East County Observer 3.27.25

EAST COUNTY

Observer

Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998

Look out below.

PAGE 4A

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2025

VOLUME 26, NO. 32

YOUR TOWN

Serving time at the library The cells on the second floor of Lakewood Ranch Library will have bars. SEE PAGE 4A

Jay Heater

Mustang mascot gets the bad news Looking to spice up its athletic image, Lakewood Ranch High has given its mustang mascot its walking papers.

Yes, the mustang (above) has received his pink slip.

The school asked its student population if it wanted to change its mascot and the feedback was overwhelming.

“The mustang is just too wimpy,” said one note.

“Our mascot should be giving pony rides,” said another.

The school already has been taking all images of the mustang off walls in the hallway.

The change is going to be expensive since all the uniforms must be changed.

After a student body vote, the students have decided they now will be known as the Iguanas. For more, see Page 4A.

IS PLANNED EVENT CENTER A FANTASY? County staff will forward plans for a Lego-like events center for Lakewood Ranch . SEE PAGE 2A

Jay Heater

Lemurs on the loose on Ranch Residents of the Lorraine Lakes community said a pack of lemurs (above) has been causing property damage.

At least nine lemurs have been spotted moving through the area, going through garbage cans, intimidating residents and relieving themselves.

“There’s both good and bad in this,” said HOA President Cary Meaway. “This is a threatened species, so we are glad they are thriving. On the other hand, have you ever been around Lemur droppings? They are worse than pigeons. Yuk.” Federal environmentalists have been contacted to study the lemurs’ movements to surmise whether there is something about Lorraine Lakes that is attractive to the species. The study should take nine to 12 months. See more on Page 4A.

For free access via our app, visit YourObserver.com/app-offer

Courtesy rendering

This rendering shows how the new Lakewood Ranch Events Center would be attractive to children’s events while generating economic impact.

A+E

Can we keep on trucking?

File photo

This truck breaks all the rules for parking in a driveway overnight. Too long, too green, too much business writing. It won’t fit into “The Box” that has been adopted by area HOAs. $0.10

HOAs adopt ‘The Box’ to measure trucks. SEE PAGE 3A

‘Singing’ turtles take center stage.

SEE PAGE 4A

2A

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2025

County toys with idea for events center JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

T

his decision would seem to be a snap.

A Manatee County tourism committee will forward to commissioners in April plans to build a six-story, 160,000-square-foot event center at Premier Sports North Campus that will be built entirely of interlocking steel-enforced, plastic bricks that are modeled after the popular Lego brand.

The Maxilego Construction Group of Amsterdam, Netherlands will use bricks that are three times the size of a common cinderblock, or 48 inches long, 24 inches wide, and 24 inches high. Construction cost has been estimated at $160 million.

Manatee County’s Frank Enstine, the committee chair, said the construction technique has been getting rave reviews in other parts of the world, such as the Netherlands, where six public buildings — including one that is 12 stories high — grace that capital city and have been built over the past 10 years.

The Premier event center would be the first such building in the U.S. Construction dates have not been announced pending approval by the commission.

Enstine said the building, which will look more like a theater than a traditional block convention center, will have many benefits to Manatee County.

“First, and most important, is that Manatee County has built no public events facility in that part of the county, so this is long overdue,” he said. “East County has been some-

A TOY STORY? NEW COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES CENTER Where: Premier Sports North Campus, Lakewood Ranch Builder: Maxilego Construction Group, Amsterdam, Netherlands Size: Six stories, 160,000 square feet Cost: $160 million

what of a cultural desert because there is no place for people to gather.

And every time we buy land to use for that purpose, houses are immediately built all around it, so an amphitheater becomes impractical.”

Enstine said the county’s plans to build an amphitheater at Premier went awry because of the surrounding neighborhoods and the possible noise effect. He said the only logical direction to take was planning an indoor event center.

Previous negotiations for other facilities at Premier fell through, which eventually directed the committee to court Maxilego.

“We took our entire committee of 12 to Amsterdam for two weeks to inspect the Maxilego buildings there, and we came back very impressed,” Enstine said. “One thing you worry about is breathability, because plastic can create somewhat of an oven effect inside, and ... well ... this is Florida. But they have figured that out with advanced air conditioning super flow systems that are costly, but effective.”

EVENT CENTER USES

Another tourism committee member, H’ava Nuthershot, said the primary use of the event center will be

Courtesy rendering

The bright colors of the event center are designed to attract children’ activities and generate economic impact.

to provide the area with an auditorium, or theater, that can host 3,500 people for events. That would allow concert space for any arts group in the region along with providing the ability to attract big-name musical artists.

“Of course, we can’t get the A-listers, but we certainly could get Tom Jones, Wayne Newton or even a Van Morrison,” she said. “When it comes to blues or jazz artists, the sky is the limit.”

Nuthershot said tilt construction will be used to put the building together — after a wall of bricks are snapped together — and that also will allow at least one side of the facility to easily transform into other sizes and shapes to accommodate certain functions. She said, agriculturalwise, that one side of the building would quickly open outward to host tractors and livestock, and a dirt floor can quickly be assembled for rodeos. Inside walls can snap out of place easily so that rooms can be reshaped to host large or small conferences.

The ground floor will have a snaptogether basketball floor (six courts

in all) for tournaments and can be reconfigured for tennis or pickleball tournaments.

Nuthershot said the very nature of the building, which is planned to be bright orange, yellow and purple (although the colors are up to the commissioners’ tastes), will attract children. So Lakewood Ranch can gain a reputation of the nation’s playpen for events such as Lego, Hasbro or Build-a-Bear conventions.

PAYING FOR IT

At a time when Manatee County doesn’t have the funds to pay for important road projects, the question might be “How is the county going to pay for the $160 million project?”

“We wanted to get local developers to pay for at least half of it, but we haven’t figured out how to legally do that,” said Bill Melater, of the county’s finance department. “So, being that we are strapped for funds and only have a half billion dollars in reserves, we can borrow the money and pay off the loan over the years through property tax revenue.”

Enstine said the plastic bricks are

actually cheaper than using concrete, although cooling the building will cost more than traditional construction. He said the center is expected to generate enough funds to pay staffing and maintenance costs.

Since the building is expected to attract tourists from all over the country, commissioners say they will try to persuade the state to share a part of the tab. A paid parking lot also could be added, although it would take the place of any planned softball or baseball fields.

PUBLIC COMMENT

The community has mixed reactions so far.

“I have seen some renderings and it is gawd awful,” said Justin Thyme, who lives in Lorraine Lakes. “Our housing values are going to drop 30% as soon as they put up this eyesore.

“The only good thing is that tourists will be able to see this building from their airplane, or from space.”

“I like everything about it,” said Claire Asmud. “Well, except for the colors ... and the plastic ... and the shape.”

SEE PAGE 4A

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The fluorescent facility would light up Premier.

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2025

You can pick a truck, but you can’t park it HOAs create ‘The Box’ to set a standard for those wanting to park in their driveway.

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

L

akewood Ranch proper communities are ready to draw a line in the sand, or in “The Box.” Florida law states that homeowners associations “may not prohibit” property owners, tenants or guests from parking their work vehicles or personal vehicles, including pickup trucks, on the owner’s driveway or any other area where the owner has “a right to park as governed by state, county and municipal regulations.”

Even so, some Lakewood Ranch HOAs continue to fine residents who park their work vehicles and pickup trucks in their driveways. Several of the community HOAs, such as CCEVA, have regulations against parking such vehicles in driveways overnight. Those regulations, in most cases, were put on the books when the communities were formed.

Florida House Bill 1203 aimed to change all that. But if you are a pickup-truck man, or woman, you most likely will continue to receive fines in Lakewood Ranch proper. HOA officials are banding together because they feel the federal government is taking rights away from local government. The foggy nature of the law leaves open to debate what “as governed by state, county and municipal regulations” means.

Former Manatee County Commissioner Ray Turner noted in June of 2024 that when the HOAs were formed at the beginning of those Lakewood Ranch proper communities, pickup trucks weren’t quite the luxury vehicles they are today. He suggested HOAs give a little to allow those non-work trucks to be treated like any family vehicle.

With several residents outraged because they continue to receive fines, and who say they are considering lawsuits, the HOAs have decided to “give a little.”

Enter the Lakewood Ranch “Pickup Box” that now will be positioned in five of the original neighborhoods.

The Box will have the same dimensions in each of the communities utilizing it. A homeowner who wants to park a pickup truck in his/her driveway will schedule an appointment with the HOA, then drive his or her vehicle to the site — for example, the back of the Country Club parking lot — and drive up a ramp into The Box. The Box will be about the width, height, and length of a standard Ford F-150 or Chevy Silverado pickup, or about 235 inches long, 78 inches high, and 82 inches wide. Those

FIT TO BE TRIED

209.1”

79.9”

Above: The illustration above shows the dimensions that will be acceptable for a truck to park in a driveway.

Right: The illustration below shows that the HOAs are being generous in the size of trucks that will be allowed in the driveway if they fit into The Box.

entering The Box will have the right to collapse their side view mirrors.

If the truck goes into the box without touching sides or the roof, then the owner will receive a permit, allowing that vehicle to be parked in the driveway.

If it touches, then no go.

“We hear the owners who say their truck really is for general transportation,” said Noah Comprendo, a HOA board member. “This is not us against decent-looking trucks. This is us against ugly trucks, and construction vehicles. This is us saying you can’t paint your home purple or you can’t keep your garage-sale items piled up in the driveway with a tarp over them. If the Beverly Hill-

Trucks must be able to drive into The Box without touching the sides or roof. Those that don’t fit will be barred from parking in driveways over night.

billies move into the neighborhood, they need to follow rules. Who wants to live next to the flea market?”

Board member Roman Kandell said truck owners could have lived somewhere else if they didn’t like the rule.

“Some of those trucks are beautiful, and they certainly don’t bring down the aesthetic quality of the neighborhood,” he said. “But others look like me wearing a pink tutu.

When the regulation was put on the books 20 years ago, it was because people didn’t want dump trucks parked next to their home. It was because people didn’t want pickups filled with wheel barrows and masonry tools in their direct view.

These rules were on the books when the people bought their homes. They knew the rule, and it was OK then. So why is it a big deal now?”

Rowan Mybote lives in Lakewood Ranch and he believes he has the right to park any vehicle in his driveway because it is his land.

“We are talking land rights,” he said. “The state has spoken on this issue. As a homeowner, it is going to cost me money to fight some stupid lawsuit that is going to arise from all this because our neighborhood is going to get sued, and we have no chance to win. I am basically going to be suing myself and paying lawyer fees for something I don’t believe in.”

Local resident Beau Cephus said he would have liked to have input into the dimensions of The Box. “How the heck did they pick out the dimensions?” Cephus said. “I have four kids. I need that extra long cab. That length is going to have my back end sticking out the door. What does the length matter? It doesn’t make it any better or worse looking. I have a long driveway, and it’s also why I can’t get my truck into my garage. So basically, this is about someone telling me I can’t own the truck I want.”

HOA officials have countered complaints by saying they will provide parking lots around the neighborhoods for owners of trucks that don’t fit into The Box. Those UTC lots — Ugly Truck Parking — will be available 24-7. Those lots can be surrounded by trees so the trucks are not in view of homeowners. Golf carts will be provided so those who must park in the lot can easily go from the lot to home and back.

Residents should note that HOA

OTHER TRUCK RULES Besides fitting into The Box, truck owners will have other regulations as well if they want to park overnight in their driveway.

■ Trucks can not have offensive colors. Black, white, and blue trucks are allowed.

Any other color is deemed offensive and unsightly and will be prohibited.

■ Trucks can’t have a load that extends above the height allowed by The Box. ■ Trucks can’t have political, or offensive stickers.

■ Trucks can’t have cargo that is deemed offensive to smell.

■ Trucks can’t have dents or faded paint (as deemed unacceptable by the board).

■ Trucks that don’t have tailgates are not allowed.

■ Trucks that have workrelated signage are not allowed.

■ Trucks with visible gun racks are not allowed.

■ Trucks that produce sound over 74 decibels on a meter are not allowed.

■ Trucks can’t have dually wheels

board members are exempt from all regulations.

Lakewood Ranch’s Jack Alfalltrades said the “accommodations” by the HOA are a slap to every truckloving resident.

“They don’t mean spit,” Alfalltrades said. “They thought this would somehow lessen the lawsuits, but it ain’t gonna work. They think they can chase me out because I drive a truck, wear plaid shirts, and listen to Mel Tillis. Well, no way.”

SEE PAGE 4A

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2025

GOTCHA!

Happy April Fools’ Day from the East County Observer!

The stories on pages 1 through 4 are not real news.

Hope you’re as relieved as we are!

County takes direction toward corrections The corrections department will take over most of the Lakewood Ranch Library’s second floor.

COMING SOON

Manatee County has approved a Corrections Department use for the library’s second floor.

New plans have emerged for the second floor of the Lakewood Ranch Library.

County uses 66% of the floor for its corrections department, including: ■ Administrative uses ■ Interview rooms ■ Four jail cells ■ Reading room

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

T

o be clear, there will be books on the second floor of the Lakewood Ranch Library.

But the patrons might be different than local residents expected.

Uses by the county’s corrections department have been announced as the county builds out the 25,000-square-foot second floor of the library, which was left blank after original construction.

In February, the county announced that it was just starting to get together a plan for the second floor and suggested a $6.9 million buildout. The library itself cost $17,677,542 and was opened Jan. 12, 2024. Library enthusiasts were hoping for an extension of the library and its resources.

The thought in February was that the process would go into late 2025 before any decisions were made, but staff members decided the county’s continued growth, an ailing financial resources position as much-need infrastructure is delayed for lack of funds, and a growing lack of space for an expanding corrections department, led to an immediate decision.

The second floor will now host the county’s parole department, four jail cells to house those arrested who

Federal government will lease 33% of the floor for its Witness Security Program, including: ■ Administrative uses ■ Interview rooms ■ Disguises department

must be incarcerated before being shipped to the main jail downtown, and a “library” to provide books for ex-cons and parolees.

The U.S. Marshals Service also will lease about a third of the floor to run its regional Witness Security Program.

“It was a surprising change of direction for the facility,” said Charlotte Esse-Webb of the county’s corrections department. “But the buck has to stop somewhere, and we simply don’t have the funds to build what we need for our department.

Some kind of public service use always was intended for the second floor, and this, if you look at it, fits that intended use.”

Esse-Webb said one of the defining factors in the decision was the library’s exterior stairways, which

Courtesy rendering

allow access of the second floor without needing to enter the first floor.

“If a deputy needs to transport a prisoner from one of the secondfloor cells to downtown, they won’t need to walk through the patrons on the first floor. We were very concerned with the thought of leading prisoners in handcuffs past children reading Dr. Seuss.”

The Witness Security Program was a key to the decision to move forward. First was the financial aspect in which federal government funds will pay for 50% of the buildout.

Then, by nature, the Witness Security Program operates very quietly behind the scenes.

“You are not going to know we are there,” said Capt. Morgan Rumfield. “We have to operate in secrecy because our witnesses must be anonymous. It’s the perfect setting for us as well. Who would think to look for these people on top of a library?”

Esse-Webb said the parole department will operate in a similar fashion.

“Most of what we do is administrative work,” she said. “If we do get

someone who has violated their conditions, they can be contained in one of the cells and shipped out. We are building on to one of the stairwells a sally port receiving area where police cars can pull into, like a shipping dock, load up, and be gone.”

As an olive branch to the community, the county specified that 1,200 square feet would be a reading library for those in the parole system.

A public committee will be formed to select appropriate reading.

Construction is expected to begin in July.

