The Braden River High School mixed raider team, which includes seniors Brinlee Johnson, Ethan Hunt, Samuel Martinez and Karina Gutierrez (above) placed second overall in the Masters Division at the 2026 JROTC National Raider Challenge April 17-19 at Fort Knox, Kentucky.
It was a three-day event in which they competed in seven events designed to test physical fitness, critical thinking and ability to work as a team.
“It’s all mental,” said Johnson, who is the raider team commander. “We aspired through the season to always maintain a can-do attitude and to prove we belong on the national podium.”
Planting roots in Lakewood Ranch
Steve Zielinski of the InterDistrict Authority, Brad Perez of Cepra Landscape and Paige Venuto of Lakewood Ranch Community Activities (above) were among those who planted a tree at Greenbrook Adventure Park on Earth Day. It was planted April 22 and they said it also was in honor of 250 years of the United States.
Venuto said LWRCA wanted to be part of planting a tree the residents can enjoy.
Perez said when the IDA approached Cepra Landscape about donating a tree, the company jumped at the opportunity.
“It’s something we do everyday, but it’s good to support the cause,” Perez said.
$0.10
Courtesy photo
parrot.
Courtesy image
Madison Bierl
County delays baseball field construction at CCE Park
Parents of students at Willis Elementary School currently use the park as a secondary point to drop off and pick up students.
MADISON BIERL STAFF WRITER
When word was sent April 20 that Country Club East Park, located next to Willis Elementary School, would be shut down for construction of the three new youth baseball fields as early as May 1, some parents were panicked. With a month left in the school
year, parents wondered where would they park their cars and golf carts to pick up their children to be released from school. Parents use the park to avoid the congested car line.
On April 22, some parents expressed their concerns about the park at a PTO meeting, and also sent their concerns to Richard Tatem, the school board member who represents District 5, and to Manatee County District 5 Commissioner Bob McCann.
Tony Curtis has two children who attend Willis and utilize the park — his fifth grade son, Bailley, and his fourth grade daughter, Fey. He was present at the PTO meeting.
“I'm not against having community programs, such as baseball fields and football fields,” Curtis said. “My
son plays flag football, but come on, let’s do it right. Let’s do it right so the safety of the kids is first. That’s all we’re saying. It's very important to give us some time to plan.”
In a message by Tatem to the parents, he said he was frustrated that Manatee County and the School District of Manatee County didn’t have a better plan of action because the school is in such close proximity to the park. He said there were conversations happening between the parties involved to potentially delay the closure, but said it is ultimately up to the county as it owns the property.
“I wish I could wave a magic wand and delay the project 30 days and make all this better, but we are now dealing with two large government bureaucracies — contracts, legalities
STATEMENT FROM MANATEE COUNTY
“Manatee County remains committed to delivering this important project while being mindful of the needs of students, families and school operations nearby. In coordination with the School District, we made the decision to begin construction after the school year ends to help minimize disruption during a critical time for students and staff. We appreciate the strong partnership with the School District and will continue working closely together as this project moves forward.”
and all those types of things — that go along with it,” Tatem said.
On April 24, with McCann leading the way, Manatee County announced it would delay closing off the park until May 29, when school ends for the summer. The decision was ultimately made by Manatee County Administrator Charlie Bishop after McCann’s urging.
Carolyn Bowerman has children enrolled in preschool, first grade and fourth grade at the school. Prior to the announcement of the delay, she said she was frustrated by the lack of transparency and all of the finger pointing (at Little League, at the school board, at the commissioners).
“We feel like the benefit and the best interest of the kids are the least concern for everybody involved in the project, which is really disappointing,” Bowerman said. “Essentially, they’re building, but they don't care how it affects our school and our kids day to day.”
She said it is a significant relief that the county listened to the community so the end of the school year will not be impacted. She said her focus now shifts to the long-term safety of the children.
“We hope the builders and commissioners will follow this positive momentum by collaborating with parents and school administration to design a safe, temporary walking path around the construction zone for the upcoming school year,” Bowerman said. Ensuring our students
retain their right to safely walk to school is nonnegotiable.”
Michelle Merenda is a parent who has a second grader at Willis Elementary. She said she knows they are fortunate to have access to the park and she doesn’t take it for granted.
“Walker access serves as a critical support system for both zoned and choice families, many of whom balance long commutes, multiple jobs, multiple kids at different schools and complex schedules,” Merenda said. “It provides a reliable and flexible dismissal option that helps families manage daily logistics. We need walkers back as soon as possible during the school year.”
Nate Carr is the vice president of both Willis Smith Construction, who are building the fields, and Lakewood Ranch Little League, who will use them.
He said the previous request to start construction May 1 — pending final permit approval — was due to logistics.
In order to start receiving deliveries of the needed equipment (including light poles) the space (including the park) needs to be blocked off. Carr said the reality is there is one roadway leading to the park that will be full of equipment, and it is not safe or responsible to mix construction traffic with kids. The plan was to start fencing off and preparing the land May 1 and the light poles were supposed to be delivered May 18. Now they are delaying all of it.
“We won’t put equipment or materials on-site until the site is fenced off and safe,” Carr said. “We always want to ensure safety for all of our crews and the public.”
Carr said he wanted to begin construction at the end of the school year as opposed to the start of the next school year because the first week of school is chaotic. More parents driving their kids to school compared to the rest of the year.
He said the whole project will take approximately nine months.
The school district sent out an additional statement informing parents that they are reviewing arrival and dismissal procedures and are looking for ways to strengthen both safety and efficiency with the changes. They are working on adding a second car-rider lane.
Photos by Madison Bierl
Elizabeth Scatena picks up her kids, and Willis Elementary students, Isabella Sandovete, Haven Scatena and Alina Scatena, at Country Club East Park. Kingsley Sweetholmes (back middle) is another student who gets picked up at the park.
Elections forge ahead with revamped Supervisor of Elections office
Scott Farrington will use new equipment and his experience to justify the faith voters showed in him during the 2024 election.
LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER
The two most stressful hours of Scott Farrington’s job are between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. on an election day.
Farrington was elected as Manatee County’s Supervisor of Elections in 2024, but he’s spent his entire career working elections.
One might think that last-minute ballots and end-of-the-day results would cause the most stress on election days. But given the use of modern equipment and technology, an old-fashioned locked door can cause more stress before the sites are even scheduled to open.
“We don’t encourage this,” Farrington said, “But we’ve had poll workers break windows to get into (polling locations).”
Assistant Supervisor Sharon Stief, who celebrated 35 years working at the Supervisor of Elections office March 20, had heard a story about Manatee County poll workers setting up shop in a parking lot because they couldn’t get anyone on the phone to let them into the polling site building.
A parking lot won’t do in today’s world.
Modern voting machines require electricity, and Manatee County now has the most high-tech equipment on the market, including 100 new tabulators for polling locations, a high-speed scanner and tabulator to count vote-by-mail ballots, and the latest audit machines and software available.
While the Supervisor of Elections position generally is a rather obscure political position, Farrington will be in the spotlight during the upcoming primaries and general election because of an odd sequence of events in 2024.
THE HIATUS
“I’ve been with Manatee County since 2013, so 13 years with a little hiatus,” Farrington said of his time at the Supervisor of Elections office.
Prior to Manatee County, Farrington spent 10 years working elections in Sarasota County. He’s a Certified Elections Registration Administrator and a Master Florida Certified Election Professional.
Farrington seemed a shoo-in to replace former SOE Mike Bennett after Bennett’s retirement March 1, 2024, but Gov. Ron DeSantis had other plans.
DeSantis appointed then-District 1 Commissioner James Satcher instead. Satcher, a commissioner, and preacher, had no prior election office experience.
Farrington served several roles under Bennett — assistant supervisor, chief of staff, and head of IT. He resigned when Satcher took office to launch his campaign for the position.
Satcher was appointed as Supervisor of Elections on April 12, 2024. By May 28, 2024, he had requested and received approval from the commission for a budget increase of $841,340.
Commissioner George Kruse was the only vote to deny the request for a mid-year, 26% budget increase.
Farrington won the Republican
nomination over Satcher with nearly 60% of the vote during the August primary election. It was clear Farrington would sail through the general election because his only opponent was a write-in candidate with no party affiliation.
But Farrington was sidelined until Bennett’s term was up and Satcher was no longer the appointed SOE.
Farrington took over Jan. 7, 2025 when he was sworn in as the new SOE. Before that occurred, Satcher had made major changes.
He made upgrades to the office, hired and fired staff, bought new equipment, sent out a mass mailing of voter information cards, and signed a lease on a satellite office in Lakewood Ranch.
The last two list items were deemed “possible wasteful spending” by the Manatee County inspector general’s office and totaled $124,244.
An audit period started March 1, 2024 when Bennett retired and ended Jan. 6, 2025, the day before Farrington was sworn in. The audit only examined the office’s financial transactions, not its election procedures. The audit report was issued Sept. 25, 2025.
About $23,000 was spent leasing the Lakewood Ranch office, which never opened to the public.
Satcher signed the lease in July 2024. Farrington and the leasing company mutually terminated the lease in March 2025 when a new tenant was found.
Farrington said Satcher wasn’t completely wrong to consider an office in Lakewood Ranch, but he said it was the wrong location. Additionally, any satellite office would only be of use for the six months leading up to a major election.
Satcher said he never planned to let the office sit empty. He wanted to use it as an outreach office that could host field trips and meetings for political groups, such as the Manatee Patriots and the League of Women Voters.
While Satcher acknowledged the Lakewood Ranch office’s shortcomings, such as a lack of square footage, he noted that the space had served as a government office for former Rep. Tommy Gregory and the building was fortified to sustain major storms.
The mass mailing of voter information cards cost taxpayers over $100,000. The inspector general office’s report said “it appears this was done to update the name of the new (now former) SOE on the cards,” but Florida statute “does not stipulate that a new card must be issued when there is a new SOE,” only when an individual voter’s information has changed.
The inspector general office’s “management action plan” recommended “seeking legal advice regarding possible reimbursement from the former SOE for the wasteful spending identified and from the vendor for the expenditures that were not supported with any work product.”
Satcher said no collection effort has been made, and he noted that he had sought legal advice before mailing those cards.
“My legal advice was different than (the inspector general’s) conclusions,” he said. “Two attorneys can have different conclusions.”
The vendor Satcher had hired was Piccolo Strategic Communications.
The former SOE paid the communications firm $2,500 a month from May through August 2024. In addition to a what the inspector general’s
“We
didn’t have a single jam in the March election. The other thing is that they’re a little faster. So from those perspectives, that’s why we’re excited to have them.”
Supervisor of Elections Scott Farrington
report called a “lack of identifiable services” on half of the invoices from Piccolo, the inspector general found that the products that were delivered “lacked a clear, public purpose.”
Satcher agreed there were no work products identified on his last two invoices with Piccolo, but he said that was by choice. After working together, Satcher said he realized Piccolo didn’t share his vision for communications.
“The best thing for everybody was to realize it wasn’t a good fit and move on,” Satcher said. “Now looking back, we had the biggest election in Manatee County history right after two major hurricanes and we were able to count every vote, verified with an accurate recount, and we had no issues. That was what was most important to me.”
