East County Observer 4.8.21

E A ST COUNTY

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FREE THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

VOLUME 23, NO. 21

YOUR TOWN

School officials: 1 mill made huge difference

School District of Manatee County says 1-mill property tax referendum in 2018 was crucial. PAGE 3A

Liz Ramos

Back in action Lakewood Ranch Cinemas has been reeling in moviegoers since it reopened April 2.

The theater has been closed for seven months during the pandemic and is now showing six movies Fridays through Sundays.

“It’s so nice to see smiling faces in here again,” said Trisha Calandra (above with Renee Baggott), the vice president of the Sarasota Film Society, which owns the theater.

Tight-knit group Interesting yarns are spun when this group meets. SEE PAGE 8A

Liz Ramos

University Park’s Laurie Roshfled is knitting a sweater in a method she has never tried before. She’s knitting the sweater from the neck down when she usually works from the waist up.

Brendan Lavell

Entrepreneurs make their stand Braden Woods residents Brooke Sylvester, 10, and Timothy Deev, 8, (above) were prepared for garage sales to pop up throughout their community April 3.

The day before, they built, painted and decorated a concession stand by themselves. They sold lemonade, cookies, donuts, wood art, oranges and even books, but coffee was the fastest seller on a chilly Saturday morning. The stand took them an entire day to make.

“We had to look for tools ourselves because dad wasn’t home,” Sylvester said.

Questions linger no longer Brendan Lavell

Asset Manager Ruth Hofer says this oak tree is an example of the foliage Linger Lodge is hoping to showcase and preserve through its renovations. “This is what makes Linger Lodge special,” she says.

After renovation begins, Linger Lodge restaurant eyes January reopening.

SEE PAGE 10A

A+E

Classically new.

SEE PAGE 20A

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

Heritage Harbour construction a taller task planned adjacent to the assisted living facility. Waterlefe Community Development District Chair Ken Bumgarner said he had to wait and hope someone would let him in when trying to turn out of Waterlefe onto Port Harbour Parkway on the morning of the land use meeting.

“We have a major problem on that road,” Bumgarner said.

“Anything you are doing in the way of adding to this facility or this property is making the traffic situation horrendous.”

In other action, Heritage Harbour Master Association President Gene Zeiner attended the meeting for a different reason.

He has been trying to speak with Medallion Home about a small creek at the community’s eastern border known as the “East Ditch” since he was elected president in 2018. The western half of the ditch is in Heritage Harbour, while the eastern half is on the undeveloped property owned by Medallion Home.

Zeiner said Heritage Harbour has been paying to clear and maintain its side of the ditch, while the other side has become cluttered and overrun with plants. If both parties don’t properly maintain the ditch, he said he fears flooding will begin to occur, especially considering the incoming development on Medallion’s side will cause more runoff. Zeiner spoke with Medallion representatives at the meeting and said he hopes it will be the start of a dialogue.

“We’re in an area where if things go crazy, it can cause huge issues,” Zeiner said.

BRENDAN LAVELL STAFF WRITER

M

anatee County commissioners voted 5-1 on Thursday to approve an amendment to the Heritage Harbour development plan that will, among other things, allow construction of a proposed assisted living facility as high as five stories rather than four.

James Satcher cast the dissenting vote, while Carol Whitmore abstained because her son-inlaw, Scott Rudacille, represents project builder Medallion Home.

About a dozen residents from Heritage Harbour and neighboring Waterlefe attended the meeting to speak about their concerns with the amendment and the incoming development.

The most common complaint came from Waterlefe residents whose backyards face the proposed assisted living facility from the north.

Residents including Mary Lou Kovac said it’s bad enough that they can see the four-story apartments at Watercolor Place from their homes, especially at night when lights are constantly visible within the apartments. The proposed assisted living facility is much closer to Waterlefe than the apartments. With the addition of a fifth story, they’re worried about how visible it will be over

Photos by Brendan Lavell

Heritage Harbour Master Association President Gene Zeiner wants Medallion to better maintain its half of this ditch, shown on the left. He is concerned about the possibility of flooding if the ditch doesn’t stay clear.

the trees that line their backyards.

Kovac said the land set aside for the assisted living facility was cow pasture when she bought her home but that she knows there is no stopping development.

Medallion Home Project Planner Carol Clarke said the company has not yet decided if it will build five stories but would like the option to do so. She said building the facility higher would allow it to have a smaller footprint. Kovac is still holding out hope Medallion will decide to limit the assisted living facility to four stories, but

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she said there’s nothing she can do if they decide to build five.

“The builders rule here in Manatee County, and it’s a shame,” Kovac said. “We elected several new commissioners this time — Satcher, George Kruse and Kevin Van Ostenbridge. … I was hoping that when they got in there that maybe we wouldn’t have so much siding with [the builders’] needs.

But we still do.”

Local residents also raised concerns about traffic in the area that will be generated by the 288unit apartment complex that is

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MYAKKA ‘TRIANGLE’ REZONE CONTINUED Manatee County commissioners were scheduled to decide on a pending rezone for the 1.54-acre parcel of land in Myakka City near the northeast corner of State Road 70 and County Road 675, known as “the triangle.”

However, the hearing was continued to the April 15 land use meeting. Manatee Ranches is requesting to rezone the land from agriculture to small neighborhood commercial.

The left side of this ditch is part of Medallion’s undeveloped property, while the right side is in Heritage Harbour. Heritage Harbour Master Association President Gene Zeiner wants Medallion to better maintain its half.

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Commissioners approve fifth story for assisted living facility.

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

Another 1 mill choice

BY THE NUMBERS Each year, the School District of Manatee County creates a budget on how to use the funding from the 1-mill property tax increase. The district then makes adjustments based on the total amount collected from the tax.

School district hopes to show voters how the 1 mill increase has changed the educational landscape.

LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER

S

ix VEX robotics teams from three School District of Manatee County elementary schools are headed to a regional competition, making history for the district.

The teams are made of students from Gilbert W. McNeal, Robert E. Willis and Virgil Mills elementary schools.

The six teams participating in the regional robotics competition are the most the district has had, said Doug Wagner, the deputy superintendent of operations for the district.

Hanna Cuervo, the VEX program adviser at Willis Elementary, said funding from the millage has been used to provide robot kits to get the program started at Willis. One kit costs about $350.

Wagner said without the 1-mill property tax increase Manatee County voters approved in 2018 to increase funding for operational costs in the district, the VEX program, along with several other programs and initiatives, wouldn’t have been possible.

Since 2018, the district has collected more than $77 million through the 1-mill referendum, and the district projects it will collect almost $43 million this year.

The referendum passed with 51.38% of voters’ approval.

The funding has been used to add 30 minutes to each school day; increase salaries for schoolrelated employees; enhance STEM, career and technical programs; and support charter schools.

Wagner said the millage has been crucial for the district to be able to support employees and students while preparing students for the future.

“This is absolutely critical,” Wagner said. “This is critical to every student in Manatee County. We must remain competitive.

We’re in a global economy. The reality is you’re competing against students from around the world for careers, and our students need to be academically competitive

MILLAGE DETAILS Manatee County residents approved a 1-mill property tax increase for the School District of Manatee County in March 2018. The vote was 28,949 in favor (51.38%) and 27,392 (48.62%) opposed.

The district expected the additional millage to generate $37 million per year to go toward operational needs.

The 2020-21 School District of Manatee County budget is $879.12 million.

The referendum will be on the ballot once again Nov. 2.

Courtesy photo

Savannah Adams and Victoria Santaella, students at R. Dan Nolan Middle School, use an anatomage table last week.

with all students across the entire world, and because of the millage, we are giving these exciting opportunities and a whole year of education.”

When the district considered proposing the millage to voters, the district leadership saw Sarasota County Schools was providing an additional year of instruction to its students and wanted to compete.

As a result, the district added 30 minutes per school day, which adds up to an additional year of instruction for students who are in the School District of Manatee County from kindergarten to senior year of high school, Wagner said.

Wagner said the additional instructional time has improved academic success throughout the district.

Before the millage was passed in 2018, the district had six schools with a D rating in the 2017-18 school year. In the 2018-19 school year, the district had one school with a D rating. Then in the 201920 school year, the district had zero D schools.

Since the millage passed, the district has also seen itself get higher in state rankings. The district was 33rd in the state in 201718 and in 2019-20 was ranked 28th (out of 67 districts) in the state, which is the highest rank-

File photos

Gene Witt Elementary teacher Cheryl Bulfin guides her students in January. All teachers receive a $5,201 supplement from the millage.

3A

MILLAGE BENEFITS The School District of Manatee County has used funding from the 1-Mill Referendum to support these efforts: n Students receive 30 additional minutes of instruction daily, which is the equivalent to an additional year of instructional time during a student’s K-12 career; n Salaries of teachers and other school-related staff were increased; and n Career and technical education and STEM programs were enhanced.

Nicholas Wade, a former William H. Bashaw Elementary School student, works with circuits during his STEM class in 2020. Every elementary school has a STEM classroom and teacher as part of its programming.

ing in the history of the district.

In the 2019-20 school year, the district became an A-rated district.

The increase in instructional time and the goal of retaining and attracting teachers made increasing salaries for teachers and other school-related staff a priority for the district when allocating the millage.

A majority of the funding, 51%, from the millage goes toward salary increases for instructional staff.

The millage provides teachers a $5,201 supplement. Starting this school year, the starting teacher salary for the district is $51,630.

When it comes to enhancing STEM, career and technical education throughout the district, the millage has allowed the district to develop its more than 100 STEM, career and technical education programs throughout its 47 traditional schools.

“The careers for today and the careers for the future are focusing around STEM, so we want our students in Manatee County to be prepared for those careers,” Wagner said.

Before the millage passed, only half the district’s 31 elementary schools had STEM labs. Now the district has a STEM lab in each of its elementary schools.

STEM labs have a designated teacher who has expertise in math and science and teach students to apply those concepts to engineering. Students have opportunities to work with robotics “They’re working to solve realworld problems,” Wagner said.

Other programs created using millage funding include the Certified Nursing Assistant program at Manatee High School and the WOZ Ed Pathway program at Palm View Elementary School.

The district also purchased advanced technology and equipment, such as cobots and anatomage tables.

Cobots are computer-controlled robotic devices designed to assist people, and anatomage tables are 3D anatomy visualization and virtual dissection tools for anatomy and physiology education.

R. Dan Nolan Middle School students use an anatomage table to learn the different parts of the heart, dissect layers of body systems from the outside to the inside of the cadaver, explore the brain and more.

2018-2019 $37.02 million: Millage funds collected $286,347: Interest earned on millage funds collected $37.31 million: Revenue from millage (total millage funds collected plus interest earned) $18.88 million: Amount used for salary increases for instructional staff $2.22 million: Amount used for salary increases for supervisory, administrative, managerial and professional employees and school administrators $2.96 million: Amount for salary increases for American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and nonbargaining employees $1.85 million: Amount used for salary increases for paraprofessionals $5.74 million: Amount used for STEM and career and technical education $5.37 million: Amount used for charter schools 2019-2020 $40.33 million: Millage funds collected $227,566: Interest earned on millage funds collected $40.56 million: Revenue from millage (total millage funds collected plus interest earned) $20.57 million: Amount used for salaries for instructional staff $2.42 million: Amount used for salaries for supervisory, administrative, managerial and professional employees and school administrators $3.23 million: Amount used for salaries for American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and nonbargaining employees $2.02 million: Amount used for salaries for paraprofessionals $6.25 million: Amount used for STEM, career and technical education $5.85 million: Amount used for charter schools 2020-2021 $42.61 million: Expected total $21.73 million: Amount for salaries for instructional staff $2.56 million: Amount for salaries for supervisory, administrative, managerial and professional employees and school administrators $3.41 million: Amount for salaries for American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and nonbargaining employees $2.13 million: Amount for salaries for paraprofessionals $6.6 million: Amount for STEM, career and technical education $6.18 million: Amount for charter schools

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

NEWS BRIEFS

4A

presents

Oversight committee members sought The School Board of Manatee County is recruiting citizens to serve on its Citizens’ Financial Oversight Committee, which is tasked with ensuring proper fiscal stewardship of funds provided by the 1 mill rise in property tax in March 2018 during a special referendum to raise funds for the School District of Manatee County.

Those interested in serving are asked to send a letter expressing interest along with their resume to the Manatee County School District, Attn: Board Agency Clerk, P.O. Box 9069, Bradenton, Florida 34206.

For more information, call the Office of the Board Clerk at 7088770, ext. 41155, or email Brady Chapman, Citizens’ Financial Oversight Committee Chair at chapman3b@ManateeSchools. net.

ODA head of school resigns David Mahler, the head of school at The Out-of-Door Academy,

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which has a campus in both Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota, will resign after 17 years with the school. The resignation will be effective June 30.

“While this was not an easy decision, I know that it is the right one for both Out-of-Door and for me,” Mahler said in a letter to the school community that was delivered April 1.

“My work here has been incredibly rewarding and fulfilling,” Mahler said in his letter. “Now it is time for me to move on, so that the next leader of ODA can take our school to even greater heights.”

