East County Observer 6.4.26

EAST COUNTY

SEASON SUMMER 2026

Observer

T H E O B S E R V E R ’S G

U I D E TO T H E A R TS

AND SOCIETY

Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998

INSIDE MUSIC DANCE ART THEATER BLACK TIE

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026

VOLUME 27, NO. 43

YOUR TOWN

Ready for park’s premiere?

Construction almost complete on swim/pickleball complex. SEE PAGE 3A

Courtesy image

Raise a glass for veterans in need After Hurricane Debby flooded Operation Warrior Resolution’s Sarasota building in August 2024, CEO Kendra Simpkins Walsh (pictured above on the left with Cathy Kwon and Bill Kwon) relocated the nonprofit to Manatee County.

The nonprofit has been fundraising since to build a healing center on Waterline Road, known as Warrior Spirit Ranch.

The SRQ Forward Foundation Inc. visited May 21 with a check for $51,068.83 to help further the nonprofit’s mission to provide innovative, holistic mental health treatments.

The funds were raised through SRQ Forward’s Sarasota Wine Festival in March.

President Cathy Kwon said it brings the community together with a shared purpose.

Enjoying the fruits of their labor The local owners of Pineapple Kitchen have taken their products to Amazon after closing their Lena Road store. SEE PAGE 2A

Courtesy image

A helping hand

John Joly, director of veteran programs for Knights of Columbus San Damiano Assembly #3192 (pictured with Aaron Cornelius and Jerry Graceffo), said it’s an honor to help veterans who suffer from battlefield injuries.

On April 20, the Knights hosted the Armed Forces Day Charity Golf Tournament and raised $10,000 to donate to Homes for Our Troops.

Joly said choosing Homes for Our Troops was an easy decision as the goal is to support veterans, and HFOT is a “highly effective and trusted nonprofit” that provides “tailored housing, ongoing support and prudent use of donor funds.”

Aaron Cornelius, a Homes for Our Troops home recipient, and Knight Jerry Graceffo joined Joly for the check presentation May 26.

Jay Heater

Jenny Schenk, who said they had outgrown their Lena Road store, shows off another Pineapple Kitchen product that will be available on Amazon.

A+E

Boathouse gets a boost

Read the Observer anytime, anywhere on our free app! Visit YourObserver.com/app-offer or use the QR code below.

Courtesy image

The boathouse and events center planned for Nathan Benderson Park is expected to cost approximately $65 million and be open in 2028.

State appropriates $10 million toward the Nathan Benderson Park boathouse and events center. SEE PAGE 5A

A cool, musical cave PAGE 15A

2A

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026

Pineapple Kitchen owners try different slice of the market Mike and Jenny Schenk close their Lena Road location in Bradenton to concentrate on the Amazon market.

MANAGING EDITOR

R

iver Club’s Mike and Jenny Schenk have been getting the calls.

People continue to stop by their Pineapple Kitchen business at 4914 Lena Road, only to find the doors locked.

The calls are of concern because the Schenks, since they opened at Lena Road in 2020, had become a staple of the community.

It wasn’t just their fusion jam collection or their sauces or marmalades. It has been their positive connection to the community.

That connection manifested itself in their Murder Mystery Dinner Theater and their Pineapple Kitchen Kids camps and programs, along with fundraisers and donations for nonprofits such as the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation, the Twig, Take Stock in Children and many more.

The good news for fans of Pineapple Kitchen is that the business is

Mike Schenk says Pineapple Kitchen produces several camps, programs and cookbooks for children.

growing, not closing.

While the Lena Road location has, indeed, been shut down since February, the Schenks are following an overall plan that could lead to them being more visible than ever before.

“Lena Road was great,” Mike Schenk said. “But we outgrew it. We made the decision to close last year, and things started to fall into place.”

A big piece of the Schenks’ business puzzle happened in November, when marketing representatives from Amazon came to see one of Pineapple Kitchen’s mystery dinner shows.

“We didn’t know they were there,” Mike Schenk said. “But they told us they wanted to get us on Amazon.

They liked our whole lifestyle brand.

Jenny and I fit their model.”

Their first products — Pineapple Kitchen Jalapeño Bacon Jam, Hot Bread & Butter Pickles, Pineapple Grilling Sauce and Chef Pineapple’s Bear Jam — went online in May. “Amazon is a process,” he said.

“We had to build a Pineapple Kitchen storefront (main page) and we plan to roll out more items. But you have to start slow and let it grow.”

Four more food products, along with the Pineapple Kitchen Kids Activity and Cookbook, will go on Amazon in the fall.

The food products are only part of their business endeavors.

They launched into a partnership with State College of Florida, which will host the Pineapple Kitchen Summer Culinary Camps for kids that were designed by the Schenks.

The four-day camps (10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday) are for ages 7-13 and will be held on SCF campuses in Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton and Venice.

The camps teach basic cooking skills, food safety, restaurant etiquette and operation, and culminate with a three-course graduation luncheon that is prepared by the kids.

For information about the camps or

Photos by Jay Heater

to register, go to SCF.AugUSoft.net/ Info/Landing/Camps.

The camps previously were hosted at the Lena Road location.

“We were literally turning kids away (for lack of space),” Mike Schenk said.

The third main focus for the Schenks is their Murder Mystery Dinner Theater. They currently do approximately 50 shows a year, but taking the show on the road has allowed them to host far more people than the 24 guests they could host at the Lena Road location.

They perform a regular show at the Courtyard by Marriott at University Town Center and then schedule shows around the state when booked.

The Schenks handle the main acting chores at all the interactive shows, which assign various roles to the guests. The host venue takes care of the dinner arrangements while the Schenks write all the scripts.

The next show at the Courtyard by Marriott is “Who Killed the Cabana Boy?” at 6:30 p.m. July 11. Future dates and tickets can be found at PineappleKitchenMysteries.com. A

new show “Dr. Pineapple’s Haunted Laboratory” will begin in October.

Mike Schenk is most passionate about the dinner shows. He loves to act.

“That is the fun, the joy,” he said.

“Since I was a kid, I loved community theater. I started (acting) when I was 10. I always had a wild imagination. I would write these plays and my friends would be the performers.”

He attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Pasadena, California, for two years and then tried to make a living as an actor.

“It was tough,” he said. “I spent five to six years as a starving actor.

Then my dad (the late Ed Schenk) asked me, ‘What are you going to do with your life?’”

His father was in the meat business with Smithfield, and Mike Schenk became involved in the business as a salesman. He eventually went back to school at Towson University in Maryland, where he met Jenny Schenk.

After they married, Jenny Schenk became involved in the food industry as well.

They have been married 38 years.

At 56, Mike Schenk decided they should market their own products.

They opened Pineapple Kitchen on Lena Road in 2020 because they planned it to be a manufacturing facility. But COVID happened and they reeled in production of their Pretzel Bite Kit that was in 300 gourmet stores.

“We needed more packers but everyone was sick over COVID,” Jenny Schenk said. “We shifted gears and continued to sell out of Lena Road.”

Lena Road became more than a host store for their food products.

They began hosting mystery dinners and the camps.

The popularity of their food products was tempered because Manatee County’s project to improve Lena Road from State Road 64 to State Road 70 stalled.

“Lena Road was not ideal for how our business plan had changed,” Jenny Schenk said. “We took it to the max. People would come to our events, but outside of that, it was not a good location.”

461480-1

JAY HEATER

Mike and Jenny Schenk have closed their Pineapple Kitchen location on Lena Road and are now marketing their products on Amazon.

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026

Premier construction goes swimmingly The second floor of the Lakewood Ranch Library will be built out and open by fall, and the swim and pickleball complex is on the way.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

B

ob Haskin, president of the Lakewood Ranch Pickleball Club, has been asking for

pickleball courts in East County since he moved to Lakewood Ranch and started the club in 2018.

Ira Klein, head coach of the Sarasota Tsunami Swim Team, spoke to former Commissioner Vanessa Baugh about the need for a public pool in East County 13 years ago. And Sue Ann Miller, former president of the Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Library, said residents were asking for an East County library 25 years before the Lakewood Ranch Library was built.

Although the library opened in January 2024, 25,000 square feet remained unfinished.

Before the year is out, Manatee County will have made good on all three requests in one place — Premier Sports Campus North.

The second floor buildout of the library is complete, except for fur-

CHANGES IN LEADERSHIP Tammy Parrot, former director of Manatee County Library Services, left for the Lake County Public Library System in April. Parrott had been with Manatee County since 2019. Her position has since been filled by Lakewood Ranch’s Andy Sulavik, the former library division manager.

Sulavik’s first job in library services was as an intern at Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C., where he catalogued medieval manuscripts. In the past two decades since, Sulavik worked at Howard University and the University of Tampa. He was hired by Manatee County in 2020.

Since its inception in 2017, Sue Ann Miller was the president of the Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Library.

The nonprofit raised over $450,000 to stock the library’s shelves under Miller’s leadership, but she was ready to pass on the title to someone new.

Regina Negrycz took over as president in May. The group is currently waiting on a storage and work space on the second floor of the library, which is a relief to Negrycz. Miller, and now Negrycz, store the extra 1,000 or so books at home until they hit the shelves of the Book Nook.

Before Negrycz, the Book Nook was the only way the group raised money through book sales. The store is located in the library’s lobby. But now, shoppers can buy books from the Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Library online in its eBay store: Ebay.com/ STR/FriendsOfLWRLibraryBookNook.

Negrycz started using her own eBay account in January of last year to see if online sales would work. Since then, she set up a store and has raised over $6,000. Now, nearly 1,000 books are listed for sale on eBay.

The pools are waiting on water, and the shaded pickleball structure behind them is waiting on paint for the courts.

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

nishings. The pickleball courts only need paint, and the two pools will be filled with 832,704 gallons of water this month.

While plans for Premier started out with a multitude of neighborhood amenities, such as a dog park, skate park, BMX track and event lawn, Director of Sports and Leisure Molly White said the general development plan has been finalized, and the overall vision for Premier is to be a sports complex.

Commissioners approved a development agreement for a possible ice rink in February. However, until a conceptual site plan and land lease are agreed upon, the deal is not binding.

A cloverleaf of four ballfields is also within the GDP, but is not currently funded. White said the fields would be multipurpose for softball, baseball and even soccer if needed.

The goal is to serve youths through adults and become a regional destination that attracts tournaments.

If both the ice rink and ball fields come to fruition, Premier will be built out to capacity.

LAKEWOOD RANCH LIBRARY

When the library opened, the second floor was a shell by design.

Willis Smith, the construction firm that built the library, approached Manatee County in 2020 and suggested the second floor.

Chairman David Sessions said it’s far less expensive to add a second floor for future use than to construct a second building.

The library budget was $10 million and rose to $14.9 million when the decision to add a second floor was made.

The overall cost ended up at $17.6 million with another $6.9 million added to a future budget to finish the second floor. However, the second floor buildout, including the furnishings, is nearly 95% paid for and about $3 million under budget.

Uses for the additional 25,000 square feet vacillated between flex space and library space until Manatee County purchased a second administration building at 9000 Town Center Parkway in September.

White said the purchase alleviated the county’s need for office and meeting space, so the entirety of the second floor was converted into community space.

The added space will allow the adult library collection to move

A drone captured an overhead view of Premier Sports Campus North in April.

Courtesy image

HOW BIG IS A COMPETITIONSIZE POOL? Length: 50 meters Area: 12,815.8 square feet Perimeter: 491.5 feet Minimum depth: 7 feet Maximum depth: 8.5 feet Water: 765,087 gallons Commissioner Amanda Ballard stands in the newly finished second floor of the Lakewood Ranch Library.

ONE MORE ADDITION The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is building a substation at Premier Sports Campus North. Public Information Officer Randy Warren said the construction is on schedule and the sheriff hopes to open the station by early October.

upstairs and give the young adult and children’s collections more space to spread out downstairs. The children’s area will be revamped with a focus on STEAM activities.

“It’s a huge win,” Commissioner Amanda Ballard said. “One of the things that our former library director (Tammy Parrott) was always pushing was how far behind (Manatee County) is in square footage of library space for the number of residents that we have, so having this extra space makes a big difference.”

The upstairs will also provide event space in the front half of the floor that will be filled with highand low-top tables, couches, chairs and movable shelves. Everything is movable to accommodate different events.

Permanent book shelves, tables, computers and study pods will be set up in the back half of the floor.

Study pods are the county’s response to the one complaint patrons regularly expressed about the state-of-the-art library — no study rooms.

The study pods come in two sizes — medium and large. The five medium pods will seat up to four people; two will include TVs. The three large pods will seat up to eight people.

The Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Library will have a space made of modular walls to keep and clean donated books that will be sold in the Book Nook downstairs.

The upstairs also includes a county office for the complex’s maintenance crew and a kitchen and dining area for events.

The hope is to have the second floor furnished and open to the public by the end of the summer or early fall.

ATHLETICS AND AQUATICS CENTER

White said only “final touches” remain on the to-do list at the Athletics and Aquatic Center.

The structures are built, and the

flooring and drywall are in place.

Final touches include furniture, landscaping, painting the pickleball courts and filling the pools with water.

Although White wouldn’t pinpoint an exact date for the opening, she said it will be sometime this fall, and the hiring process has begun.

While the second floor of the library won’t require any additional staff, the county will need to hire nine positions and 17 lifeguards to man the athletics center. Out of those positions, 10 lifeguards and two general staff members will be part time.

The center will feature 24 pickleball courts, 14 of which will be covered, a walking trail, locker rooms, restrooms and two pools — a competition pool and a therapy pool.

Chet Brown, division chief of Public Safety, said there’s already been a great deal of interest in the competition pool.

The fee schedule needs to be presented to the county commission for approval before the pool can be rented, but Brown has been meeting with local swim teams.

Steve Lubrino, head coach for the Lakewood Ranch Swim Association Lightning, can’t wait to get into Premier.

On Mondays, especially, he’s got swimmers so packed into the three lanes he’s allotted at the John H. Marble Aquatic Center that 6-yearolds are swimming with 16-yearolds, which he said isn’t a safe environment.

“When I moved to Florida (from New York), I thought there’d be a pool every 12 feet,” Lubrino said.

“There are community pools, but nobody wants to rent us because the residents will complain. I can’t get pool space anywhere. I’m trying to make Premier the Lakewood Ranch Lightning’s home pool.”

Klein’s team uses the pools at John Marble and Arlington Park in Sarasota. He said the Premier location is as far east as GT Bray is west, so while the facilities at Premier will be better, John Marble is more centrally located for his purposes.

But in general and as his team grows, the pool will advance the sport in Manatee County.

“We have a lot of history. Quite a few swimmers from Manatee County have been on national teams that have gone to college on scholarships all over the United States,” Klein said. “(Premier) is going to be such a boon to what we could do.”

3A

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026

NEWS BRIEFS

Whether you prefer the timeless rarity of natural diamonds or the modern brilliance of lab-created diamonds, choose a jeweler you can trust, one with over 26 years of loyal customers and a proven reputation in Lakewood Ranch and the surrounding areas.

Whether you prefer the timeless rarity of natural diamonds or the modern brilliance of lab-created diamonds, choose a jeweler you can trust, one with over 26 years of loyal customers and a proven reputation in Lakewood Ranch and the surrounding areas.

EAST COUNTY

Observer

A Lakewood Ranch High and an online-academy graduate join 14 other graduating seniors in U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan’s congressional district on their way to U.S. service academies in the fall.

Jack Crosbie and Etienne Gaillard, both of Lakewood Ranch, were among the list of 16 nominees accepted to the academies in the Florida 16th District.

Each year, members of the U.S. House and Senate nominate high school seniors in their districts and states for admission to the U.S. Air Force, Merchant Marine, Military and Naval academies. Applicants who meet strict qualifications are interviewed and recommended by a nonpartisan Service Academy Board appointed by the congressman. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a nomination to be accepted.

The following six Manatee County students nominated by Buchanan received an academy appointment for the fall: Manatee County ■ Jack Crosbie, Lakewood Ranch High School, appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy ■ Erik Geiger Thompson, Culver Academy, appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy ■ Makayla Berlin, Farragut Academy, appointed to the U.S. Military Academy ■ Etienne Gaillard, Acellus Academy, appointed to the U.S. Military Academy ■ Dax Morgan, IMG Academy, appointed to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy ■ Aidan Peters, Georgia Military College, appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy

Custom Jewelry Repair Repair Designs || Exceptional Exceptional CustomDesigns Exceptional Selection Selection || Jewelry 8131Lakewood Lakewood Main Main St, 8131 373-6311 St, Suite Suite 104 104 || (941) (941) 373-6311 VanessaFineJewelry.com VanessaFineJewelry.com VanessaFineJewelry.com

Area students headed for service academies

“I would like to congratulate these exceptional young men and women on earning appointments to our nation’s prestigious U.S. Service Academies,” said Buchanan. “This achievement reflects their hard work, leadership, character and commitment to serving our country. It is a tremendous honor for these students, their families, their mentors and our entire community.

I wish them continued success as

TO EMAIL US

Infrastructure recovery funds available Manatee County is receiving applications for The Infrastructure Recovery and Resiliency Program funds.

On May 28, the county published the Notice of Funding Availability for the program, which is the county’s major infrastructure initiative under the federally funded Community Development Block Grant — Disaster Recovery Program.

A county press release said the program has been established as Lasting Manatee and more information is available at LastingManatee.org. Applications give eligible entities an opportunity to submit projects for consideration.

The program was set up to support long-term storm resiliency improvements across Manatee County “with population-based allocations that give each municipality a voice in shaping local recovery.”

The release said “examples of potential projects include stormwater upgrades, drainage improvements, flood mitigation infrastructure, roadway and bridge resiliency enhancements, utility hardening, water and wastewater system improvements and shoreline stabilization.”

“This is the largest infrastructure investment the county has ever managed,” said Manatee County District 4 Commissioner Mike Rahn in the release.

“We look forward to working with our municipal partners to execute countywide storm resiliency improvements.”

The release said eligible applicants include Manatee County government and the County’s local municipalities. Nonprofit organizations with an active 501(c)(3) designation may also submit a preapplication to help identify unmet infrastructure needs. In all cases, the county or municipality must serve as the applicant.

The NOFA and Program Guide for the Infrastructure Recovery and Resiliency Program can be found at LastingManatee.org/Pages/Documents.

Dive into Daily Crossword Fun! Indulge in daily brain-teasers! Our website serves up fresh puzzles and clues daily, designed for your enjoyment. With a user-friendly interface and questions tailored for just the right level of challenge, it's crossword fun at its finest!

C H A L

A C C

L E N G E P

SPONSORED BY

8130 Lakewood Main Street, Suite 207, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 PHONE: 941-755-5357 | WEBSITE: www.YourObserver.com Email press releases, announcements and Letters to the Editor to: Jay Heater, jheater@yourobserver.com

they begin this important journey in service to our nation.”

