East County Observer 3.10.22

EAST COUNTY

Observer

Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998

Wild bucket list trip

PAGE 12

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

FREE • THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2022

VOLUME 24, NO. 17

YOUR TOWN Tick, tock.

Turn forward your clock!

Daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. March 13.

Rezone turns more rural to residential Neal Communities plans community near Lake Manatee State Park. SEE PAGE 3

Ian Swaby

Automotive rags to riches story As a young man growing up in Philadelphia, Walter Williams (above) would fix his own car because he couldn’t afford to pay a mechanic.

He never imagined at that time that someday he would be participating in a classic car show, showing off vehicles such as his Ford GT40 Mk 1 replica.

But there he was March 2 on Lakewood Main Street during the Classic Car Show.

The original GT40 was the product of a rivalry between Henry Ford and Enzo Ferrari.

In 1963, Ford was humiliated when Ferrari backed out of a deal between their companies, and he channeled his resources into creating a vehicle that could pass Ferrari at the place that had made it famous: the finish line.

“It’s a 200-miles-per-hour car, but not with me in it; no way,” the Windsong Acres resident said.

No place like gnome Lakewood Ranch has become gnome central as lifetime crafter prepares for a local art show.

SEE PAGE 8 Jay Heater

Linda McMillen sits in her home workshop with miniature gnomes made out of champagne corks behind her.

A+E Larger than life.

INSIDE

Courtesy photo

Time to plant a mum for mom Harrison Rimer, a pre-K student at Braden River Elementary School, spent the morning of March 4 at school gardening with his mom, Lauren Rimer (above).

Together, the Rimers, along with dozens of other mothers and their pre-K students, decorated a flower pot using markers and tissue paper before putting soil in the pot and planting seeds.

Planting mums with their moms was a fun activity to go along with the pre-K gardening unit.

Historic schoolhouse renovation nears finish Jay Heater

Walter Carlton says his father, Brian Carlton, graduated on this auditorium stage in 1941 in Myakka City.

Project manager says another $75,000 is needed to complete restoration of Myakka City landmark. SEE PAGE 4

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2022

Major lifestyle change Monaca Onstad leaves community relations post with SMR to open a new lifestyles company.

Monaca Onstad’s personal favorite accomplishments working with Schroeder-Manatee Ranch since 2016:

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JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch: “We started in 2017 with 13 vendors, and today we have more than 100 vendors and 7,000 attendees each week. The market has grown into a top-rated regional market. I couldn’t be prouder of the team for helping create this amazing community event.”

The Lake Club clubhouse upgrade: “I was responsible for the $6 million renovation of the Grande Clubhouse, creating a restaurant and bar, and activating the space, along with being the lead person on the HOA from the developer front.

It was a challenging project but so rewarding when I see how far the club has come.”

Ranch Nite Wednesdays: “Three years after creating this event, it has become an important part of the Lakewood Ranch lifestyle.

Held every Wednesday night from November through May, Ranch Nites is home to the largest social cornhole league in the country, boasts 10-plus food trucks each night, and has great live music for the more than 3,500 attendees each week.”

Lakewood Ranch Parks and Recreation program: “While my work with LWR Community Activities has been some of the most rewarding work over the last five-plus years with many collaborations, creating the parks and rec program is most dear to my heart. The dream was to activate our parks and give residents more opportunities to meet their neighbors. We started with one program (Yoga in the Park), and it has grown to more than 60 classes and programs. Keith Pandelogou and the entire LWR Community Activities team have done an excellent job making this dream a reality.”

LWR Mobile App: “We partnered with app developer Alosant to create a mobile app so residents could easily find out what’s going on around the ranch. With more than 10,000 downloads and an 89% usage rate, this app is a wonderful tool for our residents.”

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After developing Lakewood Ranch’s nationally recognized lifestyle programs since 2016, Monaca Onstad has left her post as community relations direction for Lakewood Ranch Communities to pursue other career goals.

Onstad said the opening of Waterside Place allowed her to consider “what’s next?”

She is opening her own lifestyle company, “Onplace,” with the hope of designing lifestyle programs for communities all over the country.

Among the awards she won for her lifestyle programing in Lakewood Ranch was the 2017 Lifestyle Director of the Year award she received from the National Association of Home Builders and the “Bull by the Horns” award she received from Lakewood Ranch in 2018.

Although she is leaving her job, she is not leaving the community.

“Lakewood Ranch is the best community,” she said. “Oh my God, I love Lakewood Ranch. My family is not moving. I still will be the chair of Lakewood Ranch Community Activities, and I will continue to be the face of Lakewood Ranch 101 Orientation.”

Schroeder-Manatee Ranch Vice President Laura Cole said a manager of lifestyle and resident experience will be hired to replace Onstad.

“Since Lakewood Ranch opened, there has a been a heightened focus on creating a unique lifestyle that adapts to the changing needs and preferences of our residents,” Cole said in an email. “Lakewood Ranch’s leadership has been steadfast in its commitment to creating great places and activating them with dynamic programming. We find that our best

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File photo

Monaca Onstad finished her run as community relations director of Lakewood Ranch Communities on Feb. 25 and will now open her own business, Onplace.

contributions to lifestyle come at the startup phase, in incubating new programs, such as the market or the parks and recreation series, and then transitioning them to community activities, which under Keith Pandeloglou’s able leadership ensures that these programs live on.”

Onstad said research and conversations with people in the industry convinced her that many new communities being built lack a lifestyle director. She want to help create those plans.

She said owning her own company will give her flexibility to “ramp up or down” to handle family responsibilities. Onstad and her husband, Eric Onstad, have two children: Garrett, 12, and Alexander, 6 months.

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LIFE ON THE RANCH

Finishing the Waterside Place project signaled a turning point.

“Waterside Place was a big check the box for me,” she said. “It took a lot of brain power.”

She credits her husband, who works for the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with giving her the stability to chase her career dreams.

“My husband is amazing,” she said. “When he decided to take this job almost six years ago and move from Virginia, he had a pretty good job with the U.S. Marshals. It was a hard move for us, but he did it. He is so supportive. If I say, ‘I want to go to the moon tomorrow,’ he would figure out a way.”

She said that in her line of work,

with developments, she always is “working myself out of a job,” because those developments eventually finish their work.

“This is bittersweet for me (leaving SMR),” she said. “I love it so much, and I love the community. I had Rex (Jensen) and Laura (Cole), and they just saw the vision of what we were doing and what we tried to create.

They gave me the leeway, or the runway, to activate that plan. That collaboration is what I am going to miss the most.

“They trusted me, and in the end, they saw what could happen. I am so very fortunate, and I always was so proud of the company I was working for.”

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2022

Rural East County shrinks again Some residents oppose the commissioners’ rezone of the East County land.

Photos by Jay Heater

Above: Those in opposition to the rezone left a sign along State Road 64.

Below: Chris Mcguinness stands at his home on Dam Road.

POWER member Linda Nash, Treasurer Kimberly Seery and President Alicia Fretz urge motorists to oppose the rezoning.

IAN SWABY | STAFF WRITER

PARKED NEARBY

H

aving spent his life amid the greenery and wildlife of East County, Chris Mcguinness sees a piece of his world disappearing with each new apartment complex or house that

emerges.

“It’s just sad because there’s nowhere to go after this,” he said.

Mcguinness said lakes where he used to fish as a child are now considered off limits and “wildlife preserve” signs he used to see down the way from his Dam Road home have vanished.

“If you say this is a wildlife preserve area, and then you build a thousand homes, that’s kind of contradictory,” he said.

The southern half of Dam Road runs alongside Lake Manatee State Park, which is separated from the road by a barbed-wire fence.

And although Mcguinness hoped Manatee County commissioners would protect that area, he wasn’t surprised March 3 when they voted 6-1 to approve a new rezoning request for approximately 310 acres from general agriculture to planned development residential. That clears the way for a Neal Communities’ development of 706 residential units and 17,750 square feet of medical facilities.

The property is north of State Road 64, west of Dam Road and east of Uihlein Road. The rezoning will allow for an average of just over two homes per acre. The project also includes specific approval to reduce the required front yard setback from 25 to 23 feet for single-family detached units with front-loaded garages.

“It will be a gorgeous Lakewood Ranch community starting at about the $300,000 level,” company founder Pat Neal said. “It won’t exactly meet affordable housing, but the homes will be attainable.”

RESIDENTS PROTEST

On Feb. 27, before the approval of the rezone, Mcguinness and approximately 15 residents gathered along the intersection between Dam Road and State Road 64 with signs asking people to oppose the rezoning.

“A lot of us live on isolated plots of land and don’t see each other very often,” said Myakka City’s Carol Felts, an at-large candidate for the Manatee County Commission who helped organize the event along with Elizabeth Arnold. “If there are 15 of us out there protesting, that means something.”

Alicia Fretz, president of the group POWER (Protect Our Wildlife, Environment, and Resources), said she believed the rezoning would pass but hoped her group could still make a difference through its presence.

“I am a glass half-full person,” she said, explaining that the new developments should be built in a way that complements those who live in the area by including a greater amount of land buffers.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

Many of those at the protest gathering said they didn’t move to rural East County thinking it would become a higher-density area in terms of homes.

“I’ve been here since I was 2, and we moved out east for a way of life,” POWER Treasurer Kimberly Seery said. “That’s what it is. It’s a way of life in how our children are raised and our grandchildren and our animals.”

Some residents objected to placing a development in such close proximity to a state park. Mcguinness said that from Dam Road, it is possible to see RVs at the campground. He said adding a housing development will damage the value of the campground and the trail around the park as an escape from city life.

Other criticisms focus on environmental issues, such as being in a watershed.

Attorney Ed Vogler, representing Neal Communities, said at the landuse meeting that only a small corner of the northeastern portion of the site — approximately 15% — was part of the watershed and that this area would be well buffered.

“It is a similar watershed overlay to the Braden River Watershed overlay, which is the drinking water source for the city of Bradenton. There are thousands of homes built there,” Vogler said. “This is an engineering question. You can ask our engineers about it, but there’s extra protection for discharges and treatment.”

Sand Branch Creek, which cuts across the property, will be used as a drainage ditch to carry runoff into the Manatee River to avoid polluting the area’s drinking water.

About Lake Manatee State Park, which is adjacent to the project: n The natural habitats at Lake Manatee State Park consist of pine flatwoods — or pines surrounded by flat shrubbery — and the critically endangered ecoregion of sand pine scrub. n Gopher tortoises, which often inhabit scrub, are common in the area. The only tortoise species to burrow underground, the gopher tortoise shares its burrows with more than 350 other species, and the upturning of the soil that creates the burrows allows for the fresh growth of plants. Removal of a gopher tortoise requires a permit, according to Florida law. n The Florida golden aster (Chrysopsis floridana), a goldcolored flower found in the park, is considered threatened by the federal government.

While it has been proposed for delisting due to conservation efforts, it is endemic to a few counties in Florida and exists in 30 populations. n The park is open 8 a.m. to sundown throughout the year and costs $5 per vehicle.

Mark Vanderee, speaking on behalf of the Waterline Road Preservation Group, said of Sand Branch Creek: “It’s a whole lot more than just a drainage ditch. It’s a real creek. It’s wet year-round and supports a lot of wildlife.”

Residents also expressed concerns about flooding, saying that during rainstorms the road collects a large amount of water.

WEIGHING IMPACTS

Joel Christian, a senior environmental scientist with Ardurra, said he did not see any major conservationrelated concerns with the proposed development but recommended a full survey of the area before construction. He said the land had been utilized in the past, noting depressions in the ground that suggested cattle grazing. Despite reports of an eagle’s nest from residents, he added, none have been documented on the property.

“The environmental report for this application did not acknowledge the gopher tortoises on this property,” Vanderee said. “I know

ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT Builder: Neal Communities Land Use Category: Planned Development Residential (110 acres of residential, one dwelling unit per acre; 200 acres mixed-use community residential of three dwelling units per acre) Surrounding Future Land Use Categories: Mixeduse Community Activity Center to the south; Urban Fringe to the north and west; Semi-Public (facilities that are of service to the public but not publicly owned) to the north; and agriculture rural to the northeast Surrounding zoning categories: Planned Development Residential to the north, south and southwest; Planned Development Public Interest to the north Buildings: 706 residential units that may include single-family detached townhomes and paired villas; 17,750 square feet of medical offices Proposed gross residential density: 2.29 dwelling units per acre Percentage open space: 44%

they’re there. I’ve seen them go back and forth across Dam Road from the state park.”

The presence of gopher tortoises is well documented at the state park across the road.

Although the commission voted decisively in favor of the development, with Commissioner George Kruse offering the only dissenting vote, Commissioner Misty Servia said the issue was multifaceted.

