East County Observer 12.2.21

EAST COUNTY

Observer

Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998

Test of mettle.

PAGE 17

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

FREE • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

VOLUME 24, NO. 3

Cell block remains annoyance

YOUR TOWN

Some residents still making waves about cellphone coverage in Lakewood Ranch. PAGE 3

File photo

Making history on the board East County’s James Golden is making history after being named chair of the School Board of Manatee County.

The school board unanimously voted to make Golden chair during its reorganization meeting Nov. 16. Golden’s new position makes him the first Black chair in the board’s history.

Golden was elected to the board in 2018 and has served as the board’s vice chair for the past year.

“I am deeply honored to gain the trust of my fellow board members and become the first African American man to not only be elected to the school board but to be the first African American man to serve as the chair of the School Board of Manatee County,” Golden said.

HAVE YOU HERD? Myakka rancher earns Agriculturist of the Year award. PAGE 8

Jay Heater

Myakka City’s Cliff Coddington has been named the 2021 Manatee County Agriculturist of the Year. He is president of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association.

Scott Lockwood

Fired up about raku pottery Lakewood Ranch resident Susan Kerr has always been an artist.

But after taking some clay classes, she became hooked on a different form of art. Raku is a low-firing process that involves removing pottery from a kiln at nearly 1,800 degrees and placing it an enclosed container to create cracking.

“I thought I was so old that I couldn’t learn everything,” Kerr said. “But I thought I could learn something and be very good at that.”

Kerr’s talents were on display at the 19th annual Fall Art Show & Sale on Nov. 20 at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall. She started the day with 25 holidaythemed raku sculptures and had sold all but a few by the halfway point of the show.

A+E

Embrace oneness.

INSIDE

A family’s holy voyage The Mascitto family ventures back in time to create a living Nativity scene. SEE PAGE 10 Courtesy photo

Christina Mascitto Goodwin and her mother, Klara Mascitto, play angels in the Nativity scene.

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

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Dec. 4 Where: The Green at UTC (in the parking lot between Michael’s and Old Navy on Cattlemen Road) Features: Food, crafts, stories, activities Cost: Free Benefits: Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County (donate to a toy drive) Hosts: Temple Emanu-El, Community Day School and UTC More information: Email PopUpHanukkah@gmail.com.

stressed that all are welcome.

“We’re not trying to convert anyone,” she said. “There will be something for everyone to enjoy.

Hanukkah is unique, and we want to share it with the community.”

Hanukkah is the Jewish eight-day festival of lights, often celebrated with a menorah lighting, prayers and special food.

Glickman said she was happy the event could be held at UTC with so many lights that decorate the area and usually are associated with Christmas.

“There is so much Christmas,” Glickman said. “Sometimes that can be tough for people who are Jewish.

We can share our own celebration.”

Glickman praised UTC’s Julie Fanning for helping Temple EmanuEl put the event together.

Fanning said the event was perfect for UTC’s new green space.

“We made it a permanent community gathering space,” Fanning said, noting The Green at UTC hosts events, markets, yoga, music, fitness classes and more.

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n what is traditionally a celebration, Rabbi Elaine Glickman of Temple Emanu-El remembered a quite different Hanukkah in 2020.

“Last year, I just remember the isolation and the sadness,” Glickman said of the pandemic’s effect on the holiday. “This is exhilarating.”

Glickman was talking about Hanukkah on The Green, which will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at The Green at UTC, a permanent event space blocked off

by UTC to host community events.

The space is in the parking lot between Michael’s and Old Navy on Cattlemen Road.

It is Temple Emanu-El’s first Hanukkah event at UTC. “We are hoping this becomes an annual event,” Glickman said. “This is a big, outdoor space at such a busy time of year, and we definitely are promoting the Jewish community.

We can celebrate and learn together.”

Glickman said she originally wasn’t sure if Temple Emanu-El would be able to host such an event this year because of the pandemic.

The Mall at UTC is hosting Hands on Hanukkah from 4-7:15 p.m. daily through Dec. 5 inside the mall on the Saks Court. It is hosted by Temple Sinai of Sarasota.

“We were not comfortable indoors,” Glickman said. “So we wanted something family friendly, a pop-up Hanukkah. Then we made it a toy drive for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota.”

Glickman said that with the free event outdoors, she hopes everyone feels comfortable coming. She

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

WILL CELL CARRIERS

ANSWER THE CALL?

A crew from HP Communications works on installing a small-cell pole along Lakewood Ranch Boulevard at Players Drive. Small-cell sites have a coverage radius up to 2,000 feet.

File photo

SMALL-CELL SITES AT&T Two small-cell sites are operational in Lakewood Ranch: n On the southeast corner of the intersection of Lakewood Ranch Boulevard and Balmoral Woods Boulevard n On the southwest corner of the intersection of State Road 70 and Lorraine Road Verizon Sixteen Lakewood Ranch area locations are operational: n On west side of Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, north of Parkside Place n On west side of Lakewood Ranch Boulevard between S.R. 70 and Rangeland Parkway n On River Club Boulevard (median) at Braden River Middle School entrance area n At northeast corner of Lakewood Ranch Boulevard and Watercrest Way n At southwest corner of University Parkway and Lakewood Ranch Boulevard n At southeast corner of Lakewood Ranch Boulevard and Health Park Way n At northeast corner of Lakewood Ranch and Balmoral Woods boulevards n On east side of Lakewood Ranch Boulevard at Switchgrass Trail n On west side of River Club Boulevard just south of Winged Foot Terrace n On east side of Lakewood Ranch Boulevard just south of Lost Creek Terrace n On west side of Lakewood Ranch Boulevard north of Malachite Drive n On west side of Greenbrook Boulevard just south of Waterthrush Place n On west side of Lorraine Road just south of S.R. 70 n On east side of Lorraine Road just north of Greenbrook Boulevard n On east side of Lorraine Road just north of Players Drive n On east side of Lorraine Road north of Covenant Way

Verizon and AT&T say they have future plans that will improve cell coverage in Lakewood Ranch.

SCOTT LOCKWOOD STAFF WRITER

W

hen it comes to cellphone coverage in the Lakewood Ranch area, Rosedale resident Carol Weaver had a pointed description that matches others who have suffered when trying to use their phone in East County.

“The service is inconsistent, and you can’t live your life like in a normal place,” Weaver said. “You have to always have that in your head when you’re out.”

Carriers have worked to improve service in Lakewood Ranch with the use of small-cell sites. Verizon spokesperson Kate Jay said a small cell’s range could extend up to 2,000 feet. Thus, if the small-cell sites were primarily located along main roads, it could be difficult to reach people who live deep within their neighborhoods. That’s where supplemental technology, such as range extenders, can make a difference.

Local leaders and residents alike say the efforts by carriers haven’t been enough. Manatee County Commissioner Vanessa Baugh said she’s had trouble with her service in the Edgewater community and in other areas around Lakewood Ranch.

She pointed the finger at the carriers for not wanting to put more of the small-cell sites within communities.

“There is no doubt that it is still a problem,” she said. “The issue is that cellphone towers are not very well liked in different neighborhoods.

Because of that, the only alternative that’s come up have been the low cell towers that you see on the side of the road, like you see quite often on Lakewood Ranch Boulevard. They do work, but the problem is the carriers themselves.”

Baugh said that unless you are with a carrier willing to install small-cell technology within a community, the service isn’t going to improve.

Verizon Communications Manager Chris Serico said Verizon has activated 16 4G LTE small-cell sites throughout Lakewood Ranch along with a 4G LTE macro site in Myakka City since late 2020.

“In Lakewood Ranch and Myakka City, our new sites will provide 4G LTE and 5G Nationwide services that will improve both coverage and capacity,” he said. “We also have plans to expand our regional network with additional sites in Lakewood Ranch and Bradenton.”

Some much-needed help nearly came to Lakewood Ranch five years ago. Lakewood Ranch Community District 6 Chair Jim Rogoze said that USA Cran approached CDDs 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 about becoming a small-cell provider. USA Cran had plans to construct between 13 and 30 sites, but plans fell through when major carriers wanted to go their own route to provide the technology.

“We were all pretty happy about it,” Rogoze said. “They were very cognizant of how they would look and where they would try to put them.

REACHING OUT CELLPHONE COVERAGE RADIUS Small-cell site: Up to 2,000 feet Cell tower: About 2 miles in an urban area, depending on terrain and number of users

The bottom line was that none of the carriers would work with them.”

Rogoze said the issue of small-cell sites has become a “back burner” issue for the CDDs. The carriers are able to select where to put the sites.

“We were all kind of disappointed when the other thing fell apart,” Rogoze said.

Lakewood Ranch Inter-District Authority Interim Executive Director Steve Zielinski said Lakewood Ranch was notified that the Verizon small-cell sites had been launched and that all were active in June. He did not have information on whether there are plans for more sites.

That hasn’t been much help to residents like Weaver, who said she doesn’t have issues with the Verizon service in her home but becomes frustrated as soon as she ventures out. For example, she uses the Starbucks app on her phone to try to order when headed to the Main Street at Lakewood Ranch location but has no service until she’s at the restaurant. It affects her ability to

work remotely.

“I’ll sit in the car while my mother takes the dog out for a walk on Main Street, and I won’t be able to get on the web or get on any calls I have to make because there’s no service,” Weaver said. “You can’t rely on it.

Sometimes it’s fine, but the next day I’ll be stuck when nothing works.”

Denise Equinda said that her Verizon service is great at her home near State Road 70 but drops off significantly the closer she gets to Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.

“Most of the time my phone works wonderfully, and that’s important because I don’t have a landline,” Equinda said.

Lakewood Ranch resident Cheryl Hess, who is another Verizon customer, said she experiences static and dropped calls.

“There are times that I’m out (in Lakewood Ranch) with my husband, and we can’t get a hold of my mother, whose in her 90s,” Hess said.

Hess also said her phone works perfectly inside her home, but problems arise when she’s out for a walk.

“It’s not always clear,” she said. “I wouldn’t mind having something that’s a little more reliable.”

Randy Berkow said he hasn’t had any issues with his Verizon service in the two years he’s lived in Waterside. When he did a signal test on his phone on Nov. 24, the signal strength was about 50%. It goes away a few miles to the north.

“It seems to get worse when you get into Manatee County,” he said.

“I’m not going say it’s gotten any better.”

Spokesperson Sarah Rodriguez said AT&T considers the wishes of the community and works with local officials to determine a solution that best meets the needs of its customers. It has two of the smaller towers in the area, including one located about 100 yards from the Lakewood Ranch Boulevard entrance to Lakewood Ranch Country Club, and it has plans for a 150-foot monopole near the southeast corner of Lorraine Road’s intersection with State Road 64.

“We understand the importance of keeping our customers connect-

Scott Lockwood

Waterside resident Randy Berkow points to the three bars of service his phone is getting from Verizon. He says the service gets worse the closer he gets to the Manatee/Sarasota county line.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

MORE COVERAGE

Verizon plans to have a 110-foot tower running behind the Publix at Lakewood Ranch Boulevard and State Road 70 in 2022. There are also plans filed with the county for a new tower in Myakka City.

Plans for an AT&T 150-foot high monopole cell tower that will be in addition to a previously approved mini-warehouse/self storage facility near the southeast corner of Lorraine Road and State Road 64 will be reviewed by the Manatee County Commission on Dec. 2.

ed, and we continually look for ways to improve our networks and provide better service,” Rodriguez said in a statement. “From 2018-2020, we invested nearly $3.1 billion in our wireless and wireline networks in Florida to expand coverage and improve connectivity in more communities.”

Verizon has filed plans with Manatee County for more towers, including a 200-foot tower near Myakka City. It has also said previously that it has plans for a 110-foot cellphone tower, which would be located on 111th Street East behind Publix at Lakewood Ranch Boulevard and S.R. 70. That cell tower is expected to become operational in 2022 and could have a coverage radius of about 2 miles, depending on such factors as terrain and number of users.

More plans for a 150-foot-high AT&T monopole cell tower that will be in addition to a previously approved mini-warehouse/self storage facility near the southeast corner of Lorraine Road and S.R. 64 will be reviewed by the Manatee County Commission on Dec. 2.

“Verizon continues to build, upgrade and strengthen our wireless network in Lakewood Ranch, Myakka City and beyond,” Serico said. “Our network engineers have confirmed to me our network is running as designed. We’re continuing to enhance performance in this area, with additional plans to expand our network to boost our capacity and coverage.”

Baugh said new cell towers are usually approved administratively by Manatee County and that it’s unusual to get to the commission level.

“The problem is not the county,” Baugh said. “A lot of people think it is, … but it’s not. The problem is that if a carrier doesn’t come forward and wants the service in Lakewood Ranch, it doesn’t happen. They have to want to do it. You just don’t put in a cellphone tower, and all of a sudden you get service. That’s not how it works.”

Serico also encouraged Verizon customers to contact the carrier’s customer service line if they have concerns about their service or need a range extender for their homes.

