East county observer 3 31 16

E A ST COUNTY

Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998

Can you dig amazing discovery? PAGE 3A

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 18, NO. 19

•

FREE FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2016

Nothing bunk about two-tiered desks Manatee County School District embraces double-decker desk concept to address overcrowded schools. SEE PAGE 3A

ROWERS GET A NEW ‘BUDDY’ TV coverage of Olympic Rowing Trials could include biting commentary. SEE PAGE 4A

YOUR TOWN

Kanye West throws shade at Taylor Swift Nicole Thompson

An alligator named “Buddy” races rowers at Benderson Park. Not surprisingly, rowers have registered record times.

Return of the scum Environmental group uses legal means to force Tara Preserve to return algae to retention ponds.

JESSICA SALMOND STAFF WRITER

Jessica Salmond

Tara residents Kumiko and Steve Brown dump their ultra-concentrated algae mixture into the pond behind their home.

After years of fighting to clean their ponds, residents of Tara Preserve received some startling news at the Community Development District’s March 22 meeting.

SEE PAGE 3A

A celebrity has once again thrust the area into the spotlight, as rapper Kanye West donated $500,000 to the 2016 Dick Vitale Gala — less than a month after pop star Taylor Swift’s contribution.

“I’mma let you finish,” West said in a March 28 news release. “But Kanye West is the biggest supporter of breast cancer research of all time.”

In February, Swift donated $100,000 to the V Foundation for Cancer Research through the popular local event.

Observer flips switch after BT/ A+E printing error

Oops, we did it again…and again…and again…

The Observer launched its new Black Tie/Arts & Entertainment section Oct. 15 and inadvertently published half the section upsidedown.

We flipped when we found out, but at least no one can say we’re one-sided.

2A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2016

FDOT throws a few curves at Diverging Diamond project PRINT TEMPLATE – EAST COUNTY

New Double Diverging Diamond being implemented to handle underestimated traffic boom.

Courtesy rendering

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

Motorists in the Sarasota-Bradenton County area are about to have double the fun.

Although the Diverging Diamond project at Interstate 75 and University Parkway is more than a year from completion, Florida Department of Transportation authorities say they need to alter the project design extensively.

With the huge population boom in the two counties, the tremendous development around The Mall at University Town Center and the new census just being released, FDOT officials say planners seriously underestimated the number of vehicles coming through the intersection and using the ramps.

“We could put our heads in the sand or we can grab the automotive bull by the horns and deal with it,” said FDOT’s lead road architect Dee Lahy. “So we tore up the old design and drew up a new one.”

Crews will begin working Monday on the new Double Diverging Diamond project.

“It’s going to look complicated but, in theory, the design will solve a lot of problems,” Lahy said. “Have you ever been down a water slide that kind of allows you to build speed as you go along?

Well, the on-ramps work that way — only in reverse.”

The on-ramps actually will

The revised “Double Diverging Diamond” will feature “whoops” ramps and additional roundabouts, giving drivers the option for additional exits in case they get confused and go the wrong way.

have banking so cars can get up to speed to ensure a smooth entrance on to I-75, and therefore traffic already on the highway isn’t slowed by merging traffic.

Since motorists will have two choices in each direction in which to enter I-75, traffic won’t back up as far down University Parkway even when I-75 is sluggish. Lahy also said having extra ramps in each direction creates a “whoops” factor so if elderly drivers get confused, they can say “whoops” and still have another choice to go the same direction. This also will improve traffic because drivers

“It’s going to look complicated but, in theory, the design will solve a lot of problems.”

– Dee Lahy, FDOT

won’t have to stop using their cell phones temporarily to scream at slow or confused drivers.

The Diverging Diamond project, Florida’s first, began in August 2015 and was expected to

be completed by September 2017.

The original cost was $74.5 million. The new project should be completed by 2021 and will cost $160 million.

Paying for the new project seemed problematic, however, a solution was found last week when plans were made to increase the Sunshine Skyway Bridge toll to $4. “Mostly tourists use that bridge anyway,” a state transportation official said.

The project will not be finished in time for the 2017 World Rowing Championships or the 2018 Snow Bird Man of the Year Contest.

To expedite construction, lane closures now will take place on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday nights and Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings and each afternoon from 2 to 4 p.m.

“Traffic is going to be trying for a couple months,” an FDOT official warned. “Make sure to plan an extra hour into your trips north or south, or east or west, to accommodate heavier traffic patterns. The best advice I could give would be to stay away.”

SEE PAGE 4A

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

Pam Eubanks

Esplanade resident Carolyn Lowry-Nation found this sabertooth tiger bone while digging in Summerfield Park. The saber tooth tigers ate bison and other large animals and grew up to 630 pounds in size.

Saber Tooth Tiger bone found in Summerfield Park The state plans to use eminent domain to take properties in Summerfield Park for excavation and research.

PAM EUBANKS SENIOR EDITOR

A

Lakewood Ranch woman has found what scientists have identified as the thigh bone of a saber-toothed tiger, a well-known carnivorous predator that went extinct as a species about 11,000 years ago.

This particular species, called Smilodon, is believed to have

lived in the southeastern United States for at least 5 million years.

Scientists estimate this particular fossil to be 3 million years old.

Carolyn Lowry-Nation, a Lakewood Ranch resident and leader of the Gardeners Out East Club, dug up the bone while working in the butterfly garden at Summerfield Park.

“We pulled up a big bush and started digging, when my shovel

PONDS SHOCKED HEALTH BENEFITS OF ALGAE SPORES Allied4Algae’s ecohydrologist handed out a flyer during the meeting about the health benefits of algae for humans and pets alike.

According to a study done by the University of Biological Sciences Online, algae provides many benefits.

“Breathing in algae spores can help boost your immune system,” Prof. Lilly Pods said. “Have allergies? The spores will attack your sinuses and eat away your mucus membranes so you’ll never have a stuffy nose.”

FROM PAGE 1A

Due to legal action by the environmental advocacy organization, Allied4Algae, Tara Preserve must put the algae back into its waters.

Tara residents were shocked by the news, since much progress has been made to get rid of the foul-smelling algae so prevalent in its retention ponds. Tara also will have to allow the lily pads to grow freely, another about-face from the effort to rid the ponds of the unsightly plants.

Allied4Algae presented Tara Preserve with a court order to cease any efforts to remove algae and also a program to return the waters to their previous state.

Workers were busy the past week dumping algae back into the ponds.

Aquatic biologist Dr. A.L. Gee, who represented Allied4Algae at the meeting, told Tara residents if they continue their path in getting rid of the algae, they were “permitting a crime against nature.”

“Algae in pond water makes a great natural and healthy food source for fish, and is a natural way of providing sufficient oxygen for the fish, without having to spend thousands on pond aera-

“I love the smell of swamp in the morning with my coffee. You can’t violate my right to enjoy the Preserve.”

– Skye Wardcourt, Allied4Algae member and Tara resident

tors,” Gee said.

Five members of Allied4Algae spoke at the meeting as well. One member, a Tara resident, Skye Wardcourt, particularly protested the CDD’s plan to fill in Pond 46.

“I love the smell of swamp in the morning with my coffee,” he said. “You can’t violate my right to enjoy the Preserve. That’s the whole reason I moved here.”

Two Allied members, Steve and Kumiko Brown, have decided to take matters into their own hands by returning algae into the pond in their backyard.

Steve Brown said he had his pool cleaner test the pond.

“The results indicated the pond’s algae levels are deficient, so we need to add some,” he said.

According to a report by the ecohydrologist hired by the orga-

hit something large,” she said. “I couldn’t believe it was a bone that big. I took it to USF for evaluation right away.”

USF officials turned the bone over to the state’s archeological department on Monday.

The Smilodon bone is the first found in the Sarasota/Manatee area, although scientists found the jaw bone of a Smilodon in March 2013 in nearby Polk County.

Since Lowry-Nation’s discovery March 25, the state of Florida has staked its claim, notifying Lakewood Ranch officials it plans to seize select properties in Summerfield Park, as well as the Summerfield Information Center, through eminent domain so that it can excavate the property for more bones.

“A finding like this is so rare. We need this property so we can piece together more about the lives of saber-toothed cats in Florida millions of years ago,” said University of South Florida archaeologist Dr. Prious Toric.

Eminent domain proceedings dictate that government pay for property being taken, but the state said because the park already is public property it can take the park site without compensation.

It will pay for the information center parcel, but no amount has been offered. The spokesman said the state hopes its owner, Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, will donate the property because it’s for the public’s good.

State officials said the bone will go on tour around the state before being placed at the South Florida Museum in August.

“We like to return bones to the areas in which they were found,” the official said. “Plus, the South Florida Museum already has a dinosaur.”

Individual homeowners will be contacted if their property is to be seized. They will be given 60 days to find a new residence and move.

SEE PAGE 4A

nization, Wat R. Scumm, the water algae levels were so low that the ponds could actually have a negative reaction to re-introducing the local species back to the water.

Brown and his wife concocted a highly-concentrated batch of algae — their “home recipe”— using algae scrapings from their pool filter and mixing it with Pacific Planktonic and Asian Spirogyra algae.

“We need to ‘shock’ the ponds with algae,” Steve Brown said.

“We also are thinking of adding baking powder to the pond to stabilize the pH.” Tara CDD supervisors agreed that losing the algae would change the character of their neighborhood. While residents had complained in the past about the smell and aesthetics of the gunk in the ponds, it was clear that the algae was serving a biological purpose.

The district engineer said the cost of replacing the algae would probably be about $80,000.

Supervisors voted to halt the repairs to the pool equipment room to pay for the algae replacement project. The move will close the pool for the next eight months.

“We understand that it will be inconvenient,” a supervisor said. “We have purchased 12 Slip’n Slides that we will position throughout Tara for those who would like to get wet.”

SEE PAGE 4A

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FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2016

3A

Deck no longer stacked against school district Innovative design will allow twice as many students to share space in the same classrooms.

AMANDA SEBASTIANO STAFF WRITER

Who says the word “bunk” is reserved for beds?

The Manatee County School District is transforming the environment in which students learn by stacking desks in classrooms countywide, similar to how bunk beds are positioned on top of each other.

The double-decker desk concept allows students to learn with a peer stacked on top, a system implemented to combat overcrowding in the school district.

By using a small ladder, a student can climb to his or her desk without disrupting the student seated in a desk below.

“It’s a great idea,” said Susie Gullible, a parent of a Lakewood Ranch High student. “It will save the district money, and, by having a friend close by, it will help my Johnny improve his social skills.”

These desks will help address the overcrowding issue, although the district has received complaints that having more students in classrooms would add to the problem and increase the student-to-teacher ratio.

“The double-decker will prevent the school district from having to purchase more portables and hire more teachers to fill those rooms,” said Hoover Overmann, founder of HoverOverU, the company that created the innovative desk design. “Rather than being able to fit 20 students in a math class, we can now fit 40.”

Last week, the district rolled out the concept at a few schools throughout the county, such as Lakewood Ranch and Braden River high schools, which are operating at or above capacity. Lakewood Ranch High is operating with 631 students over capacity, and Braden River High houses 229 SEE PAGE 4A

PORTABLES POTENTIAL Manatee County School District officials are using their resources to construct a new high school in East County.

The district will break down and use pieces of 50 portables from county schools to help in the construction a new high school, which will house 1,800 students.

Made from recycled and gently used portables, the new high school, which is expected to cost $30 million, will be a cheaper project than district officials thought. Architect Ogee Willikers said the school will be the first of its kind in America, although such schools have been built in China for 30 years.

4A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2016

GOTCHA! Happy April Fools’ Day from the East County Observer! All of the stories on pages 1A through 4A are fake.

Hope you’re as relieved as we are!

Sink teeth into this rowing effort JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

With the U.S. Olympic Rowing Team Trials coming to Nathan Benderson Park on April 17-24, a major problem has risen to the surface.

Previously unseen in the 400acre lake in Benderson Park, a gigantic alligator, perhaps one of the biggest on record in Florida, has been regularly tracking boats as they train.

The alligator, nicknamed “Buddy” by park personnel, has not been aggressive, but its massive size, which has been estimated to be 18 feet long and almost 1,000 pounds, is scaring the daylights out of some of the competitors.

“We don’t have a whole lot of contact with alligators in Paris,” said French rower, Jacques Padel.

“So all I knew is what I see in the movies. I don’t think it’s very sporting of the Americans to throw off our training by scaring the wits out of our heads. It’s typical stuff.”

Other competitors, such as Australian Rupert Murdoch Jr., said the presence of the alligator is no big deal.

“We have crocs at home that make this little bloke look like that silly Geico lizard,” Murdoch said. “I don’t know what all the fuss is about. If they really need that alligator out of the lake, I can get a couple of my mates and we will take care of it.”

The Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Inc., has a close watch on the situation, and has gone to the University of Florida biology science department for advice.

“I know people see those massive jaws and razor teeth and they think the worst,” said University of Florida Professor Rip Tillion.

“The fact is that this alligator looks benign. The big fellow seems to enjoy racing against the rowers.

“We have found enough animal carcasses along the shore — a steer, raccoons, opossum, dogs — that we know he isn’t hungry.

This is standard operating procedure for us. We find that people always think the worst and panic even though this is just another example of the beauty of nature.”

Also keeping a close watch is the United States Rowing Association. “We actually have found our times to be dropping,” said U.S.

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coach Auberbear Ing. “It gives them a little more incentive when they see those eyes come up over the surface. We always say that we are prepared to give our all to bring back the gold, so this is just another great example that we are willing to put it all out there.

“If we do well at the Olympics, we might just introduce an alligator into our training in our Pocatello, Idaho, national training center.”

One thing is certain, the presence of “Buddy” is bringing more interest to rowing. People are beginning to line the lake, sitting in their lawn chairs and showing off banners that read, “Go Buddy, beat the boats!”

As new rowing fan Liz Ord said, “This is better than NASCAR.”

DESKS FROM 3A

more students than its capacity.

HoverOverU officials estimated that seating students above each other would save the district $10 million over the next decade, between the cost of salaries and purchasing additional portables, among other costs.

Teachers are also excited about the opportunity to fill their classrooms with even more students.

“What teacher wouldn’t want double the number of kindergartners?” B.D. Gullett Elementary teacher Kim Whiner asked.

“I will have double the amount of homework to grade, so I’ll probably have to work through lunch.

But I’m on a diet anyway.”

School district Spokesman Mike Barber said overcrowding has been an ongoing issue.

More students are flooding East County schools as new developments take shape.

Educators agreed that having more students than the school’s capacity level isn’t an issue if desks in classrooms are organized in the right way.

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E A ST COUNTY

Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998

Tara issue ruffles feathers.

PAGE 8A

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

•

FREE THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

VOLUME 18, NO. 19

Safe ... for now?

Sheriff Brad Steube wants his staff to expand with growing population. SEE PAGE 7A

YOUR TOWN

Courtesy photos

Bean counter Janiyan Vanliew knows her candy. The 6-year-old guessed 515 jelly beans were in the jar at The Observer’s booth at EGGstravaganza March 26.

The total number of beans in the container was 519. The Lakewood Ranch resident was awarded all the jelly beans for winning the contest.

MAJOR

DELAY Training camp in Lakewood Ranch might be pushed back or canceled.

T

he lines on 10 football fields at Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch were being painted Monday with a water-based paint.

It was a good idea since that paint might need to be washed away.

Premier Sports Campus, which hosts a wide variety of sporting events, was preparing to host the first training camp of the new Major League Football organization. The first day of camp, after being moved back a couple of times already, was supposed to be held the second week of April. SEE PAGE 12A Jay Heater

Major League Football’s first season might be postponed.

Guess where?

By asking five questions, Freedom Elementary fifthgrade students, such as Erin Galvin, Madison Hadaui and Ava McLeod, above, pinpointed the location of their guest callers.

Fifth-graders participated in a Mystery Skype Challenge, in which they used Skype to talk to students who lived in an unknown state. Students determined their location by asking questions, such as, “Does your state name begin with a vowel?”

“This was a fun way for them to think critically, use geography skills and work as a team,” teacher Bonnie Christian said.

TRAFFIC UPDATE: State Road 64/I- 75 improvements advance

A+E

FDOT expects interchange reconstruction to begin in 2017. SEE PAGE 10A TIMELINE FOR STATE ROAD 64/INTERSTATE 75 INTERCHANGE July 2013 Design starts

April 2016 Summer 2016 Public Design meeting completion

Summer 2017 Construction starts

‘Barnum’s Bird’ tells story of world’s first pop icon. INSIDE

6A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

PROGRESS MCON BREAKDOWN APRIL 1: Cosmic Shuffleboard From 6 to 9 p.m. join a Shuffleboard PopUp Party at the Bradenton Shuffleboard Courts, 1525 Ballard Park Drive. The event will feature food, drinks, music, dancing, shuffleboard lessons and networking.