“I appreciate the complex nature of this project, which both sides did an excellent job in presenting to us,” Servia said. “We heard from the community that this is not an adequate transition, but I disagree.

It is an excellent transition, the way it’s designed, from the busy arterial roadway to the north.”

“The site plan basically bumps immediately up to a park and up to our drinking water,” Kruse said. “It’s built to maximize profit and not maximize utilization of the land.”

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2022

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Marilyn Coker has already purchased the cantata, the “Seven Last Words of Christ.”

Coker, 85, still plays the piano at both the Myakka City United Methodist Church and the Myakka City Baptist Church, but she is looking to Easter to play the music — not at the church, but at the Myakka City Historic School House.

And not this Easter, but Easter 2023.

Coker has been working since 1993 on the school’s renovation project, which has been spread over the years while the small community tries to raise the funds — now almost $1 million — to reopen the 5,500-squarefoot schoolhouse built in 1914.

Besides the house’s historical value to the community, the intention of the Myakka City Historical Society is to use the venue as a community center, a museum and even a library if the Manatee County library system is willing to help.

Although 29 years has been a grueling haul for those who have worked on the renovation, hopes in the community have risen as only a final $75,000 prevents the school house from opening its doors. But it’s $75,000 they don’t have.

The current project manager for the renovation is Walter Carlton, whose family has been connected to the community for more than 100 years. His great-grandfather, Marian Carlton, was one of the founders of what has become the town’s United Methodist Church. Walter Carlton tells the story of how his great-grandfather used to come to the schoolhouse and say it’s a good day to sing gospel music. And the

ABOUT THE HOUSE

MYAKKA CITY HISTORIC SCHOOL HOUSE Built: 1914 Current location: 10060 Wauchula Road, Myakka City On the move: After its closure in 1992, the building was moved to the Manatee County maintenance yard. In 1996, it was moved to its current location Current building owner: Myakka City Historical Society; it sits on a lot owned by Manatee County Plans: 5,500-square-foot building would host theater events, concerts, meetings, historical artifacts, weddings, special community events and a branch library More information: Call the Myakka City Historical Society at 322-1304

students would sing.

Walter Carlton, who is 72, also notes that his father, Brian Carlton, graduated on the school’s auditorium stage in 1941. And like Coker, he also attended the school.

Walter Carlton confirms that $75,000 should wrap things up and says he could finish all the work rather quickly if he has the funds. The biggest piece of the puzzle remaining is $28,000 for the air-conditioning system. That needs to be done before the finishing touches can be completed on the flooring.

Almost all the flooring has been put down by Freedom Flooring, and Coker said the company has done “a wonderful job.” The old auditorium flooring was used to repair the other floors around the building, while the auditorium floor was replaced with reclaimed heart pine.

Getting the final funds could take time. The fundraising drive will begin March 20 when Herrmann’s Royal Lipizzan Stallions hosts a fun-

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

Photos by Jay Heater

The Myakka City historic schoolhouse was built in 1914.

Marilyn Coker and Walter Carlton of the Myakka City Historical Society are hoping the renovation of the schoolhouse will be finished in the next year.

THE

but the past few years attendance at the event had declined.

Rebecca McCullough, who has taken over the stallions from her mom, not only decided to keep the event, but also made it even bigger. For the first time, the event will include whip crackers, Spanish

dancers, circus performers, reining horses, kids events and a violinist.

Besides the history of the horses, McCullough will talk about the history of the community. Adults are asked to give a $20 donation.

“This event helps us a great deal, and it is totally different this year

THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2022

after we lost Gabby,” Coker said.

“Rebecca has put together a nice show. She has stepped up as the leader of her family.”

Others have stepped up as well to help the renovation project.

In December 2017, the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation announced a $100,000 grant to help with the restoration.

Manatee County has supported the project, providing the Myakka City Historical Society with $50,000 from its Community Services Department in 2021. The Bradenton Area Convention and Tourist Bureau gave $50,000 toward the project. Mosaic gave $75,000 for the new roof.

But there have been disappointments as well. The project appeared to be in line for a $246,319 grant from the Florida Bureau of Historic Preservation in 2017 when it was listed as its No. 34 preservation project in the state. Instead, the project was cut from the state’s $83 billion budget signed by Gov. Rick Scott.

Despite the long wait, Coker remains confident everything is going to come together in the next year. Once the air-conditioning is finished, the floors, catering kitchen, bathrooms and fire alarm system need to be finished. All the plumbing, electrical and insulation has been finished.

While the community has donated much volunteer labor, Carlton said the work now needs to be done by the skill trades.

“The series of finishes at the end is sometimes the slowest part,” Coker said. “It’s been so long, but we are patiently waiting. This is a service (a place to host events) the community never has enjoyed.”

Besides being patient, Coker also is hopeful. While she has music for an Easter 2023 opening, she also has purchased the cantata “Blue Grass Rhapsody” just in case the building, which can host up to 150 people for events, is open by Christmas.

“When I retired from the post office in 1999, they gave me rosecolored glasses,” she said. “People tease me. They say I see the world through rose-colored glasses.”

5

IF YOU GO What: “Horses and History” — a Herrmann’s Royal Lipizzan Stallions benefit performance for the renovation of the Myakka City Historic School House When: 2 p.m.

March 20 (Historic schoolhouse will be open for viewing noon-2 p.m.)

Where: Herrmann’s Royal Lipizzan Stallions, 10060 Wauchula Road, Myakka City Features: Salute to the Veterans, including performances by the Royal Lipizzan Stallions, whip crackers, Spanish dancer who performs with a horse, Circus on the Ranch performers, a reining horse and a violinist, along with a rock-climbing wall and bungee trampoline for children Cost: $20 for adults; children (6-12) $5; 5 and under free (cash or check only) More information: Call 962-6807 or email MyakkaCitySchool1914@ yahoo.com

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draiser for the project.

That fundraiser has been an annual event, but it appeared to be in jeopardy when Gabby Herrmann, the owner of Herrmann’s Royal Lipizzan Stallions, died March 13, 2021.

The event has raised as much as $16,000 for the project in the past,

The flooring is down in the auditorium and is waiting for the air-conditioning to be put in before it receives the finishing touches.

|

6

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2022

Internal Medicine for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Conditions Affecting Adults of All Ages.

Indu Menon, MD Board-Certified Internal Medicine Physician

File photo

Dr. Menon received her medical degree from Kasturba Medical College in Mangalore University in Karnataka, India. Her internal medicine residency was completed at St. Vincent Hospital and Health Care Center in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Bradenton’s Amy Walczak chugs a beer during the relay race at the 2019 Lakewood Ranch Irish Celtic Festival. The beer relay race is back this year.

Return of the Irish

Her specialties include working with patients on disease prevention strategies; management of chronic disorders, including high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disorder, heart disease, lung diseases, like asthma and emphysema; and coordinating patient care with referrals to the correct specialists who can help.

Celtic Irish Festival in Lakewood Ranch is back for the first time without being organized by founder Francis Shea Jr.

To schedule an appointment, book online at lakewoodranchmedicalgroup.com/appt or call 866-515-9777.

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he Irish Celtic Festival in Lakewood Ranch will return March 12 at Greenbrook’s Adventure Park, but this time it won’t be organized by Francis Shea Jr. Shea, who died in January 2020, had planned the 2020 event, but the 2021 festival was canceled because of the pandemic.

Born into an Irish family, Shea

POLO SEASON THE 2022

loved sharing his Irish heritage with those in the Lakewood Ranch area.

He came to Lakewood Ranch from Boston in 2005 and missed the Irish celebrations he had enjoyed in Boston. He took it upon himself to organize the Irish Celtic Festival here.

“I would tell everybody on our board and our volunteer crew that I wish I had a Frank for every event that we do, because the amount of hours of blood, sweat and tears he put into the event was outstanding,” said Keith Pandeloglou, the executive director of Lakewood Ranch Community Activities, which hosts the Irish Celtic Festival. “When you’ve got community members that are this passionate about things, it makes a big difference.”

Shea founded the festival in 2012

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IF YOU GO

What: Lakewood Ranch Irish Celtic Festival Where: Greenbrook Adventure Park, 13010 Adventure Place, Lakewood Ranch When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, March 12 ON THE SCHEDULE n Legacy School of Dance — 11:30 a.m. n Cahal Dunne — 11:45 a.m. n Lucky Dog Parade — 12:30 p.m. n O’Reilly School of Dance — 12:45 p.m. n Blue Skye Pipes and Drums — 1:15 p.m. n Beer Relay Races — 2 p.m. n Irish Dance Academy of Sarasota —2:15 p.m. n Clover’s Revenge — 3 p.m.

and worked with Lakewood Ranch Community Activities to schedule the performers and food vendors.

His contributions to the community extend beyond the event. Shea was president of the New World Celts in Sarasota, a member of the Knights of Columbus at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church in Lakewood Ranch, a basketball coach, a parent-teacher association fundraiser and a Boy Scout leader.

Pandeloglou said Lakewood Ranch Community Activities is conscious of ensuring that his memory, as well as his works, live on. The festival is keeping the key events Shea established, including many of the same exhibitors.

“We do everything through a purview of whether this is something that’s going to both benefit the community and also make Frank proud,” he said. “It’s a hard balance to keep for us, but it does allow us to have a pretty common north star.”

He said that one important element is the Irish theme.

“You just make everything that can be green, green,” said Pandeloglou. “That’s about the easiest way to explain it.”

The organization has a special budget item for decor and also ensures the event features green beer.

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2022

7

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

Two favorite events return: the Lucky Dog race and the beer relay race.

“They’re such institutions, we have to keep them,” Pandeloglou said.

The Lucky Dog race judges dogs in a number of playfully chosen categories, including which ones most resemble their owners.

“I think there’s just something about figuring out whose dog is most Irish that people get a kick out of,” Pandeloglou said.

Teammates are required to down a beer before heading to the next station during the beer relay race.

“I don’t think there’s any redblooded adult who doesn’t enjoy drinking a beer and then running a quarter mile,” Pandeloglou said with a laugh.

What’s in it for the winners? Yet another beer.

The festival will feature some past performers, including Cathal Dunne, the nephew of former Irish prime minister Jack Lynch. Dunne was chosen to represent Ireland in the 1979 Eurovision songwriting competition with his song “Happy Man,” after he won Ireland’s National Song Contest. Also present will be local groups such as Blue Skye Pipes and Drums and the Irish Dance Academy of Sarasota.

After the festival’s absence in 2021, Pandeloglou expects people will be excited to return to a sense of normalcy and the festivities.

“I’d say it’s a great day to – even if you’re not Irish – get to be Irish for a four-hour period on March 12,” Pandeloglou said. “At least feel that you’re in your own little piece of Ireland right in the middle of Lakewood Ranch.”

Although the community has now taken up the torch that Shea helped light, those who attend will still see him remembered. They will notice the name “Shea’s Pub” on one of the event stations, and those who look beneath a tree along the first-base line of the baseball field will find a plaque bearing his name.

The festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 12.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2022

EAST COUNTY

Linda McMillan shows off her bride and groom gnomes.

IF YOU GO FIFTH ANNUAL ART SHOW AND SALE Who: Artists from the Creative Arts Association of Lakewood Ranch When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 19 Where: Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.

Items: Watercolors, jewelry, pottery, ceramics, wood turning, pastels, acrylics, mixed media and more Cost: Free More information: CAALR.com

mentary education professor at Kutztown University. Linda and Don, who had a career in marketing with Enersys, moved to Lakewood Ranch from Redding, Pennsylvania, four years ago to enjoy their retirement. Originally, they lived in the Country Club but moved to Polo Run to be across the street from their son, Brian, his wife, Heather, and their four granddaughters.

About four years before she left Pennsylvania, Linda decided to take her crafting skills to market.

“A crafter at some point has to have an outlet to get rid of things,” she said. “You can only put so much in your house.”

When she arrived in Lakewood Ranch, she became involved with other local residents who wanted her to teach them crafts.

With one particular group, she was seeking something simple to teach them, and she went to Cooper’s Hawk to ask for corks. She saw about 40 champagne corks, which she thought would be perfect for miniature gnomes. They were an immediate hit, so she will be stocked with them at the Spring Art Show and Sale.

TIME FOR GNOMES Photos by Jay Heater

Never alone with a gnome Local artist says gnomes are a hot trend in home decoration.

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

L

akewood Ranch’s Don McMillan is resigned to the fact that he will be alone when he goes to the movie theater.

He married a crafter.

“She won’t go to the movies with me because she can’t sit for two hours in the dark,” Don McMillan said of his wife, Linda. “She can’t do anything.”

Sitting in her Polo Run home, Linda McMillan looked over at her husband and laughed. Of course, he was right.

