East County Observer 2.17.22

EAST COUNTY

Observer

Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998

Clowning around

PAGE 2B

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

FREE • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

VOLUME 24, NO. 14

Land swaps benefit school district School District of Manatee County sells 17 acres to offset the cost of 30 acres in Parrish for a new middle school. SEE PAGE 3A

YOUR TOWN

Liz Ramos

Vivienne Remington and Mila Primarolo.

Princess makeover on Main Street Lakewood Ranch’s Vivienne Remington and Mila Primarolo were walking down Lakewood Main Street during the Main Street Market when they stumbled upon the Princess Perfect Boutique.

Remington, 4, and Primarolo, 5, came out of the boutique’s tent Feb. 12 with long pink and yellow-green hair, a jeweled design on their faces and glitter in their hair.

“I like that it is different colors, and I like all the jewels,” Vivienne said of her hair and face. “I also like the glitter and little lollipop in my hair.”

To the

rescue Jay Heater

Dave Burns stands with Danny, 30 years old and the first animal under the care of Dave and Lisa Burns.

Myakka City animal sanctuary cares for abandoned animals. SEE PAGE 8A

Courtesy photo

Corina Brown

Dye-ing to donate R. Dan Nolan Middle School’s Corina Brown unwrapped her tie-dye shirt in the sink and held it up to look at her work.

She was able to create a perfect blue spiral in the center of her green and blue shirt.

Brown was one of dozens of students to tie-dye a T-shirt for $5 as part of a Future Business Leaders of America fundraiser.

FBLA donated the proceeds to the March of Dimes, a nonprofit working to improve the health of mothers and babies.

A+E

Ready to step in

Flowers, poetry and light blooms INSIDE

Grapevine’s Allison Imre becomes LWRBA chair of the board.

SEE PAGE 2A

Jay Heater

Tragedy thrust Grapevine’s Allison Imre into the top leadership role at the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance.

2A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Alliance chair handles the heat

“Our staff is positioned for greatness. The board is enthusiastic. The members are ready to move forward with vision and commitment.”

Allison Imre doesn’t mind being thrown into the leadership fire at the LWRBA.

— Allison Imre

is ready to assume the chair of the board, he or she is well versed in the alliance’s overall vision.

“We will be 20 years old as an organization in 2025,” Lamont said.

“What a great time now for us to be looking ahead. That’s why I believe so strongly in strategic planning.”

Like her card says, Imre stretches her limits when it comes to involvement with the community. She is new to the board of the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp.

She “stays in touch” with Manatee Tech through her employees who serve on that board. In politics, she keeps abreast of plans for obtainable workforce housing, a key worry among LWRBA members. She said the wheels are in motion to not just chat about obtainable workforce housing but also to supply it. She said we all have to do a better job developing local talent to work in our businesses.

Imre said it is part of the alliance’s responsibility to identify issues.

“We need to own our backyard,” she said.

Oh, and she and her husband, David Perkowski, are raising two children (their son, Raymond, and daughter, Ryan).

She wants to continue the alliance’s move toward more community engagement, which is highlighted in the form of the Alliance Gives Back event where members spend a weekend giving their time to local nonprofits.

As the board chair, she sees her job as figuring out the bigger picture and then sharing that information the best she knows how with members.

She said the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance must stay in the know and “have a seat at the table.”

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

A

llison Imre, who just took over as the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance chair of the board for 2022, passes out a business card with the title, “Director of the Department of Everything.”

The card shows an illustration of a woman with eight arms sitting in a yoga position and handling various tasks in each hand.

It is apropos because Imre, who was the LWRBA’s incoming chair, is used to balancing community involvement.

Now she has had to take over as LWRBA chair under tragic circumstances. Shawna Hicks-Cranston had just become the new chair when her husband, Brad Cranston, died on Jan. 12. Shawna Hicks-Cranston decided to step away from the board to be with her family.

Imre figured she’d have another year before she stepped into the chair. But she didn’t.

“If someone is going to be thrown into the fire, Allison is the right one for the job,” LWRBA CEO and President Brittany Lamont said.

Imre, who has owned Grapevine Communications of Lakewood Ranch since 2017, is OK with that assessment, but notes that she felt prepared even though everything was a shock.

“The chair seat is more of a collaboration (with the other board members),” Imre said. “I felt comfortable knowing what Shawna’s vision was.”

Imre, once a broadcaster for the KC Royals Radio Network, explained that the LWRBA board members all talk to each other in terms of longterm goals. By the time a person

File photo

Allison Imre of Grapevine Communications accepts her Bull by the Horns award last November at the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance’s Sandies Awards.

If you are going to have that seat, she said you also must know the members’ biggest challenges.

Imre sees the next year as a steadying time on the LWRBA, with Lamont as the CEO and president, the third such change in leadership in the last two years.

“We’ve got staying power in the president’s chair,” Imre said. “Brittany and (Vice President) Dan Sidler have righted this ship. All the pieces on the chessboard are in place.”

New challenges are utilizing the

budget, increasing the membership and adopting new technology.

She said Lamont has been a whirlwind in contacting members, sponsors and potential members. Everyone is full speed ahead.

“We are financially secure,” Imre said of the LWRBA. “Our staff is positioned for greatness. The board is enthusiastic. The members are ready to move forward with vision and commitment.”

Imre obviously was adopting the role of team leader after believing

she would be the incoming chair in a listen, learn and advise capacity.

She said in a way it’s good she didn’t have another year to prepare for her current position because she might have “overthought things.”

Making the transition to the chair’s role was made easier, she said, because she has 22 employees at Grapevine Communications who have offered to help in any way they can.

The daily message has been, “I’ve got this for you,” Imre said of her employees. “In the face of adversity, it’s been a glorious thing to see.”

So onward she goes, in her words, “not regulated by any boundaries.”

She does have one area she plans to improve during her year as chair.

“Less than 30% of the businesses in Lakewood Ranch are members of the alliance,” she said. “We want to own Lakewood Ranch.”

She wants potential members to understand that she has done “seven figures in revenue” with individuals she has networked with through the LWRBA. “I have developed my deepest and most profound friendships through the alliance,” she said. “These are the kind of people you could call at 4 a.m. and say, ‘I need gas,’ and they would come get you.”

And both Imre and Lamont said they want everyone to keep HicksCranston in their thoughts.

“We hope when the time is right, Shawna knows she has an open invitation to assume a leadership role,” Lamont said. “For now, we want to make her proud.”

Visit Parade of Homes

TODAY THRU SUN. MAR. 14 For Details ParadeOfHomesInfo.com

.com e s u ho

Furn

The

GRAND PRIZE SPONSOR

e War e r u t i

48 MONTHS NO INTEREST*

PICK UP TODAY OR FREE DOOR DELIVERY** WE OFFER FULL-SERVICE DELIVERY AND SET-UP

50 OFF

$

WIN A $1000 SHOPPING SPREE! Enter at any of our six locations or on line at TheFurnitureWarehouse.com

INTEREST $300 OFF $400 OFF $500 OFF 100 OFF $200 OFF NO UNTIL 2026!*

$

ANY PURCHASE OVER $499

ANY PURCHASE OVER $999

ANY PURCHASE OVER $1999

OR USE ONE OF THESE COUPONS

ANY PURCHASE OVER $2999

ANY PURCHASE OVER $3999

ANY PURCHASE OVER $4999

F U R N I T U R E Entertain. Engage. Escape.

sectional You’ll be dreaming about coming home and lounge on this large sectional.

Contemporary

casual

Combines modern accents with traditional looks. Includes table and 4 chairs.

Stores Hours: Mon-Sat 9-9, Sun 11-6

99

1299

Gorgeous

99

799

Continuous

$

$

SOUTH SARASOTA 5252 S. Tamiami Trail (at Phillippi Creek) 941-260-9601

5-PC

NORTH SARASOTA 4027 N Washington Blvd (Hwy 301) 941-351-8600

and modern Queen headboard, footboard, rails, dresser and mirror.

support

Beautyrest® Daydream Plush Queen Mattress. All Sizes Available.

BRADENTON 1100 Cortez Rd W (corner US Hwy 41) 941-749-6069

ELLENTON 5814 18th Street East (across Premium Outlets) 941-479-7900

799

$

99

49999

$

VENICE 550 S Seaboard Ave (US Hwy 41 Bypass) 941-485-3211

PORT CHARLOTTE 1241 El Jobean Rd (across Sam’s) 941-764-8700

*For financing for 48 months a minimum purchase of $3000 or more is required to qualify. For financing of 12 months a minimum purchase of $300 or more is required to qualify. Interest will be charged to your account from the promotional purchase date. Equal Monthly Payments are required. Offer applies to only single-receipt qualifying purchases. No interest will be charged on promo purchase and equal monthly payments are required equal to initial promo purchase amount divided equally by the number of months in promo period until promo is paid in full. The equal monthly payment will be rounded to the next highest whole dollar and may be higher than the minimum payment that would be required if the purchase was a non-promotional purchase.

Regular account terms apply to non-promotional purchases. For new accounts: Purchase APR is 29.99%; Minimum Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders should see their credit card agreement for their applicable terms. Subject to credit approval. Furniture must be delivered within 90 days for all financing offers. All prices include Hot Buys or Coupon savings. Terms of promotions - Previous purchase excluded, cannot be combined with any other promotion or discount. Promotion offers exclude Hot Buys, floor models or clearance items, sales tax, furniture protection plans, warranty, delivery, or service charge. **Pick Up Today or Free Door Delivery pertains to in-stock merchandise.

370202-1

Two-Chaise

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

|

Big deals for school district Future school possibilities become clearer as the School District of Manatee County makes a land deal with Schroeder-Manatee Ranch and Haval Farms.

La WATER LINE SRV. RD.

DA M

LIZ RAMOS

ke

RD

STAFF WRITER

T

an

.

16TH AVE. E

LAND SWAP DETAILS

The School District of Manatee County swapped 152 acres north of State Road 64 and west of Dam Road for 153 acres owned by Schroeder-Ranch Manatee. The district received 103 acres north of 59th Avenue E. and 40 acres south of S.R. 64 and east of Uihlein Road.

The 17 acres remaining on the Dam Road property are being used to offset the cost of property for a new middle school in Parrish.

64 TIMELINE

2021: The School Board of Manatee County and SMR finalize a land swap. The school board gives SMR 142 of the 159 acres at the property north of S.R. 64 and west of Dam Road in exchange for 103 acres on the north side of 59th Avenue E., just west of Pope Road, and 40 acres south of State Road 64 and east of Uihlein Road.

2022: The School Board of Manatee County approves the disposal of 17 acres it owns west of Dam Road.

R ANGEL AND PK W Y.

LORRAINE RD.

2007: The School Board of Manatee County acquires 159 acres of property north of State Road 64 and west of Dam Road from Schroeder-Manatee Ranch for $1

POST BLVD.

59TH AVE . EAST

The School District of Manatee County owns 103 acres north of 59th Avenue E. The site could be used for a future high school.

70

2022: The School Board of Manatee County approves the sale of the 17 acres to Haval Farms to offset the cost of the board buying 30 acres of land in Parrish from Haval Farms.

E I N R D.

the School Board of Manatee County. Pendley said Neal Communities is going through an entitlement process with Manatee County to develop single-family residential homes on the property.

Haval Farms, a company managed

by John and Pat Neal, reached out to the school board to see if Haval Farms can purchase the 17 acres to offset the cost of the school board buying 30 acres of land from Haval Farms in Parrish near North River Ranch.

The purchase price of the 30 acres is $2.7 million, according to board documents.

The 17 acres were appraised at $1,105,000. The school board will provide $1,145,000 as educational facility impact fee credits to Haval Farms. Haval Farms also will provide a $450,000 non-cash charitable donation to the school board.

Pendley said the district intends to close on the 30-acre property this summer. The agreement requires Haval Farms to put in all roads, water, sewer, sidewalks and other infrastructure necessary for the school sites.

“They’re building that as fast as they can,” Pendley said. “We’re just waiting for those infrastructures to be in place, and then we will close on that property.”

The 17 acres were appraised at about $65,000 per acre, compared with the 30 acres in Parrish being appraised at about $75,000 per acre, Pendley said.

“It’s only appraised at $10,000 an acre or so for basically a site that’s ready for a school,” Pendley said. “It shows that we’re getting a good value here.”

64 ACADEMIC AVE .

UI H L

he School Board of Manatee County is planning to sell 17 acres in East County to offset the cost of a property for a new middle school in Parrish.

The school board owns 17 acres north of State Road 64 and west of Dam Road that were left over from a land swap the board finalized with Schroeder-Manatee Ranch in 2021.

“We rubbed our crystal ball and said, ‘Wow, this is where we need it,’” said Mike Pendley, an executive planner for the School District of Manatee County. “Well, the crystal ball was a little foggy, because over the years, Lakewood Ranch has developed out a little differently than what we expected and probably what (SMR) expected, too. Everything about it was beneficial to the school district.”

The school board gave SMR 142 of the 159 acres at the property north of S.R. 64 and west of Dam Road in exchange for 103 acres on the north side of 59th Avenue East, just west of Pope Road, and 40 acres south of S.R. 64 and east of Uihlein Road.

The property on the north side of 59th Avenue East could be used for a future high school. The 40 acres east of Uihlein Road and south of S.R. 64 will be used to construct a K-8 school.

The 17 acres was going to be used to construct a bus depot when it was part of the original 159-acre parcel.

The district planned to build a high school and middle school on that property but decided to swap land because it saw growth happening farther south of S.R. 64 and farther east in Lakewood Ranch.

“When we acquired that land back in 2007, they didn’t have all their development plans finalized,” Pendley said of SMR. “Over time, it became obvious that the site is not in a location to serve the larger population of Lakewood Ranch. We swapped the property to get school sites among the residential neighborhoods that they’re building that will allow students to walk to these sites and cut down on transportation costs.”

The school board decided to dispose of the 17-acre property because it doesn’t own any adjacent property. The property also would require substantial road and utility infrastructure improvements that would cost the district millions.

If the district decided to develop school sites on the 17-acre property, it would have to pay to put in turn lanes and traffic signals on S.R. 64, extend water and sewer to the site and build internal roadways.

SMR is providing any turn lanes, traffic signals, water and sewer lines, roadways and anything else necessary to build schools on the properties off Uihlein Road and 59th Avenue East.

When the district conducted the land swap with SMR, the 142 acres off Dam Road was appraised at $3,625,000, compared with the $10,550,000 appraisal for the 143 acres the district received.

“SMR knowingly did that,” Pendley said. “They want the schools to be accessible to their residents. They knew the deal was not a dollar-fordollar deal, but it’s something that benefits their community as well, so they worked with us.”

Pendley said the 17-acre site also is no longer a suitable location for a new bus depot. He said having a bus depot in Parrish would be more beneficial to the district. The district’s current bus depot is located at the Robert G. Matzke Support Center near Mixon Fruit Farms in Bradenton.

Having a bus depot in Parrish would keep buses from having to come back to the depot every evening to refuel. The buses could go to the satellite facility in Parrish instead, Pendley said.

Now the 17 acres will be sold to offset the cost of purchasing 30 acres for a new middle school in Parrish.

Neal Communities is in contract with SMR to purchase property north of S.R. 64 and west of Dam Road, which used to be owned by

M

The School District of Manatee County plans to use a 40-acre site south of State Road 64 and east of Uihlein Road to build a K-8 school.

BY THE NUMBERS

$1

$65,000

159

$75,000

Amount the School Board of Manatee County paid for property north of State Road 64 and west of Dam Road Acres on property north of S.R. 64 and west of Dam Road

142

Acres the school board swapped with SchroederManatee Ranch

143 17

Acres the school board received in the swap

Acres the school board still owns north of S.R. 64 and west of Dam Road

30

Acres the school board wants to purchase from Haval Farms for a new middle school in Parrish

Appraisal per acre for 17 acres north of S.R. 64 and west of Dam Road

Appraisal per acre for 30 acres owned by Haval Farms in Parrish

$10,550,000 Appraisal for 143 acres the school board received in the land swap

$3,625,000

Appraisal for 142 acres the school board traded in the land swap

at

ee

3A

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

NEWS BRIEFS

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

Courtesy photo

Front: Mary Ann Legler, Trinity Dunbar, Gabriella Cortes-Alban, Charlene Neal, Pat Neal. Back: Bronson Empsall, Dilan Desir, Jonathan Evans

Developer donates to Manatee nonprofit Neal Communities made a $10,000 donation to Healthy Teens Coalition of Manatee County.

Healthy Teens is a nonprofit that provides health and life skills education and mentoring to hundreds of youth in Manatee County between the ages of 11 and 25.

Its Teen Health Educator program trains children ages 14 to 17 to serve as peer educators and mentors.

“Healthy Teens is thrilled to benefit from the generosity of Neal Communities,” said Jonathan Evans, the executive director of Healthy Teens Coalition of Manatee County, in a news release. “This significant investment in our work will really help us to provide high-quality peereducation and mentoring services to and through our community’s youth, helping them to make healthy decisions that empower them to create successful futures for themselves. It is so encouraging to our Teen Health Educators to know that there are organizations like Neal Communities that are so generously supporting their mission to their peers.”

Charlene Neal, president of Charlene Neal PureStyle and vice president of design at Neal Communities, said it’s an honor to support Healthy Teens Coalition of Manatee County because the nonprofit “gives young people skills to have successful, healthy adult lives,” according to

handcrafted hardwood furniture for every room of your home. includes Dining Bedroom Murphy Beds Office Living Room Outdoor Poly Bathroom Vanities Kitchen Cabinets

two locations

-

3737 Bahia Vista St. Sarasota, FL 34232 941.952.5646 6100 N Lockwood Ridge Rd. Sarasota, FL 34243 941.960.2942

371317-1

dutchhausfurniture.com

EAST COUNTY

Observer

Manatee County offers help to county job applicants Manatee County Government Talent Acquisition specialists will be available to help applicants hoping to fill dozens of open positions in county government.

“This is an excellent opportunity for our applicants to see what positions we have available — right now,” said Kate Barnett, a talent acquisition specialist, in a news release.

Specialists will be available to speak directly with applicants from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Monday through March 28 at the Downtown Bradenton Branch Library at 1301 Barcarrota Blvd. W. Specialists also will be available from noon to 4 p.m. every Tuesday through March 22 at the South Manatee Branch Library at 6081 26th St. W. For more information on current openings, visit MyManatee.org/Jobs.

For more information on Manatee County government, visit MyManatee.org or call 748-4501.

Family Practice with an Integrative Approach

8130 Lakewood Main Street, Suite 207, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 PHONE: 941-755-5357 | WEBSITE: www.YourObserver.com

When choosing your healthcare provider, consider a physician who sees YOU as a Whole Person, NOT A SET OF SYMPTOMS.

TO EMAIL US

Email press releases, announcements and Letters to the Editor to: Jay Heater, jheater@yourobserver.com

TO ADVERTISE Display Advertising: To obtain information, call Sam Johnson at 941-366-3468, Ext. 319.

Classified Advertising / Service Directory: For information and rates, or to place an ad, call 941-955-4888. Hours 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. To place a classified ad online, visit www.YourObserver.com, or email your ad to classified@yourobserver.com.

Integrative medicine practitioners spend time with their patients, listening to their histories and looking at the interactions among genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that can influence long-term health and complex, chronic disease.

TO SUBSCRIBE To subscribe: Please call Donna Condon at 941-366-3468, Ext. 301, or email dcondon@yourobserver.com.

First-Class One year / $200 Six months / $160 Three months / $128

the news release.

“The future of our region will be shaped by our young people, so we want to help give them every tool possible to ensure their success,” said Pat Neal, the founder and chairman of Neal Communities, in a news release.

Bradenton East Integrative Medicine

Offering Bioidentical Hormones

Canada One year / $250 Six months / $200 Three months / $160

as a natural approach to Hormone balance without the risks associated with synthetic hormone replacement.

PUBLIC NOTICES

ASK US ABOUT BHRT PELLET THERAPY AND HOW WE CAN MATCH YOUR NEEDS.

