ECO22819

E A ST COUNTY

1 SEASON

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Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998

SEASON

SEASON

SPRING 2019

T H E O B S E R V E R ’S TS G U I D E TO T H E A R AND SOCIETY

MUSIC DANCE ART THEATER BLACK TIE

INSIDE

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

•

FREE THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

VOLUME 21, NO. 15

YOUR TOWN

Lake Lincoln do-over 9-year-old Tara development dispute begins again. PAGE 4A

Andrew Atkins

Bayside impact Two-hundred-and-twothousand.

That’s how many meals volunteers at Lakewood Ranch’s Bayside Community Church aimed to pack Feb. 18 at its Mobilepack event.

The event ran several days and included volunteers GreyHawk Landing’s Breanne and Harper Ellis (above). Volunteers prepared and packaged meals to be sent to starving children across the world.

“The biggest thing is teaching our kids and our community that it’s not all about us,” Breanne Ellis said.

The event was in collaboration with the nonprofit organization, Feed My Starving Children.

‘Volunteer Extraordinaire’ Ms. Hilda has been an extraordinary volunteer at Bashaw Elementary since 1987. SEE PAGE 8A

Andrew Atkins

Daniel Meiler embraces his great-grandmother, Hilda Hamrick, in the office at William H. Bashaw Elementary.

Courtesy photo

The cost of access

Blue-ribbon day East County’s Prospect Riding Center saw its student, Sydney Andrews (above), earn two first-place ribbons and a grand championship in the Senior Walk Trot class Feb. 17 during the Featherstone Horse Show in Sarasota.

Riding “Just a Winner,” Andrews also won a firstplace award and a reserve championship in the Cross Rail Hunter Over Fences class.

She is trained by Prospect’s R.J. Deisterhoft.

Government websites struggle to pay for Americans with Disabilities Act compliance.

SEE PAGE 3A

BLACK

TIE 70 years of Sarasota Orchestra.

INSIDE

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

AWARD WINNERS Firefighter of the Year: Todd DePatie Fire Officer of the Year: Casey Lambert Rookie of the Year: Jennifer Diaz 30 years of service: Lt. Brian Kalmbach 40 years of service: Chief Lee Whitehurst

Fire Officer of the Year Casey Lambert

Photos by Jay Heater

Firefighter of the Year Todd DePatie

Fire up the awards East Manatee Fire Rescue honors its top firefighters.

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

Todd DePatie, an engineer firefighter with East Manatee Fire Rescue, tells the story now, and can smile.

It was a few years back and he drove his engine to a call at Hun-

sader Farms in response to a fire.

His fellow firefighters were ready to do their thing, but there was one hitch. No water.

The engine wouldn’t go into pump mode.

DePatie said it is his responsibility to get water to the people on the nozzle, and he quickly began troubleshooting. Unfortunately, nothing worked.

Then he thought about something rather simple. He turned the truck off, and then turned it

back on again. The water started to flow.

“That was the last thing we tried,” he said. “Turn it off, turn it on.”

Perhaps it’s a good example of the thought Braden Woods’ DePatie takes to work with him each day. Nothing is too minor or simple to ignore.

On Feb. 18 at the Board of Fire Commissioners meeting, his peers let him know his attention to detail on a daily basis does not

go overlooked. He was honored as the East Manatee Fire Rescue Firefighter of the Year.

“I was very surprised,” said DePatie, who has worked for the district for 14 years. “A lot of guys who work here are deserving. I think you have to work hard, and be dedicated. There’s a lot of training ... that’s big in this department. But it’s hard to say why I won. I try to show up and be prepared to do my best. I enjoy being busy.”

Battalion Chief Kyle Taylor said DePatie’s extra effort led to the recognition.

“He will take care of everything and anything around the station,” Taylor said. “Quite honestly, you don’t hear much from him. You just hear someone say, ‘Who took care of that?’”

DePatie did want to mention that he worked with and learned from Lt. Richard Dunkum, now retired, for 13 years.

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“He was a great mentor,” he said. “The fire service is a brotherhood. We all work together.”

Alongside DePatie, Casey Lambert earned the Fire Officer of the Year Award.

Lambert joined East Manatee Fire Rescue at the same time as DePatie, 14 years ago. He ascended to battalion chief a year ago.

“I am humbled by this,” Lambert said. “At the end of the day, we do what we do for the citizens.

But it was a prideful moment.”

He said he would never have expected to have been honored during his first year as a battalion chief.

“It has been a huge learning curve,” he said. “Being in charge of an entire shift ... that’s six stations, the personnel, the apparatus. You have to mix with a lot of personalities.”

Lambert said he simply tries to be himself, as well as being hands-on when possible, such as helping to wash trucks or doing other chores.

His area of responsibility is real estate maintenance.

“I am responsible for toilets to roofing,” he said with a laugh.

When he joined the department 14 years ago, he never aspired to being a battalion chief.

“It’s night and day,” he said.

“When I was a rookie, it was all about being a fireman. You don’t think about the business aspect.

You look at a budget, and it’s just a bunch of numbers on a page.”

Lambert lives in Myakka City with his wife, Jeanne, and 7-yearold son, Colton. DePatie and his wife, Alison, have four children, 20-year-old Harley, 16-year-old Sydney, 12-year-old Owen and 7-year-old Cale.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

New look

for government websites THE ISSUE The Americans with Disabilities Act is a 1990 civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability.

Randy Reed, assistant technology coordinator for Lighthouse of Manasota, an organization to educate and empower individuals affected by vision loss, said under the ADA, people with disabilities have the right to “reasonable accommodations.”

That historically meant physical accommodations such as the right to use the bus or subway. More recently, however, the interpretation of those accommodations have expanded.

The Department of Justice is considering whether to force entities that run a website offering products or resources to the public, to have their websites coded in such a way that it works with screen readers, programs that read text aloud to visually impaired users.

Such enhancements are also used by individuals with dyslexia or brain injury.

Formatting also can make the websites easier to use by visually impaired individuals.

Agencies try to absorb cost of becoming ADA compliant on their websites.

PAM EUBANKS SENIOR EDITOR

S

ince losing more than half her vision in 2014, Lakewood Ranch resident Virginia Craig has had to make adjustments, like riding the bus instead of driving.

She can still read, but she has to close one eye to do it. The other eye only has partial vision. It can be challenging, especially on the computer, when websites use serif fonts or text that is small.

“There’s a lot of communities talking about issues that are impactful to me,” Craig said. “I need to be able to get to them.”

Counties such as Sarasota and Manatee, and other government agencies like community development districts, are working to better accommodate individuals like Craig by making websites complaint with Americans with Disabilities Act regulations. The changes focus on ensuring websites have features like options to enlarge text. Other changes use fonts in styles, sizes and colors that are easier for visually impaired users to see.

At present, the Department of Justice is considering whether ADA compliance is required by law for government websites.

ADA compliance has been interpreted to deal with only physical locations. However, more than 300 lawsuits were filed in Florida in 2017 claiming ADA compliance should include websites. A Department of Justice ruling is expected before the end of the year.

Government agencies, meanwhile, have attempted to insulate themselves against possible lawsuits by upgrading websites so they are ADA compliant. The problem is the cost.

Manatee County spokesman Nicholas Azzara said the county launched an ADA-complaint website in summer 2018, but it had not addressed the issue of making PDFs and other documents on the site ADA-complaint.

“The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) generally requires state and local governments provide qualified individuals with disabilities equal access to their programs, services, or activities unless doing so would fundamentally alter the nature of their programs, services, or activities or would impose an undue burden,” Azzara said.

It has spent about $10,000 to train 40 employees on how to create ADA-compliant documents, to purchase ADA-compliant templates, letterheads or other commonly used documents, and to pay for a service that regularly scans mymanatee.org for noncompliant documents.

Manatee County was sued in March 2018 because many of the PDF documents on its websites were not usable by a screen

reader. Manatee County reached a settlement that requires it to have the new website fully compliant

by August. It also paid $16,000 to the complainant, Joel Price.

Azzara said the county is contemplating things like how many years of commission agendas should be online.

For example, the Feb. 26 County Commission agenda contained 1,289 pages. A subsequent joint meeting with Longboat Key commissioners added another 93 pages. If Manatee County had to convert all those pages to an ADA-compliant format, it would cost more than $4,000.

Other local governments are grappling with how to implement changes. In November, the city of Bradenton Beach shut down its website until it could make it ADA complaint. The site is still offline.

In East County, community development district boards are discussing how to become compliant in a cost effective manner.

Both the Heritage Harbour South and Waterlefe community development districts are considering

Photos by Pam Eubanks

Top: Lakewood Ranch’s Brandon Cox, 16, has been blind from birth. He said he prefers to use his iPhone to search for information online because it is easier to use than screen-reader programs, which “read” text from websites aloud.

Above: Virginia Craig chose her home at Colonial Grand at Lakewood Ranch so she could walk to the bus stop at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. She uses her iPhone to view the route schedule because it is too difficult to read it online.

CRITERIA FOR WEBSITE COMPLIANCE Although there are many specific criteria to make a website compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the basic concepts are: n All media that can be heard must offer a written description. n Sites must be properly built to let assistive devices read all visual elements aloud to blind and low-vision users. n Keyboard shortcuts must permit disabled users to navigate a page without using a mouse.

ADA Site Compliance

proposals from the website remediation company ADA Site Compliance to either retrofit existing websites or migrate website content to a ready-made ADA-complaint website.

For Waterlefe and Heritage Harbour CDDs, website remediation costs are between $3,900 to $5,900 and between $900$1,500 annually for continued website compliance (which includes two hours of consulting).

Cost to convert existing PDFs into ADA-compliant format is $2.90 per page. Additional consulting beyond two hours costs $190 per hour, according to the districts’ agenda documents.

“It’s an issue that’s impacting a lot of CDDs around the state,” Waterlefe Community Development District Chairman Ken Bumgarner said. “We’re trying to follow the rules and be compliant.

We’re going to do it.”

Waterlefe CDD Manager Greg Cox, of Rizzetta & Co., said the concept of ADA compliance may change how the boards conduct business. A monthly agenda package of 200 pages, for example, would cost $580, or $6,960 a year. Consequently, boards may choose to put less information online to limit costs for converting those documents.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

Development dispute begins again in Tara Manatee commissioners to reconsider Lake Lincoln settlement.

PAM EUBANKS SENIOR EDITOR

T

ara residents hope they now will be heard in a proposed development dispute between developer Lake Lincoln and Manatee County.

Hundreds of Tara residents are expected to fill the Manatee County Commission chambers at 1:30 p.m., March 7 when commissioners will reconsider commercial development at the western corner of Tara Boulevard and State Road 70.

In 2010, Manatee County commissioners denied development on the specific parcel, known as III-BB, but granted developer Lake Lincoln its other development requests at the same time.

Commissioners said Parcel III-BB could only be used as wetlands or for conservation.

“We’re asking the commission to honor the decision it made in 2010,” longtime Tara resident Cathy Woolley said. “This is a land-use issue.”

Lake Lincoln sued Manatee County in 2012, alleging property rights had been stripped from Parcel III-BB. Manatee County and Lake Lincoln in June 2017 came to a settlement agreement that would have allowed for Lake Lincoln to build on a roughly

3-acre portion of the 10-acre property.

The settlement had to be approved by a judge, but as the matter came before 12th Judicial Circuit Judge Lon Arend in September 2017, a group of Tara residents tried to stop it, claiming they had a vested interest in the outcome of the lawsuit.

Arend allowed the Tara Master Association and Fairway Gardens II at Tara Condominium Association to legally contest the settlement. After hearing testimony and reviewing documents, Arend on Aug. 21, 2018 remanded the agreement back to Manatee County commissioners so they could conduct any proceedings needed to “address consistency with the Tara (Development of Regional Impact) Development Order and the Manatee County Comprehensive Plan,” Arend’s order stated.

Some Tara residents argue the settlement is not in the public’s best interest, as county attorneys and Lake Lincoln suggest, and development of the property violated Manatee’s land development regulations.

Residents of Tara say the parcel in question has environmental benefits, acting as the “sponge” for the area by collecting water after heavy rain events. They also believe access to and from the property will be a problem, causing unsafe driving conditions.

Development plans previously submitted to the county indicate Tara residents would not be able to

Pam Eubanks

Tara residents Janet Reardon, John Leone and Wilma McCray (front) and Joyce Leone and Ray McCray (back) review documents related to the case.

access the parcel from Tara Boulevard, but instead would have to leave their community and travel on State Road 70 to get into it.

“It’s been our position since 2010 that nothing should be built on that corner,” said John Leone, president of the Tara Master Association. “Nothing has changed with that parcel except everything has gotten considerably worse — traffic, stormwater, egress and ingress.”

After Tara’s developer Lake Lincoln sued Manatee County in 2012, Manatee County commis-

sioners stood by their decision.

In June 2016, commissioners rejected an offer to settle for $2.3 million or rehear the case.

That same month, the county attorney’s office advised against a second mediation with Lake Lincoln, saying the company had previously negotiated in “bad faith.” One year later, commissioners were asked to approve a settlement to allow development on three of the 10 acres. Attorneys said they were prepared to defend the original land-use decision, but recommended approval of the

settlement offer in light of changes in property rights laws and how they have impacted other cases.

Commissioners voted 4-2 to settle. They will reconsider that decision March 7. Manatee County Attorney Mickey Palmer declined comment.

If county commissioners reapprove the settlement, the judge will determine if it follows county regulations and is in the public’s best interest.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

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Brain game LWR Savvy hosts Math24 tournament to sharpen math skills.

