East County Observer 10.20.2022

EAST COUNTY

Observer

Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998

Benefit drive for dogs

PAGE 6B

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

FREE • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2022

VOLUME 24, NO. 48

YOUR TOWN

Manatee County tests water from private wells in the Myakka area. SEE PAGE 3A

Ian Swaby

To his owners, he’s still the Champ Sarasota’s Jim and Jeanine Germer said they love visiting the events at the Mall at University Town Center and bringing along their dog, Champ.

But on Oct. 11, the event was geared particularly for Champ.

The annual Barks n’ Brews event was held on The Green at UTC and featured a Halloween pet costume contest.

The Germers (above with Champ), who walked to the event from their nearby apartment complex, had found the perfect outfit for Champ — a lion’s mane that fit right into his large, golden frame.

“It just matched him,” Jim Germer said. “He looks like a real lion.”

Unlike last year, when Champ decided he didn’t like the mane and ripped it off, he decided to wear it for the panel of judges.

Although Champ didn’t snag an award, his owners said they were proud of him.

Hay! Which way?

Hunsader Farms’ Pumpkin Festival opens with traditional favorites such as the hay maze. SEE PAGE 1B

Ian Swaby

Parrish 6-year-old Eli Kern and 4-year-old Sophia Kern race through the hay maze at the Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival on Oct. 16.

Liz Ramos

Braden River Elementary students on a roll Braden River Elementary second grader Madeline DeLuca (above) normally has her mother, Brittany Rice, drive her to school.

But this day was different.

As a part of the school’s annual Walk and Roll to School Day on Oct. 12, DeLuca rode her bike to school while Rice walked besides her.

“It was good,” Rice said.

“She woke up in a better mood because she was excited.”

Braden River Elementary School Principal Joshua Bennett said Walk and Roll to School Day encourages family wellness.

“It could be as simple as walking to school,” Bennett said.

Bennett said families who aren’t within walking distance were encouraged to park off campus and walk to school.

A+E

Sanctuary survives hurricane Jay Heater

Dave Burns has worked days and nights to clear the Farmhouse Animal and Nature Sanctuary pastures.

Owners of Myakka nonprofit say they will “find a way” to continue in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. SEE PAGE 6A

A marriage to sing about.

INSIDE

2A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2022

Safe haven Myakka Elementary provides a return to normalcy for many students traumatized by Hurricane Ian. LIZ RAMOS

HOW TO HELP STUDENTS

STAFF WRITER

Ellie Connours, a fifth-grader at Myakka City Elementary School, was somewhat relieved to be back at school Oct. 10, but her mind was on her mother back home.

A week and a half after Hurricane Ian ravaged the Myakka City area, Connours’ mother, Sarah Connours, was at home alone taking care of 40 farm animals and continuing repairs to their damaged home, which still didn’t have power as of Oct. 11.

Connours, along with other students, tried to feel a sense of normalcy after the hurricane shook up their world. The school has been working to support any students or staff members who experienced trauma during Hurricane Ian and its aftermath.

Connours spent an especially traumatic night during the hurricane.

Her family was jarred awake at 2 a.m. Sept. 30, by banging on the front door from Manatee County Sheriff’s deputies and a Coast Guard helicopter light shining around the home.

The floodwaters were approaching their home.

“It was pretty scary because both of my sisters were freaking out,” Connours said. “They didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know what to do. All I knew was we had to get our (horses) and us out as soon as possible.”

With the help of neighbors, a boat was used to rescue their horses, goats and other animals from the floodwaters.

They eventually relocated their animals to neighbors’ homes that were in higher ground.

When students returned to school Oct. 10, teachers had conversations with their classes about what they all had experienced and what their families might still be going through.

Debbie Veldkamp, the school counselor at Myakka City Elementary School, shared tips on how to speak to students after experiencing trauma, such as trauma from Hurricane Ian. n Remain calm and reassuring n Acknowledge and normalize

their feelings n Encourage them to talk or write about disaster-related events (What did your family do during the storm? How did you help after the storm?) n Promote positive self-talk and acknowledge natural disasters are challenging times that can be overcome n Notify school staff of students who could benefit from additional support n Create a calm time during the day n Practice self-care

Liz Ramos

Lissette Estevez, a teacher at Myakka Elementary, helps guide third-grader Daniel Perez-Martinez through a math lesson.

Teachers have been there for students academically, socially and emotionally after Hurricane Ian.

Morgan Smith said it was a reminder to all the students that they weren’t alone.

Mason Roberts, a fifth-grader, was thankful his friends and teacher, Whitney Coch, were willing to talk about his experiences during the hurricane.

The scariest moment for him was when his family saw the water rising from the Myakka River, which is about a mile from his home.

“All of a sudden, it was right in my pasture and still coming up and coming up,” Roberts said. “Then it was right out my back door. It was really deep water.”

Roberts and his family evacuated to Myakka City Elementary School Sept. 28 and stayed at the shelter

until the hurricane passed. When they returned home, they found their home had water damage from the flooding.

Smith, a first-grade teacher, was relieved to hear staff members could return to the school Oct. 4.

During the hurricane, Smith took care of her six children alone because her husband, Aaron Smith, is a police officer in Arcadia and he was on duty there for six days.

Morgan Smith said it was a wild storm. They watched tree after tree go down. The biggest worry came when they saw a crack forming on the roof of their laundry room.

“I was watching it flap, and you could see it lifting and I’m seeing daylight,” she said. “I went to get my daughter and told her, ‘I think we’re going to lose part of the roof. Come look.’ By the time we came back (to the laundry room), it was gone.”

When the hurricane passed, the Smith family went outside to assess damage and found one of their cows had died. Without any heavy machinery to move downed trees or ease flooding, Smith said neighbors had to help them.

“The whole thing was just the community coming together,” Smith

said.

Smith said Myakka City Elementary School has been a safe haven since the hurricane hit. Carol Ricks, the school’s principal, gave Smith all the details about the school being turned into a shelter in case she wanted to evacuate from her home.

Returning to school, Smith was embraced by her colleagues and friends.

“It meant the world,” Smith said.

“I wouldn’t trade that for anything.

It’s like having an extension of family. That solidity and security is priceless.”

Smith said being back at school has started to give her a sense of normalcy.

“Seeing everybody’s faces again, knowing that everybody was really OK and we were going to get through this even stronger was great,” she said.

As soon as teachers returned Oct. 4, they touched base with all their families in their classes to see how they were doing and what they needed.

Smith said checking with them was a way for the school to show that the families were not forgotten and that the school was there for them.

Betsy Bickle-Perry, the assistant principal, said the school’s counselor, Debbie Veldkamp, is an excellent resource for students and staff who need social or emotional support.

“A lot of school counselors get so caught up in testing and all those kinds of stuff, but she is truly here for the kids,” Bickle-Perry said. “She is here to help any of them, and she has a very good reputation around here about helping families and kids.”

Bickel-Perry said some staff members are worried about the holidays being around the corner because they have to spend so much on repairs.

“We just kind of promised them that we will take care of them,” she said. “If we can’t do it personally, then this community will help.”

Bickel-Perry said the school will most likely do a monthly check in with families through the school newsletter to continue to see what families need and how the school can support them.

Smith said after seeing the kindness of the community, she’ll always be thinking of how she can help others.

“It showed that one person can make a huge difference,” she said.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2022

WELLDONE EFFORT County organizes testing for private wells, and supplies drinking water to those in need.

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

A

lthough 63 private wells in the Myakka City area tested positive for contamination following Hurricane Ian, Manatee County officials said they were optimistic that with proper care, those wells will be back in use after a couple of weeks.

Besides those 63 private wells, another 109 showed some signs of contamination and are being retested to see whether the water quality is good enough to be used for drinking water. The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County tested 318 private wells overall.

County Administrator Scott Hopes said Oct. 13 that residents with the contaminated wells were following the county’s warnings and were using bottled water for household functions. Hopes said the county was using an aggressive response to the contaminated water to prevent a possible waterborne outbreak of disease.

Dr. Edwin Hernandez, clinical director at the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County, said early detection of any contamination is a key component to stopping an outbreak of disease.

“I believe we are doing everything from every possible angle,” Hernandez said. “We aren’t trying to just educate, but test, and make sure we can follow up accordingly.”

If bacteria in the water is contracted, those using the water could get gastrointestinal issues, fever and other symptoms. A few children in the Myakka City area have been observed with those symptoms, but Hernandez said he didn’t have any supporting data to say the illnesses were from contaminated well water.

Myakka City resident Janet Margerison picks up bottled water supplied by Manatee County.

CONTACTS

SAFETY FIRST

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Website: FloridaHealth.gov Phone: 941-748-0747 (Manatee County)

SOME COUNTY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR RESIDENTS n Boil water before consuming (rotating boil of one minute) n Otherwise, do not drink from wells until the situation is resolved n Replace refrigerator ice and filters if you have a contaminated well n Ensure children do not ingest water that came from the well

MANATEE COUNTY GOVERNMENT Website: MyManatee.org/ ManateeRecovers Phone: 941-748-4501.

Hopes said it could be as long as 10 days after disinfection before wells could be retested. He said the county would continue supplying bottled water to those in need for an estimated four weeks.

Those who want their well water tested can pick up sample vials at the Myakka City Community Center on Wauchula Road and then drop them off when filled.

Commissioner Vanessa Baugh said the county is working extremely closely with residents in the Myakka City area to make sure they have a safe supply of water.

“We have a lot of children and babies in Myakka,” she said. “If one child is sick, that would be one child too many. The county is taking this very seriously.”

BIRD’S-EYE VIEW

Hopes said Oct. 1, during his second helicopter flight over the area, that he began to consider the impacts of the storm on private wells, due to the amount of submerged land.

He then reached out to the Manatee County Emergency Management’s staff to set up water testing.

On Oct. 4, the county issued a press release asking Myakka City-area residents to have their water tested. On Oct. 13, the county announced that, indeed, many wells were contaminated.

Of the 319 samples received, 172 had at least some level of coliform bacteria present.

Hopes said it was “pretty significant” that 54% of the samples contained either coliform bacteria or fecal coliform bacteria. He said

Manatee County has been handing out test vials for Myakka City area residents to test their private well water.

3A

Photos by Ian Swaby

County Administrator Scott Hopes visited the Myakka City Community Center as emergency supplies were being distributed.

although any bacteria in a well is an issue, the presence of fecal coliform, and its species E. coli, is the most significant indicator of contamination that would cause disease in humans.

The issue, Hopes said, is most serious for the very young or very elderly, who might be frail or have other medical problems that would cause them to be susceptible to disease.

Myakka City residents said they were pleased with Manatee County’s actions to offer testing and water.

Sara Risi said Manatee County made it convenient to pick up water and she also said the testing vial came with easy instructions.

“It’s been very helpful,” she said.

Risi said after the storm, she became ill after drinking her well water. However, she said she did not know whether it was due to the well water or to eating too many fast food and junk food items at a time when she could not obtain any other foods.

