All dogs are top dogs to their owners, but only one a year can earn the title from Donte’s Den Animal Sanctuary in Myakka City. Milo “raised the woof” in denim overalls and a red bandana to take home the prize at Donte’s 11th annual Top Dog Fundraiser on March 8. He’s pictured above with his owner, Tracy Copeland Gardner, and Donte’s founder Marsha Panuce.
The dogs strutted their paws over the runway in their best Western attire, while the humans feasted on barbecue and line danced the night away. Every year, proceeds from the event support the care programs for the over 100 dogs living at the sanctuary. This year, proceeds will also benefit Mischief, a miniature horse.
Irish for a day
Danielle Barth wanted “a green drink” for St. Patrick’s Day, and her daughter, Rae Barth, wanted to celebrate the holiday by wearing green.
Despite not being Irish, the Lakewood Ranch-area family, including Tony Mroz and their dog, Rocky, embraced the holiday.
When Danielle saw on Facebook that Agave Bandido was serving green margaritas on March 17, the family’s plans materialized.
“Someone took a picture of the drink and I was like, ‘I want that drink,’” Danielle said. “We wanted to come out and see the whole area, too.”
Agave Bandido hosted a “Lucky Bandido Party” on St. Patrick’s Day.
Storm damage haunts locals
Lesley Dwyer Pig Pig is often right under Bliss’s hooves at the Myakka City ranch. Bliss’s owner, Cynthia Moll, worries Pig Pig will be stepped on.
Messina, president of
Courtesy Ag Fowler Photography
Vinnie Portell
ADA compliant swing added to Lakewood Ranch Park
The Making a Difference Club of Del Webb at Lakewood Ranch raised the funds for a swing.
JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR
It was a fairly plain piece of hard plastic, but an important — and expensive — one.
Just before an American Disabilities Act compliant swing was added to the Lakewood Ranch Park playground March 14, Manatee County’s Shane Hebert was talking about the importance of adding such playground equipment to all the county’s parks.
Even so, he said, it was going to take a huge effort.
“We have years of work ahead of us,” Hebert said about getting ADA compliant equipment at all the county’s parks. “And it is expensive. Anything ADA, you can tack on another zero (to purchase).”
Indeed, the swing, which was purchased and dedicated by the Making a Difference Club of Del Webb at Lakewood Ranch, was expensive. It certainly looked like something that might cost a couple of hundred dollars at most, but the Making a Difference Club paid $1,084.70.
Lucille Messina, president of the Making a Difference Club, said she approached Manatee County two years ago about dedicating an ADA swing for a county park.
However, personnel changes in county administration had backed up the process. The swing also had to be checked out and approved for safety by a county employee who specializes in ADA compliant playground equipment.
The club had about 20 members
turn out for the dedication, and Hebert came to represent the county.
The swing had a metal plate attached to the back that read:
Jacklyn’s Journey
Donated by Del Webb Lakewood Ranch
Making a Difference Club
2025
The Jacklyn mentioned was Jacklyn Messina, the daughter of Lucille and Karl Messina, who died of degenerative neurological disease on Oct. 14, 1995, at the age of 11. Lucille and Karl had raised money for an ADA compliant swing in their hometown of Garden City South, Long Island, New York. The day it was installed, Jacklyn went into the hospital and was never able to use it before her death.
When Lucille Messina started the Making a Difference Club in 2023, she organized a bingo and bake sale to raise money to buy an ADA compliant swing for Urfer Family Park in Sarasota. The club raised $1,785, and therefore had enough money to buy a second swing. That’s when Messina contacted Manatee County.
“As the club’s president, I wanted to start off our first club event with a small goal, and to me, the ADA swing seat was perfect,” Messina said.
Messina said early in her daughter’s life, she learned it was impossible to hold her on a thin rubber swing seat that was the norm in most parks.
“Every child should be able to feel the breeze on their face on a swing in the park,” Messina said. “Everyone here remembers the first time they did that.”
Messina published a book, “Waiting to Hear ‘Momma, A Mother’s Memoir,’” in 2019. The book talked of the joys and challenges of her daughter’s life.
She is hoping that the county continues to add ADA compliant playground equipment to its parks so all children can find enjoyment in a park regardless of their abilities.
Making a Difference Club members are dedicated to fundraising and volunteering for special needs children and organizations supporting those with disabilities.
Messina always will remember seeing other children enjoying park equipment, but for her daughter, there was “nothing.”
She said the swing at Lakewood Ranch Park, “It is not enough. They need to step it up. Parks should have more than this.”
Among the Making a Difference board members at the ceremony was Judy Starr.
“I have been very impressed with the (Making a Difference) club’s mission,” Starr said. “And people in Del Webb are so generous. They will walk up to one of us (club members) and
say, ‘Here’s $100.’”
Board member Maryanne Lartz has been involved since the club was formed.
“We want to be able to give everyone the ability to everything,” Lartz said. “This swing is all because of Lucille, and it fulfills a wish, an obligation. My children were healthy ... they can do anything.”
It should be noted that Manatee County constructed an ADA-accessible playground at Tom Bennett Park in Bradenton in 2024. Bradenton Kiwanis presented $784,000 to the county toward construction costs.
County staff members worked with Kiwanis on the design and construction to be consistent with the Kiwanis Club’s vision on its legacy project.
Features of the playground included ramp accessibility onto the play structures, slides, climbing nets, a climbing wall, built-in sensory and cognitive activities, a wheelchairaccessible merry-go-round, zip lines with accessibility seats, shade covers and a synthetic turf ground.
Jay Heater Making a Difference Club President Lucille Messina is joined at the dedication of an ADA compliant swing by board members Maryanne Lartz, Judy Starr and Barbara Cavas-Mitson.
Sand Branch Creek restoration underway
Manatee County is repairing the damage Hurricanes Debby and Milton left behind.
LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER
To an outside eye with no history of the property, the seven acres off of Waterline Road that used to serve as the Heartwood Yoga Institute & Retreat Center are sublime.
The property is thick with trees. Gazebos and gardens are scattered about. Stalks of bamboo sway in the distance.
But walking the property with owner David Shaddock, those visiting can see not only what’s in front of him, but also what is gone.
Shaddock points out the bare spots where more than a dozen oak and pine trees used to stand, along with the missing ground that was washed away from underneath a wooden walkway. He notices the patch of ferns that are starting to brown from too much sun.
After 15 years in business, with over 11 of them on Waterline Road, Shaddock and his wife, Ginny East Shaddock, closed the yoga institute in December.
The couple incurred $85,000 in expenses from Hurricane Ian in 2022 and have spent another $50,000 since the 2024 hurricane season.
Shaddock was given a bid of $35,000 to remove trees that fell into Sand Branch Creek, but it’s beyond what the couple can afford at this point.
He said the impacts from storms have worsened as development has moved further east. The couple are converting the property back to a residence and plan to put it up for sale within a month.
“Through all these years, we’ve had heavy storms, but no real issues,” Shaddock said. “Everything absorbed so nicely, and we’re at a high point. We’re 52 feet above sea level and everything runs down into (Sand Branch Creek).”
Sand Branch Creek was severely damaged from the heavy rains during Hurricane Debby this past August.
Commissioner Mike Rahn said moving forward, the county is changing the way it handles the creek. It will be considered and treated as a “conveyance” because it feeds into the Manatee River.
The county is currently taking steps to repair the creek where Hurricane Debby caused the most damage.
SAND BRANCH RESTORATION
The Manatee Water Atlas reports Sand Branch Creek as a 1.7-mile stream that starts on the south side of State Road 64, east of Uihlein Road, and flows into the Manatee River.
As the creek flows north, it flows through Neal Communities’ Palm
Grove development and several private properties.
The creek runs underneath Waterline Road from Jason and Summer Thurber’s property on the southside to the Heartwood retreat on the northside. While only a two-lane road divides them, the properties look completely different.
On the northside, Heartwood is heavily wooded, even if less so since the hurricanes. The creek lies at the bottom of a small gorge, which Shaddock said drops 18 feet from the street to the back end of his property.
Vegetation has grown thick along the banks and a couple of trees toppled into the creek during Hurricane Milton. Here and there, the water peeks through the brush.
Across Waterline Road to the south, the Thurbers keep goats and retired race horses. The property, with the exception of some scattered trees and structures, is an open field.
Prior to Hurricane Debby, Sand Branch Creek was a trickling stream of water that divided the Thurbers’ property almost straight down the middle.
The banks sloped, but not nearly to the degree as across the street, and the creek bed was much narrower
before Hurricane Debby hit.
During and after the storm, water flowed like a raging river. It split the creek bed open, collapsed its banks and left massive sink holes. What was a 3-foot slope down into the creek became a 6-foot drop.
The damage was so extensive that the Thurbers granted Manatee County a Right of Entry agreement, so county workers can access the property and restore the creek’s banks.
Commissioners approved the agreement Feb. 18 and work has begun. Truckloads of dirt were delivered and are currently piled up along the banks.
“Our plan is to bring the banks back to prevent future erosion,” said Tom Gerstenberger, Stormwater Engineering Division Manager at Manatee County Public Works, in an email. “This will be done by backfilling the eroded areas with dirt, packing, grading and sodding the banks.”
The work is anticipated to be completed in about a month.
LOOKING AHEAD
While the creek on one side of Waterline Road is being handled, across the street, there are fallen trees block-
RIGHT OF ENTRY VERSUS EASEMENT
While the Thurbers have signed a Right of Entry agreement with the county, the contract is only good for 180 days. Right of Entry agreements allow county employees entry onto a property for emergency purposes.
For the county to continue maintaining Sand Branch Creek on the Thurbers’ property, a drainage easement will need to be established.
Gerstenberger explained that while the property owner still owns the land, once an easement is in place, the owner can’t stop the easement owner from entering the property for the purposes that were established in the contract.
ing the creek that require a crane to remove.
The Shaddocks are tapped out, but Rahn said the county will take care of that side, too.
When Rahn saw the creek for himself, he called County Administrator Charlie Bishop to request cleanup be done, so the creek doesn’t back up.
He said the project has been placed on the list of requests for the over $252 million community block grant Manatee County received from the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Mark Van De Ree, neighbor to the north of the yoga institute and the spokesperson for the Waterline Road Preservation group, is glad to hear the blockages will be removed, but he wants to make sure Sand Branch Creek doesn’t turn into a “dredged out drainage ditch.”
On the north end of his property, he often sees otters and alligators in the creek.
Van De Ree keeps a close eye on Sand Branch Creek.
He said dewatering from construction sites, not only Palm Grove, took their toll on the creek. However, he’s seen improvements over the past couple months in the water quality.
Gerstenberger said county staff monitors and coordinates with Palm Grove on an ongoing basis to address dewatering activities. Water from the site gets pumped into Sand Branch Creek.
Ryan Fowler, land development manager for Neal, said the pumps are turned on and off at the county’s direction. They retained water in ponds on the Palm Grove site for weeks after Hurricane Debby, waiting for the county’s approval to pump again.
The county also directed Palm Grove to clean its portion of Sand Branch Creek following hurricane season.
John Lydon, vice president of land development for Neal, said the sides of the creek were cleaned and what washed in from the hurricanes has been removed.
Photos by Lesley Dwyer
David Shaddock is selling his property on Waterline Road.
Manatee County is repairing the banks of Sand Branch Creek on the south side of Waterline Road.