T E D

PLAY NOW yourobserver.com/crossword

463953-1

Custom Jewelry Inspired Exquisite jewelry crafted BeTradition Bold, Be of Brilliant, A Beauty, with precious perfection byBeautiful Fineof Art Be A Legacy Trust

457132-1

TO ADVERTISE

Display Advertising: To obtain information, call 941-366-3468, Ext. 345.

Classified Advertising / Service Directory: For information and rates, or to place an ad, call 941-955-4888. Hours 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. To place a classified ad online, visit www.YourObserver.com, or email your ad to classified@yourobserver.com.

Aqua’s Got Your Back.

Your Partner for Total Home Care.

2 WAYS TO SUBSCRIBE 1. NEWSPAPER APP

2. MAIL DELIVERY SUBSCRIPTION RATES

Access your weekly Observer paper, anytime, anywhere with our Print Edition app. You can read page to page, section to section like a newspaper on your phone, tablet or laptop.

First-Class One year / $200 Six months / $160 Three months / $128

Subscribe at YourObserver.com/subscribe

Canada One year / $250 Six months / $200 Three months / $160

To subscribe: Please call Donna Condon at 941-366-3468, Ext. 301, or email dcondon@yourobserver.com.

WATER TREATMENT

PUBLIC NOTICES

The Sarasota/Siesta Key, East County and Longboat Observers meet the legal requirements to publish legal and public notices in Sarasota & Manatee counties, per F.S. 50.011.

AUDITOR INFORMATION

Circulation Verified Council 12166 Old Big Bend Road, Suite 210 | St Louis, MO 63122 314-966-7111 | www.cvcaudit.com

FOLLOW US

LIKE US

@observergroup

@ObserverGroup

FOLLOW US

WATCH US

@ObserverGroup

@YourObserverVideo

PLUMBING 941.366.7676 AQUAPLUMBINGSARASOTA.COM LIC # CAC1816020 • PLBG CFC1428223 • ELEC EC13009313

462705-1

4A

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026

“This project reflects what can be accomplished when local and state leaders, private partners and the community work together around a shared vision.”

national events and Olympic development programs, while generating substantial regional economic impact,” said Bruce Patneaude, COO of Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy, in the release.

The conservancy is aiming for a May 2028 completion date as the 2028 World Rowing Championships will be held in August 2028.

“It would be nice to have the facility finished by that time,” said Kosiba, who lives in Lakewood Ranch.

“But my understanding is that the regatta is not dependent upon having the facility in place. We are getting all key pieces in place, and the additional money from the state is a good sign. If we look at this (plan) as a football field that is 100 yards, we are within three or four yards of the goal line. Things are falling into place. We are very optimistic.”

He added that the conservancy is confident the project is ready to move forward to the construction phase.

“This project reflects what can be accomplished when local and state leaders, private partners and the community work together around a shared vision,” Patneaude said in the release. “We’re grateful to the Florida Legislature and the local legislative delegation for the support and for helping to strengthen Nathan Benderson Park’s ability to serve the region for decades to come by enhancing opportunities for sports tourism, community programming and regional resiliency.”

Included in the project are eight full-size basketball courts (or 16 volleyball courts), concessions that include a full kitchen and food service area, multiuse space, boathouse facilities such as storage and support areas, weight rooms and fitness areas, boardroom and VIP space, restrooms, locker rooms, and support spaces and IT infrastructure.

Kosiba said few changes have been made to the architectural plan over the past six months.

“There’s been some fine tuning,” he said. “I know the basic structure is the same. It’s mostly details, such as, ‘is this conference room going to seat 20 or eight ... little details. The basic design is solid.

“This is good stuff for the community. There are going to be benefits.”

— Bruce Patneaude, COO of Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy

Courtesy image

The boathouse and events center planned for Nathan Benderson Park is expected to cost approximately $65 million.

State helps launch boathouse State Legislature has approved a $10 million appropriation, so now it is up to Gov. Ron DeSantis to approve it.

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

F

unding for the planned Nathan Benderson Park boathouse and events center has received a substantial boost with $10 million appropriated for the project by the state Legislature.

Included in the state budget, which now must be approved by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the funds were announced May 27 in a release by the Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy.

The conservancy plans to build a 100,000-square-foot complex, which will feature courts for basketball, pickleball, volleyball, and other indoor sports, along with a boathouse to enhance a facility already considered the top rowing venue in North America.

The event center also will sup-

Jay Heater

Conservancy Board member Louis Kosiba, Sarasota County’s Shelby Hoffman, Nathan Benderson Park COO Bruce C. Patneaude and Board Chair Michael Taaffe announce Nov. 5 that the major fundraising campaign for the boathouse/ events center has begun.

port regional response operations to storms and will provide flexible community meeting space.

The capital campaign has a goal of $65 million, and $43 million has been committed to the facility to date.

That includes a $20 million commitment by Sarasota County and the $10

million appropriation by the state.

The Benderson Family Foundation has committed to paying 20% of the total construction costs.

“The (state) appropriation is important,” conservancy board member Louis Kosiba said. “It shows a commitment by the state to our

5A

community. It is going to help in our fundraising effort. The community will see that both (Sarasota County) and the state are interested in building this dream of a complex. It does encourage other people, too.”

Kosiba said fundraising has made significant progress even though it remains in the “preliminary stage.”

He said the conservancy has hired Patricia Winn as its director of development to lead the fundraising effort. “She is listening, finding out what is going on,” he said.

The conservancy has accepted construction bids and now has trimmed the field to four bids, which are being evaluated. Kosiba said he has heard the length of construction should be approximately 18 months.

He said the conservancy doesn’t need to have the entire $65 million in the bank to start construction.

“This (fundraising effort) is going to grow more and more,” Kosiba said.

“Giving people insight into how much the county and state, along with philanthropic individuals, feel about this community, is important. My gosh, this community has so many giving people and groups — The Patterson Foundation, The Gulf Coast Community Foundation, and so many other people who always are investing in this community.”

The conservancy release said the funding effort in the Legislature was led by state Senators Joe Gruters and Jim Boyd and Representatives Will Robinson, James Buchanan, Fiona McFarland and Bill Conerly.

“Over the last 15 years, public investment, private partnership and community support have worked together to build Nathan Benderson Park into a venue that now serves local families, youth athletes,

WA R R E N G RO U P L A K EWO O D R A N C H Lakewood Ranch Residents and Real Estate Experts for Over 20 Years

• Top 1% of agents in Sarasota and Manatee Counties

• Members of Coldwell Banker’s Global Luxury Division • Top 3% of Coldwell Banker agents worldwide • Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialists

Whether you are listing or buying a home, we would love the opportunity to prove our commitment to you in your next move.

PRICE IMPROVEMENT!

PRICE IMPROVEMENT!

Lakewood Ranch | The Lake Club 7929 Staysail Court | $3,499,000

Sarasota | Skye Ranch 9224 Starry Night Avenue | $1,950,000

NOW PENDING!

UNDER CONTRACT IN 8 DAYS!

Lakewood Ranch | Riverwalk Ridge 12202 Lobelia Terrace | $899,000

Lakewood Ranch | Country Club West 7134 Whitemarsh Circle | $749,900

The Best Realtors in Lakewood Ranch!

Pat and Julie are the best team! Very organized, honest, fast moving, unbelievably talented and they know how the market works! They get things done quickly! I would list my home with them over and over again. I’m so glad we hired them! Nicest people in the world! They really know the market value in Lakewood Ranch! Very professional! I enjoyed my experience with them!

Vicky H. Real Estate Advisors, REALTORS Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate

8334 Market Street, Lakewood Ranch, FL C: 941.350.7044 C: 941.350.7439 O: 941.907.1033

Realtors, CLHMS

www.WarrenGroupSarasota.com Pat.Warren@CBRealty.com Julie.Warren@CBRealty.com

457609-1

PAT & JULIE WARREN

Julie and Pat Warren

6A

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026

LET US DESIGN A POOL THAT FITS YOUR LIFESTYLE

Mail theft investigation continues The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office says progress has been made but adds it can’t release details at this time.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

W

Design•Build•Maintain Professional In-House Construction Call today to schedule an appointment

www.HolidayPoolsFlorida.com

Lic# CPC1458597

Family Owned and Operated Since 1994

* for full details.

463522-1

*Restrictions apply. See server

Lesley Dwyer

MINDFUL MAILING The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office provided the following information: Residents are urged to take steps to avoid becoming a victim of these crimes. Stolen mail is frequently used to facilitate identity theft, check fraud and unauthorized access to bank accounts. Even a single piece of mail can expose sensitive personal information. To help protect yourself, consider the following precautions:

Several residents report checks mailed from the Post Office in Lakewood Ranch have been stolen and washed.

■ Retrieve your mail as soon as possible after delivery.

■ Avoid sending cash or checks through the mail whenever feasible.

■ Use a locked mailbox or secure postal drop box for sensitive items.

■ Regularly monitor your bank accounts and credit reports for any unusual activity.

wood Ranch Post Office. She hasn’t heard a word since, but the lost money was returned by her bank.

Warren said the Sheriff’s Office is communicating with individuals who have filed reports and who have provided updates when appropriate.

“Once the investigation reaches a stage where information can be released responsibly, we will provide a comprehensive overview of what was uncovered,” Warren said.

We Serve All Families

Experts In Celebrating Life

Our Cremation Garden

Where A Little Sparkle Brightens Your Day

A beautifully landscaped setting designed for families who choose cremation.

Offering permanent memorial spaces where loved ones can be honored and remembered with dignity.

Planning today ensures your wishes are respected tomorrow, while easing the burden on those you love.

Contact us for a personal consultation.

Fine Jewelry, Diamonds, Watches & Engagement Rings

www.RTSfunerals.com Not affiliated with Toale Brothers Funeral Home or Toale Brothers Inc.

AT WATERSIDE PLACE 1561 Lakefront Drive Suite 105 Lakewood Ranch, Florida 34240 (941) 351-8792 www.Cileone.com 459158-1

ROBERT TOALE & SONS FUNERAL HOME AT PALMS MEMORIAL PARK 170 Honore Ave Sarasota, FL 34232 | 941-371-4962

453179-1

462303-1

941.927.1882

hile social media reports have suggested the culprits of a check-washing scam out of the Lakewood Ranch Post Office have been caught, a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office spokesman said that is not accurate.

Randy Warren, public information officer for the Sheriff’s Office, would only say “significant progress has been made in the ongoing investigation.”

Warren noted the case involves complex detective work, layers of documentation, and strategic fieldwork, which has been backed by U.S. Postal Inspector Kristi Parkerson.

“With any investigation involving a monetary loss, it takes time to obtain information from victims, businesses and financial institutions,” Parkerson said. “Once the information is obtained, it takes a lot of time to review.”

The two agencies, MCSO and the United States Postal Inspection Service, are working together.

Gerald Tippin, a Rosedale resident and victim of a mail theft, said it’s “no skin off his nose” that they haven’t caught the culprits yet. Tippin’s bank returned the stolen funds to him.

He received an email from the postal inspection service April 20 letting him know it is a “lengthy process.”

“If we confirm you were a victim, and if federal criminal charges are filed, you are entitled to receive further communication from the United States Attorney’s Office regarding the prosecution,” the letter read.

Lakewood Ranch’s Deborah Giambrone had a check stolen in February that she had dropped off at the Lake-

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026

7A

STUNNING VIEWS | A STORIED HISTORY | PREMIER LOCATION | SUPERIOR QUALITY | A LOCAL TEAM | OUTSTANDING SERVICES & AMENITIES

The Last Great Address on Palm Avenue PRICED FROM THE HIGH $3 MILLIONS

Discover Luxury Living in The Heart of Downtown Sarasota MIRAMARSARASOTA.COM

|

(941) 200 1772

|

1258 NORTH PALM AVENUE, SARASOTA, FL 34236

463795-1

ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS MAKE REFERENCE TO THIS BROCHURE AND TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A SELLER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. THIS PROJECT HAS BEEN FILED IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA AND NO OTHER STATE. THIS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL OR SOLICITATION OF OFFERS TO BUY THE CONDOMINIUM UNITS IN STATES WHERE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION CANNOT BE MADE. PRICES AND AVAILABILITY ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE ANYTIME WITHOUT NOTICE.

8A

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026

HURRICANE PREP FOR RESIDENTS Francesca Constantini, communications coordinator for Manatee County Public Safety, stressed that long before a hurricane hits, Manatee County has help waiting for residents.

“Check out our website, MyManatee. org/Storm,” she said. “We’ll be updating information there even before hurricane season.

If you need to plan your preparedness kit, you could go on that website.

We have a list that can help you, especially for people who just moved to Florida and have no idea where to start.”

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Matthew Myers is the chief of Emergency Management for Manatee County.

Manatee strengthens

disaster response Manatee County has invested over $600,000 on software and equipment to fortify its hurricane response since 2024.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

J

une 1 is not a holiday, but it is a day of note for all Florida residents because it marks the first day of hurricane season.

In preparation, Manatee County rolled out its new high-water vehicle and offered a glimpse of its latest storm software at the Emergency Operations Center on May 27.

“It is an amazing asset,” Chet Brown, division chief for Public Safety, said of the high-water vehicle. “The citizens should know if there’s an issue, we’re coming to get you.”

The $236,155, custom-built truck, that Brown nicknamed “the Rhino” because of its size, can drive through 48 inches of water and rescue up to 30 people at once.

Brown noted that during past rescues, the boats could only pick up one or two people at a time. Plus, the Rhino can get in and out of flooded areas much quicker.

It’s also fully accessible because of a lift gate in the back. Residents who are bedridden and use wheelchairs can be loaded onto the vehicle.

For such a large vehicle, Brown said it’s easy to drive. It has an automatic transmission and can travel up to 75 mph, although no one has tested it at that speed.

The Rhino stays parked at a county fleet station near Cortez Road and 66th Street West because it’s easy to access for the beach patrol.

If a hurricane was approaching Myakka City, staff would find a safe place to park the rescue vehicle in or around Myakka City.

Time matters when rescuing people from a flood.

“The longer they’re there, the more hazards present themselves — floating debris, electrical issues — a lot of things can happen,” Brown said.

The vehicle’s cab seats three, but if put into use, it’s more likely that two staff members will be in the cab and two will be in the back assisting residents.

the next two months and two hurricanes.

The initial cost for the software was $140,000, and the expansion cost $267,500.

The software itself is not new.

It’s long been used by fire departments and law enforcement agencies to consolidate data. But Manatee County is the first municipality to aggregate data for use through a natural disaster.

The software doesn’t discover new data or solve new problems, but it organizes data so efficiently that Director of Public Safety Jodi Fiske contends it saves staff days’ worth of time during a hurricane activation.

“Not that (the same decisions and responses) wouldn’t get done before, but we’re doing it faster now,” she said.

Manatee County’s hurricane damage assessments were compiled 12 hours after Hurricane Helene. The average is 24 hours or more. Manatee was waiting on other counties to finish so the state could submit its assessment to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Matthew Myers, chief of Emergency Management, said the state is looking into launching a pilot program within this region in the hope of eventually using the system statewide.

Myers illustrated the advantage of Peregrine by explaining how the Director of Public Safety Jodie Fiske says the data consolidation software saves staff days worth of time during disasters.

“The longer they’re there, the more hazards present themselves — floating debris, electrical issues — a lot of things can happen. The quicker we get there and get them out of the situation they’re in is best.”

— Chet Brown, the division chief for Public Safety

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

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Publisher and President / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com Publisher / Lori Ruth, LRuth@YourObserver.com Executive Editor and COO / Kat Wingert, KWingert@YourObserver.com Managing Editor / Jay Heater, JHeater@YourObserver.com Sports Reporter / Jack Nelson, JNelson@ YourObserver.com Staff Writers / Madison Bierl, MBierl@ YourObserver.com; Lesley Dwyer, LDwyer@YourObserver.com Digital News Analytics and Marketing Strategist / Kaelyn Adix, KAdix@YourObserver.com Digital News Editor / Eric Garwood, EGarwood@YourObserver.com Copy Editor / Gina Reynolds Haskins, GRHaskins@YourObserver.com Senior Editorial Designer / Melissa Leduc, MLeduc@YourObserver.com A+E Editor / Monica Roman Gagnier, MGagnier@YourObserver.com Chief Revenue Officer / Jill Raleigh, JRaleigh@YourObserver.com Advertising Director / Penny Nowicki, PNowicki@YourObserver.com Senior Sales Executive / Richeal McGuinness, RMcGuinness@ YourObserver.com; Toni Perren, TPerren@ YourObserver.com Advertising Executives / Jennifer Kane, JKane@YourObserver.com; Honesty Mantkowski, HMantkowski@ YourObserver.com; Marcus Ponce, MPonce@YourObserver.com; Anna Reich, Anna@YourObserver.com; Brenda White, BWhite@YourObserver.com Classified Advertising Sales Executive / Sydney Schunk, SSchunk@YourObserver. com Head of Sales Operations / Susan Leedom, SLeedom@YourObserver.com Account Managers / Lori Downey, LDowney@YourObserver.com; Caitlin Ellis, CEllis@YourObserver.com Advertising and Event Coordinator / Marisa Merlino, MMerlino@YourObserver. com Director of Strategic Growth / Kathleen O’Hara, KOHara@YourObserver.com Strategic Marketing Coordinator / Landyn Park, LPark@YourObserver.com Social Media and Content Manager / Emma Burke, EBurke@YourObserver.com Tributes Coordinator / Kristen Boothroyd, Tributes@YourObserver.com Director of Creative Services and IT / Caleb Stanton, CStanton@YourObserver. com Creative Services Administrator / Marjorie Holloway, MHolloway@ YourObserver.com Advertising Graphic Designers / Luis Trujillo, Taylor Poe, Louise Martin, Shawna Polana Digital Developer / Jason Camillo, JCamillo@YourObserver.com Information Technology Manager / Homer Gallego, HGallego@YourObserver. com Controller / Rafael Labrin, RLabrin@YourObserver.com Office and Accounting Coordinator / Donna Condon, DCondon@ YourObserver.com

Observer Media Group Inc. is locally owned.

Publisher of the Longboat Observer, East County Observer, Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer, West Orange Times & Observer, Southwest Orange Observer, Business Observer, Jacksonville Daily Record, Key Life Style Magazine, LWR Life Magazine, Baldwin Park Living Magazine and Season Magazine

HIGH-SPEED SOFTWARE

The high-water vehicle was delivered at the end of last year, so it hasn’t been put to a real-life test yet. But the Peregrine software has been used through three hurricanes and has produced some impressive results.

The software was being installed during Hurricane Debby in August 2024. The software was expanded throughout the next two hurricanes — Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.