Despite the contaminated water, she said she was fortunate to have a roof on her home.

“It’s sad to see all the damage,” she said. “The whole thing brings people down.”

Myakka City resident Pam McCrone was appreciative of Manatee County’s effort. The issue of contamination, she said, was first brought to her attention through Manatee County texts that were sent a couple of days after the storm.

“I felt very confident in all the information,” she said.

She is now testing her well for the second time and noted that so far, she had not experienced any illness, despite having used her well water before tests showed her well was contaminated.

She had purchased drinking water before the storm and noted she doesn’t have problem finding drinking water in stores now.

Myakka City resident Philip Picker said he would have continued using his well water if he hadn’t received messages from the county. His well water is in the process of being test-

ed.

He said he was fine waiting for test results to come back because Manatee County was making water available.

“It’s awesome that they’re here and have provided this as a resource,” he said.

BLESSING IN DISGUISE

Hopes said the fact many private wells in the Myakka City area need power to function might have been a blessing in disguise.

Those residents who didn’t have power couldn’t drink water that might have been contaminated.

“I think a saving grace is that they didn’t have power right away,” Hopes said. “They weren’t using their well water.”

Hopes said some of the contaminated water might have been caused by the fact that residents have their wells and septic tanks in close proximity. He said fecal waste from the septic tanks could have mixed into the floodwaters and found its way into the wells.

He said septic tanks contain perforated lines that allow the sewage to soak into the soil. He said once eight to 10 feet of floodwater are added on top of the soil, saturating it, the wastewater has the ability to mix with the floodwater.

However, he also said having so many animals and their droppings close to water supplies added to the problem.

“It’s not just humans; it’s animals too,” he said. “If you just think about the rural nature of most of the land out here, it’s everything from deer, to raccoons, to opossums, goats and cattle,” he said.

ADVICE FOR RESIDENTS

Currently, Manatee County is advising residents to either drink bottled water, or perform a rolling boil for at least a minute of any water that will be used for drinking or cooking.

Hopes said residents should wait for two negative tests for bacteria before they continue regular use of the water.

SERVICES AT THE MYAKKA CITY COMMUNITY CENTER n Pallets of bottled water n Water sampling container pickups and returns n Bleach and directions for disinfecting wells

4A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER

Students in the School District of Manatee County won’t have to make up all five days they missed because of Hurricane Ian. Cynthia Saunders, the superintendent of the School District of Manatee County, said as a result of the 30 minutes added to each school day after voters passed the 1-mill property tax referendum in 2021, students will not need to make up all the instructional time lost during the hurricane and its aftermath.

By the end of the semester, elementary and middle school students already would have made up the time due to the 30 additional minutes, but administrators felt a change in the schedule was needed for high school students.

The School Board of Manatee County approved making Dec. 20-22 full days for high school students rather than the previously scheduled half-days.

High school students need to have 67.5 hours of instructional time in a semester in order to receive a halfcourse credit from the state. For a full course credit, students must complete 135 hours in a year.

This semester, high school students would have had 73 to 75 instructional hours per half-credit if the school year went as planned, so those students already had some cushion built into the schedule.

After the district closed for five days, Kevin Chapman, the chief of staff for the School District of Manatee County, said technically the high school students didn’t need to make up that lost time, but they wanted to maintain the cushion built into the schedule.

“We’re right at the bare bones of the requirement right now,” Saun-

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BY THE NUMBERS 30: Minutes added to each school day as a result of the 1-mill property tax referendum 67.5: Minimum hours required to earn a half-credit in high school in a semester 135: Minimum hours required to earn a high school credit in a school year 73-75: Hours in the School District of Manatee County’s high school calendar per semester in the 2022-23 school year 66-68: Hours in the district’s high school calendar in the fall semester after missed instructional time because of Hurricane Ian 5-6: Hours being added by making Dec. 20-22 full days instead of half-days 3: Hurricane make-up days built into the School District of Manatee County’s calendar

Bella Rubal, a first-grade teacher at Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School, reads to her students.

Elementary and middle school students don’t have to make up instructional time missed during Hurricane Ian because they have enough extra hours built into their schedule.

ders said.

Saunders said some districts are adding time to the length of each school day to make up the time.

With the change, the high school students will have 71 to 74 instructional hours by the start of winter break.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

“Development happens.

I get it. But this is not an appropriate place for industrial development.”

— Colleen Blumenthal

Jay Heater

Colleen Blumenthal says she doesn’t know if Blumenberry Farms will survive if Sarasota County commissioners allow light industrial uses on her section of Lorraine Road.

Rezone vote due for Lorraine Road Blumenberry Farms owner says allowing light industrial would be a blow to agriculture.

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

C

olleen Blumenthal walked through Blumenberry Farms surveying the damage done by Hurricane Ian. Ian flooded most of their crops, killing everything. The greenhouse was ripped apart. Trees were down everywhere on the property.

But in no way does she consider Hurricane Ian the farm’s biggest threat.

On Oct. 25, Sarasota County commissioners will decide whether to designate a small section of Lorraine

Road, roughly from Blue Lake Road south to Fruitville Road, along with a section of Lorraine Road from Clarke Road to State Road 681, as part of the county’s new Business Park Corridor. Such a designation would allow landowners with 10 acres or more and access to Lorraine Road to apply for a rezone to allow light industrial and office uses.

Originally, the amendment included a strip of Lorraine Road from University Parkway through Fruitville Road, but before sending the amendment CPA 2022-F to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity for review on Aug. 30,

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What: Sarasota County commissioners meet to decide whether to rezone sections of Lorraine Road to allow light industrial, office and other uses When: 9 a.m., Oct. 25 Where: Sarasota County Administration, 1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota

commissioners voted to exclude the portion of Lorraine Road from Blue Lake Road north to University Parkway.

Whether Lorraine Road residents in opposition to the rezone pack the commission meeting on Oct. 25 remains to be seen, but many of

those in opposition at the Aug. 30 meeting live on the stretch of Lorraine Road that was excluded.

Their interest could be waning.

Blumenthal has faith that those to the north of her will continue to add their voice in opposition to the rezone.

“I think what (Sarasota County commissioners) are doing affects more than just us,” Blumenthal said.

By “us” she meant those who live on Dog Kennel Road and in Windward, the new Neal Communities village across from Dog Kennel Road.

“Development happens,” Blumenthal said. “I get it. But this is not an appropriate place for industrial development.”

She is worried about a 13-acre frontage property that borders Lorraine and shares a border with her land. She is worried about pollutants leaching into the soil and infecting her land. She is worried about storm water runoff, noise and air pollution, and the effect industrial development will have on her beehives.

“It’s 20 steps from my mailbox,” she said.

If commissioners approve the rezone, Blumenthal said it could mean the end of her farm.

“We are the last organic farm remaining (in the area),” she said.

She said it is such a “bad look for a county to be shoving through a rezone” when the agricultural industry, such as citrus, is struggling.

Besides hoping that Lorraine Road residents pack the commission meeting, Blumenthal said a petition is circulating against the rezone and a letter-writing effort has been organized to convince commissioners such a rezone is unnecessary on the small section of Lorraine Road.

Sarasota County commissioners voted 3-1 to send the amendment to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity for review, with com-

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2022

5A

missioner Michael Moran absent.

Commissioner Nancy Detert was the only one solidly against a rezone.

She said developing that area of Lorraine Road wouldn’t fulfill the Business Park Corridor goal of providing jobs. Of light industrial, she said, “Those aren’t even jobs for human beings. They are robotic.”

Commissioners Ron Cutsinger and Alan Maio both made clear their positions in favor of developing the area.

The focus goes to Commissioner Christian Ziegler, who appeared to be against the amendment until the section of Lorraine Road from Blue Lake Road north to University Parkway was excluded. He could have killed the amendment with a no vote when it came to sending it to the state, but he didn’t.

The focus also goes to Moran, who was absent from the Aug. 30 meeting.

Blumenthal isn’t optimistic, but she hopes commissioners will consider the importance of agriculture in the area and its declining presence.

Her husband Mitch chose the property at 2151 Dog Kennel Road in 1995. At the time, Colleen Blumenthal said a Mennonite family owned the farm and had 3,000 blueberry plants.

“Take Blumenthal and 3,000 blueberry plants, and you’ve got Blumenberry Farms,” she said.

Her husband wanted to “live off the land,” and she said he worked to improve the soil. That strategy, however, didn’t favor the blueberries.

“We continued the blueberries for five years, but my husband kept improving the soil and he didn’t know he was killing the blueberries,” she said with a laugh.

Eventually, they diversified their plants and organic offerings. Some of the area’s top chefs ask them to grow specific foods for their kitchens.

Whether that continues may be dependent on the upcoming vote.

Blumenthal said she won’t move from her land “because it is home,” but she isn’t sure she can afford to mitigate whatever might be needed to reduce the effects an industrial property next door could have on her farm.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2022

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JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

It was late on Sept. 28 when Hurricane Ian whipped across the Farmhouse Animal and Nature Sanctuary in Myakka City, causing owners Dave and Lisa Burns to brave 100 mph winds to check on the reserve’s 120 animals.

Lisa Burns looked into a pasture, where four horses were huddled together. If a hurricane brings people closer together, it can do the same for animals.

“The horses were all standing in a semicircle with their butts pushed together,” Lisa Burns said.

The next morning, with trees and limbs down all over the grounds and floodwaters still flowing past the barns and house, Lisa Burns again looked out at the horses.

This time, three of the horses were trying to get into one of the pastures, but the fourth horse, a 30-year-old quarter horse/Arabian mix named Danny, wouldn’t let them.

“He knew it was dangerous,” Lisa Burns said. “They would come up to the gate and he would push them back.”

Then it was time for people to start working together.

Those in the Myakka community know Lisa and Dave Burns opened the sanctuary to house dumped animals.

They wanted to protect animals that no one else seemed to want. In 2017, they could received nonprofit status for the six-acre sanctuary. Dave Burns began building habitats and Lisa handled administrative duties.

So volunteers were quick to respond after the hurricane passed.

“After the storm, we had volunteers here every day,” Lisa Burns said.

“The first day, there were six volunteers. The second day, we had 13.”

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Dave and Lisa Burns give their goats treats during a break from cleaning up the grounds.

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The volunteers kept coming.

On Oct. 17, Dave and Lisa Burns and the volunteers were still cleaning up fallen trees and limbs.

“We got a lot cleaned up since Saturday,” Lisa Burns said. “Half of the volunteers have been our regulars, but the other half have been strangers.”

Lisa Burns put out a call for help on social media, and she said many volunteers from the Lakewood Ranch area responded, along with several from St. Petersburg. Susie Bowie, executive director of the Manatee Community Foundation, was among those who showed up to work.

The Burns estimated the damage at $60,000, which can be tough for a nonprofit living on the edge. However, both say they have no intention of quitting.

“We definitely are going to keep going,” Lisa Burns said. “We will find a way.”

Clearing the rest of the trees and replacing the fence is the next chore.

