East County Observer 5.7.26

EAST COUNTY

Observer

Join the upper crust. PAGE 2B

Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

VOLUME 27, NO. 39

YOUR TOWN

Reworked S.R. 64 project passes Compromises persuade commissioners to approve the plan for commercial space. SEE PAGE 5A

Under the gun

Lesley Dwyer

Humane Society has Peppa but no salt — so far Hundreds of animals each year come into the Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch, and each one needs a name. Shelter Director Danielle Ziegler said litters are usually themed. In January, a litter of kittens were deemed spicy and thus the kittens were named Caliente, Scorch and Inferno.

The Humane Society called the Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Library for help with names. Carol Wulczak (above) is a regular volunteer in the library’s Book Nook. She, along with other volunteers, encouraged library visitors to name one cat and one dog in a contest.

So the next shelter cat will be named Peppa, and the next dog will be named Bookie.

Manatee County’s 17 Traffic Unit deputies try to keep up with countless offenders.

SEE PAGE 3A

Courtesy image

No monkeying around during Banana Leaf event Mia Aragon and Raelynn Brown (above) were among the kindergarten students at Tara Elementary to use their skills at the school’s Banana Leaf Restaurant event May 1.

Kindergarten teacher Jo Johnson led 15 students through the process of preparing for the event by incorporating math, science and reading.

Students were responsible for applying for a position, measuring ingredients and learning where the food comes from.

“Throughout the year, they have made remarkable progress, and this event celebrates their growth,” Johnson said.

“It’s an opportunity to reflect on the important lessons they’ve learned: teamwork, patience, problem-solving, perseverance and friendship,” Read the Observer anytime, anywhere on our free app! Visit YourObserver.com/app-offer or use the QR code below

Lesley Dwyer

Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Sarah Brown points her radar gun at oncoming cars to check their speed.

A+E

FST play lights a creative fire.

PAGE 15A

Mixon Swirl finds new home in Polk County At 75, Manatee County’s Dean and Janet Mixon decide to retire, but their popular food truck heads to Polk Sheriff Charities.

SEE PAGE 8A Lesley Dwyer

Longtime Mixon Fruit Farm employees Anita Stanley and Kaliah Muck stand behind Marie Lovy.

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

National recognition for LWRHS music program The Best Communities for Music Education Award recognizes 127 schools across the country, and Lakewood Ranch High is one of them.

STAFF WRITER

F

or Jack Christie, a senior at Lakewood Ranch High School and co-president of the choir, music means more than singing the right notes.

Christie said music programs — choir, band and orchestra — instill motivation in students to push through their difficulties in life.

He said having these outlets of expression allow students to understand the value of hard work and the rewards that come with that work.

“We’ve sung songs about discrimination and ending violence, about the loss of loved ones and about the creation of life itself,” Christie said.

“All of those messages that we take to heart truly enhance the experience we have.”

The National Association of Music Merchants Foundation agrees that Lakewood Ranch High is doing it right.

For the second consecutive year, it awarded the Lakewood Ranch High School music department with the

Best Communities for Music Education Award.

It is one of four schools (Arch Creek Elementary in North Miami, Countryside Montessori Charter School in Land O’ Lakes, and Southwest Miami Senior High School are the others) in Florida and one of 127 in the country. The award acknowledges aspects that help to build and expand the program including community support, participation, funding, instructional time and facilities.

Sophia Wisman, a senior in choir who feels joy and a sense of self when she performs, said Choir Director Rebekah Lester gives her students an opportunity to express themselves.

Wisman said music helps her feel a sense of passion and comfort.

“Choir has shown me that I can use my voice, but not only in a choir sense,” Wisman said. “I can be heard and accepted.”

Senior Alexa Jaime is co-president of the choir along with Christie.

“I appreciate the encouragement from my teachers, not only from music teachers, but from other

Jack Christie, a senior at Lakewood Ranch High School, conducts the choir as copresident at the spring concert April 28.

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MARCHING BAND ■ Florida Bandmasters Association 27th year in a row of Superiors at Marching Music Performance Assessment ■ Grand Champion at the Ocala Marching Band Competition CONCERT BAND ■ Qualified for the state event with both bands (Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band) for the first time in school history Madison Bierl

Caroline Bartlomiejczuk, Sage Alcorn and Sofia Ortega are members of the orchestra at Lakewood Ranch High School.

teachers who have seen me in action and encouraged me to continue on,” Jaime said.

Norah Hoyt is a sophomore who plays tenor saxophone. She is a newbie compared to her classmates, many of whom have been playing since sixth grade. She was afraid to make mistakes at first, but through trial and error, she has caught up.

Hoyt said Director of Bands John Wilkerson threw her into the wind symphony, an upper band.

“I could barely play,” Hoyt said.

“He took that leap and hoped for the best and it ended up working well. He believed in me and that was encouraging. Everyone was super supportive throughout the year.”

Junior Caroline Bartlomiejczuk and senior Sofia Ortega are vice presidents of the orchestra.

Ortega said she appreciates how much effort Orchestra Director Melissa Diaz does herself, such as taking violin lessons and going to workshops, to be more prepared to help her students.

“What makes her class worthwhile is how much she wants to be there,” Ortega said. “You can tell she loves what she does and she’s always encouraging us to do better. She does

lead by example.”

Bartlomiejczuk has been afraid of playing her violin in front of people, but she decided to put herself out there and do her first solo this year.

“Instead of feeling like a chore, it now feels like more of a passion,” Bartlomiejczuk said.

Ortega also is a member of the choir and loves the music groups for different reasons. She has been playing in the orchestra for several years and it’s a skill that she built up over time. She joined choir for fun last year and fell in love with it. Both groups are an escape for her.

Wilkerson said it is remarkable to be recognized for the work that the students, parents, community members and educators have put into the program.

“We’re trying to be a step ahead of everybody else and the end goal is to make the program so enticing that parents want their kids to be in it,” Wilkerson said.

Dustin Dalquist, the principal of Lakewood Ranch High School, said the music department helps define the identity of the school. It creates connection, fosters creativity, and provides an outlet of expression.

“We are investing in opportunities

CHOIR ■ Straight superior ratings (the highest possible) at state Music Performance Assessments ■ Straight Superior ratings at Music in the Parks ■ Performed at Lincoln Center ORCHESTRA ■ Four students performed for the Manatee All-County Orchestra ■ Six students performed and received superior ratings at solo and ensemble Music Performance Assessments and qualified for state ■ Straight superior ratings at Concert Music Performance Assessments BAND, CHOIR AND ORCHESTRA COMBINED ■ Orlando Fest overall Grand Champion and strait superiors from all judges and scored 93.033 out of a possible 100 points

that help students discover their talents and reach their full potential,” Dalquist said. “This type of program supports the student academically, socially and emotionally.”

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MADISON BIERL

SAMPLING OF LWRHS MUSIC PROGRAM AWARDS

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

MOST COMMON EXCUSES FOR SPEEDING

Deputy Sarah Brown hands out tickets with a smile.

Deputy Sarah Brown doesn’t just write tickets, she asks questions. One common question she asks is “Why are you going freeway speed on this road?”

Here are the most common answers she receives: ■ I was just testing the car.

■ I have to go to the bathroom.

■ There’s an emergency.

■ My dog died.

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

PATROLLING OUR ROADS WITH

DEPUTY SARAH BROWN The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputy turns a thankless occupation into a ‘Thank you’ job.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

VERBAL JUDO

R

iding in the passenger seat of Deputy Sarah Brown’s police car, I listened as she referenced the movie “Forrest Gump.”

“Traffic stops are like a box of chocolates,” she said. “You never know what you’re going to get.”

After spending five hours with Brown during her 12-hour shift April 30, this reporter would contend that beyond the unexpected, the box is also bottomless.

If it weren’t for me slowing her down to explain how the equipment works and why she made certain decisions after each stop, Brown would’ve handed out a lot more warnings and tickets that morning.

But even without a reporter in tow, Brown couldn’t possibly stop and ticket every traffic offender because there are drivers breaking the rules of the road every minute, if not every second.

When parked at the entrance of Manatee Technical College on State Road 70, a car zipped past us into the parking lot. Brown said midsentence, “See, he’s not wearing his seatbelt.” When driving westbound on S.R. 70 near Greenbrook Boulevard, she glanced left for a second and said, “Do you see this girl texting on her phone?”

I didn’t notice those offenses, but Brown has developed a keen eye for spotting traffic infractions. She also drives with a license plate reader that regularly beeps to alert her to suspended licenses, stolen vehicles, expired tags and arrest warrants.

Brown has worked for the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office for two years and was a Michigan State Trooper for four years. Prior to law enforcement, she owned a CrossFit gym with her husband, Kevin.

She’s one of 17 deputies in the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit. There are also three sergeants and four motor deputies, who patrol on motorcycles.

PROVIDING PERSPECTIVE

Brown’s workload is absolutely nonstop, but her passion for the work is boundless. It’s evident that she loves her job, and that’s not to say she loves handing out tickets. Most of the speeding tickets she wrote were for speeds that carry lesser fines because she’s “not in it just to hammer people.”

Brown said she’s a people person.

She enjoys interacting with the public. Her goal is to educate and offer “perspective.”

Having been pulled over a few times for speeding in my younger years, I can’t recall a friendlier police officer.

Brown flashed a smile during each interaction, even when she described

“I’ve learned that even if we have more units, it’s not always a manning problem,” Brown said. “It’s a behavior problem for drivers. They’ll see me and slow down, then speed back up again. So maybe I wasn’t going to go after you, but you clearly didn’t change your behavior, so now we’re going to have a conversation.”

Brown struggled to point out particular roads where she finds the most speeding because “it’s everywhere,” but she noted 34th Street West on the west side of the county and Bourneside Boulevard on the east side of the county as two roads that see “freeway speeds.”

She clocked a teenager driving 84 mph on Bourneside Boulevard, but what was worse, he was eating pizza while driving that fast.

“It’s a wide open road, but there are people walking their dogs. There are bikers and pedestrians,” Brown said. “People always try to apologize to me. I tell them to apologize to the citizens of Manatee County because you’re putting them at risk.”

It’s not just teenagers speeding.

Brown stops a lot of older golfers speeding on Bourneside Boulevard.

A few weeks ago, she asked one of them why he was in such a hurry to get to his golf game. The answer was that he wanted to tee off before sunset.

Deputy Sarah Brown works for the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office in the traffic unit.

QUOTAS One major misconception about traffic violations that Deputy Sarah Brown would like to clear up — deputies do not have to meet quotas. In fact, quotas have been illegal since 2015 under Florida Statute 316.640(8)(b), and the language is quite simple: A traffic enforcement agency may not establish a traffic citation quota.

The statute is also known as the “Waldo Bill” because the city of Waldo issued so many traffic citations that the fines accounted for about half the city’s revenue.

“I’ve learned that even if we have more units, it’s not always a manning problem.

It’s a behavior problem for drivers. They’ll see me and slow down, then speed back up again. So maybe I wasn’t going to go after you, but you clearly didn’t change your behavior, so now we’re going to have a conversation.”

— Deputy Sarah Brown

the drivers as annoyed or aggressive upon contact. She wins them over with an upbeat demeanor and a heartfelt intention to keep the roads safe.

“I try to always get a ‘Thank you,’” she said. “That’s my goal, even though I’m giving someone a ticket. I’m usually very successful with that.”

However, Brown is also firm in her messaging and a self-described “stickler” when it comes to speeding through school zones and construction zones, along with being strict about children who are not buckled with a seatbelt because it’s the parent’s responsibility to protect them.

When Brown pulled over a gray SUV traveling at 69 mph in a 45-mph construction zone, she pointed out a worker to the driver.

“Doesn’t he deserve to go home to his family tonight?” she asked the driver.

A day earlier, Sgt. Rob Hendrickson asked for Brown’s assistance patrolling a construction zone in Duette. She parked near a roadside cross that said “I love you, Dad” to leave drivers with an unmistakable reason as to why driving safely matters.

The National Safety Council reported that 898 people were killed in 2023 with 40,170 people injured in work zone crashes.

Brown keeps up to date on statistics using the Florida Traffic Safety Dashboard. Just this year, there have been 350 fatalities, 1,647 serious injury crashes and 95,000 crashes across the state.

She can also use the tool to focus on Manatee County. Brown noted that a lot of the rural crashes cause fatalities because of how fast people are driving.

Deciding where to patrol is not random. Deputies patrol areas where either data or residents have told them there’s an issue.

While it might be nice to have more deputies in the traffic unit, that wouldn’t necessarily solve the problem.

While most traffic stops are routine, Brown doesn’t know that until she reaches the car. It’s that box of chocolates because you never know how someone’s going to react.

“This is just traffic, but I wish the community could see what police officers go through and what they do on a daily basis,” Brown said. “My first year in law enforcement no one ever educated me on the low that comes with the adrenaline rush.”

All day long, the adrenaline in a police officer is shooting up and down, and that includes traffic deputies.

I got just a small taste of it when Brown pulled over a Chevrolet Suburban with invalid tags.

I instantly felt nervous as she approached the car because given invalid tags, there was a chance the car was stolen. And then, all of a sudden, the driver started to open the car door.

“That’s what gets my heart rate going,” Brown said. “When I see a door opening, I have no idea if that person’s getting out to shoot me or fight me.”

Both our heart rates lowered when it was realized that the female driver had dropped her phone and was simply trying to retrieve it.

But as Brown was back in the car printing up a written warning for follow-up purposes, in case the driver doesn’t correct the clerical error and is pulled over again, the driver kept leaning over to the passenger seat.

Again, my mind was instinctively asking questions: “What is she doing? Is she grabbing for something? Was she only pretending to be nice?”

