The Juice Pod on Main Street celebrated its first anniversary last weekend, so owners Tali and Jeremy Williams (pictured above) created a smoothie for the occasion — Funfetti, made with birthday cake-flavored protein powder and topped with sprinkles. They also hired DJ Tank to keep the music flowing all day and to raffle off prizes from local businesses, like their neighbor next door, Fantasy Flowers.
“We made it a year,” Tali Williams said. “We are so grateful to our guests who support us and thankful for our ‘pod’ (aka the staff).”
Both
and Galdamez said they were happy and surprised to be named prom royalty by their classmates.
“This prom was so much better than last year’s, as I could actually sit back instead of having to plan it all,” Hall said. “I was just glad to be in a room with all my friends.”
The prom was hosted by the Junior Advisory Board and the theme was Enchanted Forest. Galdamez said she especially enjoyed the decorations. A smooth birthday No birthday is complete without a cake, or at least the flavor of cake.
Courtesy Jessica Leigh Photography
Courtesy image
Commissioners give EDC second chance
$292,450 annual contract comes with metrics to meet in the wake of transparency concerns.
ELIZABETH KING
BUSINESS OBSERVER
LESLEY DWYER
STAFF WRITER
Manatee County commissioners unanimously approved a new contract with the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp. at their April 7 meeting. The decision came more than six months after commissioners voted to let the agency’s annual contract lapse in September, citing concerns over transparency and return on investment.
Following a change in leadership at the EDC, commissioners authorized county staff to restart discussions with the agency in January. Longtime Bradenton EDC CEO Sharon Hillstrom retired in December, followed by the appointment of interim CEO Amanda Parrish, who is COO and partner in Fawley Bryant Architecture, in early 2026. An executive search firm working to find the EDC’s next leader is sifting through a pool of more than 40 candidates, Bradenton EDC Board Chair Chris Cianfaglione told commissioners.
“As you can imagine, it’s quite a process to go through all of those candidates,” Cianfaglione said, “but we are excited to continue to move through that and find someone in short order.”
In the meantime, Parrish has been on what she called a listening tour, conducting more than 150 meetings with community stakeholders as she seeks to move the organization forward.
“We know that we’re working to reestablish trust,” Parrish told commissioners. To achieve that, she said she heard from the county that it was important to have transparent met-
rics, a performance-based contract and a termination clause.
The newly approved contract is for $292,450 annually, a 13% reduction from the previous agreement. Payments will be made quarterly and are tied to reporting on performance metrics, such as receiving 10 qualified leads per quarter and converting them into five active projects. In addition, the EDC must provide quarterly reports to commissioners and maintain audit-ready documentation, among other stipulations.
“Our main objective at the EDC is to recruit and retain target-sector industries that will create highwage, high-skill jobs for our county residents,” Parrish said. Its focus is on five target sectors: advanced manufacturing, aviation and aerospace, corporate operations, sports performance and technology. The new contract will support the agency in achieving its mission, with $251,250 funding staff time and $41,200 dedicated to marketing efforts.
“There’s a lot of good projects in our pipeline,” said Parrish, who noted there were 27 projects in process.
Parrish noted the agency was not seeking payment for its work during the six months since its contract with the county expired in September. Instead, the new contract takes effect April 7 and ends Sept. 30, at which point the county and EDC can make adjustments as needed. After that, the contract is set to renew with the fiscal year on Oct. 1 and continue through Sept. 30, 2027. If the EDC fails to meet metrics, comply with standards and responsibilities or submit required reports and documentation, the county can terminate the agreement with 30 days’ notice, according to the contract.
“We’re comfortable providing that
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES
A major component of economic development is incentivizing businesses to build or expand in the surrounding area, but Nathan Palardy, an assistant professor and economist at the University of Florida, said incentives are sometimes misunderstood by the public.
Palardy was a speaker at a Manatee County Commission work session on economic development on April 8 at the Bradenton Area Convention Center.
Palardy used several examples to illustrate his point. The most extreme case resulted in a big win for Alabama’s economy and a big loss for the governor at the time. In 1993, Gov. Jim Folsom offered Mercedes-Benz a $253 million incentive package to build an auto plant in the state. It was the largest incentive package Alabama had ever given away.
“The governor was actually voted out over it, saying that it was a big waste of money,” Palardy said. “In hindsight, that was recognized as very forward-thinking and is credited with creating over 30,000 jobs in the automotive industry in Alabama.”
(termination clause) here,” Parrish said, “because we’re confident that you’re never going to need it.”
The first six months will be considered “baseline-setting quarters” that will inform discussion and refinement of the performance measures, according to the contract.
“While it does hold you all
accountable, it’s not failure if you’re not able to meet those metrics,”
Commission Chair Tal Siddique said.
“It just recognizes the reality that this economic development is an art and a science, and in more ways an art.”
To give insight into how the process works, Commissioner Mike Rahn asked Parrish to discuss a recent development connected to the Florida Chamber of Commerce.
The state reached out to the EDC with a potential opportunity, Parrish said, and asked if the agency wanted to submit a request for quote.
“It was a German crane manufacturer, and they were looking for a plot of land close to a port,” Parrish said. After completing the qualification process, “we did get shortlisted. So we were able to go to Atlanta and present to the company.”
Personnel from the Bradenton EDC, Manatee County and SeaPort Manatee as well as landowners near the port attended the presentation, she said, pitching why they would be the best fit for the company.
Other candidates under consideration are Jacksonville, Port Canav-
“Our main objective at the EDC is to recruit and retain target-sector industries that will create highwage, high-skill jobs for our county residents.”
Amanda Parrish
eral, Port Everglades and some locations in Texas, according to Rahn.
The case represents how powerful partnerships can be for the EDC, an organization which Parrish described as a “dot connector” that links businesses with resources, agencies and people.
“Of the 11 RFQs that we have right now, seven of them have come from the state of Florida,” Parrish said. Having visibility into the EDC’s activity was a positive sign for the commissioners.
“In the past, we just didn’t really know or it was unclear where we were headed,” Commissioner Jason Bearden said. “Now I think we have a very clear path on where we’re going.”
Lesley Dwyer
Amanda Parrish is serving as the EDC’s interim CEO, and Elizabeth Cordes is director of business recruitment and expansion.
County picks up the tab on bulk trash
For a year, Manatee will again collect big items at the curb for free, but once a month.
LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER
The residents of Manatee County have been heard. Curbside pickup of bulk garbage is returning.
But, it won’t be the same twicea-week service residents had before October when Manatee County implemented automated garbage collection and rolled out wheeled bins.
After a steady stream of complaints since then, the county renegotiated a one-year contract with its waste haulers, Waste Pro and Waste Management, to return a limited bulk collection service.
Twice a week bulk pickup will not return. The county-issued bins will continue to be picked up once a week by automated trucks. But once a month, residents will be able to dispose of two bulk items, such as mattresses and carpets, without the additional $59 per item fee that was implemented in October.
Residents will also be able to schedule one on-demand pickup per year at no additional cost. The on-demand pickup will be capped at 10 cubic yards of one type of waste, whether that be bagged household waste, old tires and appliances, construction debris or yard waste, but they cannot be combined.
The Bulk Collection Pilot Program will launch May 1 and end April 30, 2027. During that time, Manatee County will cover the additional negotiated cost of $2 a month per customer (96 cents for the fixed route monthly collection and $1.04 for the on-demand annual collection).
Jim Renneberg, the deputy director of utilities overseeing the Solid Waste Division, presented an overview of the 12-month pilot program to commissioners on April 7.
“This pilot will allow us to evaluate participation, operational impacts and overall efficiencies before making long-term decisions,” Renneberg said.
The long-term decisions include which bulk services should stay in
place and how much those services will cost residents.
“I’d like to see the county continue to pay for this after the pilot because the change in garbage was made by a previous board that bound us to this contract,” Commissioner Bob McCann said. “They did not interact with the people before they did this. The only thing the people heard was that this was going to be better and save them money, but that’s not the case.”
Although McCann continues to receive requests from residents for the trash collection to return to a twice-a-week schedule, he said given that the county is “stuck” with the current contract, once-a-month bulk collection alongside once-aweek routine service was the best compromise that could be made.
The haulers will deliver the pickup routes to the county over the next two weeks. Then, the county will start alerting residents as to when their bulk pickup day will be.
The basic plan is to divide the county into four zones and rotate the pickups between zones, then start over on the same schedule the following month. For residents, the bulk pickup will coincide with their regular pickup, but one pickup per month will also include bulk collection.
Commissioner Amanda Ballard expressed relief when presented with the pilot program.
“I’m just really glad to see this come forward,” she said. “I think it’s going to make a big difference for a
lot of people, and hopefully people are a little bit happier with their solid waste pickup.”
Ballard has been pushing for bulk collection to return since the county held a strategy meeting in early December because bulk items being left on curbs in her district have become a “huge problem.”
The issue was tabled until the Jan. 27 commission meeting when Director of Utilities Patrick Shea was directed to return to the next meeting with costs for additional services.
When Shea returned with a price list on Feb. 10, twice-a-week pickup was deemed too costly, with or without bulk pickup. Returning to the old system of twice-a-week bulk pickup would have more than doubled rates from $23.65 a month to an estimated $53.65 a month.
Using the bins and automated trucks, without bulk pickup, it would have only saved residents about $5 a month.
Twice-a-week pickups require additional trucks on the haulers’ end and additional staff for the Lena Road Landfill on the county’s end.
Given those requirements, Shea said the county could not have implemented the changes for at least a year.
Renneberg noted that the change to once-a-month bulk collection was implemented as a pilot program because of time constraints. Commissioners only approved the changes Feb. 10.
“This was a very quick turnaround,” Renneberg said. “The current haulers only have so much equipment to manage the pickup, so we thought it was safe to just make it a pilot program and come back within 12 months to reevaluate that and make sure we have a good program moving forward.”
FUNDING
Because the county will not pass on the cost to residents during the first year, staff had to find other means to fund the pilot program, which is estimated to cost $3,010,536.
Renneberg said the funds would come from two projects — money saved on an under-budget bypass lane at the landfill and deferring a building remodel and expansion, also at the landfill.
Both projects are included in the Manatee County Capital Improve-
WHAT CAN AND CAN’T BE PUT ON THE CURB
While bulk collection is returning to Manatee County, there are limits within the Bulk Collection Pilot Program. Collection is limited to two bulk items a month and one ondemand pickup per year.