EAST COUNTY

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EAST COUNTY

Observer

Making her pitch to be a master

Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998

PAGE 21A

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025

VOLUME 26, NO. 32

YOUR TOWN

Lakewood Ranch still seller’s paradise

The Ranch, with its lifestyle draw, has been insulated against regional trends that have seen real estate sales slow down. SEE PAGE 7A

Vinnie Portell

Tuning up for tournaments Cari Berry and Basant Kaur (above) met during a tennis tournament a few years ago and have been hitting partners ever since.

They often come out to the tennis courts at Lakewood Ranch Park, which they said is the best option in the area for public-access courts.

Berry, 31, won a 3A singles championship with Lakewood Ranch in 2012 before going to play at State College of Florida, Stetson University and Coastal Carolina University.

Berry now works as a tennis coach and is helping Kaur, 19, prepare for upcoming International of Tennis Federation tournaments, including one in Egypt that begins March 31.

Kaur is ranked No. 1,358 by the Women’s World Tennis Tour.

Written on the ranch Lipizzan Stallion stalwart finds time to pen a novel in Myakka City.

SEE PAGE 14A

Jay Heater

If you snooze at polo, you don’t always lose Michael and Michelle Nixon (above) put to bed the notion that they aren’t fun-loving polo fans.

With the theme of Pajama Slumber Party for the March 23 polo match at the Sarasota Polo Club, the Nixons not only showed up in their most comfortable pajama bottoms, but Michelle made a sign the day before to display at their tailgate party.

“We love polo, and this program is right up our jam,” Michelle said of the pajama theme.

Michelle said she made the sign all in one day.

“I am a party freak,” she said.

For free access via our app, visit YourObserver.com/app-offer

Jay Heater

The main character in Rebecca McCullough’s new novel, Planet of Equus, is modeled after her real life hero, Jagger.

Altruism lessons start at early age Cecile Visa, 16, is the Junior Humanitarian of the year.

SEE PAGE 11A

$0.10

A+E

Jay Heater

Johanna, Cecile and Olivier Visa celebrate Cecile’s selection as the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation’s Junior Humanitarian of the Year March 23 at the Sarasota Polo Club.

Fresh flicks.

INSIDE

6A

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025

HELP WANTED What: L.L. Bean, which expects to open its new store at UTC in early May, is hiring How many: The store will initially use approximately 30 employees in full- and parttime roles For information: Applications are being accepted online at LLBeancareers.com

Photos courtesy L.L. Bean

Although L.L. Bean is known for its rugged outdoor fashions, it is excited about its new UTC store, its first in Florida.

Cool beans: Outdoor clothing giant sells swimware, too L.L. Bean sees an exciting new market as it opens its first Florida store at UTC. JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

K

enon Mitchell, the district manager for L.L. Bean, gave a little chuckle as she described her company’s excitement of opening its first store in Florida

at 111 North Cattlemen Road in the University Town Center of Sarasota.

“It will be the first L.L. Bean with palm trees in the front,” she said.

Indeed, it would seem to be an unusual fit for a company that was founded in 1912 and that long has been known for its rugged outdoor wear. Its release for the new store noted “that every L.L.Bean product is designed in Maine to be durable and functional, with a heritage style.”

Mitchell quickly noted that L.L. Bean outfits its customers, even the

Northeastern ones, with clothing appropriate for all 12 months, meaning that the company has long produced swimwear, T-shirts, and flipflops, among other summer wear.

“We’ve always had tropical wear,” she said.

She also said that Florida is known for being a place with “incredible outdoor adventures.” She said her company wants to serve individuals who love the outdoors and appreciate all that Florida has to offer.

To this point L.L. Bean hasn’t had

a storefront south of Virginia Beach, Virginia.

“Our strategy has been about exploring the Southeast,” she said.

But it’s been nine years since L.L. Bean opened its Virginia Beach storefront.

Even so, Jason Sulham, manager of public affairs for L.L. Bean, said his company simply wanted to go where its customers are.

Sulham said he grew up in Vermont and Maine wearing and using L.L. Bean products. It was part of the lifestyle “from the backpack I wore as a kid to what I am wearing today.”

Sulham was sporting a L.L. Bean vest and shirt, and he said everything else he was wearing, head-to-toe, was from the company.

Although the store at UTC will be far from L.L. Bean’s headquarters in Freeport, Maine, both Mitchell and Sulham said plenty of the Florida residents in Sarasota and Manatee counties have connections to the Northeast, and have been customers of the L.L. Bean catalogue.

Mitchell said the company does study its catalogue customers and has a good idea of the draw in Florida.

“We can pool our company profiles,” she said.

The UTC store will give Florida residents who aren’t familiar with the L.L. Bean products the chance to look them over in person. And for everyone — customers old and new — they will have a brick and mortar building where they can try on clothes and other items.

Mitchell said the company is excited about introducing its Floridafriendly items.

“We have great outdoor, warmweather clothing,” she said. “And all

the swimwear and footwear. We outfit the whole family. UTC is a perfect fit for us.”

The store will be 17,000 square feet as L.L. Bean replaces the Bed, Bath and Beyond that was previously in the building. Mitchell said a leadership team of five already has been hired to run the new store, which will utilize about 30 employees at this stage.

The UTC area is an ultra-competitive market that includes outdoor retailer R.E.I., but Mitchell said L.L. Bean likes the competition.

“We want to be near our competitors, and we are proud of our heritage of producing quality products,” she said. “We’re going to be a center where the other retailers will help to drive the traffic.”

She estimates that the store will be open the first week of May. Sulham is confident the new store is the start of something big for L.L. Bean. He was asked why the company picked the Sarasota market as opposed to Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville or Tallahassee.

‘We look for locations that are seen as gateways to the outdoors,” he said.

Among L.L. Bean’s offerings will be lightweight sun-protection shirts, moisture-wicking shorts, linen pants, seersucker tops and outerwear, sandals and water shoes, and swimwear for the whole family.

In a L.L. Bean release, Chief Retail Officer Greg Elder said, “Our founder, Leon Leonwood Bean, believed that we’re at our best when we are outside, so we’re excited to open our first store in the Sunshine State. This new location will give both Floridians and visitors a selection of style and function for all that Florida has to offer. Whether people are enjoying Florida’s beaches, hiking its scenic trails, exploring its legendary parks, or retreating to the A/C, we’re here to provide the clothing and footwear to make every moment enjoyable.”

As a precursor to the opening of the new store, L.L. Bean is sending its Bootmobile to the region March 29 through April 5 to make various stops. The Bootmobile is a GMC Sierra vehicle that has been designed to look like the iconic L.L. Bean boot.

It’s schedule of appearances has yet to be announced.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025

Image courtesy of Realtor Victoria Turner

Sales of Waterside homes, such as this Lakehouse Cove home that sold for $1,775,000 in January, continue to go to contract much faster than the countywide average.

Sellers remain king in Lakewood Ranch Home sales go to contract faster on the Ranch than in other parts of Sarasota and Manatee counties.

ERIC GARWOOD CONTRIBUTER

C

ontinuing a trend more than four years in the making, the residential real estate market in Sarasota and Manatee counties is approaching a statistical milestone in which buyers and sellers find themselves on equal footing.

One of the exceptions, though, is the segment of Lakewood Ranch in Sarasota County, where sales contracts for homes and condominiums in 2024 were signed in less time than in any ZIP code in the two-county metro area. Driving some of that resilience is the proximity to Waterside, The Founders Club and other new developments.

Tyler Shanahan, a Realtor with the Shanahan Luxury Group, Coldwell Banker Realty, said the once-sparsely populated area is now front and center in many minds. A lot of that has to do with the hurricane season of 2024, which struck the west coast of Florida particularly hard.

“That data that we’re collecting anecdotally is a lot of people who are saying, ‘Look, we’re done renovating our house every time it floods’ or ‘This past season was just too much and we can’t take it any more,’ or they’re at least curious at the prospect of ‘We enjoyed our lifestyle by the water, but now there is so much more here than there was, say, 10 or 15 years ago,’” he said.

RANCH HOMES GO TO CONTRACT FASTER

In 2024, sales of homes in that region went to contract in an average of 15 days, about half the time as the next fastest area, and at median prices more than 11% higher than the year before ($951,875). Condos, though fewer overall, went to contract in an average of six days — 10 times faster than the countywide average for similar properties. Median prices also were up.

Shanahan said newer restaurant and retail options are springing up not far from residential developments in southeastern Lakewood Ranch, complementing a still-growing list of amenities to the west in the University Town Center area. Unlike other residential enclaves, Lakewood Ranch isn’t tied to employment centers — though medical expansions of late are also having an effect.

“When you look at other markets and why people move there, there’s usually some kind of industry that drives people there,” Shanahan said.

“Lakewood Ranch’s market is unique

THROUGH THE YEARS

Time to contract and months of supply are two key indicators of the Sarasota-Manatee area’s real estate market. Both indicate a return to a more balanced market after years of seller-leaning metrics.

SARASOTA COUNTY Year

Time to contract

Months of supply

2021

7 days

0.6

2022

9 days

2.5

2023

27 days

4.4

2024

49 days

5.5

Jan. 25

45 days

6.4

Feb. 25

46 days

6.8

MANATEE COUNTY Year

Time to contract

Months of supply

2021

7 days

0.6

2022

9 days

3.0

2023

33 days

3.3

2024

52 days

4.0

Jan. 25

49 days

4.6

Feb. 25

46 days

4.9

Source: REALTOR Association of Sarasota-Manatee

in that it’s very lifestyle-focused.”

More is on the way. In January, the Sarasota County Commission approved rezoning more than 2,200 acres east of Lorraine Road between Fruitville Road and University Parkway, a major step in plans for further southeast expansion of Lakewood Ranch.

Across the whole of Manatee and Sarasota counties, according to data compiled by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee, a market that once favored sellers is becoming more balanced. Median selling prices were generally lower in the first two months of 2025 than in 2024, and inventory is on the rise. Further bearing out that trend, which has been in play since 2021, sales contracts are taking longer to sign.

A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD

“After years of a strong seller’s market, the increase in inventory and more stable pricing indicate that the market is shifting toward a more level playing field for buyers and sellers alike,” said Debi Reynolds, 2025 RASM President and Managing Broker at SaraBay Real Estate.

In 2021, homes and condos averaged about a week as active listings before an offer was agreed to and a contract was signed. By the end of 2024, the annual averages were about two and a half months.

In the first two months of 2025, contract times have drifted downward — lower than annual averages but longer than during similar

periods in previous years. The winter season is typically the busiest in Sarasota-Manatee counties.

Experts attribute some of this hesitancy to interest rates. The period between 2020 and now has seen volatility in mortgages, ranging from a national average of 2.67% in late 2020 to around 6.67% now, though rates averaged as high as 7.5%in mid-2023, according to the Federal Reserve’s economic data.

Also, condominium sales have been slowed recently by uncertainty connected with insurance costs and fees to comply with state regulations. New rules prompted by the deadly collapse in 2021 of the Champlain Towers South in Surfside brought requirements for deeper and more frequent inspections of structures, leading to condo associations upping reserves to pay for potential repairs. Condo owners are generally responsible for paying into these reserve funds.

Condo sales in Manatee fell nearly 9% in 2024, and prices fell by more than 6%. In Sarasota, sales fell in 2024 by 10% and prices by 8.5%.

Year over year sales of condos continue to fall in early 2025.

Reynolds said the increased selection and lower prices for condos has created buying opportunities, but “that said, there are many unknowns, from condo association fees to insurance requirements.” He added that a knowledgeable real estate agent can help make sense of the market place.

Closed sales of single-family homes statewide last month totaled 17,698, down 7% from the February 2024 level, while existing condotownhouse sales totaled 6,503, down 13% year-over-year, according to data from Florida Realtors Research Department.

“After years of a strong seller’s market, the increase in inventory and more stable pricing indicate that the market is shifting toward a more level playing field for buyers and sellers alike.”

— Debi Reynolds, 2025 RASM President and Managing Broker at SaraBay Real Estate.

Real estate experts look at a variety of factors such as these to determine whether sellers or buyers have the edge in negotiations.

Lesley Dwyer

Real estate experts say Lakewood Ranch’s lifestyle aspect has kept it more of a seller’s market as compared to the rest of Sarasota and Manatee counties.

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025

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Meals on Wheels Plus executive honored Lakewood Ranch’s Maribeth Phillips, the CEO and president of Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee, was among a group of Manatee County File photo residents Maribeth Phillips who were recognized as Spirit of Manatee winners during the Celebration of Philanthropy event March 13 at the Palmetto Marriott Resort and Spa. The event was presented by the Manatee Community Foundation to “recognize outstanding individuals, families and organizations that have made a lasting impact through their generosity and commitment to the community.”

A press release noted that the event took on greater significance due to the impact of the three hurricanes that affected Manatee County residents in 2024. The event celebrated the “unwavering spirit of giving” and lauded those honored for stepping up to help others rebuild, according to a release.

The keynote address was delivered by best-selling author Keith Macpherson, who emphasized the resilience and generosity that define Manatee County.

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan was also a guest speaker. The release said he noted that the spirit of philanthropy plays a crucial role in fostering a thriving and resilient community.

The event was attended by 510 people.

Manatee seeks Value Adjustment Board member Manatee County has an opening for a citizen member of its 2025 Value Adjustment Board.

A county press release said the board “hears appeals regarding denied property tax exemptions,

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petitions relating to assessments, and appeals concerning ad valorem tax deferrals.”

Applicants must own homestead property within Manatee County and must not be a member or employee of any taxing authority in the state.

Applicants can not represent property owners, property appraisers, tax collectors, or taxing authorities in any administrative or judicial review of property taxes.

The board meets twice a year at the Manatee County Administrative Center, 1112 Manatee Ave., W., Bradenton.

Application are due by May 2. Go to MyManatee.org to apply or call the Value Adjustment Board at 7414058.

Promotion for county executive Sarah Brown has been appointed Manatee County’s new director of community and veterans services.

Brown had been serving as the deputy director for community and veterans services overseeing probation, veterans services and animal welfare since 2023.

In a county release, Manatee County Commission George Kruse said he looks forward to working with Brown in her new role and to see her continue to grow in the department. According to the release, Brown helped organize the largest volunteer outreach initiative in Manatee County history during Hurricane Milton and held a successful Adoptapalooza/reunification event in the wake of back-to-back-to-back hurricanes.

During the hurricanes, she served as the Human Services branch director in the county’s Emergency Operations Center.

Prior to joining the department in 2023, Brown spent over seven years as the division chief for Manatee County Animal Welfare, where she played a role in advancing animal welfare initiatives and programs.

She helped bring the shelter to a no-kill status, maintaining a 90% or higher save rate since October 2017. Brown was a Spirit of Manatee honoree on March 13.

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025

File photos

Summerfield Bluffs’ Angela Abrams was trying to save old family photos while determining what was salvageable after Hurricane Debby engulfed her neighborhood in water.

FEMA offers tips to prevent flooding CONTRIBUTER

A

few opportunities remain for do-it-yourselfers and contractors alike to learn how to get a jump on hurricane preparedness through a series of information sessions taking place daily through March 29 at a Lakewood Ranch area home-improvement store.

Experts from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, alongside insurance specialists, will answer questions and offer repair

What: FEMA offers tips to prevent floodwaters from entering your home Where: Lowe’s, 7395 52nd Place E., Bradenton (Creekwood Crossing) When: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

March 27-28; 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 29 Who: Experts from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, insurance specialists

and remodeling tips to prevent or reduce damage from future storms.

The event is taking place at the

Lowes Home Improvement location at 7395 52nd Place E. That’s just west of the intersection of Interstate 75 and State Road 70, adjacent to the Tara community.

Sessions for homeowners and professionals run from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.

The expert information will focus on mitigation best practices and projects that can be accomplished by DIYers. Insurance adjusters will also be on hand to discuss the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA Survivor Assistance teams will also take part in the event.