This bridge over Sand Branch Creek was one of two private bridges that were destroyed by flooding on Jason and Summer Thurber’s property on Waterline Road.
Commissioners face lawsuit from ‘Lectern Guy’
Representative Robert ‘Alex’ Andrade filed the suit on behalf of client Adam Johnson.
Jan. 6, while holding former Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s lectern, is the plaintiff in the case that alleges the six commissioners were corrupt in deciding not to pursue $250,000 in legal fees against Joe McClash.
Alawsuit filed March 10 against six of seven Manatee County Commissioners will offer interesting test cases of whether commissioners can be held liable for not pursuing reimbursement of legal fees allowed by state law, and whether a publisher can be held accountable if candidate endorsements personally benefit that publisher.
Parrish’s Adam Johnson, known as “the lectern guy” for infamously posing in the Capitol Building on
McClash is the Bradenton Times publisher who had sued Manatee County for its decision to eliminate established wetland buffers.
Mike Rahn is the only commissioner not being sued because he was the lone nay vote when the board decided to forgive the county’s legal fees in defending itself against McClash’s lawsuit that challenged the commission’s decision to cut wetland buffers from the county minimum of 30 to 50 feet down to the state minimum of 15 to 25 feet. The other commissioners are George Kruse, Jason Bearden, Amanda Ballard, Carol Felts, Bob McCann and Tal Siddique.
Photos Lesley Dwyer
Six of seven Manatee County commissioners — Tal Siddique, Carol Felts, George Kruse, Mike Rahn, Amanda Ballard, Jason Bearden and Dr. Robert McCann — are being sued. Rahn is the exception.
ROBERT “ALEX” ANDRADE
Andrade lives in Pensacola and works for Moore, Hill & Westmoreland, P.A.
According to Florida Department of State Division of Election records, his campaigns have paid Pedicini’s consulting firms, Strategic Image Management and Simwins, $548,903.30 since he first ran for the District 2 House seat in 2018.
Andrade has hit both local and national headlines recently.
The city of Milton dropped him as its legal counsel after dropping its lawsuit against Mayor Heather Lindsay in February. Councilman Robert Leek stated in a public meeting that he felt Andrade filed the suit out of spite and a deep dislike for the mayor.
On Feb. 28, the House voted to approve a bill that prevents educators from teaching “identity politics” in the classroom. During the discussion, Andrade asserted that “some slaves were paid for their work.”
He did go on to clarify that the pay was not good, valid or moral, but the comments were nonetheless criticized by some House members and media outlets. Rolling Stone titled its article on the subject, “Florida Republicans Keep Trying to Argue That Slavery Wasn’t So Bad.”
Johnson’s lawsuit also claims McClash used his media outlet to endorse candidates he favored in the primary who were likely to vote against the county pursuing legal fees against him.
The lawsuit is one of three filed since Nov. 27 by House Representative Robert “Alex” Andrade, who represents District 2 in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, that would appear to have connections to the previous Manatee County political machine.
Other than the lawsuit Andrade filed on behalf of Johnson, he also
filed lawsuits for former Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge and another for Ostenbridge and political consultant Anthony Pedicini.
Pedicini has been a highly successful political consultant in Manatee County, helping to seat every member of the Manatee County Commission between the 2020 and 2022 election cycles.
However, Pedicini’s winning streak was upended during the 2024 election cycle when seven out of his 10 clients in Manatee and Sarasota counties lost their races, including Van Ostenbridge, who lost his race to current Commission Chair George Kruse.
McClash eventually withdrew his suit against the county, but the county went forward with attempts to collect approximately $250,000 as the “prevailing party” because Senate Bill 540, which went into effect July 2023, states that anyone to unsuccessfully challenge a comprehensive plan must pay the prevailing party’s attorney fees.
McClash said because he withdrew the case, there was no determination of a prevailing party, and since the case was closed with prejudice, it can’t be reopened.
The suit states that the general rule when a plaintiff voluntarily dismisses an action is that the defendant is the prevailing party.
In lieu of monetary damages, Johnson is seeking an injunction to prevent the county and commissioners from waiving McClash’s fees.
“The taxpayers deserve their court-authorized collection,” Johnson said by email. “Political corruption, especially direct political favors paid for by taxpayers, cannot stand and will not stand as long as there is breath in my lungs.”
However, Ballard and Bearden are named in the suit even though they were not part of the 2024 election and are not up for reelection until 2026.
The board’s main reason to waive the legal fees against McClash was that a private citizen shouldn’t be penalized for challenging a motion that commissioners already had taken steps to reverse.
Rahn was not surprised a lawsuit was filed. He said a move like dismissing the fees against McClash
was not going to go unnoticed and that someone was bound to fight back.
While he never believed McClash would actually pay the county $250,000, Rahn wanted to allow the county attorney’s office to go through the standard process to come up with a settlement amount.
“This opens a Pandora’s box for anybody else to come out and say, ‘Well, you waived his fees, waive my fees,’” Rahn said. “Waiving attorney fees for anyone that we (the county) are the prevailing party, it doesn’t serve a public purpose. It’s not fiscally responsible with taxpayer money.”
McClash used the same term, Pandora’s box, to describe the county’s situation if it chose not to lower the fees it said were needed to defend itself against McClash’s lawsuit. He said the county’s legal fees were way overblown.
McClash said the commission’s decision to waive its legal fees against him were not without precedent. He said the county has a “tremendous history of waiving liens” in code enforcement cases. On average, residents pay about 1%, which was the amount McClash offered the commission to settle his case.
The motion to waive all fees was
made by Bearden Nov. 19, the same day Felts, McCann and Siddique were sworn into office.
The prior board voted down the same motion 4-2 on Sept. 10. Bearden and Kruse were the only commissioners in favor of dropping the fees at that time.
The complaint quotes Kruse from Sept. 10 as saying, “I personally have no intention of collecting that money from former Commissioner Joe McClash, and I think I will have the votes to not collect that money when the time comes.”
The exhibits attached to the lawsuit are endorsements of commissioners Kruse, Felts, McCann and Siddique from The Bradenton Times.
Van Ostenbridge is suing former Commissioner Betsy Benac and the political action group Take Back Manatee for defamation. It was filed Nov. 27. On Dec. 17, Van Ostenbridge and Pedicini sued Manatee County resident Hawke Cates, The Bradenton Times and “doe defendants” for “damages related to the unauthorized publication of their names and likenesses.”
The suit references “The Real KVO,” a cartoon featuring a blue puppet reminiscent of a Sesame Street character that sings songs and speaks in a high-pitched voice.
The puppet calls himself Kevin-Kyle Kaczyski Von Oswald and mocks local officials on social media. The lawsuit reads, “The videos maintain a consistent theme, painting Mr. Van Ostenbridge and Mr. Pedicini as corrupt political figures and insinuating that they and others engage in obscene sexual acts.”
Andrade also filed a lawsuit Jan. 8, on behalf of Pedicini and his firm Simwins, alleging that Sarasota Phoenix Media made derogatory statements about Pedicini.
Andrade has made three attempts to pass bills through the Legislature that target media outlets.
The three bills he sponsored failed, but part of their aim was to loosen the definition of what a public figure is and lower the threshold of what constitutes malice.
For a plaintiff to win a defamation lawsuit against a journalist, negligence isn’t enough. The plaintiff must prove the false statement was printed with malice or reckless disregard for the truth.
Andrade did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and the county attorney’s office advised commissioners not to comment on the case.
Former Commissioner Joe McClash says the changes to the comprehensive plan go against the basic philosophy of “Do no harm.”
EMS wants to receive the green light
A pilot program that turns red lights to green for emergency vehicles has been successful in Manatee.
LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER
Commissioner George Kruse has complained that he always gets stuck at red lights when driving around Manatee County.
“I can’t get through a green light to save my life,” he said.
However, when it comes to actual life saving, Manatee County has been looking into technology to assure ambulances travel through green lights with ease.
Commissioners approved a pilot program in 2023 that clears traffic for oncoming emergency vehicles. The program was launched in June 2024.
On average, the traffic management system saves 11 seconds of travel time at each signalized intersection.
In June, commissioners were told the program would operate for about six months before a final decision would be made to either discontinue the program or expand it countywide.
Now that time has come and gone, and James Crutchfield, deputy director of Manatee County Public Safety, said the goal is to equip every traffic signal in Manatee County with the technology. Now it’s up to commissioners to approve the funds.
While 11 seconds may not seem like a lot of time, Crutchfield said those seconds add up when responding to time-sensitive emergencies, such as cardiac arrest, respiratory issues and traumatic injuries.
A 2020 study in the “Journal of the American Heart Association” reported that “shortening EMS response times is likely to be a fast
and effective way of increasing survival in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.”
A 2019 UCLA study found that initiating stroke treatment 15 minutes earlier can save lives and prevent disabilities.
Manatee County’s emergency call center averages about 1,500 calls a day. The average EMS response time is just more than eight minutes, but the patient then needs to be loaded into the ambulance and transported to the hospital.
To get started with testing the technology, staff identified 24 traffic lights along U.S. 41, U.S. 301 and State Road 64 that were deemed severely congested. The common thread between those three corridors is that they all lead to Manatee Memorial Hospital.
By June, light control boxes were installed at the 24 intersections, along with activation devices inside of 10 Emergency Medical Services vehicles — eight ambulances and two supervisor vehicles.
The pilot program cost $300,000. The average cost to equip each intersection is $10,000.
THE TECHNOLOGY
“This system gives emergency responders control over traffic flow,” Crutchfield said. “Once activated, it creates a dedicated green light corridor along the ambulance’s route, helping to clear traffic ahead of the vehicle.”
Once the ambulance driver triggers the system, the equipment in the ambulance starts communicating with the light control boxes using
BY THE NUMBERS
11seconds saved per equipped intersection
2EMS supervisor vehicles equipped with activation controls
8ambulances equipped with activation controls
24signals equipped with light control boxes
$10,000 average cost to equip an intersection
$300,000 spent to date
passed, the system quickly reverts back to the normal traffic pattern to minimize any disruptions and keep traffic flowing.
GPS, cellular networks and radio communication.
Both cellular and radio communication are used, so the system stays operational even where there’s a network interruption.
Unlike nonemergency adaptive signal systems that use presets and algorithms to time green lights according to traffic patterns, the EMS priority system adapts in real time.
The control box detects the emergency vehicle as it approaches, and then switches the light to green.
Clearing traffic ahead of time serves the main purpose of picking up and delivering the patient faster, but it also lessens the risk of collisions with pedestrians and motorists in the intersection.
Once the emergency vehicle has
Crutchfield said additional signals will be added as funding becomes available. Eventually, the equipment will be installed at every traffic signal in Manatee County.
Public Works Director Chad Butzow said that at some point fire rescue may also be given the same priority as EMS, but a hierarchy will have to be established first in the event that two emergency vehicles are approaching the same intersection.
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is not even being considered a priority option because of the havoc such a large fleet could have on regular traffic.
“(Officers) are going every which way,” Butzow said. “The signals would probably never be in normal operation.”
Courtesy image
Manatee County EMS wants to expand its pilot program countywide to give ambulances priority at traffic lights.
Find Your Place in East County
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HORSING AROUND WITH PIG PIG
After a rocky start, an unlikely friendship emerges in a Myakka City pasture.
LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER
Asurprising friendship has formed in Cynthia Moll’s Myakka City backyard between her tricolored paint horse, Bliss, and a feral pig that’s been affectionately named Pig Pig.
Pig Pig showed up in December. With bones bulging from underneath his hide, Galloway said he was clearly starving.
She said he was about 3 months old at the time and that he kept coming back because Bliss is such a messy eater.
As Bliss chews sloppily, she sways her head from side to side, so Pig Pig would just run back and forth, snatching up whatever dropped to the ground.
Bliss wasn’t having it because she didn’t want to share. She tried pushing the piglet aside. But he was so hungry he wouldn’t leave, so she bit him.
Moll said Pig Pig squealed, but didn’t seem hurt. He certainly was not deterred. Not only did he keep showing up every day, he went to great lengths to get the horse’s attention. Before Pig Pig won her over, Bliss used to regularly hang out by the fence to be near the goats next door. Goats and horses are more natural friends since they’re both herd animals.
Moll said the piglet just started running circles around Bliss one day while she was by the fence, as if to say, “I’m right here; you don’t need them!”
Still, if Bliss wanders off to stare at the goats, Pig Pig starts zooming around until her eyes are back on him, and how quickly things change because now Bliss will run after Pig Pig.
“You call one, you usually get the other, too,” Moll said. Bliss and Pig Pig eat, graze, wander, run, play and nap together.
When Pig Pig first arrived, he even tried to climb on Bliss’s belly to sleep. That was a step too far, but Bliss is so happy to have him around now, she no longer minds sharing her leftovers.
Bliss has known her own name for quite awhile, but now, when Moll asks, “Where’s Pig Pig?” she turns her head to look toward the woods.
Moll believes Pig Pig to be feral because he looks like a wild hog but has a curly tail. A wild hog would have a straight tail, so he’s probably mixed with some type of domesticated pig.
Moll said Pig Pig made a nest out of Bliss’s good alfalfa hay, so she knows
he’s been sleeping in the barn. She also hears him rooting at night and will even get out of bed to scold him sometimes.
Where Pig Pig goes in the morning, Moll doesn’t know, but he does have a routine.
Around 3 p.m. daily, he crawls back under her fence and starts running across the paddock to see his buddy Bliss.
Then, the pair have their own routine. They take a walk before dinner, they eat and then graze.
Pig Pig has started approaching Moll recently, too. He rubbed his snout into the crook of her knee once and will come within a couple feet of her when it’s feeding time.
She doesn’t know what to expect as he ages. Will he grow tusks? Will he tear up the whole yard? Worse yet, will a hog dog sniff him out when he’s out roaming?
She’s not completely sure what she’s going to do about this unexpected situation long term, but if he keeps hanging around, Moll said her best bet is to get Pig Pig neutered and make him his own fenced area to keep him safe.
Many cases of horses, and pigs, having relationships with other animals can be found on the web. The South Florida Society for the Pre-
“Even though there are many tales of horses being scared of, or aggressive toward, nontraditional companions, such as pigs, there are just as many tales of them being unusual best friends.”
Bridget Heilsberg
‘UNLIKELY ANIMAL FRIENDS’
Bliss and Pig Pig could’ve starred in an episode of National Geographic’s “Unlikely Animal Friends.” The docuseries can still be streamed, but it stopped airing new episodes in 2019.
The friendships included a Chihuahua and a silky chicken, a coonhound and a rat, a cockatoo and a cat, a rhinoceros and a warthog and a fox and a badger.
vention of Cruelty to Animals documented a case in May 2021 of Amos the cow and Lionel the pig, both rescues, living together in harmony in Homestead. They slept next to each other, stayed in the same stall, and followed each other around.
HorseFactBook.com advises that horses and pigs don’t make good companions, and that they should be separated by a fence — “They don’t understand each other’s body language and won’t form emotional bonds. It’s best to not keep them in the same field.”
However, MyNewHorse.EquusMagazine.com identifies pigs as a companion pal for horses, and also suggests dogs, cats and goats.
The site’s take on horses and pigs is, “An internet search will return mixed advice about buying pigs as companion animals for horses. Some sources say they are not a good match, while others share that their horses and pigs are the best of friends. Consider the temperament of both animals and introduce them slowly to be sure neither will be aggressive toward the other.”
HorseIllustrated.com quotes Bridget Heilsberg, the owner of Crown 3 Equine Veterinary Services in Whitesboro, Texas, as saying, “Your horse’s individual personality will help determine what the best choice for a companion will be. Many horses do well with equids like other horses, mules or donkeys. Some horses, however, do better with nontraditional companions like goats, chickens or pigs. Not sure if your horse will bond well with his new roommate? It doesn’t hurt to try! Even though there are many tales of horses being scared of, or aggressive toward, nontraditional companions, such as pigs, there are just as many tales of them being unusual best friends.”
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Pig Pig takes a break from grazing to check out the camera. He is still wild and weary of humans.
Photos by Lesley Dwyer Myakka City’s Cynthia Moll kisses 9-year-old Bliss. Moll rescued Bliss when she was 10 months old.
Just an observation ... I love airplanes
Manatee County and the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport open their new Aircraft Observation Area.
Ilove watching airplanes. I really do.
That might be strange since I was lounging on the University of Arizona mall during my student days in 1978 when an Air Force A-7D Corsair II, a jet fighter, crashed just south of the campus.
The jet flew right over my head, at an altitude later announced at 200 feet. When I heard a loud pop, I watched in horror as the pilot ejected and the plane veered to right, crashing along North Highland Avenue in Tucson. The pilot, who only suffered an ankle injury, was aiming for the campus football practice field after his engines quit, but the plane took a sharp turn after he ejected.
The jet erupted into flames when it hit the street. Two people were killed and another six were injured. My immediate reaction was to jump to my feet and start running the opposite direction of where the plane crashed, but then my raw journalistic instincts kicked in, and I ran back to my dorm, grabbed a camera and headed to the crash site.
I snapped photos and interviewed anyone I could with the hope that a newspaper would pick up the story or the photos.
I will admit I have paid particular attention to the sound of every plane that flies over my head ever since, often wondering if the change in pitch in the engine signals trouble. When the Air Force did a triple bomber flyover of Raymond James Stadium before the 2021 Super Bowl, I was sure this massive plane was headed right into my Lakewood Ranch lanai.
I am not sure if it was the B-1B, the B-2 Spirit or the B-52 Stratofortress, but one of them followed a low route into Tampa, and the grinding sound made me come out of my house to see what I thought at the time was a plane going down. Of course, it was just a big plane flying low.
While those sounds make me pause, I still enjoy watching these monstrous vehicles soaring through the air. I would compare it to the wonder I have at watching these huge ships that weigh more than 180,000 tons floating on the sea. How do they not sink?
How does a B-52 Stratofortress, with a total takeoff weight of
488,000 pounds when filled, stay in the air? To me, it is a wonder of the world. It is so much so that I have been to St. Martin four times to watch planes land and take-off right over Maho Beach next to the Princess Juliana International Airport in St. Maarten. I certainly don’t go with the hope of seeing anything bad happen, although I admit I used to enjoy watching these goofballs who cozied up to the airport fence get knocked over by the airplanes’ blowback. Hats, cameras, wallets and people would go soaring toward the water. However, tragedy does strike. A tourist died in 2017 after being hit
by a jet air blast.
With all that in my background, you would think I wouldn’t be excited about the possibility of watching planes land and take off at the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport from the Aircraft Observation Area. But there I was, shortly after the observation area’s ribbon cutting on March 12, watching airplanes. This isn’t anything like some fans’ desire to see a NASCAR pileup, but again, it’s just a wonder of how these things work.
I’m not sure this qualifies as a Jeff Foxworthy, “You might be a redneck” moment, but I expect there will be a few date nights down the
road at this observation area, drinking an adult beverage and staring at the runway. I will say that I didn’t see restrooms at the site, which will cut visitation times. While I would say that doesn’t make sense to me, I guess the thought process was that was a good omission since parking spots are limited.
For those who want to visit the spot, where people used to line the fence anyway to watch the planes, the address is 8330 15th St. E., Sarasota. An airport release said airplane enthusiasts have gathered for years at that spot to catch take-offs and landings. Discussions began with Manatee County in 2016 to enhance that area. The airport and Manatee County eventually agreed to split the $2.36 million cost of an observation area.
It is an example of the fine line our commissioners walk when it comes to providing amenities to the residents. On one hand, I love the space and I am sure to use it. But it’s an example of how little $2.36 million buys these days.
The space includes a small parking area, an artsy shade structure that resembles an aircraft wing, an airport-themed playground, some lighting, information plaques, a historical rotating beacon, and speakers broadcasting audio from the FAA air traffic control tower. But for $2.36 million, we could have built a really nice house on that spot with huge picture windows. And the house would have had bathrooms.
Jay Heater is the managing editor for the East County Observer. Contact him at JHeater@ YourObserver.com.
Jay Heater
You can now watch airplanes come and go from the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport’s Aircraft Observation Area.
Make A Plan.
It Makes a Difference.
Taking a few moments now can make a significant difference for your loved ones down the road. From removing the stress and financial burdens to fulfilling your exact wishes for your celebration of life, pre-planning is the best gift you can give your family.
We’re here to help. Give us a call today to start the conversation.
New library app a boon for Manatee
More than 7,000 newspaper and magazine titles can be accessed through PressReader.
ERIC GARWOOD CONTRIBUTOR
Manatee County library’s new app will connect readers far and wide
More than 7,000 newspaper and magazine titles can be accessed for free with PressReader.
For less than the price of a decent used car, Manatee County’s library system is delivering access to more than 7,000 newspapers, books, journals and magazines from around the world to its card-carrying patrons
It’s just another way, Library Director Tammy Parrott said, of satisfying one of her organization’s main missions.
The county in March launched access to PressReader, which presents page-turning digital versions of publications from around the world, in 60 languages. The service costs the county $19,000 annually, and users can sign up for free connections directly through the PressReader site or smartphone app.
What’s there to read? Well ...
Got a hankering for the latest edition of Estonia’s leading news source: MK Estonia? It’s there.
Can’t lay your hands on the March issue of Moteur Boat: Le Leader De La Presse Bateau a Moteur? You’re covered, at least in terms of motor boat news, written entirely in French.
And if you’d seen the March 11 edition of the South China Morning Post, you’d know President Donald Trump could be heading to China for a summit “as early as April,” according to the lead headline.
“One of the big things libraries do is connect people,” Parrott said. “They can connect people with other people, with things they want to read, things they want to do, things they want to learn.’’
She said PressReader is just another way to accomplish what libraries have been doing for generations.
But far-flung exotic titles aren’t the end of it. Dozens of domestic newspapers and magazines — including the East County Observer and LWR Life Magazine — are also part of the bargain that ordinarily would cost individual users about $30 a month. Beyond simply a reading platform, PressReader also includes beyond-print features such as audio, translations between 20 languages, customizable news-
feeds and sharing capabilities. Parrott said for a community such as Lakewood Ranch, with so many winter residents and transplanted folks from other states, PressReader is an ideal way to keep up with news from back home. She added the breadth of the service’s offerings would be impossible to reproduce in a tangible form.
Browsing through the many titles recently, Parrott said she found something to read for which she wasn’t necessarily looking — Foreign Affairs magazine, founded in 1922 as “the leading forum for serious discussion of American foreign policy and global affairs.”