ALLOWABLE ITEMS (INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO)
■ Furniture
■ Mattresses
■ Carpets and rugs
■ Small household items
PROHIBITED ITEMS (MUST BE DELIVERED TO THE LENA ROAD LANDFILL)
■ Household hazardous waste (included but not limited to paint, gas, motor oil, propane tanks, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, fertilizers, ammunition and non-empty aerosol cans)
■ Electronics
■ Televisions
■ Medical or biological waste
ITEMS THAT REQUIRE A SCHEDULED PICKUP BY CALLING
311 OR VISITING MYMANATEE.ORG/
CSS
■ Appliances
■ Tires
■ Annual bulk pickup up to 10 cubic yards of the same material (household bulk items, construction debris, unprepared yard waste, white goods or tires)
ment Plan. Since Solid Waste is an enterprise fund that pays for itself, funding comes from the rates residents pay for services.
The plan was to start construction in October to enhance and expand the Solid Waste Administration Building at a total cost of $3.3 million.
Only $432,000 is budgeted for Fiscal Year 2026. The remaining over $2.8 million is funded within the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. But the pilot program will span both fiscal years.
Upgrades to the administration building include four new offices and improvements to the conference room.
“This project will be deferred to a future year and likely rescoped with considerable savings,” Communications Coordinator Tina Saldana said in an email.
The bypass lane, along with other road improvements within the landfill, were made to improve the roads and traffic flow in and around the landfill entrance, the facility’s weighing station and hazardous household waste buildings.
The estimated cost was $1,559,000. Saldana said right-sizing and reducing the amount of underground utility relocation saved $300,000, which will now help fund the bulk collection pilot program.
“As we enter the end of the calendar year, we’ll have some good metrics and some good numbers to be able to explain to the board what a long-term program will be and then make this program, as it adjusts, permanent,” Shea said.
and
Manatee County has renegotiated its contracts with Waste Pro and Waste Management to bring back limited bulk trash pickup for one year.
Photos by Lesley Dwyer
Manatee County’s use of “big bins” will continue,
oncea-month bulk pickup service will begin May 1.
Ikea to open smaller UTC store
The retailer will span 48,000 square feet off Cattlemen Road.
kea, the popular global furniture retailer, is opening a 48,000-square-foot store near The Mall at University Town Center in Sarasota this summer. The store will be at 147 N. Cattlemen Road, which for several months from late 2024 to early 2025 housed Rugs As Art after storm damage at its U.S. 41 location south of Sarasota. The space has also been an outpost for Christmas Tree Shops.
Swedish furniture retailer Ikea plans to have 5,000 items on display in Sarasota, of which 3,000 will be available for immediate pick up, including home furnishings such as textiles, lighting, accent pieces and more than 100 smaller furniture items. Larger items, such as sofas and beds, can be ordered online or in store, for free pickup or delivery at cost. There will also be a central planning area where experts can help customers design kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as other spaces.
“At Ikea, our focus is on making
it easier for more people to access affordable, well-designed home furnishings,” interim CEO of Ikea U.S. Rob Olson said in a statement.
“Opening a new store in Sarasota builds on our broader efforts to meet customers where they are.”
The location will also have a Swedish deli with dishes including meatballs, falafel balls, cinnamon buns, plant balls and veggie dogs for instore dining or takeout. There will also be an “as-is section” featuring gently used products and discontinued items at discounted prices.
Ikea is targeting a late summer opening in the UTC area.
The UTC location will be the sixth Ikea store in Florida. Others are in Tampa, Miami, Orlando, Jacksonville and Sunrise. There are also “plan and order” points that offer pickup at select Best Buy locations around the state, including in Lakeland.
“Sarasota is a growing area with a strong sense of community, and we’re pleased to be opening a store in such a welcoming place,” Ikea Tampa Market Manager Laetitia Gouverneur said in a statement. “We’re committed to making it easier for local residents to experience Ikea, bringing the dream of a better home within reach for the local Sarasota community.”
Courtesy image
The Ikea franchise system includes 58 retail locations in the United States. There are 412 Ikea stores worldwide in 32 countries.
County administrator’s contract negotiations continue
Commissioners reviewed Bishop’s contract but opted to make changes before renewing it.
LESLEY DWYER
STAFF WRITER
While the Manatee County Commission discussed renewing County Administrator Charlie Bishop’s contract, one person was notably absent — Bishop.
Bishop sent his attorney, Robert Eschenfelder, to the April 7 commission meeting instead.
Commissioner Bob McCann said Bishop took leave that day and the day before, but he would have preferred Bishop be at the meeting. Without him present, there was no way to make changes to the contract.
Commission Chair Tal Siddique said Bishop’s absence made the discussion “more of a professional business interaction.”
Regardless, commissioners were in agreement that changes need to be made to the proposal Eschenfelder presented.
Commissioners chose to delay voting on the contract, instead agreeing to consider a revised contract some time before June 15.
Commissioner Jason Bearden called the contract “unbalanced” in favor of Bishop. He noted five areas of concern:
SUPERMAJORITY VOTE
TO TERMINATE WITHOUT CAUSE
Commissioners agreed that the county administrator’s termination should not require a supermajority.
“That has to change,” Commissioner George Kruse said. “I don’t think four people should be stuck working with one of their two employees (commissioners only hire the county administrator and county attorney) because three other people hold them hostage.”
Commissioner Bob McCann noted that Florida law states a simple majority is the only requirement to hire or fire a county administrator, so
County Administrator Charlie Bishop is typically seated at the dais with commissioners during meetings, but he was absent during the discussion about his contract April 7.
only a chartered county can require a supermajority vote. Manatee is not such a county.
AUTOMATIC SALARY INCREASES TIED TO COMMISSIONERS’ ANNUAL SALARY INCREASES
Currently, Bishop’s raises are tied to staff raises, which are determined during the budget process.
Bishop’s request was to receive the same annual raise as commissioners receive, which is tied to the county’s population.
Bishop’s reasoning was that it would eliminate the conflict of setting his own raise as well as the raises of his employees. In the current contract, Bishop is paid just over $255,000 annually.
Bearden suggested a merit-based raise, and the board agreed. An annual review process will be incorporated into the contract, so Bishop’s raise will be determined by his performance moving forward.
EMERGENCY OVERTIME
McCann argued that a salaried employee should not receive overtime compensation, but Kruse noted that emergency overtime compensation was already written into Bishop’s contract, so to remove it would
equate to a “reduction in overall compensation.”
The emergency overtime compensation was approved by the board Nov. 7, 2024, less than two weeks before McCann took office. The overtime was made retroactive back to 2023 to account for the Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton.
County Attorney Pamela D’Agostino clarified that Manatee County pays the overtime with the expectation that it will be reimbursed for that pay by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
UNLIMITED LEAVE ACCRUAL
Commissioners were in agreement that Bishop’s request for unlimited vacation and sick pay accrual should be removed from the contract and stay consistent with the county’s personnel manual, which caps such time off at 400 hours — the equivalent of 10 work weeks.
“There’s a reason you give people vacation,” Kruse said. “You want people to take vacation because you don’t want people getting burned out.”
INDEFINITE CONTRACT TERM
Eschenfelder expressed Bishop’s desire to retire within the next five
PUBLIC REVIEW
Commissioner George Kruse described County Administrator Charlie Bishop as hardworking and responsive. Parrish resident Anthony Sciullo agreed that Bishop “earned his position.”
But several other residents offered a much less favorable review of Bishop’s job performance. They compiled a laundry list of Bishop’s alleged missteps going back to 2022, when a county contract for drone services was awarded to his then-girlfriend Melissa Matisko, and the county was sued for a violation of public records law because Bishop was using his personal cell phone to conduct county business.
Here are a few of the public comments:
“I don’t think Charlie needs a contract. You guys need to find somebody else.”
– Myakka City’s Heidi Minihkeim
“Mr. Bishop sets a bad example for the entire organization. Leadership is everything. We should have a leader with integrity, and that is not Mr. Bishop. At a minimum, you all should just extend this contract until after we get a new board (in November after the election).”
– Bradenton’s David Daniels
“We should not saddle the county with this overpaid administrator, especially in light of the recent (Florida Department of Government Efficiency audit).
– Bradenton’s Charlene Kow
years, so the thought behind this request was that this could be the last time the contract is reupped.
After agreeing that the requirement of a supermajority vote for termination would be removed from the contract, commissioners didn’t have a problem keeping the indefinite term in Bishop’s renewal contract because they’ll still have the ability to fire him at will with a simple majority vote. While commissioners could opt to not renew Bishop’s contract, none of them expressed such a desire, so the contract should be finalized on or before June 15.
File photo
Plans for Myakka River monitoring dampened
Two technicians were supposed to monitor the Myakka River, but they were hired to cover all of Manatee County instead.
hen the late Manatee County commissioner Carol Ann Felts made a motion on Sept. 16, 2025 to direct county staffers to come up with funding and personnel needed to take “into account water quality standards and environmental standards that we should have been doing all along,” she was clearly talking about the Myakka River.
With Commissioner Tal Siddique absent, commissioners voted 6-0 in favor of Felts’ motion.
But seven months later, Felts’ plan to hire two additional staff members to monitor the river has morphed into two part-time technicians under the Planning and Zoning department who will work throughout all of Manatee County.
After Commissioner Bob McCann requested the update at the April 7 commission meeting, some Myakka City residents called the move a “bait and switch.” McCann agreed.
“We didn’t hire two people just to hire two people and expand the staff,” he said. “We hired them specifically for this purpose and the environmental protections in the Myakka River.”
McCann noted that this was especially relevant since Manatee County implemented a hiring freeze Jan. 15.
Myakka City’s Heidi Minihkeim brought paperwork from Felts that laid out Felts’ intentions to hire environmental field inspectors to proactively monitor the Myakka River basin and inspect development sites to ensure compliance with best management practices and erosion and sediment control measures.
Deputy County Administrator Bryan Parnell gave an overview of the two positions, but said Director of Development Services Nicole Knapp would need to return at a future date to talk about the specific job descriptions and location monitoring sites.
Parnell said the technicians started Dec. 29 and Jan. 5, and both had received a series of training sessions from January through March.
McCann made a motion to bring Knapp back to provide more information. The motion was unani -
AWARD WINNING DEVOTION
In 2022, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection awarded Chris Oliver with the Jim Stevenson Resource Manager of the Year Award for devoting his career to the management of the Myakka Wild and Scenic River and “coordinating several large-scale projects to restore hydrology in the river.”
mously approved with commissioners Mike Rahn and Jason Bearden absent. Knapp will provide that information at the April 21 meeting.