PAM EUBANKS SENIOR EDITOR

R

obert E. Willis Elementary School fifth-grader Jaxon Lemus huddled around a green picnic table with his friends at a park in Country Club East.

They were playing Game 24, and putting their minds to work.

Lemus faced a problem in a math game that had him and his friends stumped.

Two, seven, four and eight.

How could they combine those numbers, using addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, to come up with 24?

After a few minutes, they decided to skip it for an easier problem, but they did not lose their enthusiasm.

In moments, Lemus had solved the next problem, and on they went.

“I like math,” he said. “It’s my favorite subject.”

Lemus and his friends will participate in the inaugural Math24 Tournament — using the Game 24 design — from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., March 9 at B.D. Gullett Elementary School. Children from third through sixth grades will be presented with Game 24 cards con-

IF YOU GO

HOW FAST ARE YOU? Here are four sample questions. How fast can you answer them? Use the four numbers provided in three equations to come up with 24. Use each number only once. You can use addition, subtraction, multiplication or division.

A — 2, 7, 4, 8 B — 1, 22, 1, 23 C — 2, 2, 6, 9 D — 4, 8, 8, 1 (One of the correct solutions to each problem): Pam Eubanks

A: 7x8 = 56, 56/2 = 28, 28-4 = 24; B: 1+1 = 2, 2x23 = 46, 46-22 = 24; C: 6/2 = 3, 9+3 = 12, 12x2 = 24; D: 4+1 = 5, 8-5 = 3, 8x3 = 24

taining four numbers. They have to use each number — one time each — to find an answer of 24.

They are racing against their fellow students to see who can solve each problem the fastest.

Up to 100 children per grade level will compete for a chance at becoming the “grand champion.”

No preregistration is required, but contestants must bring a copy of their progress report, report card

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

Robert E. Willis Elementary School fifth-grader Jaxon Lemus, left, practices for the Math24 Tournament March 9 at B.D. Gullett Elementary.

or birth certificate to confirm their age and grade.

LWR Savvy, a Lakewood Ranch-based nonprofit providing children with educational opportunities, is organizing the first-time event. Its founder, Tara Bergstrom-Merino, of Greenbrook, said the tournament is a way to get students excited about academics.

“This is just a fun way to engage the kids in math,” BergstromMerino said. “It also works on their out-of-the-box thinking.”

Bergstrom-Merino said math

is taught differently than two decades ago, when children memorized multiplication tables.

Now, teachers focus on the concepts behind the math so they can do complex math without writing it down.

Game 24 challenges those playing to think quickly.

“This is really pushing them to get faster,” Bergstrom-Merino said. “A lot of times kids are not as excited about math. They don’t see the purpose. I want to give the kids an opportunity that is academically challenging and fun.”

MATH24 TOURNAMENT When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

March 9 Where: B.D. Gullett Elementary School, 12125 44th Ave. E., Lakewood Ranch What: Children in third through sixth grades will compete in a threeround, elimination-style tournament playing Game 24, a math game in which competitors race against each other to use the four numbers provided in three math equations (addition, subtraction, multiplication or division) to equal 24.

The first one with the correct answer wins that round.

Hosted by: LWR Savvy Schedule: 9-10 a.m. third grade; 10-11 a.m. fourth grade; 11 a.m. to noon; fifth grade; noon to 1 p.m. sixth grade; 1-1:30 p.m. thirdgrade championship; 1:30-2 p.m. fourthgrade championship; 2-2:30 p.m. fifth-grade championship; 2:303 p.m. sixth-grade championship. Award ceremony will be held from 3-3:30 p.m.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

LWR Talks features intelligence ANDREW ATKINS STAFF WRITER

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hose who attended the Feb. 19 LWR Talks event at the Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club were able to peek under the veil of the government’s intelligence community.

The guest speaker was Jay Rixse, a former member of the CIA and the Department of Defense for more than 30 years whose topic was “the president’s daily briefing.”

Rixse served as an executive secretary with the CIA and was a special assistant to the secretary and a deputy assistant secretary of defense for Defense for Europe & Nato with the Department of Defense.

Rixse had been responsible for overseeing the president’s brief, its preparation and delivery.

It was a topic that drew about 150 people to the second offering in the new speaker series by Lakewood Ranch, the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Ringling College and Lakewood Ranch Community Activities.

During the talk, Rixse discussed how intelligence analysts look at information differently. He also asked the audience to pretend they were covert CIA members and couldn’t acknowledge that they were ever in the agency.

Del Webb’s Madeleine Hess has attended both of the speaker series events and she said she

Andrew Atkins

Jay Rixse delivered a lecture Feb. 19 on the president’s daily briefing.

hopes there will be more. Hess brought along her neighbor, Shelia Mathis, who came to the event for the first time.

Hess applauded the series.

“The price ($10) is right and the learning has been excellent,” she said.

Cynthia Flacks attended the series’ first event, which drew about half the crowd, and this time brought her husband, Martin Flacks, with her. Both of them found the subject of Rixse’s talk interesting.

The four-part series has two events remaining and those who attended said they hope for more.

The next speaker is Alex Beavers, who is set to give a talk March 19 on artificial intelligence.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

7A

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19425 GANTON AVENUE $2,250,000

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8317 CATAMARAN CIRCLE $1,249,000

3224 FOUNDERS CLUB DRIVE $1,134,000

20504 65TH AVENUE EAST $1,125,000

7719 SUDBURY GLEN $950,000

6941 BRIER CREEK COURT $848,000

13408 MONTCLAIR PLACE $829,000

14911 CASTLE PARK TERRACE $739,000

14910 CASTLE PARK TERRACE $698,000

7520 WINDY HILL COVE $649,000

14610 NEWTONMORE LANE $640,000

7137 ASHLAND GLEN $620,000

5612 GOODPASTURE GLEN $599,000

12414 LOBELIA TERRACE $569,000

8361 SAILING LOOP $539,000

13205 BRIDGEPORT XING $535,000

13424 RAMBLEWOOD TRAIL $530,000

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7636 PORTSTEWART DRIVE $525,000

14615 SUNDIAL PLACE $498,000

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7218 BELLEISLE GLEN $459,000

Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Property information herein is derived from various sources including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

EAST COUNTY

She means ‘the world’

Observer

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

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944

At 86, Hilda Hamrick remains as sure as the mail at Bashaw Elementary.

Editor / CEO / Matt Walsh mwalsh@yourobserver.com Vice President / Lisa Walsh lwalsh@yourobserver.com Publisher / Emily Walsh ewalsh@yourobserver.com Associate PublisherEast County Observer / Lori Ruth lruth@yourobserver.com Executive Editor / Kat Hughes khughes@yourobserver.com Managing Editor / Jay Heater jheater@yourobserver.com Senior Editor / Pam Eubanks peubanks@yourobserver.com Sports Reporter / Ryan Kohn rkohn@yourobserver.com Staff Writer / Andrew Atkins aatkins@yourobserver.com Digital Content Producer / Brynn

ANDREW ATKINS STAFF WRITER

V

isitors looking for a parking spot at William H. Bashaw Elementary School might notice the sign in front of one of the spaces.

“Reserved Parking for Ms. Hilda,” the sign reads. “Bashaw Volunteer Extraordinaire.”

Who is Ms. Hilda? Ask the secretaries. Or the teachers. Or the students. Or anybody who has passed through the doors of the school since 1987, when Hilda Hamrick — Ms. Hilda — began volunteering.

Staff members had nothing but kind words about Hamrick, who turns 86 on Feb. 27 and still shows up to volunteer at the school for a few hours five days a week.

Alison Kendzior, senior secretary at the school, put it this way: “If the kids are here, she’s here.”

From the chairs near the front desk, visitors can’t see where Hamrick works, but a steady string of employees and children walking through the office lets folks know she’s there.

“Hi, Ms. Hilda,” says one student. “Good morning, Ms. Hilda,” chirps a staff member.

Hamrick began volunteering when her grandson, David Hamrick, started at the school in 1987.

She helped sort mail and corral the kids. These days, she mainly handles the mail, but another one of her grandchildren, Ryan Meiler, who attended in the late 1990s, said she used to be known as the “singing lady” when he was in school, singing hymns or Christmas songs if the season was right. These days, David Hamrick is a nurse practitioner, and Ryan Meiler owns his own landscaping company.

Hamrick’s daughter, Sarah Meiler, is a fifthgrade teacher at the school.

“It’s very special that I do get to see her every day,” Sarah Meiler said.

“She’s here every morning with a smile.”

Hamrick said she keeps coming back because the school is like a second family for her. The community rallied behind her when she fought colon cancer in 2003 and again when her husband, Jennings, died last year in January.

“It just keeps me going,” Hamrick said of her work.

“It’s what’s keeping me alive.”

Hamrick stays humble in her work.

“Just little odds and ends that I can do to help out,” she said. “I don’t think they give me enough to do.”

But to Kendzior, the work

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Above: Susan Meiler stands with her son, Ryan Meiler, behind her grandson Daniel Meiler and mother Hilda Hamrick.

Left: The volunteer has her own parking spot, reserved for all to see.

Hamrick does is anything but little.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s big or small, she does it with a great smile,” Kendzior said.

Kendzior said Hamrick eagerly picks up any slack around the school’s office and is there to assist anyone who might need a little extra help.

The difference Hamrick makes, Kendzior said, is the world.

“She’s a fixture at this school.

Everybody knows Ms. Hilda,” she said.

And Hamrick’s family history in the school spans four generations.

Daniel Meiler, a 5-year-old preK student at Bashaw, gets joy out of Hamrick’s presence because he gets to see her whenever he wants.

He makes sure he tells other students that’s his great-grandma.

Daniel loves her a lot, he said, and he also loves going to her

“Just little odds and ends that I can do to help out. I don’t think they give me enough to do.”

— Hilda Hamrick

house because she always has chocolate chip cookies.

Speaking of sweets, Kendzior said Hamrick is known to remember someone’s favorite treat and bring in cakes or other goodies for them.

“If she’s not here, we’re wondering why she’s not here,” Kendzior said.

And for Ms. Hilda, who said she loves everyone at the school, the time she volunteers doesn’t really feel like work.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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9A

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

JAY HEATER

A round of golf, family style H

ere’s rooting for the piein-the-sky guy.

That would be Chris Bradshaw.

It took only 18 holes of golf to realize this is a guy with a ultrapositive view on life, and business, and people.

Chris believes in loyalty, and that if you treat people like family, they will come back to your table for another heaping helping.

The table in this case is Heritage Harbour Golf & Eatery, previously known as Stoneybrook Golf Club before Chris, his brother, Jeff, and their dad, Gary, purchased the place a year ago along with a few other investors, such as PGA member Mark Bruce and Heritage Harbour resident Bryan Veith.

Now the golf business is a tough nut, kind of like hitting a 3-wood 225 yards from the rough, over a lake to the green.

Oh, and you have seven figures riding on the shot.

Chris is facing that shot at Heritage Harbour Golf & Eatery, and he honestly believes if he spreads goodwill through both his employees and customers, the positive vibes will insulate him against that errant shot that plunks into the lake.

About eight months ago, I played a round at Heritage Harbour and stopped at the bar afterward. The young woman who was bartending couldn’t say enough about the new owners and how much she loved her job now that things have changed.

If you have been around Chris,

you get it. He just makes you smile.

Unfortunately, not everyone smiles, and I saw the pain in his face as Chris explained he had to part with a few employees who didn’t want to get with the program. You could tell it was an honest anguish.

Chris doesn’t need a golf course. He has other business ventures with his brother and dad, such as Omega Science, where all-natural 100% hemp superfood is produced for dogs.

But he wanted to make a positive impact on people’s lives, he said, and he thought he could start with his new golf course employees and his customers.

It’s his first venture into “a people business.”

“There is a lot of learning,” he said. “But we’re here for the long haul. Our numbers are trending in a positive direction, and we are doing whatever we can to increase the level of our product, and that is golf, the driving range, food and service. I think people can see what we are doing and it should yield results in loyalty. We are trying to run it like a family.”

Fortunately, this particular business family includes Bruce, who has worked in the golf industry since 1993. He knows goodwill goes along way, but in golf, you putt for dough.

Bruce said that would have been tough a year ago because the greens were in bad shape.

“Primarily now, the greens are in a thousand times better shape,” Bruce said. “Our roots

Jay Heater

Heritage Harbour Golf & Eatery investor Bryan Veith enjoys a round with co-owner Chris Bradshaw.

are much deeper. That is because of some heavy summer maintenance. We aerated six times.

Usually you might do two.”

The greens already had the top golfing grass in TifEagle, so if the Bradshaw group could bring them back, it would be top notch all the way around. That has happened.

“People say they haven’t seen the greens in this good of shape in 10 years,” Bruce said.

The next item was clearing away the nuisance invasive bushes and grasses around the tee boxes, which in some cases prevented golfers from even seeing where their shots were headed.

“We peeled back the onion so the true architecture of the course could be seen,” Bruce

said. “We did some heavy cleanup.”

Last April, Bruce said he would see fewer than 100 golfers on the course at peak season. This year, that play has doubled.

“For us, it has been about customer recapture,” Bruce said.

Next came an upgrade in food service. While the clubhouse part of the business made up less than 10% of the course revenue in 2018, that percentage has increased to more than 30% as the Bradshaws have offered more special events, such as Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day events.

“But golf still is the motor for the whole thing,” said Chris.

Other improvements, such as dealing with subpar sandtraps, will be completed during a fiveyear re-establishment plan.