Brown told me the driver was likely looking for her insurance information, but Brown also remained alert because people regularly lie to her.

In her opinion and experience, people also see Brown as less of a threat because she’s a woman.

There’s a term “verbal judo,” which refers to an officer’s presence, and Brown has learned to use it well.

She said verbally de-escalating a situation can mean the difference between life or death.

Traffic deputies don’t only deal with drivers running red lights and speeding, they arrest intoxicated drivers who are incoherent and often combative. The best verbal judo in the world won’t calm them.

Brown doesn’t usually get a “Thank you” from drunken drivers.

She’s been screamed at, spit on and called a life ruiner. Yet every shift, Brown shows up with a smile and a purpose.

“It’s stressful, but it’s rewarding, too,” she said.

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This Sophia IV model home has become Wild Blue at Waterside’s highest priced sale at $7.15 million.

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A Sophia IV model home has sold in Wild Blue at Waterside for $7.15 million.

The Stock Custom Homes design debuted at the Suncoast Builders Association Parade of Homes and was created in a collaboration with JMDG Architecture and Soco Interiors. It is 5,012 square feet.

A Stock Development release said the home “showcases a uniquely livable contemporary style inspired by its lush surroundings. Earthy wood tones complement a curated mix of polished chrome, light bronze, and deep iron finishes, while classic coastal elements are reimagined through custom wall and ceiling details throughout.”

The living room features a coffered ceiling with dark-stained wood accents and with a paneled linear fireplace framed in stone. The kitchen features a 48-inch gas range, oversized refrigerator and freezer, and double dishwashers. The release said the outdoor kitchen “features dark slab cabinetry, waterfall granite counters, and a full-height tile backsplash. A built-in fire table and resort-style pool with dramatic fire and water features accented in blue glass tile complete the setting.”

It is the highest priced sale in Wild Blue to this point.

Lakewood Ranch earns lofty distinction Lakewood Ranch has been named a “Longstanding Titan” community by John Burns Research and Consulting.

With 2,085 new home sales in 2025, Lakewood joins The Villages, Can Bay Plantation of South Carolina and Summerlin of Nevada as the only communities to have appeared on John Burns Research and Consulting’s Top Selling Master-Planned Communities list every year since the rankings began in 2010.

The Villages has topped the list, averaging 2,800 new home sales a year.

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list to spotlight communities that have made the best-selling list for a decade or more. Eleven communities nationwide have earned the distinction.

Lakewood Ranch has been the study’s No. 2 highest selling community since 2018 and has been a top 10 selling community since 2010. It has been the No. 1 selling multigenerational, master-planned community in the nation since 2018.

It’s average annual sales since 2011 is 1,400 homes.

New Lakewood Ranch high school has a name The School District of Manatee County School Board has officially named its eighth high school, which is under construction in Lakewood Ranch, as Rangeland High School.

With a budget of $144 million, it is being built on 85 acres on the corner of Rangeland Parkway and Post Boulevard. The decision of the name was finalized during the school board meeting April 28.

The school has been referred to as AAA High School up until this point.

It will open in August 2027 for freshmen and sophomores. A grade will be added each of the next two years.

The principal will be announced over the summer. Further decisions including the leadership team, mascot and colors will be made at a later date.

Letter carriers’ food drive set for May 9 The National Association of Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is May 9.

Each year on the second Saturday in May, carriers nationwide collect nonperishable food donations on their routes. The donations go to local food pantries.

Over its 30-year history, the drive has accounted for over 1.94 billion pounds of food, according to a release.

Residents are asked to leave nonperishable food donations in a bag by their mailbox on May 9.

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

Compromise saves commercial project

STAFF WRITER

M

anatee County Commissioner George Kruse has a solution for traffic woes in east county: approve more commercial development.

Kruse said it made sense to turn a denial into an approval for a 195,000-square-foot commercial development on the north side of State Road 64 where it intersects with Uihlein Road.

Kruse, along with commissioners Mike Rahn and Tal Siddique, voted to approve the project when it was first presented in December. The project was denied because the other four commissioners had concerns over traffic and flooding issues in the area.

In February, after attorney Kyle Grimes asked for the denial to be tabled, Kruse made the motion to do so. The motion passed 5-2, with Commissioner Bob McCann and the late commissioner Carol Felts in opposition.

Finally, on April 23, when the project was presented for the second time, Kruse made the motion for approval. The motion was approved 4-1, with McCann remaining in opposition and Commissioner Jason Bearden absent.

“The best thing we can do is keep the traffic here,” Kruse said. “The homes are already approved. They’re already getting built.”

The commercial site is adjacent to Palm Grove, a 900-home Neal Communities development. Lakewood Ranch’s northeast quadrant is located to the south of the site.

PRIOR TRAFFIC MITIGATION ■ Construction of Uihlein Road from Lakewood National to State Road 64, including 120 feet of right-of-way ■ Construction of 44th Avenue from Lorraine Road to Bourneside Boulevard, including 120 feet of right-of-way ■ Construction of Rangeland Parkway from Lorraine Road to Bourneside Boulevard, including 120 feet of right-of-way

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■ Construction of Bourneside Boulevard from Lakewood National to State Road 64, including 120 feet of right-of-way

TRAVELLE R

S PA LM D RIVE

■ Construction of Post Boulevard from 59th Avenue to Rangeland Parkway

PARADISE PALM COURT

LESLEY DWYER

Commissioners George Kruse and Mike Rahn supported the project from the start.

WASHI NGT ON PAL M COURT

The northeast quadrant includes nine neighborhoods with 9,297 homes. The north-south boundaries are S.R. 64 and S.R. 70. The eastwest boundaries are Lorraine Road and Bourneside Boulevard.

Laura Cole, senior vice president of Lakewood Ranch, said the quadrant is already 94% sold out.

By Kruse’s reasoning, offering neighborhood services nearby keeps those residents from having to drive further to access those services elsewhere, thereby lessening the traffic on the surrounding roads.

But Kruse’s argument isn’t what swayed Commissioner Amanda Ballard to change her vote. It was the compromise that Rex Jensen, president and CEO of Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, brought forth.

SMR is the parent company of Lakewood Ranch. Although the

UIHLEIN ROAD

After an initial denial, commissioners approved a 195,000-square-foot commercial project near Uihlein Road on S.R. 64.

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SR 64 E

27TH CIRCLE

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The commercial development will be located just west of Neal Communities’ Palm Grove development.

company no longer owns the 37-acre site where the development will be built, Jensen waived 195,000 square feet of SMR’s retail entitlements to allow Casto Net Lease Properties, LLC and Albatros 64 Partners to move forward with the development.

Casto is taking the lead on the plans that were presented, which will only use about 15 acres of the site.

“I appreciate the transfer of entitlements from the northeast quadrant up to this site because that ensures that we’re not just adding

endless traffic to this area,” Ballard said. “We’re taking traffic that was already going to be there because of those entitlements and just moving it to a different site.”

Jensen wrote a letter to commissioners prior to the land use meeting April 23. He said his intent was to support retail uses that SMR had already planned for and evaluated as part of its broader master plan.

That master plan already accounted for any traffic impacts that will come from 195,000 square feet of commercial uses.

Jensen’s letter laid out over $55 million worth of road improvements SMR provided within the northeast quadrant.

Casto declined to comment, but Jensen said the company has been a strong partner that has worked collaboratively with SMR to advance the master plan’s goal of locating everyday services near the residents they are intended to serve.

Two of the larger projects Casto has developed in Lakewood Ranch are Main Street and Center Point.

To gain the necessary approval, Casto was willing to compromise.

Casto limited the size of the grocery store to 30,000 square feet because there is a Publix under construction to the south, and a smaller

store will generate fewer trips.

While it remains unknown which small grocer will lease the space, a daycare provider was revealed. Discovery Point Child Development Center will be one of the future tenants.

The development will also include a restaurant and possibly a self-storage facility.

If built, the storage facility will be located on the interior of the property so it will not front State Road 64. If 130,000 square feet is not dedicated to self-storage, only 90,000 square feet of medium neighborhood commercial will be developed. Examples of medium uses include a bank, dry cleaners and health clinic.

A gas station was the most intensive use kept as a possibility because there is “a strong demand.” More intensive uses, such as major vehicle repair and taxi services, were removed as options.

Additionally, Casto agreed to increase its stormwater management plan by utilizing NOAA Atlas 14, which is the most updated data used to estimate major storm events.

“This is the right project in the right place at the right time,” Kruse said. “And for anyone who says they’re just getting another bite and nothing’s changed, it has.”

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

Exquisite crafted Be Bold,jewelry Be Brilliant, A Tradition of Beauty, Where Fine Art with precious perfection Be Beautiful A Legacy of Trust Becomes Forever

Former commissioner claims defamation despite judge’s ruling

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Kevin Van Ostenbridge’s lawsuit against Betsy Benac was dismissed, but he has requested a rehearing.

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s the 2026 elections near, former Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge continues to allege he was defamed during the 2024 election by Take Back Manatee, a political action committee, and its chairperson, former Commissioner Betsy Benac.

Commissioner Bob McCann said Van Ostenbridge’s lawsuit is an attempt to suppress support for any anti-developer candidates. McCann was one of the “anti-developer” candidates to be elected in 2024.

Van Ostenbridge was elected to represent District 3 in 2020, but in 2024, he ran against Commissioner George Kruse for the District 7, atlarge seat. Kruse won the Republican primary.

Kruse was sworn in for the second time Nov. 19, 2024. A week later, Van Ostenbridge filed a lawsuit claiming Benac and Take Back Manatee sent mailers that contained false statements about him.

Judge Charles Sniffen dismissed Van Ostenbridge’s lawsuit with prejudice April 17. Dismissing with prejudice means the same lawsuit cannot be filed again, so on April 27, Van Ostenbridge filed a motion for a rehearing of Sniffen’s ruling instead.

Sniffen ruled that mailers are protected under Florida’s anti-SLAPP statute. Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation are prohibited under the statute “to protect the right in Florida to exercise the rights of free speech in connection with public issues.”

When reached for comment, Van

Lesley Dwyer

THE ALLEGEDLY FALSE STATEMENTS Former Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge claims the following statements printed on a 2024 Take Back Manatee election mailer were untrue: ■ He tried to stop a veteran housing project.

■ He silenced public comment.

■ He weaponized government agencies for personal gain.

■ He surrendered local sovereignty and destroyed wetlands.

■ He championed corrupt county staff and grew big government.

Former District 3 Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge continues to allege he was defamed during the 2024 election by Betsy Benac and Take Back Manatee.

Ostenbridge said his motion “says it all.”

The 13-page motion states that the magistrate didn’t consider whether the mailer’s statements were true or false based on this quote from the magistrate’s report: “If statements such as those were actionable for defamation under Florida law and the United States Constitution, our judicial system would likely be overwhelmed with defamation lawsuits during and following every political campaign.”

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

EAST COUNTY

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

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Publisher and President / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com Publisher / Lori Ruth, LRuth@YourObserver.com Executive Editor and COO / Kat Wingert, KWingert@YourObserver.com

Lesley Dwyer

Janet and Dean Mixon are retiring. The couple sold their food truck to Polk Sheriff Charities Inc.

Manatee’s iconic treat moves to Polk County Dean and Janet Mixon sell their Mixon Swirl food truck to Polk Sheriff Charities Inc. LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

J

ust as saltwater taffy is a staple of the New Jersey shore and New Orleans is famous for its

powered sugar-sprinkled beignets, the sweet treat most synonymous with Manatee County has to be the Mixon swirl — orange juice swirled into vanilla soft serve ice cream.

The signature ice cream treat was introduced in 1986. In July 2023, Mixon Fruit Farms closed, but the swirl survived.

Janet and Dean Mixon launched a food truck that November and named it after the farm’s most treasured treat, the Mixon Swirl. Now, the food truck and the ice cream by the same name are headed to Polk County.

The Mixons sold the truck to Polk Sheriff Charities Inc. Now 75 years old, Janet and Dean met in kindergarten at Manatee Elementary School, graduated from Southeast High School together, then married over 30 years later.

They are finally retiring together — perhaps.

“We’re supposedly retired ... until we figure out what else to do,” Janet Mixon said.

The truck had become too much work. Once the Mixons couldn’t store the truck at the farm anymore because Manatee County was the new owner, they had to run a gener-

ator to keep the soft serve machine cold.

To keep the generator going, Dean Mixon found himself on constant runs for more diesel fuel.

On top of that, the Mixons went from three employees down to one — Anita Stanley, who is 84 years old.

Kaliah Muck and Marie Lovy moved away after the hurricanes in 2024. The trio were former employees of the farm. Stanley ran Mixon’s Groveside Cafe. Muck drove the tram, and Lovy worked in the office and gift shop.

“They could be retired, too … we enjoy being around each other,” Janet Mixon told the East County Observer three months after taking the Mixon Swirl on the road.

The proverbial band was breaking up, so the Mixons listed the truck for sale. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd was looking to buy an ice cream truck, and when he saw the Mixon Swirl for sale, he jumped at the chance to buy it.

“The Mixons are an institution,” Judd said. “We are proud to carry on their tradition of serving ice cream and making people happy.

Our deputies are looking forward to creating lots of goodwill and having great interactions with kids throughout Polk County through the use of this truck.”

Janet Mixon said Grady wanted the truck sooner but agreed to the Mixons holding an “official goodbye” at the Mixon Farms Market on April 19. “(Running a food truck) was hard,” she said. “It was time to retire, but we’re very excited about the sheriff taking it.”

Scott Wilder, director of communications for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, said the truck’s graphics will be redesigned, and the menu will no longer include loaded BLTs or the “Mixon’s Renown Cuban.” But not everything is changing.

“We will definitely be using the soft serve machine, and we will definitely continue the orange and vanilla Mixon swirl,” Wilder said.