“That is not a magazine we are going to carry because it’s more of a specialized function as a magazine, but it piqued my interest,” she said. “So then, I was connected to that content. It’s a nice way for us to bring an even broader collection to our citizens and library users here in Manatee County.”
Access to PressReader requires a Manatee County library card. Patrons can download the PressReader application or visit the website and add their library card credentials directly. Parrott said library personnel at each of the county’s eight locations can help, either in person or via telephone. Sarasota County also hosts PressReader access for its patrons.
“We are thrilled to bring Manatee County this world-class digital reading experience that includes newspapers and magazines from around the globe,” said Manatee County Commissioner George Kruse.
HELLO WORLD Manatee County’s new connection to the world is PressReader, a digital service that delivers thousands of replicas of newspapers and magazines. Manatee library card holders have free access by visiting https://TinyURL. com/2JXTVF47.
Courtesy photo
Part of PressReader’s appeal is the breadth of its offerings — more than 7,000 titles.
COMING
Emerson Lakes Is Now Accepting Reservations.
Our first phase of construction is now underway. It includes the beautiful Coral Ridge Clubhouse and three residence buildings: Sandhill Point, anticipated to open in the fall of 2026, followed by Laguna Springs and Mangrove Run, opening in the first half of 2027.
At Emerson Lakes, Every Day Is a Holiday
Here are just a few resort-style amenities you can expect:
• Multiple dining venues
• Outdoor pool with a walk-up bar
• State-of-the-art fitness center
• Pickleball and bocce ball courts
• Outdoor fitness center with meditation garden
• Fire pits
A Financial Structure You Can Count On
Our community’s smart financial structure will provide peace of mind and security by streamlining most bills into an easy monthly payment. Your Monthly Service Package covers:
• Utilities, maintenance, and property taxes
• Cable TV, internet, and landline phone
• Use of fitness center, pool, and dozens of other amenities
A New Community With Decades of History
When you start a life at Emerson Lakes, you’ll be part of a community you can trust. The Erickson Senior Living network of managed communities has provided quality care for seniors like you across the nation for more than 40 years. Our track record is one you can count on.
Lakewood Ranch CERT explores the use of drones
Manatee County Sheriff’s Office explains its use of drones during a CERT meeting at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.
front of the Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, and in an instant, it was gone. Wennberg directed the drone to go up, and then he sent it over the building and out over Lake Uihlein, out of sight. It was part of a demonstration by the Sheriff’s Office during a Lakewood Ranch Community Emergency Response Team meeting at Town Hall. Also participating for the
Sheriff’s Office was Deputy Patrick Hagan. Part of the demonstration was telling CERT members how the Sheriff’s Office uses drones, and how law enforcement can do things with a drone that the general public isn’t allowed to do. One of the differences is that public operators must keep the drone in line of sight while the Sheriff’s Office is not limited in that respect.
“You need to use it in your line of sight,” Hagan said of public drone users. “Even the ones you get at Walmart can go five miles away just like that.”
The demonstration came at a time when Lakewood Ranch CERT is incorporating drones into its response efforts to better help the community after a disaster situation, such as a hurricane.
“We are studying it,” said Dick Plotkin, who is on the Lakewood Ranch CERT drone committee.
Photos by Jay Heater
Lakewood Ranch CERT’s Dick Plotkin and Dave Esslinger talk about using drones after a hurricane to help the community.
“After an event, we can put up a drone and observe things in a very short time from the air. We can look at the back of the houses to pick up damage.”
When CERT members are dispatched after an emergency event, they can walk the streets in front of homes, but they can’t cross private property to look behind homes. If someone, for example, is injured behind a home and trapped, a drone could allow the CERT member to contact authorities.
With the program moving forward, Lakewood Ranch CERT wanted the Sheriff’s Office to talk about uses for drones and what is appropriate.
Hagan explained that drone operators must be registered, unless the drone weighs less than 0.55 pounds. Many drones that parents buy for their kids fit into that category.
But all drones that weigh more than 0.55 pounds must be registered.
In this region, drone operators must be aware of the regulations, such as not flying into Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport space. There is a five-mile circumference surrounding the airport that has regulations for drones.
Hagan explained the many uses of drones for his department, and how law enforcement has to be aware when drone operators from the public are misusing their personal drones.
He said once he was on scene where the Sheriff’s Office was investigating a death, and a neighbor flew a drone over the scene being “nosy.” In that kind of situation, law enforcement will report the violation to the Federal Aviation Administration, which has jurisdiction in that case.
“We report it to the FAA, and they can fine (violators) up to $30,000,” Hagan said.
He also noted that airspace is treated differently than your own land.
“When you are two inches off the ground, it’s not your property anymore,” he said.
He said nuisance cases, such as a person flying a drone over the fairgrounds or a public gathering (both against FAA regulations), can be tough to stop because drones can fly so far away from the user. But more advancements are being made and more technology is available to track
a user quickly.
Hagan emphasized that his department does not use drones to spy on people. He said that is often a misconception by the public.
“Florida statues tell us what we can use drones for,” he said.
One of the important uses is to accompany SWAT to a possible crime scene. SWAT asks the drone team to come along in many cases now to give it as much information as possible about the scene. In such cases, the drone team will have a search warrant that has written into it what the drones can do, such as searching a building.
He said the Sheriff’s Office uses the drone team “once or twice every couple of weeks” now.
The Sheriff’s Office drones, which run $10,000 to $20,000, have many more features, such as breaking glass or night vision, than the ones that Lakewood Ranch CERT will acquire.
Hagan said it is important his department conduct such public demonstrations to let people know what they do with drones and how they are used. The bottom line is that drones can be a helpful tool that can cover a huge area quickly.
Lakewood Ranch CERT’s Dave
Esslinger will use his own personal drone, which cost approximately $1,500, when the group moves ahead with its drone plan. Esslinger was showing the members his drone before the meeting. Esslinger has a commercial drone license.
Plotkin said Lakewood Ranch CERT is looking into the purchase of its own drone.
TRIBUTES
Gloria Ann Long, age 80, of Longboat Key, FL passed away on March 1, 2025, peacefully in her sleep. She is finally at rest after a long, courageous battle with Bladder Cancer.
Born and raised in Chicago, IL, she moved to Avon Park, Florida in 1979, where she met the love of her life, Charles “Chuck” Long. Together they enjoyed life on the lake in the sunshine, traveling and spending time with friends and family.
From childhood she dreamed of becoming a nurse, and that dream became a reality. Everyone that knew her can agree; with her tender heart and warm touch, she was an amazing nurse. Her passion was saving lives, helping the sick, and loving and caring for hurting families. Gloria’s life was full of zest, she loved to sing, dance, cook, entertain, and care for others. After moving to LBK in 2010, her greatest blessings were her church family, and the many friendships made. She loved being part of her condo social committee, and volunteering through the years at Mote Marine Aquarium, The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, and her church just to name a few. We know that our sweet angel Gloria is now rejoicing in the presence of God.
Gloria is preceded in death by her father and mother, Bernard and Theresa Mansavage; brother,
Gloria Ann Long 1945-2025 443139-1
J.
She is
Ethan, Gabe, Allison, Joshua and Tessa; three nephews and two nieces.
SERVICE:
A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 11:00 am. in the Longboat Island Chapel, located at 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL. 34428 with Rev. Brock Patterson and Rev. Jeffrey Nunes officiating.
Arthur
Mansavage; and husband, Charles H. Long III.
survived by her three children; sons, Eric (Sandra) Larsen of Lutz, FL; Daniel Larsen (Ali Leite) of Boca Raton, FL; and daughter Kimberly (Jonathan) Spies of Kannapolis, NC; grandchildren- Hannah, Christian,
Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. T.J. Wennberg sends a drone up as a demonstration during a CERT meeting at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.
Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. T.J. Wennberg sets up his drone observation monitor in the back of his police cruiser at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall during a CERT meeting.
Veterinarian lands honor of working at Nate’s in Lakewood Ranch
Dr. Sharon Pindar will be the first on-staff vet at Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue.
ERIC GARWOOD CONTRIBUTOR
Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue Center is hoping it has found the perfect fit for the organization’s first on-staff veterinarian and medical director.
Nate’s hired Dr. Sharon Pindar in January even thought Pindar wasn’t its first choice.
The first choice was another Pinder — her husband, Erik.
A Nate’s Honor board member reached out to Erik Pinder, a veterinarian with nonprofit experience, to gauge his interest in the job. The position was created as part of an expansion that later this year will include the opening of a public veterinary clinic.
“He said ‘Nope, this is way too much organizational and administrative stuff for me, but it’s perfect for my wife,’” Sharon Pindar said in a telephone interview, adding it was her introduction to the job and to Nate’s Honor itself. “The more I learned about it, the more people I met, the more it seemed like a great fit and a great opportunity.’’
Sharon Pindar, 37, is a 2014 graduate of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine.
She said the clinic will offer affordable-care options. It will also reduce Nate’s Honor’s need for external veterinary services, helping streamline care and reduce expenses.
After two months on the job in Lakewood Ranch, Pindar said she is getting into the flow while working with Executive Director Dari Oglesby.
“I’m excited about the vision of the place, having an animal shelter and a clinic with the goal of supporting families and their pets so that we can keep more pets out of shelters,” said Pindar, who said the design of the expanded facility on Lorraine Road is conducive to a cer-
A PET OWNER HERSELF
Dr. Sharon Pindar speaks from experience when it comes to pet ownership. She currently owns: ■ Two golden retrievers (one of them with three legs)
■ an 18-year-old dachshund ■ a ball python
and a box turtle
tain tranquility — for people and pets alike. “I’m used to walking through a crowded shelter with lots of barking, and you can’t hear yourself think. It’s so quiet here. It’s just so obviously a great place for animals to be as leaststressed out as possible in a shelter environment, which is very special.’’
Pindar comes to Nate’s Honor from roles in private practice and more recent positions with nonprofits, including Southeastern Guide Dogs, and most recently, the SPCA of Tampa Bay. Since 2020, Pindar oversaw veterinary care there as director of shelter medicine.
While the Nate’s Honor clinic will be open to the public, Pindar said the organization does not intend to compete against area animal hospitals. In fact, leaders have collaboration on their minds, especially when it comes to helping serve clients who might not be able to afford treatment. Working for a nonprofit, she says, often takes a little different mindset.
“One of the things that I learned is just how much every department impacts every other department and for things to operate cohesively, you have to think about the bigger picture all the time, and that’s just how my brain has grown to work,” she said.
As the clinic moves toward opening, Oglesby and Pindar have been on something of a listening campaign, seeking out similarly operating highvolume, low-cost practices for best practices and good ideas to include locally.
One of those ideas involves a holistic approach to veterinary treatment, one that not only concerns itself with pets but also their owners.
“We’ve been able to keep so many more pets in their homes, and that’s the goal of what we’re trying to do
partially with the clinic at Nate’s is to provide people with support so they can keep their pets if possible,’’ she said.
The notion of veterinary social workers could find its way into the Nate’s Honor operation. The idea is to look at the root causes of why an owner might consider surrendering his or her pet for adoption. Among common concerns that could lead to an animal surrender are — Is there a price barrier to vaccines? Is a needed surgery cost-prohibitive? Is there
A LIFETIME OF LEARNING
The Observer asked Dr. Pindar something that the average pet owner might not know. Here’s what she said: “There’s this idea that you get a puppy and you go through a six- or eight-week obedience class and then you are done and you have a trained dog. Really, from owning dogs and raising puppies myself, you realize you are never done training your dog. If that’s your expectation, then you are always going to be frustrated or disappointed.”
regular access to food?
