East County Observer 6.10.21

E A ST COUNTY

Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

Embrace art at the park.

PAGE 6B

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FREE THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

VOLUME 23, NO. 30

YOUR TOWN

County listens to bike safety pleas

Cyclists successful in plea to reinstall bike lane at S.R. 70 and Lakewood Ranch Boulevard. PAGE 3A

Big move for seniors

Liz Ramos

On par to learn Summerfield’s Joe Arena stood to the side as his 8-year-old grandson, Joey, held a golf club and prepared to hit a shot at no particular target.

In golf-course-rich Lakewood Ranch, the lesson was taking place June 4 at Greenbrook Adventure Park.

It was Joey’s first lesson, and he was being told to flex his knees and to swing easy.

“I taught all my children how to golf, so now I’m doing the same thing with my grandson,” Joe Arena said.

“When he starts to hit the ball more, I’ll take him to the golf course.”

Local high schools celebrate graduation.

SEE PAGES 6A, 1B, 4B

Liz Ramos

Lakewood Ranch High Assistant Principal Valencia Lowen moves graduate Jordan Bollinger’s tassel to the left side, signifying her graduation.

Brendan Lavell

Birthday bash From playing on the see-saw to clambering through the jungle gym to using his balloons as personal punching bags, Jayden Wilson (above) made the most of his second birthday party June 7 at Summerfield Park.

Wilson’s family moved to Myakka City about 10 months ago. Wilson’s parents, Anthony and Jayme, said they chose to celebrate his birthday at the park because it provided social opportunities.

“We’re still new to the area, so there haven’t been many friends for him right away,” Anthony Wilson said.

“You come out here? Instant kids.”

A+E

Jay Heater

Cathedral oaks will line the streets at Waterside Place.

Made in the Waterside shade Landscaping ideas come to fruition at Waterside Place. SEE PAGE 4A

Comedy club’s return no joke.

PAGE 14A

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

‘Strange’ school year finally ends Students, teachers, parents say they made the best of the 2020-21 school year.

LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER

W

hen Josephine Johnson’s kindergarten class performed a small concert for their families outside Tara Elementary School on May 14, it was the first time Johnson was able to see her students’ parents all year.

Johnson missed having parents and volunteers in her classroom so they could read to her students or watch them engage in projects, but just like all teachers and staff members in the School District of Manatee County, she adjusted to the new protocols and procedures put in place due to COVID-19.

“I think we did a great job, all of us, not just our school but the entire county, learning to adapt to the changes and making sure we do not always show the children the stress we’re feeling,” Johnson said. “I think all teachers are naturally gifted to find a way to keep our fire burning and to keep our kids engaged. Whenever we face challenges, we always persevere and adapt to the change and still teach the children.”

The just-completed school year was about adjusting to new COVID-19 mitigations for School

COVID-19 IN EAST COUNTY SCHOOLS

The School District of Manatee County has been tracking positive COVID-19 cases among students and staff all school year as well as the number of people who needed to quarantine as a result of coming in contact with someone who tested positive. Here are the result for the year in East County:

District of Manatee County employees and students, as well as their families.

Isabella Pasquale, a sophomore at Braden River High School, and Kristin Pomeroy, a mother of two students at B.D. Gullett Elementary School, said the school year went better than they expected.

“I was thrilled that things went as smoothly as they did,” Pomeroy said. “We were able to maintain some type of normalcy. Minus the masks and the social distancing, they still seemed to have a great school year.”

The students and district employees spent 180 days wearing face masks, practicing social distancing, going down one-way hallways and following any other COVID-19 protocols the district and the schools put in place in hope of protecting students and staff from contracting COVID-19.

“I got used to everything that was going on pretty quickly, but it was definitely strange,” Pasquale said. “I didn’t think it was going to make that much of a difference, but even just wearing a mask every day, having to socially distance and take those kinds of precautions were strange, but overall, I would say it was an OK year.”

Although students and families said the year went better than expected, many can’t wait for next year to bring a sense of normalcy.

Pasquale said the School Board of Manatee County’s decision May

om se.c

CONFIRMED

CASES August 2020 6 September 2020 19 October 2020 40 November 2020 34 December 2020 37 January 2021 49 February 2021 26 March 2021 71 April 2021 47 May 2021 18 TOTAL 347

28 to revoke the district’s mandatory mask policy will bring everyone one step closer to normal.

Pasquale is interested in seeing what changes might continue into next year. For example, Braden River High School moved from having a block schedule, meaning students meet for fewer but longer classes each day, to having a traditional schedule in which students have every class each day for about 50 minutes.

Pasquale, who is a member of Braden River High's Technology Student Association, said the biggest challenge she faced in TSA this year was ensuring that project partners who were at home for e-learning were constantly in the loop on updates on the projects.

She looks forward to clubs being able to meet in person.

“I'm excited, especially with TSA, to have that feeling of having everyone together again,” Pasquale said. “Typically, we would have labs open until 10 at

EMPLOYEES POSITIVE 1 4 7 9 5 5 1 2 0 0 34

STUDENTS POSITIVE 5 15 33 25 32 44 25 69 47 18 313

PERSONS QUARANTINED 73 170 205 399 444 738 357 891 380 121 3,778

Courtesy photo

Isabella Pasquale and JT Wright, members of Braden River High School’s TSA team, work to complete an architectural model.

night, and we'd have a bunch of people running in and out, getting materials and working on their projects all together, and we didn't have that this year. I'm definitely looking forward to hopefully getting that back next year.”

As president of Gullett’s Parent-Teacher Organization, Pomeroy said the school was lucky to have its annual walk-

athon this year, and volunteers are looking forward to being able to help in the classrooms and possibly host more events next year including a holiday event, a mother-son event and a fatherdaughter dance.

“It’ll be a sense of relief, and the mood will be happy and positive,” Pomeroy said.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

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THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

COUNTY REACTS: BIKE LANE BACK Manatee County will reinstate a bike lane at Lakewood Ranch Boulevard and S.R. 70 by October.

BRENDAN LAVELL STAFF WRITER

L

ocal cyclists said they have had no way to safely cross State Road 70 since a bike lane at the intersection of Lakewood Ranch Boulevard was removed in July 2020.

That is scheduled to change by October.

After holding discussions with the local cycling community, Manatee County has planned to once again add a bike lane at the intersection. Ogden Clark III, the strategic affairs manager of the Manatee County Public Works Department, said the county plans to finish the bike lane by October.

On the northern side of the intersection, the county has planned to add a 7-foot bike lane between Lakewood Ranch Boulevard’s two southbound through lanes and two right turn lanes.

Plans for the southern side of the intersection are still in flux because the pavement will require much more extensive repair work compared to the north side, and the county has not yet decided how much resurfacing and restriping will be necessary.

Clark said it was never the county’s intention to remove the bike lane permanently. Rather, the county wanted to add the bike lane when the intersection and surrounding area was due for resurfacing to fix scarring and other issues with the asphalt near the intersection.

However, the county then learned it would be several years before the Florida Department of Transportation resurfaced the road. With feedback from the community, Clark said the county decided to act on its own and reinstate the bike lane sooner rather than waiting for FDOT. The county will therefore do its own resurfacing work while adding the bike lane. Resurfacing and striping on the northern side of the intersection is estimated to cost about $208,000, Clark said.

The cost of the southern side will

WHAT’S THE COST? Manatee County is reinstating a bike lane, which was removed in July 2020, on a section of Lakewood Ranch Boulevard at the intersection of State Road 70 n Estimated cost of resurfacing and adding bike lane on north side of intersection: $208,000 n Estimated cost of resurfacing and adding bike lane on south side of intersection: $98,000-$210,000 n Cost of removing bike lane in July: $36,000

depend on how much repair work the county decides to do and how much asphalt is used, but it will likely fall between $98,000 and $210,000. It cost about $36,000 to remove the bike lane last summer.

Dawn Zielinski, the president of Lakewood Ranch-based Village Idiots Cycling Club, which won the Florida Bicycle Association’s Club of the Year award in April, said that S.R. 70 was a good meeting spot for cyclists before the bike lane was removed because it cuts Lakewood Ranch down the middle. The club pleaded with the county to make the intersection safe.

The lack of a bike lane also has been a problem for cyclists who live north of S.R. 70 and want to ride their bikes to the starting point of Village Idiots group rides, typically at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch.

“We have over 80 people who ride on a given Wednesday and Saturday,” Zielinski said. “It is completely unsafe to take that many people across an intersection that doesn’t have a bicycle lane.”

Since the bike lane was removed, Zielinski said large groups of cyclists have typically used the standard lanes on Lake-

LAKEWOOD RANCH BOULEVARD BIKE LANE

Rendering of the southbound side of Lakewood Ranch Boulevard at the intersection with S.R. 70, which is under review and undergoing final edits, shows a 7-foot bike lane. The northbound design is incomplete.

Brendan Lavell

Village Idiots Cycling Club members Andrea Sacchetti and Dawn Zielinski stand at the intersection of State Road 70 and Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, where a bike lane will be reinstated on the southbound part of the latter street.

wood Ranch Boulevard to cross S.R. 70 under the assumption that most drivers are far more likely to notice a large group than one or two individuals.

Zielinski said solo riders have mostly shifted to the sidewalk, which isn’t ideal because it often means navigating around pedestrians. Also, most of the cyclists ride road bikes, which have thin tires and easily puncture. This means they’re not well suited to ride over debris that is more often found on sidewalks than in the road.

“With all the COVID shortages that we’re having around the world, there are no tires to be bought right now for road bikes,” Zielinski said. “If we puncture a tire, we basically can’t ride.”

Before the bike lane was removed from the intersection, southbound Lakewood Ranch Boulevard had three through lanes and one right turn lane.

After studying the intersection, the county decided to change the rightmost through lane into a turn lane because the only turn lane was often backed up.

The bike lane was located between the three through lanes and the right turn lane. While studying the intersection, county staff noticed the bike lane was only 4 feet wide. State statute says a keyhole bike lane, defined as any bike lane located between a through lane and turn lane, must be at least 5 feet wide. The old bike lane was likely built while the statute only required a 3-foot bike lane, Clark said.

Clark said it was not possible to restripe all the lanes required for the intersection reconfiguration while also accommodating relocated bike lanes. The county installed signs before and at the points where the bike lanes ended to tell cyclists they could ride in the regular lanes or on sidewalks

and added shared-use markings on the road.

Clark said the county’s main mistake during the process was making a judgment about the bike lane based mostly on the fact it did not meet state requirements.

He said the county had focused largely on complaints about the danger of the intersection, especially as it pertained to cars navigating cyclists.

“When they went out there to kind of modify [the intersection], they made an assumption that the bike lane — being substandard — would not be missed,” Clark said.

“There are things that I think we will take away from this.

“The biggest thing is looking at the neighborhood, the surrounding uses, what people are using that for and just try to consider those things when we’re trying to make changes.”

Zielinski has been frustrated because she said the county did not talk to local cyclists before removing the lane.

Since then, however, she said county staff has been much more communicative with the cycling community. Zielinski said she appreciated county staff’s willingness to solicit and include feedback from cyclists in the decision-making process this time around. She said cooperation from county staff and commissioners is essential if the Lakewood Ranch area is to remain a safe cycling destination.

“I am so excited about the momentum of cycling and pedestrian awareness that we have going on in the county right now,” Zielinski said. “I think they’re much more aware of us now and the stakeholders that are in the area, in Lakewood Ranch. We’re working together.”

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

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J

ason Rinard, a principal of civil engineer and landscape architect Kempton Rinard, walked through Waterside Place as workers put the final landscaping touches on the

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entertainment hub.

He was asked what made the Waterside Place landscaping project different than the many others completed by his Tampabased company.

“Maybe the scale of it,” Rinard said as a smile spread across his face. “This had it all, a lot of different concepts, water, an 8-acre park, smaller parks, streetscapes.”