2026 ELECTIONS
But what 2024 did accomplish was to turn the public’s attention to the role of the supervisor of elections office, perhaps more than ever before. While Farrington had some backtracking to do once returning to the office, the upside was that his office’s old election equipment had been due for an upgrade.
But weather plays a part, too. Humidity can curl paper, so how the ballots are stored in an individual location can impact the amount of paper jams.
Each location will receive at least one new $7,000 tabulator this year. Busier locations will receive two.
The new tabulators have been redesigned to minimize paper jams even if the ballots are curled or crumpled.
“We didn’t have a single jam in the March election,” Farrington said. “The other thing is that they’re a little faster. So from those perspectives, that’s why we’re excited to have them.”
The last tabulators were over 10 years old, so it had become difficult to find replacement parts when anything went wrong. If a machine went down during the primary election, there wasn’t enough time to fix it by the general election.
Any issues with the new machines can be turned around in a timely manner.
Now Farrington’s office will be under the microscope as the primaries are scheduled on Aug. 18 and the general election on Nov. 3.
Farrington’s staff already is busy with the upcoming elections. Right now, candidates are qualifying to get on the ballot by collecting about 3,000 petitions each.
Staff members go through each petition by hand to be sure that every line is filled, that the signer is a verified Manatee County voter, and that the signature matches what’s on file.
If even one line is missed, such as the date, that petition doesn’t count.
Once the candidates are qualified, ballots need to be prepared and poll workers have to be trained. Then, it’s on to early voting, mail-in ballots and elections.
ELECTION DATES
PRIMARY ELECTION: Aug. 18 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
EARLY VOTING: Aug. 8 through Aug. 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
DEADLINE TO REQUEST VOTE-BYMAIL BALLOT: Aug. 6 at 5 p.m.
DEADLINE TO RETURN VOTE-BYMAIL BALLOT: Aug. 18 at 7 p.m.
GENERAL ELECTION: Nov. 3 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
EARLY VOTING: Oct. 19 through Nov. 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Oct. 5
Deadline to request vote-by-mail ballot: Oct. 22 at 5 p.m.
DEADLINE TO RETURN VOTE-BYMAIL BALLOT: Nov. 3 at 7 p.m
The two auditing machines cost about $190,000 and were purchased by James Satcher after he was appointed to the Supervisor of Elections position in April 2024.
Satcher furnished the office with about $190,000 worth of audit machines and software and secured more than enough funds to replace the rest of the equipment.
Farrington returned $300,000 to the county budget once the remaining equipment was purchased.
The new equipment was used in March during two small elections for the Trailer Estates Park and Recreation District and the West Manatee Fire and Rescue District.
Each machine had already been certified, but the elections served as a good practice run for poll workers to familiarize themselves with the updated equipment and software.
As a candidate in 2024, Farrington noticed lines at some locations. He noted that could have been caused by the two-page ballots that year.
Stief has certainly seen the process change over the last 35 years. When she first started, working until 2 a.m. on election night was the norm because they were working with punch cards.
“When we got the scanners, it all changed,” she said.
The 2024 election saw a 2 a.m. quitting time, but Farrington attributed that to a “lack of understanding of what needed to be done on election night.” Quitting time is usually about 10:30 p.m.
However, there are occasional hiccups akin to a locked door when it comes to delivering ballots from the precincts to the main office.
“Before my time, I was told that somebody in the Duette area decided to stop for dinner (before returning the ballots),” Stief said.
Supervisor of Elections Scott Farrington stands next to one of
Judge Gilbert A. Smith Jr. swears in James Satcher as the new supervisor of elections. Satcher is joined by his wife, Monica.
Photos by Lesley Dwyer
Suncoast Credit Union Foundation.
The grant will be used for the Food4Families program that helps Manatee County children and families in need this summer. A release by Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee said “Through this program, those in need will receive nonperishable food items to feed a family of five breakfast, lunch and dinner for two or more days. The free food distributions will be held in high-need areas throughout Manatee County beginning in June.”
“We are so grateful to Suncoast Credit Union for its continued support of this program that gets critical nutrition to children and families, especially during the summer when nutrition resources are scarce,” said Maribeth Phillips, President & CEO of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, in a release. “This program is funded entirely by community support and is truly a needed service in our community.”
Suncoast Credit Union is the state’s largest credit union, and was created to “promote the education, health and emotional well-being of children in the community.”
Since its inception in 1990, the foundation has raised and donated more than $61 million.
“Food is a basic need, and serving as the bridge between those in need and those who provide service is an honor and a privilege,” said Jeff Kunberger, executive director of Suncoast Credit Union Foundations, in the release.
make a lasting impact right here in Lakewood Ranch,” said a press release by the LWRCF, which hopes to inspire philanthropy while helping to build a vibrant community. Registration and breakfast will begin at 7:30 a.m., while the tournament will begin at 8:30 a.m. A lunch will follow the tournament at 1 p.m. and the awards ceremony will be at 1:45 p.m.
One golfer can sign up for $250, while a foursome costs $800. For more information or to sign up to play, go to LWRCF.org/Events.
Lakewood Ranch business owners support Folds of Honor
John Saputo and his daughter, Andrea Saputo, co-owners of Gold Coast Eagle Distributing, have announced a $5,000 donation to the Folds of Honor Golf Tournament that was held April 14 at Laurel Oak Country Club in Sarasota.
The Saputos have been longtime supporters of Folds of Honor, which provides educational scholarships to the families of disabled U.S. military members and first responders. The organization has presented more than $340 million to those families since it was founded in 2007 by Lt. Col. Dan Rooney.
For more information about the organization, go to FoldsOfHonor. org.
Lakewood Ranch man, 69, dies following crash
A 69-year-old Lakewood Ranch man died April 26 following a crash in Country Club East.
Golf tournament upcoming for LWRCF
The Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation has announced that it is hosting a golf tournament to support its nonprofit grants.
A Florida Highway Patrol report said the man “suffered a possible medical episode” in the incident at 11:42 a.m. at the corner of Eagle Watch Way and Miramar Way.
The tournament will be held May 8 at Calusa Country Club in Lakewood Ranch. The presenting sponsor is Lennar.
The report said the man’s 2017 Lexus left the roadway, drove over a curb and went into some roadside shrubbery.
The funds raised from the tournament will “support initiatives that
The man, who was not identified, was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
County administrator negotiations will wait
Instead
LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER
After requesting unlimited leave accrual, automatic salary increases, a $500 monthly car allowance, an indefinite contract term, and a supermajority vote to be terminated without cause, Manatee County Administrator Charlie Bishop will stick to his current contract for another six months.
Bishop’s contract was set to expire in August. Commissioners unanimously approved the six-month extension at the April 21 meeting.
The decision came after commissioners were critical of several aspects of the contract Bishop’s attorney presented during the April 7 meeting. Commissioners requested the contract be revised and then brought back for a vote.
In the meantime, Manatee County residents supplied plenty of feedback leading up to the meeting as to why commissioners should not grant Bishop’s contract requests, including dissatisfaction with Bishop awarding a contract to his former girlfriend. Residents comments are attached to the April 21 agenda on MyManatee. com. Commissioner Bob McCann added a motion to the April 21 meeting agenda for Bishop’s current contract to be extended.
McCann noted that extending the contract through the end of the calendar year would “ensure that the seated board following the upcoming election cycle has the authority to negotiate and vote on a long-term agreement.”
“Spare us this whole thing of this should wait for the next board,”
Commissioner George Kruse said.
“Shortly after a new board got elected in 2020, that board voted to replace the county administrator (Cheri Coryea), and we got lambasted. We got accused of predetermining to fire the county administrator before we got on the board.”
Kruse was not speaking directly to McCann. He was addressing residents.
“It sounds like the public is predetermining whether or not to prepare to fire somebody on the spot the minute a board theoretically changes over, which is the same thing we were accused of, but only because you have a different opinion of the administrator,” he said.
Commission Chair Tal Siddique echoed Kruse’s sentiment and stated that normal county business shouldn’t be turned into political battles. He commended Bishop for his institutional knowledge.
Kruse is confident the board will want to negotiate a long-term contract with Bishop when the extension expires. He did, however, acquiesce that signing a new contract before an election is not in the best interest of the public or the board.
EMERGENCY OVERTIME
While Bishop’s proposed contract was nixed for the time being, there’s still one issue within his current contract where McCann’s legal interpretation differs from that of the County Attorney Pamela D’Agostino — emergency overtime compensation.
D’Agostino said the expectation is that the Federal Emergency Management Administration will reimburse Manatee County for Bishop’s emergency overtime wages.
However, McCann said FEMA rules are specific. Either a county policy or Bishop’s contract would have needed to be in place prior to the disaster to
qualify for a reimbursement.
Bishop’s initial contract when hired as county administrator in September 2023 didn’t include emergency overtime compensation.
On Oct. 17, 2024, the prior board directed D’Agostino to prepare an amendment to Bishop’s contract that “would authorize payment of compensation to Mr. Bishop for emergency work retroactive to Aug. 8, 2023.”
That amendment was approved on a consent agenda during the Nov. 7, 2024 land use meeting, just under two weeks before the new board members, including McCann, were sworn into office.
By McCann’s account, the retroactive nature of the clause would preclude Manatee County from a FEMA reimbursement for any overtime paid to Bishop during Hurricane Idalia in 2023 and Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton in 2024.
Furthermore, when former county administrator Scott Hopes took emergency compensation for Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Nicole in 2022, he was charged with grand theft because there was no policy in
place to do so.
The state’s probable cause affidavit, dated Feb. 8, 2024, states that “extra compensation for overtime during emergency events” is a “privilege explicitly extended to only exempt employees below the rank of director.”
That information was pulled from Manatee County’s Emergency Operations and Pay Procedures, effective July 31, 2020. The procedures were updated May 23, 2024, to include deputy county administrators, department directors and contracted employees.
The document now reads, “Such employees shall receive as additional compensation the equivalent of their hourly rate of pay for each such hour or portion thereof (of duties performed outside their normally scheduled work shift).”
Hopes attempted to have the grand theft charge dismissed in October 2025, but withdrew his Motion to Dismiss the following month. His next court appearance is July 30.
Bishop’s current contract will now expire Feb. 8, 2027, six months from its current expiration date.
PUBLIC RECORDS VIOLATION
Several residents submitted public comments about County Administrator Charlie Bishop’s job performance. Out of multiple misconduct allegations, one claim was settled in court. On Sept. 10, 2025, Manatee County agreed to pay the Florida Center for Government Accountability $75,000 and acknowledged that Bishop, along with Scott Hopes and Robert Reinshuttle, were out of compliance with Florida’s Public Records Act when they withheld text messages requested by reporter Michael Barfield. The messages were exchanged in 2022. Hopes was the county administrator at the time. Bishop and Reinshuttle were deputy county administrators. As a result of the case, Manatee County implemented new software to archive electronic messages and discontinued its stipend for personal cell phones in lieu of county-issued cell phones. However, public records obtained by Barfield in 2024 revealed that Bishop was using his personal cell phone to communicate with Jodi Fiske, the director of Public Safety, during the days surrounding Hurricane Debby. Bradenton’s David Daniels, who won a 2021 lawsuit against Manatee County for violating the Public Records Act, called Bishop a “bad example.”
Lesley Dwyer
Manatee County Administrator Charlie Bishop’s contract has been extended until February 2027.