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

AUDITOR INFORMATION

Our Practitioners:

Verified Audit 1101 Fifth Ave., Suite 270 | San Rafael, CA 94901 (415) 461-6006 | www.verifiedaudit.com

Karen O. Brainard, M.D. Samantha L. Notman, D.O. Carol Lewis, APRN

Bridgett Edwards, APRN Deborah Howard-Patton, APRN Camille Kasten, APRN

LIKE US www.facebook.com/ObserverGroup

WATCH US 370086-1

www.youtube.com/user/YourObserverVideo

FOLLOW US https://twitter.com/observergroup 369368-1

4A

check us out at beimonline.com 8614 State Rd. 70 E., Ste. 200, Bradenton, FL 34202 | (941) 727-1243

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

5A

Two apartment complexes on way to East County APARTMENTS MOVING IN

The Pointe at Lakewood Ranch will serve the 55-and-over crowd to fill an area niche.

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

When it comes to luxury, not many niche home markets remain for builders in the Lakewood Ranch area.

Eastwind Development, however, has found one.

The development company is building The Pointe at Lakewood Ranch, a 160-unit, luxury, over-55 apartment community on a 19-acre site along Lakewood Ranch’s Town Center Parkway (the address is 8915 77th Terrace) just east of Interstate 75.

“This is our fifth project of this type in Florida,” said Stephen Novacki, vice president of development and acquisitions for Eastwind Development. “We are the 55-andover for-rent alternative.”

While Del Webb and Cresswind have entered the over-55 market for home sales, Novacki said the over55 rental offering is unmatched.

Novacki said there will be a community director and a wellness center that will include spin and Pilates classes, along with a pool that will have a beach entry. A covered area near the pool will offer hammocks.

At a time when apartment rents are skyrocketing in Manatee County, Novacki said the new apartment complex will fit into the market nicely.

“The simple fact is that the rental rate in Manatee County is among the highest in Florida because of the tremendous population growth,” he said.

Verdex Construction already has started at the Point at Lakewood Ranch, along with another conventional luxury apartment development in The Crossing at Palm Aire Apartments. Eastwind, which does business almost entirely in Florida,

Courtesy renderings

The Crossing at Palm Aire should be open by mid-2023.

also is developing The Crossing at Palm Aire Apartments.

Novacki said both projects should fill up quickly.

“It’s the location,” he said. “These have the best of what Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota have to offer.”

The projects have been in the works for some time. Novacki said it took between 15 and 18 months to get the entitlements for the properties.

He said he likes working with Manatee County, but noted that in today’s environment it takes extra time to get projects permitted.

The Palm Aire project will be 315 units on 17 acres. Amenities will include a 10,000-square-foot, twostory clubhouse featuring a coffee lounge, game room, co-working spaces, fitness center and resortstyle pool.

Novacki said both projects should begin leasing late this year with move-ins scheduled at the Lakewood Ranch project for late December or early January and by mid-2023 for the Palm Aire project.

He said he has been a developer in the Sarasota and Manatee counties area for more than 10 years and has a good feel for the market. Eastwind is headquartered in Palm Beach.

A third-party management com-

The Pointe at Lakewood Ranch will be a 55-and-over apartment rental community on Town Center Parkway.

pany will be hired to run the apartment complexes.

Novacki said Eastwind is seeking more properties for multifamily projects.

“We’ve been looking at parcels along State Road 64,” he said. “They all have interest to us.”

Eastwind made the announcement in January that Verdex Construction would build both projects, which were designed by Forum Architecture & Interior Design.

“Sarasota is seeing lots of multifamily housing development growth, and we’re pleased that Verdex’s West Coast expansion is a part of it, ” said Verdex Construction President Rex Kirby in a release.

Verdex is headquartered in West Palm Beach, with offices in Tampa and Gainesville.

THE POINTE AT LAKEWOOD RANCH Developer: Eastwind Development Architect: Forum Architecture & Interior Design Where: 8915 77th Terrace, Lakewood Ranch, on 19 acres (9 buildable acres) About the project: Two fourstory buildings totaling 160 units. Building one features 112 units and amenities including an 11,000-squarefoot clubhouse with fitness center, salon, pet spa, group fitness/spin room, steam room, media room, game room/card lounge, library, craft room, dining area, lobby, leasing offices, pool and green space. Building two houses the remaining 48 units.

Project also includes surface parking, two stand-alone fivecar parking garages and one six-car parking garage with maintenance bay.

Finish date: Late 2022 THE CROSSING AT PALM AIRE APARTMENTS Developer: Eastwind Development Architect: Forum Architecture & Interior Design Where: Palm Aire community at the northeast corner of Lockwood Ridge Road and Whitfield Avenue.

About the project: Seven four- and three-story buildings with 315 Class-A units on 17 acres. The project includes a pedestrian bridge over slough and large site work package. Amenities include a 10,000-square-foot, two-story clubhouse featuring a coffee lounge, game room, co-working spaces, fitness center and resort-style pool.

Finish date: Mid-2023

Having spent my entire career in sales and marketing working for Fortune 500 companies, I definitely have high expectations. Working with Tina was a great experience. She delivers on all sides, market analysis, marketing and positioning, and most importantly, getting the deal done. Tina is the real deal!

Terry and Laura C

Selling Lakewood Ranch SOLD

SOLD

JUST LISTED

$760,000

$1,069,000

$699,000

6669 WINDJAMMER PL

7539 MIZNER RESERVE CT

13753 AMERICAN PRARIE PL

EDGEWATER SOLD $41K OVER

COUNTRY CLUB SOLD AT $428/SF

SAVANNA

GRI, CLHMS, CIRE

#1 Michael Saunders Lakewood Ranch Agent since 2019 Top 1% of all Sarasota and Manatee Agents Over $60 MILLION CLOSED and PENDED | 2021 As Featured on HGTV House Hunters

www.TinaCiaccio.com 370752-1

941.685.8420

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

HAVE YOU MET

BOB?

Photos by Ian Swaby

Hugo Rodriguez of PlayTri says bike parts are hard to acquire during the supply chain shortages.

Businesses play long game in a time of shortages Lakewood Ranch-area businesses search for answers to supply chain issues.

low temperature to slow their growth before sale.

“We’re just praying for cool weather,” she said.

Bridges realized the fate of her business was up to her. She purchased a shipping container from AERO Diversified Sales in Bradenton. Her husband, David, a carpenter, added two-by-fours with insulation.

Michelle added an air conditioner with a CoolBot device, bringing the temperature inside the container to 38 degrees. The container sits behind her business.

The result was a new fridge that she says is better than before: quieter, more energy-efficient and free of the smell of petrol and diesel that has brought complaints in the past from people in the vicinity.

She said obtaining flowers can be difficult with supply shortages, and florists need to be open-minded about new ways of doing business.

“By not sticking to a cookie-cutter (way of doing business), you can get a better product, and you get some-

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

C

onsumers in the East County area see the empty shelves and substitute items whenever they go shopping.

Local businesses live with it.

Several business owners talked about how they are sent in different directions when they encounter today’s world of supply chain shortages.

FANTASY FLOWERS

Fantasy Flowers owner Michelle Bridges said she is struggling because of a lack of refrigerated trucks she can rent to store her flowers. Bridges rents trucks to keep her flowers at a

FRIENDLY Badger Bob is a funny name, but we’re serious about providing unFURgettably unparalleled service – with every call.

A Coronary Artery Calcium Score Could Save Your Life

DEPENDABLE Bob is always ready to go beyond the call to ensure your home’s A/C, plumbing, appliances and electrical are running right – 24/7.

PROVEN You can expect a job well done, every time, backed by our Badger Bob’s Done-Right the First Time Guarantee.

WANT TO MEET BOB?

If you are at risk for heart disease, Bradenton Cardiology Center has a screening test that can help detect the amount of calcium deposits, or plaque, in coronary arteries.

Bob may be our mascot, but he embodies all the great qualities you can expect from our team when you choose Badger Bob’s Services. That’s our promise. Give us a call and see for yourself.

Risk factors include: • Family history of heart disease • High blood pressure • High cholesterol • Being overweight • Having diabetes • Being a smoker • Living an inactive or stressful lifestyle

Women aged 55 and older and men aged 45 and older may also want to consider getting tested.

This noninvasive test takes approximately 15 minutes.

There are no needles, dyes or liquids to swallow.

CT Heart Score tests are self-pay and cost only $50.

No prescription required.

To learn more, visit bradentoncardiology.com

316 Manatee Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205 8340 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Ste 210 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

941.777.2004 | badgerbobs.com 2021

Emergency Service

License #: CFC1427129, CAC1815977, EC13009294

For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website. 22698339-769728 2/22 374641-1

24/ 7

941.748.2277 bradentoncardiology.com

370587-1

6A

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

thing more creative and more beautiful,” she said.

Bridges said if she needs to leave something out of an arrangement, she can always add something new or a variety of colors.

REMY’S

Larry and Barbara Remington saw the opening of their Lakewood Main Street restaurant Remy’s delayed by a month due to pandemic issues.

They opened Jan. 10 but didn’t get the last piece of their needed restaurant equipment until February.

Fortunately, the Remingtons have family members who are key workers in the operation.

Even so, they have been hit hard by a shortage of workers. They are five or six employees short of what is needed to run the restaurant.

They’ve shortened their hours for the time being.

Larry Remington said he now keeps tabs on local businesses, so if his primary supplier, U.S. Food Services, can’t deliver an item, he turns to other sources, such as Restaurant Depot and Gordon Foods, both of which purchase their items locally.

Nonetheless, he’s happy to see an increasing base of customers. “It’s getting a little bit better than a year ago,” he says. “…And I think it’s starting to get better and more exciting to see daylight. People are feeling more comfortable when they go out.

CB’S PIZZA

CB’s Pizza at Lakewood Ranch owner Bill Chaltis said hard work is behind his ability to offer a quality product in the face of supply shortages.

“The restaurant business involves working long hours with little pay,” Chaltis said. “It’s been that way ever since the government shut down everything.”

While he said the flow of customers continues to improve, the price and supply chain issues remain a hurdle. “We’ve have catastrophic 200% price increases in a lot of products over the last four or five months,” he said. “Just bam!”

Like restaurant owners everywhere, he said he struggles to buy basic ingredients for his pizza, such as beef and sausage.

For Chaltis, the key has been investing more time in procuring items. During a national shortage

|

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

We are so proud to be part of this incredible event!

of biscuit mix, he created his own.

Chaltis said when substituting ingredients, he puts the effort into finding substitutes that don’t impact quality.

PLAYTRI

Hugo Rodriguez, manager of the PlayTri branch at University Town Center, said he sees lots of shortages in the bike industry and shops are most commonly struggling with obtaining parts and new bikes to sell.

The best way to accommodate customers, he said, is to accept trade-ins and use the bike parts for other fixes, along with preparing used bikes to sell.

He said if a wheel is bent out of shape due to an accident, the store will be sure to remove whatever spokes are in good condition and save them for other repairs.

According to Rodriguez, the pandemic has doubled the amount of tuneups the store performs on bicycles. Since moving to University Park from Sarasota about three months ago, the business has performed about 25 tuneups a week, but he expects the number to grow to 60.

SARASOTA’S 5-STAR MED SPA

Beauty is our Business

FAIRFAX FLOORS

Steve Brite, owner of Fairfax Floors in Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota and Bradenton, said that when the pandemic first hit, he briefly wondered if it was the end of his business. But then he decided to get proactive.

“We got ahead of it by buying inventory,” he said.

As prices started to rise, the store obtained an additional warehouse and acquired numerous materials from multiple vendors, locking in the prices of the items.

“And so the people that come in now, you know, are still paying the prices from six months or a year ago,” he said.

Brite said he cannot speak for the situation of all other businesses, but he’s seen many that have used the economic climate as an excuse to be a failure.

“The way I look at it is if you can think that it’s going to be terrible,” he said. “You’re going to lose.”

OVER 700 FIVE STAR REVIEWS!

169

$

per area

(For Frown, Forehead & Crow’s Feet)

100

Premium $ FILLERS (Filler for Cheeks, Marionette Lines, Nasolabial folds & Lips)

LONGBOAT KEY DELAYED VIDEO SERIES LAKEWOOD RANCH SERIES SARASOTA SERIES VENICE SERIES

OFF

12

$

Tickets at the Door Only $10 SARASOTA INSTITUTE OF LIFETIME LEARNING

per unit

A Lifetime of Learning in Two Exciting Series

(For Frown, Forehead & Crow’s Feet)

Longboat Key, Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, and Venice - in Person or Video On Demand

(Minimum purchase 30 Units)

Next Week’s Programs Include:

Music Mondays

MUSICAL CONVERSATIONS WITH GREAT PERFORMERS

LBK VIDEO SERIES

Monday, Febuary 28 7:30 PM Temple Beth Israel

New to town and needed a few pick me up procedures! I 100% recommend Bowtique Med Spa in Sarasota! These ladies are professional, listen to your needs and work magic!! If you need fillers, botox, or other facial needs - GO HERE! – I.G.

Monday, Febuary 21

Sarasota,10:30 am - Venice, 3:00 pm Longboat Key Video, February 21, 7:30 pm

Matthew Vickers, Tenor

Hailed as “a gutsy performer whose glowing tenor voice has interestingly dark, baritonal undertones”, Matthew Vickers has performed throughout the United States and first performed with the Sarasota Opera in 2016.

Global Issues AN INSIDER’S VIEW OF TODAY’S WORLD

Tuesday, February 22

Sarasota,10:30 am - Venice, 2:30 pm

Military Assistance vs. Military Operations: A Cure for the Forever Wars Amb. Charles Ray will discuss how the U.S. military can deal with terrorists organizations and still prepare for possible defense operations by focussing on military assistance and training. This could minimize operations that mire our defense establishment in “forever wars”

DEPOSIT REQUIRED AT BOOKING

Available while supplies last. Must mention ad to receive promotion.

Cannot combine with any other discount. All sales final. No refunds. Offers expire February 28, 2022.

Wednesday, February 23 Sarasota,10:30 am

U.S. Military Presence in Africa: The Limits of Engagement Amb. Charles Ray will discuss the appropriate LBK VIDEO SERIES

Thursday, March 3 7:30 PM

Temple Beth Israel

CALL TODAY

limits on U.S. military engagement in Africa to deal with violent extremism and terrorism.

TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENTS!

Thursday, February 24

Sarasota,10:30 am - Lakewood Ranch, 3:30 Friday, February 25 Venice,10:00 am

SRQ | 6118 S. TAMIAMI TRL. 941.360.BTOX (2869)

New Hardline President Raisi and U.S.–Iran Relations Dr. Mohsen Milani discusses Raisi’s hardline views

LWR | 6277 LAKE OSPREY DR. 941.359.BTOX (2869)

and their impact on nuclear talks, global and regional power rivalries.

MON/TUE/TH/FRI 10AM - 5PM ALTERNATE WED/SAT 10AM - 4PM WWW.BOWTIQUEMEDSPA.COM

Complete program details:

371467-1

Check our website for Safety Protocols

368681-1

sillsarasota.org

Longboat Key SILL Video Series www.tbi-lbk.org

7A

8A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

EAST COUNTY

ABOUT THE SANCTUARY

Where: 2807 S. Duette Road, Myakka City Owners: Dave and Lisa Burns Size: 6 acres What’s there: 14 goats, two kangaroos, two wallaroos, 10 tortoises, 10 water turtles, five pot-bellied pigs, two horses, two ponies, one miniature horse, one donkey,and assorted koi, birds, chickens, reptiles, rabbits and more More information or to volunteer: FarmhouseSanctuary.org Want to help? The sanctuary has a partnership with the Louis and Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust, which will match donations up to $500 per household. Go to the “Donate” prompt on FlanzerTrust.org and choose Farmhouse Sanctuary.

Photos byJay Heater

The Farmhouse Animal and Nature Sanctuary is getting a license so that it can open to the public.

WISH LIST

Here is a list of items the sanctuary needs: n Contractorsized trash bags n 13-gallon trash bags n Paper towels n BugBlock fly spray n Essential oils n Cortizone cream n Antibiotic ointment n Calamine lotion n Toys for birds, Guinea pigs and rabbits n Small kiddie pools n Heavy-duty water hoses n Hose spray nozzles n Brushes n Brooms

Go to FarmhouseSanctuary.org for more items.

Cockatoo calls the Farmhouse Animal and Nature Sanctuary home.

Dave and Lisa Burns of Myakka City provide love to dumped animals through their animal sanctuary.

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

A

few curious goats peered through a fence at Farmhouse Animal and Nature Sanctuary as Dave Burns tried to explain why it is so important to open the sanctuary to the public.

“We need to teach them about the animals that come in here,” said Burns, who runs the Myakka City sanctuary with his wife, Lisa. “I feel sorry for the animals being dumped.

Nobody is protecting them.”

Burns wants to open the sanctuary so he can educate people about why it is important to do some research to be sure they are ready and able to handle their “pets.”

“It’s like a pot-bellied pig ... you can’t have that in the house,” Dave Burns said. “Those pigs want to use their nose and dig for bugs.

They’re not supposed to be sitting on the couch, watching ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ on TV.” The Burns worked for eight years as volunteers at the Majical Miniatures rescue in Parrish. The Majical Miniatures’ owners retired, so in 2017, the couple applied for nonprofit status as an animal sanctuary on their 6 acres in Myakka City. Dave Burns used his handyman talents to begin building habitats on their property.

Lisa Burns, along with doing various hands-on chores, handled the office work, such as the paperwork for necessary licensing and pursuing grants.

“I had dogs growing up and a bird,” Lisa Burns said. “But for me, the inspiration for starting a rescue came from seeing all the effort those ladies (Ariyana Saint Jennings and Jan Doherty) put in at Majical Miniatures.”

Although Lisa Burns was happy with her decision, she has been hesitant about opening the rescue to the public.

“I am not as in favor of opening to the public,” she said. “We need more help so I can do the tours.”

However, her husband has her almost convinced that the time is now. They have three regular volunteers who work two regular shifts (four hours) per week and a list of 28 volunteers who volunteer when they have the time. They also receive help from student groups who need service hours, like the Boy Scouts and even businesses. Ten people from Keller Williams real estate came out in January to pull weeds, for example.

Dave Burns, a real-life Dr. Dolittle, said they are ready.

If they get the proper certification from the

U.S. Department of Agriculture, they could open their doors late this spring, although tours would be by appointment only. It would be another source of revenue to feed and care for their animals.

The rescue also received a boost late in January in the form of a $25,000 award in the Tractor Supply “Rescue Your Rescue” contest.

Farmhouse Animal and Nature Sanctuary was one of eight rescues chosen nationally in the contest. The grant money is being used to replace the front gate and many sections of fence throughout the rescue.

It’s a mom-and-pop operation, but their goal is to love and support all of the animals who live at the sanctuary — about 110 of them at the present time— “to the best of their ability and to educate the public on animal care and nature.”

Dave Burns said telling the animals’ stories is important to their mission.

“Every animal here has a story,” he said.

The animals often fall into a dire situation because people find they can’t afford them.

Lisa Burns told the story of their 85-pound tortoise, George, who was found wandering the streets of Sarasota. The local residents who found George said he had “escaped” several other times from his owner, who had no interest in finding him. They called the sanctuary for help.

Abandonment often leads to the animals being hit by vehicles.

Lisa Burns told another story about their donkey, Yeesaw. He was well cared for locally until his owner had to move. A neighbor said he would care for Yeesaw, but a year later, the donkey was found by the previous owner unable to get up off the ground and covered with bugs. In tears, the previous owner called the Burns.

“He is the sweetest donkey,” Lisa Burns said. “A couple of weeks after he came here, he was walking great and jumping fences. Now he walks around like he owns the place.”

The sanctuary took in three sugar gliders (in the possum family but like a flying squirrel) that are native to Australia, and the Burns just took in a prairie dog that was abandoned.

“We call it the misfit farm,” Lisa Burns said with a laugh.

The Burns took in a miniature horse who was found by a farmer walking down State Road 64 in Myakka. The farmer could see why the owner abandoned him.

“He wasn’t walking right,” Dave Burns said. “His feet had problems, and he was covered in scars. I was told he wouldn’t go to anyone, but I wanted to help. When I got there, he walked right up to me like he knew me and then walked on the horse trailer right behind me.