With Willis Smith Construction having finished building construction in May, Kempton Rinard’s landscaping design is the final piece of the Waterside Place puzzle. Rinard estimated the landscaping would be finished in July.

Business owners are working on the buildout of their spaces, and Monaca Onstad, the director of community relations for Lakewood Ranch Communities, said The Market at Lakewood Ranch, currently being held each Sunday in the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center parking lot, is being targeted for a move to Waterside Place in August, when the first tenant opening is expected.

Onstad stressed that there is no concrete date for the move yet with “so many factors still in play.”

However, in the past month, the outdoor aesthetics of Waterside have taken shape.

The journey for Kempton Rinard began late in 2018.

Schroeder-Manatee Ranch broke ground on the project Oct. 4, 2018, but planning for the project had been ongoing.

“There already was a lot of history when we jumped in,” Rinard said, adding that his company hadn’t worked with SMR before. “But everyone was coming together to make it happen. Everyone has been a team

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THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

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“We learn in every project. This was a great experience across the board. But our best reward will be seeing people interact here.”

— Jason Rinard

player, and [SMR] was not afraid to spend money.”

Rinard said it made it an easy transition for his company into the project because he already had a relationship with SMR Project Director Roger Aman, who had worked with Kempton Rinard when he was director of planning for WCI Communities.

At the entrance to Waterside Place, Rinard looked to his right at Gateway Park, a circular amphitheater that originally was planned to be a playground.

It was the kind of give-and-take Rinard said his company experienced after they joined the team.

He thought the entry point would be better served with a park that could host small events or just as a sitting area to enjoy the lake view.

“You try to be respectful to the ideas that come to the table,” he said. “And we collectively worked it out as a team. Gateway Park became a unique identifier, with seats and walls.”

Rinard said SMR was OK with scrapping a plan if another one was better.

Just down the street from Gateway Park is what Rinard said was being called Second Park, at least for now. It morphed into an area with artificial turf that can host

An area called “Second Park” will have artificial turf, views of the lake and eventually cornhole. The stainless steel wire fence allows for views of the lake.

various games including cornhole.

It will have overhead festival lighting for some extra atmosphere.

As the main thoroughfare reaches the lake and curves to the left, Merchants Park sits with its open-air pavilion lounge seating.

It will host live bands and other events and is likely to be one of the most photographed spots in Waterside Place.

In all, Waterside has five smaller parks and the 8-acre park that Rinard calls a “monster.”

“There is a lot of flex space,” he said. “That was the guiding factor.”

Kempton Rinard also designed the extra-wide sidewalks to accommodate tables and umbrellas if businesses wanted to have an outside presence. The trees

were lined with cathedral oaks, palms and other plants because, of course, “shade is a big deal.”

“We wanted to create pockets [between buildings] where you could see the water,” he said. “You could do a yoga workout or have a cup of coffee and be accessible to the water. We wanted a comfortable pedestrian thoroughfare, and SMR wanted to create program elements that would keep people here for a while. Or when you are waiting for a restaurant, you can take a stroll in a park.”

Kempton Rinard added several fun elements.

The splash pad being built on the island park will be in sight of restaurant and pub seating across the bridge so parents can keep eyes on children. A set of

bicycle racks were constructed at the entryway to Waterside Place, next to public restrooms. The stainless steel wire fence all along the lake allows a view of the lake whether or not a person is seated.

Fountains that rise in the lake will have its stream of water lit at night. LED multicolored lighting around Waterside Place will add to the atmosphere.

Kempton Rinard had the idea for the marina and a floating dock that will launch kayaks and water taxis.

“We learn in every project,” Rinard said. “This was a great experience across the board.

“But our best reward will be seeing people interact here.”

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

Seniors Lyric Loray and Brianna Lozada have been friends for six years and look forward to celebrating their graduation.

Photos by Liz Ramos

Kali Henre, Sherri Moon-Trempe, Keara Henre and Bill Trempe celebrate Kali and Keara’s graduation from high school. Moon-Trempe and Trempe made special T-shirts and head cutouts to commemorate the day.

Graduating with honors Two Braden River High graduates honor a fellow student who died in a car accident.

LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER

W

hen deciding what to wear to their high school graduation, Kali and Keara Henre, seniors at Braden River High School, thought about their friend Cameron Moon.

Moon would have graduated this year, but he died in a car acci-

dent in January 2020.

Kali Henre wore one of Moon’s shirts, and Keara Henre donned his fake Gucci belt.

When the Henres walked across the field at LECOM Park on June 2 to receive their diplomas, Moon’s parents, Sherri Moon-Trempe and Bill Trempe, were in the stands cheering for them.

The couple wore special shirts

with photos of the Henres on them and held up cutouts of the Henres’ faces.

“They were the only two who accepted [Moon] with his disabilities,” Trempe said. “When the coronavirus started, these two would walk by our house and leave notes saying they were thinking about us. They played instruments at our son’s funeral.”

Moon-Trempe said she and her husband were “over the moon” to be able to celebrate the Henres’ graduation.

“We love them to pieces,” Moon-Trempe said. “We are so proud of them.”

Many of the nearly 450 Braden

“It’s exciting but sad. There’s a lot of people we’ll never see again.”

— William Wolf

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

7A

River High School graduates were grateful they had a graduation ceremony after missing out on several last year of high school events, such as homecoming, prom, grad bash and more.

“It’s exciting but sad,” said William Wolf, a senior. “There’s a lot of people we’ll never see again.”

Brianna Lozada, a senior at Braden River High School, had spent all year at home doing e-learning because of the COVID-19 pandemic, so when she was surrounded by her classmates at graduation, she was thrilled.

“I’m nervous, but I’m happy at the same time,” Lozada said.

“It feels good to reconnect with my classmates. I missed all my friends.”

Senior Katherine Kramer walks to get her diploma.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

EAST COUNTY

“At first, everything is such a shock. Neuro Challenge helps you find your way, and it’s free.”

— Miriam Boots

Jay Heater

Craig and Miriam Boots of the Country Club have been dealing with the effects of Craig’s parkinsonism disorder since April 2020.

Support key when facing parkinsonism IF YOU GO THE PARKINSON’S EXPO Where: Virtual interactive experience, register at NeuroChallenge. org/expo When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 12 Features: The interactive experience includes presentations by experts in treatments, therapies, exercises and more.

Presented by: Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s Cost: Free Last time: The Feb. 29, 2020, live event attracted 1,400 people.

Next time: The event will be presented live again March 26, 2022, at the Bradenton Area Convention Center.

Country Club couple turns to Neuro Challenge and neighbors for help.

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

W

hen Country Club’s Miriam Boots learned her husband, Craig, had a parkinsonism disorder, she knew she had to educate herself about how to best assist him.

One thing she learned quickly was that seemingly small lessons turned big in terms of importance.

After the diagnosis, a neighbor suggested she call the Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s, which led to her being assigned a care adviser, Ellen Schaller.

As Schaller explained all the important first steps, such as identifying quality neurologists in the area, she also added some tips, such as urging Miriam, who is 71, to accept help from her neighbors and friends. She said if she didn’t accept help, her neighbors would stop asking if she needed it.

“That’s important because this can become quickly overwhelming,” Miriam said.

The advice also paid dividends — in actual cash — immediately.

PARKINSONISM VS. PARKINSON’S DISEASE From the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s “Parkinsonism, also called atypical Parkinson’s or Parkinson’s plus, is the umbrella term used to describe a group of neurological problems. Parkinson’s represents only 10%-15% of all diagnosed cases of parkinsonism. Parkinson’s is caused mainly by the degeneration of nerve cells in the brain while the causes of parkinsonism are numerous, ranging from the side effects of medications to chronic head traumas to metabolic diseases to toxins to neurological diseases.”

Schaller had recommended a discount medical supply company for Miriam to buy a wheelchair.

When a neighbor offered to pick up the wheelchair, it saved her a $95 delivery charge.

Craig, a mechanical engineer, was diagnosed with parkinsonism in April 2020 just when the COVID-19 pandemic was growing in its impact.

“It was a double whammy for us,” Miriam said.

Always in good shape, Craig

was having trouble keeping up with his wife when they went on walks.

“He was complaining of malaise,” Miriam said. “We went to the cardiologist and regular physicians.”

They eventually came up with the parkinsonism diagnosis.

Craig, a former lieutenant commander in the Navy who flew S-2 submarine trackers in the early 1970s, began to experience hand tremors.

Miriam said she was fortunate to find Neuro Challenge and Schaller.

“She is the listening ear,” Miriam said of Schaller. “At first, everything is such a shock. Neuro Challenge helps you find your way, and it’s free.”

One of the important steps for Miriam, with the help of Schaller, was finding a professional caregiver so she could take a break a couple days a week.

“Our caregiver, [Kenyan Smith of Smith Essential Homecare], has been a godsend,” Miriam said.

“She comes twice a week, and she has become a personal friend.”

Because Miriam feels her husband is safe when he is with Smith, she can relax when she visits with friends.

It also helps that Craig, 76, has been handling his misfortune with what his wife calls “grace.”

“He is such a gentle, kind soul,” she said. “He is facing all those road blocks.”

How do they get through it?

Miriam said the answer is simple.

“We’ve been married 31 years,” she said. “We love each other.”

Besides contacting Neuro Challenge immediately after a spouse or family member is diagnosed with Parkinson’s or parkinsonism, Miriam had other tips.

1. “Trust yourself. Doctors are being proactive in testing medicines. But you are your best advocate. When he was on medication, he wasn’t functioning at all. I could see the medicines were not working.”

2. “Keep hope. One doctor told us that no medicine would help.

I didn’t like the answer. I am not willing to give up on other things.”

3. “Make sure your home is safe.

Get an assist bar for above the bed and in the bathroom. A neighbor helped me put up the support bars.”

4. “Step back and let him do more.

I let Craig do things himself. I am always after him to keep moving.”

5. “Listen. Craig is a mechanical engineer, so I know if I listen to him, he can tell me ways to do it better. It’s easy to start thinking you know best.”

6. “Continue to be social. We do driveway visits, and people are so gracious. I live in a wonderful neighborhood. We went to a Cinco de Mayo party, and he was going to stay in the car. But three guys came over, and out he came.”

7. “I am a former librarian, so I need to give libraries a plug. He is a slow reader now, and they have an app called OverDrive, where you can get audiobooks.”

8. “You want to have lunch with the ladies but also keep friends who can do things spur of the moment.”

“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

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

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THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

JAY HEATER

Tap Ranch’s melting pot of talent W

ith a nod to the “Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss”: “Oh, the people you meet.”

When you live and work, OK, and play, in Lakewood Ranch, you are bound to meet simply fascinating individuals, most likely from somewhere else.

You hear tales of many states, or even foreign lands, and of food and culture.

I always find it particularly interesting, though, to hear about work history.

Whether or not you would define Lakewood Ranch as a melting pot, it certainly is attracting a multitude of talents, which is important when building and strengthening a community.

Take, for instance, Watercrest of Lakewood Ranch’s Nyda Bittmann-Neville, who is celebrating the 25th year of her TNB Consulting Group. She is the company’s CEO and founder.

I asked her to explain to me what she does in leading TNB. “I tell people I am an image and brand doctor,” she said.

“They usually have a confused look on their faces. But I work with individuals, companies, nonprofits, churches and help them create an image and brand they desire. I create strategies to do that.”

That ability has worked well for Bittmann-Neville for the past 25 years, but it also could

Courtesy photo

Lakewood Ranch’s Nyda BittmannNeville is celebrating the 25th year of her TNB Consulting Group.

be the kind of talent that is of value to the community. Indeed, the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance took note of her abilities immediately and recruited her.

