William H. Bashaw Elementary students Jaydan Flores and Anthony Lee (above) celebrated Wilderness Week at Bobcat Care, an Extended Day Enrichment Program on July 14 by creating their own art projects out of clay, paper plates and tissue paper.
Flores tried “the best he could” to create a “mountain snake village.” He said snakes are his favorite animal and wanted to make sure his project was green. He was proud of the finished product. Lee created a turtle with a paper plate and tissue paper. He said it was in honor of his pet turtle at home named Rocky. He said he dresses Rocky up for different holidays, so he wanted his art project to have bright colors to “brighten it up.”
Sarasota resident Salvatore Scaccino, chef at Osteria 500, is eager for the community to enjoy the food at his restaurant, and others, during A Taste of Waterside Place from July 25 to Aug. 1.
“Come and enjoy our food; there’s a lot of passion,” said Scaccino (above). Osteria 500, and other participating restaurants, will brunch/lunch combinations from $25 and three-course dinners for $35 and $45. Participating restaurants include Agave Bandido, Deep Lagoon, Eatalia Market, Forked at Waterside, Good Liquid Brewing Co, Kore, Osteria 500 and Quincy’s Original Lobster Rolls. To see the menus and deals, visit LakewoodRanch.com/ Restaurant-Week.
$0.10 For free access via our app, visit YourObserver.com/app-offer A Taste of Waterside Place
18
Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy board member says boathouse-events center plans should be finalized by end of 2025. SEE PAGE 3
Madison Bierl
Madison Bierl
Twelve of 17 East County schools earn an A grade
The School District of Manatee County receives an overall B rating.
MADISON BIERL STAFF WRITER
When Manatee County School Board mem -
ber Heather Felton was a teacher at the former Sara Scott Harllee Middle School during the 2016-17 school year, it was a failing school the previous year in terms of the state’s grading system.
Felton said the staff worked extremely hard that school year to provide additional instruction and programs to better the level of education. Sara Scott Harllee went from an F rating to a C.
“I was so, so proud of our kids,” Felton said. “They were so proud of themselves, and that was great to see.”
Sara Scott Harllee Middle School closed in May 2017 and the campus
was repurposed. However, the lesson had been delivered. Felton said it is crucial as an educator to believe in yourself as well as to believe in the students.
“They are kids full of insecurities and self-doubt,” Felton said. “They need you to believe in them before they will believe in themselves.”
Florida schools are graded by the Florida Department of Education on a scale of A-F. In the 2024 School District of Manatee County school grades, district schools received 24 As, 12 Bs, 24 Cs and 4 Ds. In 2025, there were 25 As, 13 Bs, 24 Cs and two Ds.
School board member Richard
Tatem described the school grades as “a big picture snapshot of academic proficiency and academic improvement in selected areas of study.”
Tatem said he appreciates how
EAST COUNTY SCHOOL GRADES
much effort teachers deliver, especially when they spend nights and weekends working at events such as science fairs and robotics competitions.
Derek Jensen, deputy superintendent of instruction or the district, said the Florida Assessments of Student Thinking Assessments and End-Of-Course assessments are designed to be “deliberately difficult.” He said there is a lot of debate on whether or not the most important things are measured.
“Every year, we’re dealing with human beings, human teachers, human children who come to our schools every day, all with very complex needs,” Jensen said.
Jensen said he is extremely proud of the work that was put into this year’s overall grade by the students, teachers and school leaders. However, he is simultaneously looking forward to how they can improve the scores next year.
“We’re not satisfied with it, because we want to do even more to support our students and families,” Jensen said.
Bashaw Elementary is one of the schools in Manatee County that was given a C grade.
Principal Nicole Williams is set to begin her first year at Bashaw, and her goal is to raise that grade.
“I did notice our data was a little lower than what it could have been in math, so we’re definitely going to focus there,” Williams said. “We will provide that corrective feedback to students and correct misconceptions on the front end, instead of letting students work through and having to catch it later.”
Jensen said there are multiple important factors involved to have successful school grades, but the No. 1 factor is students having a good relationship with a high qual-
ity teacher.
“The real magic and the real power of our kids getting the grades they should is from our teachers, our staff and our principals,” school board member Chad Choate said.
Tatem said the leadership in schools holds great importance, especially in areas with lower socioeconomic status.
“I would hope that the new superintendent would be very cognizant of those challenges, and would put the right leaders in the right place, with the skills that will make a lot of difference,” Tatem said.
Last year, three weeks of education were lost due to hurricanes. Choate said students typically go backward when there’s no activity.
“The research is clear that attendance matters and time in the classroom matters,” Jensen said. “Anytime we lose days out of the classroom, there’s going to be an impact on learning, especially for students who end up missing more than 10% of the school year.”
Choate also emphasized the importance of attendance. He said he doesn’t want students coming to school with pink eye or other contagious situations, but if a child has a mild headache or stomachache, they should be in school. He said it
is important for families to know the testing session dates to plan family vacations at a different time and be able to support the students when they are testing.
Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School has held its A grade since 2004, making it the longest running elementary school with an unbroken streak of As in Manatee County. R. Dan Nolan Middle School has been an A school since 2006 and Lakewood Ranch High School has been an A school since 2012.
Jensen said there’s a state requirement that if more than 75% of Florida schools at the high school, middle or elementary level get an A or a B, a sliding scale is used to make earning an A or B more difficult.
“I think the theory is that if everyone’s being successful, we need to challenge everyone so we’re constantly getting better.”
School board member Heather Felton said the idea of school grades holds merit, but she said the way it has been implemented could be seen as problematic.
She expressed concern over the grading system changing.
“How does this truly show growth if the state is penalizing us for having too high of grades?” Felton said.
Madison Bierl
Antonella Imperiale, Sebastian Chasey, Naomi Rodriguez and Sarah Arco attended first grade at Braden River Elementary School, which was given an A grade for the 2024-25 school year.
Park project nears major funding drive stage
With the boathouse-events center project now estimated at about $60 million, Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy will be seeking major donors in 2026.
JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR
If building a boathouse and indoor sports events center at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota could be compared to a rowing event, park officials would be pulling oars early in the race.
But the competition is beginning to heat up.
A week after giving Sarasota County commissioners, who have pledged $20 million toward the project, a July 9 update on the progress of the boathouse and events center, Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy Board Member Louis Kosiba talked about some milestones.
Kosiba said the planning process should be complete sometime toward the end of this year. That will be an important moment for the park.
“A lot of time has been spent in feasibility of the project and getting designs together,” Kosiba said. “You can’t undertake a major fundraising event until you can show (potential) sponsors what it will look like. It’s hard to raise money without having a good plan.
“So let’s get it designed, and let’s have the plans where we can go to the major donors. We want to show a picture of what it is going to look like. (Sarasota County) provided the seed money, and Benderson Development is a big sponsor that covered most of the cost of the design. Benderson Development will also be a major contributor once the project is designed and ready to go, and a big contributor during construction.”
SARASOTA COUNTY BACKING
Sarasota County commissioners gave their financial commitment to the project in 2022, and while there has been turnover on the commission, Kosiba said last week’s update was just that, a continuation of the project and a “permanent commitment.”
In 2022, the project was pitched as an estimated $40 million project. In today’s dollars, Kosiba said it might be a $60 million or even $70 million project.
If the county’s commitment stays the same, and Benderson Development covers 20% of the cost as has been discussed, that means the conservancy must raise approximately $30 million or more.
“We have board members who are ready to begin working on getting major corporate contributors,” Kosiba said. “When we talk about this internally, and we look at detailed plans and cost estimates, we look at breaking ground in the third or fourth quarter of 2026.”
However, he said that remains a best guess until the plans are finalized and the board members test the market for contributors.
He said the commissioners seemed
“What will that glass wall cost?” he said. “Will it be effective?”
LOTS OF COURT SPACE
PROJECT
TIMELINE
JANUARY-MARCH 2022
Johnson Consulting conducts Phase I of Feasibility Study for an indoor sports complex and boathouse concept
MAY 10, 2022
Findings of feasibility study presented to Sarasota County commissioners, who dedicated $20 million from the third additional one-cent levy of Tourist Development Tax
FALL 2022
Findings of feasibility study and draft concept plan presented to Parks Advisory and Recreation Committee and Tourist Development Council
SUMMER 2023
Fawley Bryant Architects, selected through RFQ, completes Phase II of feasibility study, consisting of schematic designs and identification of desired building program requirements
JULY 9, 2024
Update provided to Sarasota County Commission, including schematic designs, site plans and building highlights
FALL/WINTER 2024
NBPC fine-tuned building program requirements and capabilities; and developed request for proposal for full design and architectural services
WINTER/SPRING 2025
Through an RFP process, NBPC selected WJ Architects to serve as the project architect through the completion of construction.
“We’ve been managing the park as it has grown, and the activities here have grown. We are building a world-class facility that will make this park more than a rowing facility.”
— Louis Kosiba, Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy board member
pleased with the progress made to this point.
“The county commissioners understand this is a game-changer for the park,” Kosiba said. “The rowing lanes are world class and the finish tower is spectacular. We get a lot of compliments on those. But when it comes to facilities ... storing boats, workout spaces ... we need a facility that meets the needs in a worldclass sense. The commissioners realize the proposal includes an indoor sports facility for pickleball, volleyball, basketball and wrestling tournaments. It’s a facility we don’t have in this area.”
Kosiba joined the board in 2021, and he said the board’s main focus since that time has been the construction of a boathouse and events center.
He said during the final phase of planning, the board needs to look at all the proposals to see if they are economically feasible.
A rendering of the preliminary design of the boathouse and events center planned for Nathan Benderson Park. The final planning for the project is expected to be finished by the end of the year.
The actual boathouse and storage area will be on the first, or main floor, which also will host the sports courts, which will more than 85,000 square feet of hardwood. The area over the sports courts will be open to the top of the facility. The second floor will host meeting rooms, offices, a medical facility, along with workout and locker rooms.
Kosiba lives in Lakewood Ranch, and he pointed toward Premier Sports Campus, which he said works in a reciprocal way with Nathan Benderson Park.
He said both facilities will be attracting people from all over the Southwest and Florida to tournaments and events here.
“The key is making this a dynamic economic engine for the area,” he said of the boathouse and indoor sports events center. “People are excited to get it out of the ground.”
In terms of construction time, Kosiba said he wouldn’t be able to offer a good estimate until the plans are finalized. His best guess at this time would be fewer than two years.
“I know with our board, this is our key focus. It is something we want to get done,” he said. “We’ve been managing the park as it has grown,
and the activities here have grown. We are building a world-class facility that will make this park more than a rowing facility.”
“The planning of the indoor sports facility represents a transformative moment for Nathan Benderson Park and the entire Sarasota-Manatee region,” said Bruce Patneaude, the chief operating officer of Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy, in a release. “We are meticulously designing a year-round venue that will not only serve our local athletes but also will attract regional, national and international events, generating substantial economic impact for our community through increased tourism.”
In 2022, Sarasota County staff had recommended dedicating the funding from the third additional 1 cent levy of tourist development tax to the boathouse and indoor sports complex.
A study performed by the commission in 2022 said the facility could generate an economic impact of $20 million a year.
The boathouse and events center planned for Nathan Benderson Park is expected to cost between $60 million and $70 million.
Courtesy images
Lakewood Ranch tech company plans $800M software firm acquisition
Atechnology company headquartered in Lakewood Ranch has increased its revenue guidance for the year, in part due to a new acquisition.
Roper Technologies signed an agreement to acquire Subsplash, a provider of AI-enabled, cloud-based software and fintech solutions serving more than 20,000 faith-based organizations and churches, for $800 million, according to a statement. The two companies entered into the deal last week, and it is expected to close by the end of July.
“Subsplash is a terrific business that meets each of our long-standing acquisition criteria while enhancing shareholder value creation with its high-teens organic growth profile and the ability to expand margins under Roper’s long-term ownership,” Roper President and CEO Neil Hunn said in a statement. “We see significant potential for Subsplash to further advance their AI capabilities and deliver powerful solutions that will drive increased engagement for their customers.”
Based in Dallas, Subsplash provides a platform mainly used by churches that offers mobile apps, online giving, live streaming, websites, media delivery, events management and communication tools.
services for those with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Reporting on its second-quarter results on July 21, Roper said in a statement that revenue increased 13% to $1.94 billion; organic revenue increased by 7%; and the acquisition contribution was up 6%. The company increased its full-year total revenue growth outlook to 13%, compared with a previous outlook of 12%, and said it continues to expect organic revenue growth of 6% to 7%. Roper’s guidance includes the impact of the Subsplash acquisition.
