No beach, but plenty of sand Waterside’s Wesley Westlund (above), 4, loves to dig in the sand, whether that means using a shovel or even his Crocs.
Westlund’s mom, Cassie, said her family doesn’t get to the beach very often, so she is thankful for the sand on the volleyball courts at Waterside Park.
“He likes to dig, and if it wasn’t the sand, he’d be digging in our yard — the dirt and the mulch,” Cassie Westlund said. “This is good for him.” Wesley Westlund said he likes to dig holes so he can fill them with water and added that he loves sand castles.
“Watching him explore and just be a kid in nature feels so simple but so important,” Cassie Westlund said.
Abandoned pooch rises to Top Dog
In fewer than six months, Rosie (above) went from being pulled out of a ditch in Highlands County to being named Donte’s Den’s Top Dog. The Myakka City animal sanctuary hosted its 12th annual Top Dog fundraiser March 22 at the The Toasted Yolk Cafe in Sarasota. Rosie looked perfectly chic in a pink bodice accented with pearls. Nobody would have ever known she was found in December with a broken femur and several pelvic fractures.
Donte’s Den paid for Rosie to have surgery in February, and she’s just one of many dogs given a second chance at life because of the sanctuary.
Jack
Madison Bierl
Courtesy photo
Later high school start time doesn’t thrill local district
A 2025 Florida Statute states high schools cannot start before 8:30 a.m., but the School District of Manatee is considering a request to be exempt from the statute.
MADISON BIERL STAFF WRITER
Under Lakewood Ranch High’s fluorescent lighting, freshman
Gabriella Garner has often found herself wanting to put her head down to dull the bright lights in the early morning hours.
Garner said many of her classmates are half asleep in the first two classes, with their productivity low. She is talking about the high school’s 7:30 a.m. starting time.
“In middle school, you could get up, do your routine, do some stretching, and you would still get to school on time,” Garner said. “I feel like in high school, even if you are a morning person, you just get up and go to school. You don’t have time to do anything.”
Garner might be getting her wish that her school adopts a later starting time. Florida legislators agree with her that some district high schools are limiting students’ productivity with start times that are too early.
The 2025 Florida Statute 1001.42(4)(f)2 has set new start times for middle and high schools. It will require middle schools to start no earlier than 8 a.m. and high schools no earlier than 8:30 a.m. with full implementation by July 1, 2026. Currently, middle school start times — which are 9:25 a.m. — are in compliance. For high schools, an hour shift later would be needed in order to be in compliance.
During the School District of Manatee County board workshop March 31, board and staff members discussed various ways to adjust. The district has considered submitting paperwork — an SST-1
TO KEEP CURRENT SCHOOL START TIMES
...
School District of Manatee County staff members say changing school start times could cause transportation issues, and therefore, they are considering filing a request to the state to be exempt from the statute.
If the district wants to file to be exempt, it would have to follow this timeline:
April: District staff would need to draft Form SST-1, synthesizing financial impact data and the community survey results
May: Achieve final board approval of both the 2026-27 schedule (keeping the existing times) and the SST-1 report
By June 1: Official submission of Form SST-1 to the Florida Department of Education
Compliance Report — to be exempt from the law to avoid reorganizing bus routes and changing families’ routines. It would need to demonstrate that changing schedules would cause significant disruption. The paperwork for such a request is due by June 1. If the district decides to change start times to be in compliance, that would need to be implemented by July 1. Derek Jensen is the deputy superintendent of instructional services
for the School District of Manatee County. He said if the district submits the request, it doesn’t mean it can’t eventually revert to a different starting time in the future.
The School District of Manatee County sent out a survey to parents and received 2,900 responses from families that represent 3,630 students in the district. In the survey, it was reported that 80% of all respondents said they were satisfied with the current start times.
Jyl Garner, Gabriella’s mom, said she doesn’t think the survey is accurate, because it was one survey across all grade levels. She said she would answer questions differently for different kids. She has two elementary school aged children — Rock and Halo Muchmore — along with Gabriella, who is in high school.
Jyl Garner said if the high school starting time is later than the current 7:30 a.m., results with attendance, sick days and performance would improve.
“My biggest thing for the school board and for people would be to understand we have to adapt and progress to how the times have changed,” Jyl Garner said. “Otherwise, the public school system, which is already under scrutiny, is going to get left in the dust.”
During the workshop, it was brought up that an 8:30 a.m. start
time seems like the “sweet spot” for high school students, but she said she doesn’t want all levels to start at the same time. The district employees don’t want that either because of logistical issues, mainly because of busing.
“If all of the schools start at the same time, that means we need two to three times the amount of buses,” said Willie Clark, deputy superintendent of operations. “We’d have 200 buses on the road at one time.”
“I don’t think that’s what anybody’s wanting,” Jyl Garner said. “That would be a colossal issue for parents who have multiple kids in so many different age ranges. Nowadays, we have families that have divorced and started over again. We’re seeing families that have a 17-year-old and a 2-year-old. No one’s asking for everything to start at the same time.”
School Board Member Charlie Kennedy has been wanting to change start times for some time. At the workshop, he presented the idea of taking a “baby step” by pushing back all of the current start times by 15 minutes.
If they decide to go that route (with an application to the state to be exempt from the statute), elementary schools would start at 8:40 a.m., middle schools begin at 9:35 a.m. and high schools would start at
Florida Statute
1001.42(4) (f)2 will require high schools, including Braden River High (pictured) and Lakewood Ranch High, to start no earlier than 8:30 a.m. unless the district submits paperwork and gets accepted to keep the current start times.
7:45 a.m. He is hoping the district would then make starting times an additional 15 minutes later each year until the district is in compliance.
“There are hundreds of districts around the country that have implemented these changes successfully, despite some of the factors that are listed here in the presentation,” Kennedy said.
Mallory Park’s John Simmons has two children who attend B. D. Gullett Elementary School. He said he is originally from New York and high schools always have started earlier than elementary and middle schools in his experience.
“I don’t see a need to change it now,” Simmons said. “A lot of kids are playing sports, they’re having jobs, they’re going to school. They’re moving toward adulthood, so what’s the point of pushing them (to a later start time)?”
Sophi Jo Branscomb, a senior at Braden River High, lives in Myakka City and gets up early for the commute. She said a later start time would do more harm than good. The 7:30 a.m. start time allows her to get out of school earlier in the afternoon, and thus she can maintain an after-school job and participate in extracurricular activities.
“This would make it much more difficult to balance work, activities and family responsibilities,” she said.
Madison Bierl
Five new hotels slated for Lakewood Ranch
Lakewood Ranch currently has just four hotels within its boundaries.
Lakewood Ranch continues to reign as the top-selling, multigenerational, masterplanned community in the United States, so naturally people want to visit.
Attractions like Premier Sports Campus inside Lakewood Ranch and Mote SEA just beyond its boundaries make the area even more appealing to visitors. And events like the Senior PGA Championship, hosted by The Concession Golf Club later this month, are generating national attention.
Even so, there are just four hotels inside the boundaries of Lakewood Ranch.
That’s just for now, because five more hotels are in various planning stages.
Three of the four current hotels — Fairfield by Marriott, Homes2Suites by Hilton and Hyatt Place — are tucked away on Exchange Way off Town Center Parkway. It’s a location where you might only know the hotels exist because they have been pulled up in an internet search.
Commissioner George Kruse likes the addition of more hotels to the community because “they’re not overly intensive and they pay a ton of taxes.” He said hotels don’t cause a lot of traffic or overburden infrastructure.
He noted that businesses will stay and expand in an area when their executives have places to stay. Additionally, hotels often offer amenities to residents by way of community meeting rooms, restaurants or day passes for a pool. They also benefit local businesses.
Restaurants, salons, a spa, grocery store and pharmacy are all within a 10-minute walk of the three-hotel block on Exchange Way, and a gas station is just a five-minute drive.
So it makes sense to Amanda Zipperer, director of property management and leasing for Lakewood Ranch Commercial, that three of the new hotels will be built on Town Center Parkway, just around the corner from the three hotels on Exchange Way.
“Hotels benefit from being located near one another,” Zipperer said. “As part of the community’s vision, it was essential to establish a lodging node. Clustering along Interstate 75 was intentional, as it creates a critical mass of accommodations that attracts travelers and reinforces the area as a regional destination.”
work spaces and self-service food options.
The first StudioRes opened in Fort Myers in June 2025 and two more have since opened in Newman, Georgia and Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
The existing hotels on Exchange Way offer 317 rooms. When completed, the hotels on Town Center Parkway will offer an additional 358 rooms.
Zipperer said LivSmart is the closest to construction but couldn’t provide a set start date. Manatee County issued a letter approving the final site plan Jan. 9.
The four-story, 119-room hotel will be built across the street from the Manatee County Administration Building on 4.4 acres.
Zipperer added that proximity drives performance, and each hotel will serve a different price point and guest profile.
She said hotels offer a variety of amenities, services and price points.
There are budget, luxury, boutique and extended-stay hotels. On top of that, most big hotel chains offer reward systems that attract travelers.
“Lakewood Ranch is massively growing,” Kruse said. “And we don’t have many hotels off the beach.
Sarasota has hotels downtown, off Stickney Point Road and along U.S. 41. We don’t have that here (in Manatee County).”
TOWN CENTER PARKWAY
The three hotels being planned for Town Center Parkway, which is right next door to the Manatee County Administration Building, are LivSmart Studios by Hilton, Candlewood Suites and Hyatt Studios.
Plans for Candlewood Suites and Hyatt Studios were submitted to Manatee County as one project on 8.44 acres directly to the south of the county administration building. The pre-application meeting was held in October.
Both hotels will be four stories. Candlewood Suites will offer 120 rooms and Hyatt Studios will offer 119 rooms.
CORPORATE PARK
Straight across University Parkway from Exchange way is Lakewood Ranch’s Corporate Park, where the fourth Lakewood Ranch hotel sits.
The existing Even Hotel on Lake Osprey Drive offers 128 rooms, a fullservice bar and an outdoor pool.
A 103-key StudioRes by Marriott is planned for the Corporate Park. Rooms will span two buildings at 6641 and 6645 Professional Parkway. The chain offers one- and twobedroom studios that feature a lounge area, full-size refrigerator, stovetop and microwave with an onsite fitness center, laundry facility,
While the start date for construction is unknown at this time, the Business Observer, a sister paper of the East County Observer, reported in July 2025 that Bask Development, a Chicago-based hotel development firm, secured a five-year, $12.44 million construction loan to fund the project.
SILVER FALLS RUN
Bask Development is constructing a second hotel in Lakewood Ranch on the southwest corner of Silver Falls Run and White Eagle Boulevard. The brand has not been announced yet.
