Passing the torch Another year has passed for the Women’s Club of Cascades Sarasota. On Feb. 2, the club welcomed a new president, Bonnie Versele (pictured above, right) during a luncheon at the Peridia Golf & Country Club. Versele is taking the helm from outgoing President Susan Braunstein (pictured above, left).
Beyond welcoming new officers, the club also selected three nonprofits to fundraise for in 2026 — Girls Inc., the Women’s Resource Center and Hope4Communities.
But the women do more than fundraise, they have fun. Annual club events include a summer pool party and a holiday potluck dinner.
Snow in Florida
Eliseo Gavia (above), a first grade student at Myakka City Elementary, saw snow for the first time on Jan. 30 along with students from four other classes. The snow was brought to campus by Lee’s Ice for the special event.
“It was really cold,” Gavia said. “We threw some snowballs at the principal and had a lot of fun.”
Carol Ricks, principal at Myakka City Elementary, said the school is divided into four houses this year to foster teamwork. Everest House earned the most points through student performance and was rewarded with a snow day.
“A snow day in Florida was a fun and unique way to celebrate their hard work and make memories all while reinforcing the positive spirit of friendly competition,” Ricks said.
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$0.10
Wayne Parrish of Rite Technology takes
The Sisterhood for Good is ready to host another major
Jay Heater
Wayne Parrish accepts the gavel from Julie Fanning, denoting that he has taken over the role of LWRBA chair of the board for 2026.
Jay Heater
Sisterhood for Good’s Stephanie Soffer, Patti Good, Samina Morrow, Karen Medford, Lori Augustyniak, Nikki Pelier-Simon, Angela Massaro-Fain, Allison Adams and Glo Reber bring the boards to Tropical Escape.
Hiring freeze implemented ahead of budget workshop
County Administrator Charlie Bishop is preparing for possible revenue cuts from the millage and property taxes.
LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER
With Manatee County having implemented a hiring freeze Jan. 15, County Administrator Charlie Bishop has been meeting with each of his departments and going over their base and continuation budgets.
Only those positions that are statutorily required and operationally necessary will be filled until commissioners give staff more direction on what a significant millage cut could look like.
“Then, we’ll reevaluate,” Bishop said.
During a strategic planning meeting in December, commissioners prioritized a millage cut and the need to plan ahead for such a cut.
The base budget is the cost to operate the department at a minimal level. The continuation budget builds upon the base and increases the level of service.
Bishop said the exercise will show commissioners where those cuts would be allocated among the different departments. The information will be presented during a public budget workshop scheduled for Feb. 11.
Beyond commissioners’ desire to cut millage, Bishop also noted Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desire to cut property taxes.
“A significant millage cut, on top of the property tax, is a significant reduction in our general fund, which supports probably close to 700-plus positions,” Bishop said.
Deputy County Administrator Corey Stutte said the impact of doing away with property tax could be a potential “$177 million hit on the general fund.”
As of Jan. 21, Manatee County records show 2,397 employees, both full time and part time.
During the Jan. 27 commission
HOURLY RATES
Manatee County Administrator Charlie Bishop offered a few examples of which positions fell under the current hiring freeze. These are the hourly rates for those positions according to records obtained from the Manatee County Clerk and Comptroller’s Office:
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Park maintenance technician: Between $23.19 and $32.25
Building trades worker: Between $21.67 and $26.58
Senior building trades worker: Between $26.58 and $32.31
311 OPERATIONS Customer service operators: Between $18.48 and $25.69
meeting, Bishop said there were an additional 95 positions being advertised, of which 44 were identified as positions that could be left unfilled.
Deputy County Administrator Courtney De Pol, who oversees Human Resources, clarified that the actual number of vacant positions is even higher at above 200 positions, but only the 90-plus were actively being filled.
She said offers were made on some of the positions, and people had already moved or quit their last job. Other positions are paid for by grants or enterprise funds, and some are necessary to county operations.
After whittling the vacant positions down, administrators ended up with 44 positions that are paid out of the general fund and not essential to operations.
Bishop used park maintenance technicians, building trade workers
and 311 operators as some examples of the positions affected by the hiring freeze.
Commissioner Jason Bearden wanted to know where the level of service will be if those positions remain vacant.
De Pol used 311 as an example of how the continuation level of service works. Base service is answering calls, but if two additional 311 operators are hired, that continuation of the base service could cut hold times from 30 minutes to 27 minutes.
An extra three minutes on hold could be something residents can tolerate.
Bishop said he’s looking for any “significant hiccups” in service and added that positions would not be cut from the Public Safety department. He also didn’t include the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office or County Attorney’s Office in his calculations.
The county is using Microsoft
Power BI to help with the analysis.
According to Microsoft, Power BI is a “business analytics platform that helps you turn data into actionable insights.” The platform “offers integrated tools and services to connect, visualize and share data across your organization.”
“I want us to turn over every rock,” Bearden said. “Make sure that if we let go of these two or three people that this is not affecting tens of thousands of residents.”
He also took it one step further to say that now would also be the time to consider restructuring the organization and possibly cut certain departments or divisions, but it must be done strategically so as to continue providing “optimal service in the community.”
However, Bishop doesn’t anticipate any major organizational changes.
Bishop also noted that the general fund only pays for a small portion of
the county’s workforce. Utilities, for example, is an enterprise fund that pays for itself. The general fund pays for “service operated departments,” such as Property Management and Natural Resources.
On Feb. 11, commissioners will be presented with different scenarios as to what various millage cuts would look like, and it will go beyond the current hiring freeze. The scenarios will include operational cuts, as well, such as reduced hours at parks and libraries.
The intent behind a budget meeting in February versus over the summer, when they’ve been scheduled in the past, is to get the public’s input on which services are a priority so those services are not cut.
Bearden used the reduced trash collection as a “prime example” of residents being unhappy with a lower level of service.
Lesley Dwyer
Manatee County administrators Corey Stutte, Bryan Parnell, Courtney De Pol and Charlie Bishop speak at a Manatee Chamber of Commerce meeting in December. On Jan. 28, all four spoke to commissioners about a temporary hiring freeze.
Easements provide county with way to protect ranches
Manatee County partners with the state to purchase easements to protect two key agricultural properties.
LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER
Over the past two years, Manatee County has purchased approximately 309 acres of environmentally valuable land to conserve in perpetuity.
The funding came after 71% of voters chose to increase their ad valorem tax by 0.15 mills and allow the county to bond up to $50 million to purchase conservation land and easements in 2020.
Between purchases, maintenance and constructing amenities, such as restrooms, the referendum funds are nearly depleted. Manatee County is currently working with the Trust for Public Land to put a referendum on the 2026 ballot that would increase its buying power.
However, commissioners approved two purchases at the Jan. 27 commission meeting that will conserve four times that 309 acres for a fraction of the price.
The vote was unanimous in favor. For just $2 million, Manatee County preserved 1,483 acres of land.
Instead of buying the land out right, the county partnered with the state to buy the acreage’s develop ment rights — 438 acres in Myakka City called Mossy Island Ranch and 1,045 acres in Parrish called Thun dercloud Ranch.
While easements are an approved purchase under the referendum, to date, the funds have only paid for fee simple purchases.
With a fee simple purchase, the county takes full ownership of the land, but also takes full responsibil ity for the land’s maintenance there after.
By purchasing the two easements, the ranch owners will continue to maintain the properties as they always have. The public isn’t grant ed access to the land, but the county isn’t saddled with additional main tenance costs.
Director of Natural Resources Charlie Hunsicker noted that the average cost of conservation pur chases over the past two years has been $104,000 per acre because those properties have been “subject to intense development pressures.”
“Easements are exactly the tool we can utilize to assure a perpetual agriculture economy in Manatee County,” he said. “We’re getting these properties, when we look at the two, at 1/10th the cost of fee simple ownership.”
FUNDING
While the referendum does provide for easement purchases, referendum dollars did not fund the easements for Mossy Island Ranch and Thundercloud Ranch. Instead, the funds will be taken from other unrestricted funds within the Environmental Lands Fund.
The county ran into a hiccup with the language of the referendum and its partnership with the state that barred the referendum funds from being used.
The county agreed to pay up to 50% of the acquisition costs — $500,000 for Mossy Island Ranch and $1.5 million for Thundercloud Ranch. The other 50% will be covered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services through its Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.
Both properties ranked high on the state’s priority list. Out of 428 properties, Mossy Island Ranch was ranked No. 48, and Thundercloud Ranch was ranked No. 54.
The partnership with the state made Manatee County a third party beneficiary, not the purchaser.
County Attorney Pamela D’Agostino said the bond funds can’t be used for something the county won’t own.
In the end, the state agreed to be a co-holder of the easements with Manatee County. However, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will monitor and enforce the easements. If the state fails to enforce the easement, the county can initiate enforcement actions.
But ownership wasn’t the only issue for purchase with ELMAC funds. The properties being acquired are both working farms. The referen-
threatened or endangered species.
The property owners must also agree to maintain the agricultural operations, protect the soil, water and timber quality, maintain open space and preserve natural habitats, ecological corridors and species diversity.
While the properties may no longer be developed, the owners retain fee simple ownership rights, which include expanding agricultural operations, conducting prescribed burns, managing stormwater and engaging in low-impact recreation, agritourism and wildlife management.
The owners can sell the properties, too. However, the easements stay in place, so future owners cannot subdivide or develop the land.
MYAKKA PRAIRIE CONSERVATION EASEMENTS
dum’s purchasing power only applies to land that protects water quality and wildlife habitats or provides a park, not agricultural land.
Commissioner Carol Felts said these are exactly the types of purchases that Manatee County residents and ELMAC board members envisioned for spending this tax money — protecting huge properties from development.
D’Agostino offered a solution: Use the unrestricted funds now and pay them back later.
“Take the referendum back to the voters, amend the purposes to use it, include agriculture, allow for this type of third party, and then you can reimburse it from those funds if you choose to do so,” she said.
RURAL AND FAMILY LANDS
PROTECTION PROGRAM
Since 2021, the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program has acquired easements on over 225,000 acres of working agricultural land.
The program has three main objectives listed on its website:
■ Protect valuable agricultural lands.
■ Create easement documents that work together with agricultural production to ensure sustainable agricultural practices and reasonable protection of the environment without interfering with agricultural operation in such a way that could put the continued economic viability of these operations at risk.
■ Protect natural resources, not as the primary purpose, but in conjunction with the economically viable agricultural operations.
In addition to stripping the properties of their residential, commercial and industrial rights, the agreements come with a list of restrictions.
To name a few, restrictions include not dumping hazardous materials, mining, altering natural water systems, introducing nonnative plants and any actions that could harm
MEET KARA KOENIG
Manatee County’s Environmental Lands Program has a new division manager. Kara Koenig replaced Debra Woithe in January. Koenig started with the county in 2020 as an environmental planner for Development Services. She left in 2023 to work for ZNS Engineering, but returned to the county six months later.