“We are once again increasing our full-year outlook, supported by our strong second-quarter results, the continued expansion of our recurring revenue base and resilient demand for our businesses’ mission-critical solutions,” Hunn said in a statement.
In December, Subsplash acquired PulpitAI, an artificial intelligence company for pastors and churches, that creates more than 20 pieces of content (clips, blog posts and emails) from each sermon that is uploaded.
“We are particularly excited about how AI capabilities are enhancing our solutions and creating new opportunities, broadly, across our portfolio,” Hunn said in a statement.
Subsplash will be the latest major acquisition for Roper Technologies, which this spring closed a $1.65 billion deal to acquire CentralReach, a software provider that specializes in
In April, Roper Technologies also increased its revenue guidance after a strong first quarter, increasing anticipated growth from 10% to 12%.
“We remain well positioned to execute our disciplined capital deployment strategy against a large pipeline of attractive opportunities,” Hunn said.
Last year, Roper invested $3.6 billion in acquisitions, including $1.75 billion for early childhood education software company Procare Solutions and $1.5 billion for campus technology company Transact Campus.
For more business news, visit BusinessObserverFL.com.
ELIZABETH KING BUSINESS
Business space on the boulevard
side, but that is one reason Tavistock is designing this Lakewood Ranch Corporate Park project — two buildings with a combined square footage of 93,022 — “a lot more tastefully.”
While he said the design is intended to be functional, he said there are many upgrades in electricity, roof insulation and the roofing itself.
square feet, fronts Lakewood Ranch Boulevard while Building Two sits behind it with two 1,000-squarefoot parking lots and 150 feet of other space dividing the buildings. The total site is 6.37 acres.
SPACE FOR RENT
What: Tavistock Development will build two light industrial buildings in Waterside Where: 4071 and 4075 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.
Square footage: Building
JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR
As businesses looking to rent space consider the two new light industrial buildings going up on Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, just south of Professional Parkway, Tavistock Development Co.’s James Peek said one important item might rank at the top of their list.
“It’s Lakewood Ranch,” said Peek, a development associate in commercial sales and leasing for Tavistock. “It’s nice and safe.”
Peek noted that light industrial buildings aren’t always in close proximity to such communities as Water-
Peek said Tavistock has received interest “across the board” in the types of businesses that would like to move into one of the two buildings once they open in the first quarter of 2026. He said nothing is locked in yet, but he expects interest from medical tech companies, to local gyms and volleyball groups, to home service providers such as those selling sliding glass doors or window dressings.
While he expects businesses to lease parts of the buildings, he wouldn’t be surprised if a business took the entire “back” building of 53,070 square feet.
Building One, which is 39,952
It’s another major project for Tavistock in Lakewood Ranch. The company built The Green on State Road 70 which now hosts businesses such as Fresh Market and L.A. Fitness, along with the apartment complexes behind it.
“Schroeder-Manatee Ranch has a long-standing relationship with Tavistock, collaborating on multiple projects to bring high-quality commercial development to our community,” said SMR Senior Vice President Laura Cole in an email. “Its latest light industrial project reflects our shared commitment to delivering well-designed, market-driven solutions that meet the evolving needs of our growing region.”
Skipper Peek, a senior vice president for Tavistock, and James Peek’s
father, said his company loves doing business with SMR.
“It’s a great community,” Skipper Peek said. “SMR does a wonderful job designing the infrastructure and then retaining the quality of the community.”
While Tavistock has done some clearing of the land, Skipper Peek said a groundbreaking will be held in about a week. Then construction will speed toward its February completion date.
“Preliminary interest has been very good,” Skipper Peek said. “We are cautiously optimistic. We hope we can get some good, quality tenants interested.”
SMR is becomimg limited in space it still owns in Lakewood Ranch, but Skipper Peek said Tavistock would be interested in anything that might come along in the future.
“We have our eye on other things,” he said. “We would be delighted to be involved.”
Tavistock is based in Orlando. Besides its projects in Lakewood Ranch, Tavistock is known for its Lake Nona project within Orlando.
Grand entrance for City Furniture
The chain furniture store holds grand opening ceremonies at its new store in UTC’s east district.
Lakewood Ranch’s Michael and Gina Bohn were trying to decide which of the mattresses being sold at City Furniture would be just right for them.
So they climbed up on a mattress to give it a try.
Testing was going to take some time as there were 83 mattresses on display.
“Massive,” is the word Michael Bohn used to describe the choices at City Furniture, which held its grand opening and ribbon cutting at University Town Center’s east district July 17. Although the 120,000-square-
Life
foot showroom has had a soft opening for approximately three weeks, it is now full-speed ahead.
“How beautiful is this store?” City Furniture CEO Andrew Koenig asked as a crowd gathered for the ribboncutting. “I am blown away.
“How amazing is this city? The reaction has been beyond our expectations. In our soft opening the last three weeks, we have crushed our forecast.”
Approximately 130 people lined up the morning of July 17 to be ready for the doors to open at 10 a.m. Everyone in line received a $100 rewards card for the store. Other giveaways will continue through July 20.
Many of those visiting the chain store for the first time took advantage of the The KC Cafe and Wine Bar so they could sip and shop. The UTC store is the chain’s 25th in Florida.
Koenig’s father, Keith Koenig, and his uncle, Kevin Koenig, opened the first showroom at Waterbed City in 1971. The store changed its name to City Furniture in 1994.
Dr. Austen is a board-certified family medicine physician who provides comprehensive outpatient adult medical care that includes:
• Management of acute injury and illness
• Urgent care
• Annual physical and wellness exams
• Preventive screenings and immunizations
• Medicare wellness visits
Dr. Zapotocky is board certified in internal medicine and brings more than two decades of experience. She treats patients ages 18 and older, and her areas of specialty include:
• Chronic disease management
• Preventive medicine (including well-woman exams, school and work physicals, and Medicare wellness exams)
• Urgent care
• Young adult and geriatric medicine Lisa Zapotocky, MD
Michael Austen, MD
Lakewood Ranch’s Michael and Gina Bohn try out a mattress at City Furniture’s grand opening July 17 at the new UTC east district store.
City Furniture’s new store at UTC’s east district has 120,000 square feet over two floors.
While City Furniture’s roots were in selling waterbeds, it now offers options for the entire home.
City Furniture CEO Andrew Koenig (left), and his dad, Keith Koenig (right), who is the company founder, gather their family for the ribbon cutting July 17 at UTC.
Photos by Jay Heater
New Bashaw principal takes positive step
MADISON
In the field of education, Nicole Williams said it can be hard to find positivity in certain situations.
But at Bashaw Elementary School, with Williams taking over as principal for the new school year, teachers will be asked to go above and beyond to find that positivity. She said the way a teacher speaks can make or break a student’s experience in the classroom. She would rather her staff say nothing in difficult situations than plant a negative seed.
“I’m passionate about pouring positivity into them,” Williams said. “We plant these seeds and we never know what is going to grow. To see the fruits of our labor (grow in a positive way), it’s so rewarding.” Williams was born and raised in Manatee County and currently lives in Ruskin. The 2025-26 school year will be her 30th year in education.
From the age of 8, Williams wanted to be a teacher.
“I used to check out books in the library that were spiral bound; it didn’t matter what the book was,” Williams said. “If it was spiral bound, it looked like a teacher’s manual, so I checked those out in the media center.” Williams was inspired by various teachers who were caring and supportive, especially when she attended elementary school at Prine Elementary School in Bradenton. Her fifth grade teacher John Harvey gave advice to her mother, Jannine Austin.
Williams said he told her mother to correct her every time she used incorrect grammar.
As Williams matured, she took over that responsibility herself. She became more intentional with her words when writing and speaking. Williams now is aware of it in her students. The way they speak influences the way they write.
Williams said it is important to celebrate students’ “baby steps” of progress. She gave the example that
FUN FACTS ABOUT WILLIAMS
■ Williams has taught at Samoset Elementary School, Braden River Elementary School, G.D. Rogers Garden-Bullock Elementary School and Ballard Elementary School.
■ She loves music and it doesn’t matter if it is pop, R&B, hip hop, or country. As long as it has a good beat or rhythm, she is all in!
■ She began playing piano in first grade.
■ She graduated from Bayshore High School in 1991.
a student might not be proficient in a subject, but they show progress.
If she could speak to her younger self, Williams said she would talk less in class. When it comes to Williams’ new students, she wants them to be themselves, believe in themselves, and do their absolute best in whatever they do.
She hopes her students’ families are involved in their children’s education, whether that means helping at home or having a good flow of communication with the staff.
Nicole Williams is the new principal for Bashaw Elementary School. She is entering her 30th year in education in Manatee County and is eager to make and grow new connections.
Madison Bierl
The public hasn’t been able to kiss Winnie the Moo, but now with a $50,000 grant from the Bishop-Parker Foundation, the Farmhouse Animal and Nature Sanctuary can make hurricane repairs and begin hosting tours again.
Myakka sanctuary lands important grant
The Bishop-Parker Foundation has gifted Farmhouse Animal and Nature Sanctuary $50,000 to complete hurricane damage repairs.
JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR
Founder and President Dave Burns had his hands locked on Thor the goat, as did volunteer Shelly Chvotzkin as they guided him across the Farmhouse Animal and Nature Sanctuary in Myakka City.
“If Dave lets him go, he will go off running,” said Vice President Lisa Burns (Dave’s wife) as they passed.
It was a hot and humid mid-July day, and not the kind of day where you would want to chase a 13-yearold Nubian goat, so they were careful to keep Thor in hand.
Thor had been having some stomach issues that morning, so Dave Burns and Chvotzkin were going to take him to another place on the grounds where they could get a closer look at him.
The two were soaked with sweat
ABOUT THE SANCTUARY
FARMHOUSE ANIMAL AND NATURE
SANCTUARY
Who: Run by Dave and Lisa Burns and their many volunteers Where: 2807 S. Duette Road, Myakka City
Founded: 2017
About: Founders Dave and Lisa Burns volunteered for many years at a wild and exotic animal rescue and rehabilitation facility in Parrish. They eventually decided to care for animals through a nonprofit on their Myakka City property, where they have lived since 2010.
To donate, volunteer, or for more information: Go to FarmhouseSanctuary.org.
their life expectancy.
The fences must be at least 8 feet tall because a wallaby can jump over 6-foot fences.
It is likely the Farmhouse Animal and Nature Sanctuary will have more kangaroos and wallabies in the future as not many places, outside of zoos, are willing to give a home to the animals, which require a lot of care and a special diet.
“We’re open to that,” Lisa Burns said of caring for more wallabies or kangaroos. “They do come from different places. Some people bring them to us after having them as backyard pets.”
Farmhouse Animal and Nature Sanctuary Vice President Lisa Burns visits with Lady Jane.
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
Regional Sales Director / Penny Nowicki, PNowicki@YourObserver.com
Regional Digital Director / Kathleen O’Hara, KOHara@YourObserver.com
Senior Advertising Executive / Laura Ritter, LRitter@YourObserver.com
Advertising Executives / Richeal McGuinness, RMcGuinness@ YourObserver.com; Jennifer Kane, JKane@ YourObserver.com; Honesty Mantkowski, HMantkowski@YourObserver.com; Toni Perren, TPerren@YourObserver.com; Anna Reich, Anna@YourObserver.com; Brenda White, BWhite@YourObserver.com
Classified Advertising Sales Executive / Sydney Shunk, SSchunk@YourObserver. com
from the chores they had been performing since early that morning. Thor’s illness was just an added task at a sanctuary that deals with additional tasks every day.
One reason is that many of the 182 animals on the grounds are of advanced age for their species. Young, vibrant animals aren’t cast off quite as easily as older ones that have potentially more medical conditions to consider.
In a rather remote location off State Road 64, the relentless workload is handled each day by Dave and Lisa Burns and their volunteers. That work goes on in virtual obscurity.
Since Hurricane Ian destroyed much of the property’s perimeter fencing in September 2022, the Farmhouse Sanctuary and Nature Preserve has not been able to host tours of the compound, a great way of attracting donors and introducing the community to its mission. Then Hurricane Milton delivered another knockout blow to many of the Hurricane Ian repairs that had been accomplished.