“I counted 34 trees down and then I stopped counting,” Lisa Burns said.

In one pasture, with downed trees all over, a young oak tree stood tall. It was the tree they planted in

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STEPPING UP

7A

Victoria Gau, MD Courtesy photo

The kangaroos at Farmhouse Animal and Nature Sanctuary came through the storm just fine.

They didn’t mark their kangaroos because they figured their neighbors would know where they came from.

With downed trees ripping holes through or crushing the fences, they went out in the worst part of the storm trying to put up kennel panels for a temporary fence. However, the winds threatened to rip them away.

When they went back to the house, water was coming up to the porch but wasn’t making it into the house. But then water came streaming down the chimney into the fireplace. Dave Burns attempted to mop it up with towels.

Finally, morning came and they had to enact quick temporary repairs so none of the animals could get out.

The property now is secure, but lots of work remains. Lisa Burns said they could use anyone with a backhoe. More volunteers are welcome, and they also would accept any donations to help them buy equipment and feed for the animals.

“Our main barns are in great shape, and really, we were blessed,” Lisa Burns said.

Only one animal was slightly injured. A pig was limping after a fence had fallen on her.

The Burns have applied to FEMA and the United Way, but haven’t received a decision whether they qualify for any funds.

Dave Burns said he hopes never to go through it all again.

“But it has been amazing to see people come together,” he said. “It’s too bad it wouldn’t happen all the time — people being so nice to each other.”

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2018 in honor of Lisa’s late brother, Tony Wakefield, who died that year.

Somehow, that tree made it through.

The Burns weren’t sure they were going to make it through the storm the night Hurricane Ian hit.

“In the middle of the night, we were second guessing our choice to stay here,” Lisa Burns said. “We didn’t think anything would be standing.”

More than 10 inches of rain ran through the property like a river because the grounds already had been saturated from previous rains.

Two of the pumps they use in their ponds were submerged and ruined. A power surge blew out some of their equipment and destroyed a washing machine.

“It made me sick to my stomach,” Dave Burns said. “It was very scary and we didn’t know what would happen. We marked the animals — horses, goats, tortoises — putting Lisa’s phone number on them.”

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2022

First Physicians Group Welcomes

Dave and Lisa Burns said a host of volunteers have stepped up to help Farmhouse Animal and Nature Sanctuary after Hurricane Ian. They also have received donations from various businesses and organizations. Here is a look of some of those donations. n Waste to Charity of Venice — Donated fans, a sump pump, wheelbarrows, rakes and other items n Keller Williams Realtor Andrew Pepper — Donated bags of feed and hay, organized other Realtors to provide volunteer work n World Equestrian Center of Ocala — Delivered 25 bales of hay and bags of speciality feed for horses that are on specialized diets n C & C Rescue Foundation — Provided a crew of workers to clear pastures along with “a ton of fresh fruits and veggies” for the animals n NOTE — Any donations to Farmhouse Animal and Nature Sanctuary made through FlanzerTrust.org will be matched to $500 per household.

Donors should choose Farmhouse Sanctuary as their charity of choice.

For more information about volunteering or to make a donation, call 941-2199515

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November 12 • Waterside Place

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2022

OPINION / OUR VIEW

EAST COUNTY

Observer recommends A litmus test for constitution amendments is this: Will it increase or decrease your freedom? the lives of those the amendments are intended to affect. But you can be the judge of that once you know more about them.

AMENDMENT 1

MATT WALSH

E

very conversation you have with a Floridian for the first time since that horrible, fateful day always begins with: “How did you do? Is your family OK? Was your home damaged?”

And for the next five minutes or so, together you lament the destruction that Hurricane Ian inflicted on this great state and you pity with your heart the thousands of Floridians who lost so much.

All of us in Ian’s wake are still traumatized — PTSD, for sure — even if those of us in the SarasotaBradenton escaped as we did.

So it’s hard to shift your mindset and focus and get back to living the way we were living before Ian. But we must — and will.

Which brings us to one of the next milestones Americans will be facing over the next few weeks: How to vote in the Nov. 8 General Election.

To that end, as we do with each election, we will attempt over the next few weeks to help readers see why some incumbents deserve reelection or not, or why some challengers deserve election instead.

We will explain some of the details, backgrounds, motivations, objectives and pluses and minuses of the state constitutional amendments and local charter amendments.

And, as we have traditionally done, we will continue to make recommendations — a practice most newspapers are abandoning. Too bad they are.

We continue to believe it’s worthwhile to offer a viewpoint that may help voters think more analytically about candidates and issues rather than making judgments merely based on TV and radio sound bites or on the negative campaign mailers stuffed into mailboxes.

In this week’s installment, we address the state constitutional amendments. And as we do with every proposed amendment, we will apply our litmus test: If passed, will the amendment increase or decrease individuals’ freedom? If it will increase freedom, we’ll likely recommend a yes. If it decreases freedom, no.

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

Thankfully, there are only three state constitutional amendments on the ballot this year. That’s a welcome relief from four years ago, when there were 12 state amendments on the ballot — all of which addressed multiple subjects that confused voters.

On top of that, in 2018, Sarasota County ballots contained another six bond and charter questions.

All of it was overwhelming for Florida voters.

That seemingly interminable and confusing list of amendments came to Floridians courtesy of the Florida Constitution Revision Commission, an appointed body of citizens that meets every 20 years and whose existence happens to be the subject of one of this year’s amendments.

Unlike then, this year’s three amendments are all courtesy of the Legislature. Thankfully, each of the amendments is limited to a single subject, making them easier to comprehend.

What’s more, unlike many citizen-initiated amendments, this year’s three amendments do not have nefarious interest groups working behind the scenes to pass or kill the amendments to gain special advantage.

Instead, you can say the intent of the amendments is to improve

Limitation on the assessment of real property used for residential purposes.

To authorize the Legislature, by general law, to prohibit the consideration of any change or improvement made to real property used for residential purposes to improve the property’s resistance to flood damage in determining the assessed value of such property for ad valorem taxation purposes.

In plain English, here’s what this means: If you own residential property in Florida and construct or install improvements designed to keep your property from being flooded (e.g. hurricanes, storms), county property appraisers cannot add the value of those improvements to the assessed value of your property.

Say the appraiser values your canal-front home at $700,000.

Then you add $50,000 worth of anti-flood improvements. When the appraisers assesses the tax value of your home, he cannot include the $50,000 value.

State statutes already apply that methodology to wind damage improvements (stronger roofs, hurricane windows, etc.). This amendment would apply the same exemption to flood improvements.

In the wake of Ian, most people would say this amendment makes sense. This amendment is in every property owner and taxpayer’s interest and in the interest of helping the state create a more favorable insurance market.

It makes sense to give homeowners an incentive to take steps to avoid flood damage. Likewise, any measure that limits or reduces taxation is an increase in freedom.

We recommend: Yes

AMENDMENT 2

Abolishing the Constitution Revision Commission.

To abolish the Constitution Revision Commission, which meets at 20-year intervals and is scheduled to next convene in 2037, as a method of submitting proposed amendments or revisions to the State Constitution to electors of the state for approval. This amendment does not affect the ability to revise or amend the State Constitution through citizen initiative, constitutional convention, the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission or legislative joint resolution.

On first thought, an initial reaction to reading this proposed amendment would be to vote no. It appears the Legislature wants to eliminate one of the avenues voters and taxpayers have to change state government. It appears to be an effort to take away some of your freedom and your ability to control your government.

But as with most issues, there are two sides to every story.

Florida Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, makes a persuasive case for eliminating the commission — persuasive enough that more than three-fifths of the Legislature voted in 2021 to put this measure on the ballot.

Brandes likens the commission to the movie “Jumanji” — a game with no rules.

“There are no rules,” he says.

“Good things can pop out, and bad things can pop out.”

All of that is true of the revision commission, in particular the part about no rules.

When Florida voters approved the creation of the commission in 1968, the provisions specifying its job and how to do that job were vague and open-ended. According to a legislative analysis in 2021, all that is required of the commission is that it “must convene at the call of its chair, adopt rules of procedure and ‘hold public hearings.’” That’s it.

Its job is “to examine the State Constitution and decide which, if any, amendments to propose to the voters.”

REPUBLICANS GROW; DEMOCRATS DON’T VOTER REGISTRATION Change 2022 Total % of Total from 2021 FLORIDA* Republican 5,233,366 36.3% +2.2% Democrat 4,963,722 34.5% -2.9% Other 4,198,193 29.2% +3.2% Total 14,395,281 100% +0.6% MANATEE COUNTY** Republican 123,634 44.1% +2.7% Democrat 79,589 28.4% -3.1% Other 76,675 27.4% +3.0% Total 279,898 100% +1.0% SARASOTA COUNTY*** Republican 153,630 43.5% +1.8% Democrat 101,468 28.7% -5.0% Other 97,770 27.2% 0% Total 352,868 100% -0.74% (As of *9.30.22;** 11.1.21; *** 10.5.22; )

For the first time in Florida political history, registered Republicans will outnumber registered Democrats going into the general election.

This was a long quest for Republicans.

Even though Republicans achieved a historic milestone in 1996 by taking the majority in the Legislature — the first time in 120 years, Democrats have always

outnumbered Republicans.

No longer.

What’s more, when you look at a county map of Florida, it would show the state to be bright Red. Of the 67 counties, Republicans outnumber Democrats in 52.

Offsetting that dominance, however, is that Democrats overwhelmingly control the state’s major metropolitan areas.

DEMOCRATS DOMINATE THE METROS The table shows the total registered Democrats and Republicans and the percentage of the total number of registered voters.

Broward Duval (Jax) Hillsborough Miami-Dade Orange Palm Beach Totals % of Party

Democrats % 596,774 47.9% 260,733 40.0% 341,597 37.2% 575,793 37.9% 360,389 41.7% 398,703 39.9% 2,533,989 — 51%

Republicans 263,491 228,883 287,419 433,113 217,061 288,547 1,718,51 32.8%

% 21.1% 35.1% 31.3% 28.5% 25.1% 28.9% —

Source: Florida Secretary of State; supervisors of elections

Brandes argues the open-ended nature of the commission results in what occurred in 2018 — a dozen amendments, most of them addressing different subjects; and many of them items that should not be in the constitution, but rather dealt with as state statutes.

What’s more, Brandes argues, the members of the commission are not really a wide cross-section of Florida’s populace. Of its 37 members, the governor appoints 15; the House speaker and Senate president each appoint nine; the chief justice of the Florida Supreme Court appoints three; and the attorney general is a member.

The result tends to be friends and donors of the state’s elected leaders.

In the most recent commission, Republicans overwhelmingly dominated. “It’s a construct of unelected individuals,” Brandes says, deciding what to present to voters to change Florida’s most sacred, governing document.

For all those reasons, Brandes says, the best way to fix all that is wrong with the commission is to eliminate it.

Or, as Adrian Moore, Observer columnist and vice president of the Reason Foundation, wrote in a Sept.

