East County Observer 3.17.22

EAST COUNTY

Observer

Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

There’s a new donut in town. PAGE 20 FREE • THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022

VOLUME 24, NO. 18

YOUR TOWN

Speed changes headed for Lorraine Road

Manatee considers new speed limits for north and south stretches of Lorraine Road. SEE PAGE 3

Liz Ramos

A taste of Ireland at the polo club After multiple trips to Ireland and England, including one a year ago, Tidewater Preserve’s Edie Chapman missed the culture.

“Anything European, I like,” she said. “England is very big on polo matches, but I’ve never been to one here. So, I’m very excited.”

Chapman attended the Sarasota Polo Club March 13, dressed for the event’s theme of St. Patrick’s Day. She wore a kilt, green stockings and a green top hat.

Her scarf came from a special occasion: a 2012 Irelandhosted college football game in which the Notre Dame Fighting Irish beat Navy 50-10 at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Chapman, who comes from Maryland, said she still loves living in Florida.

“The weather is perfect,” she said. “I’m outside boating every day of the year.”

SHE’S SWAY COOL Sway pole artist Cyndel Flores made it to the live television show of ‘America’s Got Talent: Extreme.’ SEE PAGE 8

Courtesy photo

Cyndel Flores advanced to the live show of “America’s Got Talent: Extreme” thanks to judge Travis Pastrana hitting the golden buzzer for her breakaway sway pole act. She was eliminated March 14 before the final four contest.

Courtesy photo

School produces three times the kindness

New goals for Benderson Park

The Sea of Strengths Academy decided to spread kindness in February and March by collecting donations for three nonprofits.

Students at the elementary level decided to donate to the Humane Society of Sarasota County because of their love for animals.

Students in fifth through seventh grades were discussing thankfulness in their social skills class, which brought them to the idea of donating to the Food Bank of Manatee.

Eighth grade and higher students wanted to honor women for Women’s History Month, which is March, so they collected items for the Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center.

Second grader Pasty Lake Monhollon (above, with fourth grader Alaina Flickinger) was excited to help the Humane Society of Sarasota County.

“I love animals,” Monhollon said. “

A+E

Rebuilt board expected to ‘shake things up’ at Benderson Park.

SEE PAGE 6

Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy Board Chair Mike Taaffe, foreground, rows at the park with his sons, Travis, middle, and Brandon.

File photo

Master of the works.

INSIDE

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022

File photos

Robert Turner, Ben Guth, Trevor Garofalo, Ray Sullivan and J.T. Bacigalupi transferred from Myakka City Fire Control to East County Fire Rescue in October.

Worker shortage limits firefighters Manatee County has stopped its agreement to supply firefighter/ paramedics on trucks serving Myakka City.

would be justifiably upset and I am not going to say everything is fine.”

The policy was inherited from Myakka City Fire Control when it merged with East Manatee Fire Rescue in October. The agreement had been in force between Manatee County and Myakka City Fire Control since 2001 because Myakka City did not have an ambulance dedicated to that area.

Whitehurst said his department simply doesn’t have enough firefighter/paramedics to fulfill the agreement and a lack of potential prospects prevents the department from raising those numbers.

East Manatee Fire Rescue has seven firefighter/paramedics active on the line and several more who are on staff. However, it’s not nearly enough to cover the shifts. They had more,

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

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n the heels of the announcement that Manatee County was terminating its agreement that East Manatee Fire Rescue must supply a firefighter/paramedic on each of its trucks that serve the Myakka City area, Fire Chief Lee Whitehurst was direct.

“This is not something we wanted to happen,” Whitehurst said. “It’s just not sustainable. The community

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but Whitehurst said their dual-certified employees were hired away.

“Everyone is aware there is a worker shortage nationwide,” he said.

The agreement to terminate goes into effect on May 11, or sooner if both parties agree.

Whitehurst said those in the Myakka City area did get an important upgrade in October 2021 when Manatee County stationed a fulltime ambulance at the Myakka City station on Wauchula Road. However, when that ambulance has to transport a patient to a hospital in the region, there is not another available in the immediate vicinity.

East Manatee Fire Rescue opened a station last April at 6975 Bourneside Blvd., Lakewood Ranch, that is closer in terms of serving Myakka City if needed. Manatee County EMS

Station 5 is located at 1505 Dam Road, Bradenton.

Eventually, Whitehurst said he would like to build back requiring more firefighter/paramedics.

“But this is not a quick fix,” he said.

“It takes years to provide those services.”

Two years before the merger, Whitehurst said Manatee County, East Manatee Fire Rescue and Myakka City Fire Control officials all talked about how it would be tough to keep the paramedic agreement in place. At the time, though, it appeared that was possible. Whitehurst said all parties had full intentions of keeping the agreement in tact.

Then the pandemic hit and changed the landscape.

Whitehurst said it was important to understand that discontinuing the agreement had nothing to do with the merger.

But considering present circumstances with the job market, he said it’s just not a sustainable agreement.

“No one likes to go backward,” he said. “The level of service is being diminished. We want to be transparent about that.”

Whitehurst said he wanted to emphasize the community in the Myakka City area will continue you get a basic life support level of service from the EMTs on the trucks.

They can operate defibrillators and will have oxygen and EpiPens.

East Manatee Fire Rescue Chief Lee Whitehurst says a nationwide worker shortage has made it impossible to send a paramedic out on all its trucks serving Myakka City.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

Life in faster Lorraine

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THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022

Lorraine is often used to avoid the interstate and other traffic-heavy areas.

Higher speed limits could be in place by May. IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

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Photos by Ian Swaby

MAN ON THE STREET

64

“Granted, I don’t live in the community. So sometimes people living in a community, it’s different. But driving up and down Lorraine Road and knowing it’s a main thoroughfare to keep you off I-75, I would think a little bit higher speed limit would be better.”

45 MPH

Suggested speed for Rangeland Parkway to State Road 64 on Lorraine Road.

It is currently 50 mph.

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“That’s not good. Already you see dead deer on the road because all the developments, and there’s no place for them. They wander out in the road, and the cars are going too fast.”

— Sarasota’s Jim Moss

“I think at this point the key stretch is where the Country Club (neighborhood) is. But (the lower speed limit on the north stretch) makes sense because of the single-lane nature up there. It seems like it’s going in the right direction.

Hopefully, it’ll go in sooner rather than later.”

— John Pluebell

RD.

40 MPH

Suggested speed for Rangeland Parkway to University Parkway on Lorraine Road. It is currently 35 mph.

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— Sarasota’s Anne McFall

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“There’s a school out there. I feel like everyone drives so fast anyway, if you raise the speed limit, the number just goes five miles above that. I think with more growth and congestion, it should stay at 35.

Why is everyone in such a hurry?”

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— Bradenton’s Dana Gaddis

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any of those who drive Lorraine Road in Lakewood Ranch remember when it was a quieter place.

“I don’t ride my horse there anymore,” Sarasota’s Jim Moss, 59, said.

A recent proposal by the Manatee County Traffic Engineering Division to adjust the speed limits on Lorraine Road produced varied responses from residents, with a majority favoring the proposal.

Manatee County’s staff proposed a speed limit of 40 mph from University Parkway to Rangeland Parkway, which would be an increase of 5 mph from the current speed limit of 35. Rangeland Parkway is just over a half-mile north of State Road 70.

Meanwhile, the speed limit from Rangeland Parkway to State Road 64 would decrease 5 mph to 45 mph.

A majority of those who drive the corridor on a regular basis expressed a positive view of raising the speed limit from Rangeland Parkway to University Parkway Natalie Landinez, 25, who lives off White Eagle Boulevard, said 35 mph was simply too slow for that stretch of road.

“The fact that there are often speed traps in that area doesn’t seem fair,” Landinez said. “It’s setting you up, and the road is busy.”

Sarasota’s Anne McFall, 55, expressed concerns about the areas surrounding the road.

“There’s a school out there,” she said. “I feel like everyone drives so fast anyway, if you raise the speed limit, the number just goes five miles above that. I think with more growth and congestion, it should stay at 35.

Why is everyone in such a hurry?”

Bill Logan, information outreach manager for Manatee County, said the Manatee County Commission is set to vote on the new measures in April, and if they are approved, new signs will be posted in May. He said Manatee County’s Traffic Engineering Division makes its recommendations based on a range of factors that include traffic volume, roadway geometry, access points, crash history, surrounding land uses, types of road users and more.

“Not all factors are weighted equally, and there is no quantitative weighted scale,” he said. “Extensive research and experience suggest that a reasonable and prudent driver chooses a speed they feel comfortable traveling based on roadway and weather conditions, regardless of a posted speed limit.”

While the section of road from Rangeland to University Parkway is fairly wide open, except for a school zone, the Rangeland to State Road 64 stretch is set to be upgraded with construction. That section of road eventually will be four lanes.

Logan said that the new speed limits are designed to match the 85th percentile speed – the one that speed studies show at least 85 percent of drivers theoretically travel. He said engineers often assign speed limits this way, once they have assessed other road conditions and determined they do not impact safety.

Logan said if the amendment is passed, the minimum measures taken will involve the replacement of signs to reflect the new speed limit.

It remains to be seen whether certain curves will need additional signage for suggested speeds in the case that they are not safe to travel at the new speed.

“Think of those yellow signs on the interstate off-ramp that suggest your speed,” he said.

Once the recommendations are complete, they are presented to the County Commission as an amendment to the County Code of Ordinances, and it is the commission that has the final say about whether the new speeds will be adopted.

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“It’s way too low, I think,” East County’s Diane Wardell, 60, said.

Wardell lives off State Road 70 near Panther Ridge and has to gear down with the slow speed limit on Lorraine headed to University Parkway.

“It’s a big double (lane) road with a divider, and there are no businesses or anything there,” she said. “I think it should go even higher. I’d like to see it 45 or 50, until there’s a reason to lower it.”

Wardell’s neighbor, Lisa Ohern, 61, said the road is a major thoroughfare for her.

“You need to be able to move traffic faster, with all the increase in the people,” she said. “I would like to see the speed limit increase for sure.”

John Pluebell, 49, frequents the roadways and said people’s concern for safety on Lorraine is more connected to the need for traffic signals than the speed limit. He said his Lakewood Ranch parents, who are both in their 80s, would like to see more stoplights and signal lights.

“I think at this point that the key stretch is where the Country Club (neighborhood) is,” Pluebell said, adding that his parents generally make a U-turn to get into the flow of traffic on Lorraine.

He said the increase of 5 mph was preferable to a rise of 10 mph, and that he likes the gradual increase.

Bradenton’s Dana Gaddis, 57, said she favors a higher speed limit.

“Granted, I don’t live in the community,” she said, “So sometimes people living in a community, it’s different. But driving up and down

Lorraine Road and knowing it’s a main thoroughfare to keep you off I-75, I would think a little bit higher speed limit would be better.”

She said perhaps if the speed limits were higher, people would be more inclined to stay within them.

“I’m not 100% sure on that, if that will work or not. Some of the people are just crazy, no matter what,” she said.

Sarasota’s Jim Moss, 59, doesn’t like the increase in the speed limit.

“That’s not good,” he said.

“Already you see dead deer on the road because all the developments, and there’s no place for them. They wander out in the road, and the cars are going too fast.”

Alysia Quinn, 39, said he travels Lorraine taking her kids to school each day and has seen multiple accidents.

“It’s not a good idea (raising the speed limit) with the increased volume of cars and people,” she said.

At night, some residents say the strip of road is used for racing.

“There are some known spots where kids go to race cars,” McFall said. “Definitely when I turn right on Masters, I can see some drag racing.”

Pluebell said he is glad the north section of road could have a lower speed limit.

“That makes sense because of the single-lane nature up there,” he said.

“It seems like it’s going in the right direction. Hopefully it’ll go in sooner rather than later.”

Gaddis said 45 mph is a decent speed for a thoroughfare.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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Bishop shelter now run by county Manatee County began operation of the Bishop Animal Shelter March 15.

The shelter, which was donated to the county by the Bishop Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Manatee County, is a key piece of the county’s plan to bring its Animal Services Department up to date with the needs of a growing population.

Some county commissioners have said they want to see if the facility will be enough to complement Palmetto Animal Services, which now will be used only as an adoption site, to handle the county’s demand for animal services.

