One final Easter egg hunt for Bunni Creekwood’s Bunni Roberts (above), a teacher at Tara Elementary School since it opened in 1992, has said goodbye to her preschool students. Her last day as a classroom teacher was March 27. Roberts said she has enjoyed seeing all of the change at Tara as well as forming strong relationships.
“You’re in a room by yourself with kids, and it’s the other adults who pick you up and help you through,” Roberts said. “It is stressful to be a teacher.” Roberts wanted to make sure her last week was special, so she did a variety of activities with her students, including an early Easter egg hunt, dancing, singing and giving her students books.
Coffee served with a side of honor
Creekwood’s Charles McMurtry (above) was one of three veterans invited to the Starbucks on 52nd Place East on March 28 for the “Meet Your Local Veteran Hero” event. Creekwood’s retired Army Capt. Thomas Carter organized the event. The other two veterans were Army Staff Sgt. Daniel Kvidera and Marine Corps Sgt. Kenneth Reese. Army Cpl. McMurtry will turn 83 on April 5. He served in the Korean War as a rifleman.
“Charlie was on Battle Hill 266, a critical battle of the South Korean forces where they faced waves of Chinese counter attacks,” Carter said. “Charlie, you pushed them back. Thank you.”
Manatee awaits DOGE report
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Madison Bierl
Saanvi Sarna, 4, Sloane Sarna, 7, and their grandma, Seema Sarna, pose with the Easter Bunny at Eggstravaganza March 28.
Manatee seeks feedback on updated comprehensive plan
Engineering firm Kimley-Horn has been working on the comprehensive plan update for three years.
LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER
Indigo’s Suzanne Henke said riprap (crushed rocks used to prevent erosion) around the edge of a pond looks ugly; she wants to see more “living” shorelines around Manatee County ponds and lakes.
So Henke attended an Envision Manatee workshop March 28 at the Lakewood Ranch Library to present her input when it comes to formulating the county’s next comprehensive plan.
Engineering firm Kimley-Horn has been hired to update the plan and revisions have been underway for three years. The final draft is anticipated to go before commissioners this summer.
The series of Envision Manatee workshops aim to introduce the updated comprehensive plan to residents while seeking feedback on proposed policies and changes to existing policies.
Kelley Klepper, a vice president and senior planner for Kimley-Horn, is heading the project.
Henke told Klepper that ponds and lakes should be included in the comp plan’s proposed Policy 4.1.2.8, which
reads, “Expand use of living shorelines instead of traditional seawalls along waterfront properties.”
Klepper said the implementation mechanism of education that supports the policy could include ponds and lakes, but control of Manatee County ponds and lakes usually falls under the authority of community development districts, homeowners associations, and the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
The comprehensive plan doesn’t control all development within Manatee County.
The plan is a vision for the future, laying out guidelines for how the county will be developed over approximately the next 20 years.
Florida statute requires local governments to review their comprehensive plans every seven years.
The comprehensive plan works in conjunction with the land development code, which provides more specific regulations.
Senate Bill 180 has made efforts to update the comprehensive plan more difficult as almost any change could be considered “more restrictive and burdensome” to development, which is prohibited under Senate Bill 180.
So instead of adding restrictions
ENVISION MANATEE
If you missed the in-person meetings but have feedback to offer, visit SurveyMonkey. com/R/LF76ZH9.
Manatee County’s current comprehensive plan can be viewed at Library.MuniCode. com/FL/Manatee_County/ Codes/Comprehensive_Plan.
to the plan, Klepper said the firm is working on adding more options as a way to “work in concert” with the bill. Policies that were narrowly focused are being rewritten to provide more flexibility.
For example, the comprehensive plan used to dictate how many tennis and basketball courts needed to be provided according to the population. Moving forward, they’ll simply be called sports courts, so a pickleball court can be installed instead of a basketball court if that makes more sense for the community.
Klepper and his team also have plans to sit down with the Florida Department of Transportation, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and Florida Commerce to pass on information that illustrates why certain policies are not more burdensome.
Another strategy to work with the bill’s limitations is simple preparation and patience.
The team is putting policies in different “buckets.” There’s a bucket for things that might be considered more burdensome now, but those policies can be ready to go when SB 180 sunsets in 2027.
RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS
Throughout the process, residents have been asked to provide input. Klepper said residents expressed five main areas of concerns: growth and development, traffic, affordable housing, water quality, and retaining and expanding parks and open space. Instead of covering the entirety of
the plan, which would be impossible to do in 90 minutes, the workshop focused on those high priority areas. Big boards on the side of the meeting room illustrated some of the proposed policies and changes.
Policy 3.1.1.6 addresses “fugitive dust,” or construction dust. The policy includes updated, more specific language that, if approved by commissioners, would require “chronically noncompliant” facilities to “utilize the best available control technologies prior to re-issuance of their operating permits.”
Proposed Policy 2.2.1.249.7 establishes a new zoning category for land development — Mixed Use Community/Community Serving, which is intended to support medium to high density residential projects that include affordable housing components and integrate residential support uses, such as schools and parks. Commercial uses would be permitted up to 150,000 square feet, and residential uses would be permitted
up to 16 net residential units per acre.
Beyond basic feedback, residents such as John Taylor of Ralph Taylor’s Nurseries are also sources for data collection. Taylor attended the workshop at Mixon Farms on March 25 and presented information on Florida Water Star, a building certification that saves water by using certain fixtures and landscape designs. While the program could be deemed more restrictive on the surface, Taylor said there’s already a provision within state law that defines and permits the same type of water conservation, but it’s not called Water Star.
Klepper took that information straight back to county staff to discuss how it can be utilized moving forward.
“(Taylor) gave us empirical data and helped identify where in state law some of this is already permitted,” Klepper said. “Those are the kind of partnerships that we truly appreciate.”
Photos by Lesley Dwyer
Kelley Klepper, a vice president and senior planner for Kimley-Horn, is heading the project to rewrite Manatee County’s comprehensive plan.
Kelley Klepper, a vice president and senior planner for Kimley-Horn, speaks with Indigo’s Suzanne Henke following the Envision Manatee presentation at the Lakewood Ranch Library on March 28.
DOGE dodges
full Manatee report
Manatee County still hasn’t received an itemized report from DOGE’s audit to justify saying the county had $112.4 million in wasteful spending.
LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER
Although Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia said in an October 2025 press conference that Manatee County overspent $112.4 million during Fiscal Year 2025, the county’s Government Efficiency Liaison Committee reported the county’s spending is “well managed and fairly efficient.”
Jeff Covert, vice chair of the Government Efficiency Liaison Committee, delivered an update on the committee’s progress to commissioners at the March 24 meeting.
Covert said despite the county’s efficiency, there are areas where money can be saved in the future.
The committee will review the county’s spending analysis, interlocal agreements, purchasing consolidation, and expenditure process improvements until the committee disbands in May after its nearly yearlong analysis is completed.
Yet, neither the county nor the committee has been able to see an itemized report on what the Florida Department of Government Efficiency listed as wasteful spending.
In January, Manatee County — along with every municipality that was audited by DOGE — received an overall statewide report that talked about inefficiencies in spending. In that report were five pages that were specific to Manatee County.
County staff, on behalf of the committee, sent letters to Ingoglia’s office requesting the itemized report Nov. 5 and Jan. 21, but have yet to receive a response. The East County Observer reached out to the CFO’s office and was referred to the governor’s office.
Press Secretary Molly Best at the governor’s office referred the request to the public records unit, which did not respond before publication of this article to clarify if and when another report will be delivered to Manatee County that dives deeper than the overall DOGE report that
was published in January.
In October, Ingoglia only cited one line item as excessive — the growth of Manatee County’s staff by an additional 472 full-time employees over the past five years when the population grew by 61,545 residents. January’s report included five more line items and honed in on the county’s Information Outreach department as the main example of wasteful spending on staff.
There were also a few kudos within the report.
“Manatee County leaders deserve partial credit for the millage rate cuts and operating spending growth well below ad valorem growth,” the report reads. “Florida DOGE’s review of Manatee County also found that the county has done a better job than many Florida jurisdictions at eliminating previously existing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs and has taken recent steps to eliminate wasteful grant spending.”
However, the report goes on to state that “Manatee County should act with equal care in its other spending, particularly in initiating major capital expenditures and in reviewing commitments to supposed ‘climate-related’ policies and activities that do not provide value.”
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
The report doesn’t cite any specific climate-related expenditures, but three items on the list are capital expenditures.
No. 1: $23.5 million purchase of a second administration building in Lakewood Ranch
Financially, DOGE took issue with the new building’s overall cost of $35 million, including renovations, and that the purchase followed a five-year, $6 million renovation on the original administration building downtown.
The report also questioned the staff and commission’s handling of the purchase:
■ The project was “executed outside of long-term capital and strategic planning.”
■ The project did not afford residents “advance transparency.”
■ The county only provided “brief, ex-post justifications for the consideration of alternatives, notwithstanding public statements that the acquisition would be cheaper than alternatives.”
■ The new administration building only satisfies “a portion” of the county’s space requirements.
Citizens expressed many of the same views during the May 6, 2025 meeting when commissioners unanimously approved the purchase.
Ruth Harenchar, president of the League of Women Voters of Manatee County called the lack of transparency and the absence of a comparative analysis “poor governance.”
County Administrator Charlie Bishop said the county exercised caution to avoid bidding against itself if negotiations became public, and Commissioner George Kruse
car during weekend traffic. The expanded fleet will also offer additional stops, one of which is planned for Coquina Beach. The county is waiting on a permit from the Florida Department of Environmental Protections.
DOGE and Dennis Rodriguez, the operator of the water taxi service, provided differing ridership numbers. The DOGE report states that “on its busiest days, each trip averaged just 13 passengers.” That number accounts for all of 2024 and from January to July 2025.
Rodriguez provided more recent ridership numbers from May to December 2025, which showed the taxis at twice DOGE’s reported ridership on its busiest days, which were Sundays in July. Overall ridership during that time period was 35,891 passengers.
Falcione also disputed DOGE’s claim that the $400,000 subsidy to operate the taxis in 2024 omitted insurance, maintenance, equipment costs and additional investments in land-side infrastructure.
Those expenses are paid for using ticket revenues, advertisements on the ferries and the tourism tax.
“We’re not putting a nickel of ad valorem tax into the water taxi,” Falcione said.
No. 3: $130 million long-term plans for a countywide trail system
NEW ADMINISTRATION
BUILDING BY THE NUMBERS
said the deal could’ve been lost if commissioners delayed signing the contract.
Kruse also noted that discussions about moving county services to Lakewood Ranch dated back to 2018 and continued in 2020 when the county purchased land off of Lena Road with the intention of building a county complex.
He said the existing administration building will remain full, and the new building will be “over full” once fully renovated. The building can accommodate up to 600 employees and includes space for staff training sessions and public meetings.
Kruse cited space needs for the State Attorney’s Office and Supervisor of Elections downtown and efficiency benefits by placing Development Services, Public Works and Property Management together in Lakewood Ranch.