T-Mobile completed its merger with Sprint a little more than a year ago. Lakewood Ranch’s Louis Morales said the merger hasn’t had much of an impact on his service. He said he has had trouble with reception when he is in other parts of Lakewood Ranch.

“No problem at home (off S.R. 64), but when I start driving on Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, oh man, it’s just up and down,” he said. “Once you get down by LECOM, it’s gone. It’s not consistent. I’ve had five years of dealing with this inconsistency.”

T-Mobile spokesperson Roni Singleton said that the carrier has both 4G and 5G coverage in parts of the Lakewood Ranch area and that it is actively working to increase both coverage and capacity.

“We’re also working to upgrade sites that serve the community with Ultra Capacity 5G, which will help to deliver even faster speeds,” she said.

When told that carriers have plans of using small-cell sites and building more towers, Morales was not optimistic.

“Seeing it done will make us believe that they’re actually building more towers,” Morales said.

Baugh had even stronger words for the carriers.

“For the life of me, I can’t understand why these carriers don’t come out here to the best-selling community in the U.S.,” she said. “You think that they’d all want to be out here, but from what I gather, that is not the case. So it depends on the carrier.

“I don’t think there’s any great solutions to it that I’ve heard of, so it’s just going to be one of those things that we’re going to have to deal with until AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile and all these different carriers decide they want to be out here.”

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

PUBLIC SHRED EVENT

Operations nears normal

We Shred While You Watch

SCOTT LOCKWOOD STAFF WRITER

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10

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uring a Lakewood Ranch Community Development District 2 meeting Nov. 16, board memShredQuick 4908 Lena Rd., Bradenton (off SR70 near I-75) ber Peter Bokach said some local residents have complained about slow response times from Lakewood $20 per Box or Bag (10” x 12” x 16” box or 32-Gal bag) Ranch Operations about mainteCash Only nance and landscaping issues. $10 per Hard Drive Drop Off for Shred “People are used to a certain level $10 per Computer Drop Off for Recycling of service, and we need to know what we can do to get back to that,” Bokach said.

Like most areas of services, LakePLACE ITEMS IN wood Ranch has fallen victim to YOUR TRUNK. OUR staffing and supply issues thanks to TEAM WILL REMOVE the COVID-19 pandemic. Lakewood THEM FOR YOU Ranch Inter-District Authority Operations Director Paul Chetlain said his department is getting closer to pre-pandemic staffing, but there are still openings available. www.ShredQuick.com “We had a high productivity level and a department that was fully staffed,” Chetlain said. “We had folks that had been in place for long NO JOB TOO TOUGH. NO JOB TOO ROUGH! enough to get to know their jobs, and Shingles they were trusted. You could send Tile them • Metal out on a task, and you could reliably count on them to complete Modifieds their job successfully.”

He said workers were sent home Built-Up #1 in Customer Service during the early stages of the panSingle Ply That caused a series of demic.

CCC 016 171 CCC 014 711 “stacking” Membrane of projects, which ChetBuilding Shingles Roofing CCC 016 171 CCC 0140711 lain said his department is catching Aluminum up on doing as staffing levels return Contractor Contractor Tile • Metal Building Roofing normal.

Fasciato•The Soffit Modifieds Contractor Contractor same thing applies for vendors that work with Lakewood Ranch.

Siding Built-Up Chetlain said that vendor response Gutters Single Ply time has been slow with staffing and supply issues of their own.

Membrane Rotted Wood “With outsourcing, it’s changed Aluminum Replacement because for a long time we’ve always had lots of options with vendors and Fascia • Soffitt companies,” he said. “Today, you just Siding can’t find anybody. And if you do get a commitment, it’s an extended Gutters period of time before they get to the SERVING FLORIDA’S GULF COASTRotted FOR OVER Wood 40 YEARS work. It’s a different reality we’re dealing with.”

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victim of its own past success.

“We’ve always had a great track record of attending to the needs of our residents in a relatively short period of time,” Zielinski said. “If somebody doesn’t get a response in this community within 24 hours, they’re up in arms.”

Chetlain said most of the complaints have been in regards to landscaping, general maintenance and cleaning. The five CDDs in Lakewood Ranch have three landscape contractors that operate under five-year contracts that have all been started in the past three months.

Another issue that has had Chetlain’s staff scrambling is lighting.

“We’ve got thousands of light fixtures to maintain,” he said. “All of the monuments are lit, and we have landscape lighting, pathway lighting and building lighting. There’s a lot in the community.”

Zielinski said it’s been a very difficult 18 months and asked residents to remain patient while services get back to prior levels.

“What I’ve relayed to staff is at least respond,” he said. “Tell them it might be 72 hours. It might be the new norm, but it’s something we have to address.”

Bokach agreed.

“We’re no different than when you go to a restaurant where they have empty tables and have people standing in line waiting to get waited on,” Bokach said. “This is the new reality, and we need to live with it at least in the immediate future.”

Lakewood Ranch Inter-District Authority Operations Director Paul Chetlain says staffing issues for both Lakewood Ranch and vendors are easing.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

Risen Savior plans major expansion The Lakewood Ranch campus could host preschool to 12th grade classes.

CAMPUS MASTER SITE PLAN PARKING

FUTURE CHURCH

STORMWATER RETENTION AREA

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

FUTURE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

W

hile many businesses and individuals have been tightening their financial belts throughout the pandemic, Risen Savior of Lakewood Ranch was doing something else.

It was planning an expansion.

Pastor Caleb Free and the Lutheran church’s leaders worked for a year putting the basics together.

In simple terms, they wanted to go full-speed ahead.

“COVID gave us time to sit and reflect,” said Free, who has been the church’s pastor since 2016. “God put us in the right place at the right time.”

Making the time right was the tremendous growth of the area. Lakewood Ranch in July claimed the No. 1-selling spot for master-planned communities in the U.S. That growth has produced a tremendous demand for schools, leading to overcrowded conditions in some schools.

“It shows what our area is doing,” Free said.

Risen Savior has 70 students in its preschool program, which has been open less than a year and a half. The plan for the 10-acre campus is to build an addition to expand the preschool program as well as host kindergarten.

Free said he expects the enrollment to reach 250 students quickly. That will be followed by the construction of an elementary school and a new sanctuary. A middle school, Risen Savior Academy, will follow, and eventually, a high school will cap the expansion, if it is needed.

Groundbreaking on the added preschool and kindergarten facilities is

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FUTURE MIDDLE SCHOOL Jay Heater

Pastor Caleb Free says God has determined that it is time for Risen Savior to expand in Lakewood Ranch.

“COVID gave us time to sit and reflect. God put us in the right place at the right time.”

— Pastor Caleb Free

expected late in December. That expansion is expected to be open for business in 2022.

Free said the elementary school is planned to open in 2024 and will serve first through fifth grades. The sixth through eighth grade building is planned to open in 2026.

If needed, the high school would be targeted for opening as early as 2030.

Free said the high school would be small in size, perhaps serving about 150 students.

“It’s an opportunity for us to be the heart of Lakewood Ranch,” Free said.

The church’s leadership is planning on the schools to pay for themselves and further expansion while the church members, currently at

250, would support the construction of the new sanctuary, which would open in 2025. The church’s membership has doubled over the past three years. Free said he expects similar growth in the future.

The entire project is estimated to cost $15 million to $20 million. It also will include an open-air gymnasium, a covered space that he compares to a pavilion. The capital funding drive began in October.

The congregation opened in the area in 2001 and began to meet at Tara Elementary in 2002. The current church building opened in 2009.

Those who attend Risen Savior’s schools will not be required to be members of the church.

“We will teach about the Bible,” Free said. “Our students will know the love of Jesus.”

Free served at a church, the Abiding Word, in Dothan, Alabama, from 2013-2016. He now lives at Avaunce in Lakewood Ranch, adjacent to the church, with his wife, Kristen, and their children, Clay, 7; Aaron, 4; and JoJo, 2.

Free said he loves the direction

that Risen Savior has taken since his arrival.

“We are taking responsible steps,” he said. “These are aggressive plans, but this is a yearslong process. We have a unique opportunity as this community is unbelievable in so many respects. And it doesn’t have a lot of private, Christian education opportunities.”

Free said that if conditions change, construction could be postponed because they are building in phases.

He said building a high school really is “up in the air” and added that “God is in control. If God has different plans, we’re OK with that.”

Free said the student-teacher ration will be 10-1 in all Risen Savior classrooms.

As far as growing membership, Free said the church leaders would like it to be “organic” and that instead of advertising for new members, he would like church members to invite their friends and neighbors to visit on an individual basis.

BIG PLANS

RISEN SAVIOR EXPANSION Where: 14605 59th Ave. E., Lakewood Ranch Plans: Risen Savior, a Lutheran church, plans to add an addition for more preschool classrooms and a kindergarten class, an elementary school, a larger church building, a sanctuary, an outdoor play space, an open-air gymnasium, a Risen School Academy middle school building that will teach the sixth through eighth grades, and eventually a small high school building on its 10acre campus.

Pastor: Caleb Free, who started in 2016 Pre-school director: Kristen Free Expansion renderings: Visit RSavior.com/lets-grow.

Did you know? The 195-foot cellular communications tower on the Risen Savior campus is disguised as a cross.

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YourObserver.com

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TSA members have been helping Dolly Johnson, a Myakka City resident who began Operation Santa with her husband, Gary, for the past four years.

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Families in need can apply for Operation Santa by emailing BradenRiverTSA@gmail.com.

This year, the TSA members are working with different organizations throughout the school, including the girls basketball team, the cheerleading squad and National Honor Society, to ensure Operation Santa continues because Johnson is unable to lead the effort this year. She was diagnosed with leukemia in August.

“We’re kind of excited and a little scared at the same time because I’m afraid that we’re not going to be able to hold the torch to what (Johnson) did,” Hudson said. “We’ll do our best. If we don’t impact as many families, at least we’re trying to carry that forward for her.”

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Johnson said she is grateful Braden River High School is taking over for her.

“They’re just amazing, and I am so blessed that they have stepped up to the place,” she said. “Honestly, I was heartbroken when I realized there’s no way I could do it. When Maureen contacted me and said she and the school wanted to take it over, it was an answer to a prayer.”

Operation Santa helps families in need in the greater Lakewood Ranch area. Families apply to be a part of the project and provide their wants and needs. The students then will work together to get monetary donations as well as collect donated clothing, toys, food and more to be able to give each member of the family something they want and something they need along with a Christmas meal for the family.

The school is hoping to help 50-60 families this year.

Johnson said it’s important to continue Operation Santa because so many families continue to be impacted by the pandemic.

“A lot of families wouldn’t have Christmas if it wasn’t for somebody stepping up and moving forward with this,” she said.

TSA members are collecting donations and working with the Lakewood Ranch Elks to get toys. The girls basketball team also is collecting donations. The cheer team is helping with distribution and wrapping. National Honor Society students are donating the proceeds from their classroom door decorating project. “(Operation Santa) started as a TSA thing, but now it’s turned into more of a pirate family project,” Hudson said.

Hudson said it was a relief to see other school organizations wanting to help with Operation Santa because TSA had never had to take on the project from the start. Johnson would accept applications from families in the community, connect with them and work with other community organizations to get food and toys donated. Now all that falls on Hudson and TSA members.

“I love that we could take something that we’ve had a little piece of and say yes to the big picture,” said Bella Pasquale, the president of the school’s TSA chapter. “I love that we can help someone that’s done so

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

HOW TO HELP

Anyone interested in donating to Operation Santa can send money to Braden River High School’s Technology Student Association through Venmo at @BRHS-TSA. Under “What’s it for?” put Operation Santa.

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much to help other people.”

Hudson and her students enjoy being able to see the direct impact they’ll have on the community. They will get to know the families through the application process and meet them on distribution day when the families come to pick up their presents and meals Dec. 22 at the school.

“It’s one thing to wrap gifts and hand them to an organization knowing that it’s going to go to a family,” Hudson said. “It’s another thing to see the family. That for these kids is special. There are very few things you can do that you completely see the impact from my dollar all the way to where it goes.”

Pasquale recalled the excitement of wrapping all the gifts the night before distribution day in 2019.

“We were here at like 8 p.m., and we had four of our administrators down in these rooms all filled with gifts,” Pasquale said. “We saw kids in every room wrapping and then administrators wrapping with us. It just brought everyone together.”

Cristina Ramirez, a senior, said wrapping day is “organized chaos” with Christmas music playing in the background as people wrap as fast as they can.

One of the challenges Johnson had with Operation Santa was being able to communicate with Spanish-speaking families, so Hudson recruited some of her bilingual students to help on distribution day.

Ramirez said she looks forward to being able to help families communicate with volunteers to address needs and share families’ gratitude.

“There’s so many people who speak two languages,” Ramirez said.

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8

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

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

Rancher beefs up agricultural education

Cliff Coddington earns Manatee County’s Agriculturist of the Year award.

Photos by Jay Heater

Cliff Coddington manages the 10,000-acre Longino Ranch, which is a conservation easement.