“I have been very involved in the cities where we have lived,” said Bittmann-Neville, a former North Carolina resident who has been married to her husband, Tim Neville, for 19 years. “Here, people are very welcoming. I attended a Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance luncheon [upon moving to Lakewood Ranch in 2018], and the place

was packed, and the people were friendly. The membership committee came up and found out what I was interested in. Now I am on the programming and events committee. I learned at the alliance [that] if you have an idea, you had better be ready to chair the committee.”

She was busy planning a June 9 virtual seminar to share with alliance members how to maximize their online presence in today’s environment.

The seminar was scheduled to discuss trends, behaviors and benchmarks that will be shaping the business of the future from an online media perspective.

Whether it is creating strategies for her clients or alliance members, Bittmann-Neville said business owners need to be nimble.

“To some degree, my business [over the past 25 years] has been the same,” she said. “Businesses still want to project a good image and create a solid brand.

The real difference is execution.

Twenty-five years ago, we all didn’t have cellphones. There has been a lot of technology over time. I am glad I worked from home before the pandemic because when the pandemic hit, I already was at home.”

Just as she needs to keep abreast of doing things a different way, so too must most businesses. She said technologi-

cal advances make it easier to compete in the market place, so businesses don’t want to be caught lagging behind.

“Things change too fast,” Bittmann-Neville said. “I call it ‘instant pudding.’ You stir it, and you are ready to go.”

Formerly in the banking industry, she decided to change careers 25 years ago. Her father, Charles John Bittmann, was a family physician and an entrepreneur. She picked up a blank sheet of paper and wrote down everything she liked doing: helping people, defining company cultures, creating better communication.

“I thought, ‘I can make a business out of this.’”

TNB was born.

After getting married, Nyda and Tim visited Sarasota and lived in various Florida cities.

She said none matched the Sarasota area.

“We found Lakewood Ranch, which has everything we desired,” she said. “There is no comparison, none, to other places we lived in Florida. Lakewood Ranch offers everything you could imagine.”

She said her business continues to flourish. If you would like to contact her, you can write to Nyda@TNBGroup.com.

“I work with a lot of business owners who have a product to sell but have no idea how to get started,” she said. “They need a

logo, a website, an appropriate color palette. I put a marketing spin on it.”

After 25 years, I asked her to share five important tips to those who hope to stay in business long term: n Businesses must identify what their image and brand is going to be and be consistent afterward. n Be confident in your own abilities and pricing. Don’t give away your skills. n Being an effective communicator is essential. Map out a communication plan for every client, whether that means email, a conference call or Zoom. n Don’t stick your head in the sand. Handle conflict. n Follow through. If you say a statement will be complete by June 10, make sure the document is written.

With that noted, I am ready to turn the next corner in Lakewood Ranch and meet that next talented person.

Oh, the people I meet.

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

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THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

School superintendent thanks community I wanted to take this opportunity to officially thank everyone in Manatee County who contributed to completing this most challenging of school years — not only on time but also without missing a single day of school.

This accomplishment would not have been possible without the incredible resiliency and commitment of our students, parents, families, teachers and support employees.

When we started the school year Aug. 17, 2020, we were the very first district in the Tampa Bay area to reopen for on-campus learning and were one of the first districts in the nation. We started with 48% of our students attending classes full time on campus, and the number of students on our campuses grew steadily throughout the school year.

By February, 85% of our students had returned to campus, and by the end of the school year, we were edging closer to the 90% mark. We believe those percentages reflect the confidence our parents gained in our health and safety protocols and that ultimately they determined faceto-face instruction was the most effective mode of instruction for the vast majority of students.

The growth in confidence of our students and parents would not have occurred without the selfless dedication and professionalism of our teachers, paraprofessionals, guidance counselors, school nurses, social workers, principals, bus drivers, custodians and support employees.

“Your sustained support strengthened us all.”

— Cynthia Saunders

Every single employee of the school district, more than 6,000 in total, contributed to giving our approximately 50,000 students the full year of instruction they required and deserved.

Our employees did their jobs even as we experienced positive COVID-19 cases on our campuses, which resulted in students and staff being quarantined. Thankfully, the Florida Department of Health Manatee helped verify there was minimal evidence of spread inside our schools. The overwhelming majority of positive cases on our campuses were contracted outside of our schools.

And that brings me to our overall community.

Manatee County has always supported its schools. We couldn’t have completed this school year without the direct action and input of the Florida Department of Health Manatee, Manatee County Emergency Management, all of our local law enforcement agencies, our mayors and government administrators, faithful business partners and our always helpful nonprofit agencies. Your sustained support strengthened us all.

Last week, I had the honor of attending all six of our traditional high school graduation ceremonies. How inspiring it was, after the trials and tribulations of the past year, to see the joy and confidence on our students faces as they accepted

File photo

Cynthia Saunders, the superintendent of the School District of Manatee County, thanks the community for its support during a difficult school year.

their diplomas. I want to say a special thanks to LECOM Park, the Pirates and the Marauders for your willingness to host five of those graduations.

Most importantly, I am proud to report that Manatee County’s class of 2021 leaves behind a legacy of success. This senior class was awarded more than $4.4 million in scholarships and accepted into more than 180 colleges, universities and other post-secondary academic institutions across the U.S. Other graduating seniors are heading

off to serve in our armed forces, and others will begin their working careers.

Their success is a reflection of Manatee County’s dedication to public education.

Thank you as always for supporting our students and schools.

CYNTHIA SAUNDERS SUPERINTENDENT, SCHOOL DISTRICT OF MANATEE COUNTY

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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Tara’s Jeannette Wirz, the president of Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club, loves seeing the reactions from kids participating in the club’s annual Youth Fishing Tournament that is held in February or March.

She knows the tournament helps spark an interest that could last a lifetime.

Due to the pandemic, this year’s tournament didn’t have as many participants, which was disappointing to Wirz and Indigo’s Larry Naddeo, the club’s board chair. This year’s tournament had 38 participants fishing March 27 on Lake Uihlein compared to 75 participants last year.

The pandemic has also caused the club, which has more than 50 members, to discontinue its meetings until September.

Wirz and Naddeo are hoping new members will join the club and step up to help organize meetings, community events and fishing trips for the club as well as recruit more members.

“We’re looking for younger memberships to advance the club on a different level to be more active,” Naddeo said.

Wirz said people would enjoy the club’s camaraderie.

“It’s what we offer in friend-

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For more information: Visit the Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club Facebook page, or email Larry Naddeo at LarryNaddeo@ILJ.com.

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“Fishing goes back a long way, and it’s still going strong.”

“You get to know somebody when you're on a boat with them for hours,” Naddeo said.

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14A

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The owner of McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre in downtown Sarasota said he knew from the early months of the pandemic that his business would be closed down for some time.

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They’re going to shut us down.

This pandemic is real, and it’s going to last awhile,’” McCurdy said.

During the shutdown, he’s found ways to occupy himself.

Beyond bonding with his new grandson, he said he’s never spent so much time playing golf and fishing.

But that’s finally set to change.

McCurdy’s will reopen June 11 with two shows Friday and Saturday. The planned schedule is to have a series of weekend shows through June and July with up to 250 people in attendance and no mandatory masks. McCurdy said he has spent thousands on a new air-conditioning system that will help circulate and purify the air.

But this won’t be the first time McCurdy has reopened his establishment. McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre opened last November, but it was a brief return — McCurdy said he was struggling to get as many as 100 guests into his theater during a week that would typically attract 1,200.

He and his wife, Pam, have been paying close attention to the national numbers for vaccinations but even more so the number of vaccinations for Sarasota and Manatee county residents.

“We knew without vaccines that we weren’t getting numbers into the theater,” McCurdy said. “We felt by mid-June that everyone who wants a vaccine has had one. … I wanted to open at a time where we’re not going to distance.”

It’s been a long year of waiting, though it could have been more financially perilous. McCurdy, 65, said he’s no stranger to adversity with his business and has been saving money for decades in case of an emergency.

“People my age have lived long enough to know that no matter how much you have it together, every now and then you’re going to get sucker-punched in the back of the head,” McCurdy said. “I’ve been saving money for a long time. If we’d been [only] five years in business, we’d be in trouble.”

A number of McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre faithful will compose the talent for upcoming shows including headliner Flip Schultz, Dale Jones and other comedians from across the Southeast.

McCurdy said he wanted to pick “club favorites” who had an established history performing at the theater that he knew would be a reliable draw for people.

The theater will also reprise its drag queen bingo night starting June 13. What’s more is that McCurdy is planning to host comedian Blue-Collar Comedy Tour alum Ron White for shows in early August.

Although he has friends who are confident he’ll find himself enjoying sold-out shows upon his reopening, McCurdy said he’s still not sure yet if that will be the case. He’s hopeful and excited to keep at it.

“This year I will host [more],” McCurdy said. “People will see me this year more. … I want to be here, and I want people to see me here.”

15A

JUNE

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JUNE 10, 2021

SPORTS A PERFECT 10 The top 10 stories from the 2020-2021 East County high school sports season.

SPORTS REPORTER

F

or the first time since the 2017-2018 school year, the East County area saw a high school team championship win in 2020-2021 — and not one, but two.

Combined with another track and field individual gold medal, this school year has been the most successful for area sports programs in some time. Here are the top 10 stories of the East County high school sports year.

1

LAKEWOOD RANCH SOFTBALL WINS FIRST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP After years of regular season success paired with close playoff losses, the Lakewood Ranch softball team finally put it all together.

The 2021 Mustangs were tasked with replacing eight seniors from the 2020 team who now play NCAA Division I softball.

If the team took a step backward, no one would have been surprised. Instead, the Mustangs played as well as ever, going 25-2 in the regular season and seeing

themselves consistently ranked in the top five nationally by USA Today and MaxPreps.

When sophomore pitcher Olivia Laney began suffering from arm soreness before the team’s regional quarterfinal game against Steinbrenner High, it seemed like luck was again not on Lakewood Ranch’s side, but the team rallied behind junior Ella Coiner — who only started pitching regularly in September — and the team’s potent offense carried it to the state tournament.

Once there, the outcome was never in doubt. The Mustangs scored 31 runs in the tournament’s two games, including a sixinning 14-4 win against Park View High, then ranked No. 5 nationally

by USA Today, on May 22 in the championship game in Clermont.

It was the school’s first softball state championship as well as the first for any Manatee County school.

The Thunder would lose 20-19 to Bishop Snyder High (6-5) in the state championship game, held Nov. 21 in Lakeland, but even reaching that point was impressive after the team’s rough start.

5

2

ODA BASEBALL WINS FIRST STATE TITLE The first year under Coach Mike Matthews could not have ended better for The Out-of-Door Academy baseball program.

The Thunder used a versatile offense and steady pitching to earn a regular season record of 17-3.

They averted danger in the playoffs, including a 10-7 comeback win against Canterbury on May 12 that saw the Thunder score six runs in the seventh inning.

ODA defeated Trinity Christian Academy 5-2 in the state semifinals May 19 and then beat St. Johns Country Day 5-3 the next day in the championship game. It was the Thunder’s first baseball state title.

3

Lakewood Ranch freshman Grace ShawRockey hugs junior Grace Hogie after the Mustangs state championship win.

File photos

LAKEWOOD RANCH HIGH TRACK AND FIELD STAR WINS SHOT PUT TITLE Lakewood Ranch senior Riley Simmons spent the past two years getting ready for this year’s state track and field meet, held

May 7 and 8 at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville.

Simmons finished eighth (38 feet, 8.25 inches) in the girls shot put at the 2019 meet as a sophomore and would have been a contender for the 2020 state title, but the meet was canceled out of COVID-19 concerns, so 2021 was her one and only shot.

Her state meet performance did not disappoint. Simmons won the shot put with a throw of 44 feet, 3.25 inches.

4

ODA FOOTBALL REACHES SSAC TITLE GAME After a winless, shortened regular season (0-5), the ODA football program made a surprise run in the Sunshine State Athletic Conference playoffs, including a 37-26 road win against Cedar Creek Christian on Nov. 13.