Development Services moved into the building in October, but the building is not anticipated to be filled to capacity until January 2027.
No. 2: $3 million water taxi expansion
The DOGE report focused on the county’s purchase of the $2.6 million, 96-passenger Manatee Belle ferry, which is expected to be in operation around Easter. The report called the ferry unnecessary because the service is underused.
Kruse used the ferry as an example of what was missing in Ingoglia’s $112.4 million figure during a Budget 101 session at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall on March 11. He said the premise of DOGE is that local governments are overspending when it comes to property taxes.
“First, you can’t get a ticket; everybody loves the water taxis,” Kruse said. “And second, 100% of the purchase of the water taxis and the operations are paid entirely by bed taxes.”
The tourist development tax is only charged on overnight stays that don’t exceed six months. Florida statute dictates that the funds be spent on tourism-related items.
Elliott Falcione, director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, called the water taxi a mode of public transportation that took an estimated 23,000 cars off the road last year.
The service qualifies as a tourist attraction while also benefiting residents, especially when beach traffic is heavy. Falcione said the new ferry will deliver a passenger from the Bradenton Riverwalk Pier to the Anna Maria Island Historic Bridge Street Pier in 40 minutes (the pontoons take 50 minutes) versus the approximately 90 minutes it can take to travel the same distance by
The only additional information included in the DOGE report regarding the trail system is that Gov. Ron DeSantis “vetoed funding that included support for this project.”
Last June, DeSantis vetoed a $1 million appropriation that would have been allocated to the Gateway Greenway Trail between Palmetto and Parrish. That one segment is estimated to cost $2.9 million.
The 143-page trailways master plan can be found on Manatee County’s website.
GOVERNMENT GROWTH
The rate at which Manatee County has grown its staff was the one major example Ingoglia used to illustrate the county’s wasteful spending during the October press conference, and the DOGE report focuses on the Information Outreach department.
The report calls the county’s emergency communication function “meritorious,” but questions the overall growth of Information Outreach. It specifically notes seven additional positions and nearly $1 million in annual General Fund spending.
The East County Observer compared Allocated Position Listings from August 2021 to January 2026 to find the additional positions. The listings only offer base hourly salaries, which do not include benefits. It should also be noted that the Information Outreach department was absorbed by the Government Relations department in April 2025. Employees were moved from other departments into Government Relations, and there are also additional communications positions that handle the Public Works and Utilities departments.
Instead of one employee covering video production and digital content, there are two employees covering each area and one additional content specialist.
Communications and creative services positions were added to the roster. Casey Zempel was promoted from video production to division manager.
INFORMATION OUTREACH GROWTH
The table shows the original four positions (comparing 2021 to now) and the additional seven positions.
Lesley Dwyer
Manatee County commissioners unanimously approved the purchase of 9000 Town Center Parkway on May 6.
Saks leadership changes its mind
The Saks Fifth Avenue at The Mall at University Town Center in Sarasota is no longer closing.
New York-based Saks Global, the parent company of Saks, confirmed the news last week in an email to the Business Observer, a sister publication of the East County Observer The email follows questions to the company stemming from social media posts from former Saks employees saying the decision to shutter had been reversed.
A Saks Global spokesperson said the store renegotiated its lease with the owner of the mall, Simon. East Manatee County-based Benderson Development built the mall in 2014 in a partnership with Taubman. Indianapolis-based mall and entertainment center owner Simon acquired Taubman in a deal that closed in 2025.
“We are pleased to share that our Saks Fifth Avenue Sarasota store will remain open following recent productive conversations with our landlords and further evaluation,” the Saks Global spokesperson wrote in the email. “Our approach to optimizing our footprint remains centered on ensuring we focus our presence in markets with a high concentration of luxury shoppers where we can operate at an attractive level of profitability. We look forward to continuing to serve customers in the Sarasota community.”
CoStar news reported a Saks store in Palm Desert, California, would also remain open after renegotiating with Simon, as would a Neiman Marcus store in White Plains, New York.
Saks Global had included the UTC store in a list released March 6 of a dozen stores it was closing, part of a company-wide move to shutter locations in the wake of a January bankruptcy filing. With holdings that include Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Off 5th, Last Call and Horchow, Saks Global reported it had between $1 billion and $10 billion in debt when it filed for bankruptcy Jan. 13 in Houston.
The 80,000-square-foot UTC Saks location is one of three anchors at the mall, which opened in October 2014. The other anchors are a
160,000-square-foot
Macy’s and 180,000-square-foot
Dillard’s. The two-story Saks occupies a prime spot in the middle of the mall, across from the high-traffic Apple store and near the Cheesecake Factory.
Triple Crown award for Manatee clerk
The Government Finance Officers Association has awarded the Manatee Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller’s office with the Triple Crown Medallion for the fifth consecutive year.
According to a Manatee County release, the Triple Crown Medallion is given to government agencies that achieve all three of GFOA’s top financial reporting designations. The Clerk and Comptroller’s office earned a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 46th consecutive year and the Popular Annual Financial Report award for the 27th consecutive year. The third of the Triple Crown was the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.
The office also earned the Port Authority Annual Comprehensive Financial Report Certificate of Excellence for the 32nd consecutive year.
“Forty-six years of recognition doesn’t happen by accident — it reflects a team that holds itself to the highest standards every single year,” said Angel Colonneso, Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller for Manatee County, in the release.
The financial reports are available at ManateeClerk.com.
In other clerk’s office news, the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller’s Child Support Program has expanded its community outreach through a new partnership with Goodwill Manasota, according to a release. Child Support Program staff members will be on-site at Goodwill Manasota’s Community Resource Center quarterly to assist residents with child support questions and services.
The services will be offered quarterly on the first Wednesday of the month, including July 1 and Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Goodwill Manasota’s Community Resource Center is located at 2705 51st Ave., E., Bradenton.
Preserve dedication honors late commissioner
IF YOU GO
Carol Ann Billberry Felts Preserve at David J. Crane Park Dedication and Public Memorial Service. Crane Park, 37655 State Road 70 E., Myakka City. The service will begin at 10 a.m. April 18. The service will include a brief ceremony, sign unveiling and a video presentation. Details are as follows:
■ Emcee: Commission Chair
Tal Siddique
■ National Anthem: Victoria Kallas, Lakewood Ranch High School student
■ Invocation: Pastor Michael Harrison, New Wine Worship Center
■ Pledge of Allegiance: Garrison Masengale, EMS charge paramedic
■ Video Presentation
■ Sign Unveiling: Nicholas Felts and Kiel Felts
■ Remarks: Commissioner Amanda Ballard and Nicholas Felts and Kiel Felts
recommended by the Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Committee.
us a little bit more higher and dryer property.”
She said Myakka City residents know how to make the best of any situation, so regardless of the conditions at Crane Park, it’s still used and loved by residents.
Felts asked county staff to work on including trails and an additional waterfront recreation area to encourage residents to use the park’s extension, as well.
Zempel said staff members are exploring “long-term opportunities to create passive recreation amenities and potentially relocate some existing assets to higher ground due to the area’s repetitive flood risk,” but any future actions will require funding and board approval.
CRANE PARK HISTORY
Manatee County accepted $7,000 in 1965 from the Raymond E. and Ellen F. Crane Foundation for the purchase of what is now Crane Park from the David J. Crane estate.
According to Marilyn Coker of the Myakka City Historical Society, David Crane owned a ranch along MJ Road where the Miakka Golf Club is being built.
Walter Carlton, president of the society, remembered hunting for squirrels and turkeys on the property when he was a teenager. Carlton is 76 now.
LESLEY DWYER
When initially wanting to rename Crane Park in Myakka City,
Commissioner Amanda Ballard and Manatee County staff members thought the park had been named after long-necked, wading birds. However, Crane Park had been named after a person — David J. Crane — in 1965.
“After researching, we realized that funds from the Crane Family Foundation were donated to pur-
chase the (land) from the estate of David Crane back in 1965 (for Manatee County),” Ballard said.
The research was being done because the county was moving to rename the park for late Commissioner Carol Felts.
“We obviously wanted to continue
to honor the legacy of the Crane family and the history of the park, while honoring Carol, as well,” Ballard said. “And knowing Carol’s passion for local history, I’m sure that’s just how she would’ve wanted it done.”
So, instead of renaming Crane Park, a roughly 16-acre expansion of the park will be named the Carol Ann Billberry Felts Preserve. Billberry is Felts’ maiden name.
Commissioners unanimously approved the action during the March 24 commission meeting.
The land for the park extension (now the preserve) was purchased from the estate of Theolla B. Cannon for $420,000 and was originally thought to be 13.4 acres. However, the land was split up into several parcels, and the county’s survey shows it’s actually about 16 acres.
The commission approved the purchase in June 2025, after it was
Felts, who died Feb. 24 at her Myakka City home, was a member of ELMAC prior to being elected as the District 1 commissioner in 2024.
Once elected, she served as the committee’s commissioner liaison.
The dedication of the preserve on April 18 will serve as the public memorial for Felts.
“We encourage the community to join us as we honor the life and legacy of Commissioner Carol Ann Felts and recognize the lasting impact she made on Manatee County,” said Casey Zempel, Government Relations communication manager.
During the board’s approval of the 16-acre purchase to expand Crane Park, Felts noted that prior to ELMAC purchasing land in District 1, there weren’t a lot of county facilities out east. She was already envisioning the land’s future uses.
“Crane Park is under water most of the year,” Felts said. “This gives
He also remembered how the Myakka River “twisted and turned like crazy” before Manatee County bought the 17.5-acre property.
“The county straightened the river,” Carlton said. “People used to be able to do things like that and not get in trouble.”
The river was straightened when State Road 70 was rebuilt in the late 1960s. “Old State Road 70” used to run through Crane Park and had a low, wooden bridge over the river that flooded every year during the rainy season.
“(Now, the river) is a straight shot from where the old bridge was to underneath the current bridge,” Carlton said. “When they did (the work), you had waterside beaches for the whole width of Crane Park. Since then, all the willows have grown in and took away a lot of the area that the kids used to swim in.”
Photos by Lesley Dwyer Late Commissioner Carol Ann Felts will be honored April 18 at Crane Park.
Crane Park offers recreational access to the Myakka River.
The Carol Ann Billberry Felts Preserve at David J. Crane Park Dedication will be held April 18 at Crane Park in Myakka City.
Can candidate climb political ladder?
Tony Barrett hopes to earn a seat as his term as fire commissioner comes to an end.
LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER
Tony Barrett thought of renting his East County home and buying an RV to travel the United States.
Instead, he’s touring every part of Manatee County, collecting about 3,000 petitions to put his name on the ballot to run for the District 6 commission seat.
Barrett currently holds an elected East Manatee Fire Rescue commission seat that expires this year.
While touring the country in an RV surely would’ve been more fun, Barrett said his time serving East Manatee Fire Rescue sparked his candidacy and served as an audition for the role of county commissioner.