When she sits in front the television, she often has three or four projects going. At this particular time, she is making gnomes for the fifth annual Spring Art Show and Sale set for 9 a.m.-4 p.m. March 19 at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall. She also is making a black dress for their upcoming cruise, a blanket for the Blankets for Babies program run by the Lakewood Ranch Women’s Club, and she’s knitting a shawl for herself.

Perhaps six months from now, it will be four different projects.

“I get bored,” she said. “I like variety.”

While variety might be the spice of life, gnomes are the trend of the season.

Linda McMillan is always looking through home decoration stores, checking the shelves and noting what is being shown. She said 10 years ago, it was snowmen and Santa Claus knickknacks. Today, it’s gnomes.

teacher because she gave instructions too fast for a 9-year-old.

“I wasn’t getting it,” she said.

She needed to get it because she, lovingly, said her dad, Verne Verpooten, was cheap. If she wanted new clothes, he would point at the sewing machine.

Fortunately, she had an older sister, Diana, who loved sewing and knitting, and she followed her example.

TEACHING CAREER

She eventually became an art major in college, and since she wanted to be an art teacher, she figured she had better learn a lot of art forms instead of specializing in one thing. It was perfect for her in terms of getting bored easily.

Linda worked as an elementary teacher until she moved to Pennsylvania and spent 20 years as an ele-

Linda started making bigger gnomes in September, selling about 40 of them at a December show.

She will bring about 50 to Lakewood Ranch Town Hall and sell them for $20 apiece.

“It’s fun because they all are different,” she said. “Mine are like little people.”

She knew she could make them because during one Christmas in the 1980s when Cabbage Patch Dolls were popular, she couldn’t find any to buy for her nieces, so she made 14 of them herself.

Making gnomes would be no big deal. She filled the bases with rice and made the predominant nose on each by stuffing pieces of pantyhose with fiber. She cut material and wrapped the gnome’s head to make the hat.

“They don’t cost much to make,” she said. “And anyone who can do basic sewing can make them.”

She has a hard time defining the time it takes to make a gnome because she often multitasks. Don McMillan said she gets a production line going, making several of one part at a time.

Even so, she said each gnome is, indeed, unique.

“A true crafter creates things that are different and unique,” she said.

“You are not just buying things and assembling it. Your style is something that is part of you.”

She joined the Creative Arts Association of Lakewood Ranch, which is hosting the show and sale, because she wanted that sales outlet.

“I sell things to support my (crafting) habit,” she said.

Although Don said her craft pieces usually are confined to her work room, the gnomes are occupying many tabletops with the show upcoming. They are are cute in their own way, which could be a bad omen for future gnomes.

“When I get fairly good at something, I look for the next (craft),” she said. “There’s always another craft out there.”

AN ART FORM

Whether crafters are artists might be arguable, but there is no argument that Linda McMillan has made learning new crafts an art form.

“When I pick something up, I generally know how to re-create it,” she said. “I understand basics, and I know how to work with material.

I take ideas from other crafts I’ve done, and it all comes together.”

Growing up in Michigan, she began to learn crafting from her grandmother, Lillian Verpooten, who lived next door. Unfortunately, she said her grandmother wasn’t a good

GNOME DEFINED

MERRIAM-WEBSTER Gnome (nōm) — “An ageless and often deformed dwarf of folklore who lives in the Earth and usually guards treasure.”

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

Friedrich Hayek

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Linda McMillan’s Easter gnome.

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

SIDE OF RANCH

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THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2022

9

JAY HEATER

Original Ranch hub still packs clout I was strolling through Waterside Place on Saturday night, admiring the lakefront view as Starla and I approached Good Liquid Brewing Co. without a reservation.

The hostess delivered the bad news — for me — which was good news for the restaurant: A two-hour wait.

Fortunately, we slipped into two seats at the bar and were able to have dinner anyway.

Later this month, Korê Steakhouse will open, and I would imagine it will have a two-hour wait as well, at least early in its existence.

Bella Vita will add Italian cuisine to the Waterside Place offerings later this year, and Agave Bandido hopes to be in business by the start of 2023.

Business will be booming.

Add Owens Fish Camp, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and Olivia’s to the Casto project just east of the intersection of Lakewood Ranch Boulevard and University Parkway, and when those open within the next 12 months you will have thousands of residents being directed to that area. Oh, and Cooper’s Hawk is a short drive toward the intersection of Lakewood Ranch Boulevard and Fruitville Road. That’s been a tougher ticket than a Lightning playoff game.

So what about poor Main Street at Lakewood Ranch?

It’s been 20 years since Main Street was the new and shiny addition to the entire region.

Just ask Diane Lee, who formerly was vice president of commercial development for Lakewood Ranch Commercial Realty back in the early days of Main Street, which was being built by Casto and SchroederManatee Ranch.

Lee was working with John Swart, president of Lakewood Ranch Commercial Realty at the time.

“It was mixed use, and people loved that,” Lee said. “It was not something that was offered (in the

Jay Heater

Wagner Realty’s Diane Lee says the company is excited about its move to Main Street at Lakewood Ranch.

region). The other thing was that everything was new. It was unfolding, and people were interested in being pioneers.”

They wanted to be pioneers as long as the wagon train didn’t have to stray far from Interstate 75. The proximity to a major artery was another factor for those businesses that came to Main Street when it was being built.

“I think this downtown area is a special place,” Lee said. “Special.”

Is it still special? Evidently it is.

Lee is now the branch manager of Wagner Realty, which moved into

its new Lakewood Main Street location in December. Wagner Realty previously was based off of State Road 70 next to the tax collection office (I still call it the Department of Motor Vehicles). Lee was excited when she heard the branch was relocating to Lakewood Main Street.

“Chico’s (women’s apparel) was here in this space,” Lee said of the early days of Main Street at Lakewood Ranch. “To end up back here is amazing. We’ve been working on this project for a year.”

Lee said the power of Main Street

at Lakewood Ranch hasn’t diminished one bit.

“We wanted to be part of this,” Lee said of Main Street. “We know we can continue to grow here. Since we have opened, we love it, seeing all the people strolling along.

People just walk in.”

Lee has worked since 2009 at Wagner Realty, which has seven branches in the region. She said moving to Main Street has been a year-long process. While she was interested in a few other spaces that opened, Wagner Realty owner David Eckel told her to remain patient and the perfect spot would come along. They feel like it did.

“We wanted to feel like we were more a part of the community because our company is big on that,” Lee said. “With the closeness of the other merchants here, we are.

“We also love everything SMR represents. There are so many events... . Like the Clydesdales.”

Actually, having the Budweiser Clydesdales march down Lakewood Main Street on Feb. 16 was not a planned event. John Saputo of Gold Coast Eagle Distributing had brought the Clydesdales to the area to take part in an Atlanta Braves fan celebration Feb. 19 at CoolToday Park in North Port. But he sent the team over to Main Street at Lakewood Ranch because he knew it would draw a huge crowd.

With almost no advanced billing, the street was packed from end to end.

Main Street at Lakewood Ranch continues to pack the streets for Music on Main once a month, and it seems some other kind of activity is scheduled every other day. If people were worried it would suffer from Waterside Place’s opening, they can stop worrying.

I go to most of the restaurants in Main Street at Lakewood Ranch, and they all appear to be doing quite nicely.

Lee said the Wagner Realty

employees have loved getting lunches up and down the street.

She also said it has been the perfect place to bring in potential clients considering a home in Lakewood Ranch.

“The sense of community is unique,” she said. “People can feel that the first time they are here.

They find there are so many choices right here at our doorstep. They can see it ... feel it.”

Despite the many other dining and shopping choices springing up in Lakewood Ranch, Lee said foot traffic continues to increase at Main Street.

“People keep strolling past, trying to decide if they want to be here.”

Wagner Realty, which has 2,900 square feet, has moved to take advantage of the foot traffic. The office has been open on Saturdays and Sundays and during special events, such as Music on Main.

“That’s a beautiful thing,” Lee said.

She said the new office, which still is awaiting back-ordered furniture and decorations, has Wagner’s contracted Realtors so excited they have been coming to the office more often. She said that creates a camaraderie that she enjoys.

“We learn so much from each other,” she said.

We have learned as well. The new restaurants can keep on coming.

Main Street is doing well.

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

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10

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2022

Photos by Liz Ramos

Izzy Tapia, a cosmetology student at Manatee Technical College, loves seeing people’s reactions when she’s done working on their hair or makeup.

MEDAL HAUL

Logan LaFave and Terry Jones, marine service technology students at Manatee Technical College, received a gold and silver medal, respectively, at the regional SkillsUSA competition.

Twenty-six Manatee Technical College students won medals in nine events at the Florida Region 6 SkillsUSA Conference.

No need to make this up MTC cosmetology students are among medal winners in SkillsUSA competition in Bradenton.

LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER

D

uring the regional SkillsUSA competition, Manatee Technical College cosmetology students Christian Zambrano, Genesis Martinez and Izzy Tapia were just numbers.

The judges didn’t know their names, their skills or anything about the students who enrolled in the technical college’s cosmetology course in August.

Being known by only a number helped Zambrano, Martinez and

Tapia relax for a moment because they knew there were no expectations for being students at MTC or having a certain teacher. It was a blank slate.

“Sometimes it’s good just to be a number,” Zambrano said.

Zambrano, Martinez and Tapia let their cosmetology and passion show through during the competition Feb. 10 at MTC. All three have had an interest in hair and makeup for years and want to pursue careers in cosmetology, which Tapia said the judges could see.

“It’s crazy how sometimes you don’t believe in yourself, and then somebody comes back and tells you, ‘This is perfection,’” Zambrano said.

“You don’t see it. You have to step back 20 feet away and see it from somebody else’s point of view.”

Their passion and dedication to learning paid off when Zambrano,

Martinez and Tapia earned gold, silver and bronze medals, respectively.

They were among 26 MTC students to receive medals, and many of them will go on to compete at the SkillsUSA state competition April 18-21 in Jacksonville, Florida.

The competition didn’t come without its challenges and anxieties.

The cosmetology students and marine service technology students Logan LaFave and Terry Jones, who received gold and silver, respectively, hadn’t practiced their tasks with a time constraint.

“We went from working at our own pace to all of a sudden having 20 minutes to do something that we’ve never been able to do in under an hour prior,” LaFave said.

The anxiety came from knowing industry professionals were judging them on their work.

Zambrano watched in horror as the

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judges shook her mannequin head around, trying to get her 1940s-style updo to fall.

She was relieved to see that not one strand of hair fell out of place.

The students were thankful the judges spent the time to provide constructive criticism to help them improve.

“They were showing us some tips

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and tricks to accomplish the tasks in a timely manner after the competition was said and done,” LaFave said.

“They stuck around to help show everybody those things, which was pretty neat.”

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2022

Far left: William Hatt of Élan Manatee visits with a zebra for the first time at Rye Road Giraffes in East County.

Left: Greatgrandson Lyndon Hoying, granddaughter Laura Hoying and William Hatt meet before going to see the zebras and giraffes.

Photos by Jay Heater

Zebra fills bucket list East County 98-year-old veteran finally gets his stripes at Rye Road Giraffes.

MANAGING EDITOR

East County’s William Hatt has seen a lot in his 98 years.

A lieutenant in the Naval Reserve, he was a pharmacist’s mate serving in military prisons in World War II. He later became an orthopedic surgeon after graduating from Harvard.

But in all his years, he had never seen a zebra up close.

That came to the attention of Brandy Kwasniewski of Élan Manatee, who has a program in which she asks residents if there is something they’ve always wanted to do.

“He told me he never had seen a real zebra,” Kwasniewski said.

She began searching on the internet for a place where she could fulfill

that desire for Hatt. She came across Rye Road Giraffes.

On March 2, an Élan Manatee van pulled up to Rye Road Giraffes with Hatt and several friends and family members.

Hatt was met by Rye Road Giraffes owner Serge Coronas and his daughter Crystal.

“We live for moments like this,” Crystal Coronas said. “William

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“I used to get all my calendars with wildlife programs,” he said.

After only three or four minutes, Hatt had his fill. Asked if he wanted to feed the two zebras some more, he said he would rather let other members of his family get their turn.

Besides seeing the zebras, Hatt also was excited about seeing giraffes. He went to that area and spent about five minutes feeding the two giraffes.

Almong those accompanying Hatt were his granddaughters – Laura Hoying of Myakka City, Jullian Hurd of Bradenton and Kimberly Gunther of Parrish — and his three greatgrandchildren – 5-year-old Olivia Gunther, 10-year-old Laya Gunther and 7-year-old Lyndon Hoying.

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(Hatt) is very special, and my father is a Shriner, so we do a lot of community work. We take animals to the hospitals and schools.”