Amanda Sebastiano

Charles Meador, who works for Manatee County, hopes to see more night life options brought to various parts of the county, such as Lakewood Ranch.

MILLENNIAL MANIA East County resident Charles Meador believes an upcoming event will pull together millennials in Manatee County.

AMANDA SEBASTIANO STAFF WRITER

A 34-year-old father who owns his Heritage Harbour home, Charles Meador said he doesn’t fit the stereotype some people identify with his generation.

Meador is a millennial, or a person born after 1980 who has reached adulthood.

“Members of other generations might think millennials are lazy and don’t like to work our way

from the bottom,” said Meador, who works as a property specialist for Manatee County. “We’re not known to ‘work for things’ in a society where we have information at our finger tips.”

Meador has been a homeowner for two years, after a stint as a manager for FedEx and seven years in finance.

“I’m a fan of job stability,” Meador said. “Which is the opposite of what you sometimes hear about millennials.”

Interested in helping to diminish his generation’s stigma, Meador has signed up for Progress MCon, an inaugural conference promoted by the Manatee Millennial Movement group. It will run from April 1 through April 3 at

APRIL 2: Millennial Con From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. meet other young professionals at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto. Attendees will participate in sessions that cover a range of topics, such as entrepreneurship, housing needs, financial stability and community involvement.

APRIL 3: Yoga & Mimosas From 9 a.m. to noon, enjoy cocktails and food at Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Make sure to bring your yoga mat, beach chairs and umbrellas.

Attendees aren’t required to do yoga, and can just attend for socializing and time in the sun.

Info: eventbrite.com or call 748-4501

various sites in Manatee County.

Manatee Millennial Movement was founded in 2015 by Bradenton’s Ogden Clark, who hopes to attract as many millennials as possible throughout the county and surrounding areas. Clark said

FREE LECTURE

the event is geared toward young professionals who have an interest in making the area more millennial friendly.

“Our target audience is college students, young people who are thinking about leaving to look for opportunities elsewhere,” Clark said. “We want to get them connected with each other, and to get them civically engaged.”

Clark said Manatee County politicians, school board members and other “movers and shakers” have agreed to attend the event to field questions from participants.

Clark hopes attendees will give officials ideas of what kind of improvements they would like to see in Manatee County.

“Millennials have a good idea of what they like and what they’d like to see happen here,” Clark said. “They just might not be able to attend the twice-a-month Manatee County Commission meetings, which are held during the work week. This event is part of a movement of outsideof-the-box engagement that will transform local government and how it connects with citizens.

Millennials can play a role in very important discussions on what Manatee County will look like in 15 to 20 years.”

Event organizers also hope to start discussions on a barrier they believe is forcing millennials out of the area — increasing home prices, especially in east Manatee County.

Clark said affordable housing is an issue that needs to be addressed.

“Affordable doesn’t mean government-assisted,” Clark said. “It’s when we can pay less than 30% of our income toward a mortgage. Young people are most affected by home prices.”

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40%

n Just 40% of adults ages 18 to 34 identify with being a millennial; the rest resist the label. n Millennials were born in 1980 and the years after.

50%

independent

n Fifty percent of millennials are registered independent, 27% vote Democrat and 17% vote Republican. n Twenty-nine percent of millennials have no religious affiliation. n Millennials are considered the most racially diverse population. n Twenty-six percent of the generation is married. n There are more than 50 million millennials in the United States.

Information from Pew Research Center

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YourObserver.com

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THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

Limited resources JESSICA SALMOND STAFF WRITER

BY THE NUMBERS Manatee County Sheriff’s Department 2008 – 473 law enforcement staff 2016 – 498 law enforcement staff

5.3% increase Manatee County population 2008 – 323,374 2015 – 363,369

12.4% increase

CAPT. ROBERT MEALY WHO: North district captain AGE: 54 FROM: New York ABOUT: Captain Robert Mealy has worked with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office for 20 years and moved to the county in 1990, from Oceanport, N.J. He had two uncles who worked for NYPD and always had a respect for law enforcement.

During his time with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Mealy has worked in different areas including patrol, special investigations and narcotics.

Prior to coming to District 3, he was in the crime prevention unit, which does community outreach and educational programs. He was promoted to captain and assigned to the North district in January.

“It’s incredible to see how Manatee County has grown,” he said.

He said his goals for the North district are to continue to drive the crime rate even lower, address any trends that surface and provide good law enforcement services his citizens.

Photos by Jessica Salmond

Capt. Robert Mealy replaced Lorenzo Waiters, who retired in the fall.

On the cover: Sheriff Brad Steube outlines where he’d like to open a new zone to deal with east county growth.

That doesn’t mean county officials don’t recognize the need with the population booming.

The Sheriff’s Office just opened a new station on State Road 64 near Interstate 75 and will have quicker access to the Lakewood Ranch area.

The former substation on U.S. 301 in Ellenton was closed.

Steube said he has dreamed of being able to hire enough deputies to open a new zone that would alleviate some of the strain on patrol units that service the North district.

That isn’t possible at the moment.

The Sheriff’s has offered overtime shifts to deputies to patrol adequately, but it isn’t enough.

Some of those developments in east Manatee County have taken action. Communities like Waterlefe, Heritage Harbour and GreyHawk have hired off-duty deputies to patrol the neighborhoods.

In Waterlefe, the community has held an agreement with the Sheriff’s Office for almost five years to send off-duty deputies to patrol the neighborhood for a specific number of hours a month. They never come at the same time or day of the week to keep it random, said Ken Bumgarner, chairman of the Community Development District.

The deputies monitor speeding and stop sign violations, as well as survey the area for general suspicious activity.

“They do a very good job, they’re very helpful to us,”

301

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District 3 64

District 2 District 1

41

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N Map by Nicole Thompson

Driving the peripheral edges of District 3, where Lakewood Ranch is located, is more than 150 miles.

SARASOTA SHERIFF’S OFFICE:

Bumgarner said.

Bumgarner said Waterlefe decided to hire those off-duty deputies to increase law enforcement presence within the community, just as a preventative, proactive measure.

“Our county is growing and our Sheriff’s Office is not keeping up with that,” Mealy said.

Even when the county gets a Sheriff’s Office position to fill, it can be tough finding qualified personnel. Adjacent counties pay more.

As the county gets ready to launch its budget cycle, Baugh said the needs of the Sheriff’s Office will remain a priority for her.

“As long as we’re growing, we’ll need more deputies,” she said.

“We need to look to (the Sheriff’s) expertise for guidance for what we need.”

Sarasota County Sheriff Tom Knight said his agency is going through attrition through the deferred retirement option program and dealing with growth in eastern Sarasota County.

“We have a strategic plan,” he said.

“We started looking in 2009 at the number of people who would be retiring,” he said.

Since then, he’s been working to make sure his staff gets the training needed to fill managerial positions.

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t might have sounded strange, but Manatee County Commissioner Vanessa Baugh was making her point.

“The problem is that Lakewood Ranch has the lowest crime rate of anywhere in Manatee County,” she said. “But it doesn’t mean it will always stay that way.”

Baugh was explaining why Manatee County hasn’t funded an expansion of Sheriff’s Office deputies so it would have greater numbers to patrol the North District, which includes everything east of I-75 to the DeSoto county line and everything north of the Upper Manatee River.

That’s a huge area. Driving the peripheral edges of the zone is more than 150 miles around.

The Sheriff’s Office divides Manatee County into three districts, West, East and North.

Each district is divided into eight zones, with one squad per zone. Each squad has a lieutenant, a sergeant and six to eight deputies to cover the zone. Only one or two deputies are on active patrol in the North zone at any given time, depending on the shift.

“If one is sick, you’re down to five,” said Manatee County Sheriff Brad Steube. “Maybe one’s on vacation, then you’re down to four.”

Fortunately for the department, the North district accounts for about 7% of the county’s total crimes. However, presence has been an issue.

A string of vehicle burglaries occurred in Greenbrook and Parrish the past few months, and while most occurred because the burglar found unlocked cars and had easy access, more patrols might have helped prevent the problem.

“It’s tough to feel that shorthanded,” said Capt. Robert Mealy, who is in charge of the North district. “Some days we’re going call to call and can’t have the luxury of doing a real patrol.”

Mealy is concerned the lack of manpower to respond to a growing community will result in a longer response time. The Sheriff’s Office, throughout the entire county, gets about 1,000 calls for service a day, and while the North district may not be the biggest contributor to those calls, the more people who live out east the more calls will come from the area.

“The Sheriff’s Office needs to grow with the community,” he said.

The Lakewood Ranch area is expanding rapidly but since the economy slumped in 2008, the number of Sheriff’s Office deputies hasn’t grown in proportion with it.

When the recession hit in 2008, the Sheriff’s Office had to cut $5 million out of the annual budget.

“A majority of my budget is people,” Steube said.

Every year since 2008, Steube has asked the county to fund more deputies. Some years, he has added staff for the jail at Port Manatee, but he hasn’t hired additional deputies to patrol.

In the 2014-2015 budget year, Steube hired two new deputies, but they were grant-funded. He also hired two school resource officers, which were half-funded by the Manatee County School District. Those additions helped.

In the 2016 budget year, he asked for 12 new deputies to deal with the population increase but didn’t get the funds. The Sheriff’s Office budget was $118,271,464 in 2016 and the projected 2017 budget is lower at $115,246,309.

However, that 2017 budget figure is more than $9 million greater than 2012.

“He’s gotten increases in his budget, but what he chooses to do with it is up to him,” Baugh said.

Baugh said she pushed to get more funding for law enforcement last year, but most of the county’s commissioners focused on funding indigent health care, which they deemed a more pressing issue.

As Baugh said, the low crime rate in East County doesn’t scream for more deputies.

7A

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

Perch for purple martins prevails

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Tall bird house in Waterlefe provides seed for compromise.

JESSICA SALMOND STAFF WRITER

After pecking away for more than an hour during a Waterlefe Golf and River Club Community Development District meeting March 21, a solution finally was hatched.

The birdhouse on Sand Crane Court would have to go.

A resident had complained to the design review board after her neighbor put up the tall purple martin birdhouse.

The board, a committee of the Master Property Owners Association, then brought the matter to the Community Development District during its meeting because it was located in a CDD easement.

Design chairwoman Michaela Valletta delivered some news at the meeting that ruffled a few feathers.

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“It looks like a flag pole,” Valletta said of the birdhouse. “It needs to be removed.”

Only a few days passed, though, before a compromise was struck.

Rather than chop down the home of several birds, MPOA President Bob Griswold and CDD

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Jessica Salmond

This purple martin bird house is leading to a new policy in Waterlefe.

“There are some things you fight to the death over and other things you compromise.”

– Bob Griswold, MPOA President

Chairman Ken Bumgarner said the property owner could instead landscape around the pole to make it look more attractive and uniform to the area’s aesthetics.

“There’s over 600 owners here in Waterlefe, there’s a dozen (birdhouses) in the community,” Griswold said. “We’re not looking to punish the folks who enjoy them.”

Griswold assembled a committee to write a new policy into the covenants about birdhouses, for there currently are no restrictions. The policy would include requirements for landscaping around the poles.

Some of the other existing birdhouses have been in the community for years.

“This isn’t something you go to war over,” Griswold said. “But if it is important to that one individual… in the eyes of the person complaining ... this might be a nuisance.”

Although there are no specific restrictions in the Waterlefe Golf and River Club property owner’s covenants, there are restrictions on nuisances.

“No one is anti-bird,” Valletta said. “(A birdhouse) isn’t reflected in our guidelines. We are a deedrestricted community. Whenever a resident brings something up, I go back to the guidelines.”

Other supervisors weren’t certain it should be a CDD issue, but District Manager Greg Cox said it was because it was supposedly located in a CDD easement and could potentially interfere with maintenance.

Supervisor Rosalyn Warner appropriately summarized the event.

“We’re opening a can of worms with these bird houses,” she said.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

9A

PURPLE MARTINS Purple martins are a native North American songbird and a member of the swallow family. The birds depend on humanmade housing for survival east of the Rocky Mountains.

When they migrate back over the mountains, they primarily take up residence in old woodpecker nests and cacti in the desert. Because the birds nest in colonies, purple martin birdhouses are distinctly designed and recognizable by their multifamily construction, with at least four cavities for nesting. The houses are usually lofted up to 18 feet in the air.

— Information taken from the Purple Martin Conservation Association.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

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The new design will eliminate the loop ramp in the northeast quadrant of the intersection and combine all northbound I-75 merging traffic into a single ramp.

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Improvements to the state transportation system in Manatee County appear to be in the fast lane.

The Florida Department of Transportation has given priority to the reconstruction of the State Road 64/Interstate 75 interchange. FDOT will complete the design this summer and start construction a year later.

On March 28, FDOT Project Manager Jeff Mednick told members of the Sarasota-Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization board that the project had been advanced.

The project includes widening and reconstructing State Road 64 between 64th Street Court East and Grand Harbour Parkway and constructing new interchange ramps. Work originally was slated for about 2021.

“Thank you for moving this up,” MPO member and Manatee County Commissioner Betsy Benac said. “This is a major entrance way for the city of Bradenton, which is expanding eastward. This is very important.”

Manatee County Commissioner and fellow MPO board member Vanessa Baugh agreed.

“These improvements are needed, and it’s going to be a much nicer and easier flow on State Road 64,” she said.

The new ramp design will eliminate the loop ramp in the northeast quadrant of the intersection and combine all northbound I-75

traffic into a single ramp. Doing so will eliminate the existing “weave” condition at the loop ramps.

“That’s a very uncomfortable movement for traffic,” said Mednick, who noted the new design will be safer and add capacity to the roadways.

FDOT will build a new, longer ramp lane for S.R. 64 traffic entering southbound I-75, giving motorists more time to get up to the speed of interstate traffic.

Mednick said the new design will be safer and add capacity to the roadways. It also will be compatible with FDOT’s long-range plan to build I-75 to a 10-lane divided highway.

No right of way is required to complete the project, which also includes the addition of 5-foot sidewalks and 7-foot buffered bicycle lanes.

Mednick said impacts to I-75 traffic should be minimal because modifications are limited to loop ramps and State Road 64.

“We’re not going to lose any lanes on State Road 64,” he added.

“There will be barricades. It will be a little slower, but not much.”

FDOT has plans to improve the interchange of State Road 70 and I-75, as well. In a similar stage of development, that project will take longer because right of way must be acquired, Mednick said.

LEARN MORE Public information meeting

When: 5 to 7 p.m. April 14 Where: The Source Church, 5412 E. State Road 64, Bradenton Details: Display boards and project representatives will be available to the public.

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

EAST COUNTY

Observer “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.”

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Major League Football’s inaugural season in doubt FROM PAGE 5A

On Tuesday, though, the professional league’s executives were planning a meeting at their Lakewood Ranch headquarters to discuss “operational problems.”

Premier Sports Director Antonio Saviano said he was informed the league would open training camp on April 4 or April 5 and noted MLFB officials had been in contact with him and hadn’t told him any different.

However, a letter had been sent last weekend to the league’s players from MLFB President Wes Chandler advising players to hold off on their travel plans until they received notice from the league.

MLFB’s Nick Athan, the vicepresident of media relations, said he could make no comment on Monday. The MLFB had planned to bring just fewer than 1,000 players and personnel to Lakewood Ranch for its three-week training camp.

The camp originally was scheduled for early March, then backed up to March 31 after the league announced it had lost a $20 million financial commitment from Clairmont Private Investment Group LLC on Feb. 8.

On Feb. 17, MLFB announced it had a $20 million equity, $100 million line of credit funding agreement with Asian Global Capital Ltd., that would put the league back on track.

Whether the league is, indeed, back on track remains to be seen.

The league was expected to make a public statement after its Tuesday meeting.

Saviano said he hopes everything turns out well for the MLFB for the sake of the community.

The new league was supposed to bring millions of dollars of revenue to the area.

If MLFB is ready to go next week, Saviano said Premier will be ready as well.

“We’re not worried,” he said.

“As far as a venue, we’re ready to go.”

MLFB had paid for a portion of its contract with Premier so Saviano said his organization would not lose any money if the league’s first season is delayed a year. Other than getting the fields ready, he said MLFB is doing most of the setup work.

“They have tents, restrooms, thing like that,” Saviano said. “It would only take them a couple of days to set that up.”

Saviano said he expected the league to start that setup work March 30 or March 31 if it expected begin its camp the following

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Photos by Jay Heater

Ernesto Alvarez lines the fields at Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch in preparation for Major League Football training camp.

“We’re not worried.

As far as a venue, we’re ready to go.”

– Antonio Saviano, Premier Sports director

week.