Residents who followed the commission’s decision to reduce wetland buffers in 2023, and reinstate them last year, might remember Koenig’s thorough presentation in April 2025 as to why 30- and 50foot wetland buffers should be reinstated.
Koenig dug through the land development code, the comprehensive plan and scientific research dating back to the 1980s. She provided commissioners with examples of other counties that require buffers exceeding 50 feet.
Koenig’s presentation was commended by commissioners, leadership at Suncoast Waterkeeper and even the one public commenter who spoke earlier against the measure to reinstate larger buffers.
Koenig holds a master’s of environmental science and management from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She’s also a certified Florida master naturalist and a Florida stormwater erosion and sediment control inspector.
“We’re thrilled to have her,” said Charles Meador, deputy director of Property Management.
Current or future owners can expand on the agricultural uses, but any major infrastructure improvements or agricultural construction would require approval from the state.
THE RANCHES
Mossy Island Ranch is located about a mile south of Clay Gulley Road and directly adjacent to Myakka River State Park. Out of 438 acres, 69 acres are wetlands.
The pastures are used for cattle, hay and sod production.
A major reason Mossy Island ranked so high among the state’s priorities is that it will contribute to the Florida Wildlife Corridor, which connects nearly 18 million acres of land and water across the state.
“Our environmentally sensitive lands within the southern portion of Florida, a lot of the corridor is in private ranch lands,” said Kara Koenig, environmental lands division manager. “So private ranch lands are very important to protecting the wildlife corridor.”
With a mix of habitats, such as hardwoods and freshwater marshes, the Florida Natural Areas Inventory lists 24 animals that could potentially use the habitats within Mossy Island. The list ranges from birds, like crested caracaras and wood storks, to larger animals, like the Florida black bear and panther.
Thundercloud Ranch is a working cattle ranch located off of State Road 62 in Parrish. Koenig called the ranch a “connecting link” between Edward W. Chance Reserve, Gilley Creek tract, and South Fork State Park.
Gilley Creek, which is a main tributary of the Manatee River, runs through the property.
The property, which contains pine flatwoods and upland hardwoods, provides habitat for deer, turkey, dove quail, rabbits, armadillos and red-shouldered hawks. In addition, the land provides “critical habitat” for Florida scrub jays, eastern indigo snakes and wood storks.
Owners of both properties — Bobby and Lori Manning own Mossy Island and Alexander Walter owns Thundercloud — expressed a desire to establish easements because of encroaching development and for estate planning purposes.
“You can get (an easement) for about 10 cents on the dollar,” Commissioner George Kruse said. “Why aren’t we using all of our money on conservation easements? Let somebody else manage it, so (the county) doesn’t have to own and manage it, and we accomplish the same thing.”
MYAKKA RIVER STATE PARK
MOSSY ISLAND RANCH
Mossy Island Ranch is directly adjacent to Myakka River State Park.
Thundercloud Ranch is one of two conservation easements Manatee County purchased Jan. 27.
Courtesy images
“Saint Stephen’s prepared me to
NEWS BRIEFS
Manatee, Bradenton Area EDC discuss a new contract
Manatee County is working with the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp. to decide whether to renew the contract between the two.
In September, Manatee County chose not to renew its $336,900 contract with the EDC. But on Jan. 27, Manatee County commissioners voted unanimously to authorize the county’s staff to engage with the EDC about economic development partnerships and return with another contract proposal.
In December, Bradenton Area EDC CEO Sharon Hillstrom retired. It was a post she had held since 2011. In January, the Bradenton Area EDC appointed Lakewood Ranch-based Fawley Bryant Architecture COO Amanda Parrish to be its interim CEO.
Manatee County Commissioner Tal Siddique said the Bradenton Area EDC has been taking steps, including its hiring of Parrish, to showcase to the commissioners that it is willing to make changes about how it approaches the partnership.
Commissioner Bob McCann said the commissioners were voting on “only a talk” and had not decided whether to renew a contract.
“I would like to see some work come out of them first that actually did something for Manatee County, because I think it’s a little premature,” McCann said. “We want to know what the ROI is.”
Siddique agreed that “there is some clarification needed” regarding the county’s return on investment and that “more depth” was needed.
At the Jan. 27 meeting, Commissioner Mike Rahn expressed his support of the EDC and credited the organization with bringing Swiss jet manufacturer Pilatus Aircraft to Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. The company held a Jan. 23 groundbreaking at SRQ to kick off construction for its sales, manufacturing and service facilities, a project that may top $200 million.
The EDC’s budget was $1.13 million for the last fiscal year, including more than $600,000 from
private investors. McCann said he wanted to ensure the public would have a chance to comment on the proposal. One piece of feedback he offered, and a point on which Siddique agreed, was that the name “Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp.” did not capture all of Manatee County. Siddique said he expects the new contract proposal to be presented in March.
Research shows new residents still flocking to region
The Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee has collected data which shows Sarasota and Manatee counties continued to attract new residents in 2025.
A release by the organization said “the data is based on out-of-state driver license exchanges, which track when new Florida residents obtain a Florida license after moving.”
The data doesn’t specify whether new residents are buyers or renters, but verifies migration patterns remain strong to the region.
In Sarasota County, more than 2,000 new residents came from U.S. territories or foreign countries in 2025, an increase of nearly 180% compared to pre-pandemic averages. New York remained the top domestic source, with 1,465 exchanges, followed by Illinois, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts.
Manatee County saw a similar trend. Exchanges from U.S. territories or foreign countries more than tripled compared to pre-pandemic levels, rising to 1,788 in 2025. New York again led all domestic states with 1,339 exchanges, followed by Illinois, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and California.
Both counties also experienced growth from Western states. California exchanges doubled in Manatee County and rose more than 50% in Sarasota County. Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Arizona and several Mountain West states posted some of the fastest percentage gains, signaling a broader national draw beyond the traditional Midwest and Northeast pipeline.
Trash talk continues
Manatee County is trying to work with its provider to reinstate some sort of curb pickup for large trash items.
LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER
After hearing steady complaints from residents, Manatee County is revisiting its garbage contracts with Waste Pro and Waste Management.
“The problem we have here is that the prior board made a decision that one size fits all, and it just doesn’t work in all of the districts,” Commissioner Bob McCann said. “We have to find something that serves the public.”
Commissioners discussed the topic with Director of Utilities Patrick Shea during the Jan. 27 commission meeting and directed him to return to the next meeting on Feb. 10 with prices for twice a week pickups and large item pickups that don’t include a $59 fee per item.
Shea didn’t have numbers for the board, but he had already spoken with the haulers.
While it’s unlikely that twice a week pickups will return anytime soon, if at all, it is likely bulk pickup services will return in some form in the near future, whether it be on demand or through bulk pickup days.
“Everyone asks for it,” Commission Chair Tal Siddique said. “It’s comically absurd how bad the lack of large item pickup has become.”
Commissioner Amanda Ballard said people in her district are frustrated and struggling without the service. She recommended twice a week pickup be considered a longer term discussion and bulk pickup be considered an immediate need.
Most of the neighborhoods in Ballard’s district are not governed by homeowner associations.
“When someone finds out that it’s almost $60 to pick up an item, they say ‘No, thank you,’” Ballard
BIG BINS
When Sarasota County made the same switch to uniform trash bins picked up by automated trucks in March 2025, residents were given an option ahead of time to choose between three different sizes: 35-, 65- or 95-gallon carts. The transition’s tagline was “Fresh start with a cart.”
Manatee County went with the “Big Bin Advantage,” and all residents were issued 96-gallon bins to get started. Slews of residents complained that the bins would be too heavy for older residents to haul to the curb and too big and smelly to store in a garage. But when the time came and residents could swap out their big bins for smaller ones, only about 4,100 residents made the switch.
said. “Then, the neighbors have no mechanism to get that item picked up, so items are sitting out by the curb for weeks, sometimes months, at a time.”
She called the lack of bulk pickups a health and safety hazard, along with a property value issue.
Commissioner Carol Felts said rural residents burn their yard waste, so they would gladly trade yard waste pickup to get bulk pickup back.
When Sarasota County transitioned into the same new system of using automated trucks for garbage collection in March 2025, the bulk pickup service was modified, not cut.
With 48 hours notice, residents can call for a bulk pickup. Each household can have up to 10 cubic yards of trash hauled away, free of charge, four times a year.
While Shea said twice a week pickups would cause logistical issues and require new contracts, some type of bulk pickup could be negotiated
within the county’s current contracts.
Twice a week pickup would require the haulers to provide more trucks, nearly double their current fleets, which would equate into higher rates for residents. Sarasota’s rates rose 24% when the county signed its new contracts, and Sarasota County was already on a once a week pickup schedule.
Manatee County’s current contracts include community cleanup events, which are contracted for eight pickups a year. Residents have to deliver their own trash to a designated dump site.
The last event was held in Myakka City. While it was a successful event, McCann noted that most residents living on the west side of the county probably don’t want to drive their outdated appliances all the way to Myakka City.
The alternative is to wait until a community cleanup day is held closer to home or deliver large items to the Lena Road Landfill for $5 per car.
County Administrator Charlie Bishop pointed out that leadership from Waste Pro was in the room during the commission meeting.
“They’re hearing you loud and clear. We’ve been working on the numbers.”
County Administrator Charlie Bishop
“They’re hearing you loud and clear,” he said. “We’ve been working on the numbers.”
Shea is working with the haulers to take the remaining six community cleanup events contracted for 2026 and trade them for credits.
The value of those events is being discussed with the haulers now.
Once determined, the credits will be banked and can then be spent.
Shea noted that the need for bulk pickup will have increased because of the transition to the new big bin system where not everything is picked up, but in 2023, only 2.7% of residents used the free annual pickup option.
“Even if that number were to triple, it’s not a huge number,” he said. “It seems like it’ll be pretty manageable.”
Lesley Dwyer
Joint planning project flounders in Commission
Commissioners spent nearly nine hours debating the side-by-side projects before rejecting one and sending the other back for restructuring.
LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER
Ajoint planning agreement between M/I Homes of Sarasota and Simply Dwell Homes, a brand by Neal Communities, is no longer a joint venture.
Commissioners voted to deny M/I’s application for 167 singlefamily homes on 55.8 acres off of Zipperer Road, but agreed to give Simply Dwell another chance to plead its case for 99 homes.
Simply Dwell’s initial request was to build 122 single-family homes on 43.7 acres on the south side of M/I’s project, closer to State Road 64.
Because commissioners voted to deny M/I’s project, Simply Dwell will have no choice but to reduce the amount of homes because its site only allows for one access point from State Road 64.
Two access points would be required if building 122 homes, but could only be achieved by the joint plan, which had the two developments sharing access points, a lift station and amenities. The second access would have been from Zipperer Road.