Oh, and there is one other thing. Chris’ uncle, NFL Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw, has been doing commercials for the course and plans to continue promotional efforts.

Chris is glad he has a secret weapon who can spread the word that Heritage Harbour Golf & Eatery is the pie-in-the-sky place to be.

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

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

A place to call home Foster care system in Manatee County has urgent need for more foster parents.

ANDREW ATKINS STAFF WRITER

Courtesy photo

Desiree Brown and Mia Pompey

On Jan. 1, 2014, Mia Pompey woke up and asked herself, “What is my purpose?”

As a family support worker at the Sarasota YMCA’s Safe Children Coalition, she wondered, “I work in this, so why can’t I give back?”

Now, the Heritage Harbour resident is in her sixth year as a foster parent.

Kristen Kandel, recruitment

specialist with the Safe Children Coalition, said about 1,500 children are being served by the coalition across Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties. There were 96 children waiting in shelters or group care who need foster homes as of Feb. 5, and there’s a need for more foster parents, she said.

“There’s so many people who can make a difference,” Kandel said. “We really do have a need.”

Kandel also noted that of the children who are placed into a permanent home, 89% in Mana-

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tee County and 93.4% in Sarasota County do not re-enter foster care within 12 months of their placement.

Pompey, who has three children of her own, helps address the need. In her time as foster parent, she has fostered 12 children. She said her instructions were to treat them as her own.

“How could you not?” she asked.

Pompey and her best friend, Carlton Arms’ Desiree Brown, met when they worked at a youth shelter. They are now both therapeutic foster parents, with Brown being a foster parent for about two years. As therapeutic foster parents, they received additional training in the process, and they take in children who might have higher needs. That might include mental health or behavioral needs.

“It’s a little bit more than the average foster parent would deal with,” Kandel said. “Some kids just have hard needs.”

Pompey and Brown, who are both family support workers for the Safe Children Coalition, were licensed through a subcontractor for the Safe Children Coalition, Camelot Community Care, to avoid a conflict of interest.

The decision to be licensed as a therapeutic foster parent was simple for Brown.

“Everybody wants the normal kids,” she said. “Nobody wants the troubled kids. That’s all right.

I’ll take them. I’ve been working with at-risk kids for 15 years.”

Brown’s sentiment appears to be true. There’s a higher number of traditional foster home beds — the number of children that can be fostered — licensed by the Safe Children Coalition compared to the number of therapeutic foster home beds (318 to 45), according to the Florida Department of Children and Families. Statewide, the trend persists (9,916 to 928).

Both Brown and Pompey have had their share of crises during their time as foster parents.

One of Brown’s foster children, a 9-year-old boy, went through a phase where he threw a tantrum every time he didn’t get his way.

He’d kick and scream and hit himself, but Brown was there to help.

“I would have to sit and hug him for one, two, three, four hours until he fell asleep,” she said.

Pompey’s foster kids had similar tantrums, but each expressed their emotions differently, and Pompey had to handle them differently. Some needed space, others she also had to sit and hold and get them to calm down out of their emotionally tense moment.

“You have to take a deep breath, first of all, and get them to calm down,” she said.

Brown echoed that, noting that she finds her motivation in seeing the change and growth in a child.

“If I’m going to help them, I’m going to go all out,” she said.

While the number of licensed foster homes in the Safe Children Coalition network is among the highest ever at 197 homes caring for 271 children as of November, there’s still a need for more foster parents, Kandel said.

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

YOU DESERVE A RAISE!

3.25% APY

1

15-Month Grow Certificate Account & IRA Certificate Account2

File photo

It was off to the races last year during the Take Stock in Children 5K.

Take Stock 5k coming March 3

Show us a competitor’s rate and we’ll match it!1 Minimum $500 deposit in new funds 3.35% APY1 on deposits of $100,000 or more

OPEN YOUR ACCOUNT AT OUR MANATEE COUNTY LOCATIONS:

Bradenton

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4018 14th St. West (US 41) Bradenton, FL 34205 p. 941.827.4100

11008 Arcade Pl. Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211 p. 941.827.4100

ANDREW ATKINS STAFF WRITER

E

arning a mentorship and the promise of a scholarship from funds raised by the Take Stock in Children race made all the difference in Albert Medrano-Lopez’s life.

Medrano-Lopez, a senior at Braden River High School, began to receive the mentorship and guidance when he was in the fifth grade at Manatee Charter School.

“I sort of stumbled into it, but the effect that it’s had on my life is actually pretty tremendous,” he said. “It pushed me and encouraged me to get my act straight.”

On March 3, the 10th annual Take Stock 5K will be trying to

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Who Says You Can’t Have it All?

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raise funds to make a huge difference in other students’ lives.

Take Stock Manatee Executive Director Jamie Serino said a scholarship from the race is awarded to a student who qualifies in terms of academic aptitude and financial need from each school that registers 300 entrants. This year, the organization hopes to award eight scholarships, he said.

This year, Serino anticipates approximately 2,000 competing in either the 5K or fun run.

Along with scholarship money, mentorships are a big part of the Take Stock program. Mentors meet with students to listen and provide guidance. One mentor, Tangelo Park’s Walter Pascal, has attended the event every year, except one, which the 76-yearold missed due to a medical issue.

“We’ve got to support our kids.

They’re our next generation,” he said. “If our kids aren’t doing well, the community isn’t going to do well.”

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

COPS CORNER

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HEALTH OBSERVED

GETTING THE UPPER HAND WITH ARTHRITIS

Give your Hands a Break • If you have pain during an activity, stop the activity. Pain is one of the best ways your body has of letting you know that you are causing tissue damage, so listen to and respect your pain.

• If writing is painful, try using a thick, rubber grip pen with gel tip or roller ball to decrease the amount of pressure.

• Remember to stretch and take breaks every 15 minutes during repetitive or prolonged activities such as, painting, sewing, or woodworking.

• Use enlarged grips on equipment like potato peelers, toothbrushes, hairbrushes, or gardening tools to reduce strain on your joints.

• Keep scissors and knives sharp to minimize effort.

• Use two hands when lifting objects. Even lifting a gallon

COUSIN ATTRACTS FIREWORKS 2800 block of 48th Way East, Bradenton Firebombing: A man called the Sheriff’s Office because an unknown person had set off a firecracker in the screened entryway of his residence. The firecracker exploded, causing damage to the walls, door and ceiling of the entryway. The amount of damage caused is believed to be approximately $100. The man said his cousin moved into the home two weeks before, and this was the second time since that a firecracker had exploded on his property. He didn’t report the first incident because the firecracker went off in his yard and didn’t cause any damage.

Only a bomb-like explosion was heard and no one was seen leaving the area.

FEB. 8

TAKEN TO THE CLEANERS 7000 block of Westhill Court, Bradenton Scheme to defraud: A woman came to the Sheriff’s Office to report a scam. She said she had scheduled an appointment with a tile and grout cleaning service.

She said she had seen an advertisement for it saying the service would cost $199. A man from the service showed up and began cleaning. He told the woman he would use a grout sealant for an additional fee. It would come with a five-year warranty. The service would cost an additional $508.

The woman agreed, and the man said he only would accept

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Many with arthritis aren’t aware of options available to alleviate their symptoms. The most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint condition, and rheumatoid arthritis. Everyday activities such as preparing a meal, woodworking, carrying bags, or using your computer can damage your joints over time.

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FEB. 16

of milk can place excessive stress on your joints.

Don’t Use your Hand as a Tool • Use a letter opener for opening your mail.

• Don’t rip open sealed bags – use scissors.

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When Symptoms Become Severe If you’ve exhausted these techniques and continue experiencing symptoms, it might be time to see a hand and wrist specialist for an accurate diagnosis with treatment options. Treatment may consist of conservative hand therapy, strengthening, splinting, or nonopioid medication. For severe stiffness, an injection may relieve pain and improve mobility. If conservative measures are not successful, surgery may be an option. Joint replacement or joint fusion surgery has been consistently successful for both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

a check. The woman wrote him a check. He then told her to stay out of the way so he could work.

About 45 minutes later, she went to check on the man. He had not done any other work and had left.

FEB. 20

SUSPECT GAINED TWO POUNDS 200 block of Beacon Harbour Loop, Bradenton Mail theft: A man called the Sheriff’s Office to report a petit theft. The man had gone to get his mail and noticed a letter from his parents had been opened. The letter read, “enjoy a dinner on us.”

The man called his parents, who said they had sent him a $50 gift card to a restaurant chain. The man said the U.S. Postal Service advised him to call the Sheriff’s Office to make a report.

FEB. 16

AIR CONDITIONER WAS SHOT 18000 block of Prairie Wolf Glen, Bradenton Information only: A man called the Sheriff’s Office because an air conditioning repairman told him his unit had been struck by a bullet. The bullet must have been fired sometime during the previous night. The man found his air conditioning unit not functioning in the morning. He called the repairman, who located a bullet hole on the side of the unit and the bullet fragment inside of the condenser. The man turned over the fragment to the deputy, who responded to the scene. The deputy surmised the bullet was making its downward approach when it struck. Directly to the northwest is a farm field where it is common for people to hunt wild boars.

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FEBRUARY 28, 2019

HIGH

SPORTS

5

“I have always wanted to be the A.D. here at Lakewood Ranch. I am just happy to be here supporting the program.”

— Kent Ringquist SEE PAGE 19A

Pirates’ record run ends Braden River girls basketball team comes up one win short of state semifinals.

RYAN KOHN SPORTS REPORTER

N 1

Lakewood Ranch High boys basketball coach Jeremy Schiller was named the Florida Athletic Coaches Association District 16 Class 8A Coach of the Year on Feb. 20. Schiller led the Mustangs to a 21-6 regular season.

2

Lakewood Ranch High softball junior Brooklyn Lucero pitched four shutout innings, allowing one hit, and at the plate had a walk and an RBI in the Mustangs’ 10-0 seasonopening home win Feb. 20 against Venice High.

3

The Out-of-Door Academy girls lacrosse junior Hannah Greenblott scored five goals Feb. 20 in the Thunder’s season-opening 20-14 home win against Saint Stephen’s Episcopal.

4

Connie Thompkins (158) won the Women’s Championship Stroke Play event (overall gross) Feb. 2324 at Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club’s Cypress Links and King’s Dunes courses.

5

Jerome Brown (151) won the Men’s Championship Stroke Play event (overall gross) Feb. 23-24 at Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club’s Cypress Links and King’s Dunes courses.

MR. CLUTCH PAGE 18A

ot a single Braden River High girls basketball player left the postgame locker room talk with dry eyes.

The Pirates had suffered an agonizing, season-ending loss against Tampa Bay Tech in the Class 8A regional finals, with a trip to the state semifinals on the line. They received a herculean effort from sophomore guard O’Mariah Gordon — 42 points, nine rebounds, four assists, three steals and a block — in front of a raucous crowd, but could not make up for the Titans’ advantage in size and depth, and fell 77-66.

Pirates coach Stephanie Smith was intense throughout the night, throwing her towel when she realized the game was out of reach.

She, too, choked up following the conclusion of her first season at Braden River.

“These girls, I love them like my own,” Smith said. “It is heartbreaking to see the seniors go. It is heartbreaking to work so hard with this group and fall short, because they showed this school how to love basketball. And they did it playing Chicago-style basketball (extremely physical, aggressive play on defense), a way that no one (at the school) has ever seen. As a coach, I could not be more proud of them for believing in me as much as I believe in them.

“I literally packed up and drove down here 18 hours (from her last job in Illinois) for O’Mariah Gordon. They needed someone who would understand her talent. It has been a blessing, because it turns out they had nine other amazing players, too. I am proud of our seniors. I am going to miss them. I would not trade this team for [anything] in the world, even though we lost. I don’t care.”

The Pirates finished with a 20-2 record, the best in school history.

Smith isn’t satisfied with that.

She said she is focused on development, especially with players other than Gordon and junior Julia Rodriguez. They will lose three seniors, but just one starter, forward Mela Sharma. Another summer of high-level AAU ball will help Gordon and Rodriguez develop even further — they both play for the Florida Future — and freshman forward Isabelle Patterson should be ready to contribute more heavily in 2019-2020.

Tampa Bay Tech has four players 6 feet or taller in junior forward Kristen Sylvester (6-foot0), sophomore forward Jayla Murray (6-foot-1), freshman forward Amiya Evans (6-foot-2) and freshman forward Janiah Baker (6-foot-3).

Photos by Ryan Kohn

Above: A sad Braden River senior Mela Sharma (10) leads her team off the court.

Below: Braden River junior Julia Rodriguez drives to the basket against Tampa Bay Tech.

LOOKING FORWARD GRADUATING SENIORS n Mela Sharma, forward n Suleiny Pena-Infante, guard n Gelanda Veillard, guard RETURNING STARTERS n O’Mariah Gordon, guard (will be a junior) n Julia Rodriguez, wing (will be a senior) n Isabella Patterson, forward (will be a sophomore) n Kayla Banks, guard (will be a senior)

The Pirates’ tallest player, Sharma, is 5-11. Gordon is just 5-foot-4. The height differential led to the Titans getting 18 offensive rebounds. Smith said her team should have done a better job at boxing out and limiting those second-chance opportunities.

Gordon, the nation’s 11thbest player in the class of 2021, according to ESPN, did everything she could to earn a state semifinal spot. The Pirates led by two points at the half thanks to a Gordon fadeaway, buzzerbeating 3-pointer. But just before that shot, Gordon picked up her third foul, which changed the way she could play in the second half.