‘More work to do’ in Manatee County’s District 4
Commissioner Mike Rahn is running for reelection with a focus on aging infrastructure.
LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER
Mike Rahn has only held two town hall meetings during his four-year term as the District 4 Manatee County commissioner.
“Town halls serve a purpose,” Rahn said. “But sometimes you get pulled away from the crux of what you’re really talking about because town halls are for the district. I found out that getting boots on the ground with individuals in their communities is the best way for me to find out what their needs are.”
Rahn regularly meets with citizens at homeowner association meetings, and sometimes, in their living rooms. While he votes on issues and policies that affect the entire county, Rahn emphasized how important it is for a district commissioner to understand the needs of each and every individual and business owner within that district.
District 4, in particular, has an array of different neighborhoods and businesses. Rahn called it “the urban core of Manatee County” with three colleges, the IMG Academy, industry surrounding the airport and commercialization up and down U.S. 41.
“It’s not a single purpose district,” he said. “It has many focuses that have to be met daily. So I’ll meet with anybody. I don’t care who you are. If we agree to disagree, at least we learned something about each other that day.”
Rahn plans on meeting more residents in District 4 at their doorsteps over the next four months because he’s running for reelection and plans to do a lot of knocking on doors.
As of now, there are no Democrats in the District 4 race, so Rahn’s major campaign push is to win the Republican nomination during the Aug. 18 primary election. He has one challenger — Glen Gibellina.
Rahn, 64, has lived in Palm Aire for 18 years. While he’s proud of his
accomplishments on the commission over the past four years, he said he has more work to do.
“We need to continue work on the aging infrastructure in District 4,” Rahn said. “We’re one of the oldest districts, but we’re doing a lot of improvements right now.”
To the west of Palm Aire, neighborhoods within the Pearce Drain Watershed have experienced chronic flooding. A $4.2 million stormwater and water quality storage facility is being built at 6525 33rd St. E. to mitigate that flooding. Road projects, such as the 51st Street West extension and intersection improvements at State Road 70 and Lockwood Ridge Road, are also among Rahn’s priorities, as are smaller-scale road improvements.
In January, commissioners approved a permanent sidewalk easement on Shade Avenue near University Parkway, where there’s a mix of neighborhoods and businesses. The aim is to improve pedestrian safety in a busy area.
Rahn is equally focused on economic development in the district.
He noted some District 4 success stories of attracting large companies, such as Amazon building a delivery station on Tallevast Road, and Pilatus Aircraft building a manufacturing facility at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.
But he wants to see more neighborhood services, as well. Rahn is spearheading a project called Vision 41, which will redesign U.S. 41 to enhance its safety, functionality and visual appeal from the Sarasota County line up to Cortez Road. Given enhancements, such as sidewalks, bike lanes, landscaping and reduced speed limits, U.S. 41 is slated for revitalization to attract more businesses that serve the surrounding neighborhoods, such as doctor’s offices and hair salons.
Rahn is working with county staff to look at the zoning issues up and
FAMILIAR FACEOFF
The only candidate challenging Mike Rahn for his District 4 seat is Glen Gibellina. The two men are already familiar with one another because Gibellina is a regular in the commission chambers. So far, Rahn has more than double the campaign funds of his opponent. Max Goodman is his campaign manager. Rahn loaned $3,000 to his campaign and raised $23,600. Gibellina loaned $9,511 to his campaign and raised $2,627.13. Gibellina is running his own campaign.
For more information on the candidates, visit VoteMikeRahn.com and ElectGlenGibellina.com.
down the corridor and to consider potential amendments to the land development code that would offer more opportunities for redevelopment.
Light Up Manatee is another initiative where Rahn is taking the lead. The $3 million project has been underway since 2022 installing street lights in under-lit neighborhoods.
“Manatee County (when I was first elected in 2022) was 90% dark,” he said. “There were a lot of underserved communities that were having crime and homelessness issues. When we put those lights in, it helped the res-
idents, the Sheriff’s Office, the fire departments and EMS.”
Rahn has been in the mortgage industry for 38 years, but he’s taken a step back to focus on his current commission duties and his campaign.
“Whoever says (being a commissioner) is a part-time job is not correct,” he said. “This is a full-time job — 24/7, 365. Even when you want to take some time off, you don’t. But I love every minute of it. When I need a release, I put my earbuds in and take a long walk.”
Lesley Dwyer
Mike Rahn also serves as the chairman of the Seaport Manatee Port Authority and served on the planning commission before being elected as the District 4 county commissioner.
UNFLAPPABLE IN FINDING BIRD’S OWNER
Lost pet parrot had a 10-day visit with a local teen and his grandmother before his Braden Oaks owner was found.
JAY
HEATER MANAGING EDITOR
It was like any other day when Tom Rumph walked to the mailbox in front of his Braden Oaks home.
Until it wasn’t.
As the norm, Rumph was with his pet bird, Shiloh, who would sit on his shoulder everywhere he went around the house. Shiloh, a sun conure (a parrot native to South America), had flown into Rumph’s life about seven years earlier when it landed on a screen at his home, and wouldn’t leave.
Shiloh became a family member over those seven years, and all was well.
Then, during that fateful walk in the middle of March, Shiloh simply flew away.
“He always has been right there,” Rumph said. “I have been out to that mailbox 50 times with Shiloh on my shoulder. But he flew ... I thought heading toward the coast. He never had gotten off my shoulder before.”
Rumph had to go inside and tell his wife, Helen, that Shiloh had flown away.
“She was so angry,” he said. “She said, ‘You killed my bird.’”
Helen Rumph made her husband sleep on the couch the next couple of nights.
“I was in the doghouse,” Tom Rumph said. “But I told her, ‘He will find a new home. He will be fine.’”
A Christian, Tom Rumph then prayed Shiloh would be safe in his travels.
Four miles away, at Jiggs Landing on April 1, James Kleiner was working inside the concession stand with the window open. A sun conure flew in the window and sat on his shoulder.
“You could tell the bird was domesticated and had escaped,” Kleiner said. “He hung out the whole time I was on my shift, probably from 12:30 (p.m.) to 7:30 (p.m.)”
Because the bird apparently had no desire to leave, James Kleiner called his grandmother, Denise Kleiner, who owns the concessions at the park. They had to find a cage to transport the bird.
“I thought it was a joke since it was April Fools’ Day,” Denise Kleiner said.
It wasn’t a joke.
So James Kleiner, who is 18, loaded the bird into a cage and headed toward his grandmother’s Tara home, where he has been living since he graduated last year from high school in Cherry Hills, New Jersey, so he could “follow in his grandmother’s footsteps” at Jiggs Landing.
While they both loved the bird, and animals in general, they knew somebody had to be heartbroken by the loss.
A sun conure is a medium-sized, vibrantly colored bird that can be loud in the sounds it makes.
“It was a very loud bird who is a nut for music,” Denise Kleiner said. “I had James play a couple of songs for him and he would dance, bobbing up and down. I kept the music on. We found out that he likes Simon and Garfunkel.”
They decided to name the bird Mai Tai.
While they loved Mai Tai, they knew with their schedules, it would be impossible to care for him prop-
erly. Even so, their initial searches to find the owner were fruitless.
Ten days passed and Denise Kleiner and her grandson were researching sun conures in case they couldn’t find the owner. Then, they finally connected with Tom Rumph on Nextdoor, the social media app.
But while Rumph said he had lost a bird, they wondered whether this one was, indeed, the bird.
Rumph sent them a video with Shiloh dancing to music.
Yes, it was Shiloh.
“They are the heroes,” Rumph said of Denise and James. “They were so nice, and they did a nice thing.”
Rumph had pretty much given up hope he would ever see Shiloh again. He had posted the loss of the bird online, but received no responses.
“I have to be more careful,” he said
of taking care of Shiloh, who loves flying all around the Rumph home.
When Rumph went to pick up Shiloh, the bird gave him a big kiss. James Kleiner said it was obvious that Rumph was the owner.
They headed home to play some music.
“This bird will dance to any kind of music,” Rumph said. “He has rhythm. I have to play music to get him to come outside his cage.”
While Rumph mostly plays gos pel and rock ’n’ roll at home, he said Shiloh, who can mimic sounds, was exposed to some new tunes with the Kleiners.
“If
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“He did come home with some new vocals,” Rumph said.
But everyone is dancing in the Rumph household these days.
“It is amazing I got him back,” Rumph said. “That is a phenomena, young man, and Denise is so nice. I would have shared Shiloh with them.”
James Kleiner, who is studying marine technology at Manatee Technical College, said Shiloh belonged with Rumph.
“He was so nice, I was happy to give it back,” James Kleiner said. “We kept the bird about 10 days and I grew attached to him. But I was more worried for him.”
Rumph said that while he used to hunt in the Jiggs Landing area years ago, he hadn’t visited since Denise Kleiner expanded the concessions. He said he might be a more frequent visitor now.
He feels he owes the Kleiners.
“I was sleeping on the couch, and they saved my butt,” he said.
“I had James play a couple of songs for him and he would dance, bobbing up and down. I kept the music on. We found out that he likes Simon and Garfunkel.”
Denise Kleiner
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Shiloh made himself at home at the Kleiners' Tara home until the owner was found.
Courtesy photos James Kleiner, who is working at Jiggs Landing for his grandmother, concession
owner Denise Kleiner, made fast friends with Shiloh, the lost pet parrot.
Jay Heater
James Kleiner, an 18-year-old working at Jiggs Landing, scanned social media until he found the owner of Shiloh, a lost pet parrot.
A good life might, indeed, include volunteer work
Concession resident puts in long, fulfilling hours at Dogs Inc.
he lives the good life in The Concession, but in 2023 MaryAnn Alexander decided she wanted something more. Her husband, Jeff, pointed her in the right direction. He suggested she try being a volunteer at Dogs Inc.
The “something more” she wanted turned into more than 700 volunteer hours at Dogs Inc.’s main campus in Palmetto during 2025. Lydia Baxter, the media relations manager for Dogs Inc., said Alexander is a do-it-all type volunteer on the campus.
“She does just about everything,” Baxter said. “She bathes our young puppies, helps our freshmen dogs build up their stamina in our Canine Fitness Center, does enrichment with future service dogs, and helps our Scent Detection Program team train dogs to smell a shift in a person’s blood sugar levels. She’s also active in the Dogs Inc. Campus Volunteer Facebook Group, where she posts adorable photos of the dogs she is working with.”
But she has more than a positive effect on the dogs.
“She is just happy,” said Ivy Sanborn, a Scent Detection training assistant at Dogs Inc. “She brightens my day. MaryAnn always seems to have a way of knowing exactly what you need. She knows how to assess a room.”
Dogs Inc. started its Scent Detection Program in September. While getting it off the ground, the staff decided some volunteer help was needed. The staff members reached
out to Alexander first.
“MaryAnn has been incredible to work with from the very beginning,” said Alysia Santos, the Scent Detection Program co-manager.
“She is kind, patient, and she genuinely cares about both the dogs and the people they will support. She is incredibly adaptable — our program is constantly evolving — and she approaches every change with flexibility and enthusiasm.”
Rebecca Henderson, the other Scent Detection Program comanager, explained how Alexander shows initiative. They were having trouble giving the dogs treats during scent training. Twelve small canisters are filled with various scents (including one or two that represent a change in a person’s blood sugar). The canisters are placed at the end of the arms on a big wheel that resembles a spider.