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Publisher and President / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com Associate Publisher — East County Observer / Lori Ruth, LRuth@YourObserver.com Executive Editor and COO / Kat Hughes, KHughes@YourObserver.com Managing Editor / Jay Heater, JHeater@YourObserver.com Sports Editor / Ryan Kohn, RKohn@YourObserver.com Staff Writers / Liz Ramos, LRamos@YourObserver.com; Ian Swaby, ISwaby@YourObserver.com Digital & Engagement Editor / Kaelyn Adix, KAdix@YourObserver.com Copy Editor / Shawn Candela, SCandela@YourObserver.com Editorial Designers / Melissa Leduc, MLeduc@YourObserver.com; José Valle, JValle@YourObserver.com A+E Editor / Spencer Fordin, SFordin@YourObserver.com Black Tie Editor / Harry Sayer, HSayer@YourObserver.com

Dave Burns holds Emily’s paws while offering her a treat.

From discarded to dream home

“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.”

Ducks enjoy their habitat at Farmhouse Animal and Nature Sanctuary.

Director of Advertising / Jill Raleigh, JRaleigh@YourObserver.com Sales Manager / Penny Nowicki, PNowicki@YourObserver.com Regional Digital Director / Kathleen O’Hara, KOHara@YourObserver.com Senior Advertising Executive / Laura Ritter, LRitter@YourObserver.com Advertising Executives / Richeal Bair, RBair@YourObserver.com; Beth Jacobson, BJacobson@YourObserver.com; Jennifer Kane, JKane@YourObserver.com; Honesty Mantkowski, HMantkowski@YourObserver. com; Toni Perren, TPerren@YourObserver. com; Brenda White, BWhite@ YourObserver.com Classified Advertising Sales Executive / Audri Ferguson, AFerguson@ YourObserver.com Sales Operations Manager / Susan Leedom, SLeedom@YourObserver.com Sales Coordinator / Account Manager Lori Downey, LDowney@YourObserver.com Advertising Assistant / Sam Johnson, SJohnson@YourObserver.com Digital Fulfillment Specialist / Emma Burke, EBurke@YourObserver.com Tributes Coordinator / Kristen Boothroyd, Tributes@YourObserver.com Director of Marketing / Robin Lankton, RLankton@YourObserver.com Marketing Coordinator / Samantha Dischinger, SDischinger@YourObserver.com

Lisa Burns feeds George the tortoise, who likes to climb up on her lap.

“We found out he had floating patellas. We named him after Bullseye in ‘Toy Story.’ We watch the animals for a while after they come here, and then we name them. We want to make sure the name fits them.”

Caring for abandoned animals leads to expensive veterinarian bills, but the Burns said they have received great support from the community.

They have a goat named Colt who was abandoned as a baby. No rescue would take him, but the Burns raised $4,000 from the community to pay for a unique operation in which Colt received a plate in his shoulder and four pins.

“Now he is head-butting with the rest of the goats,” Lisa Burns said.

“They were thinking about amputating his leg.”

Since they are limited in space, the Burns can’t always take abandoned animals. They won’t take anything they can’t feed or that they don’t have adequate space for a proper habitat. In that case, they start calling other rescues for help.

They both keep regular jobs – they own the Backyard Getaway landscaping business in Myakka City and Dave Burns still does drywall work – and use the funds to keep the rescue running and pay vet bills. It doesn’t matter, though.

“I love this place,” Dave Burns said.

They haven’t taken a vacation in five years.

“If you make a life you enjoy, you don’t need a vacation,” Lisa Burns said.

Dave Burns laughed at the thought of taking a vacation. He said when they do get a day or two off, they always do the same thing.

“We go to the zoo,” he said.

Director of Creative Services / Caleb Stanton, CStanton@YourObserver.com Creative Services Administrator / Marjorie Holloway, MHolloway@ YourObserver.com Advertising Graphic Designers / Luis Trujillo, Taylor Poe, Louise Martin, Shawna Polana Digital Developer / Jason Camillo, JCamillo@YourObserver.com Director of Information Technology / Adam Quinlin, AQuinlin@YourObserver.com Chief Financial Officer / Laura Strickland, LStrickland@YourObserver.com Controller / Rafael Labrin, RLabrin@YourObserver.com Office and Accounting Coordinator / Donna Condon, DCondon@ YourObserver.com

Observer Media Group Inc. is locally owned.

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

CEO / Matt Walsh Vice President / Lisa Walsh Chairman Emeritus / David Beliles 8130 Lakewood Main St., Suite D207 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-755-5357

YourObserver.com © 2020 The Observer Media Group Inc. All Rights Reserved

YourObserver.com

SIDE OF RANCH

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

9A

JAY HEATER

Clydesdales pull wagon of charitable thoughts H ey, Bud, what are you thinking?

On Valentine’s Day evening, it was all about charity.

I had heard that the Budweiser Clydesdales had made guest reservations at the Sarasota Polo Club in Lakewood Ranch, so I drove over to catch the caravan.

Not surprising, it was a big entrance: three tractor trailers, 10 humongous horses, equipment, the wagon, seven workers to cater to the horses’ needs, two Dalmatians and a whole lot of red paint.

Just before the Clydesdales hit town, the Sarasota Polo Club’s Ron Trytek stood outside the stable area, waiting to make sure Clyde would be pampered, and who better? Trytek spent much of his life in the hotel industry making sure every guest was indulged. Ten-foot stacks of bedding towered outside each stall. I didn’t see any hoofy slippers, but you can bet they were there.

As we waited, I started to think about Trytek being involved in a lot of charitable events. The previous Friday, he was in the middle of the Sisterhood for Good’s Vegas Comes to Town event at the Meadows Country Club. If he can help you, he will be there. A nice asset to the community.

Trytek, of course, works for James and Misty Miller, who own the Sarasota Polo Club. It would be more appropriate to say they “pay” for the Sarasota Polo Club, because this is in no means a money-making endeavor. The Millers love the sport, as well as their community. They bought it in 2018 from Schroeder-Manatee Ranch because they didn’t want to see it go away and perhaps become more houses.

Besides the overall charity involved with preserving an important piece of the community that provides character, the polo club grounds are often the site of chari-

Jay Heater

Gold Coast Eagle Distributing’s Hugh Shields and the Sarasota Polo Club’s Ron Trytek greet the Budweiser Clydesdales.

table activities. Hosting the Clydesdales was a comp deal. Anything to help. It goes on and on.

I stood in front of the stables and chatted with Trytek, who had underestimated the cool evening air and was shivering in his shortsleeve shirt. All the while he was smiling, which is kind of his trademark, that salt-of-the-Earth smile.

The caravan had called and said it was running a bit behind schedule and would be another 20 minutes.

No matter. Trytek’s smile remained.

He was like a little kid waiting for the parade.

Meanwhile, a car drove up and out emerged Hugh Shields, the

marketing administrator for Lakewood Ranch’s Gold Coast Eagle Distributing, owned by John Saputo. Shields explained that Saputo had brought the Clydesdales, who are headquartered in St. Louis but were last visiting Houston, to the area so they could be part of the Atlanta Braves’ fan experience from 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 19 at CoolToday Park in North Port.

Saputo would not forget about Lakewood Ranch, so he made sure to add a stroll down Main Street at Lakewood Ranch at 6 p.m. Feb. 16, followed by Clydesdale appearances from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 17 at University Town Center Mall and from 6

LUXURY REAL ESTATE REDEFINED Our unmatched reputation and success in representing luxury properties speaks for itself. To find out more about our team of professionals, our record-breaking luxury sales, and how we can work for you, scan the QR CODE.

to 8 p.m. Feb. 18 at Thunder by the Bay at the Sarasota Fairgrounds.

Motorcycles and horses? These horses are used to commotion all around them.

The cynical view of all this would focus on the tremendous promotional power packed into a wagon and pulled by the magnificent Clydesdales. You can’t argue that their worldwide appeal is based on their association with a beer company since 1933. When you see that wagon being pulled along, that “cha-ching” you hear is money piling up.

But when I get up close to the brutes, I couldn’t care less. For me,

it’s like watching the closing parade at Disneyland, without all the blinking lights.

I think about the money that piles up for this community. If you know Saputo, the colonel, you understand that he never says no to the community. That involves giving out beer that nonprofits can sell at festivals or donating the use of his meeting hall at Gold Coast Eagle.

Sisterhood for Good uses that Gold Coast Eagle space and is connected to Trytek, who is connected to the Millers, who are connected to Shields. Round and round those charity connections go.

Parked outside the stables, the Clydesdales stood in their luxury trucks as workers tried to figure out a problem. On the Clydesdales’ last visit to the polo club, the workers had brought their own gates for the stalls. This time, they did not, and the polo club had left the stable doorways open to accommodate those expected gates.

Whoops.

Darkness had fallen, and everyone worked together to solve the problem. An hour later, all the stalls had gates, and the Clydesdales, along with the Dalmatians, were settled and ready for a good night’s rest.

For me, it was just a fun evening, Trytek shivering, the thoughts of charity, seeing the Clydesdales in all their glory.

I drove away with a smile. It was Valentine’s Day, and I had just experienced a few more reasons to love this community.

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

JOEL SCHEMMEL, J.D., REALTOR® 941.587.4894 DONNA SODA, REALTOR® 941.961.5857 SCHEMMELSODAGROUP.COM

370163-1

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.

10A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Braden River High senior nominated to military academies Congressman Vern Buchanan nominated Brett Brustad, a Braden River High senior, to the U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Naval Academy.

HIGH-FLYING STUDENT BRETT BRUSTAD School: Braden River High School Year in school: Senior Age: 17 JROTC title: Battalion commander Nomination: U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Naval Academy Years in JROTC: Four Dream job: Air Force pilot Advice for students: Don’t procrastinate on applications Advice for JROTC cadets: Get leadership experience and score well on the ACT

LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER

A

File photo

Above: Seniors Reece Miller and Brett Brustad end their final season on the Raiders team with the state championship title.

Liz Ramos

he was 13. He started taking lessons soon after.

“He kind of instilled the love for flying in me,” Brustad said. “I love the freedom of it. It’s like driving a car but faster and another axis is involved. … It’s like a roller coaster I have control of.”

Brustad’s overall experience with JROTC was positive. He said the program helped him figure out his future. Program leaders helped him find scholarships, fill out college applications and more.

“Without them, I probably wouldn’t have my life together,” Brustad said. “I’d probably still not know what I was going to do when I graduate.”

Brustad said the program wouldn’t be what it is without the people in charge and other JROTC members.

Brustad led the program through its formal inspection Feb. 10, when a representative of the national JROTC program came to the school to quiz

cadets on JROTC, examine their uniforms and more. The Braden River High JROTC program sustained its gold star, meaning it scored higher than 95% of the other programs.

“We’ve been working for it for a while, and the staff deserves it more than I do,” Brustad said.

After his freshman year, Brustad continued with the drill team and also became a member of both the Raiders, a competitive JROTC athletic team, and a leadership team starting his sophomore year.

Brustad said the Raiders team was more physically demanding but worth the experience.

“I went home tired every day, but it was worth it,” he said. “Everyone else there went home tired every day. You kind of joined a brotherhood, even if half the team is female.”

Over the years, Brustad has seen himself become more confident and efficient. His leadership roles have taught him how to work better with

Cardiology

other people.

JROTC is all about structure and discipline, but every Friday before a drill competition, Brustad and teammates would let loose. The drill team members would get their uniforms together, have dinner and hang out together.

“We play loud music and would be a nuisance to society,” Brustad said.

Old rock tunes would blast from speakers, but Abba’s “Dancing Queen” would spark a party.

If Brustad isn’t accepted into the U.S. Air Force Academy or Naval Academy, he plans to attend the University of West Florida because it’s close to two Air Force bases. He would then try to apply for the Air Force Academy again.

Reason to Give...

Give For Their Future

Cardiology Cardiology

WELCOMES WELCOMES Cardiology WELCOMES Steven Czak, DO, FACC

DONATE TODAY AT

CATDEPOT.ORG

OPEN BY APPOINTMENT 7 DAYS | 941-366-2404 2542 17th St., Sarasota, FL 34234 | www.catdepot.org

Interventional Cardiology Steven Czak, DO, FACC Interventional Cardiology Steven Czak, DO, FACC WELCOMES Interventional Cardiology

. Steven Czak brings to Intercoastal Medical Group at the Lakewood Dr. Steven Czak brings to Intercoastal Medical Group at the Lakewood nch II offices a wealth of knowledge and experience in Cardiology.

Ranch II offices a wealth of knowledge and experience in Cardiology.

We

See

the

370189-1

s a freshman, Brett Brustad joined Braden River High School’s Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps and its drill team.

Although he considered quitting the program so he could have more time for himself, he was “too scared to quit.”

“I was scared people were going to get mad at me if I quit,” Brustad said.

Four years later, Brustad doesn’t regret his decision to stay in JROTC. The program has inspired him to pursue a military career with the dream of becoming an Air Force pilot.

Brustad, a senior, is one step closer to becoming an Air Force pilot with the nomination from U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan to attend either the U.S. Air Force Academy or the U.S. Naval Academy.

Brustad said it felt good to receive Buchanan’s nomination.

“It doesn’t guarantee me (entry) into the academy, but without him, I would not have been able to even try to attend,” he said. “I know he only gives it to a certain amount of people, and a lot of people applied. I’m thankful he gave one of them to me.”

Brustad hopes to be accepted into the Air Force Academy, but he also wouldn’t mind being accepted into the Naval Academy, as long as he’s able to serve his country.

“The planes are cooler and faster, and it benefits my country,” he said.

“The country has done a lot for me, and I feel like I need to pay it back.”

Brustad wants to become a pilot or pilot aviation mechanic. He already has his pilot license after his dad, who is a certified flight instructor, took him for his first flight when

ENTIRE FAMILY

See How Exceptional Eye Care Can Be

Steven Czak, DO, FACC

Ranch II offices a wealth of knowledge and experience in Cardiology.

Dr. Steven Czak brings to Intercoastal Medical Group at the Lakewood Interventional Undergraduate: Hartford,CT CT experience in Cardiology Ranch IITrinity offices aTrinity wealthCollege, ofHartford, knowledge and Cardiology. ndergraduate: College,

Medical School: Kansas City University of Medicine & Biosciences, Kansas City, MO

Medical School: Kansas City University of Medicine & Biosciences, Kansas City, MO edical School: Kansas Trinity City University of Medicine & Biosciences, Kansas City, MO Undergraduate: College, Hartford, CT Internal Medicine Residency, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY

Hospitals: Lakewood Ranch Medical Center; Hospital; Cardiovascular Disease, Lenox HillDoctors Hospital, New York, NY; ospitals: Fellowship: Lakewood Ranch Medical Center; Doctors Hospital; Sarasota Memorial Hospital Interventional Cardiology, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY Sarasota Memorial Hospital Certifications: Hospitals:

FULL SERVICE OPTICAL

NOW ACCEPTING NEWof PATIENTS! Board Certified, American Board Internal Medicine with Subspecialty Certification in Cardiovascular Disease and

TOInterventional SCHEDULE Cardiology AN APPOINTMENT, PLEASE CALL

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! Lakewood Ranch Medical Center; Doctors Hospital; 941-538-0088 Memorial TOSarasota SCHEDULE AN Hospital APPOINTMENT, PLEASE CALL

Lakewood Ranch II Office NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS!

11715 Rangeland Parkway, Bradenton, Florida 34211 TO SCHEDULE Lakewood AN941-538-0088 APPOINTMENT, Ranch II Office PLEASE CALL www.intercoastalmedical.com www.intercoastalmedical.com 11715 Rangeland Parkway, Bradenton, Florida 34211 Medicare and Medicare and most most insurances insurances accepted NOW ACCEPTING NEW accepted PATIENTS!

DRY EYE CARE

MYOPIA CONTROL

GLAUCOMA TREATMENT

DIABETIC EYE EXAMS

SPECIALTY CONTACT LENSES

941-538-0088 TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT, PLEASE CALL www.intercoastalmedical.com Lakewood Ranch II Office Medicare and most insurances accepted

l l Multiple Locations A Patient Focused, Multi-Specialty Group llBradenton, National Expertise 941-538-0088 11715 Rangeland Parkway, Florida 34211

374171-1

Lakewood Ranch II Office 11715 Rangeland Parkway, Florida l34211 A Patient Focused, Multi-Specialty Group l Bradenton, National Expertise Multiple Locations www.intercoastalmedical.com Medicarewww.intercoastalmedical.com and most insurances accepted Medicare and most insurances accepted

l

LOCATIONS! Vision Source - LWR 11151 East SR 70 Lakewood Ranch FL 34202 (941) 739-5959 Vision Source - Parrish 10060 US Highway 301 N Parrish FL 34219 (941) 304-2015

Board Certified Optometric Physicians

Dr. Troy Bedinghaus, O.D.

l Multiple Locations tient Focused, Multi-Specialty Group Expertise A Patient Focused, Multi-Specialty Groupl National National Expertise Multiple Locations l

2

Accepting Appointments at

| Dr. Jordan Petrosky, O.D. | Dr. Olga Sokol, O.D.

www.MyVisionSource.com

370784-1

Residency:

esidency: Medical School: Kansas City University Medicine & Biosciences, Kansas City,York, MO NY Internal Medicine Residency, Lenox Hill Hospital, New Fellowship: Disease,ofLenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY; Dr. Steven Czak Cardiovascular brings to Intercoastal Medical Group at the Lakewood Interventional Cardiology, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY Residency: Medicine Residency, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, ellowship: Disease, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York,NYNY; Ranch II Cardiovascular offices a Internal wealth of knowledge and experience in Cardiology.

Certifications: Board Certified, American Board ofHill Internal Medicine with Fellowship: Cardiovascular Disease, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY;York, NY Interventional Cardiology, Lenox Hospital, New Subspecialty Certification Cardiovascular Disease and NY Interventional Cardiology,inLenox Hill Hospital, New York, Undergraduate: Trinity Interventional Cardiology College, Hartford, Board CT ertifications: Board Certified, American ofInternal Internal Medicine Certifications: Board Certified, American Board of Medicine with with Hospitals: Lakewood Ranch Medical Center; Doctors Hospital; Medical School: Kansas City University of Medicine & Biosciences, Kansas Subspecialty Certification in Cardiovascular Disease andMO Subspecialty Certification in Cardiovascular Disease and City, Sarasota Memorial Hospital Interventional Cardiology Interventional Cardiology Residency: Internal Medicine Residency, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

11A

Gorgeous Residences. Grand Lifestyle.

TOUR OUR MODELS DURING THE PARADE OF HOMES

FEBRUARY 19TH–MARCH 13TH | 10 MODELS TO TOUR The Lake Club offers unrivaled residences by Stock Luxury Homes in Genoa, and magnificent grand estate homes by Stock Custom Homes in this exclusive village.

Featuring incredible lake views and unique floor plans from the region’s leading luxury homebuilder.

The Lake Club’s unparalleled lifestyle includes a regal 20,000-square-foot Grande Clubhouse, spa & fitness, tennis, pickleball, fabulous dining, lifestyle director, concierge, and more.

Tour our models today, and discover why everyone’s talking about The Lake Club!

From $1 million to over $4 million THE LAKE CLUB INFORMATION CENTER: 8307 Lake Club Blvd., Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 | (941) 907-9088 | thelakeclublwr.com

FLStockDevelopment StockDevelopment 369759-1

BROKER PARTICIPATION WELCOMED. ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING THE REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS REFERENCE SHOULD BE MADE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. NOT AN OFFERING WHERE PROHIBITED BY STATE LAW. PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

12A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

DENTAL IMPLANTS

by Dental Implant Specialists IMPLANT TEETH IN A DAY

SECOND OPINIONS

SECURE LOOSE DENTURES

ALL ON 4 BRIDGES

Award illustrates former Ranch resident’s imaginings According to Ringling College student Zaine Lodhi, the secret to his success is imagination, talent and just plain hard work.

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

One of the nation’s leading authorities in implant dentistry practices right here in Sarasota.