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

A

s a rancher and president of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, Myakka City’s Cliff Coddington knows agricultural land in Florida is disappearing as approximately 900 people a day move to the state.

2020 U.S. census data showed Florida’s population grew by 2.7 million from 2011 to 2020. All those people need somewhere to live.

It’s a huge challenge, but Coddington said he won’t suggest any type of action that would take away landowner’s property rights as urban sprawl moves toward rural areas.

“Our family owned land on Rye Road,” Coddington said. “I grew up there, walking down a dirt road.

If anyone passed, they would stop because they knew you.

“We had 70 acres left of that land, and we sold in 2017. I was tired of dealing with traffic.”

A sixth-generation Manatee County resident, Coddington was named the 2021 Manatee County Agriculturalist of the Year, an award he accepted from the Kiwanis Club of Bradenton on Nov. 16.

He now lives on his 270-acre cattle ranch, just east of Myakka City on Curtis Road. He also is the general manager of the 10,000-acre Longino Ranch.

Coddington said growth is inevitable and that development boundaries will change as the influx of new residents continues to stream into Florida.

“Why would I fight something I did?” he said of selling his Rye Road agricultural land for development.

“Any place you see a house in Manatee County used to be agricultural land. Manatee County used to be the tomato capital of the world. Now there is very little grown. I never thought I would see a subdivision on Rye Road, but the property value went up, which was good (for the landowners).”

Coddington, 62, said he could see development spreading to Verna Bethany Road in East County, and even beyond, but not in his lifetime.

“Everyone wants to move to the woods,” he said. “They just don’t want anyone else to come.”

Instead of fighting urban growth, Coddington said it is more important to educate the new residents and the politicians about farming and ranching, and he has been very involved in that endeavor.

The Longino Ranch is a conservation easement, so the land can never be developed and has to remain agricultural land. He said he would like to see the state or federal government buy more conservation easements, which means the landowner retains ownership of the property with a restriction on the use of the property.

The government receives assurance that valuable land will be protected from future development.

Manatee voters gave the county the right to spend funds on purchasing environmentally significant lands.

Coddington, whose one-year term as president of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association runs through June 2022, said the county’s program is an important one but that there is no

Cliff Coddington lives on his 270-acre cattle ranch, just east of Myakka City on Curtis Road.

COWBOY UP

“Do I like riding a horse and gathering cows?” Coddington says. “I do.”

“It is very humbling (to win). But I don’t do this for awards. It’s just the right thing to do.”

— Cliff Coddington

assurance that any land purchased will be retained as agricultural land.

In winning Manatee County Agriculturalist of the Year, Coddington said he likely received the honor because he “is getting old.” But one of the reasons has been his efforts to educate people about agricultural land and the importance of protecting it.

He said ranching and farming in Manatee County produces healthy food and cleans the air and water.

“What’s more sustainable than 500 years (of ranching) in Florida?

That’s a long time,” he said. “So we will continue to educate our legislators. A lot of them are not from Florida. It’s a big job.”

He personally takes legislators on tours of ranches.

Coddington said his love of ranching began when his great-grandfather Clifford Williams gave him 13 heifers for a birthday present.

“It’s a life’s passion,” he said. “It’s about just getting up every morning and doing what you have to do.”

He came up through the 4H program, and his agriculture teacher,

Travis Seawright at Southeast High School, was a big factor in getting him to pursue ranching as a career and be involved with so many organizations. It also prompted him to be involved in teaching 4H and FFA members the importance of ranching and farming.

“I don’t push them because it is difficult work,” he said. “You’re in the heat all the time. But if you get them working out here, they will never leave.”

Coddington’s son, Dalton, 23, works full time on the Longino Ranch while his daughter, Samantha, 30, works part time doing books on Longino Ranch. His wife, Tara, helps when needed with the books on Longino Ranch.

“Do I like riding a horse and gathering cows?” Coddington said. “I do.”

So if he predicts agricultural land will continue to disappear, what do the ranchers and farmers have to do?

He said it will be about greater production on fewer acres.

“I look at new things, new genetics, quality of grasses, how body condition affects breeding — things that make a higher quality product,” he said.

And what does he think of his award?

“It is very humbling (to win),” he said. “But I don’t do this for awards.

It’s just the right thing to do.”

CLIFF CODDINGTON What: Manatee County’s Agriculturalist of the Year Age: 62 Wife: Tara Children: Samantha Coddington, 30; Dalton Coddington, 23 Occupation: Rancher.

Coddington runs his own ranch in Myakka City and since 2005 has been the general manager of the 10,000acre Longino Ranch (founded in 1934) just over the Manatee County line in Sarasota County.

Organizations: Coddington is active with the UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension Office, UF/IFAS Range cattle REC and the South Florida Beef Forage Program. He currently serves as president of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association. He has served as a Florida Beef Council board member and has been involved with the Manatee County and State Ranch rodeos. In 2017 he was awarded the Florida Association of County Agricultural Agents’ Outstanding Agriculturalist Award.

Did you know? Coddington worked for Schroeder-Manatee Ranch from 1985 to 2005. He managed cattle, farm leasing and Bahia sod operations.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

SIDE OF RANCH

|

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

9

JAY HEATER

Development boundary a waste of time 75

FUTURE DEVELOPMENT AREA BOUNDARY

N

ote to commissioners: Go ahead and move the Future Development Area Boundary whenever you want.

Now if you happen to live just east of Bournside Boulevard, you might want to spit up your oatmeal, or spit it on me, after reading that thought.

But here’s the thing. The line is going to move, and it’s going to move east every time the demand for more houses is there. It’s more like the dotted line on the highway: You can pass when you like.

Until that line is extended, we are going to absorb more silly decisions by the Manatee County Commission like the one delivered at the Nov. 18 land use meeting.

At that meeting, commissioners unanimously approved an amendment that ostensibly allows higher density development east of the Future Development Area Boundary, which was drawn to prevent such development.

Imagine that.

I call the decision silly not because I disagree with the commissioners that the development should be allowed but because it appears we need to go to great lengths to break, or ignore, the rules we have in place. Let’s face it, the Future Development Area Boundary goes in places where nobody wants to build communities anyway. Once the area along the line is desirable, the boundary is moved again.

The concept doesn’t work.

The Future Development Area Boundary was last moved east in 2006, and I am sure that seemed appropriate at the time. But at the time, I would wager many residents west of Interstate 75 would have thought of the area east of that boundary as a place where the Beverly Hillbillies would live, pre the Beverly part.

That hasn’t been the case since Schroeder-Manatee Ranch put together the plan to build the

301

64 70

FUTURE DEVELOPMENT AREA BOUNDARY

Although the Future Development Area Boundary has been drawn, an exception already has taken place.

terrific community of Lakewood Ranch that has become renowned.

Whether or not you are a big supporter of protecting rural grounds, you have to admit the infrastructure and landscaping associated with SMR has created artistically pleasing results carved out of agricultural land.

It might not be so great for the bobcats and coyotes or for farming, but it has allowed the middle class to the very rich to enjoy a level of comfort they might not have imagined to be possible — and in the boondocks.

The taxes that have been collected from the expansion have made life a little nicer wherever you might

live in Manatee County.

It’s that last item that should make it feasible for the commissioners to keep moving the boundary. In truth, those people east of Bournside Boulevard are likely in the minority when it comes to caring whether the boundary moves farther east. That means the commissioners can move the line east without worrying about the threat of retaliation at the ballot box.

We all loved the days when we had cows outside our back fence in our gated, beautiful communities.

And we all complain when they build more houses, just like ours, in place of our pastures. In reality, most of us understand that our

house sits on an area that used to be a ranch or a farm, and the new residents are doing the same darn thing we did.

If you do live east of the line, this all is troubling to you. But a line drawn on a map is not going to help anyway. As commissioners come and go, the boundary will be susceptible to the whims of those currently in power. It’s just a line, and one that apparently makes little difference, as the Nov. 18 land use meeting showed us.

As far as I am concerned, they can do away with the Future Area Development Boundary altogether or send it to Manatee County’s eastern border. It’s only in place

until builders want to develop the area. Then it moves, or exceptions are made.

The commissioners talked about how having the infrastructure already in place to extend past the boundary was a reason for making an exception to allow more intense development. So wouldn’t that be reason enough to keep building similar infrastructure to the east side of every property developed?

Let’s stop worrying about a line.

If we truly want to protect our rural areas, a better course of action would be to find ways to actually protect the land we value. Create conservation easements, and make if financially feasible for landowners to participate. Make it a joint effort between the county and state governments to help protect land.

Just more than a year ago, Manatee County voters overwhelmingly passed (71.27%) a referendum to acquire as much as $50 million worth of land for the purpose of environmental protection. Look to the east of the Future Area Development Boundary to spend that money.

After the $50 million is spent, go back to the voters and get more money to protect land threatened by urban sprawl. If everyone really is concerned about urban sprawl, it should pass easily.

Then designate a certain amount of land purchased to remain agricultural to protect future farming and ranching. Designate preserves and parks. It can be done.

Just sign on the dotted line.

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

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

Area blessed with living Nativity

St. Clare Women’s Guild presents

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December 4th•10am - 3pm (outside on the grass)

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LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER

E

ast County’s Michael Mascitto has been portraying Jesus in varying stages of his life in Tabernacle Church’s living Nativity scene since he was 3 months old.

Michael was the first baby Jesus when the church began its living Nativity scene in 1987.

Since then, as Michael has grown up, he has played Jesus in different stages of his life including as a young boy, a teenager and an adult in the church’s production that depicts the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus through a scriptural narrative and song.

“It’s humbling and a privilege to represent Jesus because none of us are worthy of representing Jesus,” he said. “I try to get in the role and show the different sides of Jesus — his compassion and healing, his struggle prior to going to the cross and taking on the punishment for our sins. Then the confident, resurrected Jesus as he triumphs over sin and death.”

The Mascitto family has played an integral role since the start of the Nativity scene at Tabernacle Church.

Leo Mascitto, the family patriarch, was part of the group that helped transition the church from having a theatrical performance at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall to doing the living Nativity in 1987.

Since its beginning, Leo and his wife, Klara, and their children, Joseph Mascitto, Michael Mascitto and Christina Mascitto-Goodwin, have played some part in the Nativity scene.

“When I was younger, it was part of the countdown to Christmas,” Joseph said. “The Nativity when we first started doing it ended on Christmas Eve. It was just a part of the buildup to that. I think a lot of people in the community have made it as much of a tradition to come to this as members of the church have made it a tradition to be a part of it.”

Leo said a few families in the church have been participating in the Nativity scene for years along with his family.

“For me, I love seeing the whole family together,” Leo said. “Not just our family but other families too. It

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is something they believe in. I always thought the living Nativity was not only a personal gift of the time invested but the gift of the church to the community.”

Michael remembered when the last show of the living Nativity scene was on Christmas Eve, and the family would sit down for dinner at 4 p.m. so they could rush to the church afterward to get ready for the 9 p.m. show. Then the family would stay until after midnight because Leo oversaw the whole production.

“This is fully ingrained in the Christmas tradition,” Michael said.

“As a kid anticipating Christmas there at the church, it is part of it.

It’s part of what you think of when you think of Christmas.”

Joseph, who is 43, would usually take on the role of Joseph.

“One of the things I tried to do is convey what (Joseph) went through making the decision to take Mary as his wife and to do my best to tell this incredible story,” Joseph said. “It’s definitely not possible to fully comprehend it, but (I try) to get as close as you can.”

One of Joseph’s favorite moments of the production is when the shepherds, who are played by children ages 4-7 years old, run into the stable as Mary is holding baby Jesus.

“When we look at their faces, they just light up as the baby is shown to them,” Joseph said. “That was always one of the most special scenes, watching the kids’ reactions.”

Joseph Mascitto and his mother, Klara Mascitto, have participated in the Living Nativity since its inception in 1987.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

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EVANGEL BAPTIST CHURCH DRIVE-THRU BETHLEHEM When: 6-8 p.m. Dec. 3-4 Where: Evangel Baptist Church, 3605 Lorraine Road, Bradenton Admission: Free Highlights: Drive through Bethlehem as church members dress up and take you back in time to when Jesus was born.

More information: Visit EvangelBaptistChurch.com.

Christina, who is 30, played a flying angel starting when she was 15.

She played the role for 10 years. As the flying angel, she would start at 45 feet in the air and be lowered on a wire to hover near the audience.

“When that moment happens, it’s very audible. You hear everyone gasp because they’re not expecting that,” Christina said of her time as a flying angel. “The stage goes com-

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pletely dark, and there’s a spotlight that shines down, so it grabs your attention. It kind of puts into perspective what it must have felt like to be a shepherd sitting in a field and all of a sudden this angel appears. It puts into perspective what that night might have been like.”

Now that they’re older, the Mascitto children have become coaches for the younger participants who are now playing their former roles.

“That’s part of it now, passing on roles to the next generations,” Joseph said. “You want to see people in the church as they take on that role, and they’ll pass it onto somebody else.”