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O’MARIAH GORDON CAPS HISTORIC HIGH SCHOOL CAREER Braden River High senior girls basketball guard O’Mariah Gordon battled an injury in 2021 that contributed to the Pirates’ early playoff exit, but the future Florida State Seminole left behind a stellar career.

The two-time Gatorade Florida Player of the Year gave a final goodbye to area fans at the 2021 Manatee-Sarasota All-Star Game, held April 8 at Bradenton Christian. Her most impressive moment came in the three-point competition, when Gordon first won the girls’ division by hitting 18 shots in 60 seconds, then defeated the boys champion — Southeast High’s Galen Washington — by hitting 13 shots in 60 seconds.

Above: ODA senior Nolan Lewellen and junior Connor Pope celebrate Lewellen’s touchdown against Bishop Snyder. The Thunder reached the championship game in 2020.

Left: Lakewood Ranch senior Riley Simmons won a gold medal in the girls shot put (44 feet, 3.25 inches) at the state track and field meet.

6

PIRATES SPRINTERS LAND IN TOP FIVE OF STATE 100 METERS Braden River High boys track and field seniors Josh Thomas (10.60 seconds) and Miles Stephens (10.66) finished fourth and fifth in the Class 3A 100 meters at the SEE TOP 10 PAGE 19A

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RYAN KOHN

18A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

PROSE AND KOHN

RYAN KOHN

Columnist’s top moments of the 2020-2021 season

E

ach season seems to pass faster than the last.

It’s the sports journalist’s curse, the price of having fun every day you’re on the job covering a fantastic game. The 2020-21 season felt especially swift, perhaps because it was a respite from everything else happening in the world.

With the school year complete, I’ve been able to pick a handful of my favorite memories and storylines.

Heading the list was watching two local programs, The Outof-Door Academy baseball and Lakewood Ranch High softball, win state championships for the first time. They were just as exciting as I hoped they would be. It’s what every teams works so hard to achieve. Knowing that those kids will never forget those wins means I will likely remember them for a long time as well.

Mostly, though, my favorite moments on the beat don’t come from watching specific wins. I like stories — something I hope you know by now — such as following Lakewood Ranch High football Coach Rashad West as he continues to rebuild the program, perhaps turning it into a contender. That gives me a thrill. The Mustangs went 5-3 in the regular season and advanced to the playoffs. Sure, they were beaten 51-14 by Manatee High in that game, but every program has to start somewhere.

Lakewood Ranch’s players know

Lakewood Ranch senior Blake Wood was one of the few area athletes to compete in javelin in 2020-21.

File photos

Freshman Izzy Silverio, junior Krystal Parra and junior Madelyn Portwood are three Parrish Community High players who live in the East County area and contributed to the team’s elevated play in 2020-2021.

what the playoffs feel like now, so if they reach that level again in 2021, they’ll be ready. That’s progress.

A little further west down State Road 70, I enjoyed watching the high school career of two Braden River High athletes, seniors Shawqi Itraish and O’Mariah Gordon, come to a close. Itraish, the football team’s quarterback, has always impressed me with his arm. He will play for Rice University next season. I think he has a chance to be a solid starting quarterback with time and some decisionmaking refinement.

As for Gordon, the girls basketball star, what can you

say? Getting injured midway through her senior season isn’t how anyone wanted 2021 to go for her, but she’s been such a stellar player for four years. Her two Gatorade Florida Player of the Year awards are deserved.

She’s going to Florida State next season, and I would be surprised if she did not make an immediate impact on the Seminoles. She’s too talented to sit on the bench.

It was fun taking in a Parrish Community High girls soccer game that featured a number of players from the Lakewood Ranch area. The program is only in year two, so there have been growing pains, but the program is going the right direction under

former Braden River High Coach Nicole Paternostro. Watching how the Bulls improve next season will be interesting; they have a lot of talent.

Finally, I always enjoy writing about niche sports, so naturally, I found my conversation with Lakewood Ranch senior Blake Wood about the art of javelin fascinating.

If the sports season goes by in a flash, summer takes forever.

Eventually, it will be August.

We’ll get to do this all again. I’m thankful for that precious gift.

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

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8

File photo

Braden River High senior Miles Stephens finished fifth (10.66 seconds) in the boys 100 meter dash at the track and field championships.

2021 state track and field meet, held May 7 and 8 in Jacksonville.

Placing as high as they did is an accomplishment for the area, which typically produces top distance runners, not sprinters. Entering 2021, no East County boys runner had finished in the top eight of the event since Braden River High opened in 2005.

7

LAKEWOOD RANCH GOLFERS FINISH WELL AT STATE TOURNAMENT Mustangs senior girls golfer Ashleigh Angelo finished tied for 17th at the state tournament, held Oct. 30 and 31 at the Mission Inn Resort and Club in Howey-in-the-Hills. Angelo shot 74-76 (150) over the event’s two days, finishing nine strokes behind champion Jacqueline Putrino of Riverview High.

She wasn’t the only Mustang who found success that weekend.

Junior boys golfer Tim Williamson finished tied for 19th, shooting 75-78 (153), 12 strokes behind champion James Hassell of Vero Beach High.

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BRADEN RIVER FOOTBALL REACHES REGIONAL SEMIFINALS Braden River High went 3-3 in a shortened regular season, but only one of its losses was by more than a touchdown, the seasoning-opening 35-21 road loss to Charlotte High. Coach Curt Bradley and the Pirates believed they were capable of more.

The Pirates then beat host South Fork High 49-9 in the first round of the playoffs.

The next week, the Pirates would lose to Lake Gibson High 56-49 on the road after leading by 14 points twice.

10

KRUG TWINS SIGN WITH DUKE UNIVERSITY Lakewood Ranch boys tennis players Connor and Jake Krug, high school seniors who participate in virtual schooling, signed with Duke University on Nov. 14.

The Krugs, who are twins, make up the entirely of Duke’s incoming class, ranked 16th nationally

by TennisRecruiting.net.

The twins, grandsons of Dick Vitale, said they never considered going to separate schools. They have been doubles partners for so long, and with so much success, they did not want to give that up. Duke was a place where they could do that.

The Krugs attended Laurel Springs Online School.

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BRADEN RIVER BEACH VOLLEYBALL FINISHES HIGH AT STATE TOURNAMENT The 2021 Braden River High beach volleyball team was adept at overcoming the odds.

The Pirates entered the Sunshine State Athletic Conference play-in tournament as the final seed. They won the consolation side of the bracket at the April 21 event, qualifying for the state tournament, held April 30 and May 1 in Tavares, in the process.

The Pirates were the final seed in the state tournament, too. That didn’t matter to them. Braden River would finish fifth at the tournament, its third-straight season of finishing in the top five.

FROM PAGE 17A

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

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JUNE 10, 2021

Classifieds 13B Games 12B Real Estate 9B Weather 12B

YOUR NEIGHBORS GRADE A STUDENTS J Photos by Liz Ramos

Graduate Mathew Dixon waves to his family in the stands after receiving his diploma.

ackeline Espinoza, a senior at Lakewood Ranch High School, decorated her graduation cap to say “Lo logramos Mama, Papa,” which means “We did it, Mama, Papa” in Spanish.

Espinoza wanted to use her cap as a way to thank her parents, Matilde and Andres Espinoza, who migrated to the U.S. from Mexico, for their support as she went through high school. Espinoza is the first in her family to graduate from high school.

“It feels so amazing,” Espinoza said. “I feel so happy I completed my four years, and I’m excited for the next chapter.”

At LECOM Park in Bradenton, 580 Lakewood Ranch High School seniors walked across the baseball field June 3 to receive their diplomas.

“It’s a great feeling after all those hard times in high school to finally reach this point,” graduate Christopher Walker said.

— LIZ RAMOS

Above: Principal Dustin Dahlquist congratulates senior Marissa Briggs.

Left: Senior Shivanie Ghansiam addresses her fellow Lakewood Ranch High seniors.

Seniors Tyanna Smith and Haylie Vela say it feels good to graduate but that it’s also bittersweet.

Seniors Madyson Flores and Leah Dakin have been friends since kindergarten and are now graduating together.

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SEE GRADUATION, PAGE 2B

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THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021 FROM PAGE 1B

D R O A R AT

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Assistant Principal Jillian Bieber hands senior Michelle Lee her diploma.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

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YOUTH NATIONAL ROWING CHAMPIONSHIPS Begins each day at 7:30 a.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. USRowing is hosting the Youth National Regatta, which will draw 2,800 participants from 188 clubs to the park.

Clubs will be traveling from 34 states to attend. Rowers will compete in 27 divisions. Spectator tickets for the event are sold out, but spectators are welcome to watch the event from the west bank of Cooper Creek Lake for free. For more information, go to NathanBendersonPark.com.

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FRIDAY, JUNE 11

NEWCOMERS MEET Begins at 10 a.m. at Bob Gardner Park, 2710 White Eagle Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. Lakewood Ranch Community Activities is hosting a Newcomers Meet event for an introduction to the community’s parks and events.

For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

SUNDAY, JUNE 13

YOGA IN THE PARK Begins at 9 a.m. at Bob Gardner Park, 2710 White Eagle Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. The public is invited to participate in a free yoga workout at Bob Gardner Park. The event is hosted by The Yoga Shack Florida. Bring your

own mat and water bottle. Mats must be placed 6 feet apart. All participants are asked to follow social distancing guidelines. For more information or to register for the event, go to LakewoodRanch.com.

There have been several recent changes by the government Florida Blue invests $1.5 million in that allow more people living in Florida to sign-up for affordable health insurance. The COVID-19 relief organizations law (American Rescue Plan) Sarasota, Manatee There have been several recent changes by the government

MARKET AT LAKEWOOD RANCH Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, 8330 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. The Market at Lakewood Ranch runs every Sunday through July. Vendors will be offering seafood, eggs, meats, dairy products, pastas, bakery goods, jams and pickles, among other items. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

provides additional financial assistance and allows even more that allow more living to the sign-up forneeds affordable Meeting essential when crisis Giving backto toget thepeople community is in Florida Floridians health insurance through Affordable Care strikes something many businesses do. But relief health insurance.

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Florida Blue has made supporting When the demands on local provides additional financial assistance and allows even more local nonprofits and community nonprofits last year due to the Floridians to get has health insurance through thespiked Affordable Care The government reopened enrollment in ACA plans until organizations essential to also fulfilling pandemic, Florida Blue immediately Act (ACA/Obamacare). its August mission of peopleyou andcan takeconnected 15.helping This means advantagewith of the new financial nonprofits addressing communities health. assistanceachieve optionsbetter that are available.essential needs in the community to government haslocal alsoBlue reopenedoffer enrollment ACA plans support.in The local Blueuntil Cross InThe recent years, as the Blue Shield plan provided 125,000 Cross Blue Shield plan, Florida Blue August 15. This means you can take advantage of the new financial Highlights ofinvested these meals to All Faiths Food Bank, and its foundation have assistance options that are available. donated a combined $50,000 to the approximately $1.5 million in Sarasota recent changes include: and Manatee organizations to support Area Agency on Aging for Southwest and The Connection at-risk combat food insecurity, Highlights of these n Ifyouth, you are currently enrolled in anFlorida ACA plan, youSenior may now be Center to help seniors in Sarasota, provide free water safety classes eligible for more financial assistance toward bill, recent changes include: Manatee andyour othermonthly local counties, to children, enhance mental health orand upgrade your plan for the same The monthly cost andcost. supported other organizations support other essential programs. n If you are currently enrolled in an ACA plan, you may now critical be addressing the community’s roughlyto $50 per person and $85 per policy “Wewill aredecrease working diligently needs. eligible for more financial assistance toward your monthly bill, address key factors that impact on average.* year later,cost the toll of health or andupgrade the quality of life in for the the sameMore your plan cost.than Theamonthly the pandemic continues to communities we serve through you couldn’t receive financial assistance (or a subsidy) in the n Ifwill decrease roughly $50 per person and $85 per policy burden many working families as they our work with local nonprofits,” past because your income was too high, you may be able toface on average.* the possibility of homelessness due to explained Nick Kouris, Florida Blue now. Approximately 239,000 Floridians are now eligible for evictions, prompting Florida Blue to market leader for Southwest Florida.