If not, the county has plans to build an animal shelter in East County.

“Manatee County has proven we are a champion of animal welfare,” said Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore in a release. “The Bishop Foundation saw that, and were so impressed with the comprehensive animal welfare program started in 2011 they approached us to continue their original mission.”

Whitmore had spearheaded a drive to build a new shelter on State Road 64 in East County, but that effort has been delayed as commissioners examine the impact of the Bishop Animal Shelter, located at 5718 21st Ave. W. in Bradenton.

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The donation, which included the 25,000-square-foot facility, 14.47 acres, the original shelter that was on the site and a house, has been valued at $18 million. Manatee County’s release said “the agreement stipulates that the county will operate the shelter with a 90% live release rate, and limits operations to the care and maintenance of animals.”

“We are overwhelmed by the generosity of this gift,” said Manatee County Animal Services Division Chief Sarah Brown in the release.

“We are excited about the expansion of Animal Services to a third location, and the care we will be able to provide to the animals.”

The county now runs three animals shelters: Cat Town (216 Sixth Ave. E., Bradenton), Palmetto Animal Services (305 25th St. W., Palmetto) and the Bishop Animal Shelter.

$5.35 million commercial sale in Lakewood Ranch The Lakewood Heart office building in Sarasota has sold for $5.35 million.

The building, at 6771 Professional Parkway, was bought by a local investor.

According to a statement announcing the sale, the buyer is LWR Offices LLC. The LLC, according to the Florida Division of Corporations, is tied to Shattuck Properties in Sarasota. The company owns properties throughout the area and in Minnesota.

The 21,553-square-foot office building, with tenants that include The Center for Skin Wellness and Brain and Body Chiropractic, had been owned by Kingdom Development LWR. When Kingdom bought it in April 2020 for $3.4 million, occupancy was 94% and rental rates were below market value, said Jag Grewal of Ian Black Real Estate.

Kingdom Development made improvements to the property, upgrading common areas, resurfacing the parking lot and installing a new HVAC system; the building is now 100% filled.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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Graduation rate case ends with settlement School District of Manatee County Superintendent Cynthia Saunders receives fine, reprimand.

ABOUT SAUNDERS

LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER

T

he Florida Education Practices Commission accepted a settlement agreement March 8 with Cynthia Saunders, the superintendent of the School District of Manatee County, regarding Saunders’ alleged inflation of the district’s graduation rates during the 2014-15 and 2015-16 school years.

“I am thankful the Florida Education Practices Commission accepted the agreement reached between myself and the Florida Department of Education,” Saunders said in a statement. “The EPC’s ruling brings closure to a case that involves decisions and actions that date back to 2014.”

Florida Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart accused Saunders, who was then the executive director of secondary schools, of two statute violations and five rules violations Dec. 6, 2018. The violations included filing fraudulent information, using coercive means or promised special treatment to influence professional judgments of colleagues, and failure to maintain honesty in all professional dealings.

The Florida Department of Education reprimanded Saunders for her role in inflating the district’s graduation rates by instructing subordinate district employees to improperly code student withdrawals as moving to homeschooling even when that was not the case, causing the district’s graduation rate to be improperly reflected.

During the 2014-2015 school year, six of the 121 students withdrawn from school were properly coded, according to the settlement agreement.

File photo

Cynthia Saunders, superintendent of the School District of Manatee County, reached a settlement agreement with the Education Practices Commission.

The settlement agreement states that the process Saunders allegedly used “may have interfered with educational opportunities for students.”

Mitchell Teitelbaum, the district’s general counsel, previously stated that Saunders implemented the same process in Manatee County that she was trained to use as a high school principal in Marion County in 2010-2011, and the process had never been disputed.

In October 2016, Saunders was notified that the state had concerns about the process. She immediately ordered an internal audit and put corrective actions and safeguards in place.

Saunders reached an initial settlement in May 2019, but the Education Practices Commission rejected the proposed settlement in October 2019.

On March 8, the commission accepted a settlement agreement with Saunders that will result in a letter of reprimand, required courses and a $2,000 fine. She could also be put on probation.

The agreement states that Saunders “neither admits nor denies, but elects not to contest the allegations.”

The letter of reprimand will be placed in Saunders’ certification file with the Department of Education as well as in her personnel file with the School District of Manatee County.

Saunders agreed to take two threecredit-hour college level courses or four micro-credential courses in education ethics and at-risk students within two years. Saunders will need to submit documentation verifying the completion of the courses with a passing score.

Saunders also could be placed on

probation for two employment years if she enters a position that requires her educator certificate. The superintendent position doesn’t require a Florida Educator Certificate.

Michael Barber, a spokesperson for the School District of Manatee County, said Saunders has no intention of entering into a position that would require a Florida Educator Certificate at this time.

Saunders must pay the $2,000 fine to the Education Practices Commission within two years of the final order accepting the settlement agreement.

Saunders said in a statement that the acceptance of the settlement is bittersweet.

In the statement, Saunders said she learned she “could have done a better job implementing changes upon entering a new school district.”

n Cynthia Saunders has been with the School District of Manatee County since 2013. n She started as the executive director of secondary schools. n In 2015, Saunders was appointed the deputy superintendent of instructional services. n Saunders has been serving as superintendent of the School District of Manatee County since June 2018, when she was appointed to the position. n The School Board of Manatee County approved her contract with a 3-2 vote. Board members Gina Messenger and Charlie Kennedy were the dissenting votes. n The School Board of Manatee County unanimously approved an extension of Saunders’ contract in December 2020. n Saunders’ contract now expires June 30, 2023. n Saunders makes $196,000 per year.

“Ultimately, the lessons I have learned taught me a lot about myself and leadership that has served me well in my current position,” she said in the statement.

Saunders said that in the past six years, the district’s graduation rates have been accepted and published without any additional inquiries or findings.

She has been with the School District of Manatee County since 2013.

She was promoted to deputy superintendent of instructional services in 2015.

In June 2018, the School Board of Manatee County named Saunders interim superintendent in a 4-1 vote.

She replaced former superintendent Diana Greene, who was with the district from 2015 to 2018.

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022

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BOB? File photo

The finish tower has been built at Nathan Benderson Park, but the long-planned boathouse/ events center project has floundered.

Park chair makes waves The Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy, the nonprofit’s board, hopes to enact changes.

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

When Michael Taaffe, a partner with Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, took over as the new chair of the Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy in September, his rebuilding of the board could best be termed as “aggressive.”

In his two previous years on the board of the former Suncoast Aquatics Nature Center Associates, a nonprofit that ran the park for Sarasota

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County, Taaffe said not much was getting done.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic could be partially to blame, Taaffe said the board had little diversity, and he was going to change that fact quickly.

The Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy announced its name change March 7, along with its five new board appointments (two-year terms).

“I looked at the board like I was managing a small company,” Taaffe said. “I wanted to recruit people who have knowledge of our products.”

Taaffe was a founding member of Sarasota Crew and has coached the sport as well. His four kids were

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national team rowers.

He was asked a few years ago if he wanted to be the chair but didn’t want to miss his kids’ races. With his kids graduating from college, he now has the time.

One of his first moves was making sure Curtis Jordan, the former Princeton rowing coach, would remain on the board. He is now chairman-elect.

Taaffe then started thinking aboard board members who weren’t associated with rowing.

“If you look at the park, we have a lot of people who are doing a lot of biking,” Taaffe said. “So we got Louis Kosiba.”

Kosiba is a retired business executive and president of Friends of The Legacy Trail.

Taaffe noted that the Legacy Trail will have a spur that connects with the park.

He then sought a member of the running community, recruiting Molly Jackson, who owns New Balance Sarasota and University Park, Molly’s Boutique and Fleet Feet Sarasota.

He said the board’s average age when he took over as chair was approximately 70, so he persuaded Jay Riley of University of South Florida—Sarasota-Manatee to join the board. Riley, USF’s senior director of corporate partnerships and external affairs, is in his 40s. Taaffe said Riley wants to establish college rowing programs at the park.

“Manatee County and Lakewood Ranch are such big draws for us, so we wanted to get someone from that area. We got Linda de Mello (an organizational consultant).”

Former Sarasota County Commissioner Carolyn Mason was a member of the SANCA board but quit, according to Taaffe, because the board wasn’t doing enough to attract minorities to the park and its programs. She has agreed to return to the board.

“We had one female on the board, and now we have four and five males,” Taaffe said. “We have changed the balance of gender, age and backgrounds. I wanted to shake it up.”

Besides Jordan, other returning board members are Sarasota County Commissioner Ron Cutsinger and Joanne Fava, a sports medicine specialist.

The Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy will continue to contract

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022

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

with Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources. The park is 600 acres and hosts North America’s premier 2,000-meter rowing course.

“The new name will further unify the park and its operator,” Stephen Rodriguez, the conservancy’s interim president and CEO/chief operating officer, said in a release. “It will also further strengthen and reinforce the Nathan Benderson Park brand within the community and national and international markets.”

Taaffe has established some ambitious goals for the park. He said he wants to break ground on the planned boathouse/events center in two years. That project has floundered for years, but Taaffe said it is critical to the park. Although he said he couldn’t release information about the project until it is cleared through Sarasota County, he said the hope is that it includes an events center that can host indoor basketball and volleyball tournaments. He said such a building would generate funds for the park. A feasibility study is being conducted.

The previous estimate for a boathouse/events center was $10 million, but Taaffe said the new project would be dramatically higher. He said approximately $7 million is committed to the program at this time.

“We are going to get that done,” he said. “It should have been done long ago.”

Other immediate projects include a lengthened cinder trail and an outside pavilion area that can host exercise programs. A bigger playground area, which would be designed for small to middle school-aged children, is being considered.

He said once Sarasota County completes the “flyover,” which will be a bridge over Interstate 75 that will connect the Waterside of Lakewood Ranch and UTC areas, the park can begin hosting marathon events and full triathlons.

“We could go to the Celery Fields and back to the park,” he said.

The Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy also is seeking a CEO; the interview process will include acting-CEO Stephen Rodriguez.

“We want to be dynamic,” Taaffe said.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022

Pole position produces golden buzz WHAT THE JUDGES HAD TO SAY “You gave me every emotion. I was nervous; I was scared; I was thrilled; I was excited. I have never seen anything like that. You’re fearless. I was so impressed.”

— Nikki Bella

“I’m slightly jealous that I didn’t give you that golden buzzer because this defines what this show is about. Even climbing up the ladder you could’ve gotten a golden buzzer for that let alone with what followed next in the rain. It was just extraordinary. Good for you.”

— Simon Cowell

Cyndel Flores has been performing on the sway pole since she was 17 years old.

Myakka woman’s fearless stunt helps her climb ranks of ‘America’s Got Talent: Extreme.’

LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER

B

efore Myakka City’s Cyndel Flores was about to perform on “America’s Got Talent: Extreme,” it began to rain.

Her already dangerous act of climbing up a more than 60-foot breakaway sway pole and doing acrobatic tricks became increasingly difficult.

“When it started raining, it definitely made me nervous,” Flores said. “But I also was disappointed because I thought, ‘I have one more thing against me, and I’m not going to be able to make it up the pole.’ I thought, ‘I’m not going to be able to do it. I came this far, I did all this, and I’m not even going to be able to make it up.’”

Climbing up the pole, she slipped, causing the audience and judges to gasp.

“When one little slip like that happens, it’s terrifying because why?”

Flores said. “Was I not paying attention enough? Is there humidity in the air? Is the pole dusty or just wet?

Everything starts rushing in my head. I could have fallen. After that, my grip was a little tighter.”

Flores made it to the top of the sway pole and did a few acrobatic tricks, dazzling the crowd. She put herself upside down on the sway pole before the pole dropped, which panicked the audience.

But it was part of her act.

Flores amazed the judges so much that Travis Pastrana, a professional motorsports competitor and stunt performer, used his only golden buzzer to advance Flores straight to the live shows that began March 14.

She was eliminated just short of the final four competition. “(Pastrana) is the man when anyone in our industry thinks of extreme or dangerous acts or stunts,” Flores said.

Judge Nikki Bella said Flores made her feel a variety of emotions, from excited to thrilled to nervous and more. Bella told Flores she was fearless.

Simon Cowell, a longtime judge on “America’s Got Talent,” told Flores that he was jealous he couldn’t push the golden buzzer for her act.