Fortunately for the nonprofit, the Bishop-Parker Foundation awarded a $50,000 grant to Farmhouse Animal and Nature Sanctuary (announced July 9) that will allow the sanctuary to rebuild all its perimeter fencing — except for the front of the compound, which remains solid — as well as providing funds for other needed repairs that were caused by the hurricanes.
“This is amazing for us,” said Lisa Burns, who founded the nonprofit with Dave in 2017. “We’ve had no tours for three years. That’s the way we get the word out about what we do and how we let people see what we do with the animals. This is a bright spot for us.”
Losing the perimeter fence has been a hardship for the sanctuary since it has limited the space their horses, kangaroos and other animals can utilize. During Ian, Lisa and Dave Burns were outside in the storm in the middle of the night putting up temporary fencing so their animals couldn’t get out and predators couldn’t get in.
“We still have two pastures we can’t use,” Lisa Burns said. “Our horses only have been able to use half the land that they were able to use before.”
The sanctuary at one time had 11 kangaroos or wallabies and now has just one wallaby. The kangaroos and wallabies that have died over the past three years have lived far beyond
The couple has to pick wisely when it comes to accepting new animals, for the sanctuary is near its limit. Their sole wallaby, which is only a year old, came from North Fort Myers’ Shell Factory and Nature Park, which closed in September 2024 when the aging park was no longer financially viable.
It’s hard for any sanctuary to manage the books when it cares for castoff animals or ones that had no home because an owner died or moved. For example, their only cow, Winnie the Moo, came from a property where the land was sold to a developer. Since Winnie the Moo can’t produce milk, she didn’t have many options.
Dave and Lisa Burns took her. They said they turn down a dozen requests a week.
It is one more mouth to feed.
Grants such as the one the Bishop-Parker Foundation provided are incredibly important.
Dave Burns will begin working on the perimeter fence in a week with any volunteers willing to help.
Will the new fencing be hurricane proof?
“Probably not,” Lisa Burns said. “But we are keeping our fingers crossed.”
The metal panels give them hope their new fence will be far stronger when the next hurricane comes through. It will need to be since many of the trees that surrounded the property have fallen in hurricanes.
Dave Burns already had built some fencing with metal panels, but those sections were damaged during Milton, not because the wind blew them over, but because falling trees damaged them.
Hope is a constant at Farmhouse Animal and Nature Sanctuary. Dave and Lisa Burns try to say yes to animals that need a home, if they can.
They just accepted a 28-year-old horse “that needed a safe place.”
Nobody wanted the mare, who is so late in life. But there’s another side.
“She loves attention,” Lisa Burns said. “When you are around her, she makes all these kinds of noises. She likes to be petted and groomed.”
The Farmhouse Animal and Nature Sanctuary has one year to complete all the tasks that are listed on the grant request. Lisa Burns said they should complete that work much sooner. Then she looked down the perimeter of the property at all the broken fence and grown-up vegetation.
“Maybe it will take a year,” she said with a smile.
When the fence is completed, it will mean more space for their two horses, two ponies, one donkey, Winnie the Moo, and others.
Head of Sales Operations / Susan Leedom, SLeedom@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
Vice President / Lisa Walsh (1995-2023)
8130 Lakewood Main St.,
A goat named Yeesaw serves as the best friend of Winnie the Moo at the Farmhouse Animal and Nature Sanctuary. A larger pasture will be available to them after a $50,000 grant from the Bishop-Parker Foundation.
Hurricane Ian destroyed much of the perimeter fence at Farmhouse Animal and Nature Sanctuary in 2022. Hurricane Milton in 2024 then ripped up much of the repairs.
Photos by Jay Heater
Is your business a match for the Senior PGA Championship?
You might have heard the estimates, and they can be hard to believe.
Louisville Tourism estimated the 2024 Senior PGA Championship had an $80 million economic impact to the Louisville, Kentucky, area, while the Greater Rochester Enterprise estimated a $190 million impact to the Rochester, New York, area in 2023 for the same event.
The economic impact from the 2025 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship in Bethesda, Maryland, hasn’t been estimated to date, but the tournament drew over 200,000 fans during its four days.
Those kind of numbers would be significant for the Manatee/Sarasota region in 2026, 2027 and 2028 when The Concession Golf Club hosts the Senior PGA Championship.
But are you skeptical that Manatee County and Sarasota County are putting your tax money to good use when they committed $1.5 million a year each over the next three years to help promote the Senior PGA Championship at the Concession?
That’s $4.5 million of our tax dollars, for either county in which you live. If you don’t believe in the effort, you probably think that’s money going into the wind.
Will the area support such a major event? When the 2023 World Champions Cup was held at The Concession, the course was in spectacular shape, the Ryder Cup-style action was terrific with the U.S. team roaring back for a narrow victory over second-place Team International, and the senior golfers, most of them legends, were accommodating to the fans. Still, the event lacked the buzz that you might have expected.
The event was canceled before it was scheduled to return to the Lakewood Ranch area in 2024.
Major soccer events at Premier Sports Campus cause more of a stir. The event does return for a sec-
ond try in December.
Certainly you have the right to be skeptical that this area will embrace a senior Major, but the next nine months might change your mind.
The Senior PGA Championship’s impact is starting.
On July 15, the PGA of America’s VendorMatch program opened in advance of the 2026 Senior PGA Championship, to be held April 16-19, 2026. It’s kind of a quick process because the deal with the Concession was struck in May. Usually, the PGA of America has two to three years to “build a city” around the host course.
Local businesses are invited to explore sourcing opportunities for products and services in support of the championship. You might ask, will this benefit me? Well, if you own an electrician service or laundry service ... if you sell lumber or flowers ... do you rent portable restrooms or are you a caterer?
There are 21 different areas of need listed by the PGA of America, and even businesses that aren’t listed can apply if they can offer a taste of the area.
You have to hurry because the registration process is only open until Aug. 12. Go to VraConnect. org/PGA-Vendor-Match to apply.
Those selected for the interview process will meet with the PGA of America and its largest suppliers for procurement opportunities leading up to, and during, the tournament. Those selected will have the opportunity to showcase their products and services on a global stage through PGA VendorMatch.
“This is an incredible opportunity for us to impact a local community,” said Sandy Cross, the chief people officer of the PGA of America.
VENDORMATCH NEEDS
The PGA of America is seeking local business connections for its 2026 Senior PGA Championship at the Concession in these categories:
“When someone is selected for VendorMatch, that can be a gamechanger for that business, and it can put that business on the map. These are global events and the power the Senior PGA Championship has is special for these vendors.” Cross explained that the PGA of America, which is headquartered
Steve
in Frisco, Texas, has a portfolio of national vendors that it brings to its main events. She said these vendors have experience with the size and scope of major events. But they recruit local businesses to be sources for what they need.
There is no fee for a business to apply to become a VendorMatch.
“It is not like we are at fixed venues,” Cross said. “We go to host markets typically two to three years ahead of building the entire infrastructure around the golf course to host a major spectator championship. That’s a significant buildout and that’s why we’re looking at the local market. We will bring this city to life next spring.”
“By welcoming small, local and diverse-owned suppliers, we strengthen the economic impact in our host communities,” she said.
Cross emphasized the PGA of America is not the PGA Tour.
“I let people know our mission is to grow participation in the sport of golf,” she said. “We serve 30,000 golf professionals and we are a professional trade association. Our mission is to serve those individuals, and there are 10,000 golf facili-
ties they work at around America.”
Part of Cross’ job has been as a diversity and inclusion executive.
“We have a vision that the game, the golf industry workforce, and our supply chain reflect the demographics of America. When we talk about evolving the supply chain, that’s a $102 billion supply chain. VendorMatch is an opportunity to identify diverse-owned companies and vendors in local markets. We want to find small women-owned, veteran-owned, LGBT-owned, minority-owned businesses.”
She said the VendorMatch businesses will present the flair of the local community.
“If someone is interested, they can apply through our portal. Then we do some prescreening. There are basic fundamentals to meet and each national vendor has a baseline need. (Those selected) are passed through to the national vendor for interviews. That’s where the decisions are made. The national vendors hire the subcontractors.”
Cross said the compressed schedule before the 2026 tournament makes the need for local vendors more important than ever.
“They know how to get things done in the market, and more quickly,” she said. “But there will still be thoughtful care and diligence. This is an incredible opportunity. If vendors do an excellent job, they could be renewed a second year or a third year. I love that for them, and for us. It can bring stability and creativity. We can raise the bar year after year.”
Jay Heater is the managing editor for the East County Observer. Contact him at JHeater@ YourObserver.com.
You can feel confident and secure at Emerson Lakes,℠ a premier senior living community coming soon to Lakewood Ranch and now accepting reservations!
• Freedom from worries
Our quality construction means you and your loved ones can relax knowing you’ll be safe and comfortable during and after the storm.
your
• You don’t have to go it alone Our dedicated employees and full-time maintenance team work around the clock in severe weather.
• Life doesn’t stop for the storm Every building on our campus will be connected so you’re just steps away from amenities like the fitness center, restaurants, medical center, and more.
“Our experience with Hurricane Ian was fantastic. All the planning that the staff did kept us very informed. We could go down to the common areas, have meals, mingle with friends, and meet new friends.”
—Kathy F.,
Resident of an Erickson Senior Living®-managed community
Stricker is likely to be one of the favorites at the 2026 Senior PGA Championship in April at The Concession.
Dr. Gaby Ghobrial brings to Intercoastal Medical Group at the Cattleridge office a wealth of
and experience in Vascular Surgery.
Hospital
Camp is on land, but their minds are on the ocean
MADISON BIERL STAFF WRITER
Fossilized shark teeth and shark vertebrate were just a few of the exhibits on display July 7-11 during the Little Medical School Suncoast’s marine biology camp at The Out-ofDoor Academy.
The exhibits, which also included whale bones, barracuda teeth, sawfish tines, alligator teeth and more, were provided to help kids learn about ocean life and how to protect the environment. Little Medical School, which is geared toward kids ages 4-14, was founded in St. Louis and has programs in 17 states and the District of Columbia, as well as international locations in six countries.
Many of the fossils were not originally part of the camp, but when ODA bus driver Jeff Burulia heard the camp was being held, he was eager to share his collection and knowledge with the kids.
Sarasota resident Shaunice Lee, director of inspiration at Little Medical School Suncoast, joined Burulia to share her passion for marine biology with the campers.
“Exposure and inspiration is everything,” Lee said. “When you see people who are passionate about something, that passion can rub off on you.”
Burulia donated a bull shark’s tooth, a dugong rib bone, a lemonshark’s tooth and two fossilized conch shells to the campers. The conch shells are estimated to be 3 million years old.
All of the fossils and shells he brought were from his personal collection. He estimated he owns 200,000 sharks’ teeth and 30,000 fossilized sea shells.
“It was a blast; I loved it,” Burulia said. “They drew little pictures and gave me a (stuffed) turtle. This makes my day.”
Lakewood Ranch resident Liliana Kosmalski, 6, said she was a bit nervous about the fossils being sharp but she was eager to bring them home to join the dinosaur fossil she already has.
A big part of the camp was learning about and “adopting” stuffed sea turtles. Kosmalski named her stuffed turtle Shelley. She liked learning that there are people whose job it is to help turtles when they get stuck on land.
Lakewood Ranch resident Mackenzie Shin, 10, said she enjoyed tagging the turtles and learning how to untangle them from fishing nets.
The campers filled out an adoption form and named their stuffed turtles.
The camp staff members created various experiments to show how
LITTLE MEDICAL SCHOOL SUNCOAST
“Little Medical School is deeply rooted in founder Mary Mason’s love of family, medicine and education. In 1998, Mason wrote her first lesson plan to teach local teenagers.
This passion for encouraging careers in health care culminated in the creation of Little Medical School in 2010. Today, the company is a pioneer and leading developer of specialized curriculum and interactive resources for children aged 1-14.”
important it is to keep the ocean safe and clean.
Bradenton 8-year-old Rhylen Gareff said she loved learning about marine life through reading and hands-on activities at the camp. Her favorite sea creatures are dolphins and turtles.
North Port resident Katarina McCall, who has a degree in marine biology from Ave Maria University, was a camp instructor.
“The main point for a lot of these camps is just to get the students excited about science,” McCall said.
The campers were shown how similar a plastic bag looks to a jellyfish. This was to teach them not to litter, and that plastic can be mistaken for food that can harm other marine life if eaten.
McCall said three of the campers said they want to pursue marine biology after going through the camp.