In a letter to the school community, Ashley Kozel, the chair of The Out-of-Door Academy Trustees, said the school will immediately begin the process to appoint an interim head of school for the 2021-22 school year.

“The board accepted Mr. Mahler’s resignation with a heavy heart, and we thank him for his 17 years of distinguished service,” Kozel said in the letter. “We are fortunate that he has graciously offered to assist with the leadership transition and other needs of the school for the remainder of the academic year.”

CORRECTION

In the March 25 East County Observer, a story about fundraising for the Stillpoint Mission of Bradenton quoted Stillpoint CEO Gene Tischer as saying the mission doesn’t receive financial assistance from the Patterson Foundation.

Tischer said he was misquoted and that the Patterson Foundation has been very supportive of the Stillpoint Mission.

“Every other year, they conduct the Giving Challenge, in which many charities, including ours, receive donor-matching foundation funds, which have provided substantial resources for our mission to help the poor,” Tischer said.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

5A

Piney Point spills into administrator search ADMINISTRATOR TIMELINE

Commissioners say Manatee County needs stability before starting search for permanent administrator.

STAFF WRITER

T

he current Piney Point spill, among other urgent matters occupying Manatee County officials, will cause a delay in commissioners beginning the search for a permanent county administrator.

“I don’t think for it to drag on any longer than necessary is good for anybody,” Commissioner Vanessa Baugh said of the search for a permanent administrator. “I don’t think it’s good for our citizens. It’s not good for our staff.

It’s certainly not good for the County Commission.

“But we need to make sure that we have a path to take and know how we want to lead the county forward.”

Baugh estimated the process for finding a new administrator might not begin for two to three months; she said the commissioners have their hands full with Piney Point emergency.

Commissioner George Kruse said he would like the search for a new administrator to begin after the commission’s recess ends July 23.

He said waiting until then would provide the county some stability while it handles the Piney Point emergency, ramps up its COVID-19 vaccination

campaign, continues working through coronavirus relief funds and negotiates the budget process for the next fiscal year.

“We’ve gone through, obviously, a lot of ebbs and flows in these first four months,” Kruse said of his term. “At some point, some sort of stability is good, so I’m not in a rush to say, ‘OK, come Monday, I’m getting in touch with Kim Stroud in the HR department and starting that process.”

It took 132 days after first voting to consider termination of former Administrator Cheri Coryea’s contract, before the commission chose Manatee County School Board member Scott Hopes at its new interim administrator at an April 1 land use meeting.

Hopes signed a one-year contract for $187,000.

Although Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge said he would like to see how things go with Hopes over the summer, he said it makes sense for the county to begin gauging the interest of possible candidates for the permanent administrator position.

Van Ostenbridge said he would urge Hopes to apply for the permanent position.

Hopes told the East County Observer during the interim administrator search process that commissioners should go forward with their plans for a permanent

File photos

Above left: Manatee County School Board member Scott Hopes was selected as interim administrator April 1. Commissioners say the county needs some stability before searching for a permanent administrator.

Above right: Commissioner Vanessa Baugh says she suspects the commission will begin the process of searching for a permanent administrator in the next two to three months.

administrator search even if they loved the job he was doing.

“I know everybody in that search is going to be compared to my performance,” Hopes said.

“They’re either going to be able to demonstrate that they’ve had greater success in a similar situation than I have had in the previous six months or 12 months, or not. I like competing. I am all for competition. The whole objective is to ensure that the taxpayers get the best value for their money.

Whatever that is.”

Kruse has suggested the county hire a private search firm to conduct a nationwide search for the

new administrator. Van Ostenbridge and Baugh said the search might be limited to Florida.

“Florida has its own special needs, as well as its own special features,” Baugh said. “We need to make sure that we have, in my opinion, someone that’s very familiar with the state and state laws, as well as federal laws. They can come in and take us from being this sleepy little town, which we’ve always been, to the next step where we are today with the growth that we’ve seen. It’s going to take a special person for that position.”

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Nov. 17: New Manatee County Commission takes office Nov. 19: Commission votes to consider terminating Administrator Cheri Coryea’s contract for the first time Dec. 10: Commissioner George Kruse moves to reconsider the vote for termination, allowing Coryea to keep her job Jan. 26: Kruse changes his mind, moves to consider terminating Coryea’s contract Feb. 23: Commission approves a separation agreement with Coryea and votes not to appoint former Sarasota County Commissioner Charles Hines as interim administrator yet March 23: After advertising the position, commission votes 4-3 not to approve Manatee County School Board member Scott Hopes, so commissioners can evaluate Joseph Napoli, Cooper City’s city manager April 1: After Napoli withdrew, Hopes is approved as interim administrator 6-1

6A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

What’s next for school board?

Gov. Ron DeSantis will appoint a Manatee County resident to replace Scott Hopes, the District 4 representative for the School Board of Manatee County.

LIZ RAMOS

ON THEIR TERMS

STAFF WRITER

As Scott Hopes starts his time as the acting Manatee County administrator, he will have to juggle his new job and his responsibilities as a member of the School Board of Manatee County.

That is until Gov. Ron DeSantis appoints someone to replace Hopes to represent District 4 on the school board.

According to Florida statute, vacancies on the school board are filled by appointment by the governor, which was how Hopes started serving on the school board.

Former Gov. Rick Scott appointed Hopes to the board in 2017 when then-District 4 representative Karen Carpenter resigned.

Hopes then was reelected to the board in 2018, defeating longtime educator Joe Stokes.

Based on his previous experience, Hopes said the appointment process could take about 90 days.

People interested in becoming the new District 4 school board member must be a resident of District 4, which is between 34th Street West to Lockwood Ridge

Members of the School Board of Manatee County serve four-year terms.

GINA MESSENGER District 1 Elected November 2016 Reelected August 2020 Term ends November 2024 CHARLIE KENNEDY District 2 Elected November 2014 Reelected August 2018 Term ends November 2022 MARY FOREMAN District 3 Elected November 2020 Term ends November 2024 SCOTT HOPES Appointed by governor July 2017 Elected November 2018 Term ends November 2022 JAMES GOLDEN District 5 Elected August 2018 Term ends November 2022

and Cortez Road West and University Parkway.

Interested individuals must fill out a gubernatorial appointment application on DeSantis’ website.

e c n e i r e

Exp

T X E

Liz Ramos

Dave Miner, a former member of the School Board of Manatee County, and Scott Hopes, a member of the board, celebrate the opening of Dr. Mona Jain Middle School in 2019.

Afterward, DeSantis’ staff will vet applicants and conduct candidate interviews.

Lastly, DeSantis will interview the top candidates before making a decision of whom to appoint to the board.

Once appointed, the new board member will serve until November 2022, which is when Hopes’ term is set to expire.

Hopes said anyone interested in joining the board should be interested in “ensuring every child in Manatee County gets the best education possible and is successful.”

“That’s a heavy lift,” Hopes said. “You have to be aware of what it’s like to serve on a school board. You’re setting policy, and it’s going to change the lives of families for generations. You have to be ready and willing to tackle new challenges.”

Hopes said although being a

member of the school board can be challenging at times, it’s a satisfying position.

Charlie Kennedy, the current chair of the school board, said that as the appointment process goes on, the board will “keep moving forward and doing our job.”

“Whomever the governor appoints, we will welcome to the team and bring him or her on board with open arms,” Kennedy said. “We have a lot to do this year. We have to get ready for the next school year, hopefully postCOVID and back to ‘normal,’ we have the millage renewal coming up in November. We’re just going to keep working.”

Kennedy and school board member James Golden said anyone who is appointed or elected to the board must have a heart for children and work with the School District of Manatee County to continue improving.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

7A

Library nonprofit books authors Friends of the East Manatee Library finds ways to raise money for new library.

BRENDAN LAVELL STAFF WRITER

VIRTUAL SUNDAY BRUNCH WITH HEATHER GRAHAM When: 1 p.m. April 11 Registration: LibraryFriendsEMLWR.org/events Price: $15; $20 for a chance to win one of Graham’s book and a Barnes & Noble gift card BARNES & NOBLE BOOK FAIR SUPPORTING FRIENDS OF THE EAST MANATEE LIBRARY When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 9-10 and 12-13; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 11 Where: 200 N. Cattlemen Road, Sarasota How to participate: Bring voucher found at LibraryFriendsEMLWR.org.

VOTED YOUR FAVORITE MED SPA!

$60,000 to fund programs, such as summer reading for children; to buy equipment, such as 3D printers; and to buy furniture.

Manatee County Library Services Manager Elizabeth Partridge said a new timeline for the library is pending approval with the Manatee County Commission. If approved, the goal will be to break ground in January and open the library in fall 2023. It is expected to cost $14 million.

The nonprofit has raised $23,310 since it became a 501(c) (3) in 2019. About 48% of that total has come from fundraisers, as opposed to donations.

Visit LibraryFriendsEMLWR. org/events to register for a Friends of the East Manatee Library fundraising event.

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The Friends of the East Manatee Library organization knows libraries aren’t just about books.

The nonprofit has been raising money since 2019 to ensure the East County Library planned for Lakewood Ranch has all of the amenities it needs to support Lakewood Ranch and the surrounding area.

The fundraising effort, though, has been challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic as many of the fundraisers have been postponed numerous times.

However, the organization continues to seek ways to raise funds, such as its April 11 virtual bunch with New York Times bestselling author Heather Graham.

Another virtual brunch also is scheduled for June with New York Times bestselling author Suzanna Kearsley.

Barnes & Noble at University Town Center, 200 N. Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, is hosting a book fair with Friends of the East Manatee Library, held April 9-13, to raise money as well. Customers can show a voucher, provided

by Friends of the East Manatee Library, at the counter to send a portion of the proceeds to Friends of the East Manatee Library.

Friends of the East Manatee Library hopes to raise at least

IF YOU GO

8A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

EAST COUNTY

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

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944

Photos by Liz Ramos

Back: East County’s Nancy Skibinski, Shelly Hopkins, Cindy Wasko, Laurie Riehn; Front: Jo Jadin, Laurie Rosfeld, Kathy Wright and Sarah Montemarano gather at Greenbrook Adventure Park to knit while socializing.

A COMMON THREAD Shared interest makes for a tightly woven friendship at the Greenbrook Adventure Park.

PROJECTS IN THE WORKS

LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER

L

ake Club’s Kathy Wright hadn’t knitted in 10 years until she saw on Nextdoor that a group of East County women were meeting to knit.

On April 1, she grabbed her yarn, needles, a folding chair and other supplies and drove to Greenbrook Adventure Park.

As she entered the pavilion, she saw six women joyously chatting away.

She saw Lake Club’s Jo Jadin admiring an afghan blanket Lakewood National’s Nancy Skibinski was in the process of knitting while Silverwood’s Sarah Montemarano chatted with Lake Club’s Laurie Riehm about the projects they were working on at the time.

The women are part of a group called the Common Thread that Jadin created a month ago because she missed having a knitting group like she did when she lived in Wisconsin. She would meet with friends at a coffee shop to knit.

Jadin posted on Nextdoor and was surprised to see dozens of women saying they would be willing to meet.

“I was thrilled to get that kind of response,” Jadin said.

So at the beginning of March, Jadin invited women to her home to start knitting, and 16 people showed up.

Due to the large group, Montemarano suggested moving to the park.

The club has been a place for people to share their patterns for different projects.

Riehm had made an intricately knit, cream-colored shawl that caught Jadin’s eye, so Riehm shared the pattern with Jadin.

Ten days later, Jadin had her own blue-gray shawl.

The knitters can also share tricks and tips to help one another on whatever project they’re working on at the time, whether it be a sweater, shawl, afghan blanket or pillow cover.

University Park’s Laurie Rosh-

Lake Club’s Laurie Riehm shares the shawl she made with the group.

Riehm passed on the pattern she used to make the shawl to Lake Club’s Jo Jadin.

Lake Club’s Jo Jadin shows the group the sweater she finished for her 5-year-old granddaughter.

feld learned how to sew a sweater from the neck down rather than her usual strategy of knitting from the waist up.

The group has bonded over the fact that all of them have moved to Florida within the past 11 years.

“Moving to a new area, you don’t know anybody, so it’s nice to have a group like this to form friendships with people,” said Shelly Hopkins, who lives in Country Club East and moved to the area two years ago.

Skibinski, who is from Naperville, Illinois, was surprised to find out Riehm was from St. Charles, Illinois. The two suburbs of Illinois are about 30 minutes

Although the Common Thread group meets every week, each person is able to work on individual projects. Here are projects some of the knitters are working on: n Lake Club’s Laurie Riehm is working on a toss pillow cover she can place over her pillows. They’re made of wool for durability and match the color scheme of her home. She’s hoping her grandchildren will use them to play and toss them around. n Eagle Trace’s Cindy Wasko is creating another Swiffer Sweeper cover. She’s using thick yarn of a variety of colors. n Silverwood’s Sarah Montemarano is working on a knit purple shrug.

So far she has one sleeve complete and is working on the back of the shrug. n University Park’s Laurie Roshfeld is knitting a navy blue sweater.

Normally, she starts knitting from the waist and makes her way up, but this time, she’s trying a different method. She’s knitting from the neck down.

away from each other.