The project narrative submitted to Manatee County calls the hotel the Silverfalls Business Hotel and describes it as a “business-oriented lodging facility” with 120 rooms.
“The hotel will provide large single-room guest units designed for short-term and extended-stay lodging,” the narrative reads. “Supporting guest amenities will include a breakfast buffet bar and afternoon beverage service for registered guests. Additional amenities are anticipated to include a fitness facility and swimming pool. Limited meeting space may be provided to support business travelers and small group functions.”
While intended for business travelers, the hotel is only a few minutes away from the Premier Sports Campus. According to Elliott Falcione, director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau for Manatee County, the campus generates an approximate $45 million in economic impact hosting sporting events each year.
With Premier bringing in so many visitors, Falcione presented the idea of including a hotel as an optional component of the overall plan for Premier Sports Campus North to commissioners. The north campus is where the library is, and the south campus is where the soccer fields are.
Even though there are no hotels in the area, Kruse voted against including a hotel in the plans for Premier.
However, he clarified that he’s not entirely adverse to building a hotel on the campus. He would prefer to use land in the near vicinity so the county land can continue to be dedicated to recreational facilities, such as baseball fields.
But Kruse’s major concern was rezoning the land blindly to allow just any hotel, whether it be too lowend or too high-end. He wants to see a plan first that names the brand and lays out if the hotel will offer meeting space and food and beverage options.
As for a hotel on the corner of Silver Falls Run and White Eagle Boulevard that is not on county-owned land, Kruse is all for it.
“That’s the perfect hotel for Premier,” he said. “They can say that they’re catering to business, but there’s no hotel that restricts you only to
Hyatt Place is located on Exchange
Hyatt Studios is planned for
Center Parkway.
Photos by Lesley Dwyer
Exchange Way hosts three of Lakewood Ranch’s current four hotels.
LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER
Manatee brings golf experience to the beach
Manatee County has added Golf Coast Drive, a beachfront golf experience, to the events that lead up to the Senior PGA Championship, which is being held April 16-19 at The Concession Golf Club.
Golf Coast Drive will invite participants to take their best swing on Coquina Beach 1:30-7 p.m. April 13 on Anna Maria Island. Biodegradable golf balls will be used as participants hit their shots into the Gulf waters in three challenges — long drive, closest-to-the-pin (featuring offshore targets), and a mini course on the beach.
“Golf Coast Drive is a fun and inclusive way to celebrate championship golf while also highlighting the beach bliss of the Bradenton Area,” said Manatee County Commissioner Tal Siddique.
“Along with the Senior PGA Championship here at the Concession Golf Club, we’re excited to welcome fans and visitors to experience our coastline in a whole new way.”
According to a Manatee County release, the day’s events include a youth clinic in partnership with First Tee Sarasota/Manatee that will run from 3-5 p.m.
“For more information, go to MyManatee.org.
LWRCF presents Big Waters with $5,000 grant
The Big Waters Land Trust has received a $5,000 grant from the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation to support two nature-based education programs it will host in 2026.
The first is Dip and Discover: Community Water Quality Exploration. The second is Nature Journaling: Observation and Reflection.
A Big Waters release said the programs will engage approximately 70 residents of the Lakewood Ranch area in hands-on, environmental learning and outdoor wellness experiences.
The release said the programs “are designed to connect people of all ages and abilities with the natural world. These programs provide meaningful opportunities for participants to explore local ecosystems while building environmental awareness and personal well-being. During guided, interactive experiences, participants will deepen their understanding of water quality, local habitats,
•
and the importance of land and water conservation in Florida.”
The Dip and Discover program will invite participants to explore local waterways by conducting hands-on water sampling and observation while offering insight into the health of our watersheds. It will also cover the role individuals can play in protecting those watersheds.
Nature Journaling is designed to encourage participants “to slow down, observe and reflect on their surroundings through creative expression, fostering a deeper personal connection to nature while supporting mindfulness and wellness.”
“We are grateful to the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation for their support of these impactful programs that bring people closer to nature and to one another,” said Christine Johnson, president of Big Waters Land Trust, in a release. “Big Waters creates accessible, engaging experiences in the outdoors, to help build a stronger, more connected community that values and understands the importance of protecting our natural resources.”
Although dates and times have not been announced for the two programs, a list of upcoming Big Waters Land Trust events can be found at BigWatersLandTrust.org/Events.
Value Adjustment Board position opens in Manatee
Manatee County is seeking a new member for its 2026 Value Adjustment Board, which hears appeals regarding denied property tax exemptions, petitions related to assessments and appeals concerning ad valorem tax deferrals. Applicants must own homestead property within Manatee County; must not be a member or employee of any taxing authority in this state; and must not represent property owners, property appraisers, tax collectors or taxing authorities in any administrative or judicial review of property taxes.
The board meets twice a year (or more if needed) in the first floor chambers of the Manatee County Administrative Center, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. Applications are due May 8 and can be found at MyManatee.org. For information, call Vicki Tessmer at 741-4058.
Water restrictions in place through July
A Modified Phase III Extreme Water Shortage is in effect from April 3 through July 1.
manicured lawns, but Manatee County is encouraging residents to tolerate browning grass due to “extreme” drought conditions.
“We’ve got water for drinking,” Commissioner George Kruse said. “But what we don’t want is people
watering their lawns every day to keep them super green and washing their cars every day.”
In a press release dated March 24, the Southwest Florida Water Management District reported that the district has a 13.7-inch regional rainfall deficit compared to the average 12-month total. In addition, water levels in aquifers, rivers and lakes are declining and public water supplies are extremely low for this time of year.
In response, SWFWMD’s governing board declared a Modified Phase III Extreme Water Shortage. Kruse noted that there are no restrictions on tap water, showers or toilet flushing. The order only requires cutting back on “nicety-
type” water usage, such as landscape irrigation and pressure washing.
Manatee is just one of 14 counties within the water management district that is subject to the order, which went into effect April 3 and will expire July 1. During that time, residents must limit outdoor water use to once a week with a few exceptions, such as hand-watering plant beds.
Starting April 17, Manatee County Utilities, in coordination with Code Enforcement, will begin issuing citations to anyone out of compliance with the order.
Warnings will not be issued. The first violation will result in a $100 fine, the second in a $250 fine and the third in a $500 fine.
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BULLET POINTS FOR RESIDENTS
For properties under 1 acre, irrigation is limited to once a week either from 12:01 a.m. to 4 a.m. or 8 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Irrigation days are as follows:
■ Addresses ending in 0 or 1: Monday
■ Addresses ending in 2 or 3:
Tuesday
■ Addresses ending in 4 or 5: Wednesday
■ Addresses ending in 6 or 7: Thursday
■ Addresses ending in 8 or 9: Friday
■ Property owners with new landscape projects must register with the Manatee County Water Conservation Office at 792-8811, ext. 5327 to apply for a temporary watering variance to water new lawns and plants during the 60-day establishment period.
■ Hand-watering plants or using micro-irrigation on landscaping outside of lawns is allowed on any day, but only before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
■ Pressure washing is allowed only in preparation for painting and sealing.
■ Car washing is only allowed on your assigned lawn watering day and a hose with a shutoff nozzle is required.
■ Homeowners associations cannot enforce deed restrictions or other community standards that require an increase in water use.
RECLAIMED WATER
According to the Southwest Florida Water Management District, outdoor water use accounts for more than 50% of household water consumption. Since Lakewood Ranch uses reclaimed water for landscape irrigation, the community is less affected than most other areas in Manatee County. Reclaimed water was once wastewater that’s been treated and dis-
“It’s not an unlimited supply. You’ll still want to restrict it because that supply will inevitably go down as water goes down because of a lack of water, but it’ll start raining. It’s cyclical.”
Commissioner George Kruse
infected. While it’s not meant for drinking, it’s safe to use on lawns and it also conserves water.
According to its website, Manatee County ranks among the top third of Florida counties in reclaimed water system operational efficiency.
But reclaimed water is still a finite resource, Kruse said.
Even though Manatee County has six pumping stations, over 200 miles of piping and 1.3 billion gallons of storage, most of the county does not have access to reclaimed water.
To put it in perspective, the county’s reclaimed water system is about 10% of the size of its potable water system.
During a drought, the demand can exceed the supply, so the county does not guarantee reclaimed water the way it guarantees potable water.
Reclaimed water is not subject to the water shortage order except when the reclaimed water is blended with another water source, such as a well or a lake.
For example, unless they have a use outside of aesthetics, fountains in ponds and lakes are only allowed to run for four hours per day.
Otherwise, SWFWMD and Manatee County are encouraging reclaimed water to be voluntarily conserved by not irrigating between the hours of 4 a.m. and 8 p.m.
“It’s not an unlimited supply,” Kruse said. “You’ll still want to restrict it because that supply will inevitably go down as water goes down because of a lack of water, but it’ll start raining. It’s cyclical.”
Lesley Dwyer
Under Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Phase III restrictions, water fountains can only run four hours per day.
District 6 candidate says the time is just right
Tara Poulton’s resume includes working for DeSoto County, the Southwest Florida Water Management District and Congressman Vern Buchanan.
LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER
Greenbrook’s Tara Poulton has an idea for a campaign slogan — Make Manatee County boring again.
Poulton is running for the at-large District 6 commission seat currently occupied by Jason Bearden.
“Politics, as a whole, is very polarizing right now,” Poulton said. “There are a lot of eyes on governments, and there always should be. But when you’re an organization or a small business, and you’re doing it right and you gain that trust, I think people take a deep breath, step back and let you do your thing.”
Poulton is speaking from experience. She served as the public information officer and as division director for DeSoto County, overseeing parks and recreation, probation, the public library, social services, veterans services, public transit and the office of economic development and tourism.
“I think Tara Poulton is the most experienced candidate with the broadest skillset for any position in Manatee County in the past 10 years,” Commissioner George Kruse said. “She has a universe of experience that is directly relevant to what we’re doing in Manatee County.”
Poulton noted that of the four candidates vying for the Republican nomination in the Aug. 18 primary election, she is the only one to have ever sat on the dais during a commission meeting because she used to fill in for the county administrator during her three-year ten-
ure with DeSoto County.
Poulton also learned county budgeting during that time. She was impressed with how DeSoto County was able to operate on a “shoestring budget” and still offer all the same services that other county governments offer, albeit at a smaller scale.
Kruse sees Poulton’s experience working with a tight budget as an advantage for Manatee County as it’s trying to make millage cuts within the county and prepare for possible property tax cuts coming down from the state.
Kruse noted that Poulton deals with veterans, trails and animal welfare in her current role as chief of staff for Congressman Vern Buchanan.