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Approximately 239,000 Floridians areand nowSarasota eligible Manatee county one for $10 or less making per local organizations toward a residents can benefit from a rental financial assistance whomonth.* didn’t qualify previously.* meaningful impact.” assistance navigator at Gulf Coast Four out ofin five people wholast sign-up for an ACA plan canfor find Legalcontact Services who is Blue focused on Cutting wait times for youth Ifnyou enrolled anat-risk ACA plan year, Florida identifying available resources and family support one for $10 or less per month.* help reassessing your financial assistance and your plan. Our for emergency rental assistance, Centerstone is onecan of the local these recent licensed agents explain changes and how they understanding recent legislation organizations benefiting from the If you enrolled in an ACA plan last year, contact Florida Blue for may lower your bills. and initiatives impacting renters Florida Blue Foundation’s community help reassessing your financial assistance and your plan. and homeowners, and Our serving as a initiatives. Gemma Clayson, resource for other local nonprofits licensed agents can explain these recent changes and how they and Florida Blue has agents who can speak to you Centerstone’s director of communitysupport organizations. based programs, said Sarasota has to explain your may lower your on the phone or bills. by video chat Committed to the community and many resources for youth and families options. They’ll take the time to understand good health struggling with mental health issues, Florida Blue has agents whoyour can speak situation, needs to you butyour highbudget, demandyour causes long waitlists Moreyour than 6.5 million Floridians on the phone or bythen video chat you to explain concerns, and match to an received services as a result forand support services. have options.

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Thanks to aFlorida mental well-being grant FloridaBlue.com/EnrollNow, calling “Florida Blue and our foundation are from the Florida Blue Foundation, (941) 308-2042 at University committed to bringing like-minded Centerstone has launched a Family 800-670-9271 Town Center. or contacting our organizations together with a common Connections program focused on Sarasota Florida Blue Center at goal – improving the health of our preemptive support of at-risk youth (941) 308-2042 attoUniversity communities.” that cut the wait times under *Source: Department of Health and Human Services two Town Center. weeks that previously could be as long Health insurance is offered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Inc., DBA Florida Blue. HMO coverage is offered

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COMMUNITY

4B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

A bittersweet farewell at ODA

Seniors Phineas Scanlan and Matthew Rosen say they are happy to graduate after a year of uncertainty due to COVID-19.

A

manda Colditz, a senior at The Out-ofDoor Academy, has been attending the school since fourth grade, so graduating from the school surrounded by the people she’s grown up with was bittersweet.

“I’m obviously excited to move on and do something different, but I’ve been around the same people for a long time,” Colditz said.

“I’ve cherished that, and it’s sad to leave them, but I’m excited.”

Colditz was looking forward to seeing her 71 classmates walk across the stage and receive their diplomas June 5 at the school’s stadium.

“I’ve seen these people as fourth graders,” Colditz said. “It’s insane to see everybody graduate.”

Senior Jenna Viard said graduating from ODA is like leaving home.

“I spent more time with these kids than I have my own parents, so separating from this many family members is going to be really hard,” Viard said. “I truly love these guys.”

— LIZ RAMOS

Photos by Liz Ramos

Above: Seniors Lexi Kozel, Monet Ramsey and Amanda Colditz share their decorated graduation caps that show where they’re headed to college.

Right: Senior Dabney Bentley commemorates her graduation with David Mahler, the head of school.

Graduate Saraiah Walkes smiles as she makes her way back to her seat with her diploma in hand.

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WHY DO MY LEGS HURT?

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THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

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By Adam N. Phillips, D.O., Board Certified General Surgeon & Vein Specialist

THERE ARE MANY REASONS – HERE ARE A FEW.

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Many reasons exist for leg pain. The lower part of our legs bears the burden of daily activities and can’t always live up to these tasks for myriad reasons.

Here are a few: • Muscle Cramps – Cramps occur during sleep or in the middle of the day and are a sudden, intense, cramping pain (Charley horse) that occurs when muscles are fatigued or dehydrated.

It’s a sign you need to drink more water, but relief can be found with massage or gentle stretching.

Am I at Risk for Vein Disease?

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• Shin splints – Muscles and skin along the edge of shin become inflamed, which causes pain with walking, running, or jumping. It’s often caused by repetitive activity on a hard surface, or by having flat or turned out feet.

Rest, ice, and Ibuprofen are the most common treatments and should be followed by stretching, wearing comfortable shoes, and avoiding running on hard surfaces.

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• Lower-extremity peripheral artery disease – Occurs when the arteries in the legs become damaged and hardened. When arteries are calcified with plaque, they can narrow or become blocked which prevents the legs from receiving oxygenated blood.

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• Varieties of nerve pain – Most common are narrowing of the spinal canal and sciatica. Arthritis of the spine can cause narrowing of the spinal canal, and a herniated disc can put pressure on nerve roots, which leads to burning, cramping leg pain with standing or sitting. Additional symptoms include numbness, tingling, fatigue, and weakness. Pain typically begins in the back or hip and extends down the back side of the leg. Treatment requires a combination of physical therapy, stretching, anti-inflammatory medication, or surgery. Diabetic neuropathy occurs when nerves in the legs are damaged from chronically elevated blood sugar levels causing pain in both legs with eventual numbness and loss of sensation.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

GERD AND UNDERSTANDING YOUR TREATMENT OPTIONS Ask the Doctor...

DAVID DEXTER,

MD, FACS, Board Certified General Surgeon

Photos by Nat Kaemmerer

Education Director Ben Jewell-Plocher and People’s Choice Awards winner Joanna Davis stand in front of Davis’ piece “Infusion of Love.” Davis says she completed the piece in about 15 minutes the day it was due.

WHAT IS GERD? HOW IS THE existence for many decades, has CONDITION DIAGNOSED? shown consistent positive patient Gastroesophageal reflux disease outcomes, and remains the most (GERD), or acid reflux, is a commonly performed and best common condition where acid tolerated procedure. from the stomach backwashes into the esophagus. Common Postoperative patients often tell symptoms include heartburn, me how much better their life indigestion, sensitivity to acidic is following surgery. They had foods or drinks, regurgitation, not previously appreciated how and atypical chest pain. Most significantly they altered their patients are diagnosed initially lifestyle due to their symptoms. by their primary care provider due to complaints of heartburn It should be noted, however, that or excessive belching.

A dentist patients with a Body Mass Index David W. Dexter, MD, FACS or otolaryngologist may also over 40 may be better served General Surgery; suspect GERD dueBoard to acid Certifiedbyinundergoing gastric bypass, Fellowteeth in the College Surgeons exposure on the patient’s or American which addresses the of weight and vocal cords. The most common is curative for GERD. diagnostic test for GERD is an upper endoscopy.

Other tests WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL General Surgeon can directly monitor pH or APPROACH TO PATIENT We are pleased to introduce David W. Dexter, MD, FACS, the demonstrate reflux on X-ray.

CARE? newest surgeon to join Manatee Physician Alliance.

My goal with every patient is HOW IS GERD TREATED? to help them feel comfortable Dr. Dexter is board certified in General andtheir a Fellow in the SURGERY VS MEDICATION: withSurgery me, answer questions, American Surgeons. seeing both elective PatientsCollege generallyofachieve someHe will andbe ease their concerns.

I use and degree relief using medication photos and drawings describe acute care of general surgery patients at Lakewood RanchtoMedical (antacids, H2 Blockers, or Protonof general anatomysurgery, and surgical Center.

He performs all aspects but procedures. has particular Pump Inhibitors).

Many, however, I want patients to leave my office skills in minimally invasive and daVinci® robotic surgery. achieve only temporary relief feeling informed and comfortable or require increasing doses of with theirthe choices. individual Dr. Dexter earned his medical degree from StateAny University medication due to worsening who allows a surgeon to operate of New York Upstate Medical University College of Medicine in symptoms. In these instances, is forever a part of that surgeon’s Syracuse.

He completed his General Surgery surgical therapy should be soul. I wantResidency my patientsattothe do well Wright State University and Wright-Patterson USAF Integrated considered.

Others may consider and look back at their surgery surgery if diagnosed with a Ohio. as positive experience in their Surgical Residency in Dayton, Hea also served on active duty large hiatal hernia or Barrett’s lives. as a General Surgeon at Wright-Patterson U.S. Air Force Medical esophagus.

Center.

Dr. Dexter comes to our area after serving as a Trauma and Dr. Dexter performs all aspects General Surgeon in Erie, Pa., for 20 years. He is excited to bring In my practice, I routinely of general surgery and has a his experience and enthusiasm and Minimally Invasive perform Laparoscopic Nissen for Robotic particular interest in minimally Surgery to the Lakewood Ranch Community.

Fundoplication, a minimally invasive and daVinci® robotic invasive surgical technique, surgery.

Schedule anhelp appointment Dr. Dexteranor learn which can to cure reflux. withTo schedule appointment, Theabout procedure has been inRanch Medical more Lakewood Group by calling call 941-254-6767.

Benderson Park embraces exhibit

Meet Dr. Dexter

Manatee Physician Alliance

Embracing Our Differences exhibit features 50 billboardsized artworks.

NAT KAEMMERER STAFF WRITER

For an evening, adults from the Bradenton and Sarasota areas sat back and learned from children, and many left with the idea they should do that more often.

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Physicians are on the medical staff of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, but, with limited exceptions, are independent For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our practitioners who are not employees or agents of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. The hospital shall not be liable for website.

Individual provided results may There For are language risks associated with disability any surgical procedure. Talk with actions or treatments by vary. physicians. assistance, accommodations and the your doctor about these risks to find out ifvisit robotic surgery is right for you. 04/21 non-discrimination notice, our website.

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What: Embracing Our Differences exhibit Where: Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota When: Every day through Aug. 8 Exhibits: 50 pieces of art, selected from 15,912 submissions from 128 countries, 48 states and 412 schools Information: Visit NathanBendersonPark.com.

“They’ve definitely got some beautiful pieces that speak to us.”

— Walter Spikes

ee Carolyn Mason said. “I think the adult world could learn a lot from them.”

After the tours, attendees took a closer look at some of the exhibits. Each billboard-sized artwork is paired with a quote. Every year the theme is “enriching lives through diversity and inclusion,” but Wertheimer said that because the pieces were due in October 2020, the reflection of the year’s hardships are plain to see.

“They’ve definitely got some beautiful pieces that speak to us,” tour attendee Walter Spikes said.

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Spikes was attending Embracing Our Differences for the first time and came with his wife, Shawn, who said “Real Values”

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Although Embracing Our Differences has been in Sarasota since 2005, this is the first time the exhibit is being presented at Nathan Benderson Park.

“The wonderful thing about it being here is it’s reaching an entirely new audience,” attendee Kim Davis said.

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Embracing Our Differences opened its Nathan Benderson Park reprisal June 3 in Sarasota with a reception at the finish tower and tours through the exhibit.

“It’s about the kids and their innocence and creativity,” reception sponsor Debbie Haspell said.

“Some of that was very profound for young kids. It’s teaching them to keep their innocence and accept everyone.”

Former Coexistence Club members and recent Riverview High School graduates Chloe L and Cam Pham are docents for the exhibit and led the tours in much the same way they would with young kids. They asked leading questions and tried to get attendees to open up about their interpretations.