Among the easiest and most effective preparations homeowners can make, according to a FEMA spokeswoman, are:

coast of Florida exceeded $1 billion.

Some of the most common failure points on Florida properties during the 2024 storms were: ■ Windows: Storm shutters, shatter-resistant film and impact glass can make windows more likely to remain undamaged.

■ Garage doors: Those not up to current codes should be replaced or reinforced.

■ Double-entry doors: Beefed up deadbolts or slide bolts that extend into the foundation or door frame can help secure them from the pressure of high winds.

■ Roofing: A pre-hurricane season inspection can spot loose shingles or other trouble spots. Hurricane straps, which connect walls to roof trusses, can be strengthened by a professional to current code requirements.

Tropical-weather season starts June 1 and lasts six months through November.

Jim Johnson said the impact of Hurricane Debby and Hurricane Helene helped to ensure their trees were pruned, limiting the damage from Hurricane Milton

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Experts will answer questions at Lowe’s in Creekwood Crossing.

■ Avoiding power surges: Either by disconnecting electrical devices before the storm or by connecting them to surge protectors. Wholehouse systems can be installed by a professional or individual devices can be connected to smaller-scale protectors available at retail locations.

■ Keeping up with nearby vegetation: On a broad scale, homeowners should be wary of any tree within falling distance. If such threats can’t be eliminated practically, dead, damaged or overhanging limbs should be pruned ahead of each storm season.

■ Sealing out wind and water: Wind-driven rain can find its way into small openings. In a prolonged storm, this can create problems.

FEMA recommends examining doors, windows and openings for pipes or cables and sealing them.

Early forecasts for the 2025 season indicate a near-normal outlook, with 15 named storms, seven of which would become hurricanes, and three major hurricanes. There were 18 named storms in 2024.

Coastal residents and those inland will have new resources with which to monitor storms and assess risk.

The National Hurricane Center in 2025 plans to issue advisories on threatening storms as early as 72 hours before landfall, as opposed to a maximum of 48 hours. Also, changes in the NHC’s familiar maps will take on a new look for the upcoming season.

The so-called cone of uncertainty will shrink by as much as 6%, reflecting higher confidence in the accuracy of landfall predictions. The maps will also display representations of inland watches and warnings, which previously had not been shown.

Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton all landed on Florida’s west coast — Milton near Siesta Key. Lakewood Ranch received unprecedented flooding due to the huge amounts of rainfall delivered by Debby. Neighborhoods that never had seen flooding before experienced it after up to 16 inches of rain fell in less than 48 hours.

Neighborhoods all along the Braden and Manatee rivers, as well as streams that feed those rivers, were inundated with floodwaters.

Damage estimates along the west

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025

Adventure Park awaits potty permits Once bathroom permits are completed, the pavilion project will be finished in approximately two months.

MADISON BIERL STAFF WRITER

F

or Greenbrook residents, the long-awaited return of restroom facilities at the Greenbrook Adventure Park can’t come soon enough.

Dennis Hyma enjoys the park “every now and again,” and he said it seemed like it took forever for the pavilion to be rebuilt. And even now, with the pavilion having been replaced and looking tantalizingly finished, more construction is needed on the restroom complex that will sit adjacent to the pavilion.

Besides the restrooms, new tables and barbecue grills are in the process of being replaced. The whole project is estimated to cost $650,000, $150,000 more than previously estimated.

Smoldering fireworks ignited and burned down the previous pavil-

ion at the Adventure Park on July 5, 2023. The new pavilion was capped with its steel roof in January, but the original thought that the restrooms would be finished by March was a bit too optimistic.

At the CDD4 meeting March 19, a contract to build the restroom complex was awarded to Wessel Construction, which bid $219,157 for the project. Tower Contracting Corp. ($219,845) and Sal Construction ($251,577) also submitted bids.

Tom Merrell, director of operations of Lakewood Ranch’s InterDistrict Authority, said 995 contractors had been contacted about the job. He said besides the restrooms, picnic tables, benches, bike racks and other amenities still need to be added, but those will be purchased and installed “in-house.”

“As far as equipment from the contractors, it is going to be toilets and sinks,” Merrell said.

District Board Supervisor Nancy Johnson questioned the selection of Wessel, but Merrell said he has a lot of confidence in the company and said the company has been the most transparent and open about the process.

Merrell said Wessel has done Greenbrook Adventure Park visitors currently have to use portable toilets located in the parking lot near the pavilion.

Photos by Madison Bierl

Lakewood Ranch resident Megan Collins, with her 6-month-old Sadie Collins, 7-year-old Skylar Collins and 9-year-old Savannah Collins, will be happy when the pavilion is open this summer at Greenbrook Adventure Park.

work at other projects in Lakewood Ranch such as the Lake Club Grande Clubhouse as well as at the John Cannon Homes business complex.

Johnson was satisfied with Merrell’s explanation.

“It’s nice to give it to a local company, if it has a good reputation,” Johnson said.

Even with the contract awarded, the opening of the pavilion and its facilities is not time certain. Construction of the restrooms and the addition of tables and barbecues is estimated to be about two months, but that’s after the construction permits are approved by Manatee County. Merrell said that the permits were submitted in January but are not yet complete.

Attorney Andrew Cohen said the contract that was initially prepared included that, “the scope of work shall be substantially completed within 60 calendar days from the issuance of the permit. The final completion will be required within 75 calendar days from the issuance of the permit.”

Until then, Greenbrook residents

wait.

Jasmine Chapman is a mother of three children, ages 9, 4, and 2.

Chapman brings her kids to play multiple times a week, if not every day.

“We usually use the trunk to change diapers, but that gets old,” Chapman said.

Megan Collins has lived in the area for 22 years. She lived in Sarasota for four years, but returned to Lakewood Ranch last year. She has three daughters in 9-year-old Savannah, 7-yearold Skylar and 6-month-old Sadie.

Collins requests that her daughters try to wait to use the bathroom until they leave the park instead of using the portable toilet.

She said that despite her gentle request, one of her daughters has to use it every time.

Amy Daccursio refuses to use the portable toilets on her walks with her dog Sugar as she doesn’t live far.

“I think the parents with little kids will be happier to have bathrooms,” said Daccursio “I don’t think the kids are really using the porta-potties.”

Collins described Greenbrook

Adventure Park as her family’s “winter park” due to all the sunlight it gets. They spend a lot of time at Summerfield Park, especially due to the construction at Greenbrook.

She said her family always would have picnics under the former pavilion, especially during the rainy season.

“We’re going to be happy to sit there again,” Collins said.

Merrell said that there will be different types of tables installed under the new pavilion, some long and some the smaller four-seaters.

“It’ll be kind of oriented to where you could have several parties going on at one time, as opposed to just one,” Merrell said. “We’re also looking at some open space for exercise programs.”

In other CDD news, contractors were hired to walk the Braden River to locate and photograph any debris that could potentially block the flow of water. Merrell said that they are looking into the cost of cleanup and are hoping for a possible reimbursement from Manatee County.

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Silver anniversary salute JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

T

hey were previous C. John A. Clarke Humanitarian Award winners who came to the Sarasota Polo Club March 23 to take part in the 25th anniversary celebration of the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation.

And Vanessa and Don Baugh (2016 Humanitarian of the Year honorees) and Angela Massaro-Fain and John Fain (2017 honorees) were pleased the foundation has added an important annual award.

The Out-of-Door Academy junior Cecile Visa was honored as the Junior Humanitarian of the Year. It was the second year the award was presented.

“It’s important to get them involved early with the hope they progress,” Don Baugh said before a ceremony that preceded the regular Sunday polo match in Lakewood Ranch. “They can set an example for others.”

“A lot of us raise our children, hoping they will learn to be supportive of their community,” said Fain, who noted that while many youths get positive reinforcement for giving back to the community from their parents, it is important that praise comes from others, such as the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation.

The C. John A. Clarke Humanitarian Award began in 2005 with John Clarke as the first honoree. Clarke was present March 23 to accept the foundation’s first “Lifetime Achievement Award, Exemplifying Community.”

SEE JOHN CLARKE, PAGE 16A

2025 AWARDEES

All Faiths Food Bank Conley Buick GMC Half Acre Construction Meals on Wheels Plus Sheriff Rick Wells State College of Florida

WWW.AQUACARESFOUNDATION.ORG 443529-1

Photos by Jay Heater

ODA students Danica Kovacevic, Cecile Visa and Kaitlyn Roman received scholarships for their humanitarian efforts from the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation.

Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation honors founder and Junior Humanitarian of the Year.

11A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025

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YourObserver.com

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025

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13A

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14A

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025

EAST COUNTY

IF YOU GO HERRMANN’S LIPIZZAN STALLIONS Where: 32755 Singletary Road, Myakka City When: Shows are 3 p.m. every Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday through April 26.

Price: $22 per person with children 10 and under free; Seniors and military $18; groups of 10 or more $10 per person For more information: Call 322-1501 or email at: HerrmannsRoyalLipizzans@gmail.com

Photos by Jay Heater

Rebecca McCullough shows off her new book at her Myakka City ranch.

Her love of horses isn’t fiction

But Rebecca McCullough’s ‘Planet of Equus’ is, indeed, fiction.

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

I

The entire book is just animals.”

The main character in the novel is Thracis, a Lipizzan stallion. Other characters, horses, are made-up breeds from McCullough’s imagination.

“The book is about a young stallion who wants to become a knight (a Hippeus in the book) and who wants to uphold those ideals,” McCullough explained. “He finds out that it is more about who you know and becomes disillusioned. He becomes an outcast.”

Thracis finds another place where those ideals are upheld and where he can protect the ideals of the equine society.

McCullough took a break from talking about her novel, and walked into the barn to check with Sydney.

She walked past the stall where Jagger, a Lipizzan stallion, was peering over a stall door, checking out the visitor. Jagger is one of the stars of the regular Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances at Herrmann’s.

“Jagger is Thracis,” said McCullough, who modeled her fictional hero after the 9-year-old in her barn. “He is clumsy, and impetuous.”

But his integrity can’t be questioned.

With character development in the book related to the horses on her ranch, the novel contains a lot of the history behind Lipizzan stallions and, of cats as well. If you look around McCullough’s ranch, you will find six family cats.

In the book, it’s not a dog-friendly planet.

McCullough can smile now about the process of publishing a book, but it has been a frustrating learning experience for her.

“I had such a bad taste in my mouth,” she said of the initial process of trying to find a publisher. “It was like I was applying for a job. I got extremely frustrated trying to win over somebody’s opinion.”

Eventually, she decided to publish the book herself so she could stick to her ideals.

“The book is geared toward kids, and it was fun to write,” she said.

Of course, she wanted Sydney’s approval before the book was finished. Sydney read it, then issued one request — that the main characters did not die.

McCullough was OK with the request.

“I write fantasy to get away from reality,” she said.

She already has finished two sequels to “Planet of Equus,” but isn’t sure when they will be published. Herrmann’s Royal Lipizzan Stallions is in the homestretch of its busiest time of year with too many big events upcoming.

McCullough, her daughter, and volunteer Donna Sagonowsky handle all the riding in the show, and there are no alternates in case someone doesn’t feel up to riding that day. The show literally must go on in Myakka.

“The show crowds are down a bit,” McCullough said. “But the crowds are down everywhere.”

It is interesting how McCullough became the caretaker of Herrmann’s legacy. As a student at DeSoto County High School, she took creative writing and at the University of South Florida, she scheduled “artsy, drama” classes. Eventually, she veered toward medicine as all her friends, who knew her interest in writing, asked, “Why medicine?”

“Because I want money,” was her answer.

Still, she read “everything Stephen King wrote.” And she still found time for riding and writing.

Years later, it appears as if she can have it all.

But it’s not without a lot of work.

She said the ranch is doing well, but it has been a struggle. The 2024 hurricane season was hard on her facilities, and her home on the property still is being made livable after suffering heavy flooding and wind damage from Hurricane Ian in 2022.

“I would love to have a year without a hurricane,” she said.

She lives in a small second home on the property with Sydney and she is hoping to get back into their main home later this year. She hopes the show season finishes strong, and then she plans to breed Lipizzans this year as her current crew is aging.

She said her current show has more variety than in the past and gives the crowds a taste of the Lipizzans’ many talents. Along the way, Sydney shows off her whip-cracking talent.

And that’s non-fiction.

“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 Executive Editor and COO / Kat Wingert, KWingert@YourObserver.com

“I have been writing my whole life.

I like to write sci-fi, and I gear toward the super natural. It always has been kind of a hobby.”

— Rebecca McCullough

t might seem odd that Rebecca McCullough, the owner of Herrmann’s Lipizzan Stallions in Myakka City, can’t stand romance novels.

She obviously has had a lifelong romance with her family business, which has been in Myakka City since 1962.

When McCullough’s mother, Gabriella Herrmann, died in 2021, McCullough took over operations on the 20-acre ranch while also continuing her regular job as a medical technician. Her main help on the ranch is her daughter, Sydney, who is now 16.

Oh, by the way, McCullough is a single mom and Sydney is home schooled.

She has a lot of her plate. So how does she do it all?

“Caffeine,” she said with a laugh.

“I am not going to say that I am not exhausted.”

With everything buzzing around her — McCullough cares for her 15 horses and puts on shows and practice sessions for the public — she still wants to make room for another career.

She wants to be an established author.

Her self-published book, “Planet of Equus,” became available this week on Amazon and at HerrmannsRoyalLipizzans.com.

It’s not a romance novel.

“I have been writing my whole life,” McCullough said. “I like to write sci-fi, and I gear toward the super natural. It always has been kind of a hobby.”

“Planet of Equus” is her first novel, sort of.

Back in 2010, McCullough decided she wanted to write a fiction novel.

However, she thought she also could use the novel as a way to promote Herrmann’s Lipizzan Stallions. She put so much historical information in the book about the stallions and her family that her fictional story became bogged down. She selfpublished the novel for a short time, but ultimately decided it was a failed effort and yanked it.

“It was too technical, and it had too much history about what we do here,” McCullough said.

A decade later, she took her original writing and started to make changes. She made so many changes that the story went in such a different direction that her first effort was no longer recognizable. She is much happier with the current version.

“The whole planet is nothing but horses,” she said. “The horses have evolved to be the dominant species, I took humans completely out of it.Damascus awes the crowd by lifting himself up after a command from Rebecca McCullough.

Managing Editor / Jay Heater, JHeater@YourObserver.com Staff Writers / Madison Bierl, MBierl@ YourObserver.com; Lesley Dwyer, LDwyer@YourObserver.com Sports Reporter / Vinnie Portell, VPortell@YourObserver.com Digital & Engagement Editor / Kaelyn Adix, KAdix@YourObserver.com Copy Editor / Gina Reynolds Haskins, GRHaskins@YourObserver.com Senior Editorial Designer / Melissa Leduc, MLeduc@YourObserver.com A+E Editor / Monica Roman Gagnier, MGagnier@YourObserver.com Chief Revenue Officer / Jill Raleigh, JRaleigh@YourObserver.com Regional Sales Director / 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 McGuinness, RMcGuinness@ 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 / Anna Reich, AReich@YourObserver.com Sales Operations Manager / Susan Leedom, SLeedom@YourObserver.com Account Managers / Lori Downey, LDowney@YourObserver.com; Caitlin Ellis, CEllis@YourObserver.com; Lexi Huelsman, Lexi@YourObserver.com Digital Fulfillment Specialist / Emma B. Jolly, EJolly@YourObserver.com Tributes Coordinator / Kristen Boothroyd, Tributes@YourObserver.com Director of Marketing / Robin Lankton, RLankton@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 Information Technology Manager / Homer Gallego, HGallego@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

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SIDE OF RANCH

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025

15A

JAY HEATER

A huge interview with Big George Foreman We talked for two hours on any subject I so desired. His triumphs, his failures, the vision he had of God after his loss to Jimmy Young in 1977 that sent him into his first retirement and turned him toward his path to become a minister. He said God had asked him to change his ways.