FUN FACTS

Residence: Myakka City Age: 24 Age she started performing: 6 Stunt performed on “America’s Got Talent: Extreme”: Breakaway sway pole Favorite stunt: Globe of Death with her 11-year-old sister, Zaina

“The fact Simon was jealous because he couldn’t give it to me meant so much because he’s seen everything,” Flores said. “The man has been all over. He has seen all the different acts around the world. To impress him and for him to say he’s jealous was crazy.”

Although most people see performing on a breakaway sway pole as a dangerous act, Flores sees it as normal. She grew up watching her mother, Arcelia Flores, perform on the sway pole.

“It wasn’t until I was older that I realized that’s not normal,” Flores said. “As cool as I think the act is, I also grew up seeing it. My mom is doing it. The same mom that makes me breakfast every morning. The same mom that switches my laundry

into the dryer when I forget that it’s been in the washer for a long time.”

Flores was 15 when she told her parents she wanted to try the sway pole to perform in the Fearless Flores Family act. Her parents told her she needed to wait a few more years so she would be more mature and understand that every time she went on the sway pole she was risking her life.

Because the sway pole is so dangerous, Flores had to make her way up the sway pole in phases.

The first time she tried climbing the pole, she only made it 15 feet.

She was shaking and kept looking down, but her mom reassured her she could come down and try again the next day.

Little by little, Flores made her way higher and higher on the pole.

“When I got to the final part where the ladder stops and you have to freehand climb the rest of the way, for a couple of days I would just sit at the middle spot and hang out there,” Flores said. “Mom was like, just take it and feel how the pole moves, because up there, you’re moving with the sway pole. If the sway pole says you’re going to sway to the right, that’s where you’re going. There’s no fighting it.”

At the age of 17, Flores finally made it to the top of the sway pole and had her “Mulan moment.” (There is a moment in the Disney movie “Mulan” that the title character beats the odds to climb to the top of a wooden pole and looks down in satisfaction at the people below her, then looks at the scenery around her.)

“I saw everything,” Flores said about being at the top of the sway pole. “I saw my neighbor’s house.

I could see everything, and it was definitely my ‘Mulan’ moment. I thought that was so cool.”

At 24 years old, Flores continues to overcome her fear of heights to perform on the breakaway sway pole. She’s found that taking off her glasses helps her get over her fear.

“When I say I have bad eyesight, I mean I can’t see 5 feet in front of me,” Flores said. “There’s so many pictures of me out there squinting because I can’t see. I think a lot of it is being able to be in the moment. I don’t want any outside little things to break my concentration.”

EAST COUNTY

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Cyndel Flores learned how to perform on the sway pole from her mother, Arcelia Flores.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022

JAY HEATER

Innovation sparks hope in Lakewood Ranch W

Photos by Jay Heater

Vascular surgeon Vivian Torres performed an innovative heart procedure at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, and interventional cardiologist Vivek Kumar says a patient who was on hospice now has a brighter outlook thanks to it.

ed from the rooftops, that statement by Kumar is bound to attract everyone’s attention.

Torres performed the March 7 surgery. It was her first attempt at the technique.

“It increases your day-to-day quality of life,” Torres said.

We all can cheer that one.

Torres said one way to think of it is as an electronic device sending signals that ultimately relax the heart.

She said it often is prescribed for patients where there is “nothing more medically you can do.”

“This will make it convenient to the community,” she said of having the procedure at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. “The gentleman who had the surgery lives four blocks away.”

Kumar said the patient is doing better in his first week. A year ago, he was in hospice, with the realiza-

tion he probably wasn’t coming out.

Now, while he still has major heart problems, he might be more mobile.

Kumar said he might be able to stop the man’s current medication, which is being rejected by his body.

It does border on the miraculous.

“That’s what we are here for,” Torres said of changing a patient’s outlook – and performing the occasional miracle.

If you miss a little doctor-speak, I will offer this from a press release from the hospital: “Barostim is a simple, implantable device similar to a pacemaker.

It electrically activates the body’s main cardiovascular reflex – the baroreflex, signaling the brain to regulate cardiovascular function resulting in lower heart rate and blood pressure, helping relieve the symptoms of heart failure. The device targets the nerves around the heart and not the heart itself.”

I prefer, “It might extend your life when you have no hope.”

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and is an outpatient procedure, it says in the release. “Patients usually are discharged the same day.”

In August, Manatee Memorial became the first hospital on Florida’s west coast to use the procedure. Lori Boyd, the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center’s director of marketing, said Lakewood Ranch was second.

Kumar realized his patient was in dire shape and didn’t have much longer to live without a new strategy. So far, so good, according to Kumar and Torres.

Torres said she hopes to perform another Barostim Baroreflex Activation Therapy soon.

Both said Lakewood Ranch Medical Center embraces new technology and supports the doctors’

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efforts to do so. Torres said the new surgery takes more preparation and more people to assist.

“It’s exciting to be able to bring it to this hospital,” she said. “They want to grow and provide a complete service to the community.”

Kumar has worked for six years at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, among other hospitals in the region, while Torres has worked at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center for four years.

They said it will be mostly extreme heart failure cases that will be in line for the new procedure, and where the procedure goes in the future is promising.

“The whole cardiology community has embraced it,” Kumar said. “And this hospital is willing to support the innovation that is going to include a training process and a learning curve.”

While it’s too early to begin recording significant data, Kumar said it isn’t out of the realm of possibility that the first patience might be able to take a healthy walk in the future.

The batteries for the device last approximately five years before they must be changed.

After 20 minutes, the doctors were off to treat patients, while I had what I needed for a story.

They were controlled and calm responses, even if I was searching for bubbly.

Boyd, the directory of marketing, forced me to take another view.

“Wouldn’t you want your doctor to be calm?” she said.

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

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hen you’re not feeling well, it’s great to talk with a doctor.

When you’re doing a newspaper interview, usually not so much.

They’ve always got a schedule to keep and sometimes are dealing with life and death, so excuse them for not getting more charged up about your questions.

Then you have all those medical terms that can make your head spin.

Often, replies can be emotionless and monotone.

Kind of like a grocery list.

Pick up some strawberries, hamburger, milk, eggs and butter.

Stimulate the carotid artery, infuse a drug into the system with a pump, add an IV, put a generator in the pocket of the chest.

Just another item on the to-do list. Blah, blah, blah.

But this time was different.

I thought it would be interesting to see how vascular surgeon Vivian Torres and interventional cardiologist Vivek Kumar would react as they talked about the first Barostim Baroreflex Activation Therapy devises implanted into a Lakewood Ranch resident March 7.

Thankfully, they touched upon the enormity of the procedure to those living in East County. Call it reserved enthusiasm, but it was there.

Kumar had researched the procedure, which places an electronic device similar to a small pacemaker on the carotid bulb. Then a wire runs under the skin to a battery pack implanted into the chest. Now, I could tell you about how the vagus nerve is impacted by all this, but I wanted to skip ahead to the important stuff, so that non-doctors know what is at stake.

“This is having an option for patients who don’t have an option,” Kumar said. “It might extend your life when you have no hope.”

Whether stated quietly or shout-

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022

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It’s a fixture of My Hometown Fest: a large map of the United States where people can place a star on their hometown.

The hope is to get 3,000 stars or more on that map March 26 after My Hometown Fest ran a far smaller event in 2021 — My Hometown Jam — due to the pandemic.

This year it returns to the music festival that people have come to expect at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota.

My Hometown Fest gives those who attend a chance to share memories of their roots with live music, food and craft beverages for the $35 admission price. The event benefits the Sertoma Club of Greater Sarasota, which provides therapy to those who face speech, language and hearing challenges.

“We get stars all over that map,” said Tim Self, a member of the Sertoma Club of Greater Sarasota. “The whole idea of My Hometown Fest is that you’re likely to experience the flavors, be it food or beverage, that is reminiscent of your hometown.”

In January 2020, the nonprofit purchased a larger facility (2750 Stickney Point Road, Sarasota) to call home.

“Our new permanent home is almost paid for, but larger events like (My Hometown Fest) raise more money and certainly help us serve more kids, and that’s what we’re all about,” Self said.

The festival will feature between 20 and 25 restaurants that will provide samples of food and more than 50 craft beverage vendors.

Unlike past years when the festival was focused primarily on craft beer, My Hometown Fest is expanding to

File photo

IF YOU GO MY HOMETOWN FEST When: Noon to 5 p.m. March 26 Where: Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota Admission: $35 Parking: $5 Tickets: MyHometownFest. com Highlights: See three bands, including Ten-76, Derek Lersch Band and Matthew Johns Band, perform at Nathan Benderson Park. Bring your own chair.

Country Club residents Bill Thornton and Brenda Kahn are music lovers who attended My Hometown Jam last year and enjoyed eating at the Maggie on the Move food truck.

include several craft beverages, such as flavored seltzers, gin, bourbon, vodka and more.

My Hometown Fest will feature live music by Ten-76, the Derek Lersch Band and the Matthew Johns Band.

Self said the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office will have its Junior SWAT Team obstacle course along with an armored vehicle to tour, while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are bringing an RV with a “Madden NFL” gaming station inside.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022

Bright futures ahead Freedom Elementary fourth graders learn about new careers and think about their futures during Project TEACH. LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER

W

hen Melanie Stern asked a group of Freedom Elementary School fourth graders to guess her age, she got several different responses.

One student thought she was 29.

“Oh, well thank you,” Stern said.

Four students thought she was 41.

“OK, that’s close,” Stern said.

Another thought she was 79.

“That’s way off,” Stern said with a laugh.

When Stern revealed she was 45, the students who guessed close to her actual age cheered.

The age guessing game was part of the first impression exercise Stern did with the class for Project TEACH, or Teach Everyone About Career Horizons.

Project TEACH is a partnership between the Manatee Chamber of Commerce and the School District of Manatee County that brings business professionals from around the county into fourth grade classrooms to help students explore dif-

ion designers, while other students wanted to enter the medical field.

“You can tell that everyone is coming from a different background,” Stern said. “It’s truly influenced by where they live, how they grew up, and everyone wants to be unique, which is wonderful. We have protectors out there; we have teachers out there; we have designers out there.

We have a bright future.”

The students were tasked with creating their own business cards.

They had to come up with their own businesses, job titles and contact information.

Four Freedom Elementary School fourth graders shared their dreams for future careers.

PROJECT TEACH

The Manatee Chamber of Commerce partnered with the School District of Manatee County to start Project TEACH, or Teach Everyone About Career Horizons, more than 30 years ago.

Project TEACH sends business volunteers into fourth grade classrooms across dozens of elementary schools to help students learn about the importance of first impressions while exploring different career opportunities.

ferent career opportunities while also learning about the importance of first impressions.

This year, volunteers went into 147 classrooms across Manatee County elementary schools.

Stern went on to share more about herself and her career as a director of human resources for logistics for Bealls.

“It was amazing,” Stern said.

“The energy of the students and the engagement they had was wonderful. They’re inquisitive and very open to learning as well, which was great.”

Fourth graders had the opportunity to share their dream jobs. Some students wanted to go into the military, others wanted to become fash-

get into science more,” Conner said.

When he grows up, Conner hopes to become CEO and help his family’s company expand to have more clients and impact more areas.

HARPER WARBER

Warber has spent years drawing and designing dresses with the dream of becoming a fashion designer.

“I want to see people wearing my dresses in movies,” Warber said.

Inspiration for Warber also came from YouTube. She watched videos of girls trying to make dresses and thought maybe she could do the same when she grows up.

“I want to design things that make people happy,” Warber said.

ETHAN CONNER

Ethan Conner wants to follow in the family business at CRC Technologies, which helps clients with project management, engineering, business systems and more. Conner’s grandfather, Charles Conner, started the company in 1996.

“I feel like I’ve always wanted to

“One day, I realized turtles don’t get as much attention, and the leatherback turtles are almost gone,” Collins said.

Collins is ready to get started with her organization as a fourth grader.

She’s working on making flyers to hand out at school and raise money.

Some day, Collins hopes to help leatherback turtles breed so that they will no longer be endangered.

ANNA COLLINS

JAYDEN LI

Although he’s not certain exactly what his future will hold, Jayden Li has an interest in becoming an engineer.

He loves science and math and is interested in learning how machines work.