KATHERINE E. MISCH DMD

SPECIALIST IN PROSTHODONTICS AND TEETH IN A DAY 25 years experience with an eye for achieving a natural perfection in dental restorations

SPECIALIST IN ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY & PROSTHODONTICS International lecturer with faculty appointments at Univ. of Michigan, U of F & UAB, author of numerous scientific publications.

120 South Tuttle Ave Sarasota, FL 34237

CHECK OUR REVIEWS ONLINE

www.drmisch.com

941.957.6444

Ian Swaby

the sculptures located throughout its grounds also provide an excellent basis for studying the idealized human body in heroic poses, a feature prominent in his work and that he said video game designers also favor.

“When you’re an artist, you’re taking multiple things that already exist and creating something new out of them,” he said. “Nothing comes from nothing.”

He also takes plenty of inspiration from artists of his own style, from video games like “World of Warcraft” and fantasy artists such as Frank Frazetta, Alex Ross and Gerald Brom.

Eventually, Lodhi’s art became more than an escape — it became an aspiration. A turning point came when an art teacher at Sarasota’s Booker High School, Gregory Rumph, told him, “You should be in an art program.”

“It was the best advice I’ve ever received,” Lodhi said. “It kind of

Ringling College student Zaine Lodhi visits one of his preferred hangouts in downtown Sarasoata, Project Coffee.

10 Billion

$

Over

Total Sales Volume 2021

We don’t take breaks, we break records.

Nothing Compares.

Congratulations to our

Top Producers In The Lakewood Ranch Office

Top Sales Team

Top Individual Associate

Laura Stavola

Art Paterson

941.447.4875

941.302.8194

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.

Protect Your Home and Everything that Matters 888.870.7667

LAKEWOOD RANCH | 941.907.9541 8141 LAKEWOOD MAIN STREET, SUITE 101 LAKEWOOD RANCH, FLORIDA 34202 375157-1

367471-1

CRAIG M. MISCH DDS, MDS

Zaine Lodhi’s childhood might have taken him on a journey throughout Manatee and Sarasota counties, but the places he saw in his mind were some of the most influential in making him the artist he is today and winner of the Illustrators of the Future award.

Despite his parents, Wail and Melissa Lodhi, going through a divorce and moving several times when he was young, the 22-yearold Lodhi said his childhood was a positive experience. Both parents continued to care for him and his brother, Shareef.

He lived in Lakewood Ranch on Yellow Top Drive, in Sarasota on Webber Street, Bee Ridge Road and Lockwood Ridge Road, and recently in Myakka City. He said he had a sense of uncertainty in his life, but he adopted art as his anchor.

His fascination with fantasy art stretches back as far as elementary school, when he first glimpsed a set of “Magic: the Gathering” cards at Target. Although he didn’t take up the game, he became an avid collector of the cards.

He also found inspiration when his mother brought him on his first visit to the Ringling Museum. “The Lion Tamed” by Peter Paul Reubens was particularly inspiring to him for its grandeur, and he gazed in fascination as the eyes of the artwork seemed to follow him across the room.

Lodhi calls the museum an important influence on his art and said

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

pointed the trajectory of my life.”

As Lodhi’s skills grew, his style evolved as well. He had initially been a traditional painter portraying local sights such as the Marina Jack and Celery Fields, but his style gradually edged more into fantasy that captured unique worlds.

It didn’t escape the influence of his life. Lodhi’s family comes from Pakistan, and although he has never been there, he said his heritage impacts his work to a degree.

“It helps a lot with design language,” he said. “I still love the Western fantasy thing, though. I use a lot of South Asian architecture because that’s my heritage, that’s my family.

I’m interested in the rhythms of the architecture. I think it’s beautiful that there’s a lot going on.”

He said his heritage might be a source of his motivation.

“Being South Asian, the family puts a heavy emphasis on success,” he said. “My dad said, ‘Do whatever you want to do, as long as you’re successful.’ So, I just tried to be a successful artist.”

True to this advice, his family follows a wide variety of pursuits. His father sells cars and real estate, his mother was a dancer, his brother is in real estate, and his cousin is a nursing assistant.

“I never feel like I’m really good at art,” he said. “It’s just, there’s never a point where I’m going to be like, I am perfect.”

Some of his most difficult experiences, he said, have been applying to a company he was invested in only to receive a rejection. He said his girlfriend Haley Burton, whom he started dating in his freshman year of college, has been important in helping him through these times.

Lodhi currently attends the Ringling College of Art and Design, where he pursues a bachelor of fine arts in illustration with a visual development focus.

He had been applying each quarter for the Illustrators of the Future Award since early 2020 and was announced as a winner in June 2021.

The award has been given to 382 winners worldwide who have contributed to create books, movies, TV shows, album covers, comics and more.

Lodhi said that from the way his teachers and peers regarded his art-

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

13A

This Weekend!

ILLUSTRATORS OF THE FUTURE AWARD

Sarasota

Founded in 1988, Illustrators of the Future is the sister competition of the Writers of the Future contest founded in 1983 by L. Ron Hubbard.

Each year the contest produces the next anthology volume in the series “L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future”, in which the winning illustrators provide images to accompany the work of the writers. The volume from the upcoming competition will be the 38th to be released.

The 382 past winners have gone on to create more than 6,000 illustrations, 360 comic books, 624 book and album covers, and have been involved with 68 TV shows and 40 major motion pictures. Since their inception, the contests have granted over $1 million in prizes and royalties.

HOME SHOW FEB. 19 & 20

Courtesy photo

work, he began to understand he stood a real chance of winning.

He will attend the awards event April 8 at The Taglyan Complex in Hollywood. It includes a weeklong professional workshop taught by prominent names in the field. His work will be published in “L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 38,” the next volume in an anthology that has appeared on bestseller lists in the past.

Now that he’s claimed one of the most prestigious awards in his field, what’s next for Zaine Lodhi?

“What I’d like is to work as an illustrator for a big game that a lot of people play that will inspire a lot of people,” he said. “It’ll create this sort of positive feedback loop, where people get inspired by your stuff and want to create more stuff like that and inspire people the same way.”

|

Sat 10-5 Sun 10-4

Zaine Lodhi created a masked monkey brewing a magic spell.

801 North Tamiami Trail Sarasota FL 34236

Across From Van Wezel

2 DAYS ONLY! ONLY!

Everything for in & around your home!

• • • • • • • • •

MINOR INJURY OR ILLNESS? No Appointment Necessary Just Walk In

Builders Contractors Kitchens Baths Garden Displays Pools & Spas Landscapers Windows Solar & much more!

FREE Parking Convenient Downtown Location Next to

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

100s of Products & 1000s of Ideas! presented by:

Two Convenient Locations Open 7 Days a Week

4647 Manatee Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34209

9908 State Road 64 East Bradenton, FL 34212

941.745.5999

941.747.8600

Producing Florida’s Best Home Shows for over 25 years

sponsored by:

Proud to be affiliated with Manatee Memorial Hospital and Lakewood Ranch Medical Center manateeurgentcare.com

374556-1

877.730.SHOW (7469)

372972-1

SarasotaHomeShow.com

Physicians are not employees or agents of these hospitals. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website.

Most insurance accepted. 22681583-764152 2/22

14A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

NEW CHOICE

World of Wonder Academy is a supplemental home-school enrichment program.

Children ages 3 to 6 explore a theme through hands-on activities, games, music, art and literacy.

World of Wonder classes began Feb. 14 at St. Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church at 11315 Palmbrush Trail in Lakewood Ranch. Classes will be once or twice a week for eight weeks.

MEETING TIMES n 10 a.m. to noon Mondays n 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesdays TUITION n $160 a month (one day per week) n $320 a month (two days per week)

Photos by Liz Ramos

Manley worked with Lakewood Ranch’s Shenicka Claxton to formally start World of Wonder Academy Feb. 14 for children ages 3 to 6.

Classes will be once or twice per week for eight weeks. At the end of each eight-week session, parents, friends and family will be invited to attend the student-created art exhibit.

Each week, children will go to World of Wonder Academy for a day or two. Children will sing a song, do art projects, participate in interactive activities and have story time. The interactive activities are centered around a theme Manley or Claxton or the children choose. Children will have time to do what interests them, whether it’s crafting, building, reading or another activity.

“We wanted to be where parents can design their own education to meet their child’s needs,” Manley said. “I felt it was important to follow the students’ interests. If I was following their interests, I could teach all different types of subjects based on that interest ... and they would soar.”

Manley doesn’t want children to feel like “empty vessels to put information in” with a one-size-fits-all education.

“It’s more to let them pursue their

Kiajia Claxton, Shenicka Claxton and Heather Manley will lead World of Wonder Academy classes.

Hello, World of Wonder The new academy in Lakewood Ranch supplements home-school education.

LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER

M

ote Ranch’s Heather Manley stood in front of a dozen children and enthusiastically read “Penguinaut!”

Together, Manley and the children counted down from three before saying, “Blast off,” as the penguin in the book went into space.

The children laughed and answered questions from Manley as they went along for the ride.

After reading the space-themed book, Manley encouraged the children to explore different stations of crafts and activities. One child went to draw a rocket ship, another went to build a structure using plastic sticks, and some children lined up to launch toy rockets.

Free-play and exploration are essential to the World of Won-

Liam Manley, 5, says hello to Shenicka Claxton, dressed as an astronaut.

der Academy, a new supplemental home-school enrichment program that hopes to spark children’s passion for learning through themed lessons that incorporate math, science and English.

“We’re hoping to offer classes for students that help foster curiosity, make them excited and inspire wonder,” said Manley, the co-founder of World of Wonder Academy.

Manley is a certified teacher who decided to home-school her 5-yearold son, Liam. She wanted to ensure that he still had the same social opportunities as students in traditional schools.

Manley started having classes with a small informal group of other home-school mothers at St. Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church last spring. The group stopped meeting over the summer and met again in the fall.

interest, and we can incorporate reading, math and science,” Manley said.

Michelle Wikerd lives in Canada but spends five months a year in Lakewood Ranch. Her 4-year-old son, Kai, participated in World of Wonder classes last year and loved them.

Wikerd said World of Wonder is interactive, engaging and better than what her son experiences at school in Canada, where students mainly sit at their desks doing worksheets. “(Kai) was always super excited to go and never wanted to leave when it ended,” Wikerd said. “He would ask every day, ‘Is today Wow school day?’”

East County’s Shannon Keever home-schools her 5-year-old daughter, Hope, and hasn’t been able to find educational and social support in addition to what she was teaching at home. Keever was hesitant because her daughter doesn’t always do well with super-structured activities.

When they arrived at their first World of Wonder class, Keever was amazed. Hope walked straight to the circle where the children were sitting and started participating.

“I knew we had found our niche,” Keever said. “This was our place.

They pay attention to the kids and their interests, and they steer the educational opportunities into what the kids are interested in.”

Keever loves that the program provides some structure but focuses mostly on play-based learning.

“I had a hard time trying to teach her letter sounds and letter recognition, but when she was going here, out of the blue at home she would start pointing out letters and knowing them,” Keever said. “It’s been a great supplement as a home-school mom.”

World of Wonder also benefits the parents. Keever said the program has provided opportunities for the parents to learn from one another different ways to teach their children.

They can discuss challenges and come up with solutions together.

Manley hopes to expand the program to offer educational opportunities for older children as well.

The Home Service Pros Who Care

The Area’s most Trusted Name since 1974

Starting at

4,800!

$

+ 12 Months 0% Financing Available!

Some restrictions apply. This offer applies to a 1.5 T, 14 SEER HVAC System with heat strip and thermostat included. Includes reconnection to existing ductwork, wiring, refrigerant piping and drain. Not valid on prior purchases and cannot combine offers.

Limited time offer.Contact Aqua Plumbing & Air for details.

Offer expires 2/28/2022.

250 OFF

$

Whole House Water Treatment System Cannot be combined with other offers.

Contact Aqua Plumbing & Air for details.

Offer expires 2/28/2022.

100 OFF

LET AQUA HELP YOU ON YOUR NEXT ELECTRICAL PROJECT!

Reme Halo Air Purifier

SERVICES INCLUDE: Complete Home Rewiring Standby Generators & Service Repairs on All Generators Surge Protection

Cannot be combined with other offers.

Contact Aqua Plumbing & Air for details.

Offer expires 2/28/2022.

FREE

AND SO MUCH MORE!!

Water Quality Analysis ($99 value)

CALL NOW! 941.866.6210

or visit www.AquaPlumbingSarasota.com

Cannot be combined with other offers. Must present coupon at time of service.Contact Aqua Plumbing & Air for details.

Offer expires 2/28/2022.

Lic # cAc1816020 • PLbg cFc1428223 • ELEc Ec13009313 371454-1

New AC System

$

SEE HOW MUCH MORE YOU CAN SAVE!

Air Conditioning

Plumbing

Electrical

Water Treatment

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

e c n e i r e

Courtesy photo

Jim and Jackie Sleter stand in front of their newly installed roof.

Exp

T X E

|

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

15A

Y R A N I

D R O A R

AT

River Isles vet receives gift from above IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

As a veteran, East County’s Jim Sleter paid service to his country, but he never expected anything in return.

But thanks to the generosity of local businesses and the VFW, Sleter and his wife, Jackie, have a new roof over their heads.

“It’s hard for me to talk about because I’m a receptor of this,” Sleter said. “It’s like, ‘Oh, my! Amazing, amazing, amazing.’”

The Sleters had been in search of a roof repair for two years after discovering some minor leaks in their River Isles home. They put in a claim with their insurance company, but it was denied.

Though the leaks were not serious, the Sleters were told no other insurance claims would be honored if they didn’t have a new roof.

Sleter turned to his friends at Braden River Post 12055 to find a fellow vet who did roofing.

VFW member Dave Daily had an idea. In 2015, he volunteered for the first Roofs for Heroes program when it was started by Brian Wallace, the president of Florida Southern Roof-

ing. He remembered cooking for the volunteers as they built the roof.

“Once we’re finished with a roof, we like to ask if there is anything else needed,” said Cindi Bass, the director of business development at Florida Southern Roofing.

Daily told Bass that the next time she was fixing a roof for an East County resident, he would be happy to help. When he heard of the Sleters’ situation, he was quick to put Bass in touch with them.

Sleter filled out the application for the program. A little over a week later, he received an email from Bass that he had been selected. Sleter is the program’s third beneficiary.

“I think I was working out at the gym. I just started crying,” he said.

The reason for the award goes back to Sleter’s youth. Drafted at 19, he became an Army corporal while serving in various states. Later, he was stationed in West Berlin in East Germany during the Cold War. He was present when Soviet troops invaded in 1968.

“That’s the closest I ever came to combat, thank God,” he said.

ONE LOCATION ENDLESS EXPERIENCES

ringling.org

ROOFS FOR HEROES

To nominate a person for the Roofs for Heroes program, visit FloridaRoofing. com/Contact/Roofs-For-Heroes.

363301-1

East County veteran gets support from local business and the VFW to get a new roof.

End Your Kitchen Envy!

You could receive

ALL 6 offers!

50% OFF All Cabinets when you Replace or Reface

FREE KITCHEN SINK

With Purchase of Granite or Quartz Countertop

FREE CABINET HARDWARE

With purchase of cabinet Replace or Reface

FREE ROLLOUTS With Purchase of Kitchen Replace or Reface (Limit 4)

FREE INSTALLATION

FOR A FREE IN-HOME CONSULTATION OR VISIT OUR INSPIRATIONAL SHOWROOM

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1998 2015 Cattleman Rd. Sarasota, FL 34232 941.341.0143 x0912 KirkplanKitchens.com

CGC1524705 FO-1903312

Replace or Reface Cabinets Only

EXTRA 10% OFF *Not valid with other offers. Any of the 6 offers with purchase of any Kirkplan refacing or cabinet systems.

374258-1

CONTACT US TODAY

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

AC1 DIRECT PRICING NO HASSLES NO HEADACHES NO HIDDEN FEES GUARANTEED!

FREE $IN5S0TAN0T *

THERMOSTAT* Plus

DUCT SANITIZING* Plus

REBP. 2-A28T-22E EX

FIRST YEAR LABOR* Plus

FIRST YEAR MAINTENANCE* (A $895 VALUE)

2 TON

was

14 SEER HEAT PUMP

4690

$

4190

$

3 TON

5290

$

4790

$

4 TON

was

14 SEER HEAT PUMP

5890

$

5390

$

PET PICS Have photos of your four-legged family members? We want to see them! Share them at YourObserver.com/contests/petpics to be published online and for a chance to see them in print!

2.5 TON

was

14 SEER HEAT PUMP

4990

$

4490

$

3.5 TON

14 SEER HEAT PUMP was

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

|

14 SEER HEAT PUMP was

5590

$

5090

$

5 TON

was

14 SEER HEAT PUMP

6190

$

5690

$

ALL PACKAGES INCLUDE INSTALLATION, TAXES AND PERMITS*

NO PAYMENTS FOR 12 MONTHS!*

*LOANS PROVIDED BY ENERBANK USA, MEMBER FDIC (1245 BRICKYARD RD, SUITE 600, SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84106) ON APPROVED CREDIT, FOR A LIMITED TIME. 6.99% FIXED APR. MINIMUM LOAN AMOUNTS APPLY. INTEREST STARTS ACCRUING WHEN FUNDS ARE DISBURSED. INTEREST WAIVED IF REPAID IN 365 DAYS. REPAYMENT TERMS VARY FROM 24 TO 72 MONTHS. ACTUAL LOAN TERM MAY BE SHORTER IF LESS THAN THE FULL APPROVED AMOUNT OF CREDIT IS USED. FIRST MONTHLY LOAN PAYMENT DUE 365 DAYS AFTER FUNDS ARE DISBURSED.

941-777-4221 813-819-0777 www.callac1.com

SERVICING HILLSBOROUG� PINELlAS, BRADENTON AND SARASOTA COUNTIES *See AC1 for complete details. Some restrictions apply. CAC1820105

368449-1

16A

PAWFECT POSITION: Katie of Lakewood Ranch enjoys some upside-down playtime.

VISIT OUR NEW

SHOWROOM & DESIGN CENTER

to CUSTOM-ize your outdoor furniture.

WHY PAY MORE WHEN YOU CAN BUY DIRECT from THE

MANUFACTURER

OPEN to the PUBLIC

QUALITY

OUTDOOR FURNITURE HIGH END LOOK & QUALITY AT WHOLESALE PRICING

CUSTOM MADE AT OUR PALMETTO FACTORY

EXTENDED WARRANTY ON ALL FURNITURE

FLORIDA PATIO FURNITURE, INC.

FLORIDAPATIO.NET | 941-722-5643 2500 US BUSINESS 41 NORTH | PALMETTO, FL 34221

OPEN MONDAY-SATURDAY 9-5. CLOSED SUNDAYS. 370813-1

FEBRUARY 17, 2022

SPORTS

“Everything we had worked toward for three years paid off.”

— Lakewood Ranch High’s Kelsey Vogel SEE PAGE 19A

HIGH

Mark Hubbard, the 2019 LECOM Suncoast Classic winner, is back for the 2022 event.

5

1

Lakewood Ranch High senior wrestler Ranson Coons went 5-0 to win the 183-pound division of the Manatee County Championships held Feb. 12 at Bayshore High.

2

Parrish Community High girls soccer senior Madelyn Portwood, who lives in the Lakewood Ranch area, had a goal and an assist Feb. 8 in the Bulls’ 8-0 home win against LaBelle High.

File photo

Swinging in the Suncoast From past winners to stories of perseverance, the event’s field is filled with compelling golfers.

RYAN KOHN SPORTS EDITOR

3

Cardinal Mooney High girls basketball junior Olivia Davis, who lives in the Lakewood Ranch area, scored 15 points Feb. 10 in the Cougars’ 60-36 home win against Calvary Christian.

4

Kevin Maisch, Vicky Johnson, Mats Sundstrom and Kerstin Sundstrom (183) won the Couples’ Member Guest event held Feb. 11-12 at Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club’s Cypress Links and King’s Dunes courses.

5

Boris Bozic sank a holein-one Feb. 4 on the No. 4 hole at Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club’s Royal Lakes course. Bozic used an 8-iron on the 144-yard hole.