Christina and Michael said the camaraderie among the cast and everyone involved in the production is special. The living Nativity scene gave the Mascittos an opportunity to spend time with friends they didn’t get to see every day, or they would see people they hadn’t seen in years come to watch the 45-minute production.

Throughout the years, the Mascitto family can remember some special moments.

Joseph recalled a time when he was playing adult Jesus and was helping to produce a video to advertise the Nativity scene event.

“I’m working at a laptop doing the video programming in full costume, and that was turned into a meme,” Joseph said. “That picture made its rounds on social media among members of the church of Jesus at the computer, and I received a variety of comments like, ‘Would you ask Jesus if he received my friend request?’”

Expires 7/15/21 Expires 7/31/21 Expires 7/15/21 Expires 7/31/21

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TABERNACLE CHURCH LIVING NATIVITY When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16-19 Where: Tabernacle Church, 4141 DeSoto Road, Sarasota Admission: Free Highlights: Enjoy a 45-minute outdoor presentation portraying the birth of Jesus with live animals, flying angels and more.

More information: Visit TheTabSarasota.org.

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Joseph Mascitto plays Joseph in the Living Nativity.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

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Meals on Wheels Plus hopes to collect at least 1,000 wrapped and filled shoeboxes for seniors.

LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER

M

aribeth Phillips, the CEO and president of Meals on Wheels Plus Manatee, likes to say she’s like Cinderella.

A shoe changed her life.

In 2006, Phillips and her friend Alice Hein, who lives in River Club, started filling and wrapping shoeboxes with little gifts to give to seniors in the community.

Now, 15 years later, Phillips is continuing her efforts through Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee to provide shoeboxes filled with gifts to senior clients of the nonprofit.

“I started this in my home with my friend Alice, and every year it’s become bigger and bigger,” she said.

The shoebox drive is near and dear to Phillips heart because it led to her becoming involved in Meals on Wheels Plus in 2008 when she was asked to join the board. Then in 2012, Phillips was announced as its CEO and president.

Phillips said the shoebox drive has become a signature event with the nonprofit. This year, she hopes to collect at least 1,000 boxes during the shoebox collection and drivethru, which is from 4-6 p.m. Dec. 4 at Lakewood Ranch Elks Lodge.

“We have well over 900 clients now because of the pandemic,” Phillips said. “From the onset of the pandemic, the senior population was kind of the target because there were many whose health was critically affected. Right from the start, we had so many of our seniors calling to ask for meals because they were staying isolated and staying home. We aren’t out of COVID yet, so it’s critical we

SHOEBOX COLLECTION AND DRIVE-THRU When: 4-6 p.m. Dec. 4 Where: Lakewood Ranch Elks Lodge, 4602 Lena Road, Bradenton Admission: Free with a wrapped and filled shoebox or a $20 donation to Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee Highlights: Help Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee collect at least 1,000 wrapped and filled shoeboxes to give to senior clients. Boxes also can be delivered to Daybreak Adult Day Center at 10920 State Road 70 E., Lakewood Ranch, or at Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee at 811 23rd Ave. E, Bradenton. All boxes must be delivered by Dec. 6.

More information: Visit MealsOnWheelsPlus.org.

are able to deliver this little bit of holiday joy to them.”

The shoeboxes are typically filled with about 10 small gifts including toiletries, notepads, playing cards, socks and paperback puzzle books, such as word searches and crossword puzzles.

Phillips said the shoebox the seniors receive might be the only gift they receive.

“Bringing this holiday box to them is just bringing that element of joy, that little surprise that puts a holiday smile on their faces,” she said.

“The volunteer that delivers their meal with the shoebox is probably the only person that they see in their day or in their week, so having that touch point not just to check on the client but also give them this holiday gift is so critical.”

So far, Meals on Wheels Plus has collected more than 200 boxes as local organizations have worked to collect donations to fill and wrap boxes to give to the nonprofit.

“It just amazes every year the support of our community and the spread of interest,” Phillips said.

“People love to do it every year. They love to shop for it. They love to wrap their boxes. They love to drop their boxes off.”

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Meals on Wheels Plus volunteer Julianne Niebour, Meals on Wheels Plus President and CEO Maribeth Phillips, Elks Secretary Brett Davis and Meals on Wheels Plus Vice President Judi Bjork attended the 2019 shoebox drive.

WHAT TO INCLUDE

All shoeboxes should be wrapped and filled with gifts.

Here are some items to include: n Lip balm n Small flashlights n Holiday trinkets n Tissues n Mechanical pencils or pens n Notepads n Paperback word puzzles in large print n Shampoo n Slipper socks n Toothbrush n Toothpaste What not to include: n Razors n Candy n Candles n Breakables n Gift cards

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During the drive-thru and collection at Lakewood Ranch Elks Lodge, people will be able to participate in a raffle of about 30 different prizes including restaurant gift cards, a tablet and toys. Attendees will receive a raffle ticket for each shoebox they donate.

The reception also will include a DJ, appetizers, a selfie station and a visit from Santa.

“It’s only two hours, but people really do love to come,” Phillips said. “It’s a great way to start off the Christmas and holiday celebrations.”

After not being able to host a reception for the shoebox drive last year, Phillips said she is looking forward to seeing everyone at this year’s reception.

“It’s fun to see everybody and to see the parade of shoeboxes that come into the building from our guests who attend this event,” Phillips said. “It’s so heartwarming. This little reception is going to touch a lot of seniors in Manatee County.”

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DECEMBER 2, 2021

— Mustangs soccer player Felipe DeSouza SEE PAGE 16

HIGH

SPORTS

“Dream as big as your imagination.”

5 Juniors Aaliyah Capers and Monique Schwalbach trap Sarasota High guard Christyna Nugin. The Pirates have brought back their aggressive defense this season despite not having O’Mariah Gordon, who averaged 4.5 steals per game.

Photos by Ryan Kohn

1

Lakewood Ranch golfer Jacqueline Putrino (75-7474-71—294) finished tied for 16th out of 72 golfers in the girls division of the Rolex Tournament of Champions, held Nov. 22-25 at PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens.

STILL SAILING Despite losing star O’Mariah Gordon to graduation, the Pirates expect the program’s success to continue.

RYAN KOHN SPORTS REPORTER

T

2

Parrish Community High girls soccer senior Madelyn Portwood, who lives in Lakewood Ranch, had a goal and two assists Nov. 18 in the Bulls’ 5-0 road win against Cypress Creek High.

3

Braden River High boys soccer sophomore Jeyson Carabella had a goal and an assist Nov. 16 in the Pirates’ 4-0 road win against Parrish Community High.

4

Drew Hrenkevich sank a hole-in-one Nov. 20 on the No. 2 hole at the River Club. Hrenkevich used a 6-hybrid on the 155-yard hole.

It was Hrenkevich’s first holein-one in 62 years of golf.

5

Laurey Stryker sank a hole-in-one Nov. 23 on the No. 16 hole at University Park Country Club. Stryker used a 5-wood on the 118-yard hole.

COLLEGE DAYS PAGE 15

he team might look different, but the vibe around the Braden River High girls basketball program is the same as ever.

The Pirates’ defense is tighter than a vise. The subs cheer loudly on the bench after every big play. Most importantly, the Pirates still are winning.

Don’t expect the Pirates’ ship to sink any time soon.

The past four seasons have been some of the best in program history, thanks to O’Mariah Gordon.

A superstar the minute she stepped inside Braden River’s gym, Gordon was the top-ranked player in Florida in the 2021 graduating class (and No. 31 overall) by ESPN and twice was named the Gatorade Florida Girls Basketball Player of the Year.

The 5-foot-4 Gordon averaged 24.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 6 assists and 4.5 steals per game for her high school career. Her play earned her a scholarship to Florida State.

With Gordon leading the way and fellow 2021 graduating guards Cheyenne Stubbs and Ellie DiGiacomo providing supplemental scoring, the Pirates thrived. In 20192020, Braden River went 17-10 while playing a challenging schedule and reached the Florida High School Athletic Association Class 6A state semifinals (Final Four) before losing 80-58 to Wekiva High. It was the deepest run the program has ever made. Last year, a leg injury held Gordon out for a majority of the season, but the Pirates still went 12-6 before falling 53-42 to Charlotte High in the regional semifinals.

Now, Gordon is a freshman Seminole, but the Pirates are not yet ready to fall from the ranks of the elite.

Braden River Head Coach Stephanie Smith said she has reset everything the team is doing offensively now that Gordon and the other guards are gone — though she expects minimal drop off in results.

“The last few years we ran a lot of ball screens because we had guards who could come off the ball and create and be dangerous on their own,” Smith said. “We are more of a midrange jumper team right now. We do have some ball screens, but we’re not relying on them as much. They’re coming sometimes for my post players — Bella Patterson (senior) and

Aaliyah Capers (junior). They have done guard work and post work the last two, three years. Their ball handling is coming along well for post players in high school.

“We don’t have the quick hitters (outside shots) that we’ve had in the past. We have more of a continuous motion on offense that we can mirror on both sides of the court. It actually helps the kids understand the game of basketball more as far as why and how we run what we run. We have done more to beak down every detail to them.”

Smith said even though the Pirates lost three of their scoring leaders, they still have experienced players who can step into the spotlight themselves. That includes Patterson, who opened the season with a 20-point, 7-rebound effort in a 64-51 road win against Sarasota High on Nov. 16, and Capers, who has embraced a more guard-like role in 2021 and is averaging 15 points per game.

The Pirates’ new strategies have been working. Braden River has started the season 3-1, the lone loss coming to Plant High, the reigning Class 7A state champion, 53-33 on the road. Yes, even without Gordon, the team’s schedule is difficult, including upcoming games against perennial elites like Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High and Riverview High. Smith wants her team to be ready for whatever awaits it in the playoffs, which remain less a goal than an inevitability. That in itself is an accomplishment. It might surprise outsiders, but not the Pirates.

“This year has been different, but in a good way,” Patterson said.

“We got used to depending on ‘O’ (Gordon), especially if we were tired, because she’s a great player.

This year, though, with her gone,

IF YOU GO

What: Braden River High girls basketball (3-1) vs. Riverview (3-0) When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 Where: Braden River High Why: It’s the Pirates’ next home game and a stiff test against a dynamic Rams team.

Tale of the tape: Riverview is ranked third in Class 8A and 15th in Florida by MaxPreps as of Nov. 27. Braden River is ranked seventh in Class 6A and 38th in Florida.

Pirates player to watch: Senior forward Bella Patterson, who opened the season with a 20-point, seven-rebound game against Sarasota High on Nov. 16 Rams player to watch: Junior guard Amiya Lloyd, who had 21 points and six assists against Venice High on Nov. 22

it’s pushing everyone to be the best they can be instead of always relying on her. I think that has helped us a lot. We have so much talent, but we didn’t always use it. We’re playing more together this year, even though we’re also stepping out of our comfort zones. It has been a lot of fun.”

The team’s optimism about the 2021-2022 season is not a slight against Gordon — whom Patterson called “the nicest, most humble person ever” — or the other players who graduated. It’s more a vote of confidence in themselves. The Pirates said they have what it takes to make another deep playoff run. If the team’s development stays on its current trajectory, they might be right.

“We have a lot of different types of players,” Smith said. “Any given night, one of them can go off. The next night it’ll be someone else.

“This team wants to have something to hang its hat on,” Smith said.

“We’re still as aggressive as ever on defense, and we have more length than we have ever had. We’re going to be fun to watch.”

Junior Aaliyah Capers is playing some guard for the Pirates in 2021 after exclusively playing in the paint her first two seasons.

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PROSE AND KOHN

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

15

RYAN KOHN

Next-level success A

s the fall sports season comes to an end and the winter sports season begins in earnest, I always like to take a look at the collegiate ranks and see how our East County alumni are doing.

This report is fun because the answer is almost always, “They’re doing quite well.” The fall and winter 2021 college seasons are no exception. There are scores of former Mustangs, Pirates and Thunder players doing well, so many that even with the Observer’s new, beautiful broadsheet pages, I can’t fit them all, but I’ve mentioned as many as I can. They deserve it.

The Out-of-Door Academy boys swimming alumnus Zachary Szmania continues to excel at Boston College. Szmania set three program records at the Terrier Invitational, held Nov. 23 at Boston University, in the 500-yard freestyle (4:26.64), the 1,000-yard freestyle (9:20.16) and the 1,650-yard freestyle (15:23.38). The 1,650 freestyle record was by more than seven seconds, and his performance also earned him a berth in the Toyota U.S. Open Championships, which is held Dec. 1-4 in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Also competing at the Terrier Invitational was former Thunder boys swimmer Sarsen Whatmore, a junior at Boston University.

Although Whatmore didn’t set any program records at the meet, he did finish second in the 200-yard freestyle (1:39.43) and ninth in the 200yard backstroke (1:53.03). Whatmore was named to the All-Patriot League Second Team in 2020 and has had another strong season thus far in 2021.