Janet Mixon celebrates her 75th birthday and retirement at Mixon Farms on April 19.

FROM TRAGEDY TO CHARITY Polk Sheriff’s Charities Inc. was established in 2006, after 39-year-old Deputy Matt Williams and his K-9 partner, Diogi, were murdered while in pursuit of a suspect. Williams was shot nine times.

The charity’s website says, “The community’s outpouring of emotional and monetary support after that tragic event ultimately demonstrated how a charity like PSCI would be supported.”

The charity provides financial support to officers and family members faced with tragic events, but it also provides for community members in need by giving away turkeys at Thanksgiving, toys at Christmas and jerseys for youth athletic teams.

Additionally, Polk Sheriff’s Charities Inc. provides financial support to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit and nonprofits that assist victims of domestic violence.

Courtesy images

Dean and Janet Mixon meet with Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd on April 24 after Polk Sheriff Charities Inc. bought the Mixons’ food truck, the Mixon Swirl.

“Our deputies are looking forward to creating lots of goodwill and having great interactions with kids throughout Polk County through the use of this truck.”

— Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd

“It will be more of an ice cream and sweets-type truck — not hot foods.”

The truck will be used at various community events to give Polk County deputies a fun way to interact with the community.

The truck made its debut at the Polk County Operations Center for a law enforcement pre-hurricane training exercise April 24. The Mixons were on hand to teach the staff how to use the equipment, and of course, how to make a Mixon swirl.

Wilder said the equipment worked great, and the ice cream was fantastic.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

SIDE OF RANCH

9A

JAY HEATER

Don’t judge candidates based on contributions T he 2026 primary is approaching quickly (Aug. 18), so I wanted to get one thing out of the way now.

Developers and builders mostly are not evil.

Sure, that can be hard to believe based on the county’s recent history. During the 2024 primary, that message crescendoed until the noise blocked out everything else.

Was some of that message justified? Well ... yes.

The polarizing moment came on Oct. 5, 2023, when commissioners voted 5-1 in favor of reducing wetland protections. Kevin Van Ostenbridge, Jason Bearden, Mike Rahn, Amanda Ballard and James Satcher voted in favor, while George Kruse was opposed. District 5 Commissioner Ray Turner was absent.

The perception was that developers and builders had been buying commissioners through campaign donations and perhaps even under-the-table perks. The public had rallied together at commission meetings to overwhelmingly voice their preference to keep strict wetland protections in place, and only Kruse seemed to care what his constituents wanted.

A frenzy built among voters to get rid of candidates who had that support from builders, with far less emphasis on the strengths or weaknesses of their opponents.

Of the five commissioners who voted in favor of reducing wetland protections, Van Ostenbridge and Satcher (who gave up his commission seat to run for supervisor of elections) are now out of office.

Bearden would have come up for reelection this year but chose not to run. Turner lost in his election bid in 2024 because he was tied to the others.

Rahn and Ballard are on the ballot this year, so it remains to be seen if voters have maintained the grudge.

Obviously, those running against the incumbents are banking that

Jay Heater

Commissioner George Kruse proved you can govern without letting special interests influence your decisions after substantial campaign donations.

the voters have long memories.

They are hoping any candidate who accepts strong support from a developer or builder is labeled as an enemy of the people.

Hopefully, as we go to the polling places, we can weigh the candidates’ overall worth and not cross off anyone because they have accepted a campaign contribution from the building community.

Some current candidates are hoping you don’t look at their opponent’s total package because of a contribution. Certainly, it is their prerogative to accept contributions from anyone they want, but the thought that someone can’t make a good commissioner because he or she accepts money from a developer is absurd.

I offer Kruse as an example.

He did accept donations from the building community when he was

elected to his first four-year term, and he basically knocked it out of the park in representing the people.

He didn’t let his monetary supporters affect his decisions.

And yet, he saw others who did, so in his reelection bid, he decided not to accept contributions from the building community. That was a choice he shouldn’t have had to make.

There are a few factors in play here. One, you can accept contributions from builders and not let that influence your vote. It’s called integrity. Two, builders, developers, contractors, mailmen, bus drivers, housewives, they all should be able to contribute to candidates based on election office rules. It is their right.

It also is your right to vote in whatever manner you see fit. I would encourage you, however,

to use your common sense. If you listen to a candidate who represents all the qualities you want in a commissioner, don’t throw him/her out because of a campaign contribution. If you are wary because of certain contributions, ask the candidate about them. Be frank.

I, for one, certainly want quality builders and developers involved in the evolution of our communities.

Public-private partnerships are a necessity when it comes to establishing a safe and efficient transportation network.

I don’t want to spit in the face of companies and individual leaders who have been key in building the wonderful place we call home. Sure, do all the entities try to protect their personal best interests? Of course. But that is called good business.

That’s why we need to elect politicians who can balance all our needs for the future.

Please, please, read about the candidates who are trying to represent you. Go to their speaking engagements, call them or send them an email. Don’t vote because of an R or a D, or because that person you don’t like has contributed to their campaign.

COUNTY CHARTER

As we head into the primary, you are going to be reading about those candidates who want a Manatee County charter.

I am still on the fence about this one as I am not thrilled about adding more layers to our government.

My biggest concern is that a charter wouldn’t change things much and would basically be a wasted effort. Twenty counties in Florida have charters, including Sarasota County, which has had a home-rule charter since 1971.

District 3 Commissioner Tal Siddique brought up the idea of adopting a county charter during his State of the Chair address on Jan.

6. I would imagine you are going to hear a lot more about it over the next four months.

The hope would be that a charter would make it tougher for commissioners to pursue pet projects that aren’t in the best interests of the citizens as a whole, or would give the county more power to tweak state guidelines.

District 1 candidate John Dunn, whose profile is in this issue on Page 10A, talks about adding district consent if a charter is added. That’s another hard one for me to wrap my hands around.

I understand how residents of a district can feel ignored when its interests might clash with the rest of the county, or when a singular decision has most of its impact on one district.

Consider, for example, if a company wants to build a plant in District 1 that will greatly benefit the rest of the county but might have an negative environmental impact on the host district. Should that district have the power to deny that plant when commissioners are ready to vote 6-1 to approve it?

It’s one of the many issues that will come up heading into this election year.

Get involved, and ask questions.

ONLINE

See all our election coverage online at YourObserver.com/ news/elections.

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

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Lesley Dwyer

John Dunn is a former U.S. Air Force medic. He’s also a graduate of Lakewood Ranch High School.

Chartering a course for Manatee County Candidate John Dunn says he wants the people to run Manatee County, not special interests or even commissioners.

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hile some candidates are campaigning that they will give the government back to the people, Duette’s John Dunn says he would be just one vote if elected to the Manatee County Commission.

Dunn said the work of giving the government back to the people would include establishing a county charter. A county charter would be like a constitution for the county, where residents would need to vote to amend it.

Although the subject of a county charter was discussed among commissioners Jan. 6, Dunn wants to take it one step further with requiring district consent.

“As far as the district consent goes, it’s not power to that (commissioner), it’s power back to the people again at the ballot,” Dunn said.

If a comprehensive plan amendment, major rezoning request, or

DISTRICT 1 District 1 is the largest district in Manatee County, encompassing the most rural parts of the county in Parrish, Palmetto, Myakka City and Duette.

District 1 is also the most crowded commissioner race with nine candidates: Elizabeth Arnold, Andrew Cottrell, Anthony Drake, John Dunn, Michael Harrison, Adam Johnson, Sari Lindroos-Valimaki, Mark Stanoch and Leland Taylor.

a development beyond the Future Development Area Boundary only impacts one district, Dunn wants to give the decision-making authority to the people who live in that district by way of a referendum on the next upcoming ballot.

When asked about the timing aspect, Dunn countered that, generally speaking, the main concern of people living in Manatee County is over-development, so waiting on a referendum is another means to slow growth.

“There’s only so many ways you SEE JOHN DUNN, PAGE 12A

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FROM PAGE 10A

can (slow growth) at the moment,” he said. “You can refuse to rezone for density, and then once Senate Bill 180 expires (in October 2027), we can explore other options with charter amendments and create some sort of county constitution to protect us at least a little bit.”

Dunn noted that the state can still preempt a charter. SB 180 is an example of a state preemption that currently has the Manatee County Commission stalled on reinstating its former wetland buffers because the bill prevents local governments from making any changes that would be “more restrictive or burdensome” on development.

Dunn said finding the right verbiage would be key in creating a charter to avoid preemption, but part of his plan also includes finding the right people to sit on a charter commission. They, too, would be elected by the people.

“If we have the wrong group of people write this charter, it could lock in some bad ideas,” Dunn said.

“The military in me is saying I want to get to that asset and use it before somebody else uses it for the wrong reasons.”

Dunn, 34, spent seven years in the U.S. Air Force as a medic. He rose to the rank of E5 staff sergeant, but his first job in the medical field was in the emergency room at the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center.

Dunn was born at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, raised in Myakka City and graduated from Lakewood Ranch High School. He received his training at the then-Manatee Technical Institute, which is now Manatee Technical College.

He lives in Duette with his wife, Sarah, and their two children, Peyton, 7, and Grace, 3.

The family lives on 5 acres near Mosaic’s Four Corners Mine (a phosphate mining operation), which was the catalyst for Dunn getting involved in local government and ultimately running for county commissioner.

“That operation was slowing down (when he and his wife bought

“A lot of people feel like they haven’t been heard, like their voice hasn’t steered the county.

I’m not for sale. I’m rich in ways that money can’t buy. I have my family and my morals.”

— John Dunn

in Duette),” he said. “Well, (Mosaic) went and repermitted it and got it approved for a dragline, which is a different way to extract the phosphate.”

The planning commission unanimously denied Mosaic’s request for a 14-year extension, but commissioners approved the request in a 5-2 vote in February. Commissioner Bob McCann and the late commissioner Carol Felts voted to deny the extension.

The dragline concerns Dunn because of the particles that can travel through the air. His kids play outside.

“In my humble opinion, (Duette residents) had false representation in that supermajority vote, along with no sort of district courtesy to follow Carol Felts and her no (vote),” Dunn said. “It put us in a jam out there because now the reclamation is in the 2050s.”

Reclamation is when the mining stops and the land is restored into a park or a wildlife habitat.

Dunn isn’t trying to get on the board to reverse course and stop the mining, but he wants more transparency by way of third-party testing for pollution and results that are readily available to the public.

Having left the area for the Air Force in 2014, it shocked Dunn to see the growth when he returned in 2023. Parrish, in particular, had been developed at a rate that was hard to fathom.

“A lot of people feel like they haven’t been heard, like their voice hasn’t steered the county,” Dunn said. “I’m not for sale. I’m rich in ways that money can’t buy. I have my family and my morals.”

To read more about Dunn, visit VoteDunn.com.

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A woman for all

SEASONS In ‘Birthday Candles,’ Rachel Moulton ages 90 years as she bakes a cosmic confection.

MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER A+E EDITOR

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efore Rachel Moulton started performing in Florida Studio Theatre’s “Birthday Candles,” she took a trip to Texas in March to celebrate her grandmother’s 93rd birthday with other members of her family.

Moulton used the occasion for a trial run of baking a cake, which she does onstage during Noah Haidle’s play.

As Ernestine Ashworth, Moulton ages from 17 to 107 in “Birthday Candles.” But she does it in a series of snapshots, each of which takes place on her birthday. It’s a day she honors by baking a cake from scratch and recording her height on the kitchen wall. Both traditions are imparted to Ernestine by her mother, Alice.

Ernestine’s birthday cake contains the standard ingredients of butter, flour, eggs and sugar, but it also calls for some unusual elements. According to Alice, the recipe includes “stardust, the machinery of the cosmos” and “atoms left over from creation.” These cosmic ingredients underscore the thread of finding wonder in the quotidian that runs throughout the play .

In a recent interview, Moulton said she wasn’t nervous about aging 90 years during a 90-minute play. After 14 years on the FST stage, Moulton is a veteran shapeshifter. She’s played a variety of leading ladies of various ages and temperaments. Moulton also credits the teamwork among her “Birthday Candles” cast members with helping her pull off her accelerated character development.

What did concern Moulton about playing Ernestine was the logistics of baking the cake that emerges from the oven near the end of the play.

(You can even smell it in the back rows of the theater.)

Experienced bakers know it takes more to bake a cake than mixing all the ingredients together in a bowl unless you’re using a cake mix.

Moulton got the baking lesson she needed in Texas. She and her family also were able to collectively mourn the recent death of her younger sister. As fate would have it, grief is one of the ingredients Moulton uses for her performance in “Birthday Candles.”

Ernestine loses several loved ones during the course of her long life.

Not all of them die; some move away

Images courtesy of Sorcha Augustine

Rachel Moulton leads an ensemble cast in Florida Studio Theatre’s “Birthday Candles.”

At the end of her life, Rachel Moulton is sometimes confused but still wants to bake a cake on her birthday.

from Grand Rapids, Michigan, where the play takes place, while others are lost to mental illness or dementia.

“You know, after losing my sister, in a weird way, it’s like I was given this company of angels,” she says. “I can’t tell you the last time, or if ever, I have worked with such a generous, fierce group of people. I think we all have a sense of theater magic with this piece. A lot of that has to do with the space that our director (Kate Alexander) curated.”

In “Birthday Candles,” while Moulton ages, most of the other actors play multiple roles, displaying their own versatility in the process. Susan Haefner is a standout as Ernestine’s mother, daughter and great-granddaughter.

Other actors deftly juggling multiple roles are Peter Kendall, Freddie Lee Bennett and Sarah Elizabeth Colt. We won’t list all their characters, lest we have to include a family tree the way Russian novels do.

