East County Observer 3.24.22

EAST COUNTY

Dog kisses in fashion

Observer

Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998

PAGE 18

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

FREE • THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

VOLUME 24, NO. 19

Waterside-UTC connector project progresses The I-75 overpass is expected to open late in the third quarter of 2025. SEE PAGE 3 YOUR TOWN

Courtesy photo

Ax game lands right on target Bradenton 13-year-old Brandon Gallaway wanted a competitive edge before he began a round of miniature golf at The Fish Hole.

So, on St. Patrick’s Day during a block party at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch, he found a different kind of sport: ax throwing.

Gallaway tested his skill at the Grover’s Axe game.

“It was pretty weird,” he said.

“It was heavier on the end, so I had to lean back a little more and aim higher.”

He managed to land the ax near the center of the target.

Could ax throwing be his next sport? “I don’t know,” he said.

“It was fun, though.”

Not a onehorse town Raising funds to renovate historic school in Myakka City is horseplay.

SEE PAGE 8

Jay Heater

Rebecca McCullough says she wanted to present more regional history during the annual fundraiser to renovate the Historic School House.

Ranch’s YMCA puts new spin on offerings

Liz Ramos

Tacky tourists descend on Nolan Middle Every March, tourists flock to Florida for spring break.

R. Dan Nolan Middle School teachers and students decided to get into the spirit of spring break March 9 by dressing as tourists for Tacky Tourist Day. The School District of Manatee County’s spring break was March 14-18.

Sophie Finnegan (above), a seventh grader, put on a Hawaiian shirt, khaki pants and a pink lei for the occasion.

“I thought it was cool because I normally don’t dress like this, and this shirt is comfortable,” Finnegan said.

Liz Ramos

Lakewood Ranch’s Sissy Overlees loves the spin class at the Lakewood Ranch YMCA. The Y says it will now have a greater selection of programming after its merger with the YMCA of Southwest Florida.

Merger with YMCA of Southwest Florida has led to expanded opportunities.

SEE PAGE 14

A+E Chalk it up to creativity.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

TIMELINE

World War II history of the USS Mount Olympus (AGC-8)

Ian Swaby

Chaplain Ron Babcock of VFW Post 12055 wishes fellow veteran Warren Pizzello a happy 100th birthday.

Shipshape at 100 At age 100, Navy veteran Warren Pizzello tells stories of his time aboard the USS Mount Olympus.

IAN SWABY

100. “He has given me the gift of life for so long.”

Pizzello said 100 didn’t feel any different than 99 because he still is in “pretty good health.”

Highlighting the occasion were Pizzello’s stories about his service in the U.S. Navy during World War II. In 1941, Pizzello was 19 and working as a metalsmith in a shipyard in Quincy, Massachusetts. He was helping to build ships for the Navy.

When Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, Herman A. Spear, Pizzello’s former classmate from Beverly, Massachusetts, was killed in the attack on the USS Arizona.

“Our country was in trouble. I decided to join the Navy because a lot of people were being killed,” he said, referring to the European and Pacific theaters of World War II. After joining the Navy, Pizzello

STAFF WRITER

O

n March 15, World War II veteran Warren Pizzello received a birthday gift he never expected: A third digit in his age.

East County’s Pizzello enjoyed a 100th birthday celebration at his Parkcrest Landings apartment complex organized by his family, friends and members of VFW Post 12055.

“I think this is a gift from the man upstairs,” Pizzello said about turning

became a petty officer, first class, on the USS Mount Olympus.

On one occasion, he witnessed another American ship being hit by two Japanese fighter planes.

“I was on the main deck of the ship, and I could see the gunners shooting up at the plane,” he said. “They had guns, and they turned around like a revolving door. One ship got hit by a kamikaze plane, and eight men were killed on that ship. It was sad to see.

At night we could see the other ship.

They had to throw the bodies over into the ocean.”

In July 1945, the Millicoma, a naval refueling and replenishment operations ship, collided with the USS Mount Olympus. Some of the crew, including Pizzello, thought they had been struck by a Japanese torpedo.

“If it had been, I wouldn’t be here talking to you,” he said.

October 3, 1943: Launched as a transport, Eclipse December 27, 1943: Renamed Mount Olympus May 24, 1944: Commissioned at Boston, Massachusetts; Pizzello joined the crew Early July 1944: Departed Boston July 23, 1944: Arrived in Hawaii via the Panama Canal August 29, 1944: Departed Hawaii October 20, 1944: Arrived in Leyte Gulf in the Japanese-occupied Philippines to serve as headquarters for U.S. invasion force October 26, 1944: Departed Leyte Gulf for Hollandia, New Guinea, via Peleliu, to prepare for another assault December 31, 1945: Departed Manus Island, Admiralties, for the January 9, 1945 assault on Lingayen, Philippines January 11, 1945: Departed Lingayen February 11, 1945: Arrived in San Francisco for overhaul February 22, 1945: Left for Hawaii and Guam July 6, 1945: Arrived in Guam July 1945: Collided with oiler Millicoma while departing for Manila, Philippines, and docked in San Pedro Bay, Leyte, Philippines, for repairs August 3, 1945: Arrived in Manila September 2, 1945: Arrived in Tokyo Bay after the close of the war

The ship was escorted to San Pedro Bay, Leyte, in the Philippines, where it went into dry dock — meaning it was put into a dry basin for maintenance — with Pizzello helping with the repair efforts.

On Sept. 2, 1945, Pizzello’s ship passed the USS Missouri, and he witnessed the surrender ceremony that brought an end to World War II. His ship later docked in Tokyo, where he saw the destruction wrought by

B-29 bombers. The bombed-out buildings created sights he said he will always remember.

Pizzello told stories about his life outside the military as well. After the war he returned to Massachusetts and met his wife of 46 years, Janet, at a dance. He owned a heating and air-conditioning business there for 50 years and worked well into his 70s.

Janet and Warren’s daughter, Amy, brought her parents to Bradenton in 2011. Amy attended the celebration and said she hopes to record her father’s war stories.

Janet Pizzello died in 2014.

Among the members of the VFW who attended the 100th birthday celebration were Post Commander Graham Ellis and Chaplain Ron Babcock. Ellis said Pizzello is the only member of the post that is 100 or older.

Born in a living room in Salem, Massachusetts, in 1922, to Angelo and Hilda Pizzello, Warren Pizzello said he strives to live the best life he can at 100. He exercises every day, pushing his walker against his bed and marching. He performs arm exercises with elastic bands and does leg exercises in his wheelchair.

His faith is important to him, and although it has been difficult for him to attend church lately, he enjoys listening to televised religious services. He enjoys the company of other people and still arm wrestles on occasion.

“He’s incredibly strong,” said his friend Jerry Janowich. “If I could have that level of strength when I reach his age, I’d be so incredibly thankful.”

Janowich, a veteran, connected with Pizzello because Janowich’s father had also been in the Navy and served in World War II. “He’s a good person,” Janowich said. “I wish a lot of young kids could listen to him.

He’s so smart about things, common sense kinds of things.”

Warren Pizzello said his advice to younger people is “to be dedicated to helping other people and do the best you can.”

“I like to help other people, if I can,” he said. “Get your mind off yourself and try to help other people — that’s my goal.”

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

SPAN PLANS MOVE

FORWARD

Lake Uihlein

Ian Swaby

I-75 and Cattlemen Road traffic runs parallel in an area that will soon offer greater connectivity with an overpass over I-75.

One more year before Waterside-UTC connector gets off the ground.

PRO F

75

ALTERNATIVE NO. 2

SKY-HIGH BENEFITS

Stokes said the connector is expected to offer multiple benefits to the community, one being greater ease of movement between locations such as Nathan Benderson Park, The Mall at University Town Center and Waterside Place.

He said traffic management is also an important goal, noting that it is expected to relieve traffic in the diamond interchange at University Parkway and I-75, as well as the one planned for Fruitville Road and I-75.

The connector will serve pedestrians and cyclists, as well.

“It’s also for people and recreation,” Stokes said. “There’s a pretty great demand for that. Waterside is a big new community in Lakewood Ranch, and the residents have a lot of internal roads over there. To allow them to get (to the UTC area), without having to go north and south through all of this interchange is a big part of it.”

A public and private partnership is involved, for the project is being funded at the project development and environment and design stages by Schroeder-Manatee Ranch.

The consultant Kisinger Campo & Associates is performing the study on behalf of Sarasota County Public Works. The Florida Department of Transportation, the organization that works on behalf of the Federal Highway Administration, is involved in reviewing the work.

Stokes said it isn’t unusual for project development and environment to take up to two years, but he did highlight two factors that have impacted progress. He said COVID-19 played a slight role, creating the need for a virtual public workshop from Nov. 12-Dec. 3, 2020 to collect online community feedback.

The department has increasingly taken into account ways in which I-75 could expand in the future through the additions of future lanes.

“You don’t want to have to take it down and damage it later, which is a waste of taxpayer money,” Stokes said.

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Benderson Park

Details on the Multimodal North Sarasota Connector (the Skyway)

ALTERNATIVE NO. 3

AT T

G

round hasn’t been broken on the Interstate 75 overpass that was announced in 2016 to connect the UTC area and Waterside of Lakewood Ranch, but behind the scenes rigorous planning continues.

Ken Stokes, infrastructure coordination program manager for Sarasota County, said there’s a good reason the Multimodal North Sarasota Connector has taken years to get off the ground.

“As the county, we represent the citizens,” Stokes said. “We make sure it’s all done properly.”

The connector currently is in project development and environment study, a requirement instituted by the National Environmental Policy Act for a project to receive federal funding, a benefit which the county is currently pursuing.

Mall at UTC

M EN

STAFF WRITER

UNIVERS

LE

IAN SWABY

SKYWAY’S THE LIMIT

ALTERNATIVE NO. 1

ROUTES ALTERNATIVE NO. 1: Crosses I-75 south of the county water tower, between North Cattlemen Road and Lakewood Ranch Boulevard; loops around before heading onto Cattlemen road.

ALTERNATIVE NO. 2: Crosses I-75 north of the county water tower, between North Cattlemen Road and Lakewood Ranch Boulevard.

ALTERNATIVE NO. 3: Crosses I-75 from Cattlemen Road to Professional Parkway; leads onto the southernmost bridge to the island at Nathan Benderson Park.

Despite the project being a lowerlevel study, known as a “categorical exclusion,” which is deemed not to deal with serious environmental impacts, Stokes said it is still extremely comprehensive.

“A PD&E is pretty exhaustive,” he said. “You hit pretty much every impact and the need to mitigate those impacts.”

This stage also involves the beginning of coordination with groups such as permitting agencies and water management districts.

DESIGN, PERMITTING CONTINUE

The connector is currently short of the 30% complete design plans it will need to exit the planning stage, but once it reaches that figure, it can move on to design and permitting.

During the design stage, a project’s facets are broken down in much greater detail, including an estimate that includes every component needed to complete it, such as the number of guard rails.

Following completion of the design is construction, which Stokes anticipates will begin in March 2023,

if it receives location design acceptance at the public hearing set for an undetermined date this fall. The hearings will be the public’s opportunity to provide further input and have it considered by the commission, although the decision will ultimately lie with the Sarasota County commissioners.

The hearing will decide formally on an element required by project, development and environment studies — the inclusion of multiple routes. Stokes said that a particular route, Alternative 2, is already preferred by numerous parties, including Sarasota county commissioners, the Public Works Department, SMR, the FDOT, and those who commented in the public workshop, because of its minimal environmental and residential impacts.

The route crosses between Lakewood Ranch Boulevard and Cattlemen Road, just north of the Sarasota County water tower.

“It’s not unusual that people have different perspectives,” Stokes said.

“But we heard limited opposition from residents, from businesses,

PROJECT SCHEDULE April 2018: Project development and environment (PD&E) study began Nov. 12-Dec. 3, 2020: Virtual public workshop Fall 2022: Public hearing and commission vote March 2023: Construction underway Third quarter 2025: Expected completion PROJECT PURPOSE n Increases ease of crossing I-75 for pedestrians, vehicles and cyclists. n Reduces traffic congestion at the I-75 interchanges on Fruitville Road and University Parkway. n Reduces air pollution and fuel use. n Improves connectivity across I-75 between locations including Nathan Benderson Park, The Mall at University Town Center and Waterside Place.

ESTIMATED COST $25 million to $30 million range; eligible for federal funding

from various entities.”

Regarding the other options, he said, “Those were the alternatives we could think of. They have merits; they’re doable.”

ALTERNATE IDEAS

Alternative 1, the southernmost route, crosses over I-75 from the south side of Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, looping through a residential area near The Meadows before reaching Cattlemen Road.

“It has direct impacts to at least two homes,” said Stokes. “There are other residents nearby that would be affected because of its proximity.

That’s probably the biggest negative for Alternative 1.”

Alternative 3 is the only route to connect to Professional Parkway instead of Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, and it extends directly to the island at Nathan Benderson Park.