Former Braden River High girls basketball star O’Mariah Gordon has made an early impact as a freshman at Florida State. The 5-foot-4 Gordon is being used by the Seminoles mostly as a spark off

the bench this season. It’s working.

Gordon is doing a bit of everything, averaging five points, 2.2 assists and two rebounds in 14 minutes per game for the 17th-ranked Seminoles. She has hit two of her three 3-pointers so far. She made her first career start in the team’s 66-61 loss to Purdue on Nov. 27. It won’t be her last.

Gordon’s former teammate at Braden River, guard Julia Rodriguez, is a sophomore at Kennesaw State. Rodriguez is averaging 5.2 points per game off the bench for the Owls. Rodriguez averaged 6.6 points per game as a freshman, even making four starts.

Former Lakewood Ranch High girls soccer player Gi Krstec, a junior midfielder at Florida Atlantic, started all 17 games she played for the Owls this fall season. As a mainly defensive player, Krstec didn’t record many offensive statistics, though she scored a goal — which was the winning goal in a 1-0 win over UTEP on Oct. 9. Krstec was named to the All-Conference USA First Team on Nov. 1.

One-time Mustangs offensive lineman Sam Jackson is a senior at Central Florida. He started all 12 games for the Knights. First-year UCF Head Coach Gus Malzahn even credited Jackson with keeping freshman quarterback Mikey Keene calm during his first few starts.

The Knights went 8-4 in 2021 and rushed for 2,264 yards (5.3 yards per carry) with Jackson anchoring the line.

And now we have reached the Braden River football section of the update. Get comfortable because there are quite a few of them.

Former Pirate Taylor Upshaw is a senior defensive lineman at Michigan, which is headed to the Big Ten Championship Game. Although Upshaw has not seen the field a ton with some injury problems in 2021, he’s made his appearances count.

Upshaw had three tackles (two tackles for loss, including a sack) in the Wolverines’ 29-7 win against Indiana on Nov. 6 as well as a sack against Wisconsin in a 38-17 win on Oct. 4. If the Wolverines beat Iowa in the conference title game, he could be playing in the College Football Playoff.

Another former Pirates player, Alex Salguero, is a senior offensive lineman at Marshall. Salguero is in his second season as a starter for the Thundering Herd and has been a part of a potent offense. Marshall, which finished 8-3, has run for 1,798 yards this season on 4.7 yards per carry.

In October, I wrote about former Braden River High running back Deshaun Fenwick, who started his career at South Carolina before transferring to Oregon State last offseason. Since that story was published, Fenwick has continued to produce. As of Nov. 26, Fenwick had 448 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 78 carries (5.7 yards per carry), acting as a formidable complement to Beavers sophomore B.J. Baylor.

At the NCAA Division II level, former Pirate offensive lineman (and state champion wrestler) Brendan Bengtsson is a sophomore starter for the undefeated Ferris State Bulldogs. Ferris State has run for 284.4 yards per game in 2021.

The Bulldogs beat Grand Valley State 54-20 on Nov. 27 to advance to the third round of the DII playoffs.

Photo courtesy Oregon State Athletics

Above: Former Braden River running back Deshaun Fenwick is having a breakout season at Oregon State.

Left: ODA swimming alumnus Zachary Szmania set Boston College records in the 500-yard freestyle (4:26.64), the 1,000-yard freestyle (9:20.16) and the 1,650-yard freestyle (15:23.38).

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

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

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Felipe DeSouza Felipe DeSouza is a senior on the Lakewood Ranch High boys soccer team. As of Nov. 29, DeSouza leads the Mustangs (4-0) with five goals and six assists.

When did you start playing soccer?

I started playing soccer when I was 5. I lived in Medford, Massachusetts, at the time. (DeSouza moved to Lakewood Ranch two years ago.)

My family is Brazilian, so soccer is in everything. It’s our culture. I was always going to play soccer.

What is the appeal to you?

I love everything about soccer. It’s called the beautiful game for a reason. I love being on the field with my team.

What is your best skill?

I would say my best skill is my speed. My ability to get past defenders. That is something that has come naturally for me.

NOW NOW IS THE IS THE TIME...

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What have you been improving this offseason?

My strength. I have been going to the gym more often and lifting weights so I can win more battles on the field. I’m still not where I want to be, but I’m getting there.

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

in the area. As a team, I think we can be a state contender. The way we play, we’re tough to beat.

What is your favorite food?

I love rice and beans. It’s a great combo.

What is your favorite TV show?

I really like the show “Entourage” on HBO. Which superpower would you pick?

I would want the ability to stop time.

That way I could sleep in every day and not be late for school.

What are your hobbies?

I like to play video games with my friends. Right now my favorites are FIFA and Call of Duty: Warzone.

What is the best advice you have received?

Dream as big as your imagination.

Finish this sentence: “Felipe DeSouza is …”

A chill person.

What is your favorite memory?

Two seasons ago, back at my old school in Massachusetts (Medford High), my team reached the north regional final in the playoffs. That was a great experience because our team was close with each other, and to make it that far was a great accomplishment.

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YOUR NEIGHBORS Runners feast on Turkey Trot

P

— JAY HEATER

Above: Jane Goins, 3, of Sarasota gives her all in the Kids Turkey Dash.

Right: Bradenton’s Brandon Sosa shows his spirit before running the Florida Turkey Trot at Nathan Benderson Park.

Photos by Jay Heater

Philadelphia’s Alex Rendon flaps his wings to finish the Florida Turkey Trot 5K at Nathan Benderson Park on Thanksgiving morning. “I’m crazy,” he says.

Left: Heather McFarland wears a turkey on her head during the 5K. She says it was “an added obstacle.”

Right: Christine, Jimmy and Larry LaPlaca have vacationed in the Meadows for years.

Jimmy, 8, says he loves running in the kids races in the Florida Turkey Trot.

Above: Runners take off at the start of the Florida Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning at Nathan Benderson Park.

Left: Newton, a 3-year-old Goldendoodle, joins owner Karen Bray of Venice in running the Florida Turkey Trot 5K.

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hiladelphia’s Alex Rendon had a reason for wearing a head-to-toe turkey costume during the running of the Florida Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota.

“I’m crazy,” said Rendon, who was in the area visiting relatives.

Rendon said he warmed up for the race on the previous night by “drinking all night.”

He said the costume was comfortable before the start of the race but that at the finish it was very hot.

“I need a drink,” he said.

Venice’s Karen Bray ran the 5K with her goldendoodle, Newton.

“It just a nice way to start off Thanksgiving,” she said. “And it makes you feel less guilty about what you eat.”

Sarasota’s Katie Reynolds, the top female runner at 18:30, said she loves the event because it is a family-friendly race.

“The park does a great job,” she said.

Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates CEO Stephen Rodriguez said last year the race drew fewer than 2,000 runners, who competed over a two-day period in waves.

“It’s good to be back to normal,” he said.

The race drew 2,172 runners in the 5K event, and just under 3,000 participants overall including the Kids Turkey Dash runners.

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The Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble gets an ovation after playing a selection during a Thanksgiving concert on Nov. 28 at Peace Presbyterian Church.

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eace Presbyterian Church member Wally Harman found a good seat before the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble began its Thanksgiving concert on Nov. 28 at the church.

He was smiling because of the church’s good fortune.

The ensemble previously had played at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church but was informed that church had decided to go another direction when it came to offering the group a place to play.

“We’re happy to have them,” Harman said. “And I love all kinds of music.”

The Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble, founded by Joseph Miller, its music director and conductor, performed nine selections during a 90-minute concert. It next will play concerts on Jan. 30 and March 27 at Peace Presbyterian.

Church Music Director Amy Cerneglia invited the ensemble to play at the church, and a full-house for the opening concert approved of that decision.

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THURSDAY, DEC. 2

HOLIDAY STROLL ON MAIN Runs from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch. Main Street at Lakewood Ranch hosts holiday carolers, light displays and Santa strolls, which include photos of Santa by the big Christmas tree.

For more information about this free event, go to MyLWR.com.

HANDS ON HANUKKAH Runs from 4-7:15 p.m. at The Mall at UTC, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota. Temple Sinai hosts Hands on Hanukkah, which features family-friendly events, arts and crafts, raffles, giveaways, food, photos, storytelling, live musical performances and a lighting of the Hanukkiah. All events take place in the Saks Court. For more information, go to MallAtUTC.com.

FRIDAY, DEC. 3 AND SATURDAY, DEC. 4

Bring the whole family to this treasured community tradition.

Arrive early, bring your lawn chairs and get ready for a festive evening.

End: Gulfstream Ave.

COMMUNITY

THURSDAY, DEC. 2 TO SUNDAY, DEC. 5

Saturday, Dec. 4 | 7pm

Start: Main St. & Washington Blvd.

MUSIC ON MAIN Runs from 6-9 p.m. at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch. The free concert series and block party, which will feature disco, R&B and soul bound Midnight Mama, returns for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic. The street is lined with food vendors, beer trucks and sponsor booths, as well as rides and activities for the kids.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

MOVIES UNDER THE STARS Begins at 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays in December and on Jan. 1 at The Mall at UTC, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota. Holiday Movies Under the Stars, presented by First Watch, shows “Arthur Christ-

S A R A S O TA

DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION

mas” on Dec. 3 and “Home Alone” on Dec. 4. The free movies are shown in an open-air theater. For more information, go to MallAtUTC.com.

SATURDAY, DEC. 4

HANUKKAH ON THE GREEN Runs from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on The Green at UTC (between Michael’s and Old Navy on Cattlemen Road). Temple Emanu-El, Community Day School and University Town Center are hosting Hanukkah on The Green at UTC, an outdoor pop-up event featuring foods, crafts, stories and activities. The event benefits the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties with a toy drive. For more information, email PopUpHanukkah@gmail.com.

INTRO TO PICKLEBALL Begins at 8:30 a.m. on the courts at Lakewood Ranch Park, 5350 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch.

The seminar helps beginner pickleball players. Bring the proper attire and water. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

CRAFT STUDIO TOUR Runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 22704 Night Heron Way in Panther Ridge. The first Open Arts/Craft Studio Holiday Sale is hosted by the Panther Ridge Arts and Crafts Association. The event features silver

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jewelry, stained glass art, wood crafts, quilts and more. For more information, call 505-670-2604.

6 and younger. Fishing licenses are required for all participants who choose to fish.

SUNDAY, DEC. 5

COMMUNITY NATURE WALK Begins at 8 a.m. at Greenbrook Adventure Park, 13010 Adventure Place, Lakewood Ranch. Lakewood Ranch Community Activities presents a nature walk with Greg Spring, who leads the group on a 2-mile, one-hour hike on some of the trails in Lakewood Ranch. Meet at the pavilion at the Greenbrook Adventure Park. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

YOGA IN THE PARK Begins at 10 a.m. at Waterside Park, 7301 Island Cove, Lakewood Ranch. The event is free for Lakewood Ranch residents and $10 for nonresidents. It is open to all ages.

For more information, go to MyLWR. com.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 8

RANCH NITE WEDNESDAYS Runs from 6-9 p.m. at 1561 Lakefront Drive, Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch. Ranch Nite Wednesdays is a free event that includes food trucks, live music, a market, an outdoor bar and a cornhole league. It runs every week through May. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

MID-DAY VOLLEYBALL Begins at 11 a.m. at Waterside Park, 7301 Island Cove, Lakewood Ranch.

A casual program presented by Lakewood Ranch Community Activities. The event is free for Lakewood Ranch residents and $10 for nonresidents. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

SATURDAY, DEC. 11

REC DAY Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. Rec Day offers participants to try stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, fishing and more. Meet at the base of the finish tower. For more information, go to NathanBendersonPark.org. The fee is $10 per person or $5 for an adult who brings a child. The event is free for children

21

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SATURDAY, DEC. 11 AND SUNDAY, DEC. 12

FAMILY MUSICAL Begins 6 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m.

Sunday at Ovation Theatre, 4602 E. State Road 64, Bradenton. Ovation presents “Elf Boot Camp” in its Black Box Theatre. Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for adults.

Santa’s elves are trained to go on a mission to bring Christmas Spirit to families around the world. Singing, dancing and joy fill this holiday musical. For more information, go to OvationTheatreInc.org.

Orthopedic Surgery

John Thomas, MD

Dr. John Thomas brings to Intercoastal Medical Group at the Orthopedic Surgery Dr. John Dr. John Thomas Thomas brings brings totoIntercoastal to Intercoastal Medical Medical Group Group the at the Lakewood Ranch I& Beneva Professional Center offices aatwealth of Dr. John Thomas brings Intercoastal Medical Group at the knowledge and experience in Orthopedics.

Lakewood Lakewood Ranch Ranch I & Beneva I & Beneva Professional Professional Center Center offices offices a wealth a wealth Dr. John Thomas brings to Intercoastal Medical the ofof of Lakewood Ranch I & Beneva Professional CenterGroup offices aatwealth

knowledge knowledge andand and experience inin Orthopedics. in Orthopedics.