The dogs walk around the wheel, sniffing each canister. When they find the canister with the high or low blood sugar content, they paw at it.
A staff member rewards the dogs with a treat.
But the staff members were struggling because the treats they were using, Kibbles, were crumbling and being knocked all over the floor when the dogs attempted to lap them up.
Alexander experimented with the Kibbles, adding water and mashing them up so they could be given to the dogs in a push-pop. No more mess.
“She just took it off our plate,” Henderson said.
“She is so smart,” said Victoria Chappel, a Scent Detection Program training assistant. “She always is on top of it.”
Alexander actually was asked to become a Dogs Inc. employee, but
she declined so she can continue to enjoy her role as a volunteer.
“I love animals, and after I tried this, I was hooked,” Alexander said. “I love it here.”
She goes to Dogs Inc. a minimum of three days a week. On Mondays, she works with the Scent Detection Program, filling canisters with the scents and recording results.
On Wednesdays, she works with the dogs in the fitness rooms, and on Thursdays, she works with dog enrichment, which is kind of like giving dogs lots of hugs and kisses, and showing them love so they are comfortable in their environment.
Some dogs just have a lot of energy, so she takes them for long walks to get them out of their kennels to tire them out.
The love is returned.
Alexander had a knee replacement surgery in 2024. She went into an enrichment session with a dog, Icon. They sat on the floor the night before her surgery, but Icon sensed that something was different about Alexander, who was apprehensive about the surgery. He crawled up next to her and pushed close to snuggle.
“He had me almost in tears,” Alexander said.
While she isn’t crushed when the dogs leave Dogs Inc. to live with a client, she does have her favorites.
One was Banana, a black Lab who wouldn’t stop barking when he first arrived on campus. She put in lots of hours with Banana, who ended up being the Scent Detection Program’s first student, and who now is living with a client.
“I am so excited for him,” said Alexander, who is 62. “He found his spot. The way I look at it, I am helping to train them for a job. I’ve always been told here that dogs choose their career.”
She said working at Dogs Inc. has been beneficial to her as well, and she suggests others try volunteering at the campus to see if it fits them.
“It’s what keeps you going,” she said. “There are things you can do here that aren’t that physically demanding. I like being all over the campus, and I walk 15,000 steps a day.
She and Jeff have three grown children (including Tyler Alexander, a pitcher for the Texas Rangers), and their family did expand in September when she brought home the Lab Nixon, who didn’t find his way through the program. She said her husband is a fan of President Richard Nixon, so it was a good fit. Nixon plays well with their
other dog, a 10-year-old Pekingese named Lexi.
“For me, I love the Dogs Inc. mission,” she said. “My heart goes out to these service dogs. It’s all about helping people and bringing dogs and people together.
“If we all had pets, it would be a better world.”
Jay Heater is the managing editor for the East County Observer. Contact him at JHeater@ YourObserver.com.
Jay Heater
MaryAnn Alexander of The Concession has become one of Dogs Inc.’s most
Nonprofit ‘All 4’ supporting area’s seniors
All 4 the Members offers resources and financial support to residents who are 65 and older.
LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER
Individuals ages 65 and older account for 29% of Manatee County’s overall population of 468,200 residents, according to the 2025 numbers from the United States Census Bureau.
Many of those seniors are living their best lives surrounded by friends and family, participating in the region’s many activities, volunteering for charities, and staying active in sports like pickleball.
Others aren’t as fortunate. They live on fixed incomes, can no longer drive and perhaps are battling physical and cognitive health conditions.
All 4 the Members Inc. is a nonprofit established in 2023 to provide financial assistance, transportation and resources to seniors in need.
John McDermott, the nonprofit’s founder, owns Town Square University Parkway with his wife, Catherine McDermott. Town Square is a senior and adult day care center.
However, CEO Skyler Betts said there’s one common misconception about the name All 4 the Members.
“All 4 the Members are members of Sarasota and Manatee County,” she said. “It is not all for the members of Town Square. It’s to serve our senior members in our community.”
The for-profit Town Square is a major donor to the nonprofit by way of rental space.
The center is laid out to resemble a small town in the 1950s, complete with “storefronts,” such as Rosie’s Diner, Starlite Theater and Spinners Music. Chumley’s Garage anchors the town square with a stunningly restored 1956 four-door Pontiac Chieftain parked out front.
The center only operates from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, so it’s available for event rentals
on nights and weekends. All 4 the Members’ board members volunteer to run the events, so every penny of rental money goes straight to the nonprofit.
In its first year, All 4 the Members raised more than $30,000.
The nonprofit also runs a successful sponsorship program. The basic silver, gold and diamond sponsorships cost $500, $1,000 and $1,500 annually and come with different advertising benefits and perks. Custom sponsorships are available, as well.
The nonprofit’s goal is to issue about four $500 grants each month, but Betts said the need is so great that as soon as money comes in, it’s quickly going out again.
There are no limitations as to what a grant can be used for, but there is a limit as to how often an individual or caregiver can apply, which is once per year. Although the grants are limited to $500, the board works hard to fulfill requests that might exceed that threshold.
“A lot of love and legwork make (the grants) happen,” Betts said. “We
reach out to companies and tell them what we’re doing and let them know that this is all we can offer.”
Whether it’s a local business or a friendly neighbor, people are often willing to donate their time to help.
For example, a senior woman could no longer walk her dog safely without falling, so she needed a dog run. The project cost more than $500, but it got done.
There are also requests that come in under $500. Another grant recipient was renting an apartment with no air conditioning. All 4 the Members bought and installed a window unit, which didn’t require the full $500 award.
“We’ve paid for food for animals,” Betts said. “There are so many different, random things that people have asked for, and when you look at how much they’re making, it’s understandable why they’re needing a little help.”
Betts said some seniors live on $900 a month, so the nonprofit gets frequent requests for groceries. They’ve also paid for hotel stays while homeless seniors figure out
their next steps.
In those cases, resources are another service the nonprofit offers. If a senior is homeless, the nonprofit will get them connected with a shelter.
But with just 10 board members, who also serve as the nonprofit’s main volunteers, All 4 the Members doesn’t have the manpower to vet the finances of each applicant. After trial and error, the board decided that the applicants must be receiving Medicaid benefits to qualify for a grant.
It simplifies the process for the board and the applicants. To apply, seniors or their caregivers answer 11 questions on a three-page application that can be found online at All4TheMembers.org/AssistanceApplication.
Betts also noted an advantage to being a small, 10-person board and volunteer crew; they can move quickly when needed.
“We don’t want anyone to be suffering for no reason,” she said. “So we’ll even make determinations in between (monthly) meetings.”
All 4 the Members Inc. 8450 Lockwood Ridge Road, Suite 55B. Visit All4TheMembers.org.
Mission Statement: To help seniors in need get assistance when they need it. With the help of grants, donations, sponsorships and volunteer efforts, All 4 the Members Inc. will work with seniors and their caregivers to facilitate aging in place for as long as possible.
Lesley Dwyer
Skyler Betts is the CEO of All 4 the Members, a nonprofit that serves residents, 65 and older, living in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
Instructors leave legacy of life lessons
MADISON BIERL STAFF WRITER
Elisa Massaro, a senior and battalion commander for the Lakewood Ranch High School Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, is now a member of the Florida Army National Guard.
She joined JROTC to gain discipline and life skills to prepare for her enlistment.
Massaro said she has gained much more than discipline and life skills from JROTC. She noted a few other things, such as strong friendships and support. When her mother, Alessandra Massaro, died in April of 2025, she said her JROTC instructors, William Cassidy and Richard Roller, were there for her.
They took the time to check in frequently. She said they provided a safe space for her.
“They taught me resilience when faced with adversity,” Massaro said. “They’ve taught me to look at the bigger picture and not to get too set back by challenges.”
Cassidy said his father died when he was in middle school, so he has a special place in his heart for students who go through the same kind of loss.
“I know it’s hard, but she never missed a beat,” Cassidy said.
Master Sgt. Cassidy has been teaching JROTC for 22 years and has been at Lakewood Ranch High School since 2012. He served 20 years in the Army and retired from service in 1999.
biggest piece, but also understanding critical thinking and creative thinking. Understanding that merit matters and working toward something that’s challenging is worth it.”
Both educators are set to retire. Roller will leave at the end of the school year and Cassidy will stay until December to assist in the transfer of leadership of the organization.
Massaro said there is often a misconception that JROTC is strict and you only do things like physical fitness and marching. She said it’s not a bootcamp, but a place to grow into a second family.
Roller said every leader brings new insight and energy to the organization. When he returned last year, he was seen as the “new guy” and he appreciated the students’ ability to make the adjustment to learn from a teacher with a different leadership style than his predecessor.
“They’re able to adapt to change, understand what the leaders are trying to do, and they’re willing to follow it,” Roller said of the students.
Pope won a three-year national ROTC scholarship for nursing and plans to use it at the University of South Florida.
Jack Crosbie, also a senior, served as the Bravo Company Commander. He will attend the United States Air Force Academy and serve a minimum of five years. He credits Roller and Cassidy for his ability to manage his time, speak with confidence, and take the lead.
Lt. Col. Richard Roller served 20 years in the Army and finished his career as a military strategist and strategy graduate level instructor. He is the senior JROTC instructor at Lakewood Ranch High School. He began in 2013, left in 2021 and came back in 2024.
Cassidy said being involved in JROTC isn’t just about sending kids to the military; it is about preparing them for the future no matter what path they choose. They teach students to be leaders.
“The mission is to develop citizenship,” Roller said. “Citizenship is the
“I hope that (with the new leadership), we still keep that structure and that level of discipline. I hope they still provide support to their students,” Massaro said. “I hope (the new program leaders) still want to help students grow as individuals, aside from just getting an A in the class and putting their uniform together properly,” Massaro said.
“At the same time, they are providing their insight into their priorities, because it is their program. We’re here to steer them in the right direction, but it’s their job to come up with what matters and plan it accordingly.”
Ingrid Pope, a senior, is the public relations officer for JROTC. She said she learned to be louder and more confident, and more prepared for the world.
“They pushed me to aim for bigger things,” she said.
“I can look at a problem with two different solutions and weigh the options and see where I want to go,” Crosbie said. “(Roller and Cassidy) have so much experience in leadership fields in their career, and a lot of that will play a big part in what I’m going to do later on.”
Roller said teachers have an important influence on kids, and sometimes it takes years to notice exactly what impact they have had. He said past students have told him that their time together has kept them alive.
Madison Bierl
Seniors Ingrid Pope, Jack Crosbie, Gino Tambi and Elisa Massaro say William Cassidy and Richard Roller (center) have played large roles in preparing them for the future.
SPORTS
“My dad always says, ‘Things don’t get easier. You’ve just got to get good at doing hard things.’”
LEGENDS FOR A CAUSE
Tom Izzo will receive the Dick Vitale Spirit Award at the annual pediatric cancer fundraiser at The Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota.
JACK NELSON SPORTS REPORTER
Dick Vitale had a special request for Tom Izzo on Dec. 6, 2000. He asked the Michigan State men’s basketball coach if he could speak with the team after its victory over Florida.
The Spartans, the defending national champions, won 99-83 with 27 points from Zach Randolph, who came off the bench.