Serge Coronas drove Hatt, who moved to Sarasota from Boston in 1954, in a golf cart over to the zebra’s fenced habitat. Since so many seniors were in the crowd that came along, Hatt only got to feed the zebras through the fence, but that was enough.

“I can scratch this off my list,” Hatt said with a smile. “I’ve never seen anything like this. This is great fun ... wonderful.”

He joked that he always thought a zebra was a cross between a tiger and a horse. But for whatever reason, he never had come across one. That was unusual, since he said he is big on wildlife.

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ith their striking namesake row of large, dark diamonds down their back and a rattle at the end of their tail, eastern diamondback rattlesnakes are quite a sight to behold. If provoked or startled, they will often coil their bodies and shake their tails, producing a loud buzzing sound. But they do sometimes strike without sound.

Although often maligned, by controlling small mammal populations as predators and providing food to larger animals as prey, rattlesnakes play a crucial part in a healthy ecosystem. And eastern diamondbacks are extremely beneficial to people because they prey on many species that we consider pests, such as rats and mice. In addition to their crucial role in the food web, because they ingest their food whole they also serve as important seed dispersers.

Nevertheless, many are killed every year, intentionally and by accident.

Eastern diamondbacks have especially suffered from the loss, fragmentation and degradation of their native habitats, such as pine flatwoods, as well as from commercial hunting for their skins.

Like most venomous snakes, they face additional threats in the form of intense human persecution. In fact, while building Myakka River State Park in the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps killed as many rattlesnakes as it could. We’ve since learned that these reptiles play a very important role in Myakka’s delicate ecosystem, and by killing large numbers of them, other species’ populations became significantly unbalanced, with the whole ecosystem feeling devastating impacts for years.

Although they are one of six venomous snakes in Florida, eastern diamondback rattlesnakes will do their best to avoid direct contact with people and pets, but they will protect themselves when threatened. Indeed, most bites occur when the snakes are intentionally molest-

Miri Hardy

ENJOY THE WILD Wild Florida is a monthly feature written by Miri Hardy, the first executive director of the Friends of Myakka River. Miri has been a Sarasota resident since 2014 and holds a doctorate in social psychology from Washington University in St. Louis. She is happiest exploring wild Florida, often on her bike, and capturing its beauty though the lens of her camera.

As predators in the food web, eastern diamondback rattlesnakes help maintain healthy ecosystems by keeping prey populations, such as rodents, in balance.

ed or accidentally stepped on.

Since these snakes can strike up to two-thirds their body length (and they’re typically 3 to 6 feet long), we should always keep a respectful distance and admire these beautiful reptiles from afar.

—MIRI HARDY FRIENDS OF MYAKKA RIVER

Friends of Myakka River exists to support Myakka River State Park and the Wild and Scenic Myakka River. Together, we’re protecting and sharing Myakka’s Magic, to the benefit of future generations and our own.

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2022

15

HONORING OUR TOP AGENTS For their extraordinary service, commitment and success in guiding you to that special place called home.

INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF EXCELLENCE LEGENDS SOCIETY

KELLY GETTEL Sarasota Downtown Florida 100

Teams - Small

Teams - Large

Individuals

PASCARELLA SHANAHAN LUXURY GROUP Lakewood Ranch Int’l President’s Premier Florida 100

JOE MURPHY TEAM Lakewood Ranch Int’l President’s Elite Florida 100

GEORGIA SALAVERRI Sarasota Downtown Florida 100

941 TEAM Lakewood Ranch North Int’l President’s Elite Florida 100

INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT’S PREMIER

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Individuals

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TAMMY GARNER Sarasota Downtown

IAN MCPHERSON Sarasota Downtown

JESSICA ROSS Lakewood Ranch

INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE

ARGELIA VIDAL TEAM Lakewood Ranch North Int’l President’s Elite Florida 100

MOONEY-SUBLETTE Sarasota Downtown Int’l President’s Elite Florida 100

ZIBOLIS GROUP Lakewood Ranch Int’l President’s Elite Florida 100

RAY COLLINS Sarasota Downtown

GENE DEPORIS St. Armands

DARIA FAIRCHILD Sarasota Downtown

LAURIE FOX Lakewood Ranch

ANDREE HUFFINE Sarasota Downtown

ANGIE KALESKAS-UNZICKER Sarasota Downtown

JAMIE MULLIS St. Armands

BRANDY SHELDON Sarasota Downtown

PATTY TORCHIA Lakewood Ranch North

JIM WEINGART St. Armands

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MICHAEL & CYNTHIA BOWERS Sarasota Central Florida 100

JUDY AARNES Lakewood Ranch

KATHY CAHILL Manatee

CASSIE CAPECCHI Lakewood Ranch

FRANK JERRY CERCONE CASTROGIOVANNI Manatee Lakewood Ranch Top Residential-Commercial Agent in Southwest Florida

ENRIQUE COLETTI Sarasota Downtown

DYRK DAHL Sarasota Downtown

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HEIDI GIBSON Lakewood Ranch

LIVYA HAMENT Sarasota Central

BETH ANN HARRIS Sarasota Downtown

GARY HOSKINS Sarasota Downtown

DEBBIE HUFFMAN Sarasota Downtown

JAN LANGA St. Armands

BRIAN LEAKEAS Manatee

JUDY LIMEKILLER Sarasota Central

JANELLE MALRICK Sarasota Downtown

BABETTE PAIGE St. Armands

TIFFANY PARKER St. Armands

MIRIAM PEARSON Sarasota Downtown

JANE REES Sarasota Central

ROBERT ROBINSON Sarasota Downtown Florida Rookie of the Year

KATHY SCOTT St. Armands

GENE SHERRY Lakewood Ranch

KATE TEIXEIRA Sarasota Downtown

CHELSA VAHTOMIN Sarasota Downtown

TINA VON KESSEL St. Armands

MOUSA WAKILEH Sarasota Downtown

STEVEN WINDSOR Sarasota Downtown

INTERNATIONAL DIAMOND SOCIETY Teams - Small MACDONALDWATROBSKY GROUP Lakewood Ranch WARREN GROUP SARASOTA Lakewood Ranch Individuals LYNN BADESSA MCDONALD Sarasota Downtown

MICHAEL BALLANTYNE Sarasota Central

KENDAL DA SILVA Sarasota Downtown

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TINA JOHNS Sarasota Downtown

ELENA MITCHELL Sarasota Downtown

CINDY SCHATZLE Sarasota Downtown

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MARY ANN DABNEY Sarasota Downtown

KELLY ERB St. Armands

LLOYD JOHNSON St. Armands

BEN NATHAN Sarasota Downtown

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LAURA BROWN Lakewood Ranch

MADELINE DARAIO Lakewood Ranch

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KARIN LEEREVELD Sarasota Downtown

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RITA B. SMITH Manatee

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GLENN DAVIS Sarasota Central

DANELLE HAAG St. Armands

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GINGER WILSON Sarasota Downtown

CHRIS CARPENTER Sarasota Central

REBECCA DEAN Lakewood Ranch

MEREDITH HOLZ Lakewood Ranch North

HELEN MAGILL Sarasota Downtown

SUSIE ROBINSON Manatee

CAROL CODELLA Manatee

CHRISTINE DEL MONTE Sarasota Downtown

GREG HUDSON Sarasota Downtown

BARBARA MILLER St. Armands

DONNA ROGERS Lakewood Ranch

SILVIA CHIARO Lakewood Ranch

JED HASLAM-WALKER Sarasota Central

MARIANNE LEBAR Sarasota Central

CAROL MITCHELL Sarasota Central

CHRIS SCHWARTZ Lakewood Ranch

SUZANNE CRANDALL Sarasota Downtown

DAVID JENNINGS Sarasota Downtown

ALEX LEY Lakewood Ranch

CAROLE MUSCAT Lakewood Ranch

STEPHANIE SEACAT Lakewood Ranch

FAYE DOYLE Sarasota Downtown

JENNIFER KELLY Sarasota Central

JACLYN LIGMAN Lakewood Ranch North

ROSEMARY PENLAND Sarasota Downtown

DAVID SHORT Lakewood Ranch

KATHARINA ECKERT Manatee

MARK KLECKA Sarasota Downtown

SUSANNE LOSSO St. Armands

JAN POLITZ St. Armands

CHRIS THOMPSON Sarasota Central

BOBBI ELLIS Sarasota Downtown

MARILYN KNEAFSEY Sarasota Downtown

RON MARANO Lakewood Ranch

ULRICA REGNANDER Sarasota Downtown

KAREN WANTUCK St. Armands

FRANK FREDERICK Sarasota Downtown

LILY KOKOEFER St. Armands

RANDALL MARKS Lakewood Ranch

LINDA ANN REMLEY St. Armands

SHARON WHALEN St. Armands

KAREN GEIGER Sarasota Central

GINA LAROUCHE St. Armands

CHRISTINA MINNICK Sarasota Central

WENDY ROBINSON Lakewood Ranch North

JO ELLYN YTURRASPE St. Armands

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TONI WESTERFIELD Manatee

TOP COMMERCIAL ASSOCIATE IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

ELLIOT ROSE Sarasota Downtown

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2022

Rounds with hounds

S

outheastern Guide Dogs’ Shawn Brown knows the peace he has enjoyed since his support dog, Pella, came into his life.

So Brown was especially happy watching approximately 1,000 people and their dogs fill the path at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota on March 5 during the Southeastern Guide Dogs Walkathon, which returned as an in-person event after a virtual walk in 2021.

The walkathon is the largest fundraiser of the year for Southeastern Guide Dogs, which receives no government funding while also offering its services at no cost. The organization’s role encompasses breeding and training a variety of elite guide and service dogs, including Gold Star Family and White Star Family dogs.

Brown has benefited from the nonprofit and would like to see others share the joy.

A veteran who suffers from PTSD, he would wake up with cold sweats before Pella.

“That experience by itself makes it hard to rest, because you close your eyes and you have to see the things that you lived through,” he said. “My dog has been incredible.

When I got Pella, literally, if she didn’t move, I didn’t move. A lot of our dogs, we’re able to send them into a dark house to turn on a light.

There are so many things that are incredible.”

The walkathon also offered food vendors, a raffle and games for kids. The dogs had a space where they could run free and chase artificial prey.

Southeastern Guide Dogs staff members said the event was ultimately about supporting a good cause.

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Photos by Ian Swaby

Pamela Kluge of Ellenton sits with her dog Scout, who prefers watching the other dogs run.

The Sarasota Polo Club mascot for 2020, Mason Chukker gets a belly rub from Alex Jeanroy, the Lakewood Ranch co-area coordinator for Southeastern Guide Dogs.

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2022

17

TRIBUTES Rosamelia Toledo Lecea 1944-2022

Above: Bradenton’s Betty and Ed Burton walk their golden retriever, Sammy, in honor of Sammy’s late brother, Eddie.

Left: The Southeastern Guide Dogs Walkathon begins at Nathan Benderson Park.

Rosamelia Toledo Lecea passed away on February 21, 2022. She was born on November 9, 1944 in Puerto Rico. Daughter of parents Jorge Nilo Toledo and Aida Reyna.

She was loved by her many lifelong friends...

Labrador retriever Astro takes a bow for trainer Marisa Blanco of Southeastern Guide Dogs.

Dave Daily, Gill Ruderman and Graham Ellis of VFW Braden River Post 12055 offer guests refreshments to support Southeastern Guide Dogs for its services to veterans.

She is survived by her beloved husband Liberto (Lee) Lecea Sr, her loving son Luis Lizardi, Sister to Aida Toledo and Jorge Toledo and many other family members including Nieces, Nephews, wonderful grandchildren, and great grandchildren whom affectionally called her ‘Abu’. She was loved by her many lifelong friends including those people who she met throughout her suc-

cessful career in the Federal Government as well as those in private lives.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on March 12, 2022 at 11:00 AM, at Grace Community Church 4080 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.

Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE: Saturday, March 12, 11AM Grace Community Church 4080 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.

Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240 DONATIONS: In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that any charitable gifts be made to Tidewell Hospice Lakewood Ranch, Florida. https:// tidewellfoundation.org/ donate/

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MARCH 10, 2022

HIGH

SPORTS

5

1

The Out-of-Door Academy sophomore girls lacrosse player Aubrey Robbins had five goals and three assists Feb. 24 in the Thunder’s 17-5 home win against St. Petersburg Catholic.

2

Former Braden River High girls basketball player O’Mariah Gordon, a freshman at Florida State, had nine points and six assists March 3 in the Seminoles’ 6358 Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament win over Boston College in Greensboro, North Carolina. Gordon, a point guard, is averaging 7.3 points and 2.9 assists per game.