The software that started during Hurricane Debby with about a dozen data points, such as stream gauges and lift station calculations, expanded to over 50 data points throughout

county’s stream gauges used to be monitored during storm events.

Each gauge had its own screen.

The user had to click back and forth between 24 tabs, which can cause occasional user errors when compiling so much data.

With Peregrine, the gauge measurements are side-by-side and color coded within a line graph. Staff can watch the lines rise and lower in nearly real time. The refresh rate can be set to every two minutes.

Additionally, the data is “verifiable,” which means there is proof the data is unaltered and reliable.

Peregrine consolidates data to quickly and accurately determine flood threat levels — minor, major or action stage.

The software can pull from all county data and then strip it down to only what’s useful.

Parks, for example, have layers of information on the county website, such as the hours and if dogs are allowed. In Peregrine, only necessary information is in the “dashboard.”

And even parks became a crucial county asset when dealing with disasters.

Off the top of her head, Fiske rattled off a slew of questions about parks that she needs answered during a hurricane activation: How big is the park? What does the entrance look like? Is it paved?

Can I land a helicopter? Could I put semi-trucks there with the National Guard?

“All of that information is already there (in Peregrine),” Fiske said.

EAST COUNTY

CEO / Matt Walsh MWalsh@YourObserver.com President / Emily Walsh

Capt. Marshall Greene secures the lift gate back in place.

Boats can pull onto the lift so residents can easily get into the back of the truck.

Chairman / David Beliles (1995-2026) Vice President / Lisa Walsh (1995-2023) 8130 Lakewood Main St., Suite D207 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-755-5357

YourObserver.com © 2026 The Observer Media Group Inc. All Rights Reserved

YourObserver.com

SIDE OF RANCH

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026

9A

JAY HEATER

Residents receive little warning about Premier plan detours Way to go, Manatee County!

My problem isn’t what has been built, or what is coming. What I don’t like is the lack of transparency when spending taxpayer dollars along the way.

In 2021, the Observer ran another story after interviewing county officials about future plans for the Premier North land.

Here were some of the amenities that were listed as part of the plan — a playground, a gymnasium, a baseball/softball complex, a dog park, a BMX track, a basketball court, a skate park, volleyball courts and an event lawn.

Although a baseball-softball complex remains unfunded, White said it remains in the plans.

The rest of the stuff isn’t likely.

Despite all that acreage, Premier North has run out of room.

The library and the swim/pickleball complex ate up much of the land, and now it appears we will be getting an ice hockey arena on-site as well. You can’t have it all.

Manatee County wanted a sports complex that would attract competitors and tourists from outside our area. Mission accomplished in that regard.

Again, the finished product should make Manatee County and its residents proud. The swim center figures to attract thousands of visitors for major events, and we know that some of those visitors become homeowners once they see our area. All those visitors need to eat and sleep, so area restaurants and hotels will get a major boost.

The same could be said about a hockey arena, although I am ambivalent about it. Perhaps my age would make me less likely to make use of it, as my skating days

Courtesy image

An aerial rendering of Premier Park’s upcoming racket and aquatic center along with unfunded ballfields.

are over. If they do put a minor league hockey team in there, I might see a game or two every couple of years, but that’s about it. For kids and their parents, it could represent a major score. Again, it will generate economic impact.

It all adds up to a boon for Manatee County and its residents.

Unless you wanted something similar to what they have on the west side of the county in G.T. Bray Park. The county’s own description is “the heart of recreation and leisure in Manatee County. Spanning 140 acres, this park is packed with endless opportunities for fun, fitness and relaxation. Whether you’re here to exercise, play or simply unwind, there’s something for everyone.”

I never expected Manatee County would build another G.T. Bray in Lakewood Ranch, but when I heard about a playground, a gymnasium, a baseball/softball complex, a dog park, a BMX track, a basketball court, a skate park, volleyball courts and an event lawn, I was hopeful.

My complaint with Premier North is not that sometimes offi-

cials must swerve away from previous plans. It’s just that when you are swerving, you should bring the residents along for the ride.

Countless times over the past decade, the East County Observer requested interviews with county officials about their Premier plans.

Most of the time, we were denied.

Everyone was so busy, they didn’t have 30 minutes to tell the public what was coming or that plans had changed.

That’s the rub. As taxpayers, we often get told about a project after all the plans have been finalized.

Then it’s either too late to do anything about it or it is cost prohibitive.

That lack of transparency can get expensive.

For example, Manatee County had to change the dimensions of the pool it was building at Premier so it would be more accessible to major swim meets. Even planning can get expensive when you change midstream.

It wasn’t like all the swim parents, coaches and teams weren’t accessible for an opinion before the

initial pool plans even began.

The eventual finished product at Premier North is going to be outstanding in terms of general economic impact. Congratulations.

But if you are a resident who wanted a county park where you could walk your dog, or ride a bike, or use the gym or see a concert at an amphitheater, you’re out of luck.

You have little recourse, except for explaining to this year’s Manatee County Commission candidates that you need someone who will keep the public informed when plans change, and who will demand public feedback when they do.

This horse already is dead, but others are on the way.

For Sale

Price Improvement

16925 Clearlake Ave., Lakewood Ranch

3571 Santa Caterina Blvd., Bradenton

The Lake Club | 4 BR + DEN & BONUS | 5.5 BA | 4,139 SF | $3,990,000 Web# A4689420

Esplanade at Azario | 3 BR + DEN | 3 BA | 2,380 SF | $1,000,000 Web# A4693758

Gloria Bracciano

Sales Associate Executive Director of Luxury Sales

O 941.867.6199 M 941.229.4000 gloria.bracciano@elliman.com

Angelica Rossi

RANKED AMONG THE TOP 1.5% REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS*

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

OVER $300 MILLION SOLD SINCE 2020** Top producer for the past six consecutive years

by Individual Sales Volume Nationally - RealTrends Verified 2025

Sales Associate

O 941.867.6199 M 786.202.3000 angelica.rossi@elliman.com

elliman.com

1350 MAIN STREET, SARASOTA, FL 34236. 941.867.6199 © 2026 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. ALL MATERIAL PRESENTED HEREIN IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. WHILE, THIS INFORMATION IS BELIEVED TO BE CORRECT, IT IS REPRESENTED SUBJECT TO ERRORS, OMISSIONS, CHANGES OR WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT NOTICE. ALL PROPERTY INFORMATION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO SQUARE FOOTAGE, ROOM COUNT, NUMBER OF BEDROOMS AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PROPERTY LISTINGS SHOULD BE VERIFIED BY YOUR OWN ATTORNEY, ARCHITECT OR ZONING EXPERT. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY. *REALTRENDS VERIFIED BASED ON 2024 SALES.**BASED ON SALES FROM JANUARY 2020 - JANUARY 2026 PREMIER SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY TRANSACTIONS.

461000-1

T

his horse is dead.

So this will be the last time you will read about me beating it.

I am talking about Premier Sports Campus North, as it was so named by its owner, Manatee County.

East County Observer reporter Lesley Dwyer toured the campus last week with Molly White, director of Sports and Leisure for the county, along with Commissioner Amanda Ballard.

Right away in her story, which is on Page 3A of today’s edition, White notes that the general development plan has been finalized, and the overall vision for Premier is to be a sports complex.

So there you have it.

In 2017, Manatee County bought the initial 127-acre Premier Sports Campus (for $5.2 million) along with an adjacent 36 acres to the north from Schroeder-Manatee Ranch. The next year, SMR cut the county a great deal ($4.6 million) on an additional 75 acres just north of those 36 acres it purchased in 2017.

The Observer story in 2018 wrote that the county purchased the 75 acres “for a future hub for government services and parks and recreation offerings.” County officials promised a library and a swim complex.

Although it took the better part of a decade, all those promises were fulfilled, except for the recreational offerings.

Focusing on the failure to add those recreational offerings might seem trivial, considering the county built a $17.6 million library and a $44.2 million pickleball and aquatics facility. Those are advancements to celebrate.

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026

VOTE 2026

10A

Panther Ridge mom takes second shot at school board seat Chantal Wilford is attempting for the second time to earn a School District of Manatee County board seat.

MADISON BIERL STAFF WRITER

F

our years ago, when Chantal Wilford ran for a school board seat in the School District of Manatee County, she hoped to help students, to advocate for teachers, and to support the families in her district.

Although she lost, she decided to dive even further into the world of education by creating a Facebook page, “Education Matters in Manatee County.”

Since then, the page has grown to 2,300 followers. She posts a variety of educational updates and resources, including summaries of school board meetings.

“When I was talking to people, I realized that a lot of them just didn’t know who their school board member was, what the school board did, or why it might matter,” Wilford said.

“I started thinking, ‘I’m just going to start a Facebook page and put some of this information out there. Maybe I need to meet people where they are and that might be social media.’”

A longtime Panther Ridge resident and mother of four, Wilford is once again running for the District 5 school board seat. Her children were all homeschooled until fifth grade, when they each started attending public schools in District 5. Three of them have since graduated and one will be sophomore at Braden River High School.

She has been a member of the League of Women Voters for four years and has been a substitute teacher for the School District of Manatee County.

CHANTAL WILFORD After graduating high school in California, Chantal Wilford spent seven years living in Europe as a college student and then as a teacher. She studied pedagogy, the method and practice of teaching, for two years in the Netherlands. She returned to the U.S. and took a year of post-graduate training as a translator and interpreter at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in California. To learn more about Chantal, visit VoteWilford.com.

Madison Bierl

tributed nearly 1,800 books.

She said the number of books in schools has decreased with technology, but she wants to have a focus on reading from physical books while also embracing technology.

“Part of getting kids engaged in learning is finding something that they can click with that resonates with them. This is so important when it comes to books,” Wilford said. “They need to have books around that represent themselves — their backgrounds, family situations, their aspirations. It could be a book about athletes or astronauts.”

Wilford wants to see students have more opportunities in terms of extracurricular activities. She often hears students need to get back to basics — reading, writing, arithmetic are all crucial skills — but she said the school experience is about more.

“At the end of the day, we want well-rounded kids and a lot of kids are coming in for those extras,” Wilford said. “They’re not coming for math class, they’re coming because they love band or basketball or TSA (Technology Student Association).

That’s the highlight of their day. We need to continue to make those programs stronger, because we want the kids to come in and learn.”

She said the district should get

She said it is important to her that community members feel heard and not dismissed. Toward that end, she hopes to connect parents and community members with the right people who can address their concerns.

She said some parents automatically try to connect with the superintendent or school board members with their issues when starting with a teacher or counselor is the way to go.

Wilford said she has zero political aspirations beyond the school board and does not see it as a stepping stone to become a county commissioner or other local government post. She sees becoming a school board member as a full-time job that carries with it tremendous responsibility.

“Education is my only focus,” Wilford said. “There are no county commissioners or political action committees rushing to give me a check. It’s about the educators, the administrators, and friends. It’s very grassroots.”

Wilford is an active member of the Lakewood Ranch Little Free Library Club. She sorts through book donations, stamps them, and delivers the books to the locations around the community. She has personally dis-

more creative and proficient in terms of marketing which schools have which programs. She said targeting families earlier — letting them know about high school programs while the kids are in middle or even elementary school — could benefit the students and families in the long run.

Wilford said there are many people with different backgrounds in the schools and community in terms of religion, culture, language, economics and academics. They all bring their own stories and experiences.

“It comes back to the students,” Wilford said. “You want everyone to be able to do the best that they can, regardless of any of that. You want to be able to support each student and I want to be able to support the teachers who do all that work.”

If elected, Wilford said she won’t attempt to make changes immediately. She said the district has many strengths to build on, but she said there is room for reflection and improvement.

“It’s in everybody’s best interest to have educated students who feel supported,” Wilford said. “That’s our future workforce. Those are the people who are going to make the world go round. They’re going to be our teachers, our doctors, our accountants our chefs.”

Panther Ridge’s Chantal Wilford wants to provide further support to families in Manatee County through becoming the District 5 school board member.

Instructions Follow the steps below to edit the content. For more detailed instructions, click here.

NOTE: You can select your language when editing content.

Step 1: Double click the red link on the left "1. Selec Culture" to select the language from the drop down menu - English, French or Spanish.

Click "Apply" at the bottom of the window.

Step 2: Double click "2. Center Info" if you need to adjust your address information.

462890-1

Step 3: Click "Finish" to send your document for approval.

Exclusive Travel Event Wednesday, June 10 at 2 pm You’re invited to a special travel event featuring presentations from Princess Cruises and Rocky Mountaineer — designed to inspire your next unforgettable vacation.

This event coincides with our Annual 3-Day Sale, the biggest Princess Cruises sale of the year, offering some of the best opportunities for savings. Learn about Princess Cruises’ worldwide destinations and onboard experiences, see why Alaska continues to be one of the most sought-after cruise destinations, hear how Rocky Mountaineer’s luxury rail journeys perfectly complement an Alaska cruise vacation.

Many of our clients love combining an Alaska cruise with a scenic rail adventure, making this event a great opportunity to discover how these experiences can be paired into one seamless vacation.

Book ANY 6-night or longer sailing at Princess Plus® fares, June 11-13 for all these Expedia® Extras & more: Up to $1,200 Onboard Credit* | Onboard Beverage Package* Unlimited WiFi* | Free Gratuities* | Over $900 in Onboard Savings* Free 3rd & 4th Guests (select sailings)* | Reduced Deposit*

Call Today to Save your Seat!

463473-1

*Terms & conditions apply. FL Seller of Travel Reg No ST39379

463399-1

(941) 254 6484

5215 University Parkway, Unit 102 (in the Kohl's shopping center) Sarasota, FL https://www.expediacruises.com/Sarasota

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026

11A

Not just Luxury. Statement-making. Legacy-worthy.

Always next level. Real estate elevated, Above All. THE GULF COAST LUXURY LEADER

Scan below for a full list of Open Houses, property details, driving directions and more

ISLES AT LAKEWOOD RANCH 8195 Redonda Loop Laura Stavola

$1,599,000 941.447.4875

NORTH ISLES 121 Holly Avenue Andrew Tanner

PANTHER RIDGE $1,295,000 941.539.0998

20706 79th Avenue East Laura Stavola

$3,075,000 941.447.4875

LAKEWOOD RANCH

RIVER CLUB 6935 Riversedge Street Circle Charles Totonis & Joe Harris

1910 Oregon Trail Denise Mattmuller

$2,350,000 941.232.8055

4725 Greencroft Road Fernando Viteri

HIDDEN CREEK AT LAKEWOOD RANCH $594,000 941.400.7676

LAKEWOOD RANCH COUNTRY CLUB 6922 Woodmore Terrace Liz Snyder & Lisa Morreale

$499,000 727.424.6444

7519 Mizner Reserve Court Pat McMillan & Katie Klomp

MOTE RANCH

LANDINGS ON LEMON BAY

THE MEADOWS

$995,000 941.524.8299

7835 Hidden Creek Loop #101 Roberta Tengerdy & Jessica St. Andre

$549,000 941.321.2292

PARSIENNE GARDENS 5235 Parisienne Place #101B28 John Odorzynski

$450,000 608.770.7589

6163 Palomino Circle Glo Reber

RIVER CLUB $699,000 941.400.5384

10106 Glenmore Avenue Charles Totonis & Joe Harris

ENCLAVE AT FOREST LAKES 3684 Fescue Lane Catherine Seress

$599,000 941.524.8299

GLEN OAKS COUNTRY CLUB

$509,900 941.928.1187

3720 Allenwood Street Lori Carey & Leslie DuFresne

$379,000 941.400.7676

5194 Marsh Field Lane #96 Robyn Sadlo

$499,900 941.780.3427

HERONMERE II

THE MEADOWS 3131 Heatherwood Lane Fernando Viteri

$990,000 941.544.4538

$324,000 941.812.4219

The first luxury high-rise residences in downtown Sarasota with short-term rental freedom RESIDENCES FROM THE $900S S A R AV E L A . CO M | 9 41 . 2 0 3 . 5 3 8 3 Artist and computer renderings, floor plans, and depictions are for illustrative purposes only and may differ from the final product. Dimensions, features, finishes, and amenities are approximate and subject to change without notice. No representation is made regarding future views or surrounding development. This is not an offering where prohibited by law. Any offering may be made only through the applicable disclosure or offering plan. © 2025 Sotheby’s International Realty. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark and used with permission. Each Sotheby’s International Realty office is independently owned and operated, except those operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. The Sotheby’s International Realty network fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Any services or products provided by independently owned and operated franchisees are not provided by, affiliated with, or related to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC nor any of its affiliated companies. Buyer’s Brokerage Compensation not binding unless confirmed by separate agreement among applicable parties. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Sotheby’s International Realty® affiliate company in the world BROKERAGE | RENTALS | RELOCATION | NEW DEVELOPMENT | MORTGAGE | TITLE | INSURANCE | FINE ART CONSIGNMENT VENICE | 941.412.3323

LAKEWOOD RANCH | 941.907.9541

LONGBOAT KEY | 941.383.2500

RENTALS | 941.203.3433

Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. Property information herein is derived from various sources including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate. Source: BrokerMetrics®

457705-1

SARASOTA - DOWNTOWN | 941.364.4000

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026

LOCAL CLUB SPOTLIGHT

8141 Lakewood Main St., Suite N106 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

941-756-7800

FOR OVER 87 YEARS Wagner Realty has been a trusted name in Sarasota

Legends Bay

6237 Signature Pointe Lane Bradenton 5BR/4.5BA/$1,950,000 A4694408 Donna Turnbaugh (410)382-4692

and Manatee County real estate, offering expertise across residential, luxury, commercial, waterfront, golf course, investment, and new construction properties.

Azario Esplanade 15415 Derna Terrace Bradenton 3BR/3BA/$1,125,000 A4633843 Jay Holland (941) 932-5080

Whether buying a first home, selling a family estate, or expanding a business portfolio, our experienced agents provide personalized service, strong market

Young Lions roar into Lakewood Ranch

Bridgewater

5518 Foxfire Run Bradenton 4BR/2BA/$695,000 A4693398 Nancy Allen (941) 720-7482

Tyler LaPlaca fills a void in Lakewood Ranch by founding a Leo Club.

knowledge, and trusted way. Wagner Realty is proud to help generations of clients achieve their real estate goals along Florida’s Gulf Coast.

River Strand/Heritage Harbour 204 River Enclave Court Bradenton 3BR/3BA/$549,990 A4694290 Jill Perfetto (732) 610-5464

Greenbrook Village 6433 Blue Grosbeak Circle Lakewood Ranch 4BR/3.5BA/$590,000 A4681479 Laurie Jarema (941) 321-3410

MADISON BIERL STAFF WRITER

W

Summerfield Hollow

6216 Rosefinch Court Lakewood Ranch 3BR/2.5BA/$279,000 A4691923 Sherry Flathman (941)592-3433

461141-1

guidance every step of the

Madison Bierl

Blair “Chip” Kunka and Jan Kunka of the Bradenton Lions Club didn’t previously have a young contact to start a Leo Club. When Tyler LaPlaca reached out, they were all in.

hen Tyler LaPlaca was in eighth grade, he moved to Florida and started attending a new school, Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy.