“I just hope (a delay) is not going to happen,” Saviano said.

“Everyone wants them to succeed. They will bring so much to this area.”

Saviano said the campus is big enough that no other events

had to be turned down or altered because the MLFB was going to be using the facility for three weeks.

The MLFB had been impressive in creating its foundation. Dave Campo, the former head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, was enlisted to coach one of the teams. Former Jets and Chiefs coach Herm Edwards signed up with MLFB as a senior adviser. Former NFL star wide receiver Wes Chandler is the league’s president.

The league held player drafts in January and February, enlisting players who hope their development gets them noticed by the National Football League.

“I just hope (a delay) is not going to happen.

Everyone wants them to succeed.

They will bring so much to this area.”

– Antonio Saviano, Premier Sports director

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THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

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13A

JAY HEATER

Local Eagle Scout prepares himself for the future

I

’ve got something in common with Harrison Ford, Jimmy Buffett and Bill Gates.

No, it’s not my acting, singing or entrepreneurial ability.

We were all committed Boy Scouts who became “Life Scouts,” but who failed to be committed enough to reach the Eagle Scout rank.

Slackers, all of us. At least as kids.

Now I don’t know about those guys, but I sure wish I had finished the task. Life Scout is the rank immediately below Eagle Scout.

The website USScouts.org tells us about 15,000 boys across the Jay Heater United States earn Eagle status Bill Lehman, a senior at Braden River, accomplished his Eagle Scout reeach year, about four of every m quirements in just two years. e.cItois a select group. s100. u o Last week in Lakewood Ranch, h e r I met Bill Lehman, an 18-yearold senior at Braden River High finished the task, I asked what But does he have a car, a girl, or School. He is being honored separated him from guys like me a job?

12:30 p.m. April 9 at the Oneco who couldn’t do it. What keeps “I have a car and I work at United Methodist Church for guys like Ford, Buffett, Gates and Texas Roadhouse (on State Road becoming an Eagle Scout. The me from getting it done?

70),” he said. ceremony is open to the public Lehman fired off the answers No girl. One out of three ain’t if you want to congratulate him as if he had completed a univerbad, I guess, when it comes to Power personally. sity study on the subject. “Cars, becoming an Eagle Scout.

Recliners That We chatted girls, work.”

Something else keeps teenAdjust To Any a bit about the drive needed to fulfill Eagle After thinking about it for two aged boys from becoming Eagle Position.

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unmercifully for being 16 and wearing a green uniform.

I don’t know about Billy Gates, but I certainly let that last one get to me. It was stupid to quit, too, because I loved the camping trips I took so often with the Scouts.

Unlike my own Scouting career, which began in Cub Scouts and then progressed, Lehman dabbled in Scouting a bit at the Cub Scout level in Wisconsin before quitting. He didn’t return until he had moved to Florida and was a 16-year-old high school student.

“I had a friend invite me for a weekend of camping,” he said.

“I fell in love with it. My friends were all shocked when I joined, because I was starting at the lowest level.”

He crammed enough merit badges into two years to become an Eagle Scout. “I found it honorable,” he said of his pursuit. “I learned skills not many people have these days. And Eagle Scout is something I can put on a job application.”

Currently enrolled in the fire science program at Manatee Technical East, you can bet people will take notice when

he eventually completes the program and applies for a job.

You know he will complete the program because he is an Eagle Scout, for goodness sakes.

His parents, Brien and Jackie Lehman of Rosedale, are proud of his work. “They think it is an extreme accomplishment,” he said. “They kind of rub it in whenever they see their friends.”

What would he say to his friends who might think Scouting is not so cool?

“Scouting might not be for all boys,” said Lehman, who is now an adult leader with Troop 10 of Oneco. “But we will welcome anyone to check it out.”

But aren’t Eagle Scouts a dying breed?

“I think Scouting will go on forever,” he said. “I would tell boys to join. You never know where it might lead you.”

Jay Heater is the Managing Editor for the East County Observer.

Contact him at jheater@your observer.com

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

Live, work, shop at the Mall SENIOR EDITOR

The growth of the University Parkway corridor and The Mall at UTC is spurring developers to add more housing to the mix.

Remi Properties is laying the groundwork to add 233 apartment units on 18 acres at the southeast quadrant of Honore Avenue and Desoto Road.

“We’re asking for comparable zoning for what the use to the east is,” said Crystal Allred, agent for Remi Properties. “It’s basically the squaring out of that quadrant.”

Benderson Development already has secured approvals for multifamily housing on a neighboring property at the southwest corner of Cattlemen and Desoto roads.

Remi still will have to take its concept through the public hearing process, but the March 22 approval from the Sarasota County Commission provided the first step by allowing it to advance changes to the county’s comprehensive plan, a long-range plan created to guide growth in Sarasota County. Once those changes are approved by the state, Remi officially can ask Sarasota County to rezone the property and

“The developers like this area.”

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approve a site plan.

“We’re just at the beginning phase,” Allred said.

Remi Properties’ owners have developed apartments in Florida and one was involved in the development of the Las Palmas condominium project farther south, she said. They believe the area is perfect for apartments.

“It’s close to UTC,” Allred said.

“It’s close to grocery stores. It’s close to Honore. The county needs a lot of apartments. The developers like this area.”

Allred said developers intend to have a neighborhood workshop on the project in early April.

Benderson Development’s director of development, Todd Mathes, said Benderson is entitled for 1,750 units for its University Town Center property, located on either side of Cattlemen Road and south of University Parkway. The parcel at Honore and Desoto will include about 350 units.

Sarasota commissioners already have approved an overall site plan for the project, so Benderson is working with county staff to finalize the details.

“We’re about three months away from submitting (finalized) plans,” Mathes said. “We’re planning to start construction in the fall.”

HONORE AVE .

Developer plans 233 units at Honore Avenue and Desoto Road.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

15A

Pam Eubanks

Chris McNamee walks with his guide dog, Max, through the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club.

Lakewood Ranch event supports guide dog organization with first walkathon.

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It’s one of nine walkathons the organization will host this year with a goal of raising $1 million.

“Even though we had walks in Bradenton and Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch is a separate community,” McNamee said of why Southeastern added Lakewood Ranch to its walkathon lineup.

“A lot of our puppy raisers and volunteers come from the community.”

McNamee said last year’s seven walkathons raised $835,000.

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As Chris McNamee watched his parents age, he often saw them walk together, literally leaning on one another for support.

His father had lost his eyesight and his mother had a permanent limp.

Although sweet, McNamee realized it was a fate he didn’t wish upon himself.

At 28, the Lakewood Ranch resident was diagnosed with retinitus pigmentosa, a hereditary disease that causes blindness. By 33, he was legally blind. As the years progressed, his vision worsened until he would trip over caution signs and walk into things.

He eventually used a cane, but people huffed and told him to watch where he was going as he continued to run into obstacles.

He received his first guide dog, Max, from Southeastern Guide Dogs in March 2007.

“A guide dog has allowed me to be independent,” McNamee said.

“My wife and I can go to the mall and I can go to Apple instead of Macy’s without needing to be on someone’s arm.”

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

EAST COUNTY ROBIN HOOD

MARCH 21

2900 block of 53rd Avenue East Petit theft: An employee saw a man enter a store and open several packs of Pokémon playing cards and stuff them into his pocket. Then the man tried to leave the store without paying and the employee detained him until the Sheriff’s Office arrived.

The cards were worth $195. While the man was being arrested he said he was stealing them “for a kid’s birthday.”

BAD RECEPTION

MARCH 25

1900 block of 27th Avenue Drive East Burglary: A woman was gone from her home for four hours.

When she returned, she found that her TV had been stolen from her home. There were no signs of forced entry and nothing else had been disturbed.

The woman said she had no idea who could have taken it and had not given anyone permission to enter her home. She called the Sheriff’s Office to make a report.

ONE MESS LEADS TO ANOTHER

MARCH 24

8300 block of Lockwood Ridge Road Information only: A woman refused to get out of the way of a Sarasota County Area Transit bus. The driver and a witness, who stayed anonymous, said the woman intentionally placed her foot under the handicap ramp the driver was trying to lower for a wheelchair bound patron.

After the ramp landed, the woman complained that she had an injured her foot, and was transported

to Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. She told the deputy who responded that she had a personal vendetta against the bus driver, whom she said wouldn’t let her ride the bus anymore because she spilled a soda on his bus.

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MARCH 31, 2016

HIGH

SPORTS

5

1

Lakewood Ranch senior Elise Spiller was named the Most Valuable Player of the Sarasota-Manatee Girls Basketball All-Star Game March 26.

2

Sophomore pitcher Kailey Christian allowed four hits, two walks and no earned runs while striking out five in the Lakewood Ranch softball team’s 6-1 victory against previously undefeated Bartow March 26.

3

Lakewood Ranch senior Olivia Ogles finished third in the long jump at the FSU Relays March 25 with a mark of 17 feet, 1 inch.

4

ODA pitcher Duncan Cappar notched his sixth win of the season after leading the Thunder baseball team to a 6-2 district victory over St. Petersburg Catholic March 23.

5

ODA’s M’Balia Bangoura won her No. 1 singles match before pairing with Sydney Storzo to win their No. 1 doubles match during the Thunder’s 4-3 loss to Riverview March 24.

DON’T MISS THESE EVENTS PAGE 19A

“It’s pretty cool to see, and if feels like they are watching over us.”

– Braden River baseball coach Craig Page on the team’s good luck charm – a pair of bald eagles nesting in the left field lights. SEE PAGE 18A

FUN WITH A TWIST A pair of Lakewood Ranch Gymnastics competitors work to prove themselves as elite athletes.

JEN BLANCO SPORTS EDITOR

S

even-year-old Maddie Losee doesn’t want to be average.

Standing in the corner of the blue spring floor at Lakewood Ranch Gymnastics with her ankles pressed firmly together, the Level 7 gymnast waited for the opening beat of her floor routine in a recent practice session.

When the routine began, the McNeal Elementary School second-grader bounded across the floor with the strength of an athlete twice her size, her brown ponytail bouncing from side to side and her brown eyes lighting up with enthusiasm.

Nothing was average about her performance. Losee can do things that very few people her age can do.

With each roundoff back handspring, jump, spin and twist, Losee showed she won’t settle for anything less than perfection.

“I want to be an elite athlete,” she said as she turned toward 10-year-old Kelsey Lee. “I want to do more than just what a normal person would do.”

Losee eats, sleeps and breathes gymnastics, making up balance beam routines inside her Lakewood Ranch home and watching YouTube videos about gymnastics stars.

“She spends more time upside down than right side up,” said Losee’s mother, Amy Losee. “The best part is watching her do what she loves. We are enjoying the journey right along side of her and can’t wait to see what’s in store for her.”

For Losee, hard work and dedication have become a way of life.

In the classroom, Losee holds herself to the same high standards as in the gym. While she can be hard on herself at times, Losee is mature for her age, accomplishing every goal she sets.

“Maddie is one of the most hardworking, focused students I have ever met,” said Stacy Freeman, Losee’s second-grade teacher. “With Maddie, the sky is the limit. I truly believe she can do anything she puts her mind to.”

Lee, a Level 9 gymnast who is home schooled and travels 45 minutes back and forth from Lithia six days a week to train in Lakewood Ranch, is Losee’s training partner and a person she admires.

“She’s a really good elite athlete right now, and I want to be able to do what she does,” Losee said of Lee. Losee and Lee started gymnastics when they were 4 and 5 years old, respectively, and immediately fell in love with the sport.

“It’s my passion,” Lee said. “I’m just so blessed to have this talent that God gave me. I love how I could be free and just do what I love.”

The two young gymnasts both

Photos by Jen Blanco

Seven-year-old Maddie Losee performs a straddle support on the balance beam, which she eventually presses into a handstand.

MEET THE GYMNASTS KELSEY LEE

Age: 10 Training hours: 22.5 Best event: uneven bars Least favorite event: Balance beam. “It’s the event that I’m the second best at, but it’s also the scariest,” Lee said. “It’s four inches and you can slip so easily.”

Fondest gymnastics moment: “When I got my blind change front giant,” Lee said. “It took me awhile because it was a little nerve-wracking and scary.

So when I finally got it, it felt so good.”

Favorite activities outside gymnastics: Arts and crafts, playing with friends and having sleepovers Gymnastics role model: Simone Biles

MADDIE LOSEE

Age: 7 Training hours: 16.5 Best event: balance beam.

“That’s usually the thing I get the highest score on,” Losee said. “It’s really easy for me.”

Least favorite event: Uneven bars. “There are a bunch of tricks that are very hard to get,” Losee said.

Fondest gymnastics moment: “When I was in Level 4 (at state championship), I was the most proud because I won the all-around.”

Favorite activities outside of gymnastics: Relaxing, watching movies and reading “Dork Diaries” Gymnastics role model: Training partner Kelsey Lee

quickly rose to prominence transitioning from recreational gymnastics to competitive status.

Over the past year, Losee jumped from Level 4 to Level 7 while Lee moved from Level 7 to Level 9.

Losee and Lee have the drive and determination necessary. The two girls, who spend a combined 39 hours a week in the gym training, undoubtedly have moments of frustration and fatigue.

They have proven they have the mental toughness to continue.

“I love it so much that I never get tired of it,” Losee said.

“It’s all about keeping them happy and healthy,” Lakewood Ranch Gymnastics co-owner and coach Laura Parraga said. “If you do that, then they’ll last.”

Losee and Lee are both a part of the Talent Opportunity Program, which is a talent search and education program for female gymnasts, ages 7-10.

After participating in a series of physical abilities tests, Losee was named to the TOPS Diamond Team, recognizing her as one of the top 50 7-year-old gymnasts in the country.

“I’m really happy because I never knew I could do something that amazing,” Losee said.

Losee completed the TOPS test as a 6-year-old to practice and prepare her for this year’s test, which included testing flexibility and strength elements, such as holding a one-minute handstand, climbing a rope and kicks, among other skills.

“TOPS is really about having the total package,” Parraga said.

“You have to be strong, flexible and have the right mindset, which is huge. It’s hard to imagine for someone so young, but you have to have the mental capacity because the conditioning is hardcore.”

SEE PAGE 19A

18A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

HIT OR MISS

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

JEN BLANCO

At 15 months, time to master the balance beam

A

s a mom of two young boys, I’m always looking for fun ways for them to burn off energy, especially for my 15-month-old son, Cameron, who hasn’t stopped going since he discovered how to walk two months ago.

It’s exhausting. Let me tell you.

So when Kids SuperGym Lakewood Ranch owner Scott Bolingbroke called me a couple weeks ago about a new open class concept that the gym was going to be launching March 17, I knew Cameron and I needed to check it out.

I couldn’t wait. An hour of running around terrorizing something other than my living room, yes, please. Of course it only works if your son is awake.

Cameron fell asleep on the way to the gym. Clearly, he missed the memo that he wasn’t supposed to take his nap until after class.

Luckily, he woke up 10 minutes into the session and was more than happy to join the fun.

Crisis averted.

During the hourlong session, Cameron was able to bounce and play on the equipment in the party gym before exploring the different gymnastics apparatuses, including the balance beam, bars and the trampoline.

He climbed his way to the top of a tower of gymnastics mats, stacked blocks and learned how

Jen Blanco

Cameron Blanco, 15 months, begins training on the balance beam.

to walk in a straight line. Well almost.

He also was able to interact with other children his age, including 16-month-old Ezra Santillon, who couldn’t wait to hit the trampoline.

“He’s really active and loves new experiences and playing,” Ezra’s mom, Katie Santillon,

said. “He’s always really curious about everything. I knew he would love it and he already does.”

It was the first time Cameron had been in an organized group setting, and what better way to introduce him to athletics than the gym where he could run, jump, climb and perhaps even

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way for their kids to burn off some energy, the pay as you play classes begin with parent and tot classes, for children 15 months to four years, and open classes with an instructor, for children over 4.

Classes, which are held from 10to 11 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday, are $10 per class or $40 for a five class punch card, which includes a sixth class free. nnn

The Braden River baseball team has found its good luck charm this season in a pair of feathered fans.

Two bald eagles built a nest in one of the Pirates’ left field light towers, and therefore Braden River hasn’t been able to use them all season. As a result, the Pirates must use portable lights on that side of the field for their home games.

Over the season, the Pirates have grown accustomed to seeing their friends every day. The players named the eagles Freedom and Spirit, and the team has stopped practice more than once to watch them fly overhead.

“It’s pretty cool to see, and if feels like they are watching over us,” coach Craig Page said.

Jen Blanco is the Sports Editor for the East County Observer. Contact her at jblanco@ yourobserver.com.

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It’s only a matter of time before it’ll be time to sign him up for a sport, assuming he wants to play. Although with all of that extra energy, I might be signing him up either way.