“I had to back off a little bit on defense,” Gordon said. “I could not go for some of the steals and blocks I wanted.”

Gordon said she was proud of the team’s seniors, especially Sharma.

“I loved playing with her,” Gordon said. “She is such a hard

worker.”

The Pirates will need to figure out a way to deal with tall teams in Sharma’s absence. But with Gordon and Rodriguez back and Smith’s coaching, the Pirates will be primed to be a state title contender again.

18A

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

PROSE AND KOHN

RYAN KOHN

Mustangs senior is the calm during the storm cleaning product. Knowing he is a big comic book and graphic novel fan, I decided to ask Young what his superhero name would be. He was not sure, but did say if he could be a superhero, he would want to model himself after Goku from the “Dragon Ball” manga (Japanese comics) series.

Why Goku?

“It’s less about his powers and more about his will,” Young said.

“He just keeps going, even when things are against him. Kind of like us tonight, with them getting close and us fighting and extending the lead late.”

Kind of like the Mustangs, and kind of like Young himself.

If the Mustangs win Feb. 26 against Riverdale High in the regional semifinals, Josh “Goku” Young and Lakewood Ranch will be back in action 7 p.m.

March 1 at home, against either St. Petersburg or East Lake for a spot in the state semifinals.

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

Ryan Kohn

Josh Young backs into a Gulf Coast High forward. He finished with 20 points and nine rebounds.

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points, saw their lead cut to four by the end of the third quarter.

Early in the fourth, Shaneyfelt missed a shot, but Young grabbed the rebound, went for a layup, got hit on the wrist — with no foul call — regained control of the ball, went back up for a layup, got hit again — this time the foul was called — and converted from the line.

Or this one with just more than two minutes to go, when up seven and trying to keep the Sharks at bay, the Mustangs inbounded the ball to Young, trusting him to go to the free throw line and hit both. He did, then hustled back on defense and collected another rebound.

On the Sharks’ next possession, Young intercepted a pass, essentially ending the game.

His coach loves the way he plays.

“Josh’s greatest strength is not being impacted by adversity,” Mustangs coach Jeremy Schiller said. “His faith is what guides him. You can tell he has a calm about him, even in really tough moments. The other part of it is, when those tough moments happen, you can see he wants to be an 18-year-old kid, but he challenges himself not to be and focuses for the team. That is why you see him have these big performances in big moments.”

Maybe Young deserves a better nickname than the mascot of a

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akewood Ranch High boys basketball senior forward Josh Young stands out through repetition.

He does not have the 3-point range of junior guard Keon Buckley, or the obvious athleticism of junior guard Christian Shaneyfelt. He gets noticed almost retroactively, after the team collects rebound after rebound and scores point after point and you realize his production has been substantial.

Perhaps Young deserves more credit, or perhaps a nickname.

You could call him “Mr. Clean” after the way the 6-foot-6 big man wiped the boards during the Mustangs’ 47-36 home win Feb. 21 against Gulf Coast High during the Class 8A regional quarterfinals (state playoffs round of 32).

Young finished with a team-high 20 points and nine rebounds against the Sharks, with four of the rebounds on offense. It seemed like more than four offensive rebounds. Maybe that was because they occurred when the Mustangs needed a bucket, and Young converted after each one of them.

“I think it gets us going,” Young said of his work on the offensive boards. “It get us more points. If I can get a rebound, I can kick it out or put it back up.”

Take this sequence, for example. The Mustangs, once up 12

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DIVISION OF SKYBOX SPORTS

Courtesy photo

Kent Ringquist is the new athletic director at Lakewood Ranch High.

Mustangs pick new athletic director Valid thru 3/31/19 Expires 3/31/19

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L

akewood Ranch High has found its new athletic director.

The school announced Kent Ringquist, 52, as the new athletic director Feb. 21.

Ringquist works as a physical education teacher at the school, where he has been since 2004.

During his time there, Ringquist has worked as a coach with the football, basketball and track and field programs.

The Moline, Ill., native received his bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University and his master’s degree from the University of South Florida.

“It is a dream come true,” Ringquist said. “I have always wanted to be the A.D. here at Lakewood Ranch. I am just happy to be here supporting the program.

“We want to maintain what we are doing here now. We do really well in all our programs here, but we want to take it to the next level.

We are going to try to get more of a community. We also want to con-

tinue to have success in sports as well as in the classroom.”

Ringquist replaces Shawn Trent, who left to become the athletic director at the new North River High in Parrish after 14 years with the Mustangs.

Trent followed former Lakewood Ranch Principal Craig Little to the school, and brought the school’s former football coach, Christopher Culton, with him.

Ringquist said hiring a football coach will be a top priority and is hoping to find the right candidate within two to four weeks.

Spring football practice is scheduled to begin April 22, according to Florida High School Athletics Association rules. The Mustangs went 0-10 in Culton’s lone season, and have not won more than six games in the program’s history.

Overall, the athletics at the school have been strong, with Lakewood Ranch finishing in the Top 10 for the FHSAA AllSports Award for its class seven consecutive times (2010-2011 through 2016-2017), and winning it in 2011-2012. The school also won the FHSAA Academic Team Champion award for its class every year over that timeframe before finishing second in 2017-2018.

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MALLORY PARK 11404 Golden Bay Place $475,000 Jim Soda & Donna Soda 941.961.5857

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LAUREL OAK 7811 Allen Robertson Place $730,000 Corbett Donovan & Lauren Holt 941.232.5672

VILLAGES OF PALM AIRE 7110 Treymore Court $575,500 Thomas Netzel 941.539.0633

GREENBROOK 14717 Sundial Place $464,900 Ashley Dooley 941.400.1551

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SUMMERWOOD 2 1731 Old Summerwood Boulevard $415,000 Bridgett Byzewski 941.780.0462

LAUREL OAK ESTATES 2900 Alex Mckay Place $1,199,000 Jerry Zaback 941.350.6885

BOCA ROYALE 22 Boca Royale Boulevard $829,900 Bob Linthicum 941.228.9206

COUNTRY CLUB EAST 14203 Kinglet Terrace $725,000 Christine Mazur 941.374.4015

SANDHILL PRESERVE 11190 Sandhill Preserve Drive $559,000 Joel Schemmel & Sharon Chiodi 941.587.4894

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LONGBOAT KEY | 941.383.1526 RENTALS | 941.364.4032

THE LAKE CLUB 16204 Daysailor Trail $1,097,000 Laura Stavola 941.447.4875

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LAUREL LAKES 2776 Harvest Drive $549,900 Larry Johns & Jill Johns 941.266.8814

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BRADENTON 7910 Sloane Gardens Court $1,060,000 Laura Pearson & Don Wood 941.993.5167

UNIVERSITY PARK COUNTRY CLUB 7651 Heathfield Court $799,000 Toi Estes 941.896.2317

EDGEWATER 6616 Nautica Drive $585,000 Stacy Tocci 941.592.6002

BOCA ROYALE 61 Cayman Isles Boulevard $479,000 Dan Olson & Maryanne Kurtz 941.223.0037

LAKEWOOD RANCH 14406 Whitemoss Terrace $360,000 Jim Soda & Donna Soda 941.961.5857

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Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. Property information herein is derived from various sources including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate. Source: BrokerMetrics, All SF, January 1 through December 31, 2018. *Landscape with Gates (detail) by Vasilyevich Lentulov used with permission.

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FEBRUARY 28, 2019

YOUR NEIGHBORS Batter up S

even-year-old Hunter Miller clung to the dugout fence Feb. 23 at the baseball fields at Lakewood Ranch Park and jumped up and down as one of his teammates on the Astros came to bat.

“You can do this!” he shouted.

The crack of the bat sounded, and Hunter jumped more wildly as a runner crossed the plate on a hit. The Astros were up 6-2 in the third inning.

It was opening day for the Lakewood Ranch Little League.

“I’m happy we got a run,”

Hunter said as put on his glove and headed toward the infield.

Lakewood Ranch Little League President David Bay said this year’s lineup is the second largest group in the league’s history, with 387 players ages 4-16. The day opened with introductions of teams and coaches, singing of the national anthem and other festivities.

While the Little League was celebrating its opening day, Miss Manatee Softball was celebrating its opening day on adjacent fields. ­­— PAM EUBANKS

John Rudolph, Elle Hildreth, coach Cory Hildreth, Caden Shirley, Joseph Ziegler and Tucker Pope represented their team, VFW Post 12055 during Opening Day ceremonies for the Lakewood Ranch Little League.

Lakewood Ranch Little League Astros player Hunter Miller watches as teammates try to score in the third inning.

Above: Miss Manatee Softball’s Lilly Russ picked up her first hit of the season on opening day.

Right: Miss Manatee Softball 9-year-old MacKenzie Pandelo is known by her teammates as “Macdiesel.”

Photos by Pam Eubanks

Lakewood Ranch Little League’s Giovanni Despinosa, 7, is ready to receive his first pitch of the year.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

Walk-a-Thon hits its stride

B

Photos by Andrew Atkins

Braden River Elementary Principal Hayley Rio assists a kindergartner from Vonda Falcione’s class, Lucas Dicesare, through the water tunnel.

raden River Elementary Principal Hayley Rio summed up why she loves the annual Walk-a-Thon on Feb. 22 at the school.

“These are the most fulfilling days of our job,” she said.

It was easy to see why. Children of all ages basked in the sun and fun of the event, which serves as both a way to get the students exercise while also raising funds for the school.

This year’s theme involved undersea life, so at the end of their approximately 1-mile journey, students found themselves running through a tunnel that sprayed water on them along with aquatic animal pool floats.

Students were then treated to music, dancing, hula hooping and ice pops.

— ANDREW ATKINS

Above: Kindergartners Vanessa Gonzalez-Perez, from Danielle Calabrese’s class, and Mattelyn Obey, from Kelly Withers’ class, walk together.

Left: Instructor Penny Stilson corrals the first-graders and passes out ice pops after they finish their route on the Walk-A-Thon.

Olivier Jeannot, a first-grader in Nancy King’s class, makes his way through the pool floats at the end of the WalkA-Thon’s route.

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The Pembrook features a spacious floor plan design, emphasizing flowing, open space connections among the great room, kitchen and dining room.

The study features a sophisticated coastal style by Romanza Interior Design.

through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

Visit anytime during the event and discover nature’s paradise with 700 acres of moss-draped live oaks, expansive conservation areas, sparkling lakes and championship golf. With only 262 single-family homes, The Founders Club offers large homesites blended into native Florida fauna and an intimate setting big on community camaraderie.

Be ready to be wowed: Created by the awardwinning team of luxury custom homebuilder London Bay Homes, the single-story model showcases the latest in luxury architectural and interior design with three bedrooms, four baths and 3,560 square feet of living space.

The Pembrook’s home design, which emphasizes flowing, open space connections among the great room, kitchen and dining room, is enhanced by Romanza Interior Design’s selection of handscraped and wire-brushed oak flooring in a grey mist finish.

Multiple boundary-blurring pocket sliding glass doors blend indoor and outdoor spaces making it the ideal setting for enjoying evening sunsets with a glass of Rosé. The great room opens to a covered terrace, while the bonus room’s zero-corner pocket sliders flow to a wraparound alfresco space offering living and dining areas and an outdoor kitchen – perfect for entertaining friends and barbecues grill nights with family.

A spa-like resort feel awaits in the master suite, where a private door also opens up to a sun deck perfect for catching the morning sunrise. Elevating the suite’s serenity status is a freestanding tub and a dramatic glass shower enclosure with only partial walls on either side in the master bath.

For visiting guests or children, two guest rooms feature en suite baths and walk-in closets on the opposite side of the home.

Located on almost half an acre, The Pembrook model home also overlooks a lake and is priced at $1.99 million.

Also available for viewing is the semi-furnished Isabella Grande, a three-bedroom, three-bath model offering a study, a formal dining room and

a butler’s bar. As you explore its 3,322 square feet of living space and venture outside, you’ll imagine entertaining neighbors and visitors in signature Founders Club-style.

Ten-foot sliding glass doors in the great room, cafe and private study open to outdoor destinations, including a patio, living area, outdoor kitchen and pool deck within a screened enclosure. The custom pool and spa provide a water soundtrack delivered by a bubbler feature and tiered spillover.

Designed around an open great room floor plan with views of a lake and nature preserve, The Isabella Grande features coastal contemporary architecture and finishes including rustic marble and wood flooring, driftwood and grasscloth accents and a palette of white, sand, cream and azure inspired by the seashore.

The Isabella Grande is priced at $1.49 million.

The homes are a symbol of the friendships and warm, old Florida hospitality that is part of the social

fabric of The Founders Club. Whether you’re an avid golfer looking to get on the course, where tee times aren’t required and crowds aren’t an issue, since membership is limited to 275, or wanting to stay fit by taking one of the community’s complimentary Pilates or yoga classes, The Founders Club offers a variety of appealing amenities and activities. HarTru tennis courts, basketball and sand volleyball courts and a picnic pavilion also offer residents spaces for gathering with neighbors, family and friends.

And just outside the gates, residents now have quick access through Lorraine Road to a host of activities, restaurants and events in Lakewood Ranch. Less than 20 minutes away, acclaimed local restaurants, boutiques, and arts and cultural venues in downtown Sarasota also offer residents convenient options for vibrant living, while pristine, white-sand beaches near the Sarasota Bay provide a tropical background for enjoying the outdoors.

The Isabella Grande model features multiple rooms and outdoor living areas overlooking a lake and nature preserve at The Founders Club.