As he settled in, he searched for community service opportunities, and specifically for an organization that be belonged to in New York, the Leo Club, which is the official youth service organization of Lions Clubs International that is designed for those ages 12 to 30.

After sending a message to the Bradenton Lions Club inquiring if there was a Leo Club he could join in the area, he was informed there was not. He was surprised.

“I looked around and saw there

weren’t many clubs that were necessarily run by teens,” LaPlaca said.

“If a community doesn’t have something like that, it’s a big vacancy.”

LaPlaca, now a rising junior at Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy, was glad to take the opportunity to give back. He was told he would need 20 members to found the Lakewood Ranch Leo Club. Leo stands for leadership, experience and opportunity.

After texting 40 of his friends, who in turn texted more people, he was able to get those 20 members within four days. The club became official Jan. 24, and on April 19, it had its inaugural dinner.

“We had been looking into (starting) a community Leo, but we just didn’t have the contacts because of our age,” said Jan Kunka, the secretary of the Bradenton Lions Club.

“When we got a contact in (Tyler), we said, ‘We’re all in.’”

SEE CLUB SPOTLIGHT, PAGE 14A

W H E N C R A F T M AT T E R S . . . Inspiration Starts Here! ❙ Exceptional Collector Rugs ❙ Beautiful In-Stock Styles ❙ One-of-a-Kind Rugs ❙ Shipping to Midwest & Northeast ❙ Expert Interior Designers ❙ Fine Furnishings ❙ Art, Accessories & Lighting ❙ Unique Gift Boutique ❙ Immediate Delivery and so much more!

■ SARASOTA, FL SHOWROOM 3055 FRUITVILLE COMMONS. 941.900.HOME(4663) MONDAY-SATURDAY: 10AM-6PM

PREMIER LUXURY DESTINATION FOR RESIDENTIAL,COMMERCIAL AND HOSPITALITY DESIGN SERVICES.

C L I V E DA N I E L .CO M

AWA R D -W I N N I N G | I N T E R I O R D E S I G N | F I N E F U R N I S H I N GS S A R A S O TA • N A P L E S • B O C A R AT O N • F O R T M Y E R S

462651-1

12A

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026

13A

Quality Education.

Exceptional Value.

Endless Possibilities.

• Associate Degrees • Bachelor’s Degrees • Workforce Certificates • Personal Enrichment • Professional Development

Fall Semester Starts - August 17

APPLY TODAY! 941-752-5050 SCF.edu/LetsGo

463503-1

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 Equal Opportunity Officer, 941-752-5599, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34207.

achy legs?

If you have any of the following leg symptoms, you may be eligible for vein treatment, covered by most insurance.

Varicose Vein □ Swelling □ Restless LegsTreatment: □ Achy legs FLORIDA□ LAKES □ Fatigue □ Discoloration Varicose Veins ItUlcers Doesn’t □ Cramping □ □ Bulging Veins HOURS LAKEWOOD RANCH T, W, Th: 8:00am-5:00pm Just Change 9114 Town Center Pkwy. Ste 101 Step toward healthy legs and get Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 Friday: 8:00am-12:00pm back to doing the things you love! � Your Legs— It Changes the Way You Walk, Work, & Feel About Yourself!

VEIN CENTER

FLORIDA LAKES

F

VEIN CENTER

LAKEWOOD RANCH reedom from aching, 9114 Town Center Pkwy. Ste 101 heavy, or unsightly legs Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 is the Freedom to Live Fully!

Varicose veins are more than a cosmetic issue; they are often the first sign of a deeper circulation problem that can lead to serious complications like ulcers and infections if left untreated.

WHY WAIT?

HOURS

T, W, Th: 8:00am-5:00pm Friday: 8:00am-12:00pm

Catch the disease early.

Florida Lakes Vein Center SPECIALIZES in minimally invasive, painless treatments.

FREE SCREENINGS available.

Most insurance plans accepted, including Medicare, Medicaid, Humana, and Tricare.

Call (941) 866-8989

463792-1

or visit FloridaLakesVeinCenter.com It’s a No Veiner!™

9114 Town Center Pkwy., Suite 101 | Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 floridalakesveincenter.com

455666-1

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026

LOCAL CLUB SPOTLIGHT

14A

Club spotlight FROM PAGE 12A

Now, the club has approximately 30 members who go to schools such as Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy, Lakewood Ranch High School, and Florida Virtual School.

LaPlaca hopes to double the members in the near future, with an emphasis on attracting younger members in middle school.

“Having a youth branch of our organization in Lakewood Ranch means our mission of serving the community will carry forward with the next generation,” Kunka said in a press release about the club’s formation. “If Tyler is any indication of the young people who will be part of this club, the future of our community is in very good hands.”

Blair “Chip” Kunka, the public relations and membership chair of the Bradenton Lions Club, said he appreciates LaPlaca’s willingness to approach the club about forming Leos. He said he isn’t sure he would have had that confidence at his age.

“It gives me hope for the future that there are young people who are willing to begin a life of service,” Blair Kunka said. “We hear so much about the bad kids and not enough about the good ones and I can’t wait to watch these young people as they develop into adulthood.”

LaPlaca was heavily inspired by older siblings, Travis and Chelsea, who both served as presidents when they were in the Leo Club in New York. He would volunteer before he was old enough to be in the club.

Julie LaPlaca, Tyler’s mom, said out of her three children, Tyler is the “spitfire,” the most outgoing, a comedian and a go-getter. He has no problem speaking up for himself and has always been commended for being articulate. He loves to advocate and represent people.

“My older kids learned leadership, they learned to follow through, they learned how to organize, and they learned how to rally kids,” Julie LaPlaca said. “Tyler’s going to get the same from this and more with the logistics, because he’s starting it from the ground up.”

The leadership includes LaPlaca

LAKEWOOD RANCH LEO CLUB Mission statement: “To provide the youth of the world with an opportunity for development and contribution, individually and collectively, as responsible members of the local, national and international community.”

For general information about the Leo Clubs Program, a youth service program of Lions Clubs International, visit: LionsClubs.org/En/Discover-OurClubs/About-Leos.

For more information about the Lakewood Ranch Leos, please contact LakewoodRanchLeos@gmail.com.

as founder and president, with other teenagers serving in the positions of vice president, secretary, treasurer, public relations chair, membership chair, service chair and historian.

Laura Salerno, an incoming junior at Lakewood Ranch High School and the secretary of the club, said she is confident the club can make a difference under the LaPlaca’s leadership. A self-described “shy person,” she has broken out of her shell and is looking forward to opportunities.

Like LaPlaca, she also hopes to attract younger members.

“I want to see them get involved, because they’re obviously the future of Lakewood Ranch,” Salerno said.

“The more the younger generation gets involved, the more they can prosper.”

Ethan Zimmerman, the vice president, said a couple of years ago he didn’t enjoy volunteering. Since then, he has found it is meaningful.

“We have that perfect balance of academics and family,” Zimmerman said. “We’re all laughing, talking and everybody’s just having a good time, but it’s also serious and we’re trying to help the community.”

Julie LaPlaca said the Leo Club gives the kids an opportunity to hone their skills.

“Not everybody’s outspoken, not everybody’s good with being in front of the camera,” Julie LaPlaca said.

“Tyler is outgoing and the idea is to find out where everybody’s comfortable and give them an area for them to pursue. You can be a leader.”

JUNE 4, 2026

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

COOL OFF CABARET

AT THE

Catherine Randazzo is associate producer of Florida Studio Theatre.

Image courtesy of Emiliano Mejias

Images courtesy of Sorcha Augustine

Collin Purcell, Katie Blackwell and Brian Ott bring back the feel-good era of folk music in “Leaving on a Jet Plane.”

Florida Studio Theatre’s music shows provide a welcome respite from summer in the city.

MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER A+E EDITOR

F

lorida Studio Theatre offers cabaret shows all year, but there’s nothing like slipping into one of them when temperatures are in the 90s.

When you step inside one of FST’s two dimly lit cabarets, you enter a cool musical cave, one with cold drinks, reasonably priced food and friendly faces.

The cares of the outside world are left behind as you groove to the upbeat, idealistic soundtrack of baby boomers’ youth.

Maybe the reason FST cabaret resonates so strongly in the summer is that even those who are retired remember the freedom of the months without school. There was more time to daydream, wander and listen to music. Before the era of personal digital devices, music mainly came from the radio — either in a car or the transistor model you took with you everywhere during your summer travels.

As Van Morrison asks in “BrownEyed Girl,” Whatever happened /To Tuesday and so slow/Going down the old mine/with a transistor radio Sure, there was vinyl, but the record player was at home. And who wanted to be stuck at home during the summer?

Yes, it’s true

that Brian Wilson spent years in his room and even wrote a song about it. But he was a troubled genius. The rest of the Beach Boys raced cars, chased girls and tried to catch the next wave.

When FST launched its summer cabaret series in 2014, it tuned the nostalgia dial to the doo-wop days of the 1950s immortalized in Broadway’s “Jersey Boys” and to the Beach Boys-inspired groups of the 1960s surfer movement.

But the surfer craze has receded at FST Summer Cabaret. Time has moved on to folk music era of the 1960s and early 1970s. With its small stage and intimate setting, the Goldstein Cabaret isn’t much different from the Greenwich Village clubs in the 2024 Bob Dylan biopic, “A Complete Unknown,” except there are no candles and cigarettes.

Another perennial draw for FST’s boomer patrons is Motown, Berry Gordy’s Detroit hit factory. Its artists spanned the decades. After learning their craft in Motown groups, singers such as Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson and Michael Jackson went solo and became superstars.

Before folk princess Linda Ronstadt topped the charts with soulful ballads like “Blue Bayou” and had-enough anthems like “You’re No Good,” she was a member of the lesser-known Stone Poneys. The Poneys’ big hit (“Different Drum”) was written by The Monkees’ Mike Nesmith. As FST Summer Cabaret performer Brian Ott rightly notes during a show, “There was a lot of cross-hybridization.”

Singers who were starting to become popular would record a ditty by an unknown song-

Florida Studio Theatre cabaret veteran Brian Ott returns to FST in “Leaving on a Jet Plane.”

IF YOU GO ‘LEAVING ON A JET PLANE’ When: Through July 12 Where: Florida Studio Theatre’s Goldstein Cabaret, 1239 N. Palm Ave. Tickets: $42 Info: Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

writer pal so they could gain recognition and hopefully earn royalties.

The quintessential female folk singer, Joni Mitchell, is sui generis.

She’s one of a kind. The only thing she shares with some other folk stars of her era is that she’s Canadian, like Gordon Lightfoot and Neil Young.

Her provenance cost her a spot on The New York Times’ list of the 30 Greatest Living American Songwriters, but to her fans, Joni’s the GOAT. You’ll find acoustic folk music, Motown and pioneering female troubadours of the 1970s showcased in this year’s crop of FST Summer Cabaret shows. The series is programmed by FST Associate Producer Catherine Randazzo, who joined the theater the same year it launched its summer cabaret.

This year’s three shows are “Leaving On a Jet Plane” (through July 12), “Songbirds of the Seventies” (July 7-Sept. 6) and “Legacy: Motown & More!” (Aug. 4-Oct. 4). Subscriptions are $59, which brings the cost of each show to about half of the single ticket price of $42.

COMFORT FOOD FOR BOOMERS

After more than a decade, Randazzo understands the taste of her older audiences, the majority of whom are repeat subscribers. She knows what they like. “It’s like comfort food.

People grew up with it,” is how Randazzo described the mix.

Unlike the cabaret shows created by FST CEO and Producing Artistic Director Richard Hopkins and Managing Director Rebecca Hopkins during season, the summer cabarets aren’t produced by FST. That means it’s up to Randazzo to fill the stage. To do that, she relies on her relationships with producers and artists. She also scouts for talent at conventions where producers offer cabaret fare to regional theaters like FST and cruise lines. It’s not unusual

for her to work with artists to cultivate followup shows to programs that have performed well for FST. For instance, “Leaving on a Jet Plane” grew out of last summer’s “A Band Called Honalee.”

A Band Called Honalee is a real band that performs songs by Peter, Paul and Mary and other folk singers. Its roster of vocalists have solo careers and also appear with the band all around the country. One “Honalee” member, Katie Blackwell, is in the trio of vocalists in “Jet Plane.” The others are Collin Purcell and Brian Ott, who both play guitar.

They are backed up by Geoff Neuman and other rotating bass players.

FST audiences will remember Ott, a native of Minnesota, from his recent appearances in “A Band Called Honalee” and “59th Street Bridge,” a show inspired by the songs of Simon and Garfunkel and other folk singers.

On stage, Ott’s the thread that runs through FST’s folk-driven cabaret, but the idea for “Leaving on a Jet Plane” comes from Aaron Gandy, Randazzo says.

A former member of Band Called Honalee, Gandy is now part of Epic Arts Management, a firm that Randazzo calls a “creative partner” of FST. “I discovered Epic Arts Management and its producing director, Ron DeStefano, from looking at websites. During the pandemic, Ron reached out with a show called ‘Shades of Bublé,’ that we picked up.

His pitch was that he can bring a new generation in.”

Even though it takes its title from a Peter, Paul and Mary song, “Leaving on a Jet Plane” is not a tribute show.

Its subtitle is “A Folk Journey,” and it makes good on its word. These are the songs that propelled the struggle for civil rights, women’s liberation, better conditions for workers, ending war and protecting the environment from pollution.

Many of these issues are back in the news again. Hearing Blackwell sing “They paved paradise and put up a parking lot” during “Big Yellow Taxi” seemed quite apt for 2026 Sarasota.

But the throughline of “Jet Plane” is the loneliness of life on the road.

It’s a theme that the artists lean into by revealing their hometowns. Each spoke of ambivalent feelings — being grateful to be performing in Florida, but missing loved ones back home.

The playlist mines homesickness with the titular song, and with Blackwell’s moving cover of Joni Mitchell’s “California” and the trio’s excerpt of CSNY’s “Love the One Your With,” a solution to loneliness that rings differently today than in the free-love era. Perhaps it was my imagination, but the applause seemed restrained after that number.

“Leaving on a Jet Plane” covers a lot of territory with medleys, including tributes to CSNY and the Loving Spoonful. The audience was encouraged to join in on The Turtles’ “Happy Together” and John Denver’s “Grandma’s Feather Bed,” but they sang even when not invited.

There were a few surprises, including “Early Morning Rain,” a lesser-known Gordon Lightfoot song about being stuck at the airport. For a troubadour, the only thing worse than having to catch an early plane is watching it take off without you because you don’t have a gig lined up to pay for your ticket.

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026

THURSDAY ‘THE COMMON GROUND’ 7 p.m. at Cook Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail $20.70 Visit SqueakyWheelTheatre.org.

Set in a coffee shop, “The Common Ground” follows a young woman as she rebuilds her life, one cup of coffee at a time. Repeats June 6.

Gabrielle Leonore’s confessional one-woman show won rave reviews at major fringe festivals, including Edinburgh. Repeats June 7.

‘IT’S ALIVE! LIVE’ 10 p.m. at Cook Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail $20.70 Visit SqueakyWheelTheatre.org.

Casey Berkery’s creation features TV talk show-style interviews with things that go bump in the night and other ghoulish creatures. What could go wrong? Repeats June 6.

‘HONKY TONK ANGELS’ 7 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St. $25-$59 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

FRIDAY

Follow three Dolly Parton wannabes on a road trip to Nashville as they pursue their dreams of country music stardom. Runs through June 21.

‘GREASE IS THE WORD’ 7 p.m. at Cook Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail $12.30 Visit SqueakyWheelTheatre.org.

‘MY LIFE AS AN INSPIRATIONAL PORN STAR’ 8:30 p.m. at Cook Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail $20.70 Visit SqueakyWheelTheatre.org.

Created by Kelly Haramis and Kallista Schneiderman, the show tries to right the real-life wrong of Haramis not being cast in a high school production of “Grease.”

Repeats June 6.

DON’T MISS SAVOR SARASOTA RESTAURANT WEEK Now in its 21st year, Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week is actually a two-week period where more than 60 restaurants offer prix fixe menus that give locals the chance to step out of their comfort zone and try new dishes for affordable prices.

Lunch menus are just $25 per person and dinner offerings are $45 during what many locals call “the most wonderful time of year.” Runs through June 14.

IF YOU GO Where: Assorted eateries in downtown Sarasota, St. Armands Circle, Lakewood Ranch, Siesta Key and Venice Tickets: $25 for lunch; $45 for dinner Info: Visit VisitSarasota.com.

‘TIMEY WIMEY STUFF’ 8:30 p.m. at Cook Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail $20.70 Visit SqueakyWheelTheatre.org.

THIS WEEK

returns to his Christian college to lead a homecoming pep rally.

MONDAY

Image courtesy of Sorcha Augustine

Jade Wheeler pulls back the kimono on the life of Eartha Kitt in “Who is Eartha Mae?” at Urbanite Theatre through June 21.

Winner of last year’s Audience Choice Award at the Squeaky Wheel Fringe, Tania Vergara Dance Theatre returns with “Casa Havana.”

‘CONFESSIONS OF A THEME PARK WORKER’ 10 p.m. at Cook Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail $20.70 Visit SqueakyWheelTheatre.org.

COMEDY LOTTERY 7:30 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre’s Bowne’s Lab, 1265 First St. $15-$18 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

SATURDAY ‘CASA HAVANA’ 2:30 p.m. at Cook Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail $20.70 Visit SqueakyWheelTheatre.org.

‘WHO IS EARTHA MAE?’ You might know singer Eartha Kitt as the sultry siren who sang “Santa Baby,” a 1950s holiday ditty that lives forever on the internet. Or maybe you remember her as Catwoman from the 1960s TV series “Batman.” One thing is sure: You’ve never seen the glamorous entertainer backstage as Eartha Mae, a country girl from South Carolina who became a citizen of the world. Jade Wheeler created and stars in this show with spirited piano accompaniment.

Runs through June 21.

When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 4 Where: Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second St. Tickets: $5-$44 Info: Visit UrbaniteTheatre.com.

Victoria Montalbano returns to the Squeaky Wheel Fringe with a humorous show inspired by a medical scare. Repeats June 7.

This tell-all tale provides a peek into the inner workings of more than one theme park. You’ll never look at Orlando the same way again.

Repeats June 6.

OUR PICK

Everyone’s a winner when the audience selects games for Florida Studio Theatre’s improv troupe.