Following the vote, Siddique told the East County Observer that the workload was not great enough to focus those two positions solely on the Myakka River.
Because comparisons have been made between Sarasota County’s monitoring efforts versus Manatee County’s efforts, Siddique noted that Manatee did not pursue the Wild and Scenic River designation that Sarasota did in the 1980s because there was so much agricultural land along the Myakka River in Manatee County.
“(The designation) would have limited the agricultural land use surrounding the river, essentially banning the farms from operating there,” Siddique said. “Now, it’s a different world, so we’re interested in those designations, but there isn’t much we can do because Senate Bill 180 is prohibiting us from enacting any protections.”
Senate Bill 180 prohibits governments from taking measures that could be deemed “more restrictive and burdensome” on development.
Because of the designation, the Sarasota side of the Myakka River is monitored by Chris Oliver, an specialist with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
Oliver paddles the 14 miles within the river’s designation monthly to monitor wildlife and plants and look for signs of pollution and invasive species.
How Oliver manages the river in Sarasota County is more along the lines of what Manatee residents expected.
Liz Arnold, a Myakka City resident and a candidate for Felts’ vacant District 1 seat, told commissioners and staff that they need to “live up to their promises.”
File photo
Government protections remain important in keeping the Myakka River healthy and pristine.
Calusa Country Club’s Gene Bohland will be performing as a member of the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble for the April 19 concert “The Magic of Music.”
Music talks to me through my heart
Calusa Country Club’s Gene Bohland’s whole career has been playing and teaching music, and the notes just keep on coming.
land is a great example of a dedicated musician and teacher.
When Calusa Country Club’s Gene Bohland first played in a Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble concert, Carol — his wife of now 47 years — watched as he beamed while leaving the stage.
“Music talks to me through my heart,” Gene Bohland said. “It puts me in a good space.”
Gene Bohland is a retired music educator who spent the majority of his career — 27 years as a full time band director at Sylvania Northview High School. He never really stopped playing nor teaching.
“I always told my students that this can be a lifelong activity, and I encourage them to do that,” Gene Bohland said. “I find myself now, as I am aging, that music fulfills something inside of you, but also keeps your brain going. It keeps you physically and socially active. It’s such an important part of life.”
When the Bohlands moved to Lakewood Ranch in 2020, Gene Bohland sought ways to keep music prevalent in his life. Now he is a member of the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble, the Manatee Community Concert Band and directs the South Shore Concert Band up in Sun City Center.
Bohland said the cool thing about the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble is it’s people who were invited to play, including players from symphony orchestras, top military bands, music educators, and all sorts of professional musicians.
“This group, the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble, is amazing and the level of music we perform is top notch,” Bohland said.
Bohland will be performing along with 50 other musicians in the wind ensemble, for the “The Magic of Music” concert which will feature Principal Clarinetist John Fullam. It will take place at 2 p.m. April 19 at Peace Presbyterian Church.
Joe Martinez is the music director and conductor of the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble. He said Boh-
“He’s impacting the community from both sides — still performing at a high level, but also leading and mentoring other musicians, many of whom are in the same stage of life,” Martinez said. “It’s not just about playing — it’s about continuing that sense of purpose and musical connection after a full career.”
Bohland retired from Sylvania Northview High School in 2013 and he was given various letters from students he had over the years.
“It gave them a sense of purpose, a sense of belonging,” Bohland said.
“The band was a family and a safe place in the school for those kids. I had valedictorians and I had students who are now doctors, lawyers, firemen, policemen, stay-at-home moms, tradesmen. They do everything and they came from all walks and came together to be a family.”
One letter was from Kathleen Dean, a saxophone player who graduated in 2005. She agreed that Bohland provided a safe space for students to be themselves, form relationships, figure out their futures and more.
“I cannot thank you enough (for myself and for my fellow students) for creating an environment in which we could grow up and become ourselves,” Dean said in the letter.
Bohland spent most of his career teaching students, but now he teaches adults in Sun City Center. He said both have been rewarding, but the experiences are definitely different.
With children he had to have a certain demeanor — he had to be nurturing while also having high standards. He also had the opportunity to see the kids grow while being part of the band while the adults he teaches now only sees once a week, so they don’t have the same level of accountability.
“The kids didn’t come up to me and say, ‘I’m going to be on a cruise next week,’” he said with a laugh.
Although cruises are more common with the adults he conducts, he knows that they want to be there to share the love of music.
“That was always his philosophy
IF YOU GO
Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble’s “The Magic of Music” featuring clarinetist John Fullam. 2 p.m. April 19. Peace Presbyterian Church, 12705 S.R. 64 E., Lakewood Ranch
To purchase tickets, visit LWRWindEnsemble. org.
GENE BOHLAND’S CAREER IN MUSIC
1970-1974: Attended Whitmer High School and grew his love of band
1974-1978: Studied music education at Bowling Green State University and University of Toledo
1978-1986: Assistant band director at Napoleon Area City School District
1986-2013: Lead band director at Sylvania Northview High School
2013-2018: Substitute taught at Sylvania Northview High School
2020: Moved to Lakewood Ranch, joined Manatee County Concert Band
2022: Joined Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble
2024: Began conducting South Shore Concert Band in Sun City Center.
— working with people,” Carol Bohland said. “That’s always been his strength is bringing people together and working towards a common goal. Music just happens to be his avenue.”
Carol Bohland, his wife, also studied music at the University of Toledo. While Gene studied music education, Carol was a saxophone major. Carol taught middle school band for three years but ultimately stepped away from that career to focus on raising their children. After a few years she returned to regular elementary education. They both decided having two music teachers would be too much with all of the extra activities that were involved.
“I’m very proud that he has continued this and sought it out,” Carol Bohland said. “He practices almost every day. When he was teaching, he never really had time to pursue that part of it.”
“When I conduct, I love to be able to share my knowledge and experience with other people and that’s a purposeful life,” Gene Bohland said. “When I play, I challenge myself to be the best I can be and that’s rewarding.”
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When Gene Bohland began teaching band at Sylvania Northview High School, there were 87 members. Under his leadership, the highest membership reached 220 students.
Observer Media Group Inc. is locally owned. Publisher of the Longboat Observer, East County Observer, Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer, West Orange Times & Observer, Southwest Orange Observer, Business Observer, Jacksonville Daily Record, Key Life Style Magazine, LWR Life Magazine, Baldwin Park Living Magazine and Season
Madison Bierl
Courtesy images
A shot at earning environmental respect
In 2021, when Steve Herrig tested the soil on the 1,500 acres he purchased in Myakka City during the due diligence period, he found something nobody ever wants to find.
Arsenic.
Yikes.
But when you buy property that was either a tomato farm, pasture land, or even a golf course in Florida, there’s a chance arsenicbased pesticides had been used on the property, as was common from the late 1800s to 2013, when the Environmental Protection Agency phased out most of those products in Florida and nationwide.
Herrig was about to launch his 1,100-acre Miakka Golf Club with a groundbreaking in 2024, so he hired workers to begin the cleanup.
On April 9, Herrig drove an ATV through his mostly finished golf course, which is headed toward a planned November opening. To say it is a magnificent sight would not do it justice.
Herrig has spared no expense in building the course to environmentally friendly standards. He has gone above what is required by Manatee County or the state.
For example, Manatee County requires a minimum of tree replanting and buffer revegetation, but Herrig went past that requirement in revegetation of the entire site. Thousands of trees were brought in and planted, and 1,500 existing trees were moved and replanted. Hundreds of thousands of native grasses, shrubs and wetland plants were either transplanted or brought in.
Another example is that Herrig paid to add Profile inorganic ceramic particle into the root-zone of all turf-grass. Profile helps to resist compaction, manages moisture, and facilitates healthy root systems that leave turf less prone to disease and other maintenance problems.
Straka
of Fry/Straka Global
Golf Course Design noted that the new course’s stormwater management system makes extensive use of dry retention treatment basins that allow a portion of the runoff to be captured and infiltrated back into the natural groundwater.
Straka said the system implements extensive stormwater harvesting as an irrigation source, with the combined benefit of reducing the reliance on groundwater for irrigation. More than 90% of the site’s surface water is captured and directed into a network of engineered dry and wet filtration basins designed to remove sediment, nutrients, and other materials before water reenters the ground. Instead of flowing untreated into the river system, water is retained, filtered and reused on-site.
Herrig pointed out that the project reduces both the rate and total volume of water leaving the property compared to pre-development conditions. “Before development, rainfall moved across this land with little to no filtration before entering the river system,” he said. “Today, that same water is slowed, cleaned and managed through a controlled process.”
Through his excitement as he drove through the course, he pointed out with pride the lengths his crews have gone to meet environmental standards. But he is nonetheless troubled.
He has been portrayed as a villain on some social media posts that accuse his golf course of being a major threat to the quality of the Myakka River. Frustrated by some of the claims, he fired back, “I am the best thing that ever happened to this area.”
While he didn’t want to start a firestorm with the comment, he is working hard to prove it to be true.
“I have vastly improved what it could have been,” he said, noting that he only was able to buy the land after a developer’s deal to put
more than 300 houses on the property fell through.
“I understand why those people are concerned because golf courses have been known for the pesticides they use, the fertilizer, the runoff. I get it. But I can present the engineering facts.”
He said the assumptions that golf courses have been polluters in the past are obvious, but that they just aren’t going to be true at Miakka Golf Club. He has started a website to inform the public about environmental protections utilized by the course. Go to TheMyakkaInitiative. com/Public-Information-Website.
“We have an appreciation for keeping the river clean and pure,” he said. “We have gone way above and beyond.
“I wanted this course to be like going back in time. We use all indigenous plants. We have made wetland areas. We are going to have cracker cattle.”
Herrig said arsenic was just one of the chemicals that needed to be cleaned up on the golf course property, and on the 1,600 acres he purchased on the other side of MJ Road to open Miakka Turf, which specializes in the Stadium and Lazer zoysia turfgrass varieties that are used at Miakka Golf Club.
Like the golf course property, there was plenty of cleanup to do on the Miakka Turf property.
“I’m filtering all that (expletive) out from when it was a tomato farm,” he said.
When it came to hiring an architecture team, Herrig chose a team that could design a great course that would protect the surrounding environment. He picked Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design.