“I think I’ll make a machine that can help people,” Li said.

Inspiration to become an engineer came from watching a YouTube video that showed how some machines work.

Li would like to create prosthetics to help those who are missing limbs.

“Maybe I can help kids who are in the hospital and are missing arms,” Li said.

Anna Collins dreams of starting an organization that protects turtles, her favorite animal.

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Behind scenes with county EMS Manatee County’s EMS presents a behind-thescenes look at Lakewood Ranch’s CERT. IAN SWABY

BE PREPARED

STAFF WRITER

Jim and Karen Emanuelson, president and communications manager, respectively, of the Lakewood Ranch Community Emergency Response Team, know their members are well prepared.

But they didn’t know if their members understood the complexity behind Manatee County’s Emergency Medical Services response to an emergency.

On March 14, the Lakewood Ranch CERT team met with the EMS personnel at the Emergency Operations Center on 46th Terrace East in Bradenton for a presentation covering the inner workings of the department during an emergency.

“I wanted our members to see the breadth of what they deal with in our emergency services department,” Jim Emanuelson said. “How comprehensive it is, what they do to keep us protected. All the different emergency support functions, all the agencies involved when an emergency hits.”

Jim Emanuelson said some members of his organization thought they should radio every call during an emergency into the Emergency Operations Center. But that center is dealing with much larger issues.

Contacting local fire stations is the better plan of action, he said.

The event was hosted by Manatee County Emergency Management Chief Steve Litschauer, who presented a detailed look at all of the facets of the department’s role.

“In a nutshell, what we do is we bring people together — we coordinate and collaborate with every-

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body,” Litschauer said. “A lot of people think we’re the hurricane police.

Oh, my goodness, I wish that’s all I did. Then, I might have hair. But we’re worth far more than that.”

Litschauer discussed recent events EMS has had to deal with, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also noted numerous items that lead to potential emergency situations, such as fires, aircraft crashes, communication and electrical failures, cybersecurity concerns, red tide and civil unrest.

“One thing you might not think about is the holiday weekends at the beach,” he said. “They bring in tens

Ian Swaby

Manatee County EMS Chief Steve Litschauer stands with Lakewood Ranch CERT President Jim Emanuelson, his “eyes and ears.”

of thousands of people. So for that we put together an incident action plan. There’s 13 agencies that work together.”

Litschauer said computers now track emergencies and allow them to send information to appropriate agencies.

He also took the opportunity to showcase the reason for the panel screens in the room, which are used to view simultaneously multiple news broadcasts, maps for displaying incidents and traffic management cameras.

Litschauer thanked CERT for being “our eyes and ears in the community.”

“We have 408,000 residents in Manatee County,” he said. “If just 10% called 9-1-1, all in the same morning, it would be 41,000 calls.

We don’t have a thousand firetrucks.

These storms are so big, it may take health professionals days to get

there.”

He said it is therefore important for CERT members to check their neighborhoods after the emergency subsides. Sometimes that could mean going door to door.

“We’ve got to figure out who needs help and where and all that,” he said.

“Cell towers get blown down, and the county is hundreds of square miles.”

He said CERT members can check the main roads to see if they are passable.

Jim Emanuelson said CERT volunteers are trained in all critical pillars of emergency first aid, including how to keep people breathing, apply bandages and perform triage. Part of the certification course involves learning to pull a 180-pound dummy from beneath a pile of rubble.

“Somebody might be needed to do that in real life when the fire department’s going to be three or four days out,” he said.

Being a member of CERT could even pay off during non-emergency times. Emanuelson said one CERT member potentially saved the life of a chef who had cut himself at a restaurant. The CERT member had his first-aid kit with him.

Emanuelson said visiting with EMS was informative.

“I always enjoy coming here,” he said. “It’s impressive to see the amount of planning that the county does to keep us safe. As always, it makes me feel good. We appreciate everything the people in emergency management do.”

Likewise, EMS appreciates the CERT volunteers and buys anyone who goes through CERT training a helmet and reflective vest.

“I feel it’s valuable for people to know what we do in here so they can better know what they’re reporting on and what we do with the information,” said Litschauer.

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HIGH

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5

1

Lakewood Ranch High senior girls track and field runner Maya Bridgeford won the 400-meter dash (58.03 seconds) and finished second in the 200-meter dash (26.51 seconds) at the 2022 Charlotte Invitational, held March 10 at Charlotte High.

2

The Out-of-Door Academy senior girls lacrosse player Megan Dowdell had two goals and three assists March 8 in the Thunder’s 19-1 home win against Cardinal Mooney.

3

Lakewood Ranch High senior baseball pitcher Mason Wozniak threw a complete game, allowing one run on five hits, March 10 in the Mustangs’ 2-1 road win against Sarasota High.

4

Carolyn Kluding, Jeanie Blazey, Barbara Romig and Sondra Ettlinger (29) won the Nine Hole Ladies Golf Association Member-Guest Team Alternate Shot event held March 10 at University Park Country Club.

5

Ron Steger, Jan Steger, Sam Poots and Tess Poots (106) won the Couples’ 18-Hole Better Ball event held March 13 at Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club’s King’s Dunes course.

“I have a quick twitch, and I am athletic. That helps me hit for power.”

— Lakewood Ranch High softball player Grace Hogie SEE PAGE 18

Brisk pace Sarasota-Bradenton Triathlon contested during cold conditions at Nathan Benderson Park.

RYAN KOHN SPORTS EDITOR

F

ew things will prevent triathletes like Chris Fotache from giving their all.

A day of cold water and near-freezing temperatures is one of them.

When it became clear that the Sarasota-Bradenton Triathlon, scheduled for March 12-13 at Nathan Benderson Park, would feature such temperatures thanks to storm systems in the area, Fotache, 46, originally wanted to back out.

“I was dead set against competing,” Fotache said. “The water would just be too cold. But then the event announced it would cancel the swimming portion of the age group races and become a duathlon, and I said OK. I felt like I had to still compete at that point.”

So Fotache was back on track.

Indeed, the triathlon — which moved all of its races to March 13 after storms arrived on the scheduled event date of March 12 — became a duathlon for the age group races and the youth and junior elite races to eliminate any risk of hypothermia.

It still was chilly for the age group competitors, who had to begin their 8 a.m. races in temperatures in the low 40s and with winds whipping between 9 and 17 mph.

Fotache, who moved to Sarasota in July 2021 after living for 20 years in New Jersey, said he had never been as cold during a race as he was in this one. His legs cramped during the bike portion, and it lingered into the running section of his event.

Even with those issues, Fotache, a member of the Sarasota Storm triathlon group, finished third in the 45-49 age bracket (47:33.6). He had hoped for a faster time, he said.

Triathletes are a different breed, thriving off the challenge.

Fotache wasn’t born that way. He said he did not live an active lifestyle until 2005, going from little physical activity to being a consistent runner.

Two years later, he got bored of running. He thought adding more variety to his workout world solve

ELITE DIVISION MEN’S RESULTS n Richard Murray, South Africa (29:14.1) n Kevin McDowell, United States (29:15.1) n Daniel Dixon, Great Britain (29:23.8) WOMEN’S RESULTS n Kirsten Kasper, United States (32:47.0) n Emy Legault, Canada (32.50.1) n Rachel Klamer, Netherlands (32:55.4)

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that issue, so he began training for triathlons. All these years later, he’s still going. The most consecutive days Fotache has missed a workout is three, he said, and that was last summer when he was ill.

Luke Anthony, who won the men’s junior elite race in 27:59.5, began participating in triathlons only three years ago. The high school senior from East Lyme, Connecticut, has rapidly made a name for himself.

Anthony said he quickly took to the sport in part because of his father, John Anthony, who taught him the value of mental toughness from an early age.

ACT OF KINDNESS PAGE 17

Connecticut’s Luke Anthony won the men’s Junior Elite race in 27:59.5.

The women’s Junior Elite participants take off on the running portion of their SarasotaBradenton Triathlon race.

Photos by Ryan Kohn

Englewood’s Sara Krzywanski won the women’s 45-49 age group race in 46:23.7.

“See, I love this (the conditions),” Anthony said. “I do my best in the worst conditions. I battle. I love to get in this craziness, this chaos. My dad was a triathlete and qualified for worlds a few times. I want to follow in his footsteps, which means I have to get to the top of the sport.

Nothing can stop me. I have been a very competitive person since I can remember.”

Anthony had a defining moment as a 10-year-old cyclist, racing up and down Mount Washington in New Hampshire. It might sound exhausting to most kids of that age, but Anthony had a blast, he said.

It was one of the experiences that helped him realize he enjoyed testing his limits, which is something he said he still does every day.

He trains with Balanced Art Multisport in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is enrolled in virtual schooling, maximizing both the time and the level of his training. Anthony said he will run for Providence on a cross-country scholarship next year and hopes to become a renowned triathlete one day.

It’s not just the elite-level hopefuls who grind out practices every chance they get. Englewood resident Sara Krzywanski, who won the female 45-49 age group in 46:23.7, began triathlon training only a year and a half ago. She took up her newfound hobby despite being a mother of four and working full time.

“I used to run a lot,” Krzywanski said. “Triathlon just always appealed to me. It looked fun to run and ride on a bike and try to swim, all at the same time. So I did. Once I tried it, I was hooked. I just started doing more and more. I jumped right in.”

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

PROSE AND KOHN

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THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022

17

RYAN KOHN

A pitch for kindness U nder pitch black conditions, even the smallest light source — the flicker of a flame — can have a major

impact.

It is in that spirit I bring you a story of kindness and hope.

National and world news has had a tendency to be bleak. Important, but bleak nonetheless. Consuming it all day can take a toll.

The Lakewood Ranch High baseball players did something that acts as a counterbalance to all that. The story is moving because it shows the power that benevolence at any scale can have.

Lakewood Ranch resident Chris Olander, 50, had been diagnosed with breast cancer and on Feb. 21 underwent a double mastectomy as part of her treatment plan. The initial surgery went well, but Olander developed pulmonary embolisms on Feb. 27 as a complication.

Those had to be treated as well, and the entire ordeal has left Olander understandably exhausted.

Sean Olander said his wife still has trouble speaking more than a few words at a time before needing to catch her breath. Her outlook is good, but with much recovery time ahead of her, she could use all the good thoughts anyone is willing to share.

A few family friends decided to do more. Angela Combs, one of Olander’s closest friends and neighbors, has a son, Ryan Combs, who is a senior on the Lakewood Ranch baseball team. Ryan Combs is friends with the Olanders’ son, Austin Olander, a junior on the Cardinal Mooney High baseball team. Because of those relationships — and knowing that Chris Olander was feeling down from all

the surgery — the Combs family wanted to do something nice. They decided to use flowers to provide a little surprise and lift her spirits.

If the Combs family decided to give the flowers to Olander directly, that would have been nice. Then again, if they could get more people involved, that would be even better.

Suddenly Ryan Combs had an idea.

“I thought it would be big to do something with my (baseball) team,” Ryan Combs said. “I put a message in our team group on Snapchat and told them what happened and that we wanted to give her roses. I asked if they would help.

Everyone was in right away.”

On March 3, Chris Olander opened the door to find Ryan Combs holding a rose. He handed it to her.

The rest of the Mustangs, who were standing behind him, followed suit. Some of them knew Austin Olander from travel ball and youth ball. Others did not. It didn’t matter. They all showed up.

Sean Olander — who was also present and aware of what the team was planning — said his wife was overcome with emotion. She tried to say thank you to the boys even though she could barely gather her breath to speak. One look at the photos from the moment will tell you that Chris Olander was moved.

“It was overwhelming for her,” Sean Olander said. “She actually felt bad because she had a hard time saying ‘thank you,’ but she was so appreciative. It definitely lifted her spirits. The main thing she took from it was how good-hearted those kids are.”

Other than handing out roses, the team also made a trifold poster board wishing Chris Olander well

Photos by Photo courtesy Angela Combs

The Lakewood Ranch High baseball team presented Lakewood Ranch resident Chris Olander with roses in the wake of her double mastectomy in February. Senior Ryan Combs (left) spearheaded the effort.

it. Even the kids who did not previously know Chris Olander felt great about helping to brighten someone’s day, Combs said.

Chris Olander was so moved by the gesture that she contacted Lakewood Ranch High to tell the administration about the school’s great baseball players. She also made a $1,000 donation to the program.