PLAYOFF RUN COMES TO AN END PAGE 18A

T

he Korn Ferry Tour’s 2022 LECOM Suncoast Classic, which begins Feb. 17 at Lakewood National Golf Club, is an opportunity for golf fans in the Lakewood Ranch area to see some of the game’s brightest young stars as well as some crafty veterans.

Every golfer has a reason fans should follow their story.

Perhaps no one on the Korn Ferry Tour has persevered as much as Zack Fischer. Fischer, 32, wasn’t even a member of the tour last season. He played his way out of that position in 2017 after being on the tour for four years and couldn’t manage a way back onto it. He instead played PGA Tour Monday qualifiers and minitours. Fischer considered the possibility he would never make it back.

“I had a tournament last year (the Texarkana Children’s Charities Open) where I almost quit golf,” Fischer said. “I shot a 63 (eight under par) in the pro-am and then a 78 (seven over par) in the first round. I literally melted down. I was almost crying. I lost my edge. I had been putting a ton of pressure on myself.”

Fischer said he arrived home from that round to see his daughter, Hallie Fischer, smiling at him. Hallie was born in February 2021. Seeing her smile reminded Fischer that no matter how he played, he would still have her and his wife, Kaitlin Fischer, by his side.

That took the pressure off.

It also renewed his resolve. Instead of quitting, Fischer decided to give himself a shot at stability one more time by going through the Korn Ferry Tour Qualifying Tournament, sometimes called “Q School.” The end-of-year, four-stage tournament awards tour cards to every golfer who

IF YOU GO

What: A Korn Ferry Tour event featuring up-and-coming golfers as well as some familiar faces from the PGA Tour When: Feb. 17-20 Where: Lakewood National Golf Club Format: 72-hole stroke play Purse: $750,000

Cost: Adult tickets are $20 per day; VIP tickets are $150 per day and include access to the VIP tent on the 18th green with a full bar, lunch and snacks included.

Children 17 and under, firstresponders, active-duty military and veterans all receive free grounds admission at the gate.

To purchase tickets, visit LECOMSuncoastClassic.com.

Parking: Free parking and trolley service to the course is available at Premier Sports Campus.

There will be no onsite parking at Lakewood National.

reaches the final stage (though only the top-40 finishers are guaranteed a high number of starts).

Things looked bleak for Fischer heading into the final round of the second stage of the tournament.

Fischer was tied for 49th out of 75 golfers at his second stage event at Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Highland Oaks in Dothan, Alabama, and only the top 20 golfers advanced to the final stage. Even worse, Fischer cracked his driver in the third round.

His father, Ron Fischer, had to go to a local golf shop and get him a demo driver as an emergency replacement.

Considering the situation, Fischer needed a minor miracle to advance.

He got one, in the form of an eightunder-par 64.

“I was more dialed-in,” Fischer said. “My swing coach (Jeff Jones) and I had talked the night before.

He told me, ‘Don’t get nervous if you’re four or five under through nine. Don’t get anxious. Stay in the moment, and keep firing at flags.’

That helped me get through it.”

The round placed Fischer tied for 12th and advanced him to the final stage at The Landings Club in Savannah, Georgia, where his strong play continued. Fischer earned medalist honors with a 67-67-65-69—268 performance (14 under par). After four years, Fischer had his Korn Ferry Tour card back and now is exempt through the tour’s first two reshuffles, meaning he is guaranteed starts in approximately 12 events, giving him a nice head start on the season. Fischer will enter the Suncoast Classic coming off a tie for fifth (five under par) at The Panama Championship held Feb. 3-6 at Club de Golf de Panama in Panama City.

Brandon Matthews faced similar struggles, though not for as long.

Matthews, 27, lost his Korn Ferry Tour card in 2019 but earned it back with a strong 2021 season on the PGA Tour Latinoamerica. Matthews won two events, the Puerto Plata Open (26 under par) at Playa Dorada Golf Course Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, and The Club at Weston Hills Open (22 under par) in Weston.

Those wins, combined with six other top-25 finishes, led Matthews to a first-place finish in the tour’s Order of Merit, automatically earning him his Korn Ferry Tour card back.

Matthews rediscovered success after changing his swing following the 2019 season.

“I tightened things up,” Matthews said. “My swing is more on plane. It is more on top on the way down. It keeps my posture better. I have had back issues in the past, but they have gone away (with the new swing).”

Matthews’ success has carried into 2022. He enters the Suncoast Classic after finishing tied for second at The Panama Championship (seven under par), two strokes ahead of Fischer.

“I’m a thankful person,” Matthews said. “Any opportunity I can get, I relish it. I’m hoping to turn this one into a PGA Tour spot.”

Fischer and Matthews are compelling stories but not the only names to know heading into the Suncoast Classic. Mark Hubbard, the firstever winner of the event in 2019, is now on the PGA Tour, but he is dropping down a level to compete in this year’s event. Hubbard, 32, is currently 113th in the FedEx Cup rankings and coming off a tie for 33rd (seven under par) at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am held Feb. 3-6.

Also in the field is Bo Van Pelt, a PGA Tour golfer who missed three and a half years with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, a painful series of disorders caused by the compression of blood vessels or nerves between the collarbone and first rib. Van Pelt, 46, returned to golf in 2019. He finished 24th (nine under par) at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Chad Ramey, 29, earned his PGA Tour card prior to this season but is opting to drop a level to play in the Suncoast Classic. Ramey will now have played in every Suncoast Classic. His best finish was last season, when he tied for 11th (nine under par). Ramey is currently 111th in the FedEx Cup rankings and has two top25 finishes in 10 events.

Sometimes golfers are interesting not only because of how they play but also because of how they look when they play. That’s the case with Tommy “Two Gloves” Gainey, who always wears a pair of gloves while golfing. Gainey, 46, has one PGA Tour win but hasn’t finished in the top-25 of an event since 2018. Gainey played in the 2021 Suncoast Classic and finished tied for 47th (two under par). He has three Korn Ferry Tour wins.

Four-time PGA Tour winner Aaron Baddeley will play in his first Suncoast Classic this year. Baddeley, 40, is 206th in the FedEx Cup rankings. He missed the cut at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am. After dropping from the PGA Tour to the Korn Ferry Tour, Scott Harrington will play in the Suncoast Classic. Harrington, 41, played in 30 PGA Tour events last year but had just two top-25 finishes. His best PGA Tour finish was tied for second (13 under par) at the 2019 Houston Open.

The tournament’s full field can be viewed at PGATour.com.

THE GOLFERS TO WATCH

Four-time PGA Tour winner Aaron Baddeley will be playing in the 2022 LECOM Suncoast Classic.

Zack Fischer almost quit golf in 2021 but earned his Korn Ferry Tour card back through Q School after four years without it.

Tommy “Two Gloves” Gainey will play in the 2022 LECOM Suncoast Classic.

Scott Harrington, who dropped from the PGA Tour to the Korn Ferry Tour this season, will be playing in the 2022 LECOM Suncoast Classic.

Brandon Matthews changed his swing prior to winning the 2021 PGA Tour Latinoamerica Order of Merit. He will play in the 2022 LECOM Suncoast Classic.

Chad Ramey is playing in the 2022 LECOM Suncoast Classic despite earning a PGA Tour card in 2021.

Ramey will have played in all four Suncoast Classics dating to 2019.

Bo Van Pelt missed three and a half years to injury but is now back on the PGA Tour. He will play in the Korn Ferry Tour’s 2022 LECOM Suncoast Classic.

Photos courtesy of PGA Tour

18A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

PROSE AND KOHN

RYAN KOHN

Mustangs’ playoff run one and done W hen the Lakewood Ranch High boys basketball players look back at the 2021-22 season, they are bound to have regrets about not being able to finish off opponents.

The Mustangs lost their final three regular season games and their Class7A District playoff semifinal to Plant City (62-44) to be eliminated from further competition. In two of those four losses, including the loss to Plant City, they led at halftime. In another, they trailed by only 1 point at halftime. In all four losses, they fell by double-digit points.

When it came to the second halves of games at crunch time, the Mustangs (14-11 on the season) struggled. Ultimately, the team’s lack of depth proved too much to overcome.

It was a disappointing end to a season that opened with promise.

The Mustangs brought in Head Coach Chris Kawcak to replace longtime Coach Jeremy Schiller, who left for IMG Academy. I was bullish on the Mustangs because of Kawcak’s aggressive style of play that I thought suited his lineup. The Mustangs had stellar guards, specifically seniors Andres Junge and Jay’den Clarke-Jones, who could handle a fast style of play.

Even when the team started the year 3-2, the signs were there that the Mustangs would be a contender.

A 69-66 win against Riverview Dec. 9 was the biggest indication of the team’s potential. The Rams have two legitimate NCAA Division I prospects in junior guard Jason Jackson and freshman wing Jamier Jones, who recruiting analysts believe will be one of the top players in the 2025 class. The Mustangs beat them anyway, thanks in large part to 38 points from Junge and 24 points from Clarke-Jones.

Come playoff time, that dynamic duo was not enough.

File photos

Above: Mustangs senior Jay’den Clarke-Jones had a short playoff run in his final year with the program. The Mustangs lost in the district’s first round.

Below: Lakewood Ranch freshman Cody Conway (9) and the Mustangs boys soccer defense have allowed just 10 goals this season. Here he keeps the ball away from Choctawhatchee High’s Victor Cepeda.

Junge, however, said he is proud of Lakewood Ranch’s overall effort.

Entering any season with a new coach can be difficult, and the Mustangs didn’t get to meet Kawcak until mid-November, with their first regular-season game Nov. 29.

“We basically had two weeks to learn 30 new (offensive) plays and a different defense,” Junge said. “Both coaches (Schiller and Kawcak) play zone, but they run it differently. It was difficult to make it all click. Some of it never did. So even though we didn’t get where we wanted to go, I think we surpassed what some people thought we could do.”

Junge said the memories he will carry with him after high school are not of specific games or basketball-

centric moments but of his teammates. Junge said he and his seven fellow seniors hold a tight bond — even though it didn’t start that way.

“In eighth grade, they (the Mustangs’ other seniors) all played on a club team, and I was on a different club team,” Junge said. “I used to play against them, and they didn’t like me too much. We had a bit of a rivalry going. Once my freshman year came around, and we all played on the junior varsity team together, everything changed. We became tight. It’s so funny to look back on those eighth-grade times now.”

Losing games can be demoralizing, especially when the players feel they should have prevailed.

Eventually, though, those feelings will fade, and the current Mustang seniors will remember only all that was good about the season. Junge and the rest of the Lakewood Ranch seniors will have those to share.

STILL ALIVE

The Mustangs boys basketball team is done, but another team at Lakewood Ranch High still is competing for a state title. The Mustangs boys soccer team (18-1-1) squeaked past rival Riverview 1-0 at home Feb. 12 to advance to the FHSAA Class 7A regional finals (elite eight). Senior Drew Clark scored the lone goal in the second half to help the team advance, a header off a free kick from senior Sam Leavy.

Lakewood Ranch hosted Plant High (20-3-1) Feb. 16. after the East County Observer’s deadline for this week’s edition. The game figured to be the Mustangs’ toughest test.

Lakewood Ranch is ranked third in the class and eighth in Florida by MaxPreps, while Plant is ranked seventh in the class and 25th in Florida.

The Panthers have not lost since a 3-2 New Year’s Day game against Tampa Jesuit (20-3-1). They will likely test the Mustangs’ defense,

especially junior Adan McGlynn, who leads the team with 13 goals.

Lakewood Ranch figured to be up to the task, since the Mustangs had allowed just 10 goals all season and none since Jan. 18.

If Lakewood Ranch won, the Mustangs were to play the winner of Mandarin High (16-3) and Creekside High (15-3-2) at 7 p.m. Feb. 19 in the state semifinals (final four).

The Parrish Community High girls soccer team (21-0-1), which features a handful of Lakewood Ranch area players, is also alive after a 5-0 win over Lemon Bay High (16-6-1) Feb. 11. The Bulls are in the Class 4A regionals finals and were scheduled to play at the Academy of the Holy Names (14-3-2) Feb. 15 for the right to play in the state semifinals. Despite the superior record, the Bulls are actually the underdogs in the game, according to MaxPreps rankings. The Bulls were ranked fourth in the class, while the Jaguars were third, in large part because of a superior strength of schedule.

The other area team left standing at deadline was the Braden River High girls basketball team (14-10), which beat Fort Myers High 55-39 on Feb. 2 to advance to the Class 6A regionals. Unfortunately, the Pirates were scheduled to play Bloomingdale High (23-5) on the road Feb. 15. The Bulls beat the Pirates 57-34 on Feb. 4. Pirates seniors Aaliyah Capers (10.9 points per game) and Bella Patterson (10.6 points per game) would need monster games to be competitive in that contest.

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

We’re neighbors covering neighbors.

Kat Hughes EXECUTIVE EDITOR & COO

Hometown: Aurora, Colorado Currently Living: Sarasota, Florida Alma mater: University of Missouri School of Journalism Observer Employee: 14.5 Years What you do when you are not working?

Ride my bike, walk my dog and visit our great local libraries to read!

Connect: khughes@yourobserver.com

People tend to focus a lot on national news, but it’s what happens locally — from the roads we drive on to the nonprofits we support — that often impacts our lives the most. The thing I love about the Observer is the stories that we cover reflect the heart of the community.

JOIN THE NEIGHBORHOOD //

Support independent local journalism today at YourObserver.com/newsies

YourObserver.com

What is the appeal to you?

I love the adrenaline it gives you so much. Playing in a 1-1 game or any close game is great. I love winning those types of games with my teammates.

What is your best skill?

My best skill is my fast hands and how I move through the infield to get to grounders. That is something I have improved since working with (assistant coach) Paulo Reis and Coach (T.J.) Goelz.

What is your favorite memory?

It is winning the state championship last year, for sure. That moment is still tough to put into words. Everything we had worked toward for three years paid off.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

19A

through the season, and we will get used to it.

Why did you want to sign with North Florida?

The campus is beautiful. It’s right there on the water in Jacksonville.

The coaches made it feel like home right away. It’s one big family there.

What is your favorite food?

I love Chick-fil-A. I could eat it every single day.

Which superpower would you pick?

I would want to read people’s minds so I can know what they are thinking about me.

CertainTeed CertainTeed

Owens Corning Owens TAMKO Corning Firestone TAMKO • Residential Firestone Commercial • Repairs Residential Maintenance • Commercial Financing Repairs Available

Maintenance • Financing Available

What is the best advice you have received?

Do a little a lot, which means to do a little bit of a lot of different things every day. That is advice that Coach Reis gave me and it has helped me get better at softball.

#1 in Customer Service #1 in Customer Service

GAF GAF

1

When did you start playing softball?

When I was 5 years old. It was the first sport my family ever had me try. I later tried gymnastics for two weeks, but I quit because I loved softball too much.

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.

372211-1

Kelsey Vogel is a senior second baseman and shortstop on the Lakewood Ranch High softball team.

Vogel is a four-year varsity player and signed with North Florida in November. The Mustangs, who won the 2021 Florida High School Athletic Association Class 7A state championship, will begin their title defense at 7 p.m. Feb. 21 at home against Inspiration Academy.

|

NO JOB TOO TOUGH. NO JOB TOO ROUGH!

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Kelsey Vogel

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

CCC 016 171 CCC 014 711 Building Shingles Roofing CCC 016 171 CCC 0140711 ContractorTile • Metal BuildingContractor Roofing Modifieds Contractor Contractor Built-Up WE ARE THE AREA’S LEADING Single Ply WE ARE THE AREA’S LEADING Membrane Aluminum Fascia • Soffitt Siding ONLINE: www.ApprovedRoofingLLC.c Gutters SERVING FLORIDA’S GULF COASTRotted FOR OVER Wood 40 YEA Replacement

RE-ROOF SPECIALISTS

RE-ROOF 941.756.4259 SPECIALISTS 941.756.4259

ONLINE: www.ApprovedRoofingLLC.com SERVING FLORIDA’S GULF COAST FOR OVER 40 YEARS

PLAY WHERE THE PROS PLAY! Seven Time Host to the US Open Qualifier

Finish this sentence: Kelsey Vogel is … … a go-with-the-flow person.

Average Rating: Overall Condition: Value: Staff Friendliness: Course Conditions:

There’s no better time than now to think about a golf membership!

Is the team feeling any pressure to repeat as state champions?

I think some of the younger players are feeling it a little, like they have something to live up to. There is a target on our back, but it’s one that we should be proud of having. We will continue to have it

Single & Family Memberships: • Full Executive • Sr. Executive (75 yrs. young) • Jr. Executive • Young Executive • River Club Dining Privileges • No F&B Minimum • 60/90 Day Trial Golf Programs

LET US DESIGN A POOL THAT FITS YOUR LIFESTYLE

Open to the Public For Tee Times Call 941.744.9771 374280-1

For Membership Call Janice 941.718.4848 or jreed@waterlefeFL.com

Professional In-House Construction Call today to schedule an appointment

Best customer service in Bradenton

941.927.1882 370717-1

1022 Fish Hook Cove, Bradenton | waterlefegolfandriverclub.com

Unlimited Washing, Unlimited Happiness!

Design•Build•Maintain

of West Florida, Inc.

www.HolidayPoolsFlorida.com SHAUN J. LIMON DPM

Diplomate, American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry Board Certified in Primary Care in Podiatric Medicine

Lic# CPC1458597

Family Owned and Operated Since 1994

GOT FUNGUS?

OUR FAVORITE ERRAND… THE CAR WASH! AND WE LOVE THE POPCORN TOO!

Plans start at just $19.99 per month

LISA GRIFFITH-LIMON DPM Diplomate, American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery. Board Certified in Foot Surgery.

New Treatment Options Available!

Comprehensive, Safe, Pain-Free and Highly Effective LASER Therapy for Fungal Nail Infections.

Serving Manatee County since 1998

SCHEDULE TODAY!

OPEN BY APPOINTMENT

Actual Patient Results after 3 Laser Treatments

941.782.8639

11065 Gatewood Drive, Bldg C-2, Lakewood Ranch 4614 26th Street West, Bradenton | LimonsFoot.com

6415 FL-64, BRADENTON, FL 34208 WWW.JAXKARWASHFL.COM 941.746.WASH(9274)

370727-1

370739-1

AND FOLLOWING CDC SAFETY PROTOCOLS MOST INSURANCE ACCEPTED

Sh Tile Mo Bu Sin Mem Alu Fasci S Gu Rotte Repla

20A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

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

THE

SARASOTA 3736 Meridale Road Joel Schemmel

F LO R IDA GU L F COAST LUXU RY L E A D E R

ENGLEWOOD 7108 Trout Lane Amee Sams & Beth Sargent

PRESTANCIA 3944 Losillias Drive Joel Schemmel & Sharon Chiodi

$5,999,999 941.447.1466

LAKEWOOD RANCH $2,995,000 941.587.4894

6963 Westchester Circle Laura Stavola

SILVER OAK 5308 Hunt Club Way Vittoria Rutigliano

$12,000,000 941.587.4894

$2,575,000 941.447.4875

BOCA ROYALE $2,375,000 941.962.5867

40 Grande Fairway Bob Linthicum

MANASOTA KEY BEACHES $1,550,900 941.228.9206

6370 Manasota Key Road J. Walter Almeida

$3,850,000 941.757.7550

LIST WITH US

Global Exposure. Innovative Marketing. Proven Results.

LAKEWOOD RANCH 8009 Royal Birkdale Circle Laura Stavola

When you list your property with us, you will receive unrivaled local and international luxury real estate services: Brilliant photography and professional video | Custom brochures and direct mailing | Digital marketing | Award-winning website Exclusive exposure on luxury websites | Advertising in local newspapers and magazines | Affiliation with the Sotheby’s auction house and affluent clientele

COUNTRY CLUB EAST $1,400,000 941.447.4875

14536 Whitemoss Terrace Donna Soda & Joel Schemmel

$749,500 941.544.0763

4104 Via Mirada Thomas Netzel & Sandy Gillette

RIVERWALK RIDGE 7010 Honeysuckle Trail Mary Northrup

$799,000 941.961.5857

PALMER RANCH $675,000 941.539.0633

WATERCREST 6430 Watercrest Way #303 Michelle Crabtree

$585,000 941.724.4663

View a rea list ings

23 CONTEMPORARY TOWNHOMES

It’s Better

uptown

Situated in Sarasota’s uptown, Premier on Main boasts 23 contemporary townhomes.

