East County Observer 4.1.21

E A ST COUNTY

Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

80-calorie burger debuts. PAGE 4A

•

FREE THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

VOLUME 23, NO. 20

YOUR TOWN

Ranch residents sentenced to ‘Electric Chair’ Carnival attraction company said it has big plans for I-75 corridor. PAGE 4A

File photo

British Open in Lakewood Ranch The Concession Golf and Country Club wowed the professional golf world Feb. 25-28 when it hosted the World Golf Championships.

That might be about to pay off.

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club announced March 30 that pandemic conditions had not eased to the point where the Open could be held at Royal St. George’s Golf Club in Kent, England, in 2021. Because the R&A doesn’t want to go two consecutive years with no Open Championship, it has been talking to PGA Tour officials about having the 2021 British Open in the U.S. July 15-18.

ERIC CLAPTON, 75

ROBERT PLANT, 72

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, 71 ROD STEWART, 76 Courtesy photos

Headed for the Ranch?

File photo

Get scoop on bad dog walkers A Lakewood Ranch entrepreneur has marketed a new system aimed at punishing inconsiderate dog walkers who don’t clean up after their pet.

Kay Nine, a biologist who has been out of work since the start of the pandemic, thought she would put her energy into something that has been needed. She developed Get the Scoop, a lawn camera that is activated by motion and smell.

When a neighbor and dog come on your property, the camera activates. If the owner doesn’t clean up the droppings, the device uploads the video onto social media platforms, such as Facebook.

“Cleaning up after your pet is just a basic responsibility,” Nine said.

Stairway to Heaven Assisted Living Facility introduced to The Lake Club. SEE PAGE 3A

Heavy task at Easter Jay Heater

David Drake, 5, counts his rocks after a practice rock hunt at Kids R Kids Learning Academy.

Instead of eggs, local kids will search for rocks at Adventure Park.

SEE PAGE 2A

A+E

The Players Centre seeks new head.

INSIDE

2A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

No eggs? Simply rock on Local moms host rock hunt to replace canceled egg hunt events in Lakewood Ranch.

MANAGING EDITOR

A

lthough passing out 20,000 plastic eggs at the Greenbrook Adventure Park didn’t seem like a good idea during the COVID-19 pandemic, a couple local moms have an idea they hope saves the holiday for small children.

The first, and hopefully only, Easter Egg Rock Hunt is making its debut Sunday, April 4.

Mindy Pearl and Jade Quaray started to wonder about what they could have the kids collect that wouldn’t be conducive to spreading any possible germs.

They also needed to find something that wouldn’t cost them money to spread around the Adventure Park.

“We started to talk about kindness rocks,” Quaray said. “While we haven’t spread out a bunch of kindness rocks with messages, the stones already are out there.

Because they already are out there, there is no need to have a mass rush to collect the plastic eggs. I mean, when you find a rock, you just have a rock.”

Spacing things out, Pearl said they will place 10 prize rocks throughout the park. The prize rocks will be positioned at different times of the event, so there will be no need for everyone to show up when the event begins at 9 a.m. It runs through 2 p.m.

The grand prize is a Trek Madone SLR Road Bike valued at $10,000.

The two women say the event will help children get back to nature on Easter as opposed to seeing the holiday as a time to gorge themselves with candy.

“Let’s face it,” Pearl said. “Our children usually don’t even have to work at all to find those plastic eggs. They are just sitting there on the ground because, God forbid, Ginny gets 14 eggs, and Tommy only gets seven. We might as well pour the plastic eggs right into their basket.”

This will be different. Children participating will be told to concentrate on “larger” rocks, perhaps a half pound to more in size. They will be digging all over the Adventure Park to find those rocks and getting their hands dirty along the way. The kids won’t get one piece of candy for their efforts.

Pearl and Quaray came up with the idea in January and were hoping to find a support group.

They did so in the Environmental Nobles of Manatee County. The group, which is 4 years old, was formed to convince people to be above trashing their environment.

ENMC will operate a check-in station in the middle of the park.

After the children go out into the park and pile about 20 pounds of rocks into their baskets, they will drop off the rocks at the check-in site.

com use.

o areh W e itur

T

instead of rocks.

“Can you imagine all the happy children climbing in the trees?” she said.

SEE EGG HUNT, PAGE 4A

Need Help Shopping Online? Call 941-359-2255

look This sofa offers superb comfort and durability for all your family and friends.

elegance

Perfect for smaller spaces. Round dining table and 4 chairs. Also in gray.

Stores Hours: Mon-Sat 9-9, Sun 11-6

Jay Heater

David Drake, 5, collects rocks.

PICK UP TODAY OR FREE DOOR DELIVERY TOMORROW** WE OFFER FULL-SERVICE DELIVERY AND SET-UP

Coastal

Simple

“Not only can we pass out a ton of our brochures to children to get them into the right way of thinking, but also we can accomplish a project we’ve been thinking about for some time at the Adventure Park,” Nate Ture said. “We would like to build a habitat that will double as both a bird bath and a turtle sanctuary. The rocks will be perfect for the project.”

Some local parents say the event is silly and can’t replace the traditional egg hunt.

“Rocks? I think someone has rocks in their head,” Greenbrook’s Bud Bush said. “If I wanted my kids to be digging, I would just go to the beach. Sometimes it’s just better to cancel an event.”

Pearl disagrees, and even if the regular egg hunt is back next year, she could see some kind of similar event, perhaps leaves next year

12 MONTHS NO INTEREST*

CLOSED EASTER SUNDAY

urn heF

2021 EASTER EGG ROCK HUNT Where: Greenbrook Adventure Park When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sunday, April 4 Event description: Children ages 1-8 descend upon the Greenbrook Adventure Park to search for rocks.

Prize: Ten prize-winning rocks will be offered throughout the event.

Event founders: Mindy Pearl and Jade Quaray Cost: $10 per child

599

$

99 SOFA

49999

$

SOUTH SARASOTA 5252 S. Tamiami Trail (at Phillippi Creek) 941-260-9601

5-PC

NORTH SARASOTA 4027 N Washington Blvd (Hwy 301) 941-351-8600

Perfect

retreat Queen headboard, storage footboard, rails, dresser and mirror. Also in brown.

Continuous

support

Beautyrest® Daydream Plush Queen Mattress.

BRADENTON 1100 Cortez Rd W (corner US Hwy 41) 941-749-6069

ELLENTON 5814 18th Street East (across Premium Outlets) 941-479-7900

1199

$

99

39999

$

VENICE 550 S Seaboard Ave (US Hwy 41 Bypass) 941-485-3211

PORT CHARLOTTE 1241 El Jobean Rd (across Sam’s) 941-764-8700

* On Purchases $300 or more with the Furniture Warehouse credit card made between April 1, 2021 and March 31, 2022. Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date if the promotional purchase is not paid in full within 12 months, by April 2022. Minimum Monthly Payments required. Offer applies to only single-receipt qualifying purchases.

No interest will be charged on promo purchase and equal monthly payments are required equal to initial promo purchase amount divided equally by the number of months in promo period until promo is paid in full. The equal monthly payment will be rounded to the next highest whole dollar and may be higher than the minimum payment that would be required if the purchase was a non-promotional purchase. Regular account terms apply to non-promotional purchases. For new accounts: Purchase APR is 29.99%; Minimum Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders should see their credit card agreement for their applicable terms. Subject to credit approval. Furniture must be delivered within 90 days for all financing offers. All prices include Hot Buys or Coupon savings. Terms of promotions - Previous purchase excluded, cannot be combined with any other promotion or discount. Promotion offers exclude Hot Buys, floor models or clearance items, sales tax, furniture protection plans, warranty, delivery, or service charge. ** Next Day Delivery or Pick Up during Covid pertains to in-stock merchandise.

355195-1

JAY HEATER

IF YOU GO

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

|

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

ROCKER RENDEZVOUS

New assisted living facility in The Lake Club could bring together amazing musicians.

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

T

he Beatles sang about “When I’m 64,” but they didn’t write about what happens after rockers turn

70.

Fortunately, Upscale Assistant Living Facilities has figured that part out. The Cleveland-based company has purchased 18 acres in The Lake Club in Lakewood Ranch to build Stairway to Heaven, luxury assisted living condos geared toward musicians. Construction is planned to start in August, and the project should be complete by April 2023.

Plans for the campus, which includes 30 condos of approximately 3,000 square feet each, and associated amenities are making their way through Manatee County permitting.

The Lake Club was in the news in October 2020 when Melanie Hamrick, the girlfriend of Rollings Stones’ legend Mick Jagger, bought a home there.

Stairway to Heaven spokesman Needsom Bass said Hamrick’s purchase and the fact Jagger might be in the neighborhood, had little effect on the project, which has been in the planning stages for more than two years.

However, Bass said Stairway to Heaven is something that would be perfect for Jagger, or other aging rockers, as they approach their golden years but still want to express themselves artistically.

Besides the ultra-luxurious condos, which will be leased, there will be a number of amenities geared toward musicians who still want to produce music.

Three music studios, the biggest one modeled after London’s famed Abbey Road Studios, will be fully stocked with the world’s

ROCKIN’ NEW NEIGHBORS Could these aging rockers be future Stairway to Heaven tenants? n Ozzy Osbourne, 72 n Robert Plant, 72 n Stevie Nicks, 72 n Steven Tyler, 73 n Elton John, 73 n Eric Clapton, 75 n Neil Young, 75 n Rod Stewart, 76 n Mick Jagger, 77 n Paul McCartney, 78 n Bob Dylan, 79 n Neil Diamond, 80

Courtesy photos

Stevie Nicks (top), Rod Stewart and Steven Tyler, all in their 70s, could benefit from a helping hand.

best recording equipment.

The biggest studio will be named Am I going Insane, with a nod to rocker Black Sabbath. The other two will be named Go Your Own Way and I Heard it through the Grapevine.

Besides the studios, plans for the complex show three differ-

THE ROCKER GANG’S ALL HERE What: Stairway to Heaven Assisted Living, geared toward musicians Where: The Lake Club in Lakewood Ranch Size: 18 acres, 30 3,000-squarefoot condos for lease, plus community amenities

When: Construction begins in August; finish date April 2023 Company: Upscale Assistant Living Facilities Amenities: Three recording studios, three piano/stage lounges, a guitar-shaped community pool and two main restaurants

Courtesy photo

The Stairway to Heaven Assisted Living Facility will be a miniature reproduction of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.

ent lounges, each equipped with a piano and a stage. One of the rooms, Forever Young, will be soundproof.

“I know a lot of musicians probably mellow out in their 70s,” Bass said. “But if they want to lock the doors and smash some guitars, we want to give them the space to do it. We want to give them an environment where they can express themselves and not worry about what anyone thinks about it.”

Some Lake Club resident aren’t thinking the project is a good fit for the community.

“I don’t care if the intention is to provide a home for former presidents. I don’t think The Lake Club is a place for condos,” resident Karma Kvetch said. “The fact that it is geared toward musicians who have spent their lives in debauchery only makes it worse.

Are we going to drive past and find naked people doing who knows what along our streets? Will there be a steady stream of drug dealers driving through our neighborhood?”

Mostly, though, Lake Club residents have been supportive of the project.

“I’m 75, and I bet I could give any of the musicians a run for their money when it comes to partying,” resident Justus Prevails said. “I actually hope we get invited over for a party. Could you imagine drinking with Rod Stewart and Robert Plant? Wow. The notoriety only is going to push up the value of our homes.”

Bass noted that nothing says a musician needs to be famous in order to live at Stairway to Heaven. However, the price — about $250,000 per year per condo — means the tenant must have had some success in life.

And if a nonmusician, perhaps a music lover, wants to move into Stairway to Heaven, that’s OK too. Just bring the wallet.

Knowing the musicians can be demanding when it comes to food, two restaurants at the facility will be open 24/7.

One restaurant — The Smell (Leonard Skynard) — will be operated by famed Orlando Chef Sue Flet. Flet had been operating the Pirates of the Caribbean Cafe when she signed on for what she terms should be a “wild ride.”

The other restaurant will be called Red, Red Wine and will offer Japanese Wagyu steaks.

Of course, many of the aging rockers no longer have the flowing hair, so they can get a trim at the Barber O’Reilly salon.

A shuttle — the Downbound Train — will provide service to Sarasota and the surrounding area.

Stairway to Heaven even has a complete service — with humor in mind — for those who check out unexpectedly. It is called the Another One Bites the Dust arrangement.

Bass said the names who have contacted Stairway to Heaven already is a Who’s Who of stars, but he can’t divulge them yet.

“Imagine, though, all these unbelievable talents merging in one area, and instead of watching Benny Hill reruns, they collaborate and produce more amazing music,” Bass said. “It’s hard to believe we are one of the first to tap this market. It’s going to be a regular Woodstock.”

SEE ROCKERS, PAGE 4A

3A

4A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

GOTCHA!

Happy April Fools’ Day from the East County Observer!

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

Hope you’re as relieved as we are!

Swing into something different New carnival ride expected to provide thrills in Lakewood Ranch.

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

A

major designer of carnival attractions said Lakewood Ranch residents are about to go on the ride of their lives.

Midway to Ecstasy North America President Mary Goround said she has been working with a “major developer” along Interstate 75 on a series of attractions that could be open for business as early as summer 2022.

Schroeder-Manatee Ranch and Benderson Development Company are both planning mixed-use entertainment hubs along I-75, but Goround said she wouldn’t specify which she might be working with, if either.

Among the attractions Goround said she is planning is the Sarasota Wonders 36-hole miniature golf course, the Little Indy 500 kart race track, the Mano Y

Mano laser tag course and the Virtual Commando Experience.

However, one attraction, Goround said, will stand — or sit — above all the rest.

“Let’s just say the builder wants to make a mark that will draw people from all over the state and beyond,” Goround said. “I was asked to do something that hasn’t been done before.”

Although the premise is not new, the execution of the attraction will be unique. Goround said The Electric Chair swing ride will be the first of its kind because it will take up to 52 riders over I-75 and almost to the other side of the freeway.

“Just about everyone has ridden in those swing chairs at the carnivals,” Goround said. “It’s always just kind of nice, but you wouldn’t characterize it as a thrill ride. Now take the same ride and imagine tractor trailers buzzing under you, only about 20 feet away. Consider the High Roller roller coaster at the Stratosphere Tower in Las Vegas. The actual roller coaster wasn’t much, but you were 909 feet over the Las

Vegas Strip. Now that gets your blood pumping.”

Goround said she and her staff have been working with the Florida Department of Transportation about clearance issues for the ride.

Although Midway to Ecstasy said it has not put a similar ride into operation, a former subsidiary of the company had trouble in North Dakota in 2012 with a similar type ride — The Hot Seat.

That ride, like The Electric Chair, shot its riders over a freeway.

Before the ride ever went into operation, a carnival worker was sucked off the ride into traffic when his shoelaces hung low enough to be caught into a tractor trailer’s pipes. The man didn’t survive.

Goround said this is a different ride and that all safety precautions will be followed, so no one gets sucked into traffic.

When The Electric Chair riders are swung over I-75, a camera above their chair will snap a photo looking down at traffic.

FDOT representative Scott Free said it’s something new for

Courtesy rendering

The Electric Chair will send those who ride it over I-75.

his office, and it might take some time to resolve the regulations.

“One of the problems, obviously, is that we give special exemptions to oversized loads at times,” Free said. “Imagine the government moving some big culverts, and oh, we forgot that being over the height limitations might mean running into some people on a carnival ride. I am sure we can get it all figured out, but I wish they would just shoot people out over a pond or a fire pit.”

EAST COUNTY

Observer

Suzette Pinto, MD Family Medicine Physician

8130 Lakewood Main Street, Suite 207, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 PHONE: 941-755-5357 | WEBSITE: www.YourObserver.com

Dr. Pinto is a board-certified family medicine physician and received her medical degree from American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine in St. Maarten. She completed roles as an attending family medicine physician at Charlton Memorial Hospital and St. Anne’s Hospital in Fall River, Massachusetts; Prima Care PC in Fall River, Massachusetts; Beth Israel Lahey Health in Ipswich, Massachusetts; a medical director role at Adams House Home for the Aged in Fall River,

TO EMAIL US Email press releases, announcements and Letters to the Editor to: Jay Heater, jheater@yourobserver.com

TO ADVERTISE Display Advertising: To obtain information, call Emma Burke at 941-366-3468, Ext. 344.

Classified Advertising / Service Directory: For information and rates, or to place an ad, call 941-955-4888. Hours 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. To place a classified ad online, visit www.YourObserver.com, or email your ad to classified@yourobserver.com.

TO SUBSCRIBE

Book an appointment online: manateephysicianalliance.com

To subscribe: Please call Donna Condon at 941-366-3468, Ext. 301, or email dcondon@yourobserver.com.

Or call 866-515-9777.

MAIL DELIVERY SUBSCRIPTION RATES First-Class

Canada

One year / $200

One year / $250

Six months / $160

Six months / $200

Three months / $128

Three months / $160

Massachusetts; and a family medicine residency at North Oakland Medical Centers, Family Practice Program, in Pontiac, Michigan. Dr. Pinto specializes in acute and primary care for patients ages 18 and older. She is also fluent in Portuguese.

14616 SR 70 East | Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

LIKE US www.facebook.com/ObserverGroup

Member of Manatee Physician Alliance For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website. 2195603-157262 03/21

WATCH US www.youtube.com/user/YourObserverVideo

FOLLOW US 352322-1

355182-1

https://twitter.com/observergroup

E A ST COUNTY

Summer Fun Observer

Observer

2021 Guide

Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998

INSIDE Your guide to summer camps in Manatee and Sarasota counties.

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

•

FREE THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

VOLUME 23, NO. 20

Federal money aims to improve internet

YOUR TOWN

Brendan Lavell

Circle of Life Lakewood Ranch’s Roxanna Walters has been checking on a nesting sandhill crane since she saw her in February in a local marsh.

After checking on it every morning and night for four weeks, Walters eventually received a payoff when two colts hatched March 23.

“I just like to see the young,” Walters said. “I like to see the whole process.

You learn their behaviors by watching them. And they’re just cute.”

Manatee County commissioners want to shore up internet service in East County. PAGE 7A

CHASE THE STARS Lakewood Ranch’s Alana Sherman and Conyer Walker each receive a shot to be an ‘American Idol.’

SEE PAGE 12A

File photo Liz Ramos Courtesy photo

Lakewood Ranch’s Conyer Walker plays in front of a crowd at Craft Growlers To Go and Tasting Room on Main Street at Lakewood Ranch.

Commissioner George Kruse says Manatee County needs to be wired with high-quality internet from border to border.

Cookies for heroes Alice Barr, a sixth grader at R. Dan Nolan Middle School, walked into the front office of the school March 25 and handed Kristen Tambe, the front desk clerk, a cartload of Girl Scout cookies.

Barr (shown above with Tambe), a member of Girl Scout Troop 701, wanted to show appreciation for the school staff by donating 132 boxes of cookies. The donation is part of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida’s Hometown Heroes program where front-line workers, firefighters, police officers and other heroes receive cookies.

“They do a lot for us,” Barr said. “It’s a nice treat for them because they’ve had to do e-learning and had kids in person, and they’ve had to change their style of learning.”

Myakka rezone proposed again Brendan Lavell

Myakka City residents Heidi and Wayne Minihkeim stand in front of Myakka City’s “triangle,” located at the intersection of State Road 70 and County Road 675. They oppose commercial development at the site.

Some Myakka residents oppose rezone for safety considerations.

SEE PAGE 6A

A+E

A noteworthy future. PAGE 22A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

HEATING & COOLING • APPLIANCES • PLUMBING • ELECTRICAL

Brendan Lavell

Myakka City’s “triangle” is located at State Road 70 and County Road 675. Manatee County commissioners will decide whether to rezone it from general agriculture to neighborhood commercial small at an April 1 land use meeting.

BADGER BOB’S

ALWAYS BETTER BY THE NUMBERS A million things can go wrong with your home systems, but it takes just one call to get your A/C, plumbing, appliance and electrical running right. With Badger Bob’s, you can expect exceptional service, special offers and promotions to save you money, and a guarantee of a job well done… at any time, every time.

Myakka ‘triangle’ rezone contentious

One Call Really Does it All – 941.777.2004

EXPECT BETTER SAVINGS EXPERIENCE BETTER SERVICE

The Manatee County Planning Commission recommended approval.

0

BRENDAN LAVELL

%

STAFF WRITER

Financing for 60 months!*

10-Year Warranty

on Parts & Labor* Save up to $

1,650 Rebates* *Restrictions apply.

IT ALL ADDS UP TO BETTER

SERVICE, BETTER PRICES & A BETTER EXPERIENCE… ONLY WITH

941.777.2004 License #: CFC1427129, CAC1815977, EC13009294

ONE ADDRESS… 24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICE – BADGERBOBS.COM

349074-1

6A

Some Myakka City residents said the process that could lead to rezoning of “the triangle,” a 1.54-acre parcel of land near the northeast corner of State Road 70 and County Road 675, has been frustrating.

A couple of small signs advertising public hearings were placed about 10 yards or more from 675.

Otherwise, the main notice for possible rezoning came when residents who live within 500 feet of the property were invited to a Zoom meeting to discuss possible development in November.