I was 5 years old when my parents signed me up for T-ball, which is somewhat late nowadays considering a lot of children are getting their first taste of athletic competition as early as 3 years old.

While his older brother Brendan, 5, hasn’t expressed an interest in playing team sports, Cameron, the more rough and tough of the two, would do anything to get his hands, or feet, on a ball.

While I never took gymnastics myself, Cameron already has a firm grasp of the sport. The balance beam proved to be Cameron’s favorite part of the day. I’ll never forget seeing the determination on his little face, as he pulled himself up onto the beam, stood up by himself and began to walk. He was so proud.

Of course, now he treats everything like a balance beam, including his Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Scooter.

While I won’t be signing Cameron up for team competition anytime soon, I think it’s safe to say, we’ll be heading back to the gym again in the very near future.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

TH AT’S T HE T IC KET

Losee will close out this year’s competition season at the Florida Level 7 State Championships April 1 through April 3, in Coral Springs, before spending the summer learning new skills in the hopes of making a national developmental team camp.

“Maddie has grown not only physically, but more importantly, mentally,” Amy Losee said. “She is learning countless life lessons, and it’s really neat to watch her grow and mature in the sport.”

Based on her TOPS test, Lee was named to the TOPS A National Team and invited to participate in a developmental camp in late February, at the USA Gymnastics National Team Training Center, in Huntsville, Texas.

Under the watchful eye of Valeri Liukin, the father of 2008 Olympic champion Nastia Liukin, Lee completed another physical abilities test, finishing second out of the 57 girls in attendance.

“It’s cool knowing that I was able to swing on the same bars and tumble on the same floor as the Olympians,” Lee said. “It’s so special. I’m so honored that my name is out there and I get to do this wonderful sport that I love so much.”

Following her training session at the National Team Training Center, Lee competed in the KPAC Cup National Qualifier March 10 and March 11, in Charlotte, N.C. Lee was one of only 14 girls to qualify for the 10- and 11-yearold Hopes Classic May 13 and May 14, which is a national qualifier and the next step in her journey to earning elite status, after posting a compulsory score of 35.95 and an exceptional score of 49.9.

THURSDAY, MARCH 31

The Lakewood Ranch baseball team faces a tough outof-state test when the Mustangs host Cleveland St. Ignatius (Ohio) at 4 p.m. The Wildcats were ranked third in Ohio last year and advanced to the state Final Four.

2

TUESDAY, APRIL 5

Looking to close out the last week of the regular season on a winning note, a pair of East County rivals will square off when the Braden River softball team hosts Lakewood Ranch at 6:30 p.m. The Mustangs handed the Pirates their first loss of the season in the first matchup between the two teams on March 15.

3

TUESDAY, APRIL 5

Two of the area’s top teams will hit the diamond when the Braden River baseball team hosts Sarasota at 7 p.m.

The Pirates and Sailors both have posted double-digit wins this season and both earned one of the top two seeds in their respective districts.

4

TUESDAY, APRIL 5

The Lakewood Ranch and Braden River boys and girls track teams compete in the Varsity County Championships. The annual meet, which will feature all eight Manatee County teams, will begin at 3 p.m., at St. Stephen’s.

File photo

Johnathan Reid will help lead Lakewood Ranch into the Varsity County Championships April 5.

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS Harvey S. Mishner, M.D. Daniela Kassabov, M.D.

19A

“Kelsey is known for her beautiful lines and great artistry,” Parraga said. “We knew she would do really well, but she just blew it out of the water.”

Most recently, Lee returned home to compete in the Florida Level 9 State Championship March 18 through March 20, in Fort Myers. Lee hit all four of her routines, posting a 37.775 to win the all-around title.

At the Hopes Classic, Lee has aspirations of qualifying for the Secret U.S. Classic/Hopes Championships June 3 through

June 5, in Hartford, Conn., which will feature 2016 Olympic hopefuls Gabby Douglas and Simone Biles, among others.

“We have a lot of hope for her,” Parraga said. “She’s far exceeded our expectations. She has a passion for the sport and a lot of selfconfidence. Those are two things you can’t teach. She’s just thirsty and a joy to coach.

“Maddie is following in her footsteps,” Parraga said. “Both girls are very talented and it just shows that anything is really possible if a child believes in herself.”

welcomes

Board Certified Family Practice Physician

Jason Okuhara, DO, FACOI

192104

11505 Palmbrush Trail, Ste. 220, Lakewood Ranch (941)747-2090 www.drmishner.com Southeast Corner of SR 70 & Lakewood Ranch Blvd.

Above: McNeal Elementary secondgrader Maddie Losee is continually striving to learn new skills on the uneven bars. Left: Ten-year-old Kelsey Lee performs a split hold on the balance beam.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

FROM PAGE 17A

The top matchups this week in East County sports

Board Certified, Cardiology; Interventional Cardiology; Echocardiography Dr. Jason Okuhara brings to Intercoastal Medical Cardiac & Vascular Group a wealth of knowledge and experience in Cardiac & Vascular medicine, utilizing the most current technologies and techniques to address your cardiology needs, from the routine to the complicated.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

7005 Dominion Lane $1,245,000 | Web ID A4149003 Jim Soda & Donna Soda 941.961.5857

16210 Clearlake Avenue $1,799,000 | Web ID A4139576 Laura Stavola 941.447.4875

6580 Wild Orchid Lane $1,299,000 | Web ID A4121667 Joel Schemmel 941.587.4894

16115 Daysailor Trail $1,240,000 | Web ID A4144759 Jim Soda 941.961.5857

13223 Palmers Creek Terrace $1,225,000 | Web ID A4139818 Jim Soda 941.961.5857

4369 Boca Pointe Drive $1,200,000 | Web ID A4116104 Joel Schemmel 941.587.4894

7527 Greystone Street $1,200,000 | Web ID A4148445 Linda Apple & Carrie Lamb 941.586.0553

9309 Swaying Branch Road $904,900 | Web ID A3956080 Brian Wood 941.928.8408

7524 Rigby Court $898,000 | Web ID A4120242 Jim Soda 941.961.5857

3426 Founders Club Drive $799,000 | Web ID A4138247 Fernando Viteri 941.400.7676

4175 Escondito Circle $768,500 | Web ID A4128344 Brandi Furlan & Lisa Morreale 941.894.9888

8000 Via Fiore $649,000 | Web ID A4126509 Laura Pearson & Don Wood 941.993.5167

7062 Kingsmill Court $649,000 | Web ID A4144545 Gloria Bracciano & Greg Van Natter 941.730.1999

11 North Cayman Isles Boulevard $639,900 | Web ID N5907117 Bob Linthicum 941.228.9206

19 North Cayman Isles Boulevard $599,900 | Web ID N5906512 Bob Linthicum 941.228.9206

6205 Goldfinch Street $579,000 | Web ID A4149717 Brian Wood 941.928.8408

1763 Grande Park Drive $519,900 | Web ID N5782821 Bob Linthicum 941.228.9206

7556 Calle Facil $519,000 | Web ID A4149294 Maureen & Matt Morris 941.320.3960

18821 Ganton Avenue $499,900 | Web ID A4141172 Jim Soda & Stacy Haas-Goodwin 941.961.5857

1073 Bahia Vista Court $499,000 | Web ID A4121478 Paul Clark & Carol Clark 941.350.4600

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5762 Carriage Drive $475,000 | Web ID A4149319 Lisa Morreale & Brandi Furlan 941.400.9038

49 Saint John Boulevard $429,900 | Web ID N5903497 Bob Linthicum 941.228.9206

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7665 Fairway Woods Drive #702 $399,000 | Web ID A4122923 Sharon Chiodi 941.809.0380

11803 Summer Meadow Drive $397,500 | Web ID A4144613 Shannon Rogers 941.920.5454

6532 Moorings Point Circle #202 $383,900 | Web ID A4140374 Leigh Simons 941.224.4515

11127 Pine Lilly Place $365,000 | Web ID A4122720 Ziad Sleit 941.928.5493

11714 Forest Park Circle $359,000 | Web ID A4117766 Kimberly Freiwald 941.256.6775

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8170 Miramar Way #61 $319,950 | Web ID A4149270 Michelle Crabtree 941.724.4663

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MARCH 31, 2016

Classifieds 17B Games 16B Real Estate 12B Weather 16B

YOUR NEIGHBORS Photos by Jessica Salmond

JEWISH HOLIDAY

Left: Phoebe Jessop of Lakewood Ranch collected 18 eggs.

Below: Jeremy Lebel of East County tries to get his son Landon to smile while mom Kara takes a photo.

Chabad of Bradenton celebrates Purim Italian-style.

PAGE 6B

Easter brings hare-raising fun

FOND FAREWELL

T

he Easter Bunny had to share the limelight.

With Rosaire's Riding Academy providing a host of farm animals, including the Chick-fil-A cow, children attending EGGstavaganza on March 26 had all kinds of photo opportunities for their parents.

Even so, the race to find Easter eggs once again was the main event of the Lakewood Ranch Community Activities event held at the Greenbrook Adventure Park.

Children also played in the park, produced artwork, ate snow cones and participated in other activities.

Pastors Steve Price and Catherine Fluck-Price leave area after 19 years.

PAGE 11B

REAL ESTATE

– JESSICA SALMOND Sadie Jackson of Lakewood Ranch holds a kid of the goat variety.

Hannah Miller of Sarasota gives the Easter Bunny a high five with a little encouragement from her mom, Diana.

“She was cautious,” Diana Miller said with a smile.

Country Club East home sells for $789,000.

PAGE 12B

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2B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

Right: Vijaya Kethireddy, 7, a student at Willis Elementary, makes a tie-dyed bookmark.

Kids check out Easter activity

C

hildren at the Braden River Branch Library had much more than reading on their minds March 24 as the library hosted an Easter egg hunt.

They looked through bookshelves in search of neoncolored eggs. After collecting at least five of them, they scurried to a designated area to pick out a book to keep and then enjoyed other activities. They made Easter Bunny crafts and tie-dyed bookmarks, created by placing paper on a tray filled with shaving cream topped with food coloring.

“Some of the parents love me and some of them hate me for that,” Youth Services Librarian Chris Culp said because the tie-dyed activity caused quite a colorful mess. “The kids loved it.”

– PAM EUBANKS

Christy Redcay, center, enjoys the festivities with her grandchildren, Lorie and Jacob. Both are students at Gene Witt.

Four-year-old Taylin Stilley, of Heritage Harbour, cracks open her eggs in search of treats.

Photos by Pam Eubanks

Libby Bates, who turns 1 year old on April 1, loves the bunny ears on her mom, Amy.

Willowbrook's Maria Paletta hunts for eggs.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

|

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

3B

in honor of

National Doctors’ Day March 30, 2016

Commitment, dedication, quality care … we thank each and every physician at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center for all they do, every day.

Medical Staff Leadership

Aaron Sudbury, MD Chief of Staff

Daniel Lamar, MD Vice Chief of Staff

Federico Frias, MD Secretary–Treasurer

Veeraish Chauhan, MD Chief of Medicine

Joshua Kreithen, MD Chief of Surgery

Holly Shen, MD Chief of Obstetrics & Gynecology

Silvio Tanev, MD Chief of Clinical Services

Jennifer McCullen, MD Member-at-Large

Jason Okuhara, DO Member-at-Large

Connect with us!

8330 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Bradenton, FL 34202 | 941.782.2100

Physicians are on the medical staff of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. 160699

200120

www.lakewoodranchmedicalcenter.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

YOUR CALENDAR

4B

Everything for your Walls!

 Large Selection Art Gallery!  We Print your Photos on Canvas.  Let us Turn your Photo into a Painting!  High Quality Custom Framing Available.

www.artfinity.com (941) 752-1873 • (877) 404-0002

Special Event for Parents

by Dr. Robert Melillo

MEDICAL SEMINAR Begins at 4 p.m. at The Mall at University Town Center, at the entrance by Saks Fifth Avenue.

This event includes three hourlong seminars. Hear various talks about topics ranging from injectables and plastic surgery to body contouring and breast enhancement. For information, call 365-8679 or visit sarasotamed.com.

YOUNG NETWORKING Runs from 5 to 7 p.m. at Craft Growlers To Go, 8141 Lakewood Ranch Main St., Suite 103. This event is for members of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance’s Young Leaders Alliance and guests. The newly opened Craft Growlers to Go will welcome guests to socialize, sample craft beers and beverages and see the store’s offerings. Cost is free for members or $10 for nonmembers. For information or to register, visit lwrba.org.

SATURDAY, APRIL 2

YARD SALE Runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at homes in the Greenbrook, Summerfield and Riverwalk sections of Lakewood Ranch. Individual homes will host yard sales. Participating families must register with Lakewood Ranch Town Hall for $5 in advance or $10 the day of the event. The Lakewood Ranch Garden Club, the event organizer, will use the funds to benefit charity. For information, call 907-0202.

author, expert and specialist in ADHD, Dyslexia and other Learning Challenges

Saturday, April 2 Ranch Town Hall

8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.

Lakewood Ranch, FL 6:30 p.m.

Event is free and open to the public.

To reserve a seat or for more information, please call (941) 893-5775.

FISH CAMP OPENING Runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Jiggs Landing Fish Camp, 6106 63rd St. E., Bradenton. Come out to celebrate the opening of the fish camp with a free barbecue,

Is Your Child Struggling with Social, Academic or Behavioral Issues?

There is hope…

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presentation by neurobehavioral specialist, author and Brain Balance founder Dr. Robert Melillo.

The lecture is geared toward parents and educators working with children who struggle with academic, behavioral or social issues. To reserve a seat, call 893-5775.

THURSDAY, MARCH 31

STEM NIGHT Runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at B.D. Gullett Elementary, 12125 44th Ave. E., Bradenton. Students will show off their projects for science, technology, engineering and math classes. For information, call 727-2067.

TUESDAY, APRIL 5

BEST BET FRIDAY, APRIL 1

MUSIC ON MAIN Runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at Lakewood Main Street. The Distractions Band will play up-tempo contemporary music. This month’s event benefits Easter Seals of Southwest Florida and is intended to raise awareness for autism. Attendees are asked to “light it up blue” by wearing a tie, scarf, shirt or other blue item to help show their support and honor individuals with autism. Guests who wear blue can visit the Lakewood Ranch Information Center booth to enter a drawing to win gift cards and prizes.

Main Street merchants are participating by decorating their businesses. For information, visit lakewoodranch.com.

a fishing tournament, nature activities and music by American Idol contestant Sam Woolf.

The fishing tournament runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Woolf performs from 1 to 3 p.m. Nature activities include backyard bass fishing, fire prevention and more.

For information, visit jiggslandingfishcamp.com.

BRAIN BALANCE Begins at 6:30 p.m. at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Brain Balance Achievement Center of Lakewood Ranch is celebrating its grand opening with a free community

IPHONE BASICS Runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m. April 5 at Faith United Church of Christ, 4850 State Road 64 E., Bradenton. The Manatee Public Library will host this class to help you use your iPhone. Register by phone or email at 746-8890 or faithchurchucc@verizon.net.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6

CLASSIC CAR SHOW Begins at 5 p.m. on Lakewood Main Street. View and admire classic cars. Anyone is welcome to participate. Cost is $10 per car to compete for trophies and other prizes. There are no restrictions on year, make or model of car. For information, call 371-1061.

TUESDAY, APRIL 7

FACEBOOK HELP Runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m. April 7 and April 12 at Faith United Church of Christ, 4850 State Road 64 E., Bradenton. The Manatee Public Library will host this class at which you can learn to change your Facebook settings, find friends, upload and post pictures and more. If you do not already have a Facebook account, arrive 15 minutes early.

THE SEA OF STRENGTHS ACADEMY is an innovative

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7222 21st St. East Sarasota, FL 34243

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941.373.3955

Space is limited, to attend the session you must register online at: http://www.sosaschool.com/information-sessions/ phone: 941-538-6822 email: info@sosaschool.com

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

nonprofits. For information, call 342-5003.

Bring your own computer or device. Register by phone or email at 746-8890 or faithchurchucc@ verizon.net.

DISHES FOR WISHES Begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Polo Grill and Bar, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch. Dishes for Wishes Lakewood Ranch will host this fundraising event for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The theme for this four-course interactive dinner is “Bella Italiano.” Tickets are $150. Special sponsor packages are available.

For information, call 952-9474 or visit dishesforwisheslwr.com.

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

5B

A Higher Level of Care®

TASTE OF OLD MYAKKA Runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Crowley Museum and Nature Center, 16405 Myakka Road, Sarasota. This second annual event at Crowley lets visitors step back in time. Tour the farm and learn about old food techniques and sample unusual recipes.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Myakka cooks will fry up gator, armadillo, wild hog and other Floridian delicacies. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 18 years old. For information visit crowleyfl.org or call 322-1000.