University of Florida, Gainesville, Lakewood Ranch Iexperience &experience Beneva Professional CenterFLoffices a wealth of Undergraduate: knowledge Orthopedics.

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Orthopaedic Surgery Residency, Orlando Health, Residency: Dr. John Thomas brings to Intercoastal Medical Group at theTallahassee, Florida Florida State University University College College of of Medicine, Tallahassee, University of State Florida, Gainesville, FLMedicine, Undergraduate: Medical Medical School: School: Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FLFL FL Medical School: Orlando, FL Lakewood Ranch I & Beneva Professional Center offices a wealth of Orthopaedic Orthopaedic Surgery Surgery Residency, Residency, Orlando Orlando Health, Health, Florida State University College ofOrlando Medicine, Tallahassee, FL Residency: Residency: Orthopaedic Surgery Residency, Health, Medical School: Residency: Adult Reconstructive and Hip Preservation Fellowship, Fellowship: knowledge and experience inFL Orthopedics.

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SUNDAY, DEC. 12

THE MARKET AT LAKEWOOD RANCH Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Lakefront Drive in Waterside Place at Lakewood Ranch. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

FRIDAY, DEC. 17

JINGLE RUN 5K Begins at 6 p.m. at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch. The annual Jingle Run 5K run draws huge crowds, including 1,900 in 2019. (The 2020 event was canceled due to the pandemic.) Runners listen to holiday music along the course and live music at the finish. The post-race party includes food and adult beverages.

The race will feature a wave start for safety. Age group awards will be presented for 9 and under, 10-14, 15-19 and then five-year categories to 80plus. The run benefits the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center Foundation and Health Careers’ scholarship program. For more information or to register, go to TheJingle5K.org.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

Hospitals:

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! NOW NOW ACCEPTING ACCEPTING NEW NEW PATIENTS! PATIENTS! Lakewood Ranch Medical Center; Doctors Hospital; 941-362-8662 NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! TO ANAPPOINTMENT, APPOINTMENT, PLEASE CALL TO SCHEDULE TOSCHEDULE SCHEDULE AN AN APPOINTMENT, PLEASE PLEASE CALL CALL Sarasota Memorial Hospital Lakewood Ranch I Office

TO11505 SCHEDULE AN Parkway, APPOINTMENT, PLEASE Rangeland Bradenton, Florida CALL 34211

941-362-8662 941-362-8662 941-362-8662 NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! Lakewood Ranch Office Lakewood Lakewood Ranch Ranch IIOffice I Office 941-362-8662 TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT, PLEASE CALL 941-362-8662 11505 Rangeland Parkway, Bradenton, Florida 34211 11505 11505 Rangeland Rangeland Parkway, Parkway, Bradenton, Bradenton, Florida Florida 34211 34211

Lakewood Ranch I Office Beneva Professional Center 11505 Parkway, Florida 941-362-8662 943Rangeland S. Beneva Road, Suite Bradenton, 106, Sarasota, Florida34211 34232

941-362-8662 941-362-8662 941-362-8662 Lakewood Ranch I Office Beneva Professional Center www.intercoastalmedical.com 11505 Rangeland Parkway, Bradenton, Florida 34211 Beneva Beneva Professional Professional Center Center 941-362-8662 Medicare and most insurances accepted 943 S. Beneva Road, Suite 106, Sarasota, Florida 34232 943 943 S. Beneva S. Beneva Road, Road, Suite Suite 106, 106, Sarasota, Sarasota, Florida 34232 34232 Beneva Professional CenterFlorida 941-362-8662 S. Beneva Road, Suite 106, Sarasota, Florida 34232 www.intercoastalmedical.com l National Expertise l Multiple Locations A Patient 943 Focused, Multi-Specialty Group www.intercoastalmedical.com www.intercoastalmedical.com Beneva Professional Center Medicare and most insurances accepted Medicare Medicare andSuite most and most insurances insurances accepted accepted 943 S. Beneva Road, 106, Sarasota, www.intercoastalmedical.com Florida 34232

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THE MARKET AT LAKEWOOD RANCH Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Lakefront Drive in Waterside Place at Lakewood Ranch. The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch will run year round every Sunday. Vendors will be offering seafood, eggs, meats, dairy products, pastas, bakery goods, jams and pickles among other items. Other features are children’s activities and live music. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

MYAKKA CITY 3005 233rd Street E 4 Beds 3/2 Baths 4,164 Sq. Ft. Chris Baylis 941-735-4713 A4510152 $5,800,000

SIESTA KEY 225 Little Pond Lane 5 Beds 4 Baths 3,200 Sq. Ft. Stacy Hanan 941-266-0529 A4517313 $2,900,000

SARASOTA 3501 Founders Club Drive 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,836 Sq. Ft. Richard Hearn 941-313-1591 A4497661 $1,700,000

UNIVERSITY PARK 7003 Lancaster Court 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,439 Sq. Ft. Robert Krasow 617-840-1181 A4515333 $1,400,000

BRADENTON 6810 190th Street E 5 Beds 4 Baths 3,637 Sq. Ft. Leslie Emery & Aaron Corr 941-400-9710 A4508469 $1,299,000

SARASOTA 2203 Hillview Street 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,246 Sq. Ft. Tim Koons-McGee 941-320-7073 A4517377 $1,250,000

SARASOTA 555 S Gulfstream Avenue 1504 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,682 Sq. Ft. Marybeth Flynn 941-704-1477 A4517780 $1,200,000

BRADENTON 1523 1st Avenue W 4 Beds 3 Baths 3,500 Sq. Ft. Fran DeDona & Pam Goodwin 941-812-5023 A4505327 $999,750

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7718 Hazeltine Glen 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,802 Sq. Ft. Kaitlin Kuhn 941-400-7861 A4517441 $975,000

SARASOTA 7700 Iguana Drive 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,550 Sq. Ft. Lee Byron & Sue Keal 941-350-5542 A4512842 $930,000

BRADENTON 12503 Natureview Circle 5 Beds 4 Baths 4,053 Sq. Ft. Chris Baylis 941-735-4713 A4516676 $925,000

PALMETTO 610 16th Avenue E 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,957 Sq. Ft. Rachelle Golden 941-538-8998 A4514336 $899,000

PARRISH 3911 Twin Rivers Trail 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,557 Sq. Ft. Cheryl Roberts 941-266-1450 A4510445 $865,000

SARASOTA 1518 Bel Air Star Parkway 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 3,475 Sq. Ft. Cheryl Roberts 941-266-1450 A4506654 $835,000

BRADENTON 5132 96th Street E 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,604 Sq. Ft. Mackenzie Longueuil & Pat Mudgett 941-961-4023 A4517811 $749,900

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7324 Lake Forest Glen 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,228 Sq. Ft. Joanna Benante & Ann Martin 941-356-7717 A4512249 $749,000

BRADENTON 222 147th Street NE 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,508 Sq. Ft. Gloria Bracciano 941-229-4000 A4517751 $650,000

BRADENTON 5449 46th Court W 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,039 Sq. Ft. Adam Cuffaro 941-812-0791 A4511158 $630,000

BRADENTON 5228 Bentgrass Way 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,460 Sq. Ft. Victoria Turner 662-614-2783 A4517006 $615,000

BRADENTON 2316 Starwood Court 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,995 Sq. Ft. Jamie Van Vliet & Christopher Van Vliet 941-993-8996 A4516659 $599,999

PALMETTO 8907 Amen Corner Place 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,864 Sq. Ft. Diane Fogo Harter 941-445-2431 A4515781 $595,000

BRADENTON 5127 97th Street E 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,871 Sq. Ft. Debbie Judge & Jennifer Horvat, LLC 941-544-6054 A4516368 $565,000

BRADENTON 1311 Water Oak Way N 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,978 Sq. Ft. Kathy Valente & Gregory Zies, LLC 941-685-6767 A4514981 $499,000

SARASOTA 3424 Hadfield Greene 17 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,856 Sq. Ft. Connie Lyke Brown 941-302-1214 A4517685 $469,000

BRADENTON 5155 San Palermo Drive 4 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,997 Sq. Ft. Rachelle Golden 941-538-8998 A4515613 $449,999

CORTEZ 12925 42nd Terrace W 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 5,138 Sq. Ft. Ann Martin & Joanna Benante 941-356-7717 A4502107 $4,750,000

BRADENTON 8415 Broadstone Court 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 5,189 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4515827 $4,395,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 102 Cedar Avenue 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,290 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4507978 $3,995,000

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22

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in Harbour Walk topped all transactions in this week’s real estate. Travis and Molly Biggs, of Bradenton, sold their home at 544 Fore Drive to Nicholas James Evertsen and Chantel Evertsen, of Bradenton, for $1.95 million. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,843 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.27 million in 2019.

RIVERDALE

Bruce Woodruff, trustee, of Bradenton, sold the home at 3601 Hawk Island Drive to Travis and Molly Biggs, of Bradenton, for $1.75 million. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,462 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,335,000 in 2008.

Jeffrey and Stacey Galiardo, of Maitland, sold their home at 101 41st St. NE to Ryan Shim, of Bradenton, for $765,000. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,383 square feet of living area. It sold for $390,000 in 2019.

RIVER CLUB SOUTH

McDermott Properties LLC and Utah Street Properties LLC sold the home at 9611 Royal Calcutta Place to Bonnidale and Holly Hassler, of Bradenton, for $1.4 million. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,468 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.2 million in April.

Matthew and Victoria Liddane, of Fletcher, North Carolina, sold their home at 9603 Royal Calcutta Place to Penny Arlene Hubbard and Denny Hubbard, of Bradenton, for $1.18 million. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,590 square feet of living area.

It sold for $590,000 in 2015.

Karen and Colin Ray, of La Crosse, Wisconsin, sold their home at 7535 River Club Blvd. to David Chaput and Edward Gonzalez, trustees, of Bradenton, for $975,000. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, a pool and 3,623 square feet of living area. It sold for $600,000 in 2016.

Richard Karp and Mary Bissell, of Reno, Nevada, sold their home at 7555 Tori Way to Stacy Haas, of Lakewood Ranch, for $953,100.

Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,729 square feet of living area. It sold for $410,000 in 2015.

LAKE CLUB

Penny Robinson, trustee, and Thomas Robinson, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the home at 16711 Verona Place to Shirley Barrack, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1.3 million.

Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,638 square feet of living area. It sold for $765,500 in 2020.

SD TLC Holdings LLC sold the home at 8351 Pavia Way to Mark and Carol Stephens, of Bradenton, for $1 million. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,818 square feet of living area.

WARWICK GARDENS

Carl and Tamara Zeller, of University Park, sold their home at 7111 Chatsworth Court to James and Sharon Westby, trustees, of University Park, for $1.2 million. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,093 square feet of living area. It sold for $960,000 in July.

MALLORY PARK

Keith and Allison Jones, of Bradenton, sold their home at 11806 Blue

23

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

NOV. 15-19

Hill Trail to John Julian and Kenneth Rogers, of Bradenton, for $1.11 million. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,032 square feet of living area. It sold for $825,000 in 2020.

THE SOUND AT WATERLEFE

Christopher and Nicola McKenna, of Bradenton, sold their Unit 1 condominium at 1011 Fish Hook Cove to Thomas and Lourdes Hershberger, of Bradenton, for $990,000.

Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, two-and-three-half baths, a pool and 4,072 square feet of living area.

It sold for $441,000 in 2013.

COUNTRY CLUB

Daniel and Kimberly Weidlich sold their home at 7059 Vilamoura Place to Charles Bryant Halsey III and Janice Caryn Halsey, of Lakewood Ranch, for $980,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two-anda-half baths, a pool and 2,876 square feet of living area. It sold for $512,000 in 2017.

Margrit Hatt, trustee, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the home at 7916 Royal Queensland Way to Craig and Andrea Anderson, of Lakewood Ranch, for $952,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,906 square feet of living area.

UNIVERSITY PARK

David and Esheen Conrad, of Sarasota, sold their home at 7210 Saint Johns Way to Larry Slavin and Leslie Engel Slavin, of Wilton, Connecticut, for $979,900. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,600 square feet of living area. It sold for $450,000 in 2018.

GREYHAWK LANDING

Kenneth and Jamie Mayeaux sold their home at 333 Blackbird Court to Bruce and Linda Lundell, of Herndon, Virginia, for $800,000.

Built in 2011, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,050 square feet of living area. It sold for $499,900 in 2019.

ESPLANADE

Debra Smith and Toni Pack, of Bradenton, sold their home at 5223 Castello Lane to William and Dawn Contes, of Redington Shores, for $759,900. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,236 square feet of living area. It sold for $392,300 in 2013.

Anatoli and Alla Liakhovetski and Leonard and Zhanna Rubanchik, of Boca Raton, sold their home at 12655 Sorrento Way to Marvin Wayne Perry and Rebekkah Perry, of Bradenton, for $684,900. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,912 square feet of living area. It sold for $370,000 in 2018.

Courtesy photo

This Harbour Walk home at 544 Fore Drive sold for $1.95 million. It has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,843 square feet of living area.

their home at 230 147th St. NE to Norman Kemble and Lynn Burgess, of Bradenton, for $715,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,898 square feet of living area. It sold for $462,000 in 2017.