Straka has a bachelor’s of science in landscape architecture from Cornell University along with a master’s degree in professional studies in agriculture, agronomy and environmental golf course design.
Dana Fry grew his reputation
Steve Herrig, owner of the Miakka Golf Club, which is expected to open in November, stands in front of a fairway and one of the many wetland areas formed by his course’s construction.
while working with famed course designer Tom Fazio. In 2001, Golfweek named Fry one of the magazine’s 40 under 40 who was “Likely to shape the golf business for years to come.”
Fry said the course would be designed so it looked like it had been there for “an eternity.”
Major winner Paul Azinger also was added to the team. Azinger, a Sarasota native, is an avid fisherman and sportsman who has high regard for the local environment.
Herrig turned them all loose.
Straka said Herrig told him he was demanding “a layout that would leave the land in better shape than when he came.”
Straka said the demands were a “huge win environmentally.”
Herrig ordered the use of zoysia grass, which is known in the industry to use less water, fertilizer and pesticides. It also is more expensive than other popular turf grasses.
Straka called the entire project an “extraordinarily environmentally sensitive” design with 2 miles of frontage along the Myakka River.
Herrig has designated 497 acres he owns along the Myakka River for environmental conservation, wild-
END OF SEASON
LIQUIDATION SALE
life protection and low-impact outdoor use. The land, which is divided into two areas, will be maintained in its natural state. My take on all of this is that the project is somewhat like the building of Lakewood Ranch itself. We can say that the land would have been better off if it remained ranch land, but we all knew what was coming. People were moving to the area, and with a political climate that embraced growth, thousands of homes were built.
If it was going to happen, don’t you want a developer — whether that means homes or golf courses — who respects the environment and takes extraordinary steps to keep the natural beauty of the land?
Jason
Jay Heater
Jay Heater is the managing editor for the East County Observer. Contact him at JHeater@ YourObserver.com.
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Golf for a cause
The second annual Operation Warrior Resolution Golf Classic was founded by a Lakewood Ranch resident who knows the kind of trauma veterans can go through.
MADISON BIERL STAFF WRITER
For more than 50 years, Lakewood Ranch’s Phil Orapallo fought flashbacks from his time in the military and beyond. He served on a nuclear submarine from 1961 to 1964, and four years after he left the USS Scorpion, it sank with 99 officers and crew — many of whom he had served alongside. There were no survivors.
He felt he should have been there with them and has gone through survivor’s guilt. He eventually sought help through Operation Warrior Resolution, a Sarasota nonprofit that serves veterans and their family members through retreats, therapy and more.
“I was sitting up at night at the end of the bed, and I couldn’t sleep,” Orapallo said. “These people that have been through it themselves — military guys and military girls — they get it. You can talk to them. You could cry your eyes out.”
After Orapallo saw and experienced what Operation Warrior Resolution provides, he decided he wanted to create a fundraiser to help others get through their traumas.
The first Operation Warrior Resolution Golf Classic took place last year and raised $24,000. This year, the goal is to raise $30,000. It will take place April 27 at the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club.
Kendra Simpkins Walsh is the founder and CEO of Operation Warrior Resolution. She served in the Navy in South Korea in 2009 and 2010 as an insurance analyst. She got injured and was discharged early
Luxury Villas
WARRIOR RESOLUTION
■ To learn more about the nonprofit, visit OperationWarriorResolution.org.
■ To learn more about the golf tournament or to sign up, visit OWRGolfClassic.com.
and founded the nonprofit eight years later.
“I know what it’s like to be on active duty and to go through the pain and the darkness and feel like there’s no way out of it,” Walsh said.
What OWR provides is a therapeutic approach rooted in neuroscience that doesn’t require retraumatization.
Walsh said it can stabilize veterans experiencing suicidal intentions and gets them onto a good path to move forward.
“It gets their brain to rewire itself and there’s new pathways being built,” Walsh said. “The brain is not constantly bringing up the old memories and the emotions of the old memories. Things can be then thought of, but no longer have the emotional impact that it once had.”
Walsh said it was moving to see the turnout at the fundraiser last year.
“They love playing golf and we try to make it a great and fun experience,” Walsh said. “But to know that they can play golf anywhere, at any time, at any course, but they want to show up because they want to support this is different. It wouldn’t happen without Phil and without our community.”
Madison Bierl Lakewood Ranch’s Phil Orapallo and Sarasota’s Kendra Simpkins Walsh are looking forward to the Operation Warrior Resolution Golf Classic at Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club on April 27.
ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
Playing with
PRIMARY COLORS
Selby Gardens’ horticultural ode to Alexander Calder’s sculptures and mobiles creates an adult playground.
MARTY FUGATE
CONTRIBUTOR
“Alexander Calder: The Nature of Movement” finds a new spin on Calder’s kinetic creations at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. We take his restless “mobiles” for granted today, but they challenged a basic sculptural assumption of his time.
Sculpture isn’t supposed to move. If it does, it’s probably falling over. Calder disproved that assumption when he created his first mobile in 1931. His sculpture moved — without falling over! A simple idea — and simply radical.
Calder wasn’t the first sculptor to incorporate motion. But he was the first to make motion an artistic principle, not a gimmick.
David Berry, Selby Gardens’ chief curator, notes that Calder was both a trained engineer and an artist. He grasped how materials worked — and his mobiles were rooted in practical, engineering knowledge. The members of Selby Gardens’ horticultural team share that understanding.
“They know what they’re doing,” Berry says. “They really did their homework.”
Their horticultural vignettes in the 10th installment of the annual Jean & Alfred Goldstein Exhibition Series aren’t re-creations of specific Calder pieces. They’re original creations inspired by his kinetic sculpture and following his principles. Where
IF YOU GO ‘ALEXANDER CALDER: THE NATURE OF MOVEMENT
When: Through May 31
Where: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St.
Tickets: $28 Info: Visit Selby.org.
Where Calder shouted in primary colors, they whisper in earth tones. Minor differences. Calder’s sculpture had its own visual language. Selby Gardens’ team speaks it fluently. And they’ve got a lot to say.
Expressive logic drives the vignettes they’ve created in Calder’s vocabulary. This show’s not an academic exercise. You might learn something, but it’s an experience, not a lecture.
A FLASHBACK TO A YES ALBUM?
The experience begins in the Display Conservatory. Before entering, you pass below “Plants Above All,” a mobile of hanging air plants, swaying gently on red discs. More smallscale vignettes await inside.
A mobile of black stones and rugged bonsai hovers against a bloodred backdrop. It reminds one of Roger Dean’s floating islands on several “Yes” album covers. Or James Cameron’s rip-offs in the “Avatar” series.
Another untitled mobile balances black-and-white shapes resembling guitar picks. Palms, bromeliads and a calathea sprout in front of them in shades of riotous red, deep purple and dark green. More installations flank the serpentine path through the botanical gardens. The horticultural team created these as well. But on a much larger scale.
The “Calder Cascade” splashes down on the lily pond garden. Three metal sculptures: yellow, red and blue. Each is a waterfall. The water splashes down on tiered shapes resembling water lilies or the dancing forms of Calder’s mobiles.
“Red Mangrove” echoes a mangrove’s arching, crimson roots. It’s structured like one of Calder’s massive, motionless sculptures. Not a mobile, but a “stabile.” (Jean Arp, Calder’s friend and fellow artist, jokingly coined the term and it stuck.)
“Rooted in Nature” is a trio of gargantuan sculptures. These lovingly mimic the prop roots of the Selby Gardens iconic Moreton Bay fig tree.
“Sabal Stabiles” is a cluster of Calder-like forms facing Sarasota Bay. Instead of dangling from a mobile, they’re planted in ground. These brightly colored blobs resemble giant artist’s palettes. Each has a giant hole — with a sable palm threading its way through it. Art and nature become one.
“Passiflora” blossoms in huge red shapes like passiflora petals. (The real thing grows on a trellis a few steps away.) Metal flowers sprout in front of them. Like Calder’s wire sculptures, they’re just outlines and don’t block the view.
TAKING COUNTLESS
CALCULATIONS INTO ACCOUNT
Big or small, inside or out, these vignettes are impressive. According to Berry, that’s thanks to the horticultural team’s countless calculations.
These included weather patterns, topography, the optimum plants for each vignette, the quirks and needs of these plants, how they change over the seasons, and how visitors will respond.
Calder worked with sheet metal and wire, Selby Gardens’ creators employ the living medium of air plants.
Image courtesy of Matthew Holler
In “Sabal Stabiles,” each of the artist palette-like sculptures facing Sarasota Bay at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens has a giant hole with a sable palm threading its way through it.
Janet Combs Calder’s use of primary colors contrasts with the lush greenery of Selby Gardens.
Courtesy image
Sculptor Alexander Calder is given credit for inventing the art form known as the “mobile.”
A trio of gargantuan sculptures mimic the roots of Selby’s iconic Moreton Bay fig tree.
Photos by Marty Fugate
“Red Mangrove” is one of the most striking displays in the Calder show at Selby Gardens.
It’s a lot of hard work. If it sparks a sense of wonder, it’s worth it.
The Museum of Botany & the Arts circles back to Calder’s two-dimensional source code. The work you’ll see is his — not a homage. Reproductions of the artist’s early images include drawings, lithographs, illustrations and in-the-moment figure sketches of the horses, humans, lions and elephants at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus at Madison Square Garden (1925).
LOVE LETTER TO THE CIRCUS Calder’s circus studies vibrate with implied motion. Limbs kick. Horses rear. Acrobats tense like coiled springs. This art may be flat, but it’s charged with kinetic energy. It’s also Calder’s love letter to the circus. In fact, the artist loved the circus so much, he created his own miniature circus — the Cirque du Calder. With that, his art officially entered the third dimension.
André Kertész’ photos (1929) capture Calder hard at work on his tiny circus. He’s having fun with puppets and wagons — and he’s also making them move. It’s a baby step. But the artist’s vector of motion leads directly to his later mobiles. Thanks to a loan from The Ringling, the museum boasts an actual Calder mobile. “Black Cascade — 12 Verticals” (1953) is delicately hypnotic. It’s a chain of black metal shapes that seem to fall like drifting leaves. But that’s an illusion. Because the mobile
is perfectly balanced on spidery legs, they never hit the ground.
