Carter Bedinghaus (above), a Lakewood Ranch resident and third-year dental student at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, was chosen by the Florida Dental Association as the 2025 Florida Dental Student of the Year.
Bedinghaus serves as president of the American Student Dental Association at LECOM. He received the award June 20 at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Orlando.
Bedinghaus is training to become a pediatric dentist. Having been born and raised in Bradenton, he hopes to practice locally after completing his residency.
Live at the plaza
Frankie Lombardi, a regular performer in the area, has been entertaining crowds for years through his solo acts or as part of a band. He is a drummer, vocalist, songwriter and guitarist. Lombardi began performing for Dickey Betts and Great Southern in 2000. He played as a solo act with July 11 for the Live Music at the Plaza event at Waterside Place, which features free musical events every Friday and Saturday night.
Among the songs he played included “Sweet Melissa” and “Midnight Rider” by The Allman Brothers Band.
Sarasota resident Greg Insco had seen him perform before at Big Top Live and enjoyed hearing him play again. Insco compared him to Neil Young.
“He’s really feeling the spirit of the atmosphere,” Insco said.
$0.10
Courtesy image
Madison Bierl
Grace Community Church expansion focuses on families
Grace Community Church bought a new building for its staff and is constructing an overflow parking lot and student center.
LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER
To hit megachurch status, a church needs to have at least 2,000 members. Grace Community Church welcomes about 4,500 members each weekend.
When designing the church on Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, Grace had about 750 members. Seating for 1,000 seemed like plenty, but the day the church opened, it already was at capacity.
The congregation grew so much that, even split among four weekend services, 1,000 seats weren’t nearly enough.
The staff had to move out of the church offices so that space could be converted into the Lighthouse, a viewing area for services that seats an additional 300 people.
In April, the church bought the building on Communications Parkway that used to house the upper campus for the NewGate School. The school relocated to Palmer Ranch in Sarasota.
The building is being renovated for the church’s administrative staff to take over.
An overflow parking lot is being built across the street from the church that will accommodate 550 more vehicles. A shuttle will drive church members back and forth. Eventually, shaded shuttle stops will be added, too.
But the major expansion is happening right next to the church — the construction of a $6.5 million student center.
The two-story, 15,000-squarefoot building likely will accommodate overflow seating for holiday services and some adult programs, but the Barry Martin Student Center is being built for the younger mem-
bers of the church.
“We want our students to understand this is not just their parents’ church; it’s their church,” said Barbara Ammirati, a ministry team director. “We say that to them all the time.”
Ammirati’s husband and Grace’s executive director, Michael Ammirati, interjected that they have to show the youth members that those words mean something, so they made the students the church’s priority for what would be built next.
The student center’s main common area will feature ping pong tables, couches and a coffee bar.
There’s also a mini gym, where students can play volleyball and basketball.
“This is for students, not just on the weekends,” Michael Ammirati said. “They can come after school, and they can hang out.”
Both floors will have three rooms in the back of the building that can accommodate smaller groups or provide a quiet space for studying.
The center will serve fourth grade through high school students. The younger children will continue to receive ministry in the church’s main building.
Grace Community Church is expanding its Lakewood Ranch campus to include a student center.
BARRY MARTIN STUDENT CENTER
Michael Ammirati, executive director of Grace Community Church, said it’s not in the church’s DNA to name rooms and buildings after church members. But for Barry Martin, they had to break the rule. Martin died of a brain tumor in July 2024. The 53-year-old was not just a board member. He was a friend to the church, a helper to all and a grill master at barbecues.
“Everybody was excited (about the name),” Ammirati said. “It was a great way to honor him.”
Size: 15,000-square-feet, two stories Cost: $6.5 million
Michael Ammirati noted that often as churches grow and age, more focus is placed on the older members of the congregation.
“There’s nothing wrong with that,” he said, “But when you don’t focus on young families, then your church kind of ages out. We wanted to make sure we were continuing to focus on all ages and giving appropriate ministry to everyone.”
The student center is being constructed directly next to the church. From afar, it might seem as if the two
buildings are one, but a walkway will separate them.
The walkway will lead to a patio with seating and an outdoor grill.
There are also plans for a sand volleyball court.
The building will also hold about $750,000 worth of technology. The six smaller rooms will be wired to a universal system, so a student can plug in any device to share their screen to a bigger screen.
The larger rooms, which could serve as overflow seating for servic-
Estimated completion date: Fall 2025
es, will feature electronic walls for much larger projections.
Each room was designed with windows, so volunteers can easily keep eyes on everyone. For safety reasons, the windows are equipped with shades that can come down with the click of a button.
“If we think about an intruder moving through the building, you don’t want them to be able to see what’s in each room,” Michael Ammirati said.
The student center will be able to accommodate about 300 students on each floor.
From movie nights to kickball, the church offers far more than ministry to its students. About 50 events are scheduled each year.
“The whole reason that we love Jesus is we have a relationship with him,” Barbara Ammirati said. “Well, we have to have a relationship with these kids and their parents. We want them to feel as if, when life gets rough, they have a family that’s in their corner.”
Courtesy image
The student center will feature a hangout area and a mini gym.
Lesley Dwyer
Manatee warned raising impact fees will lead to lawsuit
Freedom Housing Alliance Inc. maintains the impact fee increase violates state statute.
LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER
Manatee County commissioners have been warned they will face a lawsuit if they follow through with their plans to impose higher impact fees, which are scheduled to go into effect Sept. 9.
Impact fees are charged on new residential and commercial developments to offset the county’s costs for the infrastructure that the ensuing growth will require, such as roads, parks and libraries.
S. William Moore, of Moore Bowman & Reese P.A., sent a Notice of Violation, dated June 30, to commissioners, which reads:
“The cause of said violation is that the changes to county impact fees amount to significant increased charges to home builders within specific hurricane impacted areas, including Manatee County and are ‘more restrictive and burdensome’ than the previous impact fee charges assessed.”
The letter cites Senate Bill 180 as strictly forbidding “such burdensome regulations” through October 2027.
SB 180 prohibits a local government from adding more restrictive or burdensome amendments to its comprehensive plan or land development code.
Moore sent the notice on behalf of Freedom Housing Alliance, Inc. The Florida Division of Corporations lists Jon Mast, CEO of the Suncoast Builders Association, as the nonprofit’s registered agent.
Mast wouldn’t comment on the letter because of possible litigation, but he did agree to sit down with the East County Observer to discuss impact fees and SB 180 in general.
Mast contends the increase will cripple the local economy and won’t remedy the county’s current problems, such as roads that are over capacity, because impact fees only cover new improvements.
Impact fees can’t pay to refurbish a library. They can only be used to build a new library.
Commissioners had to claim extraordinary circumstances to raise the impact fees to 100% of the current collection rate.
Without claiming extraordinary circumstances, state statute limits increases to 50% over four years. Once raised, the fees can’t be raised again for another four years.
Up until Jan. 1, Manatee County had been collecting 90% of 2015 collection rates. An updated study with 2023 collection rates was adopted in August 2024, and a 12.5% increase went into effect Jan. 1, which falls in line with the state’s guidelines.
The notice asserts that by claiming extraordinary circumstances to raise the fees beyond the state guidelines violates the “more burdensome” language in SB 180.
Mast argued that, not only is the move against the law, the upcoming increase is so significant that it will
MAST-EMATICS
Jon Mast, CEO of the Suncoast Builders Association, did some calculations of how much more the new impact fees, scheduled to take effect Sept. 9, will cost builders in Manatee County versus the county’s current fee schedule.
Commission Chair George Kruse called the increased fees “a big percent of a little number” because Manatee County has not charged 100% of its impact fees since 2008.
■ $22,100 more if building a 10,000-square-foot warehouse
■ $703,178 more if building a 40,000-square-foot commercial center
■ $1,440,000 more if building 20 single-family homes a year for four years
■ $2,138,100 more if building a 150-unit multifamily project over 1,301 square feet per unit
devastate small builders and anyone looking to develop commercial properties. He singled out the impact fees on day care centers as particularly burdensome.
When the new fee schedule is adopted in September, a day care center will incur an impact fee of $26,191 per 1,000 square feet, which is higher than any other business or service except for large commercial shopping centers and gas stations that include convenience stores.
Mast referenced a study conducted by the National Association of
Homebuilders to emphasize the fees will also have an effect on the affordability of housing in the area.
The 2025 report shows that for every $1,000 increase on a medianpriced new home, 115,593 American families are priced out of the market.
Mast said developers will pass that expense onto buyers because they still have to pay for the same amount of supplies and subcontractors and set enough funds aside to guarantee the home for seven years, per Florida statute.
He also noted that home prices are already on the rise with President Donald Trump’s 50% copper tariff going into effect Aug. 1 because most copper supplies come from Chile.
“There are 52 subcontractors that work on a home, plus closing agents, attorneys, bankers and suppliers,” Mast said. “It’s all the trades. It’s an ecosystem. Commercial follows rooftops — businesses, warehouses, restaurants, physicians, dentists and grocery stores.”
SB 180 is legislation that aids hurricane recovery efforts, yet impact fees are only paid once. Replacing a home that was destroyed by a hurricane wouldn’t require another fee because the original home already established its impact on the area.
However, Mast said the ecosystem, created by development, is the overarching reason SB 180 prohibits commissioners from raising impact fees on new homes.
Mast said every governor for the past 20 years has passed legislation following a hurricane to ensure the economy continues to grow. New development provides new property taxes to replace those that were damaged.
He said impact fees are meant to
support growth, not to bail out the local government for poor planning.
“We’re not trying to go back and fix what’s already broken with impact fees,” District 5 Commissioner Bob McCann said. “We’re trying to mitigate it from continuing to break over and over again. We need time to catch up.”
In January, McCann discussed a possible building moratorium on new housing developments, but the idea didn’t develop into an action. While higher impact fees can’t stop new development, they could slow it down if builders decide to take their business to counties that charge less.
Sarasota County separates its fees into three categories — impact fees, educational systems fees and mobility fees — but still charges less than Manatee County. When adding the fees together, a developer pays between $10,117 and $13,197 to build a 2,000-square-foot home in Sarasota, depending on where the home is located.
Building the same home in Manatee County costs between $13,442 and $16,328 in impact fees, including educational impact fees. When the new fee schedule takes effect, the impact fee will be $33,875 as location no longer will affect the cost.
The Suncoast Builders Association represents builders in both counties. Mast’s wife, Teresa Mast, is a commissioner in Sarasota County.
Mast used Hillsborough County as an example of what happens when growth is stymied. In 2019, officials enacted a growth moratorium in rural areas to prevent urban sprawl.
He said builders brought their projects to other counties, Sarasota and Manatee included, and now Hillsborough is left without enough tax dollars to fund its roads.
But when discussing the lower impact fees in Sarasota County, McCann argued that Sarasota is running out of money charging those rates.
“(Developers) did the same thing there that they tried to do here,” he said. “They said Senate Bill 250 and 180 and all these things prevent you from doing anything with land use.”
McCann, who is also an attorney, argued that impact fees are not directly related to land use because the fees only pay for the privilege of building on that land. It can’t be more restrictive or burdensome to pay the fair share of what was already required.
He also stated that impact fees have nothing to do with emergency management statutes, such as SB 180.
The Notice of Violation sent by Moore asks that actions be taken to withdraw the impact fee increase immediately, but the majority of commissioners have made it clear since the 2024 elections that they would rather be sued than accept less than the fee schedule going into effect Sept. 9.
Commission Chair George Kruse tried to convince the last board to take this action, and Commissioner Tal Siddique called impact fees “a fight worth having.”