RIVERDALE REVISED

James and Jeanine Long, of Ellenton, sold their home at 4708 Clipper Drive to Matthew Liwski and Casey Gerlinger, of Bradenton, for $700,000. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,106 square feet of living area.

It sold for $489,000 in 2019.

SAVANNA

Chester and Karen Bartlett, of Bryson City, North Carolina, sold their home at 14308 Carolina Sky Place to Shelley Landgraf, trustee, of Bradenton, for $699,900. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three-

and-two-half baths and 2,842 square feet of living area. It sold for $386,300 in 2019.

MILL CREEK

Elisa Marcuccio and Ryan Nottingham sold their home at 2007 154th St. E. to Gregory Marino, of Martinsville, New Jersey, for $690,000.

Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,942 square feet of living area. It sold for $460,000 in 2014.

WINDWARD

Neal Communities of Southwest Florida LLC sold the home at 2665 Butterfly Jasmine Trail to Eric and Karen Wolfgang, of Sarasota, for $687,000. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,560 square feet of living area.

SEE REAL ESTATE, PAGE 24

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WATERFRONT AT MAIN STREET

Boardwalk Vista LLC sold the Unit 1-205 condominium at 10530 Boardwalk Loop to Thomas Boucher and George Naspo, trustees, of Amherst, New Hampshire, for $750,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,467 square feet of living area. It sold for $515,500 in 2018.

ROSEDALE HIGHLANDS

Woodrow and Deborah Ban, trustees, of Hudson, Ohio, sold the home at 5117 96th St. E. to Barry and Kathryn Burdiak, of Lake Forest, Illinois, for $731,000. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,482 square feet of living area. It sold for $335,000 in 2018.

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INDIGO

Kevin Miller, of Bradenton, sold his home at 13204 Deep Blue Place to Gary Watson, of Bradenton, for $720,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,875 square feet of living area.

It sold for $570,000 in March.

Janet Maffei, of Reading, Massachusetts, sold her home at 4204 Midnight Blue Run to Frances Kukla and James Troilo, of Elmwood Park, New Jersey, for $675,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,260 square feet of living area.

COUNTRY CREEK

Steven and Patricia Angstadt sold

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

REAL ESTATE

Harbour Walk home tops sales at $1.95 million

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

Limited Inventory Available

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Reserve your home site today!

rooms, three baths, a pool and 2,523 square feet of living area. It sold for $410,000 in 2020.

GREENBROOK

FROM PAGE 23

Steven and Ashely Burnette sold their home at 14003 Nighthawk Terrace to Brian and Andrea Krawczyk, of Lakewood Ranch, for $620,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,340 square feet of living area. It sold for $332,000 in 2019.

Neal Communities of Southwest Florida LLC sold the home at 2766 Butterfly Jasmine Trail to Ramon and Mayra Aguiar and Josh Darrell Leet and Ana Leet, of Sarasota, for $524,800. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,089 square feet of living area.

Michael and Robin Benson, of Bradenton, sold their home at 13368 Purple Finch Circle to Nicholas and Allison Boccaccio, of Lakewood Ranch, for $600,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,456 square feet of living area. It sold for $445,000 in 2015.

BRADEN PINES

Thomas Hendry, trustee, of Bradenton, sold the home at 10412 Forest Run Drive to Mark and Shannon Reinoehl, of Bradenton, for $665,000. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,375 square feet of living area.

Homes are selling fast!

Act now to secure your new home in this resort-style community.

COPPERLEFE

Kimleang Sok and Edward Luke Gillespie, of Bradenton, sold their home at 512 Mimosa Court to Sandra Stevens and Kami Yost, of The Villages, for $615,000. Built in 2019, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,257 square feet of living area.

It sold for $370,000 in 2019.

RIVER WIND

Jay and Caroline Robertson, of Bradenton, sold their home at 995 River Wind Circle to Benjamin Goldberg and Ooma Rampersad, of Bradenton, for $660,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,722 square feet of living area.

Open floor plans • Low Maintenance Lifestyle • Exclusive Amenities Private Marina • Pickleball Courts • 6 Swimming Pools 5 Clubhouses • 2 Fitness Centers • On-site Dog Park Riverside Pavilion

ARBOR GRANDE

Summer Brook Whitton and Rebecca Rae Whitton, of Bradenton, sold their home at 12315 Perennial Place to Daniel and Hannah Petrilla, of Bradenton, for $585,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,024 square feet of living area. It sold for $356,000 in 2020.

TIDEWATER PRESERVE

Steven McHenry, of Lake Mary, sold his home at 1243 Tidewater Court to Ingemar Iesberts, of Colton, California, for $650,000. Built in 2013, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 2,034 square feet of living area. It sold for $366,700 in 2013.

Sales Center Open 7 Days a Week

Call to schedule a private tour or a virtual showing!

Phillip O’Nan, of Little Rock, Arkansas, sold his home at 5508 Country Lakes Trail to Norma Jean Sussman-Haman and Herbert Haman III, of Sarasota, for $640,000. Built in 1985, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,374 square feet of living area. It sold for $304,500 in 2013.

(855) 273-2306

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EQUALHOUSING

Jack and Jaclyn Booker, of Dunlap, Tennessee, sold their home at 5297 Creekside Trail to Ezra and Holly Staley, of Sarasota, for $575,000.

Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,464 square feet of living area. It sold for $400,000 in 2012.

THE 2022

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Randolph and Jan Ruse, of Wilmington, North Carolina, sold their home at 6104 Palomino Circle to Steven Lee Snyder and Steven Lee Snyder II, of Sarasota, for $625,000.

Built in 2004, it has four bed-

SARASOTA POLO SEA See more transactions

at YourObserver.com

SARASOTA POLO SEASON THE 2022

Beginning Sunday, December 19th, through Sunday, April 24th, 202

Beginning Sunday, December 19th, 2021 through Sunday, April 24th, 2022

SARASOTA POLO SEASON

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24

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

25

ADVERTISEMENT

Photos by Scott Lockwood

Lakewood Ranch residents Carl Backman, Penny Robinson, Alice Baumann, Clare Barone and Dave Barone get ready for the holiday season with a jam session.

Local musicians tune up

F

or the past three years, local musicians have been getting together for a monthly jam session at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.

Despite missing a few regulars due to illnesses and other commitments, the group still played Nov. 20 with an important reason for the session: to get ready for the holiday season and various performances around the area. Those include playing at the annual Christmas tree-lighting ceremony on Main Street in Lakewood Ranch at 5:50 p.m. Dec. 3.

The musicians played all of the classical Christmas tunes, including “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” and “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Guitars, bells, shakers and even a kazoo were among the instruments being played.

With four ukulele players in attendance, it was fitting for the group to strum out a perfect rendition of “Mele Kalikimaka.”

“Some of the people in the senior living facilities are ambulatory and can drive, but some cannot, so we bring the music to the ones that can’t get out,” musician Dave Barone said.

— SCOTT LOCKWOOD

Help Every Child Have a Chance to Thrive “I believe that every child has a chance,” says Jacqueline House, Director of Philanthropy for Safe Children Coalition.

“Our major goal is really to keep all children in our community from being abused, neglected or abandoned,” adds CEO Brena Slater.

The nonprofit is unique in that it takes a holistic approach to caring for the children of Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties, collaborating with several local organizations, including the sheriff’s offices, to look after the whole child.

Clare and Dave Barone play “Silent Night” together.

“We’ve put a lot of effort into working with our community partners,” Slater says. “We make sure we have a team of people to wrap support around those families.”

To serve their mission, Safe Children Coalition has developed a variety of programs that touch every aspect of children’s lives and those of their guardians, whether they’re relatives, foster parents, or biological parents.

These programs run the gamut from prevention services like their youth shelter to in-home and out-of-home case management including adoption.

In fiscal year 2021, they helped nearly 8,000 kids through several programs.

While reunification with a child’s family is Safe Children Coalition’s ultimate goal when the child has to be removed from the home, foster care and adoption play a large role in what the organization does.

“Some of our favorite adoptions are our teens,” Slater says.

Recently, a young man who had a lot of issues was placed in a foster home

by Safe Children Coalition. In the few months since he joined the family, his attitude and behavior greatly

improved, and he has become open to being adopted.

Many teens in foster care are fearful.

“They don’t want to be rejected again,” Slater says. The young man’s foster family, who hadn’t considered adoption previously, also expressed interest in permanently becoming his parents, making the situation a remarkable success all around, thanks to the work of Safe Children Coalition.

Last year there were nearly 1,700 children in foster and out-of-home care. Right now, there are 1,100 children in out-of- home care under the jurisdiction of Safe Children Coalition.

More foster homes are needed. Slater says factors like marital status, sexual orientation and age are not barriers to becoming a foster parent. In fact, she says empty-nesters have been some of their best foster parents.

Another program, HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters), focuses on getting 2to 5-year-olds ready for school by educating them and their parents or guardians in the home. Currently all home visitors are former HIPPY participants. A previous home visitor was a formerly illiterate-turnedcollege-graduate mother whose life and those of her children were forever changed by the program. She also convinced her neighborhood’s parents to enroll in HIPPY. It’s a perfect depiction of one of House’s goals - to help the community rally around our children. “We all have a responsibility to care and support them because it makes our lives better,” House says.

You can contribute to Safe Children Coalition’s efforts to help children thrive by offering a financial donation, volunteering, or becoming a foster parent.

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26

WEATHER

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST THURSDAY, DEC. 2 High: 76 Low: 55 Chance of rain: 6%

FRIDAY, DEC. 3 High: 76 Low: 56 Chance of rain: 7%

SUNRISE / SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Dec. 2 7:04a 5:35p Friday, Dec. 3

7:04a

5:35p

Saturday, Dec. 4

7:05a

5:35p

Sunday, Dec. 5

7:06a

5:35p

Monday, Dec. 6

7:06a

5:35p

Tuesday, Dec. 7

7:07a

5:35p

Wednesday, Dec. 8

7:08a

5:35p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, DEC. 4 High: 78 Low: 56 Chance of rain: 7%

SUNDAY, DEC. 5 High: 78 Low: 60 Chance of rain: 16% Christine Rossi captured this family of sandhill cranes doing their rendition of The Beatles’ “Abbey Road” in Lakewood Ranch.

Dec. 26 Last

Jan. 2 New

Jan. 9 First

Jan. 17 Full

RAINFALL Monday, Nov. 22

0

Tuesday, Nov. 23

0

Wednesday, Nov. 24

0

Thursday, Nov. 25

0

Friday, Nov. 26

0

Saturday, Nov. 27

0

Sunday, Nov. 28

0

*Rainfall totals from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

Submit your photos at YourObserver.com/Weather. All submissions will be entered for the 2021-22 Weather and Nature photo contest. In February 2022, you will vote for your favorite photo, and the submission with the most votes will win a $500 gift card.

YEAR TO DATE: 2021 45.79 in.

2020 55.49 in.

MONTH TO DATE: 2021 1.44 in.

2020 7.62 in.

MANASOTA FLOORING INC 941.493.7441 | www.manasotaonline.com

crossword OUT OF SORTS by Gary Larson. Edited by David Steinberg

©2021 Universal Uclick

ACROSS

1 Soft, bland food 4 They’re usually closed before a bar closes 8 Word before “dust” or “rush” 12 Take from the top 16 “Skylanding” sculptor Yoko 17 Balm ingredient 18 Plains tribe 20 Wearies (of) 22 “Eww!” 23 Lopsided victory at a swim meet?

27 Submarine sandwich 29 Wrath 30 Tear roughly 31 What women do at a huge debutante ball?

349248-1

941.748.4679 | Venice

54 Eaten up 124 “Stop right there!”

125 Enjoy caviar, perhaps 56 Legendary Himalayan beast 126 Put the kibosh on 60 Didn’t discard 61 Luggage attachment DOWN 62 Scottish skirts 1 Paste in Pukalani 63 Spheres 2 Fish in Caesar salad 64 Skewered Indonesian recipes dish 3 Mobile game whose 65 Apple product on a players catch creatures desk 4 Not allowed 66 Twosome 5 Everyone 67 Gumbo vegetable 6 “You stink!”

72 Stan’s partner in 7 Attach a zipper, e.g. comedy 8 Squashes and pump73 Habitual thief, briefly kins 74 Fish that are transpar9 Animal that sleeps in ent at birth a raft 75 Pose a question 10 British bathroom 76 Little devils 11 Absolutely, informally 81 Reassure 12 One of 12, in recovery 82 Was in battle 13 New Zealander 84 Sweetie 14 Tehran’s land 86 Full of green plants 15 Courage to keep going 87 Vogue alternative 19 ___ throat 88 Guinness of “Star 21 Waste conduit Wars” 24 Sounds from sows 89 Reckless 25 “You stink!”