Riehm said coming to the group every week “feels like coming home.”

Montemarano agreed.

“It feels like we’re all old friends even though they’re new,” Montemarano said.

Montemarano moved to Lakewood Ranch in October 2020 and wanted to find someone to help her with her knitting. She posted in Nextdoor, where Jadin found her and mentioned the knitting group.

“I said I need someone who can pick up my dropped stitches,” Montemarano said. “When I moved here, I had mahjong and pickleball set up. The only thing missing was knitting.”

Eagle Trace’s Cindy Wasko went to the knitting group for the first time April 1. Wasko told the group she’s interested in making small projects as she pulled a small fluffy purple bunny from her bag.

“I’m into little things,” Wasko said.

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

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

SIDE OF RANCH

|

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

9A

JAY HEATER

School board needs immediate attention

T

he 2020-21 school year budget for the School District of Manatee County is $879,115,328.

In case you’re thinking that’s one digit short of a phone number, I want to emphasize, yes, that’s $879 million.

Some countries run on less resources.

So I am hoping Gov. Ron DeSantis takes his responsibility seriously to appoint a new member of the school board — in a hurry. At a critical time for the school board, Scott Hopes has taken a new career path, accepting the Manatee County administrator’s job on a one-year, interim basis that he would love to make permanent.

Hopes said he wanted to keep fulfilling his District 4 school board duties, which seemed absurd considering Manatee County is facing an ecological disaster at Piney Point, has to function with seven county commissioners who hate one another (or at least hate their “opponents” on the commission) and has to deal with runaway development that threatens to overwhelm the county’s infrastructure.

I guess he thought he could do school board work between 11:15-11:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday nights.

Hopes, himself a special appointment to the school board by the governor, said he expects the appointment process to last

File photo

Manatee County School Board member Scott Hopes was selected as interim administrator April 1. Commissioners say the county needs some stability before searching for a permanent administrator.

about three months. Good luck with that one.

Using the three-month time period as a best-case scenario, let’s do the math. May, June, July.

Let’s say the school board is complete again Aug. 1. That only leaves about three months before voters go to the polls in November to decide whether to approve the 1-mill rise in property taxes they originally presented to the school district in March 2018.

Is one school board member of any importance when it comes to such an important, upcoming vote?

Well, I would hope the school

we

because we

board members want to be a united front in which they can present a clear plan for the future. Let’s remember that the 1 mill increase only passed by 1,557 votes (28,949-27,392) in 2018.

That’s a narrow margin considering we are dealing with kids. Over the years, I have found in the various neighborhoods where I have lived that if you tickle the residents’ sympathetic “kids” card, you are going to win an election, easily. “Oh the poor kids, the poor kids. Our third graders aren’t going to have any crayons. And if we don’t give our teachers more money, they will

move to Sitka, Alaska, because they pay more.”

That’s usually all you need.

It wasn’t the case in 2018 when only 51.38% of the voters were for the kids. Those who voted against the 1-mill increase wanted to know why a district with a $879.12 million budget needed another $300 per household. Would it really make a difference?

Then you’ve got that teachers’ minimum salary in Florida of $47,500. Consider that $25.92 million of the $37.31 million collected that first year of the 1-mill increase went to raising salaries among teachers, administrators and workers. Voters are going to take a hard look at whether a tax increase is needed to maintain higher salaries.

The path taken by voters in 2018 appears to be a good one when you look at the figures presented by the school district and the reports presented by the citizens’ oversight committee that was formed in 2018 to track the dollars collected and whether those dollars were being used for the advertised goals.

Even so, it has been a rocky period for politics in Manatee County, and voters likely will want that unified front I talked about earlier and a clear understanding of how this money will help our students moving forward. Also don’t forget that the 1-mill increase in 2018 was just more than $37 million. Now it is

CARE

expected to raise $42.61 million.

Does the district need those extra dollars?

All these issues need to be discussed as soon as possible.

Whoever joins the board will have an important role in presenting that clarity.

Here in Lakewood Ranch, it would be nice to know the district’s plan in terms of expanding facilities. We have heard of a new high school, perhaps a charter school, coming to Lakewood Ranch, but the district hasn’t been willing to talk about where it might go. Why is this stuff secretive?

Isn’t it worth $43 million a year to be a little more open?

The information flow can begin with the school board. As board member Charlie Kennedy said in an East County Observer story in this issue, “We have a lot to do this year.”

Yes, Charlie, you do. Get the board assembled as quickly and efficiently as possible, and then reach out to a public that is trying to understand an $879 million budget.

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

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

Campground revamp underway

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A

outside on the grass!

ustrian businessman Franz Hartl and his family knew Linger Lodge Restaurant & RV Campground would be a fixerupper.

“I don’t think we can even call it an RV park at this point,” said Philipp Hartl, Franz Hartl’s son.

When Hartl’s real estate group, River Loft LLC, bought Linger Lodge in September 2016, it was a gamble on the park’s potential.

“We saw it as an opportunity to do something beautiful,” Philipp Hartl said. “It’s a unique location. You feel like you’re in the middle of the jungle, but in reality, you’re in the middle of Lakewood Ranch.”

Renovations to Linger Lodge began in March, which means the Hartls’ vision is one step closer to reality. Philipp Hartl, who is the project manager for the renovations, said Linger Lodge hopes to reopen its restaurant in January 2022 and its RV campground in February or March. Plans were approved by Manatee County the week of March 29. A company called Stellar is performing the bulk of the construction, which estimates the construction will be more than $5 million.

One of the biggest changes to the park will be an increase in the number of RV spaces from about 100 to about 140. The functional capacity will increase even more sharply, Hartl said, because some of those 100 RV spaces were unusable due faulty utilities, such as water and electricity. The additional 40 spaces will come from an adjacent property Linger Lodge bought to expand its park.

Another major change will be the addition of a clubhouse and a screened-in pool on land overlooking the Braden River where

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three old houses used to stand.

The clubhouse will be built in the Old Florida architectural style to match the surrounding foliage.

It will use solar energy and contain a prep kitchen, a gym, showers, restrooms and a conference room, which could be used for activities when RV clubs stop at Linger Lodge.

Hartl said Linger Lodge will also place a nature trail where the old maintenance shed used to be next to the river, which will make better use of the space and trees in the area. A new maintenance building will be constructed close to the campground entrance.

Linger Lodge’s restaurant closed in August 2020, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Florida. Hartl said the restaurant could not retain its employees, who were all parttime, though they were given notice of the closure a month in advance and offered interest-free loans. Renovations near the restaurant will keep it closed for a while; Hartl said January 2022 is the goal for reopening.

Linger Lodge Asset Manager Ruth Hofer said many people have contacted Linger Lodge concerned that the restaurant could

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

11A

Brendan Lavell

Asset Manager Ruth Hofer and Project Manager Philipp Hartl (not pictured) hope the Linger Lodge restaurant will open in January 2022. The restaurant is not undergoing any interior renovations.

nature and what makes this place special,” Hofer said. “Everybody was scared if this would be staying. We know about the value of that. We know that this makes us different than everybody else.”

A final improvement will be the addition of an exit road to provide a circuitous route in and out of the park, thus preventing two-way traffic. “[These improvements] will give guests the opportunity to experience a side of Florida that you’re not used to,” Hartl said.

“Go for a walk around the river, probably see a gator or two.

You’ll definitely see some turtles around. Get the kayaks, go around. It’s for guests that are looking for somewhere unique to stay.”

355596-1

change as part of the renovations.

She said it will not. The only change related to the restaurant will be adding lights to the parking lot and paving it. The current parking lot, which consists of a compressed rock or shell surface, washes out easily when it rains.

The river deck will also remain the same, except for the replacement of the outdated docks and possibly a new storage area for kayak rentals, though Hartl said a new storage area is a low priority. Maintaining the foliage-lined view of the Braden River from the back of the restaurant over the river deck is one example of the way Linger Lodge is shaping its renovations around the campground’s natural beauty.

“What’s very important is to keep the charm of the place, to keep the Old Florida, to keep the

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

ONE WEEK AWAY!

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difference for kids!

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

Courtesy photos

Members of the Braden River High School Pirate Battalion Drill Team celebrate winning their fifth district championship in a row, this time at Bayshore High School. The team will now move to the state competition.

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LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER

T

he Braden River High School Pirate Battalion Drill Team has been working toward this season since the pandemic began last March.

Sgt. Maj. Alex Figueroa knew the season wouldn’t be like any

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12A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

other and wanted his cadets to be prepared.

Whether it’s wearing masks, having the female and male teams practice every other day rather than every day or not having platoons, the team has had to make adjustments.

But the team didn’t allow the change to stop it from winning its fifth consecutive Area 5 Regional JROTC Drill Team Championship on March 27 at Bayshore High School in Bradenton.

“It’s kind of unbelievable just seeing where we started and how we just had to rework our entire season,” said Selah Swanson, a senior and battalion commander.

“It felt at times each practice felt like forever, but you see how it shows in the awards we get and not even that but just by how much we beat the other teams.”

Swanson said the dedication and discipline instilled in the team each year has led to the team being able to see success at the Area 5 Regional JROTC Drill Team Championship. “[Figueroa] is bringing the same leaders up every single year, teaching us discipline, showing us that that makes a difference,” Swanson said. “It makes a big gap between our school and other

“[Figueroa] is bringing the same leaders up every single year, teaching us discipline, showing us that that makes a difference.”

— Selah Swanson, senior and battalion commander

schools, so that’s just been super rewarding.”

Unlike past years when the team would travel to George Jenkins High School in Lakeland for the state championship, the team will have to record its routines April 10 at Braden River High School and submit the video for judging.

The team is treating the recording as if it’s the actual competition, meaning the units will run their drills once and submit the video rather than recording the drill until it’s perfect before submitting.

“If we mess up, we mess up; that’s the video we’re sending in,” Swanson said. “I think that’s a good example to the younger kids that it’s not about winning.

It’s about showing integrity and discipline. All of those values are still more important than just the state championship.”

Philip Staffiles, a senior and a commander, said recording the

drill at their own high school will lessen the pressure of being at a state competition because the team members won’t see the judges in front of them.

Swanson agreed.

“You’re not seeing other schools walking around,” Swanson said. “It’s just us. We know what we’re comfortable with. We just have to go out there and do it like we do every single day out there.”

Swanson said one of the biggest challenges the team has faced is keeping everyone motivated, especially the freshmen and sophomores.

The team couldn’t have platoons this year due to the platoons having more than 10 students, which was the limit for group size due to COVID-19 protocols.

Not having platoons means there aren’t as many opportunities for freshmen and sophomore cadets to participate in competitions.

As a result, the team decided to have a special competition for the freshmen and sophomores to compete against one another to give them an opportunity to showcase what they’ve been working on all season.

|

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

13A

TROPHY HAUL

The Braden River High School Pirates Battalion Drill Team won the Area 5 Regional JROTC Drill Team Championship on March 27 at Bayshore High School in Bradenton. Besides the team title, several individuals earned awards.

GIRLS n First place Color Guard: Taylor Keesler n First place Squad Exhibition: Selah Swanson n Second place Unarmed Squad: Olivia Townsend n Second place Armed Squad: Ealyna Andrews n First place Individual Exhibition: Olivia Townsend n Second place Individual Exhibition: Ealyna Andrews n First place Dual Exhibition: Olivia Townsend and Salah Swanson n Second place Dual Exhibition: Taylor Keesler and Ealyna Andrews BOYS n First place Unarmed Squad: Gabe French n Second place Color Guard: Clark Litteral n Second place Armed Squad: Brett Brustad n Third place Squad Exhibition: Phil Stiffiles n Second place Dual Exhibition: Joseph Conyers and Phil Stiffiles

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14A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

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Run to victory Lakewood Ranch High School JROTC’s orienteering team takes home its first state championship.

LIZ RAMOS

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STAFF WRITER

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Besides the Lakewood Ranch High School JROTC orienteering team winning the overall state championship, individual team members also earned awards in their categories. n Junior Olivia D’Orazio, first place in novice female n Junior Victor Klein, second place in intermediate male n Senior Bailey Howell, second place in advanced male n Senior Amy Jones, first place in advanced female n Senior Elise West, second place in advanced female

The Lakewood Ranch High students described orienteering as “cross-country with a map.”

“We were determined,” said Matthew Boudreau, a junior and company commander. “We just got off spring break the week before, and we were pounding it out trying to make sure we knew what we were doing and weren’t going in blind.”

Roller said winning the state championship was fulfilling for him as a coach, but he knows that winning isn’t everything.

“You always want to win, obviously, but I tell my students that if we go out and do our best and do the basics of what we’re supposed to do, it doesn’t matter where we place,” Roller said.

The orienteering team implemented COVID-19 health and safety measures that included

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When Kora Turner, a senior at Lakewood Ranch High School, walked into Lt. Col. Richard Roller’s classroom March 29, she was delighted to see a 3.5-foot championship trophy for the junior ROTC orienteering state title.

Turner, a company commander on the school’s JROTC orienteering team, said four years of hard work paid off March 27 when the team competed at the state championship at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in Pasco County. Turner was unaware of the event’s results until she saw the trophy.