3

Braden River High junior boys track and field athlete Kohen List won the high jump (5 feet, 9.75 inches) over 11 other athletes at the 2022 Braden River Invitational March 4.

4

Lakewood Ranch High sophomore boys lacrosse player Lucas Anthony had two goals and an assist March 1 in the Mustangs’ 7-5 home win against Lakeland High.

5

Ray Jones sank a hole-inone March 2 on the No. 22 hole at University Park Country Club. Jones used a 4-iron on the 157-yard hole.

“I have always been an athletic person, and for some reason I have always been able to hit for power.”

— Braden River High softball player Jada Phillips SEE PAGE 20

Mustang shows his mettle Lakewood Ranch High wrestler Ranson Coons won five straight matches at the state tournament to place third.

RYAN KOHN SPORTS EDITOR

I

t was not the dream finish Lakewood Ranch High senior wrestler Ranson Coons wanted, but considering the circumstances, it was satisfying.

The Mustangs’ 182-pounder earned a third-place medal at the Florida High School Athletic Association State Wrestling Championships March 3-5 at Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee.

Coons (54-4) entered the state tournament with an injury to the sternoclavicular (SC) joint in his left shoulder. Coons suffered the injury in a district match against Newsome High junior Peyton Turner Feb. 18.

He was cleared by doctors to compete, but it was up to Coons how much pain he could tolerate.

He qualified for the state tournament but defaulted his final match at the regional because of the pain.

That default gave Coons the No. 4 spot in his region and put him on the same side of the state bracket as the top two title contenders, North Port High junior Dominic Joyce (502) and Mandarin High senior Tony Carter (34-2).

Wrestling in Class 3A, Coons was competing even though it was tough for him to lift his left arm above his shoulder. Coons said the injury weakened all aspects of his game, especially defensive maneuvers.

To overcome it, he tried to be more aggressive, but that didn’t work.

His first opponent was Carter, who took advantage of Coons’ haste and used it against him to eke out a 7-6 decision. The loss was a blow to both Coons’ title hopes and his mental state — but he never thought about letting his injury dictate his fate in the rest of the tournament.

“It was a terrible feeling,” Coons said. “It is always tough to lose but especially in the state tournament. But I had to make the best of it. I thought, ‘Yeah, I’m wrestling injured, but it’s my last time (at states). I have nothing to lose. Let’s keep going.’”

So he did. Coons beat Cooper City High senior Bengaly Kone (33-10) with a third-round pin, then eked by Buchholz High senior Kason Nichols (20-5) with a 6-5 decision. He scored a 10-6 decision over Wellington High senior Juan Quintero (30-7) in his next match.

Then it was time for the consolation semifinals, where Coons faced a familiar foe: Carter. Coons was

Photos by Ryan Kohn

Lakewood Ranch senior Ranson Coons is met by Head Coach Pat Ancil and assistant Coach Robert Collier. after winning the third-place match in the Class 3A 182-pound division.

LOCAL RESULTS n Lakewood Ranch senior Ranson Coons finished third in Class 3A’s 182-pound division n Braden River junior Jessey Colas finished seventh in Class 2A’s 160-pound division

Lakewood Ranch senior Ranson Coons holds down Buchholz senior Kason Nichols. Coons won the match to take third place in the Class 3A 182-pound division.

determined to not let Carter beat him twice in one tournament and said he made adjustments from their first match, this time staying patient.

“I knew he was going to go for a double- or a single-leg takedown every time,” Coons said. “I worked on staying lower and waited for the perfect moment to counter them.”

That moment came 1:26 into the third round, when Coons executed a takedown of his own and pinned Carter for the win. It was on to the consolation finals, where another familiar name awaited Coons. This time it was Peyton Turner (48-11), the Newsome senior who injured Coons’ shoulder. Coons used his remaining strength and crushed Turner 18-2.

A few hours later, when Coons received his bronze medal, he took a moment and reflected on what he had done.

“I’m happy with how I’m leaving things,” Coons said. “I obviously

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wanted a gold medal. If I hadn’t injury defaulted my last regional match, I would have been on the other side of the bracket. Maybe I would have reached the finals. But I’m glad my high school career ended with a win and by technical fall in a third-place match. That’s one big positive.

“This weekend was probably my favorite moment in my career. It was great to get my medal and see my coaches and everyone else happy for me. Coach (Pat) Ancil had been my mentor since my freshman year. He convinced me to come back to wrestling after five years off. He’s helped me progress. To feel the emotion of my last match with him and everyone, that was cool.”

Ancil said Coons will rank among the best wrestlers in the history of the program, alongside two-time state medalist Hunter Reed and two-time state fourth-place finisher Dylan Cameron.

n Braden River sophomore Grady Murphy finished seventh in Class 2A’s 106-pound division n Braden River senior Dylan Howard finished eighth in Class 2A’s 145-pound division n Lakewood Ranch sophomore Nate Smith was eliminated in the first consolation round in Class 3A’s 285-pound division n Braden River sophomore Giovanna Coppola was eliminated in the second consolation round in the girls tournament’s 125-pound division

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

PROSE AND KOHN

|

THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2022

19

RYAN KOHN

Five times better John Rivera is one of the nation’s best 800-meter runners at the University of Mississippi.

T

he fifth time is the charm.

It’s not exactly how the old saying goes, but for University of Mississippi senior John Rivera, a Lakewood Ranch High grad, it is the truth.

Rivera is in his fifth year in the Rebels’ track and field program thanks to the extra year of eligibility granted to all NCAA athletes in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which derailed the 2020 season.

The middle-distance runner had steadily improved each year with Mississippi in both the indoor and outdoor track seasons.

In 2021, Rivera finished second (1:50.18) at the Southeastern Conference Indoor Championships in the 800-meter run and 14th (1:48.45) at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Championships. The results proved Rivera is an uppertier collegiate runner.

But he was not satisfied.

He didn’t want to be just upper tier. He wanted to be elite and in the thick of the national championship race. It was a desire he first showed at Lakewood Ranch, when he came back from an injury-plagued junior season to win gold in the 800 meters at the 2017 Florida High School Athletic Association Class 4A state championships (1:53.16).

He also anchored the school’s gold medal-winning 3,200-meter relay team (7:53.45).

To leave a mark in his final college season, Rivera said he has had to adjust his perspective.

“I mentally changed a little,” Rivera said. “I began to picture myself being up there with the best in the country. I started going into every race with that mentality: ‘I belong.’ I needed to start competing

for wins. That’s my thing. I don’t worry about times. I worry about winning races. Beat everyone else, and your time will be fast.

“It’s working so far. I think there’s some fifth-year magic happening at Ole Miss.”

On Jan. 21 at the indoor Vanderbilt Invitational in Nashville, Rivera settled any doubts about his progress. He ran a 1:47.78 in the 800 meters. At the time, it tied him for the fastest 800-meter run in the country with Texas A&M sophomore Brandon Miller. Rivera said it felt like any other race before he took off, but once he finished, he knew he had blazed a new trail for himself and cemented his place as a title contender.

He said the result also heightened the team’s rivalry with Texas A&M, which has been brewing for a few seasons as the schools have wrestled for SEC superiority.

Rivera’s Vanderbilt Invitational run is no longer the top time in the country or even his personal best.

Rivera ran a 1:46.82 at the SEC Indoor Championships on Feb. 25.

That time is currently third in the country behind Miller’s 1:45.24 and Texas Tech senior Moad Zahafi’s 1:46.29. But as the NCAA Indoor Championships approach — they will be held March 11-12 at Alabama-Birmingham — Rivera is a bona fide contender for a medal.

That’s what he wanted when he started his fifth season.

It’s a long way from his days at Lakewood Ranch when, Rivera now admits, he had little idea of what he was doing other than trying to run fast during meets. He didn’t know how to hone his mind in the days before a big race like he does now, and he certainly did not know how to best prepare his body for the grueling race season.

In high school, Rivera said, he would eat whatever he felt like whenever he felt like it. He’s more

meticulous now, with good carbs the night before a race and a little sugar burst right before a race.

Rivera is still not on a “diet,” per se, but he knows what his body needs to perform at its peak. He still has cheat days. On a Sunday morning after a hard training run, Rivera will make himself a fat stack of pancakes or sit with a package of Oreos and dunk them in a cold glass of milk.

He has also put more of an emphasis on having a social life the last few seasons. In Rivera’s case, he came into his freshman year determined to be the best but ended up putting too much pressure on himself and failed to relax. His muscles got tight from stress, and he did not perform his best.

“I was so worried about being this incredible freshman,” Rivera said. “I should have been thinking, ‘I have nothing to lose. Enjoy the moment, and learn as you go.’

I got caught up in the ‘wow’ of it all, being in the SEC. I was running scared. And if you don’t have a good social life, you’re just sitting in your room thinking about it all. You get trapped in a bubble. Don’t do that.

Go do other stuff.”

The indoor championships won’t be the end of Rivera’s collegiate career. He still has his final outdoor season to go. Rivera said he prefers the outdoor season because there are more opportunities to run and ramp up to a fast time when it matters most. Plus, Rivera said, the outdoor season takes place in spring instead of winter. In Oxford, Mississippi, Rivera said, the winter gets surprisingly harsh, down to the low 20 degrees sometimes. It’s something Rivera did not take into account when he decided to attend the school, though he would not change his decision now.

With the leap that Rivera made, it is conceivable that he could make a similar leap in the outdoor season.

Even if he does not, Rivera’s left a

Photo courtesy Mississippi Athletics

John Rivera, a Lakewood Ranch High alum, holds the third-fastest 800-meter time (1:46.82) in the country as a senior at the University of Mississippi.

mark on Mississippi track and field and represented Lakewood Ranch well. His final piece of advice is something that all up-and-coming runners should remember: “Don’t think too much,” Rivera said. “Enjoy the moment and the people you are running with.”

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

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Jada Phillips Jada Phillips is a sophomore shortstop/catcher on the Braden River High softball team. Phillips went two for four with a double, a triple and three RBIs on March 1 in the Pirates’ 6-2 road win over Manatee High, then went one for two with a home run, two walks and three RBIs on March 4 in the Pirates’ 15-2 road win against Cardinal Mooney High.

When did you start playing softball?

When I was 8 years old. I had been watching my brother (Samuel Phillips) play baseball. I actually wanted to play baseball at first, but my dad (Gary Phillips) wanted me to play softball because there were more girls my age doing it. But I love softball now. I also play basketball and participate in weightlifting.

What is the appeal of softball to you?

I just like the feeling of playing with the girls. The bonds the team forms from playing together are strong. I am also a competitive person, so I love winning.

PLAY THE BEST!

What is your best skill?

Hitting is for sure my best skill. That came naturally to me. I have always been an athletic person, and for some reason I have always been able to hit for power.

What have you been working to improve?

I have been playing a lot of shortstop this year in high school ball. I was a catcher previously. The transition has been going well, but I have had to learn how to throw sidearm and underarm. As a catcher, I always throw over the top. That’s been a pretty big change for me.

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

What is your favorite memory?

Last summer, I played a travel ball tournament in Oklahoma with my Lady Lightning Gold team. Our coach (Kevin Maguire) had told us that he was leaving the team to take an assistant coaching job with the University of South Carolina. Having one last tournament with him coaching us was pretty special.

What are your goals for the season?

I feel like as a team our goal is to play more together than we did last season. I think that is going well. We have been hanging out more outside of practice and games, and that is helping. We’ve been bonding.

What are your hobbies?

I honestly don’t do much outside of sports. I’ll practice softball on my own time, and I lift (weights) a lot as well.

What is the best advice you have received?

Stay true to yourself.

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YOUR NEIGHBORS

ART IN THE PARK Annual juried art show finishes run at University Park of Sarasota.

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

F

or Deborah Van Brunt, the organizer of Art in the Park, the artistic talent on display in University Park was a familiar sight.

But at this year’s event, she was stunned to see the array of fine pieces residents were creating.

On display March 4-6 were items from 58 artists of University Park, and the show also accepted artwork from University Park Country Club employees.

“We’ve had tons of new people move into the neighborhood,” Van Brunt said. “Many of them are artists or people who decided to give this a shot. So, we’ve got lots of fresh, new styles represented. It’s so nice that art is something positive we can all come together to celebrate in society.

That’s powerful, and I feel it is something we need so much.”

She said the artwork is trending toward brighter subjects.

The works on display showcased a variety of talent and interests.

Adorned with a “Best of Show” ribbon was the sumi-e ink painting “100 Old Men” by Keith Nelson.

True to its name, the painting fea-

Keith Nelson stands beside his sumi-e ink painting “100 Old Men,” which won “Best in Show.”

tures a gathering of precisely 100 old men going about various activities.