FRIDAY, APRIL 8

|

For all that physicians do to help our communities grow healthier and stronger, we honor them on Doctors’ Day. Their perseverance, knowledge and compassion make a difference in their dedicated drive to serve others.

SATURDAY, APRIL 9

SUNDAY, APRIL 10

TOUR DE CURE Start with bicycle rides at 7 a.m. starting from Lakewood Ranch Main Street. Individuals participating in this annual fundraiser for the American Diabetes Association can pick a 100-, 62-, 35-, 20-, or 10-mile ride throughout Lakewood Ranch and the surrounding area. Start times vary by distance. Registration costs $25 and participants must raise a minimum of $200. For information, email mparsons@diabetes. org.

WALK TO CURE DIABETES Starts at 9 a.m. on Lakewood Main Street. A JDRF walk is held to show support for those living with Type 1 diabetes, while also raising funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Registration for the 5K begins at 8 a.m. For information, call 685-6875.

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Medical Director

Eugenio Alcazaren, M.D. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

MONDAY, APRIL 11

HOMETOWN FEST Runs from noon to 6 p.m. at The Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch, 5895 Post Blvd. The Hometown Fest will celebrate down-home food goodness, along with more than 40 craft beers. The Sertoma Club of Greater Sarasota expects 5,000 people to attend the event, which features attendees’ signature recipes available for sampling.

Proceeds will benefit local

• 30 Day Comfort Exchange • Removal and Set Up • Discount Prices on Adjustable Beds • Locally Owned and Operated • Same Day Delivery • FREE DELIVERY

Alexander DeJesus, M.D.

SELF-HELP WORKSHOP Runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Four Pillars, 8209 Natures Way, Suite 221, Lakewood Ranch. The Honor Yourself workshop is a discussion of ideas from the book “Honor Yourself,” the inner art of giving and receiving by Patricia Spadaro. Learn how to balance the needs of others with your own needs. Cost of the seminar is $15. For reservations or more information, call 373-3955.

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Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Family Practice

T. Z. Coutinho, M.D. Domenick Cover, M.D. Robert Cropper, D.P.M. Alexander DeJesus, M.D. Howard Diener, M.D. Brian Donovan, M.D. Fariba Donovan, M.D. Thomas Dudenhoeffer, M.D. Donald Erb, D.O. Ahmed Farooq, M.D. Gregory Ferreira, M.D. Steven Fineman, M.D. Bruce Fleegler, M.D. Bonnie Gabriel, M.D. Victor Ghobrial, M.D. Ranjan Ghose, M.D. Heidi Goedicke, M.D. Manuel Gordillo, M.D. Bhaskara Gowkanapalli, M.D. Joshua Green, M.D. Craig Harcup, M.D. Jill Hennessy, M.D. Michael Hinz, M.D. Daniel Hume, M.D. Kenneth Hurwitz, M.D. Dennis Imperio, M.D. Santiago Jimenez, M.D. Bijoy John, M.D. Andrew Krinsky, M.D. Julie Larkin, M.D. Janis Lawrence Jackson, D.O. Andrew Lazin, M.D. Marc Levy, M.D. Steven Lipman, M.D. Egbert Liquete, M.D. Rabih Loutfi, M.D. Jeffrey Lyons, D.O. Patrick Madden, M.D.

Robert Marcantonio, M.D. Kevin McCormack, M.D. Roberto Mercado, M.D. Michael Milam, M.D. Diane Miller, M.D. Kisha Morgan, M.D. Carol Morrison, D.P.M. David Moss, M.D. Janine Mylett, M.D. Sunil Pandya, M.D. Ashvin Patel, M.D. Pratul Patel, M.D. Timothy Pflugner, M.D. Rebecca Piotrowski, D.O. Lazo Pipovski, M.D. Shanthi Prakash, M.D. Soordal Prakash, M.D. Mark Ramos, M.D. Thomas Reed, M.D. Steven Reeves, D.O. Alberto Righi, M.D. Ashok Sastry, M.D. Jeffrey Saunders, M.D. Jordan Savov, M.D. Joseph Seaman, M.D. Shree Shah, M.D. Sohail Shariff, M.D. Daniel Stein, M.D. Sudha Tallapragada, M.D. Jason Tedesco, M.D. Walter Uyesugi, D.O. Vilma Vega, M.D. Kirk Voelker, M.D. Christina Warner, M.D. Hernando Weber, M.D. Elzbieta Wozniak, M.D. Jeffrey Zacks, M.D.

The Joint Commission Disease-Specific Care Certification in Hip Fracture Rehabilitation, Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation and Stroke Rehabilitation

A Higher Level of Care®

6400 Edgelake Drive • Sarasota, FL 34240 • 941 921-8600 healthsouthsarasota.com ©2016 HealthSouth Corporation: 1203873v2

201469

WALKATHON Starts at 10 a.m. at Greenbrook Adventure Park, 13400 Adventure Place. Check-in starts at 8:30 a.m. The event is Southeastern Guide Dogs’ biggest fundraiser of the year, and is presented

by Publix PAWS, a free Publix program for pet parents. The walkathon will have a variety of attractions for the family, including food, music and shopping. For information, call 729-5665.

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

OD O F

BE

MUS IC

FEST FEST ER

Rabbi Mendy Bukiet reads from the Megillah, or Scroll of Ester, which recounts the salvation of the Jewish people from a Persian high official.

Tam featuring pa Kids Bay Buc Zone s

FUN

Chabad members celebrate Purim

Saturday, April 9, 2016 Noon-6 pm The Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch 5895 Post Blvd, Lakewood Ranch, FL

L

akewood Ranch Town Hall was filled with superheroes, princesses and even a Venetian gondolier March 24.

The characters were dressed up for the celebration of the Jewish holiday, Purim, with Chabad of Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch. Every year, the Purim celebration is organized with a different theme. This year it was Purim Italiano, complete with Italian foods, games and trivia.

Families dressed in costume as a part of the remembrance of the holiday. Purim celebrates the salvation of the Jews in ancient Persia from Haman (also known as Xerxes I), a high official of the Persian empire in the Book of Ester who vowed to destroy the Jewish people.

Admission Includes:

REGIONAL FOODS

Free food samples from throughout the US, provided by 24 of our area’s finest restaurants.

Photos by Jessica Salmond

Above: Steve Shapiro dressed up as a Venetian gondolier.

Left: Emily Cohen stomps around on some grapes during the children’s program.

– JESSICA SALMOND

60+ CRAFT BEERS

Free samples from regional breweries in the Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, Midwest and West Coast.

Above: Eden Tibi shakes a rattle, a tradition during the reading of the Megillah to drown out the name of Haman, an evil Persian high official. Left: Isaac Abitbol holds up a pastry for the traditional giving of food to his neighbor at the table.

LIVE MUSIC

Right: Molly and Madeline Gursh make pasta collages with help from grandma Patti Gursch.

Twinkle and Rock. Soul. Radio.

Strangeways ★ Shoredogs ★ Dean Johanesen

REGIONAL ADVENTURES

Tampa Bay Bucs Kids Zone ★ Rocky Mountain Climbing Wall Black Ops Obstacle Course ★ Mechanical Bull Ride & More

Buy tickets today at MyHometownFest.org

THE CUTMORE GROUP

Advance tickets: Adults - $40 | Under 21 - $10 Kids 6 and Under - FREE | FREE Parking

If you are thinking of Buying or Selling a home in 2016

CALL THE CUTMORES Your Residential Real Estate Specialists Around The Ranch

Proceeds benefit Sertoma of GreaterSarasota, a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and other local nonprofits.

199099

190982

6B

 941- 545 - 5616

8210 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.

Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 WWW.CALLTHECUTMORES.COM

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

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THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

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VENICE BEACH

4250 S Tamiami Trail Venice, FL 34293 941-496-7600

198508

10B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

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THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

11B

Stephanie Shaw Glo Reber

Pam Eubanks

The Revs.

Steve Price and Catherine FluckPrice are leaving after 19 years at Harvest Methodist United Church.

Exceptional Approach ...

Extraordinary Service

A NEW MISSION PAM EUBANKS SENIOR EDITOR

When the Revs. Steve Price and Catherine Fluck-Price moved to east Manatee County, they came as pioneers, both in faith and by definition.

Catherine Fluck-Price was one of a handful of female ordained ministers within the United Methodist Church at the time.

The couple was one of two clergy couples in the state and they were the first clergy couple to start a church together in Florida.

“When we first came, the visitor sign on University Parkway said 421 families and growing,” said Fluck-Price, who is 51. “It was a daunting task starting a church.”

Nineteen years later, they have fulfilled a vision and a commitment to the community that will remain after the couple leaves the Harvest United Methodist Church April 3. The Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church has assigned them to another church in the state, although the announcement of where they will go and who will replace them will not be made until later this month.

They will start their new assignments in July. Until then, the Revs. Bob Stark and Ken Morrison, both members of Harvest and retired ministers, will tend to the church’s pastoral needs.

The couple will take some “unstructured” time to visit family and friends throughout the Southeast and prepare for their new assignment. Steve Price will still play tennis in the upcoming Take Stock in Children Tennis Festival April 30.

“They’ve been such a part of the community,” church member Dr. Don Bowman said. “They provided us with a pioneer spirt. It was a new way to welcome people into the church. They were selfless in their role-modeling in their commitment to community.”

Bowman’s own family joined Harvest in 1999, after seeing signs the church was meeting at Lakewood Ranch High School, where their daughter, Julianne, started as a freshman. The pastors performed her wedding ceremony Feb. 27.

“That was special for our entire family,” he said, adding Steve Price, who is 52, worked with the youth when Julianne was in high school.

Judy Harshman, whose family has been involved with Harvest since its first year, said the couple have been a gift to her family, as well.

“They have been beside us every inch of the way,” she said.

“They are a wonderful couple

HARVEST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH TIMELINE n 1997 — Prices arrive in Lakewood Ranch n 1998 — First services at Gocio Elementary n 1999 — Services start at Lakewood Ranch High School n 2004 — Lakewood Ranch church opens at 14305 Covenant Way n 2005 — Sprouts preschool opens n 2011 — Memorial garden opens

WHY THE CHANGE?

Stephanie Shaw 941/544.3770

Stephanie.shaw@sothebysrealty.com

Glo Reber 941/400.5384

Glo.reber@sothebysrealty.com

Price Improvement!

Pastors in the United Methodist Church are appointed to one-year terms. Steve Price and Catherine Fluck-Price have been appointed to their Lakewood Ranch church, Harvest United Methodist, for 19 years.

The Rev. Catherine Fluck-Price said a wave of pastor retirements within the United Methodist Church is forcing the shifting of many pastors.

and they work so well together.

We have a church full of disciples because of them. Wherever they are going, that is a lucky, lucky church.”

Harshman recalled how in Harvest’s early years, when the couple’s two children (Shelby is now 23 and Sid is 18) were small, church members would watch them while the Prices preached.

One morning, while Steve Price preached, their son, Sid, then a toddler, escaped from his caretakers and walked up and clung to his father’s leg.

“Steve reached down, lifted Sid up and held him in the cradle of his arm,” Harshman said. “This is such a family-friendly church.”

Over the years, Harvest has grown from a handful of members to more than 1,200 and a staff of 60, including teachers at its preschool, Sprouts. Its programs have evolved, expanding from one simple Christmas outreach to now providing gifts and a meal to more than 500 migrant farmworker children at Faulkner Farms each Christmas. It fills backpacks with food for children at Samoset Elementary to take home on the weekends. It holds an annual Harvest Hustle 5K that raises funds for the Take Stock in Children scholarship and mentoring program, among other contributions.

Those ministries, they said, will continue.

They have shared life and faith experiences for nearly two decades.

“We have cried a lot and will dearly miss the people of this congregation, but we trust God will be at work in this place,” FluckPrice said. “We understand our ministry to be broader than any one congregation.”

7913 Waterton Lane Lake Club, Lakewood Ranch

4 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, 3 Half Baths, 5,800 sq.ft.

MLS#4129940 Asking $1,999,000

7202 Ashland Glen Lakewood Ranch Country Club 4 Bedrooms, 3½ Baths. 3,835 square feet.

MLS#4143468 Asking $999,800

CALL THE TEAM OF STEPHANIE SHAW/GLO REBER For Real Estate Results beyond your expectations.

201677

Founders of Harvest United Methodist leave after 19 years in the community.

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

REAL ESTATE

12B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

Country Club East home sells for $891,000 COUNTRY CLUB VILLAGE AT LAKEWOOD RANCH

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in Country Club East at Lakewood Ranch topped all transactions in this week’s real estate. Carl and Patricia Cooper, of Longboat Key, sold their home at 14528 Secret Harbor Place to DD Holdings Inc. for $891,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, three-anda-half baths, a pool and 2,850 square feet of living area.

Mathew and Sarah Robbins, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 13309 Lost Key Place to Dan and Sally Hamlin, of Lakewood Ranch, for $789,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, threeand-two-half baths, a pool and 3,884 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $1,110,000 in 2006.

William and Jean Burgess sold their home at 13884 Siena Loop to Gerard Knatz and Kathleen Knatz, trustees, of Bradenton, for $468,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,361 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $475,000 in 2015.

RIVERDALE REVISED

John D’Alusio and Mariann Murphy, of Bradenton, sold their home at 4629 Barracuda Drive to Summer Kuehn, of Stillwater, Minn., for $750,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, two-anda-half baths, a pool and 2,989 square feet of living area.

Robert and Paula Fisher, of Punta Gorda, sold their home at 4524 Fourth Ave. N.E. to William and Kim McLaughlin, of Bradenton, for $602,000.

Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths,

15304 Linn Park Terrace A4138402 $999,000 Linda Driggs

Lakewood Ranch 941-951-6660 941-374-2920

7413 Haddington Cove A4137643 $899,000 Laura Navratil

Lakewood Ranch 941-907-9595 941-806-7436

14910 Camargo Place A4138342 $889,000 Deborah Angelo O’Mara

6809 Turnberry Isle Court A4136281 $639,000 Theresa Meyers

Lakewood Ranch 941-907-9595 941-780-5214

9519 Old Hyde Park Place A4144204 $599,000 Nicole Ryskamp

Lakewood Ranch 941-907-9595 941-807-1766

11723 Darsey Road A4149601 $595,000 Joe Foster

a pool and 2,856 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $460,000 in 2012.

Marguerite Beitzel, trustee, and Scherlene Hilbert, of St. Petersburg, sold the home at 4720 Pinnacle Drive to Randolph and Heidi Singer, of Bradenton, for $410,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,036 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $363,000 in 2012.

BRIDGEWATER AT LAKEWOOD RANCH

Lennar Homes LLC sold the home at 13110 Bridgeport Crossing to Donglin Zhang and Xiaolin Liu, of Ontario, Canada, for $614,200. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,161 square feet of living area.

RIVER CLUB SOUTH

Randy and Vanessa Stull, of Sarasota, sold their home at 7412 Pine Valley St. to James and Mollie Moore, of Bradenton, for $530,000. Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,287 square feet of living area.

ROSEDALE HIGHLANDS

Dennis Dubois, of Bradenton, sold his home at 5236 96th St. E. to Betty Cortell, of Longboat

Lakewood Ranch 941-907-9595 941-730-0777

Parrish 941-907-9595 941-812-7634

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

MARCH 14 - MARCH 18

Key, for $470,000. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,576 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $590,000 in 2005.

GREENBROOK VILLAGE

Fannie Mae sold the home at 14218 Sundial Place to Robert Bach Jr., of Bradenton, for $459,500. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,875 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $505,800 in 2005.

Newfoundland Ventures LLC sold the home at 6418 Golden Eye Glen to Arthur Grassia and Lori Mathewson, of Bradenton, for $330,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,073 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $344,000 in 2007.

Richard Marini Jr., of San Francisco, and Richard and Judith Marini, of Bradenton, sold their home at 6368 Golden Eye Glen to Scott Bertrand and Amanda Bertrand, of Lakewood Ranch, for $282,000.

Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,034 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $330,000 in 2006.

CENTRAL PARK

Central Park Lifestyles LLC sold the home at 12074 Forest

15009 Bowfin Ter A4143951 $669,000 Christine Del Monte

Lakewood Ranch 941-349-3444 941-266-6733

20015 77th Avenue E A4114667 $2,250,000 Larry Mitchell

6511 The Masters Avenue A4135427 $585,000 Laurie Jarema

Lakewood Ranch 941-907-9595 941-321-3410

8201 Championship Court A4126740 $575,000 Nancy Phillips

Park Circle to John D’alusio and Mariann Murphy, of Bradenton, for $377,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,451 square feet of living area.