So when Vitale walked into their locker room, his first words were — “That was awesome, baby!”
He also told Randolph he wanted the then-freshman to stay in school.
But the next night, when the ESPN broadcaster called a different game, he lauded Randolph as a top-10 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.
Izzo picked up the phone.
“Hey Dick, you were just telling him how he should stay in school,” Izzo said.
To this day, “Awesome, baby!” remains the coach’s favorite Vitaleism — one of multiple signature phrases — because of that moment nearly three decades ago.
The two will reconnect May 1 at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota for the 21st annual Dick Vitale Gala, where Izzo will receive the Dick Vitale Spirit Award. Vitale, a Lakewood Ranch resident, hopes to raise $12 million for pediatric cancer research via The V Foundation.
Other honorees are Connecticut women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma, Houston men’s basketball coach Kelvin Sampson and broadcast journalist Katie Couric. Breast cancer survivor Jamie Valvano will receive the John Saunders Courage Award.
Now 86, Vitale announced April 13 he was diagnosed with melanoma in his lung and liver cavity. He’s won previous battles with melanoma, lymphoma, vocal cord cancer and lymph node cancer, and had been cancer-free since December 2024. Pediatric cancer research is his
passion project. He’s raised $105.4 million for the cause, and while inbetween immunotherapy treatments May 1, will advocate for it again.
“We always look for differencemakers and people who do things with passion,” Izzo said. “I’ve got a line that I say, ‘Do you like what you do, love what you do, or live what you do?’ Dick Vitale lives what he does with more passion than maybe anybody I’ve known.”
Both figures are royalty in the sport. Vitale and Izzo were inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008 and 2016, respectively, and their careers have yet to end.
Izzo is entering his 32nd season at the helm of the Spartans — the longest-tenured active coach exclusively at an NCAA Division I men’s basketball program. In the history of the Big Ten Conference, he’s the sport’s winningest coach.
Vitale has been with ESPN for 46 years running as a college basketball broadcaster. He called a game as recently as March 17 alongside Charles Barkley, when Texas played NC State for a spot in the NCAA Tournament’s Round of 64.
“I’m trying to catch Dick, but I’m not going to catch him,” Izzo said.
“I’m not staying in this as long as he’s done it with TV.”
He knew of Vitale before taking the job at Michigan State, but between 1998 and 2002, their relationship blossomed.
Across those four seasons, the Spartans posted a record of 112-29 and reached three consecutive Final Fours. In 2000, they secured the second NCAA title in program history.
Vitale was a regular voice behind the team’s televised dunks, jumpers and 3-pointers. His enthusiasm was part of the soundtrack to wins and losses alike.
But as Izzo remained on the sidelines up through the 2020s, it became difficult for Vitale to do the same. He was diagnosed with melanoma in August 2021 — the first of five cancer battles.
The ever-spinning carousel that is college basketball didn’t stop Izzo from taking time to send notes of encouragement to Vitale throughout those trying times.
“I stayed in touch because of respect. I stayed in touch because
of admiration,” Izzo said. “I stayed in touch because I know that it can happen to any one of us. I just appreciated the way he came out, the way he attacked it, the way he fought it (and) the way he beat it.”
Fundraising for cancer research is an initiative the legendary coach has cared about — well before he was selected as an honoree for this year’s gala.
Izzo and his wife, Lupe Izzo, have long advocated for Coaches vs. Cancer, a partnership between the American Cancer Society and National Association of Basketball Coaches. He was the recipient of the foundation’s Champion Award in 2009.
The disease has taken several people close to him. His wife’s mother, Francisca Marinez, died from cancer in 2011. So did former NBA coach Flip Saunders in 2015, who was a close friend of Izzo’s.
He also witnessed Lacey Holsworth, an 8-year-old girl, build a bond with former Michigan State forward Adreian Payne before her 2014 death from cancer.
Those experiences gave Izzo perspective on the dark reality of the disease. They gave him all the more reason to appreciate Vitale’s tireless fundraising efforts.
It’s an appreciation that extends to the way the longtime broadcaster leads his life.
“Entitlement is creeping into our sport. Entitlement is creeping into a lot of things that are going on right now,” Izzo said. “And Dick has taught me there’s no entitlement in life. You get what you deserve. You work at it.”
The Spartans’ coach will step up to the podium May 1 to give his acceptance speech. It won’t be his first — the award is the latest in a laundry list of honors for him.
This one, though, is unique. It’s the product of a connection that began decades ago, and which still endures.
FAST BREAK
David Proudfoot and Shane Eckels, a pair of Lakewood Ranch residents, ran the Boston Marathon on April 20. They finished with times of 2:36.57 and 2:38.34, respectively, to place 822nd and 1,009th overall. Both of them improved on their times from last year’s marathon, where Proudfoot crossed the finish line at 2:39.40 and Eckels did so at 2:43.53.
Michigan State finished the 202526 season at 27-8 and reached the Sweet 16, falling to Connecticut. The program's 28 consecutive NCAA tournament appearances represent the longest active streak in men's basketball.
COACHES HONORED AT THIS YEAR’S GALA
Geno Auriemma, Connecticut women’s basketball n 12 NCAA titles n 25 Final Four appearances n 1,288-166 alltime record
Tom Izzo, Michigan State men’s basketball n 1 NCAA title n 8 Final Four appearances n 764-310 all-time record
Kelvin Sampson, Houston men’s basketball n 1 NCAA title game appearance n 2 Final Four appearances n 754-318 all-time record
The 21st annual Dick Vitale Gala will be 6:30 p.m. May 1 at The Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota. As of April 27, it’s sold out and tickets are no longer available. For more information, contact Janet Allen at 941-350-0580 or Janet@marykenealyevents.com.
Freedom McDaniel, a junior at Braden River High, brought home two silver medals from the FHSAA Class 2A-Region 6 boys weightlifting championship, which was held April 23 at Lake Wales High School. He placed second in the 219-pound weight class by lifting 585 pounds for Traditional style and 465 pounds for Olympic style. Senior Palmer Agelvis placed second in the 183-pound weight class for Olympic style with a total lift of 455 pounds. The 2A state championship will be at 10 a.m. May 6 in RP Funding Center’s Jenkins Arena. ... In lacrosse postseason action, both Lakewood Ranch teams advanced. The No. 2-seeded boys (12-5) defeated No. 7 seed Sickles (11-7) by a 14-8 score April 24 in the 2A-3 regional quarterfinals. They’ll host No. 3 seed Plant (12-5) at 7 p.m. April 28 for a berth in the regional finals. The No. 3-seeded girls (12-6), meanwhile, defeated No. 6 seed Palm Harbor (12-5) by a 20-6 score April 25 in the 2A-3 regional quarterfinals. They’ll go on the road to face No. 2 seed Newsome (11-5) at 7 p.m. April 29 — also hoping to reach the regional finals. ... Both Lakewood Ranch (9-7) and Braden River flag football (6-8) exited their respective district tournaments early. The Mustangs fell 41-6 to Newsome on April 20 in the 4A-8 quarterfinals. The Pirates suffered a 26-0 defeat at the hands of Tampa Bay Tech on that same date in the 3A-9 quarterfinals.
... The Out-of-Door Academy track and field teams competed in the FHSAA 1A-11 district meet April 21 at Indian Rocks Christian School in Largo. Senior Kevin Gyurka won the 1,600-meter run (4:33.36) and finished third in the 800-meter run (2:07.92). On the girls’ side, seventh grader Zoe Buller won the pole vault (2.90 meters).
Madison Bierl
David Proudfoot, shown here winning an area race, ran the 130th Boston Marathon alongside his friend, Shane Eckels, representing Lakewood Ranch.
Images courtesy of Matthew Mitchell/Michigan State athletics
Tom Izzo has led the Spartans since 1995. His tutelage has taken the team to the 2000 national championship, eight Final Fours, six Big Ten tournament titles and 11 Big Ten regular-season titles.
Tough lessons for newly professional Paradise
The Lakewood Ranchbased soccer club has struggled early with its move to USL League One.
The transition from amateur to professional soccer wasn't likely to be a smooth for the Sarasota Paradise. Certainly, there was a higher likelihood of early failure than immediate success.
Mika Elovaara, the head coach for the Paradise, understood that when he was hired to lead the Lakewood Ranch-based club. He’s been with USL League One since its founding in 2019.
Other clubs have come and gone in seasons past, and Elovaara has seen many of them struggle with the learning curve that comes with being a first-time professional organization.
“It’d be foolish to think there isn’t one,” Elovaara said of the learning curve. “I know this is a league where anybody can beat anybody on any given day.”
His players have quickly learned that the hard way.
The Paradise, which play home games at Premier Sports Campus, are 2-4-1 as of April 24 in their inaugural season of USL League One play. Their 2-1 victory over winless Corpus Christi FC on April 22 snapped a three-game losing streak.
FC Naples, Westchester SC and One Knoxville SC constituted their worst stretch of the season so far. Against those three foes, the Paradise scored one goal combined and surrendered six.
Putting the ball in the net has been a struggle. They’ve averaged just 0.8 goals per game. It’s not for a lack of opportunities, though, since their 91 shots are third-most in the league behind One Knoxville SC’s 105 and AV Alta FC’s 98.
Midfielder Sander Røed, who was sidelined with an injury for a month
before returning April 22, watched those offensive struggles from the bench.
“We had some chances in each game, but it’s like, ‘Are we clinical enough to put them away?’” Røed said. “It’s been unfortunate where we have been conceding the first goal and have to try to chase.”
His absence no doubt hindered the Paradise’s ability to produce offense.
The 25-year-old Norwegian is tied with forward Jonathan Bolanos for a team-high two goals this season — one of which was the winning goal in a 2-1 victory over Corpus Christi FC.
Røed’s two assists lead the squad, and despite missing a month, his eight shots are fourth-most behind Bolanos’ 18, forward Garrett McLaughlin’s 17 and midfielder
Maximus Tainio’s nine.
Naturally, Elovaara sought to set a winning standard when he made the move to Lakewood Ranch. But he was tasked with building a roster from the best young talents he could find in a mere matter of months.
It was a tall order for this team to pile on wins from the get-go. The record books dictate that, too.
Clubs playing their first seasons in USL League One have historically posted mixed results, and by no means is there a positive trend among them.
FC Naples, Portland Hearts of Pine, AV Alta FC and Westchester SC were all newcomers in 2025 and combined for a 37-42-41 record. The best finish came from FC Naples, which ended up in fourth place and
reached the playoffs.
Spokane Velocity FC, One Knoxville SC and Charlotte Independence arrived to the league in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. None of them posted a winning record or finished higher than sixth place in those seasons. The Paradise are ninth in the 17-team league, as of April 24. They’re just below the eighth and final playoff spot and trail the leaders — FC Naples and One Knoxville SC — by seven points.
“It’s a goal-scoring game, as they say,” Elovaara said. “Every time we’ve lost a game, their goal has been preceded by a really good chance by us. If you don’t take your chances, most of the time, the opponent will.” If there’s a time for this team to
turn the corner, now seems like it. With head assistant Trevor Sinclair and defender Amadeus Sögaard now in the fold, April 22 was the first time this season the Paradise had their full staff and entire roster at their disposal, per Elovaara. Having Røed back is a major boost. Signs of success are evident defensively. The squad still hasn’t allowed more than two goals to any opponent, while goalkeeper Alexander Sutton’s 20 saves are tied for thirdmost in the league.