Commissioners Mike Rahn and Amanda Ballard expressed concerns that the higher impact fees could drive businesses away and negatively affect the county’s future economic development.
NEW IMPACT FEE SCHEDULE
The new impact fee schedule goes into effect Sept. 9, 2025. For the complete list, visit MyManatee.org.
RESIDENTIAL
■ $27,459 for a 1,500-square-foot singlefamily home
■ $33,875 for a 2,201-plus-square-foot single-family home
■ $26,152 for a 1,500-square-foot townhome
■ $32,209 for a 2,201-plus-square-foot townhome
■ $24,785 for a 1,500-square-foot apartment
■ $25,193 for a 2,201-plus-square-foot apartment
■ $16,934 for a 1,500-square-foot mobile home
■ $17,342 for a 2,201-plus-square-foot mobile home
COMMERCIAL (PER SQUARE FOOT)
■ $18,854 for office and other services
■ $20,661 for hospitals
■ $3,509 for warehouses
■ $8,482 for light industrial uses
■ $7,442 for nursing homes
■ $26,191 for daycares
■ $14,827 for commercial shopping centers under 40,000 square feet
■ $28,635 for commercial shopping centers over 150,000 square feet
COMMERCIAL (PER UNIT)
■ $4,756 for hotels (per room)
■ $2,540 for assisted living facilities (per dwelling unit)
■ $27,072 for gas stations/convenience stores less than 2,000 square feet (per gas pump)
■ $54,464 for gas stations/convenience stores over 5,500 square feet (per gas pump)
Photos by Lesley Dwyer
Commissioner Bob McCann says impact fees have nothing to do with an emergency management statute (Senate Bill 180).
Manatee County works with Big Waters to overcome the funding challenges.
The Florida Wildlife Corridor Act identified more than 18 million acres of land that, if conserved, can provide an uninterrupted path across the state for wildlife to traverse.
The Florida Legislature has budgeted more than $2 billion for the corridor since the act went into effect in 2021, but about 8 million acres of the corridor remain unprotected.
The public and private sectors have joined forces to accomplish the lofty goal.
In Manatee County, the Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Committee is on the government or public side working toward conservation, and the Big Waters Land Trust is on the private side.
The county partnered with Big Waters, when it was known as the Gulfcoast Conservation Foundation, in February 2024 to purchase Crooked River Ranch, the first property acquired by the county using tax dollars from the 2020 Conservation and Parks Projects Referendum Fund.
Manatee County voters passed the referendum to tax themselves an additional 0.15 mill, or about $28 a year per homeowner, by an overwhelming 71%. The funds go to conserve undeveloped and agriculture lands within the county.
Both the county and Big Waters often seek grant funding from the state to mitigate the costs of purchasing conservation properties and easements.
Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed $200 million dedicated to the wildlife cor-
EAST COUNTY
Observer
8130 Lakewood Main Street, Suite 207, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
ridor June 30. However, those funds were reallocated to two major projects, the Ocala to Osceola Wildlife Corridor and the Caloosahatchee Big Cypress Land Acquisition Project.
The funds for those projects will be transferred to the Florida Forever program.
Florida Forever covered most of the cost to purchase land that will expand Emerson Point Preserve in Palmetto. Commissioners agreed to pay $15.5 million for 97 acres in March 2024, and Florida Forever agreed to pay the county $11.9 million for 83 acres of the property in April of this year.
Florida’s Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget allocated $229 million to Florida Forever. The budget for FY 2026 allocates $18 million. With $200 million earmarked for other projects, ELMAC and Big Waters will have to adjust.
“This will impact our whole strategy,” said Brooke Langston, director of land protection for Big Waters. “We will have to go more to private foundations and look for individual donors who are interested in doing this kind of work, but we won’t get the dollar amounts that we would
Email press releases, announcements and Letters to the Editor to: Jay Heater, jheater@yourobserver.com 2.
Sarasota/Siesta
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.
2 WAYS TO SUBSCRIBE TO ADVERTISE
To subscribe: Please call Donna Condon at 941-366-3468, Ext. 301, or email dcondon@yourobserver.com
and
Verified Council 12166 Old Big Bend Road, Suite 210 | St
www.Cileone.com
Image courtesy of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
More
get by working with the state.”
Big Waters unveiled its 2030 Conservation Plan in April. It’s the first strategic plan for the nonprofit, and it lays out 247,000 acres of conservation opportunities from Terra Ceia in Manatee County down to Corkscrew Swamp in Collier County.
The estimate to conserve all that land is $2.4 billion.
Florida Forever is listed as a potential partner on five properties that ELMAC is considering for acquisition.
Debra Woithe, Manatee County’s Environmental Lands program manager, said conserving land requires prioritization and creativity.
State funding cuts might require some tough decisions. Beyond the four criteria ELMAC looks for — ecological quality, rarity of species or habitat, importance to water resources and connectivity to other conservation lands — development is another factor.
If it comes down to two purchases, and development is closing in on one, then that property would most likely be prioritized.
The county can’t buy every square inch of the corridor, but Woithe noted that research shows it’s not necessary. If 60% of an area is natural, wildlife can move through it.
While Woithe said she wouldn’t bet on it, but she is optimistic that the wildlife corridor through Manatee County could be entirely connected in 10 years. However, it won’t be entirely
native habitat. It will include some agricultural land and low-density residences.
Woithe used one home on 20 acres in Myakka City as an example of low density.
Langston agreed that 10 years is a feasible timeline.
“If there’s a will, it’s not insurmountable in Manatee County. We just have to have leadership that values land and is as excited about it as Debra (Woithe) and I are.”
The wildlife corridor is intended to protect 131 imperiled species. However, Langston said there’s a duty to taxpayers, too, to provide clean air and water, sustainable agriculture, carbon sequestration and access for all.
THE COST OF CONSERVATION
The 2020 Conservation and Parks Projects Referendum didn’t go into effect until 2022. Since 2023, Manatee County taxpayers have paid $27.2 million to protect conservation land. While the county’s purchases add up to more than was collected, only $9.5 million was spent in fiscal years 2023 and 2024, and the projected expenses for 2025 are $9.7 million. Here’s a look at what’s been conserved so far:
Crooked River Ranch: 68 acres in Parrish for $11.2 million
Emerson Point Preserve: 97 acres in Palmetto for $15.5 million
Triple Oak Preserve: 105 acres in Myakka City for $3.6 million
Crane Park expansion: 13 acres in Myakka City for $420,000
Rye Preserve expansion: 4.5 acres in Parrish for $335,000
Whether
and exceptional.
EMS strikes gold
LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER
Seven months after having a heart attack, Bradenton’s William Booth still gets choked up when talking about how Manatee County’s Emergency Medical Services team saved his life.
Booth remembered the Dec. 6 incident, in detail, up until he entered the ambulance — the intense chest pain and yelling to his wife, Stefanie Booth, to call 911.
Booth remembered the breeze that blew over him as he laid on the gurney inside his front door that made him shiver, and the sound the gurney made as it clicked into place before sliding into the ambulance. Then, the memories stop.
“That’s the first time I died,” he said.
Booth’s heart stopped four more times before the ambulance could pull out of his driveway.
EMS received a gold achievement award from the American Heart Association.
selves that morning was fabulous.”
Booth is not the only professional to take notice of the level of care EMS offers in Manatee County.
Manatee County EMS received a gold achievement award from the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline EMS Recognition Program on June 25 for the care given to patients experiencing heart attacks and strokes.
Booth noted that only three minutes elapsed between the time his wife called 911 and when the ambulance arrived. He said EMT William Thayer immediately took charge of the scene.
“There was no time to hesitate,” said Booth, who added that he only is alive because the EMT team knew exactly what to do and because the team members did not hesitate.
ANOTHER ROUND OF APPLAUSE
Manatee County’s Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptrollers office also received recognition for its outstanding services in June.
For the fifth year in a row, the office of Angelina Colonneso was recognized in all 10 categories of the Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers Best Practices Excellence Program. The 10 categories are Capital Asset Management, Collections, Evictions, Evidence Storage and Destruction, Exploitation of Vulnerable Adult Injunction, GAAP Financial Reporting, Grants Administration, Marriage Licenses, Post-Issuance Policies and Procedures and Wireless Communication Device Citation.
“I’m proud of my team for staying committed to excellence year after year,” said Colonneso in a press release.
“Participating in this program reflects how we protect the public’s trust through consistency, transparency and high standards of service.”
ties, for example, combine the two departments.
“Because of that, we get people driving up to three hours to work here because of the cool things we do,” Dwyer said. “Manatee County EMS, in general, is a trendsetter in the region with the care that we’re providing.”
accident or on the way to the hospital.
Beyond what’s cool, Dwyer said EMS is extremely data-driven. Data determines what care is provided and if the community needs more ambulances in service.
Manatee County started participating in the American Heart Association’s recognition program two years ago. Participation didn’t change the level of care, but it made EMS staff even more focused on data because so much of it has to be submitted to AHA.
Dwyer noted that AHA is the “gold standard” of best practices for heart attacks and stroke.
“Having (AHA) standards constantly in our face, and meeting those standards,” Dwyer said, “it ensures that the people visiting and living in Manatee County are getting that amazing care that our paramedics and EMTs are equipped to provide.”
The goal of the program is to provide patients with a “seamlessly integrated care system,” which includes communication between the EMTs and hospital staff prior to arrival.
While it might be tempting to drive a loved one to the hospital in an effort to save time, the AHA best practice is to call 911.
Paramedics and EMTs are trained to recognize and treat the symptoms of a heart attack, including high or low blood pressure and irregular rhythms. They can also recognize symptoms that mimic a stroke and determine what type of stroke a patient is having.
“I was an Army medic (with the 82nd Airborne Division based out of Fort Bragg from 1973 to 1976),” Booth said. “I was an EMT when I got out. What they do as a job is not foreign to me. How well they handled them-
Sean Dwyer, EMS division chief, has been with Manatee County EMS for 19 years. He pointed out that EMS is a service separate from the fire department, which is not the norm for many counties.
Sarasota and Charlotte coun -
The Lakewood Ranch EMS station was chosen to pilot a drone program in April 2024. The drone delivers medical supplies ahead of the ambulance, providing even faster response times for residents experiencing cardiac arrest, opioid overdose or mass hemorrhaging.
In October, EMS partnered with Tampa General Hospital’s Aeromed to be the first EMS department on Florida’s Gulf Coast to carry blood and have the ability to administer blood transfusions at the scene of an
After identifying the type of stroke, the crew knows which hospital is best equipped to treat that patient. By the time the heart attack or stroke patient arrives, the hospital already has its electrocardiogram results.
Dwyer said it’s not atypical for someone who is experiencing chest pain or a heart attack to ultimately go into cardiac arrest or lose their heartbeat. Booth lost his heartbeat five times.
“(EMTs) couldn’t stabilize me,” he said. “I don’t know how many drugs they pumped into me, but I know they worked at it. I don’t think I’d be here if it wasn’t for them.”
William Booth presents the West Bradenton EMS station with a personally hand-crafted wooden heart that reads, “Thankful for the hands that touched me as my life hung in the balance.”
Courtesy images
Stefanie and William Booth thank crew members from the West Bradenton EMS station Jan. 23 for saving his life the month before.
DOGS INC HAS ITS DAY IN LAKEWOOD RANCH
The Palmetto nonprofit breaks ground on an outreach center on Lakewood Ranch Boulevard.
JAY HEATER | MANAGING EDITOR
Over the years, Dogs Inc has had a stream of volunteers, puppy raisers, dog trainers and financial backers from Lakewood Ranch coming to its 66acre Palmetto facility.