“Now we have the opportunity for in-person summer camp field trips, which we couldn’t do in the spring when this was at Bayfront Park,” Embracing Our Differences Executive Director Sarah Wertheimer said. “I love listening to what the youngest kids have to say because they often tell us the most insightful, deep thoughts that we had not even thought of.”

Many of the exhibits were made by children, including one panel with six pieces from local children under 10. One exhibit titled “Hate Has No Home Here,” by fourth grader Chase Lanum, struck a chord with those on the tour.

“It’s absolutely amazing that children this age see what they have depicted here,” tour attend-

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8B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

BRADENTON 8499 Lindrick Lane 6 Beds 8/4 Baths 15,223 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4475594 $10,850,000

SARASOTA 8263 Archers Court 5 Beds 5/1 Baths 6,578 Sq. Ft. Kathy Callahan 941-900-8088 A4483993 $3,700,000

BRADENTON 2708 Bay Drive 4 Beds 4 Baths 3,689 Sq. Ft. Cheryl Roberts 941-266-1450 A4494263 $2,750,000

SARASOTA 7422 Clark Road 5 Beds 3/1 Baths 4,158 Sq. Ft. Jami Kellogg 941-809-6931 A4499425 $2,695,000

BRADENTON 617 Regatta Way 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,566 Sq. Ft. Sandi Dietrich 941-704-0697 A4500457 $1,795,000

HOLMES BEACH 103 75th Street 4 Beds 4 Baths 2,737 Sq. Ft. Kathy Marshall 941-900-9777 A4495220 $3,200,000

SARASOTA 1335 2nd Street 4E 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,550 Sq. Ft. Jonathan Abrams & Brian Loebker 941-232-2868 A4490030 $1,875,000

BRADENTON 20504 65th Avenue E 4 Beds 2/1 Baths 3,738 Sq. Ft. Aaron Corr & Leslie Emery 941-840-2346 A4489635 $1,699,000

BRADENTON 541 Fore Drive 5 Beds 3/1 Baths 4,296 Sq. Ft. Debbie Vogler 941-705-3328 A4496407 $1,649,000

SARASOTA 3501 Founders Club Drive 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,836 Sq. Ft. Richard Hearn 941-313-1591 A4497661 $1,599,000

SARASOTA 1924 Grove Street 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,607 Sq. Ft. Linda Driggs & Sara Boudarga 941-374-2920 A4500966 $1,300,000

BRADENTON 1908 72nd Street NW 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,368 Sq. Ft. Sharon Ingram 941-224-6447 A4495621 $1,250,000

SARASOTA 1711 Baywood Way 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,358 Sq. Ft. Jami Kellogg 941-809-6931 A4488310 $1,200,000

SARASOTA 1860 Boyce Street 2 Beds 1/1 Baths 1,372 Sq. Ft. Barbara May 941-312-1302 A4500522 $899,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7363 Divot Loop 14-A 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,748 Sq. Ft. Tina Ciaccio 941-685-8420 A4499772 $825,000

BRADENTON 3608 W 54th Drive W J101 & J102 4 Beds 4 Baths 3,776 Sq. Ft. Leah Secondo 941-545-4430 A4497828 $800,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 12847 Sorrento Way 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,126 Sq. Ft. Ray Rausa 941-228-7614 A4500695 $795,000

NOKOMIS/NORTH VENICE 516 Tamiami Trail S 302 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,158 Sq. Ft. Tammy Kitt 941-284-7274 N6112877 $779,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 10073 Cherry Hills Avenue Circle 4 Beds 4 Baths 3,011 Sq. Ft. Nicole Ryskamp 941-807-1766 A4490963 $735,000

SARASOTA 1835 4th Street Tim Koons-McGee 941-320-7073 A4495690 $585,000

SARASOTA 981 Caloosa Drive 3 Beds 3 Baths 1,838 Sq. Ft. Deborah Beacham & Victoria Beckham 941-376-2688 A4501199 $575,000

NOKOMIS/NORTH VENICE 2114 Tocobaga Lane 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,375 Sq. Ft. Carol Elliott 941-451-4033 A4499956 $525,000

UNIVERSITY PARK 6132 Palomino Circle 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,293 Sq. Ft. Pam Sweeney 941-266-9622 A4500924 $525,000

BRADENTON 7304 24th Avenue W 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,527 Sq. Ft. Maria Christenson & Karla Davidson 941-920-3583 A4499897 $450,000

PALMETTO 615 Riviera Dunes Way 205 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,696 Sq. Ft. Cheryl Roberts 941-266-1450 A4497161 $429,000

VENICE 124 Grand Oak Circle 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,875 Sq. Ft. Jared Ross 941-539-1705 A4500136 $399,990

SARASOTA 4274 Riverwood Avenue 3 Beds 3 Baths 1,774 Sq. Ft. Patrick Doherty & Maureen Doherty 941-993-3160 A4499452 $399,000

VENICE 3170 Willow Springs Circle 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,933 Sq. Ft. Chris Tritschler 941-376-7740 N6115191 $395,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 6342 Grand Oak Circle 105 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,348 Sq. Ft. Barbara A Milian, PA 941-504-0660 A4501090 $269,900

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ANNA MARIA ISLAND 8017 Marina Isles Lane 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,593 Sq. Ft. Kate Enis 941-330-6068 A4500595 $6,500,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 607, 609, 611 Fern Streets & 610 Rose Street 12 Beds 6 Baths 1,568 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4497933 $5,900,000

UNIVERSITY PARK 7320 Barclay Court 4 Beds 5/1 Baths 7,579 Sq. Ft. Bernadette Caswell & Victoria Turner 941-320-8265 A4500081 $3,950,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in Pomello Park topped all transactions in this week’s real estate.

Jerry and Lisle Ogle sold their home at 21210 77th Ave. E. to Tanya Thorsen Masingil, of Prosper, Texas, for $2.13 million.

Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three-anda-half baths, a pool and 5,090 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.15 million in 2013.

HARBOUR WALK

Kami Pentecost, of Bradenton, sold her home at 528 Regatta Way to Debra and Raymond Stefenack, of Southampton, Pennsylvania, for $1.3 million.

Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,940 square feet of living area.

It sold for $960,000 in 2018.

Anthony and Terri-Evan Milen, of Bradenton, sold their home at 553 Mast Drive to Bret Thomas Erickson and Juvy Barabad Erickson, trustees, of Bradenton, for $1.06 million. Built in 2012, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,927 square feet of living area. It sold for $675,000 in 2016.

Colin and Carol Spence, of Bradenton, sold their home at 512 165th St. E. to Matthew and Kara Cripe, of Bradenton, for $683,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,721 square feet of living area. It sold for $528,400 in 2016.

ROSEDALE ADDITION

Michael and Christine Jackson sold their home at 10310 Eastwood Drive to Jimmy and Paige Dean and Aldo and Wynona Bonomi, of Bradenton, for $767,500. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,375 square feet of living area. It sold for $595,500 in 2015.

Christopher Sean Hilgeman, of Bradenton, sold their home at 4932 Tobermory Way to Robert Kukla and Ava Darlene Kukla, of Bradenton, for $565,000. Built in 2013, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,006 square feet of living area. It sold for $451,000 in 2018.

ESPLANADE

COUNTRY CLUB

REGENTS PARK

Robert and Marilyn Radakovic, of Sarasota, sold their home at 5108 Tivoli Run to Joseph and Lindsay McSweeney, of Winchester, Massachusetts, for $671,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 3,009 square feet of living area.

It sold for $457,000 in 2016.

Bonnie Mcfarlane Rivers, trustee, sold the home at 8210 Regents Court to James and Andrea Mahan, of University Park, for $1.1 million. Built in 1995, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,035 square feet of living area. It sold for $587,000 in 2016.

RYE WILDERNESS ESTATES

Katherine Gagnon and Keith Gagnon sold their home at 215 170th St. E. to Michael and Melissa Frazzini, of Bradenton, for $830,000. Built in 2014, it has five bedrooms, four-anda-half baths, a pool and 4,480 square feet of living area. It sold for $525,000 in 2014.

Robert Tupper Rezendes and Penelope Ann Rezendes sold their home at 408 166th St. E. to Collin Richard Pace and Luine Bincal Pace, of Bradenton, for $710,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,168 square feet of living area. It sold for $578,100 in 2016.

Adrian and Leonard Carlson, of Bradenton, sold their home at

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

MAY 24-27

368 165th Court NE to Joseph Zamora and Melanie Chhun Zamora, of Bradenton, for $707,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,103 square feet of living area. It sold for $412,000 in 2015.

Michelle Qualley Branham and Brett Gordon Milan, of Sarasota, sold their home at 13227 Palermo Drive to Victor Tafro Jr. and Gabrielle Doud, of Oakland, New Jersey, for $724,500. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,295 square feet of living area. It sold for $526,000 in 2016.

Alan Walters, trustee, sold the home at 12707 Deacons Place to William Morgan, trustee, of Bradenton, for $1.25 million. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,830 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.33 million in 2020.

THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

Michael and Debra Jokovich, of Kihei, Hawaii, sold their home at 4536 Terrazza Court to Ernest and Marilyn Feirer, of Bradenton, for $610,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,397 square feet of living area. It sold for $500,000 in 2019.

PRESERVE AT PANTHER RIDGE

Hiram Josue LeGrand Roman and Whitney Boland LeGrand Roman sold their home at 23319 Red Robin Place to Jayme Verman and Jenna Baverman, of Bradenton, for $720,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,188 square feet of living area. It sold for $482,000 in 2018.

9B

REAL ESTATE

Pomello Park home tops sales at $2.13 million

|

Liz Ramos

This Country Club home at 12707 Deacons Place sold for $1.25 million. It has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,830 square feet of living area.

JKSP LLC sold the home at 12347 Lavender Loop to Robert Kendricks and Lizbeth Candela Kendricks, of Bradenton, for $420,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,449 square feet of living area.

It sold for $235,100 in 2015.

RIVER CLUB SOUTH

Jeffrey and Cheryl Harrod, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 7625 Pine Valley St. to Robert Rodgers and Ellen Piersol, of Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, for $655,000. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,762 square feet of living area. It sold for $455,000 in 2012.

COPPERLEFE

David Lytton Perritt II and Bobbi Jo Perritt, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 11106 Copperlefe Drive to Arlen Souza and Bruno De Oliveira Camara, of Melrose, Massachusetts, for $650,000. Built in 2019, it has five bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,257 square feet of living area. It sold for $425,500 in 2019.

SEE REAL ESTATE, PAGE 10B

In with the new SALES GALLERY OPEN

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GREYHAWK LANDING

James Stephen Barbour and Christina Barbour, of Parrish, sold their home at 13120 Peregrin Circle to Nicholas Lane Santilli and Kristen Nicole Santilli, of Bradenton, for $688,400. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,033 square feet of living area. It sold for $550,000 in 2005.

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

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

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

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THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

Real estate FROM PAGE 9B

RIVERDALE

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Lloyd and Jean Matthews, of Newfoundland, Canada, sold their home at 4720 Claremont Park Drive to NSTAI Properties LLC for $536,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two-anda-half baths, a pool and 2,952 square feet of living area.

Charlie and Dedra White, of Vince Grove, Kentucky, sold their home at 6013 99th St. E. to Chelsea Sokun Lim and Sophorn Touch, of Bradenton, for $622,500. Built in 1994, it has four bedrooms, two-anda-half baths, a pool and 2,469 square feet of living area. It sold for $450,000 in 2018.

PALMBROOKE AT RIVER CLUB NORTH

Jennifer Williams, of Sarasota, sold her home at 10334 Palmbrook Terrace to Thomas and Mary Krier, of Bradenton, for $600,500. Built in 1995, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,420 square feet of living area. It sold for $288,500 in 2002.