“As a defender, your first priority is always not to concede,” Sögaard said. “What I can bring to the team is that hunger and that urgency to not do that and to really protect the goal — whatever it costs.”
Depth continues to be a point of pride for the Paradise. Sixteen different players have taken shots, as of April 24. Elovaara has been intentional about that.
He lauded Jordan Bender following the team’s victory over Corpus Christi FC.
The 24-year-old defender didn’t travel with the team for its previous contest April 11 at Naples FC. He played eight minutes April 22, by the coach’s estimate.
But Elovaara saw how Bender used fresh legs to sustain pressure on their opponent down the stretch, helping the Paradise keep their one-goal lead.
“Iron sharpens iron,” Røed said. “That shows the quality around the whole team. I don’t even know the best starting 11 we have, because we have been trying a lot.”
Jack Nelson is the sports reporter for the East County and Sarasota/Siesta Key Observers. Contact him at JNelson@ YourObserver.com.
Photo by Jack Nelson
Forward Jonathan Bolanos (right) dribbles with a defender on his tail during the Sarasota Paradise's match vs. Corpus Christi FC on April 22. It was the team's first win this month, and second in seven games played.
Paxon Hermann
Paxon Hermann has been an athlete of many talents for The Out-of-Door Academy boys track and field team.
On April 21, those talents went on display at the FHSAA Class 1A-District 11 meet, where he placed first in the pole vault (3.90 meters), second in the triple jump (12.54), third in the long jump (6.09) and tied for third in the high jump (1.62). Hermann is the East County Athlete of the Week.
How would you evaluate your performance at the district meet?
I was trying to ensure that I could get to regionals without pushing myself so hard that I would get injured.
Once I did have the marks that ensured that, I wanted to push myself to do the best I could — place-wise and mark-wise.
Do you have a favorite event to compete in?
My favorite event definitely is pole vault. It’s always been pole vault since I first started it (in seventh grade).
Now in the postseason, what is your focus?
We’re zoning in on triple jump and pole vault. We’re working more on the technical attributes instead of strength training or conditioning.
What were your goals entering this season?
I wanted to get to states for pole vault and triple jump.
When and why did you starting competing in track and field?
My dad (Scott Hermann) did track in college. It was always something he wanted me to do, and I’ve just been getting more serious every year since middle school.
Why have you stuck with this sport?
I like that you’re not competing against people, but you’re competing against yourself. You can always
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.
cheer people on — even if they’re technically the competition. I meet people and then I see them all the time.
What quote or piece of advice have you carried with you?
My dad always says, “Things don’t get easier. You’ve just got to get good at doing hard things.”
What’s a fun fact about you not many people know?
I like creative writing. In college, I want to minor in something related to English.
If you could go anywhere for a dream vacation, where would you go and why?
Tallinn, Estonia. My best friend’s dad, he lived in Tallinn for a couple years for business, and the way he describes it sounds so nice and homey.
If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would you eat and why?
The wagyu beef sliders from (CMX Cinebistro).
What music helps you get in the zone during practice or before a meet?
I listen to, lately, Kanye West — he’s been in the rotation. But anything, really.
Finish this sentence.
Paxon Hermann is ... Determined.
‘Frozen’ Mustangs bring the heat with
MADISON BIERL STAFF WRITER
When Emmaline Caswell, a senior at Lakewood Ranch High School, takes the stage during a musical theater production, she transforms.
In that moment, she is whatever character she is playing.
“I become a different person, and that’s my favorite part of it,” Caswell said. “I can push away all the things that happened during the day and I get to live (the character’s) life for however long the show is. I was destined to do something in theater.”
On April 24, Caswell played Pabbie, the lead troll in the Lakewood Ranch High School production of “Frozen.”
She wasn’t alone in making a transformation.
Junior Daniela Vallarta played Bulda, the other main troll and also
was the costume manager. Vallarta stressed theater is a fun pursuit for anyone, no matter their interests, and helps in growing confidence and self-expression.
“If you want to get into a technical field, engineering, building, or grow group skills, it’s amazing for that,” Vallarta said.
Skylah Siegel, a senior, played Anna and was also the musical director.
“It’s such a relief and a joy seeing everyone enjoying your hard work,” Siegel said. “Rehearsals can be stressful, and there’s a lot that goes into it that people don’t usually see.”
Emma Mandzik, a senior, played the lead of Elsa. She said theater is the place to find safety and passion, and she gets to do what she loves.
She also choreographed all the dance numbers, which included various lifts.
“This is some of the most original choreography I’ve done, and I made some of these numbers from scratch,” Mandzik said. “This has pushed me in that sense.”
Jess Lubbers is the theater teacher at Lakewood Ranch High School. He loves giving his students responsibility and then watching them rise to the occasion.
“I take on the role of a producer,” Lubbers said. “I get to sit back and enjoy the show.”
Emma Mandzik, a senior at Lakewood Ranch High School, plays Elsa and also choreographed the entire show for “Frozen.”
Sophomore Chase Christie and senior Skylah Siegel sing "Love Is an Open Door" as Hans and Anna in “Frozen” at Lakewood Ranch High School.
Photos by Madison Bierl
Alexandra Mahiquez, a sophomore at Lakewood Ranch High School, plays Olaf.
David DuJardin, a senior, plays King Agnaar and Oaken in the school’s production of “Frozen.”
Lakewood Ranch High School senior Jack Christie plays Kristoff alongside freshman Lex Lubbers, who plays Sven, in "Frozen."
Noah Gross, a freshman at Lakewood Ranch High School, plays the Duke of Weselton.
Out-of-Door Academy students make Mama proud
‘Mamma Mia!’ hits the stage at The Out-of-Door Academy.
MADISON BIERL STAFF WRITER
When Hays Wilson, a senior at The Out-of-Door Academy, is playing a role on stage, he is nervous at first.
He said after a few moments, the wave of anxiety breaks and he becomes focused.
“It’s helped me find myself, and it’s helped me find community,” Wilson said of his acting. “It feels exhilarating.”
Wilson, who played the role of Harry, was among the 27 cast members, nine orchestra members and 14 crew members who combined to present “Mamma Mia!” on April 24-26 at The Out-of-Door Academy.
Gabe Saienni was director and Jasmine Deall was technical director.
Erick Crow is the director of fine and performing arts at ODA. He said it is gratifying to see how much the students grow through the preparation for a show.
He said “Mamma Mia!” includes themes of love, acceptance, growth and family.
“Every show is unique and they’ll
never get to perform with this cast again,” Crow said. “I hope they appreciate the time that they have and how quick it goes.”
Tatiana Moskalenko, a junior at ODA, had three roles in the production of “Mamma Mia!” She was dance captain, costume manager and she played the role of Tanya.
She said she wouldn’t change her experience.
“I hope they (the audience) feel immersed and excited about the future of the ODA theater department,” Moskalenko said. “We’ve done a lot of great shows, but I think this one is going to set the standard for our upcoming shows. This team has been one of our strongest.”
Grace Chren, a junior, was one of the three stage managers alongside Sophie Roelens and Andreia Azevedo. She enjoys working on the production behind the scenes and on stage, as well.
“There is so much that goes on behind the scenes that the audience doesn’t necessarily realize,” Chren said. “But every single part of that is the core of a great and amazing show.”
Photos by Madison Bierl
Zachary Papper and Dillon O'Callaghan carry Tatiana Moskalenko, who plays Tanya, as she sings "Does Your Mother Know" in The Out-of-Door Academy production of "Mamma Mia!"
Marleigh Matras, Ava Rosin and Jules Whittemore perform "Honey, Honey."
Tom Bergerat, Mason Chase and Hays Wilson play the male leads of Bill, Sam and Harry.
Scarlett Moyer and Sophia Rios play Rosie and Donna.
THINK 3% INFLATION ISN’T A BIG DEAL? THINK AGAIN.
Over the next decade, that ‘small’ number could raise your cost of living by 34%. The question is - is your financial plan prepared for the long-term effects of inflation?
THE COST YOU DON’T SEE
We can all see the taxes we pay, but inflation is harder to notice - even though it may be one of the most powerful forces quietly shaping your financial future. Even at a moderate rate of 3%, inflation steadily increases the cost of living while reducing the value of money that isn’t growing.
In simple terms: the same lifestyle becomes more expensive over time. At 3% inflation, prices will increase by about 34% over the next 10 years. That means something that costs $100 today could cost $134 in a decade. Over longer periods of time like retirement, the impact becomes even more significant. Inflation doesn’t make dramatic headlines, but its long-term effect is powerful.
STANDING STILL MAY
MEAN FALLING BEHIND
Many people believe inflation is something only governments or economists need to worry about. In reality, it affects financial decisions every day. Doing nothing with your money may feel safe, but overtime inflation can reduce purchasing power. When savings do not grow at a rate that keeps up with rising prices, the value of those dollars may gradually decline.
WHY INVESTING
MATTERS MORE THAN EVER
Investing has typically been about building wealth. Today, it is equally about protecting your purchasing power. Over time, inflation can reduce purchasing power which is an important factor to consider when making financial decisions,
If you don’t plan for inflation your money buys less, your goals require more, and your lifestyle becomes harder to sustain. The good news is that thoughtful planning and investing can help you address the impact on your long-term financial goals and help keep you moving forward.
The key is having a strategy that considers growth objectives, risk tolerance, and long-term planning. At JL Bainbridge, we work with individuals and families to develop disciplined investment strategies designed to support both growth objectives and long-term financial security.
READY TO CHECK YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE?
If you’re wondering whether your current strategy is keeping pace with inflation, now is the time to find out. Contact JL Bainbridge today to schedule a complimentary financial review and learn more about inflation and how it can impact your wealth.
YOUR CALENDAR
COMMUNITY
THURSDAY, APRIL 30
THROUGH SUNDAY, MAY 3
LIVE MUSIC AT JIGGS LANDING
Runs from 4-7 p.m. each day at Jiggs Landing, 6106 63rd St. E., Bradenton. The live music lineup includes Steve Arvey (Thursday), Corning and Clark (Friday), Al Fuller Band (Saturday) and Santiago (Sunday). The Friday and Saturday shows are $5; the others are free. Visit JiggsLanding.com.
FRIDAY, MAY 1
MUSIC ON MAIN
Runs from 6-9 p.m. at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch. Fleming Co. will be the featured band for the monthly, free concert series. The band plays “coastal, indie pop.” The event will benefit SRQ Vets. Enjoy the block party that features food vendors, beer and wine trucks, sponsor booths, and games and activities for the kids (presented by Grace Community Church). For more information, go to MyLWR.com.
FRIDAY, MAY 1 AND SATURDAY, MAY 2
MUSIC AT THE PLAZA
Runs from 6-9 p.m. each day at Waterside Place, 1561 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch. On Friday, Dana Lawrence will play rock, blues, reggae and New Orleans soul for those strolling the streets of Waterside Place. On Saturday, Jesse Daniels will perform country, rock and soul. For more information, go to WatersidePlace.com.
SATURDAY, MAY 2
ROOFTOP YOGA
Begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Lakewood Ranch Library, 16410 Rangeland Parkway. Adults (18 and older) can participate. Beginners are welcome as are those with experience. Donations accepted. Those who participate are asked to bring a yoga mat. Visit MyLWR.com.