Sumi-e is the Japanese word for the East Asian-style ink painting that originated in China and uses black ink in different concentrations, similar to calligraphy. Nelson, an American who lived in Boston for much of his life, has held a passion for sumi-e since he started painting around the time of his retirement.

Nelson started his journey across the art world by painting whaling

artwork inspired by the book “Ahab’s Wife” as he took various lessons in different mediums, including watercolor, but when he finally took up Chinese brush stroke lessons with Qing Xiong Ma in Boston, he knew he had found something special to him.

“It’s very calming,” he said. “It’s sort of like tai chi. Controlling the brush in the ink is very critical to do these kinds of fine lines. If the brush is too wet, the ink is too heavy.”

He said when paintings don’t suc-

JURIED SHOW WINNERS Best of Show: “100 Old Men” (Keith Nelson) — Brush painting; sumi-e ink on rice paper First Place: “All Wet” (Marci Weisgold) — Bronze fountain statue Second Place: “Joy of Summer” (Susan Wu) — Chinese ink and watercolor brush painting Third Place: “The End of Summer” (Joseph Wetzel) — Photograph HONORABLE MENTIONS n “Tranquil Gazebo” (Michael Parkinson) — Acrylic on paper n “My Lap Dog” (Baerbel Kavanaugh) — Oil n “Green on Green” (Carolou Marquet) — Photograph n “Creative Collaboration” (Kathryn Adele Schumacher) — Mixed media n “Magnolia Reveries” (Nancy Fairchild) — Oil on canvas n “Enmeshed” (Judy Kramer) — Digitally enhanced photo n University Park Community Association Challenge Winner: “Walk in the Park” (Barbara Wetzel) – Watercolor

372178-1

Photos by Ian Swaby

Deborah Van Brunt stands beside her painting “Will We Survive?” (top left)

ceed, they can be repurposed.

“There’s always a piece of it you can use,” he said. “Sometimes I’ll glue together the painting parts to do a collage on the canvas.”

Pointing to his signature in Chinese calligraphy — a group of three tree branches that means “I am forest” — he explained that the name was given to him by Ma, not only because its pronunciation was reminiscent of “Nelson,” but also because Ma saw Nelson as a deep person in the same way a forest is deep.

“Art is the most basic form of communication in mankind,” Nelson said. “There was art before there was labor. Think of the caves in the south of France, in southern Spain back thousands of years before language.

People communicated by carving notches on sticks. Without art, there would be no history.”

Mingled among the art were photographs that included a dramatic cliff view, “Rock of Ages,” by Ron Mason.

Mason became interested in photography while taking it as an elective during college and began photographing his classmates at rallies and protests.

However, instead of going into photography as a career, he served as a school psychologist, then a human resources executive, then an organizational developer for schools.

When he finally retired seven years ago and left New York, Mason found that the photography field had changed. Instead of the black-andwhite cameras he started shooting with for newspapers, he was now working in color and digitally.

“I just started shooting,” he said.

“The composition part was easy from knowing what appeals to you, and what you know resonates with people. The hard part was learning how to work the camera.”

When he was atop some oceanside cliffs at Bondi, near Sydney, Australia, that inspiration suddenly struck.

Seeing people at the bottom of the cliffs, he figured that if they had gotten down there, there should be a safe route back up.

“And the shot that got me was completely different than what you would normally get unless you were willing to be a little bit more adventurous,” he said.

As event organizer, Van Brunt also has a few works of her own, such as the colorful rainforest scene, “Will We Survive?” A former public relations and marketing executive who lived in St. Petersburg for almost 30 years, she discovered art when she began taking classes after retirement, eventually reaching the point that she wanted to engage with other artists.

She said the highlight of art is “being able to express yourself. To be able to say something, even if it may not be what you thought you were saying. It’s a different level of communication that is supremely rewarding.”

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THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2022

Photos by Liz Ramos

Kathy Kersey, a STEM teacher, reads “Crawly Bug and the Firehouse Pie” to families.

Night in the books

L

eia Mackinlay, a kindergartner at Myakka City Elementary School, grabbed a sugar cookie and spread white frosting on it before adding purple sprinkles.

She smiled and debated whether she wanted to add more.

Mackinlay and her brother Jaxon, who is in pre-K, ate their cookies before moving onto the next activity at Myakka City Elementary School’s Literacy Night on March 3.

Families enjoyed coloring bookmarks and book covers, listening to read-alouds, playing bingo and more.

Kelly Rome, whose daughter Reagan Rome is a third grader, said Literacy Night was a fun opportunity for the school community to come together.

“It’s great to see friendly faces,” Rome said. “It’s homey.”

Second grader Ryker Anderson shows off the bookmark and book cover he created.

— LIZ RAMOS

LAKEWOOD RANCH SERIES

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A Lifetime of Learning in Two Exciting Series Next Week’s Programs Include:

Music Mondays

MUSICAL CONVERSATIONS WITH GREAT PERFORMERS

Monday, March 14

Sarasota,10:30 am - Venice, 3:00 pm

Dr. Robyn L. Bell, is the Music Program Manager,

Director of Instrumental Studies, and Professor of Music at State College of Florida as well as the conductor and music director of the Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota. She founded the highly popular Suncoast Culture Club podcast in 2020.

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

Tuesday, March 15

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

Current Issues in U.S. Intelligence

U.S. intelligence must be flexible in order to respond to evolving issues. Dr. Mark Lowenthal will discuss how U.S. intelligence has changed with the Biden administration and the major policy issues that intelligence addresses.

Wednesday, March 16 Sarasota,10:30 am The Paper Dragon

China presents serious challenges for U.S. national security. China also has a series of weaknesses that we overlook. That may actually present a more threatening scenario. Dr. Mark Lowenthal will discuss how the U.S. should address these issues.

Thursday, March 17

Sarasota,10:30 am - Lakewood Ranch, 3:30 Friday, March 18 Venice,10:00 am

Domestic Extremism

The January 6, 2021 Insurrection was a reminder that right-wing extremism is a serious problem. Since 9/11 right-wing militants and jihadist terrorists have both killed around the same number of Americans.

Peter Bergen examines domestic political violence in the U.S. and what can be done to fix it.

Complete program details:

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UNDER CONTRACT

Kindergartner Leia Mackinlay and her 4-yearold brother, Jaxon, who is in pre-K, decorate cookies.

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FINE ARTS FESTIVAL Runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch. The Lakewood Ranch Fine Arts Festival will offer handmade works, including paintings, sculptures, jewelry, photography, glasswork, ceramics, woodworking and more. Admission is free. For more information, go to ParagonArtEvents.com.

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PET FIRST AID Begins at 9 a.m. at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. The Lakewood Ranch Community Emergency Response Team is hosting a free Pet Emergency First Aid clinic. Dr. Terry Clekis, former owner and medical director of the Braden River Animal Hospital, will give a 90-minute presentation of the steps to take in a pet emergency. Registration is required. For more information or to register, go to LWRCERT.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 12SUNDAY, MARCH 13

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SUNDAY, MARCH 13

FARMERS MARKET Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Lakefront Drive in Waterside Place at Lakewood Ranch. The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch will run yearround every Sunday. Vendors will be offering seafood, eggs, meats, dairy products, pastas, bakery goods, jams and pickles, among other items. Children’s activities and live music will also be offered. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

POLO Begins at 1 p.m. at the Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Lakewood Ranch. The 2021-22 Sarasota Polo Club season runs every Sunday through April 24. Gates open at 10

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SUNDAY, MARCH 13, AND TUESDAY, MARCH 15, THROUGH SATURDAY, MARCH 19

SARASOTA JAZZ FESTIVAL Begins 3 p.m. Sunday, 6 p.m.

Tuesday and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. The Jazz Club of Sarasota presents Swinging under the Stars. Four main stages will feature artists such as Shelly Berg, Dick Hyman and Russell Malone. For a complete list of times and performers, along with ticket prices, go to JazzClubSarasota.org. Late-night finish tower jams will be available, as will special jazz films, at select times (check the website). Sunday’s concert is sold out.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16

RANCH NIGHT WEDNESDAYS Runs from 6-9 p.m. at 1561 Lakefront Drive, Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch. Ranch Night Wednesdays is a free event that includes food trucks, live music, a market, an outdoor bar and a cornhole league.

It runs every week through May. For more information, go to MyLWR. com.

FRIDAY, MARCH 18, THROUGH SUNDAY, MARCH 20 CIRQUE DES VOIX Begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m.

Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday at Na-

than Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. The Circus Arts Conservatory teams with Key Chorale for a show that combines live music and singing with circus acts. Tickets range from $30 to $60, and parking is $5. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit CircusArts.org.

THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2022

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SOCCER INVITATIONAL Begins at 8 a.m. daily at Premier Sports Campus, 5895 Post Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. The St. Paddy’s Day competitive soccer tournament hosted by the Soccer Management Co. is for the U9-U19 age groups and features boys and girls teams. More than 100 teams will be in attendance. The event is free to attend for spectators. For more information, visit SMCSoccer.com.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2022

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

UNIVERSITY PARK 8171 Abingdon Court 2 Beds 2/2 Baths 2,609 Sq. Ft. Rachel Benderson 941-376-0218 A4525357 $1,650,000

BRADENTON 310 Compass Point Drive 202 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,708 Sq. Ft. Betsy Hagen & Laura Rulon 941-216-0721 A4525491 $1,450,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7507 Haddington Cove 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,405 Sq. Ft. Stephen Strong 941-201-9662 A4525696 $1,350,000

BRADENTON 396 Aruba Circle 302 3 Beds 3 Baths 1,664 Sq. Ft. Debbie Vogler 941-705-3328 A4525652 $1,349,000

BRADENTON 391 Aruba Circle 402 3 Beds 3 Baths 1,664 Sq. Ft. Kathy Valente 941-685-6767 A4524894 $1,200,000

BRADENTON 5519 46th Court W 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,719 Sq. Ft. Adam Cuffaro 941-812-0791 A4524335 $925,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 5705 Cheech Glen 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,850 Sq. Ft. Sandi Dietrich 941-704-0697 A4526760 $874,912

BRADENTON 302 67th Avenue Drive W 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,050 Sq. Ft. Jared Ross 941-539-1705 A4526366 $825,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 12729 Del Corso Loop 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,874 Sq. Ft. Izzy Pollack 941-404-0403 A4526493 $825,000

UNIVERSITY PLACE 8215 Indigo Ridge Terrace 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,073 Sq. Ft. Robert Krasow 617-840-1181 A4525087 $795,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7696 Silverwood Court 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,381 Sq. Ft. Denise Gagne 941-400-6358 A4526085 $750,000

NORTH PORT 6275 N Biscayne Drive 4 Beds 2 Baths 1,840 Sq. Ft. Sandi Dietrich 941-704-0697 A4522693 $649,900

LAKEWOOD RANCH 20307 74th Avenue E Kim Ogilvie 941-376-1717 A4513257 $629,000

BRADENTON 10909 Copperlefe Drive 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,209 Sq. Ft. Stuart Lawrence & Laura Lawrence 941-894-4001 A4526092 $599,000

BRADENTON 7005 Pointe West Boulevard 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,683 Sq. Ft. Cathy Palmer 941-920-2247 A4525556 $570,000

ARCADIA 12902 SW Kingsway Circle 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,185 Sq. Ft. Sandra Limberger 239-898-5238 C7456083 $529,000

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

BRADENTON 1506 Water Oak Way S 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,925 Sq. Ft. Kathy Valente & Gregory Zies, LLC 941-685-6767 A4525380 $525,000

SARASOTA 144 Tall Trees Court 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,928 Sq. Ft. Eileen Prisco & Mike Prisco 941-812-1293 A4526768 $499,000

BRADENTON 509 Sanderling Circle 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,334 Sq. Ft. Maruta Miluns 941-374-9702 A4526336 $459,000

BRADENTON 606 31st Street W 3 Beds 1/1 Baths 1,454 Sq. Ft. Debbie Vogler 941-705-3328 A4526094 $400,000

NORTH PORT/ VENICE 3196 Circleville Street 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,236 Sq. Ft. Natalia Armonda 941-373-5743 A4524235 $330,000

VENICE 887 Country Club Circle 62 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,335 Sq. Ft. Robert Brooker 941-445-0861 N6119903 $299,000

BRADENTON 619 Spring Lakes Boulevard 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,508 Sq. Ft. Karla Davidson 941-356-1061 A4526223 $290,000

SARASOTA 628 N Owl Drive 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,534 Sq. Ft. Kathy Valente & Gregory Zies, LLC 941-685-6767 A4526783 $2,595,000

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

SARASOTA 3218 S Osprey Avenue 5 Beds 4/1 Baths 3,342 Sq. Ft. Gloria Bracciano 941-229-4000 A4524633 $2,276,000

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888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in Lakehouse Cove at Waterside topped all transactions in this week’s real estate. Arin and Blair Warnemunde, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 8079 Waterbend Trail to Marion Fordham, of Sarasota, for $2 million.

Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,482 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,154,300 in 2020.

COUNTRY CLUB EAST

Eugene and Melinda West, of Soddy Daisy, Tennessee, sold their home at 16809 Berwick Terrace to Steve Avgerinos, of Marietta, Georgia, for $1.9 million. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,892 square feet of living area.

TIDEWATER PRESERVE

Hildegard Schuller, of Seminole, sold her home at 5212 Lake Overlook Ave. to Dan Ryckman, of Bradenton, for $1.05 million. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, three-anda-half baths, a pool and 2,785 square feet of living area. It sold for $575,000 in 2016.

RIVER CLUB NORTH

Kenneth Chadwick and Claire Apaliski, of Aurora, Colorado, sold their home at 6417 Spyglass Lane to MBS Club Realty Trust for $995,000.

Built in 1991, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,194 square feet of living area. It sold for $577,000 in 2020.

GREYHAWK LANDING WEST

Tracey and Valerie Demino, of Bradenton, sold their home at 437 Chantilly Trail to Shawn Hicks and Deena Margaret Hicks, of Milan, Illinois, for $970,000. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,060 square feet of living area.

ROSEDALE ADDITION

Thomas and Theodora Thanas, of Parrish, sold their home at 4664 Royal Dornoch Circle to Xiaofei Yu and Hongmei Ge, of Bellevue, Washington, for $925,000. Built in 2013, it has two bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, a pool and 3,031 square feet of living area. It sold for $470,700 in 2013.

RYE WILDERNESS ESTATES

Katherine and Randal Boughton, of Fernandina Beach, sold their home at 356 165th Court N.E. to Talluri Balaji and Patricia Talluri, of Bradenton, for $900,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,869 square feet of living area. It sold for $590,000 in 2021.

WENTWORTH

William Michael Cooper, trustee, of University Park, sold the home at 7208 Saint Georges Way to Theodore Rolfvondenbaumen and Dawn-Rose Wright, of University Park, for $900,000. Built in 1998, it has two bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,689 square feet of living area. It sold for $729,000 in 2006.

ESPLANADE

Claudia Ascencio, trustee, of Bluffton, South Carolina, sold the home at 12757 Fontana Loop to Gregory and Janet Smith, of Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, for $866,000.

Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,275 square feet of living area. It sold for $540,000 in 2019.

Gurn and Kathleen Freeman, of Odessa, sold their home at 13911 Messina Loop to Andrew and Gretchen Demartini, of Bradenton, for $615,000. Built in 2016, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,089 square feet of living area. It sold for $487,400 in 2016.

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

FEB. 21-25

GREENBROOK

Christopher and Judy Wray, trustees, of St. Augustine, sold the home at 6631 Turnstone Lane to Stanislaus and Amanda Janicki, of Bradenton, for $760,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,729 square feet of living area.

Richard and Norma Clarke, of Annapolis, Maryland, sold their home at 6224 Macaw Glen to Michael Stanley, of Lakewood Ranch, for $480,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,710 square feet of living area. It sold for $348,000 in 2005.

Morad and Halima Sbahi, of Miami, sold their home at 15019 Skip Jack Loop to Joyce Hobday, trustee, of Gulf Shores, Alabama, for $472,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,012 square feet of living area.

It sold for $159,000 in 2012.

Terry Wilkerson, of Metamora, Illinois, sold his home at 6438 Blue Grosbeak Circle to Joyce Hobday, trustee, of Gulf Shores, Alabama, for $460,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,771 square feet of living area. It sold for $225,000 in 2013.

PALM AIRE AT SARASOTA

Lee Amberg and Amy Amberg, trustees, of Evanston, Illinois, sold the home at 5640 Country Lakes Drive to Barbora Hawkins and Keith Christopher Hawkins, of Santa Rosa, California, for $745,000. Built in 1991, it has three bedrooms, twoand-a-half baths, a pool and 2,914 square feet of living area. It sold for $415,000 in 2015.

CENTRAL PARK

Varun and Sharvil Patel, of Bradenton, sold their home at 4691 Claremont Park Drive to Janet Mattern-Evankovich, of Bradenton, for $689,900. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,202 square feet of living area. It sold for $322,900 in 2013.

Courtesy photo from Michael Saunders

This home at 8079 Waterbend Trail in Waterside sold for $2 million. It has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,482 feet of living area.

GREYHAWK LANDING

Zillow Homes Property Trust sold the home at 12822 Kite Drive to Hai and Kiley Nguyen, of Bradenton, for $634,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,517 square feet of living area. It sold for $597,000 in 2021.

MAGNOLIA MANOR

Stephen Atwood, of Winter Springs, sold his home at 2118 67th St. Court E. to David Spolar, of Bradenton, for $630,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,757 square feet of living area. It sold for $580,000 in 2021.

art, of Bradenton, for $599,900.

Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,760 square feet of living area. It sold for $365,000 in 2018.

MISTY OAKS

Georgia Chapman, trustee, of Evansville, Tennessee, sold the home at 6174 Misty Oaks Drive to Eric Rossi, of Sarasota, for $575,000. Built in 1995, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,431 square feet of living area. It sold for $279,500 in 2000.

EAGLE TRACE

CML R2 LLC sold the home at 1735 Lake Verona Circle to Tessa Ohm-

SEE REAL ESTATE, PAGE 28

In with the new

COUNTRY CLUB

Kenneth and Sherry Robinson, of St. Cloud, sold their home at 7118 Orchid Island Place to Carl and Elaine Ketterman, trustees, of Bradenton, for $689,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,253 square feet of living area.

It sold for $400,000 in 2015.

NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Longboat Key

Roberta Barbaro sold the home at 6611 Oakland Hills Drive to Margaret Ann Gnau, trustee, of Lakewood Ranch, for $510,000. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,098 square feet of living area.

It sold for $216,900 in 1998.

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MILL CREEK

Sean Torgerson, of Ft. Myers, sold his home at 906 134th St. E. to Andrew Joseph Franklin and Kellie Dawn Franklin, of Cape Coral, for $650,000. Built in 1987, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,652 square feet of living area. It sold for $469,000 in 2020.

Downtown St. Petersburg

Brian Jenks, trustee, of Corryton, Tennessee, sold the home at 610 Woodview Way to William James Westermeyer and Yvonne Iris Westermeyer, of Bradenton, for $550,000. Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,071 square feet of living area. It sold for $167,000 in 1996.

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

VIRGINIA WATER

Laurie Beth Roshfeld, trustee, of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, sold the home at 717 Victoria Circle to Brian Sweeney and Janice Camp Sweeney, of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, for $650,000. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,795 square feet of living area. It sold for $303,000 in 2020.

Downtown Sarasota

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

BRADEN WOODS

Martin and Lisa Rocks, of Bradenton, sold their home at 6412 98th St. E. to Dan Lupas and Nusa Szekeli, of Bradenton, for $635,500.

Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,399 square feet of living area. It sold for $275,000 in 2012.

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

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

373398-1

ADAM HUGHES

THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2022

REAL ESTATE

Waterside home tops sales at $2 million

|

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

Licensed Real Estate Broker

27

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2022

Real estate

and 2,262 square feet of living area.

It sold for $339,300 in 2013.

FROM PAGE 27

ROSEDALE

WATERLEFE GOLF AND RIVER CLUB

KITCHEN | CABINETRY OUTDOOR PAVERS

Sheri Anika Horger, of Bradenton, sold the home at 742 Foggy Morn Lane to Marlene Doling and Michael James Doling, of Victor, New York, for $560,000. Built in 2001, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,691 square feet of living area. It sold for $333,000 in 2021.

is proud to congratulate

Gordon Silver who posted his photograph of these adorable baby colt birds along University Parkway and Lorraine Road and we’d like to announce that Gordon is donating his cash prize to Children First, Inc.!

STONEYBROOK AT HERITAGE HARBOUR

Leslie and Daniel Bukowski and Jamie Hunt sold their home at 8872 Stone Harbour Loop to Tamara Lynn Corso and Steven John Corso, of Bradenton, for $555,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,162 square feet of living area. It sold for $250,000 in 2008.

James and Caroline McDevitt, of Bradenton, sold their home at 9109 Winter Harbour Way to Renee Mirza, of Orchard Park, New York, for $495,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,174 square feet of living area. It sold for $465,500 in 2021.

Son Young, of Lakewood Ranch, sold his home at 8705 Monterey Bay Loop to Joyce Hobday, trustee, of Gulf Shores, Alabama, $485,000.

Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths and is 1,980 square feet.

It sold for $379,200 in 2006.

RIVERWALK

Zillow Homes Property Trust sold the home at 10925 Bluestem Circle to Bradley Scott Weller and Mary Elizabeth Weller, of Bradenton, for $520,000. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,029 square feet of living area. It sold for $477,100 in 2021.

WINNER of The Observer’s

Weather

&Nature

2021-22 PHOTO CONTEST

William Thomas Baxter sold his home at 5031 88th St. E. to Elena Sokolova, of Bradenton, for $505,000. Built in 1996, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,870 square feet of living area. It sold for $323,000 in 2017.

HARMONY

Aaron Phillip Solari, of Bradenton, sold their home at 11637 Rolling Green Drive to BCA Rentals Properties LLC for $495,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,784 square feet of living area. It sold for $279,000 in 2019.

SUMMERFIELD

Luis and Doris Santos, of Sarasota, sold their home at 11813 Hollyhock Drive to Balaji Ravi Mosur and Praveena Nagarajan, of Lakewood Ranch, for $475,000. Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,915 square feet of living area. It sold for $250,500 in 2018.

LAKE VISTA RESIDENCES

Shahnaz Mehran Zamani and Amir Arsalan Zamani, trustees, of Sudbury, Massachusetts, sold the Unit D-204 condominium at 7702 Lake Vista Court to David and Lisette Yunger, of Bellevue, Washington, for $450,000. Built in 2007, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,762 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $135,000 in 2014.

Douglas and Deborah Hillebrand, trustees, sold the Unit B-403 condominium at 7718 Lake Vista Court to Christine Garcia-Ferrer and Eduardo Garcia-Ferrer, trustees, of Town and Country, Missouri, for $415,000. Built in 2006, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,762 square feet of living area. It sold for $408,700 in 2006.

MIRAMAR LINKS

The 2022-23 Weather & Nature Photo Contest has begun.

Enter your photos for a chance to win.

Go to YourObserver.com/contests for details.

377598-1

Suk and Boduck Chang, of Durham, North Carolina, sold their Unit 82 condominium at 8108 Miramar Way to James and Rosemary Kautz, of Sterling Heights, Michigan, for $512,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths

ONLINE See more transactions at YourObserver.com

We’re neighbors covering neighbors.

Liz Ramos STAFF WRITER

Beat: East County Education Hometown: Carol Stream, Illinois Currently Living: Bradenton Alma mater: University of Missouri What you do when you are not working?

I love to spend time with friends and family, bake, craft and go to Disney.

Connect: lramos@yourobserver.com

Whether it’s a classroom assignment or a big School District of Manatee County issue, I love that the Observer covers it all. I have the opportunity to share the great things happening in our schools while also writing about important topics and decisions affecting every student in the district.

JOIN THE NEIGHBORHOOD //

Support independent local journalism today at YourObserver.com/newsies

373524-1

28

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

29

THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2022

INTRODUCING

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ROYAL PALM BEACH 561-631-8757 11985 Southern Blvd (Publix at Crestwood Square - next to Carter Healthcare)

(Bradenton Pain and Wellness Center)

BOYNTON BEACH 561-619-9274 4739 N Congress Ave (In between Dollar Tree and Fon Shan Chinese)

JUPITER 561-529-3011 6725 West Indiantown Rd Bay 39 (In Jupiter West Plaza)

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100% Digital ITE (In-the-Ear)

30

WEATHER

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2022

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST THURSDAY, MARCH 10 High: 86 Low: 67 Chance of rain: 32%

FRIDAY, MARCH 11 High: 84 Low: 70 Chance of rain: 20%

SUNRISE / SUNSET Sunrise Sunset Thursday, March 10

6:44a

6:36p

Friday, March 11

6:43a

6:36p

Saturday, March 12

6:42a

6:37p

Sunday, March 13

7:41a

7:37p

Monday, March 14

7:40a

7:38p

Tuesday, March 15

7:39a

7:38p

Wednesday, March 16

7:38a

7:39p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, MARCH 12 High: 77 Low: 39 Chance of rain: 89%

SUNDAY, MARCH 13 High: 67 Low: 48 Chance of rain:0% Joseph Cueto captured this black-bellied whistling duck with her babies in Heritage Harbour Lake.