8 column: “It would make much more sense to reform the CRC and the citizen initiative process than to eliminate it.”

Moore presented five doable and reasonable steps that would reform and fix the commission and preserve this avenue to amending Florida’s Constitution. It’s worth a try.

We recommend: No.

AMENDMENT 3

Additional homestead property tax exemption for specified critical public services workforce.

To authorize the Legislature, by general law, to grant an additional homestead tax exemption for nonschool levies of up to $50,000 of the assessed value of homestead property owned by classroom teachers, law enforcement officers, correctional officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, child welfare services professionals, active duty members of the United States armed forces and Florida National Guard members. This amendment shall take effect Jan. 1, 2023.

This proposed amendment reeks of political pandering.

It also is rife with reasons to be critical of the 115 Florida House members (all of them at the time) and the 37 out of 38 senators who voted to put this measure on the ballot in the most recent legislative session.

First, to the good: If approved, the amendment would codify a property tax cut — and thus more individual freedom — for nine groups of Floridians. It would be a nice way to express the public’s perpetual appreciation for these indispensable and highly valued public servants; to let them know Floridians have their backs.

It would not be a precedent by any means.

Since 2010, Florida voters have approved six constitutional amendments giving property-tax exemptions and college-tuition waivers to combat-wounded military veterans, disabled first responders and the surviving spouses of these deceased veterans and first responders. In the process, Florida has become one of the most welcoming states in the country for veterans and first responders.

Now, state lawmakers want to broaden that net.

But wait. While we admire and respect the people who choose to serve in those crucial occupations and understand their risks and challenges and while we have supported the six previous amendments intended to help those wounded, disabled or killed in the line of duty, this amendment smacks of the policy making that lawmakers should always avoid: picking one group over another and bestowing benefits on one group at the expense of others.

This amendment is the classic example of the Milton Friedman rule of lawmaking: What you give to one you must take away from another. If you lower taxes for the people in these nine groups, others must make up the difference.

Florida lawmakers should quit pandering so they can say they voted to cut taxes. If there are to be tax cuts, give them to everyone.

We recommend: No.

“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

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2022

9A

JAY HEATER

Unique club seeks science-minded members N

ick Barbi is finding there is a particular science to starting a club.

And to find potential members who are interested in science, well, that adds a different dimension to his quest.

Palm Aire’s Barbi has a background in design, manufacturing and sales of scientific instruments.

Success in his career has allowed him to pursue the good life here since moving to Sarasota with his wife, Mary Jo, in 2015. But he finds most of the mixers he attends these days have more to do with the arts than his favorite topics of science, technology and education.

That’s understandable since Sarasota is one of the most renowned arts communities in the U.S., along with the fact he has sold X-ray and infrared spectroscopy systems that specialize in the analysis of art. In representing an Italian infrared imaging company, his clients are mostly museums in the U.S. But when it comes to conversation, the arts world is not his cup of tea.

A year ago, Barbi decided to start a science and technology society for the area.

He looked into forming a nonprofit, hosting a monthly or bi-monthly dinner meeting and finding speakers who would be of interest to the new club.

His desire to start this new club, though, hit a snag when those interested in joining were not interested in filling a board position or helping him perform the nuts and bolts of having a nonprofit. He needs a board for nonprofit status.

“I just wished there was a group I could socialize with and feel more at home,” said Barbi, who is 76.

“That would be a social organization that was built around science and technology. Basically because

“I expect most of our group to be older people. But they can help in a number of ways. Maybe we could find people at an assistedliving facility who would want to get involved. Right now, my problem is that I am a one-man show.”

— Nick Barbi

Jay Heater

Palm Aire’s Nick Barbi is seeking members for his new Science and Technology Society.

of who I am and my age, I chose a traditional format with a nice venue and a cocktail hour.”

A year after he started his pursuit, Barbi is taking the next step by hosting an event Oct. 25 at the Meadows Country Club. The first Science and Technology Society event will feature Ed Chiles, the owner of Mar Vista, the Sandbar and the Beach House restaurants, speaking about sustainable food initiatives. There will be a 45-minute cash bar beginning at 5 p.m., followed by an Italian buffet. The event costs $40 a person and those wanting to attend can contact Barbi at 267-205-7229 or by emailing him at NicholasBarbi@gmail.com.

Tickets must be purchased by Oct. 23.

Barbi stressed that anyone who

would like to attend is invited. He has had a nice response from the public, so a lively mixer is expected.

Besides the talk by Chiles, Barbi will discuss his ideas about the club and possible goals. He will see if he can induce a few people to join him in the formation of the society as far as taking leadership positions.

Also, Trudy Sampson, president of the Fort Myers Scientists Society of Southwest Florida, will talk about that group’s activities. Commissioner Misty Servia will be an honored guest.

While his primary motive is forming a social group, Barbi said he hopes that tapping some of the area’s top minds, who he hopes will become members, might lead to an impact on the community.

For instance, he has been work-

Limited Inventory Available

ing with an Italian scientist at a government-funded research lab that would like to test some of its unique STEM education programs in the U.S. He said the Italian research project focused on having high school students develop an environmental monitoring device.

The project was in the Dolamites, a mountain range in northeastern Italy. The students not only learned how to build the device, but they had to market and promote it. They handled all aspects of producing and marketing the product.

“You don’t make successful products on science alone,” Barbi said.

Along those lines, Barbi noted he isn’t trying to build a club of scientists, but on those interested in science and its effect on our lives.

“I see scientists (who do join the group) having spouses or partners and would bring them to the meetings and it would be likely that many of the guests would not be technology buffs,” he said. “So we will have a mix of medium and light tech talks, considering those who

might not care about the technical core but can readily appreciate the value or implications of it. The idea is that all of us, no matter how science-focused we are or aren’t, will leave the meeting enlightened in some way. The idea is not the science as much as it is the impact of science.”

He said rather than seeing people dancing or hear them playing musical instruments, those attending the event will meet people interested in the environment, sciences, ecology and education.

“Come listen to a stimulating talk and a nice night out,” he said.

Being an entrepreneur, he loves discussing how products are manufactured and marketed.

He said the Science and Technology Society members might even identify projects to support as volunteers and places to contribute their specialized talents.

“There is a lot of talent in the minds of older people here,” he said.

“The Meadows already has a very good science club. Perhaps I could get some of them to come to our meetings.”

He needs three people to be on the board of directors, so if you are interested, contact him.

“I expect most of our group to be older people,” he said. “But they can help in a number of ways. Maybe we could find people at an assistedliving facility who would want to get involved. Right now, my problem is that I am a one-man show.”

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

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2022

County takes control of CDD6’s wastewater system Next step will be for Manatee County to take over maintenance of CDD6’s potable water system.

ABOUT MANATEE COUNTY UTILITIES Interim Director: Jeffrey Goodwin Deputy Director: Kevin Morris Deputy Director: Courtney De Pol Contact the department: 941-792-8811 Location: 4410 66th St. West Bradenton, Florida

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

When Community Development District 6 experienced a water pipe burst on Thornhill Court in 2014, residents of the Country Club began to question whether it would be better to transfer their wastewater and potable water systems to Manatee County to maintain.

After all, Manatee County had far more resources to deal with such problems.

CDD6 maintained its sewer and water systems within its borders and Manatee County was responsible for the sewer lines from there to the Manatee County wastewater plant on Lena Road, as well as the water lines from the CDD6 border to the reservoir.

That broken water pipe eventually started in 2017 a long, arduous process for CDD6 of negotiating with the county and relinquishing control of its wastewater and potable water systems. As of September, when commissioners signed off on the project, Manatee County now has taken over the wastewater system, although CDD6 still maintains its potable water system. CDD6 is working with the county to take over maintenance of its potable water system as well.

James Rogoze, the chair of the board for CDD6, said it cost CDD6 approximately $446,000 to upgrade its wastewater system to the point that Manatee County would take it over.

He said the cost will be worthwhile in the long run because it will improve service and could lower residents’ CDD fees.

“We try to think ahead,” Rogoze said. “We try to say ‘We’re going to

Ian Swaby

John Fernandez is lead operator for the Manatee County Wastewater Plant on Lena Road.

spend a little bit of money on this now, but in the long run, it’s going to be a whole lot less money.’”

According to Steve Zielinski, the chief financial officer and chief executive officer at the Inter-District Authority, it is difficult to estimate to what extent fees will decrease as this type of transfer is uncharted territory.

THE HISTORY

Rogoze said the 2014 water pipe break left many Country Club residents without potable water for days, and it would have been longer if a contractor hadn’t been able to provide an interim solution through a water source intended to serve another area of the subdivision.

After this incident, which cost the district $43,114 and which Rogoze said took two to three weeks to fully resolve, it became apparent that Manatee County workers would have fixed the problem much faster.

Jeffery Goodwin, the interim utilities director for Manatee County, said the county became aware of

the struggles community development districts were experiencing with their water and sewer systems in 2012.

Although Zielinski said regular maintenance has been contracted for the CDD6 sewer and water systems, Goodwin said in some districts, officials were reacting to issues rather than preventing them, failing to set aside funds for maintenance.

He said often, CDD officials do not realize their responsibility for maintenance until an incident occurs and then discover the county was unable to respond.

In 2014, though, costs for such transfer of maintenance were considered too prohibitive by some CDD board members, Goodwin said, as the county had drawn a hard line which established it would not take over a system unless it was entirely aligned with current standards.

That meant CDDs would need to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars in some cases to bring their systems up to county standards.

Eventually, the county decided

to relax its requirements. Goodwin said although districts are no longer required to meet current standards for pipe material, they must still perform maintenance that restores the pipes to their original lifespan when they were installed. This, he said, prevents taxpayers from bearing maintenance costs for an aging system.

He said the county also decided to offer a credit, as CDD residents had been paying the same amounts in taxes for their water and sewer systems, despite not receiving maintenance from the county.

Goodwin said besides CDD6, the county currently has two transfers of sewer system maintenance in the works for Country Club East and Central Park in Lakewood Ranch and also is negotiating with Palm Aire.

THE DECISION

Rogoze said during the initial stages of the project in 2017, some debate existed over whether the cost of turning the wastewater system over was worth the benefit, but the board pushed forward.

Rogoze said there was never any advantage for CDD6 to maintain its own wastewater and potable water systems.

“We’re a small entity,” he said.

“We don’t have that expertise, and we would never be able to afford that expertise. The water in the sewer systems is so important in modern life that you want to make sure it’s in the hands of the best people.”

He said it is obvious the wastewater and potable water systems, which are 20 years old, would need more attention as they aged. He said, despite the cost, it will prove to be the right choice.

Manatee County has staff on rotating shifts 24 hours a day who deal with sewer and water line problems. CDD6 couldn’t begin to match that coverage.

THE TRANSFER PROCESS

After first asking the county for a maintenance transfer in 2017, talks between the two entities then started as the CDD6 staff worked on a plan that would fill the county’s requirements for upgrades.