Runs through June 27.

SUNDAY ‘SOMETHING BORROWED, SOMETHING NEW’ 11 a.m. at the Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail $20 Visit SarasotaArtMuseum.org.

See the works of major modern artists such as Louise Bourgeois, Chuck Close and Ai Weiwei on loan from local private collectors. Runs through Sept. 27.

‘THE ONE’ 10 p.m. at Cook Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail $10.20 Visit SqueakyWheelTheatre.org.

‘THE PEP RALLY: A RELIGIOUS VARIETY SHOW’ 2:30 p.m. at Cook Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail $20.70 Visit SqueakyWheelTheatre.org.

This one-woman piece weaves together dance, music, audio, video and writing.

In this multigenre show featuring some familiar faces from The Sarasota Players, Ezra Mathers

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

After a decadelong project, John Ringling’s Cypriot treasures have a permanent home in Gallery 12 for the first time.

THOMAS CARABASI’S NEW STANDARDS QUARTET 7:30 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre’s Court Cabaret, 1965 First St. $34-$39 Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.

Thomas Carabasi’s New Standards Quartet raises percussion to a new level as it blends favorites from the American and Brazilian songbooks with originals. In addition to Carabasi on drums, the quartet features Alejandro Arenas on bass, Perry Chiles on sax/flute and Patrick Bettison on keys.

462258-1

16A

YourObserver.com

A slimmer Sarasota Music Festival aims to be as satisfying as ever

DISDAIN

IF YOU GO

SARASOTA MUSIC FESTIVAL When: Through June 13 Where: Holley Hall and the Sarasota Opera House Tickets: Festival pass for rehearsals $75; concerts $35-$50.

Info: Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

Oeste replaced faculty member Toyin Spellman-Diaz, who also had to bow out.

Before she canceled, SpellmanDiaz dispelled any notion that this year’s SMF was short on star power.

“I think it’s pretty star-studded,” she said in an interview. “You’ve got Jeffrey Scott, a founding member of Imani Winds, a Grammywinning quartet. (Spellman-Diaz is also a member.) There’s no brighter star than Jasmin Choi on flute, and there’s conductor Nicholas McGegan.”

Scott and fellow Imani Winds member Valerie Coleman are among the SMF faculty members who will perform at the June 12 concert, “Tchaikovsky, Ravel, & Dvořák.” It takes place at Holley Hall, which has mostly general admission seating.

(Note to self: Arrive early.)

Those who want to see Choi and McGegan should attend the SMF closing night concert on Saturday, June 13, at the Sarasota Opera House.

Called “The Masters in Concert,” it features Franz Schubert’s “Overture in the Italian Style,” Mozart’s Flute Concerto No. 2 with Choi and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7. violinist Alexander Kerr will perform.

The public concerts of the SMF kick off Friday, June 6, with “Beethoven & Mendelssohn.” The concert includes faculty members Stepansky (cello), Peter Kolkay (bassoon), David Bowlin (violin) and Teng Li (viola). Despite its title highlighting male masters, the program also features works by two female composers — Florence Price’s “Adoration” and Amy Beach’s Piano Quintet.

As in any educational environment, Spellman-Diaz says it’s hard to strike a balance between SMF faculty members who are great performers and those who are effective teachers. Spellman-Diaz was involved in the planning for this year’s festival, which she says will be more responsive to student needs than ever.

“I’ve had fellows tell me that they learn more in a couple of weeks at the Sarasota Music Festival than they do all year in school,” she says. “That’s what it’s all about.”

941.351.8000 asolorep.org

———— SHOW SPONSORS ————

Much Ado About Something ———— SEASON SPONSORS ————

LADY DISDAIN Written By LAUREN GUNDERSON Directed by SEAN DANIELS

450129-1

JUN 6 - JUN 27 THE CIRCUS ARTS CONSERVATORY & THE RINGLING present

Incredible Family Fun!

ALL-NEW Show

FRI JUN 12 – SAT AUG 8 ringling.org 941.360 .7399

TUE – FRI SAT

20

$

11 AM & 2 PM 2 PM & 5 PM

15

$

12 & UNDER

TICKETS:

CHILD

OFFICIAL ACCOMMODATIONS SPONSOR

The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota

454188-1

S

ince it was founded 62 years ago, the Sarasota Music Festival has become a reason for classical music fans to stick around Sarasota past the end of season.

Each June, the SMF brings together student musicians and professional faculty members. They rehearse together and then play side by side in public concerts.

Sarasota’s arts patrons provide support for the SMF, founded at New College of Florida by Paul Wolfe and then merged with the Sarasota Orchestra’s predecessor in 1985.

That’s not expected to change this year, when the festival runs only two weeks (June 1-13) rather than its normal three.

For nearly a decade, the Sarasota Music Festival was led by Jeffrey Kahane, a Los Angeles-based conductor, pianist, educator and scholar. Kahane and the SMF parted ways in August 2025.

This year’s festival was organized

by Sarasota Orchestra employees and faculty, with heavy input from its fellows. The result is fewer public performances and more interaction between fellows and faculty.

Is it still worth staying in town for?

Definitely, even despite last-minute changes in the schedule and faculty.

In recent years, the SMF has held about 10 public concerts. This year, there will be four. But they still contain the star power the community has come to expect, even if some familiar faces like Kahane, cellist Mike Block and violinist/fiddler Tessa Lark are gone.

Unfortunately, a mainstay of the festival, former SMF Artistic Director Robert Levin, was forced to cancel. He was replaced by pianist and composer Michael Stephen Brown.

Some know Brown from his appearances with La Musica, the Sarasota chamber group that shares its artistic director, Wu Han, with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.

In April, Brown debuted his “The Carnival of Endangered Wonders” at La Musica concerts in Sarasota. The new composition was paired with the 1886 piece by Camille SaintSaëns, “Carnival of the Animals,” that inspired Brown’s piece.

Brown returns to the Sarasota stage again June 6 in an SMF concert entitled “Mozart and Schumann.”

The program also includes SMF faculty artists Alan Stepansky on cello, Mark Nuccio on clarinet and Andreas Oeste on oboe. A 2011 SMF alum who teaches at Penn State,

LADY

ADULT

A+E EDITOR

ROLLING WORLD PREMIERE

462144-1

MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER

17A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026

ACTIVE | 12625 DEACONS PLACE | LAKEWOOD RANCH COUNTRY CLUB LAKEWOOD RANCH | $1,749,000 | WEB# A4694618

ACTIVE | 7515 LADYBANK CROSSING | COUNTRY CLUB EAST LAKEWOOD RANCH | $2,899,000 | WEB# A4685431

1350 MAIN STREET, SARASOTA, FL 34236. 941.867.6199 © 2026 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. ALL MATERIAL PRESENTED HEREIN IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. WHILE THIS INFORMATION IS BELIEVED TO BE CORRECT, IT IS REPRESENTED SUBJECT TO ERRORS, OMISSIONS, CHANGES OR WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT NOTICE. ALL PROPERTY INFORMATION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO SQUARE FOOTAGE, ROOM COUNT, NUMBER OF BEDROOMS AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PROPERTY LISTINGS SHOULD BE VERIFIED BY YOUR OWN ATTORNEY, ARCHITECT OR ZONING EXPERT. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY. *REALTRENDS VERIFIED BASED ON 2024 SALES. **BASED ON CAREER SALES. ***BASED ON 2026 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN TRANSACTIONS (BOTH PENDING AND CLOSED). †BASED ON MLS SALES.

ACTIVE | 7951 MATERA COURT | THE LAKE CLUB | LAKEWOOD RANCH $1,999,000 | WEB# A4679918

PENDING | 17238 SALERNO DRIVE | THE LAKE CLUB | LAKEWOOD RANCH $3,299,000 | WEB# A4685424

PENDING

ACTIVE | 4218 BUTTE TRAIL | STAR FARMS | LAKEWOOD RANCH | $4,399,000 | WEB# A4680935

M: 941.961.5857 | O: 941.867.6199 donna.soda@elliman.com schemmelsodagroup.com

Sales Associate Executive Director of Luxury Sales

DONNA SODA

Trust Is the Difference

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026

455379-1

SOLD AND PENDING IN 2026 ***

+ $77M

SMALL TEAM BY SALES VOLUME IN FLORIDA*

#20

IN CAREER SALES **

+ $1.2B

SMALL TEAM BY SALES VOLUME IN SARASOTA*

#1

18A YourObserver.com

JUNE 4, 2026

Classifieds 14B Games 13B Real Estate 7B Sports 10B Weather 13B

YOUR NEIGHBORS Night, night to Ranch Nite F

or Lakewood Ranch’s Rich and Tarin Turner, Ranch Nite Wednesday was the event that sold them on their decision to move to Lakewood Ranch two years ago.

They loved the family friendly vibe.

Coming to the event with two children, 4-year-old Bryce and 2-year-old Tatum, they said Ranch Nite Wednesdays checks every box for them in that it provides play areas, food trucks, shops, music and cornhole.

Ranch Nite Wednesdays, which runs from October through May, had its final event of the season May 27. The event will return Oct. 7.

“The break is understandable as the stormy, heat season kicks in,

but it gives us something to look forward to come fall,” Rich Turner said.

Lorraine Lakes’ Jenn Robert agrees that Ranch Nite Wednesdays is a favorite for her family. It gives her a chance to break up her week and spend quality time with her husband, Joe, and two sons, 8-year-old Josh and 9-year-old Jacob.

“The kids especially love the cornhole games, and my husband (Joe) and I always enjoy the live music and atmosphere,” Jenn Robert said. “We’re definitely going to miss it over the summer, but we already have it on our calendar for October!”

Photos by Madison Bierl

Lisa Beckett is happy to dance with her granddaughters, 2-year-old twins Noah and Navy Clerfond, at Ranch Nite Wednesdays on May 27.

— MADISON BIERL For the final Ranch Nite Wednesdays of the season, Randy Bordon and Bri Rivera of the Bri Rivera Band perform for the crowd.

To the tunes of the Bri Rivera Band, Sarasota’s Brian King and Nancy Davis feel “good and groovy” to be dancing at Ranch Nite Wednesdays on May 27.

Sarasota’s Liberty Lyon, 5, and her dad, Jack Lyon, came to Ranch Nite Wednesdays for the first time and couldn’t help but dance.

Lakewood Ranch’s Christa Haedke, River Haedke and Dan Haedke look forward to the return of Ranch Nite Wednesdays as they love mini golf, dancing and more.

Myakka City’s Tara Fullmer and her husband, John Fullmer, show off their dance moves to the Bri Rivera Band at Ranch Nite Wednesdays on May 27.

EXPERT A/C SERVICES AC INSTALLATION AC MAINTENANCE EMERGENCY SERVICES FAMILY OWNED

461410-1

40+ YEARS OF SERVICE

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026

GENERATORS

Literacy lessons a hot summer topic

Hurricane Season is here.

A

Make sure your home is storm-ready.

LIC # CAC1816020 • PLBG CFC1428223 • ELEC EC13009313

463218-1

941.366.7676 AQUAPLUMBINGSARASOTA.COM

Your Feet are in Good Hands Our Services Include: Insurance-covered nail & callous care for patients with Diabetes, Blood Thinners, Kidney Disease, Neuropathy, Poor Circulation

Lower Extremity Wound & Ulcer Care Diabetic Foot Care Foot & Ankle Surgery

Sean D. Shanahan DPM, MPH, DABMSP

· Dual-degree graduate, Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine & College of Public Health (2002) · Chief Podiatric Surgical Resident, Warminster Hospital (2002-2004) · Board Certified in Primary Podiatric Medicine & Foot/Ankle Surgery by the American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry · 20+ Years in Podiatric Medicine & Surgery

Call Lucy, our AI secretary to schedule (cell phone required)

941-666-5088 or schedule at:

podiatryclinic.org

THE PODIATRY CLINIC, PA 300 Riverside Dr. E, Ste 2000 Bradenton, FL 34208

PODIATRYCLINIC.ORG

We accept most major insurances. For questions, call Angela R. Shanahan, MBA, MSA

s a literacy coach at Gene Witt Elementary School, Taylor McLaughlin wishes more people knew about the events at the Lakewood Ranch Library.

“There is more available in the community than people realize to help support literacy — even in the summer — to prevent summer slide,” McLaughlin said.

To see the offerings for all ages, go to ManateeLibrary.LibCal.com/Calendar.

McLaughlin and her son, 5-year-old Haydon, attended the Summer Learning Program Kickoff Party on May 30 at Lakewood Ranch Library.

It marked the beginning of programs, including one with the theme of Roadtrip USA, that runs until July 31. For the Lakewood Ranch branch, its focus is Honeyville, Colorado, hence the bee-themed decorations and activities.

Each Wednesday from 2-3 p.m., different activities will be held.

Lakewood Ranch’s Anissa Mule attended the Kickoff Party with her children, 6-year-old Natalie and 3-year-old Cole.

She is a former librarian and said she knows how important libraries all for all ages.

“I greatly appreciate all that the library does for families and the community,” Mule said. “The library serves as a vital resource. My family will always be library supporters.”

Lakewood Ranch’s Meghan Biegel said the summer reading program is a hit for her children, 12-year-old Connor and 7-year-old Reagan.

“My kids enjoy the reading incentives and are motivated to reach their goals in Beanstack (an app to track books),” Biegel said. “It’s a fun way to keep them excited about reading throughout the summer, so they can stay on track for school.”

Parrish’s Jeanna Melendez brought her 4-year-old son, Nathan, who especially enjoyed the bubble station.

“We’re very lucky to have a safe spot we can hang out and flex our brains together,” Melendez said. “The librarians obviously put a lot of thought and care into the activities.”

461791-1

— MADISON BIERL

Join Sarasota Memorial for our

Milman-Kover Cancer Pavilion

GRAND OPENING Friday, June 12 • 2 - 4 pm • Ribbon Cutting 2:30pm

Photos by Madison Bierl

Parrish’s Nathan Melendez, 4, says his favorite part of the Summer Learning Program Kickoff Party is the bubble station and the foam building blocks.

Lakewood Ranch’s Connor Biegel, 12, and Reagan Biegel, 7, discover bee facts and details scattered throughout the children’s section during the Summer Learning Program Kickoff Party.

Meet the Team and Tour Our Milman-Kover Cancer Pavilion!

Boscia Breast Health Center Surgical Oncology Suites Infusion Center Radiation Oncology Center Diagnostic Imaging, including MRI, CT, and PET scans High-Risk Oncology Clinic Genetic Testing & Counseling

When the diagnosis hits hard, you want cancer treatment that hits back even harder.

Private Patient Suites

And with the opening of the new comprehensive outpatient pavilion, the Sarasota Memorial

First Physicians Group and Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute

Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute promises to be the region’s leading provider of the greatest medicine of all: hope.

Milman-Kover Cancer Pavilion located at 1941 Waldemere St., Sarasota.

Valet service and self-parking available at the Floyd Street Parking Garage.

463472-1

2B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026

Frame It Up

VOTED SARASOTA

Readers’ Choice

“WINNER”

• OVER 5,000 FRAME MOULDING STYLES MATS FILLETS LINERS • All Paper Art/Canvas & Needle Art Framing • Mirrors Framed To Fit Any Size Opening

Mon.- Fri. 9:30 - 5pm Sat. 9:30 -12:30pm 456950-1

6578 Superior Ave.

(941)924-6656

FrameItUpGallery.com

Lakewood Ranch’s Reed Robson adds a bee on top of his headband at the Summer Learning Program Kickoff Party.

3B

Best Framing Services!

Custom

PICTURE & MIRROR FRAMING

25% OFF

Expires 6/13/2026.

Any Frame Order

WORLD PREMIERE • $35 SCAN FOR TICKETS

Lakewood Ranch’s Aiden Quijano, 3, waves to his mother, Aimee Quijano, while participating in an activity presented by Jessica Kirby of The Little Gym of Sarasota.

Lakewood Ranch’s Eva Lavrynovych, 5, is eager to learn all about bees.

One w One woman's oman's bea beautifully utifully uunfiltered nfiltered jo journey urney through the through the w wreckage re age and and the the reb rebuild. uild.

T II C T CK KE ET TS S O ON N S SA A LL E E N NO O W. W.

JUNE 11-21 C O O K T H E AT R E S A R A S O TA

Lakewood Ranch’s Cole Mule and Bodie Hogan, both 3 years old, explore the bee-themed magnet activity.

462873-1

LIFELINEPRODUCTIONSINC.ORG

Comfort You Can Count On

Anytime.

Anywhere.

Observer.

Savings You’ll Love

49

$

System Tune-Up

Prevent breakdowns. Improve efficiency.

Elevate your home comfort today!

This company keeps appointments on time. The personnel are experts, and we trust their honesty. Our local realtor recommended them and we have been pleased with how the company operates. It’s a well oiled machine and they keep our AC system in great shape.

In-depth reporting, real-time breaking news, stories shaping your community.

- Pam M.

Need help? Contact Customer Service at 877-231-8834 or email customerservice@yourobserver.com

460623-1

EXPERIENCED TECHNICIANS

FIVE-STAR CUSTOMER RATING

FREE ESTIMATES

SCHEDULE YOUR SAVINGS TODAY 941-225-2316 | ACTodayFL.com

FINANCING AVAILABLE

450955-1

YOUR APP for FREE.

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026

, S T N E PAR

A bucket of fun

F

NEED G N I H T E M SO H G I H R U O Y FOR

or Carol Ricks, principal at Myakka City Elementary School, her best ideas and visions come in the middle of the night.

Ricks is always looking for ways to get students motivated and have fun.

With the school year wrapping up, Myakka City Elementary School hosted its first “Jump a Bucket” assembly May 27 to celebrate students’ success and growth shown on the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking.

Five activities were showcased — Teachers and Staff Get Inked, Balloon Bump Dance Party, Tacky Fashion Show, Tape the Principal and Slime the Principal.

Ricks said it was important to give recognition to the students who scored the highest, and also to those who showed the most growth.

Interim Assistant Principal Leslie Jones said the event was a good mix of incentives, physical prizes and experiences.

“We did a lot of things that were experiences that showed a sense of our community,” Jones said. “The kids were motivated by wanting to tape Mrs. Ricks or wanting to see their favorite adults in a fashion show.”

D A R G L O SCHO ?

E M M U S S I H TO DO T

R

SEND THEM TO US

AND WE’LL TEACH THEM THE

HVAC TRADE

HANDS-ON HVAC TRAINING. REAL SKILLS. GREAT CAREER OPTIONS. HIGH DEMAND. HIGH EARNING POTENTIAL. BUILD YOUR FUTURE.

Photos by Madison Bierl

Representing second grade are Chloe Erickson, teacher Kera Picker and Sage Dodge, who take a moment to appreciate Picker’s outfit before revealing it to the crowd.