April 8 First

April 16 Full

April 23 Last

April 30 New

RAINFALL Monday, Feb. 28

0

Tuesday, March 1

0

Wednesday, March 2

0

Thursday, March 3

0

Friday, March 4

0

Saturday, March 5

0

Sunday, March 6

0

*Rainfall totals from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

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

YEAR TO DATE: 2022 1.15 in.

2021 3.27 in.

MONTH TO DATE: 2022 0.00 in.

2021 0.38 in.

The Observer’s

YourObserver.com/contests KITCHEN | CABINETRY OUTDOOR PAVERS

2022-23 PHOTO CONTEST

A REFLECTION OF NATURE’S BEAUTY

celebrity cipher

©2022 Universal Uclick

ACROSS

penalties and such?

37 “MONTERO” singer Lil 1 Weep ___ X 4 Garment with a sports 38 Fake thing variety 40 ___ Speedwagon 7 Dome roof?

41 Do an impression of 12 Prefer 17 Sharing option for Apple 42 5x5 crosswords, say 44 “Absolutely!” devices 46 Italian fashion city 19 Visits on a road trip 21 Colombian street food 48 Common baby affliction 49 Focuses of the Equal item Justice Initiative 22 *Pixelate video evi52 *”Evergreens won’t dence? make the view worse”?

24 French hat 25 Continues a subscrip- 56 “The Quicker Picker Upper” brand tion 57 World Cup official 26 “My lips ___ sealed” 59 Spots to wear scrubs 27 Wee bit (Abbr.)

29 Achy 60 On the ocean 30 Story trajectory 61 Under the weather 31 *Manhattan parking

62 *Result of chipping a fake nail?

67 Arrogant 68 Response to a futbol goal 69 Chef Drummond 70 Leaf under a petal 71 Word within “hearing” 73 “BlacKkKlansman” director Spike 74 Enticed 76 *Blacken the entree, e.g.?

79 Yiddish cries 80 Neutron’s place 81 Quintana ___ (Mexican state) 82 Jeong of “Community” 83 Indenting aid on a typewriter 85 *”We’ll shape this

sword, but first ...”?

90 Like a horse’s foot 92 Online meanie 93 Wild hogs 95 Cookie with a serving size of three 96 “So exciting!”

97 Roomy vehicle 98 HBO competitor 100 Design detail, briefly 103 Fury 104 *Looking great in a drag wrap?

109 Droid 111 Actress Rooney 113 Neither’s partner 114 Rowing tool 115 Distribution curve calculation 117 Food recall cause 119 *Report on surgeries?

51 “My bad,” in a text 53 “How ___ look?”

54 Entered again, like data 55 Has permission, biblically 56 Where cultures are studied?

58 “Frozen” queen 63 Shrink back 64 Tax prep pro 65 Green Bay NFL player DOWN 66 ___ vera gel 1 Hummus brand 67 Makes waves 2 Edmonton hockey team 72 Flower that anagrams 3 Meal for mimosas to “tears” 4 Spicy condiment for a 75 Atlanta school hot pretzel 77 Shrine for legendary 5 Wake up athletes (Abbr.)

6 Like the name Eve, for a 78 Cuatro - tres Dec. 24 baby 81 Trust 7 Be in the driver’s seat 84 Sound made when 8 Rollaway bed touching a cute nose 9 Earth Day’s mo.

86 Imitate the MGM lion 10 Baton Rouge sch.

87 “Well, duh” 11 Broadway’s LuPone 88 Speckled horse 12 “Groovy!”

89 The Sharks or the Jets, 13 Wonder Woman’s e.g. adversary 91 Rookie gamer 14 *”Archie’s ex will arrive 94 Part of a dollar sign soon”?

96 Future-oriented 15 Performances at the person?

Met 99 “Present!”

16 Gives the star treat101 Works on a tablet? ment to?

102 Transparent eye part 18 Name hidden in “mind 103 “That is to say ...” reader” 105 Pixar movie set in 19 “Magic” fungus, for Mexico short 106 Currency of Sweden 20 Better late ___ never 107 Tugboat sounds 23 Diggs of “Rent” 108 Missouri’s ___ Moun28 Exorcism targets tains 32 Little songbird 110 Irritable 33 Hindu goddess of cre- 112 Often ation and destruction 116 Prefix for “normative” 34 Practice boxing or “gender” 35 Swampy areas 118 “No ___, ands or buts!”

36 Rural tower 120 Name within “lava 39 C ___ cat lamp” 43 “Hello,” in Mandarin 121 End of a dean’s email 45 Rolls-___ address 47 More questionable 122 Farm butter?

48 Word before “store” or 123 Slugger’s stat “booth” 49 Contaminate 50 *Marsupial overlord?

“RFDRUF JPUU AF P EDJB CXPE DE XWGC DE XWPX. ... GK TDO WPYF XD JPUU AF PMTXWGMH, JPUU AF P JWPAFUFDM.” – AFPX UDPK “UWNMP LKZPTEWK FLE L GPLNAMVNU, UWDMKI EWNU FBW UMDPZ AW JLXP NE LUU ULNIB LKZ ABP FWTUZ JNHB GTMIBAPT.”

– GCTWK LUUPK

“HZYV NYBR JWBX POYP JWMOY BVPYEUWV HBU JOGY, ‘HZBR’U RZY DWOVR WX JOCOVS?’ O JWCYP RZYN TWRZ.”

– FWNYPOBV KYXX EWUU Puzzle Three Clue: F equals C

124 Cold and distant 125 Having a romantic meal, maybe 126 Passover beef cut 127 Herons’ homes 128 Former “SNL” cast members 129 Texter’s “Isn’t that SO true?”

130 Verbalize

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

Puzzle Two Clue: H equals C

T-MINUS 10 by Amanda Rafkin and Ross Trudeau. Edited by David Steinberg

Puzzle One Clue: Y equals V

crossword

© 2022 NEA, Inc.

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

©2022 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

3-10-22

371164-1

Weather ENTER: &Nature

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Service Directory - Friday at 3PM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card The East County Observer reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only. *All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher. *It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in the East County Observer to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with towncodes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property Notice: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis..

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This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “People call me a rock star or this or that. ... If you have to call me anything, call me a chameleon.”

Meat Loaf Puzzle Two Solution: “Louie Anderson was a beautiful, loving soul who lived to make us all laugh and the world much brighter.”

Byron Allen Puzzle Three Solution: “When Meat Loaf died Louie Anderson was like, ‘What’s the point of living?’ I loved them both.”

Comedian Jeff Ross

This week’s Sudoku answers

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377671

IRRIGATION (941) 725-8100 REPAIR edsrainmakerirrigation@gmail.com MAINTENANCE Insured

Furniture Repair

Cleaning

941-773-0875 • 941-932-5505

OBSERVER RED PAGES

235

$ 235

INCLUDES 2 MOEN STAINLESS STEEL ANTI SLIP CONCEALED SCREW GRAB BARS (16” & 24”)

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

Don Christo, Sr., Horologist

941.966.0333

Doors

LIFETIME GUARANTEE • LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED COVERAGE AREA: LAKEWOOD RANCH TO S. VENICE

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

GLENN KROECKER

954-1878 (cell) 780-3346 Licensed & Insured

SHOWER & BATH MAKEOVERS

Call us today! 941.628.8579

Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

377193

www.ezslider.com

FREE IN-HOM ESTIMATEE S

DRGRABBARS.COM

THE GRAB BAR GUY 377672

Window Repairs • Sliding Glass Door Repairs Sliding Glass Door Deadbolts

377670

Commercial

ED’S RAIN MAKER IRRIGATION

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

“IF IT DOESN’T TIC, TOC TO ME.”

941-705-5468 Irrigation

375170

SERVING YOU IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME

376688

|

375186

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

377674 364556

32

Call John 941.377.2940

Free Estimates • Sarasota Resident Since 1974

www.showerandbathsarasota.com Find anything in the RED PAGES

941-955-4888

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

Landscaping & Lawn

Power Washing Pressure Washing

GARDENS BY ALLISON

|

THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2022

Roofing Pressure Washing

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.

No Job is too Small!

Building & Roofing Contractor

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

Honesty, Integrity and Pride • Roofs • Pool Cages • Decks • Driveways

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

• Deck/Paver And Much More

Allison J. Abizaid, M.A.

AFTER

Serving Sarasota/Manatee Area Since 2004

Personal Gardening Services | Designer

BEFORE

941.400.0431

377176

gbyallison@yahoo.com gardensbyallison.com

941-544-1066

941-626-3194

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

| scaperotta@aol.com

Italian American Owned

Painting

376690

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

377675

33

Screening

Rescreening & Repairs

UNIQUE PAINTING & PRESSURE WASHING SERVICES Complete Interior & Exterior Painting

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

377194

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

Eldridge Re-Screen

PRESSURE WASHING

House Washing, Roofs, Screen Cages, Pavers, Driveways and Walkways.

941-CLEAN IT 2 5 3 - 2 6 4 8 FREE INSTANT ESTIMATES when you Call RICK for SCHEDULING

$100 COUPON

$100 COUPON

$100 COUPON

GROW YOUR BUSINESS Advertise as low as $85 per week.

941-270-1561 941-345-5264

STANDARD WINDOWS

5

$

Roofing

Manufacture and workmanship Warranties

Bisson Roofing Inc. (941) 345-5264

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

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

www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

941 - 748 - 7400

Looking for something? Your lucky discovery is closer than you think.

senior citizen discount.

Purified water window cleaning available!!

Specializing in Reroofs and Repairs FREE Estimates • 30 Years Experience

found here.

140

$

SPECIAL 00

Doors and more!

www.bissonroofing.com

TREASURES

ows

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

specialty screens / screw replacement / paint

Owner Supervises Every Job

25

UP TO

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

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

RC0067420 • Lic. & Ins. Call to reserve your ad space: 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

Insured

RED PAGES

SOFT WASH

Form Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

376704

$100 COUPON

Lic./Ins.

& Pressure C Window lean t e s ing n s a S u n u n w r o i s n e Wind S erly k

377662

377474

WE ARE THE SOFT WASH PRESSURE WASHING PROS

$100 COUPON

$100 COUPON $100 COUPON

$100 COUPON $100 COUPON

$100 COUPON

Res./Com.

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS Showcase your products or services each week in the Red Pages.

CALL 941-955-4888

377664

“No Job Too Small”

Licensed

Power Washing

Windows

377676

377661

376705

375206

Personal Services

34

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2022

MARKET REPORTS Our complimentary reports are your best resource to make informed real estate decisions — offering detailed, highly visual and easy-to-interpret local data.

SCAN CODE TO ACCESS YOUR LOCAL MARKET REPORT

L I ST W I T H U STO DAY.C O M

ENGLEWOOD 7108 Trout Lane Amee Sams & Beth Sargent

SARASOTA 3736 Meridale Road Joel Schemmel

4976 Hubner Circle Tamara & Todd Currey

$1,350,000 941.587.1776

11234 Sandhill Preserve Drive Robyn Sadlo

$600,000 941.374.4015

5979 Benevento Drive Carmen Baskind & Marty Warren

SARASOTA $1,775,000 941.447.4875

4998 Antiquity Way Lori Carey

$1,450,000 941.780.3427

$949,000 941.812.4219

SARASOTA

STONEYBROOK COUNTRY CLUB 9496 Forest Hills Circle Ken Ipox

13109 Malachite Drive Laura Stavola

$2,800,000 941.587.4894

SANDHILL PRESERVE

LAKEWOOD RANCH 6465 Watercrest Way #204 Christine Mazur

3944 Losillias Drive Joel Schemmel & Sharon Chiodi

ESPLANADE $12,000,000 941.587.4894

SARASOTA

PRESTANCIA $5,499,999 941.447.1466

$499,000 941.993.7279

SILVER OAK

STONEYBROOK COUNTRY CLUB 9494 Forest Hills Circle Ken Ipox

5308 Hunt Club Way Vittoria Rutigliano

$499,900 941.724.1854

$2,375,000 941.962.5867

LAKE SARASOTA

$499,000 941.993.7279

4162 Parry Drive Robert Sherman

$475,000 941.313.1301

View a rea list ings

23 CONTEMPORARY TOWNHOMES

It’s Better

uptown

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

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

2191 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34237 | 941.920.1500 | TheFrankLambertTeam.com Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. Property information herein is derived from various sources including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate.

WORTH MORE

SARASOTA - DOWNTOWN | 941.364.4000

VENICE | 941.412.3323

LAKEWOOD RANCH | 941.907.9541

Contact us for a confidential consultation PremierSothebysRealty.com LONGBOAT KEY | 941.383.2500

RENTALS | 941.203.3433

370659-1

your home has never been