In almost 50 years of interviews, that moment in 1987 was right at the top for me.

On March 21, Foreman died at the age of 76. I have thought about the man many times over the past few days, but not because of his power in the ring, his Olympic gold medal, or his improbable comeback in which he won a world title at the age of 45.

I thought mostly about his ability to change people’s perceptions of him, and how the lesson of portraying decency can pay off handsomely, whether that is for a heavyweight champion, or for you or I. You see, I knew some people closely associated with Foreman as he was building his first run toward a heavyweight championship, and everything they said about Foreman was bad.

Then, on a flight back from Las Vegas after covering a title bout, I sat next to a member of his braintrust. He told me that Foreman had been “the most hated man in boxing” during his first run to the title. He told me story after story of what a bad guy he was. And this was someone close to him.

It wasn’t the first time I had heard those stories. One of his sparring partners told me similar stories. At that point, I never talked to anyone who had something positive to say about Foreman.

That day I interviewed him in Oakland, Foreman confirmed those stories were true. He had been a nasty man, and miserable. He was smiling when he said it. Being a good guy had chased away his demons.

Courtesy image

He said the George Foreman of his 20s and early- to mid-30s would never had received the support to launch a comeback when nobody wanted to believe in him. But the kinder version of George Foreman, the man who was preaching on street corners before becoming the minister of his own church, was welcomed with open arms. Perhaps no one believed that an older, overweight Foreman could win another world title, but they liked him.

I often told myself that a twohour interview doesn’t mean I knew what the man was all about. Being a journalist means you are at least a bit cynical. Was his jolly-oldGeorge act real, or a well executed plan to build favor and to eventually allow him to make millions through marketing his image?

Boxing insiders will give you opinions on both sides.

But no matter the truth, the perception is what is important here.

George Foreman had two separate

lives. There was the mean, unfeeling, inconsiderate man who had all the money in the world, but few friends. Then there was the beloved figure, who put God first, and who would be quick with a smile and a kind word.

No matter where you live, the lessons that George Foreman taught us all is that it is easier going through life being kind and compassionate toward others. The expressions of love will be returned. It’s something you can never get in a boxing ring ... a win-win.

That’s how I will remember him.

George Foreman, who died March 21, was an example of how a man can change the way he is perceived in a positive way.

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

440243-1

I

t was early in my writing career, July of 1987, when my phone rang at my desk in Richmond, California.

I had been writing a boxing column for the Contra Costa Times, which in Northern California was somewhat of an oddity. With all the newspapers in the region, the only boxing columnists were myself and the late Jack Fiske (San Francisco Chronicle), who is in the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

“Hello?”

“Jay, this is George Foreman.”

“Come on, who is this?”

“Really, it’s George Foreman.”

Foreman had just come out of a 10-year retirement to beat Steve Zouski on March 9, 1987, in Sacramento. At the time, nobody was taking his comeback seriously, so he figured he would talk to anyone willing to listen, even if he didn’t work for a major metro newspaper.

Foreman asked if I would come to his hotel just outside the Oakland airport to talk about his next bout, against Charles Hostetter on July 9 in Oakland.

“Well, sure.”

The next day, I sat poolside with the man who had won an Olympic gold medal in the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, who won the WBA and WBC heavyweight titles with a knockout of Joe Frazier in 1973, and who had lost his titles in an epic bout against Muhammad Ali in 1974.

No PR guys, no management, no yes men. Just George.

The thought of sitting down with Foreman was intimidating. He was known for being a bully, and mean.

But I just had to go, and I am glad I did.

It was a living, breathing history lesson. We talked about boxing, and life, and redemption. We talked about his life growing up mean on the streets of Houston, and about mine, a much safer, quieter existence on farmlands.

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025

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John Clarke FROM PAGE 11A

Clarke, who at the time was president and CEO of Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, assembled a committee of local residents to start the foundation, which at the time was the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund.

He also was pleased with the foundation’s Junior Humanitarian award.

“It was a good idea, and I think we can bring in more families,” he said.

Visa accepted a $1,000 scholarship for winning the award.

“It is something I value,” the 17-year-old said of humanitarianism. “It is important in a world that is so integrated now. A lot of people have stopped seeing the value of (humanitarianism). Even the smallest actions can have an impact.”

Among the ways Visa gives backs is her role as president of the Thunder Grant Committee, which awards funds raised during the school year to important student organizations.

Funds are raised through dressdown days, uniform sales and concession sales. That is just one of her responsibilities.

“I am part of a lot of clubs,” she said with a smile.

Visa said her parents, Johanna and Olivier Visa, raised her with values that have made her want to give back to her community.

“I have three siblings and we were taught to help each other, and to be there for each other,” she said.

“I am happy she contributes something meaningful,” said her mother. “She is a very hard worker and determined.”

Her father said she has a “big” work ethic.

“I like seeing her thinking about others,” he said.

Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation Executive Director Kate Mulligan said she loves that the Junior Humanitarian award carries the “idea of getting young people thinking about giving back to the community.”

ODA students Danica Kovacevic and Kaitlyn Roman were honorable mentions for the Junior Humanitarian of the Year award and they each

Photos by Jay Heater

John Clarke talks to the crowd at the Sarasota Polo Club after being given a Lifetime Achievement award by the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation. LWRCF Executive Director Kate Mulligan looks on.

The Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation has adopted a turtle as its mascot who also will serve as a spokesperson.

were awarded $500 scholarships.

Clarke said while the Community Foundation hasn’t grown to the level he wants — “Not yet,” he said — that it is in good hands.

“I suddenly see leadership,” he said. “And I am very excited.”

Board member Jeffrey Toale told the crowd that the Community Foundation has a goal to raise $250,000 in 2025, which would be by far a record for the nonprofit.

Toale also introduced the Community Foundation’s new mascot, a turtle on a post. The turtle will also be giving about press release statements about the organization.

Those who want to participate in a contest to name the new mascot can go to LWRcf.org.

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16A

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025

17A

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025

Braden River High junior wins essay contest Aaron Gordon, who loves music, picked Ray Charles as his subject for the essay.

aron Gordon has always loved music, but when it comes to reading sheet music, he struggles.

So when he read about entertainer Ray Charles — who went totally blind by the age of 7 due to juvenile glaucoma — learning to read sheet music in Braille, it impressed him.

“I don’t know how that works at all,” Gordon said. “I can barely read sheet music myself, and I can see.”

It impressed him so much that he read more about the famous singer.

That came in handy in January when East County’s Gordon, a 16-year-old junior at Braden River High, heard about a statewide student essay contest from his theater teacher, Tabetha Walter.

The theme of the contest was Honoring African American Contributions to Florida’s Success and entries were accepted in February during Black History Month.

Gordon picked Charles for his essay, and went to work.

through a collaboration between the Department of Education, Volunteer Florida, the Florida Lottery and the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.

“It is important our students learn about American history and the contributions that African American leaders have made to the success of our state,” Gov. DeSantis said in a release.

Gordon said Charles was a natural pick for his essay.

“He experienced a lot of struggles that I’ve never experienced, like with his disabilities and with his African American heritage,” Gordon said.

“I’ve been reading about him and it’s an amazing story, how he overcame all of his struggles and found success.”

Gordon said he has played guitar since the age of 8 and has also dabbled in the bass and drums. He has also been involved in the musical program EveryOneRocks since middle school.

Gordon said it’s important to acknowledge the impact Charles had on the nation’s music, an impact that remains long after his death in 2004.

GOVERNOR’S PRAISE

PLEASANT SURPRISE

MADISON BIERL STAFF WRITER

A

On Feb. 27, Gordon was invited to the Governor’s mansion in Tallahassee as Gov. Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis announced the winners of both the Black History Month student art and essay contests. He won the essay contest’s Grade 11 division along with Manuel Perez.

The other essay winners were Kei’Ani McQuown (Grade 5), Vanessa Viera (Grade 5), Gabriel Brown (Grade 8), and Evangeline Baldwin (Grade 7).

The winners received a two-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation and a $100 gift card for school supplies. The scholarship is good at any Florida college or university.

The contest was made possible

The win in the essay contest was a shock to Gordon, who said he actually forgot he had submitted an entry because he was concentrating on preparation for an SAT exam.

“I thought it was a different Aaron Gordon at first,’” he said. “I was like, ‘There’s no way I won.’”

Gordon said that his favorite part of his essay was the introduction, in which he sets the scene of Charles making his first recording in Tampa in 1949.

He said the storytelling aspect of his writing made his piece stand out, which is evident in the title: “Ray Charles: The most influential Floridian musician that was born in Georgia.”

He had previously won a contest for his comedic play “Insert Play

Name Here” which he submitted to Florida Studio Theatre’s Write a Play program. He wrote six pages of a script in approximately 30 minutes.

“When I have an idea, I can kind of crank it out quickly,” he said. “I have it planned out in my head, so it’s kind of already written. I just need to put it out on paper.”

“I love the challenge of it. It’s exciting to figure out how to start telling a story and then what’s the best way to hook into the story, then how do you finish it.”

— Aaron Gordon

Gordon has written seven plays to date, with two of them being performed. “Remember the Darlings” was performed for thespian troupe 8474’s Competitive One Act. His play “Channel Surfing” is currently a finalist in the Theatre Odyssey Short Playwriting Competition.

It will be performed at the Jane B. Cook Theatre FSU Center for the Performing Arts May 10-11.

For his essay, Gordon found it more difficult to write and said there was a lot more planning and structure.

“I definitely give a conversational sentence, so I use a lot of dashes, semicolons, that type of stuff so I feel like I’m just talking to someone,” Gordon said. “That comes from my playwriting experience. I always want to make sure it feels real and like a conversation I’m having and not some fancy robot script.”

INSPIRATION FROM DAD

He said his dad’s occupation —Mark Gordon is the managing editor of the Business Observer, sister publication of the East County Observer — influenced him to pursue his love for writing.

“I love the challenge of it,” Aaron

Madison Bierl

Gordon said. “It’s exciting to figure out how to start telling a story and then what’s the best way to hook into the story, then how do you finish it.”

Mark Gordon said he knew his son showed signs of creativity but didn’t know until recently that this is something he would want to pursue.

“Did I think he was going to be a writer? Not exactly, but definitely something creative,” Mark Gordon said.

Aaron Gordon’s top three choices for college are the University of Florida, Florida State University and the University of South Florida. He described FSU as his “dream school” due to its arts and writing programs.

“I want to become a playwright eventually, so I want to move out to New York and just try to do it,” he. “I want to try to make it.”

“I definitely see him doing something in the creative arts world whether it’s playwriting or acting or being part of performances. It’s certainly where his head and his heart is at,” Mark Gordon said.

Braden River High junior Aaron Gordon won a two-year scholarship for his winning entry in a Black History Month essay contest.

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025

19A

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025

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VFW Post 12055 members Lee Waters, Dave Daily and Bob Talan present Amy Towery with the check to Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee.

Big donation for Meals on Wheels Plus Lee Waters, a VFW Post 12055 member, wanted to help Meals on Wheels continue to feed the hungry with a $10,000 gift.

MADISON BIERL STAFF WRITER

O

bviously, it gets more expensive for Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee to feed the hungry each year.

That hasn’t gone unnoticed by U.S. Air Force veteran Lee Waters.

Waters donated $10,000 through Braden River VFW Post 12055 toward the Meals on Wheels Plus effort in Manatee County. On March 19, a check was presented to Amy Towery, vice president of development at Meals on Wheels Plus, at the East Manatee Fire Rescue Station No. 1.

“That’ll get two meals right?”

Waters asked jokingly when Towery accepted the check.

“It’ll be a lot more than two meals,” Towery said. “Thank you so much for this generous gift and for your service to our country.”

VFW Post 12055 Commander Dave Daily thanked Towery for the work done in the community by Meals on Wheels Plus.

“You do so much, including for the veterans in this post,” Daily said.

“You do a fantastic job.”

Waters said he had sold his Mill Creek home and moved to a retirement home in west Bradenton, so he thought he could “make the world a little bit better by donating” to Meals on Wheels Plus.

Towery said the donation is another example of the remarkable generosity of people in the area.

“These types of large gifts, a $10,000 gift, can go so far in feeding people in our community,” Towery said. “And all our programs focus

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around nutrition.”

Towery noted that such donations can help not only the home-delivered meals to seniors and others in need but also the other programs that run under Meals On Wheels’ umbrella, including The Food Bank of Manatee, the Daybreak Adult Day Center in Lakewood Ranch, and Friendship Dining Centers.

She said The Food Bank of Manatee is the largest hunger relief organization in Manatee County, and it serves more than 100 food pantries in the area. Daybreak Adult Day Center provides seniors who can’t be left alone unsupervised with a fun setting that allows their caretakers to work or to just have a break.

“There’s a lot of social activities and fellowship,” Towery said.

“Things that keep people engaged, which is really important as we age.”

“We saw, especially coming out of COVID, that so many people had been isolated because of the global pandemic,” Towery said. “People were so excited to just come back together, to see their friends, to have a chance to get out.”

Waters said that instead of doing a direct donation himself, he wanted VFW Post 12055 to get recognition for all its good work in the community.

VFW Post 12055 consists of 137 members and the post meets on the third Wednesday of each month at East Manatee Fire Rescue Station No. 1.

The post tries to find ways to help veterans in need in the community.

“That’s what we do,” Daily said.

“We get out in our community and support these people.”

Among the VFW supported programs are scholarships for JROTC students at Lakewood Ranch and Braden River high schools.

“We’re like a family here at our post, and the members are extremely tight,” Daily said.

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SPORTS

“I’ve been throwing harder, but my command with the off-speed has been good as well.”

— Braden River High’s Denzel Diaz SEE PAGE 23A

FAST

DRIVE, CHIP AND PUTT NATIONAL FINALS SCORING

BREAK

Drives: The contestant with the longest drive that lands within a 40-yard fairway will receive 10 points. Secondplace will receive nine points, and so on throughout the 10 competitors. Each contestant will have two drives, using the best of the two.

Chips: The contestant with the closest cumulative distance to the pin after two chips will receive 10 points, with points decreasing for the further distance between each competitor.

Putts: Each contestant will putt once from 30 feet and once from 15 feet. The competitor with the closest cumulative distance will receive 10 points, with points decreasing based on distance.

Winner: The golfer with the most cumulative points will be the national Drive, Chip and Putt champion.

Courtesy Image

Former Lakewood Ranch baseball player John Schroeder has helped Florida Atlantic win nine of its past 11 games with a hot streak at the plate.

F

ormer Lakewood Ranch High baseball player John Schroeder, now a senior at Florida Atlantic, has been heating up at the plate over the past two weeks.

Schroeder has gone 14-for-41 (.341 batting average) with 13 runs, 14 RBIs and five home runs in 10 games since March 9. ...The Out-of-Door Academy track and field team placed second at the Saint Stephens Falcons Invite March 19. The boys team was led by first-place finishes by eighthgrader Finn Randall (4:46.42 in the 1,600-meter run), senior Kevin Gyurka (10:07.13 in the 3,200-meter run), freshman Paxon Hermann (1.82 meters in high jump), sophomore Cash Murphy (31.93 meters in javelin) and the 4x400 relay team of Murphy, Isidro Iturralde, Themba Hillary and Collin Dillingham (3:50.53). The girls team placed third of seven teams. They were led by firstplace finishes by sophomore Julia Dillingham (17.92 meters in javelin) and the 4x400 relay team of Morgan White, Julia Dillingham, Charlotte Faucher, Keonna Antipov (4:37.17). ...After opening the season with a 3-6 record, the Braden River High (8-7) baseball team has won five of its last six games, including a 10-1 win over Out-of-Door Academy March 18 and a 16-2 win over IMG Academy Blue March 21. ...The Out-of-Door Academy announced it will honor its inaugural class of its Athletics Hall of Fame at a ceremony on April 10. The first class includes athlete A.J. Strong (Class of 2010), coach and athletic director Shelley Stone, the 2018 boys tennis team and contributor Teena Humphrey.