“Do you think that 500 feet in a rural area is a sufficient amount of notice and participation?”

Myakka City resident Carol Felts said. “I’m not 500 feet from my neighbor. I’m on 10 acres of land.

My neighbor is on 500.”

Manatee County commissioners will decide whether to rezone “the triangle” from general agriculture to neighborhood commercial small at an April 1 land use meeting. The property is owned by Tom Brown of Manatee Ranches.

The Manatee County Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of the rezone 4-1 on March 11. Jedd Heap dissented, citing discussion about traffic and safety concerns. Bill Smock and Paul Rutledge were absent.

County commissioners unanimously denied a request to rezone the property from general agriculture to planned development commercial in March 2020. That plan included a 12,000-squarefoot commercial building. In November 2019, Tony Veldkamp, who was representing Manatee Ranches, said the property owners intended to build a “neighborhood country store” that would sell general items, such as milk and supplies, and have a few gas pumps to service the area.

The commissioners said that rezone was not consistent with the rural agriculture zoning of the surrounding area, adding that commercial development at the site needed to be limited to 3,000 square feet and serve the needs of the local agricultural community.

ZNS Engineering Planning

IF YOU GO

What: Manatee County Commission land use meeting When: 9 a.m. (fourth agenda item) Where: Manatee County Administration Building (first floor chambers) Address: 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton

Director Rachel Layton said there is not yet an intended use for the property, but some of the possibilities Manatee Ranches is considering include a restaurant, a convenience store, a retail store, a bank, a car wash, a clinic, a dry cleaner, a funeral chapel, an office building and a veterinary clinic. Manatee Ranches could also apply for a special permit to build gas pumps, a service station or a vehicle repair facility, all of which would require a public hearing.

Layton said there are very few commercial businesses that serve the local community within a 5-mile radius of the proposed site.

Felts said the community doesn’t need any more commercial businesses. She also said the community has fought against the project before and will do so again.

“675 does have services,” Felts said. “There is nobody on 675 or 70 in that area that is going without.”

Other concerns from Myakka City residents include safety, traffic and nature conservation.

Residents say gopher tortoises, which are classified as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, live in the forested area of “the triangle.”

Additionally, the intersection is known as a dangerous one in Myakka City because of a heavy volume of speeders and semitrucks. Residents are particularly concerned about the safety of children if commercial development brought even more traffic to the area, especially considering there is a bus stop at nearby 77th Avenue, located at the north end of “the triangle.”

“Imagine an 8-year-old crossing to get a candy bar, especially on a foggy morning,” Myakka City resident Liz Arnold said.

“Or an older person pulling in [from across S.R. 70] to get gas,” Myakka City resident Heidi Minihkeim said.

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

|

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

Federal funds could connect county Commissioners say high-quality internet is a necessity from border to border in Manatee County.

BRENDAN LAVELL STAFF WRITER

A

mid all the amenities that make Lakewood Ranch a top-ranked community, Manatee County Commissioner Vanessa Baugh said it’s ironic the area is also known for subpar internet service.

She said in today’s world, excellent internet access is a necessity.

“When [schools] first went virtual, kids were sitting in hot cars in parking lots trying to get schoolwork done because we were parking hot spots in the larger parking lot areas,” Commissioner George Kruse said. “Kids had to drive over there with their parents and sit in the backseat and try to get work done, while other kids, some of their classmates, were home on a couch in the air conditioning, relaxing in their pajamas getting work done.”

When commissioners learned the county would receive $78.2 million in pandemic relief funding from the American Rescue Plan, a $1.9 trillion stimulus package passed by Congress on March 10, providing high-quality internet access stood out to county commissioners as a top priority. No decisions have been made about how to spend the money at this point.

For some people, improving broadband coverage would mean having internet directly connected to their homes. For others, it would mean improving the speed or consistency of existing internet coverage.

Commissioners generally focused on two areas when speaking about where increased access to high-quality internet is needed — the northern and eastern portions of the county, where population growth is highest. Kruse also mentioned Oneco, Samoset and Palmetto.

Commissioner Carol Whitmore said East County is an obvious fit for improved broadband, considering its “bad coverage” at the moment and plans to build the East County Library near Premier Sports Campus.

“People come down here for the quality of life, the weather and the way that we live here,” Whitmore said. “If we want to attract businesses from all over the world and diversify what we do, we need to be competitive. And to me, that is broadband. Everybody’s doing it.

RESCUE PLAN FUNDS Manatee County versus its neighbors: Great American Rescue Plan funding Hillsborough County: $285.5 million Pinellas County: $189.1 million Polk County: $140.6 million Sarasota County: $84.1 million Manatee County: $78.2 million DeSoto County: $7.4 million Hardee County: $5.2 million

But we have this opportunity to possibly do this, where we would have never been able to do this in the past.”

In addition to Wi-Fi and internet problems in Lakewood Ranch, Baugh said it can be even more difficult to get good internet service in Myakka City and other areas closer to the county’s eastern border.

Although the switch to virtual events, work and schooling was necessitated by the pandemic in many cases, Kruse said some of these trends are likely here to stay.

For example, he cited an increase in hybrid working situations, in which people work from home more often and only go into their

Commissioner Vanessa Baugh believes Manatee County will be able to use federal money from the American Rescue Plan to address road projects, but Acting Administrator Karen Stewart (not pictured) is unsure.

Windsong Acres residents Arlan Cummings and Howard Duff say widening Upper Manatee River Road would help with congestion. Commissioner Vanessa Baugh hopes the road can be addressed with federal money.

File photos

Rob Walden, a data center engineer for the School District of Manatee County, helps Bryanna Bacon, a third grader at Ballard Elementary, sign onto Schoology. The county wants to improve its internet access.

offices when necessary. He also thinks that schools could switch to temporary virtual learning when hurricanes threaten the area, so long as there aren’t power outages.

“We need to wire this place up,” Kruse said. “We’ve got the pipes.

We’ve got the utilities in place all over here to be able to put fiber [optics] from one border to the other in Manatee County.”

Acting Administrator Karen Stewart said the county would need to conduct a study to determine which areas need improved internet service. Until then, the county doesn’t know how much the improvements could cost. She added it would be great if Manatee County could become a “connected county.”

Stewart said the county is at the beginning of a process that would take three years or more to implement, which means there are few details to share as commissioners consider the project. For example, the county doesn’t know if this work would be completed through a private company.

Broadband cables are usually installed underground along streets and from home to home, often attached to water pipes and other utilities. Baugh said if the county decides to pursue improved internet service, she’d like it done simultaneously with road improvements.

“There’s no better time, generally, to put in broadband than when you’re working on the roads,” Baugh said. “Then you only have to tear up the area once rather than twice.”

Baugh has a few specific road projects in mind, such as an extension of Lena Road to create a continuous route from State Road 64 to State Road 70. She also wants to widen Upper Manatee River Road to four lanes north of S.R. 64 and consider adding roundabouts on Honore Avenue.

Stewart wasn’t sure road projects would be eligible for funding, but Baugh said Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation Kevin Thibault told her the money could be used for road improvements.

Money from the American Rescue Plan must be used for pandemic-related assistance, but that term might be applied with a broad scope. Baugh used the example of ensuring emergency vehicles can efficiently use roads within Manatee County. That

“We need to wire this place up. We’ve got the pipes. We’ve got the utilities in place all over here to be able to put fiber [optics] from one border to the other in Manatee County.”

— George Kruse

way, a COVID-19 patient can be picked up by an ambulance and transported to the hospital as quickly as possible.

“How often is it possible that law enforcement or EMS gets caught on a road and can’t go through because of bumper-tobumper traffic?” Baugh said.

“Maybe it’s just a two-lane road.”

Kruse also suggested Manatee County build its own trail system. He said Manatee County Parks & Natural Resources Director Charlie Hunsicker had previously drawn a design he hoped the county would implement. Hunsicker did not return requests for comment.

“It blows me away that Sarasota [County] has this beautiful Legacy Trail that’s jam packed all day long because so many people want to use it because it’s such a huge asset,” Kruse said. “And then you’ve got Pinellas with beautiful trails everywhere. Then you got Hillsborough trails everywhere.

We’ve got nothing.”

Kruse said the county already owns the necessary land to build a continuous trail system from Payne Park near the southern border with Sarasota County through East County to Little Manatee River State Park near the northern border with Hillsborough County.

For now, Stewart said the money can be used to provide assistance for individuals; small businesses; nonprofits and hardhit industries, such as tourism and hospitality; or to invest in water, sewage and broadband infrastructure, among other possibilities.

The money can’t be used for projects that are already approved and funded.

Half of the funds will arrive by May 10, and the other half will arrive no sooner than one year later. All funds must be spent by the end of 2024.

In addition to the $78.2 million, the county will receive $12 million as part of the Emergency Rental Assistance program.

7A

8A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

BACK ON SCHEDULE

CENTER POINT AT LAKEWOOD RANCH Where: Just east of the University Parkway/Lakewood Ranch Boulevard intersection Developer: Casto Project cost: $55 million Acreage: 50 acres includes 5.2 acres of wetlands that can’t be developed Anchors: Owens Fish Camp, Olivia’s, 77,000 square foot medical office building, 30,000 square foot specialty grocery (to be named), sit-down restaurant to be named Shopping space: 250,000 square feet Expected project completion: Late 2022

Jay Heater

Brett Casto, the principal for Casto, stands at the Center Point project in Lakewood Ranch.

Lakewood Ranch lands more fine dining Casto project on University Parkway in Lakewood Ranch will add Owens Fish Camp, Olivia’s of Tampa and a third restaurant yet to be named.

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

While winter rains delayed the construction of the Owens Fish Camp that is headed for the Casto development on University Parkway in Lakewood Ranch, the proj-

asolorep • Outdoors on the Terrace Stage

Ana Isabelle & Friends

IN CONCERT

ect is going vertical this month.

Casto Principal Brett Hutchens said the project was shut down for four months due to excessive rainfall, but Earth Trades of Orlando has been back on the job for the past six weeks.

With no further unexpected

delays, Hutchens said Owens Fish Camp should be open for business late this year or at the very latest early in 2022.

“We’ve filed the plans for review with Sarasota County,” Hutchens said. “But it’s difficult to have in-person meetings now.

The owners of the Owens Fish Camp want to move forward.”

Owens Fish Camp, which is opening another location to complement its Sarasota restaurant, will be one of three marquee restaurants headed for the development.

Another joining Owens Fish Camp is Olivia’s, a modern Italian restaurant that offers the traditional trattoria dishes designed by Chef Chris Ponte. Hutchens said he is familiar with Ponte, whom he calls one of the top chefs in the Tampa region.

Those who dine at Olivia’s can watch its staff prepare authentic

EXPERIENCE the

360 Solution

Imagine life without pain.

Let us help you get back to living your life to the fullest.

Call today for a consultation.

941-360-2233

SAME & NEXT DAY APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE HIP | KNEE | PAIN MANAGEMENT | NECK & SPINE | HAND & WRIST FOOT & ANKLE | REGENERATIVE | SPORTS MEDICINE & MORE

“My recovery time has been fantastic with very minimal pain. Dr. Page took his time and explained everything clearly. I highly recommend him for anyone needing surgery. Thank you Dr. Page for a great job!”

John C.

April 15-24

352762-1

Featuring Justin Gregory Lopez, and Tango Dancers Junior Cervila and Guadalupe Garcia, f rom the cast of Evita.

LET’S GET MOVING CALL US TODAY!

941.360.2233

Tickets at asolorep.org • 941.351.8000 Headline Sponsors: Drs. Joel and Gail Morganroth

Our name says it all ... our patients

VOTED #1 ORTHOPEDIC CARE are IN the Center of our Care.

Complete & Comprehensive Orthopedics

CALL 941.951.BONE (2663) TODAY! SAME/NEXT DAY APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE

355209-1

Stand Back, Sarasota!

3 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS Sarasota | Lakewood Ranch | Venice

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

|

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

9A

3

2

5

1

L A K EWOOD

C R AN

H BLVD.

U NIVERSITY PKW Y.

6

4

BUSINESS BLVD. 7

SSIONAL PK W OFE R Y. P

1 Office space 2 7-Eleven 3 McDonald’s 4 Owens Fish Camp 5 Olivia’s 6 Specialty grocer 7 Medical office

CENTER POINT Besides the businesses noted, the center is close to adding two banks, a dental office and another sit-down restaurant.

VOTED YOUR FAVORITE MED SPA!

Courtesy photo

Casto moved seven adult oak trees to save a special environment.

The decision to build for Roper Technologies did alter Casto’s overall plans for the site, which originally included space for a hotel. The Roper Technologies building is scheduled to go vertical in October.

Hutchens said the project simply doesn’t have enough room for a hotel now, so that idea has been scrapped. He said Roper’s workforce will bring plenty of potential customers to the development each day.

The first building completed at the site is a 77,000-square-foot medical office building toward the eastern side of the campus.

Hutchens said that “pretty cool building” is 93% leased.

“We have more demand for that building than space,” he said.

Two banks and a dental office are among the other tenants headed for the center, though Hutchens said final contracts have yet to be signed.

Along the southern edge of the property will be a specialty grocer. Casto is in negotiations with two grocers for the spot and is close to signing a deal. Once that is done, he said the health- and fitness-type shops that will be adjacent to the grocer will line up.

Although the project is full speed ahead now, it doesn’t mean Casto isn’t being careful with every aspect of the construction.

Consider the seven fully adult oak trees that were moved on the property instead of just being cut down and discarded.

A huge crane and flatbed truck were brought to the property to move each tree, an expensive prospect. Two of the oaks will sit in front of Owens Fish Camp.

“We want to create a special environment,” Hutchens said.

“This is not a typical shopping center. We thought the inclusion of the trees helps display our vision for the project.”

Hutchens talked to Owens Fish Camp’s ownership, and it wanted the trees saved if possible.

“The survivability of the tree, the trauma, is the challenge” he said. “The survival rate for moving an adult oak is 70%-75%.

You have to start months prior to moving the trees. You have to cut back the roots.

“But I am told they are doing well. They are beginning to bud.”

Hutchens said he expects the entire project to be complete by the end of 2022. He said 7-Eleven and McDonald’s will go vertical in the fall.

He said Casto is being careful about picking tenants.

“We’re very prudent,” he said.

“After all, I live here.”

The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable.

They make recommendations and really listen to what you want to accomplish. Every service and product I’ve tried have been great and worked exactly as described.

– Jan S.

10

$ (for Frown Lines, Forehead & Crow’s Feet)

(Max 25 units)

299

$ Cheek Fillers (.8cc)

3 AREAS OF

per unit

when you buy 2

ea

(for Cheeks, Nasolabial Folds, Jawline & Hands)

on Sale for

397

$

(for Frown Lines, Forehead & Crow’s Feet)

THANK YOU TO Dr. J David Holcomb, MD

FOR SERVING AS OUR NATIONAL MEDICAL DIRECTOR! Check out the new CoolSculpting Elite at Holcomb-Kreithen Plastic Surgery.

Special Pricing for Bowtique Med Spa Clients!

VENICE LOCATION COMING SOON!

We are following all CDC guidelines to ensure the safety of our clients and our staff

Offers expire 4/30/2021. For new transactions only. All sales final. Must prepay.

No refunds or exchanges. Cannot be combined with any other discount, promotion or credit.

CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENTS! LAKEWOOD RANCH | 6277 LAKE OSPREY DRIVE | 941.359.BTOX (2869) SARASOTA | 6118 S TAMIAMI TRAIL | 941.360.BTOX (2869) MON/TUE/TH/FRI: 10A-5P | ALTERNATE WED/SAT: 10A-4P

www.bowtiquemedspa.com 355289-1

Italian dough and fresh mozzarella with a working dough room on display.

Ponte studied at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and opened restaurants around the world before opening Cafe Ponte in Clearwater in 2002. Cafe Ponte, which now is closed, earned awards including Zagat’s Best Restaurant on the Gulf Coast.

His Ponte Group, formed with his wife, Michelle, and son, J.T. Mahoney, created Olivia’s.

Hutchens said Olivia’s was the kind of fine-dining establishment he was seeking for the University Parkway development.

He said a third similar restaurant is close to signing a contract but that he was unable to name it.

He said it is another fine-dining establishment.

The center will have many mixed uses. Along with the finedining restaurants, there will be a 7-Eleven convenience story and a McDonald’s at the west end of the property.

At the southwest corner of the property will be a 40,000-squarefoot office building being constructed for Roper Technologies, which will move from its Professional Parkway location. Hutchens said the two-story building’s design will be contemporary both on the exterior and interior.

“It will include collaborative spacing” Hutchens said.

10A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

Myakka nonprofit provides a hand up Giving Back 941 Inc. was started during the COVID-19 pandemic to raise money for struggling nonprofits. coolers, camping tents and Apple watches. She posts about 15 to 20 raffles on Facebook per day.

For example, if Dekmar used a $100 item for one of her raffles, she might provide 30 slots for people to sign up at $5 apiece.

Once all the slots are full, she then uses $100 to buy the item and sends the other $50 to the organization or individual for whom the fundraiser is intended.

Then Dekmar randomly selects someone from the 30 people who signed up to receive the prize, and a second-place winner who gets a free ticket to sign up for a slot on a different item or fundraiser.

“I’ve had so many people tell me, ‘We donate more this way than we have ever donated in our life,’” Dekmar said. “This, it’s kind of fun for them. They know that they’re helping, and they may get something out of it.”

The organization has two board members besides Dekmar: Barbara Gardner and Dawn Mitchell.

Dekmar’s mother, Susan Goodman, also helps, but Dekmar said she does about 90% of the work herself. She finds all the items to be raffled, sends them directly to the winners and distributes all the leftover money to the individuals and organizations in need by herself.

At the same time, Dekmar has a family and children to take care

BRENDAN LAVELL STAFF WRITER

Myakka City resident Holley Dekmar was visiting family in Suwannee County, just east of Florida’s panhandle, when the COVID-19 pandemic began to take its grip on the U.S. When she came home, everything was shut down.

For someone who has remained active in her community her whole life, that was a problem.

“I was bored,” Dekmar said.

“I’m used to helping and doing things. Then I see a lot of these [nonprofit] organizations saying that if they don’t get help, they’re going to have to close their doors.”

So she found a new way to help those around her.

Dekmar founded Giving Back 941 Inc., which was incorporated as a nonprofit July 31, 2020. Giving Back 941 donated $59,479 over the course of 18 fundraisers in 2020. The money went to a variety of causes: a woman with cancer, nonprofits, a family that needed to pay for a funeral after two loved ones died in a car accident, churches and more.

The organization raises money through its Facebook page, which has more than 1,600 members.

Dekmar said her average fundraiser consists of about 100 raffles, with items including Yeti

Courtesy photo

A HELPING HAND About Giving Back 941 Inc. Location: Myakka City Money raised in 2020: $59,479* Facebook members: 1,607 Get Involved: Request to join Giving Back 941 Inc. Facebook page

*Five-month total. Nonprofit incorporated July 31.

of, so she is scaling down from one fundraiser per week last year to one or two per month in 2021.

She hasn’t set a goal for total money donated this year, but she wants to see Giving Back 941’s reach on Facebook grow to 5,000 members.

Dekmar has helped organizations including Prospect Riding Center, Giving Alliance of Myakka City, Myakka City’s Operation Santa and Infinite Wishes. Organizations and individuals are usually chosen for fundraisers if they reach out to her or if someone she knows suggests them.

She tries to stay local, but she’s willing to help organizations across Florida. She also prefers to help smaller organizations because she said large ones can usually secure assistance from the government or other sources.

“And I will research the organization,” Dekmar said. “If I find any bad marks on them, I won’t do them. Because I don’t want people thinking that I support an organization that is not legitimate or not functioning properly.”

Your NEW Outdoor Kitchen is HERE!

Giving Back 941 Inc. Founder Holley Dekmar presents a check for $4,336 to Robin Greenwood, the board president and CEO of Elmira’s Wildlife Sanctuary in Wimauma.

CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE www.lanailifestyles.com

ction of Huge Sele

POOL CHEMICAL PRICE MATCH GUARANTEE *excluding online retailers *must bring competitors ad

5 8

BRING IN 2 FOR AD FOR OR 2.5 GAL JUG REFILL

$

% YOUR FIRST

355242-1

O

by

$

Bull BBQ

t Starting a

4,899

OFF ORDER

excluding sale merchandise

Stop by our Showroom TODAY! 941- 896 - 6342 OPEN MON - SAT

W E N itchens K r o o d t u

9712 SR64 East Bradenton 34212 (across from Haile Middle School)

Lanai.Lifestyles lanailifestyles@gmail.com

POOL & PATIO Family Owned & Operated

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

SIDE OF RANCH

|

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

11A

JAY HEATER

More wonders from our East County world

H

ere is another edition of our land of wonders in East County, where we can’t build houses fast enough for all the people who want to live here.

I wonder if there will be a tipping point price wise?

My neighbor put her house up for sale two weeks ago. She received an offer $20,000 more than she was asking on the first day it hit the market.

Sure makes the rest of the us in the neighborhood feel pretty good. On the other side, though, if we did sell, we would have to pay it out on the other end, if we decided to stay in Florida.