It’s a stunning exhibition. The talents of Selby Gardens design and horticultural teams did outstanding work. Berry worked with Nathan Burnaman, Ian Cole, Nadine Kremblas, Angel Lara and Mike McLaughlin on Selby Gardens’ horticulture team. He also collaborated with Abby Wright Day, Craig Kroeger and Megan Laureno on the museum exhibition team.
But is Calder’s art right for Selby Gardens?
Previous exhibitions in this series typically revolved around artistic depictions of nature. Calder’s art is far from typical. At first glance, his mobiles seem utterly unnatural.
Even their birth process was industrial. To make them, the artist cut out crazy shapes from sheet metal, painted them in race-car colors, then hung them from wires. But look closer. You’ll see they’re subtle imitations of life.
Like leaves, clouds and butterfly wings, the abstract shapes of Calder’s mobiles have no right angles. (They’re “biomorphic,” if you’ll pardon my artspeak.)
More importantly, Calder’s kinetic sculpture shares the key distinction between the living and the dead. His mobiles move — just like every living thing on the planet.
Calder’s art is exactly right for Selby Gardens.
You’ll be moved when you see it.
Florida Studio Theatre puts its summer improv festival on ice for a year
The wildly popular weekend event will return in 2027 with a spring date.
“We’re in the middle of this massive $57 million construction project, which is putting a lot of pressure on the theater. We decided we were going to take a year off to catch our breath.”
— Rebecca Hopkins, FST managing director
MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER A+E EDITOR
Florida Studio Theatre will suspend its wildly popular summer improv festival for a year due to construction and project management demands for its new McGillicuddy Arts Plaza.
Founded in 2009 by FST Managing Director Rebecca Hopkins, the FST Improv Festival is one of the most anticipated events of the summer.
“We’re in the middle of this massive $57 million construction project, which is putting a lot of pressure on the theater,” Hopkins said in a telephone interview. “We decided we were going to take a year off to catch our breath.”
The Improv Festival typically runs over a weekend in July. It requires a lot of planning and coordination that isn’t possible while the 144,000-square-foot complex is going up on FST’s downtown campus, Hopkins says.
She expects that enough progress will have been made to allow the FST Improv Festival to return in 2027. She says FST is eyeing a May date, rather than its typical July run.
The hiatus will give Hopkins and Sarah Durham, associate director of improv and resident artist, the opportunity to “reimagine the festival,” Hopkins says.
This is not the first pause the FST Improv Festival has taken during its history. In 2020, it was presented in digital form due to the pandemic and didn’t happen at all in 2021-22. In 2023, it came back in full force.
Instead of booking popular improv troupes from New York, Chicago and Austin during a single festival weekend this summer, FST is spreading out their appearances, alternating them with FST’s own improv troupe.
The improv fun starts April 24-25 with Shitzprobe, whose profane name is a nod to the theater term “sitzprobe,” when singers first perform with the orchestra. Based in
New York City, Shitzprobe improvises a musical based on audience suggestions.
During last year’s FST Improv Festival, TV host and actor Joey Panek joined the troupe as they created a musical based on the “kisscam” scandal that occurred days earlier at a Coldplay concert.
The “Coldplay Kisscam Caper” came together seamlessly with a standout performance from the troupe’s keyboardist, who apparently had Coldplay hits in his repertoire. Of course, the troupe had juicy material to work with and a built-in soundtrack.
FST’s own Improv troupe will play Bowne’s Lab from June 6-27 and again from July 11-25, presenting “Comedy Lottery.” In this show, audience members select the night’s lineup of games.
We can’t wait to see the America 250 edition of FST Improv’s annual July Fourth event, “Freedom! The Musical.” It will be presented July 4. Be prepared for some events in U.S. history that you didn’t read about in school before the fireworks outside.
Orlando’s Forgotten Broadway improv troupe takes the FST stage July 31 and Aug. 1. Theater critic Marty Fugate calls its show “a love letter to Broadway flops you’ve never heard of.”
From Aug. 8 through Sept. 19, FST Improv takes over Bowne’s Lab with its “Out of Bounds.” The show is a smackdown between two teams who face off with games, skits and songs. Those who like improv on the wild side will welcome the return of Dad’s Garage to FST on Sept. 25-26. The Atlanta troupe’s inclusive cast teams with drag queens, puppet masters and a broad spectrum of no-holdsbarred performers to hilarious effect. For more information about FST Improv, visit FloridaStudioTheatre. org. Don’t wait until the last minute to order tickets because shows for out-of-town troupes sell out quickly.
Marty Fugate
An interior view of a Calder mobile juxtaposed with botanical creations at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.
THIS WEEK
DON’T MISS
Theatre.
THURSDAY
ARTS ADVOCATES LUNCHEON:
JOSEPH MCKENNA
11 a.m. at Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Blvd. $50 Visit Arts Advocates.org.
Joseph McKenna is celebrating 25 years as president of the Sarasota Orchestra, but he’s not coming to the Arts Advocates luncheon to toot his own horn. McKenna will be on the podium to talk about the new $400 million-plus Music Center that the orchestra is building near the intersection of Fruitville Road and Interstate 75. No doubt he’ll also be discussing Giancarlo Guerrero’s first season as music director and the upcoming 2026-27 season.
‘FIDDLER ON THE ROOF’
7:30 p.m. at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail $37-$99 Visit AsoloRep.org.
At Asolo Repertory Theatre, what’s old is new again under Producing Artistic Director Peter Rothstein. We expect Rothstein to breathe new life into “Fiddler on the Roof,” the feel-good musical set in a Russian village circa 1900. Famous from both stage and screen, “Fiddler” follows Tevye’s efforts to find husbands for his daughters as he balances the traditions of the past and the opportunities of the present. Runs through May 24.
OUR PICK MASTERWORKS 7
Sarasota Orchestra Music Director Giancarlo Guerrero returns to the podium for the final Masterworks concert of the season, “Bernstein and Mahler.” Violinist Chee-Yun will join the orchestra on Bernstein’s “Serenade,” one of the composer’s most lyrical works. Mahler’s emotional Fifth Symphony is a fitting climax to the maestro’s first season as music director and showcases the orchestra’s considerable talents. Runs through April 19.
IF YOU GO
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 17
Where: Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail
Tickets: $39 and up
Info: Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.
‘A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN’
7:30 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre’s Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave. $59
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Francesca Ferrari gets top billing as Janis Joplin, a member of the “27 Club” (stars who died at age 27), in Randy Johnson’s show at Florida Studio Theatre. But the Black singers who helped inform Joplin’s singing style (Odetta, Bessie Smith, Aretha Franklin, Etta James and others) are more than just backup singers in this knockout production directed by Ben Liebert. Runs through April 26.
‘BIRTHDAY CANDLES’
8 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St.
$46 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
“Birthday Candles” stars Sarasota favorite Rachel Moulton as Ernestine Ashworth, whose 17th birthday celebration does a time warp and moves ahead to her 41st, 70th and 107th birthdays, all with the same cake. A goldfish gets a supporting role and actors portray several characters as the years pass. This Southeastern premiere is directed by Kate Alexander. Runs through May 17.
FRIDAY
JAZZ AT TWO: THOMAS CARABASI QUARTET
2 p.m. at Unitarian Universalists of SRQ, 3975 Fruitville Road
$20
Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.
There’s no better way to roll into the weekend than Jazz Club of Sarasota’s Jazz at Two series. This week’s featured performer is Thomas Carabasi, who returns with an all-new program. Carabasi will play a mix of classic jazz, popular standards and some Samba and bossa nova sounds from Brazil.
SATURDAY
WORLD CIRCUS DAY
10 a.m. at The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road
Free Visit Ringling.org.
‘LIES, SPELLS & OLD WIVES’ TALES’
Westcoast Black Theatre
Troupe founder and artistic director Nate Jacobs is teaming up with his brother, retired attorney Michael Jacobs, again. Their last outing was the 2024 drama “Ruby,” about a wealthy Black woman who murdered her white physician in 1950s Florida. This Jacobs Brothers production is more lighthearted. “Lies, Spells & Old Wives’ Tales” is a musical comedy inspired by the sayings, stories and beliefs passed from one generation to the next. Runs through May 17.
IF YOU GO
When: 7:30 p.m. April 16
Where: Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave.
Tickets: $50
Info: Visit WestcoastBlackTheatre.org.
Locals and tourists who take advantage of The Ringling’s free admission on Monday are often disappointed to learn it doesn’t apply to the Circus Museum, only the Art Museum. If you’ve ever wanted to see The Ringling’s unparalleled collection of circus posters, costumes, wagons and interactive exhibits, as well as Howard Tibbals’ miniature circus model with 42,000 pieces, this is your chance. There will be activities throughout the day. Come one, come all!
‘THE PIRATE SHIP AND THE SEA MONSTER & OTHER WINNING PLAYS’
10 a.m. and noon at FST’s Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave.
$12 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Don’t let the kids spend weekends glued to digital devices. Bring them out to Florida Studio Theatre for family oriented fare. A 50-minute program of short plays written by grade schoolers from around the world features professional actors bringing heroes of all kinds to life.
2026 SARASOTA FILM FESTIVAL CLOSING NIGHT FILM
6 p.m. at New College of Florida/ Sainer Pavilion, 5315 Bay Shore Road
$40 Visit SarasotaFilmFestival.org.
SFF’s closing-night film will be Julian Schnabel’s “In the Hand of Dante,” featuring an all-star cast including Oscar Isaac, Gal Gadot, Al Pacino and Martin Scorsese. The film follows the journey of a handwritten manuscript from a priest to a mob boss to novelist Nick Tosches, who’s asked to prove its authenticity.
Schnabel will attend the screening, where he will be honored with the Achievement in Directing Award.
NASHVILLE BRASS BAND
7 p.m. at Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail $50 and up Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.
If you like your jazz with a country twang, this is the ticket for you. The Jazz Club of Sarasota presents the Nashville Brass Band, who’ve been performing for decades. Now led by trombonist Herb Bruce, the Nashville Brass carries on the legacy of founder Danny Davis, a legendary musician some will remember from the TV show “Hee Haw.” The band also features drummer Larry Hendrixson and trumpeter Ed Gaston.
RADIANCE — A CONCERT IN CANDLELIGHT
8 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 1031 S. Euclid Ave. $45 Visit KeyChorale.org.
Hundreds of candles will illuminate the stage as the Key Chorale Chamber Singers are joined by violin and cello soloists for a sublime concert featuring ethereal music by Fauré, Paulus, Gjeiloº and Ešenvalds. There will be no intermission to disturb the celestial vibe during this 80-minute program.