Pat Neal attended the Jan. 28 land use meeting and said the company prepared a design for 99 homes. However, there was a cul-de-sac in the plan that was too long to conform with the county’s code.
Commissioner George Kruse said he liked the proposal, but would be forced to cast a vote for denial because of the cul-de-sac.
Before Neal asked for a continuance, Commissioner Carol Felts already had made a motion to deny the project, which was seconded by Commissioner Bob McCann. That motion failed in a 5-2 vote.
A continuance was then granted in another 5-2 vote with Felts and McCann in opposition.
Had commissioners denied the application, as they did with M/I’s request, the project could not be resubmitted to the county for a year.
A one-year waiting period applies when the request includes rezoning.
Both developers wanted to rezone the land from Agriculture to Planned Development Residential.
NEIGHBORS AT ODDS
The land use meeting lasted nearly 16 hours, and more than half that time was dedicated to those two projects, which were not presented until 4 p.m. It was nearly 1 a.m. when the final votes were cast.
In between, residents on both sides of the issue gave emotional testimony that included heartfelt pleas and name calling.
The Moran family owns the land that M/I wanted to develop. They spoke lovingly of their father Earl Moran and their history in Manatee County that dates back to the late 1800s.
They also claimed they were being deprived of their property rights and generational inheritance because of their neighbors’ complaints.
They called neighbors against the project hypocrites, anti-development activists and social media warriors that are being petty, spreading false information, fear mongering and acting as if they are the “new self-appointed HOA board for all of Manatee County.”
One family member showed a photo of a home on Zipperer Road with a paved driveway in between two oak trees to allege the homeowner doesn’t care about trees.
Zipperer Road is a canopy road that most of the residents want preserved.
A compromise had been made to widen the road to 20 feet instead of 24 feet, which is the typical width. Zipperer Road is currently between
The red outline shows where M/I Homes of Sarasota proposed to build 167 homes.
have to fix the road at the taxpayers’ expense.
Aidan Cox feared something far worse — an accident.
Cox lives off of 18th Avenue East and is a senior in high school. He drives himself to school now, but spent many years walking to the bus stop on the corner of Zipperer Road and State Road 64, often during early morning hours when it’s still dark outside.
“From being a bus rider, I’ve had a couple of close calls from cars turning (onto Zipperer Road),” he said. “Adding hundreds of more cars is completely unsafe for our students.”
The Manatee County School District agreed in its report, stating concerns for “student health, safety and welfare” due to the lack of sidewalks and inadequate width on Zipperer Road.
The report noted that the road is not wide enough for a bus to turn around, and it doesn’t provide a safe pedestrian route for students.
Cox also talked about his chickens, geese and the beehive in his backyard. He asked commissioners to deny the project to preserve the legacy of the other families living on Zipperer Road, as well as the Morans. Increased flooding on and around
A DIFFERENT KIND OF ‘YES’ MAN
Wayne Parrish accepts the challenge of moving up through the organization’s leadership.
JAY
HEATER MANAGING EDITOR
Rite Technology Vice President Wayne Parrish never saw himself as president of the board of an organization like the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance.
But there he was on Jan. 30, standing in front of a crowd of 320 people at the Mote Marine Science Education Aquarium’s Exploration Hall, holding the LWRBA’s symbolic gavel. It all started with one “yes,” when Parrish decided to take a more active role with the LWRBA and become part of the communications committee. He quickly made new friends.
A series of “yes” answers propelled him forward until he ended up accepting a role as a committee chair.
Parrish said it was a path any LWRBA member could take.
“I never saw myself here,” he said. “I didn’t know if I belonged. But I said ‘yes,’ and I was immediately embraced. They wanted me to feel like part of the team. They asked if I could be willing to step further into leadership. I wasn’t sure what value I would bring to that level.
“But I said ‘yes’ again, and that decision is why I am standing here today.”
Parrish said moving up in leadership with the LWRBA is nothing to be nervous about. He said the members take care of each other.
“We don’t want to see each other fail,” he said.
Parrish took over from Julie Fanning, who was the chair during the LWRBA’s 20th anniversary year. Brittany Lamont, president and CEO of the LWRBA, said working with Fanning was a joy.
“Julie is unapologetically real,” Lamont said. “She is OK with delivering the hard news. She is fully transparent in her comments and clear on her expectations.
“She says, ‘Once in awhile we have to be honey badgers. It’s business, not personal.’”
Lamont said Fanning was a strong leader who was pivotal with her marketing skills at a time when the LWRBA was attempting to grow. The nonprofit added 200 members in 2025.
She also said Fanning taught her lessons about finding “my strong voice.”
Fanning said her year as chair “flew by.” She said when she thinks back upon her time as chair, she will think about the great team around her.
The LWRBA is concentrating on “value propositions” in 2026, showing what sets the organization apart
to earn those marketing dollars from regional businesses.
Lamont has no doubt Parrish will be successful as a chair.
“I love Wayne; he is a servant leader,” Lamont said. “He is going to ask how he can help you more than how you can help him. He has a good rapport with people and he is one of the most genuine souls I’ve ever met. It’s never about him.”
Parrish said 2026 will include some significant changes for the LWRBA. He said the role of its committees has evolved and changed.
“We challenged the model,” he said. “We felt (the committees) were stale. We have had some real conversations to make the engagement more meaningful.”
He said his three key words for 2026 are clarity, connections and continuity.
“Julie set the bar high for me,” he said. “She was calm under pressure.”
Now it’s his turn.
“I have so much power around me on the board,” he said. “Let’s go to work.”
Two major awards also were handed out during the event. The Chairman’s Award was presented to Mote Marine’s Kevin Cooper by Willis Smith Construction President and CEO John LaCivita.
Kevin Cooper, Mote Marine’s vice president of communications and strategic initiatives, earned the Chairman’s Award from Julie Fanning for his contributions to the LWRBA.
LWRBA LEADERSHIP
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2026
■ Chair of the Board — Wayne Parrish
■ Past Chair of the Board — Julie Fanning
■ Incoming Chair of the Board — Nick Feather
■ Treasurer — Dianne Kopczynski
■ Secretary — Kathy Collums
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2026
Bryan Boudreaux, Zach Buffington, Courtney De Pol, Carlo Fassi, Tieler Gittleman, Beth Green, Nicole Hackel, Jen Horvat, Kent Jimison, Jamie Smith, Brett Kemker, Sandy ShahinianLevins, Robert Lewis, Ashly McCarty, Jennifer Storch, David Otterness, Keith Pandeloglou, Toni Perren, Philip Reber, Erin Watson, Chris Williams
Just before LaCivita introduced Cooper, he was handed a bow tie. Cooper always wears bow ties, so it appeared to be a nod to him. However, it also was a signal for Mote to raise the huge screen that was covering the aquarium in the banquet room.
Huge sharks circled in the tank as the luncheon continued.
The Legacy Award was presented by Schroeder-Manatee Ranch CEO and President Rex Jensen to Lou Marinaccio. Jensen talked about how Marinaccio was an early Lakewood Ranch resident who brought his insurance and healthcare business with him. For decades, Marinaccio has supported the LWRBA.
Both Jensen and Marinaccio have board member emeritus status.
Publisher and President / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com
Associate Publisher — East County Observer / Lori Ruth, LRuth@YourObserver.com
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LWRBA President and CEO Brittany Lamont, Lakewood Ranch Legacy Award winner Lou Marinaccio and SMR President and CEO Rex Jensen celebrate with Marinaccio after he was presented with the award.
Tina Parrish urged her husband, Wayne Parrish, to accept leadership roles in the LWRBA. Now he is the chairman of the board.
Photos by Jay Heater
Safer roads for cyclists worth a discussion
It is borderline crazy that it takes a tragedy for us to discuss a critical issue.
But here we are.
The death of Village Idiots member Patrick Franklin Sr. on Jan. 22 on El Conquistador Parkway, just east of 43rd Street West in Bradenton, has left the cycling community both shocked and angry.
Village Idiots Cycling Club President Dawn Zielinski said no one was safer on a bicycle than Bradenton’s Franklin, who was 67.
“He was one of my leaders, and he was not afraid to tell people they weren’t following the rules,” Zielinski said. “He was a leader who you trusted and who kept the other cyclists in line.”
According to the cycling club, Franklin was riding in a bicycle lane when he was hit by a truck towing a trailer. The Florida Highway Patrol report only says Franklin and the driver were both headed east on El Conquistador Parkway and a collision occurred. It is an open investigation, so further details are not available.
“This is truly a tragedy and a shock,” said Eugene Rider, the vice president of the Florida Bicycle Association and a member of the Village Idiots. “Nobody should be killed for riding a bike. It is heartbreaking. We spend so much time trying to educate the public. He was killed because somebody wasn’t paying attention.”
Richard Garrett, the president of the Florida Bicycle Association and a member of the Village Idiots, agrees.
“We should do better than this,” Garrett said. “This brings the reality that cycling has been neglected by the engineers. We have failed to
create protected bike lanes. There is a better way to design mobility.”
Garrett said Franklin was a longtime riding friend.
“He was the guy who would always stop to help you ... like if you had a flat tire,” Garrett said.
“He was the guy you wanted to ride with, safe and predictable. This is such a tragedy.”
Garrett said Franklin’s death motivates him to work harder to call attention to safety for cyclists on the roads. He said cyclists and pedestrians are getting little attention from those building the roads.
He called Florida the “No. 1 death trap” for cyclists in the U.S.
“We need a lot more education,” he said. “We have to learn how we reduce our conflict points. I am going to redouble my efforts to make it safer.”
Rider called Franklin’s death “deeply personal” and calls for the public to understand that “these deaths are not inevitable, they are preventable.”
He said according to a Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles report, Florida had 196 bicycle fatalities in 2025, the most in the nation. In Manatee and Sarasota counties combined, there were five bicyclist fatalities.
“Those numbers are real people, real families and real loss,” he said.
Both Rider and Franklin are outraged that the penalties for a motorist accidentally killing a cyclist tend to be light. If a driver accidentally kills a cyclist where that motorist has committed a moving violation, that minimum penalty can be $5,000, a one-year suspension, and mandatory traffic school.
However, I don’t see focusing
on penalties as being particularly useful.
Construction is the way to go, but the cycling community has to convince the noncycling community that safe bicycle paths should be a high priority for our tax dollars. That is a tough sell at a time when county commissioners say we don’t have the money to make the major road improvements that are needed, such as the widening of Lorraine Road from State Road 70 to S.R. 64. Even so, this might be a golden opportunity for Manatee County to go above and beyond when it comes to providing alternative transportation routes. In September, Manatee County commissioners talked about spending a percentage of the increased impact fees to bring the Manatee County Trailways Master Plan to fruition. The trail system concept was first introduced in 1999, and the commissioners currently have an estimate of $130 million to complete the system, which eventually would link into Sarasota’s Legacy Trail and the state’s Shared Use Non-motorized Trail (SUN Trail).