HELLO PARADISE PAGE 22A

‘TINY BUT MIGHTY’

Photos by Vinnie Portell

Joey Wolf, a 9-year-old member at Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club, said she is best at putting when it comes to golf.

Local 9-year-old golfer advances to Augusta Joey Wolf will compete in the national finals of the Drive, Chip and Putt competition on April 6 before the Masters begins.

VINNIE PORTELL STAFF WRITER

J

oey Wolf became a Scottie Scheffler fan watching him win the Masters Tournament twice over the past three years.

When Masters week arrives starting April 6, the 9-year-old golfer be competing at the same course as her golf hero.

Wolf, a member of Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club, has advanced to the national round of the Drive, Chip and Putt competition in the 7- to 9-year-old age division at Augusta National Golf Club.

The road to get there wasn’t easy.

THE PATH TO AUGUSTA

Wolf’s parents, Lissy Skolnick and Scott Wolf, didn’t consider putting their three children — Joey, Zander and TT — into golf until COVID-19 happened.

At the time, gymnastics, soccer and tennis were their main sports.

However, with most sports shut down indefinitely, golf became one of the few options for them to stay active.

Scott found a free golf class at Laurel Oak Country Club through U.S. Kids Golf, and the sport stuck.

“I think it’s an open sport, and I like competing against my brother because he’s the most competitive,” Joey said of her twin brother, Zander.

Through U.S. Kids Golf, the family found the Drive, Chip and Putt Competition — a free development program — and have been competing in it for the past three years.

The Drive, Chip and Putt competition includes three drives, three chips and three putts with a maximum of 25 points awarded for each shot in the qualifying rounds.

Wolf had little trouble winning her local qualifier at Bonita Bay Club East — beating out the field by 22 points.

Though she didn’t win her subregional competition at Olde Florida Golf Club, her second-place

finish was good enough for her to be one of two finalists to advance to the Southeast regional qualifier at Sea Island Golf Club in St. Simons Island, Georgia.

Facing her stiffest competition in the regional round, Wolf scored a 99 — her highest score of the three rounds — which brought her to a tie with Greta Golden.

Wolf, who said her best skill is putting, was then faced with a 15-foot one-putt tiebreaker to advance to the finals.

“I was the most nervous I’ve ever been,” said Wolf, whose putt settled closer to the hole than Golden’s. “I was just focusing and praying that I would win it. When I did win it, all of my friends came over and hugged me. It was so fun.”

“I was just focusing and praying that I would win it. When I did win it, all of my friends came over and hugged me. It was so fun.”

— Joey Wolf

Dubbed ‘Tiny but mighty’ by her friends on the Florida youth golf circuit, the 4-foot-1, 56-pound Wolf knows she can’t win with long drives.

That’s forced her to focus on what she can control.

“My short game is usually what I can do the best,” Wolf said. “In driving, I’m probably going to hit the shortest out of everybody, so I have to be saved by my short game.”

Another advantage Wolf has is the mental edge she’s honed by competing with Zander on a near-daily basis.

Skolnick said that Joey isn’t naturally competitive, but that side of her is brought out by Zander. Anything is a challenge between them, from reading books to hitting balls closer to the pin on the golf course.

“If he loses, he starts melting down,” Wolf said of her brother.

“When I win tournaments, he’s sad because he wanted to win it.”

After being nervous during qualifying events the past two years, seeing one of her friends advance to the finals changed Wolf’s perspective about competing in Drive, Chip and Putt this past year.

“They cheered for their friends on television and they loved it,” Skolnick said. “They were like, ‘I’m going to work hard and try to get there because I want to do that.’ Then they weren’t as nervous because they were just trying their hardest.”

Wolf and her family will make an expenses-paid trip to Augusta, Georgia. The weekend begins with a dinner for the Drive, Chip and Putt families on April 5.

Wolf will then compete against nine other girls in the 7-to-9 age bracket in the national finals on the morning of April 6, and have the chance to watch her favorite player during a practice round on April 7.

Though she said she’s looking forward to the national finals, the competition itself isn’t what she’s most excited about.

“I want to see Scottie Scheffler,” she said.

The Wolf siblings, TT, Joey and Zander, have grown to love golf after it was one of their only options for activity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025

VINNIE’S VIEW

VINNIE PORTELL

The Asis family — Luca, Marco, Dana and Matteo — came out to watch the Paradise for the first time after moving to the area from Kansas City in September.

Photos by Vinnie Portell

Sarasota Paradise player Nico Colacci runs toward the home crowd to celebrate after scoring a goal to tie Naples at 1-1 in the 87th minute on March 18 at Premier Sports Campus.

Local soccer fans check out Paradise Local semi-professional soccer club draws over 2,200 fans to Premier in Lakewood Ranch.

L

akewood Ranch has a sports team to call its own.

The Sarasota Paradise, a semi-professional soccer club, debuted at Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch March 18 after playing its first two seasons at Sarasota High School.

The Paradise lost 2-1 to FC Naples in the first round of the U.S. Open Cup, but the night felt like a win regardless of the result.

IF YOU GO What: Sarasota Paradise Where: Premier Sports Campus (5895 Post Blvd, Lakewood Ranch) When: Home games on May 17, June 7, June 18, June 21, June 28, July 12 Season Tickets: $50 - $130 depending on seating. Find more info at SarasotaParadise. us/SeasonTickets

After averaging 500 fans and maxing out at 1,038 fans in its first two seasons, the Paradise drew

2,248 fans for its first match at Premier’s 3,000-plus capacity stadium.

Club founder Marcus Walfridson wasn’t sure what to expect.

“I’m very satisfied,” he said.

“Last week I was thinking, ‘Will we get a thousand people?’”

Walfridson said 900 people bought tickets the day of the match, and the size of the turnout was so unexpected that the concession stand sold out of food during the match.

It’s not surprising that people are excited about the Paradise.

The club announced last month that it will be promoted from U.S. League II to U.S. League I in 2026 — making it a professional soccer

club.

Fans who attended the inaugural match had a variety of reasons for paying $10 to $26 for tickets for a semi-professional soccer match on a Tuesday night.

Luis Martinez found out about the Paradise from a flier he saw at State College of Florida and wanted to support the local team in a family-friendly environment.

“You get to bring your kids and it gives them something to do, especially during spring break,” he said.

“It also motivates them to play.”

Chris Tillet said he lives in Palmetto and didn’t want to make the trek down to Sarasota High, but the new location at Premier changes that.

“I might buy season tickets,” he said. “It’s affordable to come enjoy some soccer, and what else am I doing on Tuesday night? I don’t have kids, and it’s a nice place to come hang out.”

Barry Williams said he lives close to Sarasota High, but wasn’t interested in watching the Paradise the last two years. The club’s increased marketing presence, however, piqued his interest.

“I’m more knowledgeable about them now,” said Williams, who was

wearing a Paradise jersey. “I didn’t know who they were back then. I feel like their marketing has been getting a lot better.”

Fans in attendance didn’t have much to cheer about for most of the match, but that changed with a flurry of scoring in the final 20 minutes.

A scoreless tie was broken when Naples player Karsen Henderlong scored in the 79th minute, but the Paradise answered just 11 minutes later when Nico Colacci scored to knot the score at 1-1.

Colacci stood triumphantly with his hands raised high after he scored before he rushed to the crowd for a jubilant embrace.

“It was amazing,” said Colacci, who grew up in Lakewood Ranch.

“The atmosphere was absolutely unbelievable. It was better than I could have expected. I’m just glad we could put on a show for our fans in the first-ever home game here.

It was a dream come true for a local boy.”

Many Paradise players like Colacci might not be around when the 2025 season officially begins at home on May 17 against St. Petersburg football club.

The club typically mines its talent from Division-I college programs.

With the spring semester still ongoing, the Paradise had to hold a local tryout — and had just five days of practice together — to prepare for the U.S. Open Cup. “This summer we have top D-I college guys coming in, so maybe a third of these guys will be on the roster this summer,” Walfridson said. “It was basically local pride today. You saw guys who bled for the jersey. I love them all, and my heart goes out to them and to the fans. I’m very grateful for the people who came out today.”

Vinnie Portell is the sports reporter for the East County Observer. Contact him at VPortell@ YourObserver.com.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025

The Braden River High baseball team has won five of six games since March 10. Junior outfielder/ pitcher Denzel Diaz has played a big part in that resurgence. He has posted the best numbers of any Pirates pitcher with a 2-1 record, a 1.88 ERA, and 20 strikeouts over 18 2/3 innings. Last week, Diaz had a three-run triple, a walk and a hit-bypitch in a 16-2 win over IMG Academy Blue. On the mound, he allowed one unearned run on three hits and a walk with five strikeouts over six innings in a 10-1 win against Out-ofDoor Academy.

When and why did you start playing baseball?

I started playing baseball because I wanted to follow in my father’s (Diogenes Diaz) footsteps since he played for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He introduced me to the game at the age of 4 and I fell in love with it.

What’s been the most memorable moment for you this season?

My almost complete game against ODA. I pushed myself to my max limit.

What’s your favorite memory in baseball?

Hitting a walk-off, inside-the-park home run in travel ball two years ago. That walk-off feeling is such a good feeling.

What helped Braden River’s turnaround?

I think our team chemistry has picked up in the past week or two. We started off a little rocky, but then we had a four-game stretch where we just kept winning and winning. And yes, we lost last week, but the ability to bounce back is our strongest attribute.

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

ing harder, but my command with the off-speed has been good as well.

Do you have a go-to, warm-up song?

Lil Baby is my favorite artist. I don’t have a favorite song, he has too many. His songs have good beats and he flows on every song. It gets me hyped before a game and I lock in.

What does your ideal weekend look like?

If I’m not hanging out with friends, I’m in the batting cages. I’m doing something baseball-related, or something that benefits me outside of the baseball field that can transfer onto the baseball field, like working out in the gym.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Denzel Diaz

SAT • MARCH 29 • 8AM-4PM

What’s been your most humbling moment in baseball?

Knowing that scouts are there to watch me, and I might go 0-for-3 and still keep my composure and run onto the field. That’s been humbling because it’s hard to do that.

Who’s your favorite baseball player and why?

Ronald Acuña Jr. I love his braids, I love what he does, I love his swag. I love what he stands for.

Finish this sentence.

Denzel Diaz is…

A confident baseball player.

What has gone right for you so far this season?

I’d say my pitching, as of right now, has gone right for me. It’s mainly been my command. I’ve been throw-

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025

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Classifieds 16B Games 15B Real Estate 13B Weather 15B

MARCH 27, 2025

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Photos by Jay Heater

Janet Zumfelde, of Purses Just 4 U, said Dag Fest was perfect for her wares. The late Dagmar Beavers, on whose Myakka City property the festival was held March 22, was described as somewhat of a “hippie” by her friends.

Aila Garden rides Disney around the Dag Fest grounds to promote the pony rides that were being offered.

A far-out festival ... in Myakka That didn’t happen, but the three women wanted to fulfill her wishes with Dag Fest, which featured live music all day March 22, a petting zoo and pony rides for kids, and plenty of food and drink vendor booths.

“It’s so beautiful here,” Rosaire said as she looked over the festival on Beavers’ land. “Dagmar was all about community, and there is no concrete here.”

— JAY HEATER

Dag Fest offered plenty of good food, such a barbecue.

Two-year-old Abigail Tillett visits with some goats in the petting zoo at Dag Fest.

After musicians Rich Odato and Scott Hunt finished playing with Cassie Jean and the Fireflies at Dag Fest, they enjoyed some barbecue that was being sold by a food vendor.

Ron Neal was playing guitar with the Tim Dodge and Friends group at Dag Fest in Myakka City on March 22.

437882-1

J

anet Zumfelde had quite the assortment of tie-dyed items in her Purses Just 4 U vendor booth at Dag Fest on March 22 in Myakka City.

The festival was put together

by Sharyn “Sparky” Baxley, Kay Rosaire and Nancy Nallin to honor the late Dagmar Beavers, who was a circus entertainer, a musician and somewhat of a “hippie.” This year’s event is the second annual on Beavers’ Myakka City property.

“It’s a good vibe here,” Zumfelde said. “I was here last year because I am friends with Sparky, and I used to go hear Dagmar play at O’Leary’s. It is perfect here.”

Rosaire, whose Big Cat Habitat benefits from proceeds from the event, didn’t say the event was perfect but she called the second Dag Fest “bigger and better,” and said it will continue to build over the years. Rosaire said she will add some circus acts to the festival next year.

Both Rosaire and Beavers, who were best friends, had circus ties.

Beavers gave her land to Rosaire and Nallin with the request that they preserve the land in its current state and they don’t develop it. She also had wanted to host a music festival on her property before she died.

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025

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She started as an oil painter and has added many different art forms to her repertoire, including photography and jewelry making.

“The bottom line is, it’s all the same, it’s all art,” Wood said March 22 during the Creative Arts Association of Lakewood Ranch’s Spring Art Show and Sale at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.

Wood was one of 14 artists who were showcasing and selling their work at the show. Some, like Wood, were displaying different arts forms. Others specialized in one form.

Those who strolled through the show checked out pottery, resin, stained glass, paintings, jewelry and more.

The CAA was founded in 2001 “to promote the work of local artists and to bring about an awareness of art” in Lakewood Ranch, according to the website.

The next show will be on Nov. 22 at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.

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Benise Jones has always enjoyed writing, taking photos and making any sort of craft. The journal front and center contains a photo of her grandson, that she described as priceless.

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025

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Benise Jones designs journals and more. She started making custom sticky note holders for a show in November and continued making them due to positive response from customers.

Wilma Kroese, owner of WKPottery from the Netherlands, shows Rick Montgomery that the black lines on the ceramic art is from utilizing horse hair. She has also used emu feathers.

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Barb Kaplan, owner of CassieCatClayworks, sculpts and paints pottery. Some of these pieces have the patterns etched to create some texture.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025

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Living Lord stitches together quilt program The Lakewood Ranch church is seeking new members to help its quilting club thrive.

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iving Lord Lutheran Church Pastor Ed Holloway and his wife, Marsha Holloway, were in Africa for three months in 2000 with Ed preaching at congregations all over Tanzania.

The Holloways, who eventually joined the Lakewood Ranch church seven years ago, were there when Ed decided to take a sabbatical to preach overseas.

At one stop in Tanzania, a beautiful quilt caught the Holloways’ attention.

Marsha Holloway saw that the quilt had a “Lutheran World Relief Quilts” tag.

“I mean, I got goosebumps,” Marsha Holloway said.

She knew then that, yes, the kindness and talents of a group of quilters can make an impact all over the world.

Today, Marsha Holloway is hoping others in East County want to feel those goosebumps, too.

The quilters group at Living Lord Lutheran Church, which supplies World Relief Quilts, is down to eight active members, and the Holloways are looking for others to join, regardless of quilting ability or their church affiliation.

It was a shock to her that the quilts would show up in Africa, but there they were. And more could be on the way.

Last week, in a sunlit room in the church, fabric scraps of all patterns and colors had been carefully chosen and placed to be sewn together and sent off from that workroom to nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and distant communities across the globe.