The lift station was the first component to undergo an upgrade, in 2018. Goodwin said CDD6’s lift station and overall sewer system are now in good shape, even after Hurricane Ian. Following the lift station, the pipes were the second and final stage of the sewer system transfer. One of the main steps towards approval for this phase was a thorough cleaning and examination of the pipes. The district hired a subcontractor who used a remote-controlled apparatus to capture video inside the pipes, while also cleaning where needed.

Rogoze said no repairs were needed.

He said there were some areas of the pipes demonstrating what are known as “bellies” or sagging, due to the collapse of the ground below them, but said none were serious enough to warrant repairs.

FUTURE PLANS

Rogoze summed up the wastewater system transfer by saying, it was “another one step forward to having everything managed by those who are best qualified.”

The third and final step in the process will be the transfer of the potable water systems to the county, which Rogoze said is still in its initial stages. He said he hopes the process will take less than five years.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2022

11A

Fright night National Junior Honor Society students turn hallways and classrooms into a tour of terror.

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HAUNTED HOUSE Where: Nolan Middle School, 6615 Greenbrook Blvd., Lakewood Ranch When: 6-9 p.m. Oct. 29 Admission: $5 per ticket (purchase at the door) Highlights: Make your way through the Zodiac killerthemed Haunted House.

School organizations, such as the Future Farmers of America and Future Business Leaders of America, will be selling food and drinks as well as Nolan Middle spirit wear. There will be trick-or-treat stations. Children are allowed to dress up, but masks are not allowed.

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There isn’t an exact age range for people allowed in the Haunted House, so Robinson said the National Junior Honor Society needs to toe the line between scary and inappropriately creepy.

“We do push for a more extreme haunted house setting, so that way the kids buy in and they get excited,” Robinson said.

But it can be difficult to know how different kids will react. He said he had his son walk through when he was 3, and he laughed the entire time. But he has seen middle schoolers have a hard time with the event.

Margioukla said there is no such thing as too scary.

“The scarier the better,” she said.

Sometimes the cleanup after the event can be scary.

Robinson said a student hit a sprinkler head by accident and 60 gallons of water per minute flooded the area. Students had to create a water brigade with trash cans to dump the water out.

“We’ve had a lot of ups and downs and weird moments,” he said.

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ighth-grader Vincenzo Pino doesn’t want to get sick at R. Dan Nolan Middle School’s Haunted House when it opens its doors Oct. 29.

Last year, when Pino made his way through the annual event, he made a visit to the Haunted Hospital. He saw a girl working on a body with a chainsaw.

But, really, Pino can’t wait to go back.

Eighth-grader Juliana Fuschetto feels the same way, even though she was chased around the school by clowns last year. She said it was scary but a fun thrill.

This year, it’s Fuschetto and Pino’s turn to scare students who visit the Haunted House.

For 10 years, Nolan Middle School’s National Junior Honor Society has hosted the Haunted House. The themes have ranged from haunted hotels to haunted hospitals to haunted carnivals and more.

This year’s theme is “Zodiac Killer,” where those braving the tour will enter hallways and rooms that will offer puzzles and riddles to solve.

Along with scary thrills.

Chris Robinson, a teacher and National Junior Honor Society advisor, said those solving the puzzles and riddles can win prizes.

“I’m looking forward to being able to figure out how we can create a more puzzle-themed Haunted House versus just a traditional walk around, looking at things,” he said.

Robinson and his students said one of the most terrifying rooms in the Haunted House is the sensory deprivation room.

Music will be blaring while the only light is coming from a strobe.

Streamers and other objects will hang from the ceiling.

“Your senses get disoriented, so at that point, your body is kind of confused,” Robinson said.

Eighth grader Elena Margioukla can’t wait to see people screaming as they run away.

She will be popping out of the shadows to spook visitors.

“You don’t get a lot of opportunities to be a part of the haunted house,” she said.

Pino hopes to be a tour guide so he can constantly see the reactions.

“I want them to be shocked,” he said.

He will be making it look like his

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YourObserver.com

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he Main Street Market returns to Lakewood Ranch Oct. 22 with the promise of upgrades.

Niki Dalsing, who manages Main Street Market with Lindsay Wood, said vendors will extend on Lakewood Main Street from Lakewood Ranch Boulevard to the Fish Hole miniature golf course.

“It’s incredible, and I feel so excited that we’re able to find all these amazing retailers who don’t have brick-and-mortar storefronts,” Dalsing said.

The market has grown from 24 vendors its first year to 78 on Oct. 22.

Dalsing said so many vendors had applied to join the market that she had to ask Lakewood Ranch Main Street to extend her event space, which used to run from Lakewood Ranch Boulevard to Main Street Trattoria.

The atmosphere will be enhanced with live music by acoustic guitarist Ken Macy.

Although Wood and Dalsing also had previously managed the market on Ranch Nite Wednesdays at Waterside Place, this year, that market will be managed by Lakewood Ranch Community Activities.

Main Street Market began in 2020 as a one-time event and was intended to reenergize struggling businesses during COVID-19.

“We wanted to have an event where all these businesses and retailers and makers could come together and just bring our community back to life,” Dalsing said.

Dalsing said they then began the market on a more regular basis by combining with other small businesses in the area, such as Nikki Roenicke, who owns Barre3, and Edith Ramage, who owns By Designs.

Wood is founder of the candle company Blossom & Burn Co., while

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This year, Main Street Market will extend from Lakewood Ranch Boulevard to The Fish Hole.

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Dalsing works for Barre3.

“I’ve been a person that’s always enjoyed markets, outdoor markets, farmers markets, French markets,” Dalsing said. “I love supporting local, so it’s a fun way to be able to do it and see all those vendors out together.”

Wood said the market looks for one-of-a-kind jewelry and arts and crafts from unique artists. Always included at the market, she said, are art forms, candles, fashion and apparel, and desserts.

She and Dalsing will also visit other markets for comparisons.

“We will take people who haven’t even launched their websites yet, and we will take people that have been open for decades,” she said.

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12A

OCTOBER 20, 2022

SPORTS

“Now I’m trying to be a great leader on and off the court because as a senior, I feel that is my responsibility.”

— Braden River High’s Hannah Ferguson SEE PAGE 15A

Fast

Break

Ryan Kohn

Griffin DeRusso File photo

G

et your oars ready.

Nathan Benderson Park announced Oct. 13 that it has been awarded the USRowing Youth National Championships in 2023 and 2024. The 2022 event brought more than 4,000 participants to the Sarasota-Bradenton area. … The cross-country 2022 Tri-County Championships, held Oct. 15 at North Port High, were kind to a few East County programs. The Out-of-Door Academy boys team, led by junior individual champion Declan Fiorucci (16:16.80), took first place, while the Lakewood Ranch High girls team took second place behind IMG Academy. The Mustangs were led by sophomore Olivia Spiegel, who finished fifth (19:35.60). The Mustangs boys team finished third overall. … Want to get your pickleball on? You’re in luck. The Rally at the Ranch doubles event — men’s, women’s and mixed — will be held Oct. 28-30 at UMR Sports (131 Upper Manatee River Road). Times vary by category. Registration is $80 per team. For more information, visit UMRSports.com or contact Chandra Moore at 737-0364. … If you would rather watch little white balls travel quite a long way, the Ultimate Long Drive World Championships are coming to Premier Sports Campus Oct. 27-30. It’s a long-drive golf competition for all ages.

More information can be found at UltimateLongDrive.com. … ODA’s football team (7-0) kept rolling Oct. 14 with a 54-10 win over Cocoa Beach High (4-2), and so did its offensive leader, senior running back Griffin DeRusso, who scored four touchdowns, bringing his season total to 17. The team is one win away from a perfect regular season. It hits the road to play Bradenton Christian (25) Oct. 21 at 7 p.m.

ICE IN HER VEINS PAGE 14A

PopStroke founder Greg Bartoli said the Sarasota location was chosen to host the inaugural PopStroke Tour Championship because of its two-story size as well as the community’s love of golf.

Putting event gets pop from the pros PopStroke founder Greg Bartoli explains why the event was conceived and the impact that bringing Rickie Fowler and Paula Creamer to the event will have.

RYAN KOHN SPORTS EDITOR

I

t’s a common refrain from sports fans watching professional competitions on TV. “Even I could do better than that.”

Area putting aficionados have a chance to put that refrain to the test.

PopStroke, a putting, eating and drinking venue founded in 2018 by Greg Bartoli and Tiger Woods’ TGR Ventures, opened its University Town Center location in April. From Oct. 26 to Oct. 28, the location will be home to the inaugural PopStroke Tour Championship, a putting competition sponsored by TaylorMade.

The event will have two competitions, a Team Championship (two players per team) and a Stroke Play (individual) Championship. Combined, the competitions are expected to bring approximately 500 participants to the UTC location.

Both competitions will feature four rounds of 18 holes, with cuts after the second round, just like a PGA Tour event. The team competition has a purse of $100,000, with the winners splitting $20,000; and the individual competition has a purse of $25,000, with the winner getting $5,000.

There’s another difference between the two competitions, too.

On Oct. 28, the winners of the team competition will get to play against professional golfers Rickie Fowler and Paula Creamer in the “$25K Showdown,” a single 18-hole round of putting that will see the winners take all the cash.

The showdown will air Nov. 20 on the Bally Sports family of regional networks as well as on Golf Channel. Fowler has won five career PGA Tour events and has finished second at a major tournament three times.

Creamer has won 10 LPGA events, including the 2010 U.S. Women’s Open. Both golfers are sponsored by TaylorMade, which connected the golfers to the event.

Bartoli said having Fowler and Creamer participate in the inaugural PTC validates the event, giving it instant credibility within the golf world. Bartoli said he is thankful to TaylorMade for helping make it happen.

PopStroke director of marketing Melissa Sullivan said people inter-

IF YOU GO POPSTROKE TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP When: Oct. 26-28 Where: PopStroke Sarasota (University Town Center) How it works: The event will have two competitions, a Team Championship competition (two players per team) and a Stroke Play (individual) Championship competition.

Both competitions will feature four rounds of 18 holes.

Prizes: The team competition has a purse of $100,000 with the winners splitting $20,000; the individual competition has a purse of $25,000, with the winner getting $5,000.

Bonus: The winners of the Team Championship will play Rickie Fowler and Paula Creamer Oct. 28 in the $25K Showdown, which will be taped and air on Bally Sports regional networks on Nov. 20.

Registration: The Team Championship competition costs $500, while the Stroke Play (individual) Championship costs $250. Visit PopStroke. com to register.

ested in watching the showdown, but not playing, will be able to enter the venue “for a small fee.” That fee is still to be determined as of Oct. 15. In addition, Bartoli said only the Tiger Red course will be occupied during the PTC. The rest of the PopStroke venue will operate as normal, including the Tiger Black (family friendly) course, so nonparticipants can play a round on that course and order food and drinks before watching the $25K Showdown if they wish.

Parking at PopStroke will be free.