“Veterinary social workers help support people and families so not only is their pet being taken care of, but also the person’s needs are taken care of,” Pindar said. “That’s something Dari and I have talked about, bringing in a veterinary social worker and I think that’s great.”
Pindar’s hiring is part of the organization’s Journey Home capital campaign, a $16 million expansion nearing completion after its 2019 launch. It includes a new 23,000-square-foot Welcome & Adoption Center with a veterinary clinic, a training facility, 10 dog cottages and other buildings.
Pindar said the ultimate goal is to hire three more veterinaries to join the staff, adding that a lot of her work these days revolves around determining protocols for how the new clinic will work and connect with the other segments of Nate’s Honor.
She said part of that process is listening. A lot.
“I am always open to the idea that I can learn things from anyone,” she said. “I definitely had pet owners teach me things about their dog and their breed that I didn’t know.’’
The most comprehensive guide to summer activities in Sarasota and Manatee counties
It might only be March, but it’s time to start thinking about summer camp registration!
Coming Thursday, March 27
Summer Fun is your ultimate resource for camps and programs in and around Sarasota and Manatee counties. We’ve even broken this guide down by category so you can find the perfect summer camp activity for your child.
Courtesy image
Dr. Sharon Pindar is the first on-staff vet at Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue.
FAST BREAK
Former Lakewood Ranch
High pitcher Colton Gordon didn’t make the Houston Astros’ roster and was assigned to Triple A Sugar Land (Texas) on March 11, but he made a good impression this spring. Gordon, a lefty, started three games in spring training and allowed three runs on seven hits and two walks with seven strikeouts over seven innings. “Strike-thrower, I like the tempo he works,” Astros manager Joe Espada said of Gordon as reported by the Houston Chronicle. “I think he’s working on how to be more effective against right-handed (hitters). But I feel really good about what he can do against lefties. We’re going to send him back down there and build him up in case we need a starter.” … Braden River High track and field had a strong showing at the Hurricane Invitational at Manatee High March 14. The boys team was led by the 4x800 relay team — Eli Bazo Sam Zink Galvin Staton and Jordan McClure took first place in 9:22.85 — and Julian Brown, who placed first in the javelin with a throw of 40.54 meters. The girls team was led by Alex Hennes, who placed first in the 800-meter run in 2:44.97, and the 4x800 relay team — Hennes Kacey Hall Leah Vo and Chloe Meinczinger placed first in 11:17.14. Both the boys and girls teams finished fifth out of 10 teams.
… Lakewood Ranch High graduate Danny Walker had a remarkable run at The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach from March 13-16. Walker was an alternate and was able to play only after Jason Day withdrew. He then made the cut on the number before shooting a six-under 66 and a two-under 70 over the weekend. He finished tied for sixth place with a final score of -9, which earned him $843,750. Lakewood Ranch resident Kevin Roy also competed at The Players, missing the cut.
“I was used to being toward the front in middle school, and then I was getting smoked.”
March Madness
VINNIE PORTELL STAFF WRITER
OFormer Braden River High star O’Mariah Gordon has been a key to the Seminoles being the secondhighest scoring team in the nation.
FLORIDA STATE’S PATH TO THE FINAL FOUR
Nothing is guaranteed in March Madness, but it’s worth looking ahead to envision what could happen. Here’s what the path to the Final Four could look like if the Seminoles keep winning:
’Mariah Gordon has had her faith tested at every turn at Florida State University.
The former Braden River High girls basketball star had a high school basketball experience that most players can only experience in their dreams.
That’s what made the start to her collegiate career troubling to her.
Gordon didn’t win a state championship at Braden River, but checked off just about everything else a player could ever wish to accomplish.
She won district and regional championships. She averaged more than 20 points per game for four straight seasons. She was a two-time Gatorade Player of the Year winner.
Best of all, when the 5-foot-4 Gordon was finished at Braden River, she had her pick of some of the top women’s basketball programs in the nation.
Ranked as the No. 31 prospect in the country and the No. 1 prospect in the state by ESPN at the time, Gordon committed to Florida State in fall 2020.
Now a senior with the Seminoles, Gordon has had to overcome multiple surgeries to fix a lingering injury and a head coaching change, but has persevered.
Gordon will make one final run through March Madness with No.6 Florida State beginning with a Round of 64 game against No. 11 George Mason on March 22 at 7:45 p.m. on ESPN2. But that pressure should be nothing compared to what she already has overcome.
TRIAL AND ERROR
Gordon has had to deal with many challenges in her four years at Florida State. After being the no-doubt scoring option in high school, Gordon had to work her way into the starting lineup during her freshman season while learning the offense under thencoach Sue Semrau.
while recovering from another surgery that didn’t fix her heel pain.
Gordon’s sophomore year wasn’t any easier.
After starting 20 games as a freshman, she started just twice as a sophomore and subsequently played 17.6 minutes per game.
KEEPING THE FAITH
Going from the top recruit in the state to an injury-riddled player two years into college wasn’t easy for Gordon, but she had some help off the court.
Gordon stumbled upon a Bible study group while scootering around campus at the start of her freshman year.
She said despite many members of the group being in their late 20s, she made friends who introduced her to festivals, new food and renewed her hope.
“I went to Bible study a lot and that helped me,” said Gordon, who said the Bible study group altered its schedule to avoid game days.
“It was a small Bible study that was on campus at the time,” she said. “It helped me to stay positive. It’s easy to look at a situation and think negatively and doubt what you can become, but at the end of the day, if I’m going to do something, I’m going to do it to the best of my ability. That kept my hopes high.”
Gordon didn’t question herself when her junior year arrived.
Coming off two seasons that started with surgeries, she received shots to ease her pain.
It worked.
Finally healthy and with a year under Wyckoff’s tutelage, Gordon started playing like her former self.
She started 34 games that season, averaging 13.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1 steal in 31 minutes per game.
“My junior year, I came back and I did a lot better, and I was proud of how I handled the situation,” Gordon said. “I didn’t make anything about me, and I feel like it’s easy to make things about you when things aren’t going your way or you feel like you should be playing, or you feel like things should be different. I made it about my teammates, and I was happy with how I responded.”
WHAT’S NEXT
Life at Florida State has been good for Gordon.
ROUND OF 64: No. 6 Florida State vs. No. 11 George Mason on March 22 at 7:45 p.m. on ESPN2
ROUND OF 32: Florida State vs. winner of No. 3 LSU vs. No. 14 San Diego State on either March 23 or 24
SWEET 16: Florida State vs. No. 2 NC State, No. 7 Michigan State, No. 10 Harvard or No. 15 Vermont on March 28 or 29
ELITE EIGHT: Florida State vs. No. 1 UCLA, No. 4 Baylor, No. 5 Ole Miss, No. 8 Richmond, No. 9 Georgia Tech, No. 12 Ball State, No. 13 Grand Canyon, No. 16 UC San Diego or No. 16 Southern on March 30 or 31
In doing it, Gordon was playing through pain.
Gordon said she had surgery to address a heel injury coming into her freshman season, but the pain never went away.
“That injury was the hardest for me mentally because it hindered me from doing what I know how to do best,” Gordon said. “Also, even my outside life off the court, it hindered me. I knew in my head I couldn’t be my full self.”
Rather than rest, Gordon missed one game to start the season and then played through the pain.
Despite what she described as “day-to-day” pain that affected every aspect of her life, Gordon became the team’s starting point guard midway through the year and was named to the ACC All-Freshman Team after averaging 7.4 points, 2.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 20.3 minutes per game.
Following the conclusion of that season, Semrau retired and Florida State named assistant Brooke Wyckoff as her successor.
That meant Gordon had a new coaching philosophy to learn, all
She’s had name, image and likeness opportunities that include making appearances, designing and selling a shirt featuring herself and a Celsius-sponsored March Madness campaign that became public on March 17.
Gordon has excelled in the classroom, too. Majoring in sports management, Gordon has been a member of the All-ACC Academic Team for each of her first three years.
In her free time, she said she likes to roller skate and sell used clothes and shoes.
On the court, she’s been playing the best basketball of her career for a Florida State team that is 23-8 and has averaged the second-most points per game in the nation (87.2 points per game).
Gordon, who has started 29 games and is averaging 16.2 points per game this season, had one of her biggest moments Feb. 16 — scoring 34 points on 14-of-22 shooting to help the Seminoles beat the University of Miami 83-82.
Playing alongside Ta’Niya Latson, who is averaging the most points per game in the nation (24.9), Gordon and the Seminoles have a chance to make a deep run in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament.
Even if that doesn’t happen, though, Gordon said she wants to do whatever she can to keep playing basketball after her collegiate career is done, even if more challenges lie ahead.
“I want to continue to play, wherever my opportunity comes, in the WNBA or overseas or wherever my opportunity is,” Gordon said. “I’ll be having some conversations when the season ends. I’m really excited for my future.”
— ODA track and field athlete Collin Dillingham SEE PAGE 19A
Courtesy Image
Former Lakewood Ranch High pitcher
Colton Gordon impressed Astros manager Joe Espada during spring training.
Photos courtesy of FSU Athletics/Jeff Romance
O’Mariah Gordon celebrates a career-high 34-point performance to help Florida State beat Miami Feb. 16 in a regular-season game.
Flag football grows in stature at Lakewood Ranch
The Mustangs are 9-1, thanks to players who have fully bought into a unique sport.
Lakewood Ranch High School has so many athletic options for girls in the spring season, you might expect coach Eli Weaver would have a hard time fielding a flag football team. Girls can compete in track and field, lacrosse, softball, tennis and beach volleyball in the spring. But it’s hard to say no to Weaver.
Now in his ninth year of coaching flag football at Lakewood Ranch, Weaver has pitched the sport to countless girls at the school with a welcoming philosophy.
“I’ll take anybody,” Weaver said.
“For me, it’s not about how fast you are, how strong you are, how high you can jump or anything. It’s about what’s inside your heart. Any one of these girls will tell you, I recruit everybody. Once I get that core group of girls who want to be out here, I can turn them into good flag football players.”
That was enough to persuade senior Amy Zeitler to quit cheerleading to play flag football yearround.
A running back and defensive back, Zeitler has turned into a team captain and one of Lakewood Ranch’s standout players. That might have never happened if not for Weaver’s persistence.
“Weaver was constantly asking me, and I’m really glad that he did,” said Zeitler, who also competes in track and field. “I did cheer before, and he looks for athletic people. He tries to recruit as many people as he can to keep the program alive.”
Weaver’s recruitment efforts have had a trickle-down effect.
Senior quarterback Caroline Johnson said she has loved football
WHERE LAKEWOOD RANCH RANKS IN BRADENTON AREA
■ Lakewood Ranch (9-1) No. 48 in FL
■ Parrish Community (6-2) No. 67 in FL
■ Manatee (7-1) No. 71 in FL
■ Southeast (4-4) No. 185 in FL
■ Braden River (2-6) No. 232 in FL
■ Bayshore (1-7) No. 290 in FL
*Rankings provided by MaxPreps as of March 15
since she started playing catch with her dad in her family’s basement in Pennsylvania at 2 years old, but she played soccer and softball for most of her youth.