Shin is one of the campers who might want to explore being a marine biologist.
“I want to make medicines for people or animals,” Shin said.
McCall likes to hear those kinds of dreams.
“She has opened her eyes to learn more and apply it,” McCall said of Shin.
Madison Bierl Lakewood ranch resident Mackenzie Shin, 10, and Sarasota resident Tyler Hover, 8, explore marine biology at a camp presented by Little Medical School Suncoast.
Sneaker drive proves to be a great fit
Britton said the awareness produced by their sneaker drive is just about as important as the donation itself.
f the 550 pairs of new sneakers collected by the Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle, most of them were spread out over the floor in a room at The Twig in East
The Twig Executive Director Nicole Britton looked over the donation to her nonprofit and smiled.
“This will sustain us for the year,” Britton said.
The Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle collected the sneakers and socks during its Sneakin’ Back to School Sneaker Drive, the fourth year the group has held the event to benefit The Twig, which has a mission of “Helping every child in foster care know they matter by providing trendy, upscale boutiques where they can shop free of charge.”
On July 17, The Twig opened its doors on a day it normally would be closed to celebrate the donation with members of the Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle.
Fruit and snacks lined the counter and champagne flowed. Giving circle members were given a tour of the store. Everyone was smiling.
“There is so much joy here today,” Britton said. “They know they are making a difference, and that brings joy to them.”
“People don’t realize there are foster kids here locally,” she said. “Oh my gosh, we couldn’t do it without them.”
Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle member Renee Wilson told her story of how the word spreads. She said her grandchildren, ages 10 and 13, were visiting her a couple of weeks ago, and she told them how she was working to provide sneakers. They wanted to do something to help, so she took them to the DSW store and had them pick out a pair of sneakers that they would like. Those sneakers were then donated.
“It makes you feel better when you give,” Wilson said. Foster families come to The Twig on Saturdays and foster children are allowed to pick seven articles of clothing. The giving circle’s sneaker drive will allow those children to have new sneakers on the first day of the new school year.
Britton said The Twig serves 200 kids every month in the Lakewood Ranch area alone. The foster kids are asked questions about what kind of items they want and then The Twig’s staff does its best to fulfill those requests.
Jay Heater Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle members
Lauren Hirsch, Cinda Krouk, Barbara Najmy, Jennifer Alokeh and Joy Stone sit in front of their record haul of 550 pairs of sneakers donated to The Twig.
ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
Raising the barre
MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER
ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
When an interviewer calls Liesl Kraft “Lisa” by accident, Sarasota Ballet Education Director Christopher Hird gently corrects her.
“Oh, Liesl, like in ‘The Sound of Music,’” the interviewer responds. But the parallel goes a bit further than that.
Liesl, age 17, is one of three siblings studying at the Sarasota Ballet Summer Intensive this summer. The other two are Johnston (Jack) Kraft, age 15, and Rosemarie Kraft, age 13. Back home in Toledo, Ohio, there are five other Kraft kids, some of whom are also studying ballet.
So, as Sarasota Ballet Marketing Director Jess Abbott observes, the Krafts could be American ballet’s answer to the singing von Trapp family of Austria. The von Trapps were made famous by Rodgers and Hammerstein’s hit Broadway musical “The Sound of Music,” also made into a movie. Its soundtrack, including such songs as “The Hills Are Alive” and “Climb Every Mountain,” forms part of the bedrock of 20th century American popular culture.
But there are no hills to be found in this tale of the dancing Kraft siblings, only ballet barres and Sarasota beaches. Along with their fellow Summer Intensive student Broc Stull, age 17, of Novi, Michigan, they sat down with a reporter to discuss life in the Sarasota Ballet’s five-week Summer Intensive.
This year, the prestigious program attracted 189 students ages 12-21 from all over the U.S. Some, like the Krafts, learned about the Sarasota Ballet Summer Intensive from their ballet teachers, while others, such as Stull, found out about the program by competing in dance competitions.
Hird was a judge in the semi-finals of the Youth America Grand Prix in Chicago, where Stull competed. After seeing him perform, Hird awarded him a scholarship.
Back in Michigan, Stull studies ballet with a man, but he is the only male student in his classes. One of the things he likes about the Sarasota Ballet Summer Intensive is taking class with other male dancers in the company’s Tallevast Road studios.
According to Hird, in his ninth year as Sarasota Ballet’s education director, just 10% of the dancers in the program are male. But that’s still an improvement as far as Stull is concerned. “I’ve been able to learn faster in terms of the steps and the positions by having other guys there around me,” he says.
In addition to ballet, Stull also studies gymnastics and freestyle dancing. “Flips and tricks: I love that stuff,” he says. “That adds to my dancing abilities.” Having those moves in his repertoire could help him stand out in an audition and land a role that he might not otherwise get, is his thinking.
Like the Krafts, Stull comes from a dancing family. His sister is a member of a Christian dance company in the Chicago area and has been supportive of his ambition to be a professional dancer, as have his parents, he says.
Like Stull, Jack Kraft followed his sister into the dance studio. Liesl, the oldest in the family, recalls announcing to her mother before she turned 2 that she wanted to take ballet lessons. She can’t recall how she got the idea. Both her parents played serious basketball when they were young and didn’t try to steer her toward dance, she says.
Before Liesl’s mom enrolled her in dance class at the age of 2 1/2, she showed the toddler documentaries and videos about ballet to make sure the toddler understood what she was getting into. “See, it’s hard. This isn’t something you have to do,” Liesl remembers her mom telling her.
But there was no question in Liesl’s young mind that ballet was her destiny. Fifteen years later, she still has her sights on becoming a professional dancer. She will perform in an excerpt from “Swan Lake” in the Summer Intensive’s InMotion recital, as well as an original contemporary and jazz piece, which was choreographed by Sarasota Ballet faculty Kaylin Carrera, Sea Lee and Drew Travis Robinson.
She’s also learning a key role from “La Sylphide,” but she’s not sure she will be tapped to dance it, she says.
FOLLOWING IN HIS SISTER’S FOOTSTEPS
Given gender stereotypes, it’s no surprise that Jack Kraft’s parents wanted him to be sure that ballet was his calling. He’s tall, so basketball was definitely a possibility. But Jack set his heart on ballet after seeing Liesl perform in “The Nutcracker” because it “looked like a lot of fun.”
Jack began taking ballet between the ages of 5 and 6, but he also studied gymnastics and karate. “In the beginning, they were fine with us dancing, but they wanted us to try out other things,” he says. “We dabbled in some other stuff, but eventually, we went all in on ballet.”
So it probably wasn’t a shock to the Krafts when Rosemarie decided to follow in her siblings’ footsteps and
Students of the Sarasota Ballet Summer Intensive aim for new heights with the InMotion recital.
take ballet lessons. When all three were accepted into the 2025 Sarasota Ballet Summer Intensive, the family decided to rent an Airbnb rather than have the kids stay in a dorm at the nearby University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus, like most of the students in the program. Their mom stays with them all week long while their dad comes on weekends. For Rosemarie, being surrounded by family when she isn’t dancing — from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (excluding a lunch break) — makes all the difference. It’s the first time the Kraft kids have been away from home for an extended period.
“I’m having a really good time,” Rosemarie says. “I don’t know if I’d
IF YOU GO INMOTION
When: July 24-26
Where: FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail.
Tickets: $30 and up Info: Visit SarasotaBallet. org.
Sarasota Ballet Summer Intensive student Madelyn Murphy shows off her flexibility.
About 190 students from all over the country studied at the Sarasota Ballet Summer Intensive this year. Courtesy images
Sarasota Ballet Summer Intensive student Elin Mulock demonstrates an arabesque. Students hone their technique as they dance from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day.
Monica Roman Gagnier
Johnston (Jack) Kraft, Rosemarie Kraft, Broc Stull and Liesl Kraft relax between rehearsals for InMotion, the recital of the Sarasota Ballet Summer Intensive.
CAC board elects new leadership
The board of trustees of the Circus Arts Conservatory unanimously elected new officers during its June meeting, the arts nonprofit recently announced. Julie Harris becomes the new chair of the board, succeeding Shari Ashman, who held the post for three years. Ken Woodworth will serve as vice chair, a post Harris filled for the past year.
Ashman will continue to be involved with the board as immediate past chair.
During Ashman’s term as chair, the board launched several committees, one focused on facilities and one to manage investments.
Several of the board’s committees updated their bylaws during Ashman’s tenure, which also included recovering from three hurricanes and acquiring a new home for the CAC administrative offices.
In addition to maintaining financial stability, the board oversaw the expansion of programs, including the Sailor Circus and the CAC’s inschool circus arts education.
While Ashman was board chair, the CAC celebrated its 25th year and the Sailor Circus Academy marked its 75th year.
Harris was born in Fort Lauderdale and has lived in Sarasota for 36 years. Harris, who studied art at Andrews Osborne Academy in Willoughby, Ohio, and attended Jacksonville University, is a fierce champion of the arts.
Harris currently serves on the executive and governance committees of the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation and is secretary to SPAF’s board of trustees. She also sits on the boards of the Sarasota Ballet and Ringling College of Art and Design.
Woodworth brings a wealth of professional management experience. He studied mechanical engineering at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and project management at George Washington University, and oversaw major operations domestically and internationally for Marathon Oil.
With Harris and Woodworth in their new positions, the CAC board plans to advance the mission es-
tablished by CAC’s founders, Pedro Reis and Dolly Jacobs, who stepped down from day-to-day operations in 2024. At that time, Jennifer Mitchell became CEO and president, moving up from managing director, a post she held since 2013. Reis remains production and artistry strategist for the CAC, while Jacobs is vice president.
Joseph Caulkins renews contract with Key Chorale
Key Chorale announced that Artistic Director and CEO Joseph Caulkins has signed a 10-year contract extension, ensuring that the symphonic chorus’ bold programming and community impact will continue.
At the same time, the chorus welcomed four new vocalists to its professional ranks: tenor Erick Crow, soprano Heather Weiskerger, baritone Stephen Lusmann and soprano Emmy Grate.
Key Chorale also announced two promotions. Trish Ivey, previously director of marketing, steps into the expanded role of general manager, while Lori Maxwell has been promoted to education and curriculum specialist.
“This moment is a celebration of everything we’ve built and a vision of where we’re headed,” said Caulkins in a statement.
This past season, Key Chorale celebrated its Ruby Anniversary, marking 40 years of presenting innovative and high-quality choral programming. During his tenure, the group has become known for its collaboration with other arts organizations.
The 2025-26 season will be Caulkins’ 19th at the helm of Key Chorale.
CORRECTION
Sarah Durham is associate improv director at Florida Studio Theatre. Her title was incorrect in the July 17 edition of The Observer.
Raising the barre
FROM PAGE 13
do too great if I were alone. I like having my family around me.”
Asked what they talk about when they don’t discuss ballet, the Krafts say they talk about food. “We have a lot of food allergies. I eat ‘clean’ all the time, but Jack eats meat and dairy. Still, we have to watch what we’re eating,” Liesl says.
Hird notes that even those Summer Intensive students living in a dorm can have their dietary needs met, whether they’re vegetarian, vegan or have food allergies.
Despite the rigorous class schedule, Jack Kraft says what he values most about his Summer Intensive experience isn’t training; it’s communication. “Talking with partners, asking questions, being able to be social with people — I’ve improved a lot personally,” he says.
As the reputation of the Sarasota Ballet has grown under the leadership of Director Iain Webb and his wife, Assistant Director Margaret Barbieri, the caliber of students applying to the Summer Intensive has grown, Hird says. Promising students in the Summer Intensive can make their way to the preprofessional program in the Margaret Barbieri Conservatory, he notes, and maybe eventually the Sarasota Ballet itself.
One big draw is that the closing recital of the Summer Intensive is held in a real theater, not a studio. In Motion will take place July 24-26 at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts.
Abbott notes that when she was a dancer, many of the summer programs that she attended didn’t even have a recital.
There’s something new at the Summer Intensive’s InMotion recital this year. In addition to the traditional lineup of classical ballet and contemporary dance performances, there is a musical theater number. Former Broadway dancer Savannah Holds, whose two children studied in the Summer Inten-
sive, volunteered to stage an excerpt from “Gypsy.”
Hird admits he’s biased, but he thinks the recital is something special. “I think it’s lovely for the families to see the improvement in their child’s ballet,” he says. “It’s also a chance for the community to see some really nice dancing in the summer, when there’s not much going on. Plus, you get to see the stars of tomorrow.”