The only other character besides Ernestine who remains constant is Kenneth, a nerdy boy next door played by Rod Brogan. Kenneth’s ardor for Ernestine never dims over the years, despite numerous rebuffs.

They start with a cool reception for a goldfish named Atman (Hindu for “the divinity within”) that he gives Ernestine on her 17th birthday.

Rod Brogan plays Kenneth, a nerdy next-door neighbor who pines for Ernestine (Rachel Moulton) and presents her with a goldfish for her 17th birthday.

IF YOU GO

On her 17th birthday, Ernestine (Rachel Moulton) bakes a cake with her mother (Susan Haefner) in what becomes a lifelong tradition.

“I was wondering why the playwright picked the name ‘Ernestine.’ When I looked up what the name means, one of the first definitions is ‘battle to the death,’ which I love.”

— Rachel Moulton

Atman’s successors remain on the kitchen table during an unspecified period of time that appears to run from the 1920s to the 2020s.

With her fresh-faced, ingenue demeanor, Moulton can pull off playing a rebellious teenager who vows to “wage war with the everyday” and “surprise God.” She admirably demonstrates her stagecraft by persuading the audience that she’s aging as the play skips ahead to her 18th, 41st, 70th and 107th birthdays, with just minor tweaks to her costume and hair.

How does she do it? “Subtly” is the answer.

“Every year, she measures herself and writes the number on the wall.

When she measures herself at 70, she says, ‘Oh, the decline has begun’ because she’s getting shorter. So I just thought how slowly my body would get smaller and also a little bit more stiff. My center of gravity changes. Identifying those physical markers and experiencing them in rehearsals was the most helpful for me,” Moulton says.

Over the years, Ernestine’s voice becomes more muted. As she ages, she speaks more slowly and with more breath between her words.

That’s something Moulton says she and Brogan worked on together as

they rehearsed scenes.

When a theater such as FST licenses a play for production, the script comes with a summary of each character’s background, motivation and personality. But Moulton also did her own research on Ernestine.

Moulton is the daughter of two professors whose work took them to colleges in Georgia, Tennessee and Florida. They passed their love of research down to her.

“I was wondering why the playwright picked the name ‘Ernestine.’

When I looked up what the name means, one of the first definitions is ‘battle to the death,’ which I love,” she says.

Ernestine “has this grit and gusto, and I would say, this radical determination. As she moves through the river of life, she’s always fighting for something — herself, her children, her grandchildren,” Moulton says.

“Even though her journey does not take her where she envisioned it would, she never gives up.”

AN ACTRESS THAT CAN’T BE TYPECAST

Given the odds of succeeding in a competitive profession, actors are usually quite enthusiastic when they are interviewed about their current job. Why? Because they are working!

Occasionally, you hear a complaint about being typecast. Fortunately for the chameleon-like Moulton, it’s not a problem she has ever confronted.

In her tenure at FST, she has been cast in a wide range of roles. In FST’s 2025 production of “The Cancellation of Lauren Fine” she drew on her SEE CANDLES PAGE 16A

‘BIRTHDAY CANDLES’ When: Through May 17 Where: Florida Studio Theatre’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St. Tickets: $46 Info: Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

“You know, after losing my sister, in a weird way, it’s like I was given this company of angels.”

— Rachel Moulton

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Leadership changes coming to Florida Studio Theatre With the new McGillicuddy Arts Plaza under construction, longtime FST leaders Richard and Rebecca Hopkins are moving upstairs and looking to fill two executive positions.

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Image courtesy of Sorcha Augustine

CANDLES FROM PAGE 15A

parents’ academic background to portray a professor who gets caught up in campus politics.

In FST’s 2023 Depression-era production “Black Pearl Sings!”

Moulton played a musicologist trying to persuade a Black woman to record African American standards that have been orally passed down.

That role was challenging for two reasons, Moulton says. First, it required her to learn how to play the autoharp. Second, there wasn’t a lot of information about her character, whose music preservation efforts mirror those of real-life “songhunters” Alan and John Lomax during the 1930s.

Moulton’s favorite roles have been in FST’s edgy, Stage III series. They include “Ugly Lies the Bone” (2024), in which she played a veteran who bears both physical and emotional scars from serving three tours in Afghanistan, and “Grounded” (2017), about a female fighter pilot assigned to oversee drone sorties when she becomes pregnant.

“Grounded” left an impression on audience members too. “I was walking with one of my castmates this past weekend on Main Street

and some people recognized us. I’ve had that happen before, with people who saw ‘Grounded.’ That’s when I go, ‘Wow.’ If someone can remember a performance nine years later, they were definitely shaken.”

Being recognized on the street is likely to happen more often since Moulton recently moved here. A graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, Moulton headed to New York City after earning her bachelor of fine arts from Syracuse University. Brooklyn remained home even after she became a regular actor at FST and later joined its fulltime staff as an associate artist and development associate.

After adding the role of director of education in 2024, it made less sense to be “a millennial snowbird,” Moulton says, since her expanded position regularly takes her into schools and elsewhere in the community.

It’s a role she relishes. “This is truly my dream job,” she says. “I never thought it would be possible to work as an actor playing such incredible roles at a theater that truly believes in my artistry. To be able to grow as a teacher and as a theater administrator, I feel really grateful and lucky.”

Rachel Moulton and Luke Brodersen starred in Florida Studio Theatre’s “The Cancellation of Lauren Fein.”

lorida Studio Theatre has restructured its leadership as the organization prepares for the addition of the McGillicuddy Arts Plaza, which is under construction next to FST’s current facilities on First Street.

As part of the transition, longtime leaders Richard Hopkins and Rebecca Hopkins will assume new executive roles while continuing to guide the theater. Meanwhile, a national search for additional leadership to support FST’s continued growth is underway.

Producing Artistic Director Richard Hopkins will assume the title of executive producer, and Managing Director Rebecca Hopkins has a new title of executive director. The changes reflect the expanding scope and complexity of the organization, according to a news release.

Since joining FST in 1980, Richard Hopkins has led the theater’s growth from a small touring company into a regional theater serving more than 230,000 patrons annually. Under his leadership, FST has expanded to five venues and developed a broad portfolio of programming.

In her nearly three decades with FST, Rebecca Hopkins has helped shape the theater’s creative identity and operational strength. She founded FST Improv and the Sarasota Improv Festival, and has led the development of more than 25 original cabarets. She oversees the organization’s administration, marketing and development.

“This is a moment of extraordinary opportunity for Florida Studio Theatre,” said Rebecca Hopkins in the release. “The McGillicuddy Arts Plaza represents not just growth in size, but growth in our ability to serve artists, audiences and our community.”

Image courtesy of Florida Studio Theatre

Richard and Rebecca Hopkins are producing artistic director and managing director, respectively, of Florida Studio Theatre.

Florida Studio Theatre has initiated a national search for both an artistic director and a managing director.

Management Consultants for the Arts, a nationally recognized organization specializing in nonprofit arts leadership, has been engaged to guide the search, which will begin this summer. Both executives are expected to join the organization ahead of the 2027-28 season.

“This is not a sudden change. It is a carefully planned investment in the future,” said Richard Hopkins in the news release. “We are building the structure needed to support the level of work our community is asking of us. By adding leadership capacity now, we are ensuring continued artistic excellence for years to come.”

The eight-story McGillicuddy Arts Plaza will include housing for visiting artists and workforce housing for members of Sarasota’s creative community. The residential phase is scheduled for occupancy in fall 2027, followed by the phased opening of additional performance spaces and public venues.

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artist Alexander Calder and his abstract moving sculptures, dubbed “mobiles.” Runs through May 31.

GREAT ESCAPES 6: ‘STARRY NIGHT’ 5:30 p.m. at Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail $48 and up Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

THIS WEEK

“Starry Night” features guest conductor Christopher Confessore, who leads the Sarasota Orchestra in such celestial selections as “When You Wish Upon a Star,” “Stardust” and Joseph Straus’ “Music of the Spheres.” Runs through May 9.

DON’T MISS

‘SOMETHING BORROWED, SOMETHING NEW’ Private collectors in Southwest Florida loaned the works of major modern artists such as Louise Bourgeois, Chuck Close, David Hockney, Yoko Ono, Kara Walker and Ai Weiwei, for this groundbreaking show curated

by Rangsook Yoon. Runs through Sept. 27.

Dan Bradica

Hank Willis Thomas’ “Silver Lining A (No Flash)” and “Silver Lining B (Flash)” are on display at Sarasota Art Museum’s “Something Borrowed, Something New.”

‘ASSASSINS’ 7:30 p.m. at The Sarasota Players, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail $35; $15 students Visit ThePlayers.org.

Scott Keys directs “Assassins,” Stephen Sondheim and James Weidman’s tragicomic musical about the dark side of the American dream. If you’ve ever wanted to learn who Leon Czolgosz was, here’s your chance. Runs through May 10.

‘TUCK EVERLASTING’ 7:30 p.m. at Rise Above Performing Arts, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail $25-$35 Visit RiseAboveArts.com.

When young Winnie Foster’s life becomes entangled with the mysterious Tuck family, she’s faced with an existential decision: Live forever or make every minute count.

Runs through May 17.

‘FIDDLER ON THE ROOF’ 7:30 p.m. at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail $37-$99 Visit AsoloRep.org.

IF YOU GO When: 10 a.m. Friday, May 8 Where: Sarasota Art Museum campus of Ringling College, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail Tickets: $20 Info: Visit SarasotaArtMuseum.org.

Director Peter Rothstein breathes new life into “Fiddler on the Roof” by casting actor/musicians in Asolo Repertory Theatre’s production.

Set in 1906 Russia, “Fiddler” follows the milkman Tevye’s efforts to find husbands for his daughters. Runs through May 24.

‘LIES, SPELLS & OLD WIVES’ TALES’ 7:30 p.m. at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave. $50 Visit WestcoastBlackTheatreTroupe. org.

WBTT Artistic Director Nate Jacobs teams up with his brother, Michael Jacobs, for a musical that plays off stories passed down through the years. Runs through May 17.

FRIDAY ALEXANDER CALDER: THE NATURE OF MOVEMENT 10 a.m. at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St. $28 Visit Selby.org.

In this year’s Jean & Alfred Goldstein Exhibition Series, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is showcasing

Sarasota Contemporary Dance shines a light on new choreographers with this initiative conceived by Artistic Director Leymis Bolaños-Wilmot. Runs through May 9.

SATURDAY HERBIE HANCOCK 7 p.m. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail $61-$126 Visit VanWezel.org.

Now in his seventh decade in show business, Herbie Hancock continues to push the envelope in culture, technology and music. The winner of 14 Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for “River: The Joni Letters,” Hancock continues his bold explorations, bringing audiences with him like a jazz Pied Piper.

SUNDAY BAROQUE TREASURES 4 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St. $50 Visit ArtistSeriesConcerts.org.

OUR PICK

‘MARIE AND ROSETTA’ Students of popular music know that Sister Rosetta Tharpe earned the nickname “the godmother of rock ’n’ roll” for transforming gospel music with her spirited guitar playing.

She also influenced the music of Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, Johnny Cash and Jimi Hendrix.

Asolo Repertory Theatre’s new production captures the first rehearsal between Tharpe (Maiesha McQueen) and her acolyte, Marie Knight (Alexis J. Roston), as they prepare for a world tour. Directed by E. Faye Butler. Runs through May 31.

IF YOU GO When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 7 Where: FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail Tickets: $65-$71 Info: Visit AsoloRep.org.

Concerts program, “Baroque Treasures.” The concert kicks off with harpsichordist Paulo Bordignon performing music by Barch and Couperin. Several Sarasota Orchestra musicians will also perform.

MONDAY ANCIENT ART FROM CYPRUS AND THE MEDITERRANEAN 10 a.m. at The John and Mable Ringling Art Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Road Free with $30 admission; Mondays free Visit Ringling.org.

In 1928, circus magnate John Ringling moved beyond collecting Baroque paintings with a major acquisition of more than 2,000 pieces of Cypriot art at the Anderson Galleries in New York. For the first time, Ringling’s treasures have a permanent home in Gallery 12 after a decadelong project.

Enjoy a musical interlude on Mother’s Day with the Artist Series

YOU GAVE US HOPE AT OUR CAUSE 4 HOPE. Thanks to your generosity, you are helping us ensure that Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s can live up to the gala’s theme and our promise. We can tell our Parkinson’s families …

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IN-STUDIO: VOICES OF SARASOTA CONTEMPORARY DANCE 7 p.m. at SCD Home Studio, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Suite 300 $15-$30 Visit SarasotaContemporaryDance. org.

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Rex Jensen with Leigh and Bob Simons.

ESPN’s Mike Soltys, V Foundation President Brandi Broome and the V Foundation founder’s daughter, Jamie Valvano.

Joelson Krulewitz, Dick Vitale, Josh Krulewitz and Mike Soltys

Dick Vitale Gala Friday, May 1, at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Benefiting V Foundation for Cancer Research These moms have something huge in common: boys who are part of the Dick Vitale All-Courageous Kids. Pauline McLaurin and LaShina Lewis catch up during the VIP event.

Kerry Rohrssen and Sally Muehlenkamp grab a selfie.

Photos by Janet Combs

Jason Hughes with Monica Negandhi

Former professional basketball player Jerod Ward meets University of Houston basketball coach Kelvin Sampson.

Journalist, documentary filmmaker, mom, wife and ardent cancer advocate Katie Couric is the first nonsports figure to be honored at Dick Vitale’s gala.

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MUSIC FOR NEW BODIES EXPERIENCE THE VISIONARY POWER OF MATT AUCOIN AND PETER SELLARS’ NEWEST WORK: A ONE-ACT OPERATIC SYMPHONY EXPLORING HUMANITY’S EVOLVING RELATIONSHIP WITH NATURE AND TECHNOLOGY.

