they beg because it’s a safety issue.

When driving them to Gene Witt Elementary School, it takes Misiewicz upwards of 10 minutes to take a left turn onto Rye Road because there are no traffic lights to provide any breaks in the traffic.

“I have to tell my kids, ‘Hold onto your butts; we’re pulling out,’” she said. “That’s not safe for me or for anyone.”

Misiewicz noted that the sidewalks have become congested because they’re walking paths that are being used by bikes and golf carts in an effort to avoid the vehicle traffic.

The site being located in the Mill Creek watershed was another negative aspect in Brown’s view. He noted that the watershed’s study lays out a list of deficiencies and that it should be taken “off the shelf” to look at some corrective actions.

Lesley Dwyer

Residents line up behind the podium to object to a proposal for Altman Rye Townhomes.

Myakka City’s Rob Brown is a former Manatee County employee. He spent 34 years in the Natural Resources department and currently serves on the board for Suncoast Waterkeepers. Prior to working for the county, Brown was a senior chemist at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.

Lakewood Ranch’s Bruce Stamm serves as the president of the Lakewood Ranch Republican Club and the vice chair of the Manatee County Citizens Oversight Committee for Infrastructure Sales Tax Advisory Board. Stamm spent 40-plus years in sales and sales management and holds an MBA from LaSalle University in Philadelphia.

SIMPLY DWELL AND M/I HOMES

The meeting ran well past 5 p.m. By the time the vote was taken on the joint planning agreement between Simply Dwell Homes and M/I Homes of Sarasota, Matt Bower had left the dais.

Each project was narrowly recommended for approval in backto-back 3-2 votes, with Brown and Stamm in opposition. Had Bower voted with the pair, a tie would’ve caused the recommendations to be recommended for denial.

While they are two separate

The area outlined in yellow is where Simply Dwell wants to build 122 homes. The two rectangles above the outline is the area where M/I Homes of Sarasota wants to build 167 homes.

single-family homes on 55.8 acres to the north of where Simply Dwell, a brand by Neal Communities, wants to build 122 single-family homes on 43.7 acres.

The plan is to share access points and amenities.

Residents focused on what would be lost with an approval, including dark skies at night, wildlife habitats and the canopy of trees that line Zipperer Road.

The Moran family, who has owned the land for 60 years, focused on what they’ve already lost — fertile land and a farming community.

“We are already surrounded (by development),” Marilyn Moran said.

“This is not the boondocks anymore.”

While sympathetic towards the Morans’ viewpoints, Brown voted to recommend denying the projects because he deemed them too intense for the surrounding area. He told the Morans that the land could still be developed with less intense uses.

Chair John DeLesline said the timing wasn’t perfect, but he still voted to recommend approval. “(The land) is going to be developed regardless,” he said. “Not too many people want a 1-acre or 5-acre lot out there, especially when they can’t grow anything.”

NEW COMMISSIONERS

requests from two separate developers, Katie LeBarr, a principal planner for the consulting firm Stantec, told planning commissioners that “the collaboration will yield better outcomes for residents.”

M/I Homes wants to build 167

WA R R E N G RO U P L A K EWO O D R A N C H Lakewood Ranch Residents and Real Estate Experts for Over 20 Years

• Top 1% of agents in Sarasota and Manatee Counties

• Members of Coldwell Banker’s Global Luxury Division

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

from The Warren Group

• Top 7% of Coldwell Banker agents worldwide

• Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialists

Whether you are listing or buying a home, we would love the opportunity to prove our commitment to you in your next move.

MAJOR PRICE IMPROVEMENT!

FORMER MODEL HOME IN EXCLUSIVE CASSIA AT SKYE RANCH

Lakewood Ranch CC West 7807 Rosehall Cove | $1,650,000

Sarasota | Skye Ranch 9224 Starry Night Avenue | $2,295,000

AMAZING FAMILY HOME WITH FENCED YARD!

GORGEOUS LAKE VIEWS

Lakewood Ranch | Riverwalk Ridge 12202 Lobelia Terrace | $999,000

Lakewood Ranch CC West 6822 Dominion Lane | $1,995,000

The Best Realtors in Lakewood Ranch!

Pat and Julie are the best team! Very organized, honest, fast moving, unbelievably talented and they know how the market works! They get things done quickly! I would list my home with them over and over again. I’m so glad we hired them! Nicest people in the world! They really know the market value in Lakewood Ranch! Very professional! I enjoyed my experience with them!

Vicky H. Real Estate Advisors, REALTORS Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate

8334 Market Street, Lakewood Ranch, FL C: 941.350.7044 C: 941.350.7439 O: 941.907.1033

Realtors, CLHMS

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

446278-1

PAT & JULIE WARREN

Julie and Pat Warren

6A

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

Convention Center expansion tops ‘state of Manatee’ presentation County administrators spoke to the Manatee Chamber of Commerce at its December luncheon.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

On Feb. 4-5, residents are welcome to join Manatee County staff members on a trip to Tallahassee. Manatee County Days are a chance for residents to connect directly with their legislators. While several more expensive sponsorship opportunities are available, general attendance costs $50. Call 748-4501, extension 3680, for more information.

from Hurricane Idalia in 2023 are only just now beginning to come back to the county.

PARKS

Parnell discussed park projects.

Manatee County has $24 million earmarked for parks in its five-year capital improvement plan.

Hidden Harbor Park is located across the street from the Fort Hamer boat ramp and is expected to be completed by summer 2026. The $6.5 million park will feature a pump track, playground and kayak launch.

John H. Marble Park is in the midst of a $22.6 million makeover. In February, the updated recreation center was unveiled and reopened without the pool and splash pad. Construction is currently underway.

Instead of six lanes, the 25-meter pool will feature eight lanes and a larger pool deck. A 4,000-squarefoot splash pad will be installed next to the pool.

Another splash pad is being installed at Tom Bennett Park. To go along with the all-inclusive playground that opened in April 2024, the splash pad was designed with zero-entry access, so children of all abilities can use it.

Lesley Dwyer

Manatee County administrators address the Manatee Chamber of Commerce Dec. 8. From left: Deputy County Administrators Corey Stutte, Bryan Parnell, Courtney De Pol and County Administrator Charlie Bishop.

“It’s another example of how we’re creating spaces that bring people together, celebrate community and make Manatee County a place where everyone belongs,” Parnell said.

When talking about the 50-meter pool coming to Premier Sports Campus North, Parnell called it “more than a pool.” He called it a “regional asset that will serve families, athletes and visitors.”

The Athletics and Aquatics Center is anticipated to open in September 2026.

ROADWORK

The newest deputy county administrator, Corey Stutte, covered the topic of roads. Stutte was hired in June.

He said widening Upper Manatee River Road and adding sidewalks, bike lanes and lighting is a major effort to relieve congestion, improve safety and ensure that Manatee County keeps pace with the population in the area.

Holiday Surprise

However, he noted that major projects like that don’t solve every problem.

“The places where those roads meet our intersections are just as critical in safety, mobility and efficiency,” Stutte said. “That’s why we continue to invest in targeted intersection improvements across our community.”

While smaller in scale, intersection improvements make an immediate impact, as do paving projects.

In 2022, commissioners approved paving about 53 miles of existing shell roads located in rural Manatee County. About 17 miles were paved in the northern portion of the county.

Due to “funding limitations,” paving the shell roads in East County was pushed off until 2027. Once started, the project is expected to take about two years to complete.

LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

Courtney De Pol laid out Manatee County’s 2026 legislative priorities and appropriation requests: ■ $2.5 million to complete the Fresh Start facility (homeless shelter in Palmetto) and expand homelessness recovery services ■ $1.5 million to replace the Singletary Road Bridge, which crosses the Manatee River ■ $3 million to advance Valor Commons, a veterans park and resource hub ■ $3 million to extend 51st Street West to El Conquistador Parkway, which will be known as Charlie Kirk Memorial Parkway “This year’s state legislative agenda reflects a balanced investment in people, infrastructure and places,” De Pol said. “(These projects) are an investment in resiliency, recovery and a long-term quality of life for everyone in Manatee County.”

Deputy County Administrator

HOLIDAY SAVER PROGRAM IS BACK COOL AC FILTERS DIRECT WITH

FREE SHIPPING!

SAVINGS!

• LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED • NO OVERTIME OR WEEKEND CHARGES • AVAILABLE 24/7 - CALL DAY OR NIGHT!

Need system replacement?

Up to

Sneezing or Allergies?

2,000 SAVINGS

10 OFF

No interest, no payments up to 12 months

All indoor air quality packages

25 point inspection and rating report $50 SAVINGS!

Need Service?

FREE SECOND OPINIONS on quoted work -

$

49 TUNE UP $

%

100 SAVINGS $

AC Today... Not Tomorrow!

CALL TODAY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF CREEKWOOD CROSSING I-75 & S.R. 70 BRADENTON, FL 941-751-6600 Mon-Sat: 9:30am - 5:30pm BARTLETTJEWELERS.COM

THESE SPECIAL OFFERS!

941.225.2316 - ACTODAY-FL.COM

450931-1

W

hen it came to delivering “the state of Manatee County address” Dec. 8 to the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, Administrator Charlie Bishop didn’t have to use a slide show to illustrate his No. 1 item.

He was standing in it.

Bishop talked about the newly expanded Bradenton Area Convention Center, which was hosting the chamber event.

The $54 million expansion was one of several projects touted by the administration as being key to the county’s future. Completed in November, the expansion added 95,000 square feet of new conference space and is expected to generate up to $40 million in economic impact in its first year of operation.

Bishop said it’s the only convention center of its scale between St. Petersburg and Naples.

He was speaking at the chamber’s final luncheon of the year, in which the state of Manatee County presentation by the county administrator has become a tradition.

Bishop delivered the presentation along with deputy county administrators Courtney De Pol, Bryan Parnell and Corey Stutte.

The administration also touched on parks, roadwork, legislative priorities and the budget.

One major question that arose in 2025 was whether the county needs to keep nearly $1 billion in reserves, Bishop spoke about the reserves specifically, calling them the county’s “savings account.”

“These reserves are used to help keep projects on track, covering cost changes, providing grant matches or bridging timing gaps for when funding comes in later,” Bishop said.

“That’s why reserves matter.”

He noted that reimbursements

MANATEE COUNTY DAYS

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

A Reimagined Jewel on South Palm Avenue

(941) 200-1772

|

Discover the luxurious Mira Mar Residences.

An intimate collection of 70 estate-style residences, offering an unmatched downtown Sarasota location, timeless interiors, exclusive services, private amenities, and breathtaking panoramic city and water views.

53 S PALM AVE, SARASOTA, FL 34236

ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS MAKE REFERENCE TO THIS BROCHURE AND TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A SELLER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. THIS PROJECT HAS BEEN FILED IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA AND NO OTHER STATE. THIS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL OR SOLICITATION OF OFFERS TO BUY THE CONDOMINIUM UNITS IN STATES WHERE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION CANNOT BE MADE. PRICES AND AVAILABILITY ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE ANYTIME WITHOUT NOTICE.

449400-1

MIRAMARSARASOTA.COM

7A

8A

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

EAST COUNTY

“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.”

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Publisher and President / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com Associate Publisher — East County Observer / Lori Ruth, LRuth@YourObserver.com Executive Editor and COO / Kat Wingert, KWingert@YourObserver.com Managing Editor / Jay Heater, JHeater@YourObserver.com Sports Reporter / Jack Nelson, JNelson@ YourObserver.com Staff Writers / Madison Bierl, MBierl@ YourObserver.com; Lesley Dwyer, LDwyer@YourObserver.com Digital News Analytics and Marketing Strategist / Kaelyn Adix, KAdix@YourObserver.com Digital News Editor / Eric Garwood, EGarwood@YourObserver.com Copy Editor / Gina Reynolds Haskins, GRHaskins@YourObserver.com Senior Editorial Designer / Melissa Leduc, MLeduc@YourObserver.com Photos by Jay Heater

Maddox and Lou Towery have packed up shoeboxes during the Community Holiday Shoebox Collection Drive for the last seven years.

A size-10 heart packed into this shoebox Community Holiday Shoebox Collection Drive heads toward another record year in donations.

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

A

my Towery, vice president of development for Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee, was looking into the back of a van that was being packed by her sons, 14-year-old Maddox and 16-year-old Lou. The Towery boys were packing shoeboxes filled with gifts for homebound seniors that were being delivered to the Lakewood Ranch Elks Club by the public. The occasion was the 20th annual Community Holiday Shoebox Collection Drive and Reception on Dec. 13.

As the shoeboxes filled every inch as they crept toward the back of the van, Amy Towery was asked if she had another van waiting to be loaded.

She shook her head no.

It was a wonderful problem to have.

Maribeth Phillips, CEO and president of Meals on Wheels Plus, started the Shoebox Collection Drive in 2006 at her Greenbrook home. She remembered packing 37 shoeboxes with Alice Hein, two years before Phillips connected with Meals on Wheels Plus to deliver them.

In that first year, no van was needed.

It didn’t matter.

“We were so proud,” Phillips said.

In this, the 20th year of the drive, 1,600 shoeboxes already had been collected before the reception. Phillips was hoping for another 1,000 shoeboxes Dec 13, which would set a record for the collection.

Last year, Meals on Wheels Plus distributed 2,400 shoeboxes filled with gifts to homebound seniors along with those seniors who have no family. Phillips said several large groups, such as Grace Church, the Esplanade of Lakewood Ranch neighborhood, and the Cascade Women’s Club, organized

The Elks’ Jerry Ditty and Meals on Wheels Plus CEO and President Maribeth Phillips work together to ensure another successful Community Holiday Shoebox Collection Drive.

Karen Gooden, a member of the Bradenton Elks Lodge, says she is impressed with the work done by the Lakewood Ranch lodge for the Community Holiday Shoebox Collection Drive.

A+E Editor / Monica Roman Gagnier, MGagnier@YourObserver.com Chief Revenue Officer / Jill Raleigh, JRaleigh@YourObserver.com Regional Sales Director / Penny Nowicki, PNowicki@YourObserver.com Advertising Executives / Katrina Haug / KHaug@YourObserver. com; Jennifer Kane, JKane@YourObserver. com; Honesty Mantkowski, HMantkowski@ YourObserver.com; Richeal McGuinness, RMcGuinness@YourObserver.com; Toni Perren, TPerren@YourObserver.com; Anna Reich, Anna@YourObserver.com; Brenda White, BWhite@YourObserver.com Classified Advertising Sales Executive / Sydney Schunk, SSchunk@YourObserver. com Head of Sales Operations / Susan Leedom, SLeedom@YourObserver.com Account Managers / Lori Downey, LDowney@YourObserver.com; Caitlin Ellis, CEllis@YourObserver.com Director of Strategic Growth / Kathleen O’Hara, KOHara@YourObserver.com Strategic Marketing Coordinator / Landyn Park, LPark@YourObserver.com Social Media and Content Manager / Emma B. Jolly, EJolly@YourObserver.com Tributes Coordinator / Kristen Boothroyd, Tributes@YourObserver.com Director of Creative Services and IT / Caleb Stanton, CStanton@YourObserver. com

neighborhood drives to help stock the collection.

Judi Bjork, a former vice president at Meals on Wheels Plus who worked 16 years for the nonprofit, was selling raffle tickets at the Elks.

She remembered the joy of delivering the shoeboxes to seniors.

“You give a homebound senior a gift, and you see the reaction,” she said. “You see the tears. We get letters and notes from them about how much it means. We get so much feedback.”

Back in 2006, Phillips had a thought that led to the Shoebox Collection Drive.

“I thought to myself, ‘There are a lot of seniors by themselves,’” she said. “It makes me so happy to bring joy to seniors who are forgotten. In many cases, it is the only gift that senior will see. They are mostly homebound or in nursing homes.

And every year it has gotten bigger.”

Elks Secretary Brett Davis was attending a Shoebox Collection Drive reception six years ago when he was impressed by the care that went into the drive. He brought the reception to the Elks.

“We have had the

reception in several different places, but we have been (at the Lakewood Ranch Elks) the last five years.” Phillips said. “They are so accommodating and this is a perfect venue.”

Jerry Ditty heads the Elks’ committee that works with Meals on Wheels Plus on the drive.

“We want to get these gifts in the elderly’s hands,” Ditty said. “We do it because we can. We want to spread the word that the Elks care. This is what we do for our community.”

Phillips dropped off 100 shoeboxes at the Elks Lodge to be filled. Days later, she needed to deliver more.

But the entire collection takes a village. Phillips said so many organizations are involved in some way, such as Girl Scout Troops, Realtors and Dillard’s department store, which donates shoeboxes and has more than 20 of their employees wrap the shoeboxes. The shoeboxes are delivered to the public and then are filled with gifts.

Gifts could be items such as lip balm, flashlights, hand lotion, pencils or notepads, word puzzles, slipper socks or even gift cards. Each shoebox is marked for either a male or female.