It was time for Dogs Inc to come to Lakewood Ranch.
On July 14, Dogs Inc CEO Titus Herman joined Joe Clark, the chief infrastructure officer for Dogs Inc; Larissa Daigle, the chief philanthropy officer; and Lakewood Ranch donors Lisa and Stephen Hyde, at a low profile groundbreaking for a $4.5 million outreach facility at 5815 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., just north of Rangeland Parkway.
“We’re so grateful for the incredible support we’ve received from the Lakewood Ranch community through puppy raisers, volunteers and donors,” said Herman. Until 2024, Dogs Inc was named Southeastern Guide Dogs. “This new custom-built facility brings the heart of our mission closer to their home in Lakewood Ranch. It’s a chance to deepen our dogs’ training experience while connecting with the very people who help make it all possible.”
The building will be 4,996 square feet under air with another 1,412 square feet under covered patios. The plan includes having an interactive space with exhibits to explain the Dogs Inc’s mission and programs. Included will be live guide dog and service dog demonstrations and educational workshops. Beyond the Dark, a multisensory journey, will put visitors in the footsteps of the dogs who serve. There will be stories about the successful graduates of Dogs Inc.
It all will be open to the public.
Instructors, volunteers, puppy raisers and dogs will have a lounge to use in the facility between training sessions that are held in the area.
A multipurpose room will host community events, workshops and activities. A covered play yard will give dogs that visit the facility breaks from the sun.
A gift shop will provide dogthemed merchandise and will raise funds for the nonprofit.
“We got started (as Southeastern Guide Dogs) in 1982, and we had an
outreach in downtown Sarasota,” Daigle said. “It had a gift shop and a room for the trainers and puppy raisers. Never a week goes by that someone doesn’t say they learned about us by going to that center.”
The Sarasota Discovery Center, at 1618 Main St., closed in 2014. A few years later, the nonprofit opened a similar facility in St. Petersburg. Due to heavy traffic on the street where it was located, the decision was made to close that one, too.
Daigle said it has been on Herman’s mind to find a prime location for an outreach center.
“Rob Uihlein (whose family owns Lakewood Ranch developer Schroeder-Manatee Ranch) was at a golf tournament and heard a recipient (of a guide dog) talk about us. He reached out to learn more,” Daigle said. “Eventually, we called him and said, ‘Could you help us?’
“He was the catalyst in this.”
Dogs Inc closed on the three-acre property — which was purchased from SMR — on Lakewood Ranch Boulevard Nov. 13 for $644,000.
“We were looking for a place and Lakewood Ranch rose to the top,” Daigle said. “We did the research and the stars aligned to be in a place where we have the presence of a lot of donors, volunteers and employees who live here.”
“We’re very happy that Dogs Inc is coming to the community,” said SMR Senior Vice President Laura Cole.
“This is a good organization. Their commitment and impact reflect the spirit of our community.”
Although the property is approximately three acres, Daigle said it has wetlands where building is restricted.
“We are going to have a lovely lobby with an interactive exhibit,” she said. “It’s going to tell the history of Dogs. Inc. You are going to be able to see and touch.
“We also are going to have a nice meeting space, and a lounge. There will be an exterior area for dogs and the center is going to be staffed during the day.”
BDA Architecture of Tampa handled the design of the facility while
COMING TO THE RANCH
What: Dogs Inc Outreach Facility coming to Lakewood Ranch Where: 5815 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Architect: BDA Architecture of Tampa Builder: Atlas Building Company of Sarasota Size: 4,996 square feet under air with another 1,412 square feet under covered patios Cost: $4.5 million When: Groundbreaking was held July 14; completion date set as summer 2026 How to donate: Go to DogsInc. org/LakewoodRanch.
Atlas Building Co. of Sarasota will build the project. The land is being cleared now and a completion date has been set at summer 2026.
Stephen and Lisa Hyde, who are donors for Dogs Inc, are pleased the nonprofit has opened a facility in their home of Lakewood Ranch.
“As a volunteer, Lisa sees Dogs Inc from the ground level and sees all the graduates,” Stephen Hyde said. “We are committed supporters of and we are especially touched by the work they do for veterans. Veterans have done so much for us in the service of our country, and many struggle after their service is done. Dogs Inc fills a void of which most people are unaware. Hopefully, this facility will give Dogs Inc higher visibility, leading to an increased understanding of their mission and more community support.”
Dogs Inc describes its graduates by saying “top-tier pedigrees, decades of research, and thousands of hours of training and love prepare our dogs for life-changing destinies. Guide dogs lead. Service dogs heal. Skilled companions comfort. And therapy dogs uplift.”
“If
Publisher and President / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com
Associate Publisher — East County Observer / Lori Ruth, LRuth@YourObserver.com
Executive Editor and COO / Kat Wingert, KWingert@YourObserver.com
Managing Editor / Jay Heater, JHeater@YourObserver.com
Staff Writers / Madison Bierl, MBierl@ YourObserver.com; Lesley Dwyer, LDwyer@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
Chief Financial Officer / Laura Strickland, LStrickland@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 Magazine, LWR Life Magazine, Baldwin Park Living Magazine and Season Magazine
CEO / Matt Walsh
MWalsh@YourObserver.com
President / Emily Walsh
Chairman Emeritus / David Beliles
LWRCA launches its own golf tourney
Calusa Golf and Country Club in Lakewood Ranch will host the inaugural event Sept. 17.
t was years ago at a small California newspaper when my staff was trying to support a local benefit golf tournament by arranging a flyover.
The tournament had a twofold purpose. One, it supported area veterans, and two, it served to crown the area’s top amateur golfer.
The event was being held at Franklin Canyon Golf Course, which no longer exists. At the time, it was a popular public course that was nestled in a little canyon, surrounded by cow pastures and several homes.
Trying to arrange a flyover became problematic for the locals who ran the tournament as the military wouldn’t respond to their request. One of the reporters on my staff, a guy who was particularly persuasive, kept calling Travis Air Force Base in nearby Fairfield, California until he was put in touch with a general.
The general explained that he didn’t have any jets that could participate, but he did have this cargo plane.
There I was, sitting at the desk in my Pinole, California, office on the Saturday of the tournament, when the walls began shaking. I was sure ET’s relatives had arrived to pick him up.
All the lines on my phone lit up at once. Everyone who lived in that canyon was calling about “an earthquake.” Turns out that the cargo plane was like a flying hotel, and it was so low that it was shaking up the world as it buzzed the golf course.
We learned later the general received some nasty blow-back for
helping us out, but he assured our reporter that he would have done it again in a heartbeat. The champion that year always considered himself as the winner the year the Earth shook.
That golf tournament was wildly popular among the area’s best amateur golfers, who wanted his or her name on the perpetual trophy. Much like the Lakewood Ranch area, that area had many private golf clubs, and the amateurs loved winning their own club’s championship. But the best amateurs from the many clubs all showed up to compete against each other at Franklin Canyon in an attempt to win that area’s most coveted amateur title.
I’ve always wondered why a golfrich community such as Lakewood Ranch hasn’t had an area championship. That finally has a chance of happening in the near future.
Lakewood Ranch Community Activities, which has had a hand in just about every kind of activity other than golf, has decided to take its best shot with the Communi-tee Golf Classic.
The event is scheduled for Sept. 17 at the Calusa Golf and Country Club in Lakewood Ranch. The tournament is billed as an event for “golfers of all skill levels,” but is structured in three levels. The pure recreational golfer can compete in the third flight, which figures to be some sort of “scramble” event, while golfers who are a bit more serious and carry a handicap — think a 6 or 7 handicap to 14 or 15 — can band together to play in the second flight, also a scramble.
The top flight will be for those who believe they are good enough to claim the title of Lakewood Ranch’s top amateur golfer(s) of the year.
“It has been fascinating to me
that we had never done a golf tournament,” said Keith Pandeloglou, the executive director of Lakewood Ranch Community Activities. “We could have easily have done this with Legacy (which, in 2024 was sold to the Heritage Golf Group, which runs four Country Club courses).”
LWRCA received a huge boost for its first Communi-tee Golf Classic when the new Calusa Golf and Country Club course stepped forward to be a presenting sponsor by making the course available.
“I know every amateur golfer in the area is thinking, ‘This is a place I want to check out,’” Pandeloglou said.
For the first event, the LWRCA staff wants to roll the golf ball in your court. If you are a low handicap amateur and you want to win the Lakewood Ranch title, let the staff members know. If you would rather play a team event or a scramble like the other two flights, let them know that as well. Call 757-1530 to give your input.
Pandeloglou said the majority will rule and his staff wants to meet the community’s needs. LWRCA is leaning toward having all three flights be team events at this point, but he said it would be an easy change to set up an individual event for the first flight if there is enough interest. It’s time to speak up.
He would like to have all the format details be finalized by Aug. 1. The plan is to make this an annual event, so changes can be made over time.
One of the reasons for the flights was that Pandeloglou, who professes to be a golfer only because he owns clubs, said he often felt out of place when playing in events where everybody competed against each other in the same flight.
If you have played in an event where the same two or three teams took the majority of prizes each year because they would shoot a
combined 20-under par, and your team was at 3 under, then you can identify with Pandeloglou.
This will be a tournament where every golfer will have the opportunity to win a prize.
The event, which is part of LWRCA’s 25th anniversary celebration, also is a fundraiser for LWRCA, with the proceeds going back into community events. A win-win for Lakewood Ranch residents.
“This tournament is all about connection, camaraderie and giving back,” said Danielle Bugel, the LWRCA marketing manager.
The event will include team prizes and contests, raffles, player swag, breakfast and lunch, and two complimentary drinks. The fee is $125 per golfer. Golfers can register as a single and be paired with a team or sign up as a foursome.
Bugel said she hopes the tournament attracts people who have shaped the community. She would love to see a Willis Smith foursome against a Polo Club foursome and an Observer foursome, for example.
The LWRBA staff is also looking for those who want to begin on the ground floor of the event as sponsors. Pandeloglou said it is his experience that sponsors who get in early on a popular event tend to remain over the years.
Those who would like to enter, sponsor the event, or find out more information, can go to LWRCA.org. Just watch out for low flying aircraft.
Jay Heater is the managing editor for the East County Observer. Contact him at JHeater@ YourObserver.com.
Jay Heater
Lakewood Ranch Community Activities’ Paige Venuto, Keith Pandeloglou and Danielle Bugel look forward to the first Communi-tee Golf Classic at Calusa Golf and Country Club on Sept. 17.
Bringing more bling to UTC
California-based Gorjana company opens Sarasota location at the Mall at UTC.
MADISON BIERL STAFF WRITER
Sarasota resident Jacqueline
Dinatale called the jewelry at Gorjana, which opened a location at University Town Center on July 1, trendy and affordable.
“The jewelry makes me feel happy, completes my outfit and provides a finishing touch,” Dinatale said.
Dinatale works at the mall at Evereve and was shopping at the new jewelry store July 9 in search of rings and necklaces. She already had purchase a charm necklace on a previous visit.
“I picked fun charms — J for my name, a bow that is cute and a seashell for summertime,” Dinatale said.
“We are leaning into the charms because they have just taken off on social media; they’re so cute,” said Taylor Lingreen, the store manager.
“We offer so many charms you can just customize it.”
Gorjana is a California-based company that originated in Laguna Beach in 2004. It is owned and operated by Jason and Gorjana Reidel.
“They had a fun journey of going door to door and selling and making the jewelry, and it’s bloomed
into this beautiful corporation that it is,” Lingreen said. Lingreen said the Gorjana owners and employees work hard to stay up to date on trends in the jewelry industry. She said bows currently are big and hearts are classic.