For more information, call 941-404-3107 or visit www.TheFoundersClub.com.

298148-1

The Founders Club Sales Center is located at 3001 Founders Club Drive, three miles east of I-75 on Fruitville Road, Exit 210.

4B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

S’more fun in the community L

Six-year-old Haven Wiley and 7-year-old Payton Portale paint kindness rocks during the campout.

Amy Bower holds her baby, Anderson, while in front are Caroline Martin and Amy’s daughter, Vivian.

ONLINE See more photos at YourObserver.com Photos by Pam Eubanks

akewood Ranch 5-year-old Caroline Martin was a little nervous about the bugs that might crawl into her tent.

But as she sat at a picnic table Feb. 23 in the field at Greenbrook Adventure Park, her 6-year-old friend Vivian Bower assured her there was nothing to worry about during Lakewood Ranch’s first Community Campout.

“This is my first time sleeping outside,” Caroline said.

The girls had painted kindness rocks, covered a pine cone in peanut butter and bird seed and feasted on ice cream. But they were ready for more fun.

“We get to have s’mores and watch a movie and play in the park,” Vivian said.

That was all before they climbed into their sleeping bags and spent the night in a tent.

More than 40 families — about 150 people — participated in the event, hosted by Lakewood Ranch Community Activities Corp. and Lakewood Ranch Communities.

Guests decorated pine cones with peanut butter and bird seed during the campout.

A

— PAM EUBANKS

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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Join us on Main Street Lakewood Ranch

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a W e n i W NESDAY WED

Wednesday

East County’s Sage Pennenga, 3, had his alligator sleeping bag ready for camping.

5B

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

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Riverwalk’s Dylan Quaid, 12, gets help from his cousin, Aidan Mueller, of Sarasota, in setting up a portable table for his family. They camped with Dylan’s parents, Stacy and Bill Quaid.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

COMMUNITY CIRCUS SARASOTA Shows times vary through March 10. Circus Sarasota continues at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. Prices range from $12-$44. For tickets, dates and times, call 355-9805 or go to circusarts.org.

ROYAL LIPIZZAN STALLIONS Begins at 4 p.m. at 32755 Singletary Road, Myaka City.

The 10th annual Herrmann’s Royal Lipizzan Stallions Benefit performance will raise funds for ongoing care of the Myakka City Historic School House.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for children, cash or checks only. For information, call 322-1035 or email myakkacityschool1914@yahoo.com.

FRIDAY, MARCH 1

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6

THURSDAY, FEB. 28 TO SUNDAY, MARCH 10

MUSIC ON MAIN Runs from 6-9 p.m. at Lakewood Ranch Main Street. Music on Main will feature the live music of Jah Movement along with a disc jockey. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Taylor Emmons Scholarship Fund. For information, call 907-9243.

FRIDAY, MARCH 1 TO SUNDAY, MARCH 3

CIRQUE MA’CEO Begins at 6 p.m. Friday, 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday and 3:30 p.m. Sunday at Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary, 7101 Palmer Blvd., Sarasota.

Cirque Ma’Ceo is an equestrianthemed cirque show and is the main event of Big Cat Habitat’s Animal Extravaganza. Ticket options, some which include entrance into Big Cat Habitat, and information are available online at cirquemaceo.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 2

CASINO NIGHT Runs from 6-10 p.m. at Grove restaurant, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch. This casino-themed fundraiser benefits B.D. Gullett Elementary.

Tickets cost $50. For information, go to gullettpto.com.

Jay Heater

The polo match March 3 will feature a women’s tournament including Tito’s Kelly Beck and Whiskey Pond’s Holly Chamberlain.

BEST BET SUNDAY, MARCH 3

WOMEN’S POLO TITLE MATCH Gates open at 10 a.m. and the match begins at 1 p.m. at the Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Lakewood Ranch.

Enjoy live polo and tailgating every Sunday through April 14 at the Sarasota Polo Club. This Sunday, see the finals of the 2019 Sarasota Women’s Challenge Polo Tournament presented by Luhrsen Goldberg — Law Powered by Women. Just for Girls is the charitable beneficiary. The tournament features 12 women’s teams with players from across the country and internationally. For information, go to sarasotapolo.com.

BENEFIT 5K Begins at 9 a.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. The Prodigal Run 5K benefits the nonprofit Prodigal Daughters Journey Home Inc. The cost is $30. For more information, go to prodigalDaughters.net or call 302-5044.

SUNDAY, MARCH 3

TAKE STOCK 5K Begins at 8 a.m. at Main Street

at Lakewood Ranch. The Take Stock 5K benefits Take Stock in Children of Manatee’s mentorship and scholarship programs.

The top three finishers in males and females age group classes will receive medals. Plenty of food and beverage vendors will be on-site for the after-race party. Entry fees range from $15 to $45. Registration is now open at TakeStockManatee.org or in person at Fit2Run at the UTC mall.

THE MARKET Runs from 3-7 p.m. at the Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Lakewood Ranch. The Market is a weekly opportunity to shop for farm-fresh food, enjoy live music and events and mingle with other members of the community. Programming, activities and entertainment changes week to week. For more information, go to lakewoodranch.com.

FRIDAY, MARCH 8

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY LUNCHEON Runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Grove, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch. Habitat for Humanity of Manatee County and International Women’s Day present this event to celebrate women. Tickets cost $40. For sponsorship or ticket information, call Amy Van Dell at 748-9100 Ext. 107 or visit manateehabitat.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 9

IRISH CELTIC FESTIVAL Runs from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Greenbrook Adventure Park, 13040 Adventure Way, Lakewood Ranch. This event features the luck of the Irish with

traditional food, craft beers, hard ciders and live music and dance performances. Proceeds from the dog parade benefit the Humane Society of Lakewood Ranch. Admission is free. For information, visit lwrcac.com.

NATURE WALK Begins at 8 a.m. at Greenbrook Adventure Park, 13400 Adventure Place, Lakewood Ranch.

Join Lakewood Ranch Ambassador Greg Spring for a 2-mile, one-hour nature walk through some of Lakewood Ranch’s trails. Participants will meet at Greenbrook Adventure Park. For information, call 907-6000.

PONIES FOR PUPS Gates open at 11 a.m. at the Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Lakewood Ranch.

Enjoy an afternoon of polo and puppies to benefit Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue at the 10th annual Ponies for Pups event.

For information, visit facebook. com/PoniesForPups.

SUNDAY, MARCH 10

BACKYARD CONCERT SERIES Runs from 1-4 p.m. at Summerfield Community Park, 6402 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. The Tobacco Road Band will entertain during the free concert series event.

Guests can bring their own picnic or purchase food from food trucks. Parking is limited and shuttle buses will be available from Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch, to the park. For information, visit lwrcac.com.

Photo Courtesy of Sasaki and Agency Landscape + Planning

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297507-1

YOUR CALENDAR

6B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

|

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

Robert Toale & Sons,

Welcome to the Dignity Memorial family. ®

is pleased to welcome Robert Toale, Debbie Toale and their sons, Jason and Jeff, to our family of firms in Sarasota and Manatee County. As proud members of North America’s largest network of funeral, cremation and cemetery service providers, the Toale family will continue their commitment to serving families with personal, compassionate care.

THE DIGNITY MEMORIAL NETWORK

Stop by or call for a personal conversation with the Robert Toale family today.

In honor of the Toales and in recognition of their longstanding dedication to the Sarasota and Bradenton area communities, three local funeral homes have been renamed to reflect this change in leadership: > Palms-Robarts Funeral Home & Memorial Park is now ROBERT TOALE & SONS FUNERAL HOME AT PALMS MEMORIAL PARK • 941-371-4962

> Manasota Memorial Park & Funeral Home has been renamed ROBERT TOALE & SONS FUNERAL HOME AT MANASOTA MEMORIAL PARK • 941-755-2688

> Wiegand Brothers Funeral Home will be called ROBERT TOALE & SONS FUNERAL HOME – WIEGAND CHAPEL • 941-921-5755

In addition to these name changes, two of the funeral homes will undergo renovations to better serve our community with beautiful new facilities and enhanced capabilities. Rely on the Robert Toale family and your local Dignity Memorial professionals to help you and your loved ones celebrate each life like no other.

For more information, visit www.DignityMemorial.com.

298096-1

7B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

NEIGHBORS NOTES

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

SWAT presents ‘brag’ grant The Successful Women Aligning Together organization awarded The Mark Wandall Foundation of East County $2,396 at its annual Boots and Bling celebration Jan. 27 at Hidden Acres Barn in Palmetto.

The Mark Wandall Foundation serves children and teens in grief from the loss of a parent or loved one.

SWAT Executive Director Deb Gerard said the nonprofit collected “brag dollars” all year long from its members at its meetings. That money eventually is donated to a charity.

“What makes SWAT special is that we really care about one another” said Robyn Spirtas, founder and CEO of SWAT. “We

take the time to really know one another and support each other both personally and professionally.”

Parkinson Cafe moves The Neuro Challenge Parkinson Cafe will open March 7 at its new location at the Elan Manatee senior living community at 7350 55th Ave. E., Bradenton.

There will be a special program to celebrate the new location opening at 10 a.m.

The Neuro Challenge Parkinson Café program provides social, cultural and intellectual interaction for people living with Parkinson’s. The program is free, but registration is required by calling 351-6281. Go to parkinsoncafe. org for more information.

SMART receives $15,000 grant

campaign from November, which raised $6,200 for this project.

The Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy of East County has received a matching grant for $15,000 from the Bill and Maryann Vinall Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation.

SMART will use the money to light its new covered arena.

“Having a lighted arena has been high on our wish list,” Brandi Ezell, SMART executive director, said in a release. “We saw such a huge impact on our horses, students, instructors and volunteers when the covered arena was finished last August. But we have had to cancel or cut short our evening classes because of it getting dark so early.”

The matching grant complemented SMART’s Giving Tuesday

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8B

LECOM lands new academic partner Students of Schreiner University’s Kerrville, Texas, campus will be able to complete their medical education at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine School of Pharmacy or School of Dental Medicine in Lakewood Ranch or at LECOM’s other campuses.

Local students earn accolades East County’s Ryan Gumpper earned his doctorate from Georgia State University in chemistry in December. ... East County’s Ryan Vanlandschoot earned his doctor of chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic’s Florida campus in Port Orange in December.

East County’s Merritt Kendzior and Lakewood Ranch’s Megan Stevens have earned a spot on the dean’s list at Georgia Tech last semester. Students must maintain a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher. ... Lakewood Ranch’s Zachary Ben Zimmerman was named to the dean’s list at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn. Students earn the designation by carrying a GPA of 3.625 or higher.

East County’s Todd Humphrey was named to the dean’s list at Tufts University in Medford, Mass., Students must carry a GPA of 3.4 or higher for the recognition. ... Lakewood Ranch’s Kathryn Franchek earned a spot on the dean’s list at Palmer College of Chiropractic’s Florida campus in Port Orange. ... East County’s Lauren Parent, Julian Robledo, Brandon Judy and Ian Pittman were named to the dean’s list at the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne. Students must earn a GPA of 3.4 or higher to earn recognition.

Lakewood Ranch’s Hannah Hunter and East County’s Haleigh Guilbert, Marvin Caspary, Michael Ordetx and Riley Loncao were named to the dean’s list at Tallahassee Community College. ...

East County’s Axel Soto, Cassidy Martin and Patrick Kenefick were named to the president’s list at Tallahassee Community College. ... East County’s Julia Cardinale was named to the provost’s list at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y. Cardinale had a perfect 4.0 GPA last semester.

Lakewood Ranch’s Izzy Eichenbaum was named to the dean’s list at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine. Students must carry a GPA of 3.77 or higher. The Out-ofDoor Academy graduate is majoring in psychology. ... East County’s Jillian Santiago was named to the dean’s list at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va. Students must carry a GPA of 3.5 or higher. ... East County’s Kyle Scher was named to the dean’s list at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y. Students must carry a GPA of 3.5 or higher. ...

East County’s Zachary Rodgers was named to the dean’s list at St. Michael’s College in Colchester, Vt. Students must carry a GPA of 3.5 or higher. ... Lakewood Ranch’s Charles Edward Hayes was named to the president’s list at Clemson in Clemson, S.C. Students have achieve a 4.0 GPA to make the list.

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

Ride for renovations

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

9B

THIS WEEKEND!

Sarasota-Bradenton

home show

Lipizzan Stallion performance benefits Myakka City Historic School House project.

PAM EUBANKS SENIOR EDITOR

Herrmann’s Royal Lipizzan Stallions owner Gabriella Herrmann remembered when she and her family moved to the United States from Europe in 1964. She soon began second grade at the Myakka City Historic School House, a 5,500-square-foot building constructed in 1914.

One teacher taught three grades in her classroom.

It’s a building dear to Herrmann and longtime friend Marilyn Coker, president of the Myakka City Historical Society. Coker is spearheading efforts to restore the former school building and turn it into a community center with an auditorium, historical artifacts, a library, a computer lab and a catering kitchen.

The Historical Society already has raised the roughly $293,000 needed to complete the project, but the ongoing maintenance and care for the structure as renovations continue is where the Herrmann family assists.

On March 3, Herrmann’s Lipizzan Stallions will host its 10th Annual Benefit to raise money for the building’s ongoing expenses, like insurance and utility bills.

“It’s a part of history. The building itself is beautiful,” Herrmann said, noting the craftsmanship of the building, constructed in 1914, proves its quality. “Once these sites are gone, they cannot come back.”