She dealt with wetland issues during her time with the Southwest Florida Water Management District, nonprofits when with United Way of Manatee County and eco-
“It’s what I’m most
Tara Poulton
nomic development when with the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Manatee Chamber of Commerce.
“Literally everything we’re working on now, she’s already done and has real world experience to bring to us,” Kruse said.
Over the past 10 years, Poulton has held four different jobs because she kept being recruited.
Kruse has wanted her to run for a commission seat since 2022, and the thought has been on Poulton’s mind much longer, but the timing was never quite right.
Now, it is. Buchanan is retiring at the end of his term this year, and her husband, Bill Poulton, former chief procurement officer for Tropicana Brands Group, retired earlier this year. She bought him a cookie cake that read, “Congrats on being a stay-at-home dad.”
The couple share an 11-year-old daughter, Mary Anne Poulton, and Bill Poulton has three children from a previous marriage — 24-year-old Jack Poulton, 22-year-old Emily Poulton and 19-year-old Tyler Poulton.
While Poulton can only campaign on nights and weekends because she’s committed to finishing what she started to see the congressman through to the end of his term, she has the support and
GOVERNMENT NERD
The average person sitting through a long government meeting is most likely trying to fight off a yawn, but not Tara Poulton. She’s typically riveted. The self-described “government nerd” and “political junkie” watches government meetings even when she doesn’t have to. She attended a recent Budget 101 workshop at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, and she didn’t like it, she “loved it.” “It brought me right back to my county government days at DeSoto County, talking about government,” she said.
enthusiasm to do both.
“I’m used to running 100 miles an hour all the time,” she said. Poulton is ready to bring that energy to the dais. If elected, the first item on her to-do list will be to listen — listen to directors because they know what’s working and what’s not and to listen to residents for the same reason.
Instead of town halls, she would like to host “listening sessions.”
At Buchanan’s office, they hold round table sessions with about 25 people. It’s an effective way to get to the heart of an issue.
Even though Poulton has worked on all levels of government — county, state and federal — and people have asked if she would run for the congressman’s seat, Poulton wants to be a county commissioner because local government is “where the rubber meets the road.”
“It’s what I’m most passionate about,” she said. “Nothing impacts us more than the decisions that are being made at the local level — the roads we drive on, the neighborhoods we live in, our trash pickup, turning on the faucet — it’s all happening at the local level.”
Airplanes park just beyond the school’s fence at the
SKY’S THE LIMIT FOR MTC STUDENTS
LESLEY
STAFF WRITER
Bradenton’s Abie Trejo doesn’t plan to fly airplanes or even work on them, but he’s considered enrolling in Manatee Technical College’s Aviation Maintenance Technician School to build on his current skills.
The estimated $10.7 million school is on schedule to open in January 2027 at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. Trejo, 19, took advantage of the dual enrollment program with MTC to earn a certification in electrical and instrumentation technology while he was 17 years old and still attending Lakewood Ranch High School.
The program led Trejo to his current employer, Roots Education Co. Starting in grade school, Roots educates students using cutting-edge technology. Trejo’s boss suggested the new program because of the innovations found within the aviation industry.
“Our programs have so much crossover,” MTC Director Jodi Kirk said. “If you’re doing coverings and finishings on an airframe, you can probably do them in the automotive world, as well. With aircraft instrumentation, that’s crossing over to pretty much any instrumentation area.”
MTC will offer two programs — airframe mechanics and powerplant mechanics. In motor vehicle terms, airframes are the bodies (fuselage, wings, tail and landing gear), and powerplants are the engines.
The Federal Aviation Administration requires certification in both areas to inspect, maintain and repair aircrafts, which will be on-site in a hangar behind the school.
Kirk said the engines and aircrafts will cost over $1 million, and the Manatee County School District had to hire a consultant to find vendors.
While MTC will operate the program once the school is constructed, the endeavor has been a group effort thus far, and one that Kirk noted probably would not have come to fruition without every bit of additional support and financing.
A $5.5 million appropriation from
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The Aviation Maintenance Technician School is on schedule to open in January 2027.
ALSO UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Manatee Technical College’s Aviation Maintenance Technician School is not the only project under construction at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. In January, Swiss business jet manufacturer Pilatus Aircraft broke ground on a $60 million facility that will assemble aircraft shells.
the state kicked off the project. The airport dedicated more than $1.5 million to the design and infrastructure. A $3 million grant from the state’s Department of Economic Opportunity will pay for the hangar, and a legislative grant will cover the equipment.
Suncoast Technical College, the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, and the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority are also partnering with the School District of Manatee County to get the school up and running.
It takes about 12 to 18 months to secure a helicopter or airplane. So to start, students will work on engine trainers, which are specifically designed for hands-on education.
The school will open with a combustion heater trainer, an oxygen trainer and pressurization trainer.
Kirk said the school will also purchase one single-engine and one multiengine aircraft, along with several turbine and reciprocating engines. The purchases are based on what students will be seeing out in the workforce once certified, but Kirk expects the equipment roster to
grow over time.
Tim Bekkering, director of marketing, events and public relations for MTC, said the program could evolve as the marine program has, where private owners allow students to do maintenance work on their boats. In this case, it would be helicopters and airplanes.
Excitement is growing as the opening date draws near. Students won’t be able to apply until late August, but Kirk said people are calling, emailing and signing up for the newsletter every day to stay up to date on the school’s progress and enrollment.
Additionally, about 15 professors are on a waiting list to be hired. There’s also been interest from volunteers and local businesses in need of airframe and powerplant mechanics.
The airframe program will open in January with 25 students. By August 2027, the plan is to have both the airframe and powerplant programs running simultaneously because the building will include two classrooms and two lab areas.
The school has a capacity of 50 students. Both programs, which are required by the FAA to become a mechanic, take 20 months to complete, so Kirk expects a “heavy, ongoing wait list” once both programs are open for enrollment.
Depending on need, the school might offer night classes. The program would take longer to complete because students can only attend school for four hours during the evening versus seven hours during the day.
“It’s such a unique career,” Kirk said. “I think it could be attractive to a lot of our technical students who are interested in various things.”
Trejo is currently working toward his associate degree in science at the State College of Florida, but hearing about the program is making him consider his future options.
“Do I want to stay as a technician, or do I want to pursue going on to a university?” he said. “I like being hands-on, and I’ve seen a lot of different schools because of where I work. MTC is incredible compared to other schools.”
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the median pay for aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians was $38.05 per hour and $79,140 per year in 2024, and that the field is growing at a rate of 5% each year, which is above the average growth rate of 3% for all occupations.
from Feb. 8, when
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Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.
Photos by Lesley Dwyer
Construction has advanced quickly
this aerial photo was taken.
Courtesy image An aircraft hangar will be built behind the school.
DWYER
In last week’s column, I had my final say on our April Fools’ issue and how I believe that our readers overwhelmingly enjoy that particular paper.
I did ask our readers, on either side of the “That’s hilarious” or “You all are stupid” argument, to send me comments.
And they did.
So here is a sampling of you, our readers, final say. (We don’t want to be talking about this in May.) Please note that I used a sampling of the positive comments, along with the only negative comment in response to my column.
From Nancy Evenden: “Tell the people who aren’t amused at your talented April Fools’ articles to take a hike, or a water taxi out to eat the black bellied whistling duck tacos. I love it every year and you always catch me off guard! We live in the Meadows, but always pick up the Observer at Detwiler’s on Lockwood Ridge and University — and I actually make a special trip on Wednesdays to get it.
My sister and her husband are snowbirds for the last five or six years in Lakewood Ranch and they use White Eagle Boulevard. She told me after reading the article about the 9-inch calming strips, she told her husband, ‘That’s it, we’re out of here.’ She’s kind of been disgruntled because of all the blowing dirt from all the new neighborhoods as she rides her bike and runs (she’s a long-time triathlete in her 70s), and that was her final straw. I scanned over the trash cans story, and I thought it was a little strange that the old, large jumbo containers would be used for the birds (Wouldn’t it be too hot for them?), but just brushed it off by thinking of the little trash cans and that it served (the residents) right for all the complaining that’s been done. A dear friend and an amazing lady — a rancher in Colorado who lived to
be 103 and died three years ago on April 1, told a joke every day. What a kick in the pants she died on April 1. I talked to a lot of her family yesterday, reminiscing while speaking of your April Fools’ ‘Gotcha’ articles!
I’ve emailed you before, but I wanted to tell you that you always provide a lot of fun on April 1, once I figure everything out.”
From Lin Blackwell: “Oh, that was absolutely hilarious! We’re here in the winter from Ohio. I read the Observer last week, and I have to admit — You got me! I loved all the
stories, especially the ones about the garbage cans, the taco boat and so many others. It must have been a blast creating those. It wasn’t until Page 4 that I realized I had been had. Since we’re not here full time, I figured those stories must have been some of the most talkedabout concerns in Lakewood Ranch and the surrounding areas. I have to admit, the garbage can story was the one that really hooked me, knowing that we had just changed from two days to one day a week pickup. I told everyone about this
April Fools’ Day fun. Please keep it up so we can still see people have a sense of humor.”
From Becky Romich: “I want you to know that I am grossly offended by your April 1 edition of the East County Observer — April Fools! I look forward to this edition every year. I have shared them with my friends. I live in Palm Aire Country Club and the East County Observer is delivered to our club every Wednesday. I enjoy your paper.”
From Jim Emanuelson: “I just wanted to send a quick note of appreciation for this year’s April Fools’ edition. The humor and creativity you bring to it each year always give me a good laugh, and it’s become something I genuinely look forward to, even when I get ‘caught.’ I know these kinds of playful editions can sometimes ruffle a few feathers, but I believe the lighthearted spirit behind it shines through. In a world that can feel a bit too serious, it’s refreshing to have a local tradition that reminds us not to take ourselves too seriously. Thanks for keeping the tradition going and for putting in the extra effort to make it fun.”
From Barbara Wize: “Jay, I personally loved your ‘Gotcha!’ and so did many of my friends and family. With all the negativity in the news, it was great fun to have a gotcha laugh. I thought how much fun it would have been to be in the room when you were deciding which subjects would get ‘Oh! this can’t be happening or can this be true?’ Thanks for the smile that is on my face every time I think of your GOTCHAS!”
From Mary-Frances Adamson: “I thank you for your humor! All the naysayers apparently want a free newspaper delivered with political news. Nope. I visit my dad and when I’m here I look forward to the April Fools’ Day edition. People need to be kinder and take a joke
when they read them. I loved that big trucks needed to be hidden in containers (2025 April Fools’). If you are still employed (It was noted in the April 2 column that one reader wrote, “Whoever thought of this should be fired or resign.”), keep up the good work and let the naysayers not read the local, free newspaper.”