“There’s no residential impacts, but it does span the wetland,” Stokes said. “It also gets to an area on the north area of the park that’s going to be very congested.”

Stokes said some feedback thought this alternative could cause traffic jams at the north end of Nathan Benderson Park.

He said that due to its length, Alternative 2 is at the midpoint in terms of cost. The estimated cost for each route is in the $25 million to $30 million range. The estimate originally was placed at $20 million, but consideration of future conditions on I-75 and inflation have changed the number.

The overpass will give Lakewood Ranch residents direct access to Nathan Benderson Park. Stephen Rodriguez, the Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy’s interim president and CEO, said he was excited by the project.

“Certainly, one of our missions in operating this park is to have people utilizing it in a number of different ways,” Rodriguez said. “We see this project offering some wonderful opportunities.”

3

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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Ellenton’s Leah Kessler is a graduate of the Advanced Manufacturing program, one of the programs available in the rapid credentialing project.

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Bradenton’s Andy Ryan was working in retail sales when the pandemic started in March 2020.

He was furloughed but still needed a way to provide for his family.

“It seemed like a good time to go back to school because there’s kind of a cap on what I could make selling jewelry at Zales,” Ryan said.

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Manatee Technical College is offering different courses through the rapid credentialing program that include: n Marketing, Management and Entrepreneurial Principles n Global Logistics and Supply Chain Distribution n Phlebotomy n Advanced Manufacturing n Entry-Level Driving

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

5

MTC RAPID CREDENTIALING GRANT OPPORTUNITIES (SPRING 2022)

Courtesy photo

Samantha Sokolis, an Advanced Manufacturing student, adjusts a robot.

ida Department of Education awarded MTC a $550,000 grant this month to continue. The grant is through the Emergency Education Relief Fund under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. In spring 2022, students can apply for the rapid credentialing project in programs including Phlebotomy, Advanced Manufacturing, EntryLevel Driving and Marketing, Management and Entrepreneurial Principles as well as Global Logistics and Supply Chain Distribution.

The project helps students transition into potential new careers faster than participating in a regular program at MTC or pursuing other postsecondary education.

“I’ve tried to do your traditional colleges before, and they weren’t for me because there were a lot of extra classes you have to take that don’t relate to what you’re interested in at all,” Ryan said. “It was nice to have it be this one class that I’m taking, and I’m able to focus on this.”

Chamberlain said the rapid credentialing project helps graduates get their foot in the door for new careers and can be used as a stepping stone to advance.

Ryan, Chamberlain and Gil Burlew, the instructor for MTC’s Advanced Manufacturing program, said the students graduating from programs in the rapid credentialing project help fill the demand for people in those industries.

“It takes a lot of pressure off know-

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ing I was able to go right into work,” Ryan said. “It gives me a lot of optimism for my career and the future.

It made me feel a little validated that I was smart enough to switch from a retail job to having an intellectually challenging IT job.”

Burlew said “some of the greatest companies” in Florida and around the country are hiring his Advanced Manufacturing students. The program has 100% job placement for

students, he said.

“Advanced Manufacturing is a game changer, a life changer for so many of my students,” Burlew said.

“There is a waitlist for companies that want to hire my people. There is such a demand right now in manufacturing for skilled workers.”

With the Phlebotomy program, Chamberlain said graduates aren’t limited to only working in a hospital setting. There are other opportuni-

$30 application fee, $27 uniform shirt

ties in physician’s offices, outpatient laboratory facilities and different departments in hospitals.

“Manatee Technical College has a very good reputation, so we’re able to fill that community need,” Chamberlain said. “Being able to do that in such a short period of time to fill such a big need is extremely important.”

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ect provides a way for MTC to help people whose employment has been adversely affected by the pandemic get back into the workforce.

Ryan decided to apply for the cybersecurity program in the rapid credentialing project. Through his research, he saw that cybersecurity was a growing industry, and he always had an interest in information technology.

Before Ryan finished the Applied Cybersecurity program at MTC in 2021, he accepted a job offer with the School District of Manatee County.

“I was nervous at first when I started because it’s my first job in a new industry and having only taken this one class,” Ryan said. “After I was there for a few weeks, if anything, that one class has overqualified me for this position.”

The rapid credentialing project helped 116 students earn 159 industry certifications in programs such as Advanced Manufacturing and Production Technology, Phlebotomy, Nursing Assistant and more.

“It was great because it was a nice, short program for a very in-demand career,” said Linda Chamberlain, the teacher of MTC’s Phlebotomy program. “It’s such a great opportunity for someone to switch gears in life, change the direction of their career paths and be able to complete that in such a short period of time.”

After seeing the success of the 2020-2021 rapid credentialing project, Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Flor-

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

The right solution

DON’T HIDE YOUR LEGS!

Motorists will be forced to turn right out of Creekwood Crossings on 52nd Place East to use a traffic circle.

TIMELINE

Manatee County is building a roundabout at Creekwood Boulevard and 73rd Street East, Bradenton OCTOBER, 2020 Design begins SEPTEMBER, 2021 Design ends DECEMBER 22, 2021 60% plan submittal MAY 7, 2022 100% plans, permits deadline MAY 14, 2022 Final bid documents received OCT 1, 2022 Deadline for land acquisition OCT. 31, 2022 Project LET bidding begins JAN. 29, 2023 Construction begins JAN. 29, 2024 Construction complete

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

W

ith construction of a roundabout scheduled for Creekwood Boulevard less than a year away, this is usually the time when the Public Works Department for Manatee County is listening to an avalanche of complaints. Roundabouts often are not popular.

But this project has been different.

The anger is directed elsewhere.

Motorists have been complaining to Public Works about the jam created when they try to exit the Creekwood Crossing shopping center on 52nd Place East with the hope of getting back to State Road 70.

When Creekwood Boulevard gets busy, it makes that lefthand turn off 52nd Place East difficult at best, and the resulting wait backs up traffic severely into the center. To avoid that prospect, if they can even get to Creekwood Boulevard, motorists are turning right onto Creekwood Boulevard before finding a place to make a U-turn for the return to S.R. 70.

The resulting traffic conflict creates safety issues and prompted the need for a roundabout.

“People over time have been calling us, trying to get out of that shopping center,” said Ogden Clark, strategic affairs manager for Manatee County’s Public Works. “Our feedback has been through data, and it has been anecdotal.”

Clark said safety issues, an expected increase in traffic and visibility issues were all reasons Manatee County is moving forward with construction expected to begin next January, with completion scheduled for the following January.

“It gets hairy and scary out there,”

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Clark said of the intersection at 52nd Place and Creekwood Boulevard.

“We typically don’t go into a parking lot, but this is a pretty small turn lane (on 52nd Place East approaching Creekwood Boulevard). We want to serve the businesses as well as the motorists. How do we improve this?”

Usually, Clark said complaints to Public Works come mostly from motorists and individuals, but businesses have voiced their displeasure with the situation.

He said the county monitored the 52nd Place East and Creekwood Boulevard intersection to see what percentage of drivers turned right on Creekwood and then made a U-turn.

They also were monitoring foot traffic in the area.

County traffic engineers formulated the roundabout design. Bidding and land acquisition is scheduled to be completed by late summer.

Public feedback has been mostly supportive of the roundabout, Clark said, but even so, the county has been reaching out to Creekwood residents

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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What: Roundabout at Creekwood Boulevard and 73rd Street East, Bradenton Why: Creekwood Boulevard at 52nd Place East has been a problem intersection because traffic exiting the shopping center via 52nd Place East backs up into the center as drivers attempt to make a lefthand turn on Creekwood Boulevard. Many drivers already make a righthand turn onto Creekwood Boulevard and then make a U-turn to head back to State Road 70. The traffic conflict has created safety concerns. Due to the proximity of the Creekwood Boulevard and 52nd Place East to the S.R. 70 intersection, a traffic signal is not feasible. County staff members recommend not allowing lefthand turns out of 52nd Place exiting the shopping center onto Creekwood Boulevard.

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to document concerns.

“Historically, people complain (about roundabouts),” Clark said.

“That’s why we put a sign out there early. We reached out to the Creekwood residents two years ago. We wanted to be forward thinking. We wanted to catch complaints early on.

This is an established area, and we are proposing a significant change to the way people operate. This is a major change, and we want to make ourselves accessible.”

Clark said county staff members have been going to neighborhood meetings to present plans.

“That intersection is so dangerous,” Manatee County Commissioner Vanessa Baugh said. “It’s terrible.

The roundabout is going to be a good idea that’s going to make it safer.”

INTRODUCTORY OFFER

8

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

EAST COUNTY

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

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Publisher and President / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com Associate Publisher — East County Observer / Lori Ruth, LRuth@YourObserver.com

Madison Roberts of Myakka City cracks the whip to help open the show.

CRACK FUNDRAISERS A variety of performers raise funds for the Myakka City Historic School House.

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

S

even-year-old Harley Johnson would go to great heights to raise money for the Myakka City Historic School House.

In this case, more than 25 feet.

The diminutive Johnson, a student at Circus on the Ranch of Myakka City, performed on the trapeze March 20 during Horses and History, a fundraiser for the school’s restoration project, an effort that has lasted 29 years.

The fundraiser, always hosted by Herrmann’s Royal Lipizzan Stallions, took on a different look this year as Rebecca McCullough took over the event from her mom, Gabby Herrmann, who died in March 2021.

McCullough, the event’s master of ceremonies, wanted to showcase the area’s talent besides the stallions and provide guests with a general history of the region as well.

Johnson, who lives in Myakka City, was part of the local talent, even though she never has been inside the Myakka City Historic School House.

Her father, Jimmy Johnson, nervously watched as his daughter performed far off the ground. “’I’ve been to several (circus) events, and I’ve seen what can happen,” he said.

Even so, he thought it was an important fundraiser.

“It’s important to preserve our history,” he said. “A lot of people don’t know where they came from.”

Walter Carlton, project manager for the renovation project, estimated it would cost $75,000 to finish it. Once opened, the Myakka City Historic School House will serve as a community center, a museum and a library.

Like Johnson, Myakka City’s Madison Roberts and Chloe Butler have not been in the Myakka City Historic School House, but they also played a role in the fundraiser. The two 14-year-olds are master whipcrackers who performed.

While whip-crackers never test their skills to music, the two girls practiced and performed to “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” by The Charlie Daniels Band. They said it was different but fun.

Like the school, whip-cracking is a skill that could be lost to the past.

“My uncle used to teach us,” Roberts said. “Now I grab a whip every time I go out of the house.”

Whip-cracking, a tool formerly used by ranchers, involves making as loud a cracking sound as possible.

While both are adept, Butler said Roberts is better because she can be effective with whips in both hands.

When the girls began their performances, McCullough noted that those whips are what produced the term “Florida cracker.” Florida cowboys often used whips to control their cattle. Now the term often is used to describe those who have lived in Florida for generations.

Photos by Jay Heater

Rebecca MuCullough adds area talent to expand the Historic School House fundraiser.

Executive Editor and COO / Kat Hughes, KHughes@YourObserver.com Managing Editor / Jay Heater, JHeater@YourObserver.com Sports Editor / Ryan Kohn, RKohn@YourObserver.com Staff Writers / Liz Ramos, LRamos@YourObserver.com; Ian Swaby, ISwaby@YourObserver.com Digital & Engagement Editor / Kaelyn Adix, KAdix@YourObserver.com Copy Editor / Shawn Candela, SCandela@YourObserver.com Editorial Designers / Melissa Leduc, MLeduc@YourObserver.com; José Valle, JValle@YourObserver.com A+E Editor / Spencer Fordin, SFordin@YourObserver.com Black Tie Editor / Harry Sayer, HSayer@YourObserver.com Director of Advertising / Jill Raleigh, JRaleigh@YourObserver.com Sales Manager / Penny Nowicki, PNowicki@YourObserver.com Regional Digital Director / Kathleen O’Hara, KOHara@YourObserver.com Senior Advertising Executive / Laura Ritter, LRitter@YourObserver.com Advertising Executives / Richeal Bair, RBair@YourObserver.com; Beth Jacobson, BJacobson@YourObserver.com; Jennifer Kane, JKane@YourObserver.com; Honesty Mantkowski, HMantkowski@YourObserver. com; Toni Perren, TPerren@YourObserver. com; Brenda White, BWhite@ YourObserver.com Classified Advertising Sales Executive / Audri Ferguson, AFerguson@ YourObserver.com Sales Operations Manager / Susan Leedom, SLeedom@YourObserver.com Sales Coordinator / Account Manager Lori Downey, LDowney@YourObserver.com Advertising Assistant / Sam Johnson, SJohnson@YourObserver.com Digital Fulfillment Specialist / Emma Burke, EBurke@YourObserver.com Tributes Coordinator / Kristen Boothroyd, Tributes@YourObserver.com Director of Marketing / Robin Lankton, RLankton@YourObserver.com Marketing Coordinator / Samantha Dischinger, SDischinger@YourObserver.com Director of Creative Services / Caleb Stanton, CStanton@YourObserver.com Creative Services Administrator / Marjorie Holloway, MHolloway@ YourObserver.com Advertising Graphic Designers / Luis Trujillo, Taylor Poe, Louise Martin, Shawna Polana Digital Developer / Jason Camillo, JCamillo@YourObserver.com Director of Information Technology / Adam Quinlin, AQuinlin@YourObserver.com Chief Financial Officer / Laura Strickland, LStrickland@YourObserver.com Controller / Rafael Labrin, RLabrin@YourObserver.com Office and Accounting Coordinator / Donna Condon, DCondon@ YourObserver.com

Above: Seven-year-old Harley Johnson of Myakka City is fearless on the trapeze.