A typical shared-use path alongside a road costs about $2.1 million per mile, according to county statistics.
Here is an important, and expensive, part of that thought. If you want to get the avid cyclists off the road, you have to build a trail system where they have their own space away from walkers or joggers. That shared use space works for recreational cyclists, but not so much for those going 10 to 20 miles.
Beyond the trail, the county needs to look into building a “network” of lanes that would create alternate transportation opportunities. Can we get as many e-bikes and bicycles off the roads as possible? Wow, that would be expensive, but it is worth a discussion.
It’s a tough sell to taxpayers — like me — who never are going to use those trails. Can you spend $500 million on a system that only 5% of the community is likely to use?
Perhaps a referendum would be a good way to judge interest? Would we be willing to tax ourselves to bring some of these ideas to fruition?
Meanwhile, we are left to mourn for Franklin.
News of Franklin’s death spread quickly among the club members and they reached out to Franklin’s family.
“The way they have reached out to us ... incredible,” said Patrick Franklin’s daughter, Sarasota’s Heather Franklin. “The club and the bicycling was not about the sport (to her father), but about community. It was his love.”
Zielinski said Franklin was an ambassador for the club who would greet riders and make them feel at home. She said he came up with nicknames for many of the riders. He referred to her as “Madame President.”
Another example was Village Idiots’ member Jennifer Holmen.
“I have ridden with Patrick on a regular basis for 10 years,” Holmen said. “He was very laid back and friendly. He would pass by me and say, ‘Jen Jen.’ He always was so happy to see everyone.” Holmen said such news does force cyclists to question how they conduct their hobby.
“Do I find another route?” Holmen asked, noting that Franklin’s accident was not in Lakewood Ranch. “Here’s the thing, if you are going to be doing this type of activity, there is a possibility of danger. When we first started riding in Lakewood Ranch, it wasn’t as high a traffic area. Now, with all the building, it’s more congested. So do I find another route? Do I stick to Legacy Trail?
“I don’t ride alone because there is strength in numbers. That’s my own rule. This shouldn’t have happened.”
Courtesy image
Village Idiots Cycling Club member Patrick Franklin Sr. (center) was killed riding his bicycle Jan. 22 when hit by a truck pulling a trailer on El Conquistador Parkway in Bradenton.
Jay Heater is the managing editor for the East County Observer. Contact him at JHeater@ YourObserver.com.
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LETTERS
We Serve All Families Experts In Celebrating Life
Road disfunction threatens lifestyle
To Manatee County officials: It’s clear that our expectations for quality of life are rooted in a history of strong community management and reliable services.
However, recent developments have led to frustration and concern about the future. Residents feel their voices are not being heard when it comes to urgently needed repairs, and the lack of attention to these issues is eroding trust in local leadership.
Despite your longstanding commitment to responsible planning and a tradition of honoring community promises, the current disconnect between residents’ expectations and the actual state of our roads and public services has become increasingly difficult to ignore.
The rapid pace of development, coupled with a noticeable decline in the upkeep of essential infrastructure, has left many questioning whether the values that once shaped Lakewood Ranch’s identity are still guiding our leadership.
As we move forward, it is imperative that trust is restored through transparent communication and a renewed focus on the basics that have always made our community a desirable place to live. Yet, the longstanding commitment and history of responsible planning, it is disappointing to witness the current state of our roads and neighborhoods.
The rapid growth has brought with it not only opportunity, but also a noticeable neglect of essential repairs and maintenance. As new developments rise and traffic increases, the quality of our infrastructure has suffered, leaving many residents to question whether the standards we’ve upheld for decades are still being honored.
The roads we rely on daily — once a testament to careful stewardship — now show the consequences of deferred attention, and it is more important than ever for community leaders to restore the trust that has defined Lakewood Ranch’s legacy.
As a resident of Country Club East for 11 years, I must say the growth and neglect are all around us. Lorraine Road (which is now Interstate 75 East), along with Rangeland Parkway, are in terrible condition. They are a patchwork of potholes and poor remediation.
This will only degrade more as the Braden River went over Lorraine Road during “Tropical Storm” Debby in 2024. Lorraine Road from Master’s Drive to S.R. 70 is a speeders haven now as well. A speed limit of 40 is posted with most driving 50 mph at a minimum on degrading roads.
The next disaster will be the turn
A LASTING PLACE OF PEACE AND REMEMBRANCE
As our new mausoleum nears completion, we invite families who wish to plan ahead to reserve from the limited indoor spaces available.
Also introducing our Cremation Garden
A beautifully landscaped setting designed for families who choose cremation.
Offering permanent memorial spaces where loved ones can be honored and remembered with dignity. Planning today ensures your wishes are respected tomorrow, while easing the burden on those you love. Contact us for a personal consultation.
File photo
Commissioner Jason Bearden has questioned why developments like Savanna at Lakewood Ranch haven’t already covered the costs of widening Lorraine Road with impact fee payments.
lanes from S.R. 70 onto Lorraine Road heading to Rangeland Parkway. You have a private school being built now. This will be followed by the AAA High School. The lack of infrastructure planning is stunning to witness.
You have allowed so much development with little thought about the consequences. The disconnect between the vision for Lakewood Ranch and the lived reality grows more apparent each day. We need transparent communication about timelines and priorities. It seems at this point there is a lack of direction and only growth matters along with the tax base. The tax base in Manatee County is vast. The rapid growth of the infrastructure has only caused residents to see more traffic, disappearing landscapes, and little perceived direction from commissioners who promised to represent its people. These decisions raise further questions about priorities, as residents witness significant sums allocated to administrative projects while the pressing needs of public infrastructure take a back seat. The unresolved roundabout dispute at University and Legacy, combined with the apparent disregard for traffic congestion and ongoing maintenance, demonstrates a pattern of overlooking the core concerns that impact daily life. This disconnect between investment in facilities and investment in community essentials continues to fuel frustration among those who expect their leaders to balance growth with genuine stewardship of the area’s roads, neighborhoods, and public spaces.
RICHARD W. CARBER COUNTRY CLUB EAST
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Have something to tell us? Send your letters to Jay Heater at JHeater@YourObserver.com.
Cleaning out closets for a cause
The Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle partner with a nonprofit consignment store to fundraise.
LESLEY
DWYER STAFF WRITER
he Lake Club Women’s Giv-
Ting Circle has taken the adage of “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure” and turned it into fundraising gold.
While The Lake Club is one of Lakewood Ranch’s wealthiest neighborhoods, it’s also one of its most generous neighborhoods.
The Giving Circle issued $103,000 worth of grants in 2025, and now the entire neighborhood is getting involved by giving away their old stuff to raise even more grant money.
Last July, the Giving Circle formed a partnership with The Exchange in Sarasota, a nonprofit consignment store that financially supports local art students.
Mary Myers is a resident of The Lake Club, but not a member of the Giving Circle. She is, however, a volunteer at The Exchange. She
saw an opportunity for both organizations to further their missions.
The idea came to her during a volunteer shift at The Exchange.
The snowbirds had left for the summer, and the clothing racks were nearly empty. Another volunteer asked her jokingly, “Mary, don’t you know anyone who can empty out a closet?”
She thought about her neighborhood and replied quite seriously,
“As a matter of fact, I do.”
That night, Myers read about a sneaker drive the Giving Circle was holding for The Twig Cares, so she reached out with a proposal.
Since Myers was already driving back and forth to The Exchange, all the women had to do was get some donations together. Because the Giving Circle is also a nonprofit, The Exchange agreed to a 50-50 partnership, instead of its usual 60% take.
While the Giving Circle declined to say how much has been raised
ABOUT THE NONPROFIT
The Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle. Visit TLCWomensGivingCircle.org. To donate to The Exchange drive, email Info@TLCWomensGivingCircle.org.
Mission statement: The Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle is dedicated to supporting organizations that address needs of women, children and families in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
through the partnership, Vice
Chair Jennifer Alokeh said the initiative played a significant role in supporting a second grant cycle in 2025, something the women hope to continue.
The second cycle distributed $24,250 to 18 local nonprofits. The nonprofits range from large organizations, such as Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee, to more obscure nonprofits, such as the Chemical Coaters Association International that is located in Lakewood Ranch and offers training scholarships.
Alokeh said the women wanted to add the second grant cycle to encourage more organizations to apply for grants throughout the year. They also recognized that a nonprofit’s needs might change depending on the time of year.
An organization like The Twig Cares is a good example. The nonprofit provides clothing to children in foster care. The Giving Circle collected shoes to fill a need when the kids were going back to school, but sometimes the store needs to be stocked with basics like socks and underwear.
“What impresses me most is that this impact was created with no added expense, just good oldfashioned volunteer power,” Karen Koblenz, CEO of The Exchange,
said in an email. Vivienne Pietrunti is one of those volunteers. She allows neighbors to drop off items at her home every Tuesday and Thursday, and then she delivers them to Myers.
She’s enjoyed getting to know her neighbors and doing good in the community.
She’s also been surprised to see how much stuff has been donated in such a short amount of time. She collected 16 bags in one day.
Myers has 350 pieces of clothing set aside in her home waiting for the corresponding seasons to roll around. Jewelry, artwork and furniture have also been donated.
One donation was from a woman, who sort of apologetically donated a bag of “costume jewelry.” The jewelry was made by David Yurman, who’s been a renowned New
York jeweler for more than 40 years and sells at Saks Fifth
Another woman dropped off a small bag to Myers and apologized that was all she had to donate. When Myers opened the bag, there was a little blue box inside. She donated a Tiffany necklace. And the list goes on. Another neighbor had her house repainted, so she wanted to replace all the artwork. She donated 15 pieces of signed art.
A man lost weight and donated brand new Tommy Bahama shirts with tags on them. And when his wife ordered furniture she expected him to put together, he donated that, too.
“We’re filling up The Exchange,” Myers said. “It’s actually quite amazing.”
Avenue and Neiman Marcus.
Lesley Dwyer
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, Vivienne Pietrunti’s porch is a drop-off location for The Lake Club Giving Circle’s donation drive.
Courtesy image
The Lake Club’s Mary Myers keeps donated items at her home for The Exchange.
Vibrant Senior Living Coming Soon to Lakewood Ranch!
Emerson Lakes Is Now Accepting Reservations.
The first phase of construction is now underway. This includes the beautiful Coral Ridge Clubhouse and three residence buildings: Sandhill Point, anticipated to open in the fall of 2026, followed by Laguna Springs and Mangrove Run, opening in the first half of 2027.