Sullivan said the parking lots at Dillard’s and other surrounding stores will be used as overflow locations if the PopStroke lot becomes full.

Bartoli said the PTC was born out of PopStroke’s unique vision.

“This is what PopStroke is all about,” Bartoli said. “We’re bringing people together in a competitive, dynamic environment around the game of golf, regardless of age or skill level or background. Putting is a great equalizer. It’s not intimidating.

A lot of people can do it successfully.

Just because a Tour pro can hit the ball 350 yard down the center of the fairway, it doesn’t necessarily mean they can putt better than a local golfer who happens to be a great putter.

Rickie Fowler, who has won five career PGA Tour events, will team with Paula Creamer to form the Tour Pro Team in the $25K Showdown, the final competition of the PopStroke Tour Championship.

Courtesy photos

Bringing the two together, it’s going to be interesting.”

It is the “Pros vs. Joes” dynamic of the event that Bartoli said drew interest from the television networks. Bartoli said golf is a unique sport in the way amateurs can compete with professionals if they have a good day. It’s different than sports like baseball, where the average person cannot hit a curveball, or basketball, where the sheer athleticism of the professional athletes will win out. Bartoli said he and the networks believe plenty of golf fans will want to see how the amateurs fare in the 25K Showdown.

The PTC could have been held at any of PopStroke’s three other locations — Orlando, Port St. Lucie and Fort Myers — but Bartoli said the UTC location was selected to host because it is the largest and the only one to feature an upstairs section, which will provide a great view to watch the competition and provide plenty of space for the TV crews to operate. Bartoli said the region’s love of golf didn’t hurt, either.

Entry into the PTC’s Team Championship competition costs $500.

Entry into the PTC’s Stroke Play (individual) Championship costs $250. Registration for both events closes at 5 p.m. Oct. 24. Visit PopStroke.com for more information or to register.

Paula Creamer, who won the 2010 U.S. Women’s Open, will team with Rickie Fowler to form the Tour Pro Team in the $25K Showdown, the final competition of the PopStroke Tour Championship.

14A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2022

PROSE AND KOHN

RYAN KOHN

It’s official. She loves being a ref W histleblowers have a tough job.

Just ask Lakewood Ranch’s Shannon Boyce.

Boyce, 15, is certified to be an onice official through USA Hockey.

She attends Lakewood Ranch High and is the youngest official working hockey games at Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex.

She’s also the only female official at the rink and one of just six in Florida. Boyce is relatively new to the officiating side of the game, starting just over a year ago, but she’s been around the game all her life.

Born in Toronto, she moved with her family to Lakewood Ranch when she was 6 weeks old, Boyce was thrust into hockey fandom by her parents, Ken Boyce and Paula Boyce, both of whom played the sport in their youth. She was skating by 5 years old, though while on the ice she stuck to the boards like they were covered in glue.

Eventually, she found the courage to skate in the middle of the ice, which turned into the courage to play hockey herself. Ken Boyce was a goalie, but he talked Shannon out of following his path as he thought she would have to be crazy to voluntarily take pucks to the chest and face like he did. So she became a forward.

Besides officiating, Boyce plays in Ellenton’s recreational league on a mixed-gender team that has two other girls. But she has come to realize her time left as a hockey player is limited.

The guys she plays against, also 15 years old, are learning to body check like adults. Most of them are already bigger and stronger, and some of those opponents are as big as 6-foot-4. That size and strength spells trouble and raises the potential for injury for the 5-foot Boyce.

There are no girls-only leagues in the area. The closest one is in Wesley Chapel, a 90-minute drive

each way in light traffic. So Boyce is meeting her hockey fate head on — by taking a look at officiating.

“I want to keep skating and stay a part of hockey,” Boyce said. “I’d rather referee than coach. Coaches, they stand on the bench the whole time. They’re not active. I like actually being on the ice.”

So Boyce began her refereeing journey, which involved lots of studying. USA Hockey has four levels of refereeing, as well as a chart showing what level of referee it recommends should work each level of hockey. Boyce is currently a Level Two referee, which means she is recommended to work 14U recreational games and 12U travel hockey games.

Before getting certified for each level, applicants have to pass a test proving their hockey rules knowledge is sufficient. Boyce is currently studying to become a Level Three referee, which would qualify her for games up to the Junior C level (1621 years old).

Soft-spoken, Boyce doesn’t seem like the type of person who wants to endure the kind of verbal abuse you can get as a referee. Take it from me, a former baseball umpire, people have no problem giving you a piece of their mind if you make a call — correctly or not — against their team.

Boyce said a switch flips in her brain when she drops the puck for a game. She’s going to make all the necessary calls because that’s her job. Parents and coaches can complain all they wish as it’s a part of the game, and she is more than willing to explain why she’s in the right, as long as they remain respectful.

“If they’re actually yelling, I’ll ignore them and continue to do my job,” Boyce said.

Mostly, Boyce said, things go fine at her games. Except the first one she officiated, which was game of 11-year-olds. At that game, she

said, a fight broke out between two players.

“They were throwing punches,” Boyce said. “I kind of froze. I didn’t know what to do.”

Thankfully, Boyce’s officiating partner that night broke up the fight and sent the kids to the locker room. They were done for the game.

Boyce said she’s only seen something similar happen once since that game, and she was able to break up the incident before any real punches were landed.

Usually, the calls Boyce has to make are more tame. Boyce said there are a lot of tripping calls, especially at the younger age levels.

They’re trying to swipe at the puck, but beginner players often have trouble controlling their stick, which leads to a lot of falls. Boyce said she sometimes feels like a babysitter when working those games, helping players skate into the correct position on face-offs and telling them exactly what they did wrong if they commit an infraction.

Boyce doesn’t mind the feeling.

If it’s a way to stay on the ice, she’ll take it.

Boyce said she can envision herself continuing down this path through college. After that, she’ll see how she feels. Right now, she’s happy where she is and proud of being one of a handful of girls doing what she does.

“It’s cool,” Boyce said. “There are a few younger girls who have seen me do it and have told me they’re interested in it now. I like that I’m inspiring people to check it out.”

Ryan Kohn

Shannon Boyce, 15, is the youngest hockey referee at Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex and one of just six female officials in Florida.

Shannon Boyce, 15, drops the puck during a youth hockey game at Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex.

Boyce said she became an official so she can stay involved with hockey after she stops playing it herself.

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

Courtesy photo

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prepared for what is coming up and we’re ready to see how this all plays out for us.

What are your hobbies?

I hang out with my friends a lot.

Every Sunday I go to the beach to watch the sunset. It’s a reset before the next week.

When did you start playing volleyball?

I started playing in the third grade.

I used to go to my PE coaches’ little clinics. Then I started actually playing with WAVE Volleyball, which is Coach Matt’s (McElhiney, Braden River coach) club volleyball program, in fourth grade. Actually, my first real coach was Coach Jess (Kane), who is now our assistant coach. So playing here for them is full circle for me.

What is your favorite subject?

I like English a lot. I like words. I like writing them down and I like speaking them. I think communication is important in our world today.

What is the appeal to you?

I love the atmosphere of the game.

My team and my coaches are like family to me.

Finish this sentence: “Hannah Ferguson is …” … Positive and hardworking. I was raised in a house where I had to work for everything. My family always encouraged me, but I had to work for my own money, things like that.

What is your best skill?

I like to be positive on the court and I think that makes a big impact, whether we are winning or losing. I bring a good energy.

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My mom (Juli Ferguson) is such a role model for me. She always says that everything happens for a reason. Whatever is happening, just let it go.

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I’m trying to work my way up and be more of a leader. I feel that is my responsibility. I’m a vocal person.

You can ask anyone on the team. I never stop talking.

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We are all super excited. Not nervous, just excited. We are

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Hannah Ferguson is a senior on the Braden River High volleyball team.

Ferguson, a defensive specialist, has helped lead the Pirates to a 13-7 record. The Pirates, the No. 1 seed in Class 5A District 11, will attempt to capture back-to-back district tournament championships with the tournament finals 7 p.m. Oct. 20 at the home of the higher-seeded school in the match. To get there, the Pirates will need to beat either Parrish Community High (12-8) or Mariner High (7-6) on Oct. 18.

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

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Hannah Ferguson

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2022

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OCTOBER 20, 2022

YOUR NEIGHBORS Mud can’t bog down festival

I

Photos by Ian Swaby

Lakewood Ranch’s Brooklyn Hendrickson, her mother, Nicole Hendrickson, and her twin brother, Jacob Hendrickson, attend the Pumpkin Festival, with the twins sporting a new look.

t was a bit muddy, but no one seemed to care.

After Hurricane Ian and the previous day’s rain, Hunsader Farms was muddier than usual Oct. 16 as it hosted the second weekend of its 31st annual Pumpkin Festival.

Ricardo Flores, a member of the Myakka’s Fearless Flores Thrill Show, which performed a motorcycle stunt show, said he was “flattered” that the audience stepped into the muddy areas of the grounds to watch the show.

“The people that come here are the best people,” Flores said. “I would’ve said bring your rain boots, but it’s part of the experience.

“It’s an operating farm. What do you expect? People all are saying the same thing. They wouldn’t miss this for the world. It’s the Pumpkin Festival.”

As always, the event featured live music and performances, numerous food stations, a petting zoo, other attractions, and,

of course, pumpkins.

Mill Creek’s Stephanie Hsu said she has taken her children to the event every year since the early 2000s, and that it was busier than it had been in the past.

“The Hurricane did not hamper the spirit, of course,” she said. “Everyone’s having fun.”

Monica Welde, who owns Myakka City’s Bearadise Ranch in Myakka City, was enjoying the festivities and wasn’t surprised by the great turnout.

“People want to get out, and enjoy the sun and fresh air,” she said.

Roger Lablanc of Apollo Beach said he had been coming to visit the festival for seven years.

“I think they’ve done a heck of a nice job,” he said. “As time goes on, they always seem to get more people who speak highly of it.”

The festival wraps up Oct. 22-23.

— IAN SWABY

A scarecrow family appears to be having a great time at the Pumpkin Festival.

Heritage Harbor’s Angela Mauk, 7-year-old Maddie Mauk, and Patrick Mauk and their dog, Banjo, take home a pumpkin.

Sarasota’s 4-year-old Marcellus Angell meets a pony in the petting zoo.

Stunt performer “Hobo Bill” braves the Wall of Death

by American Motor Drome.

389894-1

Sarasota’s Caleb O’Connors sits high on a camel.

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2022

Charity’s in the bag

R

Photos by Liz Ramos

Sisterhood for Good founder Angela Massaro-Fain congratulates River Club’s Susan Goldstein on her win at Designer Bag Bingo.

iver Club’s Susan Goldstein was hoping for more after winning a Lilly Pulitzer purse by getting all the numbers to form an “X” on her Bingo card Oct. 13 during Sisterhood for Good’s Designer Bag Bingo at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing in Lakewood Ranch.

After all, there were nine more designer bags out there.