“Chris’ main thing is, there are people who have it a lot worse than her or are going through similar procedures,” Sean Olander said.

“This really isn’t about her in her mind; it’s about the baseball team and the people who put this thing together. It was just a few minutes out of their day, but it meant so much. The support overall that she has received from the baseball community has been amazing, from Mooney and Lakewood Ranch and Braden River and Parrish (Community) and beyond. The world needs more families like that.”

I could not agree more. I’m sure there are other athletes in the Lakewood Ranch area who have done similar good deeds. We should lift

Lakewood Ranch High senior Mason Wozniak gives Chris Olander a rose as she stands next to her husband, Sean.

and signed it with their names, attaching a pink breast cancer ribbon in the corner. Ryan Combs said seeing the Olanders’ reactions made the gesture more than worth

those deeds up, too. The world is hard enough as it is. Together, with a little kindness, we can make it better.

Ryan Combs said it better than I could: “I hope that people do similar things for others in need,” he said.

“I think this shows that people do actually care about others and what happens in life. It felt amazing to make even a small difference.”

In all of this, baseball can begin to feel a bit trivial, but it is the sport that brought all of these people together. Lakewood Ranch High (3-2) and Cardinal Mooney High (3-4) play each other at 7 p.m. April 13 at Lakewood Ranch High.

You’ll want to watch these two groups of young men play.

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

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Grace Hogie Grace Hogie is a senior catcher/outfielder on the Lakewood Ranch High softball team. Hogie went three-forthree with a home run and three RBIs March 11 in the Mustangs’ 16-1 home win against Gulf Coast High.

When did you start playing softball?

I started playing softball when I was 7 years old. Well, I actually started in T-ball when I was 6. I moved up to softball after one year. My brothers (Christopher and Joshua Hogie) played baseball, and it was “monkey see, monkey do.” I wanted to be part of whatever they were doing.

What is the appeal to you?

I love the competitive nature of softball. I love that it is always evolving. One game is not going to be like the next. One at-bat is not going to be like the next. You always have to react, and I am a reactive player. The challenge of that drew me to the game.

What is your best skill?

I have a quick twitch, and I am athletic. That helps me hit for power.

What have you been working to improve?

I am always working to improve my arm strength and my strength in general. I try to go to the gym often.

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.

I do CrossFit. That is how I elevate my game.

What is your favorite memory?

My favorite memory is when I was going to my first softball practice ever. It was at the Lakewood Ranch Park fields, and my family was with me. My parents don’t play sports, so they didn’t know the layout of the fields or where anything was. We had to walk up to every single field to find the right one. It was really funny.

What are your goals for this season?

A lot of people think we just want to do what we did last year (win the state championship) and play at the same level, but we have talked a lot about how that’s not a good mindset. We do want to win states, of course, but we actually want to be better than we were last year.

We have had another year’s worth of experience. We want to be better defensively and offensively, and we want to be more consistent.

What is the best advice you have received?

Give people the benefit of the doubt and hear them through. You never know what is going on in their lives.

What is your favorite TV show?

My favorite show is “3rd Rock from the Sun.” Finish this sentence: “Grace Hogie is …” … Positive. That’s something I am actively working on being. My family preaches that, and it is good to have a positive outlook.

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MARCH 17, 2022

YOUR NEIGHBORS ABOUT JROTC

Braden River High’s drill team wins sixth consecutive district title.

LEGACY

GROWS IAN SWABY

STAFF WRITER

I

t would appear that winning has become routine for Braden River High’s Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps drill team, which won its sixth consecutive Area 5 District Drill Team Championship March 5 at Riverview High School.

But any routine established by the Pirates might be better explained as discipline learned by example.

“It starts all the way back to the seniors who trained (us),” senior Imran Sandhu said. “Now we’re training all these underclassmen to try to get them up to speed so they can train the future cadets.”

Braden River High JROTC instructor Alexander Figueroa, who prefers to step back and let his team leaders do much of the coaching, sets high expectations for cadets. The Pirates have claimed 29 state championships in various categories since 2008.

“I tell the kids at the beginning of the year, ‘Our goal is to get to the state championship, and I’ll see you

there,’” Figueroa said. “Even though we are just starting, they have the potential to get there.”

Once again, the program is getting to the state championships, which will be held April 2 at George Jenkins High School in Lakeland.

Figueroa said a key to the program’s success has been relying on the students to coach one another.

Senior Tania Cortez said she is proud that she is considered a quality leader to the underclassmen.

“Freshmen tend to look up to you,” she said of her role. “They come to know you personally, and they ask for advice.”

“It’s easy to relate to people in charge because students are in charge of everything,” senior Julianna Chupp said. “It feels a lot easier to talk to people about problems.”

The nature of the competition places importance on the fact that no one person on the team is more important than another.

“If one person’s off, the entire team looks off,” senior Elayna Andrews said. “You need to work together.

PAST BRADEN RIVER STATE CHAMPIONS (by category) FEMALE 2009 — Unarmed squad 2012 — Dual exhibition 2013 — Platoon exhibition, color guard, armed squad, individual exhibition, dual exhibition 2015 — Armed platoon, squad exhibition 2016 — Dual exhibition 2017 — Armed knockout 2021 — Color guard, armed regulation, duel exhibition MALE 2008 — Squad exhibition 2009 — Squad exhibition 2011 — Platoon exhibition 2012 — Armed squad, platoon exhibition 2013 — Unarmed squad, color guard, squad exhibition, unarmed platoon 2015 — Armed squad, unarmed knockout 2016 — Armed knockout 2017 — Armed knockout 2021 — Armed exhibition, dual exhibition

This individual needs to hit the pivot more.”

Braden River has finished in the top five teams at the state tournament in each of the last six years.

“Where we finish in the top five depends on how we work together as a team,” Figueroa said.

Braden River’s students credit their repeated success to a culture of discipline in JROTC that prompts the cadets to live up to the values they are taught.

Cristal Trejo Andablo said prior to joining JROTC she didn’t possess the organizational abilities she does today. “I learned how to how to balance my life,” she said. “Now I’m more organized.”

She also has become a leader and is proud she helped lead her teammates to the state tournament.

Team members say their discipline is an integral part of the team’s identity. Sandhu said every member that comes through the program wants to match the success of past teams.

“It’s a legacy,” Figueroa said. “All our seniors have been district champions since they were freshmen. It takes commanders (team captains) to organize them and unity in (each group).”

The Pirates overwhelmed the competition at the district championships, winning the color guard, unarmed platoon, armed platoon, exhibition armed squad and exhibition armed platoon divisions, as well as the individual exhibition and dual exhibition categories.

Andrews joined Adonna Wharton to win the dual exhibition title, and Andrews also claimed the individual exhibition class. She also led the exhibition armed platoon team to victory.

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Courtesy photo

The Braden River High drill team displays trophies from its district championship for Area 5.

Designed to prepare young adults to become officers in the U.S. military, Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) programs are offered at more than 1,700 colleges and universities across the United States. At Braden River High School, the JROTC program consists of seven teams: The Raider Team pursues physically demanding activities centered on fitness and participating in district and state events that include a 5K run, litter carry, and the tire flip.

The Drill Team performs military drills that involve spinning, tossing and catching rifles, with participants creating their own routines.

The Rifle Team trains cadets in how to use weapons with regard to safety, participating in five to seven matches each season.

The Academic Team researches topics in math, English and science.

The Leadership Team is a competitive operation devoted to answering questions on the content of the JROTC Leadership, Education and Training textbook.

The CyberPatriot team is part of the National Youth Cyber Education Program created by the Air Force Association and helps students pursue careers in cybersecurity or other science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines For inquiries, contact brhscyberpatriot@gmail.com or dial (941) 751-8230 ext. 2171.

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022

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People wait to see what donut options are available at the Five-O Donut Co.’s new location at University Town Center.

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Two UTC openings are grand Donut lovers and shoppers flock to grand openings for the donut and gift stores at Sarasota’s University Town Center.

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Lakewood Ranch’s Dan and DeAnna Sparkes have been waiting months for the Five-O Donut Co. to open at University Town Center.

They were more than happy to wait in line at the grand opening March 12.

“We’ve been asking forever for one to be in Lakewood Ranch,” Dan Sparkes said, adding that their love of the donut shop began five years ago. “It’s almost in Lakewood Ranch.

It would be great if it was on Main Street, but this is fine.”

Customers sat on lawn chairs outside Five-O Donut Co. starting at 6 a.m., anticipating its 8 a.m. opening.

“You know you’ve made it when they have lawn chairs,” said Christine Nordstrom, the owner of Five-

Photos by Liz Ramos

O Donut Co. Sarasota’s Margaret and Philip DuPerry love the variety of donuts Five-O Donut Co. has to offer.

“They’re works of art,” Margaret DuPerry said.

Five-O Donut Co. offers between 24 and 30 types of donuts each week, with three to five special donuts that change every weekend. From glazed to powdered jelly to s’mores and croissant donuts, Nordstrom said,

Sarasota’s Margaret and Philip DuPerry love the variety of donuts at Five-O Donut Co. “They’re works of art,” Margaret DuPerry says.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022

Cardiology

Cardiology Cardiology

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

Store Manager Kristina Drobnak and District Manager Vanessa Frederick say they are excited to open the doors of The Paper Store at UTC.

Steven Czak, DO, FACC

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

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

Undergraduate: College,

DOORS ARE OPEN FIVE-O DONUT CO. Five-O Donuts offers 24 to 30 types of donuts, along with three to five special donuts each weekend.

Location: 81 N. Cattlemen Road, Sarasota Hours: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., or until sold out, Mondays through Fridays; 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., or until sold out, Saturdays and Sundays

there’s a donut for everyone.

Margaret DuPerry’s favorite donut is the maple bacon donut, while Philip DuPerry’s favorite is the croissant donut.

During the holidays, Five-O Donut Co. offers donuts to match the holiday. For example, there’s a Lucky Charms donut for St. Patrick’s Day. Five-O Donut Co. wasn’t the only business celebrating a grand opening

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

Medical School: Kansas City University of Medicine & Biosciences, Kansas City, MO Medical School: Kansas Trinity City University of Medicine & Biosciences, Kansas City, MO Undergraduate: College, Hartford, CT Residency:

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

Certifications: Board Certified, American Board ofHill Internal Medicine with Fellowship: Cardiovascular Disease, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY;York, NY Interventional Cardiology, Lenox Hospital, New Subspecialty Certification in Cardiovascular Disease and Subspecialty Certification Cardiovascular Disease and NY Interventional Cardiology,inLenox Hill Hospital, New York,

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

March 12 at UTC. The Paper Store, a specialty gift business, welcomed a group of about 40 customers waiting outside its doors at 9 a.m. March 12.

“It’s so exciting,” said Vanessa Frederick, the district manager for the store. “We are thrilled to have all of the customers here. They love what they’re seeing. We have something for everyone in here.”

When Parrish’s Sandy Lawrence goes back to Massachusetts to visit family, going to The Paper Store always was on her to-do list. Now with a location at UTC, she’s thrilled to be able to go to the store whenever she wants.

“I love the variety of products and the customer service,” Lawrence said.

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

Sarasota’s Chrissy Rowden loves the variety of items and how inventory changes often at The Paper Store.

“You can find something for everybody,” Rowden says.

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THE PAPER STORE The Paper Store sells a variety of specialty gift options.

Location: 125 N. Cattlemen Road, Unit 101, Sarasota Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays

Interventional Cardiology

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

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

ranch nites

l

place

new business openings

Foodies + Fun-Lovers Rejoice! Waterside Place is Now Open.

As our tenants continue to open their doors, come experience all Waterside Place has to offer. Grab a bite to eat under the stars while enjoying live music and an ice-cold beverage. Break a sweat in a morning workout class before hitting up the Farmers’ Market for your favorite goods. Or, simply take a sunny stroll along the water’s edge.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022

LAKEWOOD RANCH SERIES

SARASOTA SERIES

VENICE SERIES

YOUR CALENDAR

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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

Global Issues Lectures & Music Mondays Conversations Next Week’s Programs:

Music Mondays 12 ARTISTS JAN - MAR

MUSICAL CONVERSATIONS WITH GREAT PERFORMERS

Monday, March 21

Thorwald Jørgensen, Theremin

The theremin is an electronic musical instrument controlled without physical contact by the artist.