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MALLORY PARK

Matthew David Twigg and Carol Marie Twigg, of St. Petersburg, sold their home at 12302 Blue Hill Trail to Joseph and Bridgette Pesola, of Bradenton, for $600,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,464 square feet of living area.

It sold for $447,200 in 2018.

Robert Wofford and Tracy Woodburn Wofford, of Bradenton, sold their home at

Arapacu Ltda. sold the home at 4705 Seneca Park Trail to Antonio Simoes and Kathleen Ann Poe, of Bradenton, for $589,000.

Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,322 square feet of living area. It sold for $435,000 in 2018.

Joseph and Sara Erickson, of Powder Springs, Georgia, sold their home at 12056 Longview Lake Circle to Mark and Yajaira Bogue, of Bradenton, for $530,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,322 square feet of living area. It sold for $390,000 in 2018.

David and Angela Bessey, of Canton, Michigan, sold their home at 12308 Tranquility Park Terrace to Zillow Homes Property Trust for $422,100. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,164 square feet of living area. It sold for $338,900 in 2015.

Charles Edward Green Jr., Personal Representative, and Elizabeth Green Middlemas, of Bristol, Virginia, sold the home at 11716 Cullen Park Terrace to Gerald and Theresa Langston, of Bradenton, for $415,000. Built in 2011, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,863 square feet of living area. It sold for $290,000 in 2014.

ONLINE See more transactions at YourObserver.com

359166-1

354864-1

Daniel and Jadine Sabien, of Bokeelia, sold their home at 3707 Fifth Ave. N.E. to Steven Vassallo and Tiffany Kirila-Vassallo, of Bradenton, for $650,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,151 square feet of living area. It sold for $440,000 in 2013.

Dennie and Patricia Adams, of Bradenton, sold their home at 6425 95th St. E. to Sean Dobson and Teran Paige Dobson, of Bradenton, for $389,000. Built in 1985, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,304 square feet of living area. It sold for $140,000 in 1996.

Divorce is never pleasant, but it doesn’t have to be full of hate & bitterness. Protect family relationships and assets from expensive, adversarial litigation, Explore Mediation: the Positive Alternative.

11419 Golden Bay Place to Janet Alloy, trustee, of Bradenton, for $529,000. Built in 2017, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 2,066 square feet of living area.

It sold for $478,100 in 2017.

358576-1

10B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

Let us change your total health for the better.

HIV, STD, Hepatitis C, Testing & Treatment

SARASOTA

NORTH PORT

1231 N. TUTTLE AVE. SARASOTA, FL 34237 (941) 366-0134

14243 TAMIAMI TRAIL NORTH PORT, FL 34287 (941) 888-2144

CANCOMMUNITYHEALTH.ORG

352030-1

Dr. Tanya Schreibman

|

THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

11B

12B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

FORECAST

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

THURSDAY, JUNE 10 High: 90 Low: 76 Chance of rain: 18%

FRIDAY, JUNE 11 High: 88 Low: 76 Chance of rain: 24%

SATURDAY, JUNE 12 High: 88 Low: 77 Chance of rain: 16%

Gordon Silver captured this photo of two sandhill cranes near Lorraine Road in Lakewood Ranch.

SUNRISE / SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, June 10

6:34a 8:25p

Friday, June 11

6:34a

8:25p

Saturday, June 12

6:34a

8:25p

Sunday, June 13

6:34a

8:26p

Monday, June 14

6:34a

8:26p

Tuesday, June 15

6:34a

8:26p

Wednesday, June 16

6:34a

8:27p

MOON PHASES

July 1 Last

July 9 New

July 17 First

July 23 Full

RAINFALL Monday, May 31

0.2

Tuesday, June 1

0

SUNDAY, JUNE 13

Wednesday, June 2

0

High: 88 Low: 76 Chance of rain: 22%

Friday, June 4

0

Saturday, June 5

0

Thursday, June 3

0.08

Sunday, June 6

0.21

*Rainfall totals from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

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

YEAR TO DATE:

MONTH TO DATE:

2021 9.76 in.

2021 0.65 in.

2020 23.64 in.

2020 10.04 in.

MANASOTA FLOORING INC 349222-1

941.355.8437 | Bradenton

CROSSWORD

941.748.4679 | Venice

COMBINATION by Rebecca Goldstein; Edited by David Steinberg

941.493.7441 | www.manasotaonline.com 112 Put in the overhead bin 113 Heckle 114 Island country named after a woman 117 Spill the tea 119 Yes vote 120 One who’s kvetching in more simple terms?

126 ___ Gala, event where Lena Waithe wore a pride cape 127 “Oh, no you ___!”

128 Not mainstream 129 Garden guardian 130 Some are targeted 131 Stockpile 132 Accord or Accent 133 Face moisturizer

43 Shout before “Polo!”

45 March Madness org.

49 British-based relief org.

50 Tree fluid 51 And others (Abbr.)

52 Substance like shellac 54 Many Libras’ birthstones 58 Jacob’s twin 59 Evite request 60 Closest pals, informally 61 Edible part of a beet 62 Land measures 64 Mall Santa’s sidekick 65 Brownstone’s porch 67 Place for a peel or scrub 68 Defiant retort 70 That special something 72 Best Picture winner set in Iran DOWN 76 “Longtime listener, first1 Video taker, informally time ___” 2 Slugger’s stat 77 Broadcasting 3 They may be flashed at a 78 Capote’s nickname bartender 4 Figure at a restaurant with a 80 $$$ sources at bodegas 81 Nasal walls conveyer belt 85 People try to make them 5 Ballet bend meet 6 Bike for two 87 Secret sauce?

7 Theater chain 89 Org. chaired by Jaime 8 Where Simone Biles won Harrison four golds 91 Lavish affection (on) 9 “My treat” 92 Added to an email chain 10 BLT ingredient 93 Volt, e.g.

11 Universe-related 12 King David’s rebellious son 94 Cartoon clown fish 95 Doodled 13 Solution for a hairy situ97 Grotesque monsters ation?

100 Word before “party” or 14 Wild way to run “pants” ©2021 Universal Uclick 15 PC connection 101 Sat or stayed, say 16 Sauce with falafel ACROSS 29 Woodsy scent 56 Romantic outing 86 Group of fields that 102 Basic bedding 17 “No clue” 1 Crunchy 30 Not in favor of 57 News anchor Anderson includes CS 103 Hangs on the wall 18 Glossy fabric 6 The Sun deck?

33 Some canvas shoes 60 Supportive undergarment 88 It can be dressed and 104 Walking speed 24 Winemaking wood 11 Birth ___ (passageway for 36 Hard work 63 Heist targets tossed a baby) 37 Good, in Nice 66 Quarterback’s directional 90 Animal shelter disinfec- 25 Metal whose symbol is Fe 105 Egyptian underworld god 29 Stores with edible arrange- 106 Paper marker 16 Lead-in to “the season” 38 V-sign’s meaning sense? tant?

111 Nada ments?

19 Singer Paula 40 Much ado about legisla- 69 An ellipse has two 96 Static issue 114 ___ pickings 30 Each 20 Essential acid type tion?

71 High, in Honduras 98 Bespectacled dwarf 115 “And here it is!”

31 Hated Roman emperor 21 “Becoming” author 44 “___ Black” (2010s sci-fi 73 “New Rules” singer Dua 99 One may smoke a joint 116 Oily skin concern Michelle show) ___ 100 Die-hard environmental- 32 Brewpub fixtures 118 Succumbs to gravity 22 Early programmer 46 AOC, for one 74 Serb or Croat ist, when cleaning up after a 34 Quad complex 120 Outdoor kiss, e.g., briefly 35 Procedure part Lovelace 47 Palace guards?

75 Luxurious military base? protest?

121 Not even 37 Top’s opposite 23 Incentive for SpaceX 48 Person who pretends to 79 Grannies 107 Crunchyroll cartoon 39 Countesses’ counterparts 122 Soccer icon Hamm sales reps? be on Bach’s level?

82 “How you doin’?” genre 41 Device with a click wheel, 123 Neither’s partner 26 Shelter such as a sukkah 53 Prefix meaning “straight” 83 ___ Urquelle (“Family 108 Detest 124 Tall bird 27 What’s under a hat 55 Plant with high-fiber Matters” alter ego) 109 Drag show accessories once 125 “Losing My Religion” band 42 Calf’s cry 28 Allocate, as funds seeds 84 Fabled man-eater 110 Garden in Genesis

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.

“VSRZWSWE RVOW V TWDSVPF ESJUUADFFWEE SRVS TVDDPWE JE SRDAJNR VFB KVLWE JE BA SRPFNE SRVS CWACZW EVI GW TVF’S BA.” LPK TZPMESWDE “ZPGTZ CP Y FYMCU, XPM WB, GR YR WHOI Y DBYMTGTZ BLFBMGBTOB YR, UPH JTPV, RGCCGTZ GT Y DBOCHMB.” TYCYDGB FPMCWYT Puzzle Two Clue: V equals W

Sarasota

KITCHENS, BATHROOMS, BEDROOMS & MORE

Puzzle One Clue M equals J

HARDWOOD

© 2021 NEA, Inc.

SUDOKU

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

©2021 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

06-10-21

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

RED PAGES Service Directory - Friday at 3PM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card The East County Observer reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only. *All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher. *It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in the East County Observer to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with towncodes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.

Items Under $200

WHITE WICKER queen bedroom plus mattress. 3 drawer night table, 6 drawer chest, big mirror 7 lamp. Excellent condition. $200 941-355-2838

Merchandise Wanted

ADVERTISE YOUR MERCHANDISE with the total value of all items $200 or less in this section for FREE! Limit 1 ad per month,15 words or less.

Price must be included next to each item. No commercial advertising.

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

Call 941-955-4888 Or Email ad to: classified@yourobserver.com (Please provide your name and address) Or Online at: www.yourobserver.com Or mail to: The Observer Group 1970 Main St. - 3rd Floor Sarasota, Fl 34236

Sporting Goods

BEACH’N RIDES eBike Sales and Service We sell and repair electric Bicycles from our Shop at 12208 Cortez Road, W. in Cortez, Florida.

(941) 251-7916 www.beachnrides.com

AREA RUG – Beautiful 7.7 x 5.3 area rug from Rugs As Art! Brown and Beige. Brand new!

Only $169. 516-528-5876.

DESK CHAIR: Black, high back executive chair. $25. 941-3514116 GAS CLOTHES dryer for sale excellent condition asking $165. Ask for Bob 941-5365075 LOVESEAT/COUCH PLUSH,, like new 6 1/2 ‘, downsizing, picture available. $135 941-358-5313

auto

65 MUSTANG Parts doors,seat,radiator,hub caps,speedometer,more! $199 (941) 753-1353

MEN’S 26” Raleigh Venture 4.0 bicycle with rack, garage kept, clean. $150 865-599-4957

Autos Wanted

QUEEN SIZE sofa, hide a bed, Herringbone pattern, neutral color, very good shape, must see! $200. 941-907-9080

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

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

CAREGIVER/CARE COORDINATOR. Available AM Shift or PM shifts.

941-448-5486

Auto Transport SHIP YOUR car, truck or SUV anywhere in the United States.

Great rates, fast quotes. Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

First 15 words .................. $ 17.50 per week Each Add’l word ....... 50¢

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN Color background: $ 5 per week Ad border: as low as $3 per week PLACE YOUR AD: Call: 941-955-4888 Fax: 941-362-4808 Email: redpages@ yourobserver.com Online: yourobserver. com/redpages

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Condos/Apts. for Rent OR RENT ANNA MARIA FO ISLAND UPDATED 5 STAR CONDO. Available September November (monthly with multimonth discounts) millions $ waterview, first floor, 2br/2b, patio, walk to beach, pool, tennis, smoke free, boat slip available. marketreps@aol.com

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE! 941-955-4888

6 DRAPERY panels, 94” long X 48” wide, palm tree motif, $90 941-932-1172

Adult Care Services

RED PAGES AD RATES

BUY STUFF HERE!