ESPLANADE

Robert and Marilyn Radakovic, of Bradenton, sold their home at 5006 Serata Drive to Jeffrey and Kathy Kelchner, of Bradenton, for $377,000. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,912 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $371,800 in 2014.

BRADEN WOODS

William and Kim McLaughlin sold their home at 6105 93rd St. Circle E., to Michele Babin and Mark Stealy, of Bradenton, for $370,000. Built in 1982, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,368 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $185,000 in 1999.

Elwin and Maureen Paulhus, trustees, of Viera, sold the home at 6114 99th St. E., to H. Monroe Warrington and Marcia Warrington, trustees, of Bradenton, for $360,000. Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,264 square feet of living area.

Charles and Barbara Holmes, of Tallahassee, sold their home at 9103 64th Ave. E., to Robert

Lakewood Ranch 941-951-6660 941-330-0987

Lakewood Ranch 941-907-9595 941-400-6078

112 26th Street NW A4133718 $550,000 Kim Jatich & Deborah Woods

Bradenton 941-748-6300 504-3874 or 374-0871

O

ur exclusive global connections place our entire collection in front of millions of prospective buyers and increase awareness of Florida’s Gulf Coast as an incomparable destination.

LOCAL LEGACY. GLOBAL VISION. 7224 Lismore Court A4146120 $499,000 Lenore Treiman

2202 Palma Sola Boulevard A4119059 $1,949,900 Debbie Vogler

Lakewood Ranch 941-966-8000 941-356-9642

14338 Stirling Drive A4144089 $459,900 Diane Ellis

®

®

Lakewood Ranch 941-388-4447 941-321-7799

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-705-3328

13501 Brown Thrasher Pike A4133477 $459,000 Terri Thacker

Lakewood Ranch 941-907-9595 941-376-1955

7426 Edenmore Street A4149559 $449,000 Bryan Dwyer

7326 Wexford Court A4144897 $398,000 Heidi Cox

Lakewood Ranch 941-907-9595 941-685-1529

1933 24th Street Circle W A4149321 $389,000 Kimberly Roehl

Lakewood Ranch 941-907-9595 941-809-9106

Palmetto 941-748-6300 941-447-9988

11219 Rivers Bluff Circle A4137291 $425,000 Erica Thomas

Lakewood Ranch 941-748-6300 941-799-9365

3420 Wild Oak Bay Boulevard 116 A4133926 $399,000 Leah Secondo

7612 Lake Vista Court 407 A4148270 $379,000 Barbara Najmy

Lakewood Ranch 941-907-9595 941-705-1158

13322 Torresina Terrace A4140395 $360,000 & Megg Faillace

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-545-4430

Lakewood Ranch 941-748-6300Ralph 713-9142 or 713-9144

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

|

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

13B

TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest building permits issued by the Manatee County Planning and Zoning Department for the week of Mach 14 through 18, in order of dollar amounts.

E AST CO U N T Y ADDRESS 13211 Malachite Drive

PERMIT Pool

APPLICANT Timothy Blend

AMOUNT $72,404

7735 Heyward Circle

Pool

Jeffrey Troiano

$62,682

5218 Benito Court

Pool

Lee Penkowski

$62,500

13525 Swiftwater Way

Pool

Lindsay Turner

$59,700

22107 27th Ave. E.

Shed

Timothy Miller

$50,000

8306 Planters Knoll Terrace

Pool

Stephanie Farell

$46,000

6874 Willowshire Way

Pool

Robert Lilly

$42,320

6814 48th Terrace E.

Pool

Eric Walmsley

$41,400

202 166th St. E.

Pool

Daniel Bonora

$41,000

16506 Third Ave. N.E.

Pool

Larry Searle

$38,349

7115 Treymore Court

Pool

Kurt Maurer

$37,782

4945 Tobermory Way

Pool

Joyce Kalkreuth

$36,916

11031 10th Ave. E.

Alterations

David Wennberg

$35,073

8744 51st Terrace E.

Re-roof

Noel Kendall

$29,400

7985 Cypress Lake Drive

Pool

Scott Evaschuk

$28,592

7309 Pine Valley St.

Garage

Richard Geyer

$28,000

1031 143rd St. N.E.

Pool

John Lynch II

$27,950

7147 Bluebell Court

Pool

Lynn Wood

$26,642

6712 Medinah Court

Re-roof

Marc Falco

$25,100

1003 143rd St. N.E.

Pool

Stanley Fry Jr.

$24,900

EDGEWATER VILLAGE

James and Mollie Moore, of Bradenton, sold their home at 8462 Sailing Loop to Geoffrey and Jennifer Ives, of Bradenton, for $365,500. Built in 2001, it has

7804 Heritage Classic Court A4140120 $357,900 Shirley Taradash

Lakewood Ranch 941-907-9595 941-730-1898

7001 Vista Bella Drive A4149273 $310,000 Mark Boehmig

308 65th Avenue E A4148108 $235,000 Sylvia Isaacs

8341 Farington Court A4134879 $2,899,000 Deborah Angelo O’Mara & Tom Cinquegrano

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-807-6936

Braden River 941-748-6300 941-448-7832

Lakewood Ranch 941-951-6660 941-376-1717

Source: Manatee County

three bedrooms, two baths and 2,398 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $400,000 in 2007.

5016 64th Drive W A4136838 $1,699,000 Debbie Capobianco

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-704-2394

20208 E 77th Avenue A4120315 $1,589,500 Nicole Ryskamp

Lakewood Ranch 941-907-9595 941-807-1766

6202 193rd Street E A4139273 $1,549,000 Tina Ciaccio

Bradenton 941-907-9595 941-685-8420

13219 Palmers Creek Terrace A4132928 $1,450,000 Deborah Angelo O’Mara

Lakewood Ranch 941-907-9595 941-730-0777

6812 Belmont Court A4148352 $1,285,000 Ann Martin & Joanna Benante

Lakewood Ranch 941-388-4447 941-356-7717

6943 Winners Circle A4126251 $1,275,000 Tina Ciaccio

Lakewood Ranch 941-907-9595 941-685-8420

21306 Deer Pointe Crossing A4146990 $1,250,000 Chris Baylis

Lakewood Ranch 941-907-9595 941-735-4713

216 81st Street W M5903622 $1,200,000 Judy LaValliere

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-504-3792

2700 Palma Sola Boulevard A4135180 $1,200,000 Debbie Vogler

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-705-3328

4742 Mainsail Drive A4111071 $1,199,000 Kimberly Roehl

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-447-9988

7010 190th Street E A4116987 $1,100,000 Leslie Emery

Bradenton 941-907-9595 941-400-9710

2431 Landings Circle A4149508 $1,100,000 Cheryl Roberts

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-266-1450

RIVER PLACE

Home Suite Home Properties of Ohio LLC sold the home at 6821 71st St. E., to Joshua and Shaela Lollar, of Bradenton, for $335,000. Built in 2005, it has SEE REAL ESTATE PAGE 14B

3632 Summerwind Circle A4142777 $339,900 Fran DeDona & Pam Goodwin

15311 Blue Fish Circle A4149120 $291,000 Michele C Burnett

1000 Riverside Drive B201 A4144436 $199,000 Mark Boehmig

Bradenton 941-748-6300 812-5023 or 812-0754

Lakewood Ranch 941-383-7591 941-928-1542

Palmetto 941-748-6300 941-807-6936

1604 3rd Street Circle E A4149262 $314,900 Diane Fogo Harter

8455 Miramar Way 8455 A4149703 $269,000 Joe Foster

416 40th Court W A4149475 $124,900 Kathy Valente

Palmetto 941-907-9595 941-445-2431

Lakewood Ranch 941-907-9595 941-812-7634

Palmetto 941-748-6300 941-685-6767

The Concession 941-907-9595 941-730-0777

Bradenton 941.748.6300 • Lakewood Ranch 941.907.9595 • IMG Academy 941.752.2683

201512

and Mandy Hinton, of Bradenton, for $322,500. Built in 1984, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,327 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $196,000 in 1996.

13604 Matanzas Place A4135021 $2,375,000 Kim & Michael Ogilvie

14B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

Albert Carson Jr. and Roxanne Carson, of Bradenton, sold their home at 6802 Pleasant Hill Road to Mark and Lauri Liddell, of Bradenton, for $260,000. Built in 1993, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,848 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $230,000 in 2013.

FROM PAGE 13B

three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,539 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $260,000 in 2015.

CARLYLE AT THE VILLAGES OF PALM AIRE

Ronald Rich Jr., of Irwin, Pa., sold his home at 6754 W. Country Club Lane to Leslie Levy, of Sarasota, for $330,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,060 square feet of living area.

SUMMERFIELD VILLAGE

Michael and Kelli Harrison, of Murrells Inlet, S.C., sold their home at 11318 Blue Sage Place to Tyler Turner and Stacey Lightuer, of Bradenton, for $260,000. Built in 1995, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,590 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $265,000 in 2015.

SABAL HARBOUR

Hani Judeh and Nadiah Sarsour, of Brooklyn, N.Y., sold their home at 4707 Cayo Costa Place to Keith and Bonnie Tincher, of Bradenton, for $295,000. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,300 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $235,000 in 2015.

Louis and Shirley Liebovich, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 12226 Hollybush Terrace to FREO Florida LLC for $235,000. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,626 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $165,000 in 2010.

HERITAGE HARBOUR

Nicholas and Sharon Ann Luman, of Madison, Ala., sold their home at 315 River Enclave Court to Larry and Peggy Sue Harris, of Bloomington, Ill., for $290,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,021 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $259,000 in 2014.

BRADEN RIVER LAKES

David and Hazel Ridge, of Wales, United Kingdom, sold their home at 1217 50th St. Court E., to Kevin and Jeanne Babuka, of Milwaukee, for $255,000. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,624 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $269,000 in 2003.

TARA

Robert Whyte and Karen Kirkwood-Whyte, of Ontario, Canada, sold their home at 6627 Peach Tree Creek Road to Melvin and Janet Goldberg, of Danbury, Conn., for $285,000. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,069 square feet of living area.

FAIRWAY SIX

Donald and Belinda Bencin, of Bradenton, sold their home at 5606 Doral Drive to Lillian McComas, of Sarasota, for $252,000. Built in 1983, it has two bedrooms, one bath and

2,151 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $227,000 in 2003.

PALM AIRE AT SARASOTA

Jean Rae Latelle, trustee, sold the Unit V-158 condominium at 7130 Fairway Bend Circle to Charles and Gail Ward, of Sarasota, for $249,900. Built in 1979, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,532 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $148,500 in 2011.

67TH STREET COURT

Tom and Sylvia Phegley, of Bradenton, sold their home at 2110 67th St. Court E,. to Peter Proll, of Bradenton, for $225,000. Built in 1978, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,665 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $142,000 in 1995.

PERIDIA

Barry Rose, of Newfoundland, Canada, sold his home at 4762 Raintree St. Circle E. to Donald DeNuccio and Julie Silva, of N. Scituate, R.I., for $225,000. Built in 1992, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,501 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $160,000 in 2003.

NORTH MANATEE RIVER WILDERNESS

Frank Mazurco and Joyce Trotta sold their home at 3839 Little Country Road to Robert Sket and Christine Fioritto-Sket, of Parrish, for $730,000. Built in 2008, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,863 square feet of living area.

George and Carolyn Orndorff, of Port Charlotte, sold their home

for $244,000 in 2013.

at 11446 Savannah Lakes Drive to Mark McCluskey and Cyndy Potter, of Parrish, for $589,500.

Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,987 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $585,000 in 2014.

COPPERSTONE

Manuel and Lisa Sanchez, of Richmond, Ky., sold their home at 11329 78th St. E., to Richard and Stephanie Groff, of Parrish, for $284,500. Built in 2010, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,458 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $199,500 in 2011.

GAMBLE CREEK ESTATES

Mitchell and Carolyn Shelby, of Bradenton, sold their home at 12620 50th Court E., to Gary and Damaris Vandy, of Parrish, for $372,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,455 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $329,900 in 2013.

Barry and Elaine Klein, of Parrish, sold their home at 11021 77th St. E., to Michael and Pamela Schimento, of Parrish, for $235,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, two baths and is 1,850 square feet. It previously sold for $216,200 in 2014.

TWIN RIVERS

Guy and Denise Griffiths, of Avon, Ohio, sold their home at 3403 Twin Rivers Trail to Jason and Heather Edwards, of Parrish, for $362,500. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,998 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $286,400 in 2012.

CHELSEA OAKS

Dennis and Linda Viet, of Ocala, sold their home at 2719 124th Ave. E., to Jason Stoll, of Parrish, for $265,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,289 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $207,900 in 2009.

PARRISH

Gert Jan Vreman and Roseann Vreman, of Bradenton, sold their home at 9912 25th St. E., to Travis and Sarah Park, of Palmetto, for $305,000. Built in 1972, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,904 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $270,000 in 2013.

LAKESIDE PRESERVE

SRMOF II 2012-1 Trust, trustee, sold the home at 5315 120th Ave. E., to Christopher Walker and Jessica Yoder, of Parrish, for $256,000. Built in 2009, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,387 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $223,700 in 2009.

CREEKSIDE PRESERVE

Joel Beary, of Fulton, Ga., sold his home at 3938 90th Ave. E., to Christopher and Kimberly Phillips, of Parrish, for $298,000.

Built in 2013, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,302 square feet of living area. It sold

ONLINE See more transactions at YourObserver.com

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201689

3007 Manatee Avenue East | Bradenton, FL 34205 re/MaX aLLIanCe GroUP 3007 Manatee Avenue East | Bradenton, FL 34205 re/MaX aLLIanCe GroUP 3007 Manatee Avenue East | Bradenton, FL 34205

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

|

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

15B

Stephanie Shaw Glo Reber

Pam Eubanks

The Harvest United Methodist Church Easter Egg Hunt takes off with a dash March 26.

Exceptional Approach ...Extraordinary Service

A hopping good time

Glo Reber 941/400.5384

Stephanie.shaw@sothebysrealty.com

Glo.reber@sothebysrealty.com

5129 88th St E Rosedale

Three/four Bedrooms, 3 Baths. 2,905 square feet.

MLS#4133292 Asking $585,000

E

aster Egg hunt celebrations continued around East County as children enjoyed events at the Kiddie Academy of Lakewood Ranch on March 24 along with another March 26 at Harvest United Methodist Church.

While the Easter bunny visited classrooms at Kiddie Academy, those at the Harvest event enjoyed activities such as potato sack races and arts and crafts.

7123 Sandhills Place Lakewood Ranch Country Club 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths plus den. 1,753 square feet

MLS#4142645 Asking $364,000

4903 Boston Common Glen LWR Central Park 3 bedrooms, 2 Baths, plus den, plus bonus room.

1,881 square feet.

Amanda Sebastiano

See more photos at

CALL THE TEAM OF STEPHANIE SHAW/GLO REBER For Real Estate Results beyond your expectations.

YourObserver.com.

201678

MLS#4146772 Asking $310,000

Christopher Jackson and Emma Curry make a new, fuzzy friend at the Kiddie Academy of Lakewood Ranch March 24.

ONLINE

Stephanie Shaw 941/544.3770

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

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL? Manatee YMCA

YFL TACKLE FOOTBALL Manatee Seahawks, Parrish Steelers, and Lakewood Ranch Colts Heads-Up

Registration:

Certified Coaches

Bring a wallet-sized photo, physical, original birth certificate, and current report card to the Y on Apr 2, Apr 16, May 7, or May 21. Late registrants can contact the branch Y Sports Director.

Age Groups: (as of July 31) Flag- 5-6 years 8 & under (6-8) 10 & under (8-10) 12 & under (10-12) 14 & under (12-14)

Fees:

Tackle- $165 YMCA members, $185 non-members Flag- $50 YMCA members, $75 non-members $10 discount if paid before 5/31

For more information, call 941-798-9622 or visit manateeymca.org.

If interested in coaching, contact Steve Gulash at (941) 920-1910.

201684

Download registration packet at manateeymca.org.

WEATHER

16B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

FORECAST

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

SUNRISE / SUNSET

THURSDAY, MARCH 31

Thursday, March 31

High: 86 Low: 70 Chance of rain: 10%

FRIDAY, APRIL 1 High: 86 Low: 70 Chance of rain: 20%

7:21a

7:47p

Saturday, April 2

7:20a

7:48p

Sunday, April 3

7:19a

7:48p

Monday, April 4

7:17a

7:49p

Tuesday, April 5

7:16a

7:49p

Wednesday, April 6

7:15a

7:50p

April 7 New

April 13 First

April 21 Full

RAINFALL Monday, March 21

Trace

SUNDAY, APRIL 3

Tuesday, March 22

0.00

High: 78 Low: 63 Chance of rain: 80%

Wednesday, March 23

0.00

Thursday, March 24

0.00

*Grand prize winner must own a home in Sarasota County or Manatee County.