“She (Gorjana Reidel) likes to stay in tune with what is trendy, but what will also be classic for years to come,” Lingreen said. Lingreen moved to Sarasota one week before the store opened July 1. She has worked at four locations throughout her three-and-a-half years at the company. She has worked at the 25th, 46th, 62nd and now 106th store locations. Other Florida Gorjana locations include Tampa, Jacksonville, Miami and Orlando.
“We want everyone to feel welcomed into our space — no matter if they’re looking at our 18-karat plated or 14-karat solid — that they’re getting a luxury, premium experience,” Lingreen said. “We want to bring that California chic inspired roots into Sarasota, and I think that fits well with this beachy vibe that this town has to offer.”
The jewelry pieces they sell range from $38 to $5,000. Some top sellers include the Parker Necklace, Venice Necklace and the Lou Collection.
IF YOU GO
GORJANA
Where: 140 University Town Center Drive #222, Sarasota Gorjana is located on the upper level near Grand Court. Anthropologie is next door.
Phone: (941) 216-6126
Hours: Monday-Friday 10
a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 10
a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 11
a.m. to 6 p.m.
Visit: For more information, go to Gorjana.com.
Lingreen said she loves to shop, and wants her customers to feel the same love and warmth. She acknowledged that different people prefer different experiences when shopping, but she prefers the in-person experience, both as a customer and a store manager.
As of July 9, the team at UTC’S Gorjana consisted of six employees. Instead of being called sales associates, they refer to themselves and each other as “stylists” because their main goal is to get to know the customer on a personal level in order to base the jewelry styles off who they are. Lingreen said she wants the customers to feel like they’re shopping with their girlfriends.
“With our price points, there’s people who are just going to buy ‘just because’ and there’s people who are going to buy with a lot of intention behind it,” Lingreen said. “We want our customers to feel connected to these pieces.”
Sarasota resident Sydney Scovill, 23, works in the mall at Lululemon as well as being a stylist at Gorjana. She said she has become good at gauging whether customers want a full, helpful conversation or want to shop on their own.
Scovill said her job doesn’t feel
a Seat in Luxury
like work. During her training, she felt she was learning about jewelry with a group of friends.
Although Lingreen grew up as an athlete who seldom wore jewelry, she appreciates the feminine touch that jewelry adds to her outfits and how it can dress something up.
“If you like statement pieces, or dainty pieces, we have something literally for everyone,” Lingreen said. “For me, (jewelry) has helped bring out my confidence, my girly side.”
Lingreen said Gorjana partners with nonprofit organizations nationwide and locally. Organizations include The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Baby2Baby, Dress for Success, Toys for Tots, Kids in Need Foundation and A Lending Paw.
They have three pieces with a dog paw on it and 50% of the sale of those items goes back to A Lending Paw, a nonprofit that “connects people in need with rescued and trained service dogs.” They also have a Mama Collection of necklaces in which 10% of the proceeds are donated to Baby2Baby, a nonprofit that provides children with necessities such as diapers.
“Our brand is mainly run and
operated by women and our customers are women for the most part,” Lingreen said. “So it is important for Gorjana to give back to women and children.” Lingreen said they would like to support local businesses and schools as well through fundraisers, events and local causes that matter to their customers. She encouraged those interested to come to the store or reach out via the website Gorjana.com.
Photos by Madison Bierl
Gorjana stylist Sydney Scovill and Taylor Lingreen, the store manager, want customers to feel comfortable and beautiful when shopping at their store.
Sarasota resident Jacqueline Dinatale customized the necklace she wore on July 9 by picking out charms that she says represent her.
Gorjana was founded by Gorjana and Jason Reidel in 2004 in Laguna Beach, California. One of the best selling necklaces is the Parker Necklace.
ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
The 2025 Sarasota Improv Festival celebrates the evolution of an art form.
ALL EYES ON IMPROV!
MARTY FUGATE CONTRIBUTOR
Improv comedy is a living art form. Like all living things, it evolves. In 2025, the emerging variants are smart, musical, narrativedriven, genre-fluid and inclusive. These mirthful mutations are hitting the stage at this year’s Sarasota Improv Festival. Seventeen edgy improv troupes take their art form into the future. Thanks to Sarah Durham, FST’s new director of improv, they’re doing it here and now. She’s leading the festival that FST Managing Director Rebecca Hopkins started back in 2009. Spoiler alert: Evolutionary overlaps ahead. Fasten your seatbelts. It’s going to be a bumpy ride ...
IF YOU GO
2025 SARASOTA IMPROV FESTIVAL
When: July 18-19
Where: Florida Studio Theatre campus, 1265 First St.
Tickets: Single tickets: $10-$25; festival passes: $75 (two days); $49 (Friday or Saturday only).
Info: Visit FloridaStudio Theatre.org.
Fractured fairytales (Silly stories, not short stories)
Forget quick-and-dirty punchlines. These troupes tell long-form tales with relatable characters, gripping story arcs and emotional depth — and make it all up on the fly. It’s probably how Homer created “The Odyssey.” It’s a 2,500-year-old technique, but it still works. What’s old is new again! And it’s still funny.
PARALLELOGRAMOPHONOGRAPH
(AUSTIN, TEXAS) These puckish sprites are the ninjas of shaggy-dog storytelling, well-drawn characters and interwoven plots. Their unscripted dramas feel like play readings; their cinematic snippets are grounded in savvy genre tropes. If brevity is the soul of wit, long-form hilarity takes a whole lot of soul. They’ve got it. July 18, 7 p.m. • July 19, 8 p.m.
The magical, musical improv tour
Time to face the music. Long-form stories are tough to improvise. Making up music and lyrics is an even higher level of difficulty. Ah, but listen carefully. You’ll hear the music playing in the 21st century improv scene — and at this year’s Improv Fest, too. You’ll hear everything from old-school Broadway show tunes to daredevil stunts on the hip-hop highwire. It’s all funny; it’s all good — and totally improvised. Here are four of this year’s musical mutations:
FORGOTTEN BROADWAY (ORLANDO)
The troupe’s name is a nod to “Forbidden Broadway,” a snarky satire of big-name Broadway blockbusters. Their show is a love letter to Broadway flops you’ve never heard of. This singing/dancing quartet mines (and mimes) the trajectory of falling Broadway stars. (Fictitious failures, so dry your eyes.) The show’s storylines and show tunes flow from audience input. The sidesplitting results are unscripted, unpredictable and unforgettable. July 18, 7 p.m. • July 19, 5 p.m.
NORTH COAST IMPROV (NEW YORK CITY) This talented troupe is the gold standard of freestyle hip-hop improv. Their act is a rapid-fire blend
HOW TO IMPROVISE A BROADWAY MUSICAL
Shitzprobe! No, it’s not an unpleasant medical procedure. It’s a troupe headlining the Sarasota Improv Fest — where they’ll put on an improvised Broadway musical. We talked with Ali Reed, one of the show’s creators who is also in the cast.
How would you describe a Shitzprobe show?
We improvise a Broadway musical without a script or prior rehearsals. We’ll showcase a special guest performer in the lead role. (Local performers) Joey Panek and Ben Liebert are our guests at the Improv Fest.
Sounds great. But let’s get back to “We improvise a Broadway musical.” That’s kind of like saying “We perform brain surgery wearing blindfolds.” (laughs) It kind of is.
You satirize Broadway styles, not specific works. What’s your secret sauce?
If I told you the recipe, it wouldn’t be a secret anymore. But I will say we’ve studied different storytelling structures in musical theater. We’ve narrowed it down to four variations. The Hero’s Journey is the big one. But that sounds too abstract. Like a diagram.
Or a chalk outline at a crime scene.
Exactly! Our shows have a rhythm. What we do is in the moment. We’re not following a template. You’re not thinking ... crikey! It’s time for the inciting incident! No. There’s constant communication. But it’s wordless.
Like telepathy?
More like scuba divers underwater. We’re on stage. All of a sudden ... it’s showtime! And we don’t have a show. The teammates and the band and our music director have to decide which direction we’ll go in. We gesture, we exchange looks. We’re not talking, but we’re asking each other questions ... “What’s a strong song structure? Who am I? Who are you? What’s the story?” We get on the same page — but just in that moment. What’s next? We don’t know yet. It’s fun ... but kind of like falling.
Do actual Broadway creators envy you?
One Broadway lyricist and composer (who will remain unnamed) saw our show. He said it was better than some of the stuff he’d seen on Broadway.
Great compliment! Yes, it was. But he didn’t sound happy.
The culmination of the Sarasota Improv Fest is the All Play show shown here in 2023.
New York City improv troupe Shitzprobe creates a Broadway musical based on audience suggestions.
Images courtesy of FST
2-Man, No-Show is another crowdpleaser returning to the Sarasota Improv Festival.
Eyes on improv
of rap battles, musical hooks and razor-sharp comic timing. It’s hilarious — but it sets a very high bar. Don’t try it at home ... unless you’re in the shower. Never try it at parties. July 18, 8 p.m. • July 19, 6 p.m.
SHITZPROBE (NEW YORK CITY) These musical madcaps will improvise a full-blown, on-the-spot Broadway musical at FST. It’ll be a world premiere — like all of their shows. What’s the story? Audience suggestion plants the seed. Who stars? There are guest performers — who get thrown into the deep end of the improv pool. They’re always backed up by a troupe of seasoned pros, Broadway vets and a live band, so nobody’s drowned yet. But expect to be drowned in laughter. No S@!#. July 19, 4 p.m.
HERE: THE (IMPROVISED) MUSICAL (COLUMBUS, OHIO) “Here” is now here. The musical, that is. At the Improv Fest. Yes, another improvised musical. Tara DeFrancisco and Rance Rizzutto are the musical’s improvisers. Yet again, the musical’s premise is an audience suggestion. But the show’s similarity to other improv musicals ends there. The core premise can be brilliant or bonkers. So what? Either way, it’s merely a launch pad for the duo’s spontaneous themes, characters, songs and storylines. It’s an intimate back-and-forth, not sensory overload. And 90 minutes of pure genius. July 18, 8 p.m. • July 19, 7 p.m.
Satirical genrebending
These fast-talking, quick-thinking improvisers entered the catacombs of high and low art — and emerged with comedy gold. Beautiful objects ... of ridicule. If there’s a pop culture balloon, these troupes will pop it. Trendy targets, sure. But they also poke fun at 1950s TV shows, old detective movies and corporate training videos. Expect lots of nerdy fan service — and plenty of dead references, too. Only one person might
laugh. That’s enough. AVAILABLE CUPHOLDERS (AUSTIN, TEXAS) These prodigal parodists have a treasure chest of cultural artifacts. From Shakespeare, to sit-coms, to sci-fi, it’s all fair game. They’ll spoof Godzilla or Galadriel alike with razor-sharp timing and sizzling invention. Their satire is brainy — but not heartless. It’s the comedy of empathy. You laugh with their targets, not at them.
July 18, 9 p.m. • July 19, 6 p.m.
Outsiders included. Diverse voices heard
Everybody’s different; that’s something we all have in common. Seems obvious, but comic voices outside the mainstream have been marginalized for years. But not at this year’s Improv Fest. They’re bringing the outsiders in. And putting their diverse perspectives on stage. It’s inclusive, experimental, incisive, funny stuff. You probably haven’t heard it before. Here’s an inside look ...
DAD’S GARAGE (ATLANTA) Garage rock is edgy and fearless. This im-
prov ensemble is, too. They combine their inclusive cast with alt-comedy collaborators — and join forces with drag queens, puppet masters and a rainbow of nonconformists. The genre-bending satire they create? The dial goes from smart satire to delicious idiocy. You might see Shakespeare’s mission to Mars or a game show hosted by a drunken robot. Whatever you see, it’ll be funny as hell. July 18, 7 p.m. • July 19, 7 p.m.