From Bruce Lerner: “I rarely write in to newspapers, but having just read your column in the April 2 edition I have to thank you and the paper for the April Fools’ stories and at the same time — Whatever happened to a sense of humor in this country? I enthusiastically read the Barbie Bins story and was totally hooked at first. That joke gave me a great laugh. Please keep up this type of once-in-a-bluemoon humor. Unfortunately, our country has become so divided (and I will leave politics out of this), that many of us have lost the ability to laugh and even laugh at ourselves. Good work.”
From Elaine Herman: “I have enjoyed, laughed and gotten caught for years in your April Fools’ edition! In these days of uncertainty and strife, it is such a breath of fresh air to read such a creative and humorous edition. Thank you and please keep it going.”
And the negative:
From anonymous: “Sorry to say, you lost a reader and several others that I am aware of by your ‘happy time B.S.’ Hope you had a great laugh.”
Republican field crowded for District 1 commission seat
Gov. Ron DeSantis has the option to appoint someone to fill the seat for the seven months remaining before the general election.
LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER
Although Gov. Ron DeSantis has the option of filling the open Manatee County District 1 commission seat temporarily going into the Nov. 3 general election, no announcement has been made on a temporary commissioner. Meanwhile, candidates are starting to line up to vie in the general election for the right to hold that seat for the final two years’ of Carol Felts’ term, which runs through 2028.
Felts represented District 1 after being elected in 2024, until her death Feb. 24.
DeSantis declared the seat vacant March 24. The executive order reads that the seat will be filled “in compliance with the law.”
However, Florida statute only demands a vacant seat be filled during the next general election if more than 28 months remain in the term. Felts had over 32 months remaining.
The statute does not require the governor to fill a vacant seat by appointment. The decision to fill the seat or leave it vacant until the general election is up to DeSantis.
When former District 5 commissioner Vanessa Baugh announced her resignation June 16, 2023, her resignation became effective July 31, and DeSantis appointed Ray Turner to fill the seat Aug. 1.
On the other hand, when DeSantis appointed James Satcher as Manatee County’s Supervisor of Elections April 12, 2024, DeSantis chose not appoint a replacement to his District 1 seat. Felts was elected to fill the seat the following November.
Commissioner George Kruse hopes to see Felts’ seat filled temporarily by DeSantis’ appointment for the sake of District 1 residents. Otherwise, the same 80,000-plus citizens again will be left without a district commissioner for an extended period.
As an at-large commissioner, Kruse can only do so much in calling attention to District 1 needs. He said it’s a district commissioner’s job to know the minutiae within their district, such as which streets have potholes and the posted speed limits. Kruse also noted that if DeSantis doesn’t appoint someone to the seat, then within the three-year span from 2024 to 2026, District 1 residents will have gone longer without representation than with representation. In the five months prior to Felts’ death, three other commissioners from around the state died while
serving. Each of those seats were filled within three months.
Lee County Commissioner Mike Greenwell, 62, died of thyroid cancer Oct. 9 and was replaced by Patricia Petrosky on Dec. 12. Suwannee County Commissioner Maurice Perkins, 67, died of pancreatic cancer Nov. 26 and was replaced by Clyde Fleming on Feb. 13. And Baker County Commissioner James Bennett, 58, died in a car crash Dec. 8 and was replaced by Terrance Iverson on Feb. 13.
If DeSantis follows the same pattern, Felts’ seat will be filled by the end of May.
The governor’s office is currently accepting applications for the temporary seat. The East County Observer made a public records request for any applications or expressions of interest for the seat, but has yet to receive a response.
The governor’s website shows nine vacancies in the state under the category of “elected officials.”
Residents living in District 1 can submit an application to receive a governor’s appointment by visiting FLGov.com/EOG/Leadership/ Appointments to fill out a 10-page appointment questionnaire and a short board application.
If someone is appointed, they will have to run during this year’s election process to keep the seat.
THE NEW PRIMARY TO WATCH
Prior to Felts death, the at-large District 6 race was due to be the most crowded primary election out of the three open seats in District 2, District 4 and District 6.
Seven candidates were vying to win the Republican nomination for the at-large seat during the Aug. 18 primary, but two candidates have switched to the District 1 race following Felts’ death, and one dropped out.
The Republican pool in District 6 has dwindled to four candidates — Tony Barrett, John Calovich, Ed Ference and Tara Poulton.
The Republican candidates in District 1 as of April 3 are Myakka City’s Elizabeth Arnold, Parrish’s Andrew Cottrell, Duette’s John Dunn, Myakka City’s Michael Harrison, Parrish’s Eugene Hendry, Parrish’s Adam Johnson and East County’s Marc Stanoch.
Johnson and Anthony Drake had originally filed to run for District 6. After Felts died, both candidates submitted a “letter of withdrawal” to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections citing intentions to run for District 1.
Drake confirmed with the East County Observer that he will be filing for the 2026 race after Easter, when
TWO SEATS TO FILL
his duties as a pastor settle down.
Drake brings the Republican candidate count up to eight, and Palmetto’s Leland Taylor announced his “intent to run” March 31, making it nine.
Taylor, along with Myakka City’s Jason McKendree, showed up on a poll that was sent out to District 1 voters at the end of March via text message. While neither Taylor or McKendree are official candidates listed on the Supervisor of Elections website, both were referred to as candidates in the poll. McKendree has not made any announcements, but would make it 10 candidates for the seat if he does.
As of now, Democratic candidate Sari Lindroos-Valimaki will skip the primary election and head straight into the general election as she is the only Democratic candidate running for Felts’ seat.
As of April 3, none of the candidates for District 1 has reported collecting or spending any campaign funds.
Courtesy image
Since Commissioner Carol Felts died Feb. 24, flowers and a black sash have been left in her place.
Vibrant Senior Living Coming Soon to Lakewood Ranch!
Emerson Lakes Is Now Accepting Reservations.
The first phase of construction is now underway. This includes the beautiful Coral Ridge Clubhouse and three residence buildings: Sandhill Point, anticipated to open in the fall of 2026, followed by Laguna Springs and Mangrove Run, opening in the first half of 2027.
Everyday Resort Living
Here are just a few resort-style amenities you can expect:
• Multiple dining venues
• Outdoor pool with a walk-up bar
• State-of-the-art fitness center
• Pickleball and bocce ball courts
• Outdoor fitness center with meditation garden
• Firepits
Predictable Costs, Exceptional Value
Our community’s smart financial structure will provide peace of mind and security by streamlining most bills into a simple monthly payment. Your Monthly Service Package covers:
• Utilities, maintenance, and property taxes
• Cable TV, internet, and landline phone
A Community You Can Trust
• Use of fitness center, pool, and dozens of other amenities
Emerson Lakes℠ is a part of Erickson Senior Living,® one of the largest senior living providers in the nation. Here, you’ll enjoy a maintenance-free, independent lifestyle backed by over 40 years of trusted experience.
Dana Maassen and Maribeth Phillips of Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee, accept a $10,000 grant from the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch
The Suncoast Food and Wine Fest’s just desserts
The funds earned from the Suncoast Food and Wine Festival in November were granted to nonprofits.
s much fun as members of the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch have putting on the annual Suncoast Food and Wine Fest in November, their function April 2 was even better.
The Rotary held its luncheon to present grants to regional nonprofits from money earned at the festival. At this year’s luncheon at Lakewood Ranch Country Club, the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch presented $137,000 in grants.
Over the years, the festival has earned approximately $2.4 million that has been presented to nonprofits.
“This ties it up in a bow,” said Anne Ross, who heads the grant committee and who is the club’s incoming president.
The grants ranged from $10,000 to $2,800 and representatives from each of the 22 nonprofits that received a check said they were thrilled, no matter the amount they received.
East County nonprofit The Twig Cares, which has a goal of empowering foster children with confidence “so they can face their tomorrows with strength,” received $5,000.
“This does make a big impact,” said Nicole Britton, The Twig Cares’ executive director. “It was the second year in a row The Twig Cares has received a grant from the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch.
“I think they see us as a good way to support youth in our community. And this is all about our community coming together.”
Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee received a $10,000 grant to divide between two of its programs — Nutrition Addition and Produce on Wheels. Maribeth Phillips, the executive director and CEO of Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee, said the grant will supplement homebound seniors who are Meals on Wheels clients.
She told the crowd of Rotarians and nonprofit representatives to
ROTARY CLUB GRANTS
2026
All Faiths Food Bank, $5,000; Freedom House, $3,600; Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Suncoast, $5,000; Boys and Girls Club Manatee, $8,050; Children First, $5,000; Children’s Guardian Fund, $3,000; Disaster Aid USA, $10,000; Easterseals Southwest Florida, $5,000; Feeding Empty Little Tummies, $10,000; Foundation for Dreams, $4,000; Hope Family Services, $5,000; Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee, $10,000; Our Next Mission, $10,000; Rotary Books for Kids, $5,000; Rotary Clean Water, $7,500; Rotary Gift of Life Florida, $7,500; Samaritan Counseling, $3,500; Second heart homes, $2,850; Shelterbox USA, $10,000; Stillpoint Mission, $7,000; The Haven $5,000; The Twig Cares, $5,000
think about when they go to the pantry and open the door, it usually is filled. She said those seniors who are homebound often open the pantry door to find ... nothing.
Phillips also said the Suncoast Food and Wine Fest is a wonderful event that takes a tremendous amount of work to make happen.
“This doesn’t happen without these incredible Rotarians,” Phillips said.
Ryan Brems, president of the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch, said people join the Rotary, they know they will be called upon to take some kind of festival role. It’s all about providing service to the local community.
Approximately 180 volunteers worked together to produce the 2025 Suncoast Food and Wine Fest.
“And to all the amazing restaurants (that donated food to the festival) ... Thank you,” Phillips said. “You are the backbone at making this event so attractive. It was perfect.”
Megan Howell is the executive director of Second Heart Homes, which provides long-term housing, personalized care and support services to homeless adults with mental health illnesses in Sarasota and Manatee counties. She accepted a check for $2,850 to purchase bus passes for her clients.
“The Rotarians’ saying is ‘service above self,’” Howell said. “You don’t just hear it ... you feel it.”
Courtesy image
President Ryan Brems
SPORTS
“I have big dreams of playing at a big school. That motivates me to keep trying.”
Champion crowned in Lakewood Ranch
Jeremy Gandon wins LECOM Suncoast Classic with 18th-hole birdie putt.
JACK NELSON SPORTS REPORTER
The golf gods seemed to look upon the LECOM Suncoast Classic on April 5, trying to use their divine powers to will a playoff.