SUNDAY
JAZZ AMBASSADORS
3 p.m. at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 3131 61st St. $5 Visit SuncoastConcertBand.org.
Now in its 39th season, this volunteer band of seasoned musicians is led by David DeWitt. The Jazz Ambassadors are known for their renditions of Big Band favorites made famous by Count Basie and Duke Ellington. This program is called “History of the Big Band, Part 1.” Call 941-907-4123 to check on ticket availability.
WEDNESDAY
THE NAKED MAGICIANS
7 p.m. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail $46-$116 Visit VanWezel.org.
It’s adults night out for a cheeky performance by the R-rated Australian magic duo Mike Tyler and Chris Wayne. Known for their “sleeves up, pants down” style of magic for audiences 18 and older, The Naked Magicians have shocked and amazed audiences during their Las Vegas residency and on TV, where their performances are toned down, but just a bit.
Courtesy image
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s “Spells, Lies & Old Wives’ Tales” runs through May 17 at WBTT’s Donelly
Mission Possible luncheon
Photos by Janet Combs Roseanne and Bianca Martorella with the “greatest of all time” Larry Goats.
Centennial Celebration cochairs are Sue Neumann and Lynn Blackledge.
Louis Kosiba, Ina Goldberg and Greg Campbell
Libbie and Tom Glembocki with Julie Planck and Chuck Albers
Audrey Robbins and Harry Leopold wave their Victor DeRenzi stick-heads
Dr. Nainesh Parikh, Event Chair Eileen Curd, Graci McGillicuddy and guest speaker Josh Carpenter head into the event.
Beth Wexler, Katherine Harris, Alyssa Fiumano and Barbara Kelly
Photos by Janet Combs Evella Feldhacker and Debi Wheeler
Photos by Janet Combs
Executive Director Doug Staley with his wife, Sabrina Left: Co-chairs are the husband and wife team of Toni and David Zarghami
Above: Fay and Jerry Bainbridge are longtime supporters of the CPC.
Community building block
Six months ago, Luke and Ashley Gustafson decided to trade the pine trees of Texas for the palms of Florida. They are still in “magical awe” of the people, environment and everything Lakewood Ranch has to offer.
The Lakewood Ranch Block Party showcased 70 businesses, builders and clubs April 10 on Lakewood Main Street. It was a collaboration among the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, Lakewood Ranch Community Activities and Lakewood Ranch Communities.
Suncoast Credit Union was the presenting sponsor. Dom ViMaio vice president of commercial services for Suncoast Credit Union
has been a member of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance for many years.
“I work for a company that is all about community,” ViMaio said.
“When you look at what we’re trying to do as a company and what we do for the people in the community, matching it with the Lakewood Ranch, Business Alliance is perfect.”
Nick Feather is the incoming chair of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance.
“This is the strength of the alliance,” Feather said. “It’s bringing people together, building relationships and creating new ones. It’s a party in paradise.”
— MADISON BIERL
Photos by Madison Bierl
Lakewood Ranch’s Luke and Ashley Gustafson moved from Texas six months ago. They say events like the Lakewood Ranch Block Party put them in “magical awe.”
Sarasota’s Parker Doak, 4, and her mom, Jenny, dance together to music performed by the Jesse Daniels Band. Jenny says it is a magical experience to do so together.
Sarasota’s Al and Marcela Pogorelec celebrate the fifth anniversary of adopting their dog, Rosy, at the Lakewood Ranch Block Party.
Florida Premier SWFL staff members Antonio Saviano, Brandon Moran, Marcus Weekes and Matey Mateev are eager to connect with community members at the Lakewood Ranch Block Party.
Twin sisters Adeline and Blakely take a ride on the shoulders of their parents, David and Chelsea Marvel, at the Lakewood Ranch Block Party on April 10.
The Jesse Daniels Band entertains the crowd with live music at the Lakewood Ranch Block Party on April 10.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 | 11:00 am - 1:00 pm The GROVE, Lakewood Ranch
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Scholarships and smiles
Palm Aire Country Club in 2003.
Carol McManus, the scholarship chair of the Palm Aire Women’s Club, was the first in her family to attend and graduate college. As she meets new generations of college students, she feels a sense of purpose to help them out in any way she can.
“It’s my mother’s words that continue to say, ‘Education is the key,’” McManus said. “I see the drive and the commitment in these students that could, in some cases, not be there because they all have financial need requirements.”
To help with that, the Palm Aire Women’s Club awarded seven students scholarships on April 10.
Four students from State College of Florida — Victoria Bigham, Chloe Jarvis, Sara Sweetnich and Cameron Kiernan — will receive $1,500 a year for two years as long as they maintain eligibility.
Three students from Manatee Technical College — Bart Reek, Gracie Tillman and Elexis Richardson — will receive $500.
Bigham, who has two sons in high school and college, returned to State College of Florida and is pursuing her degree in health services administration. She said she was excited and honored to receive the scholarship. The luncheon was especially special to her because she got married at
Reek works and studies in the welding department at Manatee Technical College. He works the front desk, as well.
“I’ve always liked working with my hands,” Reek said. “If I’m not working, I’ll go insane. It helps me focus.” He is one of nine children and said he is thankful for the support.
Sweetnich and Jarvis are both studying elementary education at the State College of Florida. Sweetnich hopes to teach fifth grade; Jarvis hopes to teach kindergarten or first grade.
Sweetnich said she is paying for college on her own and is excited that a couple of classes will be covered by the scholarship. She said it was great to meet the people giving the scholarship. It was especially meaningful to her because multiple women were also teachers and gave her some advice and insight.
“Teachers are people that leave big impacts on your life, and I can remember all the teachers that I really inspired me to become a teacher,” Sweetnich said. Jarvis babysits and works as a Sunday school teacher at Parrish United Methodist Church. When she accepted her scholarship at the luncheon, she was brought to tears.
“I was filled with so much gratitude, really feeling God with me in that moment,” Jarvis said.
Presented by
MADISON BIERL STAFF WRITER
Madison Bierl
Scholarship recipients
Chloe Jarvis, Sara Sweetnich, Victoria Bigham and Bart Reek gather around Carol McManus, scholarship chair, after they each said a few words to the audience.
Vibrant Senior Living Coming Soon to Lakewood Ranch!
Emerson Lakes Is Now Accepting Reservations.
The first phase of construction is now underway. This includes the beautiful Coral Ridge Clubhouse and three residence buildings: Sandhill Point, anticipated to open in the fall of 2026, followed by Laguna Springs and Mangrove Run, opening in the first half of 2027.
Everyday Resort Living
Here are just a few resort-style amenities you can expect:
• Multiple dining venues
• Outdoor pool with a walk-up bar
• State-of-the-art fitness center
• Pickleball and bocce ball courts
• Outdoor fitness center with meditation garden
• Firepits
Predictable Costs, Exceptional Value
Our community’s smart financial structure will provide peace of mind and security by streamlining most bills into a simple monthly payment. Your Monthly Service Package covers:
• Utilities, maintenance, and property taxes
• Cable TV, internet, and landline phone
A Community You Can Trust
• Use of fitness center, pool, and dozens of other amenities
Emerson Lakes℠ is a part of Erickson Senior Living,® one of the largest senior living providers in the nation. Here, you’ll enjoy a maintenance-free, independent lifestyle backed by over 40 years of trusted experience.
Dive into Daily Crossword Fun!
YOUR CALENDAR
COMMUNITY
THURSDAY, APRIL 16
THROUGH SUNDAY, APRIL 19
LIVE MUSIC AT JIGGS LANDING
Runs from 4-7 p.m. each day at Jiggs Landing, 6106 63rd St. E., Bradenton. The live music lineup includes Steve Arvey (Thursday), Bonfire Band Jam (Friday), Doug Deming and the Jewel Tones (Saturday) and Rev. Billy Wirtz (Sunday). The Friday and Saturday shows are $5 and the others are free. Visit JiggsLanding. com.
FRIDAY, APRIL 17 AND
SATURDAY, APRIL 18
MUSIC AT THE PLAZA
Runs from 6-9 p.m. at Waterside Place, 1561 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch. On Friday, acoustic cover artist Tom Burgess performs. On Saturday, blues musician Zach Pomerleau performs. Visit WatersidePlace.com.
SATURDAY, APRIL 18
ROOFTOP YOGA
Begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Lakewood Ranch Library, 16410 Rangeland Parkway. Adults of all experience levels accepted. Donations accepted. Yoga mat not provided. Visit MyLWR.com.
JAZZ CONCERT
Begins at 4 p.m. at Living Lord Lutheran Church, 11107 Palmbrush Trail, Lakewood Ranch, The Onion Trio with Tom Pizzi on piano, Dave Morgan on drums and Isaac Mingus on bass. Admission is $15 at the door. For information, call 753-9365.
WOOFSTOCK AT MAIN STREET
Runs from 4-8 p.m. at 8100 Lakewood Ranch Main St. This tail-wagging festival brings together pups and their people for a groovy night of live music, entertainment, vendors and fun for four-legged friends. Visit LakewoodRanch.com.
SATURDAY, APRIL 18 AND SUNDAY, APRIL 19
MUSIC AT THE LODGE
Runs 6-9 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday at Linger Lodge, 7205 85th St. Court E., Bradenton. Schmitz Brothers perform on Saturday and Scotty Yates on Sunday.
BEST BET
FRIDAY, APRIL 17
MOVIE IN THE PARK
Begins at 7 p.m. at Waterside Park, 7301 Island Cove Terrace, Lakewood Ranch. “Coco” is the featured movie at the free, monthly movie series. The movie begins at sunset. The first 200 will receive an empanada or a churro from Charrua’s Food Truck. Seating is available on a first-come, first served basis, so bring a blanket or lawn chairs. Concessions are available from We B’ Poppin Popcorn and Kettle Corn. Inflatables for the kids will be open at 7 p.m. Note that this month’s Movie in the Park, which is always held on the second Friday of the month, was moved a week later due to a scheduling conflict.
SUNDAY, APRIL 19
WIND ENSEMBLE CONCERT
Begins at 2 p.m. at Peace Presbyterian Church, 12705 S.R. 64 E. “Magic of Music” concert will feature clarinetist John Fullam and Lakewood Ranch’s Gene Bohland, a retired music educator and longtime trumpet player. It will be a blend of classical and jazz. Tickets are $15 for general admission; $5 for students. Visit LWRWindEnsemble.org.