When I bought my first house in California, back in the 1980s, prices were similarly shooting skyward. I kept my first house for one year, then sold it for twice the price. Being a homeowner was like having another job in earning potential — you depended on your home to appreciate that much.

Although the real estate boom did last for years, eventually, people were buying average homes for obscene amounts.

When the economy finally turned, we became familiar with the term “upside down” in your home. Could that happen here?

I wonder.

I wonder if we’re going to finally see Manatee County begin to build the amenities at the Premier Park site alongside Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch.

The folks who play pickleball at Manatee County’s courts next to Lakewood Ranch High School, such as Carol Lucas, have been more than frustrated with the county’s effort to provide the community with sufficient courts. Lucas has said that poor surface conditions and court accessibility have been among the many problems.

All of that, however, would be forgiven if Manatee County would forge ahead with its promised to build a pickleball complex at Premier.

There’s been any doubt that such a complete is coming, but the sticking point has been when. Estimates of 10 years have frustrated the community, whether that means pickleball courts, a swim complex, an amphitheater or softball fields.

District 5 Commissioner Vanessa Baugh said the patience of local pickleball fans finally will pay off.

“We have the money to build the pickleball courts, and we are going to be pushing forward,” Baugh said. “We are going to be starting the pickleball courts by the end of this year, and we will begin designing the pool

[complex].”

Baugh said she “guarantees” the pickleball court complex will be available to the public by the end of 2022.

I wonder how the Market at Lakewood Ranch is going to handle another move, this time to Waterside Place?

During a Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance event last week, Monaca Onstad, the director of community relations for Lakewood Ranch Communities, told alliance members that the current market at the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center each Sunday will have an extended season into July. Then in mid-July, the market will begin its new home at Waterside Place.

The market was popular at the hospital, but it always was intended to go to Waterside Place.

While Schroeder-Manatee Ranch had estimated businesses would begin to open at Waterside Place in May, Onstad said it’s looking more like July. By that time, much of the landscaping for the project, including all the parks, should be finished to create a fun environment for the market.

I wonder when they will begin to address the Fort Hamer Bridge and its two lanes. I hear commissioners

Jay Heater

Members of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance tour Waterside Place on March 26. They heard from Monaca Onstad that the Market at Lakewood Ranch will move to Waterside Place in mid-July.

talk about doing road work on Upper Manatee River Road, but I can’t imagine any of it is going to mean much if that roadway going north narrows into two lanes to go over the bridge.

It’s evident that Manatee County under-built when it planned the bridge, but ignoring the situation isn’t going to help, either.

With all the development going on in the Upper Manatee River Road corridor, it’s obvious we are going to hit some nasty traffic snags soon.

I wonder if we can get rolling with our It’s Read Everywhere feature that has been so popular in the East County Observer over the years but has been taken a hit as people stopped traveling due to the pandemic.

Many of us are starting to get away from home a bit more, and even if you are taking a trip instate, your photos are welcome.

You can get all the rules at YourObserver.com/ItsReadEverywhere, or if you have any questions, feel free to contact me at JHeater@YourObserver.com.

So pack that East County Observer, and let’s see a happy moment from your trip.

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

NOW IS THE BEST TIME IN YEARS TO SELL YOUR HOME! WE’VE BEEN YOUR LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERTS FOR OVER 18 YEARS. Call Julie & Pat to discuss listing your home today.

WHY THE WARREN GROUP? Julie and Pat are like having a 24 hour concierge for Real Estate! — Howard & Lauren A. Understanding ones needs, thorough and energetic with an additional “spark”, that makes the difference! — Gareth D. Want the Best? Ask for the Warren Group! Julie and Pat’s aggressive and professional marketing plan resulted in numerous showings and a multiple offer situation. We highly recommend the dynamic duo of Julie and Pat Warren! — Kevin &Mary R.

Real Estate Advisors, REALTORS Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate

8334 Market Street Lakewood Ranch, FL

C: 941.350.7044 C: 941.350.7439 O: 941.907.1033

www.WarrenGroupSarasota.com Pat.Warren@CBRealty.com Julie.Warren@CBRealty@.com

354968-1

PAT AND JULIE WARREN

12A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

EAST COUNTY

Lakewood Ranch’s Conyer Walker says his time on “American Idol” was surreal.

He now plans to start writing his own songs and move to Nashville, Tenn.

ABOUT THE MUSICIANS ALANA SHERMAN Residence: Lakewood Ranch Age: 23 Favorite genre of music: Pop Favorite song right now: “American Idol” audition song: “Break My Heart” by Dua Lipa CONYER WALKER Residence: Lakewood Ranch Age: 27 Favorite genre of music: Country Favorite artist: Eric Church “American Idol” audition song: “Whiskey and You” by Chris Stapleton

Liz Ramos

COMPETITORS OF NOTE Two Lakewood Ranch residents earn a golden ticket to ‘American Idol.’

LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER

A

s a child, Lakewood Ranch’s Alana Sherman would come home from school and spend hours in her computer room singing along to YouTube videos and singing in her room in front of a mirror.

Sherman and her cousins would dress up, choreograph dances and perform concerts for their families.

Now Sherman has gone from using a hairbrush as a microphone to singing on a national stage on “American Idol.”

Sherman has made it into the top 24 on “American Idol.”

“It’s been an amazing learning experience,” she said. “It’s so nice being around people that share the same passion as you. I think that’s the most beautiful thing.”

“American Idol” has given Sherman, along with Lakewood Ranch’s Conyer Walker, an opportunity to share their talents on a bigger stage than open-mic nights or in restaurants.

Both Sherman and Walker received golden tickets, meaning their auditions advanced them to the next round of the show. While Sherman remains alive, Walker has since been eliminated.

“This has always been my dream, but I never expected it to happen the way it did,” Sherman said. “God works in mysterious ways, and no matter what, he has a plan for all of us. I guess this was my plan, and I’m grateful for it.”

A year ago, Sherman was working as an Uber Eats driver when an “American Idol” scout messaged her on Instagram after hearing her audition recording for Fox TV’s “The Four” from three years ago.

Sherman was asked to audition, so she auditioned for the produc-

ers of “American Idol” followed by the executive producers before going in front of Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, who are the three celebrity judges of the singing competition.

Walker had broken up with a girl he was dating for seven years

“It’s helpful when you people are in the crowd because you can feed off the energy, and it’s nice making people smile and feel something.”

— Alana Sherman

when he decided to audition for “American Idol.” He filled out the registration to audition and was asked to audition via Zoom.

After four hours on a Zoom call singing in front of producers and being passed to other producers, he was told he would be sent to California to audition in front of the judges.

Walker said he’s been singing since he could walk and would use a golf club as a guitar playing in front of the TV trying to be like other musicians. His inspirations growing up were Hank Williams Jr. and Eric Church. Church is still his favorite artist.

When he was 17, Walker was given a guitar, and he hated it so much that he didn’t play it for six months until in the spur of a moment, Walker decided to

Courtesy photo

Lakewood Ranch’s Alana Sherman sings during her Showstoppers performance on “American Idol.”

pick it up and learn how to play every song from Keith Whitley’s “Greatest Hits.”

Although Walker was a fan of such musicians as Michael Jackson and Elton John, he said his voice was meant for country music.

“My dad always said, ‘Never try to be something that you’re not,’ so when I sing, country music is what comes out,” he said. “It’s just natural.”

Sherman said singing Dua Lipa’s “Break My Heart” in front of Perry, Bryan and Richie was nerve-wracking, but afterward, she said she realized she had nothing to worry about.

“They’re so nice, and they’re helpful and really care,” Sherman said. “They’re beautiful on TV, and they’re beautiful in person.

The feedback they gave me was appreciated. I’m grateful they believed in me and let me move on.”

Walker said the audition process and his time on “American Idol” was surreal.

“It’s almost like you walk into a virtual reality thing, and then you turn the corner, and [the judges] are sitting there,” Walker said. “I never have stage fright when I play because, what’s the worst somebody can say? Or you’ll eventually like me, hopefully. Every time I got up in front of them, it didn’t get easier each time.”

Sherman said she is always nervous before stepping in front of a crowd, but she’s found ways to calm herself.

“I started to realize nerves are good because it just shows you care about what you’re doing,” Sherman said. “It’s helpful when you people are in the crowd because you can feed off the energy, and it’s nice making people smile and feel something.”

Walker said he gets lost in the music when he’s performing.

“Everybody has a thing that makes them go into a flow state, they go into a zone to where it’s almost like meditation,” Walker said. “When I’m up there, I’m in my own little world doing my thing, and the real kicker on that is people seem to enjoy it as much as I enjoy when I’m doing it.”

As Sherman continues in the competition, she said she wants to take more risks and continue to learn from the judges. She’s hoping to someday sell out stadiums and travel the world.

Although he has been eliminated, Walker said he’s not giving up on his music career. He plans to start writing his own songs and move to Nashville, Tenn., next year.

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

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Publisher / Emily Walsh EWalsh@YourObserver.com Associate Publisher — East County Observer / Lori Ruth LRuth@YourObserver.com Executive Editor / Kat Hughes KHughes@YourObserver.com Managing Editor / Jay Heater JHeater@YourObserver.com Sports Reporter / Ryan Kohn RKohn@YourObserver.com Staff Writer / Liz Ramos, LRamos@YourObserver.com; Brendan Lavell, BLavell@YourObserver.com Copy Editor/ Kaelyn Adix KAdix@YourObserver.com Editorial Designers / Melissa Leduc, MLeduc@YourObserver.com; Carol Parker, CParker@YourObserver.com Black Tie Editor / Harry Sayer HSayer@YourObserver.com Director of Advertising / Jill Raleigh JRaleigh@YourObserver.com Sales Manager / Penny DiGregorio PDiGregorio@YourObserver.com Digital Sales and Business Development Manager / Kathleen O’Hara, KOHara@YourObserver.com Senior Advertising Executive / Laura Ritter, LRitter@YourObserver.com Advertising Executives / Richeal Bair, RBair@YourObserver. com; Chrissy Guevera, CGuevara@ YourObserver.com; Beth Jacobson, BJacobson@YourObserver.com; Jennifer Kane, JKane@YourObserver.com; Honesty Mantkowski, HMantkowski@ YourObserver.com; Bob Lewis, BLewis@ YourObserver.com; Toni Perren, TPerren@YourObserver.com Sales Operations Manager / Susan Leedom, SLeedom@YourObserver.com Sales Coordinator / Account Manager Emma Burke, EBurke@YourObserver. com; Lori Downey, LDowney@ YourObserver.com Classified Advertising Sales Executive / Kelly Florez KFlorez@YourObserver.com Tributes Coordinator/ Kristen Boothroyd, Tributes@YourObserver.com Director of Marketing / Robin Lankton, RLankton@YourObserver.com Director of Creative Services / Caleb Stanton, CStanton@YourObserver.com Creative Services Administrator / Marjorie Holloway MHolloway@YourObserver.com Advertising Graphic Designers / Luis Trujillo, Allison Wampole Digital Developer / Jason Camillo, JCamillo@YourObserver.com Director of Information Technology / Adam Quinlin, AQuinlin@YourObserver. com Chief Financial Officer / Laura Keisacker, LKeisacker@YourObserver. com Controller / Rafael Labrin, rlabrin@YourObserver.com Office and Accounting Coordinator / Donna Condon, DCondon@YourObserver. com

Observer Media Group Inc.

is locally owned.

Publisher of the Longboat Observer, East County Observer, Sarasota Observer, Siesta Key Observer, Palm Coast Observer, Ormond Beach Observer, West Orange Times & Observer, Southwest Orange Observer, Business Observer, Jacksonville Daily Record, Jacksonville Record & Observer, LWR Life Magazine, Baldwin Park Living Magazine and Season Magazine

Editor and CEO / Matt Walsh Vice President / Lisa Walsh Chairman Emeritus / David Beliles

8130 Lakewood Main St., Suite D207 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-755-5357

YourObserver.com © 2020 The Observer Media Group Inc. All Rights Reserved

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

A Very Special Doctors’ Day

As nations across the globe responded to the COVID-19 pandemic this past year, we were all reminded of the crucial role that our healthcare professionals play in our communities — placing themselves between us and the outbreak, caring for all as they cared for each, doing everything they could to safeguard friends and strangers alike.

At Sarasota Memorial, we are beyond proud of the example set by our physicians during this time, whose rapid response and selfless dedication was — and continues to be — an example for all.

These trying times will pass, but our gratitude never will.

To every doctor, in every hospital, in every nation,

354201-1

Thank you

13A

14A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

Kid at heart Gullett Elementary principal hogs the attention while engaging his students and staff.

LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER

T

Courtesy photos

Principal Todd Richardson volunteers to kiss a pig to help the school raise more than $30,000.

odd Richardson, the principal of B.D. Gullett Elementary School, grabbed a bright yellow sun umbrella, a large hat, a chair and his laptop and made his way to the school’s rooftop March 26.

He waved to students as they entered the building for the day and watched from above as stu-

E X PA ND W HAT IT MEA NS TO BE HOME

ABOUT TODD RICHARDSON Position: Principal at B.D. Gullett Elementary School Years as principal at Gullett: Four Years as principal in the School District of Manatee County: 11 Years as assistant principal in the School District of Manatee County: Six Wacky antics: n Dressed as a chicken and rollerbladed around the school; n Dressed as a leprechaun and rollerbladed around the school; n Dressed as Cupid; n Dressed as Buddy the Elf from the movie “Elf”; n Dressed as Elf on the Shelf; n Slimed by students; n Worked from the school’s roof. n Sang in car-line karaoke; n Ate chocolatecovered crickets; n Was ducttaped to the wall; and n Dyed his hair and beard.

dents played outside for recess. He surprised students with a super soaker and a hose, spraying them.

When he’s not interacting with students from the roof, he’s still managing to get work done.

“I get Wi-Fi signals, so I work and use a lot of sunscreen,” Richardson said.

On March 11, Richardson dressed as a leprechaun and rollerbladed around the school.

On March 5, Richardson spent the day getting slimed by hundreds of students and also kissed a pig.

Whether it’s dressing as Cupid, rollerblading around the school dressed as a chicken or allowing a BMX bike rider to jump over his head, Richardson is willing to do whatever it takes to get his students more engaged in academics and fundraising.

“Working in an elementary school is the best job you could ever have because you get to be a kid with a bunch of kids,” he said.

MORE CHOICES. MORE CONNECTIONS. At Lakewood Ranch, the idea of home goes well beyond your own walls and windows. You’ll feel that same sense of comfort and belonging whether you’re shopping on Main Street, exploring a new trail, or joining neighbors for morning yoga. Come see why it’s the best-selling community in the country for all ages – and why soon, there might be no place you’d rather be than home.

SHOPPING, DINING, ART S & ENTERTAINMENT | PARKS & TR AIL S | 20+ VILL AGES TO CHOOSE FROM SOCIAL AND SPORT S CLUBS | GOLF & R ACQUE T SPORT S | THRIVING BUSINESS COMMUNIT Y A-R ATED SCHOOL S | NAMED BES T HE ALTH & FITNESS COMMUNIT Y *

.com 355309-1

*Ideal-Living 2020 Best of the Best Rankings. **Prices subject to change without notice. © 2021 Lakewood Ranch

www.CoolToday.com

353065-1

EXPLORE THE MOST NEW HOME CHOICES IN FLORIDA | FROM THE $200S TO OVER $1 MILLION * *

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

|

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

15A

“Yes, I have an important job, and I have to be the adult, but I like to act like a kid, too, so I get to do those fun things.” — Todd Richardson

1734 South Tamiami Trail Venice, FL 34293 941.493.7441

him and snorting when they saw him on campus. The more things he agreed to do, the more money we continued to raise because the kids and the parents talked it up so much.”

The school raised $69,690 for the walkathon, which made it the most successful fundraiser in Gullett Elementary history.

“I strongly believe Mr. Richardson made a huge impact with us raising so much money,” Pomeroy said. “The kids were excited about all of the funny things he was willing to do, but the parents are especially pumped about his car-line karaoke gig.”

Richardson was looking forward to car-line karaoke as well.

“I know I’m not good at it, and people know I’m not good at it, he said. “It’s just going to be one of those just go out there and make it happen.”

Richardson started doing incentives when he was an assistant principal at Rowlett Academy for Arts and Communication.

He volunteered to eat chocolate-

4551 N. Washington Blvd.

Sarasota, FL 34234 941.355.8437

Principal Todd Richardson dresses as Cupid to deliver flowers and chocolate to his staff to show his appreciation on Valentine’s Day in 2020.

covered crickets.

“The kids just went nuts for that kind of stuff,” he said.

Richardson is willing to do some crazy things, but there’s one where he’d have to say no: shaving his head or beard.

One student activity he’s not fond of is being taped to the wall.

It’s Time to

Principal Todd Richardson brings some fun to the holiday season by dressing as Elf on the Shelf and greeting students from the school’s rooftop.

“I didn’t think I was claustrophobic until you get duct-taped by 1,000 pieces of duct tape to a wall, and you cannot move, and it’s hot and sweaty and itchy,” Richardson said with a laugh. “It’s dreadful.”

Get Fired Up

About Your Backyard!

NOW CARRYING Outdoor Cabinets by Weatherstrong.com and Grills by Fire Magic, Blaze, and American Outdoor Grills

CALL TODAY FOR YOUR

FREE ESTIMATE!

941.373.5110 Custom built outdoor kitchen Islands and wall units. Granite counter tops, stone veneer fronts, tile backsplashes, with top of line Stainless Steel appliances from

Blaze, AOG, and Fire Magic.

On a budget? We offer prefab Islands too!

OUTDOOR KITCHENS

HARDSCAPES & PAVERS

Install New or Replace Outdated Pavers to Your Outdoor Living Space.

Pool Deck - Patio - Driveway

www.lakewoodranchlandscape.com

2510 1st Street West Bradenton, FL 34208 941.748.4679

OUR SHOWROOMS ARE OPEN Special Financing Available

www.manasotaonline.com

354480-1

OUTDOOR KITCHENS & FIRE PITS

349375-1

“Yes, I have an important job, and I have to be the adult, but I like to act like a kid, too, so I get to do those fun things.”

Richardson works with the school’s Parent-Teacher Organization to come up with ideas to make fundraisers or events more fun.

“We can sit around and come up with ideas all day long, but if he doesn’t agree to it, then it’s back to the drawing board, so to speak,” said Kristin Pomeroy, the PTO president. “I’m not sure how many other principals would head out to [physical education] and dance with the kids while wearing a Cupid outfit or dressed up as a leprechaun, kiss a pig multiple times or get slimed by over 270 kids. The great part about it, he has a blast while doing all of that.”

In his 17 years with the School District of Manatee County, Richardson has been duct-taped to the wall, dyed his hair and beard, and dressed in numerous costumes, including Elf on the Shelf and Buddy the Elf from the movie “Elf” for the holidays.

Richardson has also dressed up and given out treats to his staff as a gesture of appreciation. On Valentine’s Day last year, he dressed as Cupid and went classroom to classroom passing out flowers and chocolate.

“I don’t have a problem embarrassing myself,” Richardson said.

“I don’t know what it is, I really don’t care. It’s all for the kids. It’s all for the fun. You’re building an experience for these kids.”

This year, Richardson went all out with his antics for the school’s annual walkathon.

“You can kind of sense the kids get super excited, and then it’s almost like a dare or a bet,” Richardson said.

Any student who raised at least $125 had the opportunity to slime Richardson.

When the school raised $20,000, Richardson dressed as a leprechaun and rollerbladed around the school. At $30,000, he agreed to kiss a pig. For $40,000, he promised to work from the school’s rooftop all day. When the school raised $45,000, he committed to car-line karaoke, and at $50,000 he said he’d dye his hair and beard in a rainbow.

“These incentives are amazing and extremely helpful,” Pomeroy said. “When the kids heard he was willing to kiss a pig if we exceeded our goal, they loved it. There were actually kids making pig sounds at

16A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

Welcome to an Unforgettable Dining Experience For Reservations

941.210.7368 ciao@pascones.com www.pascones.com

Happy Hour

4:30pm - 6pm

Live - Alan (Mr. Piano Man) Souza

Open 4:30-9pm • Closed Mondays

Concierge Curbside Service

(NW corner of University & Honore)

352312-1

Tues - Sat

5239 University Parkway

Liz Ramos

Lakewood Ranch High School senior Suzanne Aguirre helps Alexis McClintock, a Braden River High School senior, practice drawing blood. They are in Manatee Technical College’s dual enrollment program for medical laboratory assisting.

EXPERTISE MAKES THE DIFFERENCE

Ahead of the game

Comprehensive Implant Dentistry by Internationally Renowned Specialists

SECOND OPINIONS

SECURE LOOSE DENTURES

ALL ON 4 BRIDGES

MTC dual enrollment programs offer high school students advanced opportunities.

One of the nation’s leading authorities

LIZ RAMOS

in implant dentistry

STAFF WRITER

W

practices right here in Sarasota.

SPECIALIST IN PROSTHODONTICS AND TEETH IN A DAY 25 years experience with an eye for achieving a natural perfection in dental restorations

CHECK OUR REVIEWS ONLINE

www.drmisch.com

CRAIG M. MISCH DDS, MDS

SPECIALIST IN ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY & PROSTHODONTICS International lecturer with faculty appointments at Univ. of Michigan, U of F & UAB, author of numerous scientific publications.