Everyday Resort Living
Here are just a few resort-style amenities you can expect:
• Multiple dining venues
• Outdoor pool with a walk-up bar
• State-of-the-art fitness center
• Pickleball and bocce ball courts
• Outdoor fitness center with meditation garden
• Firepits
Predictable Costs, Exceptional Value
Our community’s smart financial structure will provide peace of mind and security by streamlining most bills into a simple monthly payment. Your Monthly Service Package covers:
• Utilities, maintenance, and property taxes
• Cable TV, internet, and landline phone
A Community You Can Trust
• Use of fitness center, pool, and dozens of other amenities
Emerson Lakes℠ is a part of Erickson Senior Living,® one of the largest senior living providers in the nation. Here, you’ll enjoy a maintenance-free, independent lifestyle backed by over 40 years of trusted experience.
welcome to
The Association of Retired Attorneys of Sarasota
Are you a retired attorney looking to expand your social circle and make meaningful new social connections? Joining our organization of retired attorneys from all over the nation and world offers more than just camaraderie. It’s a gateway to new friendships and exciting opportunities! Have lunch monthly at University Park Country Club with like - minded individuals who share your passion and respect for the law. At each luncheon we have experienced speakers on law related issues and volunteer opportunities tailored to your interests and expertise. Founded in 1983, the Association of Retired Attorneys of Sarasota (ARAS) promotes the advancement of the administration of justice in our Sarasota-Manatee community. To this end, many of our members participate in various pro-bono activities in addition to our lively luncheons which host prominent speakers on current legal and other challenging topics.
For more information about ARAS, please consult our website: retiredattorneyssarasota.org or call Jim Case 941-554-8558 or Stephen Sturm 914-299-4007 please leave a message
IT’S READ EVERYWHERE
SPORTS
“It doesn’t
come easy. If you don’t put in the effort, you don’t get anything out of it.”
Pirates turn the tide
The Pirates recorded 20 wins in the regular season and hope to continue that success in the postseason.
JACK NELSON SPORTS REPORTER
Last season had its lows for the Braden River High boys basketball team.
Serious lows.
As the weeks turned into months, results on the court didn’t offer much joy to the Pirates.
At one point, they dropped 11 consecutive games, looking lost throughout December 2024. Victories seemed well out of their reach.
Times have changed.
Not only did Braden River High win nine of its last 12 games that season, but as the players approach the 2025-26 postseason, those wins have kept on coming.
“They’re loving on each other, playing for each other,” said Pirates coach Dwight Gilmer. “That’s really what it’s all about. That’s what they’ve done.”
Braden River finished its regular season 20-5 and earned the No. 2 seed for the seven-team FHSAA Class 5A-District 9 tournament. It’s already the first 20-win season of Gilmer’s four-year tenure, and in the near future, it would seem more wins are on the way.
Over a decade has passed since the Pirates last reached 20 victories.
Former coach and current athletic director Matt Nesser led the Pirates to a 24-5 finish in 2011-12, though they only reached the 7A regional quarterfinals before bowing out.
Now, the Pirates enter their district tournament red-hot by winning 12 of their last 13 games.
“Everybody’s stepping up,” said junior guard Anquan Polynice. “If one person had a 20-point game the last game, then the next game — even if they don’t have it — someone else is stepping up to get 15 or 20. It’s not just one person.”
As of Jan. 27, Braden River ranks
the entire state, along with being the best team in East County. The Outof-Door Academy and Lakewood Ranch High rank No. 290 and No. 528, respectively.
To climb the statewide ladder, the Pirates first had to overcome a lack of continuity. There was little of it when the players first gathered together in late October 2025.
Former sophomore guard Lawaiian Long transferred to Saint Stephen’s Episcopal. A pair of seniors, guard/forward Deven Womack and guard Jaron Fields, both graduated.
That left the squad without three of its top-four scorers from 2024-25 — including Long’s team-high 15.4 points per game. Polynice, though, stayed after posting 15 points per game as a sophomore.
Then Braden River welcomed in Anthony Bailey, a junior guard from Hillsborough, who had played on the AAU circuit with Polynice before.
“(The players) came in as a collection of parts, and now, we’ve grown into a team,” Gilmer said. “People are starting to understand their roles, their responsibilities, buying into our culture and what we’re trying to get done.”
Braden River has played smarter, balanced basketball on the offensive end. Six players average six or more points per game, and though that may not sound all that impressive, it’s a world of difference compared to the four such scorers from last season.
Top-heavy teams often struggle. Opponents do their homework, and more often than not, are prepared to cut off sources of offen-
In the past, opponents could contain Long or Polynice, and the Pirates wouldn’t have reliable options outside of them. But they’re deeper now.
if called upon. When Braden River needs Polynice or Bailey to take the game into their own hands, they can do that.
“We’re like bread and butter,” Bailey said. “If he’s not doing something, I can step up for him. If I’m not doing it, then he steps in for me.”
Polynice puts up 13.9 points and 3.9 assists per game — both teambest marks — alongside 12.8 points and 2.6 steals per game (both second-best) from Bailey.
The jury’s still out on an accurate comparison for their complementary styles of play.
“I don’t know about bread and butter,” Gilmer said. “More like peanut butter and jelly.”
What’s certain is that the Pirates have jelled during a dominant 13-game stretch to close out their regular season. They averaged 67.4 points per game in that stretch while outscoring opponents by an average of 19.8.
Dating back even further to Dec. 4, the team has assembled a 19-3 record, with all three defeats coming by five points or less. Braden River fell to Cardinal Mooney 43-41 on Dec. 20, to Santa Fe Catholic 56-51 on Jan. 2 and to Parrish Community 63-60 on Jan. 13.
Those three opponents have a combined record of 59-13 this season, as of Jan. 29, and Santa Fe Catholic is the reigning 2A state runnerup. There’s an alternate reality where Braden River carries a 22-game winning streak into the postseason if those fourth quarters went differently.
But where the Pirates find themselves is with plenty of success, and with momentum for the road ahead.
“We try to play a brand of basketball that, once the game is over, the other players say, ‘Man, I don’t want to play them anymore,’” Gilmer said.
It was just over a year ago when stringing together two or three victories was an indicator of success.
Times have changed, indeed.
FAST
and
Regional meets in girls weightlifting were held across the state last week, finalizing the list of competitors for the Feb. 11-13 state championships at Lakeland’s RP Funding Center. Braden River made it back-toback-to-back regional titles by winning the 2A-6 championship Jan. 31 at Lemon Bay High. Senior Payton Mangay-Ayam of the 129-pound weight class placed first in both Traditional and Olympic styles, while senior Emily Parcells (139 lbs) won Traditional. The Pirates dominated in Olympic with four gold medalists and eight top-three place winners overall. Senior Taylor Ford (139 lbs), senior Chloe Pogoda (183 lbs) and junior Jeaniya Edwards (199 lbs) all took gold alongside Mangay-Ayam in Olympic. At the 3A-6 meet, Lakewood Ranch seniors Alexis Rissler and Brooke Decillis led the way. Rissler (183 lbs) won gold for Olympic and bronze for Traditional, while Decillis (129 lbs) claimed gold in Traditional and bronze in Olympic ... Lakewood Ranch boys soccer won the FHSAA Class 6A-District 11 championship Jan. 27 with a 3-0 victory over Parrish Community. In the effort, senior defender Jaxon Lemus led the way with two goals and an assist, complemented by a goal from senior midfielder/forward Ryan Johnson. Entering regionals with a 17-0-2 record, the Mustangs are the No. 1 seed in Region 3, and will host No. 8 seed Charlotte (10-3-3) in quarterfinal action at 7 p.m. Feb. 6. ... In girls basketball, Braden River finished the regular season at 16-8 and earned the No. 1 seed for the 5A-9 district tournament. Lakewood Ranch enters its postseason with a 14-6 record and the No. 2 seed for the 6A-11 tournament. The Out-of-Door Academy, meanwhile, sits at 9-10 in 2A-11, and will be the No. 3 seed in its three-team tournament.
File photo Payton Mangay-Ayam, a Braden River High senior girls weightlifter, ranks as one of the best junior weightlifters not just in Florida, but in the entire country.
Anthony Bailey (3) and his Braden River teammates have clinched their first 20-win season since 2011-12,
won eight games in a row to close the regular season.
Photos by Jack Nelson
Anthony Bailey, junior guard, has made an immediate impact as a new face for Braden River. He’s the team’s second-leading scorer and also ranks second in assists and steals per game.
Junior guard Anquan Polynice has been the Pirates’ leading scorer in 2025-26. He will continue to steer the ship as they vie for a deep run in the FHSAA Class 5A state tournament.
New coach aims for lofty heights with ODA girls soccer
The huddle gradually disbanded as the players finished putting on their shinguards and tying their shoelaces tight. All of them trotted to the sun-soaked turf as if part of a procession.
Cones and balls were gathered together to set up the first drill of an afternoon practice. Among the players, laughs and smiles were contagious.
Megan Nugent glanced over at her teammates and allowed a smile to creep across her own face.
“That, to me, is the most rewarding part,” Nugent said. “Seeing that they’re all here.”
Nearly three months into the season, no key players have been lost to injuries. She has one, unified team.
It’s exactly what she hoped for in her new role.
Nugent is in her first year as The Out-of-Door Academy’s head girls soccer coach and she has guided her players to a 14-2-1 record, as of Jan. 30. Her players are champions of FHSAA Class 1A-District 10 and own the No. 2 seed in Region 3 for
the state tournament.
What they hope will be a trek to the regional title began against Saint Stephen’s Episcopal on Feb. 2 in the 1A regional quarterfinals. Just as she has all season long, Nugent once again guided her players flawlessly.
“She’s taken the leadership role this year and it’s been amazing,” said junior Maggie Yull. “She’s listened to us every step of the way, she’s funny, and she always incorporates fun things into our practices — it’s never straight or boring.”
In 2024-25, Nugent was an assistant under former coach Wayne Ramsey. She helped ODA to a 14-52 finish and district title en route to the 2A regional quarterfinals.
That was just part of the success that came before her. The Thunder assembled a perfect 12-0-1 regular season in 2023-24, though fell in the opening rounds of both the district and regional tournaments.
ODA went 35-13-3 over three seasons of Ramsey’s tutelage. By taking the reins, Nugent inherited that high standard, and she understood the expectations that came with it.
“I definitely felt pressure, because we have a very good, talented group of girls here,” Nugent said. “And I knew from the start that we had the ability to win, but the biggest challenge is bringing individual players together, and that’s something we struggled with a bit last year.”
Soccer was a sport that took her places in the years before she began spending her afternoons on the fields of ODA’s campus.
She was born in Dublin, Ireland, but spent much of her childhood in the U.S. It was in this country — not her native land — where she kicked a soccer ball for the first time.
At 10 years old, though, she boarded a plane to Ireland and remained there through her teenage years. She stuck with the game and was called up to the Irish national
■ Avery Rice, sophomore — 9 goals and 1 assist ■ Thalia Kodeh, sophomore — 6 goals and 4
team at 13 years old, staying with the team until she was 19.
The competitiveness of the sport kept her hooked. To this day, she proudly coaches with that Irish accent intact.
“I feel like it’s in our blood. We were just born to love the game,” Nugent said. “I loved being a girl playing in a boys’ league, especially in Ireland. I was actually a captain on a boys’ team. It drove me to want to be better and succeed.”