You’re only cheating yourself.

Items Under $200

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

Personal and confidential.

Please call Marc: 941-321-0707.

peekers’ place

stuff

YourObserver.com/RedPages

K & R CLEANING SERVICES No job too small, I can clean it all! Bonded and Insured. Lots of experience. Free estimates.

Call 941-799-0414

Cleaning BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service by Maria. Residential.

Meticulous Cleaning. Excellent References. Free Estimates.

Reliable. Lic./Ins. 941-400-3342. www.braziliancleaningbymk.com

CLAUDIA C. Cleaning Services.

Experienced, dependable, and ready to begin!

Residential.

Excellent references.

941-773-6895.

CLEANING BY Brazilian Lady.

Meticulous, reliable, deep cleaning specialist. Residential.

Commercial. New Construction. 941-400-2866.

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

Painting CARLO DATTILO Painting Licensed & insured. Interior/ Exterior painting including drywall repair and retexturing.

Wallpaper installation & removal, pressure washing.

Residential & commercial, condos. Honest & reliable.

Free estimates. 941-744-1020.

35+ years experience.

SELL IT NOW! 941-955-4888

Advertise your business or service in the Observer

RED PAGES CALL TODAY 941-955-4888

YourObserver.com/RedPages

This week’s Crossword answers

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

Puzzle One Solution: “Athletes have a certain stubbornness that carries us through and makes us do things that people say we can’t do.”

Kim Clijsters Puzzle Two Solution: “Going to a party, for me, is as much a learning experience as, you know, sitting in a lecture.”

Natalie Portman

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2021 Universal Uclick

RED PAGES. MADE FOR WHERE YOU LIVE. HERE! TO ADVERTISE CALL 941-955-4888 OR VISIT YOUROBSERVER.COM/REDPAGES

©2021 NEA, Inc.

REAL LOCAL STUFF HERE!

real estate

ROCKWELL- 10 inch TILTING ARBOR CONTRACTORS SAW, on stand. Good condition. $50.00. Call 941-756-4656

Cleaning

Paint the town RED!

DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at Noon

home services

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages

14B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

Aluminum

Construction

Health

GET YOUR LIFE BACK! Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

Kitchen Renovations and Upgrades

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

Visit our showroom

(941) 650-7758

bschule88@gmail.com

Auto Service

Doors

SELL YOUR CAR!

Sliding Glass Door Repair

WE COME TO YOU

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

FAST • EASY • SAFE

Clock Repair

Home Services

941-504-0903 941-504-0903

/ DELIVERY FREE PICKUP ONSITE QUOTES outdoor furniture experts• •FREE www .patiorepairs .net

CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT

358823

941-773-0875 • 941-932-5505

Don Christo, Sr., Horologist

RIGHT

Are You Having Dryer Difficulties?

• Dryer hot but clothes still wet after (1) drying cycle?

• Dryer gets hot to the touch or doesn’t heat up at all?

Take a simple test to see if your vent is clogged. Unhook your dryer vent & compare drying time.

Residential

358796 38056

FurnitureSales Sales &&Repairs Furniture Repairs Cushions • Slings • Re-powdercoating Cushions • Slings • Umbrellas

“IF IT DOESN’T TIC, TOC TO ME.”

GRAB BARS

235

$

Pegatronics.com

941-735-3362

358809

OBSERVER RED PAGES Call 941-955-4888 to reserve your ad YourObserver.com/RedPages

941.966.0333

DrGrabBars.com LIFETIME GUARANTEE Licensed • Bonded • Insured COVERAGE AREA: LAKEWOOD RANCH ƭƨ S. VENICE

THE GRAB BAR GUY 954-1878

(cell) 780-3346 Licensed & Insured

DON’T let your PATIO DOORS be a DRAG or your WINDOWS be a PANE!!

SHOWER & BATH MAKEOVERS Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

Call John 941.377.2940

Free Estimates • Sarasota Resident Since 1974

www.showerandbathsarasota.com

Find anything in the RED PAGES | 941-955-4888

• Window Repairs • Sliding Glass Door Repairs • Sliding Glass Door Deadbolts

Landscaping & Lawn

GARDENS BY ALLISON No Job is too Small!

Call us today!

www.ezslider.com

358808

GLENN KROECKER

Doors

941.628.8579

Commercial

CALL BEFORE YOU FALL

COMPLETE INSTALLATION PACKAGE

INCLUDES 2 MOEN STAINLESS STEEL ANTI SLIP CONCEALED SCREW GRAB BARS (16” & 24”)

Pegatronics Computer Instruction and Repair It’s Easier Than You Think!

Learn Computer Basics Phones/Tablet Help Apple & Microsoft Problems Solved On-Site and Off Much More! Call Today!

941-705-5468

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

ON TARGET

Computer

358399

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

The Only Thing You Have To Lose ... Is The Pain!!

Patio Furniture Repairs.com patio RepaiRS

4630 5TH ST W BRADENTON

358806

University Health Park 2415 University Parkway Bldg. 3, Suite 216 Sarasota, FL 34243

Furniture Repair

Christo’s Clock Repair

Hardware Repair Virus / Malware Cleanup Software & Printer Install New Computer Setups New Purchase Consults Seniors & Beginners

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

358810

358394

HoHoBuysCars.com

New Deluxe Rollers Will Make Your Doors Roll Better Than Ever Call Mark 928-2263 proslidingglassdoorrepair.com

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

358795

941.270.4400

5-Star Rated

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression provides safe, gentle & effective relief for upwards of 90% of patients that qualify for care.

358076

359147

358400

941.650.9790 YoderAluminum.com

Owner / Operator Insured

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

7262 55th Ave East, Bradenton, 34203 359149

Dustin Yoder

FREE IN-HOM ESTIMATEE S CALL 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

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

Allison J. Abizaid, M.A.

Personal Gardening Services | Designer

941.400.0431

gbyallison@yahoo.com gardensbyallison.com

358811

“Specializing in 6” Seamless Gutters”

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

Lawn Care

Rescreening & Repairs

15B

THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

|

Screening

358801

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

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

941-345-5264

specialty screens / screw replacement / paint

Security

Doors and more!

Manufacture and workmanship

SALES & REPAIRS - MOWERS, GENERATORS, TRIMMERS, PRESSURE WASHERS, CHAIN SAWS, BLOWERS, ENGINES

Warranties

359150

Eldridge Re-Screen

Painting

UNIQUE PAINTING & PRESSURE WASHING SERVICES Complete Interior & Exterior Painting

358401

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

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

Power Washing Pressure Washing

Pressure Washing

Licensed

“No Job Too Small”

Insured

941-270-1561 358078

Roofing Honesty, Integrity and Pride • Roofs • PoolCages Cages•• Decks Decks ••Driveways • Roofs • Pool Driveways • Deck/Paver Sealing • Gutter Cleaning • Deck/PaverAnd Sealing • And Much More Much More!

941-544-1066

BEFORE

AFTER

Specializing in Reroofs and Repairs FREE Estimates • 30 Years Experience

| scaperotta@aol.com

941 - 748 - 7400

Italian American Owned

BIODEGRADABLE PRODUCTS

Owner Supervises Every Job

Pressure Cleaning & Soft Washing Residential and Commercial

www.bissonroofing.com

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc. Building & Roofing Contractor

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

941-737-4483 www.PantherHydroCleaning.com

10% SAVINGS With this ad

CREATE BUZZ!

Advertise your business in the Red Pages.

Call 941-955-4888

HEROES found here.

Relax. You’ve got better things to do.

Find a professional here in the Red Pages.

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

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

(941) 345-5264

LLC

PROTECTION SERVICES

MOBILE PATROL FIXED LOCATION BODY GUARD SERVICES EVENT SECURITY We also conduct the security D & G courses Don Burrow, President/CEO

(941) 405-2931

don@rightontargetfts.com

B1700034

Windows Res./Com.

Lic./Ins.

& Pressure C Window lean t e s ing wn as Sunrise Win o n k Sun y l r e d Form Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

25

UP TO

STANDARD WINDOWS

ows

120

$

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

RC0067420 • Lic. & Ins.

358812

SAFE ROOF CLEANING

359148

359206

Serving Sarasota/Manatee Area Since 2004

Bisson Roofing Inc.

Right On Target

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

941-626-3194

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936 358077

SPECIAL 00 5

$

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Purified water window cleaning available!!

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

GROW YOUR BUSINESS WITH THE RED PAGES

Call to reserve your ad space: 941-955-4888

358802

359162

941-739-5102

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

358923

SMALL ENGINE REPAIRS

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

YourObserver.com

AT HOME IN A MODERN ICON TAMPA’S ONLY FIVE-STAR ADDRESS The Residences at The Tampa EDITION embody luxury in its newest form. 37 one-of-a-kind residences, rising elegantly skyward above Tampa’s first five-star hotel at Water Street Tampa.

Select Residences Remain | $2M-$8M | Completion 2021 813 607 4780 | TampaEDITIONLiving.com

Broker participation is welcomed and encouraged. Oral representations cannot be relied upon as correctly stating representations of the seller. For correct representations, make reference to the documents required by section 718.503, Florida statutes, to be furnished by a seller to a buyer or lessee. The Residences at The Tampa EDITION are not owned, developed or sold by Marriott International, Inc. or its affiliates (“Marriott”). WST 1000 Water Street Development, LLC uses the EDITION marks under a license from Marriott, which has not confirmed the accuracy of any of the statements or representations made herein. Mandatories, Disclaimer: *The Marriott International Luxury Residences Hotel Reservation Service is not offered at Marriott International Destination Club properties.

357117-1

16B

. . . t i a W But

S ’ E R THE !

E R MO

XNLV19038

Flip the page for more sales and specials!

YOU’VE BEEN SERVED a menu of options for Fall classes!

ENTREES Workforce Certificates Get a certificate, get noticed and earn more in less than a year.

Two-year Degrees Prepare to enter the workforce or a four-year university. 30+ programs to choose from.

Four-year Degrees Succeed in high-demand careers with one of our five bachelor’s degrees.

MENU SPECIALS Flex Start Classes Opt for flexible scheduling with classes in 5-, 8- or 12-week sessions.

Go Live with SCF Online Take advantage of live instruction from convenient locations.

Weekend College Attend classes stress-free on Friday evenings and Saturdays.

Take classes when you can, the way you want.

PLACE YOUR ORDER! SCF.edu/FallMenu | Text 941-304-5443 | Call 941-752-5050 State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota. State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota does not discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, religion, age, national origin/ethnicity, color, marital status, disability, genetic information or sexual orientation in any of its educational programs, services and activities, including admission and employment. Direct inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies to: Equity Officer, 941-752-5323, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34207.

3 AREAS of

397

$

(for Frown Lines, Forehead & Crow’s Feet) SEE BACK FOR DETAILS.

OVER 600 FIVE STAR REVIEWS

355583-1 Following all CDC Guidelines to ensure the safety of our clients & staff

LWR 941-359-BTOX(2869) | SRQ 941-360-BTOX(2869) www.bowtiquemedspa.com 356702-1

Beauty is Our Business OFFERS GOOD AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS

6277 Lake Osprey Drive Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240 6118 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34231 MUST BOOK AND PREPAY. Must bring this ad in to receive offer.

Cannot be combined with any other discounts or offers. No exchanges or refunds. All sales final.

Limited availability. Se habla español.

Offers expire 6/30/2021.

longer other no

the

newspaper

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

THURSDAY PRINT DISTRIBUTION 60,000

The Observers* 50,000

40,000

30,000

20,000

59,286

Sarasota Observer Longboat Observer East County Observer Siesta Key Observer

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

10,000

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

Pick up your FREE copy of The Observer every Thursday.

For the nearest location: YourObserver.com/rack-locations 355730-1