The business community supports the drive, often by donating items that are added to raffle baskets. The reception had more than 50 raffle baskets and silent auction items that were donated.

Lynns Spins donated their musical services for the event with Chuck Stolteben singing for the crowd.

Karen Gooden is a member of the Bradenton Elks Club who was visiting the Lakewood Ranch Elks event for the first time.

“I am so impressed,” she said as she browsed through the raffle baskets. “I am a nurse practitioner at Centerstone, so I love this. During the holiday, you see so many older folks who don’t have family.

People forget that.”

YOU CAN HELP Want to donate a shoebox to the Community Holiday Shoebox Collection Drive?

Go to MealsonWheelsPlus.org/ Event/.

“We want to get these gifts in the elderly’s hands.

We do it because we can. We want to spread the word that the Elks care. This is what we do for our community.”

— Elks member Jerry Ditty

Creative Services Administrator / Marjorie Holloway, MHolloway@ YourObserver.com Advertising Graphic Designers / Luis Trujillo, Taylor Poe, Louise Martin, Shawna Polana Digital Developer / Jason Camillo, JCamillo@YourObserver.com Information Technology Manager / Homer Gallego, HGallego@YourObserver. com Chief Financial Officer / Laura Strickland, LStrickland@YourObserver.com Controller / Rafael Labrin, RLabrin@YourObserver.com Office and Accounting Coordinator / Donna Condon, DCondon@ YourObserver.com

Observer Media Group Inc. is locally owned.

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

CEO / Matt Walsh MWalsh@YourObserver.com President / Emily Walsh Chairman Emeritus / David Beliles Vice President / Lisa Walsh (1995-2023) 8130 Lakewood Main St., Suite D207 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-755-5357

YourObserver.com © 2025 The Observer Media Group Inc. All Rights Reserved

YourObserver.com

SIDE OF RANCH

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

9A

JAY HEATER

Winter wonders to get your mind spinning

File photo

A flyover of Interstate 75 from Lakewood Ranch is planned near the water tower to relieve traffic congestion at UTC, but the project continues to drag along.

buffers, raise impact fees and stop development beyond the Future Development Area Boundary.

Manatee County came up with the $10,000 fee to join 24 other municipalities in the suit with another $10,000 to $20,000 expected.

The suit was filed by Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman in Leon County Circuit Court in September and has yet to have a court date. But you can imagine this case stretching out for months with more fees on the way. If it is successful, then it all was worth it, but if not ...

I wonder if the Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival, which was presented for its second year on Dec. 6 at Waterside Park, will be gone by the time the local residents figure out it’s a cool event. In speaking with those who attended for the first time Dec. 6, they told me they didn’t realize how much talent was being assembled. The first two events failed to reach 1,000 patrons, which I would think makes it an iffy project in the future. I hope

the sponsors can hang in there for another couple of years before making a decision.

I wonder why a cucumber costs more than a dollar. These things grew like weeds when I was a kid and took very little care. I can’t imagine things have changed that much. Or for that matter, why does a 4-ounce basket of raspberries cost $5, or who decided to put the letter “p” in raspberries?

I wonder where all the people who are packing the new Outback on State Road 70 every night were eating a couple of months ago. Is there a restaurant out there that is empty now?

I wonder if anyone ever cooks at home anymore. Restaurant after restaurant after restaurant continues to open in our area, and they keep coming. Is there a tipping point where one restaurant will close for every one that opens?

I wonder why, if nobody cooks at home, do they keep building grocery stores in the Lakewood Ranch

area. I know people continue to move to the area, but are they coming that fast?

I wonder if anyone else has trouble, like I do, paying $9 for a milk shake.

I wonder if we are going to see old refrigerators and sofas lining our backroads since it costs $59 to have such items picked up at our homes.

Of course, I guess if you can drive it out to the boonies to dispose of in the middle of the night, you could get it to the landfill for a lesser charge.

I wonder how long we will have four lanes of traffic going into the two-lane Fort Hamer Bridge. It took 100 years to get that bridge built in the first place, and while road improvements are expanding the lanes at both ends of the bridge, it makes you wonder how long it will take to build another span, especially with road projects being pushed to a lower priority by commissioners due to a lack of funds.

I wonder if anyone has forgotten to roll their garbage can to the street for the once-a-week pickup and then suffered through two weeks of the stink of disposed of fish and Limburger cheese.

I wonder if Portillo’s really is coming to the Marketplace at Heritage Harbour on S.R.64.

I wonder if any of the commissioners feel guilty for breaking ground on a $40 million veterans park at a time they say they don’t have the money to finish widening Lorraine Road.

I wonder how many hurricaneless seasons have to go past before people stop taking the precautions against the next one that does show up.

I wonder if there is any answer to the mess that is the Lakewood Ranch Boulevard-State Road 64 intersection.

I wonder if Tiger Woods is going to play at the Senior PGA Championship at The Concession on April

16-19. He turns 50 on Dec. 30. Oh, and if he doesn’t, I wonder if people in this area are going to support the event.

I wonder, if tilt wall construction — like was used at Lakewood Ranch Prep — meets all our state standards and is so much cheaper than regular construction, then why aren’t we building all our schools that way.

I wonder if the parents know their two knucklehead e-bike riders are weaving back and forth through two lanes of traffic on Lakewood Ranch roads while regular motorists are trying to dodge past them. It’s kind of Frogger in reverse, where you are trying to get hit.

I wonder if anyone is going to realize that trees on the median on White Eagle Boulevard next to Pope Road are a bad idea. Those going north and making a left on Pope Road have limited vision at the cars coming at them, often at high speeds. It’s only a matter of time ...

I wonder, as long as we are riding along White Eagle Boulevard, if the Sheriff’s Office will crack down on those speeding from State Road 64, heading south on White Eagle, as they slingshot past Pope Road. It can be dangerous to come out of a neighborhood on that road.

I wonder when it comes to schools all around the area, if parents delivering their kids to school are the worst speeding offenders because they are running late.

I wonder what would happen to the price of beer at a sports event if nobody bought one for three events.

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

440276-1

C

hristmas always gets my mind spinning, so here is a list of winter wonders.

I wonder if they should call the flyover project that was supposed to link Lakewood Ranch and University Town Center with a bridge over Interstate 75 — the flyaway project. I doubt very much that Schroeder-Manatee Ranch is responsible for the stall, so we’re looking at you, Sarasota County.

That congested mess doesn’t need more entrance and exit points, does it?

I wonder if this Schools of Hope move on Sarasota County Schools is going to have the district running so scared that the new schools planned for Lakewood Ranch are set back 10 years. The elementary school planned for Waterside was on the district’s five-year plan, but now the district says it will consider removing it from that plan.

I wonder if those who lived on the border of the new car lot coming to State Road 64 at 117th Street East near Lakewood Ranch sold out before work began on the property this year. The Manatee County Commission approved the rezone 4-3 in 2020, so at least those homeowners had a little time to sell. But you have to wonder how much of a hit in value those homes are going to take in the future. The commissioners were right in welcoming Cox Chevrolet to the area, but did it have to be in that spot?

I wonder how much the lawsuit in fighting SB 180 is going to eventually cost Manatee County and its taxpayers, and whether it will be successful. Manatee County joined with other municipalities in September to sue the state in saying SB 180, which prohibits local governments from passing “more restrictive and burdensome” regulations on development, robs local governments of their authority. Manatee County has been hindered in its attempts to reinstate larger wetland

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

Make

A Plan.

It Makes a Difference.

LETTERS

Not all e-bikes are bikes Electric bicycles have become an important and positive part of our transportation landscape.

They help people ride farther, replace short car trips, and make cycling accessible to people of all ages and abilities.

Unfortunately, a growing number of high-powered electric vehicles are being mislabeled and marketed as “e-bikes,” creating safety risks, especially for children. This creates a backlash against legitimate cyclists.

It’s time to draw a clear line.

What is an e-bike?

Under widely accepted laws and regulations in Florida and across the United States, true e-bikes fall into three classes: Class 1 — Pedal-assist only, with assistance up to 20 mph Class 2 — Throttle-enabled, but limited to 20 mph Class 3 — Pedal-assist only up to 28 mph All three classes are limited to 750 watts (1 horsepower) and are designed to function like bicycles.

These are e-bikes.

What is an e-moto? If a vehicle exceeds 750 watts, and can reach speeds over 28 mph, operates primarily on a throttle or resembles a motorcycle or dirt bike, it is not an e-bike. It is an electric motorcycle — often called an e-moto.

Why does this matter for parents? These high-powered electric motorcycles are increasingly being purchased for underage riders, creating serious risks. They accelerate quickly, reach motorcycle-level speeds, might require licensing and registration, and are often illegally ridden on streets, sidewalks and bike paths.

In protecting our kids and our community, e-bikes are not the problem. Electric motorcycles marketed as e-bikes are.

Parents deserve clear information, communities deserve safe public spaces and cyclists deserve not to be blamed for machines that were never bicycles.

Plan for schools before packing more people into the area When reading the article from Dec. 4 East County Observer titled, “Power Outage? Commissioners have little say about new schools,” I couldn’t help but consider the overall development happening in this area and the currently overcrowded Lakewood Ranch High School.

Some commissioners voted no on the proposed site for the new high school (at Rangeland Parkway and Post Boulevard) with overcrowded roads and traffic concerns. However, was this not all taken into consideration with all the planning that went into this specific site?

Let’s also consider the amount of homes and apartments that are being built left and right in this area. Was there not much consideration for the fact that families will move here, and with that comes a need for schools for all these kids coming along to fill these homes and apartments, in addition to roads?

It feels like the planning here is a bit backward — build tons of homes and apartments, and then consider the schools and roads later as an afterthought.

My main concern with all this is overcrowding our roadways and overcrowding our schools. As a parent of a Lakewood Ranch High School student, and having talked to many teens who are students there, I feel compelled to share that overcrowding our schools, specifically Lakewood Ranch High School, is having detrimental effects on both students and staff.

The packed hallways and cafeteria, and getting in and out of the school are only part of the problem.

How can teachers, counselors and staff be expected to fulfill the needs of each student in an overcrowded school?

How can we expect to keep building around the schools and not consider the physical and mental health and well-being of our students, teachers, counselors and staff? It seems pretty selfish and misguided.

RICHARD GARRETT

KERRI GLYNN

UNIVERSITY PARK, PRESIDENT, FLORIDA BICYCLE ASSOCIATION

LAKEWOOD RANCH

Aqua’s Got Your Back.

Taking a few moments now can make a significant difference for your loved ones down the road.

From removing the stress and financial burdens to fulfilling your exact wishes for your celebration of life, pre-planning is the best gift you can give your family.

We’re here to help. Give us a call today to start the conversation.

Your Partner for Total Home Care.

Uncompromised Comfort, Unwavering Reliability.

H VAC | EL EC T RIC | PLUMBING | WAT ER T RE AT MEN T

ToaleBrothers.com | 941.955.4171

Proudly serving Sarasota, Bradenton and Venice since 1912.

941.366.7676 AQUAPLUMBINGSARASOTA.COM LIC # CAC1816020 • PLBG CFC1428223 • ELEC EC13009313

439508-1

10A

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

11A

WISHING

our valued customers all the joy this holiday season brings.

THE GULF COAST LUXURY LEADER

Scan for a full list of open houses, property details, driving directions and more.

THE LAKE CLUB 8009 Bounty Lane Chris Constantinou

HAMPTON LAKES 3582 Recurve Circle Joe Harris & Charles Totonis

$2,590,000 941.539.0974

$1,395,000 920.475.4151

13231 Palmers Creek Terrace Rebecca Zimmerman

848 Seascape Place Kevin Milner

$799,000 941.780.3427

SARASOTA

18013 Polo Trail Gloria Bracciano

$780,000 941.229.4000

20706 79th Avenue East Laura Stavola

$3,075,000 941.447.4875

ARTISTRY

5683 Downham Meadows Fernando Viteri

$519,000 941.400.7676

6103 Clubside Drive #6103 Holly Switow

1209 Blue Shell Loop Laura Stavola

4604 Mondrian Court Christopher Bush & Angie Walters

$1,425,000 941.404.9504

3226 Dick Wilson Drive Jerry Zaback

PINE MANOR 1649 Manor Road Chris Constantinou

$450,000 941.735.3186

6175 Palomino Circle Glo Reber

East Manasota Beach Road Peggy Olson & Dan Olson

$850,000 941.223.0686

LAKEWOOD NATIONAL $749,000 941.400.5384

5916 Wake Forest Run #104 Leslie DuFresne & Lori Carey

$615,000 941.374.5010

BOCA ROYALE $500,000 941.374.4015

ROCK CREEK PARK 879 East 2nd Street Elke von Oertzen

$1,400,000 941.350.6885

ENGLEWOOD $999,999 860.227.0044

7038 Woodmore Terrace Christine Mazur

$2,595,000 941.447.4875

LAUREL OAK ESTATES

LAKEWOOD RANCH

CLUBSIDE AT PALM-AIRE $450,000 941.284.3789

WILD BLUE AT WATERSIDE

MOTE RANCH

THE MEADOWS $569,900 941.228.9206

8168 36th Street East Jaci Krawtschenko & Jennifer Garrabrant

$1,395,000 941.539.3287

POLO RUN

BOCA ROYALE 27336 Driver Lane Bob Linthicum

$2,345,000 941.224.4824

LAKEHOUSE COVE AT WATERSIDE

PALMER RANCH 8737 Bellussi Drive Lori Carey & Leslie DuFresne

$3,400,000 860.227.0044

LAKEWOOD RANCH COUNTRY CLUB

LAKEWOOD NATIONAL 5619 Mulligan Way Lisa Ripley

PANTHER RIDGE

26954 Pavin Drive Denise Mattmuller

$458,000 941.232.8055

SWEETWATER AT LAKEWOOD RANCH $449,000 941.441.7073

17823 Cherished Loop Gloria Bracciano

$419,900 941.229.4000

Featured New Developments

941.213.0014 TheEstatesatTerraNova.com

941.920.1500 OrangeOneFL.com

941.920.1501 TheFrankLambertTeam.com

941.920.1500 TheFrankLambertTeam.com

BECAUSE EVERY HOME IS UNIQUE. JUST LIKE YOU. JUST LIKE US. BROKERAGE | RENTALS | RELOCATION | NEW DEVELOPMENT | MORTGAGE | TITLE | INSURANCE | FINE ART CONSIGNMENT SARASOTA - DOWNTOWN | 941.364.4000

VENICE | 941.412.3323

LAKEWOOD RANCH | 941.907.9541

LONGBOAT KEY | 941.383.2500

RENTALS | 941.203.3433

Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. Property information herein is derived from various resources, including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate. Source: BrokerMetrics®

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

Seeds of wisdom at the library

Come see what everyone’s

going

Lakewood Ranch’s Karen and Tom Eckert are among the Master Gardeners who teach important techniques to local homeowners.

D L I W

MADISON BIERL STAFF WRITER

L

about!

akewood Ranch’s Les DaCruz wouldn’t describe himself as a gardener.

However, it piqued his curiosity when he saw a booth set up with a mix of plants and seeds at the Lakewood Ranch Library on the morning of Dec. 6. DaCruz has been living in the area for three months and is always looking for classes and workshops in which to participate.

He later spoke with Karen Eckert, a Master Gardener volunteer with the University of Florida. He asked questions about vegetable gardening and hydroponic plants, which can grow without soil with nutrientrich water.

He said Eckert was helpful in answering his questions, and he left with an assortment of handouts of information, along with basil seeds.

“I live in an apartment, so I’ve been thinking about what I can do there to bring more of the outside into the inside,” DaCruz said. “I really like to cook, so growing basil is right up my alley.”

Lakewood Ranch’s Karen and Tom Eckert have been volunteering as Florida Master Gardener volunteers for 10 years and did the same in South Carolina for nine years prior.

“It is a wonderful organization with opportunities for service, friendship and lifelong learning,” Karen Eckert said of the Master Gardener organization.

Karen Eckert said because Manatee County is so widespread, not everyone can make it to the extension office in Palmetto. To reach more members of the community, they have mobile plant clinics where they share their love of gardening and information that comes from research at the University of Florida.

“We’re trying to give back to the community and to counter bad gardening advice,” Tom Eckert said.

Tom Eckert’s example of bad gardening is using Epsom salt on palms that appear yellow. He said that is the worst thing you could do and to use a complete fertilizer instead.

Parrish’s Larry and Susan Maas decided to come to the mobile plant clinic after their citrus plant started deteriorating and one side was completely void of leaves. They even brought one of the leaves to help diagnose what was wrong with it.

Karen Eckert said the leaf had an

e c n e i r e Exp

Close ! s r e t n Encou

Madison Bierl

MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEERS To learn more about the nine gardening principles, visit GardeningSolutions.IFAS.UFL.edu.

For more information about techniques, contact ManateeMG@gmail.com or call the Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Diagnostic Clinic at 7224524. They are open weekdays (except Wednesdays) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In-person visits are welcome at the UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County office at 1303 17th St. W., Palmetto.