It would have been fitting. Each of the last three tournaments at Lakewood National Golf Club were decided in extra holes.
Mitchell Meissner had his chance to take a one-stroke lead on the 18th hole, but missed his putt. Jay Card III’s own attempt stopped six inches shy of the cup.
Jeremy Gandon, though, didn’t let his opportunity pass. He took it.
The 29-year-old Frenchman sank a 12-foot birdie putt to win the Korn Ferry Tour event at 22 under par. He birdied each of the course’s last three holes to complete a 6-underpar fourth round, enough to claim the title.
“I heard the crowd when Jay had an opportunity to make birdie and (it sounded) like he missed it,” Gandon said. “I just wanted to have a putt for it on 18, and that worked out.”
Following the third round, Gandon was tied with 23-year-old American Ian Gilligan for the tournament lead at 16 under par. He kept himself in the running April 5 with four birdies against zero bogeys through his first 10 holes.
The 15th, though, presented problems on the green. Gandon missed a 4-foot putt, which would’ve been good for par.
He settled for bogey and thus fell two strokes behind then-leader Meissner with three holes remaining on Lakewood National’s Commander Course.
“This course, it’s a good course because you’ve got a few easy holes and a few hard holes where just par is a good score,” Gandon said. “I did a good job playing good on the par 5s, the short par 4s and that put me in position down the stretch.”
The former Kansas State golfer climbed his way back by notching birdies on the 16th and 17th holes. He then trusted his nine-iron on the final hole’s right fairway, putting the ball 12 feet from the cup.
Two putts would have sent him to a three-person playoff alongside Meissner and Card — and would have been the fifth playoff in the Suncoast Classic’s eight-year history.
One putt for birdie would earn him
2026 LECOM SUNCOAST CLASSIC FINAL LEADERBOARD
1: Jeremy Gandon, 22 under par (67, 65, 65, 65 — 262)
T-2: Mitchell Meissner, 21 under par (69, 65, 65, 64 — 263)
T-2: Jay Card III, 21 under par (63, 67, 68, 65 — 263)
T-4: Trace Crowe, 20 under par (65, 67, 67, 65 — 264)
T-4: Caleb VanArragon, 20 under par (65, 71, 63, 65 — 264)
T-4: Cole Hammer, 20 under par (71, 64, 64, 65 — 264)
T-4: Ian Gilligan, 20 under par (64, 63, 70, 67 — 264)
$180,000 and 500 points, thrusting him into third place on the Korn Ferry Tour’s points list. He chose the latter.
“I told him he was my new favorite player for not making us go to the playoff for the fourth year in a row,” said Tournament Director Justin Kristich. “Fans love playoffs, but a walk-off birdie on 18 is a pretty good finish, too.”
It marks the second professional win of Gandon’s career after the 2025 Club Car Championship. Since 2019, golf has been his full-time job.
Now, he’s one step closer to earning his PGA Tour card at season’s end.
“The first is hard to beat, but this one’s pretty special,” Gandon said. “My wife (Jordan Gandon) was here. I don’t know how many more (I’ll win) or how long I’m probably going to play golf, so I’m going to just enjoy it and celebrate it with my family.”
The Frenchman opted for a fist pump instead of a victory cry or celebratory dance. He shared an embrace and kiss with his wife before putting his lips on the crystalline trophy.
He enjoyed his moment before a crowd that surrounded the 18th green on all sides, since the rope had been moved to allow fans onto the fairway. They all chose to spend at least part of their Easter Sundays at Lakewood National.
Some stuck it out since the 8:45 a.m. round-opening tee time, while others trickled in as the leaders reached the back nine.
“You expect people are going to go to church, spend time with family, go to brunch, whatever it might be,” Kristich said. “But (with) those final groups walking down 18, it got pretty slammed out there.”
This year’s tournament was spared from the chaos of 2025’s five-hole playoff, but was also thrown a curveball it had never seen before — a weather delay.
Play was suspended during the first round due to thunderstorms. Several players weren’t even halfway through their 18 holes at the time, and didn’t resume play until the morning afterward.
As a result, the second round wasn’t completed by the end of the second day, either. But Kristich and his volunteers were able to get back on track for the third and fourth days.
“I guess all the years that we were fortunate to not have a delay finally caught up to us there,” Kristich said. “It is what it is. You can’t control the weather.”
With 2026 in the books, the Suncoast Classic isn’t going anywhere.
The tournament announced April 2 it reached an agreement with LECOM and Lakewood National to remain its title sponsor and host, respectively, through 2029.
For its 10th anniversary and beyond, the Korn Ferry Tour event will stay in Lakewood Ranch.
“It didn’t even take much, honestly, to get both deals done and across the finish line,” Kristich said. “We all want to see this thing succeed.”
FAST
The field for the Senior PGA Championship was announced April 1, featuring 21 former PGA Tour major champions. Six World Golf Hall of Famers will play the tournament — Ernie Els, Retief Goosen, Bernhard Langer José María Olazábal Vijay Singh and Colin Montgomerie. The Concession hosts from April 16-19.
... Completing its four-game homestand, the Sarasota Paradise pro soccer club (1-2-1) fell to One Knoxville SC (5-1-1), the defending USL League One champions, 2-1 April 4 at Premier Sports Campus. The team hits the road to face FC Naples at 7 p.m. April 11 before returning home to battle Corpus Christi FC at 6:30 p.m. April 22. ... Braden River High softball has pushed its record to 12-2, with eight games remaining in the regular season. Following back-to-back losses to Sarasota and Venice, the team has rattled off six consecutive victories while outscoring opponents 58-6 in that span. Junior center fielder/left fielder Leighton Paul boasts a .577 batting average and a .656 onbase percentage — both teamhighs among Pirates with eight or more games played. Senior pitcher/infielder Kaydence Evans owns a 1.83 ERA with 52 strikeouts against five walks in a team-high 42 innings pitched. Kevin Gyurka, a senior for The Out-of-Door Academy boys track and field team, won the 800-meter and 1,600-meter races April 1 at the Thunder Classic. He ran a 1:58.89 in the 800 and clocked a 4:22.12 in the 1,600 to top the podium in both events. Also for the Thunder, junior Isaiah Prete, freshman Jack Bowling, sophomore Themba Hillary and Gyurka won the 1,600-meter relay with a time of 3:44.82. ODA sophomore Paxon Hermann won the triple jump (12.92 meters), long jump (5.89 meters), pole vault (4.15 meters) and high jump (1.72 meters).
— Lakewood Ranch High softball’s Bella Toscano SEE PAGE 19A
Jack Nelson The field for the 2026 Senior PGA Championship was announced April 1, as golf legends will hit the links at The Concession from April 16-19.
Jeremy Gandon makes his titleclinching birdie putt on the 18th green. He put the ball 12 feet and 4 inches away from the hole with his approach shot from the right fairway.
Photos by Jack Nelson
Jeremy Gandon kisses the LECOM Suncoast Classic trophy. He shot 6 under par in the final round to win the title at 22 under par overall, defeating Mitchell Meissner and Jay Card III by one stroke.
NELSON’S NOGGIN JACK NELSON
PGA Tour Champions could use a jolt of charisma
Some Happy Gilmore emotion would be welcome at the event at The Concession.
Doing Happy Gilmore’s bull dance and feeling the flow. Cursing out a ball for not going to its home.
Happy’s bad-mannered approach to golf ruffled a few feathers, but for most, it was mesmerizing. His unapologetic antithesis to stoicism drew unprecedented crowds to courses.
Albeit an extreme depiction, the Dennis Dugan-directed comedy classic showed golf fans and outsiders alike in 1996 that charisma can, in fact, go hand in hand with the sport. It’s time the PGA Tour Champions took a page out of that script — minus the copious drinking and profanity. These golfers might be 50 or older, but that doesn’t mean they have to act their age.
Allowing emotions to shine through at The Concession Golf Club from April 16-19 would also improve the Senior PGA Championship’s entertainment value. As a whole, the senior circuit is in need of some flair.
“This is the sports psychology generation that’s rolling into town,” said Bradenton’s Paul Azinger, the 1993 PGA Championship winner, and U.S. captain for the 2008 Ryder Cup. “These guys think differently. They think like champions. But it’s not like it was, where you have all this charisma flying off these players.”
The legends will compete in Lakewood Ranch April 16-19. Among them will be six World Golf Hall of Famers, 11 former Senior PGA Champions and 21 past PGA Tour Major champions.
Stewart Cink, Zach Johnson and David Toms top the season-long points list, as of April 6, and they will be joined at The Concession by Vijay Singh, Ernie Els and Bernhard Langer.
The names alone make this tournament worth watching for locals. These players’ talents — despite their age — are objectively impressive on this stage.
Azinger, who is the Golf Channel analyst for PGA Tour Champions, said Cink and Els are must-watches for him. He’s also eager to see
Johnson’s short shots and Steve Stricker’s wedge game. His bucket list extends further.
“I want to see what Steven Alker looks like in person. I haven’t really noticed him, but now he’s such a dominant player,” Azinger said.
“Then you’ve got Langer … you start to get an understanding of the precision that’s required to play great. It’s not about size — you just have to be accurate. And that’s what he represents.” Greatness, though, can only be so strong of a magnet. Golf fans have
always been attracted to players who are moved by triumph and failure, or those who allow emotions to flow freely.
People tune in or go in person to see those reactions. But as it stands, the senior circuit needs more charismatic players.
Interest in the PGA Tour Champions has declined in recent years. Per the U.S. Television Database, the average audience for senior events on Golf Channel in 2023 peaked at 280,000 viewers. In 2025, peak viewership was much less — 203,000. Since the database’s earliest available numbers in April 2022, the three highest peaks have been 310,000 on May 28 of that year, 280,000 on July 14, 2023 and 284,300 on Jan. 24, 2026. Those dates coincided with the Senior PGA Championship, Kaulig Companies Championship, and Mitsubishi Electric Championship, respectively.
The drop — at least, in part — is due to a lack of players who grab and keep people’s attention. This is no longer the era of entertainers like Chi Chi Rodriguez and Jack Nicklaus. John Daly will be in the field at The Concession, but he hasn’t won on the PGA Tour Champions since 2017.
A subtle tip of the cap or gracious wave might be the lion’s share of emotion that spectators will witness at The Concession next week.
“I wish somebody could do a dance or something after they made a birdie,” Azinger said. “I’m not everyone, but I told my grandson, ‘Bud, you need to learn how to moonwalk and not scratch the greens after you make a putt.’”