The work is inspired by A Stitch and A Prayer, the crafting group that

Photos by Madison Bierl

Kathy Schimmoller makes a quilt during a meeting for A Stitch and A Prayer.

has created and donated various quilts since 2018.

“A prayer shawl is a shawl that either gets knitted or crocheted, and there’s a prayer said for it,” said Sue Chan, who is a member of Living Lord’s A Stitch and a Prayer group.

Chan said the group originally was formed as a prayer shawl ministry.

“It’s given to somebody to cover them in Christ’s love, to let them know that they’re not alone, that there are people who care for them,” Chan said about the quilts that have been made and sent out.

Ever since the group’s inception, prayer shawls have been sent anywhere they could give comfort.

Marsha Holloway and fellow Living Lord Lutheran member Kathy Schimmoller originally had quilted together before A Stitch and a Prayer was formed at the church. Holloway and Schimmoller now do it all — quilting, sewing and crocheting — with others in the group.

The members emphasize the group is for everyone, with no experience required.

They said the main ingredient is a love for helping others who would benefit by the group’s work.

“We have people cutting, we have people tying, we have people putting the patterns together,” Chan said.

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Marsha Holloway, Sue Chan and Kathy Schimmoller pose with one of their many quilts.

ty much totally spent on the batting,” Schimmoller said.

Holloway said on a recent trip to Atlanta, she shopped at outlet stores and brought back over $300 worth of fabric for the quilts, which she felt was an exceptional bargain.

Chan said current members of the group are so talented they can make beautiful quilts on whatever materials they find. When there are scraps left over, they make mini quilts and other items.

“I’ll tell all my neighbors around me to not throw away tablecloths, because I can use those for squares,” Schimmoller said.

Holloway said at the current time, they have run out of fabric.

“We’ve got months of work to do, but yeah, we’re out of fabric to cut,” Holloway said.

Holloway said the club often benefits when elderly quilters or sewers donate their “stash” when they no longer need the fabric or just want to get rid of things.

“That’s where the vast majority of our fabric hardware comes in,” Holloway said.

Holloway emphasized that any and all donations are appreciated and accepted.

“And if you are homebound, we’re happy to come and pick it up,” Chan said.

To donate or join A Stitch and A Prayer, contact Living Lord Lutheran Church at 753-9365.

“It’s great fellowship and great friendship,” Chan said.

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“So we always welcome new people to come in, and you don’t have to be a member.”

“We’ve learned to do (different tasks), and it just works out fabulous,” Schimmoller said. “There’s a real system to it; all these people help us.”

Schimmoller said they recently had a new member, Debbie Mueller, join the group. Mueller was so thrilled to be part of the group she cried. Then after Mueller missed one of the meetings, she called to apologize.

“Her passion is just so sweet,” Schimmoller said.

Schimmoller estimated they have made between 110 to 120 large quilts since 2022. As a Lutheran Church, they work with Lutheran World Relief to find those in need of quilts overseas.

A Stitch and A Prayer works with materials that often are used or donated.

The group holds fundraisers and the church’s parishioners provide support as well. Often, materials are purchased with the members’ own money, but they also hunt in thrift stores and garage sales.

“We always find these little holein-the-wall places for sheets that are cheap,” Schimmoller said.

Holloway said she buys batting at Hobby Lobby when it is 40% off.

The batting is the material used in the quilt to provide insulation and dimension.

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LIVE MUSIC AT JIGGS LANDING Runs from 4-7 p.m. each day at Jiggs Landing, 6106 63rd St. E., Bradenton. The live music lineup at Jiggs Landing includes Steve Arvey (Thursday), Al Fuller’s Moonlight Movers (Friday), Bluestar Band (Saturday) and Al Fuller (Sunday). Friday and Saturday concerts are $5; the others are free. For more information, go to JiggsLanding.com.

FRIDAY, MARCH 28 AND SATURDAY, MARCH 29

MUSIC AT THE PLAZA Runs 6-9 p.m. at Waterside Place, 1560 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch. Carmen Forte, who performs eclectic acoustic covers from the 1970s through 2000s, entertains those strolling through Waterside Place on Friday, while Tom Burgess, whose covers feature his work on the guitar and harmonica, performs on Saturday. For more information about the free music series, go to WatersidePlace.com.

POLO Gates open at 10 a.m. and the match

BEST BET SATURDAY, MARCH 29

CYCLING EVENT Begins at 7:30 a.m. at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch.

Hundreds of cyclists are set to participate in the Bike MS: Suncoast Challenge which begins and ends at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch. Four different routes (24, 50, 70 and 100 miles) are offered to raise money for the National MS Society. All participants must raise a minimum of $250. The minimum age to participate is 12. The ride is part of a national series that has more than 40,000 participating cyclists.

After the event, a piratethemed party will take place on Lakewood Main Street. For more information, go to Events.

NationalMSSociety.org.

begins at 1 p.m. at the Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Lakewood Ranch. General admission is $15; VIP tickets run $20 and up.

Each week has a theme for those who want to participate. For more information, go to SarasotaPolo.com.

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2

RANCH NITE WEDNESDAY Runs from 6-9 p.m. at Waterside Place. Ranch Nite Wednesday features food trucks, dessert trucks, live music, weekly programing, outdoor bars and a recreational cornhole league. Please do not bring coolers or bring outside food or beverages. Go to Waterside.com for more information.

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SUNSET POLO Gates open at 4:30 p.m. and polo begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Sarasota Polo Club. Sunset Polo Happy Hour makes its 2025 debut and will run each Thursday through April 10. Live music by Saint Tone Duo will play after the match. General admission tickets are $15. Other tickets plans also are available. For more information about ticket plans or the event, go to SarasotaPolo.com.

MUSIC AT THE LODGE Runs from 6-9 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday at Linger Lodge, 7116 85th St. Court E., Bradenton. Tony and his Toys is the featured performer on Saturday at Linger Lodge, while Donnie Bostic provides the entertainment on Sunday. For more information, call Linger Lodge at 755-2757.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025

7B

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ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING THE REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS REFERENCE SHOULD BE MADE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. ALL RENDERINGS AND PLANS ARE PROPOSED CONCEPTS SHOWN ONLY FOR MARKETING PURPOSES AND ARE BASED ON THE DEVELOPER’S CURRENT PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN. DEVELOPER RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY, REVISE OR WITHDRAW THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT PLAN IN DEVELOPER’S SOLE DISCRETION WITHOUT NOTICE. NOTHING HEREIN OR IN ANY OTHER COMMUNICATION SHALL BE DEEMED TO OBLIGATE THE DEVELOPER, OR ANY AFFILIATE OF DEVELOPER, TO CONSTRUCT THE PROJECT OR OFFER ANY OF THE PROJECT FOR SALE, AND NOTHING HEREIN SHALL BE DEEMED A GUARANTY OF ANY KIND. THIS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SALE OR SOLICITATION OF OFFERS TO BUY.

8B

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025

MARCH 2025

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Preservation of Myakka River remains crucial today Protections continue to keep the river healthy and its wildlife thriving.

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he Myakka River is a cherished, local, natural gem.

Recognizing the river’s remarkable ecological, wildlife, and recreational values, Sen. Bob Johnson introduced a bill to protect the river in 1985.Our state legislature agreed these values give significance to the river as one which should be permanently preserved and enhanced for the citizens of Florida, both present and future.

To that end, legislators designated the 34 miles of the Myakka River in Sarasota County as Florida’s only state-designated Wild and Scenic River. Since, in accordance with the Myakka River Wild and Scenic Designation and Preservation Act of 1985, state and local commitments to protect the river help minimize adverse impacts to the river’s outstandingly remarkable values in Sarasota County. Preservation of large areas of land on the river’s banks help maintain its timeless beauty and ecological integrity. Importantly, the Myakka River Wild and Scenic Designation and Preservation Act also resulted in state and county restrictions of activities which would negatively impact its values. Among others, prohibited activities include filling, excavation, disturbance of native vegetation, and storage of materials, as well as new coastal construction such as bridges over the river, docks, retaining walls and roads. An important layer of protection for the river in Sarasota County is The Myakka River Protection Zone — an upland buffer that extends 220 feet on each side of the Myakka River.

In addition to enhancing wild and scenic views, these buffers help preserve the edge between land and water, as well as the river itself.

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Government protections remain important in keeping the Myakka River healthy and pristine.

Plants in the buffer zone can uptake and store nutrients, which reduces their transport to the river and potentially mitigates algal blooms.

The roots of grasses, shrubs and trees provide bank stability, which helps prevent erosion and silt buildup in the river.

Buffers also support a healthy ecosystem by providing habitat and food sources for a variety of species.

By slowing down runoff and absorbing excess water, wide buffers reduce the risk of flooding.

Finally, buffers contribute to cleaner, healthier water in the Myakka River because they filter pollutants and regulate water temperature.

They therefore support not only our natural communities but human ones, too.

Miri Hardy is the first executive director of Friends of Myakka River, a nonprofit that supports Myakka River State Park. She’s been a Sarasota resident since 2014 and holds a doctorate in social psychology from Washington University in St. Louis. Miri is happiest exploring wild Florida, often on her bike, and capturing its beauty with her camera.

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10B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025

ADVERTISEMENT

The Observer Presents:

The Titans of Wealth: From 19th Century Moguls to Today’s Tech Billionaires

This is your last chance to experience insights from one of

Exclusive offer for Observer Readers!

the nation’s leading historians. Dive deep into American history as our expert speaker brings the past to life with captivating stories and fresh perspectives. Don’t miss out!

THURSDAY | APR. 10

JEREMI SURI

University of Texas

Wealth in America: From Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, and Carnegie to Gates, Bezos, and Musk Take a journey through America’s wealthiest figures—past and present—exploring how they shaped the nation’s economy and continue to impact society today.

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Though many of us don’t want to acknowledge it, the pursuit of wealth is an important part of what defines the American experience. The last 150 years have generated the greatest production of wealth in the United States, unparalleled anywhere else in the world.

On Thursday, April 10th University of Texas History Professor Jeremi Suri will present Wealth in America, as he examines the lives and careers of some of the most important men who launched the American economy. A small group of individuals drove this wealth-creation, who went on to benefit in remarkable ways that are hard for the rest of us to even imagine.

The presentation will trace the careers of some of the most celebrated (and sometimes despised) men who expanded the American economy and became super-rich. In fact, the individuals Professor Suri will discuss created sums of money that even the phrase superrich do not do justice! The focus will be primarily on Cornelius Vanderbilt, Andrew Carnegie, and John Rockefeller, comparing their remarkable drive and ingenuity as well as their often-questionable behavior.

Participants come to understand their actions, their risk-taking, and even their values. Professor Suri will assess both their contributions and their crimes.

Cornelius Vanderbilt was a self-made multi-millionaire who became one of the wealthiest Americans of the 19th century.

After working on various steamships, Vanderbilt went into business for himself in the late 1820s, and eventually became one of the country’s largest steamship operators. In the 1860s, he shifted his focus to the railroad industry, where he built a far larger intercontinental empire and helped make railroad transportation more efficient, often to the detriment of other operators. He was the richest man in America when he died, but his wealth was soon eclipsed by someone else.

Andrew Carnegie made his fortune in the steel industry and controlled the most extensive integrated iron and steel operations ever owned by a single individual in the United States. He perfected the cheap and efficient mass production of steel by adopting and adapting the Bessemer process, which allowed the high carbon content of iron to be burnt away in a controlled and rapid way during steel production. Steel prices dropped as a result, and his steel was rapidly adopted for railways. In addition, Carnegie vertically integrated the entire industry. He came to own nearly a dozen different large steel companies, and then combined his assets and those of his associates in 1892 with the launching of the Carnegie Steel Company.

Carnegie spent his last years as a philanthropist and is often credited with developing the very concept of philanthropy to levels never even considered previously. He had written about his views on social subjects and the responsibilities of great wealth in an 1889 book titled The Gospel of Wealth, devoted the rest of his life to providing capital for purposes of public interest and social and educational advancement. He is best known for building Carnegie Hall in New York as well as the establishment of nearly 3,000 public libraries throughout the United States, Britain, Canada, and New Zealand, Professor Suri will then turn to the life of John D. Rockefeller, one of the wealthiest Americans of all time in fact one of the richest people in modern history.

Beginning at age 20, he concentrates his business on oil refining. and eventually founded the Standard Oil Company in 1870. He ran it until 1897 and in retirement focused his energy and wealth on philanthropy as Carnegie had, but focusing instead on higher education and medicine.

The final section on of the presentation will focus on three modern ultra wealthy individuals: Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk. We will also see how earlier generations influenced these recent moguls. The presentation will conclude with some reflections on the historical role of wealth in our democracy.

11B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7977 Bowspirit Way 4 Beds 4 Baths 3,754 Sq. Ft. Tina Ciaccio 941-685-8420 A4644288 $3,375,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 13635 Legends Walk Terrace 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 4,581 Sq. Ft. Mary Pat Pihl 941-932-3065 A4644423 $2,490,000

TERRA CEIA 130 Burns Road 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,947 Sq. Ft. Ian Schmitzerle 734-664-5466 A4638931 $2,250,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 8281 Redonda Loop 5 Beds 5/1 Baths 4,028 Sq. Ft. Kathy Barrie 941-757-7872 A4644145 $2,150,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 8436 Cane Bay Court 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 3,605 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4633513 $1,990,000

BRADENTON 4632 Benito Court 3 Beds 3 Baths 3,025 Sq. Ft. Barbara A Milian, PA 941-504-0660 A4642122 $1,525,000

BRADENTON 115 65th Street Court Nw 5 Beds 3 Baths 2,968 Sq. Ft. Patty Brooks 941-545-1194 A4643296 $1,200,000

PARRISH 15923 29th Street E 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,972 Sq. Ft. Diane Fogo Harter 941-445-2431 A4620370 $799,900

LAKEWOOD RANCH 15606 Leven Links Place 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,201 Sq. Ft. Pamela Modisett 941-993-3967 A4641499 $799,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 18010 Harwich Place 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,701 Sq. Ft. Thomas Arthur 941-400-7970 A4643477 $799,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 11728 Strandhill Court 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,033 Sq. Ft. Tina Ciaccio 941-685-8420 A4640463 $789,000

BRADENTON 13608 11th Terrace E 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,135 Sq. Ft. Kiley Riccardi, P.A. 941-720-1147 A4642601 $765,000

BRADENTON 12326 Blue Hill Trail 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,094 Sq. Ft. Izzy Pollack 941-404-0403 A4641169 $750,000

NORTH PORT/ VENICE 1210 Eagles Flight Way 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,924 Sq. Ft. Denise Gagne 941-400-6358 A4626634 $749,000

BRADENTON 3608 54th Drive W 202 3 Beds 3 Baths 1,981 Sq. Ft. Adam Cuffaro 941-812-0791 A4643895 $699,000

BRADENTON 3450 77th Street W 103 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,854 Sq. Ft. Pamela Miller 614-632-2801 A4643938 $590,000

PALMETTO/RUBONIA 7612 Mill Hopper Court 5 Beds 4 Baths 3,321 Sq. Ft. Erica Thomas 941-799-9365 A4644371 $585,000

BRADENTON 12715 Lake Silver Avenue 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,844 Sq. Ft. Chris Baylis 941-735-4713 A4626074 $562,500

LAKEWOOD RANCH 17019 Hampton Falls Terrace 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,433 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4641525 $560,000

BRADENTON 4010 18th Avenue W 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,773 Sq. Ft. Judy LaValliere 941-504-3792 A4638857 $537,999

LAKEWOOD RANCH 6179 Mesa Glen 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,533 Sq. Ft. Barbara A Milian, PA 941-504-0660 A4644164 $524,900

LAKEWOOD RANCH 5806 43rd Court E 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,009 Sq. Ft. Cathy Palmer 941-920-2247 A4644680 $520,000

BRADENTON 3702 54th Drive W 103 2 Beds 2/9 Baths 1,215 Sq. Ft. Adam Cuffaro 941-812-0791 A4644326 $489,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 6226 Blueflower Court 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,736 Sq. Ft. Melba Jimenez, Pa 941-356-3970 A4643109 $449,000

BRADENTON 3803 54th Drive W 203 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,117 Sq. Ft. Adam Cuffaro 941-812-0791 A4640545 $424,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7921 Waterton Lane 3 Beds 3 Baths 4,990 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4644184 $3,250,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7327 Greystone Street 4 Beds 4 Baths 4,321 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4643455 $2,750,000

BRADENTON 10106 46th Avenue W 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,986 Sq. Ft. Cheryl Roberts 941-266-1450 A4637311 $2,500,000

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440829-1

12B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025

RESEARCH EDITOR

A

Deer Run home on Big Buck Lane topped the week’s

sales.