You can be pretty sure one or more of those future stars is going to have Kraft as their last name. While Liesl, Jack and Rosemarie were in Sarasota, their sister, Laurelyn Kraft, traveled to New York City for the School of American Ballet’s Junior Summer Intensive, a weeklong program, a recent Instagram post from Toledo Ballet reveals.
The dancing Krafts are the stuff reality TV shows are made of, though no doubt a little more wholesome than some of the programs.
One big draw is that the closing recital of the Summer Intensive is held in a real theater, not a studio.
Courtesy image
Sarasota Ballet Summer Intensive students Greg Dempsey and Macie Miersch prepare for their pas de deux.
Sarasota foodie bestows her birthday honors
To celebrate her special day, Emma reveals her favorite dishes in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
EMMA BURKE JOLLY
CONTRIBUTOR
Food is one of the best ways to celebrate life’s big and bitesized moments, and I get to celebrate my birthday on the tastiest holiday of all: National Culinarians Day.
Every July 25, this delicious day honors the chefs, cooks, bakers and culinary creatives who turn simple ingredients into unforgettable experiences. It’s about more than just plating pretty meals; it’s the heart, hustle and flavor they bring to our tables and our communities.
So, in the spirit of celebration (and maybe a little personal indulgence), I’m shouting out some of the incredible dishes that have truly opened my eyes and tastebuds to what our local food scene is all about. From spicy to sweet, comforting to creative, here’s how I’d spend my ideal foodie birthday if stomach size wasn’t an issue. Each of the five unforgettable restaurants on my list serves up a totally different cuisine, but they share one key ingredient: culinary excellence. Forks up, friends. Let me eat cake ... and a few other things.
NEW PASS GRILL & BAIT SHOP
1505 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota; 941-388-1618; NewPassGrill. com
Birthday Girl Breaky: I’ve been gatekeeping my favorite breakfast sandwich in town because, well, I don’t want to give up my weekend spot. On boat days or lazy Sunday mornings when I want a bite of comfort, a bacon, egg and cheese
($8.99) on white bread hits the spot. Some of my friends argue the BEC is better on croissant with hash browns ($3.99), but I know what I like. Starting my special day with this greasy, toasty and delectable breakfast sandwich inches from the Gulf waters? Party in paradise. Birthday Wish: That this eatery, originally founded in 1929, remains open until my 96th birthday. Between the breakfast, burgers and beautiful views, there’s a bounty of boasts to give the grill. I hope to spend many more boat days by the Pass.
EATALIA MARKET
1561 Lakefront Drive, Unit 100, Sarasota; 941-413-5945; EataliaMarket.com
Birthday Lady Who Lunches: The first year we were dating, my future husband asked me what my favorite meal was — the answer is and always will be chicken Parmesan. Being the great guy that he is, he made enough chicken parm to last until my next birthday. The mounds of chicken cutlets could have replaced sandbags during Hurricane Irma. This year, we’re headed to the new Eatalia Market in Waterside so we can get my birthday fave made to order and not let anything go to waste. Follow my lead and order a chicken parm entree ($18.99) or make your own grinder with a juicy, crunchy chicken cutlet ($5.99) and toppings of your choice on one of seven types of bread (including a gluten-free wrap).
Birthday Wish: The inner tristate (New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, of course!) girlie in me wishes I had enough room left in my stomach to devour the pistachio cheesecake ($5.99) or nibble on the sausage and broccoli rabe arancini ($5.99).
KOJO 1289 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota; 941536-9717; EatKojo.com
Happy (Birthday) Hour: Next, you’ll find me sitting downtown at KOJO trying to not order the entire menu at this hot spot, which is as chic as its dishes are delicious. This birthday girl will be snacking on at least one order of the yellowtail with jalapeño ($19), accompanied with house ponzu and micro cilantro plus an order of the spicy tuna nori tacos ($20) with pickled Thai chile, shiso, scallion and sesame. I’ll be sipping at least one Fujiyama Mama ($13), made with my absolute favorite Aperol, some St. Germain, sake and yuzu, a slice of cucumber and topped with sparkling rosé.
Birthday Wish: That my newly engaged sister joins me in finishing a plate of the cured salmon and caviar nigiri ($15) and perhaps a lychee martini ($15) made with vodka, grapefruit, lychee blend, Peychaud’s bitters and rose water.
Tini Bit Older: This delectable café holds a special place in my heart. It was the last restaurant we took my dad to as a family. It’s also the scene of our first date night after my husband and I got married.
(Did I mention the Birthday Girl can get just a little sentimental?) To
choose just one appetizer is a nearly impossible task, but the burrata and fresh fennel ($18) transports me to the Mediterranean, so I’ll start there. Next up, the jumbo black tiger shrimp and peanut noodle salad ($34) with broccoli slaw, spinach, crispy shallots, Thai basil and mint. Meanwhile, I’ll beg my husband for a bite of his beef short rib fettuccine ($27).
Birthday Wish: The cucumber basil gimlet ($9) made with CROP organic cucumber vodka, fresh lime juice, muddled with basil and cucumbers and strained into a martini glass — becomes a staple at all my favorite bars.
C’EST LA VIE
1553 Main St., Sarasota; 941-9069575; 9118 Town Center Parkway Unit 102, Lakewood Ranch; 941961-0111; CestLaVieSarasota.com
Another Year, Another Treat: I was privileged to spend a week in Paris earlier this summer (yes, during the heat wave), and I was worried I wouldn’t taste another decadent Parisian dessert when I got back home. But then I walked into C’est La Vie, and my worries faded into the Sarasota heat. By all means, take a long look at their pastry case, but some of my favorites are: the opera (coffee mousse and dark chocolate ganache), the Tarte Madame ( raspberry jam and caramelized chiboust cream) and of course, macarons.
Birthday Wish: To wake up tomorrow hungry enough to come back and try the Croque Madame ($14.95). The toasted bread, ham, covered with melted Swiss and a sunny-side-up egg is chef’s kiss.
Courtesy images
Here’s hoping my newly engaged sister can join me on my birthday at KOJO for some cured salmon and caviar nigiri ($15) and cocktails!
Thinking about my birthday present? I’ll take the cucumber and basil martini from Baker & Wife, please.
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.
This thrilling, 60-minute circus of fresh new acts is perfect for people of all ages with short attention spans. Make it a circus day by adding a ticket to The Ringling’s famed Circus Museum for just $5 on the day of the show. Runs through Aug. 9.
BASILE
7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd.
$26 Visit McCurdysComedy.com.
Basile has appeared on HBO, Showtime, Comedy Central and “The Tonight Show.” He’s visiting Sarasota as part of his Greek Mystique World Tour, which is taking him everywhere from Nevada casinos to cruise lines to Greek Orthodox churches. Runs through July 27.
‘HOW SWEET IT IS’
7:30 p.m. at FST’s Goldstein Cabaret, 1239 N. Palm Ave.
$18-$42 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Led by dynamic vocalist and songwriter 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.
DON’T
MISS
‘VICE & VIRTUE’
Art Center Sarasota is one of Sarasota’s best kept secrets, even though it’s about to celebrate its 100th birthday in 2026. Located in The Bay, the center offers free admission to its galleries, where the artwork on display is for sale. Its annual juried regional show, “Vice & Virtue,” features artists from across the Southeast charged with exploring the dualities of the human condition. Runs through Aug. 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
IF YOU GO
When: 10 a.m. Friday, July 25
Where: Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami
Trail Tickets: Free Info: Visit ArtSarasota.org.
FRIDAY IN THE ROUND
7 p.m. at SCD Home Studio, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Suite 300
$20 Visit SarasotaContemporaryDance. org.
In the Round gives rising choreographers from across the country a chance to set a work in progress during Sarasota Contemporary Dance’s Summer Intensive. Choreographers are given feedback from audience members, led by SCD Artistic Director Leymis Bolaños Wilmott. Repeats July 28.
CLASSIC MOVIES AT THE OPERA HOUSE: ‘THE BIRDCAGE’
7 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. $12 Visit SarasotaOpera.org.
The 1996 remake of the French farce “La Cage aux Folles” stars Robin Williams as a Miami drag club owner and Nathan Lane as his partner and the club’s headliner. Dan Futterman and Calista Flockhart play an engaged couple introducing their future in-laws, one of whom is a Republican senator played by Gene Hackman. Watch the feathers fly!
THE SILVER SCREEN SINGS CABARET
7:30 p.m. at Tree Fort Productions, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 136 $40 Visit TreeFortProductionsProjects. com.
Tree Fort Productions founder and multihyphenate Katherine Michelle Tanner teams up with singer Martina Long to present their favorite songs from four decades of film.
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.
This eye-catching exhibition features about 70 breathtaking works of birds by more than 50 photographers from around the world. The photos are displayed in the Museum of Botany & the Arts and outside throughout the gardens, where some of the birds look like they just flew in. Go early for an optimal experience. Runs through Sept. 14.
MONDAY
RAUSCHENBERG: A CENTENNIAL
CELEBRATION
10 a.m. at 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 first American to win the grand prize at the Venice Biennale, Rauschenberg set the stage for the Pop Art movement. 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.
Alex Hatcher and Will Westray star in Asolo Rep’s “A Year With Frog and Toad,” which runs through Aug. 3 at FSU Center for the Performing Arts.
OUR PICK
‘A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD’ Asolo Repertory Theatre rolls out a fun, family-oriented production that’s priced right. Most people looking at the title of the show assume it’s based on Kenneth Grahame’s classic tale, “Wind in the Willows,” but that is not the case. Adapted from Arnold Lobel’s beloved children’s stories, Robert and Willie Reale’s musical is structured as a series of vignettes that follow the friendship of Frog and Toad through the seasons. Scott Keys directs. Runs through Aug. 3.
IF YOU GO
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, July 24
Where: FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail Tickets: $15-$19 Info: Visit AsoloRep.org.
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.
Award-winning artist Lillian Blades invites visitors to get lost in “veils” that combine handcrafted and found objects to create a mesmerizing effect. 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. Stop at the Bistro for a cold beverage or a tasty tartine. Runs through Oct. 26.
WEDNESDAY
‘THE ART OF JAZZ IMPROVISATION’
6-7 p.m. at Selby Library, 1131 First St. Free with registration Visit SarasotaMusicArchive.org.
Sarasota Music Archive presents the second of three installments of its summer jazz happy hour, featuring The Jazz All-Stars. Led by bandmaster Jack Berry, some of the area’s best jazz players use saxophone, vibes, piano, trumpet, bass, guitar, vocals and more to explore jazz improv.
Image courtesy of Adrian Van Stee
Courtesy image
Joseph Locala’s “The Shadow of Virtue”
‘Dorothy’s Dictionary’ defines redemption
The production is an odyssey set on the oceans of language at Florida Studio Theatre.
MARTY FUGATE
CONTRIBUTOR
E.M. Lewis’ “Dorothy’s Dictionary” is a story of reading, imagination, aspiration, healing and human connection. There are only two characters. But they stand for all of us.
Zan (Ethan Jack Haberfield) is an angry young man. Understandably. His father’s emotionally dead; his mother is literally dead. One day, he snaps — and beats the living daylights out of another kid.
The judge sentences Zan (short for Lyzander) to community service at a convalescent home. He serves his sentence by helping Dorothy (Alice M. Gatling), a reluctantly retired librarian. She’s only 45 years old — and sidelined by an unnamed degenerative illness that’s weakening her heart and eyes.
Dorothy can no longer read the books she loves, so she asks Zan to read them aloud to her. The sullen kid resents it, but he does as told. As the days go by, Zan’s reading gradually stops being a chore and becomes a joy. That’s been Dorothy’s plan all along.
Once a librarian, always a librarian. Dorothy is in love with books. Her nursing home room’s stuffed with them. When Zan begins reading to her, she shares her bibliophilia with evangelical zeal.
Zan reads snippets of “The Old Man and the Sea,” “Hamlet,” “Moby-Dick,” “Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary” and Dorothy’s private dictionary of her own favorite words.
When Zan mentions he’s never been to the ocean, which is only a short bus ride away, Dorothy promptly provides a stack of nautical reading material. Zan’s universe of possibility expands.
Director Kate Alexander guides this short, sweet production with a deft, delicate touch. It’s a quiet play. The hero is a librarian, after all. The scenes are intimate moments, not shouting matches.