“It’s been a long time coming,” Turner said. “In our regular competitions, we always like to bring home the first-place team awards and overall awards. For the past few years, we just haven’t been able to pull off [a state championship], so this year with it being my senior year and being able to pull this off was a big thing. I know for all the seniors that have been running, we’re excited to bring home a championship.”

It marked the first orienteering state championship in Lakewood Ranch High JROTC’s history. The JROTC program started an orienteering team six years ago.

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

THE TIDEWELL FAMILY OF COMPANIES

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

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running the courses on their own.

The state championship was originally scheduled for North Port High School but was switched to Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park due to the pandemic.

Turner, Boudreau and Roller said the change of venue for the competition caused a few challenges because the team had never run the course before, so the team used Google Earth and Google Maps to study the terrain.

“It was a little nerve-wracking, but as long as we stuck to the basics, we did fine,” Boudreau said.

With all the changes at school as a result of COVID-19, Turner said winning the championship has been a highlight of her senior year.

“I know it was something that made every one of the seniors smile this year,” she said.

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wearing a mask, limiting students to small groups, practicing social distancing and conducting temperature checks.

Although practices were different due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Roller said the orienteering races were similar to competitions before the pandemic began because participants were

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A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. THE HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION WILL USE THE FUNDS FOR THE STATED PURPOSE BUT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO USE THE GIFT IN A MANNER CONSISTENT WITH ITS CHARITABLE PURPOSE IF THE STATED PURPOSE IS IMPOSSIBLE OR IMPRACTICAL TO ACHIEVE. 349323-1

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Courtesy photos

Above: The Lakewood Ranch High School junior ROTC orienteering team wins the state championship for the first time.

Below: Senior Kora Turner and junior Matthew Boudreau celebrate the orienteering’s first state championship.

We are the Hunter Douglas experts, guiding you in the selections that’ll make your home even more beautiful whatever your style.

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

Lakewood Ranch doctor earns medical award

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Country Club’s Michael Van Vliet named Doctor of the Year at Blake Medical Center.

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MANAGING EDITOR

The announcement was released March 30 that Lakewood Ranch’s Michael Van Vliet had been named Blake Medical Center’s Doctor of the Year.

Van Vliet, who lives in the Country Club, couldn’t wait to share the news with his team.

In this case, Van Vliet’s team was at his home.

“This award meant a lot to my family because they have to sacrifice a lot,” Van Vliet said. “I get up at 4 in the morning. I’m at work until 9-10 at night. I’m all in.”

Van Vliet and his wife, Kelly, have an 8-year-old son, Charlie, and a 7-year-old daughter, Ella.

The chief of surgery for Blake Medical Center, Van Vliet also serves on the hospital’s Medical Executive Committee. He serves as medical director for Burn and

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Dr. Michael Van Vliet was named the Blake Medical Center’s Doctor of the Year.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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ABOUT DR. MICHAEL VAN VLIET What: Blake Medical Center’s Doctor of the Year Lives: Country Club in Lakewood Ranch Wife: Kelly Children: Charlie, 8; Ella, 7 Roles: Chief of surgery at Blake Medical Center, member of Blake’s Medical Executive Committee, medical director for Burn and Reconstructive Centers of America, medical director at Palm Aesthetics of Lakewood Ranch

“normal” family life, he said, but his wife and children have been tremendously supportive and understand he deals with a tough situation.

His peers also understand what he gives up with his personal life to exceed at the medical center.

“Dr. Van Vliet has a tireless passion for improving the care his program delivers,” said Randy Currin, the president and CEO of Blake Medical Center. “His dedication and leadership in ensuring the highest standards of quality, safety and patient outcomes are inspiring.”

The Doctor of the Year award has been presented at Blake Medical Center since 1983. Nominations are received from patients, caregivers and fellow doctors.

Comments listed about Van Vliet during the nomination process included, “Hard-working surgeon with amazing bedside manner,” and “Dr. Van Vliet starts

his day at 5 a.m. to ensure things run smoothly, and he works closely with the operating room leadership to help improve processes and improve the patient experience.”

Van Vliet, a board-certified plastic surgeon, joined Blake Medical Center in 2015 and said he because chief of surgery because he wanted to see if he would take things to the next level, maximizing efficiency and turnover times.

It’s a role he began to prepare himself for as a young child in New Jersey, when he began watching TV medical shows. His father, Martin, is an orthodontist and his mom, Marita, was a teacher. Van Vliet never wavered from his desire to be a doctor.

“There is no better ability to impact people on a daily basis,” he said.

His speciality became providing care for the most critically ill burn patients and managing patient needs through the most acute state of illness through reconstruction. He treats patients with serious hand injuries, traumatic defects, congenital deformities and cancer.

“Your relationship with those patients turns into a relationship for life,” he said. “They don’t get over their injuries in six weeks.”

Adding to his award as Doctor of the Year is the fact he earned it during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We never saw a day where we didn’t continue our services as usual,” he said. “Our whole team showed up every day. And we do have smart, capable people here.

None of our physicians contracted COVID-19. It just added another dimension [to the award].”

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

17A

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For three generations, we have remained focused on celebrating lives with compassion, respect and personal attention. Not because it is our legacy, but because we genuinely care.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

Spirits rise

H

ayne Falck, a sixth grader at The Out-of-Door Academy, pushed himself as fast as he could on a rolling chair as he made his way down the basketball court.

His team, which was made of students in his advisory class, cheered him on while wearing burger hats.

The burger hats are for the students’ teacher, Thayer Greenberg, who calls her students Greenbergers.

The Greenbergers competed against the other sixth grade advisory groups during the school Spirit Day on April 1.

“I like how it was getting loud and competitive,” Falck said.

Students in the middle and upper schools participated in obstacle courses that included jumping in sack races, running through tires and jumping over hurdles.

— LIZ RAMOS

FOR HEALTH AND WELLNESS ON THE JOB, CONSIDER OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SERVICES

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Occupational health services can help businesses bridge the gap by offering their workforce easy access to healthcare services. Designed to protect your employees from potential risks and hazards on the job, Manatee Urgent Care occupational healthcare services assist with both injury prevention and injury care.

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A drug screening, for example, can help make sure that new hires are the right fit to perform their job tasks safely. In cases of physically demanding work, the pre-placement exam can be critical to preventing potential injuries on the job by first assessing consistency of an employee’s fitness level with the demands of the job. This includes the DOT physical, which is mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Administration, and helps to determine if a driver is physically, mentally and emotionally fit to operate a commercial motor vehicle.

Liz Ramos

Eighth graders Ava Vatter, Ailese Bermudez, Charley Hunn and Alexa Gettel dance to the music while cheering for their classmates.

Specialized Providers Occupational health physicians and clinical staff at Manatee Urgent Care specialize in providing personalized clinical care and programs aimed at disease prevention, health promotion and protection in the workplace.

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In addition to Occupational Health, Manatee Urgent Care offers comprehensive services for the entire family in two locations and is open seven days. Services include care for urgent injuries and illnesses, flu shots, and school and sports physicals. COVID-19 testing is also currently available.

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Visit manateeurgentcare.com, or call the location nearest to you for information.

Bradenton: 941-745-5999; Lakewood Ranch: 941-747-8600

*For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website.

Health Observed allows brands and businesses to connect directly with the Observer’s readership — and participate in the conversation — by creating engaging content on the Observer’s digital publishing platform.

For more on Health Observed, email us at kohara@yourobserver.com.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

ENSEMBLENEWSRQ’S

IF YOU GO ‘SUN COLORS’ When: 8 p.m. beginning April 19 Where: Virtual Cost: Free Info: Visit enSRQ.org.

EXPANDING MUSICAL UNIVERSE MARTY FUGATE CONTRIBUTOR

“The present day composer refuses to die.”

— Edgard Varèse

S

amantha Bennett and George Nickson agree with Varèse. They’re the founders and co-artistic directors of EnsemblenewSRQ, a Sarasota contemporary music collective.

They’ve been committed to fresh, new classical music since they founded the group in 2016. And it’s a commitment based on both knowledge and practice.

Both are principal players in orchestras. Bennett is Sarasota Orchestra’s principal second violin; Nickson is the

principal percussionist at the Dallas Symphony and also teaches percussion at Southern Methodist University. This pair draws on that experience in their EnsemblenewSRQ concerts, as well as their occasional concerts for the Sarasota Concert Association and New Music New College.

They see themselves as musical ambassadors. They love their work, though it isn’t easy. The pandemic made it even harder. But it didn’t make them quit.

When most people imagine “classical music,” they imagine dead, white, male composers in powdered wigs. That’s the cliche association. But you prove them wrong.

Nickson: That’s what we’re

with other styles and how it connects to the composer’s culture.

Photo courtesy of Matthew Holler

Samantha Bennett and George Nickson, founders of ensemblenewSRQ

here for. There is an incredible range of people writing fantastic music right now. The contemporary musical universe is rich and amazingly diverse.

Bennett: We want our audiences to explore the full scope of that expanding universe.

You play great music.

“Easy listening,” it’s not.

Your compositions can be dissonant or atonal — or from a non-Western

musical scale. How do you draw audiences into that?

Nickson: Well, each concert is its own musical journey.

We guide the audience along the way. In the same way a museum director curates an art exhibition, we curate the concert experience. We try to show the listeners the connections between different musical forms. What’s the starting point of the style, how it proliferated and cross-pollinated

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What’s a short list of contemporary composers you love?

Nickson: That’s constantly changing, but people we performed recently include Nico Muhly, Eric Wubbels, Jessica Meyer and Elizabeth A. Baker.

Bennett: I’d also like to mention Kevin Day, Quinn Mason and Andreia Pinto Correia — she’s a fantastic Portuguese composer. Their works have become part of our repertoire.

How has the pandemic affected your commitment?

Nickson: It prompted us to offer streaming concerts. We originally thought we could return to live performances this spring, but it’s just not feasible.

Bennett: But it also opens up new possibilities. When we planned this season, we had to cut down the repertoire to what we could fit on stage.

That forced us to leave out a lot of great compositions. Going virtual allows us to put them back in.

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You don’t throw the listener in the musical deep end.

Bennett: No. We try to share our excitement with what’s happening in the music world right now. That creates a real connection with audiences.

This music isn’t remote or from the past, and that’s particularly important in the time of COVID. It speaks to what we’re living through in the 21st century.

Nickson: Exactly. We don’t have to fight to put ourselves in the point of view of an 18thcentury composer. Collectively, we have all lived through the same experience.

Your streaming concerts are free. Why? Bennett: We wanted to keep our music accessible during the pandemic. Everyone’s so much more isolated now.

People are starved for artistic experiences. We made sure we could reach them.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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longer other no

the

newspaper

More people read The Observers during the week than the region’s daily newspapers.

THURSDAY PRINT DISTRIBUTION 60,000

The Observers* 50,000

40,000

30,000

20,000

59,286

Sarasota Observer Longboat Observer East County Observer Siesta Key Observer

Sarasota Herald-Tribune** 31,712 Bradenton Herald*** 18,632

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*Source: Verified Audit Circulation Annual Audit ending March 31, 2020. **Source: Alliance for Audited Media Annual Audit ending Dec. 31, 2019, does not include Venice and North Port in Sarasota or Charlotte counties. ***Source: Alliance for Audited Media, 24 months ending Dec. 31, 2019.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

When the electricity came to FST MARTY FUGATE CONTRIBUTOR

T

he Florida Studio Theatre cabaret stage has been dark for months.

It’s fitting that Carole J. Bufford is bringing the electricity back with her latest revue, “Vintage Pop!” She’s a powerhouse vocalist and a real live wire. As you might expect, it’s a high-voltage concert.

“Vintage Pop!” traces pop music’s evolutions and revolutions from the Roaring ’20s to the big ’80s. Bufford created the show and shares arrangement credit with Ian Herman.

She also sings the songs, with Isaac Mingus on bass and Jim Prosser on piano.

Bufford’s revue deftly mingles anthems and anecdotes. She also plays with genre expectations and turns a few old songs inside-out, so you’ll hear them in a new way.

She notes that “the proof of a good song is you can bend it, and it still won’t break.”

Bufford kicks off Act 1 with “Everything Old is New Again” (1974) and dials the clock back to the dawn of the 20th century to prove how flexible the old songs can be. She dusts off chestnuts like “Won’t You Come Home Bill Bailey?”

(1902) and traces the drunkard’s walk of its origin.

Bufford also spotlights Sophie Tucker’s systematic appropriation of Black music (and relates the incident where

IF YOU GO

CAROLE J. BUFFORD’S ‘VINTAGE POP!’ What: The evolution of popular music from the 1900s to the ’80s.

When: Through May 9 Tickets: $36-$39 Where: FST Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota Info: Call 366-9000, or visit FloridaStudioTheatre. org.

Tucker refused to be snubbed by then-President Calvin Coolidge and his Secret Service entourage — and risked federal prison when she blocked his path with, “Hey Cal! How about a handshake for a loyal taxpayer?”).