ONLINE

7:47p

Friday, April 1

March 31 Last

High: 83 Low: 69 Chance of rain: 60%

Visit YourObserver.com to submit your local weather or nature-related photos. One grand prize winner will receive a $2,500 flooring makeover.* In addition, $1 will be donated to Project Traverse for every photo submitted — up to $2,500. (Read more about Project Traverse: facebook.com/ProjectTraverse.)

7:22a

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, APRIL 2

Michelle Crabtree captured this shot where the Braden River flows into Evers Lake near Jiggs Landing.

Sunrise Sunset

Submit your photos at YourObserver.com/weather

and www.facebook.com/ObserverGroup

Friday, March 25

0.06

Saturday, March 26

0.00

Sunday, March 27

0.00

YEAR TO DATE:

MONTH TO DATE:

2016

6.21 in.

2016 0.56 in.

2015 5.86 in.

2015 0.98 in.

a reflection of nature’s beauty Awarded 2014 National MOHAWK Dealer of the Year!

4551 N. Washington Blvd.,Sarasota • 941.355.8437 | 2510 1st Street W., Bradenton • 941.748.4679 | 1734 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice • 941.493.7441

CROSSWORD

ANT FARM by Henry Quarters tors, e.g.

115 Alabama college town 118 “Iliad” warrior 119 The worse for wear 120 “I do” site 121 Bitter quarrel between two families 122 Greenwich ___ Time 123 Biblical “you” 124 Bounded 125 Out of the joint 126 “Do you want to hear a secret?”

127 Min. divisions

DOWN

1 Egyptian or Syrian, e.g.

2 Dunkable treat 3 Pennsylvania sect 4 Line of work 5 Bad reviews?

6 Baby words or foods 7 Lazy ones 8 Color between blue and violet 9 Comes before 10 Ten centimes, once 11 4/1 VIP 12 “Stormy” sea bird 13 Loads from lodes 14 Type of herring or light 15 “Don’t make ___!” (“Freeze!”)

16 Subjects for biopics 17 Undoes the deles ©2016 Universal Uclick 23 Stomach settler 33 “Tarnation!” boondocks 87 Hush puppy ingredient 26 In ___ of (replacing) ACROSS 34 “The Six Million Dollar 63 Rap-sheet listings 90 Shortsighted one 28 Hawk’s relative 1 Motherless man Man” Majors 65 Mississippi River 91 Colony member 29 Mary of cosmetics 5 Rough-skinned tangelo 35 D’Urberville girl transport 92 Wide tie 35 Quite a crowd 9 “... and make it fast!”

36 Old piano tunes 66 “You got that right” 93 Members of the AMA 37 Diego lead-in 13 Doctorate exams 38 Poker player’s dream 67 Feature of some 94 Medieval dungeon 39 High tennis shot 18 “City of Seven Hills” 41 Atty.’s organization jackets device 40 Kind of power or 19 “You were saying ...”

44 Teacher’s audience 71 Environmental hazard, 99 Running things in a system 20 “Uh-uh!”

46 ___ many irons in the for short bar 41 Analyze, as an alloy 21 Word on an invoice fire 74 Rainy Indian state 101 Ripped 42 Light brown shade 22 Santa ___ race track 47 Borneo ape 77 Robbery on the high 104 Sound of a balloon’s 43 Starter at an Italian 24 Stay on the line seas demise restaurant 25 One of two in a Christ- 51 Conscious 53 Fridge of yore 78 Deli offering 105 Add a little color to 45 Not a one-panel mas song 56 “Table for one” type 79 Renews, as faith 106 Nasal partitions comic 27 Not casual 57 Positioned, as a house 82 Helper 109 Eggs, to Nero 48 Went back further 30 Colored eye part 58 Doesn’t walk 83 Partner of video 110 Groove cut into a in time 31 Ex-serviceman 60 Easterly wind 84 Make a change to board 49 “Her maiden name 32 Sorority letter 62 Opposed to, in the 85 Ramshackle digs 111 Sell equity to invesis ...”

195580

www.manasotaonline.com

50 Canine warning 52 Commandment count 53 Patent prerequisite 54 Covered cistern 55 Three-masted ship 59 “This tape will selfdestruct ...” org.

61 “Results may ___” 63 Pre-Communist Russian ruler 64 Country music’s LeAnn 68 Neatly arranged 69 Before, in verse 70 Some undercover cops 72 Monastery figure 73 Loses one’s enthusiasm 75 Intervene 76 Angrier 78 Sing with closed lips 79 Battering device 80 Isle of ___ (England) 81 Salon worker, at times 82 Certain westerly wind 83 Aardvark 86 Santa ___, Calif.

88 10 of calendars, briefly 89 Cook over an open fire 92 Star in Scorpius 95 Iridescent gem 96 Start to catnap 97 Pass away 98 Set up tents 100 Water-balloon sounds 101 Wreck entirely 102 Botanical seed 103 Certain Jamaican believer, for short 107 Churchgoer’s donation 108 Montezuma, e.g.

110 Arrow cousin 112 Small green vegetables 113 “It ___ what you think!”

114 Seeing things?

116 Artificial crown for a tooth 117 Institute legal proceedings

CRYPTOQUIZ Each of the following cryptograms is a clue to the identity of a woman in history. Using the hints U=O and M=L, decipher the clues to name the woman.

1. R A V O L U 2. S U M O U 3. W U M Q D Y K 4. N A M W – S U Y K Y D O K N 5. R J K G U M U T J She was considered one of the greatest artists of the 20th century:

SUDOKU

Solve the puzzle by placing the numbers 1 March 31 (Medium, difficulty rating 0.53) through 9 in each row, column and box.

5

8

9

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7

3

8

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6

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9

2 2

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9 03-31-16

March 31 (Medium, difficulty rating 0.53)

4 5

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9 2

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Thursday, March 31, 2016

1

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6 Furnishings

Items Under $200 For Sale ACCORDION: ITALIAN American, $150. Bike rack for car, holds 3 bikes, $40. 941-359-8460.

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.

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 P.O. Box 3169 Sarasota, Fl 34230 CHAIR: LARGE, comfy, upholstered, attractive print, tan w/outlined flowers in darker color, $25.

941-746-5620.

MICROWAVE 1.6CU.FT.: Model #WMH1164XVS, Whirpool, above range, stainless steel, 29.5”x15.5”h, $200. 941-758-4646.

TOASTER OVEN: never used, $25. Microwave, $35. Outdoor glass umbrella table, $35. 6/Shelve bookcase, $25. 941-518-4814.

BUTCHER BLOCK. Good cond., solid wood, drawer, wheels. Will deliver (local) $100. 302−4069 SCUBA GEAR: Aqua lung tank, regulator, men’s wet suit, fins, spear gun. $200. (941) 228−8993.

Autos For Sale 2005 JEEP Rangler X: 57,500 miles, soft top, new tires and rims, lifted, $16,500. 407-929-9569.

2012 NISSAN Sentra: 31,000 miles, excellent condition, $10,000. Ann, 941-753-9312.

Flooring

WE’RE NOT YOUR ORDINARY FLOORING INSTALLERS! We are more. We have multiple crews with over 20 years experience to master your tile and wood flooring installation. We specialize in tile that looks like wood, offset, patterns, and more. Call us.

You won’t regret it. Fully Licensed and Insured.

Joe Davis, 941.929.3000.

ADVERTISE YOUR

GARAGE SALE

2 7 5

CALL 941-955-4888

Help Wanted

IRONING PERSON needed to iron for senior lady. You name the hours. Decent pay. Call 941-359-6868.

Homes For Sale BUYERS - Call to see if you qualify for $2500+ towards your closing costs.

941-726-2677

9

West of Trail Home on Deep water yacht basin.

3BR/2.5BA, pool. $1,500,000.

Garage/Moving/Estate Sales

Longboat Key House on Canal. Davits/ Dock. $495,000.

1

7

ESTATE SALE Saturday, April 2 - 8:45a.m. – 2p.m.

4909 Peridia Blvd. E.

2 sets of Henry Links bedroom sets, sterling, jewelry, sofa, side chairs, curio cabinets, dining table chairs, game table, Lladro, cranberry glass, Belleek, Royal Doulton, cut glass, Waterford, Sandwich glass, Toby's, collection of antique oil & electric lamps, night light oil lamps, lady clothes, Madame Alexander & antique dolls, music boxes, vintage linens & quilts, linens, art & prints, Featherweight sewing machine, full kitchen, fishing poles, tools, yard tools, Radco Christmas ornaments, holiday decoration, power washer, plants, grill & patio furniture.

2

Longboat Key villa: pool, beach, 2BR/2BA +den, boat dock, furnished, $300,000.

Longboat Key Condo with boat lift 10,000/lbs.

Wonderful views of Bay on Canal close to ICW, $375,000.

8

Luxury Downton Sarasota Condo: 2BR. $399,000.

Nokomis Waterfront Home with large bay view, used as duplex, 3-4BR, 3BA. $475,000.

8 3 7

Pix: estatesales.net Sale by Julie McClure

ESTATE SALE: Saturday, April 9th - 8a.m.-2p.m., Sunday, April 10th, 9a.m.-12noon. Lakewood Ranch County Club - La Cantera, 13518 Matanzas Place, Lakewood Ranch 34202 (off University Parkway). Baby grand piano, master bedroom and additional furniture, dining room set, Arc Trainer, electronic AV equipment, sleeper sofa, recliners, leather chairs, outdoor furniture, desks, kitchenette, pool /ping pong table, accessories.

Venetian Golf & River Club: 3/2.5/2, pool. Built 2015. $399,000.

Port Charlotte: 2BR/2BA + Loft Townhouse. Water view, boat docks, $224,500.

Vacant Buildable Lots: Sarasota from $65,000$1,500,000.

Sarasota Villa, 2BR/2BA on Golf Course, updated, $149,900.

Sarasota House, renovated 3BR/2BA, carport, $239,900. *Call for Details. Most listings are Pet Friendly.

Brooke O’Malley, CLUB REALTY 941-726-2677

7

EAGLE TRACE, 12206 Whisper Lake Dr., Bradenton; Immaculate 3/2/2 home in new dev.

Premium lakefront lot w/builder upgrades. 1946 sq. ft. Gated comm., resort amenities. Maint. incl., low fees/no CDD. SR64 1 mile east of Lakewood Ranch Blvd. $319,500, MLS #A4140862; Lori Madden, Mangrove Realty (941) 780−8443.

1

5

GATED RIVER Place w/No CDD’s. Luxurious renovations, 3BR/2BA/3CAR. French Patterned Travertine Floors. Custom Kitchen. Community Pool. Low hoa fees. $389900. (941)744−6002. www.HomesOfSarasotaAndManatee.com

Adult Care Services Complete Customized Individual In-Home Care.

Offering Non-Medical & Medical Services.

Including: Servicing Individual needs, Homemaking, Transportation, Errands, Meal Preparation w/Special Dietary Needs & Medication Supervision. Staffing available 24/7.

Call 377-4465 for more details or visit our mobile on-line website at: www.ElderCareSarasota.com or E-mail us at: ElderCareSRQ@aol.com.

Licensed, Bonded & Insured. Lic#30211372

3

7

Auto Transport SHIP YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR SUV anywhere in the United States. Great rates, fast quotes. Call Hawley Motors, 941-923-3421.

2 9

This week’s Cryptoquiz answers

1) Mexico, 2) Polio, 3) Folk Art, 4) Self-Portraits, 5) Mythology Frida Kahlo

March (Medium, difficultyanswers rating 0.53) This31week’s Sudoku

4 5 8 9 2 1 7

3 1

6 5 4 7

COINS, STAMPS, GOLD & SILVER WANTED. IMMEDIATE PAYMENT. Suncoast Stamp Company, 8520 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.

941-921-9761. Open Monday thru Friday 10-5.

WANTED: GUITARS, Drums, Violins, Trumpets, Saxophones, Orchestra, Keyboards. Any Musical Instrument. Any Condition, CA$H. Free Pick-Up. 941.962.1333.

3 6 5

8 2 9

8 6 1

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9 2 7

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2 4 9 3 6 8 5 7 6 8 3 7

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5 2 9 4

This week’s Crossword answers

Merchandise Wanted CASH FOR Old Military Items. Swords, uniforms, insignia & old guns. Call 941-416-3280.

7

9 2 8 3 6 4 1

5 3 4 1

HUGE GARAGE SALE Saturday, April 2, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Rain date - Sunday, April 3 Lakewood Ranch Communities of Greenbrook, Riverwalk, Summerfield.

E. of I-75.

Look for posted signs at community and neighborhood entrances on Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Greenbrook Blvd, and Lorraine Road.

Musical Instruments

Get a discount when you run your ad in more than one Observer.

Homes For Sale

CARD TABLE: Oak, with four leather and oak chairs, sits 6. Top is reversible becomes dining table. Beautiful like brand-new. New $2000.

Asking $895 O/BO. 941-907-1503.

VINYL RECORDS WANTED, 45 rpm (7”), LPs, rock, jazz, blues. Fair offer, cash. 941-544-0681.

As low as $17.50 for 1 week!

2

Storage

STORAGE FACILITY Boat/ RV/ Trailer. Secure facility, low monthly rentals, Clark Rd area.

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

Autos Wanted WE BUY CARS. TOP $$ PAID FOR YOUR VEHICLES. Call Hawley Motors, 941-923-3421.

2 9

FAMILY PLEASER! Greenfield Plantation 10113 Reagan Dairy Trl. Bradenton, Fl., 34212 4 Bedroom, 3 Full Bath, 2,306 sq. ft.

Medallion "Bermuda" Model pool home, w/formal living/dining room, large chefs kitchen open to light & bright family room, meticulously maintained. A Truly Must See! Offered at $364,500 Debi Chaffee Wagner Realty 941-773-9629 2016

FIND WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR IN

OBSERVER

CLASSIFIEDS TO ADVERTISE TODAY CALL 941-955-4888 OR VISIT

CLASSIFIEDS.YOUROBSERVER.COM

18B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

18B Classifieds

THE EAST COUNTY OBSERV Thursday, March 31, 2016

www.yourobserver.com

Cleaning

Home Improvement/ Remodeling

Painting/Wallpapering

Pools

BLUE FISH CLEANING INC. 941-705-3812.

Insured, Bonded. Affordable reliable home cleaning, $80, 2 cleaners, 2 hours.

FREDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HOME IMPROVEMENT AND REPAIR. Painting, tile, kitchen backsplash, windows, drywall, fans, just ask! 941-744-7473.

BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service by Maria.

Residential. Meticulous Cleaning. Excellent References. Free Estimates. Reliable. Lic./ Ins. 941-400-3342.

Landscaping & Lawn Service

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.

POOL SERVICE SPECIAL - 4 FREE MONTHS OF SERVICE (caged in pools) Certified technicians, 10 years of experience! 941-536-3169. www.vippoolprofessionals.com

Personal Services MAILBOXES FOR RENT - The UPS Store, LWR Blvd. and SR 64, near Publix. 941-749-2829.

AUTHORITY ONE SERVICES. Presser cleaning and window washing, paver sealing, also roofs.

Construction and vacation rental. When quality counts, call us! 941-251-5948.

Pet Services

Property Management

- Complete Lawn & Landscaping Maintenance - Irrigation Repair and Installation - Landscaping Installation 941-373-5110

Home Improvement/ Remodeling MASTER CRAFTSMAN. 20 Years experience in remodeling. Residential and Commercial. Licensed & Insured. Call Joe Davis, 941-929-3000. Thank you Sarasota for all your business. Have a great 2016!

PROFESSIONAL PET SITTING. Certified Veterinary Technician serving all of Lakewood Ranch.

20+ Years experience.

E-mail: catladypetsitting@yahoo.com 856-981-2047.

Pools Classified Ads Bring Results 941-955-4888

AIR CONDITIONING

FURNITURE REPAIR

PATIO REPAIRS, INC PATIO REPAIRS

DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T LET YOUR

DRYER START A FIRE!

FurnitureSales Sales &&Repairs Furniture Repairs Cushions â&#x20AC;˘ Slings â&#x20AC;˘ Re-powdercoating #USHIONS s 3LINGS s 5MBRELLAS

941-504-0903

Call Paradise Dryer Vent Cleaning Today

200282

/54$//2 &52.)452% %80%243 s 777 0!4)/2%0!)23 .%4

YOUR SAFETY IS PRICELESS! 941. 979. 2707

HANDYMAN

Agnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Handyman Home Services LLC â&#x20AC;&#x153;The smallest things make the biggest differenceâ&#x20AC;?