Martin and Judith Schor, of Sarasota, sold the home at 8480 Big Buck Lane to David and Dalanee Kennon, of Sarasota, for $2.45 million. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, a pool and 4,359 square feet of living area. It sold for $699,000 in 2011.

COUNTRY CLUB EAST

Brian and Shayna Gilchrist, of Bradenton, sold their home at 15906 Kendleshire Terrace to McLain Tallungan and Jennifer Tallungan, trustees, of Barrington, Illinois, for $2.075 million. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,959 square feet of living area. It sold for $2.215 million in 2022.

LAKEHOUSE COVE AT WATERSIDE

HBT at Waterside LLC sold the home at 8015 Waterbend Trail to Mark and Kari Scionti, of Sarasota, for $1.798 million. Built in 2024, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,673 square feet of living area.

Margaret and Frank Lavezzoli and Paul and Amy Lavezzoli, of Sarasota, sold their home at 741 Tailwind Place to Denise Kessler, of Sarasota, for $1.3 million. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,451 square feet of living area. It sold for $709,800 in 2021.

Rodney and Renee Merrick, trustees, of Fort Mill, South Carolina, sold the home at 949 Crosswind Ave. to Gary and Susan Goldstein, of Odenton, Maryland, for $885,000. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, two baths, and 2,157 square feet of living area. It sold for $641,200 in 2022.

DEL WEBB

William Alexander Aitchison and Maria Goretti Aitchison, of Collegeville, Pennsylvania, sold their home at 7125 Gradford Court to Linda Stile and Joe Stile, trustees, of Akron, Ohio, for $1.325 million.

Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,823 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.33 million in 2023.

Minakshi Sukumar, trustee, of Apex, North Carolina, sold the home at 7113 Gradford Court to Douglas Drabik and Karen Kosar Drabik, of Bradenton, for $945,000.

Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,985 square feet of living area. It sold for $655,000 in 2020.

Steven and Erin West, trustees, of Parrish, sold the home at 17519 Hampton Falls Terrace to Larry and Martha Tolbert, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, for $515,000. Built in 2018, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,425 square feet of living area. It sold for $337,500 in 2019.

Lana Kohr, of Henderson, Nevada, sold her home at 7590 Summerland Cove to William and Gail Lewis, of Westerville, Ohio, for $449,000.

Built in 2022, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,458 square feet of living area. It sold for $416,600 in 2022.

RIVER CLUB SOUTH

James and Jaclyn Royalty, of Bradenton, sold their home at 10622 Cheval Place to Sunshine Real Properties LLC for $1.2 million.

Built in 1998, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,246 square feet of living area. It sold for $500,000 in 2017.

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

MARCH 10-14

Ivelaw and Linda Carrington, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 9937 Laurel Valley Ave. Circle to Christina Lincoln, of Lakewood Ranch, for $735,000. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,503 square feet of living area. It sold for $557,000 in 2020.

LAKEWOOD NATIONAL

Lillian Grega sold her home at 5606 Mulligan Way to Richard and Elisabeth Bouwman, of Bradenton, for $1.1 million. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,401 square feet of living area. It sold for $653,100 in 2021.

Mario Avallone, of Bradenton, sold his home at 17731 Hickok Belt Loop to Hongmei Jian and Lie Wang, of Bradenton, for $895,000. Built in 2020, it has two bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 1,900 square feet of living area. It sold for $865,000 in 2023.

MILL CREEK

Elvin and Lesha Fisher, of Bradenton, sold their home at 1614 145th St. E. to Jaclyn and James Royalty, of Bradenton, for $1.07 million.

Built in 2023, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,751 square feet of living area.

ST. JAMES PARK

Catamount Properties 2018 LLC sold the home at 6616 Hunter Combe Crossing to Jonathan and Karly Schneider, of University Park, for $960,000. Built in 1992, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,316 square feet of living area. It sold for $280,000 in 1994.

RIVER CLUB NORTH

Douglas Whitney, trustee, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the home at 10308 Clubhouse Drive to Brittany Ann Hoke and Skylar Jalen Hoke, of Bradenton, for $899,000. Built in 1993, it has four bedrooms, fourand-a-half baths, a pool and 3,693 square feet of living area. It sold for $650,000 in 2020.

MOORINGS AT EDGEWATER

Dennis McSherry and Mary Patricia McSherry, trustees, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the Unit 202 condominium at 6503 Moorings Point Circle to Dane and Cindy Whitmoyer, of Emerald Isle, North Carolina, for $850,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,963 square feet of living area. It sold for $550,000 in 2018.

Madison Bierl

This Deer Run home at 8480 Big Buck Lane sold for $2.45 million. It has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,359 square feet of living area.

baths, a pool and 2,555 square feet of living area. It sold for $253,900 in 2002.

COACH HOMES AT LAKEWOOD NATIONAL

Joyce Lecatsas, trustee, of Clearwater, sold the Unit 5111 condominium at 6066 Worsham Lane to Robert Joseph Lyons and Suprobowati Soejerto, of Lakewood Ranch, for $540,000. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,786 square feet of living area. It sold for $326,000 in 2021.

EAGLE TRACE

Halfmoon Lake LLC sold the home at 12310 Halfmoon Lake Terrace to Brett Obara, of Bradenton, for $545,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,222 square feet of living area.

It sold for $335,000 in 2017.

RIVERSIDE AT TIDEWATER PRESERVE

HERITAGE HARBOUR

Michael Arthur Crane, of Frisco, Texas, sold the home at 6895 Willowshire Way to Patty Watson, of Bradenton, for $545,000. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,628 square feet of living area. It sold for $525,000 in 2021.

Perlie Herbert Doyle Jr., of Bradenton, sold his Unit A condominium at 1258 Riverscape St. to Elwood and Brenda Roseberry, of Castle Rock, Colorado, for $530,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two SEE REAL ESTATE, PAGE 14B

In with the new NOW TAKING CONTRACTS

MOVE-IN SUMMER 2025

ASHLEY TRACE AT UNIVERSITY PLACE

Steven and Rosary Walsh, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the home at 7823 Ashley Circle to Michael and Amy Rogers, of Bradenton, for $730,000.

Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,210 square feet of living area. It sold for $400,500 in 2005.

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MAGNOLIA MANOR

Daniel and Patricia Brown, of Bradenton, sold their home at 2014 67th St. Court E. to Carlos Amauri Gomez Velasquez, of Bradenton, for $650,500. Built in 1984, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,288 square feet of living area. It sold for $153,000 in 1999.

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David and Sundee Williams, of Nokomis, sold their home at 4506 Garden Arbor Way to Annette and Shane Van der Enden, of Bradenton, for $648,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,589 square feet of living area.

It sold for $700,000 in 2022.

ARBOR GRANDE

Kathleen and Eric Payeur, of Melrose, Massachusetts, sold their home at 12437 Perennial Place to Ian Forbes, of Bradenton, for $615,000.

Built in 2020, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 1,901 square feet of living area. It sold for $627,500 in 2023.

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SUMMERFIELD VILLAGE

Aaron and Laura Kramer, of Sarasota, sold their home at 11802 Summer Meadow Drive to Clifford and Janine Peek, of New Bern, North Carolina, for $585,000. Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, three

MSCDeveloperServices.com | 844.591.4333 | Sarasota, Florida Prices as of January 2025

440810-1

ADAM HUGHES

REAL ESTATE

Deer Run home tops sales at $2.45 million

13B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025

Real estate

COACH HOMES AT RIVER STRAND

FROM PAGE 13B

baths and 1,748 square feet of living area. It sold for $525,000 in 2021.

AZARIO ESPLANADE

Charles Anthony Houston and Annazette McCane Houston, of Bradenton, sold their home at 15719 Sacile Lane to Joseph Loffredo Jr. and Marian Loffredo, trustees, of Bradenton, for $525,000. Built in 2022, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,558 square feet of living area. It sold for $391,600 in 2022.

Justin Ross Fortenberry and Maricarmen Alicia Fortenberry, of Bradenton, sold their home at 4658 Tortona Court to Sharon Weiss, of Newtown, Pennsylvania, for $525,000. Built in 2022, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,558 square feet of living area. It sold for $410,200 in 2022.

SAVANNA

Amy Louise Campbell, of Dallas, sold her home at 3822 Savanna Palms Court to Timothy Lee Thompson and Bridget Leanne Thompson, of Lakewood Ranch, for $520,000. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,674 square feet of living area. It sold for $538,600 in 2022.

RIVER WALK AT RIVER ISLES

Allan Burrill and Mary Holly Smith, trustees, of Melbourne, sold the home at 3997 Lakewood Ave. to David McCabe and Virginia McCabe, trustees, of Bradenton, for $515,000. Built in 1984, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,832 square feet of living area. It sold for $170,000 in 2002.

Peter Orlando Miranda, trustee, of Virginia Lee Miranda, of Bradenton, sold the Unit 302 condominium at 7914 Grand Estuary Trail to Stephen Gandel and Paulette Gandel, trustees, of Bradenton, for $512,000.

Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,108 square feet of living area. It sold for $290,000 in 2020.

RIVERDALE REVISED

Violet Duey and Karlena Ramsey and Sandra LaDuke, of Bradenton, sold their home at 4111 First Ave. N.E. to Andrew Riddle and Sarah Puim, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, for $500,000. Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,152 square feet of living area. It sold for $150,000 in 2014.

STONEYBROOK AT HERITAGE HARBOUR

Galen Campbell and Alma Street, of Newfoundland, Canada, sold their home at 8752 Monterey Bay Loop to Jerry Dean Powell and Janet Powell, of Glens Falls North, New York, for $495,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,983 square feet of living area. It sold for $215,000 in 2013.

VERANDA AT LAKEWOOD NATIONAL

Joseph Loffredo Jr., trustee, of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, sold the Unit 115 condominium at 5518 Palmer Circle to Jon and Cassie Mast, of Millersburg, Ohio, for $475,000. Built in 2017, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,329 square feet of living area. It sold for $258,000 in 2020.

RIVERWALK VILLAGE

Mildred Kelly, of Sarasota, and Edmond Kelly, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 11606 Water Poppy Terrace to Benjamin and Brooke Kinney, of Lakewood Ranch, for $515,000. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,026 square feet.

It sold for $239,000 in 2003.

ONLINE See more transactions at YourObserver.com

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14B

YourObserver.com

15B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025

THURSDAY, MARCH 27

WEATHER

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FORECAST

Sunrise Sunset

High: 88 Low: 61 Chance of rain: 7%

FRIDAY, MARCH 28 High: 86 Low: 66 Chance of rain: 6%

Thursday, March 27

7:25a

7:45p

Friday, March 28

7:24a

7:45p

Saturday, March 29

7:23a

7:46p

Sunday, March 30

7:22a

7:46p

Monday, March 31

7:21a

7:47p

Tuesday, April 1

7:20a

7:47p

Wednesday, April 2

7:18a

7:48p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, MARCH 29 High: 87 Low: 68 Chance of rain: 44%

March 29 New

April 4 First

April 12 Full

April 20 Last

RAINFALL

SUNDAY, MARCH 30 High: 81 Low: 68 Chance of rain: 51%

Monday, March 17

0.02

Tuesday, March 18

0

Wednesday, March 19

0

Thursday, March 20

0 0.05

Friday, March 21

Anne Marie Keane took this photo of the sunset from Del Webb in Lakewood Ranch.

Saturday, March 22

0

Sunday, March 23

0

*Rainfall totals from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

Submit your photos at YourObserver.com/Contests. All submissions will be entered for the 2024-25. Weather and Nature photo contest. In February 2025, you will vote for your favorite photo, and the submission with the most votes will win a $500 gift card.

YEAR TO DATE: 4.62 in.

2025 8.60 in.

2024

MONTH TO DATE: 0.49 in.

2025 1.03 in.

2024

We have all of your luxury flooring needs carpet | hardwood | tile | stone | pavers | and more Sarasota 941.355.8437 | Bradenton 941.748.4679 | Venice 941.493.7441 | manasotaonline.com

Daily crossword puzzles available at YourObserver.com/crossword

MEGA FREESTYLE 1 by Rafael Musa, edited by Jared Goudsmit regarded as everyday

45 Device that keeps a

113 Klingons or Na’vi

computer from overheating

114 Some important QB

46 Nose, cutely

throws

48 Go off-topic

115 Highly regarded

50 Less mature

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40 Holy See leader

67 “Savor this moment!”

89 Gibbon, e.g.

43 Sweeping tales

69 France-Germany border 91 Rabbits’ underground

47 Fictional volcano where

river

networks

the One Ring was forged

70 Stuff in a spray can

93 “Rugrats” dad

49 “Be there in a bit!”

72 Libreville’s country

94 Sugar substitute brand

51 Suffix for “Tao”

73 “It’s so important that

98 Gloria Vanderbilt, to

52 Had nowhere to go

you understand ...”

Anderson Cooper

77 Kind of tense?

99 Flavor enhancer, for

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say

that”)

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59 Video game series with a for short

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“San Andreas” installment, 80 Mapo ___ (dish with

108 “That’s news to me!”

for short

douchi)

110 Glance quickly

60 Plum or periwinkle

81 Font similar to Helvetica 112 Situation that’s now

“VEG WEC’P OKUL PE AXUL SXBPO PE FERLECL PE OKUL K ZKRXYV. JL’BL KYY ZKRXYV – KC LNPLCWLW ZKRXYV.”

1 Wiccan group

55 In the belly of the ___

2 Eggs on some chirashi-

58 Newspaper revenue

zushi

sources

3 Gazillionth

62 Grabbing something

4 ___ water (stays afloat)

that isn’t natural?

“F ICCG DCHY XSTW DZOCPZ VPCWWFJM

5 Ireland’s “Rebel City”

64 Tonsillitis doc

6 Washed (down)

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S CJZ – XST WHPZZH. HYSH’W YCX KLVY

7 Situations

66 Chef/author El-Waylly

8 Secondary social media

68 MLK Day’s mo.

accounts

70 Diva’s time to shine

9 Air attack

71 Maned animal

10 Iconic Edvard Munch

73 Hoppy brews, for short

painting set in Oslo

74 Rigatoni shape

11 ___ Cruces

75 Feijoada or cioppino, e.g.

12 Get hitched hastily

76 Fridge sounds

13 Spanish fast-fashion

82 Roberto Clemente,

brand

Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales,

14 ___ scale (system in

etc.

which calcite is a 3)

84 Taco topper

15 Despise

85 Change for a euro

16 Galena, gadolinite, etc.

86 Fuel for some grills

17 Org. with an “About

88 Academic coaches

Handwashing” webpage

90 Quill, e.g.

18 “Cross my heart!”

92 Protective charm

19 Abate

94 Fountain drinks

20 Tit for ___

95 Prep, like a grapefruit

23 “Ay, dios ___!”

96 Word after “big” or

26 Thor’s father

“census”

29 Little devils

97 “25” singer

31 “Can’t resist the urge!”