More fun facts ensue. You find out that “Blue Moon” (1934) had several lyrical mutations before entering its final phase. How associate producer Arthur Freed stood up to Louis B. Mayer to keep “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” in “The Wizard of Oz.” And also how one of the Nazis’ favorite swing tunes — The Andrews Sisters’ “Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen” (1932) — started out as a Yiddish ballad. The Nazis banned the record when they found out, which only made it more popular.

Act 2 opens with the oscillations of the sultry “Sway”

Carole J. Bufford performs the “Vintage Pop!” revue.

Photo courtesy of Matthew Holler

(1953). Bufford then quotes Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s observation that: “Oh, these kids and rock and roll — that’s just sped up rhythm and blues.

I’ve been doing that forever.”

To prove that point, she slows down Jerry Lee Lewis’ “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” (1955).

(The result is pure R&B — Q.E.D.) Bufford also belts out “C’est La Vie: You Never Can Tell” (1964) — and beautifully quotes the dance moves of Uma Thurman’s character when she shimmied to that tune in Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction. (And while we’re piling on the Tarantino

references, Bufford’s take on “California Dreamin’ (1965) seems inflected by José Feliciano’s cover.)

In her rendition of “Every Breath You Take” (1983), you find out that Sting composed his creepy, stalker anthem on Ian Fleming’s writing desk at Goldeneye — the late author’s estate on a beach in Jamaica.

(Bufford performs this number with an over-the-top Bond girl flourish.) She closes the set with the ode to selfexamination and repentance of “Man in the Mirror” (1988) and the hope of healing the world of “There’ll Be Some Changes

Made” (1921).

Bufford lights up the room in a succession of period dresses of her own choosing. Pianist Prosser and bassist Mingus both get a chance to shine too — Bufford’s a generous performer and never hogs the spotlight.

Props also to Nick Jones’ lighting, Bruce Price’s set and Thomas Korp’s sound design.

It adds up to an outstanding concert — not only technically excellent but heartfelt as well.

The pandemic has bent the theater community but not broken it. It’s great to see the electricity flowing again.

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REVIEWS

22A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

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24A

Retirement dream turns into nightmare After spending almost 10 years as snowbirds, living in Bradenton for six months and the other six months in New Jersey, we decided to look for a permanent residence here in Florida.

It was time to put down our retirement roots. It was January 2009, and it took us about two months before we finally found the home of our dreams. It had everything we ever dreamed of and included a pool, an enclosed pool cage, a lanai, walls of sliding doors to bring the outdoors in, and it overlooked a large pond and a fairway of the local golf course. It had a beautiful, peaceful water view along with a wonderful open floor plan to showcase our lifetime collection of furnishings and decor.

There was so much amazing wildlife to enjoy in the morning, at noon and at dusk. We felt like we were living in paradise.

About seven years into our retirement, someone thought it would be neat to build a gas station on a section of farmland not too far from our development. It was not like we needed another gas station because there were at least five of them located about a mile or so in either direction from where they plopped this one. Soon after, someone else decided we needed another car wash, even though we had one less than 2 miles from our location. A couple years later, another commercial developer decided to take out all the trees along the entry to Heritage Harbor and put in a Dairy Queen, a Taco Bell and an entire strip mall filled with a brewery, an exercise place and a bunch of other small businesses.

While that was going on, another commercial developer began building a Wawa gas station and displacing the beautiful longhorn cattle that grazed there. They aren’t finished with that tract as yet and apparently plan to put in yet more strip stores, right after removing yet more of the trees. Recently, another commercial developer

took out all the trees along a stretch of State Road 64 and put in yet another strip store area.

Just within the past two weeks, all of the beautiful trees lining S.R. 64 and the other side of the Heritage Harbor entrance were pulled out by their roots and destroyed to make room for yet more commercial development.

This is considered by some to be progress. I don’t think so. It looks more like greed to me.

I thought the sound levels from traffic were bad after Fort Hamer Bridge was opened. This is even worse. How many car washes, convenience stores, fast-food restaurants, gas stations, pharmacies, big box stores and wholesale clubs does one neighborhood really need?

Of course, the commercial developers will say they put out signs to notify us of upcoming meetings about what is proposed for that site, but those signs are so small that they are impossible to read as you drive by.

Once they get the county commissioners to approve their site plans, though, they put up very easy to read signs announcing that there is now more commercial space open for leasing.

Progress should not cause our lands to be pillaged. Pulling up beautiful, mature trees that house multitudes of wildlife and putting in parking lots to access yet more unnecessary businesses is not progress. Let’s face it: Greed is the basis for all this commercial development.

I am so disturbed by what is happening in our little corner of East County. I dread to find out what more might be in store for us within our commissioners’ five-year plan.

I strongly believe that the commissioners should have a committee of ordinary citizens living in the areas being discussed for commercial development, so they can read the pulse of the people who live in any area being explored for future developing. I now cringe from the emptiness I see as I drive along our portion of S.R. 64.

NANCY KARAM EAST COUNTY

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APRIL 8, 2021

— Lakewood Ranch High School’s Olivia Laney SEE PAGE 27A

HIGH

SPORTS

“My best pitch is definitely my curve ball. I love throwing it to lefties — it gets them good.”

RECORD DAY

Pirates records set at the Braden River Invitational Boys 100-meter dash: senior Josh Thomas (10.52 seconds) Boys 200-meter dash: senior Josh Thomas (21.26 seconds) Boys 4x100 race: freshman Anthony Campbell, senior Josh Thomas, senior Javaris Kelly and senior Miles Stephens (43.23 seconds) Girls 4x100 race: sophomore Jamie Bolduc, sophomore Marissa Smith, freshman Corin Mohammadbhoy and senior Alexis Graham (50.49 seconds)

5

2

Braden River High senior baseball player Sean Vitug went 3-4 with three RBIs on April 1 in the Pirates’ 13-3 home win against IMG Academy Silver.

3

Barry Gertz sank a hole-in-one April 2 on the No. 15 hole of Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club’s King’s Dunes course. Gertz used a 6-iron on the 175-yard hole.

4

Michael Pietsch sank a hole-in-one April 3 on the No. 7 hole of Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club’s King’s Dunes course. Pietsch used a pitching wedge on the 125yard hole.

5

Lakewood Ranch High senior baseball player Zac Bayor went 2-3 with a double and two RBIs on April 1 in the Mustangs’ 10-0 home win against Booker High.

A BOUNCE IN THEIR STEP Ryan Kohn

Senior Miles Stephens (right) completes the final stretch of the boys 4x100 race.

The Pirates would win the race and set a new school record (43.23).

Pirates have a record day on their new rubber track surface.

RYAN KOHN SPORTS REPORTER

I

t was another record announcement that came over the loudspeaker.

Braden River High senior boys sprinter Josh Thomas had broken the school’s 100-meter dash record — his own record — by finishing in 10.52 seconds.

When he heard the news, Thomas let out a loud “Yes!” It’s the fastest time in Class 3A this season, a mark Thomas said he wanted to own.

Earning the time felt good, but the cheers from the crowd were just as sweet.

Thomas broke the record March 29 at the 2021 Braden River Invitational. It was the first track meet the school has hosted since it opened in 2005. Pirates track

and field Coach Victoria Diaz said she and fellow Coach Allison Dain had been dreaming of hosting a meet since they took over the program five years ago, but before that could happen, the school’s track had to receive an upgrade.

It was unsafe to run on otherwise.

“The track was so uneven — we used to joke that we had hills in it,” Diaz said.

The school had to wait for its turn in line — Manatee County has committed to restoring each of its schools’ tracks in time — and it came this summer, when a rubber track was installed. The supplementary areas, such as the long jump runway, were also upgraded. Now, Diaz said, not only do the facilities look nicer, but they are safer while also being more versatile. Long jumpers, for example, can now wear their tra-

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Lakewoood Ranch High junior girls track and field runner Grace Marston won the 800-meter run (2:18.88) at the 2021 IMG Relay Carnival, held April 3 at IMG Academy.

ditional spiked cleats while practicing instead of running shoes. It makes for more accurate practice, Diaz said.

“Prior to the upgrades, the long jump runway was too short and pit was too small,” Diaz said.

“Someone put grass seed on it at one point. We couldn’t really use it. The new one is great. It’s easier to train on it, and there are less shin splints, less injuries.”

Diaz said the school also received new pole vault equipment, new high jump equipment and 80 new hurdles. The discus area is now at school’s sports stadium instead of at the practice fields, so throwers feel like they are part of the team.

The Pirates improvements from the upgrades might already be showing. Both Braden River’s boys and girls teams finished first at its inaugural event, which featured eight schools. On the boys side, Thomas also set the school record in the 200-meter dash (21.66) in addition to his 100-meter win, junior Ben Sampey won the 3,200-meter run (11:42.28), and junior John Delesline won the triple jump (32 feet, 3.75 inches). On the girls side, senior Alexis Graham won the 200-meter dash (25.88), sophomore Adriana Guerra won the 800-meter run (2:42.72), junior Ella Novarro won the high jump (4 feet, 7.75 inches), and senior Faith Gilray won both the discus (87 feet, 6 inches) and the javelin (80 feet, 8 inches).

“The team had such a great time,” Diaz said. “They were doing back flips on the field after it ended.”

26A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

PROSE AND KOHN

RYAN KOHN

Lakewood Ranch develops flagship program Y ou don’t have to wait until the fall to get your high school football fix.

Flag football is happening right now, and the competition is fierce, especially at Lakewood Ranch High.

The Mustangs (5-2) are having a strong season, their fifth season under Coach Elijah Weaver, and are quickly becoming a program for college coaches to recruit. Yes, flag football is a collegiate sport. In 2020, the NAIA partnered with the NFL to bring the sport to its institutions.

Midland University, in Fremont, Nebraska, was the destination of two 2020 Mustangs alumna, Spencer Mauk and Allison Maulfair. They’re both freshmen on the Midland flag football team, which is 4-7 with three regular season games remaining before the NAIA playoffs begin.

Another Mustang will soon be joining them: senior Nadiya Simpson, who committed to the school in December 2020.

Simpson is a running back and linebacker at Lakewood Ranch, and she plays physical. You don’t have to take my word for it. One look at the puffy eye she got after taking an elbow to the face in a game against Brooks DeBartolo High while trying to pull an opposing flag will have the same effect. She always gives flag football her all.

In the four years since she joined the program, more players

Photos by Ryan Kohn

Above: Mustangs senior captain Shivanie Ghansiam says Coach Elijah Weaver and the rest of the staff have created a fun, supportive environment.

Left: Coach Elijah Weaver practices a hand-off with sophomore Kennedi Duncan.

have taken Simpson’s mindset, she said. But it was not always that way.

Before Weaver became the head coach five seasons ago, it was Tina Hadley’s program.

Weaver said Hadley, the girls basketball coach who led the Mustangs to the Final Four, used flag football as a training ground of sorts for her basketball players and a few junior ROTC students. It was always second-

ary, a way for kids to stay in shape during the offseason while having fun. When Hadley left, Weaver — who played football at the University of South Alabama — took over. He knew immediately that he wanted to open the sport to more than just basketball players. He wanted to make it legitimate while still keeping it fun.

“There are some great athletic programs at this school,” Weaver

said. “We want to fit in with them.”

According to his players, Weaver has succeeded in that task. The Mustangs are outscoring opponents 153 to 68 this season. Simpson said the team can “get a little rowdy” on game days because everyone is excited to play, a good problem to have.

Senior Shivanie Ghansiam said the environment that Weaver and his assistant coaches have

created is a welcoming, supportive one, and that’s proven in the number of girls in the program.

Lakewood Ranch has 21 players on its varsity roster and 24 more on its junior varsity roster.

There’s a development pipeline now, something that will create even more talent in the coming years. Ghansiam said the growth of the program’s talent level between her freshman season and her senior season is vast.

While watching the Mustangs go through reps April 1, I saw plenty of laughing but plenty of skill, too. Weaver would act as the quarterback whenever going through a new play or set of plays, walking through what he wanted his offense to do, then he would let the girls run it, over and over, until every facet of the play was perfect. It’s what any tackle football team would do, after all.

In the next five to seven years, as flag football gains footing at the collegiate level, the sport is going to boom in popularity.

Better get on the bandwagon now. These pioneers deserve it.

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

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YourObserver.com

Olivia Laney

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

Olivia Laney is a sophomore softball pitcher at Lakewood Ranch High. On April 1, Laney pitched both games of the Mustangs’ home doubleheader against Braden River High. In the first game, Laney threw five innings, allowing one run with seven strikeouts as the Mustangs won 11-1. In the second game, Laney threw four shutout innings with four strikeouts in the Mustangs’ 15-0 win.

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What hobbies do you have?

I like doing arts and crafts. I do a lot of crafts with my little sister, Ivy. She’s 6.

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I played T-ball from ages 5-7. Then I started in softball, so from when I was 8 until now. My dad, [Jeff], wanted me to try it, so I did, and I liked it.

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What is the best advice you have received?

To not care what other people say about you. Keep doing you. Keep pushing. Don’t take anything personally.

What is the appeal to you?

I love pitching. I feel so powerful when I’m out there. I don’t worry about anything.

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What is your best pitch?

My best pitch is definitely my curve ball. It breaks so much, and I have been working on it for so long. I started trying it when I was 12. I love throwing it to lefties — it gets them good.