East Manatee Fire Rescue sold its old Myakka City fire station to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office in January. The deal took nearly two years to broker, and since Barrett is also a real estate agent, he took the lead in negotiations.
County commissioners had to
East County’s Tony Barrett looks over the county’s comprehensive plan with KimleyHorn’s Kelley Klepper.
approve the deal, so Barrett started paying close attention to what was happening on the county level. He began regularly watching commission meetings and thought he could bring the leadership Manatee County needs to District 6. District 6 is an at-large position that represents the entire county. Current District 6 Commissioner Jason Bearden has opted out of running for reelection.
Barrett has lived in Manatee County since 1991 when he moved from New Jersey. He remembered trying to get to the beach and being held up by chickens crossing State Road 70 at 15th Street East, so he’s watched the county grow.
He said he doesn’t see a need for the amount of new construction happening within Manatee County, but also noted that likely every candidate will talk about the county’s growth while campaigning. It’s an important topic, but there are other areas of concern, as well.
“Something as simple as street lights make people’s lives better,” Barrett said after messaging back
County.
and forth with a Parrish resident.
“(The resident) works at Publix, and when he walks home after he gets off work, it’s pitch black. It’s scary for him because there’s traffic or he could get robbed.”
As a former firefighter and paramedic, who spent 16 years in the field serving Manatee and Sarasota counties, another priority for Barrett is public safety.
He sees the deal between East Manatee Fire Rescue and the Sheriff’s Office to create a public safety compound as “the start of a vision of doing things a little bit differently in Manatee County — multipurpose areas.”
Manatee County EMS often rents space in fire stations, but Barrett sees additional opportunities to create public safety complexes when constructing other government buildings, too. He used
FRIDAY, APRIL 10 | 6 - 9 P.M. |
libraries as an example, saying it wouldn’t cost a whole lot more money to add a couple of bays and sleeping quarters to the back of a building. Barrett knows real estate. He’s owned Barrett Realty since 2004 and was the president of the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee in 2024. Barrett is also a veteran. Starting in 1986, he served as a medic for three years at Fort Dix in New Jersey. After the Gulf War started in 1990, he tried to reenlist for active duty, but the Army didn’t need more medics at the time.
So Barrett joined the reserves instead. He was never called for duty but stayed enlisted until 1994. However, it was Barrett’s real estate experience that led him to found Heroes Welcome Home, a nonprofit that provides financial
LAKEWOOD RANCH
BLOCK PARTY
Had Tony Barrett not gone into the Army and received the medic training that led him to becoming a paramedic and a firefighter, he would’ve been a hog farmer.
He worked on a hog farm as a teenager. While he doesn’t keep hogs, he does keep three raised bed gardens that are packed with tomatoes, tomatillos and peppers, which he’ll eat fresh and can for spaghetti sauce throughout the year.
Last year, he only grew cabbage, and he’s still eating canned sauerkraut a year later. Pulling weeds is how Barrett clears his mind.
assistance to veterans. The funds can cover down payments, rent, utility bills, repairs and maintenance expenses.
In 2008, Barrett was selling a home to a former Marine. The Marine had already been approved for $10,000 of assistance through Veterans Affairs, but the bank backed out of the loan because he had an “insufficient work history.”
The Marine would have paid less money on the house he wanted to purchase than the rent he was paying, but the VA only approved the assistance dollars. There was nothing the agency could do about the bank denying his loan.
“I felt horrible about it,” Barrett said. “I thought I’d love to give the guy back his money for closing costs because now he’s worse off than he was before.”
It took some time in between, but by 2013, Heroes Welcome Home was an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Given his military service, public service, business and nonprofit background, Barrett said he is qualified to serve as county commissioner.
“All these things are what have prepared me to get into this role,” he said. “I’ve been out there in the community doing the work.”
Photos by Lesley Dwyer
Tony Barrett is running for the at-large District 6 commission seat in Manatee
A knack for the crack
Sydney McCullough displays the art of whip cracking at Herrmann’s Royal Lipizzan Stallions in Myakka City.
JAY HEATER | MANAGING EDITOR
When it comes to her hobby, Myakka City’s Sydney McCullough knows how to crack the whip.
Literally. McCullough, 17, was this year’s Manatee County Fair whip cracking champion in the senior division.
For those unfamiliar with whip cracking competitions, those entered at the Manatee County Fair compete to see how many “pops” they can create in 45 seconds.
The whip makes a cracking sound when its tip (popper) breaks the speed of sound — 730 miles per hour — creating a small sonic boom by releasing energy.
AI describes the crack as “a sudden, rapid release of energy (a shock wave) into the air.”
There are many complicated, and long, explanations from physics experts on what causes the crack of the whip, but in Myakka City, Sydney and her mom, Rebecca McCullough, aren’t concerned so much with the whys.
When they present their shows at Herrmann’s Royal Lipizzan Stallions, they only talk to their crowds about the history of the whip in Florida, and then give them a cracking good demonstration.
For such a small strap to make such a big noise does startle even those in the crowd even though they are expecting the crack.
Rebecca McCullough, who has been riding and showing off Lipizzan stallions for years at Herrmann’s Royal Lipizzan Stallions, took over the operation when her mom, Gabby Herrmann, the matriarch of Herrmann’s Royal Lipizzan Stallions, died in 2021.
Sydney McCullough began her love of whipcracking four years ago. At the time, neither she nor her mom had ever cracked a whip. Sydney won her first whip in a raffle following a 2022 parade that ended at the Myakka City Historic School House.
She said that whip sat in a drawer for a year because she didn’t know how to use it.
At the time, Jolene Bryant was vol-
IF YOU GO
What: Herrmann’s Royal Lipizzan Stallions show
Where: 32755 Singletary Road, Myakka City
When: 3 p.m. Thursday and Fridays; 10 a.m. Saturdays through April 25
Cost: Tickets are $22; children 10 and younger are free; tickets for seniors and those in the military are $18
More information: Call 322-1501 or email at HerrmannsRoyalLipizzans@ gmail.com.
unteering at the Herrmann’s Royal Lipizzan ranch, and she actually made whips, including the 10-foot one Sydney McCullough won the year before. She figured Sydney might as well know how to use it, so she taught her. It didn’t take Sydney long to get the hang of it.
“It was mostly about not whacking myself,” Sydney McCullough said with a laugh.
Soon after, Rebecca McCullough decided she would learn to crack the whip along with her daughter, and she began to consider adding whipcracking to the shows. So it began, although Sydney McCullough did most of the cracking.
Rebecca McCullough respects the history of Florida, and usually tells her patrons how the Spanish brought whips with them when they brought cattle and horses to Florida.
“They needed the whips to help them get the cattle through ... well ... that,” she said, pointing toward some brush just off her property.
Thus, the name Florida crackers.
The McCulloughs’ family’s history in Myakka City dates back to 1962, when Col. Ottomar Herrmann moved to the U.S. from Austria, bringing the Lipizzans with him. The elegant horses continued to have a circus connection in this country as the Herrmann family traveled the country to show them off.
Rebecca McCullough said showing off her Lipizzans is a dying art, and she embraces whip cracking as another Florida art form that could be lost in the future.
She wasn’t sure whip cracking had been part of the Herrmann Royal Lipizzan Stallion shows in the past,
WHIP IT ... WHIP IT GOOD
Guinness world records held by whip-cracker Nathan “Whippy” Griggs
■ Longest whip cracked — 328 feet
■ Most whipcracks in one minute (two whips) — 697
■ Most whipcracks in one minute (one whip) — 359
Guinness world records held by Adam Winrich
■ Heaviest whip cracked — 46.69
pounds
■ Most candles extinguished with a whip in one minute — 102
but she learned that her aunt, Ella Herrmann, was a whip-cracker who performed in the shows.
Now, a new generation of Herrmann family whip-crackers has emerged.
According to Rebecca, Sydney McCullough is a natural talent in whip cracking and one who has to do little practice to be top notch. She said the sky would be the limit if she decided to focus on the art.
Sydney McCullough might be warming up to the idea of putting more time into it. She had not performed in the whip cracking competition at the Manatee County Fair until this year, but she said he definitely will be back.
Because Sydney McCullough is homeschooled and works the ranch, she doesn’t have a lot of connections with those who compete at the fair. She is not a member of 4-H or the Future Farmers of America. She said most of the whip-crackers at the fair also were showing animals.
When Rebecca and Sydney McCullough arrived at the competition in January, they saw many of the competitors warming up, but they were getting tangled in their whips, which were wrapped around their legs and bodies. One competitor was swinging two whips, but ended up with them being tangled together as if they were one.
“One guy was going along like he had a fly rod,” Rebecca McCullough said. “On one attempt, he struck a light (above him). It was hanging there the rest of the competition.”
Competition whips at the fair tend to be 8 to 12 feet, but can be up to 15 feet. Sydney McCullough uses an 8-foot whip because it is easier to control.
“One of the (judges) gave a long lecture to (the competitors) about not bringing long whips,” said Rebecca McCullough. “A lot of it is about rhythm, and a little about showmanship.”
When Sydney McCullough found a spot in the arena to warm up, her mom said many of the competitors were staring at her, asking, “Who is that?”
When it came time for her to post a number for her 45 seconds, she cracked the whip 40 times. She had won.
Her skill at whip cracking will continue to be a feature, and might actually be expanded, during the shows.
“I can lay down and crack (the whip),” she said with a smile.
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Photos by Jay Heater
After just four years, Sydney McCullough has become so adept at cracking whips it now is part of the show at Herrmann’s Royal Lipizzan Stallions in Myakka.
Myakka’s Sydney McCullough shows off the first place ribbon and belt buckle she won in January for whip cracking in the senior division at the Manatee County Fair.
Rebecca McCullough never had cracked a whip until her daughter won one in a raffle. Now they both have picked up the skill.
Is the April Fools’ edition foolish or fun?
Arooster walks into the bar ... No, this isn’t the first part of a joke — that was last week — so bear with me. If you are sitting in Lakewood Ranch, you probably want the dirty chicken out of there. You are wondering whether you’ve got feathers in your beer or if this is a signal the cleanliness of the bar is in question.
But if you are sitting in Key West, that’s an entirely different matter. You might pull up a stool for the rooster so you can better take selfies.
A time and place for everything?
So that’s the “place” argument, where your perspective is changed by geography.
How about a “time” example?
I give you the East County Observer’s annual April Fools’ Day edition.
For 51 weeks a year, the East County Observer works to be your No. 1 source for covering Lakewood Ranch and the surrounding area. I can promise you that since I arrived in 2015, I have had hundreds of conversations with fellow editors and reporters about what the right thing is to do. Many, many times, that can be painful, because we will pull back from a great story because it’s not the right thing to do.
But then there is that one week a year when we get ... well ... silly. I must temper this by saying only on four pages are we silly. The rest of the edition — including our Page 5, which is really our Page 1 (Please follow the bouncing ball.) — follows our creed to “do the right thing.”