Right: Flamenco dancer Tahja Harrison performs in the center of the arena as Rebecca McCullough displays garrocha techniques behind her.

Local rancher Cully Rowell said it is imperative to preserve historic buildings such as the school, as well as skills like whip-cracking. Rowell often judges rodeo whip-cracking.

“We have to know where we have been,” he said. “We can learn a lot of good stuff from the past.”

Watching from the stands was Myakka City’s Marilyn Coker, former president of the Myakka City Historical Society who has worked to preserve the school since the effort began in 1993.

“I love the show,” Coker said of McCullough’s spin. “She has put together something unique. I know this involved weeks of planning.”

Besides the entertainment and majestic horses, those who attended were treated to a violin solo by Booker High of Sarasota junior Danae Tran, a 16-year-old who worked at the fundraiser to help raise funds of her own to attend music summer camp at the Brevard Music Center in Brevard, North Carolina. The violinist set the mood as Rebecca McCullough rode Aragon and her daughter, Sydney, rode Achilles.

The event also featured the Fla-

menco dancing of Tahja Harrison and the horsemanship of Jodi Fulbright, who put on an exhibition with Damascus, an Arabian gelding who is one of four rescue horses at Herrmann’s.

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Horses and History used the beauty of the Lipizzan stallions to raise funds for the Historic School House’s restoration.

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SIDE OF RANCH

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

9

JAY HEATER

Report confirms code violations ignored

T

he Manatee County version of “War and Peace” was released to the public March 22.

OK, so the Manatee County Building and Development Services Code Enforcement Division Investigation was not 1,225 pages.

But it was 93 pages if you printed out all the exhibits attached to the 52-page report that was completed

by Manatee County Inspector General Lori Stephens and her team of Bobbie Windham (deputy inspector general), Jennifer Bal (senior internal auditor), Martye Gruhl (project auditor), Glen Riley (senior internal auditor) and Lizette Peterson (internal auditor).

The investigation was launched to determine if the Building and Development Services Department’s Code Enforcement Division was offering favoritism and basically acting with general misconduct. Those pages of the report read like a Perry Mason episode, with investigators trying to sift through he said/she said testimony, backroom deals and threats of career destruction.

Code Enforcement Officer Tanya Shaw started the investigation rolling late in March 2021 when she made a report to the office of Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller Angel Colonneso. Shaw said she was told to look the other way when it came to code violations at a Myakka City property — 47 acres along State Road 70 that now is called “The Woods of Mallaranny” — being groomed to be the site of the Sarasota Medieval Fair.

A year later, the extent of favoritism and misconduct is murky at best, other than the actual confirmation that it did exist.

County commissioners and Administrator Scott Hopes have been briefed on the report, although at deadline during the March 22 Commission meeting Hopes said he had yet to read through the entire

how to move forward. Hopes was hired by the current commissioners, who didn’t even conduct a search to find other qualified applicants because they felt Hopes was the perfect guy to move the county forward. He will have to determine if the findings lead to terminations or not, and must conduct everything in a transparent manner.

He also must make public the cost of this year-long investigation.

To read the entire inspector general’s report, go to ManateeClerk. com and go to latest news.

CLARIFICATION

File photo

An inspector general’s report on allegations that code violations at a property in Myakka City were being ignored by county officials is now available at ManateeClerk.com.

report. His preliminary reaction was that the report said there were findings that confirmed corruption and favoritism.

The report listed allegations and then findings for each. As far as the allegation Code Enforcement was “not properly investigating complaints received regarding construction on property in Myakka City, owned by Jeremy Croteau, because of (county) management’s relationship with Croteau’s mother, Kathy Croteau, a (then-) Sarasota County Building official,” the allegation was found to be partially substantiated.

An allegation that “the Building and Development Services and Code Enforcement management instructed staff to close cases and not enforce Manatee County codes due to personal/professional relationships” was substantiated.

An allegation that “Someone other than Officer Shaw entered

notes and signed off/closed cases in her name” was unsubstantiated.

It should be noted that on Sept. 11, 2021, the Code Enforcement Division was placed under the direction of the Public Safety Department and the Building and Development Services Department was renamed the Development Services Department.

To give an idea of the scope of the investigation, consider that in investigating just the allegation that Code Enforcement was not properly investigating complaints received about construction taking place on the Croteau property because of management’s relationship with his mother, Kathy Croteau, the team interviewed the complainant, visited the property, interview the property’s neighbors, interviewed county personnel, interviewed state agency personnel (Florida Department of Environmental Protection, FDOT, Florida Department of Agri-

culture and Consumer Services, etc.), reviewed all documentation (emails, reports, phone documentation) involving the case, and more.

“We are a small office, with five full-time and one part-time (workers),” Stephens said. “This was a lot of information with substantial interviews and documents.”

At the end of the report are suggestions, mostly about monitoring the code enforcement department with more documentation, to make sure a repeat doesn’t occur in the future. But it offered no possible actions against county employees who were involved.

It should be noted that Building and Development Services Director John Barnott retired in September.

The other five department employees who were suspended because of the incident are all back at work.

Shaw has since been terminated by the county.

Now it’s up to Hopes to decide

Just a mea culpa about my story in the March 17 East County Observer about Manatee County terminating its agreement to provide firefighter/ paramedics to the Myakka City area to bolster medical coverage since only one ambulance is on site.

I misunderstood that those firefighter/paramedics were supplied

by Manatee County itself, and not through East Manatee Fire Rescue.

My story irked Manatee County Commissioner Vanessa Baugh, who said the “inter-local” agreement has been in place since 2001 and cannot be terminated by Manatee County’s staff without a vote of the commissioners approving of any move. She said East Manatee Fire Rescue Chief Lee Whitehurst had been notified by county staff that the agreement was, indeed, terminated. She said that information is not valid, so expect the matter to come up at a Commission meeting.

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

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THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

Virtually unstoppable Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch continues its annual Walk for Water fundraiser as a virtual event.

LIZ RAMOS

IF YOU GO

STAFF WRITER

After seeing success with the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch’s virtual Walk for Water last year, the club decided to keep the walk virtual.

“We actually increased the amount we were able to raise,” said Susan Courter, the chair of the walk.

The Walk for Water raises money for the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch’s clean water and sanitation program, which helps select communities around the world have access to clean water.

This year’s Walk for Water begins 10 a.m. March 26. People can walk around their neighborhoods or parks, take a photo of themselves and post it to the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch’s social media (Facebook. com/RotaryClubLakewoodRanch).

People can donate on the club’s website to help the community of Villa Talandracas, Peru.

The Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch started its clean water and sanitation program in 2008 and has since completed 51 clean water and sanitation projects for about $3 million in countries including Peru, Guatemala, the Philippines and the Bahamas. Through the projects, the club has helped thousands.

WALK FOR WATER When: 10 a.m. March 26 Where: In your neighborhood, a park How to participate: Take a one-hour walk around your neighborhood, a park or anywhere and take a photo. Post the photo to the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch’s Facebook page and donate.

More information or to donate: LakewoodRanch-Rotary. com

“One of the things I love most about Rotary is that I, as an individual, can’t make a significant impact, but as a Rotarian contributing to these projects, while I’m not in Peru building these water wells, I feel like I’m a part of these projects. I’m participating in giving to the foundation and giving to the fund supporting these projects,” Courter said.

The walk started as an in-person event in which participants would carry buckets with them to a water source and fill the bucket to symbolize the journey women and children

Courtesy photos

Above: The Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch’s Walk for Water continues as a virtual event this year.

Left: Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch members Judy Berlow and Susan Courter hold jugs of water to symbolize what it would be like to carry a bucket of water the same distance mothers and children walk to access water.

take each day to collect water.

“Often the water they’re collecting is filled with bacteria, and so many children around the world are dying every day because they’re drinking this dirty water,” Courter said.

As a virtual event, Courter said the

club can have a wider reach during the Walk for Water.

“We have people from across the country that are friends and family of our club members who are able to participate since we went virtual,” Courter said. “Knowing that is a

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great feeling. We are so appreciative of everybody who supported our events. They see the need that’s out there, just like we do, to bring clean water to these communities.”

The Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch has raised $50,000 for this year’s Walk for Water, surpassing the club’s goal of $40,000. Each clean water and sanitation project can cost about $200,000, so every penny counts, Courter said.

“The great thing about donating to the foundation for these projects is that the dollars are all matched — and sometimes up to three times — because we have individual donors who are matching and we have Rotary Foundation grants,” Courter said.

Some Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch members visit the communities where the clean water and sanitation projects are scheduled to ensure the projects go smoothly and are sustainable.

The members travel with engineers from Water Mission, a nonprofit Christian engineering organization that builds sustainable clean water solutions in developing nations and disaster areas.

“They visit projects we have had in place for a while to do a check-in because these projects are all sustainable,” Courter said. “We don’t just go there and leave the community and say, ‘Good luck with your project.’ We go and do follow-up visits. They conduct assessments so we can identify where there’s going to be the most need and what communities are likely to have the best outcome with our projects.”

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

11

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

The science of success

HEADED TO STATE

Twelve students from Dr. Mona Jain, Braden River and R. Dan Nolan middle schools are headed to the 67th annual State Science and Engineering Fair in Lakeland.

Mona Jain, Nolan and Braden River middle school students create experiments that lead to the state fair.

LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER

KINLEY MCCAW

McCaw, a sixth grader at Dr. Mona Jain Middle School, spent days surrounded by hundreds of fruit flies.

She chose to do a genetics project in which she bred fruit flies to determine whether they would have a physical characteristic that was on a dominant or recessive gene.

Before studying each fly, McCaw used an anesthetic to put the flies to sleep. At that point, she had less than 20 minutes to study them before they would wake up.

McCaw took every tiny fly and used a magnifying glass to study them and identify their wing type.

“It was especially hard because they are such a tiny little organism,” she said. “You’re squinting your eyes to try to figure out what it is. I know the wings are pretty apparent, but trying to figure out which gender they are based on the underside and the coloring was so hard because it’s the slightest tint that makes them different.”

McCaw wanted to challenge herself by picking a project with material covered in seventh grade.

“I just have a thirst for knowledge,” she said. “Science has always come easier to me than any other subject.”

BRADEN RIVER MIDDLE SCHOOL n David Dragon n Kailey Gil n Miguel Perez

Courtesy photo

Kinley McCaw, a sixth grader at Dr. Mona Jain Middle School, uses a magnifying glass to study the phenotype of fruit flies.

MIGUEL PEREZ

Perez, a Braden River Middle School seventh grader, studied how different angles would impact the speed of light in clear gelatin.

First, Perez tried focusing on how different sizes of gelatins would impact the speed of light, but after realizing he made calculation errors, he changed his approach.

R. DAN NOLAN MIDDLE SCHOOL n Zoe Lander

Perez decided to use the samesize gelatin but change the angles at which the laser hit the gelatin.

Then he would figure out the angle of refraction.

Jennifer Hall, the science teacher helping students with the Science and Engineering Fair at Braden River Middle, was happy to hear Perez adjusted his experiment.

“So often kids feel like if it’s not right the first time, they failed,” Hall said. “We hate that, because in science that’s not how that works. If

ZOE LANDER

Lander, a seventh grader at R. Dan Nolan Middle School, wanted to show the impacts of global warming.

In her experiment, Lander studied how various amounts of carbon dioxide affected water temperature.

“Global warming has always been something that concerns me,” Lander said. “If we don’t fix things now, the future generations will be harmed.”

Lander put different amounts of water into three water bottles and left another empty. She then submerged the bottles upside down in a large bucket of water. She removed the caps on the bottles to be able to insert carbon dioxide into them using a carbon dioxide tank until the water from the bottle was gone. She put the cap back on the bottle while it remained under water and added a temperature probe. Lander then put the bottles under heat lamps and watched the temperature rise.

Lander found that on average, the bottle with the most carbon dioxide caused the hottest temperature.

“I learned that to stop global warming, we should be using less carbon dioxide, fossil fuels and greenhouse gases,” Lander said.

Lander was excited when she was announced as a first-place winner.

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one are the days of making model volcanoes that explode.

East County science students now conduct experiments ranging from the study of fruit flies to the study of the speed of light in gelatin.

In pursuit of earning a trip to the 67th annual State Science and Engineering Fair in Lakeland, students were tasked with designing and conducting their own research following their scientific methods. Then they needed to prepare a presentation of their thesis to judges.