A leading classical theremin players, Thorwald has played to great reviews as a chamber musician, soloist and orchestral thereminist worldwide.

Global Issues 26 SPEAKERS JAN - MAR AN INSIDER’S VIEW OF TODAY’S WORLD

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

Negotiating with North Korea Stephen Biegun will discuss state of affairs in North

Korea and prospects for future negotiations. He was the Special Representative for North Korea and the lead official for the 2019 Summit between President Trump and Chairman Kim Jong Un.

Wednesday, March 23 Sarasota,10:30 am The Future of U.S. - China Relations

There has been a sharp decline in U.S.-China relations. Based on his extensive experience with the leadership of China, Stephen Biegun will share his insights into the agenda of Beijing and what the United States should do in response.

CIRQUE DES VOIX 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday at Nathan 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.

SUNDAY, MARCH 20

TUESDAY, MARCH 22

HEALTH AND WELLNESS FAIR Runs from 9 a.m. to noon at Cypress Springs Gracious Retirement Living, 9085 Town Center Parkway, Bradenton. Cypress Springs is hosting a free health and wellness fair that provides services, such as blood pressure checks. Vendors will provide seniors with proactive and holistic health options. For more information and to RSVP, call 3666870.

Thursday, March 24

Sarasota,10:30 am - Lakewood Ranch, 3:30

Friday, March 25 Venice,10:00 am Why America No Longer Gets Asia Evan Feigenbaum The U.S. is losing the plot in

Asia. It’s not just China’s fast-rising military and economic power; it’s also because Asia’s economies are trading, investing, lending, and innovating with one another. Dr. Feigenbaum will explain how we must adjust or find ourselves irrelevant to the world’s most dynamic region.

sillsarasota.org

FRIDAY, MARCH 18, THROUGH SUNDAY, MARCH 20

POLO 1 p.m. at the Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Lakewood Ranch. The 2021-22 Sarasota Polo Club season runs every Sunday through April 24. Gates open at 10 a.m. Enjoy polo, the opening parade, halftime entertainment, divot stomping, food, drinks and more. For more information and tickets (which begin at $15), go to SarasotaPolo. com.

Tuesday, March 22

Complete program details:

COMMUNITY

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. Other features are children’s activities and live music. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

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

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23

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

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BEST BET THURSDAY, MARCH 17, THROUGH SATURDAY, MARCH 19 SARASOTA JAZZ FESTIVAL 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 offered at select times (check the website).

Courtesy photo

days 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.

SUNDAY, MARCH 27

SPRING CONCERT 2 p.m. at Peace Presbyterian Church, 12705 E. S.R. 64, Lakewood Ranch. The Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble holds its Spring Concert.

Selections include “Barnum and Bailey’s Favorite,” “Chester Overture,” “Chaminade Concertino Il,” “Guarany Overture,” “Pas Redouble,” “American Civil War Fantasy,” “Semper Fidelis” and “The Phantom of the Opera.” Tickets are $10, available at the door. For more information, go to LWRWindEnsemble.org.

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Chef Joe Garcia has been hired as executive chef at the Concession Golf Club.

A Concession release said Garcia has more than 15 years of experience leading upscale corporate restaurant chains. His last stop was the WTR Pool & Grill at the Godfrey Hotel in Tampa, where he was executive chef for five years.

Elks travel to soldiers’ fundraiser Members of the Lakewood Ranch Elks Club traveled to a district fundraiser, the Mighty Southwest District Army of Hope Tribute, March 6 at the West Bradenton Lodge to support deployed military members and their families.

The event featured raffles, a 50-50 drawing and guest speakers. The Elks’ Army of Hope assists with expenses, such as rental assistance, utility bills, medical bills and more.

The group aims to provide a better quality of life for soldiers and their families.

Big grant benefits Quad Parcels project The Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast received a $75,000 grant from the Gulf Coast Community Foundation to support its joint project with the Sarasota Audubon Society to “re-wild the Quad Parcels at the Celery Fields.”

A release about the grant noted that it was made possible through

23

ARTS & CRAFTS

MARKET

Saturday, March 19 • 10am-3pm presented by

St. Clare Women’s Guild at Our Lady of Angels CC 12905 SR 70 East, Lakewood Ranch

outside on the grass!

For more info contact: Robbie at robbie.phaneuf46@icloud.com

Deputy of month named Dep. Randall Walker was named the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Deputy of the Month for February after his quick action Feb. 22 that might have saved a teen boy’s life.

On his dinner break, Walker heard a call for a car engulfed in flames near the intersection of White Eagle Boulevard and State Road 70.

He pulled a teen passenger, who was in shock, to safety.

Please consider donating a non-perishable food item for St. Joseph’s Food Pantry

Money raised to benefit cystic fibrosis fund

All the parties and people tied up with a bow.

The Lakewood Ranch Cystic Fibrosis Spring Campaign raised $30,000 in donations and through an auction to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

The foundation uses funds to help cystic fibrosis patients through care and research. For more information, go to Events.CFF.org/LWRSpringFundraiser.

Lakewood Ranch’s committee consisted of Ryan Reed, Nathan Malone, Sara Kasten, Charisse May, Debbie Jones, Annette Trahanas, Pattie Stupakevich, Elaine Buzzard and Cyndy Scott.

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2022 Pa Feb. 5, 2 lm Ball brings co 022 | P resident Chlor to Bay Preserv e ristine Jo hnson wit h Kay Ma thers and Claudia Ca rdillo

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Courtesy photo

Jim Kehoe and Chuck Stolteben from the Lakewood Ranch Elks traveled to the Mighty Southwest District Army of Hope Tribute in West Bradenton.

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022

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New chef arrives at the Concession

NEIGHBORS NOTES

the Gulf Coast’s Environmental Initiative Fund and “is designated to implement strategies from their Community Playbook for Clean Waterways.”

To learn more about the re-wilding of the Quad Parcels, visit ConservationFoundation.com/quads.

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A confectionery franchise finds a sweet spot at Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch.

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

People kept emailing Kilwins confectionery shop owner Kate LaBonte, saying they couldn’t wait for the shop to open at the new Lakewood Ranch entertainment hub of Waterside Place.

Now LaBonte, who opened Kilwins Dec. 18, is waiting for the rest of the Waterside Place shops to finish their build-outs and open as well.

For now, she depends on the farmers market on Sundays and Ranch Night on Wednesdays for much of her business.

“I think Waterside is going to be one of the best entertainment districts for this whole area,” she said.

“It’s going to be very exciting, seeing all the other stores pop up around here. The people are very welcoming. Everyone is just so happy that we’re here.”

In opening two other Kilwins’ locations, LaBonte said she’s never had so many people contact her, excited with the opening.

She said the business will fill the role of the neighborhood ice cream shop and people will feel welcome.

LaBonte co-owns the business with her husband, Todd LaBonte, and the couple has managed Kilwins stores for 15 years.

It started when they were living in Michigan, where Kate was a court stenographer and Todd a corrections officer. After 20 years in their respective careers, they were looking for a change of atmosphere.

“You know, 99% of the time, when you come in here, people are happy,” said Kate LaBonte.

She also said she was impressed

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SWEET CRAFT ABOUT KILWINS In 1947 in Petoskey, Michigan, Don and Katy Kilwin founded Kilwins Bakery, which became the Americana-themed confectionery chain Kilwins.

The couple supplemented their bakery items with candy and fudge, eventually switching entirely to making confections.

In 2015, the store celebrated the opening of its 100th location.

Kilwins is found predominantly in Michigan and Florida, with the closest location locally, apart from Waterside Place, being St. Armands Circle.

At the Waterside location, items crafted in the store include caramel apples, chewy caramels, caramel corn and brittles. Handcrafted items shipped from Michigan include chocolates, such as truffles, tuttles and creams; fudge, such as sea salt caramel fudge; and high-fat, low-air content ice creams in a variety of flavors.

with the quality of the products and the warm and family-like way the company’s management treated the couple during the interview process.

Shortly afterward, she opened her first store in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

Eventually, the couple began to explore Florida’s east coast during visits to Kate LaBonte’s sister, Liz Koharski. They opened a location in Clearwater before turning to Waterside Place.

The LaBontes live in Palm Harbor with their 17-year-old twin daughters, Emma and Emily, but once the girls are off to college, Kate said they hope to move to Waterside.

To juggle the three stores, the

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To learn how to make Kilwins items, employees train for two weeks in Petoskey, Michigan, where the company is headquartered.

“The fudge is probably the hardest to master,” Tricia Farrington said. “I don’t know that you ever master it, but it gets easier. It’s getting a technique right. It’s multiple processes: It’s cooking, then it’s paddling, then it’s loafing. It’s a moving process.

You have to get the hang of when to stop doing one thing and then go to the next step.”

“It’s an art,” Kate said.

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LaBontes needed a manager for Waterside Place, so they turned to another person looking to escape a conventional career.

Tricia Farrington was a bank manager for 30 years, and her husband, Jerry Farrington, was a corrections officer for 20 years who had worked with Todd LaBonte in Michigan.

When Jerry Farrington retired, he wanted to go south, and his wife agreed to the plan.

“Getting ice cream is happy,” Tricia said. “Banking can be happy, but it can also be stressful.”

Kate LaBonte said the Waterside Place opening was not without hurdles. Construction of the interior space was delayed by supply issues.

“Construction right now is just like housing,” she said. “That’s what a lot of people that come in here have been telling me: ‘We broke ground, but we’re not going to get it for, like, another year.’”

She also had trouble hiring.

“We have a lot of great kids we hired, though,” she said.

The LaBontes definitely are handson owners early in the business.

Once a store is open, she said, running it is challenging. While the chocolates and super-premium ice cream are shipped from Michigan, other items, such as fudge and caramel apples, are made by in the store.

“It’s not just like you take the caramel out of the wrapper and wrap it on the apple,” Kate said. “It’s a lot of work.”

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SARASOTA 4645 Ainsley Place 7 Beds 6 Baths 4,272 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie 941-376-1717 A4514309 $22,000,000

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

BRADENTON 681 Regatta Way 3 Beds 3 Baths 3,055 Sq. Ft. Sandi Dietrich 941-704-0697 A4524385 $2,050,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY 750 Fox Street 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,000 Sq. Ft. Cathy Meldahl 941-724-7228 A4525751 $1,495,000

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 7559 Tori Way 5 Beds 3 Baths 3,739 Sq. Ft. Tina Ciaccio 941-685-8420 A4526257 $1,199,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4311 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 401 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,293 Sq. Ft. Victoria Lear 941-350-1064 A4522542 $1,100,000

SARASOTA 1649 Pine Harrier Circle 4 Beds 3 Baths 3,054 Sq. Ft. Alison Elizalde 941-928-9217 A4527409 $980,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY 4805 Gulf of Mexico Dr 106 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,393 Sq. Ft. Robert Dardas 941-376-7591 A4526795 $875,000

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

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

SARASOTA 5118 Manorwood Drive 4D, Bldg 1 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,392 Sq. Ft. Kathy Valente & Gregory Zies, LLC 941-685-6767 A4527120 $650,000

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

SARASOTA 5582 Carmona Place 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,008 Sq. Ft. Mimi Kruk 941-587-5188 A4526953 $649,000

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

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

BRADENTON 6405 217th Street E Christopher Van Vliet & Jamie Van Vliet, PA 941-993-7087 A4511593 $425,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7710 Lake Vista Court 302 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,762 Sq. Ft. Nancy Phillips 941-400-6078 A4527222 $425,000

SARASOTA 5280 Hyland Hills Avenue 1822 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,324 Sq. Ft. Anja Deichmann 941-284-7987 A4527576 $299,900

SARASOTA 5405 San Juan Drive Beth Ann Boyer 941-780-6606 A4509104 $285,000

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 820 N Shore Drive 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 3,953 Sq. Ft. Kathy Harman 941-900-9828 A4524887 $4,500,000

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

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in the Concession topped all transactions in this week’s real estate.

Ricky Bob Crittenden and Corinne Shirley Knibbs sold their home at 8415 Broadstone Court to Steve Saslow, trustee, of Bradenton, for $3.8 million.

Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, four-and-ahalf baths, a pool and 5,189 square feet of living area.