The first four pages of the April Fools’ edition are meant to confound, mystify, irritate, puzzle, bewilder, baffle and flummox you until that aha moment hits you like dropping a 16-pound bowling ball on your big toe.
Check that, I guess that would be pretty painful. But I am talking more about mental impact, where
you say out loud, “Oh goodness, I am such a nit!”
Then you go back and start reading every name in each of the stories on the first four pages. Red Duroc ... Joy Kealer ... Faust Karr ... Reuben Onrye ... Serene DiMeanor ... Abel N. Reedy ... Beau Livard ... Tom Alless ... Jack Kousteau and on and on.
A quick check on AI says that people aren’t sure where April Fools’ Day originated, although often the finger is pointed toward the French when they switched from a Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar in 1592. People who were slow to figure out the calendar switch were called “April fish” because they obviously couldn’t figure out that purple plastic worm had a giant hook in it.
I don’t know if le journal had an April Fools’ edition, but I would imagine a few jokes had to be written with a quill to catch a few April
The main photo on the front page in 2016 was of a enormous alligator swimming next to a boat full of rowers at Nathan Benderson Park. That also raised a few eyebrows.
Over the years, can you think of one of your favorites, or even a story that annoyed you the most?
There was the canal system with gondolas connecting Lakewood Ranch; the new aquatics center at Premier being an above-ground pool; a new business dumping ashes in Kingfisher Lake; a cell tower mounted on a flatbed, driving through the area because reception is so bad; a land swap between Sarasota and Manatee counties.
If you have one that got you, send me a note at JHeater@YourObserver.com.
It has been obvious this year that some people have had a hard time getting that hook out of their mouths. Our receptionist has taken a stream of calls about tiny trash receptacles, called “Barbie Bins” in the story in a quote by Belle Ringer.
fish.
If I did manage to hook you with my brand of Jay Heater humor. I hope that flummoxed feeling was converted to a big belly laugh. That is the fun of April Fools’ Day.
I want a disclaimer here to say that the April Fools’ Day edition was not my idea. When I arrived in 2015, it already was in place. I had never seen such a thing, but I was assured that our readers overwhelmingly approved of it.
Since I was going to do it, I was going to do my best.
My first one came in 2016 when I wrote the story “Return of the Scum” that told readers crews were putting the algae back into the ponds in Tara Preserve. Tara Preserve’s HOA closed its office the day the paper came out because there were lines of people waiting to complain.
I didn’t want that to happen, but it was kind of funny ... wasn’t it?
The next graph told of plans to turn the former big bins into birdhouses which pleased Audubon’s Robin Nestor.
The story’s placement was underneath a Pearl Harbor bombed-sized GOTCHA headline.
But, for some, the hook remained firmly in the cheek.
Even so, some Manatee County staff members remain peeved at me. Well, I guess incensed would be a better word.
Some residents have, indeed, given them a hard time with comments such as “I’m not gonna have a bunch of Barbie bins in my yard.”
Then there was, “What in the world were you all thinking publishing an article about the Manatee County garbage cans changing from one to four as a joke — and not even on April Fools’ Day when we might think twice?”
All I can say is ... GOTCHA!
One reader was not impressed by
our April Fools’ Day edition.
“I, for one, didn’t think your fake stories were funny at all. Not what a newspaper should do. I, for one, will not read this rag anymore. Whoever thought of this should be fired or resign.”
My Executive Editor Kat Wingert sent me a note that said, “You’re fired.”
Several readers questioned our running the April Fools edition on March 26, but being a weekly in print, we would only be able to do it every seven years if we waited for the paper to fall on April 1. That is why we date those pages April 1.
A reader said it did catch him because he was in “March mode.”
“I want you to know that I read all of those articles and believed each one, especially the trash barrels.”
Another reader said his wife pointed him in the right direction.
“I couldn’t wait to mention the stories to my wife when she got home today. She believed it until she picked up the paper and said to me
“Didn’t you see the GOTCHA?”
Through it all, I do respect the fact the some want to be plain angry with me. But after receiving some blowback, I choose to focus on the positive.
“Black-bellied whistling birds harvested from Kingfisher Lake as meat for floating Taco Stand should amuse most. Another great issue. Pulitzer Prize nominee.”
And, finally, my favorite.
“I just wanted to say those stories were genius!”
Jay Heater is the managing editor for the East County Observer. Contact him at JHeater@ YourObserver.com.
Courtesy image
Did the Pig-Away kit fool you in our April Fools’ edition?
Little League strikes balance between competition and character
Creative scheduling allows 762 children to participate in the league.
When a retired, disabled veteran couldn’t cover the costs of Lakewood Ranch Little League for his child, Alan Dolhi, president of the league, made it work.
“He raked the fields for us, and his kid got to play for free,” Dolhi said.
“We have never turned a child away because they couldn’t pay, not one time, and we never will as long as I’m here.”
While the nonprofit doesn’t have a designated scholarship program, the board will find a way to help a family that is experiencing hardship.
But even without extenuating circumstances, the league makes major fundraising efforts to keep the rates affordable for every family that participates.
Each season costs the league more than $300,000 in operating expenses between field rentals, lighting, hiring umpires and ordering mounds of clay to regularly replenish the fields.
Player fees don’t cover the entirety of those costs, so the nonprofit fills that gap by hosting fundraisers and selling ads.
Team jerseys and banners tied to the fencing around the fields feature the names and logos of local businesses and families that support the program.
The league’s concession stand at Lakewood Ranch Park is also an income generator. The menu was expanded after the purchase of an industrial air fryer, and it sells so
ABOUT THE NONPROFIT
LAKEWOOD RANCH LITTLE LEAGUE
Where: 5350 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Visit: LWRLL.com
Mission statement: To provide a safe, positive and competitive environment where youth athletes develop their skills, build character and learn teamwork and sportsmanship while strengthening our community through inclusion, growth and a shared love of baseball.
much food that Dolhi was able to renegotiate their contract with Sysco (a wholesale food distributor) this past year. The league runs two seasons (spring and fall) a year. Fees start at $150 for tee ball and run up to $275 as the kids age into the older programs. Children ages 4-16 can register. Fees include a team jersey, hat, practices, plus 16 games and a playoff.
Everyone involved in the league, outside of umpires, are volunteers. That includes coaches, board members, and the concession stand crew. The league started as the Manatee G.T. Bray East Little League in 1995 and changed its name to Lakewood Ranch Little League in 2012.
The program has grown to capacity and then some. Dolhi had to “get creative with scheduling” to accommodate 762 kids this spring season, and some kids were still left on the waiting list. It doesn’t matter if it’s the player’s 10th season or if that player is the
Lesley Dwyer
Lakewood Ranch Little League plays at Lakewood Ranch Park March 25.
A Holocaust Remembrance Concert
THURSDAY, APRIL 9TH AT 7:00 PM
This powerful concert sheds light on the irreparable loss of Jewish composers of classical music in the Holocaust, featuring masterpieces that were nearly silenced forever.
Performed by French pianist Dimitri Malignan and American soprano Lily Arbisser
Suggested Donation $25 Students with ID are free
Temple Sinai, Sarasota
4631 S. Lockwood Ridge Rd, enter from Proctor
Run time: 75 minutes (with a brief intermission) Sips and Sweets Reception follows. SinaiSRQ.org for details
Dr. Kansara
at Coastal Eye Institute, is a leading expert in the field of ophthalmology, specializing in:
• Glaucoma Management & Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Procedures
• Micro-Incision Cataract Surgery
• Routine Eye Care
Don’t miss this opportunity to
Nate Carr is the vice president of Lakewood Ranch Little League, and Alan Dolhi is the president. Lakewood Ranch
Photos by Lesley Dwyer
BY ADNAN DEDIC
In the world of ultra-luxury real estate, the term “unique” is often overused—but at 3990 Higel Avenue, it is the only word that applies. Represented by Adnan Dedic, this true “1 of 1” masterpiece is currently under construction and rising above a private acre of Sarasota’s most coveted Gulf-front shoreline.
WELCOME TO 3990 HIGEL AVENUE
Set for completion in August 2026, the estate is the result of a “dream team” collaboration: architectural vision by the acclaimed DSDG Architects, masterlevel execution by Nutter Construction, and bespoke interiors by Angela Rodriguez Interiors. The result is a residence that functions less like a house and more like a world-class resort.
The residence is a masterclass in blurring the lines between structural innovation and natural beauty. In the Great Room, floor-to-ceiling windows and retractable glass walls dissolve the boundaries between the gourmet kitchen and the turquoise Gulf waters.
The primary suite serves as a private sanctuary within the home, featuring a spa-inspired bath and a private balcony designed for mesmerizing sunset views. Beyond the five ensuite bedrooms in the main house, the estate features a detached two-bedroom guest house, an elegant wine room, and a dedicated party room designed for large-scale entertaining.
AN INSIDER’S LOOK
The Estate Grounds
An exclusive one-acre Gulf-front sanctuary, introduced by a grand tropical driveway and a stately, private entrance.
The Architectural Footprint
13,035 square feet of living space across a main residence and a detached two-bedroom guest house, engineered for both stormresiliency and aesthetic grace.
The Waterfront Advantage
Rare direct ocean frontage featuring a deeded, private 20,000 lb boat lift—connecting the estate seamlessly to the Gulf of Mexico.
The Resort Experience
An infinity-edge pool, reflecting fountains, and expansive lounging terraces curated for an unparalleled al fresco lifestyle.
The Dedic Turnkey Offering
While currently under construction, the estate can be delivered fully furnished, curated to the exacting standards of Angela Rodriguez Interiors.
A TIMELESS RETREAT
Every detail—from the structural integrity to the cutting-edge smart home engineering—reflects the timeless elegance and innovation the Dedic name represents. 3990 Higel Avenue is more than just a home; it is a convergence of luxury and tranquility, offering an extraordinary living experience for the most discerning collector.
For inquiries regarding this $30,000,000 exclusive listing, contact Adnan Dedic.
PHOTO CREDIT: JOHN REVISKY
IT’S READ EVERYWHERE
Headed on a trip? Snap a photo of you on vacation holding your
then submit your photo at YourObserver.com/
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For families and seniors facing food insecurity in Manatee County, access to fresh fruits and vegetables isn’t a luxury— it’s a lifeline.
At The Food Bank of Manatee, a PLUS program of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, we see every day how nutrient-rich produce supports growing babies, strengthens children, and keeps seniors healthier and more independent. Yet fresh produce is often the hardest food for our neighbors to afford. Through our Mobile Produce Pantry and Produce on Wheels programs, we distribute fresh fruits and vegetables free of charge to Manatee County residents who need it most. This produce goes directly into homes and neighborhoods where healthy options are otherwise out of reach.
Hunger doesn’t wait. Your gift of just
BUDAPEST: Karen Strouse took the East County Observer with her to the Fountain of King Matthias in Budapest, Hungary.
SPORTS
An ‘awesome, baby!’ fundraiser
Dick Vitale, a four-time cancer survivor, hosted the event at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing.