“It’s our job as a teacher to introduce them to the parts of science that they don’t know,” said Brittany Devlin, a science and engineering fair coordinator for the district and a science teacher at Dr. Mona Jain Middle School. “When you spark that interest, that’s where the true value of the research comes out, because they can research something they actually care about.”

Twelve students from Dr. Mona Jain, Braden River and R. Dan Nolan middle schools are headed to the 67th annual State Science and Engineering Fair March 29-31 in Lakeland after seeing success at the School District of Manatee County’s fair.

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

Walk provides food for thought

|

THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

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Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, All Faiths Food Bank has been stressed by additional demand and the loss of events and programs.

So it will be a celebration when the All Faiths Food Bank resumes its Walk to End Summer Hunger event March 27; it was canceled in 20202021. The event, which could draw approximately 600 people, will be at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota.

“It has been a scary time for All Faiths Food Bank and the families we serve,” said Sandra Frank, the All Faiths Food Bank CEO. “People were panicked about feeding their families and keeping a roof over their heads.

We had to step up our game to meet the profoundly increased need in our community as a result of the initial impact of pandemic.”

Frank said the community has persevered and worked to come together again. However, she said the need is greater than ever.

“Inflation, the war in Ukraine, astronomical gas prices, the severing of the supply chain,” she said in rapid-fire order.

Frank said the supply chain issues are especially meaningful to the All Faiths Food Bank as it distributes 20 million pounds of food to the region.

All Faiths Food Bank reported that it raised more than $2 million in 2021 to buy food for those in need. Its numbers say it served 34,069 students during the year (which doesn’t include children who had not yet reached school age).

“They’re sort of invisible children because they’re not in the school system,” Frank said of children who have yet to enter school.

Those food donations were cal-

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All Faiths Food Bank CEO Sandra Frank speaks before the 2019 walk.

culated to provide 3,175,762 meals delivered through 341 programs and more than 200 partner groups.

The Walk to End Summer Hunger raises funds and awareness of the programs. While volunteers are coming back to the nonprofit as the pandemic has eased, Frank said restrictions continue to be in place that reduce the number of volunteers they can use. She said the effort from those who are allowed has been “phenomenal.”

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

YMCA sports new programs Merger increases support to the local Y, which it will use to expand programs.

LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER

L

akewood Ranch’s Sissy Overlees has been a member of the Lakewood Ranch YMCA for 10 years, taking as many classes and participating in as many programs as possible.

After doing 2 miles on the treadmill March 18, she hopped on a stationary bike to participate in the Y’s spin-cycle class.

“I’m happy doing this,” Overlees said. “It elevates me.”

As the years passed, Overlees said her workout preferences shifted.

She loved the step exercise class until she fell off the platform one time and realized her body couldn’t take more of that class.

Then it was a “body-pump class,” until her doctor said she shouldn’t be lifting barbells anymore.

Now her favorite is the spin class.

“There’s always something else,” Overlees said. “If you can’t do one thing, there’s a substitute. So I got on the bike. I thought I couldn’t ride that bike. Now I just love riding the bike. When you can’t do one thing, you do another. I don’t take no for an answer. I find a way to keep going.”

Overlees will have more classes to choose from as a result of the Lakewood Ranch YMCA merger with the YMCA of Southwest Florida.

The YMCA of Southwest Florida includes nine YMCAs, four early learning academies and two charter schools that span from Bonita Springs to Lakewood Ranch. The Manatee County YMCA, which includes the Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch YMCAs, officially merged with the YMCA of Southwest Florida on Jan. 1.

“We’re a larger organization, so the YMCA of Southwest Florida has resources available to all of our

branches to ensure the success of their programs,” said Jamie Browning, vice president of development for the YMCA of Southwest Florida.

“We’re better together, and we’re pulling together our resources to be the most effective, efficient and impactful YMCA possible for our communities that we serve.”

The YMCA of Southwest Florida supports the Lakewood Ranch YMCA in operations, finance, development and staffing.

Members of the Lakewood Ranch branch also will be able to use Ys in other locations that are part of the YMCA of Southwest Florida.

The Lakewood Ranch YMCA is starting new programs as a result of the merger.

“It’s so nice to be a part of a big organization and to share ideas,” said Jennifer Haughey, associate executive director of the Lakewood Ranch branch. “It’s great to collaborate with all these other branches.”

She said members can expect to see new active older adult classes and programs, such as chair yoga and a mah-jongg group.

“Those socialization pieces and their social activities are imperative for our seniors because this is their social interaction for a lot of them,” Haughey said.

Youth programming will be expanded, including different spring and summer camps.

“We are firm believers that there should be a camp for every child, every age, every gender and every interest,” Browning said. “Whatever the child is interested in, we are offering increased camp offerings to tailor to the interest of what children like.”

The Y started a youth travel basketball program that has teams competing at different branches of the YMCA of Southwest Florida.

Other new programs that will become available are mini-sports sampler programs, infant classes and a preschool playgroup.

The Lakewood Ranch branch plans to roll out more Power Hour

YMCA EXPANSION

The YMCA of Southwest Florida includes nine YMCAs, four early learning academies and two charter schools that span from Bonita Springs to Lakewood Ranch.

The locations include: n Punta Gorda n Bonita Springs n Bradenton n Lakewood Ranch n Englewood n Fort Myers n Port Charlotte n Venice

File photos

East County’s Meghan Rumbaugh participates in a group exercise class offered by the Lakewood Ranch YMCA. More programs are on the way.

programming, which provides various activities for children as their parents do their own activities. For example, the parents might work out on the wellness floor or participate in a class while one child goes to soccer and another has swim lessons.

A new summer camp at the Y is the aquatics camp, in which children spend time in swim lessons, playing aquatic games and enjoying the time for a free swim. There are also specialized sports camps. The Y will provide full-day specialty camps; in the past the camps were not full days.

Although the Lakewood Ranch YMCA staff members are excited to expand summer camps, Rhiannon Blaney, senior program director for the Y, said the Y is struggling to hire people for its summer camps.

Blaney said the Y had trouble hiring last year, which resulted in families put on a waitlist for the camps.

“We lowered our ratios (of counselors to campers), which means you need more staff members to make sure we’re creating a safe camp environment coming out of COVID-19,” Blaney said. “It was the staff that had us limit the amount of campers we could take. It was hard because we wanted to take everybody.”

If the Y can’t find enough people to hire, participation will be limited.

Blaney and Haughey said the Y is seeking teens to fill the positions.

“Working at the Y as a summer camp counselor (who must be at least 18), I tell people all the time, ‘You have the opportunity to change a child’s life forever,’” Haughey said.

The organization is holding job fairs and providing incentives. If staff members complete all 10 weeks of camp working at least 35 hours per week, they receive a $750 bonus. If they finish nine weeks of camp, it’ll

Lakewood Ranch YMCA lifeguard Tara Lunsford disinfects high-touch areas of the pool between 45-minute reserved swimming sessions.

be a $500 bonus.

“We are doing things we’ve never done before to try to get people in,” Haughey said. “It’s such a rewarding job.”

Blaney and Haughey said they are unsure why the Y is having trouble finding people willing to work in the summer camps because it was never an issue before the pandemic.

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MARCH 24, 2022

— ODA lacrosse player Aubrey Robbins SEE PAGE 16

HIGH

SPORTS

“I love the teamwork it takes. Being able to work with your teammates in order to win is a great feeling.”

5

BLANK SLATE

JADEN BLANK School: Lakewood Ranch High Grade: Junior Sport: Boys gymnastics, level 10 Gym: EVO Gymnastics Biggest accomplishment: Won the Level 10 All-Around Championship (78.750) at the 2022 Florida Men’s State Championships Favorite school subject: Math Favorite video game: “Persona 5” Dream super power: The ability to fly Words that describe his personality: “Quiet, funny and smart”

1

Lakewood Ranch High senior girls track and field runner Grace Marston finished second in the 3,200-meter run (11:44.75) and third in the 1,600-meter run (5:26.52) at the 2022 IMG Spring Break Invitational, held March 19 at IMG Academy.

Courtesy photos

Jaden Blank won the Level 10 All-Around Championship (78.750) at the 2022 Florida Men’s State Championships.

Gymnast sets his bar high 2

Lakewood Ranch High junior softball infielder Amanda Lee committed to Radford University on March 19.

3

Former Lakewood Ranch High softball player Avery Goelz, a sophomore at Florida, went 2-4 with two runs scored March 20 in the Gators’ 11-3 road win against Texas A&M. Goelz is hitting .333 with 10 RBIs this season.

4

JB Sassano sank a holein-one March 19 on the No. 13 hole of Lakewood Ranch Country Club’s Royal Lakes course. Sassano used a 5-iron on the 163-yard hole.

5

Patrick Kenefick sank a hole-in-one March 16 on the No. 6 hole of Lakewood Ranch Country Club’s Cypress Links course.

Kenefick used a 5-iron on the 175-yard hole.

CHARITY DRIVE PAGE 17

Lakewood Ranch High junior Jaden Blank hopes to land a spot in the 2022 U.S. Championships.

RYAN KOHN SPORTS EDITOR

W

hen a young Jaden Blank took up gymnastics, he would think about his upcoming routine.

But at 4 years old, that visualization often warned of a worst-case scenario that included a painful fall.

Now a Lakewood Ranch High junior, Blank puts falls out of sight and mind. Over the years, he realized all sports carry some injury risk, and gymnastics is no different.

Blank won the Level 10 All-Around Championship (78.750) at the 2022 Florida Men’s State Championships held March 4-6 in Alachua, competing through Sarasota’s EVO Gymnastics. Level 10 is the highest level of the Junior Olympic program overseen by USA Gymnastics. At the championships, Blank finished first in the floor exercise, vault, parallel bars and high bar, and finished second in the rings and pommel horse.

The secret to his stellar results?

“I always try to visualize my routines before I do them,” Blank said.

It’s quite different than his early days in the sport.

“I visualize making them and what that success feels like,” he said. “I find it hard to tune out other things going on otherwise. It’s important to my process.”

Despite competing in gymnastics for most of his life, Blank said it only occurred to him this season how much his skills had developed and therefore how far he could go in the sport. There was not a single moment of realization for Blank as it came through reflection on how far he had come.

Watching years-old videos of himself compared with recent videos showed how he is more polished in every way.

While it might not make him a big man on campus, winning a state championship earns Blank respect in the gymnastics community.

It’s OK with him if only his peers can understand what he has done.

Gymnasts spend grueling hours working out each day with each other, and most of Blank’s friends are in that community. As long as his accomplishments are acknowledged by them, Blank said, he does not need any attention from outsiders.

“I am well-rounded, and I think that will help me.

I have a good work ethic.

I think I definitely have a shot.”

“(More attention) would be what the sport deserves,” Blank said. “But I also like where it is now.”

As much as Blank enjoys competing as an individual, he equally enjoys competing as the member of a team. He was selected to represent Region 8 (Florida, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi and Tennessee) at the 2022 Elite Team Competition, where the best gymnasts from each of USA Gymnastics’ nine regions compete with others from their region to see which regions finish on top. Blank, competing alongside seven other Region 8 gymnasts including Sarasota’s Garrett Schooley, finished third overall at the competition.

Three of Region 8’s eight competitors — Blank, Schooley and Saint Petersburg’s Alex Karadzhov — train with EVO Gymnastics. The training is rigorous.

Blank practices five days a week for four hours a day after school. He said his coaches rotate events at each practice, with each lasting approximately 45 minutes, so the gymnasts get equal repetitions in all of them.

It’s a taxing sport, Blank said.

There are certainly times when he yearns for a day or two off. He always shows up, though, and that helps him toward his goal of being an elite gymnast. Blank said he is thankful to have most weekends free to do what he pleases, which often involves playing video games or tinkering with old video game consoles, modifying them to increase their capabilities.

Blank’s next goal could be achieved in August. The 2022 U.S. Gymnastics Championships will be held Aug. 18-21 at Amalie Arena in Tampa.

Blank said he has dreams of competing in the event.

There are qualifiers he will need to ace between now and then to qualify, including the 2022 USA Gymnastics Development Program National Championships, held May 10-15 in Mesa, Arizona. The top 18 finishers from that event will advance to the U.S. Championships. Blank is aware of how tough the road will be but said he believes he has the all-around skills and desire to qualify.

“I’m not the No. 1 gymnast in the world, but I am good,” Blank said. “I don’t have one strength that sticks out. I am well-rounded, and I think that will help me. I have a good work ethic. I think I definitely have a shot.”

— Jaden Blank

Lakewood Ranch High junior Jaden Blank has a goal of competing in the 2022 U.S. Gymnastics Championships in August in Tampa.

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

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Aubrey Robbins Aubrey Robbins is a sophomore midfielder on The Out-of-Door Academy girls lacrosse team. Robbins had a goal and an assist March 15 in the Thunder’s 9-8 road win against Saint Stephen’s Episcopal.