FARMERS MARKET
Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Lakefront Drive in Waterside Place. Year-round every Sunday. Visit MyLWR.com.
TUESDAY, APRIL 21
MARKET AT THE PARK
Runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. Weekly on Tuesdays. Visit NathanBendersonPark.org.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22
RANCH NITE WEDNESDAYS Runs from 6-9 p.m. at 1560 Lakefront Drive in Waterside Place. Join the crowd at Waterside Place enjoying food trucks and live music or playing in the cornhole league during Ranch Nite Wednesdays. Weekly programming is offered in Gateway Park. No outside food or beverages are allowed. Visit MyLWR.com.
The Art of Waterfront Living at
Life revolves around the spectacular 30,000-square-foot clubhouse, now under construction and opening this fall. Designed as the heart of the community, it’s where neighbors gather around resort-style pools, enjoy shared meals at indoor-outdoor dining venues, and take a swing on the premier putting course. With a golf simulator, state-of-the-art fitness center, private cinema, and newly opened model homes showcasing stunning waterfront designs by the region’s most sought-after builders, this Lakewood Ranch community stands apart for those who value connection as much as luxury.
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and training techniques ensure compassionate and trustworthy caregivers.
• Personalized Service, Elevated Standards –
is
to exceed expectations, backed by quality assurance and a Joint Commission accreditation you can trust.
Why Families Choose Homewatch CareGivers
LIfeLink
three
Lesley Dwyer
Sue Ann Miller’s story is featured in the Donate Life display at the Lakewood Ranch Library.
READ ALL ABOUT IT
The Lakewood Ranch Library set up a display for Donate Life Month that includes an array of books on the subject of organ donation and transplants. Here are a few of the titles featured in the display:
■ “Your Hearts, Your Scars” by Dina Talve-Goodman
■ “The Story of a Heart” by Dr. Rachel Clarke
■ “When Death Becomes Life: Notes from a Transplant Surgeon” by Dr. Joshua D. Mezrich
■ “Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers” by Mary Roach
astonishingly healthy for the next seven years. She continued working full time as a reading specialist, living a “pretty normal” life.
At 47, her condition changed. She had a constant upset stomach. Miller’s doctor knew that was a sign of a dangerously enlarged heart.
When Miller went to the hospital, her doctor ordered a cardiac catheterization, which can both diagnose and treat heart issues. The nurses told Miller not to worry because she “looked too good” to be kept at the hospital.
But when she came out of surgery, Miller had a Swan-Ganz catheter sticking out of her neck. She was experiencing end-stage heart failure and wouldn’t leave the hospital for more than two months.
Forty-four days in, the situation became dire enough for a transplant. But only after a stranger’s tragedy.
Miller is acutely aware that her life depended on someone else’s death. While she doesn’t know who donated their heart or the circumstance under which she received it, Miller wrote to the family through the Gift of Life Donor Program.
She never received a response but kept at it for 10 years to thank the family.
All her doctor could say was that the person was younger than Miller, who was 47 at the time, so she assumes her donation was most likely the result of a car crash.
While tragic for one family, it was a miracle for another.
To receive a heart, the donor had to match Miller’s blood type and body size, and the death had to occur within a four-hour drive of Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, where Miller was laid up hoping to live.
Miller did not squander the gift. She takes good care of herself and others.
“You realize life is short,” Miller said. “It gave me a stronger sense of giving back.”
Miller volunteers for the Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch walking dogs and writing grant applications. She founded the Friends of Lakewood Ranch Library and was instrumental in raising more than $400,000 to stock its shelves.
She’s also an ambassador for LifeLink of Florida. She attends events, such as Lakewood Ranch Community Activities’ New Year, New You Health & Wellness Expo, to educate the public about organ donation.
Miller is also responsible for organ donation cards being available in every library in Manatee County and Sarasota County. She took it upon herself to meet with the library service managers. She checks in regularly to be sure the racks remain filled.
When Manatee County held a ceremony this past year for its annual proclamation to designate April as Donate Life month, Miller was in the commission chambers to tell her story on behalf of LifeLink.
Surprised to see her in the chambers for something other than library business, Commissioner George Kruse called Miller “a jack of all trades.”
Miller is a living, breathing symbol of the good organ donation does and also a wealth of information on the process and LifeLink.
LifeLink is the procurement organization for 15 counties in west and southwest Florida, including Manatee and Sarasota counties. The nonprofit helps recover donations for organ, tissue and cornea transplants.
More than 105,000 American adults and children are waiting for transplants, and more than 6,000 of them live in Florida.
Over 10 million Florida residents are on the donor list. One donor can save up to eight lives and help up to 75 people.
My patients are my priority. I’m committed to delivering the quality care they deserve.”
John Carter, DO, is a family medicine physician with Lakewood Ranch Medical Group. He offers comprehensive primary care services for patients of all ages – from infants to adults.
His primary care services include:
• Well-child and annual physical exams
• Women’s health (no obstetrics)
• Preventive screenings and immunizations
• Medicare wellness visits
• Care for acute and chronic medical conditions
• Joint/bursa aspiration and injection
Dr. Carter earned his medical degree at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Bradenton and completed an All Saints Family Medicine Residency at Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
To schedule an appointment, call 866-515-9777 or visit lakewoodranchmedicalgroup.com.
Riverdale home tops the week’s sales at $3.25 million
ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR
Perry Premdas and Maribel Premdas, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the home at 4003 Hawk Island Drive to Robert and Sara Miller, of Bradenton, for $3.25 million. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 5,815 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.6 million in 2008.
LAKE CLUB
Edward Michael Krell and Amy Ruth Krell, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 8497 Pavia Way to Christopher and Jennifer Burns, of Bradenton, for $3,162,500. Built in 2024, it has three bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,829 square feet of living area. It sold for $3,115,900 in 2024.
Andrea Marie Vennetti and Michael Vennetti, of Sarasota, sold their home at 16904 Verona Place to Elise and Robert Stone, of Bradenton, for $1.75 million. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,429 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.9 million in 2023.
William and Virginia Maloney, Kelley Paul and Richard Maloney, trustees, of Franklin, Tennessee, sold the home at 16111 Daysailor Trail to Douglas and Elizabeth Nardi, of Aurora, Illinois, for $1,688,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,585 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.41 million in 2016.
RIVERDALE REVISED
Jean Sutton, trustee, of Tampa, sold the home at 700 Regatta Way to Kevin and Karen Renninger, of Bradenton, for $2.94 million. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 3,912 square feet of living area. It sold for $2,398,500 in 2019.
Kenneth Alan Lee and Kathryn Ann Lee, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, sold their home at 4712 Compass Drive to Oscar Luis DeLeon and Emily Sue DeLeon, of Bradenton, for $745,000. Built in 1999, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,876 square feet of living area. It sold for $512,000 in 2020.
COUNTRY CLUB VILLAGE
Ronald White and Robin Ruhnke, of Sarasota, sold their home at 6919 Westchester Circle to Michael Hartz, trustee, of Lakewood Ranch, for $2.5 million. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 4,737 square feet of living area. It sold for $2.4 million in 2023.
Lucy Lapides, trustee, of Bradenton, sold the home at 7908 Treesdale Glen to Kenneth Robert Madison and Nichol Virginia Madison, trustees, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1,049,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,729 square feet of living area.
John and Sharon Heddish, trustees, of Raleigh, North Carolina, sold the home at 7422 Edenmore St. to Linda Thebeau and Diana Musto, trustees, of Lakewood Ranch, for $633,000. Built in 2008, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,207 square feet of living area. It sold for $475,000 in 2008.
COUNTRY CLUB EAST
James Brandolini and Lynn Brandolini, trustees, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the home at 15312 Linn Park Terrace to Edward Michael Krell and Amy Ruth Krell, of Lakewood Ranch, for $2,395,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, fourand-a-half baths, a pool and 3,989 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,335,000 in 2018.
Michael Anthony Goyda and Tina Marie Goyda, of Palmetto, sold their home at 16309 Castle Park Terrace to Brent Alan Yates and
30-APRIL 3
Christina Yates, trustees, of Nashville, Tennessee, for $1.2 million. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,432 square feet of living area. It sold for $528,000 in 2018.
David Geary and Susan Zande Geary sold their home at 7833 Valderrama Way to Robin Beaty, trustee, of Fortville, Indiana, for $880,000. Built in 2010, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,329 square feet of living area. It sold for $935,000 in 2023.
George Patrick MacNaught and Jennifer MacNaught, of Southborough, Massachusetts, sold their home at 16508 Hillside Circle to Stephen and Melanie Hallenbeck, of Bradenton, for $840,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,232 square feet of living area. It sold for $800,000 in 2021.
CONCESSION
Branden and Marina Bunch, of Bradenton, sold their home at 19420 Newlane Place to Ted William Manvitz and Stacy Baines Manvitz, of Bradenton, for $2,325,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, a pool and 3,538 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,148,000 in 2020.
GROSVENOR GARDENS
James Courter and Mark Hodgson sold their home at 8335 Grosvenor Court to Douglas Bond and Andrea Bond, of Bronxville, New York, for $1,725,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,247 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.1 million in 2015.
ALCOVE
Neal Signature Homes LLC sold the home at 6233 Isla Del Ray to William Lonchas and Natalie Lonchas, trustees, of Sarasota, for $1.43 million. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,236 square feet of living area.
MONTEREY
Toll Southeast LP Co. Inc. sold the home at 2581 Waterfront Circle to John and Katie Weber, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1,260,200. Built in 2025, it has five bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 3,479 square feet of living area.
ISLES Barry Hollock and Sherry Hollock, trustees, of Mason, Ohio, sold the home at 8362 Redonda Loop to Barbara Hall and Robert Hall, trustees, of Lakewood, Ohio, for $1,195,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,521 square feet of living area. It sold for $732,000 in 2020.
AZARIO ESPLANADE
Sevasti Sheba Tringali, of Lakewood Ranch, sold her home at 4736 Cassio Court to Paul Buchmayer and Courtney Taylor, of Pine Springs, Minnesota, for $975,000. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, three
baths, a pool and 2,247 square feet of living area. It sold for $767,100 in 2022.
LAKEHOUSE COVE AT WATERSIDE
James Michael Hannigan, of Lakewood Ranch, sold his home at 925 Crosswind Ave. to Admin by Request APS for $965,000. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,158 square feet of living area. It sold for $726,100 in 2023.