The benefit show will feature the Herrmann’s Lipizzan stallions. Herrmann will tell the audience about the history and evolution of the family business and the Lipizzan breed.

Work on the school is only par-

|

Pam Eubanks

Herrmann’s Royal Lipizzan Stallions owner Gabriella Herrmann and Myakka City Historical Society President Marilyn Coker have known each other since the 1960s.

tially complete. Coker said she had been waiting since December on a pressure test for the fire suppression system to be completed.

It was done last week and now other work, like adding insulation to the walls and roof, can begin.

Other work includes drywall and plaster repair, painting, completing plumbing and wiring and refinishing floors. After that, Coker will collect and display educational and Myakka City items to turn the building into a museum.

“Everything comes in steps. It’s when you can get the workers to come and do their work,” Coker said. “There’s not that many stages left. That’s the good news.”

Coker said she hopes the building can open to the public in November, the month in which the school opened in 1914.

The show begins at 4 p.m. at 32755 Singletary Road, Myakka City. The cost is $20 for adults or $5 for children. Cash or checks only. For information, call 3221035.

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10B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

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Lakewood Ranch’s Mary Ann Seltzer has her blood pressure checked by Dr. Jenna Kazil, who owns Florida Surgical Clinic of Bradenton.

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ew to Lakewood Ranch after moving from Long Island in New York, Mary Ann Seltzer wanted to check out the Health and Wellness Expo on Feb. 23 at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center.

It might be a good thing she did.

Dr. Jenna Kazil, who had a booth for her Florida Surgical Clinic of Bradenton, checked Seltzer’s blood pressure and it was a little bit high.

“I should get it checked again,” Seltzer said with a smile.

Kazil, a surgeon, said she enjoyed the community outreach of the event and perhaps preventing a more serious condition for people like Seltzer down the road.

“Part of my job is to find things early,” Kazil said.

Besides all the healthy tips and check-ups, those who attended the expo, which was presented by the hospital, Lakewood Ranch Community Activities and the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, were introduced to the hospital’s new Da Vinci Surgical Robot.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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11B

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

Inspired Residences. Extraordinary Living.

PA R A D E O F H O M E S T H R O U G H M A R C H 10T H 18 LU X U R Y M O D E L S N O W O P E N The Lake Club has unveiled two magnificent neighborhoods, Lake View Estates and Genoa, featuring exquisite luxury homes from the area’s premier builders, plus a dazzling new Grande Clubhouse to experience.

Lake Club residents enjoy an unparalleled lifestyle with a newly opened Grande Clubhouse that boasts spectacular indoor and outdoor dining, an expanded fitness center, and much more.

Come tour our collection of luxury residences, with 18 furnished models and an enticing selection of ready-to-enjoy homes during this year’s Parade of Homes.

From the $600s to over $3 million

MODEL PREVIEW CENTER: 8307 Lake Club Blvd., Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 | (866) 498-5253 | thelakeclublwr.com

BROKER PARTICIPATION WELCOMED. ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING THE REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS REFERENCE SHOULD BE MADE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. NOT AN OFFERING WHERE PROHIBITED BY STATE LAW. PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

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ANCHOR BUILDERS | ARTHUR RUTENBERG HOMES | JOHN CANNON HOMES | LEE WETHERINGTON HOMES LONDON BAY HOMES | NUTTER CUSTOM CONSTRUCTION | STOCK SIGNATURE HOMES

12B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

Chase to the cup

YOU DESERVE THE BEST. My mission is to maximize your value in each real estate transaction with first-class integrity. As a Lakewood Ranch resident, I chose to work for Premier Sotheby’s International Realty to provide you with worldclass marketing and industry leading technology.

S 299936-1

Contact me at 941.400.0023 to be represented by the most recognized and time-honored real estate brand in the world.

TANA MOODY 941.400.0023 Tana.Moody@PremierSIR.com TanaMoody.PremierSothebysRealty.com

PremierSothebysRealty.com

Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

tuart Campbell, who was about to play for Tito’s against Whiskey Pond at the Sarasota Polo Club, was busy getting his equipment ready when a group of about 40 people walked up in front of him.

They all were first-time fans who would be experiencing polo for the first time during the Feb. 24 playing of the Observer Cup. Sarasota’s Suerita Rampertaap asked to have a photo taken with Campbell and he happily obliged, putting his arm around her. She beamed.

“It always amazes me how many people come out here for polo,” said Campbell, who loves seeing new fans for his favorite sport.

— JAY HEATER

TRIAL LAWYERS

Photos by Jay Heater

Above: Max and Roger Pettingell of Coldwell Banker get up close and personal with referee Josh Shelton’s horse before the match.

Below: Tito’s Stuart Campbell races to the ball with Whiskey Pond’s Manuel Ontiveros.

SARASOTA OFFICE 2 N Tamiami Trail, Suite 500 Sarasota, Florida (941) 951 – 1800 BRADENTON OFFICE 1201 6th Ave W, Suite 109 Bradenton, Florida (941) 315 – 5483

ATTORNEY

CHARLES W. TELFAIR IV CWTELFAIR@LUTZBOBO.COM

295980-1

WWW.LBTLAW.COM

February 16 March 10, 2019

Visit ParadeofHomesInfo.com for a complete list of models, virtual tours and addresses to map your routes.

Get your official 2019 Parade of Homes Guide at any of the participating models or communities.

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& s l e d o M 107 atured 7 Fe unities m m o C

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

longer other no

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

THURSDAY PRINT DISTRIBUTION The Observers* ..............................................................................................57,795 Sarasota Observer, Longboat Observer, East County Observer, Siesta Key Observer

Sarasota Herald-Tribune** ................................................................. 56,186 Bradenton Herald**..................................................................................... 19,321 Source: Verified Audit Circulation, Qualified Circulation, three months ending March 2018.

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Pick up your FREE copy of The Observer every Thursday.

For the nearest location: YourObserver.com/rack-locations 300469-1

13B

14B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

LO C A L LY K N OW N . G LO B A L LY CO N N E C T E D.

L A K E WO O D R A N C H C O U N T RY C LU B 7031 Portmarnock Place Tina Ciaccio 941-685-8420 A4418587 $3,950,000

WAT E R L E F E G O L F & R I V E R C LU B 10403 Riverbank Terrace Jody Shinn 941-705-5704 A4426211 $1,750,000

CONCESSION 8346 Farington Court Linda Driggs 941-374-2920 A4424637 $1,600,000

BEL MARE 130 Riviera Dunes Way PH103 Kathy Valente 941-685-6767 A4424985 $1,500,000

EAST POINT OGDEN 301 14th Avenue W Elizabeth Gardini 941-356-0096 A4425103 $1,490,000

W I N D I N G OA K S 3431 Winding Oaks Drive 16 Stacy Haas & Gloria Bracciano 941-587-4359 A4416478 $949,900

LAKEWOOD R ANCH COUNTRY CLUB 7804 Rosehall Cove Gloria Bracciano & Stacy Haas, PL 786-348-9488 A4427461 $879,000

LAKEWOOD R ANCH COUNTRY CLUB 7405 Mizner Reserve Court Diane Fogo Harter 941-445-2431 A4414035 $875,000

M AG N O L I A M A N O R 6814 24th Avenue E Chris Baylis 941-735-4713 A4414707 $850,000

PA N T H E R R I D G E 20306 67th Avenue E Leslie Emery 941-400-9710 A4420144 $850,000

LAKEWOOD R ANCH COUNTRY CLUB 7021 Brier Creek Court Deborah Angelo O'Mara 941-730-0777 A4422152 $849,900

C O U N T RY C LU B E A S T 7107 Callander Cove Deborah Angelo O'Mara 941-730-0777 A4423291 $799,900

LAKEWOOD R ANCH COUNTRY CLUB 7110 Beechmont Terrace Sylvia Zimmerman & Marlene Liberman 941-350-5022 A4417120 $795,000

C O U N T RY C LU B V I L L AG E 7527 Rigby Court Tina Ciaccio 941-685-8420 A4426970 $789,000

C O U N T RY C LU B E A S T 7513 Windy Hill Cove Diane Fogo Harter 941-445-2431 A4415058 $725,000

U N I V E R S I T Y PA R K 6337 Thorndon Circle Nancy Phillips & Beth Ann Boyer 941-400-6078 A4213400 $659,000

P O M E L L O PA R K 24402 75th Avenue E Rich Polese & Chris Baylis 941-914-7115 A4428209 $600,000

G R E E N B R O O K P R E S E RV E 14713 Bowfin Terrace Deborah Angelo O'Mara 941-730-0777 A4415347 $594,900

TA R A 5807 Covey Court Diane Fogo Harter 941-445-2431 A4425583 $524,900

W E N T WO R T H 7336 Saint Georges Way Daniel Desoto 941-567-8006 A4426639 $464,900

BARRINGTON RIDGE 3903 62nd Terrace E Diane Fogo Harter 941-445-2431 A4426841 $444,900

L AG U N A AT R I V I E R A D U N E S 610 Riviera Dunes Way 308 Joe Foster & Jonnie Dwyer 941-812-7634 A4426682 $429,000

MILL CREEK 13626 2nd Avenue NE Erica Thomas 941-799-9365 A4427547 $399,900

H E R I TAG E H A R B O U R 161 Wandering Wetlands Circle Ray Rausa 941-228-7614 A4426851 $348,900

S U M M E R F I E L D V I L L AG E 6409 Fetterbush Lane Laura Navratil & Mary Pat Pihl 941-806-7436 A4427994 $339,000

FOREST CREEK 11611 Old Cypress Cove Kiley Riccardi, P.a.

941-720-1147 A4428147 $299,000

S A N D P O I N T E E S TAT E S 3305 37th Street W Jamie Van Vliet & Christopher Van Vliet 941-993-8996 A4426038 $268,000

HARRISON R ANCH 10822 55th Court E Kathy Bergloff 941-962-0309 A4425713 $265,000

W I L D E WO O D S P I N G S 263 Sherwood Drive Mark Boehmig 941-807-6936 A4417176 $172,500

EAST BR ADENTON 1220 Mill Creek Road Lynne Callahan 941-720-3278 A4413879 $2,750,000

MSC MORTGAGE | MSC TITLE | MS&C COMMERCIAL NEW HOMES & CONDOMINIUMS | RENTAL

OPEN HOUSES SUNDAYS 1–4 PM

michaelsaunders.com

S A R A S O TA R A N C H C LU B 16266 Hidden Horse Way Thomas Cinquegrano 941-284-5049 A4212767 $2,149,000

8 8 8 . 552 . 52 2 8

michaelsaunders.com L I C E N S E D R E A L E S TAT E B RO K E R

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CONCESSION 8451 Lindrick Lane Stacy Haas & Gloria Bracciano 941-587-4359 A4427468 $2,800,000

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in Country Club Village at Lakewood Ranch topped all transactions in this week’s real estate. Wolfgang and Ulrike Wistorf, of Las Vegas, sold their home at 6922 Belmont Court to Didier Fabrice and Yvette Brodatz, of Lakewood Ranch, for $938,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 5,051 square feet of living area.

COUNTRY CLUB EAST

SD CCE LLC sold the home at 15823 Kendleshire Terrace to Kent and Jansen Lloyd, of Bradenton, for $910,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, fourand-a-half baths, a pool and 2,923 square feet of living area.

ESPLANADE

Donald and Monika Stewart, of Bradenton, sold their home at 5239 Benito Court to Kenneth and Valerie Lindsey, of Ashburn, Va., for $736,500. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, threeand-two-half baths, a pool and 2,941 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $747,000 in 2015.

Mario Martino Jr., trustee, and Lizane Nadon, of Bradenton, sold the home at 12767 Del Corso Loop to Joyce Kalkreuth, trustee, of Bradenton, for $570,000. Built in 2012, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,248 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $384,700 in 2012.

John and Valerie Wolf, of Bradenton, sold their home at 12752 Fontana Loop to Roy and Flora Andersen, of Bradenton, for $485,000. Built in 2013, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,087 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $409,600 in 2013.

RIVER CLUB SOUTH

Peter and Lynda Hart, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 9903 Old Hyde Park Place to Larry and Susan Johnson, of Bethesda, Md., for $599,900.

Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,532 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $710,000 in 2005.

STANHOPE GATE

Michael Sanders, of Bradenton, sold the home at 7035 Stanhope Place to Kenneth Lodge and Joan Lodge, trustees, of Winnetka, Ill., for $585,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,411 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $450,000 in 2008.

ASHLEY TRACE AT UNIVERSITY PLACE

Frank and Jane Lange, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the home at 7605 Alston Court to Amy Oliver, of University Park, for

15B

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

FEB. 11-15

$486,100. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,514 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $270,000 in 2011.

WENTWORTH

Cornelius O’Leary, trustee, of Skillman, N.J., sold the home at 7331 St. Georges Way to James and Regina Taggart, of Cary, N.C., for $462,500. Built in 1998, it has two bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,631 square feet of living area.

COUNTRY MEADOWS

Jeffrey Wood, of Bradenton, sold the home at 14742 Second Ave. Circle N.E., to Burton and Agatha LaFontaine, of Sun Prairie, Wis., for $457,500. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,020 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $440,000 in 2018.

PALM AIRE AT SARASOTA

Robert and Carol Lind, of Airville, Pa., sold their home at 5629 Country Lakes Drive to Robert Waltzer, of Sarasota, for $448,000. Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,504 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $394,000 in 2015.

WATERCREST

Robert Fleeton, of Ontario, Canada, sold his Unit 304 condominium at 6482 Watercrest Way to Primus EHF for $435,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,134 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $275,000 in 2011.