Robbins leads the Thunder (8-0) with 26 goals.

When did you start playing lacrosse?

I have had a stick in my hand since I was in kindergarten. I have played almost all my life. I took a break in fourth and fifth grade because I wanted to see what soccer was like, but I came back in sixth grade and have played ever since.

What is the appeal to you?

I love the teamwork it takes. Being able to work with your teammates in order to win is a great feeling. Not all of the pressure is just on you; it’s on everyone. You can bring each other up if you need it when things go bad. I mostly just want to help everyone win.

What is your best skill?

I would say my speed is my best skill. I have been told that by coaches. I actually ran cross-country in middle school, but I realized I was just doing it to stay in shape for lacrosse.

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As far as high school lacrosse, it has to be beating Saint Stephen’s last week. It’s a rivalry game, and this was our first time beating them since I have been part of the program here. It was an amazing feeling, and it was a total team effort.

I also know a lot of people on the Saint Stephen’s team, so it was fun beating them for that reason as well.

What has been the key to ODA’s success this year?

I think the biggest key to our season has been our chemistry. We did not lose anyone from last year’s team.

Being able to build off of that completely has helped a lot. We have even better chemistry now. We know each other so well, and that translates to the field.

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It is what it is. I am a person that can get down on myself after I mess up or have a bad game. I need to remember that I can’t change it. I need to move on and get over it and look forward to the future.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

PROSE AND KOHN

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THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

17

RYAN KOHN

Golf event chips away at raising funds T

here was no messing around on the No. 16 hole at Sarasota’s TPC Prestancia.

A foursome consisting of Jeff Boudrie, Wendi Patterson, KC Bartlett and Kevin Paschall — representing Legacy Golf Club at Lakewood Ranch — was deep into its efforts to raise money during Birdie-A-Thon, a charity scramble event played by golf professionals in the Southwest Chapter of the PGA’s North Florida section on March 7.

Boudrie, a Lakewood Ranch resident, is president of the Southwest Chapter. For each birdie made by a foursome during the event, each member of the foursome would donate an amount chosen individually to the event’s six chosen charities, which include The First Tee of Sarasota-Manatee and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Suncoast.

Boudrie had placed the foursome near the edge of the green on the No. 16 hole, a par 5, in two shots.

A birdie was looking likely, but if someone in the group managed to sink the next shot, it would be an eagle — by event rules, pledges are doubled on eagles.

“It’s a great format because you feel the pressure out there,” Boudrie said. “That makes it fun. You don’t want to cost charities any money they can get.”

On this particular hole, someone did step up. Patterson chipped in for an eagle. Two holes later on No. 18, a par 4, the foursome did it again.

Boudrie got aggressive with a drive that landed near the green, and Patterson chipped in for another eagle.

Similar situations occurred earlier in the round.

Several times, Boudrie said the foursome came down to Paschall, the North Florida PGA president, sinking a putt for birdie. Boudrie said Paschall would give the other three players an “Ah, jeez” look each time because of the pres-

Jeff Boudrie, the North Florida PGA’s Southwest Chapter president, played for Legacy Golf Club at the 2022 Birdie-A-Thon.

Legacy Golf Club’s foursome of PGA members included Kevin Paschall, Wendi Patterson, K.C. Bartlett and Jeff Boudrie.

sure on his shoulders. It was all in good fun, of course, and Boudrie said Paschall made the key putts each time. In the end, the Legacy group had the top score on the day, shooting 19 under par despite what Boudrie termed a slow start.

Boudrie said the eagles and Paschall’s putts were some of the countless gratifying moments from the event, as was totaling up the money earned for charity afterward. It came out to just under $70,000 and rose even higher in the following days.

“I have never been so proud to be in a room filled with PGA pros,” Boudrie said. “They stepped up to the plate. The last two years have been hard on everyone, but especially charities. People in the community look to us PGA professionals as leaders, and for everyone to give back in this way made me happy. We’re using our leadership

status to pay it forward.”

Boudrie helped spearhead this year’s event, but Birdie-A-Thon began in 2003 when local golf professional Paul Barone decided to try the idea with one foursome. The event has taken different shapes since then, often growing year over year, but sometimes, like when the 2008 recession hit, being stifled financially or canceled entirely.

This year, Boudrie and the rest of the event organizers decided to have all the clubs play on the same day at the same course. Boudrie said TPC Prestancia gave them the course for the afternoon, which cut down on costs and allowed more money to go to charities. These changes made it the event’s biggest year yet.

They’re not done, either. Boudrie said the event will return in 2023.

The experience of planning the 2022 event, Boudrie said, will make next year’s event even better. Boud-

Courtesy photos

rie said he wants to get more local clubs involved, for starters. Only 12 clubs participated this year. If the event can get 20 clubs to participate next year, or even double the size to 24 clubs, it can come close to doubling the money raised.

In that spirit, Boudrie also wants to give people more notice of the event and write sample emails for each club president so they can ask for donations with minimal effort.

In short, Boudrie wants to make the process as easy and streamlined as possible so the pros involved only have to worry about showing up and playing golf.

The 2022 Birdie-A-Thon is over, but people can still make one-time donations to the event’s charities by visiting the North Florida PGA’s website and selecting a club they would like to support, as well as a donation amount. Donations of all sizes are welcome, Boudrie said,

LAKEWOOD RANCH SERIES

because every dollar helps.

The PGA chapter will also be holding a different fundraiser this summer. The Tim Beckwith Memorial Pro-Am, to be held July 8 at TPC Prestancia, will raise money for the Tim Beckwith Scholarship Fund, which gives financial support to a local golfer. The scholarship, named after former area golf pro Tim Beckwith, who died in 2021 at age 51, is awarded based not just on golf skill but also school grades and involvement in the community, among other factors.

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

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Classifieds 29 Games 28 Real Estate 25 Weather 28

MARCH 24, 2022

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Photos by Liz Ramos

Above: Lakewood Ranch’s Susan Jenkins stands on a platform to let people see her golf outfit. Left: Morgan Tinl, the Humane Society of Lakewood Ranch’s lead shelter specialist, welcomes guests with Beckett, a shepherd hound mix.

Parisian paw-ty L

— LIZ RAMOS

Lakewood Ranch’s Betsy Forkin, Michele Caba, Bonnie Brooks, Tara VanderSande and Casey Baynes visit with one another before the fashion show begins.

Above: Susan Girioux, a Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch board member and chair of the Divas and Dogs event, welcomes guests.

Left: Lakewood Ranch’s Lolanda Goodfellow models animal prints.

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Above: Divas and Dogs sported a Parisian theme.

Right: Lakewood Ranch’s Mary Jo Hansen strikes a pose while modeling.

akewood Ranch’s Nancy Bartlett carefully looked at each of the 129 gift baskets the Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch had available in a silent auction March 18.

Bartlett already had decided that she would bid on some wines, but she was contemplating whether she wanted to go back to bid on a boat trip.

“They did a great job displaying all the baskets, and there’s more variety this year,” Bartlett said. “Plus, it’s a cause worth contributing to.”

The silent auction was part of the Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch’s thirdannual Divas and Dogs fundraiser.

After the 221 people who attended the event had an opportunity to bid on the auction items, they watched nine Lakewood Ranch residents model clothing and accessories from Venice’s Twist Boutique and Sun Bug. Lakewood Ranch’s Teresa Morris and Sharyn Nassau were excited to see their friend, Cheryl Lambiase, model some of the clothes.

“I’ve been to that shop (Twist Boutique) before, and it’s a nice dress shop,” Morris said. “I’m looking forward to seeing the different clothes.”

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THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

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or the Creative Arts Association of Lakewood Ranch, it was mission accomplished.

The fifth-annual Spring Art Show and Sale at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall March 19 aimed to support the club by generating more interest and giving its artists a chance to display their specialties.

Carol Krah, the president of the association, said they did pick up multiple requests to join the club, and the current club members displayed a wide range of disciplines, including Raku pottery, glass painting, shawls and sculptures made from recycled items.

Krah said that the show featured no premade work and that everything must be created by the artists themselves.

In addition to supporting artists, the Creative Art Association of Lakewood Ranch contributes to the Kid’s Camp scholarship fund at ArtCenter Manatee, with the center choosing a student to receive the scholarship.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

NEIGHBORS NOTES

A Life Transformed

Patient feels healthier and more alive than ever after weight-loss surgery One year after robotic sleeve gastrectomy (“gastric sleeve”) surgery* at Manatee Memorial Hospital®, Gianna Soussan, 26, weighs 128 pounds less and refers to her health and her life as “transformed.”

Gianna says she struggled with being overweight for as long as she can remember. As a teenager, she consulted a nutritionist and tried various diets, to no avail. Now, 14 months after weight-loss surgery, Gianna says she “feels healthier and more alive than ever.” Her related conditions, including pre-diabetes, hypothyroidism, ulcerative colitis, sleep apnea, migraines, anxiety and depression, have all resolved, she says.

“It wasn’t until I got to experience life in a healthy body for the first time ever that I truly recognized how much my weight affected my daily living,” Gianna says. “Everything I learned from my weight-loss team has now become a part of my lifestyle,” says Gianna. “I eat well and exercise a majority of the time, while being kind to myself and still allowing myself a treat once in a while.

“The surgery is only the first step,” says Stelios Rekkas, MD, FACS, FASMBS, Manatee Weight Loss Center physician and director of the surgical weight loss program at Manatee Memorial Hospital. “It’s the patient who makes the difference in their own life when they commit to using the lifelong tools we give them to help keep the weight off.”

Courtesy photo

Lakewood Ranch teen Libby Lurie and Temple Emanu-El Youth Group Adviser Savannah Ross enjoy ice cream during Shabbat Snack and Stroll at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota.

Temple Emanu-El members enjoy park event After

Members of Sarasota’s Temple Emanu-El took part in a Shabbat Snack and Stroll event March 19 at Nathan Benderson Park.

The family event included time at the playground and a nature craft period that featured the making of a havdalah spice box. The event featured the game “Ani Roeh,” which Rabbi Elaine Glickman called a “Hebrew version of ‘I-Spy.’” An ice cream truck delivered free dessert to those who attended. A dance party was held in the evening.

For more information about Temple Emanu-El, call 371-2788.

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Neal Communities has announced a $5,000 donation to Sisters Sowing Seeds, a nonprofit started by Neal Communities senior accountant Monica Donley in 2015 to empower teenage girls.

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“We’re still a new foundation, so a donation like this has a major impact for us,” Donley said in a release. “I think it’s amazing that Neal Communities is willing to support us.

They’re willing to give back, and it’s not something they have to do.”

“It’s been inspiring to watch Monica follow her passion and grow this organization that is so near to her heart,” said Pat Neal, the founder and chairman of Neal Communities in a release. “The work that Sisters Sowing Seeds does makes such a huge difference in the lives of the young women it works with, and we are happy to support the organization and help it continue to grow and serve the community.”

For more information about Sisters Sowing Seeds, visit SistersSowingSeeds.org.

Star Farms adds builders On March 18, Star Farms of Lakewood Ranch, a 700-acre gated village, announced that John Cannon Homes has joined its list of builders.

Earlier, Star Farms had announced that Lee Wetherington Homes and D.R. Horton would be building homes in the community, which will be made up of 300 homes in its first phase and 1,500 overall.

John Cannon Homes custom designs each of its homes, which will start at approximately 2,800 square feet. Those who visit Star Farms will be able to visit the single-story Bellara model, which is 3,782 square feet and has three bedrooms, threeand-a-half bathrooms, a bonus room, an exercise room, an outdoor kitchen, a swimming pool with spa and a casita with one bedroom and one bathroom.

D.R. Horton plans for phase 1 include single-family homes, townhomes and villas ranging from approximately 1,500 to more than 4,000 square feet. The Forestar Group is a subsidiary of D.R. Horton.

Lee Wetherington Homes will allow buyers to alter dozens of available floor plans. Two models will be available to tour at Star Farms.

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s the Sarasota Jazz Festival came to a close March 20 after a weeklong run at Nathan Benderson Park, attendees experienced both ends of the music spectrum.

One renowned musician and another who is a rising talent performed.

“I’m not going to say we saved the best for last,” Sarasota Jazz Club President Ed Linehan said.

“But we saved the most energy for last.”

Closing out the festival, which began March 13, were Tampa jazz band La Lucha and jazz trumpeter, pianist and composer Arturo Sandoval, who has won Grammy and Emmy awards.

La Lucha, which consists of Alejandro Arenas on bass, John O’Leary on piano and Mark Feinman on drums, has often been invited to serve as a backup rhythm section for visiting artists at the festival. This was the first time the musicians took the stage as featured performers.

“I heard La Lucha at the jazz festival four or five years ago,” Sarasota’s Roger Skidmore said. “John O’Leary is a really smashing piano player. They know how to play.”

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Alejandro Arenas, Houston Person and Mark Feinman of La Lucha perform.