Zeitler eventually convinced Johnson to play for the flag football team this past season, and that addition has helped turn Lakewood Ranch into a team with an explosive offense.
Weaver knows what it takes for an offense to put up points.
He was the offensive coordinator for Boca Ciega High School in Gulfport while teaching and coaching at Lakewood Ranch until the COVID-19 pandemic. It was then that he decided to stay closer to home and go all in on flag football.
Weaver created the East Manatee Monarchs Flag Football Club later that year. Through that extra practice and a few years of development, this season’s senior-laden Mustangs are off to their best start.
They improved to 9-1 with a dominating 32-6 win over Braden River on March 12 and are currently ranked No. 48 overall among 319 teams in Florida, according to MaxPreps.
The Mustangs take their competition seriously. Weaver implored his players not to let up even after taking a 26-0 lead into halftime against the Pirates. After the game was over, Weaver selected Zeitler to use a sledgehammer to smash a
brick painted with Braden River’s logo.
A brick painted with the Manatee Hurricanes logo — the only team to beat Lakewood Ranch this season — was laid next to it.
Johnson and Zeitler have been what Weaver calls “the catalysts” of the offense, but Lakewood Ranch’s defense has been the team’s strength this season.
It’s allowed just 3.6 points per game and has shut out seven of its opponents.
That defensive impact was obvious when I went by to watch Lakewood Ranch’s win over Braden River.
Zeitler and senior Meaghan Breyfogle each had a pair of interceptions that helped spark the offense, and several players broke up passes and came up with quick flag pulls.
The Mustangs can’t afford to be satisfied just yet.
Lakewood Ranch plays in one of the best districts in the state. Five teams in the six-team district are ranked inside the top-100 teams in the state, headlined by Lennard (No. 10), Bloomingdale (No. 25) and Newsome (No. 47).
Despite that stiff competition, Lakewood Ranch is in a position to compete thanks to the foundation that has been established by Weaver and his players.
“It’s a little different than in prior years,” Weaver said. “These girls have been together for such a long time. We play the sport year-round, so after the spring season is over, we play club season into the summer and the fall. Most of these seniors have been playing since their freshman year, and their leadership has trickled down.”
Photos by Vinnie Portell
Lakewood Ranch flag football coach Eli Weaver has been able to build a successful program, despite the many sports opportunities the school offers girls.
Vinnie Portell is the sports reporter for the East County Observer. Contact him at VPortell@ YourObserver.com.
Collin Dillingham
The Out-of-Door Academy senior
Collin Dillingham is the only returning runner from last year’s 4x400 relay team that set the school record at the state championships with a time of 3:28.49. Dillingham has kept that success going this year. He helped the 4x400 relay team run a 3:39.40 at the Ram Invite at Riverview High on March 13, which has them ranked as the 14th-best time in 1A. He also competes in the 800-meter run (ranked 18th in 1A with a 2:01.65) and the 1,600-meter run (28th in 1A with a 4:41.59).
When and why did you get into running?
I got into running in sixth grade. It was always something that my dad did, so I kind of started doing a couple of runs with him in elementary school and decided to try it out.
What has gone right for your team this season?
It all started by having a strong cross-country season, then having a strong offseason and preparing and putting in the mileage.
What is your most memorable moment in track?
Last season setting the 4x4 school record at states. The school record was cool, but what made it really special was three of the four members were seniors. I was close with them and it was special.
How are you keeping that success going this year?
It’s funny because a lot of kids don’t want to run (the 4x400 relay). If you’ve run one or two other events beforehand, people get tired. It’s always at the end and very late. Depending on the size of the meet, it could be 10 p.m. or 10:30 p.m. you’re running. I love to run with the team at night.
What is your favorite meal?
The night-before pasta. My favorite is angel hair pasta with a really good mari-
If you would like to make a recommendation for the East County Observer’s Athlete of the Week feature, send it to VPortell@YourObserver.com.
nara sauce. I like having the chunky tomatoes in it. It gives a little burst of freshness.
If you’re not running, what are you doing?
I go to the beach; I hang out with my friends; I go to the movies. We like to travel some.
What’s been your most humbling moment in running?
Probably back in middle school. Our school is pretty small, so we have a small team. Early on, they were throwing me into a lot of high school meets and when you run middle school meets you have a different perspective. You think ‘All right, I’m pretty fast.’ I was used to being toward the front in middle school, and then I was getting smoked. I remember that and thinking, ‘Oh, I’m not as good as I thought I was.’
Who is your favorite runner?
Conner Mantz is cool. He set the American half-marathon record. I’ve followed his career throughout college and I love his mentality. You can see on his face he’s struggling, and he grits it out.
Finish this sentence. Collin Dillingham is …
YOUR NEIGHBORS
CLEAR SAILING
It just made sense that Ireland’s Paul O’Shea would win the Split Rock Jumping Tour Finale on a weekend leading up to St. Patrick’s Day.
But it certainly wasn’t about luck at the TerraNova Equestrian Center in Myakka City on Saturday.
O’Shea guided Spy around the Lakeside Arena course with relative ease. The field included horse-and-rider combinations from seven nations, but it was O’Shea who dominated. He produced clear runs in both his first effort and the jump-off. Erica Hatfield owns Spy, while David Troncanetti is the horse’s trainer. Canada’s Mario Deslauriers was second aboard Inside of My Heart. Ireland’s Darragh Kenny was third on Lightning. — JAY HEATER
Photos by Jay Heater
David Blake, of Ireland, has his eyes on the prize as he takes a jump aboard J.Diago during the Split Rock Jumping Tour Finale at TerraNova.
Ireland’s Paul O’Shea gives Spy a congratulatory pat after a clean run in the Split Rock Jumping Tour Finale at TerraNova on March 15. O’Shea won the championship of the $100,000 event.
Isabel Coxe, of the U.S., and Incredible Bleu go into another series of jumps during the Split Rock Jumping Tour Finale at TerraNova on Saturday.
Bliss Heers, aboard Petit, makes a turn to begin the jumps in front of the pavilion at the Split Rock Jumping Tour Finale at TerraNova.
Israel’s Daniel Bluman begins his run aboard Hummer Z on March 15 at TerraNova during the Split Rock Jumping Tour Finale.
Ireland’s Darragh Kenny and Lightning showcase the beauty of jumping at TerraNova. Kenny finished third in the Split Rock Jumping Tour Finale.
Umbrellas, Rugs and so much more!
‘All in’ on annual art show
Carol Kluding wasn’t feeling up to the University Park Country Club’s Art in the Park pre-show party
March 14, but her sister, Barbara Romig, wouldn’t have missed it.
“I’m so proud of her,” Romig said. “This was her therapy in recovering from cancer treatment.”
Kluding entered three acrylic paintings into the show, one titled “Olympiad.”
As Romig pointed out the flames of the Olympic torch and the colors of the flags, she marveled at her sister’s imagination and called her “the most creative person she’s ever known.”
“What we really like about this annual event is that it brings the community together,” Romig said.
Newcomer to the club Linda Finnerty has enjoyed the collaboration and feedback she’s received as an artist. She said it’s touching to see people resonate with her work.
Finnerty has been painting for about 10 years, but said she’s gone “all in” on art in retirement.
— LESLEY DWYER
Downtown Sarasota residents Jim and Linda Finnerty are newer members to the University Park Country Club. They joined about a year ago.
Photos by Lesley Dwyer
Barbara Romig admires her sister, Carol Kluding’s, acrylic painting, titled “Olympiad.”
Crafted through Collaboration.
For
Susan Shubert is the artist behind these fun ceramic sculptures.
Lori Salzman and Deborah Van Brunt organize the art show. Salzman lives in Asheville now, but still comes back to help out each year.
Ellen Kaiden is nicknamed the “founding mother” of Art in the Park for starting the event 25 years ago.
A special Irish dog walk at the Adventure Park
The last time East County’s Isabella Stream entered the Lucky Dog Parade and Contest with her golden retriever, Daisy, the pair won for “Best Dog and Owner Lookalikes” because of their matching hair color.
Two years later, the pair took home the prize for the “Most Creative Costume.” Stream donned a decked out Irish hat, and Daisy wore a shamrock tutu.
The Lucky Dog Parade has become a highlight of the annual Irish Celtic Festival at Greenbrook Adventure Park, which was held March 15.
This year, 11 dogs entered the contest and three won prize baskets. Proceeds from the contest benefit Satchel’s Last Resort Rescue and Sanctuary.
Nero, a giant Great Dane wearing a tiny, green sequined hat, won for the “Best Overall Costume,” and a couple of potatoes won for the “Funniest Costumes.”
Gail Yeager was a half-baked potato. Her 6-year-old Yorkie, Hetty, was a fully loaded potato. Bottles of “Jamuttson” Irish Whiskey served as props.
— LESLEY DWYER
Gail Yeager and Hetty’s potato costumes win in the “funniest” category. Yeager is half-baked, while Hetty is fully loaded.
Photos by Lesley Dwyer
Dancers from Drake Irish Dance Sarasota entertain the crowd.
Sara, Erik and Isabella Stream attend the Irish Celtic Festival with “Most Creative Costume” winner, Daisy.
There’s no prize for the biggest dog at the Irish Celtic Festival, but Nero won for “Best Overall Costume.”
Lakewood Ranch 6-year-old Ansley Cleveland and 7-year-old Savannah Cato are feeling Irish after having their faces painted.
Benderson Development moves along with huge project
The East County company says North Port Business Park is a ‘game-changer.’
This spring, East County-based Benderson Development, one of the largest commercial real estate landlords in the country with holdings in 40 states, has one big project closer to home.
It is opening four buildings on an industrial campus it built from scratch off Interstate 75 in North Port, in south Sarasota County.
Officials with the city and company say the project, the North Port Business Park, is a “game-changer” for the region, where some have lamented for years that North Port is often overlooked, in economic development buzz, in comparison to Sarasota.
Providing more than half-a-million square feet of industrial space, the new buildings are expected to attract hundreds of jobs and a slew of companies to the area.
“We offer something that nobody else offers,” says Mark Curran, director of industrial, office and warehouse for Benderson’s Southeast division.
North Port Business Park features 30-foot-high loading areas and tiltwall construction. Each building has 4,000 amps of power, Curran says, plus “unparalleled” access to the interstate. The property is just off Toledo Blade Boulevard near the I-75 exit.
Benderson Development, with a headquarters in University Park, handles construction for the project rather than hiring an outside general contractor, according to Curran.
“We’re very vertically integrated,” he said. “We have our own architecture department.” So far, Benderson Development
FREE LECTURE SERIES
Maintaining Vascular Health The Signs, The Screening & The Solutions
From the aorta to the smallest capillaries, the human body contains approximately 60,000 miles of blood vessels. Carrying oxygen and nutrients while removing waste, the circulatory system is a wonder of biological logistics — and a lot of ground to cover for the vascular surgeons and specialists at Sarasota Memorial. Join our vascular experts this month as they discuss the importance of screening, modern management of vascular disease, and the latest in surgical innovation. A brief Q&A will follow each presentation.
Tuesday, April 1, 4:30-5:30pm
} Ryan S. Suplee, MD, RPVI - Lower Extremity Swelling – Causes and Treatments
Thursday, April 3, 4:30-5:30pm
} Jason K., Wagner, MD, FACS, FSVS, RPVI - Carotid Disease
Tuesday, April 15, 4:30-5:30pm
} Richard C., Hershberger, MD, FACS, RVT, RPVI - Vascular Disease and You – To Screen or Not to Screen
} Jeffrey Edwards, MD, FACS, RPVI - Minimally Invasive Aortic Surgery: Advancing Care with New Technology
has put about $60 million into the project, not including land value, to create a product designed for “big, national companies,” Curran says.