What are you still working on?

I started throwing a rise ball a few weeks ago. So far, there haven’t been many problems. It’s getting better.

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What are your goals for the season?

I just want to win a state title.

I think that would be such a cool feeling.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

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APRIL 8, 2021

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Photos by Liz Ramos

Left: Carson Walsworth and Nicholas Lyons give a high-five to the Easter bunny.

Above: Pynelopee Redmond, 1, snatches an egg to add to her collection.

EASTER EGG SCRAMBLE B

rielle Pauling, a 4-yearold at Kiddie Academy of Lakewood Ranch, walked around the playground April 2 and picked up an egg she found.

“I found a unicorn one,” Pauling said to her classmates.

She looked over at the other side of the playground equipment and saw dozens of other eggs just waiting to be collected.

“There’s some in the grass,” Pauling said excitedly.

After picking up a few from the grass, Pauling decided to climb the stairs of the playground and found more eggs.

Pauling, like dozens of other children at Kiddie Academy of Lakewood Ranch, had fun collecting eggs and putting them in the bags they decorated.

The children were also visited by the Easter bunny.

Above left: Shaan Patel, 4, is excited to find another egg.

Above: Bennett Drew, 1, soaks in some sun while being surrounded by eggs during his Easter egg hunt.

Left: Brielle Pauling, 4, finds an egg hiding by the water container attached to the playground equipment.

— LIZ RAMOS

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Aerith Curtis and Thomas Parziale, both 4, show off the bags they decorated themselves.

2B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

Fruit Farms a crafty pick

F

rom locals to tourists, a steady stream of people attended the Orange Blossom Arts & Crafts Fair at Mixon Fruit Farms on April 3.

Liz Sluss and Tiffany Worley live in nearby Sugar Creek, saw the sign for a craft fair and decided to check out the merchandise. The metal wall art displayed by Sarasota-based Ghost Coast caught their eye, and Sluss decided to go home with a blue and green lizard.

Bradenton residents and sisters Sandy Smith and Diane Bullock were simply happy to be out and about.

“As long as we’re doing the right thing, it’s exciting to see things open up,” Smith said.

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Bradenton residents and sisters Sandy Smith and Diane Bullock pick up this metal fish from Sarasota-based Ghost Coast, which also sells soap, lotions, shells, and baked and canned foods.

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Sugar Creek resident Liz Sluss says she saw the sign for a craft fair while driving past and decided to drop in. Sluss bought the metal lizard pictured behind her, which was sold by Sarasota-based Ghost Coast.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

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Ruskin resident Aspen Pilant, 10, and Palmetto residents Mylee Gullett, 12, and Bryan Gullett, 10, pose at the orange tree photo station. Pilant and Mylee Gullett enjoyed finding bracelets, while Bryan Gullett says he loved the ice cream.

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Left: Sugar Creek residents Jim and Judi Beller are snowbirds from Wisconsin. They have been to the craft fair in the past and love taking their grandchildren on the trolley.

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Lakewood Ranch Community Activity Parks Director Chris McComas “putts” on the second hole. Disc golf players use different discs depending on the shot. A short-range disc is easier to control but won’t fly as far.

s Chris McComas, the Lakewood Ranch Community Activities parks director, was showing beginner disc golfers the basics of the sport April 3 at Bob Gardner Community Park, he let them know they were going to struggle on this particular day.

A strong wind was whipping through the park.

Those at the park were taking Disc Golf 101, one of Lakewood Ranch Community Activities many recreational sports classes.

Some of the players hadn’t thrown a disc or Frisbee since childhood, while Indigo resident Mick Chianese had more than three decades of Ultimate Frisbee experience.

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5B

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

THE SARASOTA BALLET

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

In celebration of our 46th Anniversary in providing quality Cardiovascular Care to Sarasota County residents The Cardiovascular Center of Sarasota and the El Shahawy Family Foundation are pleased to sponsor the

COMMUNITY THURSDAY, APRIL 8

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

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CASUAL CORNHOLE Begins at 9 a.m. at Bob Gardner Park, 2710 White Eagle Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. Lakewood Ranch Community Activities is hosting a casual cornhole league for those 18 and up. A fee of $25 covers all sessions. For more information or to register, go to MyLWR.com or call 727-1505.

FRIDAY, APRIL 9

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

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

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

SCULLING CHAMPIONSHIPS Begins at 8 a.m. each day at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. The Florida Scholastic Rowing Association will welcome the top junior rowers from across the state for two days of competition. Singles, doubles and quad rowers from Manatee County Youth Rowing, Sarasota Crew and Sarasota Scullers will be in the competition. For more information, visit nathanbendersonpark. org or regattacentral.com.

SUNDAY, APRIL 11

POLO Begins at 1 p.m. at the Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Lakewood Ranch. The 30th season at the Sarasota Polo Club runs every Sunday through April 25. Besides world-class polo, the event includes food and beverages, tailgating and divot-stomping.

General admission is $15 per adult; children 12 and under are free. Advance tickets are strongly encouraged. For ticket packages and information, go to SarasotaPolo.com. Gates open at 10 a.m.

BARRE IN THE PARK Begins at 9 a.m. at Bob Gardner Park, 2710 White Eagle Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. The public is invited to participate in a free barre workout at Bob Gardner Park hosted by Barre3. Bring your own mat and water bottle. All participants are asked to follow social distancing guidelines. For more information or to register for the event, go to LakewoodRanch.com.

TUESDAY, APRIL 13

WALKING GROUP Begins at 9 a.m. at Bob Gardner

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6B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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SUNDAY, APRIL 18

Community Park, 2710 White Eagle Blvd., Lakewood Ranch.

Take a casual walk around Bob Gardner Park with the Lakewood Ranch Community Activities parks team. The group is for those 18 and up and is free for Lakewood Ranch residents and $10 for nonresidents. For information, call 727-1505, or go to MyLWR.com.

jams and pickles among other items. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

LATIN JAZZ IN THE PARK Begins at 3 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. Nathan Benderson Park will host the Heat Latin Jazz Band outdoors in the park. The band is a sevenpiece salsa/Latin jazz group featuring students from Florida Gulf Coast University and Florida Southwestern State College in Fort Myers. Tickets are $35. For more information, go to NathanBendersonPark.org.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14

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

Ranch Night features a food truck rally with more than 10 trucks, live music, family-friendly yard games, an outdoor bar and cornhole (preregister at MVPSportsAndSocial.com). For more information about the free event, go to MyLWR.com.

POLO Begins at 1 p.m. at the Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Lakewood Ranch. General admission is $15 per adult; children 12 and under are free. For ticket packages and information, go to SarasotaPolo.com. Gates open at 10 a.m.

MARKET AT LAKEWOOD RANCH Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, 8330 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Vendors will be offering seafood, eggs, meats, diary products, pastas, bakery goods,

YOGA IN THE PARK Begins at 9 a.m. at Bob Gardner Park, 2710 White Eagle Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. The public is invited to participate in a free yoga workout. For more information or to register for the event, go to www.LakewoodRanch.com.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

7B

BEST BET SUNDAY, APRIL 11

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

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

File photo

E X PA ND

BINGO Begins at 10 a.m. at the Greenbrook Adventure Park, 13010 Adventure Place, Lakewood Ranch. Lakewood Ranch Community Activities hosts Community Bingo every Wednesday. Bingo is for those 18 and up. Bingo will be held under the pavilion. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 15

W HAT IT MEA NS TO BE HOME

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

SATURDAY, APRIL 17

LEARN TO FISH Begins at 10 a.m. at James Patton Park, 5725 White Eagle Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. The Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club and Lakewood Ranch Community Activities provide basic lessons on fishing, such as casting and knot-tying. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

REC DAY AT THE PARK Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. Families are invited to experience Nathan Benderson Park during Rec Day. Participants will have the opportunity to try stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, canoes, fishing and more.

Fees are $10 per person for ages 7-18 and free for their parents and siblings ages 1-6. The fee is $10 for adults without children.

Freshwater fishing licenses are required for any participants age 16 and older. Meet at the base of the finish tower. For more information, go to NathanBendersonPark.org.

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

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

LOCALLY KNOWN. GLOBALLY CONNECTED. SINCE 1976.

BRADENTON 8499 Lindrick Lane Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4475594 $10,850,000

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

BRADENTON 4015 Hawk Island Drive Jenifer Schwell 941-780-0968 A4495224 $1,950,000

BRADENTON 6510 200th Street E Leslie Emery & Aaron Corr 941-400-9710 A4489175 $1,750,000

BRADENTON 6643 Renssalaer Drive Adam Cuffaro 941-812-0791 A4494725 $1,600,000

SARASOTA 1711 Baywood Way Jami Kellogg 941-809-6931 A4488310 $1,200,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 6700 Gulf Drive 15 Lindsay Nock 941-735-7005 A4492778 $1,150,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7626 Tralee Way Mary Pat Pihl & Laura Navratil 941-932-3065 A4495964 $799,000

SARASOTA 8338 Cypress Hollow Drive Susan Elkins & Priscilla Adams 941-374-6016 A4495999 $699,000

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

BRADENTON 73 Tidy Island Boulevard Kathy Valente & Gregory Zies, LLC 941-685-6767 A4477926 $650,000

OSPREY 1742 S Creek Lane Stacy Hanan 941-266-0529 A4484659 $649,000

OSPREY 2321 Jessie Harbor Drive 2403 Bernadette Caswell & Deborah Nelson 941-320-8265 A4495674 $500,000

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

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

SARASOTA 151 Tall Trees Court Nancie Kalin 941-928-8833 A4495916 $475,000

SARASOTA 5405 83rd Terrace E Zita Bowers 941-465-5819 A4495655 $450,000

NOKOMIS/NORTH VENICE 221 Matisse Circle N Peggy Wellman & Robert Moffatt 941-374-0811 A4495960 $424,900

BRADENTON 1210 Riverscape Street 1210 Mark Boehmig & Noel Morton 941-807-6936 A4495859 $384,000

SARASOTA 3935 S Shade Avenue Tammy Mast 941-256-6543 A4489158 $370,000

BRADENTON 2302 63rd Street W Maria Christenson & Karla Davidson 941-920-3583 A4495556 $350,000

BRADENTON 4902 7th Avenue W Linda Dickson 941-224-1337 A4492742 $335,000

OSPREY 44 Bishops Court Road 112 Victoria Beckham & Deborah Beacham 941-544-6734 A4487740 $325,000

SARASOTA 8951 Veranda Way 623 Debbie Daviadoff 770-331-9805 A4495450 $295,000

NORTH FORT MYERS 3460 N Key Drive 218 Ray Rausa 941-228-7614 A4493260 $249,000

SARASOTA 4064 Oakhurst Drive 3173 Marci Mcfarland 941-961-3390 A4496016 $224,900

SARASOTA 5500 Bentgrass Drive 6-104 Priscilla Adams & Susan Elkins 941-350-5871 A4495883 $210,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 8911 Manor Loop 207 Natalia Armonda 941-373-5743 A4485429 $160,000

SARASOTA 1520 Glen Oaks Drive E 244 Elisa Gersman 941-735-0595 A4484780 $92,000

SARASOTA 8263 Archers Court Kathy Callahan 941-900-8088 A4483993 $3,999,999

NOKOMIS 4992 Western Docks Lane Brian Loebker 941-735-4393 A4495865 $2,550,000

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8B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in Preserve at Panther Ridge topped all transactions in this week’s real estate. Matthew and Rachel Wells, of Bradenton, sold their home at 22639 Morning Glory Circle to Jared and Jessica Ann Collins, of Bradenton, for $1.5 million.

Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,699 square feet of living area.

COUNTRY CLUB EAST

Scott and Linda Schaeffer, of Sarasota, sold their home at 7616 Haddington Cove to Dea and John Zufelt, of Wilmington, Delaware, for $1.05 million. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,829 square feet of living area. It sold for $960,000 in 2020.

Robert and Mary Birthisel, of Lithia, sold their home at 16801 Berwick Terrace to Robert John Pascal and Leslie Claire Pascal, of Sterling, Virginia, for $805,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,494 square feet of living area. It sold for $745,000 in 2020.

Thomas and Patricia Keenan, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, sold their home at 14653 Newtonmore Lane to Serge and Elena Moldavsky, of Mendham, New Jersey, for $545,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,086 square feet of living area.

COUNTRY CLUB

William and Nancy Sinton, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 7042 Kingsmill Court to Rosemary Stack, trustee, of Bradenton, for $840,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, a pool and 3,472 square feet of living area. It sold for $670,000 in 2018.

Robert Allen Marcus and Margaret Mary Marcus, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 6611 The Masters Ave. to Randy and Vicki Aranowitz, trustees, of Dresher, Pennsylvania, for $730,000. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,829 square feet of living area. It sold for $620,000 in 2015.

Paul and Marianne Brakora, of Birmingham, Michigan, sold their home at 7827 Heritage Classic Court to Aseem Om Rawal and Zohreh Laura Tabatabai, of Tiburon, California, for $415,000. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,310 square feet of living area. It sold for $320,000 in 2009.