— MADISON BIERL

A SKILL THAT STICKS FOR LIFE.

NEXT CLASS STARTS TH

JULY 6 !

Maclin Seguin and Bristol Zadai, first graders at Myakka City Elementary, try to keep balloons in the air for the Balloon Bump Dance Party.

458280-1

941-210-0993 • anthonyscoolschool.com

459013-1

4B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026

5B

The Observer’s

Weather

&Nature

2026-27 PHOTO CONTEST

A RE FLECTION OF NATURE ’S BE AUTY Sponsored by

KITCHEN | CABINETRY OUTDOOR PAVERS

Submitted by: John Calkins

Go to Yourobserver.com/contests for details.

463924-1

Submit your photos of spectacular local weather and nature displays and you could win $500!

Discover Your Dream Home MAKE AN OFFER 4927 Carova Way | Lakewood Ranch Novalee Roberts, a third grader at Myakka City Elementary, is eager to participate in the Tape the Principal (Carol Ricks) event.

$504,000 Stop renting the season. Start owning the lifestyle.

Kolter Homes in Cresswind Resort Style Amenities

Schedule your private showing today.

Judy Heuerman & Valerie Esposito Trusted Local Experts in Luxury Real Estate Judy 941.356.5260 | Valerie 941.809.3541

Kinley Lucas, a kindergarten student at Myakka City Elementary, chose a Sonic Squishmallow as her prize at the Jump a Bucket event.

HeuermanEspositoGroup.PremierSothebysRealty.com

Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. Property information herein is derived from various sources including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate.

462520-1

Kindergarten teacher Allie Sullivan, P.E. coach Joe Szewczyk and math teacher Melissa Spencer are all tatted up to represent the student growth in English language.

YOUR HOME OF DISTINCTION AWAITS Heritage Builders brings timeless luxury to your lifestyle.

Located in Sarasota’s most coveted neighborhoods.

DESIGNER FURNISHED MODEL

FURNISHED MOVE-IN READY HOME

West of Trail Lakefront Estate

Siesta Key Waterfront Home

THE WINDEMERE II

THE ISLANDER

$5,980,000 | 4,866 Sq. Ft. | 4 Bed | 4 Full + 2 1/2 Bath | Elevator Pool & Spa | Media Room | Study | MLS A4637673 For Sale with Leaseback

$4,649,900 | 4,170 Sq. Ft. | 4 Bed | 4 Full + 1 1/2 Bath 2-Car Garage | Pool & Spa | Media Room | Study | MLS A4589732

1521 S. Lake Shore Dr, 34231

558 Venice Lane, 34242

BUILD A CUSTOM HOME DESIGN ON YOUR LOT OR CHOOSE A PLAN FROM OUR PORTFOLIO. 941-328-8272 | HeritageBuildersWFL.com

Heritage Builders of West Florida, LLC | CBC1259037 HB Realty Group, Inc. | Licensed Real Estate Broker

460011-1

Come Tour This Breathtaking Home Open 10-4 Monday - Saturday 1-4 Sunday

6B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026

EAST BRADENTON 1245 Mill Creek Road 4 Beds 4/2 Baths 4,489 Sq. Ft. Lenore Treiman 941.356.9642 A4694036 $7,495,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 16903 Verona Place 4 Beds 3/2 Baths 3,084 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941.587.4359 A4689005 $2,250,000

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

LAKEWOOD RANCH COUNTRY CLUB 7527 Greystone Street 4 Beds 4 Baths 3,850 Sq. Ft. Victoria "Tori" Turner 662.614.2783 A4692043 $2,075,000

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

EAST BRADENTON 14204 11TH Terrace NE 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 3,402 Sq. Ft. Jennifer Linehan 941.266.7555 A4677988 $1,150,000

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

LAKEWOOD RANCH COUNTRY CLUB 7210 Lake Forest Glen 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,500 Sq. Ft. Kathryn Dieter 941.299.2089 A4693706 $986,900

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

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

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

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

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

LAKEWOOD RANCH 2006 Red Lake Run 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,325 Sq. Ft. Matt Eichel & Ralph Faillace 609.992.7077 A4679881 $699,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH COUNTRY CLUB EAST 7538 Divot Loop #2D 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,376 Sq. Ft. Stuart Lawrence & Laura Lawrence 941.894.4001 A4676354 $699,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH COUNTRY CLUB 7928 Suntree Glen 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,224 Sq. Ft. Deborah O'Mara 941.730.0777 A4694294 $695,000

ESPLANADE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB 5352 Vaccaro Court 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,684 Sq. Ft. Rachelle Golden & Peter Salefsky 941.538.8998 A4677975 $568,000

WEST BRADENTON 4415 50TH Drive W 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,704 Sq. Ft. Leah Secondo 941.545.4430 A4682346 $475,000

WEST BRADENTON 4501 86TH Street Court W 5 Beds 0 Baths 2,236 Sq. Ft. Jody Shinn 941.705.5704 A4691293 $449,000

HARMONY AT LAKEWOOD RANCH 11956 Sky Acres Terrace 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,747 Sq. Ft. Mark Boehmig 941.807.6936 A4694235 $369,000

HARMONY AT LAKEWOOD RANCH 5521 Coachwood Cove 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,904 Sq. Ft. Barbara A. Milian 941.504.0660 A4692130 $365,000

WEST BRADENTON 4738 Dundee Drive 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,582 Sq. Ft. Scott Toland & Dee Munn 202.607.6369 A4688389 $360,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 6511 Silverstar Drive 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,466 Sq. Ft. Tracy LeClair 941.209.0549 A4685176 $360,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7702 Lake Vista Court #204 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,762 Sq. Ft. Chris Van Vliet & Jamie Van Vliet 941.993.7087 A4691558 $359,000

WEST BRADENTON 10121 46TH Avenue W 2 Beds 1 Baths 837 Sq. Ft. Erica Thomas 941.799.9365 A4692697 $310,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 8134 Pavia Way 5 Beds 5 Baths 3,734 Sq. Ft. Tina Ciaccio 941.685.8420 A4687253 $2,985,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 8254 Pavia Way 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,033 Sq. Ft. Mark Boehmig 941.807.6936 A4692792 $2,250,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

458466-1

THE CONCESSION 8309 Farington Court 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 5,431 Sq. Ft. Deborah O'Mara 941.730.0777 A4669461 $3,495,000

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026

REAL ESTATE

Country Club home tops sales at $3.2 million

7B

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

MAY 18-22

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

Country Club home topped the week’s sales at $3.2 million. The home at 13318 Palmers Creek Terrace was sold by 13318 Palmers Creek LLC to Amit Gupta and Bharti Jasra, of Lakewood Ranch, for $3.2 million. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, six baths, a pool and 5,874 square feet of living area. It sold for $2,716,000 in 2024.

COUNTRY CLUB

William and Sheryl Richards, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 7804 Rosehall Cove to William and Denise Haas, of New Hope, Pennsylvania, for $1.6 million. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,404 square feet of living area. It sold for $1 million in 2021.

Brigitta Bryce, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the home at 6903 Winners Circle to Jeffrey Brooks, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1,574,000.

Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,711 square feet of living area. It sold for $810,000 in 2013.

Marilyn Owens and Glenn Cleveland, of Satellite Beach, sold their home at 6915 Brier Creek Court to Madeleine Llinas French and James Kevin French, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1.2 million. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,441 square feet of living area. It sold for $771,000 in 2014.

Fredric and Roxana Zullinger, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 7512 Abbey Glen to Kathy and Philip Ragno, of Brookville, New York, for $960,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,620 square feet of living area.

Julien and Odette Millet, of Medford, New Jersey, sold their home at 7249 Orchid Island Place to Matthew and Jennifer Loveless, of Bradenton, for $613,400. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,235 square feet of living area. It sold for $825,000 in 2007.

LAKE CLUB

John and Shelley Corey sold their home at 7928 Matera Court to William and Natasha Bracken, of Bradenton, for $1.68 million. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, a pool and 2,727 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,785,000 in 2022.

MONTEREY

Toll Southeast LP Co. Inc. sold the home at 2485 Waterfront Circle to Gregory and Lisa Doyle, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1.59 million. Built in 2025, it has five bedrooms, fiveand-a-half baths, a pool and 4,863 square feet of living area.

Courtesy image

This Country Club Village home at 13318 Palmers Creek Terrace sold for $3.2 million. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, six baths, a pool and 5,874 square feet of living area.

and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,788 square feet of living area. It sold for $950,000 in 2021.

Victoria Hernandez, of Alexandria, Virginia, sold her home at 9506 Royal Calcutta Place to Bojan Gligorijevic and Tamara Brtan, of Bradenton, for $700,000. Built in 2002, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,223 square feet of living area. It sold for $870,000 in 2024.

RIVERDALE

Robert and Christine Brock, of Palmetto, sold their home at 4209 Fifth Ave. N.E. to Addison James Dale and Juliana Santiago Dale, of Bradenton, for $1.36 million. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,604 square feet of living area. It sold for $725,000 in 2019.

Gerald and Jennifer Mikus, of Bradenton, sold their home at 7628 Haddington Cove to Donald and Ruth Regan, of Bradenton, for $1,285,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,757 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.45 million in 2023.

ESPLANADE

Kenneth and Rita Paradis, of Bradenton, sold their home at 13326 Sorrento Way to Dean and Lisa Chaisson, of Westminster, Massachusetts, for $1,145,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, a pool and 2,117 square feet of living area. It sold for $675,000 in 2020.

Paulette Constantino, trustee, sold the home at 4908 Tivoli Run to June and Todd Boersma, of Bradenton, for $860,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 3,090 square feet of living area. It sold for $572,000 in 2017.

EATON PLACE

Stephen and Rhoda Konigsberg, of Wanaque, New Jersey, sold their home at 6309 Thorndon Circle to Rosalie Roland, of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, for $1.1 million. Built in 1995, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,936 square feet of living area. It sold for $580,000 in 2013.

THE MOORINGS AT EDGEWATER

WATERLINE ROAD

David and Victoria Haines, of Bradenton, sold their home at 16918 Waterline Road to Nicholas Weidlich, of Bradenton, for $885,000.

Thomas and Sharon Repp, trustee, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the Unit

SEE REAL ESTATE, PAGE 8B

For nearly 50 years, Michael Saunders & Company has led Southwest Florida real estate. Our Developer Services Division offers unmatched expertise from concept to sell-out, partnering on 85+ landmark projects like the St. Regis Longboat Key Residences, The Collection, The Mark and The Ritz-Carlton Residences with innovation and integrity.

Waldorf Astoria Residences Sarasota From From $2.5M to $30M+ | WAResidencesSarasota.com

400 Central | 727.209.7848 | From $1.3M Call for an appointment | Residences400central.com

Let’s build something extraordinary together.

DEL WEBB CATALINA

Eric Mark Harwood and Tammy Gail Holliday-Harwood, trustees, of Wildwood, sold the home at 5011 Stoney Point Glen to Dane and Cheri Holmberg, of Bradenton, for $1,075,000. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,818 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,005,000 in 2025.

RIVER CLUB SOUTH

LORRAINE LAKES

Stephen and Deborah Wood sold their home at 10147 Cherry Hills Ave. Circle to Heidi Marnoch and Jeffrey Marnoch, trustees, of Bradenton, for $1,375,000. Built in 1998, it has four bedrooms, four-

Barbara Casey, trustee, of Bradenton, sold the home at 4961 Seafoam Trail to George Basil Kayal and Deborah Grace Kayal, trustees, of Mahwah, New Jersey, for $675,000.

Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,439 square feet of living area. It sold for $618,000 in 2023.

202 condominium at 6523 Moorings Point Circle to Brigitta Bryce, of Lakewood Ranch, for $890,000.

Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,963 square feet of living area. It sold for $479,500 in 2003.

COUNTRY CLUB EAST

Brian and Kelly Carpenter, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the home at 16423 Umbria Place to Mark and Christine Madigan, of Watertown, Massachusetts, for $1.4 million.

Built in 2024, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,101 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,006,800 in 2024.

AZARIO ESPLANADE

2,356 square feet of living area. It sold for $920,000 in 2025.

Praise Holdings LLC sold the home at 4810 Sparkling Sea Lane to Stephen and Ashley Irwin, of Fremont, New Hampshire, for $900,000.

Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and

The Edge Sarasota | 941.866.3068 | From Mid $3M Sales Gallery at 1801 Main Street | TheEdgeSarasota.com

941.951.6650 MSCDeveloperServices.com

Prices as of January 2025

Issa Homes at SeaFlower | 941.491.7879 From $1.29M | SeaFlower.IssaHomes.com

460090-1

Duane and Sharon Wohlgemuth, trustees, of Nokomis, sold the home at 13223 Palmers Creek Terrace to Mark Kalin, trustee, of Lakewood Ranch, for $2,195,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, a pool and 4,323 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.1 million in 2022.

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026 Silhouette® Window Shadings, Fabric/Material Originale Operating Systems: EasyRise, PowerView® Motorization

37

Real estate FROM PAGE 7B

Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,543 square feet of living area.

SAPPHIRE POINT

Raymond BRATING and Kristina Diederich CELE

sold their home at 5925 Bluestar Court to Amber Michelle Wertheim and Kevin Samuel Wertheim, of Lakewood Ranch, for $849,000.

Built in 2022, it has five bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,443 square feet of living area. It sold for $687,600 in 2022.

BLINDS•SHUTTERS DRAPERIES•WALLCOVERINGS heraldtribune.com

WINNER

EMERALD LANDING AT WATERSIDE

941-925-7800 mmwallcoveringsblinds.com

Janet and Curt Mattson Owners

4801 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Across from The Landings

©2026 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved.

All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners.

RIVERDALE REVISED

Don’t Sweat

Summer!

the

Call LaPensee Plumbing, Pools & Air today to get your pool ready to beat the heat.

Gregory and Diane Brune, of The Villages, sold their home at 4743 Spinnaker Drive to Mark and Laura Harris, of Montville, New Jersey, for $785,000. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,089 square feet of living area. It sold for $407,500 in 2013.

Regular maintenance and service agreements are the ONLY way to keep your pool cool!

Billie Jo Ipes and Daniel Ipes Jr., of Bradenton, sold their home at 4720 Clipper Drive to Joanne Estournes, trustee, of Bradenton, for $745,000.

Built in 1995, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,693 square feet of living area. It sold for $750,000 in 2023.

TIDEWATER PRESERVE

John and Kelly Walker, of Foley, Alabama, sold their home at 1250 Tidewater Court to Jessica and Thomas Gorman, of Yorktown Heights, New York, for $675,000.

Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,114 square feet of living area. It sold for $420,000 in 2017.

941-778-5622

461054-1

401 Manatee Ave. www.lapenseeplumbing.com CFC1429635 | CPC1459826 | CAC 1818472

Celebrating America’s

RIVERSIDE AT TIDEWATER PRESERVE

Francisca Kigin, trustee, of Bradenton, sold the Unit C condominium at 1268 Riverscape St. to Irwin Spector, of Canadensis, Pennsylvania, for $650,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,332 square feet of living area. It sold for $407,100 in 2016.

SUMMERFIELD

250 Anniversary!

Thomas Patrick Walters and Amanda Marie Walters, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 11720 Clubhouse Drive to Jennifer Rodgers-Skeens and Brian Skeens, of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania,

th

SWEETWATER

Diane Creasy, of Bradenton, sold her home at 17744 Savory Mist Circle to James and Sandra Bergeron, of Lakewood Ranch, for $615,000.

Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,888 square feet of living area. It sold for $584,900 in 2023.

COUNTRY CREEK

Marcus Maloney and Thaneeya McArdle sold their home at 619 147th St. E. to Jeannette De La Caridad Alvarez Garces, of Bradenton, for $581,000. Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,678 square feet of living area.

It sold for $363,000 in 2015.

GREENBROOK

Brett and Sheri Henry, of Bradenton, sold their home at 6518 Field Sparrow Glen to Paul and Patricia Chebuske, of Lakewood Ranch, for $560,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,073 square feet of living area.

It sold for $330,000 in 2019.

EAGLE TRACE

James Julius Boese and Vicki Boese, of Bradenton, sold their home at 12709 Lake Silver Ave. to Kevin and Laura Kwapis, of Roscommon, Michigan, for $553,800. Built in 2018, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,863 square feet of living area. It sold for $334,900 in 2020.

WENTWORTH

Ellen Rosenthal, trustee, of Commerce Township, Michigan, sold the home at 7340 Saint Georges Way to Lori DiRusso, trustee, of Dobbs Ferry, New York, for $550,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,346 square feet of living area. It sold for $384,100 in 2001.

SABAL HARBOUR

Jeffrey Rodgers and Suzanne Rodgers, of Bradenton, sold their home at 4962 Bookelia Circle to Jesse and Tina Dodge, of Bradenton, for $515,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,528 square feet of living area. It sold for $195,000 in 2002.

ONLINE See more transactions at YourObserver.com.

Publishing:

July 2, 2026

ROOF

Deadline to Advertise:

June 9, 2026

CLEAN & SEAL CLEAN • SEAL • RESTORE • PROTECT • SAVE

Discover the stories, traditions, and hometown pride that make our communities uniquely American in this special patriotic edition celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Featuring local July 4th event listings from across Sarasota and Manatee counties, inspiring community stories, and timeless traditions, this keepsake section is one you won’t want to miss.

Those black streaks on your roof are more than just dirt.

They’re mold and bacteria eating away at your shingles or tiles. Our process removes the source and protects your roof, keeping it clean and strong for years.

Be part of this special keepsake edition!

CALL TODAY!

(941) 320-6172

Contact us to learn more about advertising opportunities in Spirit of America.

941.366.3468 | advertise@yourobserver.com

Longer lifespan Lasting Protection

Mold Defense Stronger Roof

Clean Look Tile Preservation

340+ 463194-1

454836-1

Wallcoverings & Blinds, Inc. Since 1989

Weekley Homes LLC sold the home at 1622 Springwell Lane to Olivia Anne Macey, of Sarasota, for $840,000. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,365 square feet of living area.

for $630,000. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,601 square feet of living area.

It sold for $690,000 in 2023.

Owned and Operated by the Yoder’s

460326-1

8B

YourObserver.com

LIVE MUSIC AT JIGGS LANDING Runs from 5-8 p.m. each day at Jiggs Landing, 6106 63rd St. E., Bradenton. The live music lineup includes Pirate Over 50 (Thursday), James Carberry (Friday), Terry Helm (Saturday) and David Fowler (Sunday). For more information, go to JiggsLanding.com.

SATURDAY, JUNE 6

DAY OUT WITH DAD Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota. The Mall at University Town Center hosts a Day Out with Dad event for the entire family. The event features celebrities from Tampa sports teams, mini golf, a photo booth, capes and masks for children, raffles and free giveaway, and more than 40 stores showcasing unique products and services for dad. Send an email to LK@floridapenguinproductions.com for more information.