Lakewood Ranch’s Karen and Tom Eckert work as Master Gardener volunteers with the University of Florida to educate the public about gardening, plants, landscaping and more.

aphid infestation, which resulted in the plant damage Larry Maas described and also black, sooty mold.

Tom Eckert recommended they try insecticidal soap, which is nonspecific, meaning it will kill every insect that comes in contact with the soap until it dries. Once the soap dries, it will not kill any more bugs and it is biodegradable so it will not continue to be present in the environment.

Larry Maas said the citrus tree had been inside their lanai but is now moved outside. Tom Eckert said this was a good thing because when it’s outside, there are good bugs as well as bad ones.

Karen Eckert said a lot of people who come to them looking for advice previously lived in the Northeast or Midwest, so they learned a different way of gardening than in the Florida climate. She said gardening skills might transfer to the warmer climate, but there tends to be a gap in knowledge when it comes to what plants can thrive here.

“The good news in Florida is you can garden year round,” Karen Eckert said. “The bad news is you have to.”

The mobile plant clinic occurs the first Saturday of each month between 9 a.m. and noon at the Lakewood Ranch Library.

NEW YEAR, NEW ADVENTURES IN LEARNING! Educational child care for ages 6 weeks - 12 years with extensive offerings for children and their families.

Get friendly with some flamingos. Take your picture with a parrot. Touch a tortoise.

Our animal interactions and private experiences let you get up close and personal with an assortment of new friends.

Schedule a Tour! Contact Us 941.200.4250 450815-1

12A

7218 55th Ave. East, Bradenton, FL 34203

We would like to thank you for your continued patronage & wish you a A Happy and Safe Holiday Season

Make some lasting memories today!

heraldtribune.com

WINNER

BLINDS•SHUTTERS DRAPERIES•WALLCOVERINGS 941-925-7800 mmwallcoveringsblinds.com

Sarasota's Favorite Family Attraction® 451600-1

SarasotaJungleGardens.com • 941.355.5305

439574-1

Wallcoverings & Blinds, Inc. Since 1989

4801 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Across from The Landings

YourObserver.com

13A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

Lynnette Beecher and Gunilla Imshaug, members of the Lakewood Ranch Digital Photography Club, check out a photo of a baby alligator that was taken moments before.

The club has 275 members.

There are monthly meetings with guest speakers located at Manatee Technical College main campus on the second Monday of the month at 5:15 p.m. For more information, visit LWRDPC.com or contact Membership@LWRDPC.com.

Madison Bierl

Preserving moments in time The Lakewood Ranch Digital Photography Club was founded in 2004 and works to bring together photographers of all interests and skill levels.

MADISON BIERL STAFF WRITER

W

hen Sarasota’s Gunilla Imshaug went to the bay to shoot photographs of pelicans in November 2020, she had a vision.

Along with her friend, Anne McGough, she sat with her camera and its long lens, preparing for the perfect moment to capture a white pelican diving and scooping up fish.

The brown pelicans did it plenty of times, but Imshaug wanted the white one to do so to complete her

vision. After a while, McGough questioned why Imshaug wasn’t taking any photos. It turns out only brown pelicans dive in the way Imshaug wanted to capture.

“They don’t dive, so I could still be sitting there,” Imshaug said with a laugh.

It turns out there is more to photography then just knowing how to handle a camera.

Imshaug joined the Lakewood Ranch Digital Photography Club in 2018 and now serves as the membership director. The club was founded in 2004 to provide photographers the opportunity to learn from and bond with others who share the same interests.

“There’s no ceiling to this,” Imshaug said. “You can learn and learn.”

Venice’s Dick Foster, president of the club, said there are currently 275 members.

He said there are plenty of opportunities for photographers of all skill levels, from field trips, general

meetings, workshops and more.

There are also various opportunities for members of the club to enter into competitions to win ribbons. Lakewood Ranch’s Reena Walkling, the competition director of the club, said they do competitions monthly and bring in outside judges to provide feedback to those who enter. They have two groups — experienced photographers and emerging photographers.

Lakewood Ranch’s Bill Mills joined the club in 2012 with virtually no photography experience, but he had been looking for an opportunity to build his skills. He said the fee was $25 for the year at the time — it is now $55 — and he learned $25 worth of information in his very first meeting. “(Prior to joining) I wasn’t using the art and the eye muscles as much as I needed to do photography,” Mills said. “The art and the eye muscles took over and that innate ability, plus the skills I learned, turned me into a photographer.

Now I just love taking pictures.”

Lakewood Ranch’s Lynnette Beecher joined the club in 2023 and said skill is definitely more important than what equipment is used.

“The best camera you have is the one you have on you,” Beecher said. “You can shoot with whatever camera, even a cell phone.”

Within the club, there are seven special interest groups that meet monthly. They are focused on different brands and topics. There is group for Apple, Canon, Nikon, and Sony users. There are also groups that focus on Adobe Lightroom, portrait photography and videography.

Parrish’s Gary Goodpastor is the future president who steps into the role Jan. 1. He has been part of the club since 2018.

“I like the diversity of every-

thing that can be captured, from people to trees to whatever else,” Goodpastor said. “The colors, the forms, the textures, the people, the smiles.”

Goodpastor said he loves a good adventure, and photography adds another layer to experiencing the great outdoors. What got him hooked on the club was the fact that members have the opportunity to show their work and get feedback and critiques from other photographers. He also enjoys the socialization that comes with it.

“Photographers are an unusual group,” Goodpastor said. “They like to go out and sit behind a camera. They don’t want to be socializing too much.”

Goodpastor said one of his goals as he becomes president is to gain new members, especially those who are younger as most of the club members are retired.

Mills said that within the Lakewood Ranch Library, 16 photos by members of the club are displayed.

They have also had temporary exhibits there, as well.

“If you look at a whole bunch of photographers, we’ve all got these wonderful pictures on our computers at home,” Mills said. “Occasionally, you hang one on the wall and stuff like that. We see them in competitions, but we don’t actually get into the community. So we said, ‘How can we get into the community?’”

LOCAL CLUB SPOTLIGHT

THE LAKEWOOD RANCH DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB

Sarasota’s Gunilla Imshaug captured this photo of a white pelican in November 2020 at Overlook Park on the south end of Longboat Key.

Photo by Gunilla Imshaug

Vibrant Senior Living Coming Soon to Lakewood Ranch!

Conceptual rendering

Conceptual rendering

Emerson Lakes℠ is now accepting reservations! Our first phase of construction is now underway. This includes the beautiful Coral Ridge Clubhouse opening in late 2026, followed by three residential buildings opening throughout 2027: Sandhill Point, Laguna Springs, and Mangrove Run.

Here are just a few resort-style amenities you can expect when you live at Emerson Lakes: • Multiple dining venues

• Outdoor fitness center with meditation garden

• Outdoor pool with a walk-up bar

• Firepits

• State-of-the-art fitness center • Pickleball and bocce ball courts

6045 White Eagle Boulevard Lakewood Ranch, Florida 34202 EmersonLakesCommunity.com

1813950

436597-1

Take the first step today! Call 1-888-515-6435 to learn more about this exciting new community!

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

EYE ON BUSINESS

Spectacular Christmas Sale Handmade 18K White Gold Yellow Diamond Ring.

Center Stone 10 Carat Radiant Cut Diamond GIA Certified Fancy Yellow.

Handmade 18K White Gold Diamond In & Out Hoops Earrings. 4 Carat & up.

Italian 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Cuff Bracelet. 3/4 Carat, VS.

Spectacular 18K Diamond Ring.

Center Diamond Marquis G Color, VS2 Clarity, GIA Certified.

UP TO

F 50% OF

14K Yellow Gold Diamond & Emerald Earrings. 3 1/2 Carat Total Weight.

Handmade 14K Yellow Gold Diamond & Emerald Bracelet. 7 Carat Total Weight.

CEO of Bradenton EDC announces retirement MARK GORDON

L

ongtime area economic development leader Sharon Hillstrom is retiring as president and CEO of the Bradenton Area EDC, effective Dec. 31.

The organization made the announcement Dec. 12, saying “Sharon’s outstanding leadership skills and strategic thinking have been a major factor in the organization’s success.”

In the statement, signed by board Chairman Chris Cianfaglione and immediate Past Chairman Andy Stultz, the organization said its “executive committee will follow a board-approved succession plan to identify her successor.” (Stultz officially handed over the chair role to Cianfaglione at the EDC’s Annual Update Luncheon held Dec. 11).

Hillstrom has been with the organization since 2007, when it was called the Manatee Economic Development Council. She started as the events/organizational development manager, became associate director, then interim director. She was named CEO in 2011.

“As I look back on my time with the Bradenton Area EDC, I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together. With the support of our private investors, public partners, dedicated collaborators and the guidance of our board of directors, our team helped build a strong and credible brand for the Bradenton area as a place where businesses can thrive,” Hillstrom says in the release. “The impact of this work will continue to benefit local companies and families for years to come.”

“As I step into new adventures and enjoy more time with my family, I carry with me the relationships and experiences that shaped my EDC journey,” she adds. “I wish the organization and its leadership every success in the years ahead.”

The retirement announcement comes as the EDC is amid a funding

Courtesy image

Sharon Hillstrom

and contract dispute with Manatee County commissioners. In September, the commissioners, in a 4-3 vote, opted to not renew a $337,000 contract with the EDC, with one elected official questioning if the county even needs an EDC and equating the organization to lobbyists doing sweetheart deals. That equated to cutting about 26% of the EDC’s budget and dented the relationship, at least publicly, between two key partners when recruiting and retaining business in Manatee County.

During that meeting, and later in an email to the Business Observer, Hillstrom disagreed with the sentiment that the EDC was like a lobbying firm or had low value. “We are a nonprofit organization focused on diversifying Manatee County’s economy by attracting and retaining high-wage jobs for area residents and connecting established businesses to the resources they need to position for success,” she wrote, in part, to the Business Observer.

About two weeks after that meeting, the EDC set up a task force of board members with the goal of reapplying for a contract with the EDC under the same terms. The previous contract, which expired Sept.

30, was $1.61 million over five years.

We Serve All Families

Experts In Celebrating Life

A LASTING PLACE OF PEACE AND REMEMBRANCE

As our new mausoleum nears completion, we invite families who wish to plan ahead to reserve from the limited indoor spaces available.

Handmade 14K Yellow Gold, White & Black Diamond Earrings.

3 1/4 Carat Total Weight.

Handmade 14K Yellow Gold, White & Black Diamond Bracelet. 1.80 Carat Total Weight.

Handmade Yellow Gold White & Black Diamond Necklace, 1 1/2 Carat Total Weight.

OPEN SATURDAY 10-2

Also introducing our Cremation Garden A beautifully landscaped setting designed for families who choose cremation.

Offering permanent memorial spaces where loved ones can be honored and remembered with dignity.

Planning today ensures your wishes are respected tomorrow, while easing the burden on those you love.

Contact us for a personal consultation.

ROBERT TOALE & SONS FUNERAL HOME AT PALMS MEMORIAL PARK 170 Honore Ave Sarasota, FL 34232 | 941-371-4962

DiamondsByDoron.net 941-210-4052

San Marco Plaza 8225 Natures Way Suite 115 Lakewood Ranch Florida 34202

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

442952-1

LAKEWOOD RANCH - ISRAEL - ANTWERP - DUBAI

455519-1

14A

DECEMBER 18, 2025

SPORTS

“(My goal is) just to be the best player I can be for my team and to help lead us as far as we can go.”

— Braden River High’s Kelis McGrady SEE PAGE 17A

FAST

BREAK

Lakewood Ranch senior forward Gabriel Lara (11) chases the ball during a Dec. 15 game against Braden River.

File photo

FIRMLY

FOCUSED A perceived lack of focus cost the Lakewood Ranch boys soccer team in the regional finals last season. The current players don’t want a repeat.

JACK NELSON SPORTS REPORTER

F

or a while, the Mustangs didn’t know what playoff success looked like.

They had their shortcomings in

both the 2022-23 and 2023-24 boys soccer seasons.

A quick exit in the regional quarterfinals closed the former season.

That was followed by defeat in the district championship, and to boot, no at-large bid into regionals in 2023-24.

Last season represented a breakthrough, though. Lakewood Ranch began to string together victories in do-or-die situations, reaching the regional finals for the first time since 2021-22.

But the Mustangs don’t remember their growth last season. What they remember most is how it all ended.

“Our focus faltered a bit last year,” said senior forward/midfielder Broden Beorlegui. “We were coming to every game like, ‘We’re going to win,’ and then we took it for granted.”

Lakewood Ranch High fell to Mitchell in the 2025 FHSAA Class 6A regional finals 3-1. The Mustangs are hoping that game is more of a launchpad than a setback.

As of Dec. 14, Lakewood Ranch is 9-0-1. The squad has outscored opponents 45-12 combined, only meeting its match against Sarasota on Dec. 4 in a 3-all draw.

Five of Lakewood Ranch’s nine wins have come by three goals or more. No other team in Class 6A-District 11 has more than six victories.

“It’s been super cohesive,” said assistant Daniel Cadavid. “Everyone plays for each other and everyone plays like family. Our players want to win — you can tell every day.”

Finishing at 17-3-2 last season, Lakewood Ranch wound up ranked No. 30 overall in the state, per the final FHSAA rankings. It just so happened to run into Mitchell, the eventual state champion.

Beorlegui is the team’s all-impor-

Photos by Jack Nelson

THE ROAD AHEAD ■ Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m. — at Imagine School at North Port ■ Jan. 6 at 6 p.m. — at Palmetto ■ Jan. 8 at 7 p.m. — vs. Jesuit ■ Jan. 12 at 7 p.m. — vs. Riverview (Sarasota) ■ Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. — at Manatee ■ Jan. 16 at 7 p.m. — vs. Cypress Creek

tant leader. He netted team-highs with 30 goals and 17 assists in 202425. He produced 26 goals and 10 assists as a freshman and sophomore.

As a senior, he’s on a career-best pace. Beorlegui has scored 18 goals and seven assists through eight games.

The Georgia Southern commit has had an immense impact.

“He’s always been good,” Cadavid said. “We know what he can do for this team. We know what to do with getting him the ball. This year, since we’ve made him a captain, he’s stepped up in that role leading the team.”

When Beorlegui isn’t slicing through defenders and sprinting his way to the net for Lakewood Ranch, he’s often doing the same wearing a Florida Premier FC uniform.

He’s helped the club to three straight Florida Conference titles in the Elite Club National League. Just this past 2025 season, he was named the conference’s player of the year.

The senior’s accolades on both the high school and club soccer scenes have earned him a reputation. That’s something he not only understands, but embraces.

“I know not many people say it, but some guys do look up to me on the team,” Beorlegui said. “I have to take that role on as a captain — doing the right things.”

The Mustangs’ triumphant start, though, isn’t thanks to him alone. A success story has been brewing.

Senior Louka Coué is in his second season on varsity but has become a

stalwart in the starting lineup. Coué is the team’s second-leading scorer with nine goals in as many games played.

Right alongside Beorlegui on the attack, the senior has experienced a dramatic turnaround from last season.

“It’s kind of weird, but it’s a good feeling,” Coué said. “Playing with good teammates — it makes everything easier. Having the confidence of the coaches, it makes me feel confident on the field.”

A winning formula has also been devised on the Mustangs’ defense.

Jaxson Ebling is a major reason why, per Coué.

The senior defender didn’t even touch the turf as a junior. He sat out the season with an injury.

Ebling is back. Naturally, his efforts don’t show statistically as a defensive-first player, but it’s something teammates and coaches alike have recognized.

“He’s leading our defense,” Coué said. “Like what coach (Vito Bavaro) says, you don’t win a state title without a defense. And Jaxson is going to help us win the state title, for sure.”

The Mustangs have the confidence they can go far. Results have been nothing but positive.

At the same time, the Mustangs aren’t overly confident, having seen first-hand how dangerous such an attitude can be.

“We can go all the way to states,” Beorlegui said. “I firmly believe that.”

Louka Coué, a senior forward/midfielder for the Mustangs, has scored nine goals in nine games.

Broden Beorlegui (17) gets ready to challenge a crowd of Pirates for the ball. He scored 18 goals through his first eight games this season.

Nico Colacci, formerly of the Sarasota Paradise, celebrates after scoring a goal. The professional club now has a date and opponent set for its first match in USL League One.