ROSEDALE ADDITION

4141 Inc. sold the home at 5109 Tobermory Way to Thomas and Judith McFarland, trustees, of Bradenton, for $415,000. Built in 2016, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,925 square feet of living area.

Courtesy photo

This four-bedroom home at 6922 Belmont Court in Country Club Village topped local sales at $938,000.

RIVERSIDE AT TIDEWATER PRESERVE

Gdawg Ventures LLC sold the Unit A condominium at 1226 Riverscape St. to John Goode, of Bradenton, for $365,000. Built in 2015, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,748 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $300,000 in 2017.

LO C A L LY K N OW N . G LO B A L LY C O N N E C T E D.

Luxury Living Group 8325 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. • Lakewood Ranch • 941.587.4359 786.348.9488 941.730.1999 Formed under the premise that exceptional experiences should accompany exceptional real estate, the Luxury Living Group has a mission of elevating the industry standard with every transaction. Comprised of Stacy Haas, Greg Van Natter and Gloria Bracciano, they offer skillsets and backgrounds in design, education and marketing. This leads to compelling communications strategies that deliver results for buyers and sellers alike. In the last year they garnered more than $65 million in sales volume.

Gloria Simpson, of Aiken, S.C., sold her home at 7826 Troon Court to Allyn and Kathryn Jones, of Bradenton, for $400,000. Built in 1999, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 2,111 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $350,000 in 2016.

Contact the Luxury Living Group for your exceptional experience.

StacyHaas.com | SRQLuxuryLiving.com StacyHaas@MichaelSaunders.com GloriaBracciano@MichaelSaunders.com

Allyn and Kathryn Jones sold their home at 6515 Oakland Hills Drive to Joseph and Jane Brady, of Avon Lake, Ohio, for $354,800. Built in 2000, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,826 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $315,000 in 2014.

Selwyn Swe and Nancy TaylorSwe, of Terra Ceia island, sold the home at 105 137th St. N.E., to Mill Creek Lot 5099 LLC for $399,000. Mill Creek Lot 5099 LLC then sold the home to Jon Leonard, of Bradenton, for $399,000. Built in 1996, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,005 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $385,000 in 2014.

Amanda Zsigmond, trustee, of Lake Mary, sold the home at 6149 Misty Oaks Court to Stephen Catania, of Sarasota, for $358,000. Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,256 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $524,900 in 2006.

SEE REAL ESTATE, PAGE 16B

COUNTRY CLUB VILLAGE

MILL CREEK

MISTY OAKS

GregVanNatter@MichaelSaunders.com

L A K E WO O D R A N C H 8451 Lindrick Lane A4427468 $2,800,000

PA L M E T T O 4002 Redfish Court A4426958 $2,000,000

PA R R I S H 11432 Savannah Lakes Drive A4427320 $1,199,121

L A K E WO O D R A N C H 7804 Rosehall Cove A4427461 $879,000

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ADAM HUGHES

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

REAL ESTATE

Country Club Village home tops local sales at $938,000

|

Licensed Real Estate Broker

16B

Spring INTO SAVINGS EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

Real estate FROM PAGE 15B

SABAL HARBOUR

Jennifer Blanton and Laurie Blanton sold their home at 4845 Turtle Bay Terrace to Steven and Kerstin Muise, of Bradenton, for $320,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,539 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $237,000 in 2010.

Reg. 2,399 $

10 COLORS TO

Reg. 1,799 $

CHOOSE FROM

James and Glenda Dimino, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the home at 4521 Abacos Place to Giancarlo Cornejo, of Bradenton, for $250,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and is 1,658 square feet. It sold for $95,000 in 2011.

Reg. $2,988

YOUR CHOICE

988

$

DESOTO LAKES COUNTRY CLUB COLONY Reg. $1,399

Allen and Vera Royce, of Janesville, Calif., sold their home at 4720 Tournament Blvd. to Steven Kennedy and Kolleen Kennedy, trustees, of Sarasota, for $320,000. Built in 1978, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,048 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $165,000 in 1998.

Reg. $1,699

Anywhere? Everywhere?

Vacations last a week ... Fjord’s last a Lifetime!

AFFORDABLE NORWEGIAN COMFORT

LIFETIME WARRANTY: FRAME, SUSPENSION, MECHANISM, FOAM

Linda Greene, of Sarasota, sold her home at 4807 W. Country Club Drive to Veronica Dono, of Nokomis, for $315,000. Built in 1974, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,786 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $273,000 in 2015.

5251 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231

(1.5 miles of Bee Ridge (1.5 Road) Miles South of Bee Ridge Rd.) 5251 S. Tamiami Trail,South Sarasota

MON-FRI: 10am-7pm • SAT: 10am-6pm • SUN: 12pm-5pm Since 1984 • Mon.-Fri. 10-7 • Sat. 10-6 • Sun. 12-5

www.LeatherGallerySarasota.com

296438-1

www.LeatherGallerySarasota.com 941-993-1057 941-993-1057

MOORINGS AT EDGEWATER

Ruth Tassel and Nadine Ander-

son, of Parrish, sold their Unit 202 condominium at 6516 Moorings Point Circle to Paul and Linda Zalanowski, of Lakewood Ranch, for $315,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,344 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $413,600 in 2014.

RIVER SOUND

James McLane, of Medina, Ohio, sold his home at 1483 Blue Horizon Circle to Diana Hall, of Bradenton, for $315,000. Built in 2011, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,124 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $206,200 in 2011.

Joseph Carrasco, trustee, of Eustis, sold the home at 1408 Morning Sky Glen to Matthew and Virginia Donovan, of Eustis, for $285,000. Built in 2011, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,510 square feet of living area. It sold for $245,500 in 2017.

GREENBROOK VILLAGE

Timely Assistance Inc. sold the home at 14175 Cattle Egret Place to John Faugno and Mary Anne Zatina, of Bradenton, for $308,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,073 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $300,000 in 2018.

NOTTING HILL

John and Violet Simpson, of Ontario, Canada, sold their home at 7334 Kensington Court to Donald and Mary Ellen Fischer, of Ontario, Canada, for $299,000. Built in 1996, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,448 square feet of living area. It sold for $245,000 in 2014.

100% TOP GRAIN LEATHER | FREE FINANCING • WE SHIP ANYWHERE

HONOR YOUR

LOVED ONE The Observer now offers obituaries not only to notify the community, but also to help celebrate the life of a recently departed loved one.

Memorialize your loved one with a lasting tribute

RESHAPING THE FACE OF HIV

in print and online, a permanent record of their legacy that your family will always cherish.

SATURDAY MARCH 16 2019 6:30PM THE RITZ CARLTON, SARASOTA GALA CHAIRS : SUSAN MALLOY JONES TERRY MCKEE JAMES AMATO PROVIDED BY THE OBSERVER MEDIA GROUP

FOR TICKET AND SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION CALL: 941-366-0134 X10182 OR EMAIL: RSVP@CANCOMMUNITYHEALTH.ORG

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Or ask your funeral director for assistance.

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PROCEEDS BENEFIT

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

THURSDAY, FEB. 28 High: 80 Low: 66 Chance of rain: 20%

FRIDAY, MARCH 1 High: 81 Low: 66 Chance of rain: 40%

SATURDAY, MARCH 2 High: 83 Low: 63 Chance of rain: 10%

SUNRISE / SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Feb. 28

6:56a

6:30p

Friday, March 1

6:55a

6:30p

Saturday, March 2

6:54a

6:31p

Sunday, March 3

6:53a

6:31p

Monday, March 4

6:52a

6:32p

Tuesday, March 5

6:51a

6:33p

Wednesday, March 6

6:50a

6:33p

MOON PHASES

March 6 New

March 14 March 20 March 27 Last First Full

RAINFALL

SUNDAY, MARCH 3 High: 79 Low: 62 Chance of rain: 10% Ileene Focht captured these clouds from University Parkway and Cattlemen Road.

ONLINE

17B

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

WEATHER

FORECAST

|

Submit your photos at YourObserver.com/weather

Monday, Feb. 18

0.0

Tuesday, Feb. 19

0.0

Wednesday, Feb. 20

0.0

Thursday, Feb. 21

0.0

Friday, Feb. 22

0.0

Saturday, Feb. 23

0.0

Sunday, Feb. 24

0.0

YEAR TO DATE:

MONTH TO DATE:

2019 2.97 in.

2019 0.22 in.

2018 3.08 in.

2018 0.43 in.

A REFLECTION OF NATURE’S BEAUTY 295074-1

941.355.8437 | Bradenton

941.748.4679 | Venice

COME TO OUR GARAGE SALE by Matthew Sewell & Brad Wilber CROSSWORD Edited

by David Steinberg

104 Neutrogena rival 105 Stand (with) 109 Final tallies 111 Protect your family from surges with this ___ 115 Close soccer result 116 Stuffed deli item 117 Detached forcibly 118 How often “Time” comes out 119 Handle 120 Timothy Leary dropped them DOWN

©2019 Universal Uclick

ACROSS

31 Never miss a date 1 Large gap, in typesetting thanks to this ___ 35 Cast a long shadow, say 8 Impressive opera note 13 Fumbled one’s chance 39 Dog owner’s “Here!”

40 MLK Day’s weekday, 19 Beneficial briefly 21 Yelling, as a crowd 22 Sonia Sotomayor, e.g. 41 ‘60s antiwar grp.

42 Approved 23 Take our cue and buy 43 The other guys this ___ 25 Ones putting people in 44 Keyboard sounds 47 Impulse their place?

48 Sizzle in the kitchen 26 Whom Dory found, in with this ___ film 53 “Insecure” actress Issa 27 Ancient Norse saga 28 Moisten during roasting 54 Skipjack and albacore 56 “In ___ case ...”

30 Spiky succulent

57 Bitter conflict 58 Cummerbund’s place 60 Boats stored upside down 63 Specks in la mer 64 Bolster your decor with these ___ 70 Threadbare 71 Connecticut Ivy Leaguers 72 Gamer’s lament 73 Mardi Gras song with an echoic title 76 News crew vehicle 77 Nifty 79 Short-lived obsession

KITCHEN | CABINETRY OUTDOOR PAVERS

941.493.7441 | manasotaonline.com

82 Be a champion woodworker with this ___ 86 It’s pumped up 87 “Gently!”

88 Carne asada holder 89 Longtime CBS dog 91 Occupy a throne 94 ___ Lanka 95 The sun in “sunny-side up” 96 Arthurian grail-quest figure 97 Serve stunning eggnog in this ___ 102 Slanted type (Abbr.)

103 Seize wrongfully

1 “SportsCenter” airer 2 Zebra mama 3 Thin 4 “The Godfather” author Mario 5 Had a bite 6 Frolicked 7 Worn away 8 Fedora or fez 9 Nest egg letters 10 Talk turkey?

11 Kosher, in Islam 12 Musical opposite of dimin.

13 Colorful flower worshipped in ancient Egypt 14 ___ Cruces 15 “First Reformed” star Hawke 16 Brandishes 17 Bit of progress 18 Police stunners 20 “The Last Jedi” guru 24 Gate closers 29 Florida city on a bay 31 Aspiring M.A.’s hurdle 32 Misfortunes 33 Pile of snowballs, perhaps 34 Ratify 35 Docent’s offering 36 Cajun veggie 37 Crusade against 38 Spotter?

43 Pan Am competitor 44 Half a carpenter’s dovetail 45 Thus far 46 Risks

48 Unable to sit still 49 Warthog features 50 Swimmer once thought to aid navigators 51 Not many 52 Loch ___ monster 54 As late as, informally 55 Employ 59 Storefront overhang 60 Sending the same email to 61 Pitching pro 62 Pitching pro’s patter 64 “Just saying,” in texts 65 Mischievous Norse god 66 Hangs on to 67 “She’s ___” (Tom Jones hit) 68 Fluish 69 (U r a riot!)

74 Mall booth 75 With difficulty 77 ‘50s dance party 78 Try to win over 80 Diva’s solo 81 Ownership document 83 Julius Caesar’s first name 84 British boys school 85 Anti-rash powder 86 Airport checkpoint agcy.

89 Trying people?

90 The whole megillah 91 Bunny slope conveyance 92 Recite robotically 93 Just so 95 Stereotypical ‘80s Beemer driver 96 Desert one’s post 98 Armor sound 99 Warthog features 100 Maintain a hedge 101 Ink mishap 105 “Buzz off!”

106 Cedar Rapids’ state 107 Without sparkle 108 Midwest ice cream brand 110 Tiny, quickly 112 Imprecise no.

113 P, to Plato 114 Roulette color

CELEBRITY CIPHER

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“ZSXSJ IZTSJSDBYVWBS BLS UEASJ EH KEIJ DYDBSJ. ... Y VWTS ZSUEBYDV WZ WJB HEJV. ... Y OSB BE AEJF AYBL W REB EH JSRWBYXSD.”

–OWJJK VWJDLWRR

“CT OJJR LMDXER FXEET CSMZPSUU DZ OJEX -- JEX DE S CDUUDJE ... SER, JP, IPSB LWE IX PSR!”

–NDERT IDUUDSCZ Puzzle Two Clue: B equals T

Sarasota

HUNDREDS OF COLORS AND STYLES ON SALE NOW!

Puzzle One Clue: F equals K

CARPET

©2019 NEA, Inc.

SUDOKU

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

©2019 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

2-28-19

CLASSIFIEDS Thursday, February 28, 2019

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 town codes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.