Gatling’s Dorothy is a quiet force of nature. Her characterization is nuanced, sharp, funny and never sentimental. She’s got a love affair with language — and a private war with digital devices. “Look it up,” is her mantra.
Her indomitable personality will share her literate loves (and hates)
IF YOU GO
‘DOROTHY’S DICTIONARY’
When: Through Aug. 10
Where: FST’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St.
Tickets: $25-$42
Info: Visit FloridaStudioTheatre. org.
with Zan. (In the process, she becomes the mother he never had.)
Haberfield’s Zan is locked inside himself. Beneath his hoodie, his character’s a gumbo of hurt and anger. The kid’s not hostile — but his words can be cutting. His disgusted description of the care center? “The whole place smells like bleach and sick people.”
But when Zan reads Hamlet’s “To be or not to be” soliloquy, the words catch in his throat. As if he’s considering these alternatives for the first time.
The action unfolds in Isabel and Moriah Curley-Clay’s nursing home set. It resembles a massive diorama or a cut-away model in a Wes Anderson movie. They evoke the sterility with implied drop ceilings and an angular wall in forced perspective.
Chelsea Allen’s costumes clue you into the characters. Dorothy’s decked out in decorative shawls of pink or purple. Zan’s decked out in a hoodie like a teenage version of the Unabomber. It’s body armor — his own wearable hiding place.
Lewis’ script is elegantly simple and highly original. A bare synopsis sounds formulaic. But the playwright reinvents the narrative recipe. Lewis avoids after-school special clichés and stock characters. And she’s happy to leave big questions hanging.
What’s Dorothy’s illness?
How did a classmate trigger Zan’s rage?
The playwright doesn’t say. She has bigger questions to answer. Why do books matter?
Dorothy (and presumably the playwright) loves books and the power of words. Not only for the mental trips that reading provides. She also loves the human connections it sparks.
When used for good, words bring people together. Which they do, for Zan and Dorothy. And the FST audience all around me. Their wordless reactions spoke volumes. They all were touched by this gentle, witty, smart, literate and moving play.
YOUR NEIGHBORS
ODA STUDENTS HAVE A HEART
The student-campers have volunteered at nonprofits, such as All Faiths Food Bank and Meals on Wheels.
MADISON BIERL STAFF WRITER
Lakewood Ranch resident Andrew Jones, 13, was told by his mother, Erin Jones, that there are three things you can give to make the world a better place: time, talent and treasure.
“If you have nothing to do, you can give your time; a lot of people can lead, and that takes talent,” Andrew Jones said. “Some people have a lot of money and can donate, and that’s a treasure.”
The Out-of-Door Academy hosted a “Hearts of ODA” camp from July 14-18 with the purpose of engaging middle school students in service. On the morning of July 17, they gave their time and talent at All Faiths Food Bank to sort donated food by whether it was safe or expired.
Bo Bickley, the volunteer associate at All Faiths Food Bank, said it was incredible to work with the ODA group.
“When they understand that they’re serving a purpose bigger than themselves, a lot of them walk away with a little bit different attitude and a little bit different view,” Bickley said.
Waterside’s Bianca Azevedo, 11, said she was thankful for the opportunity to help people.
“While we’re volunteering, we’re having fun,” Azevedo said. “We all get to work as a team and we all learn
more about each other. It’s fun to learn new things.”
Colby Heidke, who is a 2025 ODA graduate, helped lead the camp alongside Camela Giraud, the director of collaborative learning and educational outreach at ODA.
“It’s their first time doing community service for a lot of these kids, and it’s a new experience that they enjoy,” Heidke said. “We hope that it sets a precedent for the rest of their lives.”
Lakewood Ranch resident Tristan Norlan, 13, enjoyed the projects at Meals on Wheels and All Faiths Food Bank. He said it is probably the most fun he has had doing something in a long time.
“I want to help people so the whole world can be a better place,” Norlan said.
Other locations they volunteered at during the week included Meals on Wheels, Mothers Helping Moth ers and Goodwill. They also learned from the All Star Children’s Founda tion, a nonprofit revolving around foster care and they learned about wildlife and natural resources from the UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County.
“When I watch the news, I’m overwhelmed,” Giraud said. “There’s so much bad, fighting, so much division. This week was about the fact that there is good in the world and there is a vision for people who need help.”
An important point Heidke and Giraud have made is that small changes can make an amazing impact.
The Hearts of ODA camp was led by Camela Giraud, director of collaborative learning and education outreach at ODA. She was assisted by Colby Heidke, who is a 2025 ODA graduate and founder of the Sarasota Mobility Alliance.
Sarasota resident Leo Marr, 11, works with Bo Bickley, a volunteer associate at All Faiths Food Bank. Marr broke his wrist playing soccer but didn’t let that stop him from helping the community.
Photos by Madison Bierl
Lakewood Ranch resident Tristan Norlan, 13, finds a Snoopyinspired Valentine’s Day box of chocolate while sorting food for All Faiths Food Bank. It’s date had expired, so it had to be discarded.
These 11 campers and three staff members participate in the All Faiths Food Bank service project on July 17.
COMMUNITY
THURSDAY, JULY 24 THROUGH
SUNDAY, JULY 27
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 Casey Jones (Thursday), Santiago (Friday), Kid Red (Saturday), and A Pirate Over 40 (Sunday). All the music this week is free. For information, go to JiggsLanding.com.
FRIDAY, JULY 25 AND
SATURDAY. JULY 26
MUSIC AT THE PLAZA
Runs from 6-9 p.m. at Waterside Place, 1561 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch. Acoustic cover artist Carmen Forte takes center stage Friday to entertain the Waterside Place crowd in the free music series while cover artist Ektor Keys entertains the crowd on Saturday. For information, go to WatersidePlace.com.
SATURDAY, JULY 26
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. The donation-based group class is designed to inspire and invigorate. Beginners are welcome as are those with experience. The workout 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.
SATURDAY, JULY 26 AND
SUNDAY, JULY 27
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 Divebombers on Saturday and Sheree Cade on Sunday.
SUNDAY, JULY 27
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 runs year-round every Sunday. Vendors offer seafood, eggs, meats, dairy products,
BEST BET
FRIDAY, JULY 25 THROUGH
FRIDAY, AUG. 1
A TASTE OF WATERSIDE PLACE
Runs at various times at participating restaurants at Waterside Place, 7500 Island Cove Terrace, Lakewood Ranch.
A Taste of Waterside offers prix-fixe menus, where multicourse meals are offered at a set, predetermined price at participating restaurants. Wine pairings, specialty cocktails and unique dishes will be part of the event. Brunch-lunch, two-course specials will be offered for $25, while three-course dinners will be available at either $35 or $45. For more information, contact the participating restaurant. Those are Agave Bandido, Deep Lagoon, Eatalia Market, Forked at Waterside, Good Liquid Brewing Company, Osteria 500, and Quincy’s Original Lobster Rolls.
pastas, bakery goods, jams and pickles, among other items. For information, visit MyLWR.com.
FRIDAY, AUG. 1
MUSIC ON MAIN
Runs from 6-9 p.m. at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch. Mojo Filter, which plays rock hits from the 1990s, will be on the main stage for the free August Music on Main event. The nonprofit that benefits from event proceeds is the Bradenton Women’s Club. The event includes food vendors, beer trucks, sponsor booths, and games and activities (sponsored by Grace Community Church) for kids.
SATURDAY. AUG. 2 BACK TO SCHOOL BASH
Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota. Florida Kid Care presents the free Back to School Bash. Parents can preregister their children for a free backpack and to participate in an interactive scavenger hunt to collect school supplies from event sponsors and vendors. Kids can enjoy fun activities, such as free face painting, sports mascots and cartoon characters. For more information, call 674-1464 for or go to MallAtUTC.com.
YOUR CALENDAR
VOTED SARASOTA’S TOP IMPLANT & AESTHETIC DENTISTS
SAVE NOW ON COMFORT
Live Life Luxe
• Top producer for the past four consecutive years: Over $244 million sold since 2020
• Ranked in the Top 1.5% Individuals by Sales Volume Nationally by RealTrends Verified 2025
“Gloria and Angel were fantastic to work with. They told us they would be there for every showing, and they kept their word. They held many open houses. We were very informed of the market conditions for the area.
Bagel business blasts off on Ranch
Lakewood Ranch residents Chris and Megan Matras are eager to open the franchise where they live.
MADISON BIERL STAFF WRITER
Contractor Chris Matras, who lives in Lakewood Ranch, has built four Jeff’s Bagel Run locations across the country and is currently in the process of building four more — including one in Lakewood Ranch.
This time around, Matras will do more than build it. He will own and operate it alongside his wife, Megan Matras.
“The first time he brought it to me, I was like, ‘No, are you crazy?’” Megan Matras said. ‘You’re nuts, you’re not doing this.’” As she thought more about the idea, her interest grew stronger.
Since 2008, Megan Matras has been a self-described “professional mother” who kept busy through groups in the community, as well as her children’s schedules.
Her children Christopher, 17, and Marleigh, 15, are inching closer to leaving the nest. Megan said she is too restless to sit at home doing nothing, especially because Chris travels a lot for work.
Megan Matras said that her kids initially worried about losing time with her if she ran the bakery. She wants to show them it’s never too late to pursue something new.
Jeff’s Bagel Run opens Aug. 23. Megan Matras wanted to make sure people understand that Jeff’s Bagel Run is not a restaurant, but a bakery. There will be some tables within the building, but a big draw is that it will be grab-and-go business.
“You’re always going to get a hot bagel,” Megan Matras said. “One of our slogans is ‘always boiled, never toasted.’ We roll out our bagels, boil our bagels and bake our bagels.
Madison Bierl
Lakewood Ranch residents Chris and Megan Matras are eager to open Jeff’s Bagel Run in Lakewood Ranch. They will serve bagels, cream cheese, coffee and more.
Everything is made fresh in-house, day of and served hot throughout the day.”
Every Sunday evening, the bagel of the day for each day of the week is announced. Flavors include pizza, banana bread, funnel cake and blueberry pancake. Chris Matras said he tends to go for savory flavors, and his No. 1 choice is the Everything Asiago bagel. He also enjoys the hot sauce cream cheese. He said initially, the cream cheese “mellows everything out.”
“Then you get a little after-kick with the hot sauce at the end.”
Megan Matras said there are two ways to eat cream cheese on the bagels. You can spread it or do it Jeff’s way.
“At Jeff’s, we believe in rip it and dip it, Megan Matras said. “Your bagel is going to be nice and hot, and you’re going to get your little cup of cream cheese. Rip your bagel and then dip it right into the cream cheese and eat it like that.”
Megan Matras emphasized that no matter what bagel you order, they are all the same price — $2.25 for a single bagel, $11 for a half-dozen and $19 for a dozen.
“Our Asiago Everything and our Jalapeño Cheddar, they have cheese on them,” Megan Matras said. “We don’t overcharge for that. A bagel is a bagel.”
Megan Matras recommended customers download and use the app. Customers get 300 points, which equals a free bagel right off the bat. That is also where customers can find the bagel of the day.
Chris Matras said he is both excited and nervous about the opening. When he visited an Orlando location, it was quite busy.
“I could not believe the amount of people that came in on the weekends,” Chris Matras said. “They were open for a year-and-a-half, and they still had a line out the door.”
Lakewood Ranch resident Della Eldridge will be the general manager. When Megan Matras asked Eldridge why she wanted to work, she was impressed.
“Most people would say, ‘I need a job, and I need the money,’” Megan Matras said. “She said ‘I just love bagels, I love cream cheese and I love people’ and that was all I needed to hear.”
IF YOU GO
JEFF’S BAGEL RUN LAKEWOOD RANCH
Opening: Tentative opening
date: Aug. 23
Where: 14624 State Road 70
E., Lakewood Ranch
Hours: Open daily 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Visit: JeffsBagelRun.com
Eldridge said she is passionate about leadership and creating a welcoming environment for customers.
“I’m most excited about connecting with the team and making every guest feel like they’re part of something special when they walk through our doors,” Eldridge said.
Megan and Chris Matras and Eldridge went to a training in Orlando from June 15-25 where they learned everything they need to know.
“We got up at 4 a.m. and we baked every day, and we made the cream cheese,” Megan Matras said. “We rolled dough, we learned how to bake the dough.”
Megan and Chris Matras bought the rights to two locations so they are actively looking around at a potential second location. Megan Matras said it might be in the Lakewood Ranch area, as well.
Jeff’s Bagel Run in Lakewood Ranch is actively hiring bakers, baristas and other workers. Megan hopes to hire at least 25 employees.