T

he Sarasota Paradise soccer team is nearing a new beginning. On Dec. 11, the club announced the opening match of its debut season in USL League One, which will be played March 7 against Athletic Club Boise at Premier Sports Campus. The regular season will span 34 weeks and include competition between 18 different clubs — five of which are approaching their inaugural seasons. ... The Out-of-Door Academy girls basketball stands at 4-1 following a Dec. 9 58-50 loss to Sarasota Christian. Victories have come over Universal Academy, Shorecrest Prep, The Classical Academy of Sarasota and Families Instructing Students HomeSchool. Freshman guard Gaby Bichanich leads the Thunder with 15.6 points per game, and in their loss to the Blazers, posted 18 points, three rebounds and three steals. Sophomore center Bertie Bryson and freshman guard Sophia Jobe have averaged 11.3 rebounds and 4.3 steals, respectively. ... It’s been a stellar December for Braden River boys basketball. The Pirates steamrolled four different opponents from Dec. 4-11 with a 28.7-point average margin of victory. That stretch includes defeats of Palmetto, 85-50, and Manatee, 81-41. Junior guard Anquan Polynice is averaging 6.3 points and 4 assists per game, leading the squad in both categories, while senior forward Noah Butler boasts a teamhigh 7 rebounds per contest. As of Dec. 11, Braden River is 5-2 overall, and next faces Northeast on the road at 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 19. ... The pairings of Betsy Nelson and Liz Downes, as well as Jan Albert and Bev Kennedy, won the 9 Hole LGA’s Frozen 14 event at University Park Country Club. They shot a combined -10 on Dec. 11, taking home $50 each as reward.

NEW DISTRICTS PAGE 16A

16A

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

NELSON’S NOGGIN

JACK NELSON

Another season, another change T

his is the era of constant change, so stability has become an unreasonable ask.

High school football teams have to accept that modern reality.

If they want to succeed, they must truly embrace it.

It’s a telling reflection of the sport’s dynamic nature in Florida, where the wild west only continues to get wilder. And more change is soon to come.

On Dec. 8, the Florida High School Athletic Association released tentative football classifications for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. Member schools were given

until 1 p.m. on Dec. 15 to submit appeals or corrections before the Dec. 17 release of final classifications.

The association’s board of directors previously voted 10-3 in favor of moving to Classes 1A-6A and a Rural class for the two upcoming seasons. Back on Nov. 3, that vote eliminated Class 7A entirely, making districts larger in the interest of a more balanced, competitive landscape.

It marks the third time in five seasons when a different model will be used. The FHSAA had organized football into a nine-class MetroSuburban system for the 2022 and 2023 seasons, but scrapped that in favor of Classes 1A-7A plus Rural for 2024 and 2025.

So much change in so little time should raise some eyebrows. This situation is far removed from 201121, when Classes 1A-8A were the

Photos by Jack Nelson

Lakewood Ranch High football coach Scott Paravicini looks on during an Oct. 30 game against Bayshore. Per the FHSAA’s tentative classifications, the Mustangs are bound for Class 6A District 12 after finishing the 2025 season at 4-6 in 6A 11.

year-by-year model.

The FHSAA — based in Gainesville — promises the best competition for its schools, but considering yet another new format, it’s worth questioning whether that promise can be kept.

“They’re always trying to figure out the best recipe, and I don’t know if they’ve found it or they’re happy with it,” said Lakewood Ranch High Football Coach Scott Paravicini. “But it doesn’t surprise me that they have changed again, because it’s what they’ve done the past however many years.”

Reclassification is nowhere near a novel concept. Every two years, the FHSAA reassesses the student enrollment numbers for each school and places teams in a class accordingly.

Districts and regions are then formed by aligning schools based on geography, so that travel during the regular season doesn’t pose an inconvenience. Each team must play all its district opponents and district champions are awarded automatic bids into the playoffs.

This football postseason, which ended with the Dec. 10-13 state championships, featured more than a fair share of blowouts — too many.

Across the regional semifinals in all eight classes, the average margin of victory was 24.2 points. The largest was in 3A, at 36.5, while the smallest was in 5A, at 16.7.

Cutting out 7A will ensure fewer lopsided results. Why the FHSAA has taken this long to make such a move, though, is puzzling. For years, it has seemingly accepted an abundance of noncompetitive regional games.

Locally, Lakewood Ranch and Braden River are the programs affected by the latest reclassification. The Out-of-Door Academy competes in the Sunshine State Athletic Association.

The Mustangs are assigned to Class 6A District 12 in the tenta-

tive classifications. On paper, that doesn’t represent much change, since they competed in 6A 11 for the past two seasons.

But their schedule — and subsequent likelihood of success — will look dramatically different.

Should the tentative assignments hold, their district opponents for 2026 and 2027 will be Lehigh, North Port, Riverview (Sarasota) and Venice. They played none of those teams in 2025, instead being placed in a district with Palmetto, Parrish Community, Lennard and Gateway.

“There’s a lot of people that make decisions above us,” Paravicini said. “We have to figure out a way to continuously win … we haven’t done that necessarily to the (level) that we want to.”

Lakewood Ranch finished at 10-10 in the past two seasons combined, but went 2-6 in district play.

As of Dec. 12, the school has no intention to submit an appeal, per Paravicini.

This latest change, though, will hit Braden River harder.

The Pirates were moved down two classifications. They’ll compete in Class 3A District 12 after spending the last two seasons in 5A 9, and in doing so, are moving from a three-team district to a group of five that will result in less freedom of choice for scheduling.

Should the tentative assignments hold, their district opponents will be Bayshore, Booker, Southeast and Wellen Park for 2026 and 2027. They had formerly been with Manatee and Pinellas Park.

Braden River went 6-13 overall across the last two seasons, including an 0-4 record in district play.

The Pirates also lost both matchups to Bayshore and Southeast in 2025.

The pending reality for both the Mustangs and the Pirates looks bleak.

Venice is a four-time state champion and has won nine regional

Braden River High junior running back David Louis tries to find a hole. He will face different competitors next year.

titles in the last 10 years. Booker, meanwhile, has reached three consecutive state semifinals and will send seven early graduates to Division I college football programs in the spring.

Yes, it’s a positive direction the FHSAA has taken by reducing the number of classifications, but it’s also overdue. Too much change in too little time is rarely a good thing.

“With the changing landscape of high school football, I don’t know that you could set something in stone and it’d be a perfect system,” Paravicini said. “It might be perfect this year, but in three years, it might not be perfect anymore.”

This latest move will weed out weaker teams — those who should have never been in the playoffs to begin with. Competitiveness, of course, is paramount.

But it won’t make life on the gridiron any easier for Lakewood Ranch and Braden River.

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

440273-1

Lakewood Ranch and Braden River football could get lost in the shuffle of FHSAA reclassification.

When and why did you start playing basketball?

I started playing basketball when I was around 7 years old, because of my sister. I wanted to be like her.

What’s driven you to stick with the sport after all these years?

The friendship and the lessons the sport has taught me, on and off the court. It’s shaped me into the person I am today.

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

When I got to play with my sister for her last two years of high school.

Now she goes to Tallahassee State.

What are your goals for this season with Braden River?

(My goal is) just to be the best player I can be for my team and to help lead us as far as we can go. Also, to get better ball-handling skills.

The Pirates are 7-1, as of Dec. 10, so what’s the reason behind that success?

Because of the bond and the connection we have as a team.

We connect with each other at school, outside of school, outside of basketball ... most importantly, (our success is) because of our coaches.

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

Probably the bible verse Philippians 4:13. It says, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” It helps me stay motivated.

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

Flau’jae Johnson, because she’s shaped basketball over the years.

She not only plays basketball, but she raps, too. She’s just a great, amazing player.

ADOPT DON’T SHOP

17A

OPEN 7 DAYS 10am-6pm - 941-366-2404 | 2542 17th St., Sarasota, FL 34234 • www.catdepot.org

If you could go anywhere in the world right now for a dream vacation, where would you go and why?

I would probably pick Hawaii for its amazing sightseeing and its beautiful beaches.

If you could have any superpower, what would you choose and why?

Teleportation. I’d like to not make it to practice late.

13 MONTHS FOR THE PRICE OF 12

What is your favorite meal?

I like Chipotle a lot.

What is your favorite movie or TV show?

“Swagger” Finish this sentence. Kelis McGrady is ...

Unselfish.

FOR A LIMITED TIME, WE’RE OFFERING 13 MONTHS OF MEMBERSHIP FOR THE PRICE OF 12 AVAILABLE ONLY TO THE FIRST 30 WHO JOIN!

452276-1

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

I just like to hang out with friends and family and watch TV.

It’s time to get ...

Ready!

Luxury Spa Experiences AT YOUR FAVORITE AWARD-WINNING SPA, SALON, AND WELLNESS CENTER SPA SERVICES • Massage Therapy – Swedish, deep tissue and couples’ treatments • Hair & Nail Salon – Premium styling cuts and color for men and women • Lashes – Extensions, lifts and tints for enhanced beauty MEDICAL SPA SERVICES • Laser, permanent makeup, tattoo removal, Botox and fillers • Weight management – Personalized GLP-1 programs FACIALS AND SKINCARE TREATMENTS • Non-Invasive procedures – Peels, dermaplaning, waxing and more

SALORAMEDSPA.COM 454153-1

Lic.39300MM#

UNIVERSITY TOWN CENTER MALL 8512 Cooper Creek Blvd Sarasota, FL, 34201

LAKEWOOD RANCH 14628 SR70 E Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

941-357-7230

941-357-7230

utc@saloramedspa.com

lwr@saloramedspa.com

455347-1

For the first time in her high school basketball career, Braden River High junior forward Kelis McGrady is playing without her sister, Kamiyah McGrady, who graduated after last season. Being without her hoops’ inspiration hasn’t slowed Kelis McGrady’s roll. She is averaging 13.5 points, 11 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 1.5 blocks per game, as of Dec. 10.

She led the Pirates in scoring, rebounding and blocking as a sophomore. McGrady is the East County Athlete of the Week.

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

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Kelis McGrady

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

451893-1

YourObserver.com

SOLD AND PENDING IN 2025 ***

+ $150M

SMALL TEAM BY SALES VOLUME IN FLORIDA*

#20

IN CAREER SALES **

+ $1B

SMALL TEAM BY SALES VOLUME IN SARASOTA*

#1

ACTIVE | 7857 REDONDA LOOP | THE ISLES | LAKEWOOD RANCH $899,000 | WEB# A4672364

ACTIVE | 17041 CLEARLAKE AVENUE | THE LAKE CLUB | LAKEWOOD RANCH $3,999,000 | WEB# A4669356

O: 941.867.6199 | M: 941.961.5857 donna.soda@elliman.com schemmelsodagroup.com

Sales Associate Executive Director of Luxury Sales

DONNA SODA

Trust Is the Difference

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

1350 MAIN STREET, SARASOTA, FL 34236. 941.867.6199 © 2025 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. ALL MATERIAL PRESENTED HEREIN IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. WHILE, THIS INFORMATION IS BELIEVED TO BE CORRECT, IT IS REPRESENTED SUBJECT TO ERRORS, OMISSIONS, CHANGES OR WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT NOTICE. ALL PROPERTY INFORMATION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO SQUARE FOOTAGE, ROOM COUNT, NUMBER OF BEDROOMS AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PROPERTY LISTINGS SHOULD BE VERIFIED BY YOUR OWN ATTORNEY, ARCHITECT OR ZONING EXPERT. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY. *REALTRENDS VERIFIED BASED ON 2024 SALES.**BASED ON CAREER SALES. ***BASED ON 2025 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN AND PREMIER SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY TRANSACTIONS (BOTH PENDING AND CLOSED).

ACTIVE | 10528 CHEVAL PLACE | RIVER CLUB | BRADENTON $1,649,000 | WEB# A4670723

ACTIVE | 19428 GANTON AVENUE | THE CONCESSION $3,899,000 | WEB# A4667478

JUST SOLD | 19405 GANTON AVENUE | THE CONCESSION | $3,800,000 | WEB# A4667458

18A YourObserver.com

Classifieds 16B Games 15B Real Estate 13B Weather 15B

DECEMBER 18, 2025

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Jingle all the way W

hile the Jingle 5K in Lakewood Ranch on Dec. 12 did draw its share of serious runners, most of the more than 500 runners who participated came to either be a part of a fun event or to support the race’s charities.

The fun part was obvious. Many of the runners dressed in bright holiday colors with Christmastree strands of blinking lights wrapped around them. Others wore bells that jingled with every stride.

Proceeds from the race benefited the Big Bill Foundation and the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center Foundation.

Lakewood Ranch’s Erin Petraites was one of the runners who just wanted to support the causes.

“I’ve always wanted to do a 5K and this one looks like a lot of fun,” said Petraites, who said she planned to walk the first 5K of her life.

Others were more serious about the actually running. Derek Robinson, a 2025 Lakewood Ranch High graduate, won the event in 15:51, holding off David Proudfoot, also of Lakewood Ranch, who finished in 16:14.

Lakewood Ranch’s Sebastian Nantes, 12, was running his first 5K. His mom, Karyn Nantes, who is a runner, picked the race out for him. She said her son has shown a lot of talent for running.

He finished 30th overall in 20:51 and first in his age division.

“He just started running,” Karyn Nantes said.

“And he is blowing them out of the park.”

Photos by Jay Heater

Santa (Steven Trudell of St. Petersburg) gets the runners fired up just before the start of the 2025 Jingle 5K Dec. 12 in Lakewood Ranch.

Lakewood Ranch’s Erin Petraites chats with Santa (Steven Trudell of St. Petersburg) before the Jingle 5K. She said he planned to walk the 5K.

— JAY HEATER Scott Gingrich and Nikki Gingrich are looking festive before the start of the Jingle 5K in Lakewood Ranch.

Parrish 4-year-old Ava O’Neil shows off her medal after the kids race at the Jingle 5K Dec. 12 in Lakewood Ranch.

Jenn Lammi, Jenn Shaw, Mike Shaw, Caroline Magnusson and Debbie Stickel prepare to run the Jingle 5K. The women all became friends through Lammi, who is a trainer at Pumps Fitness.

Lakewood Ranch’s Jacob Wong and Tatum Thornton show off their Willis Smith Construction running shirts before starting the 2025 Jingle 5K in Lakewood Ranch. Wong is a superintendent for Willis Smith.

2B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

Wrenn PevznerDowner, a freshman, chose to do a project that shows and measures the effectiveness and level of microplastics in lip products.

Photos by Madison Bierl

Nicholas Savarese, a teacher who has a background in chemical engineering, judges junior Lillian Pevzner-Downer’s project on the comparison of conventionally grown crops with chemicals and pesticides versus organically grown crops at the Lakewood Ranch High School Science Fair.

Savvy for science

F

or Sophia Finnegan, a junior at Lakewood Ranch High School, a real-life experience with blepharitis, a chronic condition that is commonly misdiagnosed as pink eye, gave her extra incentive to do research on the topic.

Along with her sister, Faith, (They are two of three triplets that includes their sister, Gabrielle.) they created a project titled “A Meta-Analysis on the Effects of Ocular Bacteria on Conjuctival Cells in Eyes with Blepharitus” for the Lakewood Ranch High School Science Fair.

“It’s always changing,” Sophia Finnegan said about information discovered through blepharitis research. “There’s always going to be new discoveries and new developments.”

The Finnegan sisters’ project was one of many fascinating presentations offered during the science fair.

The science fair was organized by Alexandra Wilcoxson, who works as the chemistry and environmental science instructor at the school. She said the school hasn’t had a science fair in more than 10 years and she was eager to bring it back.

For Wilcoxson, the process of science is finding answers, problem solving, and testing through trial and error.

“It gives (students) a sense of accomplishment when they work hard and then they can then be able to present (their work) in a science fair,” Wilcoxson said. “It sets them up for their collegiate studies, where you’re a little bit more independent in your learning.”

All of the 15 students who participated are part of the Science and Engineering Fair Club, which is in conjunction with the Science National Honor Society.

Lakewood Ranch High Principal Dustin Dalquist said Wilcoxson deserves the credit for organizing an event that shows off the school’s brightest minds.

“This is a great first step in a positive direction, and something that we’re certainly going to expand upon in future years,” Dalquist said.

All 15 students will compete in the Manatee Regional Science and Engineering Fair on Jan. 23, at the Bradenton Area Convention Center.

— MADISON BIERL

Madison Bowen, a junior, decided to do her project on caffeine and the effect it has on driving compared to drugs and alcohol. She thinks caffeine levels should be better controlled.

Alexandra Wilcoxson, a science teacher at Lakewood Ranch High School, worked as a science fair coordinator at a previous job and was eager to put one together for Lakewood Ranch.

Bryan Thomas, a science teacher and judge at the fair, listens as senior Addison Wiele discusses her project, which revolves around targeted chemotherapy.

ROOF

‘Tis the Season

CLEAN & SEAL

Winter Break Is The Perfect Time For Wisdom Teeth Removal

CLEAN • SEAL • RESTORE • PROTECT • SAVE

Call us!

Bone Grafting Dental Implants Teeth in one day IV Anesthesia Wisdom Teeth

Why Choose Us? Board-certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons Dual Degree Licensed Dentists (DMD) & Physicians (MD) Professional & highly trained staff Patient centered solutions backed by cutting-edge technology

NEW LOCATION Venice Office (941) 263-7343

Those black streaks on your roof are more than just dirt.