Eventually, she did find her way back to the U.S. She earned a scholarship to the New York Institute of Technology, which when she arrived in 2009, fielded an NCAA Division II women’s soccer team in the East Coast Conference.
Graduation in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in health science marked the end of her playing days. She promptly began building her career in New York, starting out as a personal trainer and later moving into management roles. Soccer, though, was usually on her mind. So when she moved to Lakewood Ranch with her family in summer 2024, she was all-in on becoming a full-time coach.
Nugent joined the Chargers Soccer Club and currently coaches the 2014 Girls Elite team, also assisting with the club’s recreation program
and administration.
With ODA, she jumped at the opportunity to coach a high school girls soccer team — something she always yearned to do.
“I can talk to her about anything, and it’s not hard,” said eighth grader Bianca Arslaner. “As an eighth grader, you’d be scared to talk to seniors, but she helps me not feel as awkward around them.”
As a coach, development is at the core of Nugent’s philosophy. It’s her mode of operation.
Whether it’s the Thunder’s highest-skilled player or most casual contributor, she wants every one of them to feel like they improved in some way after any given practice, so when called upon, they are ready.
It’s all about ensuring her players contribute to their team and want to be part of something special. That reflects in her style of coaching, which strikes a balance between being tough and supportive.
“That’s what makes her an amazing coach,” Yull said. “She can be strict and she can get us all motivated to work, but there’s also the side of her where she is super chill and can understand everything. Sometimes she can be a coach, and sometimes she can be a friend.” With the post season beginning, it’s win-or-go-home time for the Thunder, and with every passing round, opponents only get tougher.
“They all still have smiles on their faces,” Nugent said. “They’re all showing up, wanting to compete and to lift each other up.”
Nelson is the sports reporter for the East County and Sarasota/Siesta Key Observers. Contact him at JNelson@ YourObserver.com.
SOCIALMEDIA MANAGEMENT
Photos by Jack Nelson
Instilling confidence in every player is a big part of what Megan Nugent has done at ODA. Maggie Yull says Nugent genuinely believes in all of them.
Jack
Guided by Megan Nugent, the Thunder have already defended their district title, and now have their sights set on a regional title.
Brooke Decillis
Brooke Decillis has carved a path to the state tournament. The Lakewood Ranch High senior girls weightlifter, who competes in the 129-pound class, placed first in Traditional stye (320 lbs) and third in Olympic (265 lbs) at the FHSAA Class 3A-Region 6 championship Jan. 29 at East Lee County High. Decillis is the East County Athlete of the Week.
How was your experience at the district meet becoming a twotime medalist?
I (had) been preparing for this meet for a while, and it’s been my goal since my freshman year to make it to states and to place. I have just been focused all season and I’ve been working to get my numbers up to place in states, and placing in districts and winning Traditional was a good start to that.
What were your goals for the regional meet?
I was hoping to win Traditional and then be top-three for Olympic.
How did you first get into this sport?
My friends were interested in doing it. I wasn’t involved in anything (at the time) and I was new to the high school, and so I figured I would just try something. I was not very good at it. But coach (Elijah) Weaver, he helped me and I got better and I just kept working at it. I’ve gotten progressively better.
Why have you stuck with weightlifting after all these years?
It has given me a good sense of determination and account ability that I have to show up to practice, I have to watch what I eat and I have to work toward what I want. It doesn’t come easy. If you don’t put in the effort, you don’t get anything out of it.
What moment or highlight from your career have you never forgotten?
When I qualified for states (last
If you would like to make a recommendation for the East County Observer’s Athlete of the Week feature, send it to JNelson@YourObserver.com.
districts was really good.
Is there a motivational quote or piece of advice that you’ve always carried with you?
“Keep working.” It doesn’t matter if things get hard or if things don’t go your way. You just have to keep showing up and keep putting in the effort.
What’s a fun fact about you that some people might not know?
I also play flag football. I play center and linebacker, and have played for my entire time here.
If you could go anywhere for a dream vacation, where would you go and why?
I’d like to go to Italy at some point in my life. I’ve been to so many places already.
Finish this sentence. Brooke Decillis is ... Determined.
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MANAGING EDITOR
n a bit of a turn from past Sisterhood for Good galas that raise money for local nonprofits, Tropical Escape on Feb. 27 will offer members a different kind of wardrobe challenge in 2026. Past galas have included themes such as Vegas Comes to Town, The Great Gatsby, Phantom of the Opera and All That Jazz.
But Tropical Escape will be “the ultimate luau” with more of a Polynesian flair.
Members are excited to take a pause from the gowns and tuxedos for a year.
“We’re going to have a taste of both,” said Sisterhood for Good’s Nikki Pelier-Simon, who owns the Scout & Molly’s clothing boutique at the Market at UTC. “Women are going to express themselves. You can let your hair
Photos by Jay Heater
Sisterhood for Good’s Tropical Escape presents the ultimate luau in Lakewood Ranch.
down, have fun and still be elegant.”
Sisterhood for Good founder Angela Massaro-Fain said it will be an incredible evening of entertainment, just a bit different than past galas.
“It is still a theme, but more laid back,” Massaro-Fain said. “Guys can wear khakis and Hawaiian shirts or they can wear shorts.”
Massaro-Fain has guided Sisterhood for Good to fundraising that has resulted in $622,427 being awarded to area nonprofits over its 15 years.
Tropical Escape is being held at the Sarasota Polo Club starting with a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres hour with live music at 6 p.m. Feb. 27, followed by a 7 p.m. seated dinner. The evening features fire and hula dancing along with silent and live auctions. A DJ will provide dancing music following dinner. A Premium Chance Drawing will be held with $150 tickets providing a chance to win more than $12,000 in merchandise.
Tickets are $250 each and can be purchased at SFGFlorida.org by Feb. 6 or $300 each purchased on Feb. 7 and afterward.
“This is the best organization with women of all backgrounds,” said Sisterhood for Good member Glo Reber. “These are women who are just giving their time and dedication. They
IF YOU GO
What: Sisterhood for Good’s Tropical Escape ultimate luau
When: Begins at 6 p.m. Feb. 27
Where: Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane Cost: $250 if purchased by Feb. 6; $300 on Feb. 7 and afterward. Tickets can be purchased at SFGFlorida@org.
Features: Open premium bar and hors d’oeuvres, seated dinner, silent and live auctions, fire and hula dancers, live music, dancing to a DJ and a Premium Choice Drawing with more than $12,000 in merchandise going to the winner
are genuine.”
Reber said she loved the idea of holding the 2026 event at the Sarasota Polo Club because she is a horsewoman.
“And we’ve got a lot of entertainment lined up this year,” she said.
“It’s casual, and it is conducive to having fun.”
Member Samina Morrow said the Tropical Escape theme will attract people who didn’t attend one of the more formal past functions.
“I love this whole Hawaiian vibe,” Morrow said. “You are going to see younger ones who might be wearing coconuts and grass skirts.”
Morrow loves the challenge of dressing for the themed events.
“People expect me to be outside the box ... unique,” she said with a smile.
She said the bottom line is that a fun event is going to raise money for local nonprofits.
“First and foremost, it is what we do,” she said. “I am so excited because this is going to be so different, both our venue and theme.”
During a photo shoot to promote the event, member Patti Good, the
event co-chair, was showing off a flowery jump suit.
“I like the relaxed feeling,” she said. “I love bright, vibrant colors. But most of all, I have a heart, and I like to give back.”
Member Allison Adams said she went to Darci Jacob, owner of Darci boutique in Sarasota, to dress her for the event.
“This is just something fun for me,” she said. “I like to Latin dance socially, so this fits. It is so fun to have a themed event because it opens your creativity.
“We have the best time, and I have fallen in love with Sisterhood for Good. You feel like you are part of a family.”
Lori Augustyniak has been with Sisterhood for Good for more than 10 years and she loves the organization’s special events because “I love to sparkle.”
“I like the laid-back atmosphere,” she said. “And this is such an important organization. It helps smaller nonprofits that don’t get the attention.”
Member Karen Medford said can’t wait to hear what idea Sisterhood for Good has planned for special events.
“Being a member, you have to be prepared for anything,” she said. “For this, I started looking for something Polynesian. Once you find that look, you personalize it.”
Member Stephanie Soffer is ready for a little island time.
“I’ve done a ton of galas,” Soffer said. “They always are gowns to the floor. This is more relaxed. Formal can be a chore.”
“We have the best time and I have fallen in love with Sisterhood for Good. You feel like you are part of a family.”
Allison Adams
Sisterhood for Good members Nikki Pelier-Simon, Samina Morrow and Allison Adams show off some fashions that will be in the spotlight at Tropical Escape on Feb. 27 at the Sarasota Polo Club.
Sisterhood for Good’s Angela Massaro-Fain, Stephanie Soffer, Patti Good, Nikki PelierSimon, Glo Reber, Allison Adams, Lori Augustyniak, Samina Morrow and Karen Medford are ready for Tropical Escape.
Sisterhood
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Dr. Kamalesh Karthikeyan is a board-certified cardiologist specializing in comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services for cardiovascular conditions. Dr. Karthikeyan earned his medical degree from the University of Sint Eustatius in the Dutch Antilles. He completed his internal medicine residency and cardiology fellowship at the University of Missouri. He also completed an interventional cardiology advanced fellowship at the University of Nebraska Omaha.
He specializes in the following:
• Percutaneous coronary intervention
• Diagnostic vascular intervention
• Peripheral vascular intervention
• Noninvasive cardiac imaging
o Echocardiography
o Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)
o Cardiac computed tomography (CT)
o Nuclear scan
o Stress test
• Noninvasive peripheral imaging
o Pulse volume recordings (PVR)
o Doppler imaging
• Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)
• Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion device placement (WATCHMAN
Butterfly symposium lands at town hall
Gilbert Daigneau, who has raised butterflies for 60 years, calls them “the ambassadors of the natural world.”
“If you don’t see butterflies in an area, it’s probably because there are a lot of pesticides in that area or there’s not enough native vegetation for the caterpillars,” Daigneau said. “If you see butterflies, that represents a healthy environment.”
Daigneau is the featured speaker for the Lakewood Ranch Garden Club Butterfly Symposium 9 a.m. Feb. 7 at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall. His interest in butterflies began when he was in fifth grade and he began teaching his fellow classmates about their life cycles. He has been teaching the public about them ever since, speaking at different events.
Over the years, he has seen an “incredible reduction” in the number of wild butterflies in the world, and in Florida, due to a lot of their native habitat being cleared for housing developments, shopping malls and roads.
Daigneau’s goal is to let the public know that it doesn’t take much to help wild butterflies. If you grow plants such as milkweed or pentas, the butterflies will come.
“You’re probably going to landscape your yard anyway,” Daigneau said. “Why not landscape with pretty plants that attract butterflies? It’s no question to me.”