The four new buildings — called Phase 2 of North Port Business Park — total 535,000 square feet.
About 80,000 square feet — some 15% — has already been pre-leased, Curran said. Three tenants have pre-leased spaces — Lansing Building Products, Wharton-Smith Construction Group and World Electric Supply.
“Florida in general has been gangbusters,” Curran said. “Our boss said, whatever we can do in Florida, we’ll do ... He will roll the dice any place — especially if it makes sense from an interstate standpoint and hopefully from a cost standpoint.
“Costs are tough right now. Building costs have gone through the roof. We could have done this 10 years ago for half, but we will continue to build.”
The new buildings opening in April will attract about 400 to 500 employees, according to Curran.
“We’re guessing 1,500 (jobs will be created) by the time it’s all done,” Curran said of the North Port Business Park.
Ryan S. Suplee, MD
Jason K., Wagner, MD
Richard C., Hershberger, MD
Inkyong K., Parrack, MD
Jeffrey Edwards, MD
Elizabeth King North Port Business Park has leased its first two buildings and has four more coming on board in April.
Dr. Kansara
at Coastal Eye Institute, is a leading expert in the field of ophthalmology, specializing in:
• Glaucoma Management & Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Procedures
• Micro-Incision Cataract Surgery
• Routine Eye Care
His patient-centric approach ensures personalized treatment plans that cater to your unique eye health needs.
Whether you’re seeking preventative care or battling an eye condition, Dr. Kansara’s expertise and compassionate care can guide you towards improved vision and a healthier lifestyle. He is dedicated to staying at the forefront of ophthalmic advancements, offering the latest treatments and technologies to deliver the best possible outcomes for his patients.
Don’t miss this opportunity to receive compassionate and personalized eye care.
Dr. Kansara looks forward to helping you see the world more clearly.
IT’S READ EVERYWHERE
Headed on a trip? Snap a photo of you on vacation holding your Observer, then submit your photo online at YourObserver.com/ ItsReadEverywhere. Stay tuned for this year’s prize, and happy travels!
The Tangible Benefits Of Private
For most of us time is a luxury. Flying private is about reclaiming that time and maximizing the efficiency and enjoyment of your travel. Let’s face it, say the word airport and we all cringe. For both business and leisure, private travel offers significant advantages over flying commercial.
TIME EFFICIENCY AND CONVENIENCE
Bypass the stress of long security lines, crowded terminals, and lengthy check-in processes with private air travel. You can arrive minutes before your flight and depart immediately upon landing. And, you control your schedule, flying when and where you need to.
By accessing smaller airports, you’ll be closer to your destination saving valuable time. Not to mention, Commercial airlines fly lower and slower, while private jets fly more direct and immediate routes. You’ll also avoid the risk of missed connections by avoiding the commercial airline ripple effect.
ENHANCED PRIVACY AND PRODUCTIVITY
Flying privately ensures a quiet, distraction-free space to work, hold meetings, or relax. Onboard Wi-Fi and workspaces ensure productivity throughout the journey. If privacy is essential, Orion Sky Charters
will arrange transportation direct to your tarmac with security available for VIP clients. Clients are often provided with direct lines to a coordination team to allow for adjustments and real-time updates during their journey.
LUXURY AND COMFORT REDEFINED
Spacious cabins, plush seating, and personalized amenities provide for a relaxing flight and exceptional comfort. Enjoy gourmet dining tailored to your tastes and receive top-notch service from dedicated flight crews.
Orion Sky Charters offers access to luxurious lounges and business facilities. Orion’s staff utilizes premier FBOs and can handle a variety of requests such as hotel bookings, restaurant reservations, event tickets, or last-minute requests.
A SUSTAINABLE AND SMART CHOICE: ORION SKY CHARTERS
For those seeking a responsible and exceptional experience, Orion Sky Charters stands out. Their commitment to carbon neutrality ensures that your flight’s carbon footprint is fully offset, allowing you to travel with peace of mind. As a pilot-owned company, Orion maintains the highest safety standards, ensuring that all operators meet FAA regulations and all aircrafts hold a minimum ARGUS GOLD rating.
Moderately priced “empty-leg” flights are an excellent option for impulse travelers, offering a luxurious travel experience at a significantly reduced cost.
In 2025, spend time where it matters –Choose private air travel.
BEEN THERE, DUNE THAT WITH THE OBSERVER: Jon and Stephanie Boehning took the East County Observer on a climb to the top of a sand dune in the Gobi Desert in Mongolia.
COMMUNITY
THURSDAY, MARCH 20
SUNSET POLO
Gates open at 4:30 p.m. and polo begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Sarasota Polo Club. Sunset Polo will run each Thursday through April 10. Live music after the match. General admission tickets are $15. Other ticket plans also are available. For more information, go to SarasotaPolo.com.
THURSDAY, MARCH 20
THROUGH SUNDAY, MARCH 23
LIVE MUSIC AT JIGGS LANDING
Runs from 4-7 p.m. each day at Jiggs Landing, 6106 63rd St. E., Bradenton. The live music lineup at Jiggs Landing includes Steve Arvey (Thursday), Deadwood Dick and The Drifters (Friday), Donnie Bostic Band (Saturday) and Rock’n Randy Talbott (Sunday). The Friday and Saturday concerts are $5; the others are free. For more information, go to JiggsLanding.com.
FRIDAY, MARCH 21 AND SATURDAY, MARCH 22
MUSIC AT THE PLAZA
Runs 6-9 p.m. at Waterside Place, 1560 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch. Blues musician Zac Pomerleau entertains those strolling through Waterside Place on Friday, while Frankie Lombardi provides the acoustic rock on Saturday. For more information about the free music series, go to WatersidePlace.com.
SATURDAY, MARCH 22
ART SHOW AND SALE
Runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. The Creative Arts Association of Lakewood Ranch hosts its annual Spring Art Show and Sale, featuring watercolors, jewelry, pottery, ceramics, wood turning, pastels, acrylics, mixed media, and more. For more information, go to CAALR.com.
SATURDAY, MARCH 22 AND SUNDAY, MARCH 23
MUSIC AT THE LODGE
Runs from 6-9 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday at Linger Lodge, 7116 85th St. Court E., Bradenton. Brooke Hargrove is the featured performer on Saturday at Linger Lodge, while Rich McGuire provides the entertainment on Sunday. For more information, call Linger Lodge at 755-2757.
SUNDAY, MARCH 23
POLO
Gates open at 10 a.m. and the match begins at 1 p.m. at the Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Lakewood Ranch. General admission is $15; VIP tickets run $20 and up. Each week has a theme for those who want to participate. For more information, go to SarasotaPolo.com.
BEST BET
SATURDAY, MARCH 22
DAG FEST
Runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Center Ring Ranch, 30915 Singletary Road, Myakka City. The second annual Dag Fest is a musical festival to honor entertainer Dagmar Beavers. The bands at the festival are John Santiago (10 a.m.), Mystical Visions Band (11 a.m.), Cassie Jean and the Fireflies (noon), Tim Dodge and Friends (1 p.m.), Southern Pride Band (2 p.m.), Mumbo Jumbo Band (3 p.m.), Old Glory Band (4 p.m.). Other features include a petting zoo, pony ride, vendors and food and drink. Ticket are $20 online; $25 at the gate. Buy tickets at Dagfest.TicketsPice. com/Dag-Fest-2025
FARMERS MARKET
Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Lakefront Drive in Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch. The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch, which was voted as the top farmers market in Florida for the second year in a row in 2024, will run year-round every Sunday. Vendors will be offering seafood, eggs, meats, dairy products, pastas, bakery goods, jams and pickles, among other items. Other features are children’s activities and live music. For more information, visit MyLWR.com.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26
BINGO
Begins at 10 a.m. at James Patton Park, 7525 White Eagle Blvd. Lakewood Ranch. Weekly Bingo under the pavilion is hosted by Lakewood Ranch Community Activities. For more information, go to LakewoodRanch.com.
RANCH NITE WEDNESDAY
Runs from 6-9 p.m. at Waterside Place. Ranch Nite Wednesday features food trucks, dessert trucks, live music, weekly programing, outdoor bars and a recreational cornhole league. Go to Waterside. com for more information.
YOUR CALENDAR
SARASOTA INSTITUTE OF LIFETIME LEARNING WORLD CLASS GLOBAL AFFAIRS LECTURES IN LAKEWOOD RANCH Cornerstone Church: 14306 Covenant Way, Lakewood Ranch
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2025 @ 11:00 AM
CHINA’S ECONOMIC RISE: WHERE DID IT COME FROM AND WHERE IS IT HEADED?
When Deng Xiaoping lead China , the economy was staggering from four decades of mismanagement. Twenty years later, the Chinese economy was growing at 10% per year. How did a country with no business and no private property become the factory to the world?
Dr. Shelley Rigger will address China’s future.
THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025 @ 5:00 PM
VLADIMIR PUTIN: IN THE TRADITION OF BRUTAL RUSSIAN AUTOCRATS OR UNIQUE LEADER
Vladimir Putin rule has been marked by a gradual regression from democratic aspirations to personalist dictatorship, echoing historical patterns of Russian governance. Amb. John Tefft, in a discussion with SILL board member Michael Boorstein, will examine Putin the individual, his personal characteristics and the policy traits of the Russian leader.
Single Lecture Ticket at the door – $15 Tickets and information: sillsarasota.org | 941-365-6404
Courtesy photo
Myakka City’s Dagmar Beavers was proud of her life as a musician and circus performer.
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The Titans of Wealth: From 19th Century Moguls to Today’s Tech Billionaires
Though many of us don’t want to acknowledge it, the pursuit of wealth is an important part of what defines the American experience. The last 150 years have generated the greatest production of wealth in the United States, unparalleled anywhere else in the world.
On Thursday, April 10th University of Texas History Professor Jeremi Suri will present Wealth in America, as he examines the lives and careers of some of the most important men who launched the American economy. A small group of individuals drove this wealth-creation, who went on to benefit in remarkable ways that are hard for the rest of us to even imagine.
The presentation will trace the careers of some of the most celebrated (and sometimes despised) men who expanded the American economy and became super-rich. In fact, the individuals Professor Suri will discuss created sums of money that even the phrase superrich do not do justice! The focus will be primarily on Cornelius Vanderbilt, Andrew Carnegie, and John Rockefeller, comparing their remarkable drive and ingenuity as well as their often-questionable behavior. Participants come to understand their actions, their risk-taking, and even their values. Professor Suri will assess both their contributions and their crimes.
Cornelius Vanderbilt was a self-made multi-millionaire who became one of the wealthiest Americans of the 19th century. After working on various steamships, Vanderbilt went into business for himself in the late 1820s, and eventually became one of the country’s largest steamship operators. In the 1860s, he shifted his focus to the railroad industry, where he built a far larger intercontinental empire and helped make railroad transportation more efficient, often to the detriment of other operators. He was the richest man in America when he died, but his wealth was soon eclipsed by someone else.