Priced from $1,195,000, these four-level residences offer a sophisticated, modern sanctuary near the city’s captivating arts and cultural district.

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.Source:MLS.

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

370656-1

2191 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34237 | 941.920.1500 | TheFrankLambertTeam.com

Classifieds 15B Games 10B Real Estate 7B Weather 10B

FEBRUARY 17, 2022

YOUR NEIGHBORS IN DAD’S FOOTSTEPS

J

im Johnson watched as his daughter Charlie Johnson, a kindergartner at Robert E. Willis Elementary School, added glitter to a picture frame she was decorating.

“You missed a spot,” dad said as he grabbed some glitter and filled in a spot for her.

The Johnsons were having fun making the frame before joining other fathers and daughters on the dance floor for Willis Elementary’s Enchanted Ball at Lakewood Ranch Baptist Church. The Enchanted Ball was the Johnson’s first father-daughter dance.

“She has been excited about it all day – all week actually,” Jim Johnson said. “She’s put her dress on a bunch of times.”

Although Stella Gerardot is a first-grader, the Enchanted Ball was a first for her and her father, Johnny Gerardot, because the school was unable to host a father-daughter dance last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s awesome to have our first dance,” Johnny Gerardot said. “It’s nice because we’ve been so locked down.”

For other parents, like Kale Shortridge, the Enchanted Ball was their last father-daughter dance with their little girls.

Shortridge summed up how he felt about the ball being his last with his daughter Adyson Shortridge in one word: “Ugh.”

Above: Dan Stephens and his daughter Summer, a third-grader, grab props for a funny photo.

Left: Steven Collett dances with his daughter Baylor Collett, a first-grader.

Below left: Leo Kao dances with his secondgrader Sophie Kao. Leo Kao says he loved taking photos and dancing with his daughter.

— LIZ RAMOS

Photos by Liz Ramos

372175-1

Above: Ellie Gehndyu, a kindergartner, enjoys her first father-daughter dance with her father, Janjay Gehndyu.

Top cutout photo: Mark Resnick loves spending time with his daughter Adley Resnick, who is in VPK. Adley Resnick is dressed as Cinderella. “I can’t wait to see the smile on her face all night,” Mark Resnick said.

2B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

AFFORDABLE

ATTORNEY ALTERNATIVE

$25 OFF DOCUMENTS over $150 with this ad ~ NOTARY PUBLIC ~

STOREFRONT SECRETARY

We prepare documents for: • Wills & Trusts

Professional, Accurate & Confidential

• Quit Claim Deeds • Incorporations • Name Changes

& So Much More

As non-attorney document preparers, we do not give legal advice.

Call

941-405-4067 to Schedule your Free, No Obligation Appointment Today!

4949 E. State Road 64, Bradenton 34208 StorefrontSecretary.com 369098-1

PRIVATE DINING ONLY, RESERVATIONS REQUIRED AT HOME CATERING AVAILABLE

PINO’S IS BACK!

At His New Location on University

Pino’s

Enjoy all your favorite chef specialties:

Grilled Octopus • Ossobuco • Homemade Pasta • 16 oz. Veal Chops • Fresh Seafood

RSVP open Thursday-Saturday

367439-1

941-203-8467 • www.appizzaapizza.com 6392 North Lockwood Ridge Road | Located within Appizza A Pizza Near Detwilers at the Intersection of Lockwood & University

Photos by Liz Ramos

Elayne Kramer pops a balloon using a bow and arrow with her feet.

Fun under the big top

E

ast County’s David and Colleen Anderson had attended Circus Sarasota once before.

They enjoyed it so much, they were in the crowd Feb. 12 as Circus Sarasota began another run at at Nathan Benderson Park. This time, they brought their grandsons, 4-year-old Logan Anderson and 2-year-old Luke Anderson.

“They’re loving it,” Colleen Anderson said.

The Andersons’ favorite act was the Alexis Brothers, who stunned the crowd with their hand-balancing act.

“The things they’re doing are impossible to do with muscles you usually use,” David Anderson said.

Venice’s Malcolm Heslop and Magdalena Dooley loved seeing Sarasota’s Bello Nock perform daredevil stunts with a comedic twist.

When Heslop first saw Nock perform at Circus Sarasota four years ago, he thought Nock was just a clown, then he realized Nock also was the man performing on the Wheel of Destiny.

Bello Nock provides some comedy to the show by trying to move a suitcase that won’t budge.

— LIZ RAMOS

370084-1

• Divorces

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

3B

Pompeyo Family Dogs move across the ring in a conga line.

Parrish’s Poppy McGrath, who is 7 years old, and 4-year-old Beatrix McGrath look forward to seeing Caleb Carinci perform with his horses.

374110-1

Above: A dog in the Pompeyo Family Dog Show jumps through a hulahoop held by Katerina Pompeyo.

Left: Maria Chimeno dazzles the crowd with her trapeze act.

FIND YOUR PLACE

ON THE RANCH

The #1 Community in the U.S. for All Ages - 4 Years Running!

Covering more than 50 square miles, Lakewood Ranch is filled with shopping, dining, arts, entertainment, nature, recreation – and all the new home choices you can imagine. With over two dozen villages, each with distinctive homes and amenities, we have something for every size family and every stage of life.

*Prices subject to change without notice. © 2022 Lakewood Ranch

374182-1

COME SEE WHY LAKEWOOD RANCH IS AMERICA’S FAVORITE PLACE TO CALL HOME! | HOMES FROM THE $300S TO OVER $1M*

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

NEIGHBORS NOTES

4B

A COVID Vaccine Mandated Campus 1951 N. Honore Ave. | Sarasota, FL 34235

FOR

LOCK IN YOUR RENT

5 YEARS

Courtesy photos

Willis Smith’s John LaCivita

SIGN NOW & SAVE!

tise and dedication to client satisfaction have had a profound and positive effect on the company. I look forward to the ongoing impact he will make as we continue to advance the company during this, our 50th year, and beyond.”

Willis Smith has some 70 employees and posted $101 million in revenue in 2021. Founded in 1972, it primarily serves Southwest Florida clients in commercial, industrial, education, health care, museum specialty work and sustainable construction. Current and recent projects include redevelopment of Selby Gardens in Sarasota, a new dining hall at Ringling College of Art and Design, the Waterside Town Center in Lakewood Ranch, the Mote Science Education Aquarium at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota and the East County library at Premier Park in Lakewood Ranch.

*

Willis Smith Construction promotes longtime executive

Skyrocketing property values mean the time is now to sell your home and lock in your rent rate at Aviva for 5 years. Protect yourself from

Willis A. Smith Construction, one of the largest builders in the region, has promoted longtime employee and executive John LaCivita to president.

LaCivita had most recently been executive vice president at the company based in Lakewood Ranch.

David Sessions will remain in his role as CEO, according to a statement.

A ninth-generation Floridian and lifelong Sarasota County resident, LaCivita joined Willis Smith in 1996.

He graduated from State College of Florida and earned his bachelor’s in building construction from the University of Florida in 1991. He became a state-certified general contractor in 1993, the release states.

“During his time with Willis Smith Construction, John’s contributions have been invaluable to not only driving the growth of the business, but also creating a great company culture for our employees,” Sessions said in the release. “As president, John will continue to provide oversight to both the management and business development teams within our organization.

“His energy, construction exper-

rising inflation — and be part of a safe, secure, and thriving independent living community!

Sign by March 31st. Call 941.225.8369 today! *5 Year Rate Lock applies to Independent Living Rental Agreements only, for the length of the lease, or until 5 years from lease signing. This cannot be used in combination with any other sales offer.

Limited time only offer. Expires March 31, 2022.

Assisted Living Facility #8951

Avi va Sen i orL i fe . o rg

373947-1

Limited Time OFFER

AR Homes receives Star Farms assignment AR Homes by Arthur Rutenberg landed a contract to build luxury homes in the new Forestar Group project Star Farms in Lakewood Ranch.

The custom homes will range in size from approximately 2,800 to 5,000 square feet and will showcase an open-layout concept. The Grandview model is expected to break ground this spring and will feature more than 3,800 square feet of living space.

Upon completion, the 700-acre gated village will be a resort ranch hometown featuring 1,500 singlefamily homes, paired villa retreats and townhomes with a variety of amenities, clubs and hospitality services.

Visit StarFarmsLWR.com for more information.

Goodwill receives U.S. Automobile Association grant Goodwill Manasota received a $155,000 grant from the U.S. Automobile Association to provide better career enhancement training and

Do you live in the Esplanade, Indigo or Mallory Park?*

NOW OFFERING CONVENIENT

donate & shop

HOME DELIVERY EVERY THURSDAY

Building Materials | Furniture | Appliances Art | Decorative Accessories | Lamps Hurry, introductory offer ends soon!

The East County Observer is full of Lakewood Ranch news you can’t find anywhere else. It’s always about You. Your Neighbors. Your

Have large items to donate?

Call to schedule your free pick up.

370388-1

(941) 444-5783

n

www.habitatsrq.org

Our vision is everyone deserves a decent place to live.

Reg. $75

Neighborhood.

2

PER YEAR

Easy Ways to

SIGN UP

ONLINE: YourObserver.com/home-delivery CALL: 941-366-3468

*Delivery is only available in the Esplanade, Indigo and Mallory Park at this time. We will be expanding to other neighborhoods throughout the year.

The Observer remains FREE and available at retail locations throughout East Manatee. The convenience fee is to have the newspaper delivered to your home each week.

375113-1

3 Stores n 1 Location Tuesday - Saturday n 10:00am - 5:00pm 2095 17th Street n Sarasota

$65

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

support We Care Manatee’s breast health program, which provides free mammograms and follow-up diagnostic care for low-income, uninsured women in Manatee County.

More than 250 people participated in the annual charity event.

The Women’s Club of Cascades of Sarasota held its installation luncheon at Palm Aire Country Club Feb. 8. Taking over as elected officers were President Jane Faix, First Vice Presidents Joanne Byrne and Helen LiMarzi, Treasurer Kathy Mikol, Second Vice Presidents Susan Hetzler and Marianne Salotto, and Secretaries Bonnie Reeves and Kathy Volk.

The Women’s Club of Cascades is a nonprofit charitable organization that raised funds to support the community.

941.210.7368 ciao@pascones.com www.pascones.com

Happy Hour

4:30pm - 6pm

Donned in pink, members of the Women’s Golf Association of the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club gathered in January to raise more than $47,000 for free mammograms and breast health care for local uninsured women.

The funds were raised at the WGA’s Think Pink golf event to

Live - Alan (Mr. Piano Man) Souza

Open 4:30-9pm • Closed Mondays

5239 University Parkway

University Park County Club is hosting its 22nd annual Art in the Park, a fine arts exhibit and sale that is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 5-6.

The show is one of the longestrunning art shows in the region and will be held at University Park Country Club, 7671 The Park Blvd., University Park. It will feature 57 artists, both professional and nonprofessional, and more than 150 works.

Featured are paintings, mixed media, photography, sculpture and more.

Cash prizes for the artwork will be determined by a jury that is made up of Billy Elkins, photographer; Katie Dobson Cundiff, oil and plein aire painter; and Joanna Coke, watercolors and mixed media artist. Visitors also vote for their favorite piece.

Admission and parking is free.

Lunch will be served overlooking the golf course. For more information, call Carol Heindel at 703-864-7559 or go to ArtInTheParkUPCC.com.

Tues - Sat

(NW corner of University & Honore)

Concierge Curbside Service

Sarasota’s Best Voted One of

28 Years in a Row!

YOUR HOME DESERVES Hunter Douglas!

BLINDS•SHUTTERS DRAPERIES•WALLCOVERINGS Pirouette ® Window Shading

941-925-7800 mmwallcoveringsblinds.com Wallcoverings & Blinds, Inc. Since 1989

375210-1

Women’s Golf Association tees off for charity

5B

For Reservations

University Park art show returns

Nancy Lepain, Annie Breitinger and Cathy Adragna helped the Women’s Golf Association at Lakewood Ranch raise $47,000 for We Care Manatee.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Welcome to an Unforgettable Dining Experience

New officers at Cascades

367358-1

employment placement services to black and Hispanic veterans and military spouses, it was announced in a Goodwill Manasota press release.

The effort is called “Operation Achieve.”

According to the release, Goodwill Manasota plans to enroll 60 veterans and/or spouses for upskilling/ reskilling training and employment services.

Goodwill Manasota served 224 veterans with basic services and 46 others through its American Veterans and Their Families programs in 2021.

|

4801 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Across from The Landings

Janet and Curt Mattson Owners

Update Your Cabinets

GET THE BEST

& Save Up To 60%

AIR CONDITIONING, PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL SERVICE

Over Replacing or Refacing Our Professional Cabinet Reenishing System Revitalizes Your Cabinets While Offering ese Unique Advantages:

Cleaner Air

ONLY $59

Drain Cleaning *

A/C TUNE-UP Includes our 6 Month no breakdown guarantee *With recommended repairs Must be presented at time of service. Cannot be combined with any other offers

• Very smooth appearance and touch • Excellent durability • Mar and scratch resistant • Non-yellowing • Low in VOC • Withstands substances typically found in kitchens and bathrooms • Excellent adhesion to wood, laminate and thermofoil surfaces • Available in any color match • Free in-home color consultation

Safer Home

ONLY $99

BOGO

ANY TIME DRAIN CLEANING

LANDSCAPE LIGHTS

*

*

Residential Drain Cleaning Only

Buy one light, get one free!

Up to 3 BOGO deals per customer.

*Some restrictions and fees may apply if access is limited.

Excluding main drain line. Cannot be combined with any other offers Expires 3/31/22

Must be presented at time of service. Cannot be combined with any other offers

Free In-Home Estimates Call Today 941-412-7029 WestsideReenishers.com Call Today. CoolToday.

TM

371545-1

(941) 343-8543 h CoolToday.com

375413-1

Never an Overtime Charge h 7 Days a Week h Call Today to Schedule!

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

BRADENTON 7708 Desoto Memorial Highway 4 Beds 5/1 Baths 6,431 Sq. Ft. Kathy Valente & Gregory Zies, LLC 941-685-6767 A4524252 $5,995,000

ANNA MARIA 240 Gladiolus Street 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,124 Sq. Ft. Tammy Mast 941-256-6543 A4524550 $1,500,000

BRADENTON 5520 Title Row Drive 5 Beds 4/1 Baths 4,392 Sq. Ft. Adam Cuffaro 941-812-0791 A4524258 $1,495,000

SARASOTA 2203 Hillview Street

SARASOTA 7700 Iguana Drive 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,550 Sq. Ft. Lee Byron & Sue Keal 941-350-5542 A4512842 $899,998

LONGBOAT KEY 656 Tarawitt Drive 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,330 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy, PA & Gail Wittig, LLC 941-961-8850 A4524096 $2,495,000

SARASOTA 1335 Second Street Villa 2E 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,520 Sq. Ft. Brian Loebker & Jonathan Abrams 941-735-4393 A4522536 $2,399,900

SARASOTA 6326 Midnight Pass Road 508 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,318 Sq. Ft. Karen Chandler 941-544-4919 A4523199 $2,159,000

SARASOTA 8036 Grande Shores Drive 4 Beds 2 Baths 2,146 Sq. Ft. Lenore Treiman 941-356-9642 A4524395 $1,600,000

Tim Koons-McGee 941-320-7073 A4518090 $1,250,000

LONGBOAT KEY 741 Fox Street 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,390 Sq. Ft. Cindy Fischer & Mark J Baron 941-465-1124 A4520104 $1,195,000

SARASOTA 1917 Rose Street 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,839 Sq. Ft. Maria Beck PA & Jalina Beck 646-531-4118 A4521547 $1,150,000

SARASOTA 3624 S Lockwood Ridge Road 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 4,013 Sq. Ft. Rudy Dudon 941-234-3991 A4508564 $895,000

LONGBOAT KEY 656 Tarawitt Drive 10,799 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy, PA & Gail Wittig 941-961-8850 A4518192 $845,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7407 Lake Forest Glen 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,185 Sq. Ft. Maurice Menager & Lin Dunn 941-809-2154 A4524327 $799,000

ELLENTON 5531 70th Drive E 5 Beds 4/1 Baths 3,654 Sq. Ft. Dan Desoto, Jr 941-567-8006 A4523681 $769,000

SARASOTA 350 S Polk Drive 502 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,036 Sq. Ft. Pamela Miller 614-632-2801 A4524031 $625,000

SARASOTA 2988 Seasons Boulevard 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,363 Sq. Ft. Janice Perry & Pam Sweeney 941-228-0848 A4523887 $625,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 5007 28th Court E 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,678 Sq. Ft. Pamela Miller 614-632-2801 A4524632 $525,000

SARASOTA 170 Roosevelt Drive 15 1 Bed 1 Baths 672 Sq. Ft. Rudy Dudon 941-234-3991 A4523219 $489,900

SARASOTA 4715 Tivoli Avenue 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,933 Sq. Ft. Pam Sweeney 941-266-9622 A4523596 $445,000

SARASOTA 3523 Trebor Lane Connie Lyke Brown 941-302-1214 A4488191 $425,000

BRADENTON 3413 Avenida Madera A 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,773 Sq. Ft. Drew Russell 941-993-3739 A4522510 $385,000

VENICE 765 Harrington Lake Drive N 63 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,492 Sq. Ft. Bambi Utton 941-228-4881 N6119540 $339,000

SARASOTA 5468 Riverbluff Circle V-40 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,480 Sq. Ft. Robert Moffatt & Peggy Wellman 941-374-0811 A4523186 $275,000

PALMETTO 2915 8th Street Court W Debbie Vogler 941-705-3328 A4512663 $225,000

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 112 Mangrove Avenue 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,577 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4502423 $3,999,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3606 Fair Oaks Place 5 Beds 3 Baths 3,842 Sq. Ft. Kathy Callahan 941-900-8088 A4523345 $3,500,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

373413-1

6B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in the Concession topped all transactions in this week’s real estate. Tappan Real Estate Investors II LLC sold the home at 8499 Lindrick Lane to Milibay LLC for $7.98 million. Built in 2010, it has six bedrooms, eight-andthree-half baths, a pool and 15,077 square feet of living area.

COUNTRY CLUB

Neil and Phyllis Friedland, of Bradenton, sold their home at 7954 Royal Birkdale Circle to Jonathan Irle and Grace Rizza, of Lakewood Ranch, for $2.45 million. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, fourand-a-half baths, a pool and 5,892 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $955,000 in 2014.

TCMAX LLC sold the home at 13934 Siena Loop to Alberta Anaclerio, of Bradenton, for $1,395,000.

Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,144 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $776,000 in 2021.

Mark Beliveau, of Sarasota, and Christine Beliveau, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 7042 Twin Hills Terrace to Holly Sue Robbins and Michael Edward Robbins, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1,175,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 3,371 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $608,800 in 2014.

Rudolph Frederick Boone and Megan Jennifer Boone, of Sarasota, sold their home at 7053 Kingsmill Court to Kathleen Neal, of Bradenton, for $959,500. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,744 square feet of living area.

Cheryl Picken, of Austin, Texas, sold her home at 7823 Heritage Classic Court to Barbara Reid and Sharon McCormick, of Ontario, Canada, for $610,000. Built in 1999, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,761 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $250,000 in 2011.

RIVER CLUB SOUTH

J. Michael and Rebecca Rivera, of Punta Gorda, sold their home at 7627 Tralee Way to Ronald and Catherine Darilek, of Bradenton, for $1,299,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,636 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $515,000 in 2020.

WARWICK GARDENS

Medigold Innovations Inc. sold the home at 8015 Warwick Gardens Lane to Richard Goewey, trustee, of Sarasota, for $1.75 million. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, fourand-a-half baths, a pool and 4,449 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $900,000 in 2019.