Joyce Samsel, who has raised butterflies for 15 years, also is speaking at the symposium. She began her butterfly journey by accident after unknowingly planting tropical milkweed in her garden.
“One day I noticed the plants had all been eaten, and I saw big fat worms on them,” Samsel said. “I researched the worm and discovered they were monarch caterpillars, thus the start of creating an entire backyard for the many species of Florida butterflies.”
Samsel went on to volunteer and work at The Butterfly Estates in Fort Myers. She has done research on the monarch butterfly with the Uni -
IF YOU GO
The free Lakewood Ranch Garden Club Butterfly Symposium takes place Feb. 7 at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Doors open at 9 a.m. for refreshments and conversation. Questions will be taken before and during the speakers’ presentations. There will be free raffle and door prizes including plants from members’ own gardens.
versity of Florida and also founded the Florida Monarch Research and Educational Project in 2019. She has since mastered raising 12 species.
Cathleen Strong is the chairman of the newly formed butterfly committee of the Lakewood Ranch Garden Club. She brought in both speakers for the event.
“She (Samsel) puts the butterflies under the microscope, quite literally. She’s a scientist,” Strong said. “To have her be able to come in and put the icing on the cake for the end of that program is going to be interesting.”
“I’m looking forward to learning from the other speakers and their experiences and sharing my knowledge of the monarch, its host plants and how everyone can do their part for nature,” Samsel said.
Courtesy image
The Lakewood Ranch Garden Club Butterfly Symposium will take place at 9 a.m. on Feb. 7 at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.
School embraces grieving family
Lakewood Ranch’s Kelly Miles, a teacher at All God’s Children Preschool, looked around the parking lot of her workplace with a “happy heart.”
Current and past students, along with their families, gathered to honor and support Kelly’s late husband, Matt, and the family he left behind. Matt died in November from cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive cancer of the bile ducts.
“Matt would always say, ‘Look for the good,’” Kelly Miles said. “Even on our really sick days, he would always say, ‘Look for the good.’ This is the good.”
On Jan. 31, the “Miles for the Miles Family Cozy Cocoa Dash” included a 1-mile race, a baby goat petting zoo, a hot cocoa bar, coffee from Sip n Brew and a Girl Scout cookie sale.
The event raised $7,000 for Kelly and her three children — 19-year-old Makayla, 15-year-old Madalyn and
11-year-old Mason.
“The most important priority for me is maintaining a sense of normalcy and routine for my children,” Kelly Miles said. “This financial support will help ease the burden of stress, allowing me to focus on what truly matters.”
Lori Morgan’s daughter Amelia, 5, is one of Kelly’s previous students.
“She was always kind, warm and welcoming even when she was dealing with the stresses of her husband’s cancer treatments,” Lori Morgan said. “She always came to school with a smile and made the children feel loved.”
Five-year-old Jack Verasco, a previous student of Kelly’s, gave her a sign, thanking her for being his teacher. His mom, Sarah Verasco, said they had the best year growing and learning together.
— MADISON BIERL
was one of Kelly
students last
Amelia Morgan, 5, and Vivien Blevins, 6, cuddle baby goats that were brought for the Miles Family Cozy Cocoa Dash by Katy and Caelan Alonge.
Photos by Madison Bierl
Dillon Desiderato and his daughter, Nora Desiderato, share a smile during the Miles for the Miles Family Cozy Cocoa Dash fundraiser at All God’s Children Preschool on Jan. 31.
Mackenzie Shinn and Janel Shinn enjoy refreshments from the Sip n Brew coffee trailer after the race. Janel says that her children graduated from All God’s Children Preschool and she was eager to return to support the Miles family.
Kelly Miles receives a sign from 5-year-old Jack Verasco thanking her for being his teacher after their year of learning and growing together.
Liam Reedy
Miles’
year. He cuddles with a baby goat after the run.
Celebrating literacy
Every day leading up to Myakka City Elementary’s Community Night, second grader Chloe Erickson asked her mother, Naomi, when they could go to school to celebrate literacy and kindness.
“When you come to their school after hours and see them have fun, you know they are having a great time during the day,” Naomi Erickson said.
Myakka City Elementary families and staff gathered on the evening of Jan. 29 for Community Night to participate in a wide variety of activities to celebrate Literacy Week. They included the book fair, Book Bingo, a book dance party, drum circle, painting a mural and more.
Kristin Greene, the music teacher at Myakka City Elementary, led a drum circle for the event. She said authors and composers have a lot in common — both express storylines, feelings and events.
“Music truly reaches every academic subject — math, science, history, language arts and social studies,” Greene said. “Music is a special way to bring people together to celebrate life.”
Meredith Barcomb attended the Community Night with her son Kaleb who is in fourth grade.
“Right now, we have a country that is behind in basic reading and math,” Barcomb said. “The staff works extremely hard to make sure the kids at Myakka Elementary get the attention they need to be their very best. As a mom with a son who struggles with a reading disability, I have found our little school to be just the support Kaleb needs.”
Kelly Huber is both a Myakka City Elementary teacher and parent and said that makes her experience double special.
“Getting to see my daughter’s face light up as she was having fun with her friends singing, dancing, painting, playing bingo and doing all the things made me have a nonstop smile all night,” Huber said. “Getting to witness the students I teach experiencing the same excitement, especially leaving their mark painting the courtyard Mustang mural that will be around for years to come, make my heart burst with pride.”
Certified, Family Medicine
Dr. Keyur Kurani brings to Intercoastal Medical Group at the Cattleridge office a wealth of knowledge and experience in Internal Medicine.
Dr. Monica Drummond brings to Intercoastal Medical Group at the Lakewood Ranch I office a wealth of knowledge and experience in Family Medicine.
Undergraduate: University of South Florida, Sarasota, FL
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
Graduate School: Liberty University, Lynchburg, Virginia
Medical School: Campbell University, Buies Creek, NC
University of Medicine and Health Sciences, St. Kitts, Basseterre, SKN
Residency: Colquitt Regional Medical Center, Moultrie, GA
Family Medicine Residency, University Science Center, Jackson, TN
Board Certified, American Board of
Certification: Board Eligible, American Board Family Medicine, Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (AOBFP)
Hospital Affiliations: Sarasota Memorial Hospital; Doctors Hospital
Hospital
Lakewood Ranch Medical
www.intercoastalmedical.com
— MADISON BIERL
Sgt. Rob Hendrickson, with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, brought a ball python for the kids to see and touch. Maddox Bradow, a voluntary prekindergarten student, was especially interested.
Kristin Greene, the music teacher at Myakka City Elementary, led a drum circle that combined books and music.
Pheebe Smith, a first grader at Myakka City Elementary, went home with two books from the book fair.
Chloe Erickson, a second grader at Myakka City Elementary, stands by the mural she helped create.
Photos by Madison Bierl
Myakka City Elementary first graders Delanee Verly and Emma Kelly check out the wide variety of books for sale during the CommUNITY Night.
VALENTINE’S GIFT GUIDE
THE GIVING TREE GALLERY
5 N Blvd of the Presidents • Sarasota, FL 34236 1379 McAnsh Square • Sarasota, FL 34231
941-388-7754 • TheGivingTreeGallery.com
Make hearts sparkle with high-design jewelry from award-winning designers. For over 30 years, The Giving Tree Gallery has offered unique, artful jewelry and home decor on St. Armands Circle. From demifine to 18KT fine jewelry, we have pieces for every budget. Experience exceptional customer service in a warm, welcoming atmosphere this Valentine’s Day!
MCCARVER & MOSER
1301 Main St • Sarasota, FL 34236 1601 Gulf of Mexico Dr • Longboat Key, FL 34228
941-387-8000 • McCarverMoser.com
McCarver & Moser Jewelers has sophisticated design collections from around the world. We provide customer service that exceeds expectations with our knowledge, hand crafted designs and a personal concierge team that represents over 115 years of experience. Making our customers happy and beautiful is our passion.
CAFÉ ON ST. ARMANDS
MILLER HAUS FURNITURE
6100 N Lockwood Ridge Rd Sarasota, FL 34243
941-960-2942
DutchHausFurniture.com
Give a gift that lasts longer than flowers! A Miller Haus Furniture gift certificate lets them choose something handcrafted and timeless -beautiful, functional furniture made to be loved and enjoyed for years. Visit a Miller Haus Furniture in store and let us help you find the perfect Valentine’s Day gift today!
431 St. Armands Circle Sarasota, FL 34236
941-388-4415
CafeOnStArmands.com
Join us at Café on St. Armands this Valentine’s Day for a romantic dining experience made to share. Enjoy a romantic brunch, relaxed all-day dining, or let the evening unfold over a special Dinner for Two. Whether you’re celebrating early or settling in for the night, it’s the perfect setting for a memorable Valentine’s Day together.
SIRIUS DAY SPA, SALON & MED SPAS 11585 E SR70 • Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 1551 Lakefront Dr. Ste 101 • Sarasota, FL 34240 941-357-4611 • SiriusDaySpas.com
Start your journey with the right life partner and a jeweler you trust. Since 1973, Bartlett Jewelers, provides the honest guidance needed before you ask forever’s most important question. We also offer both mined and lab-created diamonds all with prices to fit any budget. Open Mon-Sat 9:30am-5:30pm.
The ultimate Valentine’s indulgence �� A luxe spa gift card to the #1 ranked spa in Lakewood Ranch & Sarasota - redeemable at either of our two premier locations, including our stunning new Waterside spa. 200+ ways to relax, glow, and feel adored - plus a Serenity Lounge and couples experiences.
Order your Valentine’s Day cookies now-or bring your someone special in for a sweet experience like no other! Where warm, freshly baked cookies meet creamy scoops of handcrafted ice cream. Customize sundaes with toppings or share a gooey cookieand-ice-cream combo for a cozy, delicious date-night dessert.
YOUR CALENDAR
COMMUNITY
THURSDAY, FEB. 5 THROUGH
SUNDAY, FEB. 8
LIVE MUSIC AT JIGGS LANDING
Runs from 3-6 p.m. each day at Jiggs Landing, 6106 63rd St. E., Bradenton. The live music lineup at Jiggs Landing includes Steve Arvey (Thursday), Al Fuller (Friday), Blue Star (Saturday) and Rev. Billy (Sunday). The Friday and Saturday shows are $5; the others are free. For information, go to JiggsLanding.com.
FRIDAY, FEB. 6 AND SATURDAY, FEB. 7
MUSIC AT THE PLAZA
Runs from 6-9 p.m. at Waterside Place, 1561 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch. On Friday, Dana Lawrence will play rock, blues, reggae and New Orleans for those strolling the streets at Waterside Place. On Saturday, singer-songwriter Paul Fournier will be featured. For more information about the free music series, go to WatersidePlace.com.