Andrew Carnegie made his fortune in the steel industry and controlled the most extensive integrated iron and steel operations ever owned by a single individual in the United States. He perfected the cheap and efficient mass production of steel by adopting and adapting the Bessemer process, which allowed the high carbon content of iron to be burnt away in a controlled and rapid way during steel production. Steel prices dropped as a result, and his steel was rapidly adopted for railways. In addition, Carnegie vertically integrated the entire industry. He came to own nearly a dozen different large steel companies, and then combined his assets and those of his associates in 1892 with the launching of the Carnegie Steel Company.
Carnegie spent his last years as a philanthropist and is often credited with developing the very concept of philanthropy to levels never even considered previously. He had written about his views on social subjects and the responsibilities of great wealth in an 1889 book titled The Gospel of Wealth, devoted the rest of his life to providing capital for purposes of public interest and social and educational advancement. He is best known for building Carnegie Hall in New York as well as the establishment of nearly 3,000 public libraries throughout the United States, Britain, Canada, and New Zealand, Professor Suri will then turn to the life of John D. Rockefeller, one of the wealthiest Americans of all time in fact one of the richest people in modern history. Beginning at age 20, he concentrates his business on oil refining. and eventually founded the Standard Oil Company in 1870. He ran it until 1897 and in retirement focused his energy and wealth on philanthropy as Carnegie had, but focusing instead on higher education and medicine.
The final section on of the presentation will focus on three modern ultra wealthy individuals: Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk. We will also see how earlier generations influenced these recent moguls. The presentation will conclude with some reflections on the historical role of wealth in our democracy.
This is your last chance to experience insights from one of the nation’s leading historians. Dive deep into American history as our expert speaker brings the past to life with captivating stories and fresh perspectives. Don’t miss out!
THURSDAY | APR. 10
JEREMI SURI University of Texas
how
Shoreview home tops sales at $1.9 million
ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR
AShoreview home on Grande Shores Drive tops the week’s sales at $1.9 million. Michael and Diane Boyd, of Cos Cob, Connecticut, sold their home at 7912 Grande Shores Drive to Beverly Ann Devriendt, trustee, of Sarasota, for $1.9 million. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, four-anda-half baths, a pool and 3,894 square feet of living area. It sold for $991,800 in 2019.
LAKEHOUSE COVE AT WATERSIDE
John Gordon Wohlforth Jr. and Karen Wohlforth, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the home at 8253 Grande Shores Drive to James and Maryellen Bishop, of Sarasota, for $1.3 million. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 3,093 square feet of living area. It sold for $707,000 in 2019.
Julie Stephenson and Pamela Hazelwood, of Lutz, sold their home at 978 Crosswind Ave. to Louise and Brian McGuinness, of Sarasota, for $725,000. Built in 2022, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,940 square feet of living area. It sold for $606,700 in 2022.
COUNTRY CLUB EAST
Caroline Rankin, trustee, of Naples, sold the home at 14214 Bathgate Terrace to Bryan Rooney and Mary Margaret Rooney, of Bradenton, for $950,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,717 square feet of living area. It sold for $627,000 in 2017.
RIVERDALE REVISED
Charles and Rebecca Wood, of Moore Haven, sold their home at 4624 Blue Marlin Drive to Paul and Diana Green, of Bradenton, for $905,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,328 square feet of living area. It sold for $680,000 in 2021.
Ronald and Ruth Pyne, of Rochester, New Hampshire, sold their home at 4624 Barracuda Drive to Cameron Izzi and Paige Elizabeth Izzi, of Bradenton, for $750,000. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,886 square feet of living area.
DEL WEBB
Teresa Foderingham and Vincent Phoenix Foderingham, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 7675 Summerland Cove to Linda and Stephen Power, of Lakewood Ranch, for $877,000. Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,084 square feet of living area. It sold for $899,000 in 2023.
GREYHAWK LANDING WEST
Wilson Clifton Roberts and Colleen
Kay Kennedy-Roberts, trustees, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, sold the home at 1015 Calico Glen to Carlos and Cheryl Montero, of Bradenton, for $810,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,456 square feet of living area. It sold for $526,000 in 2020.
WATERCREST
Robert Wierenga, trustee, and Judith Wierenga, of Holland, Michigan, sold the Unit 304 condominium at 6450 Watercrest Way to James Desalvo and Janet Lynn Desalvo, of Hoffman Estates, Illinois, for $685,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,134 square feet of living area. It sold for $547,400 in 2007.
Kenneth Ettinger and Robin Ettinger, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the Unit 402 condominium at 6406 Watercrest Way to Perry
RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS
MARCH 3-7
Premdas, trustee, of Lakewood Ranch, for $608,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,742 square feet of living area. It sold for $352,500 in 2018.
Charles and Cindy Clouser, trustees, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the Unit 202 condominium at 6482 Watercrest Way to Perry Premdas and Maribel Premdas, trustees, of Lakewood Ranch, for $480,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,742 square feet of living area. It sold for $425,000 in 2024.
DUDE RANCH ACRES
Donald Shawn Murray, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, sold his home at 6228 48th Ave. Drive E. to Claudia Valentine-Henry, of Bradenton, for $675,000. Built in 1940, it has four bedrooms, one bath and 3,138 square feet of living area. It sold for $350,000 in 2016.
NOTTING HILL
John Debar, trustee, sold the home at 7339 Kensington Court to James and Linda Anderson, of Franklin, Tennessee, for $630,000. Built in 1999, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,042 square feet of living area.
WATERLEFE GOLF AND RIVER CLUB
Deborah Murphy, trustee, of Glen Allen, Virginia, sold the home at 734 Foggy Morn Lane to Margaret Mundy, trustee, of Bradenton, for $610,000. Built in 2001, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,775 square feet of living area. It sold for $320,000 in 2016.
SUMMERFIELD Martin and Nina Antonetti, of Lee, Massachusetts, sold their home at 11705 Clubhouse Drive to Valerie Pursel Zimbaro and Ingmars Gunars Fridmanis, of Lakewood Ranch, for $590,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,212 square feet of living area. It sold for $410,000 in 2020.
Ryan David Zachos and Amanda Lynn Zachos, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 11327 Blue Sage Place to Michael Chiusano, trustee, of Lakewood Ranch, for $391,000. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,590 square feet of living area. It sold for $225,000 in 2017.
Braden Forest Properties LLC sold the home at 6427 Golden Leaf Court to Zachary Omar Troyer and Laura Danielle Troyer, of Bradenton, for $335,000. Built in 1995, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,055 square feet of living area.
PERIDIA Richard Goodman and Patricia Ellen Kirwan, trustees, of The Villages, sold the home at 4925 Peridia Blvd. E. to Raymond and Rosemary Paladino, of Bradenton, for $540,400. Built in 1987, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,834 square feet of living area. It sold for $425,000 in 2022.
RIVER SPRINGS Karen Lee Hagin, of Cutler, Ohio,
sold her home at 1115 154th St. N.E. to Ruben and Erlinda Gonzalez, of Bradenton, for $522,000. Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,684 square feet of living area. It sold for $98,500 in 1992.
RIVA TRACE
Austin Tyler Anderson and Rebecca Black, of Indianapolis, sold their home at 7703 Rio Bella Place to Todd Louis Durham and Asta Kristin Durham, of Katy, Texas, for $499,000. Built in 2014, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,803 square feet of living area. It sold for $395,000 in 2021.
GATES CREEK
Carrie Mae Gnos sold her home at 221 111th St. E. to Anya Pardy, of
Bradenton, for $479,500. Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, twoand-a-half baths, a pool and 1,842 square feet of living area. It sold for $510,000 in 2022.
ARBOR RESERVE
James and Cathy Koehler, of Marblehead, Ohio, sold their home at 4629 Garden Arbor Way to Sophorn Touch, trustee, of Bradenton, for $475,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,850 square feet of living area. It sold for $395,000 in 2021.
REAL ESTATE, PAGE 14B
Photo courtesy of Realtor Tyler Shanahan
This Shoreview home sold for $1.9 million. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,894 square feet of living area.
SABAL HARBOUR
Douglas Domino, of Flora, Mississippi, sold his home at 4910 Bookelia Circle to Justin Tallo and Jonathan Wheeler, of Sarasota, for $470,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,528 square feet of living area. It sold for $325,000 in 2004.
DESOTO LAKES COUNTRY CLUB
COLONY
Manuel Travieso sold his home at 8004 Estates Drive to Therese Richter-Standridge and Elija Richter-Standridge, of Sarasota, for $467,600. Built in 1979, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,182 square feet of living area.
LAGOON AT TIDEWATER
PRESERVE
Lee Jefferson Downing and Karen Torrence Downing, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the Unit A condominium at 1143 Riverscape St. to Susan Del Valle and Rodney Hanks, of Tampa, for $460,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,748 square feet of living area. It sold for $345,000 in 2020.
ROSEDALE WESTBURY LAKES
Paul and Jane Dain, of East Lansing, Michigan, sold their home at 8544 54th Ave. Circle E. to Nancy Schlossberg, of Bradenton, for $440,000. Built in 1997, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,642 square feet of living area. It sold for $190,600 in 1997.
WATER OAK
George Kenworthy, trustee, of St. Petersburg, sold the home at 6626 64th Terrace E. to Carolina Giron and Andres Dario Del Boccio, of Miami, for $420,000. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,598 square feet of living area.
BACCIANO AT ESPLANADE
David Frechette, trustee, sold the Unit 102 condominium at 12610 Sorrento Way to Bradley Pecoraro
and Gail Elizabeth Pecoraro, of Chesterfield, New Jersey, for $400,000. Built in 2018, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,528 square feet of living area. It sold for $231,900 in 2018.
Anthony Allegrino and Deardra Allegrino, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the Unit 101 condominium at 13714 Messina Loop to HST Utility Inc. $300,000. Built in 2019, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,528 square feet of living area. It sold for $251,400 in 2019.
EAGLE TRACE
Perry Costales and Lena Parker, of Troutman, North Carolina, sold their home at 2024 Crystal Lake Trail to Ricky Gene Robinson and Stephanie Woods, of Scarborough, Maine, for $380,000. Built in 2017, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,439 square feet of living area. It sold for $239,200 in 2017.
COTTAGES AT SAN CASCIANO
Steven and Susan Deramo and Jessica Deramo, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 115 San Lorenzo Court to Amber Leeann Spurlock, of Bradenton, for $345,000. Built in 2013, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,578 square feet of living area. It sold for $246,500 in 2019.
TERRACE AT LAKEWOOD
NATIONAL
John and Ellen Aramini, of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, sold their Unit 141 condominium at 16706 Vardon Terrace to Andrew Boli, trustee, of Falmouth, Massachusetts, for $300,000. Built in 2017, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,142 square feet of living area. It sold for $340,000 in 2021.
NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH
HUMOROUS TONES by Jeffrey Martinovic, edited by Jared Goudsmit
By Luis Campos
Cipher
famous people,
The
After researching realtors who ranked highly in selling properties in the Waterside community, we selected the Shanahan Luxury Group of Coldwell Banker Realty in Lakewood Ranch and their agent, Tyler Shanahan to oversee the sale of our home. Tyler’s team recommended a program of staging, both direct targeting and broad national advertising with several Open Houses. During the period the home was marketed, Tyler kept us informed with a steady inflow of updates on the state of buyer interest and evolving market conditions. The overall process was easy, reassuring, and highly professional. We highly recommend the Shanahan Luxury Group to home buyers and sellers in the Lakewood Ranch community.