Items Under $200 For Sale ADVERTISE YOUR MERCHANDISE with the total value of all items $200 or less in this section for FREE! Limit 1 ad per month,15 words or less. Price must be included next to each item. No commercial advertising.

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

Call 941-955-4888 Or Email ad to: classified@yourobserver.com (Please provide your name and address) Or Online at: www.yourobserver.com Or mail to: The Observer Group 1970 Main St. - 3rd Floor Sarasota, Fl 34236 BED FRAME: metal, for king or queen; excellent heavy duty, rollers. $30. 941-351-4069.

CONTRACTOR’S SAW: Rockwell 10”, Tilting Arbor, on stand, good condition, $100. Call 941-756-4656.

SONG BOOKS for Children and music for flute, $80/ea. (941)358-8511.

Autos Wanted WE BUY cars. top $$ paid for your vehicles.

Call Hawley Motors, 941-923-3421.

Garage/Moving/Estate Sales UNIVERSITY PLACE Community Sale: Sat. 3/2 9a.m.-2p.m. University Parkway, N. on Honore, & Cooper Creek Blvd.

Homes For Sale

Lots/Acreage For Sale

Bird Key Bayfront: 4+BED/4.5BATH, 3/CARGAR, Coveted Downtown Views. $5,350,000

BUILDING LAND for 6 homes on Mid/North Longboat Key. 2.5 acres - beach access, nature preserve, shops and restaurants all close.

Suit developer/ investor $2.25M. (or 4 homes on 1 acre $1.5M).

941-894-4551 or 011 44 7714 234 005

Beach Front Home: 4BED-5BATH, 2CARGAR $4,000,000 Golf Country Club: 5BED/5BA, 3/CARGAR $949,500 2 Acres: 4BED/3BATH, 3CAR GAR. Luxury kitchen, barn, horses. $700,000 Longboat Key Beach House: on Canal, 3BED3BATH, 2/CARGAR, Dock/Lift, $595,000.

House On Canal: granite counters, 3BED-2BATH, CARPORT. $550,000 55+ Villa on Golf Course: 2BED-2BATH $149,900 LBK Condo: view of dock, beach access. $269,900 Golf Course $420,000

Community:

3BR/3BA/2CAR

Buy or Sell with Brooke O’Malley as your Realtor, and CLUB REALTY will Pay your title insurance.

Call 941-726-2677

Make Your Phone Ring Team Up With Classifieds

941-955-4888

BOAT STORAGE DRY RACK CONDO SPACE "THE BOATHOUSE" CONDO DRY STORAGE UNIT, SOUTH END OF LONGBOAT, NEAR "NEW PASS", RARELY AVAILABLE, SAFE SECOND LEVEL, LARGEST CORNER UNIT, UP TO 28' BOAT, LOW CONDO DUES $155/MTH, FOR SALE BY OWNER, (407) 230-6016

Condos For Sale CONDO: AT HARBORAGE on Braden River: 2 miles west of I-75 on SR70, 2005, 2BR/2BA, down, all appliances, water view, tile, granite, new A/C, garage, community pool, trail, kayak, marina, beautiful small quiet gated community. $190,000.

712-334-0304.

LIDO KEY Direct beachfront, turnkey, unobstructed 180/degree views, 1BR/1.5BA, 1059/sq.ft., $449,000.

941-232-9081 John Peirano, Premier Sothebys International Realty

Pet Services PROFESSIONAL CAT SITTING: Certified Veterinary Technician serving all of Lakewood Ranch.

20+ Years experience.

E-mail: catladypetsitting@yahoo.com 856-981-2047.

Property Management RENTAL MANAGEMENT company taking more seasonal and annual properties.

Improve your rental return.

Call 941-782-1559 or visit: www.choosegulfcoast.com for a free rental appraisal

Auto Transport SHIP YOUR car, truck or SUV anywhere in the United States. Great rates, fast quotes. Call Hawley Motors, 941-923-3421.

Cleaning BLUE FISH Cleaning Inc. 941-705-3812. Insured, Bonded. Affordable reliable home cleaning, $80, 2 cleaners, 2 hours.

BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service by Maria.

Residential. Meticulous Cleaning. Excellent References. Free Estimates. Reliable. Lic./Ins. 941-400-3342.

CLEANING BY Brazilian Lady. Meticulous, reliable, deep cleaning specialist. Residential. Commercial.

New Construction. 941-400-2866.

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

Puzzle One Solution: “Never underestimate the power of your sister. ... I made nepotism an art form. ...

I get to work with a lot of relatives.”

– Garry Marshall Puzzle Two Solution: “My good friend Penny Marshall is gone – one in a million ... and, oh, what fun we had!”

– Cindy Williams

This week’s Sudoku answers

CLAUDIA C. Cleaning Services. Experienced, Dependable and ready to begin! Residential.

Excellent references. 941-773-6895.

MRS. MAIDS. Detailed & dependable cleaning and HOUSE CHECK SERVICES for your residence. Bonded/ Insured. For free estimates, call 941-400-3175.

RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, Vacation Rentals, and Construction Cleaning. Also, Power Washing and Windows 941-756-4570 or 941-744-7983.

Storage

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

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

LV9431

INFO & RATES: 941-955-4888 • Fax: 941-362-4808 • EMAIL: classified@yourobserver.com • ONLINE: classifieds.yourobserver.com HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 8:30am-4pm • DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at Noon • Service Directory - Friday at 3pm • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card

Computer Services COMPUTER/MAC, SMARTPHONE, Tablet repairs, setups, technology consultations, virus removal.

Specializing Seniors/Beginners. On/Off Site. Peg 941-735-3362.

Landscaping & Lawn Service

UNIVERSITY PARK CC Custom 3BR/3BA + DEN, 2,720 SF. Updated Baths & Kitchen, Cherry cabinets, granite, SS appl’s. Bamboo & tile floors, custom his & her walk-in closets. 2-CG, golf cart Entry. Solar heated pool/spa, NEW ROOF! $579,900 Marcia McLaughlin 941-726-1536 RE/MAX Alliance Group

PLACE YOUR AD ONLINE TODAY

classifieds.yourobserver.com

ORTIZ GOMEZ LANDSCAPING LLC. Lawn maintenance, commercial/ residential, mulching, landscaping design, sod installation, irrigation.

941-254-0209, ortiz.gomezllc@gmail.com

©2019 NEA, Inc.

This week’s Crossword answers

Painting/Wallpapering CARLO DATTILO PAINTING. Licensed & insured.

Interior/ Exterior painting including drywall repair and retexturing. Wallpaper installation & removal, pressure washing. Residential & commercial, condos. Honest & reliable. Free estimates.

941-744-1020. 35+ years experience.

Pools POOL SERVICE - FALL SPECIAL FROM $65/MO. New customers only. Reliable, affordable weekly pool service by certified owner. Hundreds of satisfied customers, many testimonials. SAVE MONEY WITH THIS AD. Call now, Blissful Pools, 941-705-0400.

2019

Explore the

CLASSIFIEDS for great deals.

Visit classifieds.yourobserver.com

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

|

19B

HOME SERVICES

Country Canine Makeovers Dog grooMing

www.amerovent.net

DRYER VENT CLEANING SPECIALISTS

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

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

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

941-705-5468

Residential

“Specializing in 6” Seamless Gutters”

KITCHEN/BATH REMODELING

941.650.9790 YoderAluminum.com 299959

CABINET MAKING

300717

Palmetto

www.drgrabbars.com

RENOVATIONS

CLEANING

America

Houses | Cages | Decks Driveways | Sidewalks First Time Customers 10% Discount

Douglas | 941.405.5615 | Over 1 5 Years Experience

Come Visit Our Showroom

PRE - GRAND OPENING SALE

SAFE ROOF CLEANING BIODEGRADABLE PRODUCTS

12 Oaks Plaza 7262 55th Ave East Bradenton, 34203

Pressure Cleaning & Soft Washing Residential and Commercial

941 220 6262

Creekwood Crossing Plaza SR70 and off I75 | Bradenton, FL, 34203 301074

941.755.9119

941-737-4483

THE GRAB BAR GUY (cell) 780-3346 Licensed & Insured

Call Paradise Dryer Vent Cleaning Today

Bisson Roofing Inc. Specializing in Reroofs and Repairs FREE Estimates • 30 Years Experience

941 - 748 - 7400

298731

SHOWER & BATH MAKEOVERS

Financing Available • RC0067420 • Lic. & Ins.

Free Estimates • Sarasota Resident Since 1974

300698

Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

Call John 941.377.2940

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

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

LAWN CARE

DOORS

SMALL ENGINE REPAIRS

Sliding Glass Door Repair

941-345-5264

* OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE * TRAINED TECHNICIANS

specialty screens / screw replacement / paint

WINDOWS

* PICK-UP & DELIVERY SERVICE

Doors and more!

Manufacture and workmanship

* ECHO, SNAPPER, TORO, GENERAC,

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

Warranties

BRIGGS & STRATTON, SIMPSON, Simpson Pressure Washers

299963

299951

Res./Com. indow & Pressure Clea Lic./Ins. nin set W n u g known as Sunrise W S

DR POWER, HONDA, HUSQVARNA

941-739-5102

ind erly 345-5264 (941) Form Serving Longboat Key Since 2005 ows

www.smallenginerepairs.us

UP TO

Small Engine Repairs, 5002 Lena Road, Unit 107, Bradenton, 34211

Classified Ads Bring Results • 941-955-4888

HANDYMAN

MOVERS

Agner’s Handyman

David McCarthy Moving

PROFESSIONAL • INSURED CALL TODAY

SPECIAL $500 senior citizen discount.

www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

299960

...will move anything from a couch to a household

941.587.8093 | www.agnershandyman.wix.com/handyman

941-704-4278

dmccarthymoving@gmail.com

• • • •

Local And Long Distance Movers Residential Moves Commercial Moves Pack, Crate & Wrap

299952

www.davidmccarthymoving.com

PAINTING

a neighborly company

See everything Mr. Handyman® can do around your home at MrHandyman.com

300586

Call Mr. Handyman 941.777.3344 See everything Mr. Handyman® can do around your home at

MrHandyman.com Team Up With Classifieds • 941-955-4888

Purified water window cleaning available!!

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

DEAD ON TARGET

UNIQUE PAINTING & PRESSURE WASHING SERVICES

The Observer Service Directory

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

Call 955-4888

Complete Interior & Exterior Painting

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

298790

21

120

WINDOWS $ 25STANDARD

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

298785

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

www.bissonroofing.com

Owner Supervises Every Job

www.showerandbathsarasota.com

Dryers and washing machines were involved in one out of every 22 home structure fires reported to U.S. fire departments in 2006-2010.

With this ad

ROOFING

954-1878

DRYER START A FIRE!

www.PantherHydroCleaning.com

10% SAVINGS

GLENN KROECKER

DON’T LET YOUR

299965

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

300699

Bradenton-home-builders

299508

www.gjgardner.com/

All Work Done On Premises Next Day Service

LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED

ABRACADABRA PRESSURE CLEANING 298417

•

299962

Gorgeous KITCHEN 941-966-0333

www.themastercabinetmaker.com

www.paradisedryervent.com

POWER WASHING

Licensed • Bonded • Insured • Certified Residential & Commercial

Truly Custom Cabinets made in Palmetto, FL Design and Remodeling • Custom Countertops Custom special cabinets for mobile homes

YOUR SAFETY IS PRICELESS! 941. 979. 2707

941-730-7303

235

Like Us on Facebook

DRY CLEAN

Free Estimates – Same Day Service Over 17 Years Experience

$

INC.

941-723-0278

Justin’s Pool Service

LIFETIME GUARANTEE Installed Within in 24-Hours COUPON REQUIRED

COMPLETE 2 Moen Stainless Steel Anti Slip INSTALLATION Includes Consealed Screw Grab Bars (16” & 24”) PACKAGE Additional Grab Bars Needed, Same type in bathroom $100 each Drilling charges may apply for marble, granite or porcelain.

CABINET MAKER

The Master

KEEP YOUR INDEPENDENCE!

Cindy Wells 941-928-2168

POOLS

299128

Owner / Operator Insured

299515

298789

Dustin Yoder

Commercial

Call for appointment

Located off of SR 70 E. 1 mile North on Verna Bethany Rd. 7804 Barr Road Myakka City, FL 34251

Are You Having Dryer Difficulties?

299516

AMEROVENT

PET SERVICES

299964

ALUMINUM

LV9459

SERVICE DIRECTORY

to reserve your space

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

PARADE OF HOM

ARY 16th–MARCH 10th U R B E ES | F

15 Beautifully FURNISHED MODELS TO TOUR Stock has the most models of any builder to tour during the Parade of Homes. Come see our exquisitely furnished models in COUNTRY CLUB EAST, THE LAKE CLUB and THE CONCESSION. Be the first to see GENOA at THE LAKE CLUB, a brand new neighborhood of single-family homes featuring eight new models, and tour all our award-winning home designs in the newly reimagined Lake Club.

Quality & Style ALWAYS IN FASHION AT STOCK From the $600s to over $2 million

SALES CENTER: 16116 Kendleshire Terrace, Lakewood Ranch, Florida 34202

941.208.3940 | StockDevelopment.com STOCK REALTY, EXCLUSIVE SALES AGENT, LICENSED REAL ESTATE BROKER BROKER PARTICIPATION WELCOMED. ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING THE REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS REFERENCE SHOULD BE MADE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. NOT AN OFFERING WHERE PROHIBITED BY STATE LAW.

FLStockDevelopment

299553-1

20B