HIDDEN OAKS

Devon and Alma Rushnell, of Brooksville, sold their home at 720 132nd Street Circle N.E. to Jarrod Neal Frost and Tara Lynn Frost, of Bradenton, for $950,000. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,809 square feet of living area.

MILL CREEK

Bryan and Molly Lawson, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 14906 17th Ave. E. to Richard McQuillan and Cerina Patrice McQuillan, of Bradenton, for $912,500. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,990 square feet of living area.

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

JAN. 31-FEB. 4

DEL WEBB

Bruce and Lynne Robertson, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the home at 7011 Chester Trail to Penny Kay Menster, of Delafield, Wisconsin, for $900,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,488 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $599,900 in 2019.

PRESERVE AT PANTHER RIDGE

Joseph and Bene Hunter, of Bradenton, sold their home at 22707 Night Heron Way to Neil and Jaimee Baker, of Bradenton, for $900,000.

Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,601 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $515,000 in 2015.

GREYHAWK LANDING

Gregory and Rebecca Perra, of Bradenton, sold their home at 12503 Natureview Circle to Robert and Phyllis Hemler, of Bradenton, for $836,000. Built in 2004, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,053 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $475,000 in 2019.

SAVANNA

Timothy and Carla Longino, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 2918 Desert Plain Cove to John and Samantha Wurm, of Bradenton, for $835,000. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,377 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $470,000 in 2018.

Michael and Kim Teegarden, of Fernandina Beach, sold their home at 14216 Florida Rosemary Drive to Thomas Boylan and Meredith Bratt-Boylan, of Lakewood Ranch, for $725,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,251 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $370,000 in 2019.

Courtesy photo

This Concession home at 8499 Lindrick Lane sold for $7.98 million. It has six bedrooms, eight-and-three-half baths, a pool and 15,077 square feet of living area.

CENTRAL PARK

Scott Jarrett, of Lakewood Ranch, and Dominique Jarrett, of Sarasota, sold their home at 4723 Tilden Park Court to Rachel and Travis Robert, of Bradenton, for $610,000. Built in 2012, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,468 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $355,400 in 2013.

Richard and Sandra Ann Aranibar, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 11912 Forest Park Circle to Paul and Jennifer Mahoney, of Bradenton, for $456,000. Built in 2012, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,744 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $284,000 in 2018.

Sonia Dillon, of Bradenton, sold her home at 4910 Newport News Circle to Scott and Jennifer Oliver, of Bradenton, for $440,000. Built in 2012, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,487 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $226,400 in 2012.

SOLERA

Michael and Patricia Corey, of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, sold their home at 16911 Harvest Moon Way to Kurt Hildbrand and Lora Mindy Hildbrand, of Bradenton, for $599,000.

Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, SEE REAL ESTATE, PAGE 9B

BRIDGEWATER

John Fleming and Enrique Lopez Jr., of Sarasota, sold their home at 5605 Cloverleaf Run to Timothy and Shalynn Cross, of Bradenton, for $830,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,426 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $509,500 in 2015.

In with the new NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION

SERENITY CREEK

Ted and Nancy Mao, of Norwalk, Connecticut, sold their home at 13112 Bliss Loop to Jo Ann Marchiori, trustee, of $789,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,967 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $496,800 in 2015.

Longboat Key

The Residences at the St. Regis | 941.213.3300 | From $2.4MM to $10.9MM | Call for appointment | SRResidencesLongboatKey.com

MAGNOLIA HAMMOCK AT UNIVERSITY PLACE

NOW TAKING CONTRACTS

Joshua and Laura Colkmire, of Northville, Michigan, sold their home at 7633 Heyward Circle to Herman Gleicher and Eliane Fernanda Gleicher, of Tampa, for $759,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,834 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $405,000 in 2018.

Downtown St. Petersburg

BRADEN WOODS

Mark and Dorothy McCourt, of Bradenton, sold their home at 6524 93rd St. E. to Brandon Kirk Bennett and Demia Cherie Bennett, of Bradenton, for $739,000. Built in 1985, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 2,624 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $233,000 in 2001.

400 Central | 727.209.7848 | From the $1MM’s | Call for appointment. | Residences400central.com 2 UNITS LEFT

CHARLESTON POINTE AT UNIVERSITY PLACE

Downtown Sarasota

Ryan and Kori Stoller, of Sarasota, sold their home at 8223 Planters Knoll Terrace to Florence Conlan, of Bradenton, for $639,900. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,330 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $452,000 in 2019.

The Collection | 941.232.2868 | From the $2MM’s | Call for appointment. | thecollection1335.com

POLO RUN

Wagiuh and Joanne Asaad, of Oceanside, California, sold their home at 18049 Polo Trail to Regina Waldrop, of Bradenton, for $625,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,287 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $387,500 in 2020.

Sales galleries open and available for virtual or in-person presentations.

Virtual home tours | OnDemand local experts | Interactive site and floorplans

373395-1

ADAM HUGHES

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

REAL ESTATE

Concession home tops sales at $7.98 million

|

MichaelSaunders.com/New-Homes | 844.591.4333 | Sarasota, Florida Prices as of February 2022.

Licensed Real Estate Broker

7B

8B

YOUR CALENDAR

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

COMMUNITY THURSDAY, FEB. 17 TO SUNDAY, FEB. 20

ART SHOW Runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at Palm Aire Country Club, 5601 Country Club Way, Sarasota.

The Art Association of Palm Aire hosts its annual Art Show and the lobby and hallways of the country club will feature works by club members and Palm Aire Country Club employees. The show includes painting, photography, ceramics, glass work, sculptures, jewelry and fabric arts. The association presents a scholarship to a Ringling College student. For more information, call 355-9733.

THURSDAY, FEB. 17 TO SUNDAY, MARCH 6

CIRCUS SARASOTA Runs 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; 2 p.m. matinee Wednesdays and Saturdays; 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sundays and Feb. 21 (Presidents Day) at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota.

Circus Sarasota returns featuring international circus artists.

Admission: $20-$60, with children under 2 years old free. For more information, visit CircusArts.org or call 355-9805.

SATURDAY, FEB. 19

BETTER LUNCHEON BENEFIT Begins at 11 a.m. at Grace Community Church, 4080 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. Better Together, a nonprofit dedicated to helping families in

SUNDAY. FEB. 20

BEST BET

FARMERS MARKET 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.

SATURDAY, FEB. 19

YOUTH FISHING SEMINAR Begins at 9 a.m. or 1 p.m. at Summerfield Community Park, 6402 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch.

Lakewood Ranch Community Activities hosts a youth fishing seminar for ages 5-19 to learn the art of casting, being a good angler and knot tying. All kids in attendance will receive a free rod and reel, courtesy of Fish Florida.

For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

File photo

crisis and preventing the need for foster care, is hosting a Better Luncheon for parents in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Better Together organizes the lunch, which features guest speaker Hayley Purdy of Children’s Therapy Solutions and Women’s Center.

Admission is free and includes lunch. For more information, go to BetterTogetherUS.org/lunch-rsvp.

SATURDAY, FEB. 19-SUNDAY, FEB. 20 COMMUNITY CAMPOUT Runs from 3 p.m. Saturday to 9 a.m. Sunday at the Greenbrook

Adventure Park, 13010 Adventure Place, Lakewood Ranch. All ages are welcome to participate in the fourth-annual Community Campout. Registration is $40 per tent space. The event, hosted

by Lakewood Ranch Community Activities, offers tent-pitching demonstrations, an interactive nature walk for the kids, dinner for purchase from local food trucks, a campfire, a family-friendly outdoor movie and more. Bring your own tent and supplies. To register, go to MyLWR.com.

POLO Begins at 1 p.m. at the Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Lakewood Ranch. The 2021-22 Sarasota Polo Club season runs every Sunday through April 24.

Gates open at 10 a.m. Enjoy polo, the opening parade, halftime entertainment, divot stomping, food, drinks and more. For more information and tickets (which begin at $15), go to SarasotaPolo. com.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 23

RANCH NIGHT WEDNESDAYS Runs from 6-9 p.m. at 1561 Lakefront Drive, Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch. Ranch Night 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.

REC DAY Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle,

Sarasota. Nathan Benderson Park hosts Rec Day, which offers participants the chance to try stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, canoes, fishing and more. Meet at the base of the finish tower. The fee is $10 per person or $5 for an adult who brings a child.

The event is free for children 6 and younger. Fishing licenses are required for all participants who fish. For more information, go to NathanBendersonPark.org.

SATURDAY, FEB. 26

YOUTH FISHING TOURNAMENT Runs from 9 a.m. to noon at Lake Uihlein, Lakewood Ranch.

Lakewood Ranch Community Activities hosts the annual Youth Fishing Tournament for ages 5-12.

The event is limited to the first 100 anglers to sign up. Equipment is provided by Premier Tackle. Live bait is provided by DMF Bait Co. Must preregister at MyLWR.com.

SUNDAY, FEB 27

YOGA IN THE PARK Begins at 9:30 a.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. The public is welcome to participate in Yoga in the Park for $5 per person. Instructor Marina Traub leads the class along the west shore of the lake. The alllevels class will have plenty of modifications and amplifications to suit everyone. Bring a yoga mat. For more information, go to NathanBendersonPark.org.

EXPERIENCE the

WHEN YOU THINK FANS THINK DAN’S!

360 Solution

DR. RUBINS David Rubins, MD, BSME, FAAOS, is a board-certified joint replacement surgeon at 360 Orthopedics in Sarasota, Venice, and Lakewood Ranch, Florida.

He specializes in hip and knee replacement.

Come In & See the LARGEST SELECTION OF FANS ANYWHERE!

“I am post hip replacement 5 yrs. I have not had any pain since that surgery. I felt Dr. Rubins had my best interest.

I have referred many patients to him.” — TAMMY D.

DR. ARMAGHANI Sheyan J. Armaghani, MD, is a specialist in adult spine reconstruction and minimally invasive spine surgery at 360 Orthopedics in Sarasota, Venice, and Lakewood Ranch, Florida.

Design Your Own Fan DC Motor Fans Available Parts & Services Available Locally Owned & Operated Designs For Every Style

“Dr. Armaghani is wonderful!! He is extremely knowledgeable & forthcoming in sharing his plan for your care. I highly recommend him!” —CYNTHIA F.

HIP | KNEE | PAIN MANAGEMENT | NECK & SPINE | HAND & WRIST FOOT & ANKLE | REGENERATIVE | SPORTS MEDICINE & MORE

Reduce Your A/C Bill With DC Fans!

LET’S GET MOVING

CALL US TODAY!

1808 Cortez Rd #101 941-755-3262

E. Sarasota

6303 Center Ring Rd #101 941-355-1153

www.DansFanCity.com

3 LOCATIONS Lakewood Ranch Sarasota |Venice 374190-1

Bradenton

VOTED #1 IN ORTHOPEDIC CARE

370178-1

941.360.2233 Our name says it all ... our patients are the Center of our Care.

Complete & Comprehensive Orthopedics CALL 941.951.BONE (2663) TODAY! SAME/NEXT DAY APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE

It’s Grillin’ Time!

CUSTOM BUILT OUTDOOR KITCHENS & FIRE PITS CALL TODAY FOR YOUR

FREE ESTIMATE!

#1 Choice in Orthopedic Care Sarasota • Lakewood Ranch • Venice

SF-1874297

941.373.5110

360-orthopedics.com

PROOF O.K. BY:___________________________

O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY:________________________

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

SF-1874297 (100%) ADVERTISER: SARASOTA ORTHOPEDIC

PROOF CREATED AT: 2/10/2020 11:48:05 AM

SALES PERSON: SFSR02

NEXT RUN DATE: 02/11/20

SIZE: 2X10

PROOF DUE: 02/10/20 11:59:55

PUBLICATION: SF-HEALTH & FITNESS

www.LakewoodRanchLandscape.com

375331-1

OUTDOOR KITCHENS 4 Great Services for all your Outdoor Needs CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

Real estate FROM PAGE 7B

three baths and 2,316 square feet of living area. It sold for $525,000 in 2021.

TARA

Cynthia Paxton, trustee, of Bradenton, sold the home at 7518 Birds Eye Terrace to Michael and Deanna Sanders, of Bradenton, for $595,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,424 square feet of living area. It sold for $294,000 in 2014.

John Parcels, trustee, of Bradenton, sold the home at 6903 Stone River Road to John Briggs Real Estate LLC for $449,000. Built in 1989, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,511 square feet of living area.

It sold for $195,000 in 2001.

RIVER PLACE

Gregory Watkins, of Bradenton, sold his home at 6925 73rd Court E. to Jonathan Edwards and Amy Lee Edwards, of Bradenton, for $587,000. Built in 2010, it has five bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,840 square feet of living area.

It sold for $277,300 in 2010.

Zillow Homes Property Trust sold the home at 7123 67th Terrace E. to Victoria Blevins, of Bradenton, for $525,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,142 square feet of living area. It sold for $485,500 in 2021.

ROSEDALE

Erin Hunt, trustee, Kathlyn Johnson, Tara Hunt, Christopher Hunt and John Hunt sold the home at 8717 53rd Place E. to Steven Comeau and Elaine Paradise-Comeau, of Bradenton, for $585,000. Built in 1995, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,027 square feet of living area. It sold for $282,500 in 2000.

Weather

&Nature

Tammie Pickard and David Roger Tollis, of Sarasota, sold their home at 319 Whispering Palms Lane to Sae Jong Park and Chu Ock Park, of Bradenton, for $519,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,861 square feet of living area. It sold for $300,000 in 2015.

2021-22 PHOTO CONTEST

GRAND OAKS AT PANTHER RIDGE

IT’S TIME TO VOTE!

Eugene and Maureen Jablonski, of Lisbon, Connecticut, sold their home at 22410 75th Ave. E. to Daniel and Janet Sassin, of Bradenton, for $565,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,319 square feet of living area. It sold for $253,000 in 2012.

SUMMERFIELD

Dawn Gainer and Laura Paini, of Parrish, sold their home at 6504 Summer Blossom Lane to Luan and Ola Hajnaj, of Lakewood Ranch, for $545,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,012 square feet of living area. It sold for $271,000 in 2004.

NOW THROUGH

FEBRUARY 28

Remember you can vote up to once per hour.

Paul Wheeler, of Lakewood Ranch, sold his home at 12138 Winding Woods Way to Kelly Swisher and Richard Defluri, of Lakewood Ranch, for $440,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,557 square feet of living area.

It sold for $222,000 in 2021.

Donald Cowan sold the home at 12319 Hollybush Terrace to DE Property Holdings LLC for $429,500. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,916 square feet of living area. It sold for $176,100 in 2002.

Sponsored by

ONLINE

YOUR VOTE could help someone WIN

KITCHEN | CABINETRY OUTDOOR PAVERS

at YourObserver.com

500

$

Look for the 2022-23 Weather and Nature Photo Contest details soon.

Go to Yourobserver.com/contests for details.

A PURE GIFT OF LOVE

Luminations® : Meaningful Memory Care that is Personalized DISCOVER HOW BY VISITING GRANDLIVING.COM/MEMORYLWR

941.263.0022

368641-1

9B

The Observer’s

See more transactions

Donald and Sandra Spence, of Bradenton, sold their home at 161 Wandering Wetlands Circle to Paul

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

371171-1

HERITAGE HARBOUR

and Rachel Delauro, of Bradenton, for $580,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,006 square feet of living area. It sold for $330,000 in 2019.

|

INDEPENDENT | ASSISTED | MEMORY CARE INDEPENDENT | ASSISTED | MEMORY CARE 7230 University Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34240 2815 South Westlake Drive, Sioux Falls, SD 57106

AL#13373

10B

WEATHER

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST THURSDAY, FEB. 17 High: 84 Low: 66 Chance of rain: 8%

FRIDAY, FEB. 18 High: 76 Low: 59 Chance of rain: 24%

SUNRISE / SUNSET Sunrise

Sunset

Thursday, Feb. 17

7:05a

6:23p

Friday, Feb. 18

7:04a

6:24p

Saturday, Feb. 19

7:03a

6:24p

Sunday, Feb. 20

7:02a

6:25p

Monday, Feb. 21

7:02a

6:26p

Tuesday, Feb. 22

7:01a

6:26p

Wednesday, Feb. 23

7:00a

6:27p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, FEB. 19 High: 69 Low: 51 Chance of rain: 23%

SUNDAY, FEB. 20 High: 78 Low: 60 Chance of rain: 3% Gordon Silver captured this photo of a sunset at County Club East in Lakewood Ranch.

March 18 Full

March 24 Last

March 31 New

April 8 First

RAINFALL Monday, Feb. 7

0

Tuesday, Feb. 8

0

Wednesday, Feb. 9

0.51

Thursday, Feb. 10

0

Friday, Feb. 11

0

Saturday, Feb. 12

0

Sunday, Feb. 13

0.17

*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: 2022 1.15 in.

2021 2.61 in.

MONTH TO DATE: 2022 0.71 in.

2021 1.91 in.

MANASOTA FLOORING INC KARASTAN, MOHAWK, AIRO, SMARTSTRAND, ALL PET 941.748.4679 | Venice

941.493.7441 | www.manasotaonline.com

celebrity cipher

ART ACQUISITION by Drew Schmenner. Edited by David Steinberg 128 Artisan’s trade

©2022 Universal Uclick

ACROSS

“Fast & Furious” character?

1 Equine moms 44 Came up 6 Chum 46 Field of expertise 9 Wall St. debut 12 Did great at a drag show 47 Heavy lode’s contents 48 Wizards’ org.

18 Himalayan native 49 Textile seen in the Scot20 Ties, like a score tish countryside?

22 Day to blast the AC 54 One working with a 23 Basic suggestion for range of incomes? (Abbr.) fixing a laptop?

56 ___ Alamos, N.M. 25 Shrewd 57 Word before “lodge” 26 PC copying shortcut or “lift” 27 Clipper or cruiser 58 Bakery hot spot 28 Spreads sloppily 29 Not least, idiomatically 59 Prescribed amount 61 Hybrid stone fruit 32 Altar affirmative 63 London art museum 33 Actor Guinness 65 Small hill 35 Cold cubes 67 35-Across, informally 36 Not in fashion 68 Successfully lifting a 37 Anthem for many a shot glass with your palm,

tying a cherry stem with your tongue, etc.?

74 Heavy volumes 75 Speak to the masses 76 Yellow part of an egg 77 Name hidden in “dire need” 78 Drench 79 Name that anagrams to “Rami” 81 IRS identifier 84 De Armas of “No Time to Die” 85 Chimpanzee or gorilla 87 Tiny gin/vermouth cocktails?

92 Kylo ___ (“Star Wars” villain) 93 It can end with .gov 95 Kerfuffles 96 Ludicrous

97 Start of a bulletin to Michigan State students?

104 Caress, as a cat 105 What it takes to tango 106 Polar bear’s perch 107 Troop support grp.

108 Untidiness 109 Narcissist’s claims 111 Country icon McEntire 114 Drug bust figure, in slang 116 Famous TV collie 117 Celebrations with carving contests?

122 Subsides 123 Dancer Adele 124 Hype 125 Some Venmo users 126 “___ cares?”

127 “The Simpsons” neighbor

54-Across 60 Canon option, for short DOWN 62 Secures, as a mortgage 1 N.Y. Knicks’ arena rate 2 Poke bowl tuna 64 Away from land 3 Give some gas to 65 Color for safari clothes 4 Build 66 It can hang from a rim 5 Barbecuer’s rod 68 Yellow jacket relative 6 Trickle through a coffee 69 “That wasn’t clear on filter, say my part ...”

7 Fifth or Park, in NYC 70 Slime 8 Not so much 71 Disney World convey9 Book before Jeremiah ance 10 Alice Walker’s titular 72 Fashion’s Banks color 73 “The Lion King” sound 11 Decide 74 Dazzling headwear 12 Hoax 78 Letter flourishes 13 Hit the roof 79 Secure, as a boat 14 Add to an email 80 “That shocks me!”

15 “Wait a minute, we do 82 Head of Slytherin have one!”

House 16 Sinus drs.