The root of the problem is that Tiger Woods has yet to appear on the senior circuit, despite being eligible. Phil Mickelson won four Champions Tour events in six appearances, but then went to
LIV. Charisma oozes out of both of them.
Combined, those two have won 21 Majors on the PGA Tour, which is the same number of former major champions who will appear at this year’s Senior PGA Championship. Woods has stepped away from competitive golf to focus on his health following his March 27 arrest on suspicion of DUI in a rollover crash. Mickelson, meanwhile, has been with rival LIV Golf.
Their absences have stripped the PGA Tour Champions of more than just two bona fide golfing greats. They’re also some of the game’s most charismatic representatives. Both Woods and Mickelson seem to share Azinger’s philosophy. “I enjoyed making that putt as much as you did clapping for it,” Azinger said. “That’s the way I feel. If you’re going to clap, I’m going to let you know I also enjoyed it.”
While there won’t be a Woods or Mickelson at The Concession, there is some charisma. It would be unfair to overlook Rocco Mediate or Daly, who at ages 63 and 59, respectively, still play styles of golf which can be entertaining.
The PGA Tour Champions doesn’t need golfers trading punches with game show hosts or diving into hazards to wrestle alligators for lost balls, and we know real-life re-creations of Happy Gilmore aren’t likely.
But wouldn’t it be fun to see figures of similarly unfiltered charisma?
Jack Nelson is the sports reporter for the East County and Sarasota/Siesta Key Observers. Contact him at JNelson@ YourObserver.com.
File photo
Ernie Els reads the green at The Concession during the 2023 World Champions Cup. He’s No. 6 on the PGA Tour Champions money standings, as of April 6, and will be playing the Senior PGA Championship.
Bella Toscano
It’s been an up-and-down season for Lakewood Ranch High softball, sitting at 8-8 as of April 3, but Bella Toscano has been a positive. The sophomore pitcher/first baseman carries a .491 batting average and 2.44 ERA — both team-best marks. Her 21 RBIs are also the most of any Mustang, and she has 31 strikeouts in 43 innings pitched. Toscano is the East County Athlete of the Week.
Do you have a preference for pitching or hitting?
I hit a lot, and I just practice that more, honestly. That’s probably my better skill that I have.
What have you been focusing on in practice recently?
I’ve been focusing on, with my hitting, just trying to take the ball more to right-center (field) instead of trying to pull it all the time.
What were your goals entering this season?
I was just trying to get on top of the start, get my average up and try to keep it there.
When and why did you start playing softball?
I started playing softball when I was 7, because I wanted to follow in my dad’s (Jeff Toscano, the Lakewood Ranch High softball coach’s) footsteps. He played baseball and he played in the minors. When I first started, I enjoyed it, so I just wanted to keep going.
Why have you stuck with this sport after all these years?
I have big dreams of playing at a big school. That motivates me to keep trying. Seeing all these good players on TV makes me want to be like them one day.
Do you have any idols in professional or college softball?
I like (Texas Tech senior pitcher/first baseman) NiJaree Canady — I want to be like her. She has a big bat, and she’s a good pitcher.
If you would like to make a recommendation for the East County Observer’s Athlete of the Week feature, send it to JNelson@YourObserver.com.
What quote or piece of advice have you always carried with you?
My dad’s always getting on me, trying to get me to be the best player I can be. So that’s kind of what motivates me.
What’s a fun fact about you not many people know?
My mom’s (Jennifer Toscano’s) a nurse practitioner, so I’m into all the doctor stuff and taking care of people. I like to learn about that outside of (softball).
If you could go anywhere for a dream vacation, where would you go and why?
Italy. My family is from there — older generations — so it would be cool to go.
What music helps you get in the zone during practice or before a game?
I listen to Drake a lot, and my team, we always listen to “Love on Top” by Beyoncé before every game.
Finish this sentence. Bella Toscano is ... Dedicated.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Bullish about Dakin Dairy event
From egg hunting and slides to muttonbusting and bull riding, families had a variety of things to do at Dakin Dairy Farms.
Sarasota’s Harlyn Voyles, 7, held tight to a sheep’s wool as the gate swung open to let them into the arena. The whole time, she felt as if she was going to fall off, but she held on as long as she could — 5.64 seconds.
“The most that’s going to happen is she gets a little dirt on her face and clothes,” said Marilyn Voyles, Harlyn’s mom. “It gives her courage to conquer fears.”
The Voyles were attending Dakin Dairy Farms’ Bull Bash on April 4, along with 2,000 others. A variety of activities were available, including bull riding, mutton-busting, monster truck rides, calf cuddles and more.
Okeechobee’s Kevin “Rooster” McKeeman was one of the competitors in the bull riding competition.
“There’s no better feeling than conquering a beast who could come back and hurt you,” McKeeman said. “I’m humbled by it.”
Sarasota’s Kristina Ely attended the event with her 3-year-old son, Jayden.
“Dakin Dairy events never disappoint,” Ely said. “We always have such a great time, and it’s an awesome place for the kids to run around and be kids.”
Grant Dakin is one of four brothers who own Dakin Dairy Farms. He said he’s glad to welcome families to interact with the animals, try their products and learn about where food originates.
Photos by Madison Bierl
Sarasota’s Harlyn Voyles, 7, holds on for dear life during mutton-busting at Dakin Dairy Farms’ Bull Bash on April 4.
Sarasota’s Jayden Peirce, 3, plays with a truck on top of a sand pile at Dakin Dairy Farms.
Jefferson Silva rides a bull at the Dakin Dairy Farms’ Bull Bash.
Sarasota’s Marilyn Voyles, Harlyn Voyles and Justin Voyles are proud to be part of the mutton-busting event at Dakin Dairy Farms’ Bull Bash.
St. Petersburg’s Rylynn Rowe, 3, greets her family members as she rides past at Dakin Dairy Farms.
Dreams and dancing on Main
To the tune of cover songs performed by the band Silver Thunder, Lakewood Ranch’s Daniel Saikaley and Johanne Gordon made their way to the front of the crowd near the stage.
As a new song began, they started dancing what they called an “East Coast Swing Triple Step.” They are passionate about dancing and used to compete “many moons ago.”
“We love Music on Main as it gives us a chance to practice our moves and have so much fun,” Gordon said. “The atmosphere is so lively and uplifting, and the band was so amazing, energetic and entertaining. We are appreciative of the lovely compliments we receive from the audience (about their dancing).”
Chuck Black, who moved to Lakewood Ranch in 2003, plays guitar and sings in Silver Thunder.
He said it is a dream come true to have performed at Music on Main. It has been his goal for some time, even before he was part of a band.
“Over the years, it just kept growing and getting bigger, better and louder,” Black said of Music on Main. “Look at how many people come to these things now. This is amazing.”
Lakewood Ranch’s Ashton and Ryan Zimmerman come to Music on Main every month with their two kids, Grace and Teagan.
“We’ve got balloon animals, face painting and food,” Ashton Zimmerman said. “It’s just something to get outside and enjoy as a family.”
“I love this community,” Black said. “We are so lucky to live in this beautiful paradise that we call Lakewood Ranch.”
— MADISON BIERL
Neurosurgery and Spine Specialists Join First Physicians Group
First Physicians Group is delighted to announce the addition of Neurosurgery and Spine Specialists to our award-winning healthcare system.
As part of this exciting transition, they will now operate under the name First Physicians Group Neurosurgery and Spine Specialists.
With over 30 years of expertise in neurological surgery for the brain, spine, peripheral nerves and surrounding structures, Neurosurgery and Spine Specialists has delivered exceptional care for patients with cerebrovascular diseases, brain conditions and tumors, hydrocephalus, spine conditions, peripheral nerve conditions, Parkinson’s disease, and intractable epilepsy.
As part of First Physicians Group the dedicated professionals of Neurosurgery and Spine Specialists including Drs. Robert Knego, Peter Mayer, Kenneth Vives, Ryan Glasser, and Andrew Fine, will continue providing the same services and level of care that patients have come to expect and rely on, but now with the backing of the entire Sarasota Memorial Health Care System and its quest to provide comprehensive and seamless healthcare to our community.
Lakewood Ranch’s Jerry and Marilyn Schneider, who have been married for 63 years, enjoy the live music at Music on Main on April 3.
Photos by Madison Bierl
The Zimmerman family — Ashton, 2-year-old Teagan, 5-year-old Grace and Ryan — attend Music on Main every month because it is a fun event with something new every time.
Summerfield’s Chuck Black, of Silver Thunder band, fulfilled his dream of performing at Music on Main on April 3.
Lakewood Ranch’s Daniel Saikaley and Johanne Gordon show off their dance moves at Music on Main April 3.
Star Farms’ Nicolette Difiglia and her dad, Peter, dance together at Music on Main.
The Art of Waterfront Living at
Life revolves around the spectacular 30,000-square-foot clubhouse, now under construction and opening this fall. Designed as the heart of the community, it’s where neighbors gather around resort-style pools, enjoy shared meals at indoor-outdoor dining venues, and take a swing on the premier putting course. With a golf simulator, state-of-the-art fitness center, private cinema, and newly opened model homes showcasing stunning waterfront designs by the region’s most sought-after builders, this Lakewood Ranch community stands apart for those who value connection as much as luxury.
DECORATIVE FABRICSale
Boca Bargoons carries the finest fabrics the world has to offer. Their huge 10,000 square foot showroom is filled with 1000s upon 1000s of rolls of fabrics, and this week only you can take 30% Off your entire purchase of in-stock fabric - NO EXCEPTIONS!
In addition to a huge selection of top quality fabrics, Boca Bargoons has experienced, professional staff who will take you through the design process, from choosing the right fabrics, to completing your
upholstery, bedding and more!
YOUR CALENDAR
COMMUNITY
THURSDAY, APRIL 9 THROUGH SUNDAY, APRIL 12
LIVE MUSIC AT JIGGS LANDING
Runs from 4-7 p.m. each day at Jiggs Landing, 6106 63rd St. E., Bradenton. The live music lineup at Jiggs Landing includes Steve Arvey (Thursday), Jay and the OGs (Friday), Side 2 (Saturday) and Rev. Billy Wirtz (Sunday). The Friday and Saturday shows are $5; the others are free. For information, go to JiggsLanding.com.
FRIDAY, APRIL 10 AND SATURDAY, APRIL 11
MUSIC AT THE PLAZA
Runs from 6-9 p.m. at Waterside Place, 1561 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch. On Friday, singer-songwriter Sara Nelms entertains those strolling through Waterside Place. On Saturday, Carmen Forte plays acoustic covers as the featured attraction. For more information about the free music series, go to WatersidePlace.com.
SCHOLASTIC ROWING
CHAMPIONSHIPS
Runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. The Florida Scholastic Rowing Championships will bring thousands of youth rowers to Nathan Benderson Park for competition. For more information, go to FloridaRowing. org.