120 South Tuttle Ave Sarasota, FL 34237

941.957.6444

354843-1

KATHERINE E. MISCH DMD

Interior Design | Unique Furnishings | Home Accessories

hen Suzanne Aguirre, a senior at Lakewood Ranch High School, started high school, she wanted to pursue a career as a nurse.

“I’m a caring person, and I want to help people out, especially at their most vulnerable state,” Aguirre said. “You need a caring and compassionate side to be a nurse.

You need to put yourself in these people’s shoes.”

Aguirre started taking high school courses in middle school.

As a result, she was two courses shy of graduation by the end of her junior year, which gave her time to discover other opportunities.

Aguirre approached her school counselor and asked about nursing courses. Lakewood Ranch High School doesn’t offer nursing courses, so her counselor suggested participating in a dual enrollment course at Manatee Technical College. She completed the Patient Care Technician program in the fall.

“It grabbed my attention

because that’s what I want to do when I grow up,” Aguirre said.

“Why not start earlier? … This is one of the biggest blessings I’ve ever had in my life. You’re getting the chance to see what it’s like in the field you thought you wanted.”

About 50-75 high school juniors and seniors have taken advantage of the dual enrollment programs offered at MTC this year.

With the credits earned at MTC and their high schools, students who participate in the dual enrollment programs will graduate with their high school diplomas and diplomas from MTC as well as any certifications they were able to obtain through MTC programs.

After completing the Patient Care Technician program in the fall, Aguirre enrolled in the Medical Laboratory Assisting program, which was added as a dual enrollment option this year.

In the fall, MTC will add Optometric Assisting and Medical Administrative Specialist.

Jennifer Gilray, the assistant director of MTC’s east campus, said dual enrollment programs give students an opportunity to expose them to different career paths and opportunities.

“It’s great to see students start to develop and understand that learning can be fun and that it can be a powerful tool for them,

Voted One of Sarasota’s Best 28 Years in a Row!

Pirouette® Window Shadings

Your Home Deserves Hunter Douglas

355313-1

Wallcoverings & Blinds, Inc....Since 1989

•

Janet and Curt Mattson

Owners Blinds • Shutters • Draperies • Wallcoverings Sarasota 941-925-7800 www.mmwallcoveringsblinds.com

4801 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota • Across from The Landings

355055-1

IMPLANT TEETH IN A DAY

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

regardless of the program they’ve chosen,” Gilray said. “Once they start to recognize that, they can understand that learning can translate into job opportunities.”

Gilray said another benefit of high school students participating in dual enrollment means they can try a program at no cost to them because students won’t have to pay tuition.

“Learning what you don’t like is sometimes just as important as learning what you do like.” Gilray said.

Alexis McClintock, a senior at Braden River High School, said she has wanted to be a nurse since she was a child. Many of her family members have careers in the medical field, and she loves medical TV shows.

Because dual enrollment courses at MTC wouldn’t cost her any tuition, she thought starting her nursing courses while still in high school would be beneficial.

“My mom, my guidance counselor and I were talking, and they said, ‘Go ahead and try it, and see if you like it,’ because if I didn’t

NO JOB TOO TOUGH. NO JOB TOO ROUGH!

354677-1 1

GAF CertainTeed Owens Corning TAMKO Firestone • Residential Commercial Repairs Maintenance • Financing Available

#1 in Customer Service

CCC 014 711 Roofing Contractor

CCC 016 171 Building Contractor

WE ARE THE AREA’S LEADING

RE-ROOF SPECIALISTS

941.756.4259

SERVING FLORIDA’S GULF COAST FOR OVER 40 YEARS

DIVORCE

without ATTORNEYS

Divorce is never pleasant, but it doesn’t have to be full of hate & bitterness. Protect family relationships and assets from expensive, adversarial litigation, Explore Mediation: the Positive Alternative.

Call me for a Free 15-min Consultation, before you call an attorney!

• Family & Divorce Mediation

• Pre & Post Nuptial Agreements

• Marriage Mediation

• Elder Care Mediation

FREYA ROBBINS

17A

VOTED SARASOTA

Readers’ Choice

“WINNER”

• OVER 5,000 FRAME MOULDING STYLES MATS FILLETS LINERS • All Paper Art/Canvas & Needle Art Framing • Mirrors Framed To Fit Any Size Opening

Best Framing Services!

Custom

PICTURE & MIRROR FRAMING

Mon.- Fri. 9:30 - 5pm Sat. 9:30 -12:30pm

25% OFF

6578 Superior Ave.

924-6656

FrameItUpGallery.com

Any Frame Order

Expires 4/10/2021

EXPOSING

STROKE through early detection

Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Schedule a preventative evaluation today!

STROKE/CAROTID ULTRASOUND ............$40

This test visualizes build-up of plaque in the carotid arteries that may lead to stroke.

ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM (AAA)...$40

95% of ruptured AAAs result in death. The majority of victims have no symptoms.

NEXT SCREENING DATES & LOCATIONS

ARTERIAL DISEASE (PAD) TEST...............$40 This test detects poor circulation & blockages in the legs.

THYROID ULTRASOUND ..........................$40

MONDAY, APRIL 12TH Holiday Inn Express 5464 Lena Rd, Lakewood Ranch 34211

Scan to rule out cysts, nodules, goiters & tumors.

ABDOMINAL ULTRASOUND .....................$95 Helps identify cancers/disease of the liver, pancreas, kidneys, gallbladder and spleen.

HEART SCAN - ECHOCARDIOGRAM .........$95

OUR TESTS ARE ACCURATE & RELIABLE: We adhere to stringent protocols and all results CALL NOW! CALL NOW! are read by a Board Certified Radiologist. Your CALL NOW! results & films are mailed to you in two weeks.

1-888-667-7587 1-888-667-7587 no prescriptions needed no prescriptions needed 1-888-667-7587 no prescriptions needed

Screening to view wall motion, valves, enlargements, calcifications, stenosis, prolapse, blood clots, tumors & fluid around the heart.

Schedule all 6 tests and save 50%!

Get a Complete Screening T E for $179 C O M P L EIO LETE P T ON M CALL NOW! 1-888-667-7587 C EVALUltA s d ETE rasoun

LUATION PLStrokeTesting.com C OEMVA Nunds NO RX NEEDED so BLOOD TESTS, CHOLESTEROL, PSA & TSH are ALSO LllUSixAUTsOoltNIuraO AAVAILABLE A $ EV6 s BLOOD TESTS LIVER, CHOLESTEROL, d LY n 9 ltra www.StrokeTesting.com

All Six U LY ON

www.StrokeTesting.com PSA & TSH are ALSO AVAILABLE www.StrokeTesting.com

BLOOD TESTS LIVER, CHOLESTEROL, & LIVER, TSH areCHOLESTEROL, ALSO AVAILABLE BLOOD PSA TESTS PSA & TSH are ALSO AVAILABLE

Shingles Tile • Metal Modifieds Built-Up Single Ply Membrane Aluminum Fascia • Soffit Siding Gutters Rotted Wood Replacement

ONLINE: www.ApprovedRoofingLLC.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

1

355118-1

n Dual enrollment gives high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to participate in post-secondary courses while still enrolled in high school. n Students who want to participate can enroll at MTC full time and complete their high school courses online, or they can enroll part time at MTC while finishing classes at their high school. n Dual enrollment students will not be charged tuition but might have to pay lab fees, material costs and costs for equipment and/or uniforms. n Students who are interested should contact their high school counselor.

Frame It Up

346910-1

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

like it, I wasn’t wasting my own money later on,” McClintock said.

While participating in the Medical Laboratory Assisting program this semester, both McClintock and Aguirre have had to juggle other responsibilities.

Aguirre is a member of the Tsunami swim team in Lakewood Ranch as well as the Lakewood Ranch High School swim team.

She works 14-hour shifts on the weekends at Blake Medical Center, works part time at Publix as a cashier and also works as a lifeguard for Manatee County Parks and Recreation.

Aguirre said all her responsibilities have forced her to learn time management and determine her priorities.

In her spare time, McClintock spends time with her family drag racing. She made a personal record March 20 with her best reaction time.

McClintock said she’s been able to balance coursework with her other responsibilities due to the support and understanding of her teachers.

Both McClintock and Aguirre said their passion for their courses and the fact they chose to take on the dual enrollment program has made it easier for them to take on their workload.

“When you’re in high school, you don’t want to read your history textbook or your math textbook,” McClintock said. “We’re [at MTC] because we picked to come. We wanted to pursue our medical knowledge.”

Aguirre and McClintock have run into a few challenges as high schoolers in the program. Both of them said they try not to tell people how old they are because it changes the way they’re treated.

For example, patients might not want to be treated by Aguirre and McClintock because they don’t think they have the knowledge or experience to treat them properly.

|

All Six U LY ON

$

9 6 1 9 16 $

Faroe Island Salmon

with Forbidden Rice & Pancetta Hash

HANDCRAFT ED CUISINE. LEGENDARY HOSPITALIT Y. AWARD-WINNING WINE LIST. Michael’s on East has built an unmatched reputation for exceptional service and inspired cuisine.

As Sarasota’s only AAA Four-Diamond restaurant there is no better place to plan a romantic evening out with your loved one or to explore new flavors!

For Reservations: Call 941-366-0007 or Visit bestfood.com For Pickup or Delivery: Visit MichaelsAtHome.com

Follow Us!

ZollingerMediation.com 941-366-0202

355031-1

354856-1

Supreme Court Certified Mediator Certified Divorce Financial Analyst

only OPHTHALMOLOGY

18A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

Ranch charter school proposed

The

PRACTICE

in Lakewood Ranch.

If approved, Lakewood Ranch Charter Academy could open in August 2022.

Trust your eyecare to our board certified physicians.

LIZ RAMOS

Murray Friedberg, M.D.

new charter school could be making its way to Lakewood Ranch in August 2022 if the School District of Manatee County gives approval.

Southwest Charter Foundation, a nonprofit that runs eight charter schools across the state including Manatee Charter School, is partnering with Charter Schools USA in hopes of opening Lakewood Ranch Charter Academy.

Lakewood Ranch Charter Academy would be a K-12 school focused on science and health with a mission of its students becoming lifelong learners.

Eddie Ruiz, the state director for Charter Schools USA for Florida, said the school’s innovation through curriculum, partnerships and facilities will lead the school to be recognized in the district, state and potentially nationally.

The charter school will implement the WISH framework, which focuses on wellness, innovation, science and health.

STAFF WRITER

Robert Edelman, M.D. Scott Silverman, M.D. Robert Sambursky, M.D. Pooja Khator, M.D. Allison Menezes, M.D. Jeffrey Davis, M.D. Jody Abrams, M.D. Paul Brannan, M.D. Garry Condon, M.D. Selina Lin, M.D.

A

Comprehensive Eye Exams Laser Micro-Incision Cataract Surgery Advanced Lens Implants Glaucoma Care Macular Degeneration LASIK Surgery Pediatric Eye Care Neuro-Ophthalmology Dry Eye Treatment Diabetic Eye Care Oculoplastic Surgery 6310 Health Pkwy., Ste. 340 • Lakewood Ranch 217 Manatee Ave. E. • Bradenton 1427 S. Tamiami Trail • Sarasota

CoastalEye.com • 941-748-1818 • Most Insurance Plans Welcomed 351725-1

Plus™ System

copenhagen imports

Power™

BalanceAdapt™

GET THE BEST

S-M-L

MOST SOUGHT-AFTER RECLINERS*

Balance & Glide System

Power™

ErgoAdapt™

SAVE $500 ON ONE OF OUR

Heating & Massage

S-M-L

ComfortZones™

STRESSLESS ® WING Plus™ System

BalanceAdapt™

Ruiz said the WISH framework will be developed in every aspect of the school.

Incorporating wellness will include having a track in the cafeteria for students and staff. The charter school will partner with a health provider that can offer immunizations and be part of career days.

Innovation will be in mind when constructing the two buildings for K-8 and for the high school.

For example, classrooms won’t be traditional classrooms but rather spaces with retractable walls, so rooms can be made into an auditorium, or more space can be added for large group activities. At the elementary level, there will be space for learning communities.

As for science and health, the school plans to develop partnerships with several organizations, such as National Academy Foundation and Brain Health Initiative.

The National Academy Foundation is a network of education, business and community leaders working together to prepare high school students to be college-, career- and future-ready with a focus on STEM curriculum.

“We look for partners that we can build into our curriculum and to the experiences students will have,” Ruiz said.

Ruiz said Lakewood Ranch Charter Academy will also provide students opportunities for

AIR CONDITIONING, PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL SERVICE

ErgoAdapt™

S-M-L

Heating & Massage

Balance & Glide System

S-M-L

ComfortZones™

Cleaner Air

ONLY $49

*

A/C TUNE-UP

STRESSLESS® OSLO SEATING

AND...

STRESSLESS MANHATTAN SEATING ®

Special savings on Stressless® Manhattan and Oslo seating in Paloma and Pioneer leather.*

Safer Home

150 OFF

FREE

$

*

*

ANY NEW WATER HEATER INSTALLATION

LANDSCAPE LIGHTS

FREE estimates if your water water is 8 years or older

Buy one light, get one free!

Up to 3 BOGO deals per customer.

*Some restrictions may apply.

Must be presented at time of service. Cannot be combined with any other offers

Must be presented at time of service. Cannot be combined with any other offers

Includes our 6 Month no breakdown guarantee *With recommended repairs Must be presented at time of service. Cannot be combined with any other offers

Healthier Water

SAVE $ 1,650 up to

ON A NEW CARRIER SYSTEM * Plus a 10 Year Warranty and Air Purifier with purchase *On qualifying systems.

TM

CAC055539 TM

CFC1428793

EC13005317

Call for full details.

Expires 05/31/21

AUGUST 7 - 31

7211 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, Florida 34231

355366-1

*See Sales Associate for Details

Mon.-Sat. 10-6 • Sun. 12-5 941-923-2569 copenhagen-imports.com

We follow Social Distancing and CDC Guidelines

Call Today. CoolToday.

TM

Never an Overtime Charge h 7 Days a Week h Call Today to Schedule!

(941) 343-8543 h CoolToday.com

351841-1

FURNITURE+LIGHTING+ACCENTS+INTERIOR DESIGN

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

|

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

BY THE NUMBERS

Proposed Lakewood Ranch Charter Academy

740

Projected enrollment for kindergarten through sixth grade and ninth grade when the school opens

1,965

Projected enrollment across all grades by year five

5-18

Ages served

$13 million

Cost of lower school facility Courtesy photo

Charter Schools USA is working with Southwest Charter Foundation to potentially open Lakewood Ranch Charter Academy in August 2022 if the School Board of Manatee County approves the application.

Advanced Placement courses and to be a part of the Cambridge Assessment International Education program. The Cambridge AICE program provides courses that are rigorous and emphasize higher-order thinking, written and oral skills, problem-solving and other skills.

Participating in these programs gives seniors an opportunity to graduate high school with 45 college credits.

Southwest Charter Foundation and Charter Schools USA chose Lakewood Ranch for its new charter school due to the area’s growing population and Lakewood Ranch’s ability to attract world-class research facilities.

“One of the things about charters and about us specifically is we believe in parental choice,”

Ruiz said. “Having opportunities for parents to select the best environment and the best place for their children is crucial to us.”

If approved, the school will open with K-6 at one building and freshmen only at the high school.

The following year will add seventh and 10th grades with eighth and 11th grade coming the next year. Lastly, high school seniors will join the campus.

The school projects to enroll 740 students in its first year and have 1,965 students by the time all grades are on campus in 2025-26.

The school is tuition-free for students, and anyone can apply.

Once the number of applications exceed the capacity for each grade, a lottery system will be used to select students.

Once high school students are

Bringing Health & Independence Back to Over 1,600 Patients

A Not-for-Profit Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Facility accepting Medicare, Insurance & Private Pay Patients.

5381 Desoto Road, Sarasota, FL 34235 (Just East of Honore on Desoto Road) Marketing@HawthorneVillageofSarasota.com

www.HawthorneVillageofSarasota.com License #SNF130471051 EOE

355213-1

CALL 941-355-6111 TODAY

selected, each student will be interviewed, so school leaders can find the student’s passion and purpose to help develop a plan for school and the future, Ruiz said.

Ruiz said a location for the school has yet to be determined.

The school district did not say if land acquired in a land swap with Schroeder-Manatee Ranch in 2018 — just north of the Lakewood Ranch Post Office — would be used for the project. At the time, the district said the 120 acres it swapped for 145 acres along State Road 64, just west of Dam Road, would be used for a future, 80-acre high school on the north side of 59th Avenue East, just west of Pope Road.

SMR also provided the district with a 40-acre site south of S.R. 64 and east of the Uihlein Road

$26 million Cost of upper school facility

Extension. The thought was the site would be suitable for an elementary school.

Lakewood Ranch Charter Academy will have a lower school facility that will be about 41,000 square feet and an upper school facility that will be two floors with about 84,000 square feet.

If the School Board of Manatee County approves the charter, the nonprofits will start looking into land acquisition with the hope of breaking ground this summer.

The board has 90 days from the application date to determine whether it will approve the charter school. Lakewood Ranch Charter Academy’s application was submitted Feb. 1.

Make Hawthorne Village Part of your Healthcare Plan!

19A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

Casual sushi comes to Lakewood Ranch Pacific Counter wants to introduce poke and sushi to people who might be intimidated by it.

IF YOU GO PACIFIC COUNTER Where: 11581 State Road 70, Suite 109 When: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily Contact: Call 739-8039.

BRENDAN LAVELL

Brendan Lavell

STAFF WRITER

O

wning a restaurant was Tanner Loebel’s lifelong dream — until he saw up close how difficult a job it is.

Loebel operated a St. Petersburg-based food delivery company called FoodNow from 2011 to 2017, and he saw how many hours restaurateurs worked to keep up with their razor-thin margins for profit. He also saw how badly they wanted to please every single customer and how emotionally affected they were when one became unhappy.

Everything changed when he took a trip to Southern California after selling FoodNow and discovering sushi burritos. Loebel came home to St. Petersburg and discovered he would need to drive 45 minutes to obtain one.

He couldn’t find any restaurants nearby that specialized in the

fast-casual poke food he fell in love with out west.

In September 2018, he and two business partners, Eric Bialik and Chef Tock Noythanongsay, started one of their own: Pacific Counter. At the end of January, they opened their second location off State Road 70 at The Green in Lakewood Ranch. Loebel considers Pacific Counter to be a sushistyle restaurant.

“We felt like the food was something that people would like, but they might have been a little intimidated,” Loebel said.

“I had that in my family: people who ate fish but didn’t eat sushi because they were afraid. They didn’t feel as comfortable going into a place and ordering for the first time. ‘There’s 200 options here, and I don’t know what a

Pacific Counter co-founders Tanner Loebel, Eric Bialik and Tock Noythanongsay serve poke and sushi in a fast-casual setting.

lot of these words even mean.’

We wanted to create something that was easy.”

Most Pacific Counter dishes start with a simple question: Roll it or bowl it? Once the customers decide between burritos and bowls, they have the option to choose from a wide variety of rice, noodles, meats, seafood, vegetables and spreads. Loebel said there are no upcharges for premium ingredients, and the restaurant is careful to mark foods that are vegan, gluten free and raw.

“I’d be going out to eat with family members [with dietary restrictions], and everybody’s ordering, and then they’re always in this uncomfortable rut,” Loebel said. “We want to

create a place where five people could be in the same group, in a line, they all order, they all have the same experience, … and they all get exactly what they want without any preferential treatment or special orders or anything like that.”

The restaurant also offers some signature menu items, including a selection of pokeinspired hot dogs created after Pacific Counter began serving food for Tampa Bay Rays games at Tropicana Field. Regular hot dogs are available for those picky children at the dinner table.

Loebel said he originally thought his second location would be in Tampa. His deal to secure a building unit, however, fell through at the last minute.

The more he looked at Lakewood Ranch, the more it made sense. He was encouraged by the high-quality community, large range of age groups and rapid population growth. Of course, it didn’t hurt that the rent was three times cheaper than south Tampa.

Pacific Counter wouldn’t have been possible if Loebel hadn’t found the right partners. Bialik and Loebel went to college together at University of Central Florida.

“I couldn’t imagine doing this by myself,” Loebel said. “I wouldn’t be here if it was by myself because I wouldn’t have done it.”

The Silverstein Institute

Joins

First Physicians Group First Physicians Group is delighted to announce the addition of The Silverstein Institute to our award-winning healthcare system.

Since 1979, the Silverstein Institute has set the Sarasota standard for care of conditions affecting the ears, nose and throat, with more than 50 medical specialists employing their expertise to relieve patients of complicated concerns ranging from hearing loss and sinus issues to vertigo and allergies.

As part of First Physicians Group, the dedicated professionals of The Silverstein Institute will continue providing the same services and level of care that patients have come to expect and rely on, but now with the backing of the entire Sarasota Memorial Health Care System and its quest to provide comprehensive and seamless healthcare to our community.