Michael Sharkey and Janice Eileen Sharkey, trustees, of Smithtown, New York, sold the home at 895 Seascape Place to Michael and
Lynne Mazzeo, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, for $770,000. Built in 2018, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,876 square feet of living area. It sold for $674,300 in 2021.
MISTY OAKS
Michael Allen Shimkat and KellyAnn Shimkat sold their home at 8117 Misty Oaks Blvd. to The Martin Trust for $900,000. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,063 square feet of living area. It sold for $685,000 in 2021.
Courtesy image
A Riverdale home at 4003 Hawk Island Drive sold for $3.25 million. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 5,815 square feet of living area.
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LAKEWOOD NATIONAL GOLF CLUB
Donald Fohrd, trustee, of Morrisville, North Carolina, sold the home at 6010 Brandon Run to John Moreno and Sandra Leigh Moreno, of McKinney, Texas, for $899,000. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,006 square feet of living area. It sold for $579,400 in 2021.
DEL WEBB
Kathleen Sipe, trustee, of Katy, Texas, sold the home at 17802 Eastbrook Terrace to Anthony and Brigid Savage, of Bradenton, for $850,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,508 square feet of living area. It sold for $630,200 in 2019.
Dan and Lydia Healy, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, sold their home at 17530 Northwood Place to Peter and Mary Zannis, of Lakewood Ranch, for $785,000. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,052 square feet of living area. It sold for $753,800 in 2021.
PRESERVE AT PANTHER RIDGE
Stephen and Dawn Wantuch, of Bradenton, sold their home at 8121 Snowy Egret Place to Denise Howell, trustee, of Shirley, New York, for $800,000. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,595 square feet of living area. It sold for $252,000 in 2010.
ARBOR RESERVE
Steven Anthony Destefano and Kathleen Price Destefano, of Bradenton, sold their home at 5832 Arbor Wood Court to Martin Scott Kohler and Tabitha Rutland, for Bradenton, for $785,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, a pool and 3,980 square feet of living area. It sold for $492,100 in 2015.
PALM GROVE
Ranchland Investors LLC sold the home at 2122 Bamboo Palm Cove to Stephen Christopher Crachi and Samantha Devlin Crachi, of Bradenton, for $769,600. Built in 2025, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 2,985 square feet of living area.
MILL CREEK
Marla Matteson, of Tallahassee, sold her home at 15410 17th Ave. E. to Daniel and Jennifer Volpe, of Bradenton, for $750,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,386 square feet of living area.
ROSEDALE ADDITION
Jennifer and Steven Anderson, trustees, of Longboat Key, sold the home at 4776 Royal Dornoch Circle to Steven and Jane Wiertsema, of Bradenton, for $745,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,145 square feet of living area. It sold for $600,000 in 2021.
SUMMERFIELD VILLAGE
Bruce Bayuk, trustee, of Wakefield, Rhode Island, sold the home at 11710 Soft Rush Terrace to Russell Leuck, of Burlington, Iowa, for $745,000. Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,758 square feet of living area. It sold for $777,000 in 2024.
GREYHAWK LANDING
Bain and Dawn Edmondson, of Bradenton, sold their home at 12827 Penguin Drive to Joseph and Susanna West, of Bradenton, for $735,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,739 square feet of living area. It sold for $575,000 in 2020.
Loren and Debra Dethelfs, of Brandon, sold their home at 12543 Naturview Circle to Alexander and Jennifer Hargaden, of Bradenton, for $630,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,399 square feet of living area. It sold for $370,000 in 2019.
INDIGO
Kevin and Tanyia Brown, of Bradenton, sold their home at 12923 Seasong Terrace to Todd Nelson and Marisa Zamrock, of Bradenton, for $700,000. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,434 square feet of living area. It sold for $592,300 in 2022.
EMERALD LANDING AT WATERSIDE
Michael and Paula Klanot, of Sarasota, sold their home at 7313 Donnybrook Lane to Kevin Crotty and Phyllis Crotty, trustees, of Sarasota, for $695,000. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,456 square feet of living area. It sold for $794,400 in 2025.
SAPPHIRE POINT
Karen and John Ferreira, of Charlestown, Massachusetts, sold their home at 5904 Bluestar Court to Mitchell Charles Stevens, of Bradenton, for $690,000. Built in 2021, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,083 square feet of living area. It sold for $547,400 in 2021.
Who’s worth watching at the Senior PGA?
Some of golf’s legends will be in Lakewood Ranch this week. They’ll compete at The Concession Golf Club from April 16-19 in the Senior PGA Championship.
It’s the first major of the season on the senior circuit, and the first time it will be played at The Concession as part of a three-year agreement with the PGA of America. Tickets are still available for purchase at SRPGAChampionship. com/Tickets.
With 21 major champions, 10 past Ryder Cup captains and seven World Golf Hall of Famers in the field, there’s no shortage of pedigree at play. Here are five golfers worth rooting for at the Senior PGA Championship:
BERNHARD LANGER
PGA Tour Champions wins: 47
Major wins: Masters Tournament (1985, 1993)
Last win: Charles Schwab Cup Championship on Nov. 10, 2024
There is no more decorated senior golfer than Bernhard Langer. His trophy collection surely spans multiple rooms of his home.
At 68 years old, the German lays claim to the all-time record of 47 wins on the PGA Tour Champions. He’s triumphed in 12 senior majors, though in 2017, won his only Senior PGA Championship.
Eighteen players have won the Masters Tournament multiple times — Langer is one of them. He turned pro over five decades ago and still succeeds on the links.
This season, he boasts three top10 finishes in four tournaments, highlighted by a sixth-place tie at the Cologuard Classic from March 20-22. He also ended 2025 strong, placing top-seven in three of the season’s final four tournaments.
Langer embodies longevity in a sport that looks favorably upon aging talent. It takes an obsessive
work ethic to do what he’s done for so long.
PÁDRAIG HARRINGTON
PGA Tour Champions wins: 11
Major wins: The Open Championship (2007, 2008) and PGA Championship (2008)
Last win: ISPS HANDA Senior Open on July 24, 2025
The past few years have entailed some great memories for Pádraig Harrington.
In 2024, he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame, becoming only the third Irishman to earn the honor. Then he won both the U.S. Senior Open Championship and ISPS HANDA Senior Open a year later.
And he was oh-so close to another title. He tied for second at the 2025 Senior PGA Championship, finishing one stroke shy of champion Ángel Cabrera.
Harrington was one of the world’s finest golfers in the late 2000s, winning three majors in a two-year span. His fame faded in the mid2010s, but with his current success on the senior circuit, he’s experienced a career renaissance.
Throughout his time in the sport, he’s happily been an ambassador for Irish golf. Harrington is one of the game’s true “good guys.”
STEWART CINK
PGA Tour Champions wins: 6
Major wins: The Open Championship (2009)
Last win: Hoag Classic on March 29, 2026
Winning is fun. And it’s fun to follow winners.
Stewart Cink already has two titles to his name this season — the Mitsubishi Electric Championship and Hoag Classic — won on Jan. 24 and March 29, respectively. He secured three trophies last season.
At 52 years old, the native of Huntsville, Alabama, is the hottest golfer on the PGA Tour Champions. But he’s still in pursuit of his maiden win at a senior major.
Cink wasn’t overly successful on the PGA Tour. He put himself on the map by winning The Open Championship in 2009, defeating then 59-year-old Tom Watson in a fourhole playoff, but his eight tour victories pale in comparison to some of the other names on this list.
That being said, it’s entirely possible that spectators at The Concession could be watching Cink sink a title-clinching putt on the 18th green.
VIJAY SINGH
PGA Tour Champions wins: 5
Major wins: Masters Tournament (2000) and PGA Championship (1998, 2004)
Last win: The Ally Challenge on Aug. 25, 2023
Retirement seemed a reasonable avenue for Vijay Singh after his age62 season. He registered no wins on the PGA Tour Champions, where he hasn’t won since 2023.
So Singh did the opposite — he threw his hat back into the ring.
The World Golf Hall of Famer used his career money list exemption for 2026, making his first start on the PGA Tour since 2021 at the Sony Open from Jan. 15-18.
He’ll compete at the Senior PGA Championship having shot 10 over par in the Masters Tournament, missing the cut. One of his three major victories came at Augusta National Golf Club in 2000.
Singh doesn’t have much to prove at this stage of his career. His 34 PGA Tour wins, after all, are the most of any golfer competing at The Concession.
Lifting the Senior PGA Championship trophy would be quite an achievement, nonetheless.
JOHN DALY PGA Tour Champions wins: 1
Major wins: PGA Championship (1991) and The Open Championship (1995)
Last win: Insperity Invitational on May 7, 2017
Christmas will come early in Lakewood Ranch. That’s because Santa Claus is en route for an April visit.
Well, the Santa Claus of professional golf, that is.
John Daly is a singular personality. Standing out from the field with his white beard and mullet, he dons outrageous outfits which violate just about every country club dress code in existence — not that he much cares.
To call him the most interesting man in golf would be no understatement. Much of his career was
fueled by cigarettes and Diet Coke. He lost $55 million through gambling from 1991 to 2007, and has officially partnered with Hooters since 2022.
Daly’s golf game is wildly unpredictable, though his drive off the tee has always set him apart. Fans will flock to see him regardless of whether he’s under or over par.
Jack Nelson is the sports reporter for the East County and Sarasota/Siesta Key Observers. Contact him at JNelson@ YourObserver.com.
Image courtesy of Tracy Wilcox/PGA Tour via Getty Images
Bernhard Langer hits a drive on the third hole during the first round of the 2025 Charles Schwab Cup Championship. He’s won a record 12 senior majors in his career.
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TALKING NONSENSE by Pam Klawitter, edited by Jared Goudsmit
By Luis Campos
Two weeks ago, I purchased a house with the help of the Shanahan Luxury Group. This is the second time that I’ve reached out to them for a real estate transaction. All three of them - Katina, Ken and Tyler - are fantastic! They have a wealth of knowledge, a finger on the pulse of Lakewood Ranch’s housing market, great professionalism, and a ready, grounded attitude. Katina, especially, was there for me every step of the way, including the sticky moments. She was willing to be my sounding board and give practical advice. She definitely has the expertise, but maybe, more important, she has a kind heart and is sensitive to the needs of the client. I’d definitely request the Shanahan Team for help the next time I sell or buy a house. And, I’d highly recommend them to my friends and neighbors.