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

MARCH 22-28

Paul Francis Fusillo and Dulcie Ann Fusillo, of Bradenton, sold their home at 7684 Silverwood Court to Keith and Ann Schoenfeld, of Mundelein, Illinois, for $653,000. Built in 2011, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,510 square feet of living area. It sold for $445,000 in 2015.

9B

REAL ESTATE

Panther Ridge home tops sales at $1.5 million

|

TIDEWATER PRESERVE

John and Joanne Bradshaw, of Bradenton, sold their home at 5816 Tidewater Preserve Blvd. to Scott and Lori Tackett, of Bradenton, for $800,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,738 square feet of living area. It sold for $560,100 in 2017.

Richard Kropp and Eileen Viau sold their home at 5021 Lake Overlook Ave. to Joseph and Loretta Elliott, of Bradenton, for $440,000. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,034 square feet of living area.

It sold for $335,000 in 2016.

BRIDGEWATER

Jack and Deanna Postregna sold their home at 13405 Ramblewood Trail to Dejan and Renata Dimitrievic, of Northville, Michigan, for $690,000. Built in 2016, it has six bedrooms, fourand-a-half baths, a pool and 4,018 square feet of living area. It sold for $470,200 in 2016.

Liz Ramos

This Preserve at Panther Ridge home at 22639 Morning Glory Circle sold for $1.5 million. It has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,699 square feet of living area.

CYPRESS CREEK ESTATES

Mary and Ira Freedman and Emily Bode, of Bradenton, sold their home at 6136 Ninth Ave. Circle NE to Ryan Joseph Keane and Jeanna Michelle Keane, of Bradenton, for $589,000. Built in 1994, it has five bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,468 square feet of living area. It sold for $475,000 in 2016.

CENTRAL PARK

Aaron and Leslie Ruben, of Bradenton, sold their home at 4742 Balboa Park Loop to John Britton Medley and Paula Medley, of Boone, North Carolina, for $725,000. Built in 2013, it

has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,066 square feet of living area. It sold for $635,000 in 2018.

ENCLAVE AT COUNTRY MEADOWS

Roy and Karen Adams, of Newfoundland, sold their home at 905 145th St. Circle NE to Mark Elmer and Ashley Crosena, of Bradenton, for $685,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,146 square feet of living area. It sold for $559,000 in 2018.

SEE REAL ESTATE, PAGE 10B

BRADEN OAKS

Kelley Ferguson and Shani Thimm, of Mars Hill, North Carolina, sold their home at 3505 65th St. E. to Matthew Brian Hamper and Amie Sue Hamper, of Bradenton, for $640,000.

Built in 1979, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,822 square feet of living area. It sold for $307,500 in 2014.

In with the new

RIVER WIND

James and Stephanie Fox, of Bradenton, sold their home at 1005 River Wind Circle to Alan and Bethany Torbet, of Bradenton, for $610,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,734 square feet of living area.

MAGNOLIA HAMMOCK AT UNIVERSITY PLACE

SALES GALLERY OPEN

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WATERFRONT HOMES & HOMESITES

Bradenton Riverfront Riverside Point | 941.201.8505 Home sites from $229,900 | Homes from the low $600,000s RiversidePointFlorida.com

Jaime Heath sold the home at 7704 Heyward Circle to Damaris Crespo-Zimmerman and John Zimmerman, of Bradenton, for $607,000. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,540 square feet of living area. It sold for $331,000 in 2008.

POLO RUN

Marsha and Daniel Burton, of Bradenton, sold their home at 6551 Rosehill Farm Run to Jeremy and Jordan Douglas, of Bradenton, for $600,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,455 square feet of living area. It sold for $394,000 in 2019.

RIVER CLUB SOUTH

Rodney Jackson and Joan Savaree, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 7211 Pine Valley St. to Matthew and Kelly Milazzo, of Bradenton, for $594,900. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,619 square feet of living area.

MOVE-IN READY

Downtown Sarasota Risdon on 5th | 941.365.1414 From the high $300,000s RisdonOn5th.com

NOW SELLING NEW PHASE

Northwest Bradenton Palma Sola Bay Club | 941.216.7436 From the high $300,000s PalmaSolaBayClub.com

Sales galleries open and available for virtual or in-person presentations.

Virtual home tours | OnDemand local experts | Interactive site and floorplans

WWW.MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM/NEW-HOMES | 844.591.4333 | SARASOTA, FLORIDA 355160-1 Prices as of February 2021.

Licensed Real Estate Broker

10B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

Real estate FROM PAGE 9B

MALLORY PARK

Kenneth Lynn Cobbs II and Jennifer Price Cobbs, of Forest, Virginia, sold their home at 12130 Cranston Way to Gwendolyn Cech, trustee, of Lakewood Ranch, for $680,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,483 square feet of living area. It sold for $601,600 in 2020.

CENTRAL PARK

Samuel Robert Poots and Lorites Alab-Ab Poots, of Bradenton, sold their home at 12073 Longview Lake Circle to Michele and Richard Sere, of Bradenton, for $585,000. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 3,178 square feet of living area. It sold for $452,000 in 2016.

Kevin Lelli sold the home at 11509 Gramercy Park Ave. to Linda Mann Weisinger, of Marietta, Georgia, for $367,000. Built in 2011, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,847 square feet of living area. It sold for $276,300 in 2015.

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

Sadaf and Joseph Haider, of Bradenton, sold their home at 4816 Central Park Blvd. to Daniel and Marsha Burton, of Bradenton, for $358,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,283 square feet of living area. It sold for $346,600 in 2016.

INDIGO

Susan Magner, trustee, sold the home at 12836 Coastal Breeze Way to Lee and Kelly DePalo, of Bradenton, for $585,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,387 square feet of living area. It sold for $447,100 in 2018.

HENLEY

William Vosnos, trustee, and Paula Bedo, of Myakka City, sold the home at 6935 Cumberland Terrace to Kenneth Duncan, of Bradenton, for $575,000. Built in 1999, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 3,210 square feet of living area.

LINKS AT PALM AIRE

Judith Heath sold her home at 7559 Links Court to Angela Mills, of Sarasota, for $555,300. Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool

and 2,768 square feet of living area. It sold for $370,000 in 2014.

SERENITY CREEK

Christopher Vandett and Devika Ramnarain sold their home at 13011 Utopia Loop to Erika and Louis Iacopetti, of Antioch, Illinois, for $540,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,027 square feet of living area. It sold for $410,500 in 2018.

BROOKSIDE ESTATES

Robert Christopher Ulrich, of Bradenton, sold the home at 827 129th St. NE to Zachary and Kari Evans, of Bradenton, for $530,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three-anda-half baths, a pool and 3,106 square feet of living area. It sold for $370,300 in 2016.

GREYHAWK LANDING

Desiree and Luis Mahiquez sold their home at 12576 Natureview Circle to Natalie Moretti, of Bradenton, for $514,900. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,402 square feet of living area. It sold for $318,500 in 2009.

WENTWORTH

Wilfred and Johanna Martinez sold their home at 7322 Windemere Lane to Christopher, Simeon and Christine Alesevich, trustees, of University Park, for $500,000. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two-anda-half baths, a pool and 2,542 square feet of living area. It sold for $439,000 in 2018.

RIVER PLACE

Jonathan and Angela Rissler, of Bradenton, sold their home at 7069 74th St. Circle E. to Brian Lee Bellau and Jennifer Ann Bellau, of Apopka, for $499,900.

Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,011 square feet of living area. It sold for $396,100 in 2005.

WATERCREST

Crain Bliwas and Margaret Bliwas, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the Unit 304 condominium at 6465 Watercrest Way to Phyllis and Gary Gould, of Tampa, for $495,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,326 square feet of living area. It sold for $425,000 in 2007.

DESOTO WOODS

Bruce Bell and Sheryl Belair, of Sarasota, sold their home at 8032 Desoto Woods Drive to Lyn and Terry Bivins, of Chicago, for $479,000. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,321 square feet of living area. It sold for $410,000 in 2017.

GREYHAWK LANDING WEST

Carl and Donna Schultz, of Bradenton, sold their home at 12318 Goldenrod Ave. to Tamas Matyek and Monika Kecskes, of Brooklyn, New York, for $478,200.

Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,477 square feet of living area. It sold for $374,800 in 2016.

EDGEWATER

David and Janet Baker, of La Porte, Indiana, sold their home at 8420 Sailing Loop to Alain Dessaint, of Bradenton, for $465,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,936 square feet of living area. It sold for $284,500 in 2011.

Lawrence Alster, of Sarasota, sold his home at 8339 Whispering Woods Court to Shane Alan

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DEL WEBB

Lori Kuller, of Seaford, New York, sold her home at 6807 Chester Trail to Theodora and Robert Dobbs, of Lakewood Ranch, for $435,000. Built in 2019, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,858 square feet of living area. It sold for $426,900 in 2019.

Paulette Moscinski, of Bradenton, sold her home at 17043 Kenton Terrace to Linda Albanese, of Wayne, New Jersey, for $415,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 1,924 square feet of living area. It sold for $349,600 in 2016.

GREENBROOK

Dorothy Deringer, of Sarasota, sold her home at 6214 Willet Court to Alexandre and Katarzyna Billaut, of Lakewood Ranch, for $435,000. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, two-anda-half baths, a pool and 2,386 square feet of living area. It sold for $424,000 in 2005.

Jennifer Phillips, of Bradenton, sold her home at 6156 Candlewood Way to Frederick and Sarajane Henze for $430,000. Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,220 square feet of living area. It sold for $355,000 in 2019.

11B

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AT HOME CATERING AVAILABLE

ESPLANADE

Sandra Lynn Savin, of Sarasota, sold her home at 13230 Torresina Terrace to Barbara Fryzel-Marquette, trustee, of Bradenton, for $419,000. Built in 2013, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,684 square feet of living area. It sold for $261,200 in 2013.

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

PINO’S IS BACK!

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John and Amy Colmorgen, of Bradenton, sold their home at 117 41st Circle E. to Taryn McGannon, of Sarasota, for $397,000.

Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,668 square feet of living area.

350348-1

Jackson and Sage Johnson, of Lakewood Ranch, for $392,500.

Built in 1998, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,974 square feet of living area. It sold for $335,000 in 2017.

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12B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

FORECAST

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

THURSDAY, APRIL 8 High: 81 Low: 64 Chance of rain: 6%

FRIDAY, APRIL 9 High: 82 Low: 65 Chance of rain: 11%

SATURDAY, APRIL 10 High: 83 Low: 69 Chance of rain: 13%

Richard Bottorff captured this bald eagle in front of a full moon rising in Lakwood Ranch.

SUNRISE / SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, April 8

7:12a 7:51p

Friday, April 9

7:11a

7:52p

Saturday, April 10

7:10a

7:52p

Sunday, April 11

7:09a

7:53p

Monday, April 12

7:08a

7:53p

Tuesday, April 13

7:07a

7:54p

Wednesday, April 14

7:06a

7:54p

MOON PHASES

April 26 Full

May 3 Last

May 11 New

May 19 First

RAINFALL Monday, March 29

0

Tuesday, March 30

0

SUNDAY, APRIL 11

Wednesday, March 31

0

High: 80 Low: 69 Chance of rain: 37%

Friday, April 2

Thursday, April 1

0 0.37

Saturday, April 3

0

Sunday, April 4

0

*Rainfall totals from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

Submit your photos at YourObserver.com/Weather. All submissions will be entered for the 2021-22 Weather and Nature photo contest. In February 2022, you will vote for your favorite photo, and the submission with the most votes will win a $500 gift card.

YEAR TO DATE:

MONTH TO DATE:

2021 5.10 in.

2021 0.37 in.

2020 4.06 in.

2020 0.08 in.

MANASOTA FLOORING INC 349213-1

CROSSWORD

©2021 Universal Uclick

ACROSS 1 Sprinkler sites 6 One may be incandescent 10 Text format letters 13 Strong criticism 17 Earth Day’s month 18 Pirates’ sea in movies 20 Echo voice 21 Mexican dip in Manila?

23 Report on 24 Look after a pet, say 25 Knobs 26 Venomous porcupine’s defense?

28 Where paradise was lost 30 Chinese menu general 31 Country lodging

941.355.8437 | Bradenton

PICK, QUICK! by Hal Moore; Edited by David Steinberg

32 Series of concerts 33 Cold, as a look or a brook 35 “It’s of no ___ me” 38 Smallest possible amount 41 Guthrie at Woodstock 43 Weed chemical, for short 44 Beehive State native 45 Starts feeling fatigued 47 Heineken alternatives, informally 50 Curved path 52 Gravelly sound 54 Tiffany fixture 55 One particle in alignment with another?

58 Streetcar

60 Historical period 61 Stage sister of Masha and Irina 62 Hide’s counterpart, in a game 64 Missions, briefly 65 Come out on top 66 Charming old color assortment?