SATURDAY, MAY 2 AND SUNDAY, MAY 3
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 Schmitz Brothers on Saturday and suScotty Yaates on Sunday.
SUNDAY, MAY 3
FARMERS MARKET
Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Lakefront Drive in Waterside Place. 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. Visit MyLWR.com.
YOGA IN THE PARK
Runs 9-10 a.m. at Waterside Park, 7301 Island Cove Terrace. Start the morning off with gentle yoga with lake views. Visit MyLWR.com.
BEST BET
SATURDAY, MAY 2
FISHING SEMINAR
Two one-hour sessions begin at 10 a.m. and noon at Summerfield Community Park, 6402 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Presented by the Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club and Lakewood Ranch Community Activities, and sponsored by Premier Tackle, the 2026 Youth and Teen Fishing Seminar teaches the fundamentals of fishing and prepares those who attend for the annual Fishing Tournament that will be held in October. Those who attend will receive hands-on instruction from members of the Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club. The seminar is for those ages 5-19 and is free. To register and for more information, go to MyLWR.com.
TUESDAY, MAY 5
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. Visit NathanBendersonPark.org.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6
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 beverages are allowed. Visit MyLWR. com.
CLASSIC CAR SHOW Runs from 5-8 p.m. at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch. Presented by Ed’s Tavern, the monthly Classic Car Show returns, featuring an interesting blend of autos. Bring your ride and participate for $10 per vehicle. Food, music and prizes are featured. For more information, contact Lance@Collectorcarstv.com.
“I attended great colleges after Saint Stephen’s –outstanding professors, talented coaches, competitive
and rigorous academics. But nothing compares to the deep impact SSES had on me. It taught me more about myself and the world’s possibilities than any other school experience.”
– Rob Sanford Circuit Court Judges, Wyoming’s Second Judicial District
File photo
Bradenton’s Vincent Wang gets some tips from Robert LaVopa of the Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club during the annual Youth Fishing Tournament in 2023 at Lake Uihlein.
Tim Hortons comes to Florida
MADISON BIERL STAFF WRITER
Walking around Buffalo, New York, as a child, Sarasota’s Axel Neff saw Tim Hortons as a way of life.
He still does.
The Canadian chain restaurant known for coffee and donuts was a major sponsor of sports teams when Neff was growing up and they were plentiful in Buffalo.
Fresh out of college in 2007, Neff was working as an engineer when he was hired to fix a water system problem at one of the Tim Hortons restaurants in Sardinia, New York. He was not a coffee drinker, but did enjoy the Tim Hortons’ donuts. While working with the restaurant on the water problem, he tried an Iced Capp, which he described as a mix between a Frappuccino and a milkshake.
“That was the thing that got me hooked on caffeine and introduced coffee and caffeine into my life,” Neff said. “From that day on, I had coffee every single day of my life.”
Neff moved to Sarasota in 2022 with his wife, Katie, and his three children, Pippa, Axel and Archer. He and his friend, Patrick McGovern, were looking to open a business and have both had a love for Tim Hortons, both growing up in Buffalo.
Hotel developers William Caine and Robert Webster were already looking into franchising in the area so they teamed up.
“There are a lot of attributes that Tim Hortons represents that make it feel personal aside from the comfort of fresh coffee and donuts,” McGovern said. “This is a first-time job for several of our employees, so teaching them the importance of customer service and community involvement is important to us, locally and nationally.”
Tim Hortons, located on 7935 S.R. 64, Bradenton, opened in December. Currently, it is the only location in Florida.
Tim Hortons has different menu items depending on the location.
In the northern part of the U.S., it has soups and chilis, while the South restaurants have more of an emphasis on cold drinks like refreshers, matcha and more.
Neff said his favorite menu item is the breakfast burrito (which includes guacamole, cheese, bacon, eggs and hash browns) that’s only offered in the South.
Customer Debbie Archer grew up in Michigan and still returns there
The restaurant chain opened its first Florida franchise on State Road 64 in Bradenton.
during summers. From her home in Michigan, Tim Hortons is a mile and a half away.
“I can go there quickly in the morning and come back home before anyone notices that I’m gone,” Archer said.
When she saw there was a Tim Hortons opening in the Lakewood Ranch area, she made sure to stay up to date by stopping by the building and making frequent Google searches.
“I texted my family, ‘Oh, my God, Tim Hortons is opening down here,’” Archer said. “It’s the best coffee I’ve ever had.”
East County’s Ema Mizic, 23, is originally from Michigan and has been in Florida for the past 16 years. She said the people at Tim Hortons are always so friendly and the food is much better than other chain coffee shops as it is fresher.
Neff said the coffee is pure premium and brewed in Rochester, New York and is made fresh at the restaurant every 20 minutes. The eggs are cracked fresh in-house. They are not frozen and they are not microwaved.
Neff said Tim Hortons has always been a brand to represent warmth and comfort. He wants customers to be able to gather with other members of the community. He said it’s the place for construction workers to go on their way to work, where working moms can stop with their kids on the way to school.
“We want them to leave with a smile,” Neff said. “That’s always our goal.”
Madison Bierl
Sarasota’s Axel Neff is glad to welcome community members who are both familiar and unfamiliar with Tim Horton’s brand to bond over food and coffee.
The Art of Waterfront Living at
Life revolves around the spectacular 30,000-square-foot clubhouse, now under construction and opening this fall. Designed as the heart of the community, it’s where neighbors gather around resort-style pools, enjoy shared meals at indoor-outdoor dining venues, and take a swing on the premier putting course. With a golf simulator, state-of-the-art fitness center, private cinema, and newly opened model homes showcasing stunning waterfront designs by the region’s most sought-after builders, this Lakewood Ranch community stands apart for those who value connection as much as luxury.
Lake Club home tops sales at $5.65 million
ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR
Ahome in Lake Club topped the week’s sales. Craig Reich and Lee Ann Reich sold their home at 15421 Anchorage Place to Ty Staviski and Lori Staviski, trustees, of Bradenton, for $5.65 million. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,892 square feet of living area. It sold for $5.4 million in 2024.
LAKE CLUB
Vincent and Charlene Cubbage, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 16941 Clearlake Ave. to Candace and Richard Seaman, of Lakewood Ranch, for $4.3 million. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, fiveand-a-half baths, a pool and 5,406 square feet of living area. It sold for $3,204,900 in 2024.
AZARIO ESPLANADE
David Mcilquham and Kathy Elaine Mcilquham, of Greensboro, North Carolina, sold their home at 15126 Derna Terrace to Shawn and Teri Kelly, of Highland Township, Michigan, for $1.7 million. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, a pool and 3,058 square feet of living area. It sold for $912,300 in 2022.
COUNTRY CLUB
Robert and Jacqueline Nielsen, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 7137 Ashland Glen to Rosemarie Pauli and William Sadlack, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1,495,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,973 square feet of living area. It sold for $522,500 in 2019.
Kevin Lynch and Christine Lynch, trustees, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the home at 6505 Oakland Hills Drive to Alan Calderon and Dee Calderon, trustees, of Lakewood Ranch, for $930,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,246 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,144,000 in 2023.
LAKEHOUSE COVE AT WATERSIDE
Joseph and Karen Lisa Dipietro, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 8281 Grande Shores Drive to Brian and Louise McGuinness, of Sarasota, for $1.15 million. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, twoand-a-half baths, a pool and 2,443 square feet of living area. It sold for $814,300 in 2022.
Brian and Louise McGuinness, of Sarasota, sold their home at 978 Crosswind Ave. to Peter and Theresa Reilly, of Sarasota, for $760,000. Built in 2022, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,940 square feet of living area. It sold for $725,000 in 2025.
GREENBROOK
Joseph Mancini and Kristen Calton, of Littleton, Colorado, sold their home at 6718 Ladyfish Trail to Michael and Heather Ann Hope, of Lakewood Ranch, for $945,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,007 square feet of living area. It sold for $930,000 in 2024.
Deborah Ann Flack, of Palmetto, sold the home at 13951 Wood Duck Circle to Katherine Breckenfelder and Matthew Klepka, of Lakewood Ranch, for $675,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,349 square feet of living area. It sold for $599,900 in 2021.
EASTON PLACE
John and Sharon Keeso, of Ontario, Canada, sold their home at 6308 Thorndon Circle to Lori Ross, of Bradenton, for $941,500. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,851 square feet of living area. It sold for $447,000 in 2002.
RIVER CLUB SOUTH
Lori Cortellini and Ronald Hock sold their home at 6907 River Birch
Court to Jeffrey John Lorsung and Susan Lorsung, of Bradenton, for $940,000. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,662 square feet of living area. It sold for $597,500 in 2011.
Lynda Stuart Blaylock sold her home at 7629 Harrington Lane to Brian and Melinda Feldman, of Bradenton, for $925,100. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three-and-ahalf baths, a pool and 3,737 square feet of living area.
COUNTRY CLUB EAST
Fidelity Personal Trust Co., trustee, sold the home at 14552 Whitemoss Terrace to Frederick Bivetto and Salvatrice Cardia-Bivetto, of Lakewood Ranch, for $865,000. Built in 2011, it has three bedrooms, twoand-a-half baths, a pool and 2,709 square feet of living area.
ESPLANADE
William and Patricia Favret, of Columbus, Ohio, sold their home at 5007 Napoli Run to Richard and Laurie Williams, of Bradenton, for $850,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,334 square feet of living area. It sold for $507,000 in 2016.
EMERALD LANDING AT WATERSIDE
Weekley Homes LLC sold the home at 1563 Running Tide Place to Tracee Murphy, of Sarasota, for $845,000. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,314 square feet of living area.
POLO RUN
Winfield and Stephanie Chan and Sue Sui Sheung Cheng, of Sarasota, sold their home at 17614 Polo Trail to Allan Zuleger and Julie Zuleger, trustees, of Winnerconne, Wisconsin, for $775,000. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,455 square feet of living area. It sold for $484,900 in 2021.
INDIGO
David and Judy Pitzele, trustees, sold the home at 13106 Indigo Way to Steven and Lori Valentino, of Bradenton, for $745,500. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,451 square feet of living area. It sold for $565,000 in 2020.
Pindipapanahalli and Geetha Ravindra, of Glen Allen, Virginia, sold their home at 4019 Azurite Way to Hayden Butterfield and Kelly Boyle, of Rensselaer, New York, for $420,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,495 square feet of living area. It sold for $322,500 in 2020.
TREYMORE AT THE VILLAGE OF PALM AIRE
William Alfred Lynch, trustee, of Ruskin, sold the home at 4889 Carrington Circle to Michael Williams and Veronica Williams, trustees, of Sarasota, for $740,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, a pool and 3,358 square feet of living area. It sold for $865,000 in 2022.
SWEETWATER
Damon and Carly Ann Jannelli, of Tinton Falls, New Jersey, sold their home at 17333 Savory Mist Circle to Michael Bulone and Vanessa Farneti, of Hoboken, New Jersey, for $685,000. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,190 square feet of living area. It sold for $740,000 in 2024.
MAGNOLIA RANCH
John and Barbara Stepp, of Parrish, sold their home at 709 Gadwall Court to Daniel Harrelson, of Bradenton, for $645,500. Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,084 square feet of living area. It sold for $684,300 in 2023.