Hillview Tamiami Office (941) 365-3388

Bee Ridge Office (941) 926-9100

They’re mold and bacteria eating away at your shingles or tiles. Our process removes the source and protects your roof, keeping it clean and strong for years.

Longer lifespan Lasting Protection

Mold Defense Stronger Roof

Clean Look Tile Preservation

Five Star Rated

340+

Owned and Operated by the Yoder’s

sarasotaoms.com

455295-1

(941) 320-6172

446556-1

CALL TODAY!

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

THURSDAY, DEC. 18 THROUGH SUNDAY, DEC. 21

LIVE MUSIC AT JIGGS LANDING Runs from 3-6 p.m. each day at Jiggs Landing, 6106 63rd St. E., Bradenton. The live music lineup at Jiggs Landing includes Mr. Jeff Music (Thursday), Munro Street Players (Friday), Gator Ridge Ramblers (Saturday) and Al Fuller (Sunday).

The Friday and Saturday shows are $5; the others are free. For information, go to JiggsLanding.com.

FRIDAY, DEC. 19

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS Begins at 6 p.m. at Waterside Place, 1561 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch. The Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble brings spirit of the season music to the pavilion as part of the monthly, free concert series. For more information, go to WatersidePlace.com.

SATURDAY, DEC. 20

SATURDAY, DEC. 20

CHRISTMAS ON MAIN Runs from 4-8 p.m. at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch. Join the biggest Christmas Party in East County. Grace Community Church will transform Lakewood Main Street into a winter wonderland with free games, rides, and attractions for the whole family.

Santa Claus will be there to talk with the children and a candlelight service will be held from 7-8 p.m. Grace Community Church will provide shuttles to Lakewood Main Street from its lots at 4080 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

to 3 p.m. on Sunday at Linger Lodge, 7205 85th St. Court E., Bradenton.

Linger Lodge’s live music schedule includes Schmitz Brothers on Saturday and Rich McGuire on Sunday.

SUNDAY, DEC. 21

THURSDAY, DEC. 18 THROUGH SUNDAY, DEC. 21

WONDERLAND: BELIEVE Begins at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday; and 1 p.m. Sunday at University Town Center. Then runs multiple dates through Jan. 4. Nik Wallenda’s circus production is held inside a climate controlled tent. Go to Tickets.

WonderlandCircus.com/Events/3 to see all the dates and times and to purchase tickets, which start at $40.

SATURDAY, DEC. 20

ROOFTOP YOGA Begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Lakewood Ranch Library, 16410 Rangeland Parkway, Lakewood Ranch. For information, go to MyLWR.com.

MUSIC AT THE LODGE Runs 6-9 p.m. on Saturday and noon

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

The polo season kicks off at the Sarasota Polo Club and runs every Sunday through April 12. Tickets start at $20. For more information or to buy tickets, go to SarasotaPolo. com.

END OF YEAR NOW

SAVINGS EVENT THROUGH DEC 31

FARMERS MARKET Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Lakefront Drive in Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch. The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch, which was just voted as the top farmers market in the nation, will run year-round every Sunday. Vendors offer seafood, eggs, meats, dairy products, pastas, bakery goods, jams and pickles, among other items. For information, visit MyLWR.com.

TUESDAY, DEC. 23

MARKET AT THE PARK Runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. The Market at Nathan Benderson Park runs on Tuesdays and features local artists, small businesses, and crafters. Go to NathanBendersonPark.org for more information.

Financing Options Available

PVD28BYNFS

941.927.4900 | 3756 Bee Ridge Rd. | Sarasota 941.484.9030 | 1210 E. Venice Avenue | Venice 941.249.4992 | 1019 Tamiami Trail | Port Charlotte JessupsAppliances.com

445798-1

MUSIC AT THE PLAZA Runs from 6-9 p.m. at Waterside Place, 1561 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch. Acoustic cover artist Carmen Forte headlines the show for those strolling the streets at Waterside Place. For more information about the free music series, go to WatersidePlace.com.

SATURDAY, DEC. 20 AND SUNDAY, DEC. 21

BEST BET

YOUR CALENDAR

COMMUNITY

3B

YOUR HOME OF DISTINCTION AWAITS Heritage Builders brings timeless luxury to your lifestyle.

Located in Sarasota’s most coveted neighborhoods.

Under Contract

BIRD KEY WATERFRONT

SIESTA KEY WATERFRONT

THE SAND DOLLAR · 118 N Warbler Lane, 34236

THE ISLANDER · 558 Venice Lane, 34242

$6,885,000 | 4,594 Sq. Ft. | 4 Bed | 4 Full + 3-½ Bath 3.5-Car Garage | Infinity Pool | VIP Suite | Study | MLS A4557763 Now Available

$4,985,000 | 4,170 Sq. Ft. | 4 Bed | 4 Full + 1-½ Bath 2-Car Garage | Pool & Spa | Media Room | Study | MLS A4589732 Move-In Late Fall 2025

Under Contract

OYSTER BAY

OYSTER BAY LAKEFRONT

THE SANIBEL II · 1401 Crocker Street, 34231

THE WINDEMERE II · 1521 S. Lake Shore Dr, 34231

BUILD A CUSTOM HOME DESIGN ON YOUR LOT OR CHOOSE A PLAN FROM OUR PORTFOLIO. 941-328-8272 | HeritageBuildersWFL.com

$6,998,000 | 4,866 Sq. Ft. | 4 Bed | 4 Full + 2-½ Bath Elevator | Pool & Spa | Media Room | Study | MLS A4637673 Available Now with Leaseback

Heritage Builders of West Florida, LLC | CBC1259037 HB Realty Group, Inc. | Licensed Real Estate Broker

442063-1

$4,298,000 | 3,862 Sq. Ft. | 4 Bed | 4 Full + 1-½ Bath 4-Car Garage | Covered Lanai & Veranda | Chef ’s Kitchen | MLS A4637517 Move-In Early 2026

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

Braden River High seniors learn real-world financial skills The school brought in financial advisors to present the students with different scenarios that could affect their financial futures.

MADISON BIERL STAFF WRITER

Please join us for a delightful dinner featuring a short performance by Sarasota Orchestra String Quartet and a moderated conversation with guest conductor Peter Oundjian.

Hear him share his perspective and approach to making music, as well as the stories behind his passion for the classics.

MASTERWORKS 3 DINNER Featuring Peter Oudjian, guest conductor Wednesday, January 14, 2026 | 6:00 pm Michael’s On East Ballroom 1212 S East Ave, Sarasota $200 per person

To purchase tickets online, visit SarasotaOrchestra.org/special-events.

For more information, please call 941-487-2737.

Media Sponsor:

S

eniors in high school have a lot going through their minds.

Am I making the best memories possible before I graduate?

Where am I going to work or go to college? Do I have the tools to be financially successful?

All students are likely to be thinking about money as they prepare to leave the family nest.

Jill and Jordan Perlin, who have backgrounds in the financial services industry and in business, volunteer at local schools to educate students about financial literacy.

At Braden River High School, senior Dylan Pacheco said he has those minor financial decisions in the past, such as buying clothes and weighing whether they will last long term or not. Even while still in school, Pacheco said all students should be evaluating every purchase.

It is worth the investment?

So Pacheco was looking forward to presentations by Jill and Jordan Perlin.

“I learned many tips and tricks about insurance, investing and credit cards during the sessions,” Pacheco said. “I feel like I am getting prepared for when I am an adult and out into the real world. Although I had some prior knowledge about these topics, I feel secure due to them refreshing me on what I know and adding on to it, as well.”

In January, the Perlins were volunteering through the Manatee County Chamber of Commerce’s Big Bank Theory program when they met Lori

Photos by Madison Bierl

Kish, the Braden River High School economics teacher.

Kish invited them back to Braden River High for additional sessions.

They since have done several sessions on investing, insurance, credit/ debt and budgeting.

“I’m blessed to have them in my life because they are so good,” Kish said of the Perlins. “They give back to the community.”

Jordin Perlin emphasized to the students during a credit and debt session the importance of maintaining good credit, especially for larger purchases like an apartment or mortgage and car loans.

Kish said she hopes her students walk away with more knowledge, and an appreciation that the Perlins came to present information to them out of generosity.

Jordan Perlin, economics teacher Lori Kish and Jill Perlin hope students walk away from the sessions feeling more prepared to enter the real world.

LICENSE #CGC057880

THE ONE-STOP SHOP FOR YOUR OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE NEEDS! •CABINETS

•IN HOUSE MANUFACTURING

•APPLIANCES

•FULL SERVICE INSTALLATION

Showroom: 10530 Portal Crossing #109 | Lakewood Ranch 34211

Call for a Free Estimate & Design Consultation

(941) 725-0709 OutdoorCabinets.com

Mention this ad to receive a special discount*

451796-1

4B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

VISIT OUR NEW

FINANCIAL LITERACY SESSIONS

SHOWROOM & DESIGN CENTER

Here are some examples of what Jill and Jordan Perlin covered at Braden River High

OCT. 15 ■ This session covered insurance, which included health/ dental, life, auto, home, disability and long-term care plans.

They included a glossary of terms and examples such as a car accident to compare prices with and without insurance.

NOV.19 ■ This session was a deep dive into credit scores and how credit and debit cards work.

They covered interest, fees, balance transfers, and affinity cards.

DEC. 10 ■ The session tied previous sessions together and covered budgeting. The Perlins say the ability to track expenses, savings, and income is an important skill for students.

For more information on the financial literacy sessions by the Perlins, email GulfCoastFinancialLiteracy.com.

“I didn’t have a lot of that when I was growing up, so I hope that they realize how lucky they are to have people volunteering their time to help them,” Kish said.

Claire DePasquale, a senior in Kish’s economics class, said she was happy to learn about the benefits and

to CUSTOM-ize your outdoor furniture.

Braden River High School senior Alexa Dziubek appreciated how informative the Perlins were and knows how important the topics will become in their future.

perks that come with using a credit card. She also enjoyed the way the information was presented.

“They always give real examples so you can imagine yourself in those instances,” DePasquale said. “It’s not just random facts.”

Kish said it is important to bring in some new blood every now and then so the information isn’t coming from just one point of view. She said she sees her students’ “light bulb go” and she enjoys those lessons. She said students who don’t normally speak out are willing to come out of their comfort zones during the sessions to ask questions.

“They’re not monotone in their speaking,” Kish said of the Perlins.

“They’re interesting. They bring in so much real life in some of their own experiences, which the kids can relate to. The (students) can tell it’s genuine.”

The Perlins said they hope to do more of their financial sessions at area schools in the future. Jill Perlin said it is quite gratifying when they receive feedback from students that they will embrace the lessons they learned.

“We’ve seen many young adults make poor financial decisions, which have long-lasting impacts,” Jill Perlin said. “If we can equip the Braden River students with information now, they have a better chance of succeeding.”

WHY PAY MORE WHEN YOU CAN BUY THE DIRECT MANUFACTURER

from

OPEN to the PUBL IC

QUALITY

OUTDOOR FURNITURE HIGH END LOOK & QUALITY AT WHOLESALE PRICING

CUSTOM MADE AT OUR PALMETTO FACTORY

OPEN MONDAY-SATURDAY 9-5.

CLOSED SUNDAYS.

EXTENDED WARRANTY ON ALL FURNITURE

FLORIDA PATIO FURNITURE, INC.

FLORIDAPATIO.NET 941-722-5643

2500 US BUSINESS 41 NORTH

|

PA L M E T T O , F L 3 4 2 2 1

Technical Education Council

PLUMBING PLUMBING

APPRENTICESHIP APPRENTICESHIP PLUMBING Technical Education Council Technical Education Council

DECEMBER 21 - 23 Sarasota Opera House

Technical Education Council

PLUMBING APPRENTICESHIP PLUMBING APPRENTICESHIP PLUMBING apprenticeship courses!

APPRENTICESHIP

Enhance skillsCouncil with quality Technicalyour Education instruction through plumbing Enhance your skills qualitywith quality instruction through plumbing Enhance yourwith skills apprenticeship courses! instruction through plumbing

Limited tickets available!

Enhance your skills with quality apprenticeship courses! instruction through plumbing Enhance your skills with quality Apprentices learn skills such apprenticeship courses!

Apprentices learn essential skills such skills such as pipe Apprentices learnessential essential instruction through plumbing pipe installation, leak Enhance your skills with repair, quality asas pipe installation, leaksuch repair, apprenticeship courses!

Apprentices learn essential skillsand installation, leak repair, plumbing system plumbing system instruction throughmaintenance, plumbing as pipe installation, leakcodes. repair, plumbing system maintenance, and understanding building apprenticeship courses! maintenance, and skills understanding Apprentices learn essential such plumbing system maintenance, and understanding building codes. as pipe installation, leak repair, understanding building codes. building codes.

Apprentices learn essential skillsand such Classes meet 2 plumbing system maintenance, nights per week as pipe installation, leakcodes. repair, understanding building Classes maintenance, meet 2 plumbing system and Classes meet 2 nights per week Classes meet 2 nights perProgram week FL DOE understanding building codes.

APPRENTICESHIP

Classes meet 2 nights per week FL DOE Program nights perProgram week FL DOE Classes meet 2 Begins in January 2026 nights perProgram week FL DOE

Contact Us: FL DOE Program 941-363-1632 Contact Us: four-year FL DOE Program Comprehensive kelsey@technicaleducationcouncil.com programUs: 941-363-1632 Contact kelsey@technicaleducationcouncil.com 941-363-1632 Us: Contact

ContactUs: Us: Contact

kelsey@technicaleducationcouncil.com 941-363-1632

Classes are held on the Campus of Manatee Technical College; 6305 SR 70, Bradenton, FL 34203

kelsey@technicaleducationcouncil.com

941-363-1632 941-363-1632

Classes are held on the Campus of Manatee Technical College; 6305 SR 70, Bradenton, FL 34203

kelsey@technicaleducationcouncil.com kelsey@technicaleducationcouncil.com

Classes are held on the Campus of Manatee Technical College; 6305 SR 70, Bradenton, FL 34203

941.359.0099 | SarasotaBallet.org

447947-1

Classes are held on the Campus of Manatee Technical College; 6305 SR 70, Bradenton, FL 34203

Classes are held on the Campus of Manatee Technical College; 6305 SR 70, Bradenton, FL 34203

451020-1

SEPT. 23 ■ They covered saving and investing, with a deep dive into stocks, bonds and mutual funds. This helped the students prepare for their stock market simulation, called The Stock Market Game. They also discussed Individual Retirement Accounts and Employer Retirement Plans.

5B

6B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

’Tis the season to learn salsa

Katherine Pike (left) salsa dances with the cast of “Casa Havana:” Dairon Batista, Isabella Serrano and Jack Gaudreau.

A

t 82 years old, Lakewood Ranch’s Janis Wasserman is the oldest ballet student at the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School.

She took ballet classes as a child and began taking lessons again at age 76.

Wasserman is also a member of the Palm Aire Women’s Club. She invited the Tania Vergara Dance-Theater to perform an excerpt of “Casa Havana” at the club’s monthly luncheon Dec. 12.

“Casa Havana” is billed as “a dramatic dancetheater story that examines the bonds of family love, romantic relationships and the dynamics between young people full of dreams and the painful departure of a son who chooses to leave.”

A purple sofa and a table and chairs set the scene in modern-day Cuba. With no words and just a few signs to distinguish who’s who among the trio of actors, the story unfolded through facial expressions and dance movements.

The dance-theater is debuting the full-length version of “Casa Havana” in 2026.

After the show, the audience was treated to a salsa lesson.

Susan Romine enjoys the show.

— LESLEY DWYER

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Dairon Batista dances with Tania Vergara Perez after the show.

Sandy Keir is president of the Palm Aire Women’s Club.

Jack Gaudreau, Isabella Serrano and Dairon Batista perform for the Palm Aire Women’s Club on Dec. 12.

NEW Resident Platform

Simple. Seamless. User-Friendly.

• 1 Login for App & Website • Register for Events • Reserve Parks & Venues • Join a Club • Apply for Dog Park Membership • Volunteer Opportunities • Online Payment System

440241-1

• HOA Information

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

7B

The Ar t of Waterfront Living at Wild Blue LUXURY DESIGNER-DECORATED MODELS NOW OPEN NEW HOMESITES AVAILABLE

Lakewood Ranch’s premier waterfront community offers exceptional resort-style living with stunning single-family homes by the region’s most sought-after builders. In response to phenomenal demand, Wild Blue at Waterside has released new premium homesites.

The spectacular 30,000-square-foot clubhouse, opening Fall 2026, will feature resort pools, dining, putting course, golf simulator, cinema, and fitness center. Residents are already enjoying Midway Sports Park, now open with tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts.

Secure your place in Sarasota’s most distinctive waterfront address.