Still the same great providers at the same four locations: First Physicians Group Silverstein Institute at Floyd Street 1901 Floyd St. Sarasota, FL 34239 First Physicians Group Silverstein Institute at Blackburn Point 929 S. Tamiami Trail, Ste. 205 Osprey, FL 34229 First Physicians Group Silverstein Institute at Lakewood Ranch 8433 Enterprise Circle, Ste. 150 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 First Physicians Group Silverstein Institute at Longboat Key 546 Bay Isles Rd. Longboat Key, FL 34228

For appointments, please call (941) 366-9222.

354086-1

20A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

|

Design firm focuses on always becoming better Emily Moss Concepts and Designs handles new construction design and remodeling.

GRIER FERGUSON BUSINESS OBSERVER

E

mily Moss’ first career was an elementary school teacher, which she did for seven years.

But she studied architecture in college before switching to teaching. And after having children, she stayed home and started helping her husband’s business, Anna Maria Island-based custom homebuilder Moss Builders.

“I was helping his clients all the time,” she said. “I loved that process.”

Through Moss Builders, Moss, 36, was frequently on job sites with clients. She said, “One client was like: ‘I’m going to build this house, just to sell it for somebody.

I don’t want to be involved. Can you do it?’” So Moss took over the design. The house ended up being in the local tour of homes of noted properties, and the project led to more requests for help. Then in 2017, Moss had to make a decision. Was this a hobby, or should she start a business? She chose the entrepreneurial path.

Today, as owner and principal designer of the firm she founded, Emily Moss Concepts and Designs, Moss leads a team of four employees. The firm has an office in Holmes Beach, and is currently working on about 20 projects, primarily new construction design but also remodeling.

The company grew revenue 42% in 2020 over 2019, Moss said, declining to disclose specific revenue figures.

Growth has been part of the Emily Moss Concepts and Designs story since the beginning. Shortly after starting the business, for one, Moss brought on a design assistant to handle the influx of work. “All of a sudden I had four houses,” she said.

Part of the success likely stems from Moss’ commitment to improvement and making improvement processes, such as project autopsies, a regular part of operations. Another key?

Moss brought to the firm her experience working with different tradespeople through her husband’s company as well as knowledge from the classroom.

“It was really putting together a lot of skills from teaching,” she said. “Almost like developing lesson plans for houses.”

With her former students, Moss knew the status of their individual progress and was constantly working to help them move for-

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

21A

“I think with every project, there’s something that is learned or we tweak a little bit.”

ward. That remains true — but now she moves houses forward.

Her focus on organization and systems from her teaching days have come in handy, too. “I have a file system for each job that is very detailed and organized,” she said.

“We all know the millwork details are in this folder under this section under this job number.”

The team Moss leads includes a designer, a product specialist, an assistant and an office administrator. When the firm started, employees had a variety of tasks.

“We were all doing marketing, all doing ordering and all doing everything because there are so many hats to wear in a small business,” she said. “Slowly, we’ve been able to define roles and specialize.”

The firm’s bread and butter is new construction home projects.

“We’re leaning more toward new construction because it’s more straightforward,” Moss said. “It fits in our process really nicely.”

The majority of the firm’s projects are in Anna Maria and Holmes Beach, but it’s also done projects in Lakewood Ranch, in east Manatee County, and worked on several waterfront homes.

“Our style lends itself to the coastal feel,” she said. “We ultimately do always lean into the clients’ needs.”

New clients come from a variety of sources, from signage and

— Emily Moss, Emily Moss Concepts and Designs

Courtesy photo

As owner and principal designer of Emily Moss Concepts and Designs, Emily Moss leads a team of four employees that’s currently working on about 20 projects.

word of mouth to social media, particularly Instagram.

Like with many businesses, the pandemic has had a range of impacts for Emily Moss Concepts and Designs. On the positive side, more people are moving to the region from other parts of the country, attracted by weather, lower prices and more. That means building is booming.

“Nothing has slowed down,” she said. “It has been very busy.”

On the negative front, building supplies are in high demand, with

prices of essentials, such as lumber, going up. With each house she works on, Moss said the process becomes more efficient, but not by accident. At the end of each project, Moss and her team go through a project autopsy. “We all sit down and look at it together — what we thought went really well, what we thought could have been done better and situations that arose and how we handled them and if those situations could have been avoided,” she said.

The Home Service Pros Who Care

The Area’s most Trusted Name since 1974

Starting at

4,800!

$

+ 12 Months 0% Financing Available!

Some restrictions apply. This offer applies to a 1.5 T, 14 SEER HVAC System with heat strip and thermostat included. Includes reconnection to existing ductwork, wiring, refrigerant piping and drain. Not valid on prior purchases and cannot combine offers.

Limited time offer.Contact Aqua Plumbing & Air for details.

Offer expires 4/30/2021.

250 OFF

100 OFF

$

Reme Halo Air Purifier

Cannot be combined with other offers.

Contact Aqua Plumbing & Air for details.

Offer expires 4/30/2021.

SERVICES INCLUDE: Complete Home Rewiring Standby Generators & Service Repairs on All Generators Surge Protection

Cannot be combined with other offers.

Contact Aqua Plumbing & Air for details.

Offer expires 4/30/2021.

FREE

$

Whole House Water Treatment System

LET AQUA HELP YOU ON YOUR NEXT ELECTRICAL PROJECT!

AND SO MUCH MORE!!

Water Quality Analysis ($99 value)

CALL NOW! 941.866.6210

or visit www.AquaPlumbingSarasota.com

Cannot be combined with other offers. Must present coupon at time of service.Contact Aqua Plumbing & Air for details.

Offer expires 4/30/2021.

Lic # cAc1816020 • PLbg cFc1428223 • ELEc Ec13009313

355275-1

New AC System

SEE HOW MUCH MORE YOU CAN SAVE!!

Air Conditioning

Plumbing

Electrical

Water Treatment

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

CREATIVELY ENTREPRENEURIAL Ryan Wesley Smith launches music label in Nashville with big dreams and high hopes.

Smith had his start learning about music in Florida.

thE FArmErS' MArKET FOr thE ENtirE LWr rEGiON Join us for our best season yet!

YouRSunday tRadition BrING FOr d thIS a

FREE T MArKaEg SW

50+ LOCAL VEndOrS

FrESh MArKET prOdUcE • dAIrY • EgGS SpIcES & ruBS • hOnEY • FrESh BrEAdS & BAkEd GOOdS • prEparEd FOOdS & MOrE

EvErY Sunday FrOm 10am tO 2pm aT thE LAkEWOOd rAnch MEdiCAL CEnTEr 8330 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. • Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

HARRY SAYER STAFF WRITER

R

yan Wesley Smith has had a dream since a young age. He remembers discovering it for the first time when going to concerts with his dad in Tampa.

“There was this shared love of music,” Smith said of himself and his father. “People gathering and having this shared experience of storytelling through music, it was amazing. That was the first inkling that I realized how much I loved music.”

But Smith himself said that as much as he loved the music, he didn’t have the talent to focus on developing a musician’s career.

He believed his skills and path were found more in the entrepreneurial sense.

Although he’s still relatively young at 23, he has worked toward making his dream a reality for some time. It’s starting to come to fruition.

Smith recently announced the launch of a new venture: the Big Future Music Group, a Nashvillebased record label and music company intended to highlight new artists and writers.

“Somehow during a global pandemic, we found some partners, and now we’re here,” Smith said.

He’s not going it alone. Big Future Music Group has partnered with Sony/ATV music publisher and Sony’s Orchard music distribution company.

“I love music, I love entertainment, and I love going to concerts with live music,” Smith said. “I didn’t really know what that would mean in terms of a job or career. … I would describe myself as a creative guy but more still on the business side.”

Smith grew up in the Bradenton area and spent plenty of time in Sarasota with friends and with his family at St. Armands Circle.

He said his entrepreneurial spirit developed young when he sold popcorn to people while part of the Boy Scouts, which eventually morphed into a more disciplined type of behavior when he and his family moved to Nashville six years ago.

Smith started working in the music industry, doing whatever jobs he could find. At first he

CAT DEPOT SUPPLY & GIFT STORE

NOW OPEN

BY APPOINTMENT

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOr EvENt INFO | thEmarkEtLWr.COM

or ONLINE ORDERING

Sponsored by:

# 1 PLACE TO SHOP FOR CATS & CAT LOVERS

with CURBSIDE PICKUP

2542 17th St., Sarasota, FL 34234 • www.catdepot.org Adoptions available by appointment • 941.366.2404

355169-1

www.catdepot.org/shop 355308-1

22A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

Courtesy photos

Big Future Music Group VP of Creative Andrea Robertson, President Ryan Wesley Smith, Advisor Mike McCloskey, artist Abby Robertson and A&R Consultant Tyrus Morgan

“People gathering and having this shared experience of storytelling through music,it was amazing. That was the first inkling that I realized how much I loved music.”

— Ryan Wesley Smith

sold merchandise with artists on tour and made his way to contract work with labels. Eventually, he found himself learning from agents, publishers and other industry figures who made him feel confident enough to start his own enterprise.

He said he enjoyed seeing how artists could capitalize on their various talents and styles and move onto success, as well as how managers and other figures were instrumental in making that happen.

“It’s the stereotype [of] starv-

ing artists, where they’re absolutely brilliant with writing music … and doing incredible things, but they just they don’t have the business mind or infrastructure around them to really support [their art],” Smith said.

It’s now Smith’s mission to recruit new talents and give them an opportunity to share their voices and stories.

He jokes that he tries to be the least talented person in the room, something he loves.

As for talent, Smith signed Christian pop-artist Abby Robertson, who recently came out with a debut single of her own.

He and Robertson have been friends for some time, and Smith was excited to have her join his team.

“The hope would be that we find some artists that we really love, we believe in, and we can get that music out there,” Smith said.

e c n e i r e

Exp

T X E

D R O A R

Y R A N I AT

ringling.org

352968-1

352821-1

ONE LOCATION ENDLESS EXPERIENCES

|

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

23A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

DIVORCE

without ATTORNEYS

Divorce is never pleasant, but it doesn’t have to be full of hate & bitterness. Protect family relationships and assets from expensive, adversarial litigation, Explore Mediation: the Positive Alternative.

Call me for a Free 15-min Consultation, before you call an attorney!

• Family & Divorce Mediation

• Pre & Post Nuptial Agreements

• Marriage Mediation

• Elder Care Mediation

FREYA ROBBINS

Star Farms breaks ground on Ranch

354856-1

* ZollingerMediation.com See server for full details.

941-366-0202 349598-1

Join us for our Hermitage Greenfield Prize Celebration events!

First Look at "Ocean Body" by 2019 Prize Winner Helga Davis Thursday, April

8th

@ 7pm • Virtual Event

Presented in partnership with EnsembleNew SRQ and Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe

“Amplifying Voices in Theater” Panel Discussion

Saturday, April 10th @ 4pm • Virtual Event with 2021 Prize Jurors Mandy Greenfield, Nataki Garrett, and Robert O'Hara

Artist Talk: Aleshea Harris, Playwright and 2021 Prize Winner Saturday, April 10th @ 6pm • Live at Hermitage Beach (also Live-Stream)

Virtual Celebration of Hermitage Greenfield Prize Sunday, April 11th • available starting at 7pm • Virtual Event

This special video presentation, with its own unique content, is a tribute to Hermitage Greenfield Prize winners past and present. A benefit for the Hermitage, ticketholders can view anytime through April 25th.

Sneak Preview of New Play Commission by Martyna Majok Monday, April 12th @ 7pm • Virtual Event

Presented in partnership with Asolo Repertory Theatre

344167-1

For more information, including reservations (required), visit:

HermitageArtistRetreat.org

Courtesy photo

Robert Price, Tony Squitieri, Tony Chiofalo, John Barnott and Tim Martin turn dirt at the groundbreaking celebration March 23.

Supreme Court Certified Mediator Certified Divorce Financial Analyst

*Restrictions apply.

NEWS BRIEFS

24A

Forestar Group celebrated a groundbreaking for Star Farms at Lakewood Ranch March 23.

Among those in attendance were Tony Chiofalo, the executive vice president and chief financial officer of SMR; John Barnott, the director of Manatee County Building and Development Services; Tony Squitieri, Forestar West Florida’s division president; Tim Martin, the director of Forestar West Florida development; and Robert Price, Forestar West Florida Land Development’s manager.

The gated, 700-acre neighborhood will contain 1,500 singlefamily homes, paired villas and townhomes.

“It is exciting to begin our journey, watching our designs become places and our creations become new experiences,” Forestar West Florida Division President Tony Squitieri said in a release.

Builders are expected to be introduced this summer, according to the release, and construction of model homes is planned to begin in the early fall of 2021.

Visit StarFarmsLWR.com for more information.

Premier lands national tourney Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch has been chosen to host the 2021 U.S. Youth Soccer

National Championships, held July 20-25.

The U.S. Youth Soccer National Championships is the country’s oldest and most prestigious national youth soccer tournament.

The event will feature 104 teams that have qualified down from a field of more than 10,000 teams according to the U.S. Youth Soccer release.

Besides drawing 2,700 players and coaches to the area, the event will attract many of the top college coaches for recruiting.

LECOM ranks No. 1 in primary care physicians The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, which has a campus in Lakewood Ranch, produces more primary care physicians than any other U.S. medical school, according to March 30 report by U.S. News & World Report.

The standings, part of U.S. News & World Report’s annual ranking of medical schools, are based upon the percentage of graduates who entered the primary care field between 2018 and 2020. According to the report, 69% of LECOM students enter primary care residencies upon graduation. In 2020, approximately 372 of LECOM’s 539 College of Osteopathic Medicine graduates entered primary care programs following commencement, more than any other U.S. medical school.

Easter Sale 10% Off Store Wide & 15% Off Most Floor Models

Don’t miss out!

Store Sale: April 2 - 6 Hours: 10 AM - 5 PM Closed Sundays

3709 N Lockwood Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL (941) 894-6747 dutchcrafters.com

354457-1

353153-1

Heirloom-quality furniture by Amish woodworkers

APRIL 1, 2021

SPORTS

“I love the feeling of clearing bars. It’s the best feeling you’ll ever experience.”

— The Out-of-Door Academy’s Tyler Beck SEE PAGE 27A

HIGH

IF YOU GO

Who: Braden River High baseball (13-1) vs. Lakewood Ranch High (7-7) What: A three-game series Dates: 7 p.m. April 5 at Lakewood Ranch; 6 p.m.

April 7 at Braden River; 6 p.m. April 8 at Lakewood Ranch Pirates player to watch: Senior infielder Ryan Waldschmidt, who is committed to Charleston Southern University Mustangs player to watch: Senior pitcher/outfielder Noah Harsch, who is committed to Warner University

5

2

The Out-of-Door Academy junior baseball pitcher Josh Cone threw five innings, allowing one run with eight strikeouts, March 23 in the Thunder’s 2-1 home win against Parrish Community High.

3

Sherrill Moore sank a hole-in-one March 23 on the No. 4 hole of Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club’s King’s Dunes course. Moore used a 6-hybrid on the 110-yard hole.

4

Steve Davis sank a hole-in-one March 22 on the No. 16 hole at University Park Country Club. Davis used an 8-iron on the 117-yard hole.

5

Former Lakewood Ranch High softball player Logan Newton, a junior outfielder at James Madison, hit two doubles March 21 in the Dukes’ 7-1 home win against East Carolina.

Unsinkable

Braden River junior pitcher Landon Kiefer rocks and fires against Cardinal Mooney High. Kiefer, who is committed to Missouri S&T, threw five innings against Cardinal Mooney High, allowing just one earned run.

Pirates baseball rides win streak to high rankings.

RYAN KOHN SPORTS REPORTER

The Braden River High baseball team didn’t panic after dropping its first game of the season, a 7-4 road loss to Riverview High on Feb. 16.

And the Pirates haven’t lost since.

The Pirates (13-1) have vaulted to an elite level. As of March 26, they stand 11th in the Florida High School Athletic Association’s rankings (all classifications; they’re third in class 6A) and are 86th in MaxPreps’ national rankings. The streak continued March 26 in a home game against another strong program, Cardinal Mooney High (12-3).

Braden River jumped to a 5-0 lead in the second inning and held

off the Cougars to win 7-4.

Braden River’s success isn’t out of nowhere. The team went 6-2 in 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic forced the season to shut down. But the team’s margins of victory have expanded this season.

In 2020, the team averaged 6.88 runs scored and 4.13 runs allowed per game; in 2021, the Pirates are averaging 8.79 runs scored and 2.64 runs allowed per game.

Asked about the biggest keys to the team’s win streak, Pirates Coach Zach Solly pointed to the offense, defense and pitching.

Their record is a product of being a well-rounded team, he said.

“We just hope to continue that as we go down the stretch,” Solly said. “It’s baseball. Crazy things happen.”

The Pirates have three players — senior infielder Ryan Waldschmidt, senior outfielder Camden Sprague and junior shortstop/ pitcher Landon Kiefer — committed to colleges, and three others

All Fountains & Concrete on Sale!

FARM & GARDEN

20% OFF

ALL FOUNTA INS & CONCRETE through 4/07

VOTED #1 GARDEN CENTER IN SARASOTA 735 South Beneva Road, Sarasota, FL 34232 941.366.4954 • www.YourFarmandGarden.com

We will be closed 4/4 for Easter!

Visit us on Facebook

Photos by Ryan Kohn

Braden River High players tip their caps to Cardinal Mooney High after the Pirates’ 7-4 win over the Cougars on March 26. The Pirates’ win was their 13th in a row.

Outdoors or in, fountains help create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. Stop in and see our many styles, sizes and designs ready to add a splash of elegance to any home.

Glazed Pottery • Fiberglass Cast Stone & more Free-Standing, Water-feature, Wall & Tabletop fountains now in stock!

PLANTS & GARDEN ACCESSORIES SINCE 1953 3 ACRE GARDEN CENTER • NURSERY SW FL POTTERY CENTER

Installations • Licensed • Planning & Design • Insured • Referrals Upon Request

354890-1

1

Lakewood Ranch High sophomore softball pitcher Olivia Laney threw a perfect game March 25 in the Mustangs’ fourinning 16-0 home win against Hardee High. Laney struck out four hitters.

— junior infielder/pitcher Logan Waldschmidt, senior catcher Trenton Hedgepeth and sophomore infielder/pitcher Cesar Valera — with grades of 8.5 or above from scouting service Perfect Game, meaning they are “excellent college prospects,” according to the site.

With such a wide talent distribution, the Pirates get contributions throughout their lineup.

Against Cardinal Mooney, seven players had at least one hit, and five players had one RBI, while senior Sean Vitug had two. That coverage provides protection in case the team’s star players have an off game.

“It’s a great group of kids,” Solly said. “They come to the field every day, and they work hard. It’s fun to be around.”

26A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

PROSE AND KOHN

RYAN KOHN

Mustang throws herself into the spotlight

W

here does hard work get you?

If you’re Riley Simmons, it gets you exactly where you want to be.

In 2019, Simmons, a Lakewood Ranch High girls track and field thrower, finished eighth in Class 4A in the shot put (38 feet, 8.25 inches) at the Florida High School Athletic Association state meet, a finish most people would be thrilled to have. It was especially encouraging considering Simmons was a sophomore at the time, in her first year of taking the sport seriously.

She participated as a freshman, but she didn’t quite “get it” yet. She didn’t even want to be a thrower at first, coming into the sport as a runner before the coaching staff took a look at her height — Simmons is 5-foot11 — and her wingspan and said they had a better idea. So she became a thrower, and a good one. Like I said, she got eighth place at the state meet.

Pretty good, right? Not to Simmons. All her life, she said, she’s dreamed of competing at the NCAA Division I level in something. At first, she thought it might be gymnastics. She competed in the sport for 13 years, but by the time she reached high school, she had simply grown too tall. Her body wouldn’t cooperate like it did when she was a child. So she

File photo

Riley Simmons finished eighth at the 2019 state championships as a sophomore. Now a senior, she currently holds the top throw in Class 4A. Courtesy photo

Riley Simmons signed with Mississippi State on March 19.

tried basketball, and she tried track and field.

It wasn’t until that sophomore season that she sensed she had stumbled onto something good. College coaches started watching her throw, and her own coaches started using the magical word: potential.

If she could just unlock her potential, Simmons thought, her dream could become a reality. So she cranked up her work ethic, starting to train by herself early in the morning and late at night.

She hit the school’s weight room to gain muscle. During last year’s quarantine, Simmons even created a 7-by-7-foot circle of tape in her garage to practice her footwork. She also overhauled her technique, changing from a gliding throw to a spinning throw.

“I get more speed and power out of a spin because of my height and wingspan,” Simmons said. “The glide is good for shorter throwers or beginners.

It’s simpler. But the spin has helped me get my best throws.”

GOLF CART

She practices five days a week for up to two hours per session.

Three days are spent on throwing and gaining power; the other two are spent on improving Simmons’ quickness.

The change in technique, and the work Simmons has done over the past two years, has resulted in Simmons reaching her lofty potential. Now a senior, Simmons currently holds the top throw in Class 4A at 41 feet, 10 inches, which is 12.5 inches longer than secondplace Megan Hague, a junior at Niceville High, and more than 3

feet longer than Simmons’ best throw at the 2019 state meet.