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

UNIVERSITY PLACE 8215 Indigo Ridge Terrace 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,073 Sq. Ft. Robert Krasow 617-840-1181 A4525087 $759,000

PARRISH 3122 Lakeside Circle 3 Beds 4/1 Baths 2,769 Sq. Ft. Kiley Riccardi, P.A. 941-720-1147 A4527974 $675,000

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

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7604 Lake Vista Court 401 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,138 Sq. Ft. Stuart Lawrence & Laura Lawrence 941-894-4001 A4528245 $550,000

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

SARASOTA 3950 Sawyerwood Road 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,175 Sq. Ft. Phyllis Garfinkel 941-302-6400 A4526194 $495,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY 4330 Falmouth Drive C305 1 Bed 1 Baths 667 Sq. Ft. Malihe Karimi 941-376-5099 A4527417 $424,000

SARASOTA 3822 Chapel Drive 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,066 Sq. Ft. Janet Oberholtzer 484-798-7824 N6119723 $350,000

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

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

BRADENTON Lot 161 Legends Bay Adam Cuffaro 941-812-0791 A4437251 $175,000

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

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

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

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM 373418-1

24

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in Waterlefe Golf and River Club topped all transactions in this week’s real estate. James and Ann Wolcott, of Bradenton, sold their home at 10309 Riverbank Terrace to Catherine Yosha, of Bradenton, for $1,895,000.

Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three-andtwo-half baths, a pool and 6,136 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,183,100 in 2009.

COUNTRY CLUB

7705 Weston LLC sold the home at 7705 Weston Court to Daniel and Christine Abernethy, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1.67 million. Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and is 4,210 square feet. It sold for $790,000 in 2021.

Alan Zimmermann sold the home at 7805 Troon Court to RamSea LLC for $568,000. Built in 1999, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,564 square feet of living area. It sold for $140,000 in 2009.

Edward and Bonita Shakilk, of Eastbrook, Maine, sold their home at 7318 Wexford Court to Doyle Disbrow Jr. and Donna Nelson, of Bradenton, for $549,500. Built in 2006, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,773 square feet of living area. It sold for $320,000 in 2014.

GREENBROOK

Samuel Brooks McHugh and Tracie Lynne McHugh, of Sarasota, sold their home at 13219 Brown Thrasher Pike to Eric Devan Gray and Kelley Elaine Gray, of Columbus, Ohio, for $1.1 million. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and is 3,099 square feet. It sold for $476,000 in 2013.

Gregory and Dorian Hara, of Henderson, Nevada, sold their home at 6715 Quillback Lane to Gerald Crawford, of Tierra Verde, for $976,000. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,051 square feet of living area. It sold for $560,000 in 2019.

Julie Keating, of Dagsboro, Delaware, sold the home at 6515 Flycatcher Lane to James and Catherine Beadel, of Lakewood Ranch, for $730,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,578 square feet of living area.

It sold for $435,000 in 2018.

BRADEN WOODS

Terry and Pamela Winchell, of Bradenton, sold their home at 9206 63rd Ave. E. to Scott Loretan and Anongnat Tongleng Loretan, of Sarasota, for $966,000. Built in 1990, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,079 square feet of living area. It sold for $350,000 in 2012.

Erica Timmerman, of Dade City, sold her home at 6102 93rd St. Circle E. to Tyler Busenburg and Erica Linthicum, of Lakewood Ranch, for $579,000. Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,293 square feet of living area. It sold for $107,500 in 1988.

MALLORY PARK

David and Mary Galbraith, of Bradenton, sold their home at 11709 Blue Hill Trail to Carol Jenny, of San Tan Valley, Arizona, for $930,000.

Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,864 square feet of living area. It sold for $557,200 in 2019.

Christian and Gian Fulda, of Bradenton, sold their home at 11513 Golden Bay Place to Thomas Gilbert Walsh and Mary Elizabeth Walsh, of Bradenton, for $925,000. Built in

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

MARCH 7-11

2017, it has four bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, a pool and 2,987 square feet of living area. It sold for $509,000 in 2019.

TIDEWATER PRESERVE

Richard and Carolyn Beach, of Arundel, United Kingdom, sold their home at 5211 Lake Overlook Ave. to Joshua Donald Costell and Elizabeth Ann Costell, of Bradenton, for $930,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,882 square feet of living area. It sold for $472,700 in 2014.

HERITAGE HARBOUR

MacArthur’s Paving and Construction Co. sold the home at 8723 River Preserve Drive to Leon and Frances Jagla, of Sammamish, Washington, for $885,000. Built in 2009, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,661 square feet of living area. It sold for $390,000 in 2012.

Elisabeth Crouzet Deffrennes, of Capbreton, France, sold her home at 8312 Heritage Grand Place to Michael Aiello and Nancy Georganne Aiello, of Bradenton, for $870,000. Built in 2012, it has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,652 square feet of living area. It sold for $450,000 in 2012.

Vicki Kotsaftis sold the home at 226 Whispering Palms Lane to Robert and Lisa Wolfe, of Bradenton, for $508,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,829 square feet of living area. It sold for $305,000 in 2015.

POLO RUN

Timothy and Patricia Yanavage, of Aguanga, California, sold their home at 17351 Polo Trail to Laurence and Loren Scheck, of Bradenton, for $820,000. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,587 square feet of living area. It sold for $574,500 in 2021.

Liz Ramos

This Greenbrook home at 13219 Brown Thrasher Pike sold for $1.1 million. It has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,099 square feet of living area.

denton, for $416,000. Built in 2012, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,293 square feet of living area. It sold for $223,000 in 2017.

MOTE RANCH

David Berry, trustee, of Daphne, Alabama, sold the home at 6604 Grand Point Ave. to Benjamin Howell and Tiffany Ann Block, of Bradenton, for $705,000. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,362 square feet of living area. It sold for $139,000 in 2018.

DEL WEBB

Donald Guest and Lynette Guest, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the home at 7355 Chester Trail to David Reinbold and Mary Reinbold, trustees, of Kohler, Wisconsin, for $675,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,872

THE MOORINGS AT EDGEWATER

square feet of living area. It sold for $468,500 in 2019.

TAILFEATHER WAY AT TARA

Paul Pacini sold his home at 6862 Tailfeather Way to Mary Ann Butler-Pearson and William Allen Pearson, of Bradenton, for $660,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,303 square feet of living area. It sold for $500,000 in 2005.

Bernard Herbert Jr. sold his home at 6712 Tailfeather Way to Reginald Owen Dalton II, of Bradenton, for $560,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,459 square feet of living area. It sold for $230,000 in 2010.

SEE REAL ESTATE, PAGE 26

In with the new

Virginia Fulton, trustee, of Fairfax, Virginia, sold the Unit 202 condominium at 6435 Moorings Point Circle to Raymond and Maralyn Morrissey, of Lakewood Ranch, for $810,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 3,155 square feet of living area. It sold for $650,000 in 2021.

NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Pasco DePetrillo, of Lakewood Ranch, sold his Unit 101 condominium at 6552 Moorings Point Circle to Paul and Donna Ridsdale, of Lakewood Ranch, for $460,000.

Built in 2004, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,804 square feet. It sold for $432,000 in 2005.

Longboat Key

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PALM AIRE AT SARASOTA

Ashley and Brett Markley, of Sarasota, sold their home at 8218 Timber Lake Lane to Warren Arthur Bushey Jr. and Rebecca Darlene Bushey and Kyle Joseph Paul Treen III and Margaret Scott Treen, of Sarasota, for $800,000. Built in 1984, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,683 square feet of living area. It sold for $185,000 in 2011.

NOW TAKING CONTRACTS

Downtown St. Petersburg

COUNTRY CLUB EAST

Ronald and Carol Armstrong, of Bradenton, sold their home at 7841 Valderrama Way to Michael and Harriet Gill, of Baltimore, for $789,000. Built in 2010, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,112 square feet of living area. It sold for $360,000 in 2013.

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

CENTRAL PARK

Tammy Henderson, of South Pasadena, sold her home at 4631 Balboa Park Loop to Gary and Kathryn Wallace, of Bradenton, for $750,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,286 square feet of living area. It sold for $546,900 in 2020.

Downtown Sarasota

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

David and Sarah Sidnam, of Bradenton, sold their home at 12157 Forest Park Circle to Jillian Murnane and Erick Weinstein, of Bradenton, for $525,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,044 square feet of living area.

It sold for $315,000 in 2020.

Vickie Lane, of Bradenton, sold her home at 4919 Boston Common Glen to James and Mary Blachek, of Bra-

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

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

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THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

REAL ESTATE

Waterlefe home tops sales at $1,895,000

|

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

Licensed Real Estate Broker

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

Real estate FROM PAGE 25

HARMONY

SUMMER

Michael and Brooke Mueller, of Bradenton, sold their home at 11434 Spring Gate Trail to Mohammed Athar and Shealee O’Donnell, of Bradenton, for $642,900. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,465 square feet of living area. It sold for $367,700 in 2017.

FUN GUIDE

Clubside at Country Club East Joseph and Debra Thomas sold their Unit 6-A at 7482 Divot Loop to Denise Lorraine McCulley, trustee, of Mediapolis, Iowa, for $639,900.

Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,748 square feet. It sold for $292,000 in 2018.

The most comprehensive guide to summer camps and activities in Sarasota and Manatee counties

RIVER CLUB SOUTH

Aubrey and Margaret House, of Naples, sold their home at 10228 Silverado Circle to Victor Sabattini and Miguelina Harrison of Bradenton, for $639,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,457 square feet of living area.

COMING THURSDAY, MARCH 31

RIVERDALE REVISED

Mirjana Dragich, trustee, of Raleigh, North Carolina, sold the home at 4415 Barracuda Drive to Khaleeda Aoraha, of Arlington Heights, Illinois, for $639,000.

Built in 2004, it has two bedrooms, three baths and is 1,821 square feet.

Summertime is all about fun and frolic!

Kids are out of school, and it’s the long break that every child looks forward to.

But this long break can create havoc for a parent’s work schedule.

COACH HOMES AT LAKEWOOD NATIONAL

Mark Thompson sold his Unit 2111 condominium at 5921 Wake Forest Run to WBL II for $602,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,786 square feet of living area. It sold for $302,700 in 2019.

From science camps to acting classes, the 2022 Summer Fun Guide will give parents lots of ideas on what the kids will be doing when school is out.

WOODBROOK

Veronica Martinez, of Ashburn, Virginia, sold her home at 4542 Cedar Brush Terrace to Kimberly Marie Schehrer, of Sarasota, for $600,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,261 square feet of living area. It sold for $390,000 in 2017.

MIRAMAR LINKS

Deborah Lynn Conacher and David Wayne Conacher, of Ontario, Canada, sold their Unit 21 condominium at 8368 Miramar Way to Kenneth and Kelleyanne Delaney, of Lakewood Ranch, for $550,000.

Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,416 square feet of living area. It sold for $389,700 in 2021.

RIVERWALK VILLAGE CYPRESS BANKS

Joseph and Diane Gallo, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 7205 Garland Lane to Kristen and Michael Elliott, of Sarasota, for $550,000. Built in 2001, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,837 square feet of living area. It sold for $326,500 in 2020.

ARBOR GRANDE

Juanita Walker, of Bradenton, sold her home at 11823 Bluebird Place to Martin and Carla Bonsignore, of Hawthorne, New York, for $540,000. Built in 2020, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,965 square feet of living area. It sold for $326,500 in 2020.

RIVERWALK

Zillow Homes Property Trust sold the home at 7104 Spikerush Court to Paul Lange, of Lakewood Ranch, for $535,000. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,975 square feet of living area.

It sold for $505,400 in 2021.

MILL CREEK

377731-1

Frank and Stephanie Fischer, of Milledgeville, Georgia, sold their home at 1119 Mill Run E. to Erica Hoonhout and Koleen Hoonhout, trustees, of Bradenton, for $600,000. Built in 1989, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,692 square feet of living area. It sold for $295,000 in 2018.

ONLINE See more transactions at YourObserver.com

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TROPICAL NIGHTS Doors open at 5:15 p.m. at the Grove Ballroom, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch. The 28th annual Tropical Nights, A Royal Affair, benefits Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee. For ticket prices, sponsorship levels and information, go to MealsOnWheelsPlus.org. A special online silent auction begins at noon March 18 and ends at 7:30 p.m.

March 26. All proceeds stay in the local community.

SUNDAY, MARCH 27

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

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

THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

27

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activities and live music. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

CHARITY ART SALE Runs from 2-5 p.m. at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. The Lakewood Ranch Women’s Club and the Lakewood Ranch Art League are cosponsoring a charity art sale to benefit the Children’s Guardian Fund, which serves more than 1,200 children who have been removed from an abusive or neglectful home. For more information, email templemanma@gmail. com.