Courtesy image
There are 16 different bagel flavors on the menu, some sweet and some savory. No matter what flavor you choose, the price remains the same.
TRIBUTES
Milton Cogswell Shattuck 1932-2025
Milton C. Shattuck Jr. “Mit”, Lieutenant Colonel, Retired, 92, passed away peacefully on July 9, following a courageous battle with cancer.
A soldier, a scholar, and a storyteller, Mit lived a life defined by service to the country he loved. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1956. His distinguished military career was marked by bravery and honor during the Vietnam conflict, where he was awarded a Purple Heart, Valorous Unit Award, two distinguished Flying Crosses, and several other commendations.
After Vietnam, he continued his service in Panama, where he commanded the Jungle Operations Training Center (JOTC, Ft. Sherman, Panama), shaping generations of soldiers for the challenges of combat. He was presented the Congressional Veteran Commendation award by Florida Congressman, Vern Buchanan in 2023. A master marksman and a meticulous gunsmith, Mit could strike a target at 1000 yards with unfailing precision (Long Rifle).
He found great joy in the companionship of his loyal friends, the company of his loyal dog, Gus, and the chance to pass along his life stories. His presence was strong, and his legacy of kindness and character will endure in those who knew
and loved him. He is survived by his sister, Susan Benson (Bill Martin); his son, Mit Shattuck III (Julie), his daughters, Vicky King (Jeff), and Stacy Johnson (Greg); and seven grandchildren: Anna and Stella Shattuck, Stephen and Charlie King, and Courtney (Markian), Heath (Ayla), and Lena Johnson, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Helga, his father, Col Milton C. Shattuck Sr., his mother, Marion, and his beloved sisters, Margaret “Pat” Rahmann and Marion Pamela “Pam” Burleigh.
Wright, and Richard Koch. The companionship and care that Mit received from these individuals was exceptional. He lived a long life the way he wanted. He will be interred in Arlington National Cemetery with his parents, grandparents, uncles and cousins.
In his final weeks, Mitt was surrounded by the enduring friendship and care of many, most notably Kim and Kortney Rose, Larry Lowder, Kevin
Lake Club home tops sales at $3 million
ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR
Ahome in Lake Club on Waterton Lane
topped the week’s sales. Cecil and Tammy Patterson, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 7921 Waterton Lane to Michael and Kelly Van Vliet, of Lakewood Ranch, for $3 million. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,990 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,425,000 in 2018.
SHOREVIEW
Mario Gabriel Di Ubaldi and Kathleen Mary Di Ubaldi, of Florham Park, New Jersey, sold their home at 7876 Grande Shores Drive to Bruce and Cathy Mantia, of Sarasota, for $1.4 million. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two-and-two-half baths, a pool and 3,244 square feet of living area. It sold for $772,200 in 2019.
ISLES Frank and Maritza Pennisi, of Huntington Station, New York, sold their home at 8163 Redonda Loop to Patrick and Ashley Skelton, of Bradenton, for $1.33 million. Built in 2024, it has three bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,561 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,079,900 in 2024.
Cameron and Jessica Henry, of Folsom, California, sold their home at 17904 Palmiste Drive to Worth William Boisture Jr. and Stephanie Boisture, of Savannah, Georgia, for $1,325,000. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths and 4,055 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.28 million in January.
LAKEHOUSE COVE AT WATERSIDE
Joseph Dwayne Swederski and Kristina Swederski sold their home at 8229 Grande Shores Drive to Shannon and James Tyrrell, of Sarasota, for $1.28 million. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, twoand-a-half baths, a pool and 2,648 square feet of living area. It sold for $778,600 in 2020.
Danielle Praver and Whitney Elliott, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, sold their home at 1007 Waterline Court to 1007 Waterline Ct. LLC for $580,000. Built in 2023, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,784 square feet of living area. It sold for $588,000 in 2024.
COUNTRY CLUB
Jared Elliott Minor and Christine Sinden Minor, of Niwot, Colorado, sold their home at 6931 Brier Creek Court to William McClure II and Christine Sheahan, of Bradenton, for $1.14 million. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, three-and-ahalf baths, a pool and 3,054 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.36 million in 2023.
Charles Savidge IV and Sarah Jane Savidge, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 7275 Lismore Court to Steven Kazenoff and Sonya Ma, of Lakewood Ranch, for $625,000. Built in 2010, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,863 square feet of living area. It sold for $385,000 in 2015.
Aaron Rosen, trustee, of St. Louis, sold the home at 7615 Windward Cove to Ava Jones and Sharon Eis, of Lakewood Ranch, for $540,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,277 square feet of living area. It sold for $111,000 in 2004.
COUNTRY CLUB EAST
Amy Reissner, of Boca Raton, sold the home at 16528 Berwick Terrace to Anthony and Sarah Crawford, of Bradenton, for $1.02 million. Built
in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,783 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.02 million in 2021.
RIVERDALE REVISED
Gregory and Becky Quinn, of Bradenton, sold their home at 4512 Blue Marlin Drive to Joseph Buss and Brittany Riddick, of Bradenton, for $898,500. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,449 square feet of living area. It sold for $511,000 in 2019.
ROSEDALE
Carol Mann Clift, trustee, and David Clift sold the home at 4818 88th St. E. to James and Deborah Sorisho, of Bradenton, for $889,900. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,494 square feet of living area. It sold for $675,500 in 2021.
RYE WILDERNESS ESTATES
Jeffrey Mel Bertsch and Amy Marie Bertsch, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 603 165th St. E. to Christoph and Lauren Terranova, of Bradenton, for $872,500. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,122 square feet of living area. It sold for $700,000 in 2021.
Steven Craig Tate, of Ocala, sold his home at 604 166th St. E. to Stephen and Tamara Liquori, of Bradenton, for $850,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,810 square feet of living area. It sold for $440,000 in 2017.
ASCOT Denise Chimbos, trustee, of Bradenton, sold the home at 7432 Ascot Court to John and Patricia Haywood, of Findlay, Ohio, for $845,000. Built in 1999, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,148 square feet of living area. It sold for $415,000 in 2004.
ROSEDALE ADDITION
Jane and David Norris, of Parrish, sold their home at 4740 Royal Dornoch Circle to Stefani and Jeffrey Rizer, of Bradenton, for $820,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,584 square feet of living area. It sold for $637,500 in 2017.
LAKEWOOD NATIONAL
Linda and Michael Egan, of Bradenton, sold their home at 5811 Brandon Run to Deanna Marlene McCaffrey and Patrick McCaffrey, of Venice, for $800,000. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,224 square feet of living area. It sold for $682,800 in 2022.
SERENITY CREEK
Keiber Jose Angulo Martinez and Mackenzie Eve Martinez, of Louisville, Kentucky, sold their home at 13034 Bliss Loop to Lonnie and Stacey Braxton, of Bradenton, for $749,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,499 square feet of living area. It sold for $450,000 in 2019.
GREENBROOK
Raymond and Susan Glasser, trustees, of Bismarck, North Dakota, sold the home at 13814 Nighthawk Terrace to Nighthawk Terrace LLC for $680,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,639 square feet of living area. It sold for $433,000 in 2004.
AH4R Properties LLC sold the home at 15107 Searobbin Drive to Henri Pickersgill and Danielle Sramek, of Lakewood Ranch, for $385,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,012 square feet of living area. It sold for $260,000 in 2017.
COPPERLEFE
Robert and Judy Severino, of North Wildwood, New Jersey, sold their home at 10916 Copperlefe Drive to Christina Hagar, of Bradenton, for $635,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,546 square feet of living area. It sold for $395,200 in 2019.
INDIGO
Lorraine Fallabel, of Drums, Pennsylvania, sold her home at 12908 Crystal Clear Place to Steven and Rachel Mancini, of Bradenton, for $600,000. Built in 2016, it has three
RESIDENTIAL
bedrooms, two baths and 2,166 square feet of
CENTRAL PARK
Peter Withers and Melissa Withers sold her home at 11924 Forest Park Circle to Taylor Miller, of Bradenton, for $575,000. Built in 2012, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,044 square feet of living area. It sold for $315,000 in 2018.
Judy Taylor, trustee, of Bradenton, sold the home at 4722 Claremont Park Drive to Birgit Eelma, of Bradenton, for $440,000. Built in 2011, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,863 square feet of living area.
Eric Brielmann, of Los Angeles, sold his home at 11714 Forest Park Circle to Aaron and Joanna White, of Bra-
Courtesy image
This Lake Club home at 7921 Waterton Lane sold for $3 million. Built in 2007, it has three
bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,990 square feet of living area.
denton, for $425,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,744 square feet of living area. It sold for $315,000 in 2020.
MILL CREEK
Patrick and Judith Steele, trustee, sold the home at 13612 11th Terrace E. to Cameron Philip Kennedy and Breeze Kennedy, of Bradenton, for $567,000. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,082 square feet of living area.
CARLYLE AT THE VILLAGE OF PALM AIRE
Ann Marie Colonna, of Bradenton, sold her home at 5383 Creekside Trail to Michael and Erin Lucido, of Sarasota, for $557,500. Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and is 2,297 square feet. It sold for $420,000 in 2018.
ARBOR LAKES
LSF9 Master Participation Trust sold the home at 7212 Southgate Court to SPE #110 LLC for $524,900. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,361 square feet of living area. It sold for $366,000 in 2007.
RIVERSIDE PRESERVE
Quang Hong Tran and Ky Dieu Nguyen, of Bradenton, sold their home at 922 Fernleaf Run to Khuong Nguyen, of Lakewood Ranch, for $495,000. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,314 square feet of living area. It sold for $541,000 in 2022.
PALISADES
Thomas Reyburn and Isabella Heichele-Reyburn, of Lexington, Kentucky, sold their home at 13915 Mount Laurel Trail to Edgar Edmundo Alvarez, of Miami Beach, for $457,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,047 square feet of living area. It sold for $336,200 in 2020.
DEL TIERRA
Deanna Lyn and William Vincent,
trustees, of Columbus, Indiana, sold the home at 452 Tierra Verde Way to Ricky and Erica Gardner, of Bradenton, for $455,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,349 square feet of living area. It sold for $319,900 in 2017.
ARBOR RESERVE
William and Lynn Brooks, of Fayetteville, Ohio, sold their home at 4718 Arbor Gate Drive to Sandra Berry, of Bradenton, for $450,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,711 square feet of living area. It sold for $458,000 in 2024.
SOLERA Joshua and Erin Marie Clark, of Aurora, Colorado, sold their home at 17113 Reserva Drive to Blake and Taylor Henderson, of Bradenton, for $427,000. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,435 square feet of living area. It sold for $546,000 in 2022.
TERRACE AT LAKEWOOD
NATIONAL
Alfred Alan Henke and Sandra May Hagenbrock, trustees, of Venice, sold the Unit 711 condominium at 17118 Vardon Terrace to William Joseph Yankow, of Orlando, for $362,500. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,286 square feet of living area. It sold for $455,000 in 2022.
LAKE VISTA RESIDENCES
Deborah Vainieri, trustee, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the Unit D-306 condominium at 7702 Lake Vista Court to Jansan Rhoads and Thomas Chandler Rhoads, of Rexburg, Idaho, for $360,000. Built in 2007, it has two bedrooms, two-and-ahalf baths and 1,762 square feet of living area. It sold for $475,000 in
Dr. Kansara
at Coastal Eye Institute, is a leading expert in the field of ophthalmology, specializing in:
• Glaucoma Management & Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Procedures
• Micro-Incision Cataract Surgery
• Routine Eye Care
His patient-centric approach ensures personalized treatment plans that cater to your unique eye health needs.
Whether you’re seeking preventative care or battling an eye condition, Dr. Kansara’s expertise and compassionate care can guide you towards improved vision and a healthier lifestyle. He is dedicated to staying at the forefront of ophthalmic advancements, offering the latest treatments and technologies to deliver the best
outcomes for his patients.
Don’t miss this opportunity
SPORTS
FAST BREAK
Anew high school football season in Florida is set to begin July 28 with noncontact practices. Contact practices begin Aug. 2. The Out-of-Door Academy had an 8-1 season in 2024 that ended in the Sunshine State Athletic Association 5A state semifinal round. Lakewood Ranch finished last season 6-5 and Braden River had a 2-7 record.