ASK THE MASTER GARDENER Begins at 10 a.m. at the Lakewood Ranch Library, 16410 Rangeland Parkway. Bring your plant and insect samples for a diagnosis and advice from Master Gardener volunteers.

Also learn about Extension Office resources for landscaping. The program, which runs through 1 p.m., is for adults 18 and older. For more information, go to ManateeLibrary.

LibCal.com/Event/16367028.

FRIDAY, JUNE 5 AND SATURDAY, JUNE 6

MUSIC AT THE PLAZA Runs from 6-9 p.m. at Waterside Place, 1561 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch. Dana Lawrence will play rock, blues, reggae and New Orleans soul for those strolling the streets of Waterside Place on Friday.

On Saturday, Jesse Daniels will be featured, playing country rock and soul. For more information, go to WatersidePlace.com.

SATURDAY, JUNE 6

ROOFTOP YOGA Begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Lakewood Ranch Library, 16410 Rangeland Parkway. Adults 18 and older can

BEST BET FRIDAY, JUNE 5

MUSIC ON MAIN Runs from 6-9 p.m. at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch. The Schmitz Brothers Band will play classic rock, blues and country as the featured attraction at the monthly, free, music series and block party. Funds raised at the event will benefit the Suncoast American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association. The event includes food vendors, beer and wine trucks, sponsor booths, and games and activities for kids (presented by Grace Community Church).

Guests are welcome to bring chairs, but no coolers. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

participate. Beginners are welcome, as well as those with experience.

Those who participate are asked to bring a yoga mat. Visit MyLWR.com.

SATURDAY, JUNE 6 AND SUNDAY, JUNE 7

MUSIC AT THE LODGE Runs 6-9 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday at Linger Lodge, 7205 85th St. Court E., Bradenton.

Linger Lodge’s live music schedule includes Str8 Edge Duo on Saturday and Tom Selletti on Sunday.

9B

THE SOONER THE BETTER Partnering with you to provide quality emergency care right in your neighborhood.

Medical Emergencies • 24/7 care for all ages with physicians onsite • Direct admission to Lakewood Ranch Medical Center or arranged transfer to a hospital of your choice, if needed Laboratory • 24/7 for medical emergencies Imaging, including X-ray and CT services • 24/7 for medical emergencies Outpatient laboratory and imaging services available.

• Call for more information.

SUNDAY, JUNE 7

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

Vendors offer seafood, eggs, meats, dairy products, pastas, bakery goods, jams and pickles, among other items. Go to MyLWR.com for more information.

Open 24/7 to care for your entire family. To request a time for non-life-threatening illness or injuries, or to learn more, visit lakewoodranchmedicalcenter.com/ER

YOGA IN THE PARK Runs 9-10 a.m. at Waterside Park, 7301 Island Cove Terrace. Start the morning off with gentle yoga with lake views. Go to MyLWR.com for more information.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10

BINGO Begins at 10 a.m. at the Patton Park pavilion, 5725 White Eagle Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. Tickets are $5.

The game is open to all ages. For information, go to MyLWR.com.

6760 Fruitville Road | Sarasota, FL 34240 941-378-7500 | lakewoodranchmedicalcenter.com/ER Request a time should be used only if you decide your care can wait until the time you select. Do not wait if your symptoms or conditions worsen or if you need care immediately since delays may complicate your condition. If you are unsure of your condition or if your condition worsens, then please go to the nearest emergency room or call 911. This emergency department is part of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. This is not an urgent care center. Its services and care are billed at hospital emergency department rates. Physicians are on the medical staff of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website. 264390699-4451711 5/26

458367-1

THURSDAY, JUNE 4 THROUGH SUNDAY, JUNE 7

YOUR CALENDAR

COMMUNITY

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026

LICENSE #CGC057880

•CABINETS

•IN HOUSE MANUFACTURING

•APPLIANCES

•FULL SERVICE INSTALLATION

Showroom: 10530 Portal Crossing #109 | Lakewood Ranch 34211

Call for a Free Estimate & Design Consultation

(941) 725-0709 OutdoorCabinets.com

Mention this ad to receive a special discount*

461528-1

THE ONE-STOP SHOP FOR YOUR OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE NEEDS!

JUNE 4, 2026

SPORTS

“I love the pressure that comes with the sport — especially for the quarterback position.”

— Braden River High football’s Louisen Desinor SEE PAGE 12B

As a junior, Maddie Baehr opted not to play for Braden River flag football after the departure of coach Amanda Porco and her staff.

Baehr returned for her senior season, though, and the Pirates went 6-8.

FAST

BREAK

File photo

Sarasota Paradise midfielder Sander Roed (center) celebrates a goal against Corpus Christi FC on April 22.

Last week, the Paradise earned their first road win as a professional soccer club.

THE WORLD IS WATCHING. PAGE 11B

Maddie Baehr is not the only alumnus of Braden River High School making moves toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics in flag football.

O’Mariah Gordon, who graduated from the school in 2021, is a wide receiver/defensive back for the USA Flag Football Women’s National Team. She played for Warner University in 2026 as the Royals won the NAIA invitational championship and completed a perfect 24-0 season.

Gordon was a two-time Florida Gatorade Player of the Year in 2019 and 2020 with Braden River girls basketball. She then played guard for Florida State from 2021-25, earning All-ACC First Team honors as a senior with 15.9 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game.

Photos by Jack Nelson

T

he Sarasota Paradise secured their first road victory as a professional soccer club May 27 against AC Boise, winning 2-0. Midfielder Chandler O’Dwyer and forward Garrett McLaughlin scored in the 55th and 60th minutes, respectively.

Goalkeeper Alexander Sutton made four saves as the Paradise secured their first shutout since March 28. The win also snapped a six-match losing streak for the club, which, as of May 29, is 3-8-1 on the season and 13th in the 17-team USL League One. Next up is an away contest against FC Naples at 7:30 p.m. June 6. ... Fast approaching is the USRowing Youth National Championships scheduled for June 11-14 at Nathan Benderson Park. Sarasota Crew has 16 entries — tied for secondmost with Los Gatos Rowing Club of California and Maritime Rowing Club of Connecticut.

RowAmerica Rye of New York has an event-high 21 entries. At the USRowing Southeast Youth Championships from May 9-10, Sarasota Crew was the overall team points champion. Their U17 boys varsity eight, U16 boys and girls varsity eights and U15 boys and girls varsity eights all won gold. ... Lakewood Ranch High graduate Cassidy McLellan and Florida softball were knocked out of the NCAA tournament May 24 by Texas Tech.

The Gators dropped Game 1 of the super regional 10-8, but rebounded to take Game 2 10-2. The Red Raiders prevailed in Game 3 16-7 to secure their spot in the Women’s College World Series. McLellan, an outfielder, completed her junior season with a .303 batting average. She had 41 RBIs and 10 home runs. ... Myles Straw, who graduated from Braden River High in 2013, is hitting .241 for the Toronto Blue Jays. The 31-yearold right fielder has six RBIs and two home runs.

SHE’S GOT COMPANY

Image courtesy of Frances Reimers

It’s Ireland calling While focusing on soccer, Braden River High grad answers a call to play a different kind of football for Ireland.

JACK NELSON SPORTS REPORTER

T

his wasn’t exactly how Maddie Baehr drew it up.

For her entire athletic career, flag football was a lower priority than soccer. She dreamed of playing internationally with a ball at her feet — not in her hands.

When she answered a phone call in late April, though, it wasn’t a soccer coach on the other end. A different opportunity presented itself.

Baehr was selected to the Ireland Flag Football Women’s National Team and competed from May 30-31 at Olympic Stadium in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

She played wide receiver and running back for the team in a reserve role, recording three receptions, two carries and a touchdown. Ireland lost to Sweden 24-21 before defeating the Netherlands and Sweden by 39-14 and 31-20 scores, respectively.

The 18-year-old Lakewood Ranch resident graduated from Braden River High School on May 19.

Two days after receiving her diploma, she flew out for training camp before participating in the friendly tournament, which was sanctioned by the International Federation of American Football.

That’s the same organization that will run qualifying events for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. And flag football will make its debut.

“I always thought it was going to be soccer,” Baehr said. “I never thought it was going to be flag (football), but once I learned that was a possibility, I thought it would be an awesome opportunity to capitalize on.”

Her ethnic origin, thanks to her grandmother, Sheila Roy, includes Ireland. Roy, was born in Ireland, and passed it down through Baehr’s mother, Mary Baehr, and then to Maddie.

The Baehr family took trips to Ireland during their daughter’s

upbringing. She went as an infant, an 8-year-old and a 15-year-old, but their visit in December 2025 was a bit different.

Her father, Matt Baehr, connected with Ireland National Team coach Alan Barnewell on that trip.

“Maddie embodies the spirit of Irish sport — resilience, dedication and pride in her roots,” said Barnewell in a press release. “Despite being based in the United States, she has shown exceptional commitment to traveling to Ireland to train and compete.”

Soccer, though, was Baehr’s first love. It’s still the one that burns brightest of the two.

She’ll play for McNeese State — an NCAA Division I program — in the fall. Over the past four years, she played for Braden River girls soccer and was a midfielder as a senior, serving as co-captain alongside fellow senior defender/midfielder Natalie Davis.

Baehr recorded six goals and eight assists for the Pirates this past season. They finished 11-4-3 en route to the FHSAA Class 5A-Region 3 quarterfinals, but in 2025, got to the regional final.

“It’s such a team game, and with the creativity that soccer has, I think it’s unlike any other sport,” Baehr said. “I’ve tried a lot of sports, but soccer is the most physically challenging. It’s definitely rewarding

when you push your body to the limit and get results you want.”

When she started high school, she contemplated joining track and field.

That would’ve offered conditioning during the spring while high school soccer is in the offseason.

Amanda Porco, the then-Braden River flag football coach, had something else in mind.

She attended some of Baehr’s soccer games during the 2022-23 season. As the coach watched those contests, her eyes locked on Baehr.

Porco had identified an intriguing addition to her team.

“She was very fast, quick to react, and the emotions she showed during soccer games told me she played to win,” Porco said.

Porco promptly approached Baehr with the proposition of joining flag football. She had to do some convincing, though.

The then-freshman didn’t necessarily jump at the idea.

“I was like, ‘You’re crazy. Why would I do that?’” Baehr said. “She was pretty persistent. And then once I started playing, I just fell in love with it.”

In 2023, Braden River flag football reached the 1A-2 regional final and finished 14-3. Baehr led the team with 81 solo flag pulls as a linebacker.

Her sophomore year was even more memorable. The Pirates got all the way to the 1A state semifinals as she recorded 71 solo flag pulls — another team-high — to cap an 18-2 season.

Porco and her staff departed the program after 2024, but in the years since, her connection with Baehr has remained strong.

“I get weekly calls from her to this day to discuss plays and concepts that she is learning now with the Irish team,” Porco said. “She is one who wants to know and understand the ‘why’ behind each play call and then will break down the plays to understand how to get better.”

This was never Baehr’s primary sport. Soccer dictates her future.

It earned her a scholarship to play at the Division I level.

Flag football, though, has allowed her to go international, and it raises some interesting possibilities with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics just over two years away.

Maddie Baehr was hesitant to join Braden River flag football as a freshman.

Now, she’s a member of the Ireland Flag Football Women’s National Team, with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics just over two years away.

Statistically, Maddie Baehr’s best season with Braden River girls soccer was in 202425. The thenjunior scored 12 goals, along with a team-high 23 assists.

YourObserver.com

NELSON’S NOGGIN

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026

JACK NELSON

File photo

The U.S. Soccer U17 Men’s National Team prepares to face Brazil in the 2011 Nike International Friendlies at Premier Sports Campus. Lakewood Ranch won’t play host to any games in the upcoming men’s FIFA World Cup, but is home to no shortage of soccer enthusiasts.

Memories aplenty as World Cup returns

E

455689-1

leven coffins were placed atop cars and driven through the streets of Naples, Italy, on the night of July 11, 1982. It was a simulated funeral, though, that was not all that somber of an occasion.

Those coffins had been built for the players of the then-West Germany Soccer Men’s National Team, which had just lost to Italy 3-1 in the FIFA World Cup final.

Antonio Saviano, who grew up in Naples, witnessed the magnificently macabre celebration. His memory of it is almost as vivid as the day he lived it.

“It was something that I’ll never forget,” said Saviano, the execu-

11B

tive director for Florida Premier FC SWFL. “People go, and then they celebrate, but when you go out on the street and see something like that … that was one of the best experiences ever.”

Passion for soccer is plenty potent in Italy. The same is true for several other corners of Europe and beyond — wherever the sport has deep roots.

It shows every four years during the men’s FIFA World Cup, which starting June 11, will be held across Canada, Mexico and the U.S. This is only the second time in tournament history that the U.S. has hosted, either solo or in part-

nership with other countries.

In 1994, this nation welcomed the World Cup for the first time. Over three decades have come and gone without it serving as a stage for the world’s highest level of soccer.

Soccer enthusiasts all over the U.S. are accustomed to huddling around their TVs to watch games.

Finally, those games are within reasonable distance to attend.

“Talk to any young kids, and their dream is to play at the professional level. They don’t even say, ‘I want to play college,’” Saviano said. “It has created a buzz. You already see kids wearing jerseys from different countries.”

Vito Bavaro, the Lakewood Ranch High boys soccer coach, remembered 1994 well.

He spent that summer running Vito’s Pastry Shop in Cliffside Park, New Jersey. Customers could buy tickets from his bakery to World Cup games at Giants Stadium in nearby East Rutherford.

That first tournament in the U.S. was far more successful than some anticipated for a country lacking a rich soccer tradition. It broke records at the time for total attendance, with 3,587,538 spectators, and for average attendance, with 68,991 spectators per game.

Bavaro’s concern with the World Cup’s return is that middle- and lower-class fans who could attend in 1994 have now been priced out.

He surely isn’t alone in having those concerns.

“You used to be able to get a ticket to the World Cup for $100 or $200. It wasn’t these unbelievable, extravagant numbers that they’re asking now for nosebleed seats,” Bavaro said. “It’s crazy, and kind of sad … I don’t know how many regular people can actually enjoy these games.”

To him and many others, soccer should never be about dollars and cents. It cultivates a unique culture that few other sports — if any — can replicate.

It’s about memories like July 11, 2021, when he brought his Lakewood Ranch boys soccer players to Ed’s Tavern so they could watch the UEFA Euro 2020 final together.

There were four or so tables of Italian fans, Bavaro said, compared to every other table in the restaurant, which seated fans of the English club. The place was as packed.

Even after Italy won in penalty kicks 3-2 and crushed England’s dreams of its first Euro title, some English fans offered compliments to the Italian fans on their team’s triumph.

“There was such a camaraderie, even though we were the minority there,” Bavaro said. “That was just so much fun to watch and to be involved with, and you felt that you were part of it. I’m hoping that’ll be

the same way for the World Cup.” Juan De Brigard, the director for the Lakewood Ranch Chargers, has been around the sport his entire life. The Colombian native spent 15 years coaching youth soccer in the Tampa Bay area before stepping into his current role with the Chargers in April 2024.

During that time, he became familiar with all the craze around the Panini FIFA World Cup sticker album. Kids are obsessed with it.

Even some adults get hooked, De Brigard said.

He organized sessions where kids and adults alike could trade stickers as they aimed to fill up their respective albums. Whether they were in search of their favorite player or looking to complete a team, there was always heavy interest.

The now-globally distributed sticker album had yet to be created in 1966. That was the year England defeated then-West Germany 4-2 in the World Cup final.

Sixty years later, that game remains one of De Brigard’s most cherished memories.

“I went to a German school in Colombia and I was 7 years old,” De Brigard said. “For the first time ever in a very strict school, we were allowed to bring our little radios to listen to the final as it was broadcasted from Wembley (Stadium) ...

That was a lot of fun.”

Culture and sport become one at the World Cup. That can make for some unforgettable moments, regardless of one’s nationality.

We’re reminded of that every four years. From June 11 through July 19, we’ll be reminded once again.

A new collection of memories will be made.

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

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026

What are your takeaways from this spring?

We competed. Practices have been very competitive. We’ve been pushing each other to be better. We started late, but our whole motto was, “We’re going to grind better than everybody else.”

What are your goals for this upcoming season?

The big thing is that I want to have a winning season. I want to go out with a bang — not just for me, but for other seniors on the team. That’d be a very good moment for us. Obviously, we want to win playoffs, and I want to make it to the next level.

What have you enjoyed about learning and growing with Braden River?

Staff and coaches pour into the players. That’s very important when you’re trying to build a program — a winning program, at that. You want people sharing knowledge that you may not have and that’ll push you to be better.

It was such a culture change (transferring from Southeast High ahead of last season). It helped me grow mentally, physically and helped me be a better person on and off the field.

When and why did you start playing football?

I was a basketball guy before I started

Tutoring Grades K-College General Education & Special Needs

SWIMMING LESSONS

A School Of Fish Today!

“Smart” JoinWethe are open for private and group t Gif r lessons at home, community pools, a e Y All g and the Lincoln and G.T. Bray Lon Aquatic Centers

(941) 907• 8482 mjbhaus@aol.com Schooloffishswimminglessons.com

(941) 907•8482 mjbhaus@aol.com www.busybeetutoring.net

461982-1

playing football. I have family in Indiana who like the (New York) Giants and that’s what really got me into football. I started watching it and then I started playing flag (football).

I wasn’t necessarily a quarterback.

I was an athlete, so I used to play linebacker, safety, wide receiver and they would move me around. It was just fun playing with your friends and competing and it stuck with me.

As I got older, football became my main sport, I trained at it and now I’m here.

BUSY BEE TUTORING

Why have you stuck with this sport?

A lot of people can’t handle the pressure, but me, I love the pressure that comes with the sport — especially for the quarterback position.

If you win a game, it’s on you and if you lose a game, it’s on you. That only helps you grow mentally.

What’s a fun fact about you not many people know?

I’m an actor ... I’ve done a few bookings. I’ve always wanted to be on TV, so having that little side thing is cool. People may not believe it, but once I show them, they’re like, “Oh snap, you’re being for real.”

!

Finish this sentence. Louisen Desinor is ...

A leader.

For membership information or to book a tee time call us at 941.744.9771 or email waterlefegolfclub@waterlefefl.com

455653-1

Last season ended with Louisen Desinor under center for Braden River High football. That’s where he was on May 22 for the team’s jamboree against Sarasota and Charlotte. The rising senior quarterback finished 18-for-22 with 257 passing yards, two touchdowns and one interception as the Pirates defeated the Fighting Tarpons 10-0 and the Sailors 8-7. Desinor, who also scored the game-winning, two-point conversion against Sarasota, is the East County Athlete of the Week.