Her improvement has received attention from a number of high-profile colleges, and she signed with Mississippi State on March 19. Simmons said she and her family took an unofficial visit to the school’s campus, and the vibe felt right. Simmons said she believes that Bulldogs Throws Coach April Thomas can help her develop even further.

Simmons is so improved that the state meet isn’t even the biggest event on her calendar anymore — though she’s still excited for it. No, her main focus is on the 2021 USA Track and Field National Youth Outdoor Championships, held June 22-27 in Rome, Ga. It’s a chance to test herself on a countrywide scale, she said, which is important.

Now that she’s headed to a Division I college, Simmons has a new dream.

Reaching the Olympics.

Can she get there? Based on how far she’s come in two years, I’m not putting anything past her.

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

PEL HAS DONATED OVER $225,400 TO COMMUNITY YOUTH IN NEED.

SUPERSTORE

Personalized Estate Liquidation Benefiting Youth, Inc.

Join the Cart Lifestyle

DONATE • CONSIGN • SHOP • VOLUNTEER

www.customcarts.com

Visit Custom Carts – Florida’s Largest Golf Cart Dealer with 7 Locations

1520 N. Lime Avenue • Sarasota, FL 34237 | Hours: Wed - Sat, 10am - 4pm

941.210.3149 for store merchandise 941.993.8757 for estate sales, donations and consignments

www.personalizedestateliquidation.com | Facebook & Instagram – @pelsarasota

348041-1

941-841-1083

Thursdays at 5:30 pm | Now through April 22nd Sarasota Polo Club

Admission is FREE courtesy of North South Wealth Management

Follow us on

for more info.

PRESENTED BY

www.SarasotaPolo.com

347583-1

4515 15th Street East, Bradenton, FL 34203 4802 Lena Rd, Unit 101, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211

355217-1

Be Active. Be Outside. Be Safe.

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

Tyler Beck is a sophomore boys track and field athlete at The Outof-Door Academy. Beck won the pole vault (12 feet, 11.5 inches) March 26 at the Shorecrest Prep Invitational.

When did you start pole vaulting?

I started in sixth grade. I was coming off the cross-country season. We didn’t have any pole vaulters at the time, but my coaches thought I should try it, so I did. I got better and better, which led to me competing in the AAU Junior Olympics’ Boys 13 division that summer. I finished second (7 feet, 11.5 inches). I’ve been doing it ever since.

What is the appeal to you?

I love the feeling of clearing bars.

It’s the best feeling you’ll ever experience. When you hit that pike [bending at the waist at the peak of the vault], and you go over, it’s total bliss.

What is the strongest part of your vault?

I’m able to move bigger poles than everyone else. That gives me a height advantage. The last meet, I was using a 15 foot, 160 pound pole.

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

27A

PUBLIC SHRED EVENT

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

We Shred While You Watch

FRIDAY, APRIL 16TH | 9am -11am | By Appointment ShredQuick 4908 Lena Rd., Bradenton (off SR70 near I-75)

stuff like that. I just find them interesting. History is my favorite subject in school, too.

$20 per Box or Bag (10” x 12” x 16” box or 32-Gal bag) Cash Only $10 per Hard Drive Drop Off for Shred $10 per Computer Drop Off for Recycling

Which superpower would you pick?

As a pole vaulter, the ability to fly would be helpful.

DUE TO COVID-19 PLACE ITEMS IN TRUNK. OUR TEAM WILL REMOVE THEM USING GLOVES & MASKS.

What are your hobbies?

I go fishing all the time, and I take flying lessons at Cirrus Aviation. I want to be a pilot.

346571-1

Tyler Beck

|

What is the best piece of advice you have received?

Every meet is a practice. I see it all the time: People let meets get in their head, they start missing bars, etc. Once you view meets as another round of practice, that all goes away.

941.755.2600

www.ShredQuick.com

GOLF & RIVER

CLUB

Stay Cool This Summer and Play Golf!

SUMMER GOLF PROGRAM

Finish this sentence: “Tyler Beck is …”

A pole vaulter.

May 1st - September 30th, 2021

$500 +Tax for a Single or a Family Range Balls Included! • Unlimited Golf • No Restrictions • No Green Fees Pay Only a Cart Fee - $25 18 Holes / $15 9 holes • Book Tee Times Up to 10 Days in Advance • Children 15 and Under Play for Free after 11am

(must be accompanied by parent participant) (No F&B Minimum)

What is your favorite memory?

It was probably my last meet, at Shorecrest Prep. I set my personal record and ran off and hugged my teammates. That was a great feeling.

SIGN UP by May 1st, 2021 to Receive 3 Guest Passes!

For details call or email Janice at 941.718.4848 or jreed@waterlefeFL.com

What are your goals for the season?

I want to break the school record.

Right now, it’s 14 feet, 6 inches. I think if I continue to work on my inversion and get that straightened out, I can do it.

What is your favorite food?

I love pad thai.

What is your favorite movie?

I don’t have just one. I watch a lot of historical documentaries,

1022 Fish Hook Cove, Bradenton | waterlefegolfandriverclub.com

Host to the U.S. Open Qualifying Tournament an unprecedented six times

355115-1

Open to the Public — For Tee Times Call 941.744.9771

PLAY THE BEST! SUMM

MEMBERSHER IPS Starting at

400

$ Bring this Coupon to receive

$

3 OFF

Full Rack Rate VALID BEFORE 1PM FOR UP TO 4 PLAYERS

AS LOW AS

$

70 $ 35

BEFORE 8AM

TWILIGHT ONLINE SPECIAL AS LOW AS

AFTER 3PM

VALID THRU 4/30/21 RATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

5100 87th Street East | Lakewood Ranch | 941.753.6200 rosedalecountryclub.com

347854-1

354585-1

VALID THRU 4/30/21

SPECIAL RATES

EARLY BIRD ONLINE SPECIAL

28A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

941.587.4359 | 941.229.4000

#1 Team at Michael Saunders & Company in 2020 and 2019!

UNDER CONTRACT

19432 GANTON AVE THE CONCESSION 4BR | 3/2BA | 4,501 SQFT | $1,575,000 UNDER CONTRACT

8499 LINDRICK LN THE CONCESSION 6BR | 12BA | 15,223 SQFT | $10,850,000

If you want the best life has to offer, you have come to the right place.

Celebrate your own slice of paradise in this welcoming place of shelter and security, beauty and tranquility, only moments from world-renowned beaches, top-rated Concession golf club and sophisticated cultural amenities.

7209 GREYSTONE ST LWR COUNTRY CLUB 3BR | 3BA | 2,952 SQFT | $1,050,000

UNDER CONTRACT

NEW LISTING

UNDER CONTRACT IN 3 DAYS

14628 SECRET HARBOR PL LWR COUNTRY CLUB EAST 5BR | 3BA | 3,879 SQFT | $845,000

335 22ND ST CT NE MANATEE RIVER .33 ACRE HOMESITE | $800,000

15735 SEATON PL COUNTRY CLUB EAST 4BR | 2BA | 2,245 SQFT | $699,000

SOLD | NEW CONSTRUCTION

UNDER CONTRACT IN 22 DAYS

UNDER CONTRACT IN 2 DAYS

14620 DERNA TER AZARIO REPRESENTED BUYERS | $593,208

4800 GULF OF MEXICO #PH3 WINWARD BAY 2BR | 2BA | $549,900

12418 THORNHILL CT LWR COUNTRY CLUB 2BR | 2BA | 2,021 SQ FT | $445,000

Licensed Real Estate Professionals

347926-1

StacyHaas@michaelsaunders.com GloriaBracciano@michaelsaunders.com StacyHaas.com | GloriaBracciano.com

#1 TEAM | #1 BROKER

8325 Lakewood Ranch Blvd | Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

Classifieds 13B Games 11B Real Estate 9B Weather 11B

APRIL 1, 2021

YOUR NEIGHBORS

LIVE JAM AT THE PARK R Photos by Brendan Lavell

Sarasota residents Peter and Nina Eduardo stand with Pam Plank, who is the executive director and a therapist at Sertoma Club of Greater Sarasota. “It’s really nice to do something normal,” Peter Eduardo says.

ita Jensen hadn’t seen a concert in 473 days.

Yes, the Del Tierra resident had been counting.

“Live music is my passion,” Jensen said. “This is literally my heaven. It’s everything.”

My Hometown Jam, a concert held the evening of March 26 at Nathan Benderson Park, provided a chance for Jensen and other starved live music lovers the chance to finally go to a concert after a year or more away from the scene because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Best of all for many, the concert featured Tim Reynolds, best known as a lead guitarist for the Dave Matthews Band.

For a massive Dave Matthews Band fan like Jensen, My Hometown Jam represented the perfect opportunity to rejoin the live music scene.

“It’s crazy that I would see Tim Reynolds, who has been one of my favorite musicians forever,” Jensen said.

My Hometown Jam, which raised money for Sertoma Club of Greater Sarasota and Sertoma Kids Inc., also featured local artists including The Derek Lersch Band and Michael J. Weiss Trio.

— BRENDAN LAVELL

Sarasota resident Monica Serino and Sarasota High School Wrestling Coach Brent Yoder

Country Club residents Bill Thornton and Brenda Kahn are music lovers who were especially excited to see Tim Reynolds.

Above: Marcel performs at My Hometown Jam at Nathan Benderson Park. Other performances included The Derek Lersch Band, Michael J. Weiss Trio, Unspoken, Intelectualz and Kurses & Karma.

Left: Del Tierra residents Aine, 6; Grace, 10; and Rita Jensen came to My Hometown Jam to see Tim Reynolds.

Photo courtesy of Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates

Tim Reynolds performs at My Hometown Jam at Nathan Benderson Park.

In addition to his solo work, Reynolds is best known as a lead guitarist for Dave Matthews Band.

HAPPY RETIREMENT, STEVEN! “Steven has been with us for 30 years. In fact, he was here just a month before we bought the company.

Steven has always done excellent work with honesty, integrity and kindness. He truly reflects what we stand for and who we are. Steven, you my friend, are ‘Simply Better’. Thanks for the memories!

Enjoy your new journey!”

- Trudy Moon

941-229-6245 354590-1

You can still schedule an A/C maintenance with Steven until April 30th!

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

Easter bunny visits Ranch

10% OFF Living Room

L

akewood Ranch’s Delilah David opened a gift bag she received for participating in the egg hunt at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church and found a small pink stuffed rabbit.

David, 3, hugged it tight and carried it around with her as she waited for prizes to be announced during the church’s annual Easter Egg Hunt on March 27 hosted by the Knights of Columbus.

Before the egg hunt, 125 people enjoyed a breakfast of pancakes, sausage and French toast and a dance party with the Easter bunny.

“I loved seeing the community coming together to celebrate Easter and be able to have an egg hunt and breakfast in safe way,” said Kim David, Delilah’s mother.

The dance party was a hit for many families.

Greenbrook’s Christine Castellon said she loved seeing her 2-year-old son, Mateo, dancing with the Easter bunny.

“It’s a wonderful family oriented event,” Castellon said.

Upholstery - TV Stands Occasional Tables Entertainment - Rockers - Bookcases Display or order. Not valid on previous purchases or Miller’s Custom Cabinetry. Use code livingroom online.

4/1/21 - 4/30/21.

DUTCHHAUSFURNITURE.COM

— LIZ RAMOS 347561-1

Maria Baez, Barbara Petrus, Jennifer Chapman and Tracey Lento help the Knights of Columbus during the Easter Egg Hunt.

Photos by Liz Ramos

Lakewood Ranch 5-year-olds Brynn and Blake Baron celebrate Easter at the annual Easter Egg Hunt the Knights of Columbus hosts.

THANK YOU 2021 SPONSORS SCIENTIST $10,000

Amicus Foundation

RESEARCHER $5,000 Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation Beverly Bartner and Janice Zarro Deb Kabinoff State Street Eating House + Cocktails Jim and Charlie Ann Syprett Take Care Private Duty Home Health Care

941.917.1286 | smhf.org

Robert and Angelia Wood

353894-1

2B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

|

3B

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

HotWorks.org

Sarasota Open Air Fine Art Show April 3 & 4, 2021

™

At Phillippi Estate Park, Sarasota

Lakewood Ranch’s Scarlett Baron holds onto an egg that holds a raffle ticket inside.

www.hotworks.org Facebook.com/HotWorksArtShows Instagram @HotWorksArtShows

Herb Brown, Jewelry Sculpture

COVID safety guidelines in place: Social distancing, all booths spread apart, face coverings recommended and more.

Professionally Juried Fine Art & Fine Craft Show At Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota All Art is Original, Personally Handmade & for Sale by the Artist Present at the Show Sat, April 3 & Sun, April 4 ~ 10am-5pm Daily Free Parking $5 Admission (15 and under free) supports Plus! Budding Artist Competition for Grades 6-12 or Ages 9-19. More info www.hotworks.org

See Art, Love Art, Buy Art!™ 353788-1

Above: Children dance with the Easter bunny.

Greenbrook’s Christine Castellon says seeing her 2-year-old son, Mateo, dancing with the Easter bunny was her favorite part of the event.

Left: Greenbrook’s Christine Castellon helps her 2-year-old son, Mateo, find eggs during the egg hunt.

CHI L D R EN F I R ST 'S

Fairytale Ball THE SPAR K L E W IT HI N Ap ri l 1 0, 2 02 1 , 7 :00pm A oNE-o F-A- KIND vIRTu AL CELEb RAT IoN!

mediA SponSorS

For sponsorships and more information, please call 941-953-3877, ext. 1126 or visit childrenfirst.net/events 353275-1

4B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

WEST FLORIDA’S PREMIER POOL BUILDER

Design•Build•Maintain Professional In-House Construction

Photos by Liz Ramos

355229-1

Call today to schedule an appointment

941.927.1882

www.HolidayPoolsFlorida.com

of West Florida, Inc. Lic# CPC1458597

Fishing event held in reel time

Family Owned and Operated Since 1994

M

FOOT PAIN?

SHAUN J. LIMON DPM

Diplomate, American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry Board Certified in Primary Care in Podiatric Medicine

We treat all kinds of foot problems from Bunions, Heel Pain, Fungal Nails, Diabetic Foot Care, Plantar Fasciitis and more with surgical, nonsurgical and laser treatments.

LISA GRIFFITH-LIMON DPM Diplomate, American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery. Board Certified in Foot Surgery.

Serving Manatee County since 1998

OPEN BY APPOINTMENT

AND FOLLOWING CDC SAFETY PROTOCOLS

SCHEDULE TODAY!

355249-1

MOST INSURANCE ACCEPTED

941.782.8639

11065 Gatewood Drive, Bldg C-2, Lakewood Ranch 4614 26th Street West, Bradenton | www.LimonsFoot.com

Above: Sarasota’s Allie Lipinski, 6, patiently waits to see if she will catch a fish.

Top: Bradenton’s Guy Averill has been teaching his daughters, Harper, 9, and Stella, 11, to fish. The girls started fishing during spring break this year.

ill Creek’s Leo Mandel carefully held his fishing pole and cast his line into Lake Uihlein.

Mandel, 5, anxiously waited to see if a fish would take his bait. “[Leo Mandel] is the fisherman of the family,” said Jessica Mandel, Leo’s mother. “He learned to fish from my dad. He’s a big fisherman. There’s a long line of fishermen in my family.”

Leo Mandel was hoping to use the skills he learned from his grandfather, Richie D’Amato, to catch a fish and win for his age group of the Youth Fishing Tournament on March 27. The event was hosted by Lakewood Ranch Community Activities and the Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club.

The fishing tournament was a first for the Mandels along with several of the other 38 tournament participants.

— LIZ RAMOS

Since the Pandemic there has been an increase in physical, sexual, and substance abuse...

You ALA can make a difference!

30TH ANNIVERSAY SEASON GALA

Join the Child Protection Center for our Virtual Gala April 14th at 6:30pm

The Sarasota Ballet celebrates it’s 30TH Anniversary Season with this spectacular event to be held Sunday, April 18TH at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

EVENT SOLD OUT JOIN OUR FIGHT AGAINST CHILD ABUSE.

Register or donate today at

CPCSarasota.org

352531-1

355374-1

For inquiries about the Gala, or to make a contribution to help us celebrate our 30th Anniversary, please contact Lauren Stroman at 941.225.6510 or events@sarasotaballet.org

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

Lakewood Ranch’s Colton Baughman, 12, says using hard baits is the best way to catch a fish.

|

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

5B

The Youth Fishing Tournament was all about quality time for 7-year-old Leo Ozgun; his dad, Ozzie Ozgun; and 9-year-old brother, Tyler Ozgun.

Polo Run’s Jabari Armotrading, 13, went fishing when he was 8 years old, but he hadn’t had a chance to fish again until the Youth Fishing Tournament. He’s excited to get back to fishing.

Bradenton’s Elijah Tirado, 10, scouts where the fish are in Lake Uihlein.

Mill Creek’s Leo Mandel, 5, has been fishing for a year and learned from his grandfather, Richie D’Amato. His mother, Jessica, says he is the fisherman of the family.

COM PA SSION / kəm • pa • shən / noun the compass that points to humanity’s true north A COMMUNITY OF CARING NAME

Kelly Caldwell

R E L AT I O N S H I P QUOTE

Donor

We couldn’t imagine partnering with anyone

else to help our clients and their families.

Tidewell’s core services connect deeply with the priorities of Caldwell Trust Company. As a long-time sponsor, Caldwell Trust Company understands the positive community impact that compassionate hospice care can make.

By starting with relationships, the Tidewell Foundation is redefining care. It’s how the Tidewell family has done it for 40 years.

Brighten lives today CareRedefined.org

351906-1

THE TIDEWELL FAMILY OF COMPANIES

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

Down the runway at Waterlefe

Victor DeRenzi, Artistic Director Richard Russell, Executive Director

Get your tickets now to the

2021 Spring Opera Festival - Health and safety measures - 60 to 90-minute opera performances with no intermissions - Socially-distanced audience - Or view all operas online from wherever you are!

W

Il signor Bruschino

by Gioachino Rossini

Apr 9–24

Courtesy photos

Waterlefe’s Michaela Valletta takes her turn on the runway.

Dido and Aeneas

aterlefe residents Mary Fiorini, Vicki Joshpe, Gisele Sweeney, Michaela Valletta and Barbara Serafino made the most of their chance to be models for the day.

The Waterlefe River Club Fashion Show, put together by the activities committee, hosted about 60 guests and included a poolside lunch and show. The models showed off clothing and accessories provided by P.J.’s Boutique of Sarasota.

After those in attendance cheered on the models as they walked the runway, they were able to shop for bargains.

— JAY HEATER

by Henry Purcell

Apr 11–25

All operas performed in the original language with real-time titles for both in person and online streaming versions.

SARASOTAOPERA.ORG (941) 328-1300 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

Michaela Valletta, Barbara Serafino, Gisele Sweeney, Mary Fiorini, Miriam Martin and Vicki Joshpe model clothes from P.J.’s Boutique of Sarasota.

DICK VITALE ESPN Broadcaster Patient of Dr. Soscia

Center For Sight is “Awesome, Baby!”

In the game of life, focus on what really matters.

It’s no surprise that cataract surgery with Dr. Soscia was well organized, painless and precise. Everything went according to plan and my recovery was incredibly quick.

When I talk about great players, I call them “3-S Men” – super – scintillating – sensational – and I’d utilize that description for Dr. Soscia without hesitation.

William L. Soscia, M.D. LASIK, Laser Cataract & Lens Replacement Surgeon Named “Top Doctor” by Castle Connolly 350233-1

The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation

354582-1

Paid in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax revenues.

Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.

355335-1

6B

CenterForSight.net • 941.330.2020

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

COMMUNITY FRIDAY, APRIL 2

MOMMY AND ME Begins at 10 a.m. at the picnic pavilion at James Patton Park, 5725 White Eagle Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. The Mommy and Me play date is free to Lakewood Ranch residents and $10 for nonresidents. The event is for moms and their 3- to 5-yearolds. For more information, go to MyLWR.com

BEST BET THURSDAY, APRIL 1

SUNSET POLO Begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Lakewood Ranch. Evening polo is now open to the public at the Sarasota Polo Club. The Thursday Sunset Polo Happy Hour runs through April 22. The event includes polo, an opening parade, half-time entertainment and divot-stomping. Food and drinks are available. For more information, go to SarasotaPolo.com.

FRIDAY, APRIL 2, AND SATURDAY, APRIL 3

COLLEGE ROWING Begins at 4:30 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. Saturday at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. The Florida Intercollegiate Rowing Association Championships will be held over two days at Nathan Benderson Park. College varsity programs and club teams in Florida are eligible. For more information, go to FIRARowing. org. New Crew SRQ, the New College of Florida-SANCA partnership team will enter its first championship regatta with two boats in the women’s fresh/ novice 4 class and the women’s double event.

SATURDAY, APRIL 3

KIDS CORNHOLE Begins at 11 a.m. at Bob Gardner Community Park, 2710 White Eagle Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. Lakewood Ranch Community Activities will teach the basics of cornhole to kids ages 7-12 and let them play. The event is free to residents and $10 to nonresidents. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

polo, the event includes food and beverages, tailgating and divot-stomping. General admission is $15 per adult; children 12 and under are free. Advance tickets are strongly encouraged. For ticket packages and information, go to SarasotaPolo.com. Gates open at 10 a.m.