PALM AIRE AT SARASOTA
Julian Andrews and Katherine Andrews, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the home at 6964 Country Lakes Circle to Barbara Brunner, of Sarasota, for $616,000. Built in 1984, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 3,658 square feet of living area. It sold for $210,000 in 1995.
GREYHAWK LANDING
Donald and Linda Huber, of Hatfield, Pennsylvania, sold their home at 12527 Natureview Circle
APRIL 13-17
to Patrick and Cynthia Corkery, of Bradenton, for $615,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,131 square feet of living area. It sold for $650,000 in 2022.
BRADEN PINES
Bernadette Litchfield, of Parrish, sold her home at 10617 Forest Run Drive to Kevin and Leann O’Neal, of Bradenton, for $586,000. Built in 1984, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,862 square feet of living area. It sold for $380,000 in 2006.
RAVEN CREST
Jeffrey Douglas Vogt and Vanessa Gutierrez-Vogt, of Bradenton, sold
their home at 750 116th Court N.E. to Gregory Joseph Broderick and Leah Kristine Walsh, of Lakewood Ranch, for $580,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,276 square feet of living area. It sold for $450,000 in 2021.
WATERLEFE GOLF AND RIVER CLUB
Jerry Labelle and Kathryn Mulcahy, of Bradenton, sold their home at 9455 Portside Terrace to Thomas Francis Wright and Kathleen Wright, of Bradenton, for $520,000.
Courtesy image
This Lake Club home at 15421 Anchorage Place sold for $5.65 million. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,892 square feet of living area.
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Built in 2002, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,530 square feet of living area. It sold for $275,000 in 2004.
LAGOON AT TIDEWATER PRESERVE
James Steven Sibrel and Corinne
Margaret Sibrel, of Encampment, Wyoming, sold their Unit B condominium at 1005 Riverscape St. to Michael and Leslie Dunford, of Avon Lake, Ohio, for $510,000. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,748 square feet of living area. It sold for $272,000 in 2016.
EDGEWATER
Joseph and Teresa Palmieri, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, sold their home at 8408 Whispering Woods Court to Michael Scott Dickson, of North Charleston, South Carolina, for $505,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,679 square feet of living area. It sold for $295,000 in 2020.
WATERBURY GRAPEFRUIT
Suzan and George Nahas sold their home at 3515 222nd St. E. to Igor Rozhnov, of Bradenton, for $500,000. Built in 1978, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 776 square feet of living area. It sold for $460,000 in 2023.
COACH HOMES AT LAKEWOOD NATIONAL
Mary Giannini, trustee, sold the Unit 4911 condominium at 6086 Worsham Lane to Joseph and Michele Albright, of Fleetwood, Pennsylvania, for $495,000. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,786 square feet of living area. It sold for $325,000 in 2021.
SABAL HARBOUR
Claudia Henze-Dynio and Andreas Dynio, of Germany, sold their home at 4950 Bookelia Circle to Envin Ennis Billings and Kaylie Billings, of Bradenton, for $485,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,120 square feet
of living area. It sold for $171,000 in 2010.
HERITAGE HARBOUR
IMJ Real LLC sold the home at 428 Grand Preserve Cove to Qianshan Liao, of Great Neck, New York, for $477,500. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,680 square feet of living area. It sold for $430,000 in 2021.
COACH HOMES AT RIVER
STRAND
Roger Godin and Mary Ann Godin, trustees, of Lebanon, Maine, sold the Unit 5802 condominium at 6708 Grand Estuary Trail to Thomas and Kathleen Trigilio, of Williamsville, New York, for $430,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,108 square feet of living area. It sold for $270,000 in 2016.
THE WATCH AT WATERLEFE
Thomas and Tamara Lesneski, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the Unit 17-D condominium at 927 River Basin Court to Dennis and Christy Doggett, of Nicholasville, Kentucky, for $430,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,156 square feet of living area. It sold for $459,000 in 2023.
RIVER’S EDGE
Sebastian and Gabriella Bejarano sold their home at 6647 68th St. E. to Dennis and Charity Driggers, of Bradenton, for $424,900. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,696 square feet of living area. It sold for $410,000 in 2022.
PALISADES
Joseph Steven Hennessey, trustee, of Bradenton, sold the home at 13911 Mount Laurel Trail to James Rosser, of Bradenton, for $420,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,047 square feet of living area. It sold for $325,000 in 2020.
Mother's Day Gift Guide
THE GIVING TREE GALLERY
5 N Blvd of the Presidents • Sarasota, FL 34236 941-388-1353 • TheGivingTreeGallery.com
Celebrate Mom with thoughtful, artful jewelry from award-winning designers. For over 30 years, The Giving Tree Gallery has offered unique, handcrafted pieces on St. Armands Circle. From meaningful keepsakes to 18KT fine jewelry, find a gift as special as she is-paired with exceptional service in a warm, welcoming space this Mother’s Day.
CAFÉ ON ST. ARMANDS
431 St Armands Circle • Sarasota, FL 34236 941-388-4415 • CafeOnStArmands.com
Join us at Café on St. Armands this Mother’s Day for an unforgettable culinary celebration! Pamper her with exquisite dishes like Rack of Lamb, Chicken Al Limone, & our decadent Limoncello Cake. Visit our pop-up bloom bar on the Circle to pick a stunning bouquet for Mom! Make it a day to remember & a meal to treasure!
MCCARVER & MOSER
1301 Main St • Sarasota, FL 34236 | 1601 Gulf of Mexico Dr • Longboat Key, FL 34228 941-387-8000 • mccarvermoser.com
McCarver & Moser Jewelers has sophisticated design collections from around the world. We provide customer service that exceeds expectations with our knowledge, hand crafted designs and a personal concierge team that represents over 115 years of experience. Making our customers happy and beautiful is our passion.
SIRIUS DAY SPA, SALON & MED SPA
11585 E SR70 • Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 1551 Lakefront Dr, Suite 101 • Sarasota, FL 34240 941-357-4611 • SiriusDaySpas.com
Give Mom what she really wants-a gift card to the #1 luxury spa, salon & med spa with 2 locations in Sarasota & Lakewood Ranch. Enjoy 200+ services including massages, facials, Botox, fillers, laser hair removal, Morpheus8, IPL, hair & nail services, and bioidentical hormone therapy. Get a $15 bonus for every $100 through Mother’s Day!
Now is the time to find the perfect present for your mother! Enjoy 20% off all Fashion Jewelry, Remounts and Lab Created Diamonds. Sale ends May 9th. For 53 years, Bartlett Jewelers has been the trusted source for beautiful jewelry. Stop in today. Open Monday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
MILLER HAUS FURNITURE 6100 N Lockwood Ridge Rd • Sarasota, FL 34243 941-960-2942 • DutchHausFurniture.com
Celebrate mom with gifts she’ll enjoy! From handcrafted furniture for every room of the home to relaxing outdoor seating and locally made candles, Miller Haus Furniture offers meaningful gifts that will last a lifetime. Stop in and shop at a Miller’s location today!
Treat Mom to something sweet this Mother’s Day. Whether you’re picking up a thoughtful treat or bringing her in to enjoy it together, it’s a dessert experience she’ll love-warm, freshly baked cookies paired with rich, handcrafted ice cream. Don’t miss their famous hot cookie sundae, loaded with melty goodness and your choice of toppings, or share a decadent cookies-and-ice-cream combo for a simple, memorable way to celebrate.
Working with patients to create healthy victories is my goal.”
Kelly Bell, APRN
Kelly Bell, APRN, is a family medicine nurse practitioner with Lakewood Ranch Medical Group Primary Care.
Her areas of special interest include:
• Care for acute and chronic medical conditions
• Well-child and annual physical exams
• Women’s health, no obstetrics
• Medicare Annual Wellness Visits
• Preventive screenings and immunizations
Bell completed a bachelor of science in nursing degree from Ball State University in Muncie, Ind. and a master of science in nursing degree from Indiana University. She is board certified as a family nurse practitioner by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and has more than 25 years experience in internal medicine, primary care, gerontology and pediatrics.
To schedule an appointment, call 866-515-9777 or visit lakewoodranchmedicalgroup.com.
LET’S DO WELL TOGETHER.
6600 University Parkway, Suite 201 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240
lakewoodranchmedicalgroup.com
For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website. 264393782-4914804 4/26
Fundraiser ‘Foar the Brave’
Two veterans and two civilians are preparing to row 2,800 miles across the Pacific Ocean in June to raise awareness of veteran suicide.
LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER
Most nonprofits offer something tangible. A veteran might receive a service dog from Dogs Inc. or a home from the Tunnels to Towers Foundation.
What made Joe Leach, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, volunteer to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean from the Canary Islands to Antigua in 2023 was something intangible.
In 2017, a man wanted to throw himself off a bridge, but he had seen another team of veterans on social media rowing to Antigua with the nonprofit Fight Oar Die. The man told his wife, “If they can row an ocean, I can live another day.”
“That’s what got me the first time,” Leach said. "Then, I did it and could see the impact it was having. I can’t tell you how many lives we saved, but I know we saved lives.”
Leach, who is from Apex, North Carolina, will be rowing for the nonprofit Foar the Brave in June. The nonprofit sponsors the “World’s Toughest Row,” 2,800 miles across the Pacific Ocean — from Monterey, California, to Hanalei, Hawaii — to raise awareness for veteran suicide.
Veterans Affairs data from 2023 reported that more than 17 veterans die by suicide each day.
The tangible side of Foar the Brave is that any additional funds raised support “results-driven charities addressing veteran suicide, mental health challenges, substance abuse and homelessness.”
About 250 East County residents gathered April 24 with a goal of raising $25,000 for the crew to set sail this June.
Manoj and Bonnie Mathew hosted the fundraiser in the cul-de-sac in
front of their home in River Strand.
“If we save one life, it’s worth it,” Bonnie Mathew said as she bustled around, putting out more plates and steering guests to the silent auction table.
Leach noted that donations get the crew on the water, but they only have each other once they start rowing.
He estimated the mental and emotional strain at about 80% to 90% compared to physical strain. And Leach laid on his stomach for an entire day because the blistering on his backside was so intense he couldn’t sit down to row. The dried salt becomes like sandpaper. The crew includes Leach, civilian John Pallasch of Aiken, South Carolina, newly retired Special Forces Officer Ian Pienik of Largo, and air traffic controller Steve Robinson of Vermilion, Ohio.
Leach will serve as skipper and is the only member of the crew to have ever rowed across an ocean. Instead of the Atlantic, he will cross the Pacific from California to Hawaii. The trip is estimated to take 32 to 40 days. Leach said the trip is as spiritual as it is strenuous.
“Seeing the sunrise on the ocean with no light pollution is magical,” he said. “You see lights, which look like lights on the shore, but they’re stars that are so far on the horizon that they’re parallel with the water line. And every once in a while, a bird lands on your head.”
SUPPORT THE CREW
Visit FoarTheBrave.org/Donate to make a donation. Any dollar amount is accepted, but there are also purchase options. For example, a $45 donation buys the crew a 72-hour food and water pack, and a $500 donation buys a water resupply system that turns salt water into potable water.
Lesley Dwyer River Strand's Bonnie and Manoj Mathew stand between two of the crew members. John Pallasch, is left, and Joe Leach, right.