There are four days this year Lakewood Ranch’s Dick Vitale dreads most. On each of them, his phone will ring with a potentially life-changing call.
April 3 is one of those days.
His quarterly PET scan comes the day before, when the four-time cancer survivor will undergo an imaging exam to reveal whether he’s cancerfree or his cancer has returned.
“It’s going to be a nerve-wracking time,” Vitale said.
The 86-year-old college basketball broadcaster was open about those nerves in a speech to family and friends at his “March Mayhem” fundraiser March 28 at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing in Lakewood Ranch. It was a watch party for the NCAA men’s basketball Elite Eight, benefiting pediatric cancer research via the V Foundation.
Vitale didn’t provide color commentary for Iowa vs. Illinois or Arizona vs. Purdue, as he has done during a 46-year career with ESPN. The evening’s two games lacked his signature phrases like “Awesome, baby!” and “Dipsy-doo dunk-aroo.”
Instead, he spoke about his longtime passion for helping children battle cancer.
“No kid should have to do what I’ve
done, or go through the bloodwork, the scans, the chemo, the radiation,” Vitale said. “So I’ve dedicated my life now — and am more obsessed than ever — to raise millions of dollars.”
Vitale has been cancer-free since December 2024 following a threeyear battle against four different cancer diagnoses. He was diagnosed with melanoma in August 2021 and later had lymphoma, vocal cord cancer and lymph node cancer.
Treatment forced him to put down the headset and leave his place of comfort on the sideline. His voice, heard by college basketball fans for decades, became tired and raspy.
Nearly two years passed with him off the air entirely. Vitale called ESPN’s international broadcast of the University of Connecticut vs. San Diego State in the national championship on April 3, 2023, and didn’t return until Duke at Wake Forest on Jan. 25, 2025. His on-air appearances are limited these days, but when he does tackle a game assignment, he embraces it, trying to bring his signature enthusiasm.
“The one thing that’s made a big impression on a lot of people is my passion and love for what I do — the spirit, the energy,” Vitale said. “I’ve always tried to — no matter what I do — do it to the best of my ability.”
He walked around the March Mayhem fundraiser with the help of a cane, since his legs remain weak from chemotherapy and radiation therapy. He shook more than a few hands and posed for plenty of photos.
Before stepping up to the podium for his speech, Vitale sat beside Dereck Whittenburg, sharing some laughs. Both of them were close with
“Every year, I just wanted to be better. Last year, what I had stat-wise, I wanted to exceed it by a large amount.”
HOW TO DONATE
Donations for pediatric cancer research can be made at DickVitale.com/V-Foundation. Donations can also be made to the V Foundation at V.org in the name of the Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund. You can purchase basketballs, books and hats autographed by Dick Vitale at DickVitale.com/Store, for which all money will be donated.
former NC State men’s basketball coach Jim Valvano, who alongside ESPN, co-founded the V Foundation in 1993.
Whittenburg’s airball in the waning seconds of the 1983 national championship was the assist for Lorenzo Charles, who dunked it at the buzzer to win the Wolfpack’s second title.
Among the other basketball celebrities in attendance were Marcus Liberty and Mike Brown, who played four and 11 years in the NBA, respectively. Liberty’s own relationship with Vitale began in 1988-89 during his freshman season with Illinois.
Vitale coined the nickname “Flyin’ Illini” for that team, which eventually reached the Final Four. He was also the first to say “Give me liberty, or give me death” in reference to Liberty while calling the 1987 McDonald’s All-American Game.
“When I moved here, I didn’t know he lived here,” Liberty said. “I went to a restaurant and he saw me and we hooked back up. We have been connected ever since.”
Liberty, who now runs Liberty Edge Basketball serving youth in the Sarasota-Bradenton area, has become a frequent supporter of Vitale’s fundraising efforts.
He said if there’s one thing people don’t understand about the 14-time Hall of Famer, it’s that his passion for pediatric cancer research embodies kids from all walks of life.
“What he’s all about is touching and reaching everyone,” Liberty said. “From the second I met him, he treated me actually like I was one of his kids.”
Vitale donned the headset a few weeks ago. In doing so, he called the first NCAA Tournament game of his storied career.
That was March 17 in Dayton, Ohio, when Texas faced North Carolina State for a spot in the Round of 64. The Longhorns won 68-66 on a last-second jumper.
He returned to the airwaves alongside Charles Barkley, a fellow Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer.
“Charles is as good as it gets — one of the greatest,” Vitale said. “In my 46 years at ESPN, I would say it’s one of my five best moments.”
In his March 28 speech, Vitale reflected on some of the nervous moments in his coaching career. He coached the Detroit Pistons from 1978-79 and Detroit Mercy men’s basketball from 1973-77.
He was also an assistant for Rutgers from 1971-73, recruiting players who eventually took the team to the 1976 Final Four — still the program’s only appearance.
None of those nerves, he said, compare to what he feels awaiting PET scan results.
“I’ll be a nervous wreck,” Vitale said, “when I get that call.”
Vitale has raised more than $105 million for pediatric cancer research via the V Foundation. He will host his 21st annual gala May 1 at the RitzCarlton, Sarasota, where he hopes to raise another $10 million to $12 million, he said.
“No kid should have to do what I’ve done, or go through the bloodwork, the scans, the chemo, the radiation. So I’ve dedicated my life now — and am more obsessed than ever — to raise millions of dollars.”
Dick Vitale
FAST BREAK
Grant McCray failed to make the 26-man Opening Day roster for the San Francisco Giants. The Lakewood Ranch High graduate — a 25-year-old center fielder — was optioned to the Sacramento River Cats of Triple-A. This past spring training, he posted a .267 batting average and .425 on-base percentage across 30 at-bats. McCray made his MLB debut Aug. 14, 2024, but spent most of the 2025 season in Triple-A, where he batted .250 with 71 RBIs and 15 home runs.
Ryan Waldschmidt, a Braden River High graduate, will begin his season with the Reno Aces, the Triple-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Although he, too, fell short of the Opening Day roster, the 23-year-old center fielder has moved up in the farm system. Last season, he split time between the Hillsboro Hops of High-A and Amarillo Sod Poodles of Double-A. Waldschmidt hit .302 in spring training, tallying six RBIs on 13 hits. ... One of the most accomplished players in program history for The Out-of-Door Academy football has chosen his college destination. Allen Clark, a senior running back/ linebacker, will attend Southeastern University of NAIA. In Clark’s four years with the Thunder, he tallied 4,178 rushing yards and 59 touchdowns — both program records.
... The Sarasota Paradise (1-1-1) secured their first victory as a professional soccer club March 28, defeating the Portland Hearts of Pine 1-0 at Premier Sports Campus. Midfielder Aaron Walker scored in the eighth minute on a shot from the penalty arc. Mila Pipkin, a senior at Lakewood Ranch High, has committed to UMass Boston women’s tennis of NCAA Division III.
Image courtesy of the San Francisco Giants Grant McCray will begin his seventh season in the pros with the Sacramento River Cats of Triple-A. He graduated from Lakewood Ranch High in 2019, and was selected by the San Francisco Giants with pick No. 87 of that year’s MLB Draft.
Dick Vitale has raised more than $105 million for pediatric cancer research via the V Foundation. He will host his 21st annual gala May 1 at the Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota, where he hopes to raise another $10 million to $12 million.
Photos by Jack Nelson
John Saputo, Denise Saputo, Lorraine Vitale and Dick Vitale (front) show off a donation at the “March Mayhem” fundraiser and Elite Eight watch party. The Saputos were the hosts March 28 at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing.
JACK NELSON SPORTS REPORTER
SB 538 only a first step toward adequate coaching salaries
Ask thousands of high school coaches why they do what they do. There will be an overwhelming consensus among them.
During their upbringing, every coach finds inspiration to mentor young athletes. Very few — if any — will point to money as their reason.
“You coach because you want to help kids,” said Jordan Borges, the Braden River High girls weightlifting coach. “That’s the start and the end to it.”
Not that there’s much money to be had, anyway. High school coaching has long been perceived as volunteer work, and accordingly, compensation is next to nothing.
The value of coaches at this level is immense. They deserve more — much more.
Senate Bill 538 seeks to address allowing funds generated by booster clubs to be used for extra pay of coaches, except for severance. It also allows coaches who classify as administrative personnel to negotiate with their superintendents for higher pay, up to the highest-paid administrator in their respective districts.
On March 11, the Florida Senate passed the bill by a 37-0 vote, two days after the House did the same by a 104-6 vote. It was filed Nov. 17, 2025, by Sen. Corey Simon, R-Tallahassee.
The bill is now on Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk, awaiting his signature, as of March 27. If signed, SB 538 will take effect July 1 ahead of the 2026-27 academic year.
“I feel that a lot of coaches do not have the tools to stand up and fight for (pay increases),” said Jessica Leupold, the Lakewood Ranch High girls volleyball coach. “And some coaches don’t have the support from the community, their teams — anyone. But I do feel like there is opportunity.”
High school coaches currently receive supplements, which vary in amount by sport and by district.
Those supplements are negotiated in collective bargaining agreements with teachers’ unions.
For the 2025-26 academic year, supplements for head coaches in Manatee County were set at $5,775 in football, $4,914 in basketball and $4,491 in baseball.
Whatever the sport, whatever the dollar amount, it’s nowhere near enough.
Operating a successful program entails work before and after the season that is dictated by the Florida High School Athletic Association. Many coaches work hundreds of hours yearly on their own dime.
“In no other profession are you so inadequately compensated for the work you put in, and not really have any legal ground to stand on,” said Rob Hollway, The Out-of-Door Academy football coach. “It’s been a challenge.”
Compensation of high school coaches is poor nationwide, but in Florida, it’s particularly pitiful. Look no further than the state’s average teacher salary, which was $54,875 in 2025, per the National Education Association. That’s nearly 25% lower than the national average of $72,030.
SB 538 is sorely needed. It was overdue.
Union-negotiated supplements have rarely increased, and when they do, still fall well short of equitable pay. Manatee County is one such example.
Bill Zarrella is in his seventh year at Lakewood Ranch High, and now coaches boys cross country/ track and field. His supplement has increased on just two occasions, including this academic year, when it was upped by 4%.
“When I started coaching track in the 1990s in Massachusetts, I made more then than I’m making now,” Zarrella said. “Which is hard to believe.”
The bill is a step in the right direction, no doubt, but will have an inequitable impact.
salaries for coaches.
Coach compensation would have been tied to an hourly salary in accordance with the state’s new $15 minimum wage, which will take effect in September. Every head coach was assigned a number of hours relative to the length of their sport’s season.
Football coaches, for instance, had 1,500 hours and thus would have been paid $22,500 — more than triple what the district currently pays.
“When I first saw the way it was being promoted, I was ecstatic,” said Cezar Sharbono, the Braden River High wrestling coach. “I was thinking, ‘Hey, we’re finally going to see a significant raise,’ and at one point in time, wrestling coaches were getting 1,100 hours.”