70 Resistance measure 73 Big ___, California 74 Pop star nickname hidden in “Missouri River” 75 Marsh plant 76 Kool ___ Dee (hip-hop pioneer) 77 As of right now

941.748.4679 | Venice

941.493.7441 | www.manasotaonline.com

105 Smoke with a pen 109 Airplane flyers who have misgivings?

113 Decrees 115 ___ de los Muertos 116 Not trendy 117 “Behave,” or a theme hint 120 Agenda components 121 Komodo dragon’s country 122 Prize highly 123 The Terra-cotta Army guards one 124 Rooibos or oolong 125 Largest of Canada’s First Nations 126 Dueling swords

47 Explode like a volcano 48 Enticed 49 “Genesis does what Nintendon’t” sloganeer 51 Sea seen from Baku 53 Mentored one 56 Place to hibernate 57 Irish actor Stephen 59 Take place?

63 Russell of “The Americans” 67 Muslim face veil 68 Play about Capote 69 Outdoor wedding need 70 Union Pacific’s Nebraska base 71 Baklava sweetener 72 Queens team DOWN 73 Bicyclist’s challenge 1 Moment of forgetfulness 77 Interview goal 2 Part of a ladybug’s lunch 78 ___ Eats 3 Compose a letter 79 Sammy with six Silver 4 Zero, in soccer Slugger Awards 5 Went downhill, perhaps 6 Help for a struggling bank 80 15 minutes, say, at a crossword tournament 7 Huge coffee containers 82 Ringlet 8 Tell a tall tale 83 What an athlete might 9 Place for grilling take in protest 10 Escort from the door 84 Certain flat-screen set 11 Einstein’s “m” 87 Remote abbr. near a “+” 12 Most stuck-up and a “-” 13 Some grain-grinding 91 Beats, as a lovestruck facilities heart 14 Strauss of denim 94 Vast grassland 15 Skating jump 97 Weisshorn or Matterhorn 16 Marx or Malden 98 One-up 18 Books reviewers, briefly 99 Harmonious 19 Good, in Italian 100 Halloween animals 20 Find not guilty 81 Factory that makes noisy 102 Odyssey automaker 22 Shame toy ducks?

104 Valley known for 85 Instrument that tunes an 27 French refusal vineyards 29 Nabisco’s ___ Wafers orchestra 106 Discombobulate 34 Formal discussion 86 Opera star 36 Hack-a-___ (rhyming NBA 107 Irritated feeling 88 Sister with a habit 108 Simplifies strategy) 89 Shows the ropes to 109 Give up 37 Linen shade 90 Under siege 38 Long Island Rail Road org. 110 Golden rule word 92 Mafia 111 “Uh, I’m standing right 39 Eurasian border region 93 Part of a gym set here” 40 Viral phenomenon 95 Australian greeting 112 It may be dotted or 41 “Pong” producer 96 Senator Warnock dashed 42 Showed again 98 Gulf ship 44 “Family Matters” charac- 113 Firework feature 100 Wager 114 Rescue ter Steve 101 Select the best of 46 Agent involved in a dead 118 Opposite of ‘neath 102 Invader of Gaul 119 Quick snooze drop 103 Santa ___ winds

CELEBRITY CIPHER

By Luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present.

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“H.J.C. GMWHJA MPKGDFKI, K GWFJG NPIJRA ... VPK KHUDRH KIE FKEPMJIP XKDI KHP LPMGWFJIN DPH UW GWFPEZ DPKSPI.” – CKRM HREIJGX

“UNY SXCB RN VN RSMNYVS RSNWB TNYERXAEW XEP CXIIBUW – KBFXYWB RSXR’W DSXR IAGB AW: WNYI VMNDRS.”

– DXUEB EBDRNE

Puzzle Two Clue: F equals C

Sarasota

SAVE ON SELECT COLORS & STYLE

Puzzle One Clue L equals W

HARDWOOD

© 2021 NEA, Inc.

SUDOKU

Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.

©2021 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

04-08-21

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

Cleaning

DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at Noon

CLAUDIA C. Cleaning Services.

Experienced, dependable, and ready to begin!

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Excellent references.

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Merchandise Wanted

Autos Wanted

SENIOR LOOKING to purchase precious metals, diamonds, time pieces, coins, jewelry, antique and estate jewelry, and collectors plates.

Personal and confidential.

Please call Marc: 941-321-0707.

CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

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Sporting Goods

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

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

WE BUY cars. top $$ paid for your vehicles.

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

NEW VIOLIN With bow and case $180 (941) 358-8511 www.allegromusicacademy.com

NORTH FACE- Boots, new, men’s size 11 Heat seekers double insulated. $50.

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Call for coming soon listings.

Call for coming soon listings.

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This week’s Crossword answers

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Homes for Sale

Luxurious 4 Bed 4 Bath Built in 2020 Lakefront Luxurious 4 Bed 4Lakewood Bath Built Ranch $1,599,900 in 2020 Lakefront Lakewood Ranch $1,599,900 Everything Updated Sarasota's Phillipi Gardens Everything Updated 3/2/2 Phillipi $359,900 Sarasota's Gardens 3/2/2 $359,900 55+ Beach and Boating: One villaand 2BED-2BATH 55+story Beach Boating: One $424,000 story villa 2BED-2BATH $424,000 Longboat Key Beach House: on Canal, 2BED-2BATH, Longboat Key Beach House: 1/CAR, Dock. on Canal, 2BED-2BATH, $530,000.

Owner/agent 1/CAR, Dock. $530,000. Owner/agent Private Boat Lift: beach access villa/condo Friendly Private Boat Lift:Pet beach ac$399,000 cess villa/condo Pet Friendly $399,000

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BRADENTON, FL, company seeks Design Engineers.

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Send detailed resume to: SGM Magnetics Corporation, 2023 59th Terrace East Bradenton, FL 34203.

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©2021 Universal Uclick

You’re only cheating yourself.

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auto

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Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

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stuff

The East County Observer reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only. *All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher. *It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in the East County Observer to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with towncodes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.

real estate

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Paint the town RED!

RED PAGES

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “R.I.P. Cloris Leachman, a comic genius ... Bea Arthur and Madeline Kahn are welcoming her to comedy heaven.”

Paul Rudnick Puzzle Two Solution: “You have to go through those mountains and valleys -- because that’s what life is: soul growth.”

Wayne Newton

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2021 NEA, Inc.

14B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

Aluminum

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SAFE ROOF CLEANING

Building & Roofing Contractor

• Aluminum, Vinyl, & Wood Soffit & Fascia Repair & Installation • Roofing Repair & Installation • Metal Roofing & Tile Roof Repair Specialists

Houses, Pool Cage & Decks, Fences, Driveways & Walks Irrigation, Fertilizer, Rust & Battery Stain Removal

Personal Gardening Services | Designer

941.400.0431

355526

941-737-4483 www.PantherHydroCleaning.com

353816

Pressure Cleaning & Soft Washing Residential and Commercial

Allison J. Abizaid, M.A.

10% SAVINGS With this ad

354467

Rescreening & Repairs

Lawn Care

Screening

Eldridge Re-Screen Licensed SALES & REPAIRS - MOWERS, GENERATORS, TRIMMERS, PRESSURE WASHERS, CHAIN SAWS, BLOWERS, ENGINES

353818

“No Job Too Small”

941-270-1561

941-739-5102

5002 LENA RD, UNIT 107, BRADENTON, 34211 WWW.SMALLENGINEREPAIRS.US

354485

Roofing

Painting

351320

Driveways Deck Staining Roof Cleaning

Painting & Pressure Cleaning

Bisson Roofing Inc. Specializing in Reroofs and Repairs FREE Estimates • 30 Years Experience

Free Estimate 941-922-3996

UNIQUE PAINTING & PRESSURE WASHING SERVICES 354941

FREE ESTIMATES - Call Joel, Owner 30 Years Exp. Cell 619-405-7650 Home/Office 941-758-4840

TREASURES FOUND HERE!

941 - 748 - 7400 355527

Complete Interior & Exterior Painting

Homes - Driveways - Sidewalks - Tile & Shingle Roofs - Pool Cages & Decks

RC0067420 • Lic. & Ins.

Owner Supervises Every Job

• Pool Cage Restoration • Rescreening Specialists • Specialty Screens • Paint • Doors and more!

Satisfaction guarantee Satisfaction Guarantee Pool cage Restoration/ Rescreening specialists Manufacture and Workmanship Warranties

941-345-5264

specialty screens / screw replacement / paint

Insured

10% OFF FOR MENTIONING THIS AD

SMALL ENGINE REPAIRS

Faulkner’s

941-626-3194

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

www.bissonroofing.com

Doors and more!

Windows

Manufacture and workmanship Warranties

Res./Com.

YOUR HOME

found here.

Find a place where you can visit listings, not just imagine them.

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

Call 941-955-4888 or visit YourObserver.com/redpages

Lic./Ins.

w & Pressure Cl indo345-5264 W(941) eani t e s ng as Sunrise Wi n w o n k Sun y l nd er Form Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

25

UP TO

STANDARD WINDOWS

ows

120

$

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

SPECIAL 00 5

$

TO ADVERTISE CALL 941-955-4888 OR VISIT YOUROBSERVER.COM/REDPAGES

355510

gbyallison@yahoo.com gardensbyallison.com

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Purified water window cleaning available!!

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

355512

Design • Garden Beds Landscape • Courtyards Clean-Up • Makeovers Weeds • Trimming

15B

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

Roofing BIODEGRADABLE PRODUCTS

No Job is too Small!

|

16B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

Quite Simply The Best Gulf Front Community in Sarasota The Orchid Beach Club

Stunning Luxury Residence in a Gated Community Located at the Quiet Tip of Lido Key 3 bedrooms, 3.5baths, Family room, 3,242 Sf 727 sf lanai with gas barbecue

Fabulous Amenities: 24/7 security, concierge Garage Parking for 2 vehicles side-by-side State-of-the-art fitness center, Massage room, steam room & sauna Library, game room, catering kitchen Social room and dining room/board room Fenced, beautifully landscaped dog walk, 2 pets allowed Gulf front heated pool & spa $2,195,000

Sylvia Babineau 941/504.0551

sylviababineau@gmail.com My Realty Company

Sushi Snufes 355303-1

. . . t i a W But

S ’ E R THE !

E R MO

XNLV19038

Flip the page for more sales and specials!

BRIDGE April 2021 Issue

Quarterly Member Magazine

From the CEO Page 2

New Team Members Page 6

New in Membership

100 YEARS

Pages 12-13

Leadership Sarasota Pages 14-15

THE CENTENNIAL MURALS Pages 8-9

Click here to Read the April 2021 BRIDGE Magazine: https://issuu.com/greatersarasotachamber/docs/2021_april_bridge_magazine

(for Frown Lines, Forehead and Crow’s feet)

9.00

$ per unit (Max 25 units)

SEE BACK FOR DETAILS.

OVER 500 FIVE STAR REVIEWS

320377-1 Following all CDC Guidelines to ensure the safety of our clients & staff

LWR 941-359-BTOX(2869) | SRQ 941-360-BTOX(2869) www.bowtiquemedspa.com 353105-1

Beauty is Our Business OFFERS GOOD AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS

6277 Lake Osprey Drive Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240 6118 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34231 MUST BOOK AND PREPAY. Must bring this ad in to receive offer. Cannot be combined with any other discounts or offers. No exchanges or refunds. All sales final.

Limited availability. Se habla español.

Offers expire 4/30/2021.

FOR THEIR SAFETY

and your confidence.

We create a safe, enriching community where seniors can live well, know they’re safe, and maintain their dignity and sense of purpose. In today’s changed world, you can rest assured: •

• •

•

•

Everyone entering our community wears a face mask and is screened according to CDC guidelines Staff are screened at the beginning, middle and end of their shifts Every assisted living and memory care resident is monitored for temperature, oxygen saturation level and condition changes We work with national-level laboratories for staff and resident testing We welcome PCPs (primary care physicians) and medical specialists, as residents require, and transport residents to medical appointments

Senior Lifestyle communities are designated as high-priority recipients of the COVID-19 vaccines. Our residents and staff are among the first to receive them, bringing us soon to the day when family and friends can freely visit again.

Assisted Living | Memory Care | AL 12858 WWW.SENIORLIFESTYLE.COM

for masks, handwashing social masks, handwashing and and social distancing distancing because we’re determined because we’re determined to keep youto or keep you or your loved ones safe.

Call your loved ones safe.

941-315-9503 to schedule a tour or to Call 262-888-7717 to schedule tour or get a copy of A Smoother WayaForward, to get a copy of The Complete Guide to a guide to community living.

Senior Health and Wellness.

355119-1

Diligence. We Diligence.

Wefollow followCDC CDCguidelines guidelines for

Thrive in a community of friends Surrounded by the tranquil parks, lakes and nature reserves of Lakewood Ranch, every day at The Sheridan rewards residents with energy, activity, friendship and kindness. Upscale and comfortable, with a reputation second to none, our assisted living helps residents just enough to ensure they feel confident and independent. And our vibrant memory care setting is a tour-de-force in personalized, uplifting, attentive programming for those who have Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. The Sheridan has a vibe – and it’s irresistible!

Call 941-315-9503 to schedule a tour or to get a copy of A Smoother Way Forward, a guide to community living.

11705 Evening Walk Drive Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211 WWW.SENIORLIFESTYLE.COM

SENIOR LIFESTYLE IS HIGHEST RANKED IN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION with Assisted Living/ Memory Care Communities Tied in 2020. For J.D. Power 2020 award information, visit jdpower.com/awards