YOGA IN THE PARK Begins at 9 a.m. at Bob Gardner Park, 2710 White Eagle Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. The public is invited to participate in a free yoga workout at Bob Gardner Park. The event is hosted by The Yoga Shack Florida. Bring your own mat and water bottle.

Mats must be placed 6 feet apart. All participants are asked to follow social distancing guidelines. For more information or to register for the event, go to LakewoodRanch.com.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 7 File photo

Mason Wroe is one of the many talent polo players who competes at the Sarasota Polo Club.

DISC GOLF Begins at noon at Bob Gardner Community Park, 2710 White Eagle Blvd., Lakewood Ranch.

MVP Sports and Social begins its Frisbee Disc Golf League that is free for residents and $10 for nonresidents. Ages 8 and up are eligible. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

SUNDAY, APRIL 4

MARKET AT LAKEWOOD RANCH Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, 8330

Lakewood Ranch Blvd. The Market at Lakewood Ranch runs every Sunday through April 25. Vendors will be offering seafood, eggs, meats, diary products, pastas, bakery goods, jams and pickles among other items. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

POLO Begins at 1 p.m. at the Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Lakewood Ranch. The 30th season at the Sarasota Polo Club runs every Sunday through April 25. Besides world-class

RANCH NIGHT Runs from 4-8 p.m. at the Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Lakewood Ranch.

Ranch Night features a food truck rally with more than 10 trucks, live music, familyfriendly yard games, an outdoor bar and cornhole (preregister at MVPSportsAndSocial.com).

For more information about the free event, go to MyLWR.com.

BINGO Begins at 10 a.m. at the Greenbrook Adventure Park, 13010 Adventure Place, Lakewood Ranch. Lakewood Ranch Community Activities hosts Community Bingo every Wednesday.

Bingo is for those 18 and up.

Bingo will be held under the pavilion. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

|

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

7B

REC DAY AT THE PARK Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. Families are invited to experience Nathan Benderson Park during Rec Day. Participants will have the opportunity to try stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, canoes, fishing and more. Fees are $10 per person for ages 7-18 and free for their parents and siblings ages 1-6.

The fee is $10 for adults without children. Freshwater fishing licenses are required for any participants age 16 and older.

Meet at the base of the finish tower. For more information, go to NathanBendersonPark.org.

THURSDAY, APRIL 8

SUNSET POLO Begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Lakewood Ranch. Evening polo is now open to the public at the Sarasota Polo Club. The Thursday Sunset Polo Happy Hour runs through April 22. The event includes polo, an opening parade, half-time entertainment and divot-stomping. Food and drinks are available. For more information, go to SarasotaPolo.com.

SUNDAY, APRIL 11

BARRE IN THE PARK Begins at 9 a.m. at Bob Gardner Park, 2710 White Eagle Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. The public is invited to participate in a free barre workout at Bob Gardner Park hosted by Barre3. Bring your own mat and water bottle.

All participants are asked to follow social distancing guidelines. For more information or to register for the event, go to LakewoodRanch.com.

SCHOOL ENDS. HUNGER BEGINS. Due to COVID-19, even more children in our community are at risk of summer hunger.

You can help us keep them full until fall. $ for $ Match April 1 - May 15th MAKE A DIFFERENCE BY GIVING TODAY AT ALLFAITHSFOODBANK.ORG 941.379.6333

Visit allfaithsfoodbank.org Make a donation with a $ for $ match Start a virtual fundraiser Tell your family, co-workers, friends and neighbors

MEDIA PARTNER

353903-1

THANK YOU TO OUR LEAD INVESTORS

8B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

LOCALLY KNOWN. GLOBALLY CONNECTED. SINCE 1976.

SARASOTA 4728 Acorn Circle Tina Ciaccio 941-685-8420 A4495157 $2,090,000

SARASOTA 2708 61st Street Michael Moulton 941-928-3559 A4490385 $895,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 14628 Secret Harbor Place Stacy Haas & Gloria Bracciano 941-587-4359 A4488171 $845,000

SARASOTA 2203 Hillview Street Tim Koons-McGee & Judy Wright, PA 941-320-7073 A4490682 $800,000

NOKOMIS/NORTH VENICE 230 Pesaro Drive Audrey Peabody 941-780-6695 N6114088 $789,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 15735 Seaton Place Gloria Bracciano & Stacy Haas, PL 941-229-4000 A4494717 $699,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7739 US Open Loop Christopher Van Vliet & Jamie Van Vliet, PA 941-993-7087 A4494156 $660,000

SARASOTA 931 Virginia Drive Maureen Doherty 941-993-3159 A4495409 $629,000

SARASOTA 4642 Meadowview Circle Sonya Kis 941-228-1831 A4493185 $530,000

BRADENTON 5106 8th Avenue Drive W Kathy Valente & Gregory Zies, LLC 941-685-6767 A4494953 $499,000

SARASOTA 5551 Rain Lilly Court Anja Deichmann 941-284-7987 A4495389 $479,900

SARASOTA 4604 Country Manor Drive Kelley Callaway & Kim Ogilvie 941-951-6660 A4495446 $459,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 12418 Thornhill Court Gloria Bracciano & Stacy Haas, PL 941-229-4000 A4494736 $445,000

CLERMONT 1102 Nathan Ridge Road Diane Fogo Harter 941-445-2431 A4494242 $424,900

SARASOTA 6535 41st Court E Larry Cushing 941-228-9814 A4494968 $420,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 6647 Pebble Beach Way Deborah Angelo O'Mara 941-730-0777 A4492663 $417,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 3708 Maplewood Terrace Lynne Callahan 941-720-3278 A4493365 $375,000

BRADENTON 6885 Willowshire Way Jim McElhinney 941-773-1199 A4482705 $369,000

SARASOTA 7610 Fairway Woods Drive 205 Mackenzie Longueuil & Pat Mudgett 941-961-4023 A4492740 $339,000

BRADENTON 6101 34th Street W 6F Christy Heisey 941-500-4725 A4494619 $269,000

SARASOTA 3923 Maverick Avenue Barbara A Milian, PA 941-504-0660 A4495170 $259,900

NORTH FORT MYERS 3460 N Key Drive 218 Ray Rausa 941-228-7614 A4493260 $249,000

SARASOTA 4514 Weybridge 54 Amy Chapman 941-225-1500 A4492296 $219,000

BRADENTON 204 3rd Street W 204 Patty Brooks 941-545-1194 A4462765 $217,000

SARASOTA 4564 Morningside 44 Connie Lyke Brown 941-302-1214 A4495316 $174,900

LAKEWOOD RANCH 8911 Manor Loop 207 Natalia Armonda 941-373-5743 A4485429 $160,000

BRADENTON 4850 51st Street W 2203 Cathy Palmer 941-920-2247 A4495153 $150,000

OSPREY 51 Mac Ewen Drive 10 Victoria Beckham & Deborah Beacham 941-544-6734 A4472469 $109,000

SARASOTA 2755 Coconut Bay Lane 128 Jennifer Horvat 313-729-6339 A4486770 $102,000

ENGLEWOOD 1670 Maria Street Marcy Davis 941-685-5005 N6113779 $1,150,000

MSC MORTGAGE | MSC TITLE | MS&C COMMERCIAL NEW HOMES & CONDOMINIUMS

SARASOTA 1677 Baywinds Lane Barbara Dumbaugh & Victoria Lear 941-951-6660 A4494272 $923,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

355144-1

BRADENTON 6510 200th Street E Leslie Emery & Aaron Corr 941-400-9710 A4489175 $1,750,000

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in Lake Club topped all transactions in this week’s real estate.

Michael and Emily Arsenault, of Sarasota, sold their home at 16108 Baycross Drive to John and Rachon Rakoczy, of Bradenton, for $2.38 million. Built in 2014, it has five bedrooms, fourand-two-half baths, a pool and 5,605 square feet of living area.

RESERVE AT HARBOUR WALK

Mark and Susan Butt, of Bradenton, sold their home at 616 Regatta Way to CinMar Unlimited LLC for $2 million. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,790 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.48 million in 2015.

POMELLO PARK

Thomas and Lisa Blakeley, of Palmetto, sold their home at 18704 68th Ave. E. to Karen Belinda Williams, trustee, of Bradenton, for $1.68 million. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 3,847 square feet of living area.

COUNTRY CLUB

Robert and Darlene Marie Jacoby, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 13623 Legends Walk Terrace to Stephen Jacobs, of Far Hills, N.J., for $1.45 million. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,476 square feet of living area.

It sold for $1.21 million in 2014.

Mae Claire Franzen, Dirk Franzen and Bradley Franzen, trustees, of Lexington, Ky., sold the home at 8103 Lone Tree Glen to Jenna and Marshall Mandell, of Lakewood Ranch, for $952,300. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,833 square feet of living area. It sold for $807,500 in 2010.

David Carter and Lynn Jones, of Surrey, England, sold their home at 7953 Royal Birkdale Circle to Tad Edward Cook, of Lakewood Ranch, for $795,300. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,522 square feet of living area. It sold for $810,000 in 2005.

Michael and Linda McGrath, trustees, of W. Chester, Pa., sold the home at 12248 Thornhill Court to Frederick and Katherine White, of Sarasota, for $652,000.

Built in 2009, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,583 square feet of living area. It sold for $540,000 in 2010.

Richard and Ave Moran, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the home at 6724 The Masters Ave. to Steven Parady, trustee, of Lakewood

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

9B

REAL ESTATE

Lake Club home tops sales at $2.38 million

|

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

MARCH 15-19

Ranch, for $605,000. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,655 square feet of living area.

Gerald and Karen Miller, of Carson City, Nev., sold their home at 7061 Whitemarsh Circle to Michael Hayes and Nancy Bispham, of Bradenton, for $574,900. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,531 square feet of living area. It sold for $500,000 in 2004.

Mrytle Williams sold the home at 8135 Championship Court to Laguna Properties LLC for $455,000. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,413 square feet of living area.

Timothy Lee Martin and Paula Lynn Martin sold their home at 6522 Oakland Hills Drive to Lawrence and M. Denise Pierce, of Bradenton, for $400,000. Built in 1999, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 2,000 square feet of living area. It sold for $345,000 in 2019.

Diane Stadler, of Sarasota, sold her home at 6930 Woodmore Terrace to Salvatore and Sarah Ann Giacona, of Grosse Pointe, Mich., for $325,000. Built in 2000, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,545 square feet of living area. It sold for $269,000 in 2015.

Sherwin Taradash, of Columbia, S.C., sold the home at 7038 Four Seasons Circle to Denton Hewitt Jr. and David Paul Taylor, of Bradenton, for $315,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,560 square feet of living area. It sold for $198,800 in 2002.

Courtesy photo

This Lake Club home at 16108 Baycross Drive sold for $2.38 million. It has five bedrooms, four-and-two-half baths, a pool and 5,605 square feet of living area.

race to Angela and Robert Stiner, of Bradenton, for $499,900. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,176 square feet of living area.

CONCESSION

James and Brenda Witten, of Bradenton, sold their home at 19407 Newlane Place to Roger and Samantha Ann Tichenor, of Sarasota, for $1,175,000. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, four-anda-half baths, a pool and 4,130 square feet of living area.

LAKE CLUB

8343 Catamaran Circle to Pamela Yao Schroeder and Thomas Herbert Kircher, of Alpharetta, Ga., for $1.05 million. Built in 2008, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,972 square feet of living area.

LINKS AT PALM AIRE

Thomas Klett and Dawn Werle sold their home at 7304 Links Court to Richard Vogt and Lisa Ellen Vogt, trustees, of Sarasota, for $880,000. Built in 1994, it has five bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,637 square feet of

Avinash and Sonia Bal, of Elmsford, N.Y., sold their home at

SEE REAL ESTATE, PAGE 10B

In with the new

COUNTRY CLUB EAST

Charles and Kerry Desfosses, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 7405 Seacroft Cove to Paul Woitach and Joan Rizzo Woitach, of Bradenton, for $1.28 million. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,016 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,225,900 in 2017.

James and Susan Schiesser and Judith Hyde, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 14715 Secret Harbor Place to David and Lorie Zandi, of Lakewood Ranch, for $815,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, three-anda-half baths, a pool and 2,624 square feet of living area.

Eric and Judy Fox sold their home at 7629 Windy Hill Cove to Thomas Edward Styc and Suzanne Stoehr Styc, of Bradenton, for $725,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two-anda-half baths, a pool and 2,363 square feet of living area. It sold for $616,000 in 2018.

Paul Addison, of Cambridge, Wis., sold his home at 14639 Newtonmore Lane to Alfred and Elise Galgano, of Lakewood Ranch, for $645,000. Built in 2011, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,447 square feet of living area.

David Patterson and Linda Dos Santos, of Bradenton, sold their home at 144070 Whitemoss Ter-

SALES GALLERY OPEN

Longboat Key The Residences at the St. Regis | 941.213.3300 From the $2,000,000’s Call for appointment. SRResidencesLongboatKey.com

MOVE-IN READY

Downtown Sarasota Risdon on 5th | 941.365.1414 From the high $300,000s RisdonOn5th.com

WATERFRONT HOMES & HOMESITES

Bradenton Riverfront Riverside Point | 941.201.8505 Home sites from $229,900 | Homes from the low $600,000s RiversidePointFlorida.com

NOW SELLING NEW PHASE

Northwest Bradenton Palma Sola Bay Club | 941.216.7436 From the high $300,000s PalmaSolaBayClub.com

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

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

WWW.MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM/NEW-HOMES | 844.591.4333 | SARASOTA, FLORIDA 355159-1 Prices as of February 2021.

Licensed Real Estate Broker

10B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

Real estate FROM PAGE 9B

April is National Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month!

living area. It sold for $552,000 in 2011.

ESPLANADE

If you or a loved one are living with Parkinson’s disease we encourage you to join us to learn how to get involved in support groups, speak with a Care Advisor and live life with A Better Approach to Parkinson’s.

Neuro Challenge is dedicated to improving the quality of life of people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers, today. Connect with our community of caring and support at (941) 926-6413 or NeuroChallenge.org Neuro Challenge provides more than 45 monthly virtual programs, care advising via phone or video chat and community resource referrals.

DOUBLE YOUR DONATION To Neuro Challenge During Parkinson's Awareness Month!

ANYTIME. ANYWHERE. ANY PLACE. SIGN UP TODAY FOR FREE!

355102-1

Give today at NeuroChallenge.org 722 APEX ROAD, SUITE A • SARASOTA, FL 34240 • 941-926-6413 • NEUROCHALLENGE.ORG

Lawrence Voith and Donna Parnell, of Bradenton, sold their home at 17027 Loudon Place to David and Jenna Snyder, of Highland Heights, Ohio, for $479,900. Built in 2016, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,886 square feet of living area. It sold for $386,400 in 2017.

Daniel and Toby Seid, trustees, sold the home at 5027 Napoli Run to Kenneth Koehler, trustee, of Lakewood Ranch, for $645,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,343 square feet of living area. It sold for $559,000 in 2016.

BRIDGEWATER

TIDEWATER PRESERVE

All Donations Between $5 & $500 will be matched by the Louis and Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust!

Robert and Kathy Goldberg, of Chicago, sold their home at 17556 Colebrook Circle to DRTIV1 LLC for $775,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, four baths and 3,683 square feet of living area. It sold for $713,600 in 2019.

Donald and Maria Sacco, of Bradenton, sold their home at 13045 Sorrento Way to Kenneth Crowley and Ayse Uzer Crowley, of McLean, Va., for $850,000.

Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 3,057 square feet of living area. It sold for $698,800 in 2018.

Ronald Eric Bock and Leslieann Bock, of Bradenton, sold their home at 5134 Savona Run to Philip and Nancy Morrison, of Noblesville, Ind., for $425,000.

Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,920 square feet of living area. It sold for $385,000 in 2019.

All services and programs are provided at no charge.

DEL WEBB

Edward and Elizabeth de Paiva sold their home at 5114 Tidewater Preserve Blvd. to David Hannibal and Leah Reeve Hannibal, of Bradenton, for $799,900.

Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 3,594 square feet of living area. It sold for $740,000 in 2018.

Delin Zeng and Xiaoyan Zhou sold their home at 13106 Bridgeport Crossing to Neil and Theresa Smedstad, of Kearsarge, N.H., for $699,000. Built in 2013, it has five bedrooms, three-anda-half baths, a pool and 3,845 square feet of living area. It sold for $552,900 in 2017.

HEATHFIELD

Patricia Gripshover, of University Park, sold the home at 7722 Heathfield Court to Robert and Barbara Wetzel, of University Park, for $695,000. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,717 square feet of living area. It sold for $625,000 in 2004.

ONLINE See more transactions at YourObserver.com

donate & shop Building Materials | Furniture | Appliances Art | Decorative Accessories | Lamps

www.yourobserver.com/e-edition-subscribe We made it even more convenient to enjoy reading The Observer. You can now receive the Observer’s eNewspaper delivered direct to your inbox every Thursday.

The Observer’s eNewspaper is an exact replica of the printed edition to be enjoyed on any electronic device desktop, tablet or mobile.

3 Stores n 1 Location Tuesday - Saturday n 10:00am - 5:00pm 2095 17th Street n Sarasota Have large items to donate?

Call to schedule your free pick up.

355330-1

(941) 444-5783

n

www.habitatsrq.org

Our vision is everyone deserves a decent place to live.

347876-1

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

FORECAST

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

THURSDAY, APRIL 1 High: 74 Low: 50 Chance of rain: 47%

FRIDAY, APRIL 2 High: 71 Low: 49 Chance of rain: 0%

SATURDAY, APRIL 3 High: 76 Low: 55 Chance of rain: 3%

Gordon Silver captures this bald eagle with a fresh catch along White Eagle Boulevard.

|

11B

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

SUNRISE / SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, April 1

7:20a 7:48p

Friday, April 2

7:19a

7:48p

Saturday, April 3

7:18a

7:49p

Sunday, April 4

7:17a

7:49p

Monday, April 5

7:16a

7:50p

Tuesday, April 6

7:15a

7:50p

Wednesday, April 7

7:15a

7:50p

MOON PHASES

April 20 First

April 26 Full

May 3 Last

May 11 New

RAINFALL Monday, March 22

0

Tuesday, March 23

0

SUNDAY, APRIL 4

Wednesday, March 24

0

Thursday, March 25

0

High: 77 Low: 57 Chance of rain: 5%

Friday, March 26

0

Saturday, March 27

0

Sunday, March 28

0

*Rainfall totals from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

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

YEAR TO DATE:

MONTH TO DATE:

2021 4.37 in.

2021 1.48 in.

2020 2.84 in.

2020

0 in.

MANASOTA FLOORING INC 349212-1

CROSSWORD

941.355.8437 | Bradenton

SOUNDS FAMILIAR by Amanda Rafkin; Edited by David Steinberg

©2021 Universal Uclick

ACROSS 1 Shiva and Vishnu 5 “In ___ Heights” 8 It might be sulfuric 12 Verdi opera set in Egypt 16 Winds up on stage?

18 Pick up by sponging?

20 Dalai ___ 21 Glided 22 “24” protagonist Jack 23 Goosebumps-inducing 24 Some film credits 26 “My plus-one will be that alluring composer Johann”?

29 Actress Gadot 30 Prohibits

31 Nat ___ Wild 32 Cars that may be recalled 36 Sealy competitor 39 Starting a lecture about composer Joseph?

43 Part of a stock exchange?

44 Texter’s “Hilarious!”

45 That, in Spanish 46 Vientiane people 47 Insects that may sting 49 Drag accessories, often 50 Depletes 53 Yuletide piece from composer Frederic?

56 Spicy dip or dance 60 Evaluate 61 Hohokam pottery, e.g.

62 Marijuana, informally 63 African antelope 64 Mahershala or Muhammad 65 Assigned a cost to 68 Tests for rottenness 71 What was dumped into Boston Harbor 72 Popular payment app 74 Possesses 75 Org. that seizes marijuana 76 Longtime Julia Louis-

941.748.4679 | Venice

941.493.7441 | www.manasotaonline.com

98 Creative motivation, slangily 100 Student involved in a prank, perhaps 101 “Come again?”

102 “Waitress” composer Bareilles 104 Molecule for cloning 106 What you may say after hearing great news, and a theme hint 112 Exfoliating spa treatment 115 Things to untangle 116 Assume the role of 117 Boo-boo 118 James ___ Jones 119 There are 305 in Epcot 120 Krispy ___ 121 Word before “pong” or “bong” 122 Captain Hook’s first mate 123 She/___ 124 Mailing letters

37 Comedian O’Donnell 38 T-shirts and such 40 Apple desktop 41 Niecy who hosted “Clean House” 42 Many a high schooler 47 “Moby-Dick” occupation 48 The sun, for one 49 Cookie groups 50 Atop 51 Do nothing 52 Chum 53 Really want 54 Body image, briefly?

55 Word after “black” or “special” 57 Most recent news 58 Nasal friend of Snow White 59 Turn into a musical, say 65 Dismisses lightly 66 Simplicity 67 “Spring forward” inits.