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Keynote speaker Ian Prosser with Nicole Kaney

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Lisa Holcomb, Jill Obrochta and Lisa Brakefield

Falicia FracassiPovich, Dona Scott, Rosa Stanfield and Janet Miles

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SELBY.ORG OLLI at Ringling College Summer Semester: May 18-July 10 Join us for more than 40 classes, lectures, and events.

Mission Green — The Importance of Both Local and Global Forests with Margaret “Meg” Lowman, Ph.D.

Using AI on Your Smartphone with Deshjuana “Desh” Bagley Thursday, June 18 11 am-12:30 pm

Thursday, May 21 10-11:20 am

Origins: Sarasota Artist Colony, 1945-1965 Tim Jaeger and Bill Hartman Thursday, June 4 10-11:30 am

• Steve Arvey Presents: The Sounds of Cigar Box Guitars • Wellness Trends 2026: Good, Bad, and Questionable • The Lady of Larkspur Lotion by Tennessee Williams • ChatGPT— Your Brainstorming and Reflection Partner

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• History of Musical Theater

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Event co-Chairs Nikki Sedacca and Montana Taplinger

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Wednesday, April 22, at Selby Gardens’ downtown campus Benefiting Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

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• Newtown’s Women of the Movement: Stories of Strength and Sacrifice • Genius Women Erased from History • Gardens That Give Back: Designing for Pollinators in Florida • The Best Mel Brooks Films • Can You Tell When a Financial Panic is Coming?

OLLI is located at Sarasota Art Museum on the Ringling College Museum Campus 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 941-309-5111 www.OLLIatRinglingCollege.org

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YOUR NEIGHBORS Lakewood Ranch’s Zain Kamal, 7, says fishing is a cool hobby and he is excited to learn from the pros.

Ed Catalane of the Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club does his part to teach children, including Lakewood Ranch’s Hayes Cochran, and further their fishing skills at the Youth & Teen Fishing Seminar on May 2.

Photos by Madison Bierl

An expert cast of instructors F

Lakewood Ranch’s Penelope Caswell, 6, is happy to walk away with a new fishing pole after completing the Youth and Teen Fishing Seminar put on by the Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club.

or Lakewood Ranch’s Zain Kamal, 7, learning how to fish from the experts at Summerfield Park was a day to remember.

“It’s just a cool hobby that I like,” Kamal said. “You can do so many things like fishing and have fun with friends.”

The Youth and Teen Fishing Seminar, presented by the Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club and Lakewood Ranch Community Activities, provided kids between the ages of 5-19 the opportunity to learn the basics of fishing.

Ed Van Stedum, who is president of the Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club, has been fishing his whole life and is delighted to help pass fishing skills to the next generation.

“Our goal is two things — to bring smiles and to bring memories for these children,” Van Stedum said.

Four different stations — knot tying, tackle, rules, and casting — were set up in the rotation.

Lakewood Ranch’s Erica Abajian attended the seminar with her 8-yearold son, Wyatt. She said it exceeded her expectations.

She was overjoyed that it was so hands-on learning.

She said Wyatt has fished before and has been quite lucky in catching fish. She is confident he will walk away with more knowledge and

Lakewood Ranch’s Nolie Barnett, 7, has fished before but was happy to learn the rules and the proper way to cast.

Lakewood Ranch’s Logan Jones, 9, had fished once before the Youth and Teen Fishing Seminar. His dad, James Jones, was there to share the joy of completing the seminar.

awareness in terms of safety, what equipment to use, and more.

Carl Blazejewski, a member of the club for three years, was in charge of the knot-tying station. He said he gets a kick out of teaching children and hopes they are inspired to get outside and enjoy all of the beautiful locations around Lakewood Ranch.

Ed Catalane has been involved in the Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club for eight years and he ran the casting station. He said he “fishes like a madman” and is glad to expose children to fishing as he didn’t have that opportunity growing up.

—MADISON BIERL Carl Blazejewski, who has been a member of the Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club for three years, demonstrates how to tie a fishing knot.

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LOCAL CLUB SPOTLIGHT

SOURDOUGH SOCIETY OF LAKEWOOD RANCH

An upcoming meeting of the Sourdough Society of Lakewood Ranch will feature a “Show & Tell” that will show members’ successes and failures during the month before the meeting. Members will discuss successes and failures to learn from them.

To get more information on the Sourdough Society of Lakewood Ranch, contact group leader David Wiegand at DMWieg@gmail.com.

Madison Bierl

The Sourdough Society of Lakewood Ranch members Camille Piccininni, Erica Calka and David Wiegand each created a loaf of sourdough with different ingredients to make each unique.

The rise of the Sourdough Society These members don’t loaf around when it comes to making delicious bread.

David Wiegand, group leader of the Sourdough Society of Lakewood Ranch, makes a loaf of sourdough with sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flaxseed and everything bagel seasoning.

MADISON BIERL STAFF WRITER

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or Riverwalk Ridge’s Linda Hawkins, baking homemade sourdough is a challenge that has kept her up into the early morning hours.

She said her Italian heritage has led her to cook to her heart’s desire, and she often experiments by adding “a little bit of this and a little bit of that.”

For sourdough — which is normally a three-day process — it is different. Measuring is of great importance.

“You need to have patience and accept that it’s not going to be perfect,” Hawkins said. “If you think you’re going to make it look like something that comes out of the bakery, that every loaf is going to be

the same, it’s not going to be. Every loaf is different, and you’ve got to be willing to have a good time while you’re doing it.”

Hawkins is just one member of the Sourdough Society of Lake-

wood Ranch that is led by Country Club East’s David Wiegand, who has been making sourdough since the COVID-19 lockdown. He said he loves the artistry that is associated with it and he is always trying to create the perfect loaf.

He is passionate because he has been able to create something beautiful and delicious that he can share with his friends and neighbors.

The purpose of the club is to share recipes, tips and trips with those who are passionate about making sourdough bread.

Wiegand said regular bread is generally made with flour, water, salt and yeast (instant rise or active dry). For sourdough, wild yeast and bacteria from the air is used, which is why the process is longer.

Del Webb’s Camille Piccininni said she had some hurdles to jump when she began making sourdough. She would buy starters at farmers markets and she would “kill it” (destroying the beneficial yeast and bacteria) every time.

She said she sought help from a professional, so she took a class.

When she baked her first successful loaf, she almost cried because she couldn’t believe it.

Piccininni has now been making sourdough consistently for the past two-and-a-half years. She joined the Sourdough Society of Lakewood Ranch to further her knowledge on the art of sourdough.

“My goal is to meet like-minded people and share any tips and tricks that we have,” Piccininni said. “I always feel like there’s so much learning to be done.”

A member of Grace Community Church, Piccininni said she has spread word about the club and nine women have expressed interest in joining.

After just her first meeting with the club, she was sent several recipes by fellow club member Erica Calka, for not only bread, but for granola, muffins, cookies and more.

Calka, who lives in Shoreview, enjoys the whole process of making sourdough and finds it to be meditative. She has been making sourdough a year after doing research on the health benefits of that type of bread. She said it has helped with her digestion and has saved her money since she is not buying it at the grocery store.

She uses the “discard” or leftover parts of the starter to make all sorts of other foods, including cookie dough, banana bread, cinnamon rolls, coffee cake and pizza dough.

She hopes to one day make a business out of it.

“If somebody doesn’t want the bread, they could use a sourdough starter and make other things that they would enjoy eating, but still get the benefits,” Calka said.

Piccininni uses her discard to feed her fruit trees.

Country Club East’s Bob Berman said he has made two loaves of sourdough that turned out well.

He said although he began baking bread in the 1990s, he is a beginner when it comes to sourdough.

Berman said the biggest downside of baking sourdough are that it is time consuming and the loaves are too big for one person. He said he is learning the correct way to make the bread and he will share those big loaves with others.

“I have read a lot about it, and I am watching a lot of videos,” Berman said. “I need to do it more.”

Wiegand said the goal of the new club is to meet on a monthly basis.

As of now, meetings are located at the Lakewood Ranch Community Activities’ office at 5391 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. N., Suite 101.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

3B

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What further separates Dedic is his background as a tech venture founder. In a market moving at the speed of data, he leverages proprietary tools and advanced analytics to give clients a measurable competitive advantage. He treats every listing like a high-stakes launch, blending Silicon Valley strategy with the high-touch service expected in the multi-million dollar waterfront sector. Recognized not simply

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

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Eirinn Camphire, Tina Juillerat, Jamie Reagan, Chris Snow and Debbie Snow explore the Peaceful Path after the World Labyrinth Day program May 2.

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urrounded by trees on Peace Presbyterian’s Peaceful Path, community members gathered “to create a rolling wave of peace.”

World Labyrinth Day was founded in Australia in 2009 by the The Labyrinth Society. People around the world are encouraged to “Walk as One” at 1 p.m. local time to represent the idea of world peace. It is always the first Saturday in May. On the Labyrinth Society website, there is a list of over 6,200 labyrinths in 90 different countries. Lakewood Ranch’s Peaceful Path can be found there.

Chris Snow is the elder for the Earth Care and Social Justice Committee for Peace Presbyterian Church. He explained attending the event and walking the labyrinth provided a place for peace and contemplation.

“Clear your mind, focus on releasing thoughts, stress and tension,” Snow said. “When you get to the center,

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There is no set time frame or process to do this, other than be thankful that we’re here on such a beautiful afternoon and are able to be part of something worldwide.”

He said peace for all is the goal and it felt wonderful to connect with people in different communities, countries and time zones.

Jamie Reagan is the director of the Peaceful Path. She said this is the first time they have held an event for World Labyrinth Day as they were unaware of it. She is already looking forward to planning another event for next year.

“Just by showing up today, you’ve already begun a walk for peace,” Reagan said. “Continue that walk however you want, however, you can walk with people around the world today and every day. Do it in your own way, but just keep on walking and searching for peace.”

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

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Jamie Reagan, director of the Peaceful Path, encourages community members to continue to find peace in their hearts through spending time in nature.

Guitarist Jonathan Sammons joins his daughter, Genevieve, May 2 on the Peaceful Path.

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

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hen The Lake Club’s Fran Kuczmarski was greeted at the Grande Clubhouse with booths showcasing wines, she said she felt transported back to 1984.

Back then, Kuczmarski lived in Christchurch, New Zealand, where she often visited an abundance of wineries.

On April 30, the Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle hosted a fundraiser — Uncorked & On the Rocks — to raise money to support local nonprofits that assist women and children.

Through grants and service initiatives, the Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle generated more than $103,000 in 2025.

“I love the ladies and they’re all my friends,” Kuczmarski said. “It’s something that I look forward to.”

Three representatives from wineries were present: Chiara Damilano of Damilano Winery in Italy, Josh Scott of Allan Scott Family Winemakers in New Zealand and ambassador Keith Ross of Alto Moncayo Winery in Spain.

The Lake Club’s Jim Bailey said that while the wine, cocktails and food were excellent, that is not why he was there.

“For me, it’s more about connecting with people,” Bailey said. “That’s where the magic happens.”

Wendy Fox and Tricia Horner were cochairs of the event. Fox said the club has had events in the past that were purely to socialize, but they wanted to socialize for a purpose.

She said living in The Lake Club is like a bubble and they are fortunate to be in it.

“Just a few miles away, there are people living in Sarasota and Manatee County that are not as fortunate,” Fox said. “They are going through some struggles in their life right now and they may need to ask for assistance from some of the area charities. It’s our responsibility to help those charities in the area, to try to help our neighbors.”

LEARN MORE HERE >

— MADISON BIERL

Photos by Madison Bierl

Josh Scott, of Allan Scott Family Winemakers of New Zealand, said he loves serving at wine functions because the patrons are so friendly, including Fran Kuczmarski, who lived in New Zealand for a couple of years.

Lake Club chef Wesley Kirby, who cooked all of the appetizers, is glad to see people like Jennifer Alokeh, vice chair of The Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle, at events.

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6B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

7B

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Martha Jepsky and Rebel Jackson say The Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle is a great place to build community and to support a great cause.

Kimberly Burns and Mary Rapacz socialize at the Uncorked & On the Rocks fundraiser April 30.

462191-1

After smelling and tasting the various wines from Damilano Winery, Lake Club’s Travis Vaniter says he is sure to go home with a bottle or two.

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

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THURSDAY, MAY 7 THROUGH SUNDAY, MAY 10

LIVE MUSIC AT JIGGS LANDING Runs from 4-7 p.m. each day at Jiggs Landing, 6106 63rd St. E., Bradenton. The live music lineup includes Steve Arvey (Thursday), Doug Deming (Friday), Side2 (Saturday) and Blue Grass Pirates (Sunday). The Friday and Saturday shows are $5; the others are free. Visit JiggsLanding.com.

FRIDAY, MAY 8 AND SATURDAY, MAY 9

SEAFOOD QUICHE & FRESH FRUIT - $28

APPLE, BEET AND GOAT CHEESE SALAD - $10

DAY OF PRAYER EVENT Begins at 11:30 a.m. at Gateway Park in Waterside Place, 1590 Lakefront Drive. David Hunihan, of Lee Wetherington Homes, leads a National Day of Prayer event. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call Candice Brown-McElyea at 232-9046.

MOVIE IN THE PARK Begins at 7 p.m. at Waterside Park, 7301 Island Cove Terrace, Lakewood Ranch. The free, family friendly movie series continues with “Zootopia 2,” sponsored by Grace Community Church. For more information, go to WatersidePlace.com.

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MUSIC AT THE PLAZA Runs from 6-9 p.m. each day at Waterside Place, 1561 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch. On Friday, Singersongwriter Doug Burns will entertain while on Saturday, Carmen Forte will play acoustic covers. For more information, go to WatersidePlace.com.