SATURDAY, APRIL 11 AND SUNDAY, APRIL 12
MUSIC AT THE LODGE
Runs 6-9 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday at Linger Lodge, 7205 85th St. Court E., Bradenton. Linger Lodge’s live music schedule includes Schmitz Brothers on Saturday and Scotty Yates on Sunday.
SUNDAY, APRIL 12
POLO
Doors open at 10 a.m. and the action begins at 1 p.m. at the Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Sarasota. The Sarasota Polo Club winds up its 2025-26 Sunday season. Tickets start at $20. The Sunday theme is Grand Finale. For more information or to buy tickets, go to SarasotaPolo. com.
BEST BET
FRIDAY, APRIL 10
BLOCK PARTY Runs 6-9 p.m. at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch. Everyone is invited to celebrate life on the Ranch at the annual Block Party in partnership with Lakewood Ranch Community Activities and the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance. The event features live music, beer and wine trucks, activities for kids and a chance to meet with representatives from local businesses, clubs, groups and builders. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.
FARMERS MARKET
Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Lakefront Drive in Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch. The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch, which was voted as the top farmers market in the nation in 2025, will run yearround every Sunday. Vendors offer seafood, eggs, meats, dairy products, pastas, bakery goods, jams and pickles, among other items. Other features are children’s activities and live music. For information, visit MyLWR.com.
TUESDAY, APRIL 14
MARKET AT THE PARK
Runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. The Market at Nathan Benderson Park runs on Tuesdays and features local artists, small businesses and crafters from all walks of life. In addition, there will be a kids zone, food trucks, live music and themed events. Go to NathanBendersonPark.org for more information.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15
RANCH NITE WEDNESDAYS
Runs from 6-9 p.m. at 1560 Lakefront Drive in Waterside Place. Join the crowd at Waterside Place enjoying the food trucks and live music or playing in the cornhole league during Ranch Nite Wednesdays. Weekly programming is offered each week in Gateway Park. No outside food or beverage is allowed. For more information, visit MyLWR.com.
Generating Greek goodness
With a focus on fresh ingredients and making customers feel at home, Blu Kouzina hopes to win over East County patrons.
Ten years ago, Joel and Darcy King attended Blu Kouzina, a Greek restaurant at St. Armands Circle, for the first time.
They weren’t sure what to order, so the staff brought them a variety of different foods, including a Greek salad, fresh lamb chops and panfried cheese, Saganaki. It quickly became their favorite restaurant.
“The unique concept of the restaurant and the principles behind it — serving just fresh food with no preservatives — is what got us behind it,” Joel King said. “It was a product that we can get behind. It’s food that
we feed our own families and ourselves, and we want to share that.”
The Kings and John and Lisa Atanassov — who have been fans of Blu Kouzina for the same amount of time — took over ownership of Blu Kouzina this past June. And now, they’ve opened a second location at University Town Center on March 18.
“I would describe it as home cooking,” Atanassov said. “Authentic Greek cuisine, done right and simple with the highest quality ingredients.”
Vinny Jurin, the general manager at Blu Kouzina, has been with the company since it was founded in 2015. He said it is important that customers get fresh food that has not been frozen and isn’t prepared in a microwave. Shopping for the restaurant is done every day.
“When you taste a tomato, you know you’re eating a red, delicious plum, juicy and gorgeous fruit,” Jurin said. “When you grill the meat, you grill the meat purely as the veal chop is on the grill. The whole branzino (European sea bass) is on the grill.” He said every cuisine has a holy
MADISON BIERL STAFF WRITER
Photos by Madison Bierl
John Atanassov and Joel King, co-owners of Blu Kouzina, are eager to serve and get to know new customers at their new location at University Town Center.
IF YOU GO
Blu Kouzina. 295 N. Cattlemen Road, Suite 4, Sarasota. Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, visit BluKouzina.com or call 941-377-0050.
trinity, which is oregano, sea salt and olive oil.
Atanassov said there is enough variety in the menu to come back over and over again and have a different experience each time. He threw out examples including a Greek salad, seafood, chicken wrap, and Mediterranean bowl. They also have vegan and gluten-free options.
Jurin said they have separate grills and fryers for everything — seafood, meats, vegetables and more.
“Allergies are taken very seriously,” Jurin said. “We all have somebody who suffers from celiac or gluten intolerances. Their guts were getting wrecked but this food, you can feel good about it.”
One of the main goals of Blu Kouzina is to make the place comfortable for customers to slow down and enjoy the experience.
“It happens all the time, when people are the first to sit down, and they’re literally the last to leave,” Joel King said. “That makes us feel good. That tells us that we’ve done our job of making them comfortable and they didn’t have to rush and get out of here. We’re not a burn-andturn restaurant. We truly want you to come and enjoy everything we have to offer.”
“These plates are meant to be shared,” Jurin said. “There’s a spoon in every bowl, a pair of tongs in every platter. Eat, enjoy, have a conversation, and put your phones away. Pretend you’re in Greece.”
Lakewood Ranch’s Mary Boyd has been traveling to the St. Armands location for Blu Kouzina for the past four years. She said she goes with a group of friends to nice restaurants once a month. She said going to Blu Kouzina was a hike and she is thrilled to have a location more local.
Boyd tries to eat clean and fresh and often orders the same thing at Blu Kouzina — Chicken Kalamaki, a salad, and a Chardonnay. When she visited the new location, she ordered the Souvlaki Me Pita, a beef tenderloin wrap, and fries.
“The food is yummy and they have impeccable service,” Boyd said. “I sat in front of the new place at UTC. The flowers and the whole ambiance is just so relaxing and beautiful.”
Atanassov said the staff at the St. Armands location know many of their local customers by name as they see them as family.
“Here in this community (UTC), it’s a little larger and more diverse,” Atanassov said. “We’re hoping we have that same type of relationships and atmosphere as (we have at the St. Armands Circle location).”
Lakewood Ranch’s Melissa Munker and Tara Barsch are fans of Blu Kouzina.
“The atmosphere is fun and super inviting,” Munker said. “After 6 p.m., they had a DJ who started to play music, and the restaurant came alive after that!”
“I would say this is probably the most unique restaurant in the UTC area,” Darcy King said. “Now people don’t have to drive all the way to St. Armands. They get the same food, the same delicious experience here, and it’s in their backyard.”
Victor Gomez, who has worked at Blu Kouzina for more than six years, prepares lamb shanks at the new University Town Center location.
This club majors in canine care
The group’s Facebook group members have found important information, such as available dog sitters and referrals for dog-related issues.
River Club’s Heidi Leto and her 7-year-old German shepherdboxer mix, Lucy, have a special bond.
Lucy is used to being at home with Leto, and when sees a suitcase
DOGS OF LAKEWOOD RANCH
For more information on the club or to give suggestions on where the club can host dog meet-ups, contact Ana Goesch at AnaGoesch@gmail. com.
out in the open, she knows what that means. Leto knows Lucy gets overwhelmed when she goes on a trip, so she puts lots of thought into where Lucy will stay.
She has canceled a weekend trip when her parents couldn’t watch Lucy for fear the dog wouldn’t eat all weekend.
“Lucy will come to humans before she goes to dogs,” Leto said. “She’s a people person. My son is 24 and lives in another state, so Lucy literally is like my child.”
Leto is a member of Dogs of Lakewood Ranch, a club founded by Savanna’s Ana Goesch in 2020. Goesch wanted to connect dog lovers.
Goesch said the point of the group is to give referrals and advice. It helps people find lost animals and it can help to re-home animals as well.
Leto found a semi-retired cou-
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River Club’s Heidi Leto and Lucy, her 7-year-old German shepherd-boxer mix, are members of Dogs of Lakewood Ranch. They found their dog sitter through the group.
ple, Leann and Kevin O’Neal, who are now her dog sitters through the group. They don’t currently have dogs of their own and they sit one dog at a time. They send photo updates to the owners.
Leann O’Neal said she always looks forward to hosting “one very special client.”
“Lucy is such a loving dog — she enjoys our walks together and loves curling up to sleep in our bed,” O’Neal said. “Caring for her has been such a joy, and over time, her owner, Heidi, has become a dear
I felt genuinely cared for during all phases of pregnancy, delivery and postpartum.”
Aubrey Robertson Maternity Patient
Women’s Center “Felt Like Home” for Maternity Patient
September 23,
Jonah, at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center.
During pregnancy, they attended the hospital’s “Preparing for Birth” class. The instructor, also a doula, brought real-life insight to every session, Aubrey shares. The couple also received a tour of the hospital’s birthing suites.
“I felt like I was touring a spa,” says Aubrey. “Every private room has a bathroom with a shower designed for easing labor. You can request a birthing ball, adjust the lighting and play your own music. Food and drinks are available throughout the day, and I had plenty of space to store my popsicles and special drinks.”
Welcoming Her Baby
On delivery day, Aubrey arrived with her midwife, Kris. “We were greeted by the nurses with warmth and excitement,” says Aubrey.
For a referral to an OB/GYN,
friend of mine.”
“I honestly don’t know who I would have found to watch my dog if it wasn’t for the Facebook page,” Leto said. “I will not put Lucy in a kennel. I check with (the O’Neals) before making vacation plans.”
Savanna’s Mark Turner has a 10-year-old miniature poodle, Bailey. He has had her since she was 8 weeks old. Turner loves being part of the group to get recommendations for local vets and groomers as Bailey is getting older. Although Bailey isn’t one for hanging out with other dogs, she is a big fan of Turner.
“Everywhere I go in the house, she’s got to be right next to me,” Turner said. “I go outside for some yard work for half an hour. I walk in the door, she’s right there at the door waiting for me.”
Goesch has two dogs — a 4-yearold golden retriever, Maple, and a 9-year-old miniature Australian shepherd, Skylar.
“Maple and Skylar bring so much joy, comfort and balance into my life,” Goesch said. “Maple is full of personality and energy, always keeping things fun and light. Skylar has such a special, gentle soul, and she’s taught me a lot about patience, resilience and appreciating the small moments. They’re not just pets. They’re truly are part of my family.”
One of Goesch’s main goals at Dogs of Lakewood Ranch is to host more dog meet-ups. They have had them a couple of times and she gets asked frequently by members to have more. The problem is, Goesch is searching for venues that can accommodate both people and dogs without requiring any sort of membership.
“Meet-ups are great because they allow dogs to socialize, burn energy and build confidence,” Goesch said. “For owners, it’s just as valuable — it creates a sense of community and support. It’s not just about the dogs playing. It’s about people connecting, sharing experiences and feeling like they’re part of something.”