Metaphysical comedy, no. Physical comedy, yes
Athletic, acrobatic improvisers get laughs with fearless movement, absurdity and character-based action. As the Three Stooges knew, comedy isn’t confined to the mind. These troupes want to get physical. And do. You’ll bust a gut laughing.
2-MAN, NO-SHOW (TORONTO, CANADA) This dynamic duo (aka Isaac Kessler and Ken Hall) delivers a volatile blend of physicality, screwball comedy and mind-bending improv. They’re interactive, unpredictable and fearless. And a perennial cult favorite to improv insiders. July 18, 7 p.m. • July 19, 5 p.m.
Chaos theory
When in doubt, throw all the improvisers on stage, stir vigorously, bring their comedy to a boil and see what happens. What manner of comedy? Whatever they’ve got. Speech, song, physical comedy, conceptual comedy, new wave, old school — it’s all in the stew. That’s the theory. Here’s the practical application ...
ALL PLAY. The Improv Festival’s grand finale is a pyrotechnic playground of improv games, instant sketches and surprise song parodies. More than 80 improvisors drop any remaining inhibitions — and mix it up. The resulting comedy isn’t mere anarchy. Think Bebop at its best, when the musicians hit the same telepathic groove. Think unscripted mayhem with the energy of a Mardi Gras parade and a pillow fight. See what I’m saying? If not, stay up late and see for yourself. July 19, 10:30 p.m.
Sarah Durham’s official title is “resident artist” at Florida Studio Theatre. She’s also its director of improv. Her work includes teaching at the FST school, writing for children’s theater and cabarets and constantly performing. The year 2025 marks a new responsibility. Nothing less than this year’s Sarasota Improv Festival. It’s Durham’s baby now. And it’s a very big baby. But she’s not overwhelmed. Durham’s doing the work she loves. And she’s happy to tell us why.
What got you hooked on improv comedy?
Improv’s in my blood. There was no ah-ha moment, no lightning bolt. It’s just who I am.
Who taught you the art form?
I’m a Second City-trained improviser. I’m also a sketch writer, so I’m constantly teaching myself.
How’d you become FST’s new improv director?
I was Will Luera’s assistant improv director for about three years. When he left last November, I stepped into the main role.
Are you enjoying the job so far?
It’s been a blast. I’ve been an improv fanatic for so many years. Now it’s great to be doing what I love with such a strong team. We’re having a lot of fun.
Does it get scary sometimes?
It’s scary in terms of the sheer volume of work. It’s organizational work, with so many complex details that I have to nail down. It makes the improv possible at FST. But it’s kind of the opposite of improv.
What could possibly go wrong?
Yeah, that is the question. Nightmare scenarios flash through my mind sometimes. Like forgetting to pick up a team for the Improv Festival or walking on stage barefoot or naked — or both. Those
nightmares haven’t happened ... yet. But empowering the art of improv has been a dream come true for me. I’ve been at FST since 2018, so this is my community.
Let’s talk about the evolution of improv comedy. The mutations are on fast-forward these days. What’s new at this year’s Improv Fest?
Almost everything! But gamebased improv is always new. It’s a very commercial form but still a lot of fun. Sounds Funny Players create on-the-spot games with the audience every night. They’re constantly inventing new ones.
Now let’s talk about old-school comedy. As I recall, Second City’s sketches were hybrids. A sketch would emerge in improv; they’d write it down and refine it. Am I right?
Totally. Improv is sketch comedy lightning; a script captures the lightning in a bottle. Second City pioneered that approach — and it revolutionized comedy.
Are any groups following in Second City’s footsteps? Yes. Unauthorized from NYC, definitely. Their sketches are a blend of improv and script — and that’s the Second Citystyle. Their show constantly evolves. And their director, Kihresha Redmond, trained right here at FST.
What do you predict for next year’s Improv Fest? Ask me next year.
Sarah Durham
Images courtesy of FST
Sarasota Improv Festival was the brainchild of FST Managing Director Rebecca Hopkins.
THIS WEEK
THURSDAY
SUMMER CIRCUS SPECTACULAR
11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at The Ringling’s Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road
$20 adult; $13 child
Visit CircusArts.org.
Pack up the car with Grandpa and the kids and head for the Circus Arts Conservatory’s annual Summer Circus Spectacular. This thrilling, 60-minute circus of fresh new acts is perfect for people of all ages with short attention spans. There’s room for walkers, strollers, wheelchairs, you name it — but please arrive early so ushers can store them. Make it a circus day by adding a ticket to The
DON’T MISS
‘THE TITAN AND THE MUSE:
LOVE DELUXE’
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe stars Raleigh Mosely II and Jazzmin Carson join forces for a sexy concert featuring duets made famous by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown, and other iconic duos.
After its debut at The Bay Sarasota, “The Titan & The Muse: Love Deluxe” makes its WBTT premiere for three performances as part of the company’s Sizzlin’ Summer Cabaret series. Continues July 19 and 20.
IF YOU GO
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 17
Where: Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave.
Tickets: $35-$98
Info: Visit WestcoastBlackTheatreTroupe. org.
‘TOO DARN HOT: SONGS FOR A SUMMER NIGHT’
7:30 p.m. at FST’s Court Cabaret, 1265 First St. $39 and up Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Alice M. Gatling stars as Dorothy, who introduces a troubled teen, played by Ethan Jack Haberfield, to the healing power of books.
Directed by Kate Alexander, the tale explores memory, identity and how relationships can transform our lives. Runs through Aug. 10.
SATURDAY
‘THE HIGH LIFE: CONTEMPORARY
PHOTOGRAPHY AND THE BIRDS’
10 a.m. at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St. $28; $23 online Visit Selby.org.
Organized by the Foundation for the Exhibition of Photography and curated by photography experts William Ewing and Danaé Panchaud, “The High Life” features some 70 works of birds by more than 50 photographers from around the world. The works will be displayed in the Museum of Botany & the Arts and outside throughout the gardens. Runs through Sept. 14.
SUNDAY
PATTI SMITH: A BOOK OF DAYS
MONDAY
RAUSCHENBERG: A CENTENNIAL
CELEBRATION
The John and Mable Ringling Art Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Road Free with $25 admission; Mondays free Visit Ringling.org.
The Ringling joins museums around the world in honoring the centenary of maverick artist Robert Rauschenberg, who burst onto the art scene in the mid-20th century with collages he called “combines.” The exhibition includes works that The Ringling has in its collection, including pieces Rauschenberg created during his time on Captiva Island on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Runs through Aug. 3.
TUESDAY
‘LILLIAN BLADES: THROUGH THE VEIL’
10 a.m.. at the Sarasota Art Museum campus of Ringling College, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail Free for museum members; $20 Visit SarasotaArtMuseum.org.
Ringling’s famed Circus Museum for just $5 on the day of the show. Runs through Aug. 9.
‘A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD’
7 p.m. at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail
$15-$19
Visit AsoloRep.org.
Asolo Repertory Theatre rolls out a fun, family-oriented production that’s priced right. Adapted from Arnold Lobel’s children’s stories, Robert and Willie Reale’s musical follows the friendship of Frog and Toad through the seasons. Scott Keys directs. Runs through Aug. 3.
Carole J. Bufford easily skips eras and genres in this showcase of stories and songs featuring the months June, July, August and September. Whether Bufford’s singing songs by Janis Joplin or Randy Newman, she leaves the audience with something they never knew before. Runs through Sept. 14.
‘HOW SWEET IT IS’
7:30 p.m. at FST’s Goldstein Cabaret, 1239 N. Palm Ave. $18-$42
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Led by Luke McMaster, an energetic trio demonstrates the enduring appeal of hits like “Tracks of My Tears,” “You Can’t Hurry Love” and “Stop! In the Name of Love.” Runs through Aug. 3.
‘DOROTHY’S DICTIONARY’
8 p.m. at FST’s Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave. $42 and up
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
“
10 a.m. at Selby Gardens Historic Spanish Point, 401 N. Tamiami Trail, Osprey Included with $20 admission Visit Selby.org.
Selby Gardens collaborates with poet and musician Patti Smith, its artist-in-residence, on an outdoor exhibition of large prints taken from her newly published bestseller, “A Book of Days.” Runs through Aug. 31.
OUR PICK
Award-winning artist Lillian Blades invites visitors to get lost in her first solo museum exhibition, at Sarasota Art Museum. Her installation of “veils” combines handcrafted and found objects to create a mesmerizing display. Blades attributes her use of dazzling color to her childhood in The Bahamas and her process of creating large-scale assemblages to her late mother, an accomplished seamstress. Runs through Oct. 26.
SARASOTA CONTEMPORARY DANCE IN STUDIO: SEA LEE
A former member of Sarasota Contemporary Dance company, Sea Lee is a choreographer whose work has been presented by SCD, Moving Current Dance Collective and Co-motion Dance Theatre. Lee has also performed at such venues as the American Dance Festival and Ramallah Contemporary Dance Festival. Continues July 21.
IF YOU GO
When: 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday, July 19
Where: SCD Home Studio, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Suite 300
Jazzmin Carson and Raleigh Moseley II star in “Titan and the Muse” at Westcoast
Black Theatre Troupe from July 17-20.
Asolo Rep replaces Billy Joel/Twyla Tharp musical with ‘Come From Away’
When Billy Joel canceled a 202526 tour in May because of a brain disorder, theater fans in Sarasota said a little prayer.
Joel was scheduled to come to town this fall with choreographer Twyla Tharp to work on an updated version of their hit Broadway musical “Movin’ Out,” which was to premiere at Asolo Repertory Theatre.
The original “Movin’ Out” featuring Joel’s songs and Tharp’s choreography won two 2003 Tony Awards, one for Tharp (Best Choreography) and one for Joel and Stuart Malina (Best Orchestrations).
But the new rendition of “Movin’ Out” will have to wait. On July 11, Asolo Rep announced the muchanticipated update will happen “in a future season.”
Instead, Asolo Rep Producing Artistic Director Peter Rothstein will direct a homegrown version of “Come From Away,” which will run from Nov. 12 through Dec. 28.
“Piano Man” Joel, 76, has been recovering from normal pressure hydrocephalus, a condition that creates problems with hearing, vision and balance. However, the
schedule change is not related to Joel’s health, an Asolo spokesman said.
An Asolo Rep production of “Come From Away” is good news for those who got shut out of the Broadway touring production’s brief run at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center on Feb. 18-20, including a Feb. 19 performance that was canceled due to sound problems. The show previously came to the Van Wezel for a weeklong run in 2021.
Written by the husband-and-wife team of Irene Sankoff and David Hein, “Come From Away” tells the story of a Canadian village’s hospitality to 7,000 travelers stranded after the 9/11 terror attacks. Its message of hope and brotherhood continues to resonate with audiences nearly a decade after its 2017 Broadway debut.
“As we approach the 25th anniversary of 9/11, I am honored to stage the docu-musical ‘Come from Away.’ Like the town of Gander, Newfoundland, where the musical takes place, Sarasota has a unique relationship to this watershed moment in American history,” Rothstein said in a statement.
While President Bush was visiting Emma E. Booker Elementary School, the president and the
nation learned about the terrorist attacks, thrusting Sarasota into the spotlight.
Noted Rothstein, “Across the nation and around the world, people can recall where they were when they first learned of this tragedy and began to gather the strength to support each other through the difficult road to recovery that would lie ahead. ‘Come From Away’ is a chronicle of that strength and resilience, celebrating the best of humanity.”