LAKE CLUB

John Redmond sold the home at 8315 Lucerne Loop to Kevin Lofton and Sabrina Shannon, of Bradenton, for $2.05 million. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, fourand-a-half baths, a pool and 3,165 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,147,000 in 2020.

ESPLANADE

James Lewis Devriendt II and Erin Devriendt, of Bradenton, sold their home at 4925 Benito Court to Gail and Larry Talbot, of Bradenton, for $1,725,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,044 square feet of living area. It sold for $955,300 in 2019.

COUNTRY CLUB EAST

Christopher Dobson and Sharon Elizabeth Dobson, of W. Yorkshire, United Kingdom, sold their home at 7643 Haddington Cove to Kenneth and Allyson Ray, of Bradenton, for $1,506,000. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,489 square feet of living area.

Charles and Annette Sokolash, trustees, of McKinney, Texas, sold the home at 14410 Whitemoss Terrace to James and Lynn Kratz, of Wimauma, for $685,000. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,163 square feet of living area. It sold for $335,600 in 2014.

UNIVERSITY PARK

Deborah Elizabeth Sharp Ettenberg and Elliott Ettenbeg, Jennifer Jodi Ettenberg and Cale Ettenberg sold their home at 7234 Marlow Place to Vivian D’Elia, of Jersey City, New Jersey, for $1.5 million. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, a pool and 3,432 square feet of living area.

Jerry and Susan Maliot, of Bradenton, sold their home at 7003 Lancaster Court to Long Boat IV Ltd. Partnership for $1,284,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, a pool and 3,439 square feet of living area. It sold for $530,000 in 2012.

Victoria Louise Fitz-Gerald, trustee, of University Park, sold the home at 7039 Lancaster Court to Mark Conrad Yungbluth and Joan Marie Alston, of Bradenton, for $975,000. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,797 square feet of living area. It sold for $485,500 in 2020.

MALLORY PARK

Scott and Angela Devine, of Bradenton, sold their home at 3127 Anchor Bay Trail to Marcus and Kelly Smallwood, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1.3 million. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 4,272 square feet of living area. It sold for $779,200 in 2020.

GREYHAWK LANDING

Robert Rose, of Bradenton, sold his home at 13115 Raven Terrace to Lisa Bernardo, trustee, of Bountiful, Utah, for $1.09 million. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,065 square feet of living area. It sold for $655,000 in 2019.

Michael Scott Fisher and Mary Justine Fisher, of Parrish, sold their home at 12819 Daisy Place to Joseph

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

FEB. 28-MARCH 4

and Dona Faicco, of Blue Point, New York, for $790,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three-anda-half baths and 3,869 square feet of living area. It sold for $289,900 in 2011.

Zillow Homes Property Trust sold the home at 12439 Natureview Circle to Jonathan and Elizabeth Greco, of Bradenton, for $667,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,327 square feet of living area. It sold for $638,600 in 2021.

John and Lori Terhaar, of Bradenton, sold their home at 12534 Cara Cara Loop to Richard and Alla Reese, of Bradenton, for $650,000.

Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,244 square feet of living area. It sold for $308,000 in 2014.

Giuseppe Sciulara and Faro Bartolotta, of Bradenton, sold their home at 436 Snapdragon Loop to Francis Short, of Albion, New York, for $590,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,244 square feet of living area. It sold for $426,000 in 2021.

RIVER CLUB SOUTH

Phil and Karin Pape, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 7635 Tralee Way to Frank and Ping Zeng, of Littleton, Massachusetts, for $1,052,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,277 square feet of living area.

It sold for $589,000 in 2014.

Richard Todoroff and Keith Todoroff, of Sarasota, sold their home at 7650 Partidge St. Circle to Juan Vieira and Paola Serna, of Bradenton, for $920,000. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,400 square feet of living area. It sold for $800,000 in 2005.

Courtesy photo

This Concession home at 8415 Broadstone Court sold for $3.8 million. It has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 5,189 square feet of living area.

Patrick and Jennifer Dempsey, of Sarasota, sold their home at 13311 Swiftwater Way to Alex Grant Keyser and Lindsay Kathryn Keyser, of Bradenton, for $700,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,231 square feet of living area. It sold for $550,000 in 2021.

GREYHAWK LANDING WEST

Kyle Beth Cheperka and Michael Cheperka, of Bradenton, sold their home at 559 Honeyflower Loop to Timothy and Susan Peterson, of Bradenton, for $830,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,794 square feet of living area. It sold for $557,000 in 2020.

Brice and Linda Jones, of Bradenton, sold their home at 9811 Old Hyde Park Place to David Diliberto, of Bradenton, for $715,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,907 square feet of living area.

LAKEWOOD NATIONAL GOLF CLUB

Lee McIntire Sachs and Steven Warren Sachs, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 6102 Cessna Run to Derick and Claudia Ziegler, of Eads, Tennessee, for $805,000.

Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,248 square feet of living area. It sold for $475,000 in 2019.

COUNTRY CLUB

James and Catherine Gingerich, of Valparaiso, Indiana, sold their home at 13962 Siena Loop to Michael Gautier, of Nokomis, for $800,700.

SEE REAL ESTATE, PAGE 28

In with the new NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION

INDIGO

Derek Singh and Ying Wang, of Clearwater, sold their home at 4208 Midnight Blue Run to Joanne and Louis Mossucco, of Bradenton, for $915,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,466 square feet of living area. It sold for $541,100 in 2017.

Longboat Key

William Lawrence Jr., trustee, and Carol Lawrence sold the home at 4011 Celestial Blue Court to Gary and Robin Schmidt, of Park City, Utah, for $725,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,388 square feet of living area. It sold for $431,000 in 2016.

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DEL WEBB

Carolyn Lyons sold the home at 17017 Seaford Way to Mary Catherine Shine, trustee, of Bradenton, for $900,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,488 square feet of living area. It sold for $517,200 in 2017.

Downtown St. Petersburg

John Gleason, of Clifton Park, New York, sold his home at 17039 Hampton Falls Terrace to Paula Clare Albero and Michael Albero, of Bradenton, for $418,000. Built in 2019, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,574 square feet of living area. It sold for $362,900 in 2021.

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BRIDGEWATER

Jason and Elisabeth Wilson, trustees, of Bixby, Oklahoma, sold the home at 13427 Swiftwater Way to David Jose Vargas Martinez and Nilsa De Jesus Rosario, of Bradenton, for $860,000. Built in 2016, it has six bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,259 square feet of living area. It sold for $485,000 in 2016.

Timothy Lee Chesser and Lori Ebauer Chesser, of Bradenton, sold their home at 13012 Belknap Place to Shean and Leann Ferrell, of Bradenton, for $855,000. Built in 2014, it has five bedrooms, fourand-a-half baths, a pool and 3,438 square feet of living area. It sold for $465,000 in 2015.

Downtown Sarasota

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ADAM HUGHES

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022

REAL ESTATE

Concession home tops local sales at $3.8 million

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

Licensed Real Estate Broker

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022

Real estate

a pool and 2,531 square feet of living area. It sold for $510,000 in 2019.

FROM PAGE 27

ROSEDALE HIGHLANDS

Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,458 square feet of living area. It sold for $530,000 in 2018.

Susan Alberson, of Bradenton, sold her home at 7424 Riviera Cove to James and Cynthia O’Brien, of Binghamton, New York, for $760,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,970 square feet of living area. It sold for $675,000 in 2021.

A. Karen and John Harrington sold their home at 7806 Troon Court to Laguna Properties LLC for $600,000. Built in 2000, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,951 square feet of living area. It sold for $305,000 in 2013.

Warwick Estates Inc. sold the home at 5128 97th St. E. to Brenda Spedding, of Lexington, Kentucky, for $750,000. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,450 square feet of living area. It sold for $440,000 in 2003.

Thomas and Sara Eusebi, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the home at 9734 53rd Drive E. to Haobo Huang and Daoqiu Chen, of Bradenton, for $606,000. Built in 2006, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,043 square feet of living area.

COACH HOMES AT LAKEWOOD NATIONAL

Richard and Donna Stimmel, of Lewis Center, Ohio, sold their home at 7435 Wexford Court to David and Theresa Witzerman, of Fishers, Indiana, for $599,900. Built in 2009, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,912 square feet of living area. It sold for $355,000 in 2010.

EDGEWATER

Andrew Misner and Sabrina Sullivan, of Sarasota, sold their home at 8223 Waterview Blvd. to John Scott Adams and Marjorie Elizabeth Robinson, of Lakewood Ranch, for $780,000. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths,

Thomas Hamilton Walsh Jr. and Beverly Baker Walsh, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their Unit 121 condominium at 5809 Wake Forest Run to Stanley and Carol Shustak, of Lakewood Ranch, for $740,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,108 square feet of living area. It sold for $339,300 in 2019.

ASCOT

Joell and Katharine Lynn Voorzanger, of Ontario, Canada, sold their home at 7511 Ascot Court to Charles Stelter, trustee, of University Park, for $725,000. Built in 2000, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and is 2,090 square feet. It sold for $372,000 in 2012.

RYE WILDERNESS ESTATES

Brock An sold the home at 348 165th Court N.E. to Susan Adkins and James Scott II, of Bradenton,

for $721,000. Built in 2011, it has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,668 square feet of living area. It sold for $394,000 in 2018.

John Luong, of Brooksville, and Lin Luong, of Gainesville, sold their home at 407 169th Court N.E. to Michael John Murray Jr. and Danelle Murray, of Bradenton, for $690,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,463 square feet of living area.

DESOTO LAKES COUNTRY CLUB COLONY

Kimberly Ward, of Sarasota, sold her home at 5017 Palm Aire Drive to Lisa Tapia and Antonio Archuleta and Paul Tapia and Deliah Rose Tapia, of Denver, for $716,500. Built in 1981, it has three bedrooms, twoand-a-half baths, a pool and 2,646 square feet of living area. It sold for $380,000 in 2017.

Diane Spaulding, of Manassas, Virginia, sold her home at 5226 Inverness Drive to Alexander and Luba Shevchenko, of Sarasota, for $620,000. Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,232 square feet of living area. It sold for $228,500 in 1994.

KENWOOD PARK

Claude Alexander Huck and Patricia Huck, of Eagle, Colorado, sold their home at 8218 Abingdon Court to Marcia Nalebuff and Barry Nalebuff, trustees, of Bradenton, for $700,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,504 square feet of living area. It sold for $256,700 in 2005.

EXPERIENCE the

TREYMORE AT THE VILLAGES OF PALM AIRE

Richard and Karen Salvador, of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, sold their home at 4739 Carrington Circle to Laura Carter and Martin Nixon, of Sarasota, for $695,000. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,256 square feet of living area. It sold for $559,000 in 2006.

STONEYBROOK AT HERITAGE HARBOUR

Joshua Smith, of Bradenton, sold his home at 8844 Stone Harbour Loop to Jacob and Kendra Merrill and Timm and Kay Pletcher, of Bradenton, for $690,000. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, three baths, a pool and is 3,358 square feet. It sold for $432,000 in 2019.

HERITAGE HARBOUR

George Will and Mary Russo, of Bradenton, sold their home at 8716 River Preserve Drive to David Will and Jeremy Burmeister, of Golden, Colorado, for $680,000. Built in 2012, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and is 2,402 square feet. It sold for $435,000 in 2018.

Julia Henry sold her home at 7130 Marsh View Terrace to Michael and Doreen Foley, of Bradenton, for $560,500. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 1,927 square feet of living area. It sold for $303,300 in 2016.

BRADEN WOODS

nia, for $630,000. Built in 1991, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,922 square feet.

BRADEN PINES

Breckenridge Property Fund 2016 LLC sold the home at 9920 Chalet Circle to Daniel and Charlotte Nolan, of Bradenton, for $625,000.

Built in 1985, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and is 2,321 square feet. It sold for $165,000 in 1992.

GREENBROOK

Richard and Jane Cameron, trustees, of Saint Johnsbury, Vermont, sold the home at 15656 Lemon Fish Drive to John Moore, of Lakewood Ranch, for $625,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,034 square feet of living area. It sold for $325,000 in 2015.

SFR Borrower 2021-2 LLC sold the home at 14038 Nighthawk Terrace to HPA Borrower 2017-I LLC for $585,200. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,049 square feet of living area. It sold for $440,000 in 2017.