SATURDAY, FEB. 7
BUTTERFLY SYMPOSIUM
Begins at 9 a.m. at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. The Lakewood Ranch Garden Club is hosting a Butterfly Symposium, open to the public, featuring butterfly enthusiasts Gilbert Daigneau and Joyce Samsel as the main speakers. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn all about how to attract butterflies in their own gardens. Questions will be taken prior to the speakers’ presentations. For more information about the free presentation, go to LakewoodRanchGardenClub.org/.
CERT CELEBRATION
Runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Greenbrook Adventure Park. The Lakewood Ranch Community Emergency Response Team is hosting a party to celebrate its 20 years. The Sheriff’s Office, East Manatee Fire Rescue, Manatee County Search and Rescue, and other first responders will be on hand to show their vehicles and discuss disaster prep and safety. The free event also will include food trucks, activities for the kids, and music. Go to LWRCERT.org for more information.
ROOFTOP YOGA
Begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Lakewood Ranch Library, 16410 Rangeland Parkway, Lakewood Ranch. Adults (18-and-older) can participate in the Rooftop Yoga program. The donation-based group class is designed to inspire and invigorate. Beginners are welcome as are those with experience. The workout focuses on balancing effort and ease through breath work and postures. Those who participate are asked to bring a yoga mat. For information, go to MyLWR.com.
BEST BET
FRIDAY, FEB. 6
MUSIC ON MAIN
Runs from 6-9 p.m. at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch. The Ridge Country Band will be entertaining the crowd at Music on Main with Southern rock and classic country. Proceeds from the free music series and block party benefits the Girl Scouts of Gulf Coast Florida. The event features food vendors, beer trucks, sponsor booths and kids activities.
SATURDAY, FEB. 7 AND SUNDAY, FEB. 8
MUSIC AT THE LODGE Runs 6-9 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday at Linger Lodge, 7205 85th St. Court E., Bradenton. Linger Lodge’s live music schedule includes Str8 Edge Duo on Saturday and Barcodei on Sunday.
SUNDAY, FEB. 8
POLO
Doors open at 10 a.m. and the action begins at 1 p.m. at the Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Sarasota. The polo season runs every Sunday through April 12. Tickets start at $20. Each Sunday has a theme for those who want to participate. For more information or to buy tickets, go to SarasotaPolo.com.
FARMERS MARKET Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Lakefront Drive in Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch. The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch, which was voted as the top farmers market in the nation in 2025, will run yearround every Sunday. Vendors offer seafood, eggs, meats, dairy products, pastas, bakery goods, jams and pickles, among other items. For information, visit MyLWR.com.
TUESDAY, FEB. 10
MARKET AT THE PARK
Runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. The Market at Nathan Benderson Park runs on Tuesdays and features local artists, small businesses and crafters from all walks of life. In addition, there will be a kids zone, food trucks, live music and themed events. Go to NathanBendersonPark.org for more information.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 11
RANCH NITE WEDNESDAYS
Runs from 6-9 p.m. at 1560 Lakefront Drive in Waterside Place. Join the crowd at Waterside Place enjoying the food trucks and live music or playing in the cornhole league during Ranch Nite Wednesdays. Weekly programming is offered each week in Gateway Park. No outside food or beverage allowed. For more information, visit MyLWR.com.
Life revolves around the spectacular 30,000-square-foot clubhouse—now under construction and opening this fall. This is where neighbors become friends over resort pools, shared meals at indoor-outdoor dining venues, and rounds on the premier putting course. With a golf simulator, fitness center, cinema, and stunning waterfront homes by the region’s most sought-after builders, this Lakewood Ranch community is Sarasota’s most distinctive address for those who value connection as much as luxury.
Wild Blue home tops sales at $3.35 million
ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR
Ahome in Wild Blue at Waterside on Blue Shell Loop topped the week’s sales. David Lawrence Goldman, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the home at 1122 Blue Shell Loop to Axentis Investment Group Inc. for $3.35 million. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, four-anda-half baths, a pool and 4,290 square feet of living area. It sold for $3,270,500 in 2025.
WILD BLUE AT WATERSIDE
Valliant Interests LLC sold the home at 1210 Blue Shell Loop to Sotirios Dendrinos and Michele Lynn Dendrinos, of Frankfort, Illinois, for $3 million. Built in 2024, it has three bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,436 square feet of living area. It sold for $2,586,600 in 2024.
AZARIO ESPLANADE
Paul and Michele Ruffridge, of St. Petersburg, sold their home at 15029 Montello Way to Terrence Raymond Daidone, of Parkland, for $1.43 million. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,026 square feet of living area. It sold for $927,500 in 2021.
ISLES Michael Shawn Stevens and Tina Marie Stevens, of Greenback, Tennessee, sold their home at 7924 Redonda Loop to Mark A. Dismore, Marjorie Anderson, Mark E. Dismore and Esteina Adams, of Greenfield, Indiana, for $1.41 million. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,366 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,375,000 in 2025.
Toll FL XIII Ltd. Partnership sold the home at 17915 Palmiste Drive to Marie Vaudo and Salvatore Vaudo Jr., trustees, of Lakewood Ranch, for $879,000. Built in 2024, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,517 square feet of living area.
SHOREVIEW
Michael Bernard, of Franklin, Tennessee, sold his home at 7760 Grande Shores Drive to Anna Andrevski, of Lawrence Township, New Jersey, for $1,232,500. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,492 square feet of living area. It sold for $762,100 in 2018.
MONTEREY
Toll Southeast LP Co. Inc. sold the home at 2589 Waterfront Circle to Alen Vlad Dalton, of Bradenton, for $1.05 million. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,811 square feet of living area.
WATERLEFE GOLF AND RIVER
CLUB
Miriam Thompson, of Sarasota, sold her home at 10103 Discovery Terrace to Richard and Cheryl Reyenger, of Bradenton, for $1.05 million. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,889 square feet of living area. It sold for $715,000 in 2016.
ROSEDALE ADDITION
Shelley and Keith Ericsson, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the home at 10119 Carnoustie Place to John and Mary Salewske, of Monroe, Michigan, for $999,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two-and-ahalf baths and 2,521 square feet of living area. It sold for $729,000 in 2024.
HERITAGE HARBOUR
Jo Butler, of West Des Moines, Iowa, sold her home at 6741 Rookery Lake Drive to Benito Pinto, of Milford, Massachusetts, for $860,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,406 square feet of living area. It sold for $575,000 in 2023.
BRIDGEWATER
Jason Michael Zabawa and Cynthia
Ann Burulia-Zabawa, of Bradenton, sold their home at 13112 Swiftwater Way to Robert Paul Stevens Jr. and Dana Morella Stevens, of Apollo Beach, for $840,000. Built in 2017, it has six bedrooms, fourand-a-half baths, a pool and 3,915 square feet of living area. It sold for $470,500 in 2017.
LAKEHOUSE COVE AT WATERSIDE
David Fine, trustee, and Roberta Fine, of Needham, Massachusetts, sold the home at 8031 Sandstar Way to Marielle Picinich and Robert and Marianne Picinich, of Bradenton, for $817,000. Built in 2020, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,164 square feet of living area. It sold for $529,300 in 2020.
MILL CREEK
Jeffrey and Kimber Bereiter, of Bradenton, sold their home at 14709 21st Ave. E. to Raymond David Sellers and Heather Jo Sellers, of Longboat Key, for $790,000. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,193 square feet of living area.
RYE WILDERNESS ESTATES
Erwin and Carole Lutz, trustees, of Mint Hill, North Carolina, sold the home at 324 165th Court N.E. to James Howard Morris III and Colleen Wright Morris, of Bradenton, for $790,000. Built in 2010, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,072 square feet of living area. It sold for $324,800 in 2010.
DEL WEBB
David and Kimberly Hogue, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 7332 Chester Trail to Robert Cummins, of Bradenton, for $760,000. Built in 2018, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,900 square feet of living area. It sold for $505,500 in 2018.
William and Bari Gulsby, of Charlotte, North Carolina, sold their home at 17546 Northwood Place to Mary Ann Russell, of Lakewood Ranch, for $620,000. Built in 2021, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,938 square feet of living area. It sold for $556,900 in 2021.
RIVERDALE REVISED
Ryan Zaleski, of Palmetto, sold his home at 4531 Swordfish Drive to M’Lynn McKibben and Charles McKibben, of Sebring, for $720,000. Built in 1996, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,251 square feet of living area. It sold for $537,000 in 2020.
SADDLEHORN ESTATES
Tammi Gustafson, of Hibbing, Minnesota, sold her home at 2611 221st St. E. to Christopher and Alicia Hutchinson, of Bradenton, for $675,000. Built in 1995, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,785 square feet of living area. It sold for $810,000 in 2023.
COPPERLEFE
Daniel Adam Garner and Molly Catherine Garner sold their home at 11314 Sweetgrass Drive to James and Sara Campbell, of Bradenton, for $670,000. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,257 square feet of living area. It sold for $422,700 in 2017.
GREENBROOK
Kyle and Jenna Benenati, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 6364 Golden Eye Glen to John Alatsis, of Brooklyn, New York, for $615,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,575 square feet of living area. It sold for $667,000 in 2022.
CRESSWIND
Madeleine November, trustee, Bradenton sold the home at 5191
Barnett Circle to Frederick Joseph Slick III and Barbara Ann Slick, of Bradenton, for $560,000. Built in 2021, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,671 square feet of living area. It sold for $494,200 in 2021.
RIVERWALK CYPRESS BANKS THR Florida LP sold the home at 11102 Hyacinth Place to Stefan Kontopoulos and Eleni Haralampopoulos, of Bradenton, for $525,000. Built in 2001, it has four
bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,531 square feet of living area. It sold for $255,000 in 2013.
SOLERA
Matthew Steven Brody and Rachel Lee Brody, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 17555 Cantarina Cove to Danielle Quiros, of Bradenton, for $510,000. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,350 square feet of living area. It sold for $628,600 in 2023.
EAGLE TRACE
Susan Palmer, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the home at 12331 Halfmoon Lake Terrace to B.J. Kingdon and Shirley Kingdon, trustees, of Bradenton, for $490,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,227 square feet of living area. It sold for $350,000 in 2020.
LONGPOND AT MOTE RANCH
Jay and Laura Petty, of Knoxville, Tennessee, sold their home at 6991 Superior St. Circle to Alan Chonko, of Cleveland, for $490,000. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,587 square feet of living area. It sold for $318,500 in 2017.
SUMMERFIELD
Mary Torretta, of Lakewood Ranch, sold her home at 11206 Pine Lilly Place to Jamie and Ronald Carey, of Tampa, for $489,000. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,851 square feet of living area. It sold for $312,000 in 2017.
Madison Bierl
This Wild Blue at Waterside home at 1122 Blue Shell Loop sold for $3.35 million. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,290 square feet of living area.
NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH
MEGA FREESTYLE 3 by Rafael Musa, edited by Jared Goudsmit
By Luis Campos Celebrity
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