83 Dressed to the ___ 17 Ruby of “A Raisin in the 86 Word after “stay” or Sun” “well” 19 Sun-filled lobbies 88 Upper limit 21 Like the final degree 89 Nutritional stat 24 Supermarket chain 90 “___ but a scratch” 28 Rare (“Monty Python” line) 29 Do nothing 91 Match makers?

30 Distinctive glows 94 Virtual chortle 31 Baby deliverer, in 98 Discarded PCs and folklore such 34 Prefix with “system” 99 More prying 37 “___ Haw” (old TV 100 “Take your time!” variety show) 101 Appear as if 38 Kelly Marie of “The 102 “Pronto!”

Last Jedi” 103 “Don’t Know Why” 39 “Jingle Bells” contrac- singer Jones tion 108 Engine 40 Pic that can be 109 ___ ghanoush removed 110 Possible nickname for 41 One of many for a Theresa bodybuilder 112 ___-free plastic bottle 42 Kindle offerings 113 Related (to) 43 Prepares for a blood 115 Gator’s relative test, say 116 Drink like a cat 45 Lovestruck 117 Cub’s foot 50 Indian flatbread 118 Rage 51 “Frozen” reindeer 119 Hoppy brew 52 Sun-dried brick 120 Will Ferrell holiday 53 Bourbon St. locale comedy 55 Busy time for a 121 Took a chair

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“FE, M RECV IEK WVYZKFV PXV VHPMTV KHMCVTFV YEHFBMTVS PE XVRB OV LMHS IEK.”

– BZKRE YEVRXE

“NCE IMYAO NCEM TADI BFO NCE GBYSAO LYDAMBTSN. IWA SADDCF YD: FAPAM IMN.” – WCLAM DYLXDCF (LBII KMCAFYFK)

“ONAV CVNCRV TVS IUMY OSPWFUHT XISUDUMUXR UHSVRRUTVHMV. AV, U AXEV ANHVF OSPWFUHT HXSPIXR OSPCUWUSF.

– MXIR UMXYH

Puzzle Three Clue: D equals F

crossword

371154-1

941.355.8437 | Bradenton

Puzzle Two Clue: P equals V

Sarasota

Puzzle One Clue: W equals B

CARPET

© 2022 NEA, Inc.

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

©2022 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

2-17-22

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

11B

UNVEILING:

A World First in Hearing Aids THE WORLD’S MOST ADVANCED,

PREMIER HEARING AID

Unrivaled Sound Quality # from the World’s 1 Manufacturer of Hearing Aids

INTRODUCTORY SPECIAL!

TRY FREE

FOR 30 DAYS!

NO COST, NO OBLIGATION! SOUTH CAROLINA LICENSE NUMBERS: HTP-1029, HTP-1024, HTP-1031, HTP-1023, HAS-0573, HAS-0642, HAS-0637, HAS- 0638, HAS-0633

GEORGIA LICENSE NUMBERS: HADS000995, HADS000996, HADS001001, HADS001003

374451-1

SEE INSIDE FOR DETAILS!

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

EVOLUTION

Rediscover the Wonder of Sound!

THERE’S NEVER BEEN A SOUND QUALITY LIKE THIS! RECHARGEABLE

REMOTE PROGRAMMING

A fast-charging option, a drying function via inductive charging, and intuitive left and right LEDs for status information.

Remote programming to resolve issues and make adjustments from the safety and comfort of your home or office.

UNIVERSAL CONNECTIVITY

SMART PHONE APP

Connect your Star hearing aids to your smart phone for carefree streaming of TV shows, movies, phone calls, music & more!

Remote Control App can control your hearing aid from a smartphone without the need for other hardware!

INTRODUCTORY SPECIAL! BUY ONE, GET ONE,

FREE

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY!

ABSOLUTELY FREE for 30 days!

NO COST, NO OBLIGATION!

SOUTH CAROLINA LICENSE NUMBERS: HTP-1029, HTP-1024, HTP-1031, HTP-1023, HAS-0573, HAS-0642, HAS-0637, HAS- 0638, HAS-0633

GEORGIA LICENSE NUMBERS: HADS000995, HADS000996, HADS001001, HADS001003

374452-1

12B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

13B

5-DAY SPECIAL EVENT Monday, February 21st - Friday, February 25th

The Next Evolution in Hearing Aid Technology

Don’t Miss Hearing All the Love!

Introducing Star Evolution.

• Personalized Noise Canceling • Universal Connectivity to All Smart Phones and Bluetooth Devices • Amplifies Only the Sounds You Have Issues Hearing

Five-Star Rated by our Patients!

WE ALWAYS PROVIDE THESE SERVICES FREE!

Reprogram your current hearing aids with your new hearing prescription and up-to-date software improvements at no charge.

FREE

HEARING AID CHECK UP

It is important to have your hearing checked at least once a year.

Our Video Otoscope can detect if ear wax may be the reason you are experiencing hearing difficulty.

FREE

FREE

HEARING EXAM & CONSULTATION! NO OBLIGATION!

VIDEO EAR SCAN MAKES SURE IT’S NOT EAR WAX

OTHER DIGITAL SPECIALS 100% Digital Open-Fit BTE (Open Fit Behind-the-Ear)

100% Digital ITE (In-the-Ear)

100% Digital CIC (Completely -in-Canal)

100% Micro CIC (Completely -in-Canal)

WAS $795

WAS $795

WAS $995

WAS $1995

each

(Up to 40 db Loss)

NOW 295 $

each

(Up to 40 db Loss)

NOW 395 $

each

(Up to 40 db Loss)

NOW 595 $

each

(Up to 40 db Loss)

374453-1

NOW 295 $

14B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

5-DAY SPECIAL EVENT Monday, February 21st - Friday, February 25th

INTRODUCTORY SPECIAL! BUY ONE, GET ONE

FREE

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY! We’ll test you for FREE and fit you with

EVOLUTION

to try for 30 days ABSOLUTELY FREE! FREE HEARING EXAM! No Cost, No Obligation!

WE FIT & SERVICE ONLY THE WORLD’S BEST HEARING AIDS

Authorized

Dealer

OUR PROFESSIONAL STAFF OF DOCTORS OF AUDIOLOGY & LICENSED HEARING AID SPECIALISTS

Elite Hearing Centers of America

OVER 50 LOCATION NATIONW S IDE!

OPEN NOW: NOW !

OPEN

SARASOTA 941-210-4310

2807 University Pkwy AL L CD LOC CO C C ATI MP OV ON LIA ID S NT

In Publix Plaza at University Walk

BRADENTON 941-201-6076

2001 Manatee Avenue E. Ste 104

DELRAY BEACH

ROYAL PALM BEACH

4900 Linton Blvd #3

11985 Southern Blvd

561-501-4392

(In between Poppies Restaurant and Kristi Cleaners)

(Bradenton Pain and Wellness Center)

BOYNTON BEACH

561-631-8757

(Publix at Crestwood Square - next to Carter Healthcare) JUPITER

561-619-9274

561-529-3011

4739 N Congress Ave

6725 West Indiantown Rd Bay 39

(In between Dollar Tree and Fon Shan Chinese)

(In Jupiter West Plaza)

Coming Soon! Boca Raton, Orange Park, Sebastian SOUTH CAROLINA LICENSE NUMBERS: HTP-1029, HTP-1024, HTP-1031, HTP-1023, HAS-0573, HAS-0642, HAS-0637, HAS- 0638, HAS-0633

GEORGIA LICENSE NUMBERS: HADS000995, HADS000996, HADS001001, HADS001003

374454-1

Rated

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

RED PAGES 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..

GOLF CLUBS, Womens set by Ram, Driver, 3W 4I-SW, Putter and bag. Good condition. $50 phone 315-720-7966.

GRANDMOTHER CLOCK, $95, Antique globe, $50, Boat steering wheel, $50. 941-807-1884 JAPANESE PAGODA CEMENT 2 foot tall $150, keurig coffee maker $25, plant stand metal 2 ft tall $25 941-359-8460

BUY STUFF HERE! YourObserver.com/RedPages

Merchandise Wanted

GULF BREEZE HAVANESE Have puppies for sale. Ready for a forever home, vaccinations up to date. Call for updated pictures.

941-451-9410

Sporting Goods

Beach’ N Rides Electric Bike Shop eBike Sales and Rentals Ride easy on an eBike with as much exercise or assistance as you want. Leave traffic and parking problems behind!

13 models available.

Daily and weekly rentals available We also repair other Brands Open 10 to 5 daily except Sundays and holidays 12208 Cortez Road, Cortez, FL

941-251-7916, Ext 1

SAMSUNG HP-D 5500 3D home theatre plus blu-ray, 4 speaker stands, 3 D glasses. $199 941)758-4646 SOFA BED – queen size, great condition, very comfortable mattress, light brown, only $149.

Call 516-528-5876 TREADMILL TROTTER 540 ST w/9 programs,handrails, $100.

7 reams Legal Copy Paper, $10/ream. 941-807-6027 TYPEWRITER,UNDERWOOD 1940”s -50’s, $199. 941-758-8253

auto

NEW EMPORIA Armani Men's watch in original box. $100.

RED SKELTON Lithograph painting "Rodeo Clown". $100.

941/776-0034

RATTAN LOUNGER Large solid with Original Cushion $80 (941) 462-5599

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

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

941809-3660, 941-809-3662.

Homes for Sale

Adult Care Services

Luxurious Lake Club 4 Bed 4 Bath Built in 2019 Lakefront Lakewood Ranch $2,500,000

PERSONAL CARE GIVER- Private care: Meal preparation, errands, shopping, and more.

Affordable hourly rates, available weekdays, weekends, and holidays.

Minimal shift 5 hours can also provide overnight care.

Temporary or long term care.

Over 10+ years experience.

References available. No new faces, one consistent caregiver.

COVID Negative.

Call Kati: 941-536-7706.

Sorrento Shores Waterfront 3 Bed 2 Bath Fantastic Views, New Dock $995,000 Stroll to Siesta Key Beach 4 Bed 2 Bath Heated Pool, 2 Car Garage $799,000 Longboat Key Beach House: on Canal, 2BED-2BATH, Dock.

Owner/agent $530,000.

Call for coming soon listings.

Buy or Sell with Brooke O’Malley as your Realtor, and CLUB REALTY will Pay your title insurance.

Call 941-726-2677.

Pets

LOCK BOX, fire proof with key, 13X8X7. $15. Movie posters 1984-85 (44 total), $45 for all.

941-741-9727

OLD LICENSE plates, California, Hawaii, Kentucky, Colorado, Arizona. Must take all! $3 each 949-278-2375

YourObserver.com/RedPages

SENIOR LOOKING to purchase precious metals, diamonds, time pieces, coins, jewelry, antique and estate jewelry, and collectors plates. Personal and confidential. Please call Marc: 941-321-0707.

KENMORE REFRIGERATOR 4.9 cu.ft. 33 3/4"H 21 3/8"W $60.

Westbend Microwave 900W 9.9 cu ft $45 941-807-6027 LADIES BLUE denim blazer style jacket, embordered and sequin trim M/L, $15. 941-755-6864

Advertise items less than $200 for FREE!

RED PAGES

jobs

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

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

Call 941-955-4888 Or Email ad to: classified@yourobserver.com (Please provide your name and address) Or Online at: www.yourobserver.com Or mail to: The Observer Group 1970 Main St. - 3rd Floor Sarasota, Fl 34236

LEESON ADJUSTABLE speed control for motor NEW in box $300. 941-807-6027

SELL YOUR STUFF HERE!

HIRING NOW: Cooks $15 & Dishwashers $13 Negotiable w/exp.

FT, PT, all shifts. FT benefits: 401k, vision, dental, PTO. Call 941-208-250 Bethany@christianretreat.org

SHIP YOUR car, truck or SUV anywhere in the United States.

Great rates, fast quotes. Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

Use the

RED PAGES to clean out your garage

CALL 941-955-4888

First 15 words .................... $ 17.50 per week Each add’l word ..........50¢

Cleaning

Color background: $ 5 per week Ad border: as low as $3 per week

HELP WANTED Cooks $15 and Dishwashers $13 negotiable w/experience. FT, PT, all shifts. FT benefits include: 401k, vision, dental, PTO Call 941-746-2882 ext 996, press 2 https://www.christianretreat.org

Auto Transport

AD RATES

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN

Help Wanted

You’re only cheating yourself.

Items Under $200

General Merchandise

CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

peekers’ place

stuff

STONEYBROOK COMMUNITY Garage Sale Saturday, February 19, 2022, 8:00am - 1:00pm.

8010 Stone Harbour Loop (NO EARLY ENTRIES)

Autos Wanted

PLACE YOUR AD: Call: 941-955-4888 Fax: 941-955-4808 Email: RedPages@YourObserver.com Online: YourObserver.com/Red Pages

Real Estate Wanted Single Male wants to rent small office with efficency. In Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Bradenton, North Port, or around Sarasota.

Contact Tom 678-755-3804 tomlarsen559@gmail.com

BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service

by Maria. Residential. Meticulous Cleaning. Excellent References.

Free Estimates. Reliable. Lic./Ins. 941-400-3342. www.braziliancleaningbymk.com

CLAUDIA C. Cleaning Services.

Experienced, dependable, and ready to begin!

Residential.

Excellent references.

941-773-6895.

Painting CARLO DATTILO Painting Licensed & insured. Interior/ Exterior painting including drywall repair and retexturing.

Wallpaper installation & removal, pressure washing. Residential & commercial, condos. Honest & reliable.

Free estimates. 941-744-1020.

35+ years experience.

This week’s Crossword answers

Advertise your business or service in the Observer

RED PAGES CALL TODAY 941-955-4888

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE! 941-955-4888

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “So, I love you because the entire universe conspired to help me find you.”

Paulo CoelhoPuzzle Two Solution: “You tried your best and you failed miserably.

The lesson is: Never try.”

Homer Simpson (Matt Groening) Puzzle Three Solution: “Some people get rich studying artificial intelligence. Me, I make money studying natural stupidity.”

Carl Icahn

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2022 NEA, Inc.

Garage/ Moving/ Estate Sales

real estate

Service Directory - Friday at 3PM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card

Paint the town RED!

redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages

home services

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

©2022 Universal Uclick

CALL 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Aluminum

Concrete

Irrigation

CRACK REPAIR

SIDEWALKS • DRIVEWAYS

375177

#1 in IR REPA Crack 5% 9 EPLACE Don’t R Concrete d o of Go only 5% when cked! is cra

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

Dustin Yoder

Dustin Owner Yoder/ Operator

374672

941.650.9790 941.650.9790 YoderAluminum.com

Owner /Insured Operator Insured

YoderAluminum.com

ED’S RAIN MAKER IRRIGATION

BUZ CORP D/B/A

CONCRETE FUSION

IRRIGATION (941) 725-8100 REPAIR edsrainmakerirrigation@gmail.com MAINTENANCE Insured

Call Bobby • FREE Estimates 319-693-8800 or 941-374-7670

Servicing LWR, Parrish and NE Bradenton

Doors

Auto Service

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

SELL YOUR CAR!

Sliding Glass Door Repair

WE COME TO YOU

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

Custom Granite Services, llc

FAST • EASY • SAFE

374135

HoHoBuysCars.com

941-400-4912

374692

GRAB BARS

Patio Furniture Repairs.com

SERVING YOU IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME

COMPLETE INSTALLATION PACKAGE

375170

Furniture Sales & Repairs Cushions • Slings • Re-powdercoating

$

375171

941-504-0903

FREE PICKUP / DELIVERY • FREE ONSITE QUOTES

Health

AMANDA

COVERAGE AREA: LAKEWOOD RANCH TO S. VENICE

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression provides safe, gentle & effective relief for

GLENN KROECKER

954-1878 (cell) 780-3346

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

374142

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

374144

941-735-3362

Licensed & Insured

SHOWER & BATH MAKEOVERS

University Health Park 2415 University Parkway Bldg. 3, Suite 216 Sarasota, FL 34243

374146

Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

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

Call John 941.377.2940

Free Estimates • Sarasota Resident Since 1974

www.showerandbathsarasota.com

373439

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

Landscaping & Lawn

Home Services

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

Pegatronics.com

374690

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

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

DRGRABBARS.COM

THE GRAB BAR GUY

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

Computer

INCLUDES 2 MOEN STAINLESS STEEL ANTI SLIP CONCEALED SCREW GRAB BARS (16” & 24”)

LIFETIME GUARANTEE • LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

Cleaning

235

$ 235

941.966.0333

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

424-333-0713 | rockstarmobilehair@gmail.com www.rockstarmobilehairsalon.com

CJ COOLEY OWNER/OPERATOR CALL BEFOREYOU YOU FALL CALL BEFORE FALL

Furniture Repair

Beauty

CustomGraniteServicesLLC@gmail.com

374673

941.270.4400

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

5-Star Rated

GARDENS BY ALLISON No Job is too Small!

Are You Having Dryer Difficulties?

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

• Dryer hot but clothes still wet after (1) drying cycle?

• Dryer gets hot to the touch or doesn’t heat up at all?

Take a simple test to see if your vent is clogged. Unhook your dryer vent & compare drying time.

Residential

941-705-5468

Commercial

374689

Allison J. Abizaid, M.A.

Personal Gardening Services | Designer

RED PAGES Bring Results | 941-955-4888

941.400.0431

gbyallison@yahoo.com gardensbyallison.com

374694

Doors

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

Painting

UNIQUE PAINTING & PRESSURE WASHING SERVICES Complete Interior & Exterior Painting

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

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

GROW

YOUR BUSINESS Advertise as low as $40 per week.

www.ezslider.com

374688

375186

|

374691 364556

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

374148

16B

FREE IN-HOM ESTIMATEE S

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

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

Personal Services

Rescreening & Repairs

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

|

17B

Screening

Eldridge Re-Screen

WE ARE THE SOFT WASH PRESSURE WASHING PROS

PRESSURE WASHING

House Washing, Roofs, Screen Cages, Pavers, Driveways and Walkways.

941-CLEAN IT 2 5 3 - 2 6 4 8 FREE INSTANT ESTIMATES when you Call RICK for SCHEDULING

Bisson Roofing Inc.

941-345-5264

Specializing in Reroofs and Repairs FREE Estimates • 30 Years Experience

specialty screens / screw replacement / paint Doors and more!

Windows

Manufacture and workmanship Warranties

941 - 748 - 7400 RC0067420 • Lic. & Ins. Owner Supervises Every Job

$100 COUPON

$100 COUPON

$100 COUPON

Find anything in the RED PAGES

Res./Com.

www.bissonroofing.com

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

375206

NEED HELP?

Find business and service professionals in the Red Pages.

To advertise: 941-955-4888

HEROES found here.

Relax. You’ve got better things to do.

Find a professional here in the Red Pages.

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

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

Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

25

ws

140

$

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

941-626-3194

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

For

STANDARD WINDOWS

Building & Roofing Contractor

Rescreening & Repairs

Lic./Ins.

w & Pressure Cl indo345-5264 W(941) eani t e s Sun merly known as Sunrise Windo ng UP TO

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.

941-955-4888

374674

SOFT WASH

374696

$100 COUPON

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

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

373441

373769

Roofing $100 COUPON $100 COUPON

$100 COUPON $100 COUPON

$100 COUPON

373444

941-270-1561

Power Washing $100 COUPON

Insured

SPECIAL 00 5

$

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Purified water window cleaning available!!

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

374675

“No Job Too Small”

373443

374733

Licensed

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

YOUR REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE

LISTING

DOWNTOWN GETAWAY

1551 Oak Street

Offered at $1,995,000

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS LISTING, SCAN THIS QR CODE. When it comes to buying and selling homes in an aggressive market, it’s important to work with Realtors who know your community to deliver the best results.

CALL US TODAY TO DISCUSS YOUR 2022 HOMEOWNERSHIP GOALS. HOLLY PASCARELLA, PA 941.225.3218 Holly@PSLuxuryGroup.com

KATINA SHANAHAN, PLLC 941.702.0437 Katina@PSLuxuryGroup.com

KENNETH SHANAHAN, PLLC 941.702.0443 Ken@PSLuxuryGroup.com

370799-1

18B