Michael and Rhonda Samuel, of Apopka, sold their home at 13311 Purple Finch Circle to Daniel Antoni Espinoza, of Lakewood Ranch, for $581,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three baths, 2,323 square feet and sold for $325,000 in 2017.

ONLINE

F. Paul and Cheryl Bertolino, of Bradenton, sold their home at 9006 60th Ave. E. to James and Vicki Olson, of Fayetteville, Pennsylva-

See more transactions at YourObserver.com

CARDINAL MOONEY

360 Solution

CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

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

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

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

Meet Ann LaFemina Our Academic Advisor, who assists our seniors and their families as they navigate through the college admissions, selection, and scholarship application process.

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

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

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28

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

29

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022

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

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30

WEATHER

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST

SUNRISE / SUNSET

THURSDAY, MARCH 17

Submit your photos at YourObserver. com/Weather.

All submissions will be entered for the 2022-23 Weather and Nature photo contest. In February 2023, you will vote for your favorite photo, and the submission with the most votes will win a $500 gift card.

Sunrise Sunset

High: 82 Low: 61 Chance of rain: 8%

FRIDAY, MARCH 18 High: 85 Low: 69 Chance of rain: 15%

Thursday, March 17

7:37a

7:39p

Friday, March 18

7:36a

7:40p

Saturday, March 19

7:35a

7:40p

Sunday, March 20

7:33a

7:41p

Monday, March 21

7:32a

7:41p

Tuesday, March 22

7:31a

7:42p

Wednesday, March 23

7:30a

7:42p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, MARCH 19 High: 82 Low: 64 Chance of rain: 19%

April 16 Full

April 23 Last

April 30 New

May 8 First

RAINFALL

SUNDAY, MARCH 20 High: 82 Low: 59 Chance of rain: 21%

Monday, March 7

0

Tuesday, March 8

0

Wednesday, March 9

0

Thursday, March 10

0

Friday, March 11

0

Saturday, March 12

0

Sunday, March 13

0.62

*Rainfall totals from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

Pamela Williams captured this great blue heron helping out with the recycling in Country Club East.

YEAR TO DATE: 2022 1.92 in.

2021 3.27 in.

MONTH TO DATE: 2022 0.77 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 DOWN

©2022 Universal Uclick

ACROSS

37 Carriage controls 39 “The Neighborhood” 1 Baghdad’s land 5 Some email attachments actress Tichina 40 Megaphone noise 9 Chances to swing 42 Available to rent 15 Common rug shape 44 Dessert with a crumbly 19 Layered skirt topping 20 Goddess associated 45 Traffic signal in Pennwith peacocks sylvania’s Pretzel City?

21 Shredded 48 Attendance no., often 22 Blush at a romantic 49 Leaves unmentioned dinner, say?

51 Alternative to Robin23 Osceola’s people 25 Character that kicks off hood the Macy’s Thanksgiving 52 Word before “business” or “deal” Day Parade?

27 Furthest off the wall? 55 Sacred 29 Reeves of “John Wick” 57 H’s, to Plato 58 Not exciting 30 Top of a Nutella jar 59 Act as a go-between 31 Showy flowers 61 Group of eight 34 Desert sanctuaries

64 High-IQ crew 65 Low-tech indicators of air speed and direction?

70 God with 99 names 71 Sweater option 72 Hemingway or Borgnine 73 Deck chair strip 74 Ran in the wash 76 Remove gently 79 Cathedral seat 80 “I have it!”

83 Sausage from Stuttgart 84 “To a ...” poem 87 The singing “Big Mouth Billy” fish, e.g.?

90 Scanner brand 92 Lot for campers 94 Lunchroom stack 95 Lit up the room,

figuratively 96 Big caper 97 Saunter 99 Stumped 100 Traditional or Roth plan 101 Justice Elena 104 4-Down appliances 107 Bodyguard for a beleaguered biblical figure?

111 Designed to reduce engine pinging 115 “___ fair in love and war” 116 Usher 117 Throw for a loop 118 Idris of “Luther” 119 Totally bungled 120 High on weed 121 The best

1 For what ___ worth 2 Start to the day?

3 Banking convenience 4 Sub seller 5 Gave a call 6 Salami sellers 7 At no charge 8 Mouth off to 9 Capital of Ga. 10 Head’s counterpart 11 Slow down 12 Mountains where tomatoes originated 13 Brass instrument that’s hard to transport 14 Extend across 15 Pooh’s “wise” pal 16 Cello’s higher relative 17 Apply holy oil to 18 Allows to borrow 24 Speak as fluently as a Warsaw native?

26 Move jerkily 28 Bumpy amphibian 31 Rate of progress 32 Miscalculates 33 Handling the matter 35 Singer India.___ 36 In the mail 38 “___ Pray Love” 40 All of them are off in an unpredictable situation 41 Zap with light 42 Baseball great Blue 43 Improves in a cellar, sometimes 45 Early ___ (morning person) 46 Eco-friendly 47 Art medium in a coffeehouse 50 Flat-topped hill 52 Hair over the forehead 53 “That’ll do for me” 54 Clothing, informally 55 Lacking talent for 56 Completely cooked

58 Words to live by 59 City NNE of Paris 60 Wife’s mother, e.g.

62 Virus watchdog org.

63 Puff on a joint 64 Diminutive blemish?

65 Insect with a paper nest 66 In plain view 67 Anesthetized 68 Fortunetellers 69 Natural ‘dos 74 “The cause of and the solution to all of life’s problems,” per Homer Simpson 75 What everyone wants on their side 77 Out of town 78 Figure (out) 81 DIYers’ sets 82 Land unit 84 Norwegian Nobel Institute’s city 85 Fawns’ moms 86 Tie up loose ___ 87 Short albums, for short 88 Potato pancake 89 Howls at the moon 91 Pale lager 92 Toss again, as dice 93 Like a practical alternative 95 Mugs for 74-Down 96 Muslim headcover 97 Shout before “Polo!”

98 Fake news source, with “The” 99 Cause trouble 102 Expert pilots 103 Burst of wind 105 Like Z, in the alphabet 106 Keen on 108 NYC-to-Miami dir.

109 Three, in Rome 110 Since Jan. 1 112 Spanish cheer 113 Walter Cronkite’s longtime network 114 Second half of a candy bar?

“K VDX’A ACKXN TDL EPX WPNG TDLU NKVH’ VUGPWH TDLU DBX. ACGT XGGV TDL AD HLOODUA ACGW KX ACGKU VUGPWH.”

– JKMMT EUTHAPM

“Y AEVO LR OYJW JWV OPEU ‘NPMLTJVVE’ CF C NVEH RPOVESLM OPEU YT BH SCBYMH. Y OCF YTFRYEVU XH BH BPJWVE.”

– VNC MPTAPEYC

“FJA OGCVE PK ZDXX XGYD FJAWKDXI; UAKE EVGSY PLJAE PXX EVD EGOD FJA’WD CJSSP VPND EJ KTDSB ZGEV – UDWWF XDZGK

FJA.” © 2022 NEA, Inc.

Puzzle Three Clue: L equals B

122 “Give it a ___!” (“Enough!”)

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: X equals B

THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT by Gary Larson and Doug Peterson. Edited by David Steinberg

Puzzle One Clue: B equals W

crossword

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

©2022 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

3-17-22

371165-1

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

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as an MRO Technician performing In addition, to our MRO we are seeking varioustechnicians, MRO related activities on individuals for our Supply Chain Ram Turbines teamAir including an NPI(RATs), buyer andAir Commodity Manager (Twinsburg, Driven Generators (ADGs), OH). These individuals are in Generators and both Electrical charge of the overall management Boxesofand Components. the electronic commodity.A&P's, Maintenance Person, ASE's and We offer highly competitive Mechanically compensationInclined packages, individuals sign-on and retention bonuses and welcomed! relocation. Our culture is one of accomplishment, family, In addition,transparency to our MRO empowerment, and passion we to succeed. technicians, are seeking

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This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “I don’t think you can make your kids’ dreams your own. They need you to support them in their dreams.”

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Eva Longoria Puzzle Three Solution: “You might as well like yourself; just think about all the time you’re gonna have to spend with you.”

Jerry Lewis

This week’s Sudoku answers

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* Assistance with Daily Living Activities * Hourly 24/7 Care -Affordable Rates * Licensed/ Bonded/ Insured

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022

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(941) 822-3036

941-400-4912

CustomGraniteServicesLLC@gmail.com

377673

SERVICES, LLC

T E XT M E:

377671

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

Furniture Repair

Cleaning

RES I DE N TIA L & COM MERCI AL

Commercial

ED’S RAIN MAKER IRRIGATION

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

AM Art of Cleaning

941-705-5468 Irrigation

378030

SERVING YOU IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME

376688

|

378037

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

377674 364556

32

Call John 941.377.2940

Free Estimates • Sarasota Resident Since 1974

www.showerandbathsarasota.com

SHOP LOCAL. SUPPORT LOCAL. YourObserver.com/RedPages

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

Landscaping & Lawn

Power Washing Pressure Washing

GARDENS BY ALLISON

|

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022

Roofing Pressure Washing

No Job is too Small!

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc. Building & Roofing Contractor

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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

376705

378038

Personal Services

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

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Insured

941-270-1561

376704

SOFT WASH

Form Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

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

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

377662

$100 COUPON

941-345-5264

specialty screens / screw replacement / paint Doors and more!

Roofing

Manufacture and workmanship Warranties

Bisson Roofing Inc. (941) 345-5264

found here.

Find a place where you can visit listings, not just imagine them.

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

140

$

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

SPECIAL 00 5

$

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

CREATE BUZZ! Advertise your business or services in the Red Pages.

www.bissonroofing.com

YOUR HOME

STANDARD WINDOWS

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

941 - 748 - 7400 Owner Supervises Every Job

25

UP TO

ows

Purified water window cleaning available!!

Specializing in Reroofs and Repairs FREE Estimates • 30 Years Experience RC0067420 • Lic. & Ins.

Lic./Ins.

& Pressure C Window lean t e s ing as Sunrise Wi n w o n k Sun y l nd er

377676

377474

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Res./Com.

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377664

377661

Eldridge Re-Screen Licensed

Power Washing

Windows

34

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022

your home has never been

WORTH MORE

If you’re thinking of selling, our complimentary home evaluation tool is the best way to get a feel for the market before meeting with one of our expert real estate advisors.

SCAN CODE TO VIEW YOUR HOME EVALUATION

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

SARASOTA 3736 Meridale Road Joel Schemmel

THE LAKE CLUB 16223 Daysailor Trail Donna Soda & Joel Schemmel

$1,350,000 941.587.1776

6308 Tanager Cove Donna Soda & Joel Schemmel

$949,000 941.812.4219

6824 Bay Hill Drive Art Paterson

SANDHILL PRESERVE

COUNTRY CLUB EAST $2,375,000 941.962.5867

15705 Castle Park Terrace Donna Soda & Joel Schemmel

$1,595,000 941.961.5857

$570,000 941.961.5857

$1,164,000 941.961.5857

LAKEWOOD RANCH

SUMMERFIELD VILLAGE 12006 Beeflower Drive Donna Soda & Joel Schemmel

5308 Hunt Club Way Vittoria Rutigliano

$5,499,999 941.447.1466

GREENBROOK VILLAGE

4976 Hubner Circle Tamara & Todd Currey

11234 Sandhill Preserve Drive Robyn Sadlo

7108 Trout Lane Amee Sams & Beth Sargent

SILVER OAK $2,300,000 941.961.5857

SARASOTA

ENGLEWOOD $12,000,000 941.587.4894

COUNTRY CLUB EAST $725,000 941.302.8194

LAKEWOOD RANCH 6926 Woodmore Terrace Christine Mazur

7477 Seacroft Cove Laura Stavola

$1,725,000 941.447.4875

SARASOTA $475,000 941.374.4015

6912 Alderwood Drive Holly Switow

$450,000 941.735.3186

View a rea list ings

7 RESIDENCES

Located in Sarasota’s lively Rosemary District, Collage on Fifth encompasses seven luxury condominiums. Priced from $1,350,000, these unique residences offer a contemporary oasis just moments from the city’s cultural center.

1469 5th Street, Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941.920.1500 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

370660-1

your home has never been