91 Kind of instinct 26 Optimistic 92 Flexible 28 Cartoon chihuahua 94 Snaillike 31 Uber rivals 95 ___ noir 32 Noodle thicker than 37 Guitarist Paul batting cage?

97 Very dry, as cham96 Vacation with stops at soba pagne 38 Makeup maker 65 Nasdaq launches many parks 33 Train whistle’s sound 97 Ink stain 99 Grocery store section 39 Socially awkward 68 Menu for Cut and 34 Vexes 100 Sounds from ewes people Paste 98 Snorkeling spots 35 Most senior 40 Balm targets 69 Certainly not well-done 101 Actress Tyler 99 In addition 41 Each partner, at times? 70 Pay for a poker hand 102 Enable a purse to hold 36 Through, on an itiner- 100 Fella ary more items?

43 Storage container 71 Steal some kisses?

103 ___ further notice 41 Lauder of cosmetics 105 Stealthy way to walk 44 Oddballs 77 Broadcast 104 Starbucks serving 42 Compete 109 Math degree?

45 Hand-holding at a club, 78 Future J.D.’s hurdle 106 Mazelike furniture 44 Didn’t discard 110 Help illegally e.g., briefly 79 Smaller quantity store 45 ___ platter (Hawaiian 107 Left at sea?

111 Exercise routine 46 Greek letter within 80 Catholic rite tray of food) geared toward star “epsilon” 83 Seafood delicacies 108 Backside 46 Created a crossword 112 “Impressive!” athletes?

47 Portions dipped in butter sauce theme, say 117 Afflict 49 Regret 85 Moose’s relative 113 Part of a cell nucleus 48 En ___ (as a group) 119 Levels in a stadium 50 Frying in a little fat 86 2020 or 2024 114 Spoiled 49 Brazilian city by the 120 Sotomayor of the 55 Daytime TV drama 90 Rite ___ 115 Lilly of pharmaceusea, for short 56 Nervousness while 91 What knows the ways Supreme Court ticals 50 Yemen’s capital 121 Touched down putting, in golf of the world? (Abbr.)

116 Lust or pride 51 Oak nut 122 Shipwrecked sailor’s 57 What Clearasil targets 92 Quiet interludes 118 Psychedelic synthe52 Tech startup’s image? sized in 1938 signal 58 Company VIP 93 Bygone carrier 53 Colorful salamander 123 Off the beaten ___ 59 Miss three times in the 94 Wild shopping trip

celebrity cipher

By Luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“ALLV ZU RLC Z HPMFAK DZMIAK DZM TLUR IKGW ZMI IKGPMK URK IZOVMKHH.” – ZMMK GOZMV “WUG BDTO GX AUKO VDWA DSV COOZ GEZW. ... M DJJOXL LIDL M’K SUL XONCOJL DSV ML’A UT -- M JDS ALDNL UHON DEDMS LUKUNNUB.” – TDZOW JGUJU “E’OS NSVLUSK WGLYIXGYIW TF BYILUSF WGVW CSLJSMWEYU EZ WGS SUSTF YJ XLSVWUSZZ.”

– BVUSNNS TYUVS Puzzle Three Clue: M equals C

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Puzzle Two Clue H equals V

Sarasota

KITCHENS, BATHROOMS, BEDROOMS & MORE

Puzzle One Clue C equals W

HARDWOOD

© 2021 NEA, Inc.

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

©2021 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

12-2-21

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

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

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This week’s Crossword answers

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This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “Look at how a single candle can both defy and define the darkness.”

Anne Frank Puzzle Two Solution: “You wake up some days and feel ugly. ... I accept that I’m not perfect and it’s OK -- I can start over again tomorrow.”

Kaley Cuoco Puzzle Three Solution: “I’ve learned throughout my journey that perfection is the enemy of greatness.”

Janelle Monae

This week’s Sudoku answers

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

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Insurance

Individual and Family Health Insurance

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

Window Repairs • Sliding Glass Door Repairs Sliding Glass Door Deadbolts

Call us today! 941.628.8579 www.ezslider.com

368517

941-504-0903

FREE PICKUP / DELIVERY • FREE ONSITE QUOTES

Don Christo, Sr., Horologist

WE COME TO YOU

PROUD!

Furniture Sales & Repairs Cushions • Slings • Re-powdercoating

CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT

368921

FAST • EASY • SAFE

Patio Furniture Repairs.com

369064

SELL YOUR CAR! 941.270.4400

Furniture Repair

368912

Auto Service

FREE IN-HOM ESTIMATEE S

• Aetna, Cigna or United Health Care plans • Nationwide PPO networks • Wide range of deductibles • 1 year, 2 years or 3 years terms (fixed rate) • Effective any day of the year • AFFORDABLE and comprehensive Also, Medicare and Company Group plans

369078

Dustin Yoder

Dustin Owner Yoder/ Operator

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

368512

“Specializing inin6” Gutters” “Specializing 6” Seamless Seamless Gutters” 367616

368919

Sliding Glass Door Repair

Email (SSETO@MYHST.COM) Call/Text 941-993-4137 www.setohealthgroup.com

RIGHT ON TARGET Advertise your business, starting at only $85 per month.

OBSERVER RED PAGES

Call 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

Irrigation

Lawn Care

29

Bisson Roofing Inc. Specializing in Reroofs and Repairs FREE Estimates • 30 Years Experience

941 - 748 - 7400

SMALL ENGINE REPAIRS Painting

Complete Interior & Exterior Painting

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

367641

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

Power Washing Pressure Washing

941-626-3194

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

Pressure Washing

369076

CJ COOLEY OWNER/OPERATOR

Building & Roofing Contractor

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

941-400-4912

www.bissonroofing.com

Owner Supervises Every Job

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.

UNIQUE PAINTING & PRESSURE WASHING SERVICES

CustomGraniteServicesLLC@gmail.com

368526

941-739-5102

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

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

Custom Granite Services, llc

RC0067420 • Lic. & Ins. 368551

368922

SALES & REPAIRS - MOWERS, GENERATORS, TRIMMERS, PRESSURE WASHERS, CHAIN SAWS, BLOWERS, ENGINES

Servicing LWR, Parrish and NE Bradenton

368520

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

Roofing

ED’S RAIN MAKER IRRIGATION IRRIGATION (941) 725-8100 REPAIR edsrainmakerirrigation@gmail.com MAINTENANCE Insured

|

Screening

Serving Sarasota/Manatee Area Since 2004

941-544-1066

AFTER

BEFORE

368914

THE GRAB BAR GUY

Honesty, Integrity and Pride

• Roofs • Pool Cages • Decks • Driveways Deck/Paver Sealing• •Decks Gutter• Driveways Cleaning ••Roofs • Pool Cages AndSealing Much•More!

• Deck/Paver And Much More

| scaperotta@aol.com

Italian American Owned

GLENN KROECKER

SHOWER & BATH MAKEOVERS 367637

Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

Call John 941.377.2940

369086

Made for where you live. Here!

RED PAGES

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

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

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Free Estimates • Sarasota Resident Since 1974

www.showerandbathsarasota.com

941-345-5264

Rescreening & Repairs

specialty screens / screw replacement / paint Doors and more!

Landscaping & Lawn

Windows

Manufacture and workmanship

Form Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

Design • Garden Beds Landscape • Courtyards Clean-Up • Makeovers Weeds • Trimming 368923

Allison J. Abizaid, M.A.

Personal Gardening Services | Designer

“No Job Too Small”

Insured

941-270-1561

STUFF

found here.

The Red Pages is the perfect store to buy and sell locally! You’ll find a wide selection from antiques to furniture to condos!

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

Call 941-955-4888 or visit YourObserver.com/redpages

ows

140

$

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

SPECIAL 00 5

$

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Purified water window cleaning available!!

369079

368521

Eldridge Re-Screen Licensed

Call to reserve your ad space: 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

25

UP TO

STANDARD WINDOWS

941.400.0431

WITH THE RED PAGES

Lic./Ins.

w & Pressure Cl indo345-5264 W(941) eani t e s n ng s a S u n u n w r o i s n e k Wind S erly

No Job is too Small!

GROW YOUR BUSINESS

Warranties

Res./Com.

GARDENS BY ALLISON

gbyallison@yahoo.com gardensbyallison.com

368513

Licensed & Insured

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

368514

368519

954-1878 (cell) 780-3346

30

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

|

Visit or call us for a private consultation PremierSothebysRealty.com L I ST W I T H U STO DAY.C O M

Let us showcase your home like no other.

Nothing Compares.

8075 Whiskey Pond Lane Donna Soda & Laura Stavola

SARASOTA POLO CLUB

PRESTANCIA

THE LAKE CLUB

3944 Losillias Drive Joel Schemmel & Sharon Chiodi

$2,995,000 941.587.4894

8336 Catamaran Circle Laura Stavola

LAKEWOOD RANCH 19006 69th Avenue East Jesse Carr

$3,499,999 941.961.5857

$2,375,000 941.447.4875

GREENBROOK VILLAGE

$1,200,000 941-920-6588

6305 Tanager Cove Donna Soda & Jim Soda

ENGLEWOOD 7108 Trout Lane Amee Sams & Beth Sargent

$949,000 941.961.5857

$5,999,999 941.447.1466

The Florida Gulf Coast Luxury Leader

No.2

BRIDGEWATER 13427 Swiftwater Way Laura Stavola

BOCA ROYALE $849,000 941.447.4875

5 North Cayman Isles Boulevard Tamara & Todd Currey

$792,000 941.400.7676

7609 Desert Inn Way Michelle Crabtree

$795,000 941.587.1776

S o t h e by ’ s I n t e r n a t i o n a l R e a l t y ® A f f i l i a t e I n Th e W o r l d

No.19

I n S a l e s Vo l u m e I n Th e N a t i o n R I S M e d i a P o w e r B r o ke r R e p o r t

SARASOTA 7421 Castle Drive Fernando Viteri

LAKEWOOD RANCH $600,000 941.724.4663

No. 21

I n S a l e s Vo l u m e I n Th e N a t i o n R E A L Tr e n d s Fi v e H u n d r e d

LAKE SARASOTA 6489 Kahana Way Denise Mattmuller

MODERN URBAN RESIDENCES

HARMONY AT LAKEWOOD RANCH $425,000 941.364.4000

5073 Skyview Lane Robert Sherman & Janet Boyden

$399,000 941.313.1301

Centered in one of downtown Sarasota’s hippest neighborhoods, the Rosemary District, Zahrada 2 will encompass 18 residences and four retail/office spaces.

Priced from $490,725, these elevated units boast a stylish, modern exterior and a distinctive architectural design — creating the perfect envelope for ultimate function and sophistication.

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 sources including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate.

SARASOTA - DOWNTOWN | 941.364.4000

Protect Your Home and Everything that Matters 888.870.7667

VENICE | 941.412.3323 LAKEWOOD RANCH | 941.907.9541 LONGBOAT KEY | 941.383.2500 RENTALS | 941.203.3433

PremierSothebysRealty.com

348075-1

1558 4th Street, Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941.920.1500 | ZahradaSarasota.com

SOUTHSIDE VILLAGE

Holiday Stroll The Most Family Friendly Fun Time in Southside Village Friday, Dec. 10 • 5-9 p.m.

Pictures with Santa Music Compound’s annual Holiday Concert Treats & Activities for Kids of ALL ages!

Hot Cocoa & Castle Bouncy House Unbelievable Raffle Return of the Snow Slide!

Exhilarating Trampoline Adventurous Climbing Wall TO BENEFIT THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS Southside Village HOLIDAY STROLL

Friday, Dec 8 • 5-9 p.m.

PARKING AVAILABLE IN THE SOUTH PARKING GARAGE 0F SARASOTA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL AT 41 AND HILLVIEW ST.

SO U T H SI D E V I L L A G E . O RG

DEC. 8 The most Family Friendly, Fun time in Southside

Santa will be on site The Music Compound will host their Holiday Concert Free Treats and activities | Unbelievable Raffle

COFFRIN

JEWELERS Fabulous Snow Slide The Shoppe Worth Discovering

| Exhilarating Trampoline Adventurous Climbing Wall

Proceeds Benefit Girls Inc. of Sarasota County

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

L & S Partners

Inspire Collaborate Educate

SOUTHSIDEVILLAGE.ORG

DEBBI W OL F I N G ER , R EALT OR , R OSE B AY I N T ER N AT I ON AL R E KN I C KS TAV ER N & G R I L L | G EC KO’ S G R I L L & PU B M ORT ON ’ S G OU R M ET M AR KET G U L F C OAST C OM M U N I T Y F OU N D AT I ON DR. T OD D R EU T ER , D M D , M D , OR AL & I M PL AN T SU R G ERY BIT E SQU AD | JOD AT L AW G R OU P | C OF F R I N JEW L ER S

FREE Parking available in the South Parking Garage of Sarasota Memorial Hospital at 41 and Hillview St. LAW O F F IC E O F A N DREW RO SIN , PA | BLU H O M E C O F F RIN J EW ELERS | A F C URG EN T CA RE SA RA SOTA M EM O RIA L H O SPITA L