In addition to Rothstein, the creative team for Asolo Rep’s “Come From Away” includes Kelli Foster Warder (choreography), Angela Steiner (music direction), Adam Koch (scenic design), Tracy Dorman (costume design), Paul Whitaker (lighting design), Michelle Hart (hair, makeup and wig design) and Greg Emetaz (projection design).
The remainder of Asolo Rep’s 2025-26 season remains unchanged. It will include the return of Rothstein’s moving a capella musical “All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914” at The Ringling’s Historic Asolo Theater on Dec. 3-9.
The new year will open with the new Pulitzer Prize-winning drama “Primary Trust” (Jan. 7-Feb. 11).
It will be followed by Agatha Christie’s “The Mirror Cracked”
(Jan. 21-March 14), the U.S. premiere of “The Unfriend” (Feb. 18-March 22), “Fiddler on the Roof” (April 14-May 24), “Marie and Rosetta” (May 6-31) and the rolling world premiere of Lauren Gunderson’s “Lady Disdain” (June 6-27).
Subscriptions for Asolo Rep’s 2025-26 season are on sale now.
Single-ticket sales begin Monday, Sept. 8. For more information, visit AsoloRep.org.
Selby Gardens names new board leadership
The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Board of Trustees has elected new leadership and appointed three members to three-year terms. Katherine Martucci has been named chair and Jeannie Russell vice chair for the 2026 fiscal year. In addition, new board members are Sherry Koski, Kevin O’Donohue and Nikki Sedacca.
Martucci has served on the executive committee of the Garden Club of America, as well as other philanthropic boards and not-forprofit organizations. She previously served on the advisory board of the Northeast Community Center in Millerton, New York, as well as the chair of the board of Children First of Sarasota.
Russell is the former president of the Founders Garden Club of Sarasota, has served on numerous committees of the Garden Club of America and was a member of the Selby Gardens Advisory Committee. She mentors children for Big Brothers and Big Sisters and continues to support numerous philanthropic causes.
“Katherine Martucci has provided valuable insight as a trustee over the past several years, including leadership of our governance committee, and we are fortunate that she will lead our board as we embark on Phase Two of our transformative Master Plan with a groundbreaking ceremony later this year,” said Selby Gardens President and CEO Jennifer Rominiecki in a news release. “Jeannie Russell has also been a vital champion for Selby Gardens, and as a member of our Board of Trustees has helped Selby Gardens advance our
mission and vision for the future during this transformative time.” Koski, a former executive, is dedicated to philanthropy with an emphasis on health, children and education.
O’Donohue has more than 35 years of experience in private equity, finance and management consulting and serves on the boards of several private equity funds.
Sedacca is an entrepreneur and strategic business leader with more than three decades of experience in fine jewelry design, contemporary art, luxury retail and interior and spatial design. She has served on numerous nonprofit boards and chaired high-impact fundraising events across the arts and education sectors.
“Their combined expertise and their shared commitment to community will serve Selby Gardens well as we continue to grow and expand our mission,” Rominiecki said of the new board members in the release. “Together, they bring a wealth of professional experience and passion for community engagement that aligns with Selby Gardens’ focus on plant research, education and conservation.”
Continuing their service on the board of trustees are Ali Bahaj, Daniel Ball, Aaron Bellamy, Morgan Bentley, Mary Braxton-Joseph, Hosana Fieber, Renée James Gilmore, Jean Weidner Goldstein, Marcy Klein, Cornelia Matson, Marianne McComb, Keith Monda, Joel Morganroth, Michael Quillen, Audrey Robbins, Richard Sandor, Bruce Sorensen, Margaret Wise and Rominiecki.
Image courtesy of Matthew Murphy
Asolo Repertory Theatre will stage a production of “Come From Away” from Nov. 12 through Dec. 28.
Lori Sax Marie Selby Botanical Gardens President and CEO Jennifer Rominiecki
Pursuing a dynamic career starts with our A.S. in Music Production program! Learn from experienced industry pros, practice with cutting-edge equipment and tune into a world of creative opportunities, such as music production, sound engineering, recording and more.
A merry Barks and Brews
When Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue brings a dog to a public event, it’s often that dog’s lucky day.
“We almost always have applications (to adopt) for that dog the next day, and mostly by 11 a.m. when we open,” Marketing Manager Lacy Landers said.
That likely was good news for Karsyn and Meeks, a pair of 2-monthold mixed-breed puppies, who were brought to Barks and Brews on July 8 at The Green at UTC.
The monthly fundraiser’s theme for the evening was Christmas in July.
Most of the attendees brought a dog or two with them. Landers said Christmas in July is one of the most popular Barks and Brews events.
Each year, the summer version of Santa, dressed in a Hawaiian shirt, welcomes dogs and kids to sit on his lap for a photo.
— LESLEY DWYER
Photos by Lesley Dwyer
Sarasota’s Stromboli, 100 pounds, and Taiga, 160 pounds, are gentle giants at Barks and Brews.
Lisa Mathews volunteers at Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue Center. Lacy Landers is the marketing manager.
Bradenton’s Susan Staton, Lucy the Pekingese and Carla Smith attend Barks and Brews at UTC on July 8.
Jhaynih Badio, 2, and Jayden Badio, 10, pay a visit to Barks and Brews — and Santa — while visiting from Boston with their dog, Shilo.
Meeks, who was brought to Barks and Brews on July 8 by Nate’s Animal Rescue, is 2 months old and up for adoption.
Bradenton’s Alison Daymon and Morgan Walters get into the spirit of Barks and Brews on July 8 with a cocktail in one hand and a dog in the other.
YOUR CALENDAR
COMMUNITY
THURSDAY, JULY 17 THROUGH
SUNDAY, JULY 20
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 at Jiggs Landing includes Al Fuller (Thursday), Mike Sudderth (Friday), Blue Grass Pirates (Saturday), and Donnie Bostic (Sunday). All the music this week is free. For information, go to JiggsLanding.com.
FRIDAY, JULY 18 AND SATURDAY. JULY 19
MUSIC AT THE PLAZA
Runs from 6-9 p.m. at Waterside Place, 1561 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch. Singer Mylon Shamble takes center stage to entertain the Waterside Place crowd Friday in the free music series while singer-songwriter Doug Burns entertains the crowd on Saturday. For information, go to WatersidePlace.com.
SATURDAY, JULY 19
ROOFTOP YOGA
Begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Lakewood Ranch Library, 16410 Rangeland Parkway, Lakewood Ranch. Adults (18-and-older) can participate in the Rooftop Yoga program. Beginners are welcome as are those with experience. The workout, which is donation-based, focuses on balancing effort and ease through breath work and postures. Those who participate are asked to bring a yoga mat. For information, go to MyLWR. com.
YOGA AT THE MALL
Begins at 9 a.m. at Fabletics at the Mall at UTC, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota. The Fab and Fit with Lana yoga class is a free workout that is open to the public and sponsored by Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. For more information, go to Fabletics.com.
SATURDAY, JULY 19 AND SUNDAY, JULY 20
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 the Schmitz Brothers on
BEST BET
FRIDAY, JULY 18 AND SUNDAY, JULY 20
USL LEAGUE TWO PLAYOFFS
Friday’s Southern Conference quarterfinals consist of games at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., while Sunday’s semifinal between Friday’s two winners begins at 7:30 p.m. Both rounds of competition will be held at Premier Sports Campus Stadium, 5895 Post Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. The Sarasota Paradise, the 2025 South Florida Division Champions, will host Sporting Club Jacksonville at 7:30 p.m. Friday while the first game sees the Laredo Heat Soccer Club play Fort Lauderdale United FC. Tickets for both rounds of play start at $10. One ticket is good for admission to both Friday games. For more information, go to SarasotaParadise.us.
Saturday and Matthew McCartney on Sunday.
SUNDAY, JULY 20
FARMERS MARKET
Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Lakefront Drive in Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch. The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch, which was voted as the top farmers market in Florida for the second year in a row in 2024, will run year-round every Sunday. Vendors offer seafood, eggs, meats, dairy products, pastas, bakery goods, and pickles, among other items. For info, visit MyLWR.com.
Vinnie Portell
Restaurant beefs up teacher support
Community members can participate until July 31 to help ease the burden of teachers spending their own money for supplies.
Teachers have been known to purchase classroom supplies and decorations out of their own pockets to provide a nurturing environment for students.
When Beef ‘O’ Brady’s co-owners Tim and Lauren Macri were told by Laura Campbell, principal of Tara Elementary School, that she had seen teachers spend as much as $2,000 for classroom supplies, they wanted to help.
“Teachers do so much; they’re selfless people,” Lauren Macri said. “They have to be (selfless) to do what they do.”
“Every teacher I have ever known has spent their own money on school supplies and items to make their classroom engaging,” said Kali Anges, the assistant principal at Tara. “I, too, have done the same when I was a teacher.”
The Macris held their first annual Christmas in July event this past summer and are in the process of gathering donations from the community to present to the Tara teachers for a second year.
The Tara Elementary teachers’ wish lists hang on ornaments throughout the restaurant, with each ornament containing information about the wish. The idea was inspired by angel trees fundraisers, where strangers sponsor a child’s Christmas wishes.
Last year, they held a luncheon at the restaurant to present the gifts to the teachers and will do the same this year on Aug. 4.
Linda Haluska, the physical education and health teacher at Tara, said she was surprised and overwhelmed with appreciation during the luncheon last year.
She requested items such as sanitizing wipes and a gift card and
come into play.
“I think your younger teachers, the ones who are just coming in, have more supplies to accumulate to dress up their classrooms, whereas your seasoned teachers perhaps have more supplies on hand,” said Tim Macri.
The event was a success last year because the community was able to provide something for each of the 44 teachers. There are 48 this year and Lauren Macri’s goal is to provide something for each of them.
As of July 9, 16 wish lists have been signed out, and five gifts have been turned in. There are 48 wish lists in all.
“I want to continue making that same impact for these teachers to where they can feel supported and loved,” Lauren Macri said. “Obviously, it’s trickling down to all the kids.”
To get community members more engaged and involved, they stepped up their decorations in the restaurant this time around. Both years had a Christmas tree set up, but it was important to them to decorate the whole restaurant this year.
flower-themed placemats and paper plates and some teachers even added QR codes to help the community visualize their wish lists.
Hernandez made various trees made of balloons and there are balloons on the actual Christmas tree as well. There are oversized inflatable ornaments hanging from the ceiling.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
received everything on her list.
“Smiles, jubilation, excitement, tears of joy and gratitude filled the restaurant,” Haluska said. “The outpouring of generosity and kindness we received from the community was beyond words to describe.”
This year, Haluska is once again requesting basic sanitizing and health supplies, as well as motivating stickers, pencils, shoe charms and wristbands, which she uses as positive incentive rewards daily.
Lauren Macri said she feels elementary school students specifically are in need of more hands-on items and activities to stay engaged. They are not sitting behind a computer.
Tim Macri acknowledged the level of experience a teacher has might
Michelle Hernandez has worked at Beef
‘O’ Brady’s for nearly 12 years as a bartender and server and she owns her own business, Elevated Luxury Events. She decorates for weddings, baby showers and more, and when she found out the event was happening again this year, she wanted to be in charge of the decorations.
“She came in one morning, and let me tell you, it was jaw dropping what she did,” Lauren Macri said. “She came in and she got to work, and totally transformed the space.”
Anges said the staff at Tara Elementary often refer to the school as “Taradise” and that led to some tropical decorations at the restaurant. The wish lists are made out of
Lauren Macri said she is grateful to Hernandez for making the space more eye-catching and colorful. Tim Macri said the decorations spark conversations because they are spread out throughout the restaurant, not just on the tree itself.