NOW OPEN: MIDWAY SPORTS PARK Tennis • Pickleball • Basketball Dog Parks • Children’s Playground

Visit Today.

8396 Sea Glass Court, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240 l 941.313.3852 From University Parkway turn south onto Lorraine Road and follow the signs to Wild Blue at Waterside WildBluelwr.com Residences from $1.5 million ANCHOR BUILDERS • AR HOMES BY ARTHUR RUTENBERG • JOHN CANNON HOMES LEE WETHERINGTON HOMES • STOCK LUXURY HOMES • STOCK CUSTOM HOMES

451168-1

ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING THE REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS REFERENCE SHOULD BE MADE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. ALL RENDERINGS AND PLANS ARE PROPOSED CONCEPTS SHOWN ONLY FOR MARKETING PURPOSES AND ARE BASED ON THE DEVELOPER’S CURRENT PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN. DEVELOPER RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY, REVISE OR WITHDRAW THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT PLAN IN DEVELOPER’S SOLE DISCRETION WITHOUT NOTICE. NOTHING HEREIN OR IN ANY OTHER COMMUNICATION SHALL BE DEEMED TO OBLIGATE THE DEVELOPER, OR ANY AFFILIATE OF DEVELOPER, TO CONSTRUCT THE PROJECT OR OFFER ANY OF THE PROJECT FOR SALE, AND NOTHING HEREIN SHALL BE DEEMED A GUARANTY OF ANY KIND. THIS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SALE OR SOLICITATION OF OFFERS TO BUY.

8B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

Can you shed the funk?

Greenbrook’s Jaime Marco has written a book — ‘Unfunkt’ — to show you how to do it.

MADISON BIERL STAFF WRITER

I

n 2008, Greenbrook’s Jaime Marco was running late for a flight out of Tampa International Airport to Phoenix.

She simply hates being late.

It was early in the morning and her stomach was empty, which added to her frustration. As she went to grab her ID to be checked by airport security, change from her wallet fell all over the floor.

It was her breaking point. She fell to her knees, crying.

An older man approached her and told her she needed to “shed her funk.”

Marco had no idea what he

AUTHOR JAIME MARCO To learn more about Jaime Marco and her book “Unfunkt,” visit JaimeMarco.com.

meant at first. The man told her she shouldn’t get on the plane in such a state because it would impact the flight by affecting the mood of the other passengers.

“Whatever’s going on here, it, too, shall pass,” the man told Marco.

He helped her gather her coins, and told her take “shake it off,” by shaking her arms.

She started to question him, and he sternly told her to just do it.

They both started shaking their arms, and in a few seconds, they began laughing together.

“I literally felt this wave of energy come off me, and I was like — it’s not that big of a deal,” Marco said. “I’m not too late for my plane. I’m going to get there. I’ll get coffee. That concept of shedding the funk stuck with me from that day on, and I share it with every team I talk to, because we all have moments like that.”

Marco owns her own business called Evolve Business Consulting and is an active public speaker who works to inspire others to “shed their funk” and have a positive impact on themselves and others. She even came up with her own word to encompass that — “Unfunkt.”

“Unfunkt” is defined by Marco as “the state of feeling fully you again; clear, confident and reconnected to your spark after shedding the weight, fog and funk of the world. It’s when you reignite your light, your purpose is loud, and your presence feels like home.”

Marco released her book titled “Unfunkt: Quiet the Noise. Ignite the Light” on Dec. 1. Although the book is a new release, Marco has been living by the advice in the book for quite some time. This summer she set aside three-and-a-half months to focus on the book.

Marco carries the goal of interacting with new people every day, whether it be on the street, at the grocery store or wherever else her

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF 11 For the Marcos, 11 is an important number. David and Jamie Marcos have been married for 11 years. It is David’s lucky number and Jaime’s birthday.

It seemed natural that there should be 11 micro moves.

day takes her. Marco never asks “How are you?” because it is a question that can be answered with a lie.

A question Marco likes to pose to people is “What’s the best part of your day today?”

Marco recalls being in Whole Foods, at a time she didn’t feel any positive energy. When she posed that question to the cashier as she was checking out, he ended up asking the same question to the next customer.

“It was contagious,” Marco said.

“He would never have asked that before. We can be contagious both ways — with the negative energy or with the connected energy. We can be either way and we choose which way to do it.”

In her book, Marco set up the book to be like a “choose your own adventure,” so it is not designed to be read all at once. She wanted to combine her love for her job, personal experiences, and her thoughts on culture and leadership.

She has “11 Micro Moves” that list ways for people to positively influence those around them. They are “Bring the Vibe,” “Pause with Purpose,” “Choose Your Words,” “Dare to Compare Just Don’t,” “Fuel with Appreciation,” “Lead with Intention,” “Ask for Help,” “Celebrate the Wins,” “Trust your Second Brain,” “Own Your Impact” and “Little Moves, Big Impact.”

The chapters can be read in 10 to 12 minutes and at the end of each one, there are questions that ask readers to reflect on what they learned.

David Marco, Jaime’s husband of 11 years, said it was no surprise to him

Photos by Madison Bierl

Greenbrook’s David, Hannah and Jaime Marco all had a part in creating Jaime Marco’s new book “Unfunkt: Quiet the Noise. Ignite the Light.”

“Unfunkt” is defined by Marco as “the state of feeling fully you again; clear, confident and reconnected to your spark after shedding the weight, fog and funk of the world.” that Jaime wanted to write a book. He has tried to support her in any way he can, giving her space to write but also acting as a sounding board for her ideas. He helped edit the book and gave her feedback on the cover.

“Through her keynotes, training sessions and the plethora of other work that she does with various companies and organizations, she is consistently working to help people be better individuals, workers and teammates,” David Marco said. “The book was a natural extension of that thought process, one that allowed her to spread her message to more people than those that she meets in person.”

One of Jaime Marco’s biggest inspirations is her daughter, Hannah, who is 10 years old. Hannah said

her mom inspires her every day.

“It’s amazing, because every day when I wake up, she’s always there for me,” Hannah Marco said. “She gives me lots of information and helps me with all the stuff that I need in life.”

Hannah Marco said the most powerful advice she has received from her mom is to be a thermostat, not a thermometer.

“The goal there is that you either show up to set the temperature of the room, or you take the temperature of the room,” Jaime Marco said.

Even though “Unfunkt” was just released, Hannah and Jaime are planning to write another version of the book for children from the ages of 8 to 12.

“All the research shows that the information heard by kids from the ages of 8 through 12 impacts them the most,” Jaime Marco said. “By the time that they’re a teenager, their minds have been formatted on so many different things, so we want to get in front of that.”

“I hope they get good vibes and actually follow the lessons that my mom is teaching,” Hannah Marco said.

Unwrap the Magic This holiday season, share the joy of community at Lakewood Ranch, America’s favorite place to call home!

SM

G ive the G ift of New T r a d it ions #1 Farmers’ Market in America I Ranch Nite Wednesdays I Festive Photos with Santa Hidden Elves Contest I Christmas on Main 12/20 NYE Celebration 12/31

440326-1

*Prices subject to change without notice. © 2025 Lakewood Ranch

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

9B

Join us for an Open House at

Local students earn awards from VFW essay contest MADISON BIERL STAFF WRITER

6406 21st Ave West | Bradenton, FL 34209 Follow signs to the Sales Office

F

SECOND OPINIONS

DENTAL HYGIENE

ESTHETIC GUM CRAFTING

UM EASE

December 26th & 27th 11 am - 1 pm Discover spacious floor plans, resort amenities, and the peace of mind that comes with Life Care – all in a welcoming Bradenton community. Tour beautifully refreshed apartments, meet friendly residents, and experience maintenance-free living at its finest.

Madison Bierl

Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 26,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives.

national prize.

“In my words, patriotism means showing and giving deep love and devotion to my country, as well as showing respect, honor and loyalty to the country which I call home,” Trejo wrote in her essay. “Living in this country is a privilege and honor.

I’m truly grateful for the freedom and opportunities I’ve been given since birth.”

For Medea, who is from Haiti and moved to Bradenton in September 2024, patriotism means respecting the country’s heritage and wanting to contribute to the future.

“It is not only about expressing pride on grand occasions, but about proving it day by day in one’s connection to the country’s traditions, culture, and people,” Medea wrote in her essay. “This feeling seems necessary to me and to everyone. It unites and strengthens solidarity and it protects national identity in the process.”

VENEERS VENEERS

Braden River High School junior Mystique Quinones shakes hands with Dave Daily, post commander for VFW Post 12055, as she receives her $100 reward for her essay that answered the question “How are you showing patriotism and support for our country?”

Call 941-241-0356 or visit us online at FVBradenton.com/events.

Your New Beginning Starts Here

453973-

VOICE OF DEMOCRACY

LET US DESIGN A POOL THAT FITS YOUR LIFESTYLE

Design•Build•Maintain Professional In-House Construction Call today to schedule an appointment

941.927.1882 451882-1

or Karla Medina, a Braden River High junior originally from Mexico, patriotism can be a lot of different things.

It is not simply wearing red, white and blue. To her, it involves actions.

She sees patriotism as participating in acts of service, such as volunteering at hospitals, promoting recycling, helping out veterans and assisting people who are in need of food.

That assist doesn’t even have to be confined to the U.S. She said patriotism can be shown by helping people in need in places such as Jamaica after that country was hit by Hurricane Melissa.

“Some people say immigrants don’t bring that much to this country, so I try my best through acts of service to prove them wrong,” Medina said.

Medina and six other high school students earned awards for their essays that explored the question, “How are you showing patriotism and support for our country?”

The contest for the Voice of Democracy Scholarship Program was hosted by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12055. Dave Daily, post commander for VFW Post 12055 Braden River, said there is one winner for every 15 essays submitted.

This year that meant seven winners.

Of the seven, five of them are in the Braden River Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps — Medina, Mystique Quinones, Tuong Thai, Wilendjie Medea and Marfil Trejo. Outside of JROTC, the winners were Braden River High’s Riley McGee, and Liam Egerdahl, who is homeschooled in Parrish.

Each winner was awarded $100 and will receive a plaque later in the school year. They also have the opportunity to submit their essay to the national competition for a chance to win a $35,000 scholarship.

Trejo, a senior, was shocked and grateful when she was announced as one of the winners. She said she is looking forward to pursuing the

IMPLANT TEETH

DENTAL EMERGENCIES

IMPLANT TEETH

TEETH IN A DAY

VOTED IMPLANTS SARASOTA’S DENTAL

www.HolidayPoolsFlorida.com

Lic# CPC1458597

Family Owned and Operated Since 1994

Gatherings WHERE HOLIDAY

SHINE - OUTDOORS

TOP IMPLANT & AESTHETIC DENTISTS

SARASOTA’S TOP IMPLANT & AESTHETIC DENTISTS

DR. MAGGIE DR. KATHERINE Providing simple to complex specialty DR. HARRY HARING DR. CRAIG MISCH MISCH-HARING MISCH Specialist in Specialist in dental care in one location Specialist in convenient Specialist in Prosthodontics & Oral Surgery &

alist in odontics & nts

ARRY HARING

DR. MAGGIE MISCHHARING Specialist in Periodontics & Implants

ring is a master an using the latest Smile Design ology to create ifully natural smile overs. Specializing lant restorations, al tooth crowns & rs.

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

Prosthodontics & Implants

DR. KATHERINE MISCH Specialist in Prosthodontics and Implants

Implants DR. CRAIG MISCH Specialist in Oral Surgery & Implants

Dr. Craig Misch is a Providing simple tois complex world renowned implant Dr. Katie Misch surgeon, lecturer, author a master implant with over care and recognized leader specialtyspecialist dental in implant surgical 30 years experience treatments. Offering creating functional, in one convenient location Same Day Teeth, bone healthy and beautiful smiles with Same Day Teeth, implant dentures, and Facelift dentures.

grafting, implant surgery and complication care for over 30 years.

SHOP WITH US FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF QUALITY, STYLISH, AND MOST COMFORTABLE OUTDOOR DINING, SEATING AND POOLSIDE FURNITURE AND ACCESSORIES.

SARASOTA • BONITA SPRINGS • NAPLES

941-217-6547

A family-owned dental A family-owned dental specialty practice specialty practice

120 S. Tuttle Avenue, 120 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34237 Implant & Aesthetic Dentistry Sarasota, FL 34237 Implant &Misch Aesthetic Dentistry (941) 957-6444 (941) 957-6444

FOLLOW US Kindly Kindly useuse thethe QRQR code to access our tocode access our website. website.

TOUR THE STORE

ELEGANTOUTDOORS.COM

7606 S. Tamiami Tr. Ste. 101 (1/2 mi. South of Clark Rd. on 41)

451029-1

Periodontics & Implants

450413-1

Implants

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

Holiday

WORSHIP GUIDE

LIVING LORD

LUTHERAN CHURCH

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE

11107 Palmbrush Trail, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 (941) 753-9365

DECEMBER 24th 7:00 p.m.

Celebration of His Birth

CHRISTMAS SERVICES

Christmas

(The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod) 5659 Honore Ave., Sarasota, FL 34233

941-921-3673 | www.goodshepherdsarasota.com

454429-1

Both in person and live streamed on YouTube

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church & School

454716-1

Wednesday, December 24. at 4:00 pm & 7:00pm.

at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church

Christmas Day

Christmas Eve

Lessons & Carols

St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church

40 North Adams Drive, Sarasota, FL 941.388.1234 office@saklc.com www.saklc.com

2025 DECEMBER LITURGY SCHEDULE Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Monday, December 8 | 9:00am

Advent Penance Service

Tuesday, December 16 | 6:30pm

CHRISTMAS EVE

Wednesday, December 24 Children’s Christmas Pageant | 3:30pm Christmas Eve Mass | 4:00pm Christmas Music Prelude | 6:30pm Christmas Eve Mass | 7:00pm

CHRISTMAS DAY

Thursday, December 25 Christmas Day Masses | 8:00am & 10:00am

Solemnity of Mary the Holy Mother of God Thursday, January 1, 2026 | 9:00am

454304-1

Rev. Dr. Kenneth Blyth, Pastor Michael J. Bodnyk, Minister of Music

December 28th 9am & 11am Worship

435686-1

Live Streamed Service at 7pm www.saklc.com

harbour.church/christmas

454015-1

Prelude concert begins 20 minutes before each service

11am - Concert A special program of Christmas favorites

St. St. Michael Michael the the Archangel Archangel || 5394 5394 Midnight Midnight Pass Pass Road Road || Sarasota, Sarasota, FL FL 34242 34242

455279-1

Holy Communion, Festive Brass & Timpani at all services

454021-1

December 24 · 5, 7, & 9pm

454365-1

December 25 9am - Worship

454013-1

10B

YourObserver.com

11B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

JESUS’ HARMONY FOR SARASOTA’S HEART Christmas Eve services at 5pm and 11pm

Christmas

SIESTA KEY CHAPEL PRESBYTERIAN (USA)

CELEBRATE

Peace

3rd SUNDAY

Dec 14th @ 10:00 a.m.

Voices of Joy

WITH

4th SUNDAY

8:00 pm Worship in the Chapel

Dec 21st @ 10:00 a.m.

Voices of Love

Candlelight Service with Communion

Friday, December 12, 7pm Enchanted Noel Concert with Astralis Chamber Ensemble

CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT

Sunday, December 28 Calypso Christmas Hymn Sing 9 am Chapel on the Beach, 10:30 am Worship in the Chapel

Dec 24th 6:30 p.m. - Main Sanctuary & 11 p.m. - Historic Chapel

Live Nativity & Outdoor Music

Wednesday, Christmas Eve, December 24 5:00 pm & 7:00 pm

SUNDAY

Peace Presbyterian Church

Dec 28th @ 10:00 a.m.