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PETALS AND POSES Runs from noon to 3 p.m. at 1560 Lakefront Drive, Waterside Place.

The Petals and Poses Mother’s Day event features a fashion show, a gift market, beauty treatments, a kids zone, and more. Proceeds go to the Mothers Helping Mothers nonprofit. For more information, go to WatersidePlace.com.

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BEST BET FRIDAY, MAY 8

BENEFIT GOLF TOURNEY Begins at 8:30 a.m. at Calusa Country Club, 18812 Scallop Loop, Lakewood Ranch. The Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation is hosting a benefit golf tournament with proceeds going to area nonprofits. Lennar is the presenting sponsor for the event. A Rolex watch, donated by Diamonds by Doron, will be the premier prize for a hole-in-one contest during the tourney.

Registration and breakfast opens at 7:30 a.m. and a lunch will be given at 1 p.m., followed by an awards ceremony.

For more information or to sign up, go to LWRCF.org.

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, MAY 10

FARMERS MARKET Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Lakefront Drive in Waterside Place.

Vendors offer seafood, eggs, meats, dairy products, pastas, bakery goods, jams and pickles among other items. Visit MyLWR.com.

TUESDAY, MAY 12

MARKET AT THE PARK Runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. The Market at Nathan Benderson Park runs on Tuesdays and features local artists, small businesses and crafters from all walks of life. In addition, there will be a kids zone, food trucks, live music and themed events. Visit NathanBendersonPark.org.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13

RANCH NITE WEDNESDAYS Runs from 6-9 p.m. at 1560 Lakefront Drive in Waterside Place. Join the crowd at Waterside Place enjoying the food trucks and live music or playing in the cornhole league during Ranch Nite Wednesdays. Weekly programming is offered each week in Gateway Park. No outside food or beverages are allowed. Visit MyLWR. com.

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8B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

9B

May is Better Hearing Month

Join us for month-long savings Hearing connects us. It makes us feel a part of our world. Hearing is so much more than a simple sense. It is simply part of who you are.

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HURRY! OFFERS EXPIRE 5/15/26 Patient will receive $100 gift card upon completion of hearing instrument trial. Certain types of hearing loss may require a hearing instrument model that is not appropriate for the trial. Hearing evaluation required. See clinic for details. Open to adults 18+ years and older. One gift card per customer, per year.

Not valid with managed care or state insurance plans. No cash alternative. Must provide a valid email address for gift card redemption. Please allow 2-4 weeks for delivery of the gift card.

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1

10B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

THE CONCESSION 20906 Parkstone Terrace 4 Beds 5 Baths 6,486 Sq. Ft. Laura Naese 941.350.3657 A4674842 $6,950,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 16903 Verona Place 4 Beds 3/2 Baths 3,084 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941.587.4359 A4689005 $2,395,000

EAST BRADENTON 520 Rye Road NE 6 Beds 5/1 Baths 5,200 Sq. Ft. Kevin Moran & Jill Berg 941.920.8600 A4655587 $2,195,000

THE ISLES 8444 Cane Bay Court 4 Beds 6/1 Baths 4,255 Sq. Ft. Kathy Barrie 941.757.7872 A4681997 $2,100,000

THE ISLES 8331 Redonda Loop 4 Beds 5/1 Baths 4,045 Sq. Ft. Kathy Barrie 941.757.7872 A4687844 $1,899,000

THE ISLES 8276 Redonda Loop 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,566 Sq. Ft. Kathy Barrie 941.757.7872 A4679617 $1,699,000

THE ISLES 8134 Redonda Loop 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,862 Sq. Ft. Kathy Barrie 941.757.7872 A4679798 $1,400,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH COUNTRY CLUB 13911 Siena Loop 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,216 Sq. Ft. Deborah O'Mara 941.730.0777 A4678185 $1,180,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 6465 Watercrest Way #301 2 Beds 3 Baths 2,287 Sq. Ft. Deborah O'Mara 941.730.0777 A4683907 $995,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 6523 Moorings Point Circle #202 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,963 Sq. Ft. Tina Ciaccio 941.685.8420 A4689879 $945,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 12129 Thornhill Court 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,011 Sq. Ft. Garry Neeves 941.667.0653 A4672799 $929,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH COUNTRY CLUB 7719 Latrobe Court 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,675 Sq. Ft. Deborah O'Mara 941.730.0777 A4680635 $895,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH COUNTRY CLUB 12705 Stone Ridge Place 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,539 Sq. Ft. Deborah O'Mara 941.730.0777 A4667522 $875,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 6414 Watercrest Way #302 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,482 Sq. Ft. Jody Shinn 941.705.5704 A4679069 $825,000

DEL WEBB LAKEWOOD RANCH 17226 Seaford Way 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,488 Sq. Ft. JJ Sutherland 941.412.6355 A4671625 $825,000

GREENBROOK VILLAGE 15005 Bowfin Terrace 5 Beds 3 Baths 2,756 Sq. Ft. Stacey Yencik & Nicole Ryskamp 941.363.1127 A4686591 $824,000

EDGEWATER 8412 Misty Morning Court 4 Beds 2 Baths 2,236 Sq. Ft. Ray Rausa 941.228.7614 A4689273 $799,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 6527 Moorings Point Circle #101 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,983 Sq. Ft. Barbara A. Milian 941.504.0660 A4678335 $794,990

EDGEWATER 8428 Misty Morning Court 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,538 Sq. Ft. Mary Pihl & Laura Navratil 941.932.3065 A4685923 $775,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH COUNTRY CLUB EAST 7538 Divot Loop #2D 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,376 Sq. Ft. Stuart Lawrence & Laura Lawrence 941.894.4001 A4676354 $749,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH COUNTRY CLUB EAST 7263 Belleisle Glen 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,988 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941.587.4359 A4690053 $725,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH COUNTRY CLUB 7715 Us Open Loop 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,667 Sq. Ft. Stuart Lawrence & Laura Lawrence 941.894.4001 A4684761 $629,000

SUMMERFIELD 6226 Blueflower Court 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,736 Sq. Ft. Cassie Yeager 941.900.5928 A4674044 $525,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH COUNTRY CLUB 7039 Woodmore Terrace 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,518 Sq. Ft. Barbara A. Milian 941.504.0660 A4658334 $489,000

ELLENTON 322 Linden Drive 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,785 Sq. Ft. Angela Adams & Heather Hoffman 941.809.9760 A4678300 $400,000

THE LAKE CLUB 16317 Daysailor Trail 3 Beds 4/1 Baths 3,268 Sq. Ft. Tina Ciaccio 941.685.8420 A4688458 $2,725,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 8560 Pavia Way 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 3,136 Sq. Ft. Mimi Kruk 941.587.5188 A4688580 $2,490,000

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LAKEWOOD RANCH 8134 Pavia Way 5 Beds 5 Baths 3,734 Sq. Ft. Tina Ciaccio 941.685.8420 A4687253 $3,095,000

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in Lake Club topped the week’s sales. Michael and Michelle Papper, of Bradenton, sold their home at 8556 Pavia Way to Matthew Sutika and Francis JohnsonSutika, of Bradenton, for $2.6 million. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,734 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,345,800 in 2022.

COUNTRY CLUB

Richard and Candace Seaman, of Bradenton, sold their home at 7520 Greystone St. to John Britton, trustee, of Bradenton, for $2.5 million. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 4,207 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,375,000 in 2021.

Mark Baker and Alison Long sold their home at 13231 Palmers Creek Terrace to Roxana and Fredric Zullinger, of Lakewood Ranch, for $2.05 million. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,820 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.1 million in 2018.

Scott and Molly Briggs, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 7808 Derby Court to Trade in Holdings LLC for $1.5 million. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,578 square feet of living area. It sold for $775,000 in 2018.

Frederick and Janet Stickel, of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, sold their home at 7026 Dominion Lane to Timothy Cornett and Lisa Bennett, of Madison, Wisconsin, for $1.35 million. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,504 square feet of living area.

Patricia Jackson, of Lakewood Ranch, sold her home at 7244 Orchid Island Place to Aseem Om Rawal and Zohreh Laura Tabatabai, of Tiburon, California, for $640,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,538 square feet of living area. It sold for $390,000 in 2011.

WILD BLUE AT WATERSIDE

Allen and Shelley Wolff, trustees, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the home at 8360 Sea Glass Court to Tony Dewayne Hoskins, of Sarasota, for $2.35 million. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,028 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,911,800 in 2024.

RIVERDALE REVISED

Tony Hoskins, of Sarasota, sold his home at 544 Fore Drive to William Scott Smith and Heidi Kay Smith, trustees, of Webster, for $2,088,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,843 square feet of living area.

It sold for $1.9 million in 2023.

George French, of Sarasota, sold his home at 4700 Mainsail Drive to Taylor and Rachel Dodgen, of Bradenton, for $1.75 million. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, fourand-a-half baths, a pool and 3,911 square feet of living area.

Meredith and Jason Sheppard, of Bradenton, sold their home at 3624 Fifth Ave. N.E. to Sean and Alexandra Squier, of Bradenton, for $1,175,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,919 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,175,000 in 2021.

Dawn Croft, trustee, and Paul David Croft, of Bradenton, sold the home at 4204 Second Ave. N.E. to Trevor Joel Conners and Alison Lippincott Conners, of Chesterfield, Virginia, for $690,000. Built in 1993, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,001 square feet of living area.

It sold for $255,000 in 2009.

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

APRIL 20-24

SHOREVIEW

Alfred and Rebecca Merullo, trustees, of Rockport, Massachusetts, sold the home at 7865 Mainsail Lane to James and Elizabeth McDermott, of Rochester, New York, for $1,895,000. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, three-and-ahalf baths, a pool and 4,666 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.7 million in 2023.

COUNTRY CLUB EAST

Rodger and Elizabeth Cerritelli, of Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, sold their home at 15404 Linn Park Terrace to Matthew Stemer and Jordan Nicole Stemer, of Bradenton, for $1,595,000. Built in 2012, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,310 square feet of living area. It sold for $867,000 in 2015.

CYPRESS CREEK ESTATES

Eugene Parent and Sudha Tallapragada, of The Villages, sold their home at 6123 Ninth Ave. Circle N.E. to Ardeshir and Nazli Vedadi, of Bradenton, for $1,477,500. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, fiveand-a-half baths, a pool and 6,354 square feet of living area.

LAKEHOUSE COVE AT WATERSIDE

Giorgio and Laurie Vitali, of Fort Myers, sold their home at 8043 Waterbend Trail to John Crowley and Anita Karklins, of Sarasota, for $1,475,000. Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,867 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,312,000 in 2025.

William Michael Seifert, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the home at 7953 Mainsail Lane to Barbara and Christopher Dempsey, of Bradenton, for $1.2 million. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,638 square feet of living area. It sold for $847,100 in 2022.

Madison Bierl

A Lake Club home at 8556 Pavia Way sold for $2.6 million. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,734 square feet of living area.

and Nicole Marie Grano, of Bradenton, for $830,300. Built in 2024, it has five bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths and 3,836 square feet of living area. It sold for $891,000 in 2024.

RIVERDALE

Gerard and Susan David, of Bradenton, sold their home at 3615 Fifth Ave. N.E. to Gregory Kaiser, of Bradenton, for $820,000. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,956 square feet of living area. It sold for $625,000 in 2005.

LORRAINE LAKES

Frederick and Bernice Knight, of Miramar, sold their home at 4856 Coastal Days Lane to Michael Cain, of Pinellas Park, for $810,000. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms,

three baths, a pool and 2,647 square feet of living area. It sold for $697,000 in 2022.

TARA

Kerry and David Becker sold their home at 6415 Turners Gap Road to Joyce Wilson, trustee, of Bradenton, for $775,000. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,666 square feet of living area.

It sold for $375,000 in 2014.

CENTRAL PARK

Michael and Katie Bernas, of Bradenton, sold their home at 12002 Forest Park Circle to Mark Edward Kiely and Laura Elizabeth Kiely, of Bradenton, for $760,000. Built in SEE REAL ESTATE, PAGE 12B

SAVANNA

Grace and Robert Carpinello, of Bradenton, sold their home at 3415 Big Sky Way to Amy Michelle Levi, of Bradenton, for $1.4 million. Built in 2021, it has eight bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 5,151 square feet of living area. It sold for $770,400 in 2021.

Kathleen Pecora, of Bradenton, sold her home at 14118 Florida Rosemary Drive to Rich Carillo and Danielle Liantonio, of Bradenton, for $810,000. Built in 2018, it has six bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths and 3,899 square feet of living area.

It sold for $460,000 in 2018.

Thomas Boylan and Meredith Bratt-Boylan, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, sold their home at 14216 Florida Rosemary Drive to Tommy and Leah Evans, of Bradenton, for $685,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,251 square feet of living area. It sold for $725,000 in 2022.

PRESERVE AT PANTHER RIDGE

Paul Sparaco and Katherine Sparaco, trustees, of The Villages, sold the home at 8103 Snowy Egret Place to Dawn Croft and Paul Croft, trustees, of Bradenton, for $1,016,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,467 square feet of living area.

It sold for $560,000 in 2018.

AZARIO ESPLANADE

Christopher Michael Dempsey and Barbara Dempsey, of Sarasota, sold their home at 4749 Zeno Court to Linda Jolly, of Bradenton, for $1 million. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,087 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.1 million in 2024.

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RYE WILDERNESS ESTATES

Charles David Jones and Jacqueline Ann Jones, of St. Petersburg, sold their home at 16612 Fifth Ave. E. to John and Maria Sullivan, of Port Charlotte, for $910,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,114 square feet of living area. It sold for $950,000 in 2024.