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

SUNDAY, MARCH 27

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30

FARMERS MARKET Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Lakefront Drive in Waterside Place at Lakewood Ranch. The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch will run yearround every Sunday. Vendors will be offering seafood, eggs, meats, dairy products, pastas, bakery goods, jams and pickles, among other items. Other features are children’s

|

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

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

Sign by April 15th. Call 941.225.8369 today! *5 Year Rate Lock applies to Independent Living Rental Agreements only, for the length of the lease, or until 5 years from lease signing. This cannot be used in combination with any other sales offer. Limited time only offer. Expires April 15, 2022.

Assisted Living Facility #8951

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MY HOMETOWN FEST Begins at noon at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. My Hometown Fest is a fundraiser that supports the Sertoma Club of Greater Sarasota’s charitable efforts, including the Sertoma Kids Speech and Language Center. The event features food from area restaurants, craft beers from around the country and live music from the area’s best bands, including the Derek Lersch Band. General admission tickets, which include all food and beer, are $35. Food-only tickets are $25. Kids 12 and under have free admission. Parking is $5.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit MyHometownFest.com or call 993-9036.

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28

WEATHER

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST THURSDAY, MARCH 24 High: 76 Low: 60 Chance of rain: 93%

FRIDAY, MARCH 25 High: 74 Low: 60 Chance of rain: 14%

SUNRISE / SUNSET Sunrise Sunset Thursday, March 24

7:29a

7:43p

Friday, March 25

7:28a

7:43p

Saturday, March 26

7:27a

7:44p

Sunday, March 27

7:26a

7:44p

Monday, March 28

7:25a

7:45p

Tuesday, March 29

7:23a

7:46p

Wednesday, March 30

7:22a

7:46p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, MARCH 26 High: 73 Low: 56 Chance of rain: 3%

SUNDAY, MARCH 27 High: 72 Low: 52 Chance of rain: 2% Gordon Silver captured this colorful sunrise from a drone over Country Club East.

April 23 Last

April 30 New

May 8 First

May 15 Full

RAINFALL Monday, March 14

0

Tuesday, March 15

0

Wednesday, March 16

0.73

Thursday, March 17

0.67

Friday, March 18

0

Saturday, March 19

0

Sunday, March 20

0

*Rainfall totals from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

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

YEAR TO DATE: 2022 3.32 in.

2021 4.37 in.

MONTH TO DATE: 2022 2.17 in.

2021 1.48 in.

The Observer’s

Weather ENTER: &Nature

Sponsored by

YourObserver.com/contests KITCHEN | CABINETRY OUTDOOR PAVERS

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2022-23 PHOTO CONTEST

A REFLECTION OF NATURE’S BEAUTY

celebrity cipher

DOWN

©2022 Universal Uclick

ACROSS

32 Writing about a dot?

36 Film type at Sundance 1 Org. that does stellar 40 Sass work?

42 Titular teen of comics 5 Bowls over 43 Every rough patch has 9 Soaks (up) one 13 Fist bump 44 Writing about a land?

16 Depravities 47 Polite request to leave 18 Start over on 50 “That being said ...”

19 Less tanned 51 Spend the night 21 Enemy of the Jedi 22 Writing about claiming 52 Geopolitical conflict 53 Metal oiled by Dorothy lottery winnings?

54 Plopped down 25 On the subject of 26 Painting on the Sistine 55 ___-party (post-prom event) Chapel’s ceiling, e.g.

57 Writing about a club’s 27 Squad get-together?

28 “Today” competitor, 61 Canoodling on the for short subway, e.g.

29 Like flimsy evidence 30 Guitarist’s repeated bit 62 Attach, as a patch

63 Energy measure 64 Thick thing to puff 68 Writing about a word that makes people smile?

72 Jumpy 73 Absurd 74 Des Moines resident 75 Big Blue co.

77 Writing about a minor dispute?

79 Served, as a meal 82 Reggae precursor 8 Wrigley Field player 86 Animation collectible 87 Singer-songwriter ___ Case 88 Fish for a grizzly 91 Good public speaker 93 Writing about Queen Elsa and Olaf?

96 Miracle-___ 97 A-sharp’s equivalent 99 Place to live like a pig?

100 What some Romans wore over tunics 101 Writing about sororities and fraternities?

104 Shakespeare’s “King ___” 106 Wine lover’s mecca 107 In the past 108 Instrument that tunes an orchestra 111 Stacked messily 116 Just barely 117 Writing about Kim Kardashian’s eldest?

121 Nintendo consoles 122 One of a tent’s anchors

1 Foam toy producer 2 Assert 3 Slaw or pasta salad 4 Drinks in pint glasses 5 Pop star Grande, to fans 6 Served as a guinea pig, say 7 Barely beat (out) 8 Couch 9 Relaxation destination 10 Grain used in some milk 11 Prepare to charge up 12 Preacher’s speech 13 Voiced harsh criticism 14 Space for clutter and cobwebs 15 Ringing thing 17 Skeletons in the closet, e.g.

20 Peruse or skim 21 Smooth and glossy 23 French pronoun Miss Piggy uses 24 Hire 31 Buzzing picnic pest 33 Where Scandinavia is (Abbr.)

34 Way cool 35 Eddie Vedder’s band 36 Puts frosting on 37 PBS science show 38 Tune for two 39 Lodging in Cincinnati?

41 “SNL” star Davidson 45 Word before “trip” or “warrior” 46 Matchbox toy 47 Goat’s bleat 48 Lasses 49 Hitting all the right notes 52 Perform without practice 56 9-Down treatment

involving a mask 57 “What did I tell you?”

58 Night ___ (no early bird) 59 Dove sound 60 Triumphed 61 One who slices and dices 62 Nine-digit ID 64 Networking giant 65 Run up, as expenses 66 Trash holder 67 Name found twice in “Panama Canal” 69 Compete in a sack race, say 70 Female sheep 71 Corn portion 76 Pear variety 78 For each 79 Red, flat-topped hat 80 Squeezes (out) 81 “Hold on to my hand!”

82 Self-satisfied 83 Hawaiian coffee region 84 Crawling picnic pests 87 “Come back later” 89 Gendered term for a performer 90 Bathroom, in Britain 92 Walks (on) 93 Winter bug 94 Pickup truck brand 95 Affirmative at sea 97 Capital of Colombia 98 Like a design featuring roses 101 Nibbles persistently 102 3:2, for example 103 Food drive donations 105 Word of discovery 109 Ray of light 110 Norwegian capital 112 Flea market caveat 113 Breathe quickly 114 Waffle brand 115 Like Barry White’s voice 118 Bout ending, for short 119 Second half of a giggle 120 Legal notebook

“RO SUDXHV DUGYXD RH ... DXUD TMDXLTY FLII HJHV KH AHVSHBD, WM PGWD NHHA RMJLTY UTC CM OMGV KHWD.”

– WBMDD HUWDFMMC

“FYDNHGYGA NU CG MGKHWDHWZHK JUJMFCNYUG YD VUT IUM OHAYG NU MGKHWDNCGK NVHR CGK DHWZH NVHR OHNNHW.”

– XUGDNCGXH TM

“UIHPDV HIWVL MBBY ZIDV BX CVD IEEVIDIUZV. GCIH JIWVL UIHPDV PMFO AL HCV NVCIRABD BX CPJIU NVAUML.” – IWADI WPDBLIGI Puzzle Three Clue: F equals L

123 Bit of pond growth 124 Burn slightly 125 Sun, in Spanish 126 ___ vera 127 Lighting may alter it 128 “Halt!”

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

Puzzle Two Clue: R equals M

CREATIVE WRITING by Drew Schmenner. Edited by David Steinberg

Puzzle One Clue: P equals J

crossword

© 2022 NEA, Inc.

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

©2022 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

3-24-22

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

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It’s time for the Spring LWR Community Yard Sale!

Homes for Sale LONGBOAT KEY Incredible views Private boat dock Owner/agent $650,000

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

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The Lakewood Ranch (LWR) Garden Club is sponsoring the LWR Community Yard Sale for subdivisions of Greenbrook, Riverwalk, and Summerfield is April 2, 2022 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Rain Date: Sunday April 3, 2022 It’sThose time for the Spring LWR residents wanting to have a yard sale should take yourSale! $5.00 Community Yard registration fee to LWR Town hall to obtain a yard sale permit by March 30th at 4 p.m. (LWR) The Lakewood Ranch Please wear your mask.

home services

SAFRAN POWER USA Sarasota, Florida is seeking skilled individuals to work with our team Buy or Sell with as an MRO Technician performing Brooke O’Malley various MRO related activities on as your Realtor, and Ram Air Turbines (RATs), Air CLUB REALTY Driven Generators (ADGs), will Pay your title insurance.

Generators and both Electrical Call 941-726-2677.

Boxes and Components. A&P's, SAFRAN POWER USA Sarasota, Maintenance Person, ASE's and Mechanically Inclined individuals Florida is seeking skilled welcomed!

BUY & SELL HERE! individuals to work with our team YourObserver.com/RedPages In addition, to our MRO as an MRO Technician performing Garden Club is sponsoring the technicians, we are seeking various MRO related activities on RMATIOSale N FOR MORE INFOYard individuals for our Supply Chain LWR Community for CONTACT PENNY KRESS Ram Turbines teamAir including an NPI(RATs), buyer andAir Items Under $200subdivisions Autos Wanted (443) 7of 16-Greenbrook, 8189 Commodity Manager (Twinsburg, Driven Generators (ADGs), OH). These individuals are in Riverwalk, and Summerfield is Generators and both Electrical charge of the overall management ADVERTISE YOUR AprMANOR il 2, 20Community 22 CASH FOR YOUR CAR Boxesofand the electronic commodity.A&P's, MERCHANDISE WINDMILL Components.

We come to you! with the total value of all items Carport 8 Sale. a.mSaturday . - 2 pMarch .m. 26, Maintenance Person, ASE's and Ho Ho Buys cars.

We offer highly competitive $200 or less in this 8:00 AM-2:00 PM - Rain or Shine.

941-270-4400. compensation packages, sign-on Mechanically Inclined individuals Rain Date: Sunday April 3, 2022 section for FREE! Limit 1 ad per 4950 Windmill Manor Ave. and retention bonuses and month,15 words or less. Price Bradenton, FL 34203. welcomed!

Those residents wanting to have a relocation. Our culture is one of must be included next to each Multiple homes selling their accomplishment, family, item. No commercial advertising. treasures.

Join us for our yard sale should take your $5.00 empowerment, transparency and Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 merchandise sale, bake sale and In addition, to our MRO registration fee toour LWR Town hall passion to succeed.

Observer. cookout all within community. technicians, we are seeking Call 941-955-4888 to obtain a yard sale permit by If you are interested you know individuals for our or Supply Chain Or Email ad to: Merchandise March 30th at 4 p.m. anyone interested, please apply classified@yourobserver.com team including an NPI buyer and on our company website (Please provide your name and Please Wanted wear your mask.

Commodity Manager (Twinsburg, www.safran-group.com/jobs. address) SENIOR LOOKING to Or Online at: OH).

These individuals are in purchase precious metals, NOTE: These positions require www.yourobserver.com O R M O R E I N F O R M A T I O N F charge of the overall management diamonds, time pieces, coins, access to technologies and Or mail to: jewelry, antique estate jewelhardware subject tocommodity.

US national The Observer Group of the electronic COry, Nand TAcollectors C T PEand N N Y K R E S S plates. Personal security based export control re1970 Main St. - 3rd Floor (443) 71Please 6-81call 89Marc: and confidential. quirements. All applicants must be Sarasota, Fl 34236 941-321-0707.

WeUSoffer highly Persons (8 USCcompetitive 1324b(a)(3)), 18" AUTOMATON Easter Rabbit. or otherwise authorized by the compensation packages, sign-on Plays songs (Peter Cotton Tail & U.S. Government. No company Pets andsponsorship retentionwill bonuses Easter Parade. $30. be offered.and Advertise as low as New Armani Men's watch. $125.

PROFESSIONAL CAT SITTING relocation. Our culture is one of 941-776-0034 Certified Veterinary Technician $17.50 per week! accomplishment, family, serving the cats of Lakewood 21 Cu. Ft Freezer. Bought in 2001empowerment, transparency and Adult Care Ranch, 25+ Years experience.

CALL 32 degrees. Key $200+ Services catladypetsitting@yahoo.com. passion to succeed.

(941) 879-7884 856-981-2047.

PERSONAL CARE GIVER- PriBUY STUFF HERE! vate care: Meal preparation, erYourObserver.com/RedPages YourObserver.com/RedPagesIf you are interested or you know rands, shopping, and more. anyone interested, please apply Affordable hourly rates, COUNTERTOP MICROWAVE available weekdays, oven. Excellent condition. $55. on our company website weekends, and holidays.

STORAGE FACILITY Boat/ RV/ 941-400-4808 www.safran-group.com/jobs. Minimal shift 5 hours can also Trailer. Secure facility, low monthly provide overnight care.

Firewood Fill your pickup for $125 rentals, Clark Rd area.

941Temporary or long term care.

OBO. Call and leave a message.

809-3660, 941-809-3662.