When the community members bring back the supplies for one of the wish lists, they will get loyalty rewards of $10 to use in store right away. They will also be entered into a drawing for the chance to win 10 free wings every week for one year.
“We tried to facilitate so it’s like a win, win, win,” Lauren Macri said.
“I just think it’s a simple, fun, easy way to give back. There’s something to be said too about that anonymous giving.”
The wish list items vary in their uses as well as how much they cost. Some have items such as markers, books and cleaning supplies, while others might request something that might not be expected, such as a mini air fryer.
Michelle Hernandez, a longtime Beef
‘O’ Brady’s employee and owner of Elevated Luxury events, was eager to put her skills to work to attract attention to the initiative.
Photos by Madison Bierl
Tim and Lauren Macri, co-owners of Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Braden River, want the community’s support to achieve their goal of providing gifts to Tara Elementary School teachers to help ease the burden of digging into their own pockets to provide for their students.
Families and a flick
To warm up for the main event at Movie in the Park July 11 at Waterside Park, Lakewood Ranch resident Stephanie Chen, her daughters Aurora, 3, Stella, 6, and family friend Lola Nguyen, 7, launched into the game, Little Sally Walker. They sang, “Little Sally Walker, Walking down the street; She didn’t know what to do; So she stopped in front of me; She said, Hey girl, do your thing: Do your thing and switch! Hey girl do your thing: Do your thing and switch! It was all part of their “girls night out” at the monthly Waterside Park event.
They also enjoyed exploring the bounce houses and games.
Eventually, it was time for the movie “Trolls Band Together.”
Other kids worked some energy out before the movie. Lakewood Ranch resident Kris Traynor brought his 5-year-old son Luke, who, according to his dad, is a “bounce house champion.”
“He knows what to do when he sees it a mile away,” Kris Traynor said.
Frank and Rachel Dispenza, members at Grace Community Church, which sponsors the event, said the point of Movie in the Park is to provide a fun, free event for the community.
“We’re blessed we can do it,”
Frank Dispenza said.
— MADISON BIERL
Connecting you to Premier Domestic and Global Destinations. FLYING REGULARLY TO TAMPA NAPLES PALM BEACH MIAMI KEY WEST
We offer affordable Empty Leg Flights for flexible travelers, with a range of aircraft options from light jets to helicopters.
The world’s only 100% Carbon Neutral charter company.
All pilots and aircrafts adhere to ARG/Us safety standards and FAA regulations.
“Trolls Band Together” is the feature July 11 at Movie in the Park. The free event at Waterside Park is sponsored by Grace Community Church.
Photos by Madison Bierl
Lakewood Ranch resident Stephanie Chen brought her daughters, Aurora, 3, and Stella, 6, along with family friend Lola Nguyen, 7, to Waterside Park for a “girls night out.”
Lakewood Ranch’s Kris Traynor calls his 5-year-old son, Luke, a “bounce house champion.”
Parrish residents Kira and Kinsley Schneider enjoy “Trolls Band Together” during Movie in the Park on July 11 at Waterside Place.
Sarasota resident Daniel Duvanov, 14, finds a spot to satisfy his love of sports at Movie at the Park on July 11.
SPORTS
FAST BREAK
The Sarasota Paradise won the USL League Two South Florida Division for a second consecutive season. Sarasota will play in the Southern Conference Playoffs, beginning with a quarterfinal matchup against Sporting Club Jacksonville at 7:30 p.m. July 18 at Premier Sports Campus.
... Lakewood Ranch High graduates Preston Severs and Parker Severs won the Florida State Golf Association Four-Ball Championship from July 11-13 at Bradenton Country Club. The Severs brothers posted a 64-62-61 (26-under par) for the three-day, best-ball event. Preston made a birdie on the final hole of the tournament to secure a one-stroke victory. “I think last year we were super close, just kind of a rough front nine every day,” Preston said, as reported by the FSGA. “This year we stayed super focused. This was my favorite tournament of my life.”
... Lakewood Ranch graduate Colton Gordon, now a starting pitcher with the Houston Astros, was struck in the head by a line drive off the bat of Steven Kwan in a 7-5 loss to the Cleveland Guardians on July 7. Gordon slightly deflected the ball with his glove, and did a push-up on the pitcher’s mound following the play. He was determined to not have suffered a concussion. “My immediate reaction is I wish I would have caught it, but I’m glad I’m all right,” Gordon said, per Astros MLB.com reporter Brian McTaggart. Neal Shipley, who earned his first professional golf win in the LECOM Suncoast Classic at Lakewood National Golf Club in April, notched his second professional win July 10-13 in The Ascendant presented by Blue at TPC Colorado. Shipley shot a 68-71-67-64 (18-under par) and rallied from a seven-shot deficit entering the final round to win. With the win, Shipley now ranks fourth on the Korn Ferry Tour points list.
“We have a lot of unbreakable bonds and strong chemistry. We’re hoping to make a run to the state championship.”
9B
Can local striker find joy in Paradise?
Andres Freire, the Sarasota Paradise’s leading scorer, hopes to remain with the team when it moves to the professional level next season.
VINNIE PORTELL STAFF WRITER
arasota Paradise striker
SAndres Freire has been a part of the USL League Two team’s run to a South Florida Division championship. If he continues to excel, he could
degree in business administration this December.
However, Freire admitted attending college has been more about prolonging his soccer career than earning a degree.
With graduation creeping closer by the day, Freire is still unsure where he will play soccer at the professional level.
Freire has bounced around for much of his soccer career.
After playing for Riverview High for one season as a freshman in 2018, he then moved on to the Clearwater Chargers Developmental Academy.
Freire began his collegiate career at USF from 2021-22 before transfer-
ANDRES FREIRE’S BEST MATCHES THIS SEASON
Freire has been the difference between winning and losing several times for the Paradise this season. These are his top performances:
JUNE 4: Freire scored in the 83rd minute and in the 89th minute to propel the Paradise to a 2-1 win over Fort Lauderdale United FC.
JUNE 7: Freire scored in the 29th minute and in the 57th minute in a 2-0 win over Miami AC.
JULY 5: Freire scored five goals and dished out five assists in a 16-0 win over Miami AC, the largest margin of victory in club history.
of ’69.” If you ask any of the guys who played with me over the years, they’re always like, ‘Why are you playing this song? What is it with this song?’ I don’t know; I love it.”
When his walk concludes, Freire then takes a pre-match shower to wash away any negativity.
That routine hasn’t wavered even when the results on the field didn’t back it up.
Freire broke his ankle at Stetson in the 2023 season and missed the entire 2024 season.
When he returned to the pitch this summer for the Paradise, he had to earn the coaching staff’s trust.
After starting the first game of this season, he was relegated to the bench for the following two matches.
“Very early on he struggled, and he struggled because of his approach to training,” Paradise coach Mirko Dakovic said. “I had to pull him aside and ask him to use the training sessions to better himself so that he could help the team and bring out the best in himself. Since he’s been back in the lineup, he’s been on fire.”
“I would love to play here next year, but it’s not up to me. I’m trying to make a case for myself, but at the end of the day, we’ll see where life goes.”
Andres Freire
Freire has led the Paradise with 10 goals and six assists this season, including a match in which he recorded five goals and five assists in a 16-0 win over Miami AC on July 5.
What’s made that run of scoring so meaningful is that he’s been able to do it with friends and family in attendance.
Freire coaches soccer at The Fitballer when he’s not playing.
“A lot of the kids (at Paradise games) go (to The Fitballer), and they see me and scream, ‘Coach, coach coach,’” Freire said. “It means a lot to be able to be someone these kids look up to. I’ve never been famous. These kids are in awe of everything we do. Being a figure that they look up to means a lot.”
There is still time for Freire to make an even better impression.
The Paradise will play in the USL League Two Southern Conference Playoffs beginning with a quarterfinal match against Sporting Club Jacksonville July 18 at 7:30 p.m.
It will be the first time the Paradise has hosted a playoff match in the club’s three-year history, and it also will be the final match for many of the team’s current players.
Paradise founder Marcus Walfridson said the club will only keep a few players next season due to the higher level of competition in US League
“I would love to play here next year, but it’s not up to me,” Freire said. “I’m trying to make a case for myself, but at the end of the day, we’ll see where life goes.”
— ODA football player Dylan Walker SEE PAGE
Vinnie Portell
Sarasota Paradise forward Kai
Tamashiro charges toward the goal in
a 3-0 win over FC Miami City on July 12.
Andres Freire (right) celebrates a goal alongside teammates Owen Barnett, Felipe Rojas and Jeffrey White after a win against Weston FC on June 28 at Premier Sports Campus.
Andres Freire (right) fights for position in front of the goal against FC Miami City defender Joaquin Domber in the regularseason finale at Premier Sports Campus.
Sarasota Paradise striker Andres Freire leads the Paradise with 10 goals this season.
Photos by Vinnie Portell
Local racer has the drive to win
Whenever I ask youth athletes about their dreams for their respective sports, the answers are so common they’ve become predictable.
Football players want to win Super Bowls. Swimmers pine after Olympic gold medals. Golfers want to play on the PGA Tour.
What those kids are actually saying is that they want to keep playing their sport as long as they can before life gets in the way.
The unfortunate truth is that those dreams will never materialize for most, but Braden River High alum Conner Morrell is an outlier.
Morrell was signed to Bill Rose Racing to compete in the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars as the 15th full-time racer in the national sprint car tour.
Morrell said life as a full-time driver is what he always pictured for himself, and even though the 21-year-old is just getting started, he’s fully committed to the pursuit, with no backup plan in sight.
LIFE ON THE ROAD
When Morrell isn’t bending around dirt tracks at 100 miles per hour, life can be quiet.
He spends much of his time behind the wheel of a 26-foot motorhome his grandfather Keith Morrell lent him, driving from track to track while listening to alternative rock, punk rock or grunge tunes.
Aside from the radio, Morrell keeps busy with his girlfriend, Alyssa Marano, and their two dogs, Hazel and Ginny. Food can be hard to prepare, so the two often stop at local grocery stores and Marano prepares salads while Morrell drives.
To keep the time on the road interesting, the two have often diverted from the suggested route to see monuments, such as when they took a five-hour detour around two races in North Dakota in late May to see Mount Rushmore.
There’s precious little time when Morrell doesn’t have to be on the road, but when he isn’t, he makes the trip back home to Bradenton.
a motorhome and driving several hours each week can wear on anyone, but it’s all worth it for the way Morrell feels when he’s racing.
LIFE ON THE DIRT TRACK
Some people like to say racing is a series of endless left turns, but it’s much more physically demanding than many understand.
Morrell said he typically only sweats in a sauna, but he is drenched in sweat by the time he’s done racing.
That’s mainly due to the heavyduty, protective gear he has to wear.
Morrell dresses in long socks, long underwear and a long-sleeved shirt made of Nomex — a heat- and flame-resistant material — and then puts a three-layer suit on top of it, as well as a head sock and helmet.
To add to the heat, he sits in an open-air sprint car with the engine blowing hot air on him.
When the race begins, there’s also the possibility of a car crash. One of Morrell’s worst wrecks came in April 2023 at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa.
driver points list — last among the full-time drivers — but ahead of 257 part-time drivers.
That’s where he was for the Fourth of July weekend when we caught up for a conversation. Though he was on vacation, Morrell still couldn’t hide from car troubles. He was held up getting to our interview by issues with his brakes, which, when explained to me, sounded like rocket science. Sleeping in
Morrell and Alex Bowman collided as they were about to make a turn, and Morrell’s car flipped twice in the air before it crashed down.