“It feels great to win,” Goldstein said. “It was fun and all for a good cause.”

Gold Coast Eagle Distributing was packed with 199 people participating in the annual fundraiser.

Besides the designer purses, participants could go home with gift baskets from a silent auction.

They also could bid in a live auction on a necklace or a cooler with 19 bottles of various types of alcohol.

Sisterhood for Good member Kathy Collums said although Designer Bag Bingo is a lot of fun, she can’t wait until June, when the nonprofit can distribute the night’s proceeds to nonprofits in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Gold Coast Eagle Distributing is packed with 199 people participating in Designer Bag Bingo.

— LIZ RAMOS

University Park’s Sheryl Cobb and Sarasota’s Angela Addleman look forward to their first Designer Bag Bingo. Cobb showed off her lipstick purse from Darci Boutique in Sarasota.

Bingo players take a look at what the silent auction has to offer.

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Sarasota’s Summer Creasy hopes she’ll be a winner like last year as she participates in Designer Bag Bingo with Sarasota’s Claire Conway and Lakewood Ranch’s Allison Imre.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2022

Fifty years to celebrate

D

uring Willis Smith Construction’s 50th anniversary party Oct. 13 at Waterside Place, which was built by his company, CEO David Sessions was enjoying a cocktail with Bill North of HBK CPAs. It was safe to assume it wasn’t their first cocktail together.

Since Sessions joined Willis Smith in 1988, he has been doing business with North, or his dad, Bill North Sr. The younger North said Willis Smith was one of their smallest clients in 1988.

“Now they are the biggest (builder) on the west coast (of Florida),” he said.

While Willis Smith marked its 50th anniversary June 6, the Oct. 14 party was to celebrate the landmark. Many of those invited have enjoyed long relationships with Willis Smith, just like HBK CPAs. “This business is about relationships,” Sessions said. “This (party) is about mingling and interactions.

It’s not much of an agenda and it’s basically casual. We’ve had a lot of wonderful relationships and we want to say ‘Thank you.’ We also want to reflect on who we are.”

Willis Smith President John LaCivita was greeting those entering the party, and he shared a laugh with Jennifer Rominiecki, the President and CEO of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

“Willis Smith has been an integral part of our master plan at Marie Selby and making that plan a reality,” Rominiecki said. “They have been incredible partners.”

Willis Smith Construction’s Nathan Carr and Keith Floyd pose with an ice sculpture to commemorate the company’s 50th year in business.

Photos by Jay Heater

Willis Smith Construction’s 50th anniversary party at Waterside Place included a buffet.

Willis Smith Construction CEO David Sessions says his company has had a more than 40-year relationship with Bill North’s HBK CPAs firm.

Taylor Aultman and Brett Raymaker, minority shareholders in Willis Smith Construction, were having a blast at the 50th anniversary party at Waterside Place.

— JAY HEATER

Willis Smith President John LaCivita shares a laugh with Jennifer Rominiecki of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. “They have been incredible partners,” Rominiecki said of Willis Smith.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2022

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2022

Getting Better Can Really Be Fun!

Photos by Liz Ramos

Country Club East’s Larry Gavens and Marlene Gavens support the Humane Society of Lakewood Ranch as they attend the evening reception with Country Club’s Chelsea Pezzola and Nick Lacovella at the Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club of Lakewood Ranch.

Golfers to the rescue C

ountry Club East’s Denise Little played golf at the Putts Fore Mutts fundraiser Oct. 17 at the Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club in Lakewood Ranch in honor of her dog, Bailey, who died a few weeks ago.

Little and her friend, Waterside’s Susan Hendrix, wore blue shirts with the word “love” next to a West Highland White Terrier silhouette, which is Bailey’s breed.

The Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch, which benefits from the annual fundraiser, counts on that kind of love from those who adopt its pets.

It was love all around at the event.

Little loved being around those who feel the way she does about dogs.

“It was fantastic,” she said. “I had a great time. We met people who were good golfers and who helped us out.”

Dani Ziegler, shelter manager for the Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch, said the money raised during the tournament and during the evening reception was crucial to ensuring the nonprofit could continue to help as many dogs and cats as possible.

Become a graduate of Pickleball Club University Join a clinic with your friends or make new ones Playback your lessons so you never forget

Build It and They Will Come.

— LIZ RAMOS

Sarasota’s Tom Ruthz paints a dog upside down.

Waterside’s Susan Hendrix and Country Club East’s Denise Little play golf in honor of Little’s dog, Bailey, who died a few weeks ago.

We are the first ground up private pickleball club in the country.

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6B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2022

7B

PET PICS Have photos of your four-legged family members? We want to see them!

Share them at YourObserver.com/contests/pet-pics to be published online and for a chance to see them in print!

NOW IF THEY COULD ONLY SING: Being blind doesn’t seem to slow down Stevie and Wonder as they live their best life in Lakewood Ranch.

Recently Sold

Del Webb Lakewood Ranch 6827 GOSPORT COVE SOLD $1,193,000 | 3 BR PLUS DEN, 3 BA, 2,488 SF

Recently Sold

Del Webb Lakewood Ranch 6846 GOSPORT COVE SOLD $1,050,000 | 3 BR PLUS DEN, 3 BA, 2,480 SF

The Beauty and Challenge of Late-in-Life Relationships

“Gloria made the sale a seamless process. There was nothing too big or too small that she didn’t handle — and always cheerfully.” – Donna S.

Let’s Talk About It

Dr. Pepper Schwartz, Dr. Barry Jacobs and Dr. Julia Mayer, AARP Authors and love and relationship experts, will lead an interactive discussion about our most critical life relationships.

Providing concierge service and extensive knowledge of the Suncoast

Tuesday, November 1

Call me today for a complimentary consultation.

7:30-11:35 am

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Gloria Bracciano Global Real Estate Advisor

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To purchase tickets or become a sponsor call (941) 556-3269 or visit

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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 and neither suggests nor infers that Sotheby’s International Realty participated as either the listing or cooperating agent or broker in the sale or purchase of the properties depicted.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2022

MYAKKA CITY 3005 233rd Street E 4 Beds 3/2 Baths 4,164 Sq. Ft. Chris Baylis 941-735-4713 A4510152 $5,800,000

SARASOTA 3537 Founders Club Drive 3 Beds 3 Baths 3,544 Sq. Ft. Richard Hearn 941-313-1591 A4535534 $2,300,000

PARRISH 11506 Harbourside Lane 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,789 Sq. Ft. Sandi Dietrich 941-704-0697 A4548338 $1,950,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 16219 Daysailor Trail 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,803 Sq. Ft. Deborah Angelo O'Mara 941-730-0777 A4547825 $1,900,000

MYAKKA CITY 25008 67th Avenue E 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,510 Sq. Ft. Chris Baylis 941-735-4713 A4534475 $1,700,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 18017 Northwood Place 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,808 Sq. Ft. Jonnie Dwyer & Bianca Dwyer 941-812-6283 A4546018 $1,399,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7504 Coventry Court 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,870 Sq. Ft. Jamie Van Vliet & Christopher Van Vliet 941-993-8996 A4544241 $1,350,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 14710 Leopard Creek Place 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,559 Sq. Ft. Heather Sniffen 941-720-1526 A4541963 $1,050,000

BRADENTON 7710 Jay Watch Glen 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,733 Sq. Ft. Sharon Ingram 941-224-6447 A4545446 $999,999

LAKEWOOD RANCH 13651 American Prairie Place 4 Beds 3 Baths 3,017 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4541881 $925,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7806 Troon Court 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,956 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4541261 $799,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 6360 Watercrest Way 403 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,916 Sq. Ft. Beth Ann Boyer 941-780-6606 A4549533 $729,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 10530 Boardwalk Loop 503 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,353 Sq. Ft. Nicole DeSantis & Diane Fogo Harter 941-725-3538 A4548465 $699,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 6406 Watercrest Way 302 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,917 Sq. Ft. Stuart Lawrence & Laura Lawrence 941-894-4001 A4538694 $695,000

SARASOTA 8717 Trattoria Terrace 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,697 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4549377 $679,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7349 Wexford Court 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,562 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4543823 $675,000

PARRISH 1124 Thornbury Drive 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,231 Sq. Ft. Diane Fogo Harter 941-445-2431 A4542596 $599,000

BRADENTON 1200 136th Street NE 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,971 Sq. Ft. Barbara A Milian, PA & Ian Addy, PA 941-504-0660 A4546690 $599,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 8483 Frangipani Terrace 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,524 Sq. Ft. Tina Ciaccio 941-685-8420 A4541270 $589,800

PALMETTO 10425 Macfarlane Place 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,403 Sq. Ft. Patty Brooks 941-545-1194 A4544361 $525,000

PARRISH 9011 39th Street Circle E 4 Beds 3 Baths 3,009 Sq. Ft. Heather Sniffen 941-720-1526 A4545759 $525,000

BRADENTON 4911 Torrey Pines Run 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,702 Sq. Ft. Stephen Strong 941-201-9662 A4545664 $499,900

LAKEWOOD RANCH 4506 Bedford Court E 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,706 Sq. Ft. Sharon Ingram 941-224-6447 A4545255 $439,000

BRADENTON 12215 Trailhead Drive 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,511 Sq. Ft. Christopher Van Vliet & Jamie Van Vliet, PA 941-993-7087 A4544483 $419,000

BRADENTON 5311 42nd Avenue W 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,536 Sq. Ft. Pamela Modisett & Diane Fogo Harter 941-993-3967 A4545606 $395,000

BRADENTON 20706 79th Avenue E 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 5,077 Sq. Ft. Chris Baylis 941-735-4713 A4531620 $3,500,000

BRADENTON 8435 Lindrick Lane 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 4,893 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4539533 $3,375,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 16508 Kendleshire Terrace 3 Beds 4 Baths 3,244 Sq. Ft. Deborah Angelo O'Mara 941-730-0777 A4547956 $2,450,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM 379163-1

8B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in Country Club East topped all transactions in this week’s real estate. Kathy Land Hewitt and Thomas Hewitt, of Bradenton, sold their home at 16617 Kendleshire Terrace to Robert and Jeanne Bernard, of Zionsville, Indiana, for $2,195,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,054 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $1,175,000 in 2020.

COUNTRY CLUB EAST

Gerald and Cynthia Sladek, of Bradenton, sold their home at 16422 Kendleshire Terrace to Philip John Patrick, of Lakewood Ranch, for $2.05 million. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,127 square feet of living area. It sold for $823,200 in 2019.

Thomas Whistance and Pamela Constance Whistance, of Bradenton, sold their home at 14911 Castle Park Terrace to Richard and Christina Bittles, of Siesta Key, for $1.23 million. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,665 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $715,000 in 2019.

Curtis and Ekaterina Davenport, of Pittsburgh, sold their home at 16716 Berwick Terrace to Jeffrey and Christy Thomas, of Bradenton, for $1,075,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,639 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $655,000 in 2020.