NOTE: These positions require Over 10+ years experience. $125 (941) 776-1166 WE BUY cars. access to technologies and References available. No new GAS POWERED Craftsman top $$ paid for your vehicles. consistent caregiver. blower/vac. 200mph/430 CFM. hardware subject to US nationalfaces, one Call Hawley Motors: COVID Negative.

YourObserver.com/RedPages Very good condition, $60.00. security based export control re- Call Kati: 941-536-7706.

941-923-3421.

Call 941-907-4148

SELL YOUR STUFF FAST!

GARAGE SALE

941-955-4888

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

NEW WALKER, 4 large 8” wheels, seat, storage and back rest. $60 941-243-0761 ZLINE RANGE Hood Duct Extension for 9ft. to 10ft. Ceilings Dimensions 14.6”x13.4”x38.2” New $ 75.00. LWR. Robert 941-536-5075

Garage/ Moving/ Estate Sales GARAGE SALE Saturday April 02 9:00 AM-2:00 PM 9822 Portside Terrace, Bradenton.

Heywood Wakefield table, recliners, curio cab, kneewalker, rug, golf, glassware, silverware, xmas, puzzles, dolls, more.

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Sporting Goods

Beach’ N Rides Electric Bike Shop eBike Sales and Rentals Ride easy on an eBike with as much exercise or assistance as you want. Leave traffic and parking problems behind!

13 models available.

Daily and weekly rentals available We also repair other Brands Open 10 to 5 daily except Sundays and holidays 12208 Cortez Road, Cortez, FL

941-251-7916, Ext 1

quirements. All applicants must be US Persons (8 USC 1324b(a)(3)), Thisorweek’s answers otherwiseCrossword authorized by the U.S. Government. No company sponsorship will be offered.

Advertise your business or service in the Observer

RED PAGES CALL TODAY 941-955-4888 Auto Transport SHIP YOUR car, truck or SUV anywhere in the United States.

Great rates, fast quotes. Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

Cleaning BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service Advertise your business

by Maria.

Residential.

Meticulous or service in the Observer Cleaning.

Excellent References.

Free Estimates. Reliable. Lic./Ins. 941-400-3342.

RED PAGES

www.braziliancleaningbymk.com

CLAUDIA C.

CALL CleaningTODAY Services.

Experienced, dependable, and 941-955-4888 ready to begin!

Residential.

Excellent references.

941-773-6895.

Home Services TILE, STONE, and vinyl plank installers. We do showers, backsplashes, floors, and more.

(941) 780-5669 Www.siestaflooring.com

Painting CARLO DATTILO Painting Licensed & insured. Interior/ Exterior painting including drywall repair and retexturing.

Wallpaper installation & removal, pressure washing. Residential & commercial, condos. Honest & reliable.

Free estimates. 941-744-1020.

35+ years experience.

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “My father taught me ... that nothing will ever be perfect, so just keep moving and do your best.”

Scott Eastwood Puzzle Two Solution: “Listening to an underserved population is how you begin to understand them and serve them better.”

Constance Wu Puzzle Three Solution: “Nature takes good care of her appearance.

What makes nature ugly is the behavior of human beings.”

Akira Kurosawa

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2022 NEA, Inc.

NEW PAMPERED Chef stoneware cookie sheet $50, folding beach wagon $70, wooden tray tables (4) $65.

941-359-8460

941-955-4888

You’re only cheating yourself.

LOCK BOX, fire proof with key, 13X8X7. $15. Movie posters 1984-85 (44 total), $45 for all.

941-741-9727

POST YOUR AD WITH EASE

peekers’ place

GOLF TRAVEL bag. New, never used $90. 2 framed Indonesian Batiks $50 each. 941-907-9530.

SELL IT FAST HERE!

the competition!

MOW OVERMOW theOVER competition!

DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at Noon

©2022 Universal Uclick

CALL 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

Aluminum

Clock Repair

Handyman

Christo’s Clock Repair

ARCHIMEDES

30+ YEARS EXPERIENCE No Money Down Reliable On Time Every Time

“Specializing inin6” Gutters” “Specializing 6” Seamless Seamless Gutters”

Dustin Yoder

Dustin Owner Yoder/ Operator

✔ Concrete repair, ✔ Pressure cleaning, mobile tear-outs homes, cleaning gutters ✔ Sidewalks, patios, and ✔ All forms of yard driveways maintenance and Tree work ✔ Painting interior, exterior ✔ Insured/Free Estimates

CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT

941-773-0875 • 941-932-5505

941.650.9790 941.650.9790 YoderAluminum.com

Owner /Insured Operator Insured

SERVICES, LLC

“IF IT DOESN’T TIC, TOC TO ME.” 378036

378035

4630 5TH ST W BRADENTON

Don Christo, Sr., Horologist

YoderAluminum.com

Auto Service

Owner Ron Willard . 941-277-3818 . archservllc@gmail.com

Health

Computer

SELL YOUR CAR! FAST • EASY • SAFE

WE COME TO YOU

941.270.4400

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

Pegatronics Computer Instruction and Repair It’s Easier Than You Think!

Hardware Repair Virus / Malware Cleanup Software & Printer Install New Computer Setups New Purchase Consults Seniors & Beginners

5-Star Rated

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

Learn Computer Basics Phones/Tablet Help Apple & Microsoft Problems Solved On-Site and Off Much More! Call Today!

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224 Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression provides safe, gentle & effective relief for upwards of 90% of patients that qualify for care.

Pegatronics.com

941-735-3362

377191

377179

HoHoBuysCars.com Beauty

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

Concrete

SERVING YOU IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

CRACK REPAIR

378030

SIDEWALKS • DRIVEWAYS #1 in IR REPA Crack % 95 EPLACE Don’t R Concrete d of Goo only 5% when cked! is cra

AMANDA

University Health Park 2415 University Parkway Bldg. 3, Suite 216 Sarasota, FL 34243

BUZ CORP D/B/A

CONCRETE FUSION

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

The Only Thing You Have To Lose ... Is The Pain!!

Home Services

Call Bobby • FREE Estimates 319-693-8800 or 941-374-7670

377631

424-333-0713 | rockstarmobilehair@gmail.com www.rockstarmobilehairsalon.com

CREATE BUZZ!

Doors

Advertise your business in the Red Pages. Call 941-955-4888

Are You Having Dryer Difficulties?

• Dryer hot but clothes still wet after (1) drying cycle?

• Dryer gets hot to the touch or doesn’t heat up at all?

Sliding Glass Door Repair

Cleaning

375249

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

378329

30

Take a simple test to see if your vent is clogged. Unhook your dryer vent & compare drying time.

Residential

941-705-5468

Commercial

377671

Irrigation

ED’S RAIN MAKER IRRIGATION

Furniture Repair

AM Art of Cleaning

Patio Furniture Repairs.com

Servicing LWR, Parrish and NE Bradenton

941-504-0903

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

R E S ID E N T I A L & CO MMERC I AL TEXT ME:

(941) 822-3036 amartcleaning@gmail.com

378032

Furniture Sales & Repairs Cushions • Slings • Re-powdercoating

FREE PICKUP / DELIVERY • FREE ONSITE QUOTES

CALL BEFOREYOU YOU FALL CALL BEFORE FALL

GRAB BARS

ON TARGET

• Residential & Commercial • Post-Construction • Move In / Move Out • AIRBNB

COMPLETE INSTALLATION PACKAGE

$

OBSERVER RED PAGES

377621

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

Doors

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

LIFETIME GUARANTEE • LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED

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

COVERAGE AREA: LAKEWOOD RANCH TO S. VENICE

GLENN KROECKER

377672

954-1878 (cell) 780-3346

www.ezslider.com

Licensed & Insured

SHOWER & BATH MAKEOVERS Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

377193

FREE IN-HOM ESTIMATEE S

DRGRABBARS.COM

THE GRAB BAR GUY

Window Repairs • Sliding Glass Door Repairs Sliding Glass Door Deadbolts

377670

235

$ 235

941.966.0333

Call us today! 941.628.8579

378037

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

377674 364556

377189

New Deluxe Rollers Will Make Your Doors Roll Better Than Ever Call Mark 928-2263 proslidingglassdoorrepair.com

377632

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

Call John 941.377.2940

Free Estimates • Sarasota Resident Since 1974

www.showerandbathsarasota.com

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

Power Washing Pressure Washing

Custom Granite Services, llc

THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

31

Roofing Pressure Washing

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc. Building & Roofing Contractor

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

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

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

• Deck/Paver And Much More

CustomGraniteServicesLLC@gmail.com

AFTER

Serving Sarasota/Manatee Area Since 2004

377176

CJ COOLEY OWNER/OPERATOR

941-544-1066

BEFORE

941-626-3194

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

| scaperotta@aol.com

Italian American Owned

Landscaping & Lawn

378327

941-400-4912

377673

|

Screening

Rescreening & Repairs

GARDENS BY ALLISON No Job is too Small!

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

Allison J. Abizaid, M.A.

378038

Personal Gardening Services | Designer

941.400.0431

378324

Eldridge Re-Screen

UNIQUE PAINTING & PRESSURE WASHING SERVICES Complete Interior & Exterior Painting

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

377194

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

Personal Services

Windows

Licensed

“No Job Too Small”

Res./Com.

Form Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

Insured

377661

378025

941-270-1561 • Pool Cage Restoration • Rescreening Specialists • Specialty Screens • Paint • Doors and more!

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

941-345-5264

specialty screens / screw replacement / paint

CREATE BUZZ! Advertise your business in the Red Pages.

Doors and more!

Manufacture and workmanship Warranties

Call 941-955-4888

$100 COUPON

SOFT WASH

PRESSURE WASHING

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

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

STANDARD WINDOWS

140

$

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

SPECIAL 00 5

$

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

Bisson Roofing Inc.

GROW YOUR BUSINESS

Specializing in Reroofs and Repairs FREE Estimates • 30 Years Experience

Advertise as low as $85 per week.

941 - 748 - 7400 RC0067420 • Lic. & Ins. Owner Supervises Every Job

$100 COUPON

$100 COUPON

$100 COUPON

HEROES found here.

Relax. You’ve got better things to do.

Find a professional here in the Red Pages.

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

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

377676

377474

WE ARE THE SOFT WASH PRESSURE WASHING PROS

$100 COUPON

$100 COUPON $100 COUPON

$100 COUPON $100 COUPON

$100 COUPON

25

UP TO

ows

Purified water window cleaning available!!

(941) 345-5264 Roofing

Power Washing

Lic./Ins.

& Pressure C Window lean t e s ing s a S u n n w r o i s n e k W Sun y ind erl

www.bissonroofing.com

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

377664

Painting

377662

377675

gbyallison@yahoo.com gardensbyallison.com

32

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

Local Expert Since 1983 Global Reach Since 1744 When a home is marketed by Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, it is presented to highly qualified clientele worldwide through exclusive channels and relationships. Our network spans 79 countries, making us a truly global brand.

1 ,0 0 0

79

2 5,0 0 0

$204 BILLION

O F F I C ES WO R L DW I D E

C O U N T R I ES & T E R R I TO R I ES

SA L ES ASSO C I AT ES

A N N UA L SA L ES ( US D )

THE CHOICE WHEN SELLING HOUR HOME

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

ENGLEWOOD 7108 Trout Lane Amee Sams & Beth Sargent

SARASOTA

123 Confidential Street Thomas Netzel & Sandy Gillette

$1,725,000 941.447.4875

LAKEWOOD RANCH

$1,595,000 941.961.5857

7034 Kingsmill Court Pat Mcmillan

$1,485,000 941.544.4538

UNIVERSITY PARK $1,250,000 941.539.0633

7370 Eaton Court Toi Estes

$985,000 941.961.5857

$999,000 941.896.2317

GREENBROOK VILLAGE 6470 Indigo Bunting Place Donna Soda & Joel Schemmel

EDGEWATER 8014 Waterview Boulevard Laura Stavola

15705 Castle Park Terrace Donna Soda & Joel Schemmel

$12,000,000 941.587.4894

GREENBROOK VILLAGE 6308 Tanager Cove Donna Soda & Joel Schemmel

7477 Seacroft Cove Laura Stavola

COUNTRY CLUB EAST

3736 Meridale Road Joel Schemmel

SARASOTA

COUNTRY CLUB EAST $5,499,999 941.447.1466

SILVER OAK

$975,000 941.961.5857

PIPERS WAITE $657,000 941.447.4875

5653 Pipers Waite Fernando Viteri

5308 Hunt Club Way Vittoria Rutigliano

$2,375,000 941.962.5867

PENSHURST PARK $589,000 941.400.7676

4060 Penshurst Park Fernando Viteri

$585,000 941.400.7676

View a rea list ings

23 CONTEMPORARY TOWNHOMES

It’s Better

uptown

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

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

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

WORTH MORE

SARASOTA - DOWNTOWN | 941.364.4000

VENICE | 941.412.3323

LAKEWOOD RANCH | 941.907.9541

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

RENTALS | 941.203.3433

370661-1

your home has never been