99 Toothpaste flavor

33 Grow molars, say

100 Lose fur

34 Rumspringa partici-

101 Stare openmouthedly,

pants

to a Brit

35 Arrangement that may

103 A ___ a dozen

lead to adoption

104 Speaker’s platform

36 “The story that’s going

105 Ray of light

around is ...”

106 Gospel singer Winans

38 Jewish wedding dance

107 Scraped (by)

39 Punk-adjacent genre

109 Genetic makeup

41 Bear, in Spanish

111 ___-workout (athlete’s

42 Pigs and guinea pigs

supplement)

FKCWBK SGYYEDT

OSFHY F YSNZ IZOH FJ YLKSJFFT.” HCK YSPET

“SAT FTUXTFS IYMS WB SAT PWZH XF SAT THTF, OWMGH, PKS SAYS’F DAYS X PTRXTNT. SATH YMT DAYS OWGGTOS KF YF AKJYG PTXGLF.”

ORXNT WDTG

Puzzle Three Clue: O equals C

ACROSS

54 “Congrats!”

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

Puzzle Two Clue: H equals T

©2025 Universal Uclick

53 Scorches

celebrity cipher

Puzzle One Clue: T equals K

crossword

The Grounded Feeling Everyone will Enjoy

437912-1

at MANASOTA FLOORING INC

© 2025 NEA, Inc.

sudoku

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

44 “Thanks for the favor!” ©2025 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

3-27-25

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025

RED PAGES AD RATES

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

Homes for Sale

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

The Premier Golf & Marina Manufactured Home Community 55+ Active Lifestyle HOMES FOR SALE

Starting in the low $100s Brand New Model Homes starting in the low $200s NOW offering HOMES FOR RENT from $2,500/monthly *On select homes

Sporting Goods

ADVERTISE YOUR MERCHANDISE with the total value of all items $200 or less in this section for FREE! Limit 1 ad per month,15 words or less. Price must be included next to each item. No commercial advertising.

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

Call 941-955-4888 Or Email ad to: classified@yourobserver.com (Please provide your name and address) Or Online at: www.yourobserver.com Or mail to: The Observer Group 1970 Main St. - 3rd Floor Sarasota, Fl 34236

SEWING MACHINE, Jaanome, new in box. $60 Four spool surger. $50 941-243-0761 TWIN BEDS- comes with bedding and beautiful Maple Headboards.

Excellent condition. $199.00 941-751-5708- Leave Message VINTAGE 'GOTZ' doll. $60.

New Lg. dog cage w/tray & pad. $50.

New 'Don Joy' full sports knee brace. $45.

941-776-0034

Garage/ Moving/ Estate Sales COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE Saturday, April 5 Rain or Shine River Strand Golf & Country Club 7155 Grand Estuary Trail 8am-1pm. Over 30 Homes!

Household Items, Electronics, Antiques, Tools, Clothing, and More!

GREAT FINDS LOCATED HERE! GARAGE SALE for power tools, fishing equip., life jackets, coolers, household items & more!

Sat. March 29th, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

10912 Big Bass Place, Bradenton (Waterlefe community)

Merchandise Wanted DAD AND DAUGHTER TEAM BUYING COINS & CURRENCY Call Today! 941-795-3203 SENIOR LOOKING to purchase precious metals, diamonds, time pieces, coins, jewelry, antique and estate jewelry, and some collectors plates. Personal and confidential.

Please call Marc: 941-321-0707

SELL IT NOW! 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

PLACE YOUR AD: Call: 941-955-4888 Email: RedPages@ YourObserver.com Online: YourObserver.com /RedPages

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

Cleaning BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service

by Maria. Residential. Meticulous Cleaning. Excellent References.

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

Handyman Services

Air Conditioning

26 YRS. EXPERIENCE Chicagoland handyman looking for new projects in Florida.

Call 773-456-3780 JAMES BOTTORFF HANDYMAN SERVICES Call or Text 941-807-0032 Registered in the state of FL.

Painting

PINO'S AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING Home of the $99 Maintenance Plan. We are a small business family owned and operated since 2012 serving Sarasota County and Charlotte County. We offer a boutique style approach where you are not just a number, but a family member. Call us for your comfort/AC needs today. Where comfort meets innovation.

(941) 249-4438

Visit the

RED PAGES

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Open House OPEN HOUSE March 30th, 2025 1p-4p Eagle Trace, Lakewood Ranch.

(Whisper Lake Dr.) We’ll have several homes open, Come by and see what this beatiful neighborhood has to offer!

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.

pinosairconditioningandheating.com

Auto Transport SHIP YOUR car, truck or SUV anywhere in the United States.

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

Use the RED PAGES to clean out your garage CALL 941-955-4888

Aluminum

SARASOTA PAINTING, LLC INTERIOR / EXTERIOR / CABINETS WE ARE THE BEST!!!

Residential & Commercial.

Fully Insured.

CALL or TEXT Don 941-900-9398

Pressure Cleaning JOE THE POWER WASHER LLC (941) 993-4447

Auto Service

SELL YOUR CAR! FAST • EASY • SAFE

Autos Wanted CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

Color background: $ 5 per week Ad border: as low as $3 per week

WE COME TO YOU

“Specializing inin6” Gutters” “Specializing 6” Seamless Seamless Gutters” Dustin Yoder

Dustin Owner Yoder/ Operator

WE BUY cars. top $$ paid for your vehicles.

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE! 941-955-4888

YourObserver.com/RedPages

5-Star Rated

HoHoBuysCars.com

941.650.9790 941.650.9790 YoderAluminum.com

Owner /Insured Operator STORAGE FACILITY Boat/ RV/ Insured

Trailer. Secure facility, low monthly rentals, Clark Rd area.

941-809-3660, 941-809-3662.

941.270.4400

YoderAluminum.com

Attorney

Doors

DON’T let your

Divorce without Lawyers

PATIO DOORS be a DRAG or your

WINDOWS be a PANE!!

Divorce is never fun, but it does not have to be nasty & hateful! Protect your family relationships and assets from expensive Court litigation. Consider Divorce Mediation, the peaceful alternative.

Sliding Glass Door Repairs Sliding Glass Door Deadbolts | Window Repairs

FREE

IN-HOAMTEES ESTIM

Call me for a free 30 minute consultation before you call a Divorce Lawyer!

We have mediated divorces involving up to 15 million dollars of assets over past 30 years.

Call us today!

941.628.8579

William J. Leininger, JD

Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator 677 N. Washington Blvd Sarasota, FL 34236 SarasotaDivorceMediator.com 941-727-5555

www.ezslider.com

442676

‘EVERETT’S COTTAGE’ by Thomas Kinkade. Framed.

31”Hx36”L. $150 OBO 410-507-4447

4BR/3BA/3150SF SECLUDED privacy in River Woods of Parrish Florida! 11551 30th Cv E. Exceptional craftsmanship & finishes. Updated kitchen, baths, pool deck, patio, windows, AC, hwh. All bedrooms have ensuite baths. 47' caged lanai. 30' heated pool. Preserve view. Pedestrian & pet friendly community includes clubhouse, fitness, tennis, pickleball, pool. $895,000 (941) 504-3874 https://www.quartzcoastrealtyfl.com/

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN

www.braziliancleaningbymk.com

Business Hours MON-SAT 8AM-5PM SUN 10AM-4PM 2550 Pier Drive, Ruskin, FL 35570 www.riversideclubFL.com

442667

COLEMAN 5KW gas generator $155 954-609-0020

For home listings and tee times visit us online To schedule a tour, please call 877-211-5337

Homes for Sale

auto

14 DESIGNER NECKTIES, New. $5 each. Call for photo.

Eddie- 941-932-1172

1st Saturday of the Month 10AM-2PM

441819

Items Under $200

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 9 to 5 daily except Sundays and holidays.

12208 Cortez Rd, FL 941-251-7916 Ext. 1

real estate

stuff

OPEN HOUSE

home services

RED PAGES

First 15 words .................. $ 17.50 per week Each add’l word ....... 50¢

YourObserver.com

Brick Pavers

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

Plumbing

CALL BEFOREYOU YOU FALL CALL BEFORE FALL

Mark’s Plumbing Service

GRAB BARS GRAB BARS

Business in Christ

Plumbing repairs. Replace toilets, faucets, water filters, water softeners and repair leaks.

COMPLETE INSTALLATION PACKAGE

$ $235

RELIABLE • INSURED

INCLUDES22MOEN MOEN STAINLESS INCLUDES STAINLESS STEEL STEELANTI ANTISLIP SLIP CONCEALED PEEN CONCEALED SCREW SCREW GRAB GRAB BARS (16”BARS & 24”)(16” & 24”)

941.966.0333 LIFETIME GUARANTEE • LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED COVERAGEAREA: AREA:LAKEWOOD PARRISH TO NORTHPORT COVERAGE RANCH TO S. VENICE

DRGRABBARS.COM

*DRILLING CHARGES MAY APPLY FOR MARBLE, GRANITE OR PORCELAIN. COUPON REQUIRED.

Computer

Find anything in the RED PAGES | 941-955-4888

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

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

SHOWER & BATH MAKEOVERS Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

Call John 941.377.2940

442655

441830

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

Free Estimates • Sarasota Resident Since 1974

www.showerandbathsarasota.com

Transportation

BLACK LABEL CAR SERVICE “Luxury for Less”

Landscaping & Lawn

Pegatronics.com

GARDENS

Contractor

No Job is Too Small!

E&E GENERAL CONTRACTING

941 - 248 - 4734 442679

941-735-3362

by Allison

Windows

AFFORDABLE WINDOW CARE

by John Larson

Storm Cleanup • Garden Beds • Landscape Maintenance • Weeds • Trimming

“Your Home, Your Legacy”

Allison J. Abizaid

441831

Personal Gardening Services | Designer

Local Home Improvement Contractor: Kitchen & Bathroom Reno • Tile Floor & Showers Flooring & Trim • Siding & Windows • Fencing

941-400-0431 • gbyallison@yahoo.com • gardensbyallison.com

GG1 Lawn Care & Landscaping Services Pruning, Weed Maintenance, Tree Care 442652

941-529-1768 | eecontractingllc.com

Call Today for FREE Estimate

423.251.2368 / 863.473.1069

NEED HELP?

All Florida Airports, Concerts & Dinners - Hourly Cruise Ships & Medical | See Specials at: www.blacklabelcarservice.com

Residential specialist for window cleaning & tinting

TRUSTED SECURITY FILM INSTALLER

on US CAPITAL, SENATE & LIBRARY of CONGRESS buildings after 9/11.

CALL (941) 955.4607 (941) 321.1304

30+YEARS LOCAL EXPERIENCE.

Cut Your Energy Bill by Tinting Your Home or Business!

Tax benefits! FPL rebates!

affordablewindowcare.com affordablewindowcare@gmail.com

442687

www.BIC - CC.COM

410036

Over 200 Reviews Award Winning Services

441828

941-321-2859

364556 441829

Screening

Call or text today for a FREE estimate:

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

941-920-8221

442654

249 235 *

$

• Paver Sealing • Pressure & Soft Washing • Concrete Coating • Painting

442668

17B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025

442199

Find business and service professionals in the Red Pages.

To advertise: 941-955-4888

Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

Painting

SARASOTA PAINTING, LLC

Handyman

Res. | Com. | Lic. | Ins.

KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES

CALL OR TEXT 941-900-9398 TODAY! OWNER: DON HUBIAK

442653

Roofing

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

• Aluminum, Vinyl, & Wood Soffit and Fascia • Metal & Shingle Roofing • Pool Cage, Pan Roofs & Lania Fabrication • Aluminum Welding & Fabrication

Recognized Among the Best Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Physicians in America

442670

• Systems Upgraded & Serviced • Troubleshooting & Repair • Serving Manatee County since 1979 ANDY AVALOS | 941-545-7280

442664

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

peekers’ place

Midtown Medical Park 1215 S. East Ave. Suite 210 Sarasota, FL 34239

You’re only cheating yourself.

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

LAWN SPRINKLER SERVICES

5

$

senior citizen discount.

www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

PURIFIED WATER WINDOW CLEANING AVAIL ABLE!!

941-626-3194 kennethfuhlmaninc.com

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

Irrigation

SPECIAL 00

Building & Roofing Contractor

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

STANDARD WINDOWS

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

160

25 $

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES 941- 284 - 5880

This week’s Crossword answers

442681

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

UP TO

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “You don’t have to give birth to someone to have a family. We’re all family – an extended family.”

Sandra Bullock Puzzle Two Solution: “I look both ways before crossing a one – way street. That’s how much faith I have left in humanity.”

Tom Hardy Puzzle Three Solution: “The sexiest part of the body is the eyes. Corny, but that’s what I believe. They are what connect us as human beings.”

Clive Owen

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2025 NEA, Inc.

Health

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

Formerly known as Sunrise Windows

FULLY INSURED • OWNER OPERATED

©2025 Universal Uclick

KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES

Exterior / Interior / Cabinets

442678

TEXT OR CALL 574-354-7772

443067

INTERIOR RENOVATIONS & ANYTHING FROM THE GROUND UP

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025

We highly recommend Shanahan Luxury Group without reservation. We have done several real estate deals using them as both our listing agent and/or as our buyers’ agent. They achieved top dollar results for us in each of our sales and also were a real pleasure and easy to work with. You can trust their integrity and their expertise. We recommend them at the highest level!

— Maria A., Del Webb

8348 Catamaran Circle The Lake Club

16010 Topsail Terrace The Lake Club

Open House 3/30 1:00 - 4:00

$3,500,000 | 3,590 Square Feet 4 Bedrooms | 5 Bathrooms Guest Casita

7125 Gradford Court Del Webb

Open House 3/30 1:00 - 4:00

Sold at 102% of List Price

$3,200,000 | 3796 Square Feet 4 Bedrooms | 4.5 Bathrooms Guest Casita

17022 Cresswind Terrace Cresswind

$1,325,000 | 2,823 Square Feet 3 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms Office | Private Pool/Spa

6476 Royal Tern Circle Greenbrook Open House 3/29 1:00 - 3:00

Active

$799,000 | 2,318 Square Feet 3 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms 55+ Community

3331 Chestertown Loop Mallory Park

$799,000 | 3,013 Square Feet 4 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms Private Pool

Active

$450,000 | 1,836 Square Feet 3 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms Community Amenities

RANKED #1 THE LATEST NUMBERS SAY IT ALL Leading Brokerage by Total Volume (Jan-Dec 2024) MANATEE COUNTY, FL

SARASOTA COUNTY, FL

$2.38B

$1.15B

$2.25B

$773.87M $545.54M

Coldwell Banker Realty

Michael Saunders and Company

D.R. Horton Inc

$535.08M

RE/MAX Alliance Group

$1.1B

$457.7M

Premier Sothebys Intl Realty

$623.04M

Coldwell Banker Realty

Michael Saunders and Company

Premier Sothebys Intl Realty

RE/MAX Alliance Group

$383.71M Keller Williams On The Water

Based on closed sales volume information from My Florida Regional MLS for Sarasota County, FL and Manatee County, FL in all price ranges as reported on 2/26/2025 for the period of Jan - Dec 2024, calculated by multiplying the number of buyer and/ or seller sides by sales price. Source data is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Real estate agents affiliated with undefined are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2025 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

SHANAHAN LUXURY GROUP 941.702.0437 | ShanahanLuxuryGroup@CBrealty.com 8334 Market Street | Sarasota, FL ShanahanLuxuryGroup.com #1 LAKEWOOD RANCH TEAM BY SALES VOLUME 2023-2024 for Coldwell Banker Realty Contact Us to Learn More or to Schedule a Showing.

437235-1

18B