69 Handling charge, e.g.

70 “Charlotte’s Web” setting DOWN 73 League VIP 1 Shoot for the moon 76 Travel documents 2 Barack and Michelle 78 “The Simpsons” prankster 3 Cocktail made with two 79 Scattered about shots 80 ___ out (made do) 4 Future predictor 81 Baseball game summary 5 ___ the line (obeying) 82 Property claim 6 Big moments for brass 84 Tiring, repetitive lifestyles players 87 “___ too late!”

7 Vaping product, briefly 8 Vronsky in “Anna Karenina” 88 Orange sushi topping 89 Really long time 9 Echo location?

91 Waikiki Beach’s island 10 Site for film fans 94 Bat man, perhaps?

11 Frustrating outcome of a Dreyfus political comedy 95 “A likely story!” computer crash 77 Cynthia of “Harriet” 96 Hardly boastful 12 Inhaler user’s condition 78 Very success97 More recent 13 “___ Cover You” (“Rent” ful recording by composer 98 “Do you know who ___?” song) Franz?

99 Freeway entrance 14 Run out of juice 83 “In a pickle” or “in a jam” 103 Flag maker Betsy 15 Pop-ups, e.g.

85 “___ dokie!”

105 Braying animals 17 ___ Lanka 86 Like eyes that are tear107 Disney World vehicle 18 Prefix for “bucks” ing up 108 Genre for Jamaica’s 19 “___ the Wizard” (“The 87 Rage Doreen Shaffer Wiz” song) 90 Birdie plus one 109 Snowfall measure 25 Freezing places 91 Name within “Rowena” 110 Himalayan ox 27 Lakers’ org.

92 Water, on a bottle of 111 Color similar to beige 28 Waffle brand parfum 112 React to a tearjerker 33 Olive loved by Popeye 93 Warmer than is prefer113 Reverence 34 Leak preventer? (Abbr.) able for composer George?

114 Serve up a whopper 35 ___-Caps

CELEBRITY CIPHER

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“KTF UFMFB PL KTF RZRW CYDIXNK NYDML PG KTF GKYDBBFY. ... PL CZYFLKBZLI, WDX ZYF MTZK WDX CXGT.”

– CZXB YFPGFY

“BE BTFCZ ZUBVVK LX B PLEG CH LEFUZDUGLBZK OUFIUUE BE BMGLUETU BEG FNU JLUTU, INUFNUZ LF’X B JVBK CZ DCRLU.”

– TNZLXFCJNUZ IBVPUE Puzzle Two Clue: H equals F

Sarasota

ALL COLORS • ALL STYLES

Puzzle One Clue U equals J

WOOD FLOORING

© 2021 NEA, Inc.

SUDOKU

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

©2021 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

04-01-21

12B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

Easter Celebration Visit these churches & houses of worship

Journey Through Holy Week With Us If you are seeking a place to call home during Holy Week, we are right in the neighborhood. Join us during the week and then celebrate Christ’s resurrection on Easter.

March 28: Palm Sunday 9am, 11am, 9am virtual April 1: Maundy Thursday 7pm, in person & virtual April 2: Good Friday 7pm, in person & virtual April 4: Easter Sunday 9am, 11am, in person & virtual

Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday:

Masks required and Social Distancing enforced. www.facebook.com/livinglordlutheranchurch Communion served on Both Sundays

SIESTA KEY CHAPEL Holy Week Services PALM SUNDAY March 28, 2021 at 10 AM

Seek

and pursue it.

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST “We offer a heartfelt and warm welcome to you” PALM SUNDAY

MAUNDY THURSDAY

Outdoor service 9 am & Online at 10:55 am

in lieu of Tables for 12

April 1, 2021 at 5:30 PM

GOOD FRIDAY with Taize music

April 2, 2021 at 12:00 PM

EASTER SUNDAY

941.349.1166 4615 Gleason Ave., Siesta Key SiestaKeyChapel.org SiestaKeyChapel.org

MAUNDY THURSDAY Service on Zoom at 7 pm

GOOD FRIDAY

Outdoor service at Noon Service on Zoom at 7 pm

EASTER SUNDAY Outdoor service 9 am & Online at 10:55 am

A PROGRESSIVE AND INCLUSIVE CHURCH No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.

1031 S. Euclid Ave., (off Bahia Vista)

914-953-7044 • UCCSARASOTA.COM facebook.com/uccsarasota/

Sunday of Palms and Passion (bring your own palm if you want)

March 28 at 10:30am

Maundy Thursday (Open Communion)

The Church of the Redeemer

Easter Sunday April 4 at 10:30am

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE

354250-1

April 1 at 7pm

PALM SUNDAY | 28 March Masses at 7:30 AM, 9 AM* and 11 AM* 1 PM* in Spanish

6908 Beneva Road, Sarasota 34238 941.922.7595 | www.sarasotaucc.org

MAUNDY THURSDAY | 1 April

JESUS LIVES TO CARE FOR ALL IN WORSHIP!

Masses at 10 AM and 6 PM*

GOOD FRIDAY | 2 April Good Friday Stations of the Cross on Main Street - 7:30 AM | Mass - 10 AM Good Friday Liturgy - 12 Noon*

EASTER EVE | 3 April

Note: These masses require registration on the website Easter Vigil- 3 PM* | Easter Mass- 6 PM

THIS HOLY WEEK, THIS EASTER OFFERS MULTIPLE SAFE-DISTANCE SERVICES.

EASTER DAY | 4 April

Note: These masses require registration on the website Masses at 7, 9* and 11 AM, 1 PM* in Spanish

Register for worship at ConcordiaSarasota.org See there also your worship videos and Facebook updates.

* Livestreamed

2185 Wood Street

(Along School Avenue, North of Sarasota High School) ConcordiaSarasota.org

354181-1

A traditional Episcopal parish located in downtown Sarasota 941.955.4263

Concordia Lutheran Church 354251-1

redeemersarasota.org 222 South Palm Avenue

354253-1

354188-1

April 4, 2021 8:45 AM & 11:00 AM

354254-1

12705 FL 64 E • Lakewood Ranch • 941.753.7778 • peacepcusa.org

354182-1

Lakewood Ranch www.livinglordfl.org

354478-1

11107 Palmbrush Trail (941) 753-9365

(outdoors unless rain); virtual available as well.

354255-1

Living Lord Lutheran Church

virtual services only through website or FB.

Easter Sunday: in-person worship at 9:30

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

Homes for Sale

DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at Noon

Luxurious 4 Bed 4 Bath Built in 2020 Lakefront Lakewood Ranch $1,599,900

redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages

The East County Observer reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only. *All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher. *It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in the East County Observer to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with towncodes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.

Autos Wanted

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

BEACH'N RIDES eBike Sales and Service We sell and repair Electric Bicycles from our Shop at 12208 Cortez Road, W., in Cortez, Florida.

(941) 251-7916. www.beachnrides.com

Commercial Property for Sale

GARAGE SALE

For Sale Live & Work Opportunity in Longboat Key! Fully Remodeled 2,287 SF Office plus a Beautiful and Move-in Ready 1,241 SF Apartment Let’s Talk!

Stan Rutstein 941-539-8313 RE/MAX Alliance Group

As low as $17.50 per week!

941-955-4888

2013/2014 FORD Focus Aluminum Alloy Rio. Good condition $125.

941-879-7105, Call no texts.

CERTA SLEEPER- Very clean, queen size, excellent condition $100. 941-284-5369.

NORTH FACE- Boots, new, men’s size 11 Heat seekers double insulated. $50.

941-545-4693.

POST YOUR AD WITH EASE. YourObserver.com/RedPages SHERWIN WILLIAMS Duration interior laytex, 3 cans “Believable Buff” never used $100 OBO 941-809-3310 T-SHIRT, 3 Stooges “Golf Buddies”, design on both sides, memorability $15 941-755-6864

Merchandise Wanted SENIOR LOOKING to purchase precious metals, diamonds, time pieces, coins, jewelry, antique and estate jewelry, and collectors plates.

Personal and confidential.

Please call Marc: 941-321-0707.

FAMILY SECURITY DRIVER 941-735-4732.

Ask for Eddie.

Many years experience with rock stars, wild teens, children, elderly, and foreign families.

Feel safe, Be safe 24/7 Licensed and Legal.

Autos for Sale 2001 CADILLAC Seville SLS Black $4,000, V-8 Northstar engine, 85,000 miles, original owner, excellent condition 941-361-1085

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

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

jobs

Call for coming soon listings.

Buy or Sell with Brooke O’Malley as your Realtor, and CLUB REALTY will Pay your title insurance.

Call 941-726-2677.

REAL LOCAL STUFF HERE!

Color background: $ 5 per week Ad border: as low as $3 per week PLACE YOUR AD: Call: 941-955-4888 Fax: 941-362-4808 Email: redpages@ yourobserver.com

Advertise your business or service in the Observer

RED PAGES

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Auto Transport

BRADENTON, FL, company seeks Design Engineers.

Bachelor’s in Mechatronic Engineering or related field required. Multiple job openings.

Send detailed resume to: SGM Magnetics Corporation, 2023 59th Terrace East Bradenton, FL 34203.

No calls please.

You’re only cheating yourself.

auto Autos Service

Private Boat Lift: beach access villa/condo Pet Friendly $399,000

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN

RED PAGES AD RATES

Help Wanted

peekers’ place

12 MEN’S golf shirts- Large/XL NWT $10/each. 941-355-4516.

Longboat Key Beach House: on Canal, 2BED-2BATH, 1/CAR, Dock. $530,000. Owner/agent

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

Items Under $200 ADVERTISE YOUR MERCHANDISE with the total value of all items $200 or less in this section for FREE! Limit 1 ad per month,15 words or less.

Price must be included next to each item. No commercial advertising.

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

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

55+ Beach and Boating: One story villa 2BED-2BATH $424,000

FREE OFFER Qualified driver to drive your minivan or SUV from Sarasota to Milwaukee, Wisconsin or Chicago, Illinois approximately May 2nd. Call for details 941-220-3617 SHIP YOUR car, truck or SUV anywhere in the United States.

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

This week’s Crossword answers

CALL TODAY 941-955-4888

Cleaning BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service by Maria. Residential.

Meticulous Cleaning. Excellent References. Free Estimates.

Reliable. Lic./Ins. 941-400-3342. www.braziliancleaningbymk.com

SELL YOUR STUFF HERE! CLAUDIA C. Cleaning Services.

Experienced, dependable, and ready to begin!

Residential.

Excellent references.

941-773-6895.

CLEANING BY Brazilian Lady.

Meticulous, reliable, deep cleaning specialist. Residential.

Commercial. New Construction.

941-400-2866.

HOUSECLEANER: VERY honest and reliable.

Guarantee quality work.

Have plenty of cleaning references to give upon interview. If interested and you have questions, Call: 660-362-2333.

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

Puzzle One Solution: “The jewel in the baby product crown is the stroller. ... In Parentland, you are what you push.”

Paul Reiser Puzzle Two Solution: “An actor really is a kind of intermediary between an audience and the piece, whether it’s a play or movie.”

– Christopher Walken

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2021 Universal Uclick

©2021 NEA, Inc.

stuff

CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

Everything Updated Sarasota's Phillipi Gardens 3/2/2 $359,900

home services

Sporting Goods

real estate

Service Directory - Friday at 3PM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card

MOW OVER the competition!

RED PAGES

14B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

SELL MORE STUFF AT YOUR NEXT

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.

GARAGE SALE CALL 941-955-4888

Aluminum

Transportation

Painting

Clock Repair

AIRPORT DRIVER We Book

by Appt. Only Driving your car Average $400 week PART TIME. (941) 962-8294. www.vintagetaxiaervice.com

SELL STUFF HERE! YourObserver.com/RedPages

Construction

Christo’s Clock Repair 4630 5TH ST W BRADENTON

“IF IT DOESN’T TIC, TOC TO ME.”

Auto Service

Computer

SELL YOUR CAR!

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

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

FAST • EASY • SAFE

5-Star Rated 354934

HoHoBuysCars.com

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

Pegatronics.com 354939

941.270.4400

(941) 650-7758

Don Christo, Sr., Horologist

353815

WE COME TO YOU

7262 55th Ave East, Bradenton, 34203

941-735-3362

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

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

• Window Repairs • Sliding Glass Door Repairs • Sliding Glass Door Deadbolts

351628

FREE IN-HOM ESTIMATEE S

found here.

The Red Pages is the perfect store to buy and sell locally! You’ll find a wide selection from antiques to furniture to condos!

Made for where you live. Here!

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

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE” New Deluxe Rollers Will Make Your Doors Roll Better Than Ever Call Mark 928-2263 proslidingglassdoorrepair.com

ARCHIMEDES

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

SERVICES, LLC

✔ Concrete repair, tear-outs repairs ✔ Sidewalks, patios, and driveways ✔ Painting interior, exterior

✔ Pressure cleaning, mobile homes, cleaning gutters ✔ All forms of yard maintenance and Tree work ✔ Insured/Free Estimates

RIGHT ON TARGET

STUFF

RED PAGES

Sliding Glass Door Repair

Owner Ron Willard . 941-580-7584 . ahsllc@fastservice.com

Call us today!

www.ezslider.com

Doors

Handyman

Doors

941.628.8579

bschule88@gmail.com

353817

941-773-0875 • 941-932-5505

941.650.9790 YoderAluminum.com

Owner / Operator Insured

Advertise your business, starting at only $85 per month.

OBSERVER RED PAGES

Call 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

353638

Dustin Yoder

Visit our showroom

353368

CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT

Kitchen Renovations and Upgrades 354462

“Specializing in 6” Seamless Gutters”

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

Health

THE BEST This Doctor is Among

Roofing

GARDENS BY ALLISON

Bisson Roofing Inc.

No Job is too Small!

Specializing in Reroofs and Repairs FREE Estimates • 30 Years Experience

Allison J. Abizaid, M.A.

Personal Gardening Services | Designer

941 - 748 - 7400

941.400.0431

RC0067420 • Lic. & Ins.

gbyallison@yahoo.com gardensbyallison.com

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

353372

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

353552

“Medical Breakthrough Technology for bulging, herniated and degenerative disc ...

No Pain, No Drugs, No Injections, No Surgery”

Lawn Care

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc. Building & Roofing Contractor

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

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

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com

Call 941.358.2224 today to schedule a

941-739-5102

354467

5002 LENA RD, UNIT 107, BRADENTON, 34211 WWW.SMALLENGINEREPAIRS.US

Screening

Painting

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

941-705-5468

Commercial

353369

$

UNIQUE PAINTING & PRESSURE WASHING SERVICES

CALL BEFORE YOU FALL

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

Power Washing

LIFETIME GUARANTEE Licensed • Bonded • Insured

Pressure Cleaning & Soft Washing Residential and Commercial

Houses, Pool Cage & Decks, Fences, Driveways & Walks Irrigation, Fertilizer, Rust & Battery Stain Removal

941-737-4483 www.PantherHydroCleaning.com

10% SAVINGS With this ad

GLENN KROECKER

954-1878

Rescreening & Repairs 353370

(cell) 780-3346 Licensed & Insured

SHOWER & BATH MAKEOVERS Call John 941.377.2940

Free Estimates • Sarasota Resident Since 1974

www.showerandbathsarasota.com

CREATE BUZZ!

Advertise your business in the Red Pages.

Call 941-955-4888

354940

Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

Eldridge Re-Screen Licensed

“No Job Too Small”

Insured

10% OFF FOR MENTIONING THIS AD

941-270-1561

Windows

Manufacture and workmanship

Lic./Ins.

w & Pressure Cl indo345-5264 eani et W(941) s n ng wn as Sunrise Win Su erly kno d Form Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

25

STANDARD WINDOWS

BIODEGRADABLE PRODUCTS

THE GRAB BAR GUY

Doors and more!

UP TO

SAFE ROOF CLEANING

COVERAGE AREA: LAKEWOOD RANCH ƭƨ S. VENICE

specialty screens / screw replacement / paint

Warranties

Complete Interior & Exterior Painting

941.966.0333

941-345-5264 Res./Com.

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

DrGrabBars.com

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

Free Estimate 941-922-3996

354941

COMPLETE INSTALLATION PACKAGE

Driveways Deck Staining Roof Cleaning

353816

GRAB BARS

351320

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

Faulkner’s

Painting & Pressure Cleaning

353373

Are You Having Dryer Difficulties?

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

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

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

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

ows

120

$

SPECIAL 00 5

$

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Purified water window cleaning available!!

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

Made for where you live. Here.

RED PAGES YourObserver.com/RedPages

354485

RED PAGES. MADE FOR WHERE YOU LIVE. HERE! TO ADVERTISE CALL 941-955-4888 OR VISIT WWW.YOUROBSERVER.COM/REDPAGES

353374

Home Services

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

SMALL ENGINE REPAIRS 353818

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

941-626-3194

SALES & REPAIRS - MOWERS, GENERATORS, TRIMMERS, PRESSURE WASHERS, CHAIN SAWS, BLOWERS, ENGINES

354463

FREE CONSULTATION

353371

www.bissonroofing.com

Owner Supervises Every Job

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

235

15B

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

Landscaping & Lawn

SPINAL DECOMPRESSION PHYSICIANS IN AMERICA

Residential

|

16B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

Quite Simply The Best Gulf Front Community in Sarasota The Orchid Beach Club

Stunning Luxury Residence in a Gated Community Located at the Quiet Tip of Lido Key 3 bedrooms, 3.5baths, Family room, 3,242 Sf 727 sf lanai with gas barbecue

Fabulous Amenities: 24/7 security, concierge Garage Parking for 2 vehicles side-by-side State-of-the-art fitness center, Massage room, steam room & sauna Library, game room, catering kitchen Social room and dining room/board room Fenced, beautifully landscaped dog walk, 2 pets allowed Gulf front heated pool & spa $2,195,000

Sylvia Babineau 941/504.0551

sylviababineau@gmail.com My Realty Company

Sushi Snufes 355302-1

. . . t i a W But

S ’ E R THE !

E R MO

XNLV19038

Flip the page for more sales and specials!

Est. 1987

Cosmetics, Implants and Bite Reconstruction Actual Patients

Smile Makeovers and Veneers

Before

After

Before

After

Dental Implant Surgery and Reconstruction

Before

After

Before

After

On-Site Laboratory with Master Technicians to Customize and Control Results Implant Dentistry

Cosmetic Dentistry

Orthotropic Orthodontics

• Digitally Guided Implant Surgery

• Conservative ‘No Prep’ Veneers

• Airway Ortho for Children and Adults

• On-Site Cat Scan

• Nonsurgical Facelifts

• PRP and PRF Blood Enhancers

• Bite Correction

• Orthotropic Ortho for Children and Adults

• Bruxism Treatment

• IV Sedation

• Lumineers®

• Bone Grafts and Sinus Lifts • Zirconia and Titanium Implants • Laser Assisted Surgery

• Botox, Fillers, PDO Threads, Microneedling • Laser Assisted Gum Tissue Treatment

• Crooked Teeth and Bite Correction • Receding Chin Correction • Smile Broadening • Non-Extraction of Permanent Teeth

(941) 999-3205 | SarasotaDentist.com 3951 Swift Rd., Sarasota, FL 34231 352943-1

Our team at World Class Dentistry treats patients with a multitude of concerns which streamlines treatment and maintains quality control. The doctors along with their master dental technicians and on-site laboratory offer complete cosmetic and implant solutions.

We have been serving the Sarasota area since 1987. Call today for a consultation to begin your life-changing transformation.

Jill Morris, DMD

Burr Bakke, DDS

Cameron Johnson, DMD

• Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (only 550 accredited dentists worldwide)

• Fellow of the American Dental Implant Association

• Member of North American Association of Facial Orthotropics

• Fellow of International Congress of Oral Implantologists

• Member of the American Orthodontic Society

• Fellow of the American Academy of Dental Facial Esthetics

• Member of the International Association of Orthodontics

• Member of American Academy of Implant Dentistry

• Member of American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine

• Post Doctoral Instructor of Full Mouth Reconstruction

• International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology

• Fellow of the American Academy of Dental Facial Esthetics • Post Doctoral Instructor of Full Mouth Reconstruction • Member International Academy of Oral Biological Dentistry and Toxicology • Practicing dentistry for 33 years

Advanced Care and Dental Technology at One Location Stay Connected With Us

(941) 999-3205 | 3951 Swift Rd., Sarasota, FL 34231

(for Frown Lines, Forehead and Crow’s feet)

9.00

$ per unit (Max 25 units)

SEE BACK FOR DETAILS.

OVER 500 FIVE STAR REVIEWS

320377-1 Following all CDC Guidelines to ensure the safety of our clients & staff

LWR 941-359-BTOX(2869) | SRQ 941-360-BTOX(2869) www.bowtiquemedspa.com 353105-1

Beauty is Our Business OFFERS GOOD AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS

6277 Lake Osprey Drive Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240 6118 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34231 MUST BOOK AND PREPAY. Must bring this ad in to receive offer. Cannot be combined with any other discounts or offers. No exchanges or refunds. All sales final.

Limited availability. Se habla español.

Offers expire 4/30/2021.