... Lakewood Ranch resident Kevin Roy finished tied for 35th place in the Barracuda Championship — a modified stableford format competition — from July 17-20 at Tahoe Mountain Club in Truckee, California. Roy earned $19,500 for his performance and has now earned $1.526 million on the PGA Tour this season. He currently ranks 76th on the FedExCup Playoff and Eligibility Points List, just six spots shy of qualifying for the FedEx St. Jude Championship, the first of three FedExCup Playoffs, which takes place from Aug. 7-10.
... Former Lakewood Ranch High baseball player John Schroeder has spent his summer playing for the Trenton Thunder of the MLB Draft League since graduating from Florida Atlantic earlier this year. Schroeder is hitting .206 with a .319 on-base percentage, six doubles, two triples, a home run, 22 runs and 12 RBIs in 33 games for the Thunder.
... East County resident Ava DiPasquale, a member of the Sarasota Tsunami Swim Team, finished in first place in the 400-yard IM, second place in the 200-yard IM and the 200yard fly and third place in the 100-yard fly in the 13-14 age division at the Florida Summer Age Group Championships from July 10-13 in Ocala.
Jodi O’Neill and Mary Heyde tied for first place in the Oven Holes individual low net nine hole Ladies Golf Association event July 17 at University Park and Country Club.
“We’ve been getting more work done in less time, and I think that’ll better prepare us for the games.”
Paradise lost
The soon-to-be professional soccer club will have a new look in 2026.
VINNIE PORTELL STAFF WRITER
Felipe Rojas sat in silence alone on the bench after the Sarasota Paradise’s 2-1 playoff loss July 20 to Fort Lauderdale United at Premier Sports Campus Stadium in Lakewood Ranch.
Rojas grew up playing soccer in the Sarasota area, and eventually at Riverview High School. Playing for the Paradise the past three years has given him a chance to fulfill dreams that might not have otherwise materialized.
“It means the world,” Rojas said. “My dream was to play at a high level, play in front of thousands of people, and play for my hometown. Getting to see my loved ones here supporting me and getting to see the local crowd finally have a soccer team is testament to what Marcus Walfridson (the team owner) has built, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
Rojas, 27, said he is “getting up there in age,” and isn’t sure if he will be invited back to play next season. He isn’t alone.
For Rojas and many of his teammates, there is a good chance that the team’s loss in the semifinal round of the USL League Two Southern Conference playoffs will be the last time they suit up for the Paradise.
Next year, the club will move up to USL League One — a professional level of soccer with better competition.
That means the amateur team that Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch residents have come to embrace could have an entirely new look next summer.
Paradise head coach Mirko Dakovic isn’t immune to the potential changes coming to the club.
“I’ve been coming here since I was 8 years old,” said Dakovic, who is from Toronto, Canada, but has visited the area since his childhood when his parents purchased a home in North Port in 1984. “This is home to me. I wear the crest on my heart.
What happens going forward is out of my hands. I’m ready to go into battle for the club if they call on me at any point. I’m proud of my two years here. I’ve put my heart and soul into it.”
Though the Paradise might be forced to part ways with players and coaches with local ties, it could be in the best interest of its sustainability.
SARASOTA PARADISE PLAYERS WITH REGIONAL TIES
Kai Tamashiro: IMG Academy
Enzo Panozzo: MG Academy
Gabe Velasco: IMG Academy
Angel Velasquez: IMG
Academy
Ryan Sims: Riverview High
Felipe Rojas: Riverview High
Andres Freire: Riverview High
Daniel Freire: Riverview High
Chris Solari: Riverview High
Jivan Rodriguez: Sarasota
native
“Getting to see my loved ones here supporting me and getting to see the local crowd finally have a soccer team is testament to what Marcus Walfridson (the team owner) has built, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
Felipe Rojas
Continuing that forward progress at a higher level of play, and building its fan base, will likely require a winning product on the field.
Rojas, who also is the head of marketing for the Paradise, said having local players is important, but the Paradise needs to win to reach its goals. “If it’s local players, that’s great,” he said. “But it’s most important we have a team that will take us far.”
The club won its second consecutive South Florida Division title this year, and hosted playoff matches for the first time in club history.
The USL League Two club has made significant strides in its threeyear history. After playing its games at Sarasota High School in front of a few hundred fans for its first two seasons, the Paradise moved to Premier this summer and averaged more than 1,200 fans per match.
If the Southern Conference playoffs are an indication of what’s to come, the team should be able to build its fan base.
The 1,235 people in attendance who came out on a Sunday night — and waited around for a heat and humidity delay that pushed a 7:30 p.m. start past 8 p.m. — were rowdy and excitable.
Fans chastised referees on arguable calls, cheered boisterously when forward Romeo Dahlen scored on a header off a corner kick in the 47th minute, and some fans hung around to console the players after the defeat. It remains to be seen whether that same level of investment continues next season with a new roster at a higher level of play.
“The level difference is rough,” Walfridson said of the move up to USL League One. “I’ll be surprised if you see more than three guys from this roster next year. It’s a big difference. We have some talent and some guys who potentially can make it, but I would say three to five guys could, if we even get to three.”
— Lakewood Ranch High’s Jake O’Neal SEE PAGE 28
Vinnie Portell
Braden River quarterback Louisen Desinor, who transferred in from Southeast this past spring, will attempt to help turn the Pirates into a winning team in his junior season.
Paradise players Owen Barnett, Andres Freire and Jeffrey White helped lead the team to a division championship this season, but might not return in 2026.
Photos by Vinnie Portell
Weston FC player Michele Di Miele guards Felipe Rojas of the Sarasota Paradise June 28 during a USL League Two regular-season game. Rojas is one of several local players who faces an unknown future with the club.
Romeo Dahlen heads in a goal for the Paradise in a 2-1 loss to Fort Lauderdale United in the semifinal round of the Southern Conference playoffs on July 20 at Premier Sports Campus.
ODA’s conduit for college football connections
Josh Medeiros is the type of person who spends 30 minutes each night profiling each player who is eligible for the NFL Draft.
Medeiros is so into sports, he is a Dallas Cowboys season ticketholder despite living in Lakewood Ranch. He cried at the final at-bat of Derek Jeter’s career, but didn’t cry at his own wedding.
That devotion has made The Out-of-Door Academy head football coach Rob Hollway realize that Medeiros would be the perfect person to connect his program with college recruiters.
“Josh is a great example of how high school football is evolving,” Hollway said. “It’s harder to get top players or retain top players because they want to go where they’re going to get an opportunity to play at the next level.”
Within 30 minutes of speaking with Medeiros, it was clear he’s the right man for the job.
Despite being a husband, father, and head of revenue strategy and operations of TriNet, a humanresources consulting company, Medeiros still finds time to help ODA as the special teams coordinator, wide receivers coach, head of football operations and director of recruitment.
That type of dedication requires a minute-by-minute curation of Medeiros’s daily calendar — another job he’s well suited to do.
He said his day typically begins at 5 a.m. with football and workday preparations, followed by a trip to the gym and then he drops his children off at school. When his work day wraps up, it’s back to the drawing board for football research, followed by playtime with his kids and then some more football and work-related prep before bedtime.
“Sometimes at gymnastics, I’ll be messaging a college football coach on Twitter (X) while my daughter is doing a split in front of me,”
Medeiros said. “I try to multitask as best I can. I think I owe it to my players ... that’s kind of the badge of honor I take. These kids are such amazing kids and such amazing student-athletes that they deserve the exposure and to have conversations with college coaches.”
Medeiros has since applied his obsession with research to connecting ODA players to potential college suitors.
Whenever he encounters a college football coach, there’s a good chance Medeiros already knows their playing and coaching background and what type of player they’re trying to recruit.
One prime example of Medeiros’ impact is Frankie Clark, a 2025 graduate.
Clark was an all-around standout with the Thunder. He amassed 187 rushing yards and two touchdowns on offense, along with 30 tackles, an interception, and three pass breakups across nine games on defense.
Clark, who has family in Ohio, wanted to play college football closer to family, and Medeiros helped him receive offers from the University of Mount Union in Alliance, Ohio, and John Carroll University of University Heights, Ohio, by working his magic at a local recruiting fair.
“He had a couple of offers early, and I thought he was a perfect fit for a recruiting fair,” Medeiros said. “We ended up getting him five or six colleges who were offering him full rides to play D III highacademic schools, and he ended up committing to John Carroll, which was at the recruiting fair. We saw
what kind of impact that could make.”
The fact that ODA needs a director of recruitment speaks to the growth of the program in the past few years.
Four years ago, the Thunder went 0-5 and ended their season early when players refused to finish the season.
This past year, ODA finished 9-1 and sent three players — Clark, Carson Fisher (Denison) and Marvin Palominos (Middlebury) — to collegiate football programs.
The upcoming senior class looks to be even more promising, headlined by running back/linebacker Allen Clark, who rushed for 1,524 yards and 22 touchdowns this past season.
There’s tangible evidence that college football programs are becoming more aware of ODA’s talent, as well. Medeiros said representatives from 11 college football programs visited the team this past spring, compared to just four the
year prior.
Other rising seniors with nextlevel potential include kicker/ punter/wide receiver/safety Dylan Walker, tight end/defensive end/ outside linebacker Winston Crisci and tight end/middle linebacker Heath DeRusso.
Medeiros and Hollway took those players to a Boston College megacamp in July to further their exposure, and from what I’ve learned about this coaching staff so far, that’s just the beginning of the work they’ll do to find them a place to play beyond ODA.
File photo
ODA rising senior Allen Clark (No. 17) is a player Thunder coaches have said will garner significant interest from college football recruiters this year. Josh Medeiros, director of recruiting, is determined to make that happen.
Vinnie Portell
Image courtesy of Josh Medeiros
Josh Medeiros, The Out-of-Door football assistant coach and director of recruiting has helped put Thunder players on the radar of college football coaches.
SWIMMING LESSONS
ATHLETE
The Lakewood Ranch High baseball team finished 6-18 last season and hired a new head coach, former Major League Baseball player Ian Desmond. Rising senior third baseman/ shortstop Jake O’Neal is expected to be a pivotal part in a turnaround. O’Neal was named the most valuable player of the 2025 17U Perfect Game BCS Qualifier event at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers May 30-June 2.
When and why did you start playing baseball?
I started playing T-ball probably when I was about 4 or so in St. Pete. It was my first favorite sport, and I love it.
What’s been the best part of this summer?
It’s been fun playing against top talent from across the country (with Perfect Game). We played in Georgia and Alabama. Everyone around you is good, so it makes it more competitive and fun.
What’s your favorite all-time baseball memory?
Probably my first home run when I was 11. I hit my first home run on my mom’s (Lyndee O’Neal) birthday. It was at a travel tournament at Braden River. It was pretty funny because I had no idea it was gone and I was sprinting all the way around second base.
What do you think of having a former MLB player as your head coach?
It will help us develop and possi bly help more kids get into college. We had never had practices in the summer before, so this is new, and he seems interested in improving the team and making Lakewood Ranch a top program in the area.
Why will Lakewood Ranch baseball be better this year? Getting in the weight room is a big part of it. We need to
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.
get stronger in general. We’ve had better run practices. We’ve been getting more work done in less time, and that will better prepare us for the games.
What has gone right for you personally in your development? Becoming stronger. I’ve always been a good player and I’ve always practiced a ton on my own, but getting in the weight room and getting stronger has helped a lot. I have a better arm, and I’ve been hitting the ball harder and for extra-base hits.
What is your most humbling moment in baseball?
My freshman summer, I didn’t have a good summer, and it opened my eyes that I needed to work on getting stronger. I saw other kids succeeding around me, and it opened my eyes.
If you’re not playing baseball, what are you doing?
I play baseball almost all the time. I go to the YMCA. I play whiffle ball and basketball with my friends.
Who is your favorite baseball player and why?
My favorite baseball player of all time is definitely Evan Longoria. He was the best player on the team and he’s a third baseman.
Finish this sentence. Jake
NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH
CHANGES OF SCENERY by Sam Cordes, edited by Jared Goudsmit
By Luis Campos
INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888 redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages
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.. DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at Noon Service Directory - Friday at 3PM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card
A Landmark Sale in Lakewood Ranch
This remarkable sale – achieving one of the highest prices per square foot in Lakewood Ranch history –was under contract in just two weeks. The Shanahan Luxury Group continues to raise the bar for sellers through strategic marketing, expert presentation, and skilled negotiation. In a market where every detail matters, choose the professionals with a proven track record of success. Contact us when you’re ready.