Dryers and washing machines were involved in one out of every 22 home structure ďŹ res LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED reported to U.S. ďŹ re departments in 2006-2010.

www.paradisedryervent.com

201558

Carpet & Upholstery â&#x20AC;˘ Tile & Grout Spot Dying â&#x20AC;˘ Water Removal

941-342-7721

10 YEARS EXPERIENCE â&#x20AC;˘ SERVING ALL OF MANATEE CO.

HOME SERVICES

For New Customers

Gulf Breeze Home Watch Peace of Mind While You Are Away

With This Ad

Starts at just $30/mo. â&#x20AC;˘ Family Owned and Operated Serving Manatee and Sarasota Counties

Make Your Phone Ring 941-955-4888

Are You Having Dryer DifďŹ culties? â&#x20AC;˘ Dryer hot but clothes still wet after (1) drying cycle? â&#x20AC;˘ Dryer gets hot to the touch or doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t heat up at all?

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

Yoder Aluminum Inc. 200467

Friendly, Expert Computer Repairs

Home Watch Services

199053

Weekly Services from $15 (941) 928-0391 Karen@the-lyons.com

Custom Surfaces Inc.

Appliance Repair of Lakewood Ranch

DECORATIVE SURFACES FOR: PATIOS, POOL DECKS, DRIVEWAYS, ENTRYWAYS

3675768-01

DOORS

CABINET MAKER

Commercial

20047

â&#x20AC;˘ Detailed house monitoring services â&#x20AC;˘ Visits can be carried outWeekly/Bi-monthly or Monthly â&#x20AC;˘ Interior/Exterior inspections - Photos emailed to you â&#x20AC;˘ Airport pick-up and drop off â&#x20AC;˘ Housekeeping services if required â&#x20AC;˘ References supplied

GET YOUR NAME LV10370

200469

CABINET MAKING

Licensed â&#x20AC;˘ Insured Lic. #25393

â&#x20AC;˘ POLY-PEBBLE / EPOXY â&#x20AC;˘ TEXTURED CONCRETE â&#x20AC;˘ RESEAL & REPAIRS â&#x20AC;˘ INTERLOCKING BRICK PAVERS Free Serving Sarasota 355-1148 Estimates Since 1979 SARASOTA â&#x20AC;˘ BRADENTON â&#x20AC;˘ VENICE

200132

Refrigerators â&#x20AC;˘ washers â&#x20AC;˘ dryers â&#x20AC;˘ dishwashers ovens â&#x20AC;˘ stoves â&#x20AC;˘ garbage disposals

OUT THERE!

Advertise your business in Service Directory Call 941-955-4888 to advertise

IRRIGATION

Sliding Glass Door Repair

A FULL SERVICE IRRIGATION COMPANY Maintenance - Repair -Installation

INC.

Like Us on Facebook

199804

â&#x20AC;&#x153;FIX IT - DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T REPLACEâ&#x20AC;?

Palmetto

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

15% OFF

rain sensors

20 any irrigation

$

$ OFF repair over 100 199060

www.themastercabinetmaker.com

941-705-5468

Lyon

CONCRETE

APPLIANCE REPAIR

941-723-0278

Residential

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Peace of mind is pricelessâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

15505 Lemon Fish Dr. Dustin Yoder Bradenton, FL 34202 yoderaluminum@gmail.com OfďŹ ce 941-650-9790

Truly Custom Cabinets made in Palmetto, FL Design and Remodeling â&#x20AC;˘ Custom Countertops Custom special cabinets for mobile homes

www.amerovent.net

DRYER VENT CLEANING SPECIALISTS

3680109-01

The Master

Ins./Bonded

AMEROVENT

Insured

941-747-7007

941-321-9441

www.homewatchofsarasota.com info@homewatchofsarasota.com

Team Up With Classifieds

COMPUTER

Yoderaluminum.com

941.587.8093

www.agnershandyman.wix.com/handyman

10% OFF

Commercial & Residential â&#x20AC;˘ IICRC CertiďŹ ed

199052

Quality Work â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Affordably Priced 199069

YODERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S STEAM CLEANING, INC.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Specializing in 6â&#x20AC;? Seamless Guttersâ&#x20AC;?

Call: 955-4888 â&#x20AC;˘ Email: classified@yourobserver.com Online: www.YourObserver.com

FULL WEEKLY POOL SERVICE FROM $65 per month including chemicals. For screened-in pools. Owner operated, reliable, personal service. Save money - call now. Blissful Pools, 941-705-0400.

CLEANING

ALUMINUM

CLASSIFIED LINE AD PRICE

First 15 words ..................................... $17.50 per week Each Addâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;l word .......................................................50¢ 15% DISCOUNT for 4 week Run Yellow color $5 per Week â&#x20AC;˘ Border as low as $3 per Week

200783

MRS. MAIDS. Detailed & dependable cleaning services for your residence. Enjoy freedom from housecleaning. Flexible scheduling. Bonded and Insured. For free estimates, call 941-400-3175.

LAKEWOOD RANCH LAWN & LANDSCAPE LLC

941-888-2988 FREE ESTIMATES rainscapeďŹ&#x201A;.com

201559

FREE ESTIMATES! Call Dotty, detailed cleaning.

30 Years Exp. Lic./Ins. Residential/Commercial.

Accepting all major credit cards. Dotty, 941-321-6645.

RENTAL MANAGEMENT company taking more seasonal and annual properties.

Improve your rental return.

Call 941-782-1559 or visit: www.choosegulfcoast.com for a free rental appraisal

â&#x20AC;&#x153;K-9 BOOT CAMPâ&#x20AC;?

Professional in-kennel pet obedience program.

40 Acre facility. 35 years proven results.

Lakewood Ranch area.

Von Asgard K-9 Center, Inc. Boarding - Training - Sales.

941-322-0705 www.VonAsgard.com

199044 38056

CLEANING. RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL. We take pride in pleasing customers.

Vacation Homes, Resorts, Schools, Churches, 941-756-4570.

199077

CICI CLEANING SERVICE. Residential, commercial, new construction. 16 Years experience.

Meticulous work. Free estimates. References available. 941-548-8805.

Pressure Cleaning

www.yourobserver.com

PEST CONTROL

SMALL ENGINE REPAIRS

Are you living with ants – roaches – fleas – ticks or spiders?

Financing Available • RC0067420 • Lic. & Ins.

Owner Supervises Every Job

SCREENING

Sarasota

5900 Tamiami Trail

528 E. Brandon Blvd.

200139

746-6654 922-1817 813-651-4477 Mon-Fri 9 am-5:30 pm; Sat 9 am-2:30 pm

941-345-5264

COUNTRY CANINE MAKEOVERS DOG GROOMING

SIESTA SCREENING of SARASOTA

Call for appointment

Located off of SR 70 E. 1 mile North on Verna Bethany Rd. 7804 Barr Road Myakka City, FL 34251

Rescreening • Pool Enclosures • Pressure Cleaning & Pool Cage Painting

Serving All of Lakewood Ranch 200283

Cindy Wells 941-322-6381 941-928-2168

• Interior & Exterior Painting & Wallcovering • Full Service Interior Design & Color Selection Assistance • Over 30 Years Experience Need a Referral? Matt Arndt, Owner Call today for

5 yr. spot free warranty

Team Up Today With Classifieds • 941-955-4888

TAX PROFESSIONAL

BIODEGRADABLE PRODUCTS

TAXIndividual PREPARATION and Business

Pressure Cleaning & Soft Washing Residential and Commercial

lleonetax@tampabay.rr.com | 941-896-3156

199084

941-758-4840

Shine Bright Painting & Pressure Washing, LLC

200140

www.PantherHydroCleaning.com

With this ad

classifieds.yourobserver.com

REALTORS www.EastManateeProperty.com

Servicing University Parkway, Lakewood Ranch & River Club for over 20 years!

Five years in a row

Sea Clear

Lic./Ins.

Res./Com.

Window washing & Pressure cleaning

941-822-3439

*Sidewalks *Roofs

If my enthusiasm doesn’t win you over,my Long list of Happy Clients will!

Call Me! 941-730-7635 www.LakewoodRanchProperty.com

Renovations

WINDOWS

Specializing in East Manatee and Lakewood Ranch

199080

࠮ )LZ[ 7YPJL VU 7HST ;YPTTPUN Call Bob ࠮ :[VYT 7YLWHYH[PVU /H\SPUN 4\SJOPUN ࠮ 3HUKZJHWL +LZPNU 0UZ[HSSH[PVU 780-2267 ࠮ 4VU[OS` :OY\I 7Y\UPUN Licensed Landscape ANY OUTDOOR PROJECT & Insured Residential & Commercial

Laurie Fox, Realtor SRES, SNS, SMS, E-Pro

• Pool Decks, Roof Coating • Residential, Commercial, Interior/Exterior Licensed & Insured • Referrals Available

NATIVE CUT TREE SERVICE

All Tree Work

Place Your Ad Online 24/7

Re-Paint Specialist

199102

TREES 199803

10 % SAVINGS

Home/Office

Call Owner, Joe Costa at 504-4413

David Hall is the one to call!!!

Licensed and Insured

SAFE ROOF CLEANING

941-737-4483

“I’ve been making houses beautiful for over 30 years!”

FREE ESTIMATES

199085

941-993-9976

HallAmericanScreening@Gmail.com HallAmericanScreening.com

Admitted to Practice Before the IRS

Pressure Washing: Homes - Driveways - Sidewalks Tile & Shingle Roofs - Pool Cages & Decks Greenbrook Resident Lakewood Ranch

LICENSED & INSURED. Ask for Doug.

Houses, Pool Cage & Decks, Fences, Driveways & Walks Irrigation, Fertilizer, Rust & Battery Stain Removal

Complete Interior & Exterior Painting

Free s Estimate

Roofs | Homes | Driveways | Sidewalks Pool Cages & Decks| Residential | Commercial

a FREE estimate!

Unique Painting Services

After

199088

201561

Before

201567

200134

Specializing in Lanai Screening and Panel Replacements David Hall

ƚŽƉϮďŽƚƚŽŵƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞǁĂƐŚŝŶŐ͘ĐŽŵ

LAKEWOOD RANCH PAINTING

FREE ESTIMATES

Rob Smith • 941-237-7049 • siestascreening@gmail.com

HALL AMERICAN SCREENING LLC

POWER WASHING

PAINTING

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

Satisfaction Guarantee Manufacture and Workmanship Warranties

Brandon

PET SERVICES

941-726-7077

www.bissonroofing.com

199100

3790 14th St. W.

MOVERS

619-405-7650

Annual Roof Check-Up $175

Do-It-Yourself Pest Products

Call us: 941-739-5102

Call Joel

Specializing in Re-Roofing and Repairs

941-748-7400

BUG BUSTERS

Small Engine Repairs, 5002 Lena Road, Unit 107, Bradenton, 34211 (off I75/SR70 E) 199744

Cell Phone

%LVVRQ 5RRÀQJ ,QF

Solve the problem at

Bradenton

19B

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

ROOFING

They carry infectious disease.

Snapper, Toro, Briggs & Stratton, Husqvarna, World Lawn, Kawasaki, Honda, ECHO and more Pick-up & delivery service Lawn mowers, pressure washers, generators, grass trimmers, parts www.smallenginerepairs.us

|

201564

LAWN CARE

Ask a Neighbor!

Classifieds 19B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

200477

THE EAST COUNTY OBSERVER YourObserver.com Thursday, March 31, 2016

20

941-447-0127 *Driveways *Lanais

e sea clear sky again” “To enjoy th

*Window cleaning in&outside* Environment Friendly Free Estimates

38 01

20

99

!SPECIAL! $ WINDOWS inside & outside FOR

Price including:

Tracks

Screens

EXPLORE the

Bathroom Mirror

Fan

CLASSIFIEDS for great deals.

Visit classifieds.yourobserver.com

20B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

ColdwellBankerHomes.com Statewide Open House Event â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Call 866.600.6008 and enter the

code for property details or to speak with the agent.

Waterlefe Golf & River | 4/3.1 | $649,900 | Patrick McGuire/Kerry Langman 866.600.6008 Open Sun 1-4 | 811 Field Brook Ct | Search A4145414 on CBHomes.com

University Park | 4/4.1 | $799,000 | Mary E Hale 866.600.6008 492711 Open Sun 1-4 | 7119 Chatsworth Ct | Search A4130550 on CBHomes.com

469606

Rye Wilderness Estates | 3/2.2 | $549,000 Argelia Vidal 866.600.6008 503034 Open Sun 1-4 | 505 169th Court NE Search A4146267 on CBHomes.com

Country Meadows | 4/3 | $489,900 Joe Murphy 866.600.6008 504117 Open Sun 1-4 | 607 148th Ct NE Search A4148424 on CBHomes.com

University Place | 3/3 | $465,000 473868 Team Cashi 866.600.6008 Open Sun 1-4 | 7912 Drayton Cir Search A4147530 on CBHomes.com

Cascades at Sarasota | 5/3.1 | $399,900 Argelia Vidal 866.600.6008 498556 Open Sun 1-4 | 3718 67th Street W Search A4137974 on CBHomes.com

Central Park | 3/2 | $399,900 Michelle Dunbar 866.600.6008 481842 Open Sun 1-4 | 12323 Tranquility Park Ter Search A4147484 on CBHomes.com

Arbor Lakes | 3/2 | $379,900 Susan Sweeney 866.600.6008 477226 Open Sun 1-4 | 7207 Spur Ct Search A4146705 on CBHomes.com

Mote Ranch | 3/2 | $369,000 479125 Susan Sweeney 866.600.6008 Open Sun 1-4 | 7112 Coachlight St Search A4141433 on CBHomes.com

Palma Sola Trace | 2/2 | $349,900 Jerry Cercone 866.600.6008 481934 Open Sun 1-3 | 3702 Summerwind Cir Search A4145888 on CBHomes.com

Copperstone | 4/3 | $325,000 Argelia Vidal 866.600.6008 89296 Open Sun 1-4 | 11351 77th St E Search A4148971 on CBHomes.com

Wyndham | 3/2 | $314,900 Ron Marano 866.600.6008 502816 Open Sun 1-4 | 1901 Wyndham Dr Search A4145615 on CBHomes.com

Miramar Lagoons | 3/2 | $299,900 Terrie Wilson 866.600.6008 502599 Open Sat/Sun 1-3 | 8441 Miramar Way 204 Search A4144309 on CBHomes.com

Wyndham | 3/2 | $279,000 Ron Marano 866.600.6008 467465 Open Sat 1-4 | 1940 Wyndham Dr Search A4140098 on CBHomes.com

Summerfield Village | 3/2 | $269,000 Tina Renta 866.600.6008 501699 Open Sun 1-4 | 6560 Meandering Way Search A4142569 on CBHomes.com

University Place | 3/2 | $260,000 Team Cashi 866.600.6008 469207 Open Sun 1-4 | 8207 Tabbystone Pl Search A4144692 on CBHomes.com

Mainland Sarasota | 5/4 | $760,000 Mischa Pacini 866.600.6008 493159 New | 3754 Eagle Hammock Dr Search A4149422 on CBHomes.com

Holmes Beach | 3/2 | $729,900 Rita B. Smith 866.600.6008 503987 New | 515 71st Street Search A4148096 on CBHomes.com

Barton Farms | 5/3 | $650,000 Rebecca St. Pierre 866.600.6008 504537 New | 8323 Barton Farms Blvd Search A4149183 on CBHomes.com

Point Pleasant | 4/2 | $375,000 Vicki Lonborg 866.600.6008 501630 Reduced | 120 N 18th St W Search A4145427 on CBHomes.com

Mckinley Oaks | 3/2.1 | $319,900 Valarie Brown 866.600.6008 479993 Reduced | 2934 130th Ave E Search A4144248 on CBHomes.com

Creekside Preserve | 4/2.1 | $287,500 Kyle Henson 866.600.6008 498407 Reduced | 8987 39th Street E Cir Search A4137769 on CBHomes.com

#1 Re al estate BRokeR age in FloRida*

|

10 9 -Ye a R leg acY

|

3,000 oFFices on 6 continents

East Manatee 941.739.6777 | Lakewood Ranch 941.907.1033 | Manatee 941.795.2211 | Sarasota Central 941.487.5600 Sarasota Downtown 941.366.8070 | St. Armands 941.388.3966 *Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate is ranked number one in closed residential buyer and/or seller transaction sides in Palm Beach, Orlando, Tampa/St. Petersburg and Naples/Fort Myers, and number one in residential sales volume (calculated by multiplying number of buyer and/or seller transaction sides by the sales price) in Miami/Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Tampa/St. Petersburg, according to data submitted to REAL Trends by NRT LLC, 2015. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of the Company. The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Š2015 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International and the Previews logo are registered and unregistered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.

198373

Administered by American Home Shield