The footage of the crash is hard to watch, but Morrell said he wasn’t fazed beyond bruises from the seatbelt.
Despite having reason for concern when he’s racing, Morrell said he hardly has time to think when he’s on the track.
“It’s straight tunnel vision and all adrenaline,” he said. “You don’t think about anything.”
LIFE ON THE PODIUM
Morrell was one of seven rookies signed to race in the World of Outlaws this year. He currently ranks 15th in the
He nearly had his first win at Oshweken Speedway in Oshweken, Ontario, on May 15, but was passed by David Gravel after leading the race for 12 laps.
That second-place finish earned Morrell a season-high $12,000. He followed it up with a fifth-place finish at Attica Raceway Park in Attica, Ohio, nine days later for his second top-five finish of the season.
Despite that success, Morrell said finishing second is “the worst thing in the world,” which immediately brought me back to Ricky Bobby’s catch phrase of “If you’re not first, you’re last” from “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.”
Morrell has made $46,550 from 27 races this season, and while he still wants to win one, he’s doing better than some people might have thought.
“A lot of people doubted me and said I was going to drop off the tour by July, but we’re halfway through July, and I’m still here and still kicking,” he said. “It’s just those keyboard warriors. They love to do it. I think it’s funny what they say sometimes. I get a kick out of it. I’ll scroll through the comments and some of them are actually pretty creative.”
Morrell said he’s satisfied with how this season has gone even though he would like to win a World of Outlaws event before it’s over. For a local guy making a living off of his favorite hobby, I think he’s living life better than most.
Vinnie Portell is the sports reporter for the East County Observer.
East County native Conner Morrell is in his rookie year on the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Tour this year.
Courtesy images
Conner Morrell stands alongside first-place finisher David Gravel and third-place finisher Dylan Westbrook after taking second place at Oshweken Speedway on May 15.
Dylan Walker
Dylan Walker is a rising senior at The Out-of-Door Academy who is expected to be a pivotal player for the school’s football and boys soccer teams this upcoming school year. Walker, a wide receiver, kicker, punter and defensive back, made a big difference on defense last season with 46 tackles (nine for a loss of yards) with an interception, three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and five pass breakups.
When and why did you start playing football?
I started playing football in eighth grade after some of my friends encouraged me to join the team. I had grown up playing baseball and soccer my whole life, but once I started playing football, it became my main passion and focus. I love the camaraderie of football.
What has been the most memorable moment this summer?
Going up to the Boston College mega camp as a team. We had about 10 of us, and we had three of our coaches come with us. It was a great team bonding experience.
What is your favorite all-time football memory?
It would probably be beating Saint Stephen’s last year 12-2 on their field in our annual rivalry game and bringing back the Headmaster’s Cup. It’s always a heated matchup with a lot of emotion, and winning it means a lot to our school. After the game, their headmaster had to walk the trophy over and hand it back to our headmaster, which was a great feeling.
What has you most confident about this year’s Out-of-Door football team?
Everyone on our team has been working hard and there’s been a lot of improvement. I think that hard work over the summer and all of us coming together is going to come together this season. We have a lot of unbreakable bonds and strong chemistry. We’re hoping to make a run to the state championship.
If you would like to make a recommendation for the East County Observer’s Athlete of the Week feature, send it to VPortell@YourObserver.com.
What has gone right for you lately in your development as a player?
Definitely my development as a leader, especially being an upperclassman now. I’m setting a good example because after next year, I’ll be gone, but I want our ODA program to continue to be strong.
What will your major be in college?
I’m looking to double major in economics and statistics. I want to work in business and financial analytics.
I’m a big math guy. I took Calculus AB this past year, and I’m taking Calculus BC this year.
What has been your most humbling moment in football?
Losing to Jupiter Christian in the playoffs last year. They’re a really strong team with a lot of legit future college players.
What is your go-to warm-up song?
Any Lil Wayne song. I have a full playlist of just him.
If you’re not play ing football or soccer, what are you doing?
I’m either working out or studying. That’s kind of how I roll. I’m normally pretty busy, so I don’t really have much free time.
Finish this sentence. Dylan Walker is ... Driven.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Concession home tops sales at $2.77 million
ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR
Ahome in the Concession on Beacon Park Place topped the week’s sales at $2.77 million. Michael and Susann Chalhub, of Bradenton, sold their home at 19458 Beacon Park Place to Mark Singer and Renee Singer, trustees, for $2.77 million. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,674 square feet of living area.
COUNTRY CLUB EAST
Pacut LLC sold the home at 15908 Castle Park Terrace to Christopher Caba and Michele Caba, trustees, of Lakewood Ranch, for $2.02 million. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,467 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,235,000 in 2019.
Greggory and Lisa Branning, of Ravenna, Ohio, sold their home at 14619 Leopard Creek Place to David Keller and Melinda Keller, trustees, of Polk City, Iowa, for $1,498,000. Built in 2011, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,502 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,595,000 in 2022.
Christopher and Michele Caba, trustees, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the home at 15608 Leven Links Place to Stephen and Karma Haynes, of Union, Maine, for $1.15 million. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,383 square feet of living area. It sold for $632,000 in 2020.
William Kenneth Tyler Jr. and Barbara Tyler, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 7213 Whittlebury Trail to Elizabeth Rose and Joseph Rose, trustees, of Bradenton, for $1,085,000. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,633 square feet of living area.
CONCESSION
Richard Tamargo and Lisa Mateas, trustees, of Novelty, Ohio, sold the home at 8325 Lindrick Lane to Trent Nelson and Kristi King Nelson, of Bradenton, for $1.9 million. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,582 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.2 million in 2018.
AZARIO ESPLANADE
Gerald Lee Sladek and Cynthia Vallano Sladek, of Bradenton, sold their home at 3860 Santa Caterina Blvd. to Deborah Baldyga and Donald Dennis Lynch Jr., of Branford, Connecticut, for $1,695,000. Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,101 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,157,700 in 2023.
Edward Clough, of Bradenton, sold the home at 3639 Santa Caterina Blvd. to David Hanson and Catherine Hanson, trustees, of Lakewood Ranch, for $785,000. Built in 2024, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,391square feet of living area. It sold for $892,300 in 2024.
LAKEHOUSE COVE AT WATERSIDE
Wendy Ellis, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the home at 8133 Grande Shores Drive to Daniel and Colleen Myers, of Troy Michigan, and David and Michelle Hodges, of Frisco, Colorado, for $1,475,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,547 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,425,000 in 2022.
Michel Bauer, of Sarasota, sold her home at 8258 Grande Shores Drive to Helen Ann Robichaud, of Tampa, for $1,354,000. Built in 2019, it has two bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,718 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.48 million in 2023. Bruce and Lori Abramson, trustees, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the home
at 7917 Mainsail Lane to Phillip Fantle and Susan Fantle, trustees, of Plymouth, Minnesota, for $1.22 million. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,867 square feet of living area. It sold for $933,900 in 2022.
WINDWARD
Richard and Rita Hutchings, of Paris, Illinois, sold their home at 8046 Anthirium Loop to Gary and Betty Puckett, of Sarasota, for $1.3 million. Built in 2024, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,711 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,362,300 in February.
COUNTRY CLUB
Joseph and Elizabeth Rose, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the home at 7033 Brier Creek Court to Kairym Lisch Pena and Emmanuel Cruz Caban, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1.29 million. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,836 square feet of living area. It sold for $845,000 in 2015.
SHOREVIEW
Martin Chyorny, of Sarasota, sold his home at 7765 Grande Shores Drive to Kristyn Renee EtcherlingSavage and Sean Martin Savage, trustees, of Sarasota, for $1.25 million. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,898 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,109,900 in 2024.
WATERLEFE GOLF AND RIVER CLUB
Mark and Sheryl Van Duren, of Venice, sold their home at 505 Sand Crane Court to Edward Baroncini and Rachel Erin Baroncini, of Bradenton, for $1.25 million. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and is 3,478 square feet. It sold for $590,000 in 2019.
RYE WILDERNESS ESTATES
Thomas and Jeanne Marie Barringer, of Bradenton, sold their home at 16625 Fifth Ave. E. to Mesheal Zaki and Diana Georgy, of Bradenton, for $1.08 million. Built in 2019, it has five bedrooms, fourand-a-half baths, a pool and 4,340 square feet of living area. It sold for $577,000 in 2019.
ISLES
Stephen Bernard Charsky and Valerie Mae Green-Charsky, of Bradenton, sold their home at 17745 Lucaya Drive to Hai Pham and Betty Le, of Lakewood Ranch, for $990,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and is 3,300 square feet. It sold for $880,100 in 2019.
SERENITY CREEK
Matthew and Elizabeth Shirey, of Bradenton, sold their home at 13116 Bliss Loop to Christopher and Tessa Kennedy, of Bradenton, for $875,000. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,774 square feet of living area. It sold for $510,000 in 2019.
CENTRAL PARK
Alicia Estelle Rech and Victor Iarussi Rech, of Sarasota, sold their home at 12015 Forest Park Circle to Jordan James Bezet and Sable Duncan Bezet, of Bradenton, for $825,000. Built in 2014, it has five bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,901 square feet of living area. It sold for $510,000 in 2019.
PRESERVE AT PANTHER RIDGE
Daniel and Rebecca Buck, of Bradenton, sold their home at 8223 Snowy Egret Place to Dominic Sullivan and Lori Sullivan, trustees, of Bradenton, for $807,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and is 2,319 square feet. It sold for $300,000 in 2016.
KENWOOD PARK
Michael Gray and Daniela Soiman, of Bradenton, sold their home at 8138 Dukes Wood Court to Louis and Loretta Gray, of Bradenton, for $791,500. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,672 square feet of living area. It sold for $736,600 in 2023.
TREYMORE AT PALM AIRE
Cesare Favia sold his home at 4832 Carrington Circle to Susan Morrison, trustee, of Cambridge, Massachusetts, for $786,000. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, three
JUNE 30-JULY 4
baths, a pool and is 2,543 square feet. It sold for $406,900 in 2002.
POLO RUN
Craig Franco and Amanda Jennifer Collado-Franco, of Bradenton, sold their home at 6535 Clairborne Lane to Matthew and Lindsey Connell, of Bradenton, for $735,000. Built in 2021, it has five bedrooms, three baths, a pool and is 3,257 square feet. It sold for $605,000 in 2021.
Lifei Ji and Jun Li, trustees, of Chevy Chase, Maryland, sold the home at 17539 Polo Trail to Marilee Kay McGinness, of Bradenton, for $725,000. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a
pool and 2,356 square feet of living area. It sold for $695,000 in 2022.
MILL CREEK Bryan and Kristi Giuliano, of Bradenton, sold their home at 701 137th St. N.E. to Andrew and Kelly Walker, of Bradenton, for $725,000. Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,878 square feet of living area.
Courtesy image
A home in the Concession at 19458 Beacon Park Place tops the week’s sales at $2.77 million. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,674 square feet of living area.
NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH
DON’T ROCK THE BOAT by Kareem Ayas, edited by Taylor Johnson By Luis Campos
INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888 redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages
DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at Noon Service Directory - Friday at 3PM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card
The East County Observer reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only.
*All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher.
*It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in the East County Observer to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with towncodes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property
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..
Katina, Ken and Tyler Shanahan offer exceptional service. They are professional, approachable, and always available. From start to finish, they provided the network of services (staging, repair work, painting, etc.) which ultimately got my home sold quickly. As I was out of state throughout the process, I relied on them to resolve any and all issues involved in the sale. They were there for me every step of the way, with a calm and professional approach. Truly a dream team.