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

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Louisen Desinor

462640-1

12B

YourObserver.com

13B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026

THURSDAY, JUNE 4

Sunrise Sunset

High: 87 Low: 70 Chance of rain: 23%

FRIDAY, JUNE 5 High: 88 Low: 71 Chance of rain: 31%

Thursday, June 4

6:34a

8:21p

Friday, June 5

6:34a

8:22p

Saturday, June 6

6:34a

8:22p

Sunday, June 7

6:34a

8:23p

Monday, June 8

6:34a

8:23p

Tuesday, June 9

6:34a

8:23p

Wednesday, June 10

6:34a

8:24p

WEATHER

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FORECAST

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, JUNE 6 High: 92 Low: 73 Chance of rain: 24%

June 8 Last

June 14 New

June 21 First

June 29 Full

RAINFALL

SUNDAY, JUNE 7 High: 93 Low: 75 Chance of rain: 22% Gordon Silver took this photo in Del Webb of Lakewood Ranch of a loggerhead shrike.

Monday, May 25

0.39

Tuesday, May 26

0.01

Wednesday, May 27

0.4

Thursday, May 28

0.03

Friday, May 29

0

Saturday, May 30

0

Sunday, May 31

0

*Rainfall totals from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

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

YEAR TO DATE: 2026 12.31 in.

2025 9.97 in.

MONTH TO DATE: 0 in.

2026 2025 1.30 in.

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

Daily crossword puzzles available at YourObserver.com/crossword

THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGIN’ by Ryan Mathiason, edited by Jared Goudsmit 116 Of help 117 “I swear!”

118 Grads-to-be, for short 119 Genesis garden 120 Drops in for a bit

©2026 Universal Uclick

ACROSS 1 Pig on British TV 6 Movie that might make you snicker and swoon 12 Wild guess 16 Shaq’s Southern alma mater 19 Sleepover game challenges 20 ___ borealis 21 Plushie with a “belly badge” 23 Fantasy movie with Lindsay Lohan, or a hint to 70-Across 25 Forest-damaging precipitation 26 Group of eight 27 ___ cable (console-TV connector) 29 Locates

86 Rowing stick 30 Server who may wear back tour, say 87 Cardinals’ homes skates 58 Burn on the grill 89 “Relax, soldiers!”

32 Reason for a snow day, or 59 Strep doc 90 Only even prime number 60 To and ___ a hint to 82-Across 62 Work period for someone 92 This, in Spanish 37 Figure skater Galindo 38 Feathered insurance on “vampire hours,” or a hint 94 Bets with multiple legs 96 Like some exams and mascot to 108-Across medication 39 The “m” of Einstein’s 64 Paid for cards 67 Two-person Fortnite team 97 Parts of a camper’s famous equation sweet treat 68 Falsehood 41 “___ you sure?”

101 Organism that needs 42 California wine region 69 Lock of hair oxygen 43 “I pranked those folks” 70 They produce milk 46 “___ habits die hard” 73 “SNL” comic ___ Marshall 103 Canon rival 104 “___ No Love in Okla49 Cinderella team’s 74 Zodiac’s big cat chance to shine, or a hint to 75 Poems of praise homa” (Luke Combs song) 76 Not outsourced 97-Across 105 No later than 53 ___ up (agitate) 78 Cause-and-effect con106 Marvel-ous team?

54 Fried rice veggie 108 Very complex concept cept in Buddhism 55 Aardman’s animated in physics 80 Red Lobster garment sheep 115 “The broadcast has 81 Eye layer 56 Link up to do a comebegun!”

82 Important court figure

51 Good with tools, say 52 Star of the Icarus myth?

57 Long African river 58 Google browser 60 Cozy Russian headwear item 121 Eyelid concerns 61 NFL analyst Tony 63 Back of a ship DOWN 64 Spicy marinade 1 Adobe file format 65 Nobelist Murad 2 Body part with a canal 66 Overtime rounds 3 Buys in advance 67 Great ___ (large dogs) 4 Hunky-dory 71 Early hour to wake up 5 Invite for 72 Fishy, in slang 6 Whitewater vessel 7 “___ Last Summer” (ABBA 73 Paul McCartney, e.g.

74 Word before “show” or song) “bloomer” 8 CT scan alternative 77 Tony ___, aka Iron Man 9 Fish-and-chips fish 10 “Your Song” singer Rita 78 Smooch 79 Field of study with star 11 Chaos signs 12 Many emails about 81 Straighten out, like knotunpaid tolls ted cables 13 Implicitly understood 83 Backside 14 Singer Grande, to fans 84 Routes 15 What may support a 85 Q-tip, e.g. king?

88 Extend across 16 Low in fat 91 “Go, Pele!”

17 Stated 93 Gleamed 18 Fancy vases 95 Throws a tantrum, say 22 Bowler hats’ edges 96 Show the ropes to 24 “That’s right!”

97 Chews like a beaver 28 Pharmacy product 98 “Cry me a ___” 30 Study hurriedly 31 Cool vibe, in Gen Z slang 99 Make, like a jack-o’lantern 32 Breeze 100 Out of bed 33 “That’s my cue!”

34 Uno o dos, por ejemplo 101 Colony insect 102 Cultural values 35 Joke around with 105 ___ sweater party 36 Eggy brunch order 107 Ramadan-ending 38 Borrowed sum 40 WNBA player Cunning- festival 109 Chinese menu general ham 42 Steamy writing such as 110 One squat, e.g.

111 Coding conditionals “Heated Rivalry” 44 Starting point, or (0,0) 112 Well-used pencil 113 Fish eggs on a graph 114 Gridiron distances 45 Church donation 47 Toronto Maple ___ (NHL (Abbr.)

457539-1

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.

“NQW UXIV LQ MBIV LUVF UQHV. UQHV PQT X DVLLVT CQTGE, UQHV PQT X DVLLVT LQFQTTQC ... UQHV LUXL XGG CBGG DV XGG TBMUL.”

UXTIVN FBGY

“A EM DBX DM YIHO UBAHIKX ... A DBX DM FO YMROCD DM VYM A IW VYOR A IW AR UQFJAK, FQD A IJCM DBX DM LOOU DYARPC NMB WXCOJN.”

GOREIXI

“WEMD EP FVY DBPR MVX BFR VM CP. GCY JZBY VM YZBY? JD ICPY ZBKD LDXPDKDXBFUD BFH BGVKD BWW UVFMEHDFUD EF VCXPDWKDP.” IBXED UCXED Puzzle Three Clue: X equals R

crossword

Puzzle Two Clue: B equals R

Sarasota 941.355.8437 | Bradenton 941.748.4679 | Venice 941.493.7441 | manasotaonline.com

Flooring Made for Your Family

Puzzle Two Clue: G equals L

at MANASOTA FLOORING INC

sudoku

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

team) 48 Pub game 50 “Let’s toast!” ©2026 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

06-04-26

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026

RED PAGES real estate

home services

redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages

Homes for Sale

Auto Transport

DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at Noon Service Directory - Friday at 3PM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card

stuff

The East County Observer reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only. *All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher. *It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in the East County Observer to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with towncodes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property Notice: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis..

Merchandise Wanted

ANTIQUES WANTED

DAD AND DAUGHTER TEAM BUYING COINS & CURRENCY Call Today! 941-795-3203 SENIOR LOOKING to purchase precious metals, diamonds, time pieces, coins, jewelry, antique and estate jewelry, and some collectors plates. Personal and confidential.

Please call Marc: 941-321-0707

WANTED

Sailboat Access Canal 4 Bed Pending $675,000

Honest Evaluations NO ONE PAYS MORE!

USED TIRES Venom Power SWAMPTHING Used (Set of 2) 35x12.50 R22LT $200 (661) 254-4200

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

Boat Slips for Rent/Sale BOAT SLIPS FOR LEASE ON LONGBOAT KEY Annual and monthly leases are available. Deep water slips up to 40 ft with water and electrical service. Easy access to Sarasota Bay, ICW and Gulf Call 941-500-3895.

Merchandise Wanted

Color background: $ 5 per week Ad border: as low as $3 per week

Pool Home Completely Upgraded $545,000

PLACE YOUR AD: Call: 955-4888 Email: RedPages@ YourObserver.com Online: YourObserver.com/ RedPages

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

Luxury Sarasota Bay views 4 Bed 5 Bath with Boat Dock $1.76 million

CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

Near South bridge to Siesta One level, heated pool, stroll to shops. 3Bed-2.5Bath $1,250,000 Brooke O’Malley CLUB REALTY Call 941-726-2677

Cleaning BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service

by Maria. Residential. Meticulous Cleaning. Excellent References.

Free Estimates. Reliable. Lic./Ins. 941-400-3342. Instagram: Braziliancleaningsrq

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

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

SELL YOUR STUFF HERE!

Handyman Services

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

Advertise items less than $200 for FREE!

JAMES BOTTORFF EXPERIENCED HANDYMAN SERVICES Call or Text 941-807-0032 Registered in the state of FL.

BUYING GOLD, SILVER W/ CASH. RETIRED INVESTOR Diamonds, Coins, Jewelry, Watches & Pocket Watches.

Confidential & Honest.

FREE HOUSE CALLS. Call David (941) 499-6417

Advertise your business or service in the Observer

RED PAGES CALL TODAY 941-955-4888

Health Services LICENSED CNA SERVICES Companionate caregiver, 10 yrs experience, good references.

Helps with medication, transport, errands, Advertiselight your cleaning. business Great for allintypes of patients or service the Observer 941-400-1667 lahego90@hotmail.com

RED PAGES Painting

Autos Wanted

Health/Fitness/ Beauty PROFESSIONAL PERSONAL Trainer, 37 years experience available in Lakewood ranch area.

Good Results Garunteed!

(941)318-0093

FOR 4-WEEK RUN

House on Canal with Pool & Dock $1,250,000

auto

CALL 941-955-4888

15% DISCOUNT

Plantation Golf Course View Condo 3 Bed $294,000

941-400-8811 Use the RED PAGES to clean out your garage

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

Over 1 Acre Beachfront House $6.5 million

40+ years in Sarasota

STAMPS For Sale Price.

Foreign, old and new. U.S., old and new. In Lakewood Ranch.

941-318-0093

RED PAGES AD RATES

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Al Tomlinson

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

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

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

BUY STUFF HERE!

Paintings •B Bronzes •P Sculptures •O Oriental Rugs •S Asian Art •A Antique Furniture •A

Items Under $200

941-955-4888

Antiques/ Collectibles

The CRYSTAL CLEAR choice!

The CRYSTAL CLEAR choice!

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Aluminum

CALL TODAY 941-955-4888 CARL DATTILO Painting

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

Wallpaper installation & removal, pressure washing. Residential & condos.

Honest & reliable.

For Free estimates call CARL 941-448-8468 35+ years experience.

Professional Services AUTOBIOGRAPHY/MEMOIR Edited and Published HighCottonPublishing.com 941-706-2463

Blinds/Window Treatments

TRANSFORM YOUR SPACE WITH

Elegance & Style SPECIALTIES:

Blinds, Shades, Shutters, Draperies, Cushions, Wall Coverings, Motorized Systems

“Specializing inin6” Gutters” “Specializing 6” Seamless Seamless Gutters” Dustin Yoder

Dustin Owner Yoder/ Operator

463026

941.650.9790 941.650.9790 YoderAluminum.com

462819

Owner /Insured Operator Insured

for great deals.

Visit

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Computer

SELL YOUR CAR!

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

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

FAST • EASY • SAFE

WE COME TO YOU

941.270.4400

HoHoBuysCars.com

5-Star Rated

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

Pegatronics.com 462820

RED PAGES

Auto Service

463068

SEARCH the

YoderAluminum.com

941-879-6310 | designingwindowsbyisabel@gmail.com www.designingwindowsbyisabel.com Special Discounts for Veterans & Seniors

941-735-3362

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

Transportation

BLACK LABEL CAR SERVICE “Luxury for Less”

CALL BEFOREYOU YOU FALL CALL BEFORE FALL

DON’T let your

GRAB BARS GRAB BARS

PATIO DOORS be a DRAG or your

941 - 248 - 4734

COMPLETE INSTALLATION PACKAGE

$ $235

WINDOWS be a PANE!!

Sliding Glass Door Repairs Sliding Glass Door Deadbolts | Window Repairs

INCLUDES22MOEN MOEN STAINLESS INCLUDES STAINLESS STEEL STEELANTI ANTISLIP SLIP CONCEALED PEEN CONCEALED SCREW SCREW GRAB GRAB BARS (16”BARS & 24”)(16” & 24”)

463014

249 235 *

$

All Florida Airports, Concerts & Dinners - Hourly Cruise Ships & Medical | See Specials at: www.blacklabelcarservice.com

941.966.0333

IN-HOAMTEES ESTIM

LIFETIME GUARANTEE • LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED COVERAGEAREA: AREA:LAKEWOOD PARRISH TO NORTHPORT COVERAGE RANCH TO S. VENICE

364556 463061

Trees

FREE

Tree Removal Tree Trimming Lawn Maintenance and More!

20 years local experience Licensed & Insured

DRGRABBARS.COM

*DRILLING CHARGES MAY APPLY FOR MARBLE, GRANITE OR PORCELAIN. COUPON REQUIRED.

Plumbing

Call us today!

Mark’s Plumbing Service

www.ezslider.com

RELIABLE • INSURED

941.628.8579

Plumbing repairs. Replace toilets, faucets, water filters, water softeners and repair leaks.

FREE ESTIMATES, CALL TODAY!

463070

941-920-8221

(941) 544.5663 | luislopezlanwservice@gmail.com Window Cleaning

Eldridge Re-Screen

CALL 941-955-4888

“No Job Too Small” Insured

• Pet Screen • 20/20 No-See-Um Screening • We Paint Pool Cages

HANDYMAN SERVICES

Accepting Credit Cards

Building & Roofing Contractor

KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES 462872

941-626-3194 kennethfuhlmaninc.com

RED PAGES Bring Results | 941-955-4888

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

Screening

Recognized Among the Best Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Physicians in America

• Pool Enclosures • Front Entry Screens • Lanais • Concrete & Pavers

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression 463017

Midtown Medical Park 1215 S. East Ave. Suite 210 Sarasota, FL 34239

MAKE YOUR DON DI STEFANO (941) 893.8475

DO YOU HAVE LOOSE & HOLLOW TILES?

Irrigation

ANDY’S LAWN SPRINKLER SERVICE

SERVICING MANATEE COUNTY SINCE 1979

• Systems Upgraded & Serviced • Troubleshooting & Repair • Monthly Maintenance Service Provided ANDY AVALOS | 941-545-7280

You’re only cheating yourself.

INJECT-AFLOOR SYSTEM

peekers’ place

463011

Home Services

941-879-3136

www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES 941- 284 - 5880

SCC131150987

Screen Repair | Per Panel Pricing Building | Under Truss | Lanais | Entryways Prompt Estimates (usually no visit necessary)

senior citizen discount.

PURIFIED WATER WINDOW CLEANING AVAIL ABLE!!

GROW YOUR BUSINESS

RE-SCREENING

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

453817

5

SCREEN MACHINE

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

STANDARD WINDOWS

$

Call Today: (941) 925-3200 info@bishopsaluminum.com

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

160

25 $

SPECIAL 00

Established in 1989 Serving Our Area for Over 35 Years

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

UP TO

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

Pool Enclosure Specialists

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

463596

Formerly known as Sunrise Windows 463012

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

448996

Res. | Com. | Lic. | Ins.

• Aluminum, Vinyl, & Wood Soffit and Fascia • Metal & Shingle Roofing • Pool Cage, Pan Roofs & Lania Fabrication • Aluminum Welding & Fabrication

Health

NEW AGAIN

Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.

463436

SERVING SIESTA KEY & SARASOTA COUNTY

LOOK LIKE

Windows

Roofing

941.302.5850

INTERIOR RENOVATIONS • DRYWALL • PAINT • TRIM • DOORS • TILE • FLOORING • SHOWER TEXT OR CALL 574-354-7772

jccpcleaning@aol.com | jccpwindowcleaning.net

WITH THE RED PAGES

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

This week’s Crossword answers

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

Puzzle One Solution: “You have to give them hope. Hope for a better world, hope for a better tomorrow ... Hope that all will be all right.”

Harvey Milk

Puzzle Two Solution: “I do try to have privacy ... I try to be honest to who I am when I am in public, but I also try to keep things for myself.”

Zendaya Puzzle Three Solution: “Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that?

We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves.”

Marie Curie

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2026 Universal Uclick

Carpentry • Painting Pressure Washing

CALL JUAN & CINDY LICENSED & INSURED 239-203-5913 l 407-902-7845

463062

941-270-1561

Handyman

GROUT

WINDOW CLEANING, PRESSURE WASHING, & GUTTERS CLEANING!

462795

Licensed

463015

Showcase your products or services each week in the Red Pages.

©2026 NEA, Inc.

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS

462822

RED PAGES

Rescreening & Repairs

C.T. MALLETT

410036

Doors

15B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026

Planning a Move?

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

Just Sold

View Listing

1107 Blue Shell Loop | Wild Blue $2,360,000 | 3,222 Sq Ft | 3 Bedrooms | 3.5 Bathrooms | Bonus Room | Office

New Listing

8249 Pavia Way | The Lake Club

$1,950,000 | 3,871 Sq Ft | 5 Bedrooms | 4.5 Bathrooms | Office | Pool/Spa

New Price

7207 Ashland Glen | Country Club

$1,625,000 | 3,152 Sq Ft | 3 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | Office | Pool/Spa

Under Contract

14909 Secret Harbor Place | Country Club East

Offered at $1,049,000 | 2,783 Sq Ft | 3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | Pool/Spa

7872 Mainsail Lane | Waterside Shoreview

$1,495,000 | 3,857 Sq Ft | 4 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | Office | Pool

Under Contract in 22 Days

17022 Cresswind Terrace | Cresswind

Offered at $720,000 | 2,318 Sq Ft | 3 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | Resort Amenities

New Price

5020 Savona Run | Esplanade

$450,000 | 1,700 Sq Ft | 2 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | Den | Resort Amenities

Interested in Private Listing options? Contact us | 941-702-0437 SHANAHAN LUXURY GROUP 941.961.8205 | 941.702.0437 ShanahanLuxuryGroup@CBrealty.com 8334 Market Street | Lakewood Ranch, FL TOP PRODUCING LAKEWOOD RANCH TEAM 2023, 2024, 2025 for Coldwell Banker Realty Contact Us to Learn More or to Schedule a Showing.

455910-1

16B

Sha na ha nL ux ur yG roup.co m