It was far more ambitious in the beginning. SB 538 initially proposed decoupling supplement schedules from teachers’ unions, while authorizing district school boards to set
That won’t happen. It didn’t make the final version of the bill.
Instead, booster clubs will be the primary avenue through which coaches can earn extra pay. That
puts power in the hands of parents and community members who oversee club finances.
Boosters generally don’t see all sports as equals. More often than not, they fundraise for major programs like football and basketball, leaving everyone else behind.
Coaches of programs that already enjoy strong booster support are poised to prosper. That will have an effect on athletic success as the rich get richer and poor get poorer.
At Lakewood Ranch High, only football benefits from the booster club. Even at Braden River High, where multiple sports benefit, some have historically been ignored.
“Even though (wrestling is) pretty much the top program there, we haven’t been top priority,” Sharbono said. “I don’t see the booster club coming out of pocket and paying wrestling coaches from the bill.”
Two pennies are still more valuable than one penny. This marks positive movement in the longfought battle for higher coaching pay.
Some coaches will receive compensation more comparable to what they deserve. For many others, though, pay will remain poor until more aggressive legislation is pushed through.
“It would be a whole new world if I could be paid a proper salary somewhere,” said Cole Richardson, the Lakewood Ranch High girls soccer coach.
Jack Nelson
Braden River High girls weightlifting coach Jordan Borges (right) shares a hug with senior Payton Mangay-Ayam. Borges said he has seen multiple Florida high school coaches leave their positions because of financial strain.
Courtesy image
Rob Hollway, The Out-of-Door Academy football coach, sees SB 538 impacting public schools more than schools like his own, which do not receive government funding.
Mickey Cohen
Senior attacker/midfielder Mickey Cohen has contributed a team-high 41 goals for the Lakewood Ranch
High boys lacrosse team, helping the Mustangs get off to a 7-3 start. He also has 12 assists, tied for second-most among his teammates. Cohen is the East County Athlete of the Week.
What’s been the source of your success?
The past two years. Sophomore year, we won districts and then last year, we were a better team, but we had some ups and downs. Every year, I just wanted to be better. Last year, what I had stat-wise, I wanted to exceed it by a large amount. I go out every game like, “I’ve got to shoot at least seven times a game. I’ve got to put some numbers up, and play a lot more aggressive.”
Why do you think this team has gotten off to a winning start? Our first two games were challenging — we played (Community School of Naples) and Canterbury. It led us in a good direction. We lost, but we knew where we were.
What were your goals entering your senior season?
I wanted to go farther than we did last year. Even though we didn’t win districts, we still got a bye into regionals. We lost in the quarterfinals. I just want to be able to do better.
What has been the focus for you lately when it comes to your own game?
Honestly, just getting everybody involved. Newer kids — kids who were brought up from (junior varsity) — just getting them involved. Let them know the plays, what ever we run. If some body misses practice, fill them in. Now, we all play together.
If you would like to make a recommendation for the East County Observer’s Athlete of the Week feature, send it to JNelson@YourObserver.com.
Why
The
ATHLETE
...
that. And the sport itself — I love it.
What quote or piece of advice have you always carried with you?
We do this quote of the week thing every week in our team chat, and our coach (Joe Nelson) put out, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” I like that one.
What’s a fun fact about you not many people know?
I’m myself. I don’t try to act different for other people. You see me here, and I’ll be the same over there.
What music helps you get in the zone during practice or before a game?
Hip-hop or rap. I can really listen to anything if the team’s singing it together.
Finish this sentence. Mickey Cohen is ... Energetic.
Waterside shell-abration
Lakewood Ranch 5-year-old River
Haedtke made a mad dash to collect as many eggs as she could grab.
That was plenty, too, as Eggstravaganza, an event hosted by Lakewood Ranch Community Activities and sponsored by Grace Community Church, spread around 10,000 eggs filled with candy.
Haedtke attended Eggstravaganza with her mom and dad, Christa and Dan, and her grandma, Janice Large. Large said she loved seeing how thrilled her granddaughter was each time she opened an egg.
“It was our first time at the Eggstravaganza, which our neighbors raved about from last year,” Christa Haedtke said. “It was an ideal time to connect with our neighbors and family and enjoy some holiday fun.”
Waterside’s Lucy Pellegrino, 6, and Dylan Pellegrino, 4, attended the event last year and were happy to be back.
“We appreciate all the Grace Community Church volunteers who devoted their time and efforts to make such a memorable, fun family event to celebrate and remember the reason for the season,” said Kristina Pellegrino, Lucy and Dylan’s mom.
Lakewood Ranch’s Karli and William Carr attended the event with their children, 4-year-old Kollins and 3-year-old Titus. They are new to the area and have grown to love Waterside Place. Their favorite part was meeting the Easter Bunny.
“The kids had an absolute blast and loved all the vendors on site,” Karli Carr said. “They definitely got a run for their money trying to keep up and grab as many eggs as they could. It was such a great turnout and a fun way to get into the spirit of Easter.”
— MADISON BIERL
Greenbrook 5-year-old twins Logan and Henry Smith are ready to enjoy the candy they collected at Eggstravaganza on March 28.
Lakehouse Cove’s Natalie Scholz, 5-year-old Gabi Scholz and Suzi Scholz attend Eggstravaganza at Waterside Park on March 28.
Dean Tumbush, 3, and Walker Tumbush, 6, are visiting the Easter Bunny all the way from Ohio.
Lakewood Ranch sisters Jade Lowrey, 5, and Hazel Lowrey, 3, had fun collecting eggs and getting their faces painted at Eggstravaganza.
Waterside’s Lucy Pellegrino, 6, and Dylan Pellegrino, 4, show off their Easter baskets during Eggstravaganza.
Lakewood Ranch’s Bennett Puzzo, 1, fills her basket during Eggstravaganza at Waterside Park on March 28.
Photos by Madison Bierl
Trying to clean up with ‘dirty soda’
The ‘dirty soda’ mobile business is owned by Lakewood Ranch’s Amber Hanratty, who saw an opening in the market.
MADISON BIERL STAFF WRITER
Lakewood Ranch’s Amber Hanratty was lying on her couch, scrolling through TikTok videos of people who were making “dirty sodas” all over the country, except in Florida.
She was inspired to follow in their footsteps, and created the mobile business Dirty Sara-Soda.
“These girls were their own bosses and they had their friends working with them,” Hanratty said of the business owners she saw online. “They were having fun. They picked their own events and they were running the show.”
But even more important, they were making good money.
“I told my husband (James) ‘It’s a chance, but it’s a chance I want to take.’”
His response was, “Dirty what?”
For the last 25 years, Hanratty
had been in the homebuilding and construction business, so this was her chance to own something herself. She launched Dirty Sara-Soda in January.
Dirty sodas are a mixture of soda and syrups, with no alcohol.
“Watching Amber build this from the ground up has been incredible,”
James Hanratty said. “She’s had this vision for a while and seeing her actually go out and make it real — the trailer, the menu, all of it — is something I’m genuinely proud of. She puts everything into what she does and Dirty Sara-Soda is no different.”
It was Amber and James’ 14-yearold son, Bronx, who came up with the name of the business. He and his mom were driving down I-75 when he stretched his arms out in the air and emphasized the “sota” in Sarasota.
Bronx Hanratty often makes sure their customers know where the name originated.
“Whenever customers come up and talk about the name, I am the first one to say, ‘Oh yeah, that’s me’ and they always laugh,” Bronx Hanratty said. It’s awesome to see my mom grow like this.”
Once she started her business,
Amber Hanratty has worked a variety of events including Ranch Nite Wednesdays at Waterside Place. One of her first events was with Sunshine Movers in January. Blake Fitzpatrick, owner and founder of Sunshine Movers, said Dirty Sara-Soda’s drinks are unique and are great nonalcoholic drinks for events, especially when kids are present.
“My kids love them, and I have three kids,” Fitzpatrick said. “They each went and came back, two or three times to hit me up for money.” Amber Hanratty offers dirty
DIRTY SARA-SODA
For more information on Dirty Sara-Soda, including the menu and how to book, visit LinkTR.ee/DirtySaraSoda.
sodas, build-your-own sodas, refreshers and lemonades. She also offers seasonal menus. She named the drinks after different locations and things in the Sarasota area. Examples include “The Ringling,” “Manatee Float,” “Siesta Beach” and “Bayfront Breeze.”
“I wanted it to be a Sarasota staple,” said Hanratty, who lives with her family in Indigo. “I wanted it to represent Sarasota because Sarasota has so much to offer.”
Fitzpatrick said he is impressed by how quickly Hanratty has booked so many events.
“I know people who have their own pop-ups and other mobile bars and they all start off just doing one or two events here and there,” Fitzpatrick said. “Every time I look at my Facebook, she’s at another location doing another thing and not just little things. She’s doing events that involve communities and businesses. Places that people work their butts off to get to and she’s already there.”
One of Amber Hanratty’s priorities is to have excellent customer service. She wants to be remembered for more than just the product itself.
“People are going to remember, it was a great drink, but I want them to remember ‘She was amazing,’” Hanratty said. “‘She directed me to the right drink. She’s so fun. She always has a smile on her face. She loves our people in our community.’ That’s the thing I want to be remembered, not just for my product, but it’s a package.”
Tranell Khan, the Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy cooperative co-chair, said she was impressed by Hanratty and Dirty
Sara-soda when she was hired for a school staff appreciation event.
“She was friendly and so easy to work with,” Khan said. “We had the best experience with her and her soda truck. The drinks were creative, delicious and fully customizable. The staff loved her drinks and are still talking about them. I highly recommend for any party, school event or celebration. We will definitely be bringing her back!”
Hanratty offers loyalty cards to repeat customers.
“When I see people in line and
they got this in their hand, that is such a good feeling for me,” Hanratty said. “That means they’re coming back because they loved it so much.”
Hanratty’s goal is to eventually have a brick and mortar in Sarasota. “I hope every customer walks away smiling — not just because the drink is amazing, but because they felt seen and taken care of,” Hanratty said. “My goal is to build something this community is proud of, something that feels like it truly belongs here in the 941.”
Indigo’s Amber Hanratty, who was in the building industry for 25 years, now has her own business called Dirty Sara-Soda.
Photos by Madison Bierl
Dirty Sara-Soda, a mobile business owned by Amber Hanratty, launched in January. It was important to her that both the drinks and the trailer provide a fun experience for customers.
Courtesy image
Dirty Sara-Soda offers dirty sodas, build-your-own sodas, refreshers and lemonades. Most are themed around the Sarasota area.
A New Standard of Wellness Living Arrives in Downtown Sarasota
As the definition of luxury continues to evolve, so too does the expectation of how we live each day. Today’s most sought-after residences are no longer defined solely by finishes or location, but by how thoughtfully they support overall well-being. In Downtown Sarasota, One Park Sarasota is emerging as a response to this shift—introducing a lifestyle centered on balance, movement, and daily renewal.
Currently under construction within The Quay’s waterfront district, the boutique luxury condominium is designed to integrate wellness into everyday life through more than 40,000 square feet of curated indoor and outdoor amenities.