454019-1

12705 St. Rd. 64 East, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34212 www.PEACEpcusa.com 941•753•7778

BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE OF HEALING Sunday, December 21st @ 5 pm

CHRISTMAS EVE

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

453995-1

Wednesday, December 24th @ 6 pm

8010 Fruitville Road Sarasota, FL (941) 378-0885 newlifesarasota.org

454302-1

454312-1

Service

CHURCH of t he REDEEMER Christmas Eve 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, 10:30pm Childcare available for children under 4 at the 1pm, 3pm, and 5pm services Christmas Day 10am

454017-1

454370-1

siestakeychapel.org

Sunday, December 21, 5–7 pm The Path to Christmas

Downtown Sarasota | 222 S Palm Ave RedeemerSarasota.org

453980-1

Family Service with Live Nativity

454306-1

5:30 pm Worship in the Chapel

454310-1

Christmas Eve Services

941.349.1166 4615 Gleason Ave. Siesta Key

453997-1

435608-1

454308-1

2185 Wood Street, Sarasota, FL 941.365.0844 concordiasarasota.org

454300-1

CHRISTMAS SERVICE SUNDAY, DEC. 14 at 10:00 AM

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

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

LAKEWOOD RANCH 17807 Eastbrook Ter 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,852 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas, PL 941.587.4359 A4666809 $1,595,000

SARASOTA (EAST OF I75) 745 Tailwind Pl 5 Beds 3 Baths 3,138 Sq. Ft. Victoria Turner & Steven Swank 662.614.2783 A4672677 $1,525,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7131 Beechmont Ter 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,726 Sq. Ft. Tina Ciaccio, P.A. 941.685.8420 A4670191 $1,399,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 10215 Marbella Dr 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 3,023 Sq. Ft. Laura Naese 941.350.3657 A4667682 $1,075,000

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

LAKEWOOD RANCH 4947 Surfside Cir 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,185 Sq. Ft. Mark Boehmig 941.807.6936 A4672169 $895,000

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

SARASOTA (EAST OF I75) 2115 Shadow Oaks Rd 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,186 Sq. Ft. Angela Adams & Heather Hoffman 941.809.9760 A4670853 $825,000

SARASOTA (EAST OF I75) 9008 Bernini Pl 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,950 Sq. Ft. Laurie Minear 941.301.8050 A4669496 $795,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 4925 Surfside Cir 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,210 Sq. Ft. Sherri Mills 941.350.7112 A4668278 $769,900

SARASOTA (EAST OF I75) 7761 Sandhill Lake Dr 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,633 Sq. Ft. Angela Adams & Heather Hoffman 941.809.9760 A4670147 $745,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 11720 Clubhouse Dr 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,601 Sq. Ft. Laura Naese 941.350.3657 A4670433 $699,000

SARASOTA (EAST OF I75) 8284 Barton Farms Blvd 4 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,359 Sq. Ft. Angela Adams & Laurie Minear 941.809.9760 A4671212 $675,000

PALMER RANCH 8183 Nice Way 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,047 Sq. Ft. Diana Fischer 941.685.7680 A4655774 $675,000

PALMER RANCH 4561 Murcia Blvd #13 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 3,677 Sq. Ft. Drew Russell 941.993.3739 A4627867 $675,000

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

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

LAKEWOOD RANCH 16745 Ellsworth Ave 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,676 Sq. Ft. JJ Sutherland 941.412.6355 A4671346 $575,000

PALMER RANCH 3641 Gleneagle Dr #12d 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,778 Sq. Ft. Maurice Menager & Patrick Dunn 941.238.8119 A4642012 $535,000

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

SARASOTA (EAST OF I75) 2878 Butterfly Jasmine Trl 2 Beds 2/2 Baths 1,527 Sq. Ft. Joanna Benante & Ann Martin 941.356.7718 A4670716 $499,000

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

LAKEWOOD RANCH 2723 Sapphire Blue Ln 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,617 Sq. Ft. Mary Pat Pihl & Laura Navratil 941.932.3065 A4668468 $469,500

LAKEWOOD RANCH 1932 Orange Lake Cv 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,495 Sq. Ft. Bianca Dwyer & Jonnie Dwyer 941.209.2466 A4672939 $450,000

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

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

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7892 Mainsail Ln 4 Beds 4 Baths 3,963 Sq. Ft. Max Mann & Peter Mann 862.216.6105 A4668757 $1,650,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM 451814-1

12B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in Lake Club topped the week’s sales. Patrick and Mary Mulva, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the home at 15315 Anchorage Place to Robert and Marie Fishman, of Lakewood Ranch, for $5.45 million.

Built in 2024, it has five bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, a pool and 5,997 square feet of living area. It sold for $6,295,000 in 2024.

CONCESSION

ROSEDALE ADDITION

Joshua Wixson and Krystle Gish sold their home at 4716 Royal Dornoch Circle to Joseph Keough and Susan Keough, trustees, of Bradenton, for $950,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, a pool and 3,047 square feet of living area. It sold for $985,000 in 2023.

Luis and Francisca Negrete, of Bradenton, sold their home at 9920 Marbella Drive to Gloria Powers and Hector Navarrete, of Bellingham, Washington, for $850,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,590 square feet of living area. It sold for $563,000 in 2018.

Courtesy image

MILL CREEK

LAKE CLUB

CLUBSIDE AT COUNTRY CLUB EAST

Jason and Laura Geiger sold their home at 14208 18th Place E. to Elvia Colon and Juan Pablo Toro, of Bradenton, for $875,000. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,993 square feet of living area. It sold for $305,000 in 2011.

Walter and Christine Caldwell sold their Unit 6-D condominium at 7474 Divot Loop to John and Colleen Dickinson, of Bradenton, for $795,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,332 square feet of living area. It sold for $411,000 in 2018.

WILD BLUE AT WATERSIDE

EATON PLACE

LAKEHOUSE COVE AT WATERSIDE

EDGEWATER

COUNTRY CLUB EAST

VILLAGE OF PALM AIRE

SDWB Waterside LLC sold the home at 325 Blue Peral Court to William Sherlach and Margot Vacheron, of Sarasota, for $1.93 million.

Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,446 square feet of living area.

Karen and Michael Grillo, trustees, of Midland, Michigan, sold the home at 8059 Waterbend Trail to Charles Terence Butwid, of Sarasota, for $1.8 million. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,500 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.28 million in 2022.

Kevin and Suzanne Vaughan, of Flowery Branch, Georgia, sold their home at 7724 Cavendish Cove to Alfred Charles Hollander and Amy Elizabeth Smithline Hollander, of Bradenton, for $1.55 million. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, a pool and 2,884 square feet of living area.

Nancy Haas, trustee, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the home at 14703 Secret Harbor Place to Howard Schapiro, trustee, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1.23 million. Built in 2012, it has three bedrooms, twoand-a-half baths, a pool and 2,934 square feet of living area.

William and Beth Chandler sold their home at 16621 Berwick Terrace to James and Lois Ferrell, of Lake Mary, for $915,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,622 square feet of living area. It sold for $910,000 in 2021.

Robert Harris, of Lakewood Ranch, sold his home at 14508 Stirling Drive to Robert Johnson and Donna Johnson, trustees, of Ellicott City, Maryland, for $695,000. Built in 2011, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,419 square feet of living area. It sold for $940,000 in 2022.

SAPPHIRE POINT

Matthew Newkirk and Chelsea Leist-Newkirk, of Sarasota, sold their home at 16434 Slate Place to Neil and Phyllis Friedland, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1.46 million. Built in 2023, it has six bedrooms, fiveand-a-half baths, a pool and 5,323 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.25 million in 2023.

POMELLO PARK

Pedro and Diana Grasa, of Punta Gorda, sold their home at 7301 221st St. E. to Jason and Elisa Hall, of Sarasota, for $1 million. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, two-

DEC. 1-5

and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,872 square feet of living area. It sold for $550,000 in 2019.

Greg and Tricia Shorr, of Fishers, Indiana, sold their home at 19405 Ganton Ave. to Hershel Fred Newman, of Germantown, Tennessee, for $3.8 million. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,172 square feet of living area.

Scott David Lancaster and Melanie Lancaster, of Sarasota, sold their home at 8348 Catamaran Circle to Michael Peter, trustee, of Glencoe, Missouri, for $2.6 million. Built in 2024, it has five bedrooms, fiveand-a-half baths, a pool and 3,590 square feet of living area. It sold for $2.71 million in 2024.

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

Sheila Horwitz, of Sarasota, sold her home at 7424 Eaton Court to Amalfi Financial LLC for $775,000.

Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,582 square feet of living area. It sold for $480,000 in 2001.

A Lake Club home at 15315 Anchorage Place sold for $5.45 million. Built in 2024, it has five bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, a pool and 5,997 square feet of living area.

Built in 2011, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,029 square feet of living area. It sold for $425,000 in 2018.

ESPLANADE

Robert and Betsy Maxman, of Evanston, Illinois, sold their home at 12721 Fontana Loop to Paul and Wendy Calvin, of Bradenton, for $705,000. Built in 2014, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,087 square feet of living area. It sold for $380,000 in 2015.

David and Susan Eggert, of Bradenton, sold their home at 12740 Del Corso Loop to Chuanyin Xie and Shunlan Wan, of Bradenton, for $700,000. Built in 2013, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,879 square feet of living area. It sold for $374,900 in 2013.

GREYHAWK LANDING WEST

Carolyn Ritter sold her home at 11909 Persian Terrace to Tracey Cuba and Kevin Anthony Cuba, of Bradenton, for $699,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, a pool and 2,810 square feet of living area. It sold for $469,000 in 2019.

PRESERVE AT PANTHER RIDGE

Paul Downie and Mey Ling Valeria Downie, of Olympia, Washington, sold their home at 21709 Deer Pointe Crossing to Michael Charles Berry Jr. and Haley Berry, of Bradenton, for $685,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,496 square feet of living area. It sold for $256,600 in 2011.

Wayne Lee Friedman and Gwendolyn Mary Friedman sold their home at 8049 Waterview Blvd. to Barbara Kay Parker and Robert Ernest Parker Jr., of Lakewood Ranch, for $775,000. Built in 1998, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,483 square feet of living area. It sold for $835,000 in 2024.

Richard and Angela Rozic sold their home at 4740 Carrington Circle to John and Mary Pinto, of Sarasota, for $760,000. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,447 square feet of living area.

It sold for $309,900 in 2020.

SHELLSTONE AT WATERSIDE

HBT at Waterside East LLC sold the home at 9164 Florida Rock Trail to Louis Anthony Sotomayor and Arleen Reinoso, of Nokomis, for $759,000. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,268 square feet of living area.

GREENBROOK

Mark and Deborah Szalkowski, of Loudon, Tennessee, sold their home at 6528 Coopers Hawk Court to Jared Shanks and Ami Leigh Maikoski and Linda Joy Shanks, of Lakewood Ranch, for $750,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,759 square feet of living area. It sold for $497,500 in 2020.

Marshall and Janet Gralla, of Parrish, sold their home at 6563 Blue Grosbeak Circle to Derek and Ilana Picker, of Lakewood Ranch, for $575,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,034 square feet of living area. It sold for $630,000 in 2022.

For nearly 50 years, Michael Saunders & Company has led Southwest Florida real estate. Our Developer Services Division offers unmatched expertise from concept to sell-out, partnering on 85+ landmark projects like the St. Regis Longboat Key Residences, The Collection, The Mark and The Ritz-Carlton Residences with innovation and integrity.

Waldorf Astoria Residences Sarasota From From $2.5M to $30M+ | WAResidencesSarasota.com

400 Central | 727.209.7848 | From $1.3M Call for an appointment | Residences400central.com

Let’s build something extraordinary together.

POLO RUN

William Stephen Carrier III and Gloria Jean Carrier, trustees, of McLean Virginia, sold the home at 17213 Polo Trail to James and Alice Hall, of Bradenton, for $750,000.

Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,328 square feet of living area. It sold for $621,000 in 2021.

The Edge Sarasota | 941.866.3068 | From Mid $3M Sales Gallery at 1801 Main Street | TheEdgeSarasota.com

941.951.6650 MSCDeveloperServices.com

COUNTRY CLUB

Michael and Christine Wetzer, trustees, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the home at 11728 Strandhill Court to James and Stephanie McCabe, of Lakewood Ranch, for $729,000.

Prices as of January 2025

Issa Homes at SeaFlower | 941.491.7879 From $1.29M | SeaFlower.IssaHomes.com

451859-1

ADAM HUGHES

REAL ESTATE

Lake Club home tops sales at $5.45 million

13B

14B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

GIVE & RECEIVE

IT’S READ EVERYWHERE

OUR BIGGEST STRESSLESS SAVINGS OF THE YEAR ARE HERE

Headed on a trip? Snap a photo of you on vacation holding your Observer, then submit your photo at YourObserver.com/ ItsReadEverywhere for a chance to win.

Donate $50 or more to Resurrection House now through Jan. 20th Save up to $400 off Stressless.*

LEARN HOW YOUR DONATION MAKES A DIFFERENCE Stressless® Wing Signature Base shown in Paloma Mushroom/Smoked Oak

7211 S. Tamiami Trail

Mon.-Sat. 10-5 • Sun. 12-5 941-923-2569

CAN’T WRESTLE THE OBSERVER AWAY: Sachiko and Douglas McClure took their East County Observer to the Grand Sumo Tournament at the Fukuoka Kokusai Center in Japan.

copenhagen-imports.com *See Sales Associate for Details

MORE THAN A PLACE TO LIVE. A curated lifestyle in the heart of downtown Sarasota.

CELEBRATES TOPPING OFF!

The Edge redefines Sarasota luxury with 27 boutique residences, panoramic views, world-class amenities, and modern design—steps from the city’s vibrant cultural and entertainment scene.

Now Under Construction Two to Three-Bedroom Residences Available Priced From $2,995,000

Schedule Your Private Presentation 941.866.3068 Sales Gallery 1801 Main Street | Sarasota, FL 34236 The Edge Sarasota 290 Cocoanut Avenue | Sarasota, FL 34236 TheEdgeSarasota.com

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

448635-1

454794-1

Sarasota, Florida 34231

YourObserver.com

15B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

THURSDAY, DEC. 18

WEATHER

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FORECAST

Sunrise Sunset

High: 83 Low: 68 Chance of rain: 52%

FRIDAY, DEC. 19 High: 80 Low: 50 Chance of rain: 16%

Thursday, Dec. 18

7:13a

5:38p

Friday, Dec. 19

7:14a

5:39p

Saturday, Dec. 20

7:14a

5:39p

Sunday, Dec. 21

7:15a

5:40p

Monday, Dec. 22

7:15a

5:40p

Tuesday, Dec. 23

7:16a

5:41p

Wednesday, Dec. 24

7:16a

5:41p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, DEC. 20 High: 78 Low: 56 Chance of rain: 2%

Dec. 19 New

Dec. 27 First

Jan. 3 Full

Jan. 10 Last

RAINFALL

SUNDAY, DEC. 21 High: 81 Low: 57 Chance of rain: 8% Gordon Silver took a photo of this rabbit enjoying wild greenery at the Celery Fields in Sarasota.

Monday, Dec. 8

1.69

Tuesday, Dec. 9

0

Wednesday, Dec. 10

0

Thursday, Dec. 11

0

Friday, Dec. 12

0

Saturday, Dec. 13

0

Sunday, Dec. 14

0

*Rainfall totals from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

Submit your photos at YourObserver.com/Contests. All submissions will be entered in the 2025-26 Weather and Nature photo contest. In February 2026, you will vote for your favorite photo, and the submission with the most votes will win a $500 gift card.

YEAR TO DATE: 2025 45.94 in.

2024 77.96 in.

MONTH TO DATE: 1.71 in.

2025 0.07 in.

2024

We have all of your luxury flooring needs carpet | hardwood | tile | stone | pavers | and more

Daily crossword puzzles available at YourObserver.com/crossword

RIGHT CALL by Zhouqin Burnikel, edited by Jared Goudsmit from entering casinos

43 Has a turnip cake

124 Trumpet sound

44 ICU pros

125 Shed tears

47 Reggae, Mandopop, etc.

127 Sporty auto roof

49 Aggressive poker play

128 Fictional evildoer

51 ___ up (absorbs)

129 Second-largest branch

53 Sports fan’s glove

of Islam

55 Fashion designer Wang

130 Mental flash

58 Like “it,” grammatically

131 In the know about

60 Airline to Tel Aviv

132 *Bit of telemarketing

62 Reprimanding sound

133 *Item on a phone bill

64 Once named

134 *”Who’s in attendance?” 66 Squirrel away check

69 Make screwdrivers and

135 *”The bar is closing

rusty nails?

soon!”

72 “Courage to Soar” author

DOWN

©2025 Universal Uclick

ACROSS

1 Official who may bestow a key to the city 6 “oh, b4 i forget ...”

9 Once and once more 14 Box office failure 18 Waikiki “Hello!”

19 Ramen seaweed 20 Jumbotron shoutout to a parent 21 Leisurely gait 22 Flu sound 23 TV type 24 Tech support whiz 25 BILLY bookcase seller 26 WordGirl or Astro Boy 27 People living the high life?

29 Relevant 31 Strong suit

33 Wilts

61 Some flat screens

93 “Yeah, right!”

35 Paranormal ability, for

63 *Audition opportunity

94 Higher in rank than

short

for all

96 Cake akin to a Ding Dong

36 Daring maneuvers

65 Coin toss possibility

97 Tolerated

39 Run in the wash

67 Bring shame to

99 Shoe’s tip

41 Walker in the woods

68 Fat in some puddings

101 Adjusted the pitch of

45 Install, like bricks

70 Exam for future MDs

102 Small band size

46 X-ray ___ (novelty

71 Enjoys

104 Glittery stuff on a

goggles)

73 Boathouse propeller

Christmas tree

47 Pills, briefly

76 Premolars, etc.

106 Docking platforms

48 Tehran resident

78 Foamy coffee orders

107 Pet that may arch its

50 Big name in escalators

81 *Hunter’s imitative device back

52 Huge mess

84 Runway vehicle

109 Tequila cocktail, for

54 Certain doctor’s visit

86 Chewy flatbread

short

(Note: This puzzle’s title is

88 Shields from the sun

110 “I’m so frustrated!”

a hint to understanding the

90 “The Simpsons” bar-

111 Iridescent birthstone

starred clues’ answers!)

tender

113 Speaks from a podium

56 Understands

91 Actor Ed who won seven

115 Canine’s neighbor

57 “King” actress Cicely

Emmys

119 Says out loud

59 *Narrow escape

92 Big Apple fashion label

Biles

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“HGWY M CZLVO LB OWLOJW CWF VO BZLN M FMEJW, FGW FMEJW RLWPY’F SYLH HGDTG HMK MYK LB FGWN HDJJ CL.”

hint”

2 Skin-soothing gel

74 “Additionally ...”