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PARK EAST AT AZARIO

Brittany Jo Robb, of Bradenton, sold her home at 16115 Mount Holly Drive to Joseph Salvatore Grano III

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REAL ESTATE

Lake Club home tops sales at $2.6 million

11B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

Mother’s Day HAPPY

Real estate

to all the amazing moms, mother figures, and those remembering their mothers today

FROM PAGE 11B

2014, it has five bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,937 square feet of living area. It sold for $559,000 in 2021.

CRESSWIND

KH Lakewood Ranch LLC sold the home at 18135 Cresswind Terrace to Robert Vincent Liberto and Mary Donley, of Lakewood Ranch, for $750,100. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,218 square feet of living area.

KH Lakewood Ranch LLC sold the home at 4910 Carova Way to David Pitzele and Judy Pitzele, trustees, of Lakewood Ranch, for $709,000.

Built in 2024, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,302 square feet of living area.

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Donna Maria Valentino and Stephen Trueman sold their home at 17702 Cresswind Terrace to Robert Hockel and Jill Cucci-Smith, of Bradenton, for $605,000. Built in 2023, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,820 square feet of living area. It sold for $789,700 in 2023.

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POLO RUN

Jeremy Tapley and Stefania Gramola, of Bradenton, sold their home at 17619 Blue Ridge Place to Mary Ellen Edman, trustee, of Bradenton, for $725,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,546 square feet of living area.

It sold for $390,000 in 2020.

6

GREENBROOK

Michael Hirschauer and Melissa Kustra, trustee, of Parrish, sold the home at 14316 Silver Trout Drive to Bradley Steven Sheffield and Brooke LaShae Sheffield, of Lakewood Ranch, for $700,000. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 2,868 square feet of living area.

COACH HOMES AT LAKEWOOD NATIONAL

Kevin Jay Walek and Heather Lee Walek, of Bradenton, sold their Unit 3621 condominium at 17723 Gawthrop Drive to Chrisine Guest and Patrick Morrissey, of Chicago, for $659,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,108 square feet of living area. It sold for $370,000 in 2020.

SAPPHIRE POINT

Devin Mark Sizemore and Jennifer Rae Sizemore, of Mount Juliet, Tennessee, sold their home at 16439 Slate Place to Binh Dinh Nguyen, of Apollo Beach, for $632,500. Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,293 square feet of living area. It sold for $806,100 in 2023.

SOLERA

Matthew George Schmidberger and Bethany Christine Schmidberger, of Cincinnati, sold their home at 5117 Sultana Cove to Viorel and Marioara Mocan, of Lakewood Ranch, for $608,000. Built in 2022, it has five bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,674 square feet of living area. It sold for $670,000 in 2023.

WATERLEFE GOLF AND RIVER CLUB

Constance and Oliver Atkinson, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the home at 646 Foggy Morn Lane to Kostas Panagioton, of Douglas, Massachusetts, for $607,500. Built in 2003, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,162 square feet of living area. It sold for $355,900 in 2003.

ONLINE See more transactions

DEL WEBB

Georgia Conti, trustee, of Plainfield, Illinois, sold the home at 7136 Summerland Cove to Jeffrey Paul

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It sold for $580,100 in 2021.

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

13B

The Ar t of Waterfront Living at Wild Blue 13 LUXURY DESIGNER-DECORATED MODELS NOW OPEN NEW HOMESITES AVAILABLE

Life revolves around the spectacular 30,000-square-foot clubhouse, now under construction and opening this fall. Designed as the heart of the community, it’s where neighbors gather around resort-style pools, enjoy shared meals at indoor-outdoor dining venues, and take a swing on the premier putting course.

With a golf simulator, state-of-the-art fitness center, private cinema, and newly opened model homes showcasing stunning waterfront designs by the region’s most sought-after builders, this Lakewood Ranch community stands apart for those who value connection as much as luxury.

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ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING THE REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS REFERENCE SHOULD BE MADE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. ALL RENDERINGS AND PLANS ARE PROPOSED CONCEPTS SHOWN ONLY FOR MARKETING PURPOSES AND ARE BASED ON THE DEVELOPER’S CURRENT PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN. DEVELOPER RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY, REVISE OR WITHDRAW THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT PLAN IN DEVELOPER’S SOLE DISCRETION WITHOUT NOTICE. NOTHING HEREIN OR IN ANY OTHER COMMUNICATION SHALL BE DEEMED TO OBLIGATE THE DEVELOPER, OR ANY AFFILIATE OF DEVELOPER, TO CONSTRUCT THE PROJECT OR OFFER ANY OF THE PROJECT FOR SALE, AND NOTHING HEREIN SHALL BE DEEMED A GUARANTY OF ANY KIND. THIS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SALE OR SOLICITATION OF OFFERS TO BUY.

MAY 7, 2026

SPORTS

“It’s not only the wins that make this season amazing. It’s just the team, in general. The bonding we have gone through.”

— Braden River High softball’s Sarai Castro SEE PAGE 16B

FAST

BREAK

Jack Nelson

Keith Jans is in his third year as the Braden River softball coach. After winning just four games last season, his team is headed to the regional tournament this season.

B

raden River High’s softball team is the FHSAA Class 5A-District 10 champion. With a 10-2 victory over Northeast on April 29 in the title game, the team secured its first 20-win season since 2018. The Pirates put up six runs in the fifth inning — as well as two apiece in the third and sixth — to blow past the Vikings. Braden River is now seeded No. 2 for the 5A-3 regional quarterfinals, and will host No. 7 seed Riverdale (1412) at 7 p.m. May 7. ... Rick Farmer was named the new Braden River High football coach April 27. Previously, he served as defensive coordinator under coach Jason Grain, who stepped down at the end of March for personal reasons. Grain guided the Pirates to a 6-13 record over two seasons. Farmer is tasked with turning around the program.

Braden River hasn’t posted a winning record since 2021. ... The Out-of-Door Academy senior Kevin Gyurka won the FHSAA Class 1A-Region 3 title for the 800-meter run (1:57.07), beating out St. John Neumann’s Logan Bartelt by .01 seconds May 1 at King High School in Tampa. ODA seventh grader Zoe Buller, meanwhile, won the pole vault regional title with a mark of 2.85 meters. Both will compete in the 1A State Championship, scheduled for 1 p.m. May 6 at Jacksonville’s Hodges Stadium. ... The season is over for both Lakewood Ranch lacrosse teams. The boys (12-6) — seeded No. 2 — were upset by No. 3 seed Plant 9-8 on April 28 in the 2A-3 regional semifinals.

The No. 3-seeded girls (12-7), meanwhile, lost to No. 2 seed Newsome 17-13 a day later in the 2A-3 regional semifinals. ... On May 2, the Sarasota Paradise (2-5-1) fell to Forward Madison FC, 3-1. The Paradise are now in 11th place in the 17-team USL League One. Next up is a contest vs. Chattanooga Red Wolves (1-2-1) at 3 p.m.

May 9, held at Premier Sports Campus.

MUSTANG DEVOTION

PAGE 15B

A beaming Dick Vitale with his AllCourageous Kids at the 21st annual Dick Vitale Gala held on May 1 at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.

Gala nearly doubles last year’s effort The 21st annual Dick Vitale Gala raised $21 million for pediatric cancer research with another star-studded event.

JACK NELSON SPORTS REPORTER

I

t was the news Lakewood Ranch’s Dick Vitale didn’t want to hear.

As a four-time cancer survivor, he didn’t rule out the possibility, but by no means expected it.

The legendary college basketball broadcaster had been cancer-free since December 2024 until a quarterly PET scan April 3 identified some abnormalities.

One phone call from his doctor, relaying the subsequent biopsy report, rocked him.

“It brought me to big-time tears, because I didn’t expect it,” Vitale said. “I feel fantastic. I feel that nothing bothers me — nothing. I feel probably the best I’ve felt in ages.”

Curveball.

That’s the word his doctor used before giving Vitale his fifth cancer diagnosis in six years. The biopsy confirmed melanoma in his lung and liver cavity.

Vitale recounted the emotions of his ongoing fight during the 21st annual Dick Vitale Gala for pediatric cancer research, benefiting the V Foundation, on May 1 at The RitzCarlton, Sarasota.

He put off immunotherapy treatment to ensure his presence at the gala.

This year’s gala raised $21 million, nearly doubling last year’s total of $12 million. The only gala that raised more was 2024’s, with a total $24.8 million raised via a match. Vitale’s efforts have now raised over $126 million for pediatric cancer research since the gala’s inception.

The 86-year-old’s biggest piece of advice for children battling cancer, “Think positive and have faith,” has become his own guiding light.

“He’s the real deal,” said Jamie Valvano, who received the John

Dick Vitale has beaten melanoma, lymphoma, vocal cord cancer and lymph node cancer. He hopes to beat melanoma once more to make it five-for-five in his battles against cancer.

Saunders Courage Award. “This is not smoke and mirrors. This isn’t just something we do once a year.

He’s family, and he’s just a special, special human being. I love him so much, because I wouldn’t be here without him.”

Valvano sat in the audience at the 1993 ESPY Awards to watch her father, Jim Valvano, accept the inaugural Arthur Ashe Courage Award.

That was the night he announced his co-founding of the V Foundation alongside ESPN. She watched Vitale help her father — suffering from adenocarcinoma — up and down the steps to the stage, so that he could give his now-famed acceptance speech.

Jim Valvano died eight weeks later. Carrying on his legacy, Vitale has dedicated himself to pediatric cancer research.

In the U.S., about 9,680 children ages 0-14 will be diagnosed with cancer by the end of this year, per the American Cancer Society. Just 4% of government-allocated cancer research funds, per the National Cancer Institute, are put toward pediatric cancer.

The money raised over the past two decades of Vitale’s gala has supported 264 research grants through the V Foundation.

“He’s one of those unique individuals who has the ability to rally people around a cause,” said Geno Auriemma, the Connecticut women’s basketball coach. “Not everybody has the passion to follow through on what they say … He puts his time and effort into the things he believes in.”

This year, Auriemma was one of those people Vitale rallied. So were fellow honorees Katie Couric and Kelvin Sampson. Michigan State men’s basketball coach Tom Izzo received the Dick Vitale Spirit Award.

Sports celebrities packed the ballroom of the Ritz-Carlton, gathering to give their dollars to the cause.

Duke and Arkansas men’s basketball coaches Jon Scheyer and John Calipari, respectively, were in attendance, as were Frank Thomas and emcee Kevin Negandhi.

The gala is Vitale’s big dance — his national championship. He doesn’t call as many games as he used to throughout a hall-of-fame career spanning 46 years with ESPN. Since 2005, he has poured himself into fundraising for pediatric cancer research.

When he calls on his connections in college basketball and beyond, encouraging them to support his cause in-person, they just can’t say no.

“We want to do it for him, because we understand how important it is to him,” Izzo said. “And then you learn how important it is to you as your family members go through (cancer).

This is a labor of love. That’s why everybody’s here.”

Izzo’s mother, Dorothy Izzo, is

Photos by Janet Combs

HOW TO DONATE Donate to the V Foundation’s Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund at DickVitale. com/V-Foundation.

The 22nd annual Dick Vitale Gala is scheduled for May 7, 2027 at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. Honorees will be Pro Football Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw, Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman and Florida men’s basketball coach Todd Golden.

approaching her 100th birthday and battling a “little bit of cancer,” per Izzo. Sampson lost his own mother, Eva Sampson, to cancer in 2014.

Auriemma attended a celebration of life for Norman Myers, the husband of one of his longtime assistants, only a few weeks ago following Myers’ death from brain cancer.

On April 20, Vitale received a message from Emily Ayers, one of his AllCourageous Kids — 15 survivors of pediatric cancer who attended this year’s gala. She was diagnosed with leukemia at 7 years old in 2016, and beat it.

Excerpts of that message were recited by ESPN Executive Vice President of Communications Josh Krulewitz to open the evening’s press conference.

Ayers, sitting in the front row, was asked to stand while her words were read aloud.

“I always say that in order to achieve something, you have to have a team behind you that supports and loves you,” read part of Ayers’ message. “That’s exactly what you and the V Foundation are to us kids. Now it’s our turn to reverse the roles, support and be there for you during your own battle.”

Vitale was brought to tears when he first read her message. His eyes welled up again when he heard them May 1, sitting across from 15 different examples that pediatric cancer research — his unrelenting passion — can, in fact, save lives.

Tom Izzo stepped away from preparations for Michigan State’s 202627 season to support Dick Vitale and his cause May 1. Izzo was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.

YourObserver.com

JACK NELSON here, we should be putting in as much effort as he is to support us as our coach.”

Paravicini has heard from plenty of people who have applauded his decision to coach through cancer and who deem it an impressive feat.

That’s simply not how he sees it.

He said coaching the Mustangs is a responsibility he will fully embrace unless he is physically unable to do so.

Such humility is admirable, but regardless of his perspective, the truth is that Paravicini’s perseverance is, indeed, worthy of a standing ovation.

Chemotherapy comes with multiple side-effects and constitutes no small challenge. Fatigue, hair loss and nausea are most common.

Then there’s the mental toll cancer takes — how the mind wanders when up against this country’s second-leading cause of death behind heart disease. Colon/rectal cancer is the third-leading cause of cancerrelated death in men, according to the American Cancer Society.

Paravicini doesn’t just fight his battle in the hospital or in his home.

He fights it on weekday afternoons at Lakewood Ranch’s football stadium for spring practice.

“We’re just trying to come together and help him and his family,” said sophomore safety/linebacker Aric Cleveland. “It’s a lot for him to come out here, and it shows dedication.”

On Feb. 9, a GoFundMe online fundraiser began, to help Paravicini pay for his medical expenses.