Fitness with a View of Sarasota Bay
At One Park Sarasota, wellness begins with movement. The building’s state-of-the-art Fitness Studio is designed to make exercise both energizing and intuitive, pairing highperformance equipment with expansive views of Sarasota Bay. Floor-to-ceiling windows fill the space with natural light, reinforcing a connection between physical activity and the surrounding environment.
Dedicated Pilates and spin studios provide space for more focused training, while an outdoor yoga and fitness lawn extends the experience beyond the walls, offering residents the opportunity to bring fresh air and sunshine into their daily routines.
The Art of Restoration at the Wellness Spa
Recovery and relaxation are equally central to the wellness experience at One Park Sarasota.
The Wellness Spa is designed as a dedicated retreat, an environment where residents can move seamlessly from activity to restoration without leaving home.
At its center is the Hammam Spa, inspired by ancient Turkish bathing traditions and reimagined for modern living. Through a sequence of heat and steam experiences, the Hammam is designed to promote deep cleansing, improved circulation, and full-body renewal. The ritualbased nature of the space encourages a slower pace, allowing residents to disconnect and reset both physically and mentally.
Complementing the Hammam are separate his and her sauna and steam rooms, providing additional opportunities to detox, relax muscles, and support overall well-being.
Private locker areas and thoughtfully designed transitions between spaces create a seamless, spa-like experience, one that prioritizes both comfort and privacy.
A Pool Deck Designed for Connection and Balance
Elevated above the city on the fourth-level amenity deck, the pool experience at One Park Sarasota is designed to bring together wellness, social connection, and open-air living.
Positioned to capture light, views, and breezes from Sarasota Bay, the resort-style pool and deck offers a layered environment where residents can move effortlessly between relaxation and activity. Lounge areas are thoughtfully arranged to encourage both gathering and quiet retreat, while the elevated setting provides a sense of separation from the pace of the city below.
Hot and cold plunge pools introduce a wellness-driven element, supporting circulation and post-workout recovery, while
the surrounding spaces invite residents to spend extended time outdoors. A juice bar complements the experience, offering fresh, health-conscious options that align with an active, balanced lifestyle.
“Wellness has become a defining part of modern luxury. At One Park, it’s about creating an environment where movement, relaxation, and connection are part of everyday living.”
—Robert Robinson, One Park Sales Executive Wellness That Extends Into the Residence
At One Park Sarasota, the concept of wellness continues within each private residence. The building’s 86 homes are designed to foster a sense of calm and connection, with floor-toceiling glass inviting natural light and expansive views into everyday living.
Private terraces create an extension of the home outdoors, while smart home technology, refined finishes, and thoughtfully integrated features, such as midnight bars in the primary suites, add both comfort and intentionality to daily life.
ARTIST CONCEPTUAL RENDERING
A swing at networking
f Jessica Courtney of Spartan Air Solutions and Melissa Weiman of Trademark Roofing can agree on one thing, it’s that roofing and air go together like peanut butter and jelly.
That is why they handed out Uncrustables (frozen peanut butter and jelly sandwiches) as a vendor during the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance’s annual fundraiser. The Ranch Scramble took place at Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club on March 30.
Both of their businesses, which are LWRBA members, work toward the same goal — educating and assisting customers to the best of their abilities.
“It’s beautiful,” Courtney said. “It’s exciting that we can collaborate and show that individually we are great, but together we’re better.”
Brittany Lamont, president and CEO of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, said the alliance is proud to bring local businesses together, both to golf and showcase their businesses. She said the tournament is one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for the alliance.
Chad Choate of Level Four Group said he loves the opportunity to spend time with friends.
“The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance always puts on a great Ranch Scramble,” Choate said.
Wayne Parrish is chair of the board of directors for the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance. He said it is incredible to see so many members of the community come together, whether they already do business together or are meeting for the first time.
“What I hear from other people is the alliance is different from other membership organizations around the area,” Parrish said. “Everybody says it feels like more of a family.”
Parrish encourages any local business members to join the alliance and join a committee in order to get the most engagement as possible.
— MADISON BIERL
Photos by Madison Bierl
Craig Stevenson, of Snell Engineering, practices his swing before the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance’s Ranch Scramble on March 30.
Justin Rickrode of Gallagher Afinity takes a swing in the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance’s Ranch Scramble on March 30.
Trademark Roofing’s Jeff Parker, Tristan Starbird, Jason Harper and Devin Tyler are happy to play in the Ranch Scramble.
New College of Florida golfer
YOUR CALENDAR
BEST BET
THURSDAY, APRIL 2 THROUGH SUNDAY, APRIL 5
LECOM SUNCOAST CLASSIC
Gates open at 7 a.m. each day of the tournament at Lakewood National Golf Club, 17605 Lakewood National Parkway, Lakewood Ranch. Come see future PGA Tour stars compete for a $1 million purse on the Korn Ferry Tour. Tickets start at $20; military members, first responders and teachers are free each day of the tournament; children 17 and younger admitted free. Free parking and shuttles are located at Premier Sports Campus, 5895 Post Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. For more information, go to LECOMSuncoastClassic.com.
COMMUNITY
THURSDAY, APRIL 2
SIGHTS AND SOUNDS
Begins at 6 p.m. at Waterside Place, 1561 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch. The Sights and Sounds free concert series continues in Waterside with New Horizons — Music Compound as the featured attraction. The program is designed to offer adults the opportunity to learn, practice and perform music in a group setting. Bring a lawn chair as seating is limited. For more information, go to WatersidePlace.com.
THURSDAY, APRIL 2 THROUGH SATURDAY, APRIL 4
SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Begins each day at 8 a.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, The Open
Water National and Junior National Championships will feature swimmers competing for national championships in open water events. The event is free, but parking is $15 on Regatta Island. For a full schedule of the action, go to NathanBendersonPark.org/Events/.
THURSDAY, APRIL 2 THROUGH SUNDAY, APRIL 5
LIVE MUSIC AT JIGGS LANDING Runs from 3-6 p.m. each day at Jiggs Landing, 6106 63rd St. E., Bradenton. The live music lineup at Jiggs Landing includes Steve Arvey (Thursday), Al Fuller’s Midnight Movers (Friday), Bluestar Band (Saturday) and St. David (Sunday). The Friday and Saturday shows are $5; the others are free. For information, go to JiggsLanding.com.
Vinnie Portell Neal Shipley was all smiles after winning the 2025 LECOM Suncoast Classic at Lakewood National Golf Club.
FRIDAY, APRIL 3 AND
SATURDAY, APRIL 4
MUSIC AT THE PLAZA
Runs from 6-9 p.m. at Waterside Place, 1561 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch. On Friday, Dana Lawrence entertains by playing rock, blues, reggae and New Orleans Soul. On Saturday, country, rock and soul singer Jesse Daniels is the featured attraction. For more information about the free music series, go to WatersidePlace.com.
SATURDAY, APRIL 4
PARADISE SOCCER
Begins at 7:30 p.m. at Premier Sports Campus, 5895 Post Blvd, Lakewood Ranch. The Sarasota Paradise club, now 1-1-1, hosts One Knoxville SC. The Paradise professional soccer club continues its first season in USL League One with a home match. Tickets start at $13 and can be purchased at SarasotaParadise.us.
ROOFTOP YOGA
Begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Lakewood Ranch Library, 16410 Rangeland Parkway, Lakewood Ranch. Adults (18-and-older) can participate in the Rooftop Yoga program. The donation-based group class is designed to inspire and invigorate. Beginners are welcome along with those with experience. The workout focuses on balancing effort and ease through breath work and postures. Those who participate are asked to bring a yoga mat. For information, go to MyLWR.com.
SATURDAY, APRIL 4 AND
SUNDAY, APRIL 5
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. Linger Lodge’s live music schedule includes Str8 Edge Duo on Saturday and Tom Sellitti on Sunday.
SUNDAY, APRIL 5
POLO
Doors open at 10 a.m. and the action begins at 1 p.m. at the Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Sarasota. The polo season runs every Sunday through April 12. The April 5 event will include an egg drops from a helicopter at halftime. Tickets start
at $20. Each Sunday has a theme for those who want to participate. For more information or to buy tickets, go to SarasotaPolo.com.
FARMERS MARKET
Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Lakefront Drive in Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch. The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch, which was voted as the top farmers market in the nation in 2025, will run yearround every Sunday. Vendors offer seafood, eggs, meats, dairy products, pastas, bakery goods, jams and pickles, among other items. Other features are children’s activities and live music. For information, visit MyLWR.com.
YOGA IN THE PARK Runs 8-9 a.m. at Waterside Park, 7301 Island Cove Terrace, Sarasota. Start the morning off with gentle yoga with lake views. For information, go to MyLWR.com.
TUESDAY, APRIL 7
MARKET AT THE PARK
Runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. The Market at Nathan Benderson Park runs on Tuesdays and features local artists, small businesses and crafters from all walks of life. In addition, there will be a kids zone, food trucks, live music and themed events. Go to NathanBendersonPark.org for more information.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8
RANCH NITE WEDNESDAYS
Runs from 6-9 p.m. at 1560 Lakefront Drive in Waterside Place. Join the crowd at Waterside Place enjoying the food trucks and live music or playing in the cornhole league during Ranch Nite Wednesdays. Weekly programming is offered each week in Gateway Park. No outside food or beverage is allowed. For more information, visit MyLWR.com.
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at Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
To schedule an appointment, call 866-515-9777 or visit lakewoodranchmedicalgroup.com.
Putting the spotlight on charity
so much fun to see those women on stage, displaying these fashions in such a fun and sassy way.”
During the last 25 years, each of those women had made a difference within the University Park Women’s Club. Some were former presidents, others special interest groups chairs and others have been members for more than 20 years.
The club’s “Lights, Camera, Legacy” fashion show and luncheon was held March 25 at Grove.
Carol Shabe and Bette Graves were the co-chairs for the show. The models wore clothes from J. McLaughlin and Darci’s boutique in Sarasota.
Daria Charlesworth, president of the University Park Women’s Club, said the future is bright for the club because so many women make positive contributions in the past.
“We stand on the shoulders of the women who have laid the groundwork for us,” Charlesworth said. “It was
Funds raised from the show will be donated to two local nonprofits — Women’s Resource Center and Feeding Empty Little Tummies.
Jessica Ryherd, the executive director of Feeding Empty Little Tummies, said those donations are important.
“The fashion show was about so much more than the runway,” Ryherd said. “It was about raising awareness and making sure no child in our community goes to bed hungry. We’re incredibly grateful to be part of something so meaningful.”
Vicki DiPaolo, who was president of the University Park Women’s Club from 2021 to 2023, agreed with Ryherd.
“The charities I have been able to be a part of have focused on women and children in meaningful ways,” DiPaolo said. — MADISON BIERL
Photos by Madison Bierl
Leslie Timme, a member of the University Park Women’s Club for eight years, and Jessica Ryherd, executive director of Feeding Empty Little Tummies, socialize at the “Lights, Camera, Legacy” fashion show.