“The nursing team worked seamlessly with Kris from the start. Nancy, one of the nurses, checked on me constantly. When my contractions started, I grabbed her hand for dear life and later told her I could not keep going. She was nothing but positive and encouraging — a true blessing,” shares Aubrey. Seven hours later, Aubrey’s healthy baby boy entered the world at 6.6 pounds and 19.5 inches.
Bonding & Recovery
The nurses guided the couple through diaper changes, feedings and newborn care and encouraged Aubrey to rest; they were also treated to a celebratory dinner. “We received so much personal attention that my husband did not want to leave,” Aubrey jokes. “Discharge felt bittersweet. I was heading to my home, but I also felt like I was leaving home.”
When Aubrey struggled with breastfeeding post-discharge, a lactation consultant from Lakewood Ranch Medical Center worked with her. Little Nippers, a support group for new parents who deliver at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, also helped Aubrey with breastfeeding suggestions.
“If I am ever blessed with pregnancy again, there is no question where I would have my baby,” says Aubrey.
On
2025, Aubrey Robertson and her husband John Paul, of Sarasota, welcomed their firstborn,
MADISON BIERL STAFF WRITER
Photos by Madison Bierl
Angelina Goesch and her mom, Ana Goesch, founder of Dogs of Lakewood Ranch, pose with Ana’s 4-year-old golden retriever, Maple.
Savanna’s Mark Turner says his 10-year-old miniature poodle, Bailey, follows him everywhere.
Lake Club home tops sales at $3.9 million
ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR
Ahome in Lake Club on Clearlake Avenue topped the week’s sales. Tomasz and Carolyn Skoczek, of Bradenton, sold their home at 17014 Clearlake Ave. to Alan Thomson and Karen Vose, of Bradenton, for $3.9 million. Built in 2023, it has five bedrooms, five-anda-half baths, a pool and 4,160 square feet of living area. It sold for $2,754,300 in 2023.
WILD BLUE AT WATERSIDE
SDWB Waterside LLC sold the home at 244 Blue Mist Way to Rayna Old Farm LLC for $2,305,600. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,126 square feet of living area.
LAKE CLUB
Mark and Valerie Korsgaard sold their home at 16214 Baycross Drive to Jonathan Ostroff and Amy Elizabeth Ostroff, of Lakewood Ranch, for $2.2 million. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,436 square feet of living area.
AZARIO ESPLANADE
Steven Mueller and Geralyn Willmering Mueller, trustees, of Ballwin, Missouri, sold the home at 14919 Montello Way to Praise Holdings LLC for $2,025,000. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, fourand-a-half baths, a pool and 4,128 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,034,300 in 2022.
Valerie and Christopher Gladd, of Garden City, New York, sold their home at 15813 San Lazzaro Ave. to Matthew and Lisa Winkler, of Bradenton, for $980,000. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,247 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,073,500 in 2025.
April Harris Downs and Darren Downs, of Bradenton, sold their home at 3121 Tramonto Court to Kimberly and Paul Kannaley, of Clermont, for $825,000. Built in 2024, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,920 square feet of living area. It sold for $770,000 in 2024.
COUNTRY CLUB EAST
Thomas and Alice Degregorio, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, sold their home at 7229 Prestbury Circle to Mark and Sarit Moskowitz, of Bradenton, for $2,025,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,874 square feet of living area. It sold for $925,000 in 2018.
Raymond and Jane Healy, trustees, sold the home at 14519 Leopard Creek Place to Michael Martin Meehan, of Bradenton, for $1.15 million. Built in 2010, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,556 square feet of living area.
DEL WEBB
Coby and Barbara Gaulien, of Bluffton, South Carolina, sold their home at 17807 Eastbrook Terrace to Jean Schikora, of Bradenton, for $1.45 million. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,823 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.4 million in 2022.
RICHMOND PARK
Henry Mosler, of Sarasota, sold his home at 8168 Collingwood Court to Steven Michael Johnson and Shearl Ann Johnson, of Sarasota, for $1.35 million. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,677 square feet of living area.
SHELLSTONE AT WATERSIDE
HBT Waterside East LLC sold the home at 807 Blue Shell Loop to Jerrad Clayton Ploof and Jacqueline Jane Ploof, of Sarasota, for $1.34 million. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,814 square feet of living area.
HBT Waterside East LLC sold the home at 9165 Florida Rock Trail to Dayanna Silva Vanwinkle, of Sara-
RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS MARCH 23-27
sota, for $560,000. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,977 square feet of living area.
COUNTRY CLUB
Kymberly and Russell Allen, of Banner Elk, North Carolina, sold their home at 6914 Brier Creek Court to Brian Francis Keenan and Kathleen Keenan, of Herndon, Virginia, for $1.3 million. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 3,784 square feet of living area. It sold for $850,000 in 2017.
Michael and Diane Adams sold their home at 7062 Vilamoura Place to Jeffrey and Lisa Dennen, of Loveland, Ohio, for $1.07 million. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,445 square feet of living area. It sold for $630,000 in 2008.
Warren and Cheryl Briening, of Bridgeville, Delaware, sold their home at 13861 Siena Loop to Tedelta North America LLC for $610,000. Built in 2003, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,135 square feet of living area. It sold for $420,000 in 2014.
ESPLANADE
Philip and Susan Monaco sold their home at 13721 Palazzo Terrace to Suanne and Aziz Ali, of Tolland, Connecticut, for $1,175,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,295 square feet of living area. It sold for $746,300 in 2015.
Ramon and Maria Secades sold their home at 4632 Benito Court to James Blackington and Mary Blackington, trustees, of Bradenton, for $1,155,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,025 square feet of living area. It sold for $901,000 in 2021.
Charles and Cari Shapiro sold their home at 13204 Sorrento Way to David and Connie Prairie, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1,075,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,311 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.1 million in 2024.
LAKEWOOD NATIONAL GOLF CLUB
Kenneth and Hazel Kulaga, of Bradenton, sold their home at 5531 Arnie Loop to Yashwanth Chimmani and Nicole Tesla, of Bradenton, for $1.1 million. Built in 2015, it has six bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,808 square feet of living area. It sold for $703,000 in 2020.
HERITAGE HARBOUR Southern Property Group Inc. sold the home at 6868 Wild Lake Terrace to Anthony Douglas and Irina Zaremba, of Bradenton, for $950,000. Built in 2016, it has six bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths and 3,948 square feet of living area. It sold for $725,000 in 2024.
Robert and Christine Johnson, of Putnam Valley, New York, sold their home at 131 River Enclave Court to Ralph and Dawn Jockel, of Renfrew, Pennsylvania, for $522,600. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,994 square feet of living area. It sold for $391,300 in 2020.
GREYHAWK LANDING
Robert and Judy Kreiling sold their home at 13018 Magpie Place to Brad and Kirstin Connolly, of McMinnville, Oregon, for $939,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,535 square feet of living area. It sold for $746,300 in 2015.
MALLORY PARK
Robert and Meredith Antonelli, of Bradenton, sold their home at 3506 Harlowe Run to Anila and Christopher Amitrano, of Bradenton, for $935,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,395 square feet of living area. It sold for $704,500 in 2006.
CRESSWIND
Larry and Linda Linker sold their home at 17424 Cresswind Terrace
to Ramon and Maria Secades, of Bradenton, for $830,000. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, a pool and 2,560 square feet of living area. It sold for $652,300 in 2022.
PRESERVE AT PANTHER RIDGE
Steven Thomas Palmer and Jayme Chantell Harris, of Perrinton, Michigan, sold their home at 22235 Panther Loop to Emily Gault and Alexander Chadsey Gault, of Bradenton, for $810,000. Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,870 square feet of living area. It sold for $650,000 in 2021.
Courtesy image
A Lake Club home at 17014 Clearlake Ave. sold for $3.9 million. Built in 2023, it has five bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,160 square feet of living area.
HOME GROWN
POLO RUN
Cynthia Castelli and David McElroy, of Valley City, Ohio, sold their home at 17610 Polo Trail to Kim and Paul Doud, of Lakewood Ranch, for $693,900. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,268 square feet of living area. It sold for $410,000 in 2021.
ENCLAVE AT COUNTRY
MEADOWS
The Hantz Trust of Southfield Michigan, trustee, of Southfield, Michigan, sold the home at 917 145th St. Circle N.E. to Patrick and Erika Foley, of Bradenton, for $670,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,173 square feet of living area. It sold for $484,000 in 2015.
NOTTING HILL
Carol Carr and Joan Dreyfuss, trustees, of Venice, sold the home at 7105 Kensington Court to Mitchell Wayne Mealy and DeAnn Elizabeth Mealy, trustees, of Jefferson City, Missouri, for $637,500. Built in 1999, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 2,200 square feet of living area. It sold for $390,000 in 2019.
TARA Slade and Amber Culp, of Bradenton, sold their home at 5820 Covey Court to Rogerio Silva and Barbara Lopez, of Miramar, for $583,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,324 square feet of living area. It sold for $443,900 in 2020.
STONEYBROOK AT HERITAGE
HARBOUR
Edward Goltsman sold his home at 8970 Stone Harbour Loop to Nubia Sibeli Casella, of Bradenton, for $570,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,909 square feet of living area. It sold for $236,000 in 2009.
SRP Sub LLC sold the home at 7531 Camden Harbour Drive to Edvin
and Amela Aljukic for $522,500. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,948 square feet of living area. It sold for $503,100 in 2003.
MIRAMAR LINKS
Randall and Shelly Poppell, trustees, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the Unit 23 condominium at 8364 Miramar Way to Dennis Church and Aram Yagubian, of Wildwood, Missouri, for $542,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three-and-ahalf baths and 2,733 square feet of living area. It sold for $350,000 in 2019.
RIVERDALE REVISED
Quick Help Homes LLC sold the home at 169 Americas Cup Blvd. to Robert Furr, of Bradenton, for $529,000. Built in 2007, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,674 square feet of living area. It sold for $430,000 in 2025.
TAILFEATHER WAY AT TARA Walter and Donna Nunnery, of Cumberland Furnace, Tennessee, sold their home at 6552 Tailfeather Way to Ethan and Iliana Briggs, of Bradenton, for $528,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,554 square feet of living area. It sold for $323,700 in 2004.
CARLYLE AT VILLAGES OF PALM AIRE Charles Stafford and Thomas Kirkpatrick, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, sold their home at 6722 W. Country Club Lane to Bruce and Nicole Bosco, of Sarasota, for $525,000. Built in 2001, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,904 square feet of living area. It sold for $230,000 in 2020.
NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH
present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another. “HOVPNZV MNCCOVCKTV, QNZ’II TKGKL XVSLV, FZV CNLK OCANLVSTVIQ, HOVPNZV MNTXOXVKTMQ, QNZ’II TKGKL WOTOXP.” EKTBKI HSXPOTUVNT