Caua Magno de Almeida, a senior defensive end/kicker, and Rhiannon Hutchinson, the president of the school’s booster club, were the co-organizers.

The fundraiser has collected $21,398 en route to its $22,000 goal, as of May 2, thanks 220 donations — an average of nearly $100 per donation.

That’s a powerful reflection of the culture of care Paravicini has instilled at the program.

“If you go back and look at the beginning of the GoFundMe, it’s all $5, $10, $15 donations from our players,” Paravicini said. “Nobody

Jack Nelson

This fall will be Scott Paravicini’s fourth season as the Lakewood Ranch football coach. He’s posted a 14-17 record since taking over the program.

Despite cancer, Mustangs coach remains committed to his players T here are good days and bad days for Scott Paravicini. He has his fair share of both while undergoing treatment for colon cancer.

Sometimes, the Lakewood Ranch High football coach feels energetic enough to direct spring practice.

Other times, it’s exhausting for him just to walk around the field and blow his whistle.

He’s shown up anyway. He said he will continue to show up.

“I feel like my health is at a point

15B

where I can be out here,” Paravicini said. “I’ve made a commitment to these guys to be their head football coach, and that’s all I’m doing.”

Spring football began April 27 for the Mustangs. It will run through mid-May, including an intrateam scrimmage at 6 p.m. May 8 and a scrimmage at Bayshore scheduled for 6 p.m. May 15.

Instead of asking someone else on his staff to serve as interim, Paravicini chose to oversee this period of

player development himself.

The fourth-year coach has nine rounds of chemotherapy remaining, as of April 29. His PET scans and tumor markers are clean — there’s no cancer presently in his body — but he’s moving forward with chemotherapy to minimize the chance of it returning.

“He doesn’t have to be here. He can be home,” said junior running back Elidrick Berry. “Him coming out here shows us that, if we’re out

asked them for that. I didn’t ask them for that. They did that on their own.”

Culture is the backbone of what he’s tried to accomplish with the Mustangs, but the on-field product matters most. Part of the reason he remains focused on football — despite having every right to prioritize his health — is because of underwhelming results.

The team finished 4-7 in his first year but improved to 6-4 in his second. Last season, though, was a step back to 4-6, and that season featured a five-game losing streak.

Lakewood Ranch appeared in the 2023 FHSAA then-Class 4S-Region 4 quarterfinals, but after losing 53-6 to Venice, hasn’t returned to the regional tournament since.

Paravicini and his staff are now in the process of developing a team which, they hope, will play complete, error-free games this fall.

“We’ve done an OK job, and we’ve been competitive in games,” Paravicini said. “But down the stretch, we make one or two mistakes. We’re not seasoned in terms of finishing games and figuring out ways to win games that are close.”

No number of wins is worth sacrificing his health. Staying on top of his treatment plan is, of course, first and foremost.

His battle against cancer will be waged for another nine treatments, and as he gets closer to the finish line, it won’t be much easier.

What Paravicini has done warrants serious kudos.

Even if he won’t admit it.

“I’m not doing anything special,” Paravicini said. “Am I tired? Yes. Do I not feel good some days? Yes. But at the end of the day, I’ve made a commitment to these guys.”

Jack Nelson is the sports reporter for the East County and Sarasota/Siesta Key Observers. Contact him at JNelson@ YourObserver.com.

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16B

Sarai Castro For the first time in seven years, Braden River High softball lifted a district trophy. The Pirates defeated Northeast 10-2 in the FHSAA Class 5A-District 10 title game April 29.

Freshman center fielder/left fielder Sarai Castro homered and tripled, finishing 2-for-4 with a team-high five RBIs. Her .585 batting average is the best of any Pirate. Castro is the East County Athlete of the Week.

What made the district title a special moment?

The district championship was important, especially because of the diversity in athletes that we have.

It’s not predominantly from one team or another. We have a whole variety of athletes coming from everywhere — all different types of experiences.

What’s been the source of your success at the plate?

I actually had been struggling with batting before this high school season, so I made my mindset more simple. Instead of, “Let me focus on my hands, let me focus on my hips, let me focus on my feet,” I think, “See ball, hit ball. Swing hard. Make contact.” It makes it simple for me to get the hits that I need to, es-

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pecially under pressure like in the district championship.

What do you enjoy about playing on this team?

It’s not only the wins that make this season amazing. It’s just a team, in general. The bonding that we’ve gone through — we know everything about each other, we hang out perfectly.

When and why did you start playing softball?

My dad (Vicente Castro) was a professional baseball player, so I got into it pretty young. At 2 years old, I was swinging a bat. I actually quit softball at one point (in 2023), but I found my love again when I realized that it’s not only about the ups — it’s about the downs as well. It’s a roller coaster that you just have to continuously understand.

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17B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

THURSDAY, MAY 7

Sunrise Sunset

High: 89 Low: 72 Chance of rain: 15%

FRIDAY, MAY 8 High: 89 Low: 73 Chance of rain: 8%

Thursday, May 7

6:45a

8:06p

Friday, May 8

6:45a

8:07p

Saturday, May 9

6:44a

8:07p

Sunday, May 10

6:43a

8:08p

Monday, May 11

6:43a

8:09p

Tuesday, May 12

6:42a

8:09p

Wednesday, May 13

6:42a

8:10p

WEATHER

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FORECAST

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, MAY 9 High: 90 Low: 73 Chance of rain: 11%

May 9 Last

May 23 First

May 31 Full

RAINFALL

SUNDAY, MAY 10

Gordon Silver took this drone shot high above the tree tops in Del Webb at Lakewood Ranch.

May 16 New

High: 91 Low: 75 Chance of rain: 8%

Monday, April 27

0

Tuesday, April 28

0.05

Wednesday, April 29

0

Thursday, April 30

0

Friday, May 1

0

Saturday, May 2

0

Sunday, May 3

1.59

*Rainfall totals from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

Submit your photos at YourObserver.com/Contests. All submissions will be entered in the 2026-27 Weather and Nature photo contest. In February 2027, you will vote for your favorite photo, and the submission with the most votes will win a $500 gift card.

YEAR TO DATE: 8.83 in.

2026 5.93 in.

2025

MONTH TO DATE: 1.59 in.

2026 0.06 in.

2025

We have all of your luxury flooring needs carpet | hardwood | tile | stone | pavers | and more

9.83x6

Daily crossword puzzles available at YourObserver.com/crossword

MEETING PLACES by Kareem Ayas, edited by Jared Goudsmit

News Block

console) 124 Compares (to) 125 Mothers who bleat 126 “Tragically ...”

127 W-2 ID 128 Word aptly spelled out in the four intersections of

57 “Waterloo” band 59 Went down a snowy hill 60 Big cat such as Rajah 61 Tizzies 63 French “Yes!” 65 Anniversary for a pet adoption 66 “Laughing” mammal circled words 67 Flip out 68 High hairstyles DOWN 1 Unspoken yet understood 69 Place to go when you gotta bounce 2 Make amends 71 Scaloppine meat 3 Three-card ___ (scam) 72 Name hidden in “whole 4 Gold bar milk” 5 Texter’s “Ha!” 74 Tony winner Hagen 6 College students earn 77 A long time ___ them, for short 79 “The Juice That Starts It 7 His and ___ (words on All” brand some towels) 80 Lead-in to “mall” or 8 “ur almost here, right?”

“Millions” 9 Femme ___ 83 Muesli grain 10 Silk Road desert 85 Meetings 11 Tiebreakers, for short 12 “Common Sense” writer 87 Sicilian peak 90 Animal on many an ice 13 Assembly line “limb” cream carton 14 Gifts 91 Yalie 15 Humility 17 Conversations in board- 93 Soak (up) 97 NBC sketch show on rooms, e.g. ©2026 Universal Uclick which Adam Driver played 19 Enthusiasm an oil baron 20 Ye olde poet arts school 34 Beverages that may have 62 Bout enders, for short ACROSS 99 Dudes on boats 23 Southern nana 92 Tarbooshes, fedoras, etc.

64 Cry loudly 1 Language that “catama- foam art 100 Chore to “run” 25 Brain ___ (online slop) 94 Seer’s “skill,” for short 35 Beaver’s barrier 65 Small pickle ran” comes from 102 Light bulb units 29 Mayo-and-garlic sauce 95 Perched on 36 Seized auto 67 ___ feeling (instinct) 6 Pro in a toque 104 Mini-golf strokes 32 Altar promise 96 Nacho topping 37 Director Anderson 70 Fort Collins sch.

10 Understood 105 New York canal 33 Corn chips in a Tex-Mex 98 Front part of an airplane 38 “Carpenter” insect 71 Chinchilla doc 13 Engine speed stat 107 “Pop ___” (singing show “pie” 101 “Screech” bird 39 Fruity drink sometimes 73 It bobs in the sea 16 Many, many with an “American” spinoff) 34 Jumped 103 Baby ___ (cloths) served with lamb korma 75 Model Hadid 18 Stick a new label on 108 Mathematical group37 “Stop pouring, please” 20 Not just one or the other 45 Festive welcoming event 76 ___ Daily (magazine once 106 Not yet potty-trained ings 39 Parent to whom a tattoo 109 ___ Lama in Hawaii called O) 21 Gold, in Spanish 109 “Bro!” might be dedicated 111 Nobelist Marie 78 Romantic couple 22 Certain big corporation 48 Stench 110 Once more 40 Small bit of gel 113 Young chap 80 Dull finish 24 Took in, like information 49 California city with a 112 Unpopular slices of 41 Filmmaker Ephron 114 “You ___ my fire / The number in its name 81 Hurl, in slang 26 Call ___ question bread 42 Nana one desire” 82 “___ for Strings” (slow 27 Merlot and other wines 51 Shaken instrument 116 Biological strands hid43 Pre-finals round 115 Country club? ... or a 53 Sounded like a 90-Down Samuel Barber composi28 Game company that den backward in this clue 44 Brat tion) hint to this puzzle’s inter54 Up to made Swordquest 117 Zero, in soccer 46 Burden 84 Bold poker action secting circled words 55 Trite 30 Antlered animal on 118 Parent’s boy 47 Reaction to pollen, e.g.

86 Facial breakout 119 Place for a poser?

56 “Gee, what a swell Maine’s flag 120 Poet Scott-Heron 50 Bread ingredient 88 OR workers 122 Mar, like a car party!”

31 When to start driving?

121 Alias letters 52 Expose, like a fibber 89 Claremont (Calif.) liberal 123 ___ Switch (game 58 Robins’ homes 33 Gender-___

celebrity cipher

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“K EIIP JH BSKJI ... KJ OIINT QI JLKEOKER. K’Q GWSGKP JLGJ KW K TJHN BSKJKER K’MM TJHN JLKEOKER GEP TJGSJ WIIMKER.”

FGSSKI WKTLIS

“RCUH VQX BUK ZUQZDU KQ ZIFKETEZIKU EH HQHOEQDUHK ITKEQH ... ZUQZDU PUU VQX, ZUQZDU IFU DUIFHEHB YFQA KCIK ITKEQH.” NQDQFUP CXUFKI

“KX GUK EWIZHLWZHE KX BGITTI DGF EZ OT G STLTYJ GYJ DUY GF KGYX EUESTF GF U BZHSJ ... EWGE DGF DWGE KZEUPGETJ KT.” HFGUY OZSE Puzzle Three Clue: Y equals N

crossword

CROSSWORD

Puzzle Two Clue: E equals I

457538-1

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Puzzle Two Clue: T equals S

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sudoku

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

©2026 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

05-07-26

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This week’s Crossword answers

found here.

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This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

Puzzle One Solution: “I need to write ... It keeps me thinking. I’m afraid that if I stop writing I’ll stop thinking and start feeling.”

Carrie Fisher

Puzzle Two Solution: “When you get people to participate in nonviolent action ... people see you, people are learning from that action.”

Dolores Huerta Puzzle Three Solution: “My aim throughout my career was to be a legend and win as many titles as I could ... That was what motivated me.”

Usain Bolt

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2026 Universal Uclick

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Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

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C.T. MALLETT

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RIGHT

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STANDARD WINDOWS

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461720

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Aluminum

19B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

Planning a Move?

Start with Lakewood Ranch’s Most Trusted Team Top 1% of Realtors in Sarasota and Manatee Counties Top 1% of Coldwell Banker Realtors Worldwide

DISCOVER THE CHARM AND CONVENIENCE OF BUNGALOW WALK

Move-in Ready New Construction

View Listing

Floor Plan

135 Bragg Lane | Steps from Resort Pool $619,990 | 2,006 Sq Ft | 4 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms

8009 Royal Birkdale Circle Country Club

14718 Secret Harbor Place Country Club East

4719 Cassio Court Azario

$1,950,000 | 4,367 Sq Ft 5 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | Office | Pool/Spa

$950,000 | 2,803 Sq Ft 3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | Office

$895,000 | 2,313 Sq Ft 3 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | Office

Under Contract in 12 days

Under Contract in 8 days

7804 Rosehall Cove Country Club

13828 Siena Loop Country Club

17022 Cresswind Terrace Cresswind | 55+ Community

$1,695,000 | 3,404 Sq Ft 3 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | Pool/Spa

$820,000 | 2,311 Sq Ft 3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | Office | Pool/Spa

$720,000 | 2,318 Sq Ft 3 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | Den

Under Contract in 22 days

View all featured properties: SHANAHAN LUXURY GROUP 941.961.8205 | 941.702.0437 ShanahanLuxuryGroup@CBrealty.com 8334 Market Street | Lakewood Ranch, FL TOP PRODUCING LAKEWOOD RANCH TEAM 2023, 2024, 2025 for Coldwell Banker Realty Contact Us to Learn More or to Schedule a Showing.

455906-1

20B

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