Jan Doench, wearing a look by J. McLaughlin and escorted by Bart Schubert, has been a member of the University Park Women’s Club for all 25 years and served as president from 2007 to 2008.
Carolou Marquet, modeling a dress and fascinator from Darci’s boutique, walks the runway alongside Brad Stark.
Carol Osten, Sara Osten and Jayne Kotey, members of the event’s design team, socialize before the fashion show begins.
Pam Yulke models an outfit by J. McLaughlin at the “Lights, Camera, Legacy” fashion show. She has been in the University Park Women’s Club for 23 years.
Country Club home tops sales at $4.55 million
ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR
Ahome in Country Club topped the week’s sales at $4.55 million. Gregory Shepard, of Lakewood Ranch, sold his home at 7028 Portmarnock Place to CHRONICWHIRL LLC for $4.55 million. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, five-and-three-half baths, a pool and 7,072 square feet of living area. It sold for $2.25 million in 2010.
WILD BLUE AT WATERSIDE
Susan Brown, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the home at 1182 Blue Shell Loop to Mark David Henderson and Jill Ann Henderson, of Sarasota, for $4,325,000. Built in 2024, it has three bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 4,376 square feet of living area. It sold for $4,308,000 in 2024.
Kenneth and Katina Shanahan, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 1206 Blue Shell Loop to Douglas and Anna McMahan, of Village of Lakewood, Illinois, for $3.3 million. Built in 2024, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,794 square feet of living area. It sold for $2,836,700 in 2024.
Jesse and Katherine Zuckerman, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 1043 Blue Shell Loop to Daniel Feely and Anne Feely, trustees, of Sarasota, for $2.2 million. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,756 square feet of living area. It sold for $2,314,100 in 2025.
COUNTRY CLUB
James and Elisebeth Larranaga, of Coral Gables, sold their home at 7007 Portmarnock Place to Robert and Kelly Fonte, of Bloomsbury, New Jersey, for $2.35 million. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, four-and-three-half baths, a pool and 5,008 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,325,000 in 2014.
Vincent and Margaret Kennedy, trustees, sold the home at 12516 Thornhill Court to Diani Santucci Johnson, trustee, of Southport, North Carolina, for $789,000. Built in 2011, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,992 square feet of living area. It sold for $425,000 in 2019.
Ray and Carol Lucas, trustees, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the home at 7423 Lake Forest Glen to JoGena and Thomas Howlett, of Lakewood Ranch, for $725,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,136 square feet of living area. It sold for $350,000 in 2012.
Roberta Bohmer, of West Chester, Ohio, sold her home at 7649 Portstewart Drive to Joseph Turpin, of Lakewood Ranch, for $656,700. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,112 square feet of living area. It sold for $828,800 in 2006.
Unison Midgard Holdings LLC sold the home at 12240 Thornhill Court to Charles Michael Carman and Kathryn Elaine Carman, of West Chester, Ohio, for $625,000. Built in 2011, it has three bedrooms, twoand-a-half baths, a pool and 2,582 square feet of living area. It sold for $501,200 in 2011.
SHOREVIEW
Alan Pouyat and Elizabeth Coughlin-Pouyat, of Sarasota, sold their home at 7949 Sunset Pines Drive to David Wayne Pitts, of Bonita Springs, for $1.95 million. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,894 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,495,900 in 2023.
Lawrence Earl Jarvis and Lisa Anne Jarvis, of Bradenton, sold their home at 1402 Sailview Place to Brandon and Kara Rein, of Sarasota, for $1,325,000. Built in 2024, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,486 square feet
of living area. It sold for $1,240,700 in 2024.
Sean and Kristyn Savage, of Bradenton, sold their home at 7765 Grande Shores Drive to Nicholas George Ciago and Randi Meredith Booth, of Bradenton, for $1.22 million. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,898 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.25 million in 2025.
RIVERDALE REVISED
Scott Joseph Lamb and Elizabeth Shear, of Bradenton, sold their home at 512 Mast Drive to Anita and John Lupoli, of Highlands, North Carolina, for $1,665,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, a pool and 3,346 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.43 million in 2020.
Kadin Kerns and Dayle Hoffman, of Bradenton, sold their home at 4603 Third Ave. E. to Third Day Built LLC for $680,000. Built in 1978, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,200 square feet of living area. It sold for $777,000 in 2023.
POMELLO CITY
Andrew Paul Burgess and Jamie Michelle Burgess, of Raleigh, North Carolina, sold their home at 20207 71st Ave. E. to Solomon and Laura Honors and Heather Cone, of Bradenton, for $1.65 million. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, fourand-a-half baths, a pool and 3,890 square feet of living area. It sold for $809,000 in 2018.
POMELLO PARK
Kenneth Robert Madison and Nichol Virginia Madison, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the home at 22803 67th Ave. E. to Nichole and Robert Reifeis Jr., of Coldwater, Michigan, for $1,575,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,499 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.07 million in 2022.
LAKE CLUB
Steven Pachel, trustee, of Osage, Minnesota, sold the home at 8241 Pavia Way to David Young and Sarah Petti, of Bradenton, for $1,487,500. Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,621 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,558,900 in 2023.
ESPLANADE
Stephen and Lynda Solimine sold their home at 4637 Benito Court to James and Heidi Rapp, trustees, of Bradenton, for $1.35 million. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,045 square feet of living area. It sold for $732,500 in 2018.
Lisa and Frank Harris, trustees, of Belmont, North Carolina, sold the home at 5026 Tivoli Run to Trevor and Deborah Lynn Kirby, of Bradenton, for $920,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,339 square feet of living area. It sold for $633,800 in 2017.
LAKEWOOD NATIONAL GOLF
CLUB
William Carey, of Bradenton, sold his home at 6016 Nicklaus Cove to Matthew Tice, of Pinckney, Michigan, for $1.31 million. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, twoand-a-half baths, a pool and 2,359 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,185,000 in 2024.
Gerard Francis Menze and Linda Louise Menze, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the home at 17609 Hickok Belt Loop to Alex and Christie Duhamel, of Osterville, Massachusetts, for $775,000. Built in 2020, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,900 square feet of living area. It sold for $499,000 in 2020.
PRESERVE AT PANTHER RIDGE
Larissa Alexandra Pollack and Joseph Pollack, of Asheville, North Carolina, sold their home at 22455 Panther Loop to James Fitzsimmons and Valerie Schulz, of Old Westbury, New York, for $1,265,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,660 square feet of living area. It sold for $675,000 in 2015.
Elmer Robert Templeton III and Laura Templeton, of Zionsville,
RESIDENTIAL
TRANSACTIONS MARCH 16-20
Pennsylvania, sold their home at 8243 Snow Egret Place to Kaye and Mark Bowles, of Bradenton, for $760,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,110 square feet of living area. It sold for $500,000 in 2021.
COUNTRY CLUB EAST
Michael and Nancy Hall, trustees, of Venice, sold the home at 7209 Whittlebury Trail to Michael and Kristene Lang, of Albany, New York, for $1,175,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,555 square feet of living area. It sold for $772,900 in 2020.
EMERALD LANDING AT WATERSIDE
Weekley Homes LLC sold the home at 1634 Springwell Lane to Lee Jeffrey Albertson and Deirdre Dugan Albertson, of Apex, North Carolina, for $870,000. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,365 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,704,900 in 2025.
POLO RUN
Todd Scott and Mary Nicolai-Scott, trustees, of Edgerton, Wisconsin, sold the home at 17344 Polo Trail
Courtesy image
A Country Club home at 7028 Portmarnock Place sold for $4.55 million. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, five-and-three-half baths, a pool and 7,072 square feet of living area.
STRESSLESS BLOWOUT SALE
Real estate
to Jill Carrie Schachter and Jacques Levy, trustees, of Sarasota, for $850,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,326 square feet of living area. It sold for $452,000 in 2021.
RIVERDALE
Terrence McGovern and Ileana Gordillo McGovern, of Englewood, sold their home at 144 41st Circle E. to John Reed, of Bradenton, for $840,000. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,762 square feet of living area. It sold for $256,800 in 2002.
LORRAINE LAKES
William Taylor and Kelly Carol Travis, of Bradenton, sold their home at 16544 Whale Grey Place to Phillip and Shavonne Slobogin, of Kansas City, for $770,000. Built in 2022, it has five bedrooms, four-andthree-half baths, a pool and 3,344 square feet of living area. It sold for $720,200 in 2022.
AZARIO ESPLANADE
David Gilmore, trustee, of Bradenton, sold the home at 3303 Vicenza Court to Giuliano and Josephine Valentino, of New Hyde Park, New York, for $760,000. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, three-and-ahalf baths and 2,101 square feet of living area. It sold for $662,500 in 2024.
PARK EAST AT AZARIO
Anita Mouroutsos and Denis Tsoukalas, of Bradenton, sold their home at 16106 Culpepper Drive to Michael Jernigan and Laurie Steppach, of Bradenton, for $756,000. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,419 square feet of living area. It sold for $565,000 in 2021.
BRADEN WOODS
Bradly Scott Jones and Nichole Jones, of Longboat Key, sold their home at 9003 63rd Ave. Drive E. to Holly Burningham, of Fort Myers, for $750,000. Built in 1987, it has three bedrooms, two baths and
1,827 square feet of living area. It sold for $560,000 in 2024.
CLUBSIDE AT COUNTRY CLUB
EAST
John Michael Glorioso and Sarah Glorioso, of Myakka City, sold their Unit 17-C condominium at 7425 Divot Loop to Michael James Adams and Diane Lynn Adams, of Bradenton, for $745,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,332 square feet of living area. It sold for $345,000 in 2019.
MILL CREEK
Marci Manna and Arno Wehr III, of Jacksonville, sold their home at 634 137th St. N.E. to Ernesto Cordero, of Wauchula, for $740,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, twoand-two-half baths, a pool and 2,338 square feet of living area. It sold for $760,000 in 2023.
DEL WEBB
Charles Terence Butwid, of Sarasota, sold his home at 6925 Chester Trail to Anthony and Emily Collins, of Sarasota, for $725,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,511 square feet of living area. It sold for $925,000 in 2023.
PALM WEST
Anthony Paul Langello and Luiza Mota Langello, of Bradenton, sold their home at 5309 Gardens Drive to Rex and Lisa Harris, of West Chester, Ohio, for $698,000. Built in 1991, it has three bedrooms, twoand-a-half baths, a pool and 2,358 square feet of living area. It sold for $430,000 in 2020.
SERENITY CREEK
Sarah Elizabeth Riehm and Gabriel Gebien Vallanueva Pattison, of Bradenton, sold their home at 13148 Bliss Loop to Landa Marie Fox and Joel Spencer Rasho, of Bradenton, for $665,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,931 square feet of living area. It sold for $520,000 in 2019.
NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH
ADDITIONALLY ... by Ricky Sirois, edited by Taylor Johnson