3 *”Psst! Fix that undone

75 *Alternated between

zipper”

extremes

4 “Glad to hear it!”

77 *Having an adverse

5 “Go, team!”

effect

6 Rodeo necktie

79 *”Get used to my style”

7 Latest fashions

80 Lake near Carson City

8 More extensive

82 Vehicle such as Curiosity

9 *PBS home improvement

83 “Noble” actions

show

85 Store sign gas

10 Clever humor

87 No, in Russian

11 Ask too much

89 Hung tight

12 Food on a cob

95 *Sturdily made

13 Overact

97 Stocked up on

14 *Making a rude gesture

98 Analog’s counterpart

15 Mischievous Norse god

100 “Mr. Blue Sky” grp.

16 Crude grp.

103 Chef Lagasse who says

17 Aloo matar veggie

“Bam!”

19 *Way off the mark

105 Rapper Lil ___ X

27 Comes to a halt

107 Barber’s tool

28 Bathroom garment

108 Memorable part of an

30 Org. with hard hat rules

opera

32 Apartment ad abbr.

112 Insect stage after larval

34 Guadalajara coins

114 Chore list heading

36 Leaky pen’s stain

116 Neighborhood near NYU

37 Like Cheerios

117 Slinky shape

38 Praise highly

118 Second chance

40 Turned off, like notifica-

120 Volcano in Sicily

tions

121 Goes bad

CMJHMK SDYYWJJ

“FG’N RJKA P MPX. OVNG GVXJ VH GCT XPLFR PJL GCPG JRFNT’KK ER PDPA.” “MPX GPKB” MR-CRNG GRI IPEKFRYYF

73 Fish hidden in “drop a

1 Supersonic speed unit

448064-1

celebrity cipher

“GAC ZM RZAX RHXTABEW ... CZ VWBWNXHCW FHMAEEHF! KMICWHS ZL ZMW SHR ZL GXWIWMCI, JW FHUW WKOFC VXHYR MKOFCI.” HSHT IHMSBWX Puzzle Three Clue: S equals D

crossword

Puzzle Two Clue: Y equals Z

Sarasota 941.355.8437 | Bradenton 941.748.4679 | Venice 941.493.7441 | manasotaonline.com

Flooring Made for Your Family

Puzzle Two Clue: R equals D

at MANASOTA FLOORING INC

© 2025 NEA, Inc.

sudoku

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

42 Chicken ___ (dish named 122 Cheetah’s marking

123 People generally banned after a Ukrainian city)

126 Kabayaki fish ©2025 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

12-18-25

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

Condos/Apts. for Rent

Service Directory - Friday at 3PM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card The Sarasota and Siesta Key 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 Sarasota and Siesta Key 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.

ISSUE OF 12/18: Deadline is 12/11 (Noon)

$500/month. We can accept electronic payment or check. No credit card.

ISSUE OF 12/25: Deadline is 12/12 (Noon)

Call for details: 941-724-9486

ISSUE OF 1/1: Deadline is 12/16 (Noon) Call 941-955-4888 to place your classifi fie ed ads.

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

Confidential & Honest.

FREE HOUSE CALLS. Call David (941) 499-6417

FIND IT IN THE RED PAGES 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

Items Under $200

AWESOME WOMANS GIANT Dash 1- Hybrid Bike-Exc Cond; composite; (941) 518-4224

Antiques/ Collectibles

Autos for Sale

Autos Wanted CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

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

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

941-400-8811

Open House 1st Saturday of the month 10am-2pm 3901 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota View our listings online: www.bahiavistafl.com To schedule a tour, call 844-552-4574

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

941-529-6822

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals WEEKLY MONTHLY SEASONAL RATES Beachfront, Bayfront and In Between Houses or Condos Reservations 941-383-5577 wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com Visa/MC 5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite 101

2012 Chrysler 200 2012 CHRYSLER 200 Low miles Convertible low miles (47,800) (47,800) 3.6L, automatic, well 3.6L, well kept, special light kept, one of a kind two-tone light grey leather upholstery, upholstery, silver, silver, grey leather navigation, bluetooth, non navigation, bluetooth, non smoking ownership. ownership. smoking Call/text 941-356-7177 941-356-7177 $8500 $8500 Call/text

WANTED

Manufactured Home Community 55+ Active Lifestyle

Longboat Key, FL 34228

1968 FORD Mustang, V8 289, Auto., PS, AC. $25,000 (941) 224-6424

ANTIQUES WANTED

Over 1 Acre Beachfront House 5em illhiofrnont House Over 1 Ac$re6.B ac $6.5 million OSvaeilrb1oaAtcAreccBeesascC hfaro nn alt 4Ho Buesde Over 1 Ac$re6.B eac nt House lhiofarno din5g m SailboPaetnA s$675,000 siillC $6c.c5em lionnal 4 Bed Pending $675,000 SPalailn btoaattioAncG ceoslfsCCoaunra l 4VB se ieewd SailboPaetnAdcincges$675,000 s Canal 4 Bed onGdoolf3CBoeudrse View PlantP ateiC o nn din g $675,000 Co$294,000 ndo 3 Bed Plantation$294,000 Golf Course View Plantationo Gdoolf3CBoeudrse View House on Canal with Pool & Dock Co$294,000 ndo 3 Bed House on C$1,250,000 a$294,000 nal with Pool & Dock $1,250,000 HooulsH e oom n eCC anoaml p wlieth op l& oecd k P teP lyoU grD ad House on C$1,250,000 anal with Pool & Dock $545,000 Pool Home $1,250,000 C ompletely Upgraded $545,000 Pool Home Completely Upgraded Pool Home C ompletely Upgraded $545,000 $545,000

auto

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

Homes for Sale

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

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

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

Rental office 9a.m. - 5p.m.

M-F Ask about our special rates!

TREASURES FOUND HERE!

Luxury Sarasota Bay views 4LB Baarta hsw ocsk uexd ur5 yS oittahBBaoyavt iD ew 4 Bed 5 $1.76 Bath wmillion ith Boat Dock Luxury $1.76 Sarasomillion ta Bay views LB uexd ury Saarta sotitahBBaoyavt iD ews 4N ear S5oB uthhbw ridge to Siesotcak 4 Bed 5 $1.76 Bath wmillion ith Boat Dock ON neealervSeol,uhte a t e d p o o l , s t h brmillion idge to Sierosltlato $1.76 d-p2o.5oB One lsehvoepl,sh. e3aBteed l,astthroll to NeasrhS breid oo pu s$1,250,000 .tth 3B dg -2e .5tto BaS tihesta N e a r S o u h b r i d g e o One level,$1,250,000 heated pool, Ssiterosltlato One lsehvoepl,sh. e3aBteed p o o l , s d-2.5Batthroll to Brooke O’Malley shops$1,250,000 . 3Bed-2.5Bath CLUB REALTY Brooke O’Malley $1,250,000 Call 941-726-2677 CLUB REALTY Brooke O’Malley Call 941-726-2677 Brooke O’Malley CLUB REALTY CLUB REALTY Call 941-726-2677 Call 941-726-2677

peekers’ place

stuff

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

Please call Marc: 941-321-0707

Auto Transport

Wagner Realty Since 1939 www.rentalsonlongboat.com

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

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

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

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN Color background: $ 5 per week Ad border: as low as $3 per week PLACE YOUR AD: Call: 941-955-4888 Email: RedPages@YourObserver.com Online: YourObserver.com/Red Pages

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

Cleaning

Advertise your business or service in the Observer

RED PAGES

BETTY’S HOUSE CLEANING SERVICE. Residential, high quality cleaning. Reasonable rates. Lic./Insured.

Free Estimates!

Call 941-650-6180

CALL TODAY 941-955-4888

BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service

by Maria. Residential. Meticulous Cleaning. Excellent References.

Free Estimates. Reliable. Lic./Ins. 941-400-3342. Instagram: Braziliancleaningservicess

Painting

CLEANING BY Expert Residental, commercial, and deep cleaning especially (941) 400-2866

Handyman Services JAMES BOTTORFF HANDYMAN SERVICES Call or Text 941-807-0032 Registered in the state of FL. MITCHELL HANDYMAN. Painting, Carpentry, Tile, Pressure Cleaning.

Home Improvements, Repairs.

Small and large! 941-284-8488.

This This week’s week’s Crossword Crossword answers answers

CARLO DATTILO Painting Licensed & insured. Interior/ Exterior painting including drywall repair and retexturing.

Wallpaper installation & removal, pressure washing. Residential & commercial, condos.

Honest & reliable.

Free estimates. 941-448-8468.

35+ years experience.

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

Residential & Commercial.

Fully Insured.

CALL or TEXT Don 941-900-9398

This This week’s week’s Celebrity Celebrity Cipher Cipher answers answers

Puzzle Puzzle One One Solution: Solution: “I“When have less to doofwith ‘Theget Simpsons’ a group people up from aevery table, the season but I noseway in ...any making sure the table doesn’tstick knowmy which of them will show has a soul.”

Matt Groening go.”

Galway Kinnell Puzzle Puzzle Two Two Solution: Solution: “Yo, what’s happenin’ man, is Bartand Simpson; “It’s only a car.

Just turn up this the radio that just kidding, don’t hang up, this is Nancy noise’ll go away.”

Cartwright.”

Nancy “Car Talk” co-host TomCartwright Magliozzi Puzzle Puzzle Three Three Solution: Solution: “Danny who wrote theme to ‘The “Put on Elfman, your yarmulke ... tothe celebrate Hanukkah!

Simpsons,’ et cetera That’s what I’ll beeight Instead of one day of ... presents, we have remembered DannySandler Elfman crazy nights.”for.”

Adam

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2025 ©2025Universal UniversalUclick Uclick

Sarasota/Siesta Key, East County, & Longboat Key

PRIVATE 29’ covered dry slip for lease at The Boathouse on Longboat. Located just a few minutes to the Gulf and downtown Sarasota.

Open House

real estate

Due to the Christmas holiday, The Observer has early deadlines for the issues of 12/18, 12/25, and 1/1.

Mobile Homes

Sale $29,900 Txt 941-565-0098. jl

Boat Slips for Rent/Sale

You’re cheating yourself. yourself.

You’re only cheating

EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE

THREE BEDROOM CONDO Unit 1701 available for monthly rental in Copperleaf the Brooks.

Contact donnamariecos5@icloud.com

TO ADVERTISE CALL 941-955-4888 OR VISIT YOUROBSERVER.COM/REDPAGES

©2025 ©2025NEA, NEA,Inc. Inc.

DEADLINES: Classifieds - Tuesday at Noon

Paint the town RED!

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

redpages@yourobserver.com •yourobserver.com/redpages

home services

RED PAGES

YourObserver.com YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER| |THURSDAY, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2025 EAST COUNTY OBSERVER DECEMBER 18,11,2025

Attorney

Insurance

TROUBLE WITH YOUR GROUP HEALTH PLAN?

Divorce without Lawyers

Tell Me Your Story, I am here to help.

Divorce mediation provides a private, respectful space where both parties can openly discuss and resolve important issues with the guidance of a neutral, experienced mediator. Whether you are navigating child custody, asset division, spousal support, or other complex matters, we’re here to help you reach agreements that work for both of you. 31 yrs. Experience.

Other Insurance Categories:

Remodeling/Home Improvement

?

Remodeling & Custom Homes

Ways to reduce your monthly premiums • Review your census • Qualify your company for LFP (level funded plan) • Customize plan designs to match your Employees’ needs • Educate your staff NO GUESSWORK OR PRESSURE

• Licensed Women G.C • Locally Owned • Full Service Design in 3D • Fully Insured

453508

Contact me today. Phone, ZOOM or Face to Face Meeting

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc. Building & Roofing Contractor

Email steve@setohealthgroup.com setohealthgroup.com

452138

Irrigation

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS Showcase your products or services.

941-626-3194 kennethfuhlmaninc.com

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

ANDY’S LAWN SPRINKLER SERVICE

CALL 941-955-4888

Doors

DON’T let your

PATIO DOORS be a DRAG or your

Screening

SERVICING MANATEE COUNTY SINCE 1979

454246

• Systems Upgraded & Serviced • Troubleshooting & Repair

448996

WINDOWS be a PANE!!

Sliding Glass Door Repairs Sliding Glass Door Deadbolts | Window Repairs

ANDY AVALOS | 941-545-7280 453491

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling CALL BEFOREYOU YOU FALL CALL BEFORE FALL

GRAB BARS GRAB BARS

SCREEN MACHINE

COMPLETE INSTALLATION PACKAGE

249 235

* $ $235

$

Call us today!

941.628.8579 www.ezslider.com

RE-SCREENING

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

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

941-879-3136

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

Transportation

BLACK LABEL CAR SERVICE “Luxury for Less”

DRGRABBARS.COM

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

SHOWER & BATH MAKEOVERS

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

Call John 941.377.2940

453870

455194

KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES

GROW YOUR BUSINESS

453506

Painting

SARASOTA PAINTING, LLC

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

Call to reserve your ad space: 941-955-4888

Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

Exterior / Interior / Cabinets

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

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

FULLY INSURED • OWNER OPERATED

Res. | Com. | Lic. | Ins.

455116

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224 Recognized Among the Best Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Physicians in America

Plumbing

Mark’s Plumbing Service

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

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

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

RELIABLE INSURED •

453490

Midtown Medical Park 1215 S. East Ave. Suite 210 Sarasota, FL 34239

941-920-8221

Formerly known as Sunrise Windows UP TO

160

25 $

STANDARD WINDOWS

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

453868

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

Home Services

CREATE BUZZ! Advertise your business or services in the Red Pages.

INJECT-AFLOOR SYSTEM

DO YOU HAVE LOOSE & HOLLOW TILES?

Call 941-955-4888

YourObserver.com/RedPages

SPECIAL 00 5

$

senior citizen discount.

www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

PURIFIED WATER WINDOW CLEANING AVAIL ABLE!!

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES 941- 284 - 5880

453871

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

NEW AGAIN

WITH THE RED PAGES

Windows

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

DON DI STEFANO (941) 893.8475

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

Free Estimates • Sarasota Resident Since 1974

www.showerandbathsarasota.com

Health

453810

941 - 248 - 4734

Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

410036

IN-HOAMTEES ESTIM

453514

FREE

LOOK LIKE

453869

455308

Direct Call 941.993.4137 Text Me 941.993.4427

• Aluminum, Vinyl, & Wood Soffit and Fascia • Metal & Shingle Roofing • Pool Cage, Pan Roofs & Lania Fabrication • Aluminum Welding & Fabrication

364556 455196

RED PAGES

Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator 677 N. Washington Blvd Sarasota, FL 34236 SarasotaDivorceMediator.com 941-727-5555

GROUT

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

Roofing

William J. Leininger, JD

MAKE YOUR

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

941-888-4868

I also sell Under 65 Individual and Family plans.

Plus Medicare supplements and advantage plans

Call me for a free 30 minute consultation before you call a Divorce Lawyer!

17B 17B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

As we celebrate this special time of year, may your home be filled with light, laughter, and the warmth of togetherness. From our family to yours, we wish you a season of good health, lasting joy, and moments that truly matter.

Katina, Ken, and Tyler Shanahan New Price

Under Contract

15805 Castle Park Terrace Country Club East

7656 Portstewart Drive Country Club

10323 Ashaway Drive North River Ranch

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

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

$1,075,000 | 2,564 Sq Ft 3 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms

14718 Secret Harbor Place Country Club East

6465 Watercrest Way #404 Watercrest

11211 Spring Gate Trail Harmony Reserve

$1,025,000 | 2,803 Sq Ft 3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms

$599,000 | 2,287 Sq Ft 3 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | Community Pool

$485,000 | 1,959 Sq Ft 3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms

Sold | Represented Buyers

Sold in 19 days

Sold in 15 days

22354 Panther Loop Panther Ridge

8085 Tidal Point Way Lakehouse Cove

7431 Riviera Cove Country Club

$1,250,000 | 3,319 Sq Ft 5 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms

$830,000 | 2,281 Sq Ft 3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms

$545,000 | 2,411 Sq Ft 3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms

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

437274-1

18B