Stephen Scionti and Mary Lett Scionti, of Sarasota, sold their home at 7959 Matera Court to Randi Meredith Booth, of Bradenton, for $2,125,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,988 square feet of living area.

SHOREVIEW AT WATERSIDE

Patricia Anne Ruble and Lyle Hubbard, of Sarasota, sold their home at 8005 Grande Shores Drive to Rolando and Teresa D’Alessio, of Sarasota, for $1,357,000. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,846 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $834,600 in 2021.

GREYHAWK LANDING

Christina Goldberg, of Bradenton, sold her home at 13115 Harriers Place to Timothy and Diane Rivas, of Afton, Minnesota, for $1,085,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,217 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $575,000 in 2020.

DEL WEBB

James and Carol Patenge, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the home at 17043 Loudon Place to Kathleen and Bernard McMahon, of St. Ignace, Michigan, for $1.05 million.

Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,488 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $715,000 in 2021.

Thomas Rokosz and Gloria Rokosz, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the home at 17214 Seaford Way to Charles Jordan, trustee, of Bradenton, for $746,500. Built in 2016, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,949 square feet of living area. It sold for $412,300 in 2016.

TIDEWATER PRESERVE

Terence and Erin Timms, of Cave Creek, Arizona, sold their home at 1114 Bearing Court to Stephen Michael Scionti and Mary Lett Scionti, of Bradenton, for $1,035,000.

9B

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

OCT. 3-7

Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,288 square feet of living area. It sold for $580,000 in 2019.

POMELLO PARK

Roxanne Harmer, of Lakewood Ranch, sold her home at 19302 69th Ave. E. to Amatul Miller, of Grand Cayman, Kentucky, for $974,500. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,394 square feet of living area. It sold for $255,000 in 2012.

LAKEWOOD NATIONAL

Ronald Richard Shevchik and Christine Reno Shevchik, of Leland, North Carolina, sold their home at 17467 Hickok Belt Loop to Jeanine Marie Kuper, trustee, of Bedford, New Hampshire, for $920,000.

Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,291 square feet of living area. It sold for $511,300 in 2020.

GREYHAWK LANDING WEST

Robert and Particia Hess sold their home at 609 Rosemary Circle to William Gerald Platt and Marjo Mitsutomi, of Bradenton, for $895,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,772 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $405,400 in 2016.

Michael and Bryn Ann Ludwig sold their home at 461 Chantilly Trail to George Barnes, of Wilmington, North Carolina, for $830,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,733 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $497,200 in 2016.

Sharon Ann Umhoefer, of Bradenton, sold her home at 637 Honeyflower Loop to Chad and Kristal Chester, of Tampa, for $755,000.

Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,721 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $460,000 in 2020.

Richard Leslie Rose and Simone Rose, of Fort Myers, sold their home at 808 Himalayan Run to Grant and Karin Layman, of Bradenton, for $730,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,662 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $417,700 in 2018.

Courtesy photo

This Country Club East home at 16617 Kendleshire Terrace sold for $2,195,000. It has three bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,054 square feet of living area.

ARBOR LAKES

Jeffrey Carl Laco and Sheryl Starr Laco, of Huntersville, North Carolina, sold their home at 6908 Stetson St. Circle to Bernabe Somoza and Nancy Daniel, of Sarasota, for $735,000. Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,755 square feet of living area. It sold for $275,000 in 2014.

LAKEHOUSE COVE AT WATERSIDE

James Michael Hannigan, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the home at 8073 Sandstar Way to Steven Pennington Christensen, of Sarasota, for $716,000. Built in 2020, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,876 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $444,700 in 2020.

Trinity Fall Way to Jeffrey and Alanda Gross, of Bradenton, for $660,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,840 square feet of living area. It sold for $378,200 in 2015.

TARA

Marina Graeve, trustee, of Palm Beach Gardens, sold the home at 5706 63rd St. E. to David and Irina Zimmerman, of Bradenton, for $650,000. Built in 1956, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,124 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $530,000 in 2007.

ONLINE

DEL TIERRA

Joseph and Marissa Tufariello, of Parrish, sold their home at 15515

See more transactions at YourObserver.com

In with the new NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION

WATERCREST

Raymond and Janet Cauchi, of Sarasota, sold their Unit 301 condominium at 6465 Watercrest Way to Kevin Thomas Fitzgerald and Vicki Lynn Fitzgerald, of Lakewood Ranch, for $825,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,134 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $345,000 in 2013.

COUNTRY CLUB

Michael Denner and Rhonda Bentler, of Broomall, Pennsylvania, sold their home at 7415 Lake Forest Glen to Roger Weisberg, trustee, of Lakewood Ranch, for $790,000.

Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,201 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $430,500 in 2019.

Downtown St. Petersburg

400 Central | 727.209.7848 | From the $1MM’s | Call for appointment. | Residences400central.com SOLD OUT

Longboat Key

HERITAGE HARBOUR

Timothy and Audrey Curran, trustees, of Leland, North Carolina, sold the home at 7809 Heritage Grand Place to AFIG2 LLC for $790,000.

Built in 2012, it has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,339 square feet of living area. It sold for $402,500 in 2012.

The Residences at the St. Regis | 941.213.3300 | From $2.4MM to $10.9MM | Call for appointment | SRResidencesLongboatKey.com SOLD OUT

Raymond Penge and Steven and Marsha Penge, of Tampa, sold their home at 6748 Willowshire Way to Joan Ketchum, Joseph Ketchum and Robert Ketchum, of Bradenton, for $435,000. Built in 2016, it has two bedrooms, two-and-four-half baths and 1,545 square feet of living area. It sold for $222,000 in 2016.

TREYMORE AT THE VILLAGES OF PALM AIRE

Stephanie Maze, of Sarasota, sold her home at 4816 Carrington Circle to Sean and Christine Fleury, of Sarasota, for $765,000. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,639 square feet of living area. It sold for $437,500 in 2011.

Downtown Sarasota

The Collection | 941.232.2868 | thecollection1335.com

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

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

mscdeveloperservices.com | 844.591.4333 | Sarasota, Florida Prices as of October 2022

Licensed Real Estate Broker

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2022

REAL ESTATE

Country Club East home tops sales at $2,195,000

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SUNDAY, OCT. 23

BEST BET FRIDAY, OCT. 21

BLOCK PARTY Runs from 5-8 p.m. at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch. This free event is offered by Lakewood Ranch Community Activities and the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance and includes live music by Frequency M, beer trucks and a Kids Corner of fun games. Come meet local businesses, groups and clubs. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

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EQUESTRIAN EVENTS Begins at 8 a.m. each day at TerraNova Equestrian Center, 31625 Clay Gully Road, Myakka City.

The Event at TerraNova features competitions in both eventing and dressage. General admission is $12 for parking. These events feature Olympic-level horses and riders from around the world as they compete for World Cup qualifying scores.

For more information, go to TerraNovaEquestrian.com or contact Jaymie Klauber at Jaymie@TerraNovaEquestrian.com.

SATURDAY, OCT. 22-SUNDAY, OCT. 23

• STUCCO REPAIR

RESIDENTIAL

HAUNTED NIGHTS Runs from 7-10 p.m. at Herrmann’s Royal Lipizzan Stallions, 32755 Singletary Road, Myakka City. Go for a walk through Florida’s more infamous hauntings. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.

The event continues Oct. 28-29.

For more information, go to HerrmannsRoyalLipizzans.com/events.

PUMPKIN FESTIVAL Runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Hunsader Farms, 5500 C.R. 675, Bradenton. The 31st annual Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival continues its run. Admission is $15; children younger than 10 are admitted free.

The event is cash only. For a list of live entertainment and more information, go to HunsaderFarms.com.

The event continues Oct. 29-30.

FARMERS MARKET Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Lakefront Drive in Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch. The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch will run year-round every Sunday. Vendors will be offering seafood, eggs, meats, dairy products, pastas, bakery goods, jams and pickles, among other items. Other features are children’s activities and live music. For more information, go to www.MyLWR.com.

TUESDAY, OCT. 25

SCIENCE SOCIETY EVENT Begins at 5 p.m. at the Meadows Country Club, 3101 Longmeadow, Sarasota. The newly formed Science Society club will feature Ed Chiles, the owner of the Sandbar, Mar Vista and the Beach House restaurants, as the club’s inaugural speaker. The event, which is open to anyone who might have interest in joining the club, begins with a 45-minute cash bar. It is followed by an Italian buffet.

Cost is $40 per person and includes dinner. For more information or to reserve a spot, call Nicholas Barbi at 267-205-7229 or send an email to NicholasBarbi@gmail.com. RSVPs for the event are due by Oct. 23.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 26

RANCH NIGHT WEDNESDAYS Runs from 6-9 p.m. at Lakefront Drive in Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch. Live music, food trucks, a market, a mobile bar and a recreational cornhole league highlight the event. For more information, go to WatersidePlace.com.

FRIDAY, OCT. 28

BOOFEST Runs from 6-9 p.m. at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch. This free event lets children wear their favorite Halloween costumes and trick or treat, with various vendors supplying candy and treats. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 2

REC DAY Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. Nathan Benderson Park hosts Rec Day. For more information, go to www.

NathanBendersonPark.org.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2022

11B

LOWEST PRICES WE GUARANTEE IT!!

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12B

WEATHER

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2022

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST THURSDAY, OCT. 20 High: 74 Low: 55 Chance of rain: 1%

FRIDAY, OCT. 21 High: 77 Low: 57 Chance of rain: 1%

SUNRISE / SUNSET Sunrise Sunset Thursday, Oct. 20

7:33a

6:56p

Friday, Oct. 21

7:34a

6:55p

Saturday, Oct. 22

7:34a

6:55p

Sunday, Oct. 23

7:35a

6:54p

Monday, Oct. 24

7:36a

6:53p

Tuesday, Oct. 25

7:36a

6:52p

Wednesday, Oct. 26

7:37a

6:51p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, OCT. 22 High: 82 Low: 64 Chance of rain: 7%

SUNDAY, OCT. 23 High: 85 Low: 64 Chance of rain: 16%

Gordon Silver captured this Sandhill crane colt calling out for mom along Lorraine Road in Lakewood Ranch.

Oct. 25 New

Oct. 31 First

Nov. 8 Full

Nov. 16 Last

RAINFALL Monday, Oct. 10

0

Tuesday, Oct. 11

0.02

Wednesday, Oct. 12

1.28

Thursday, Oct. 13

0

Friday, Oct. 14

0.28

Saturday, Oct. 15

0

Sunday, Oct. 16

0.04

*Rainfall totals from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

Submit your photos at YourObserver.com/Weather. All submissions will be entered for the 2022-23 Weather and Nature photo contest. In February 2023, you will vote for your favorite photo, and the submission with the most votes will win a $500 gift card.

YEAR TO DATE: 2022 48.86 in.

2021 43.40 in.

MONTH TO DATE: 2022 1.62 in.

2021 0.08 in.

MANASOTA FLOORING INC 941.355.8437 | Bradenton

941.748.4679 | Venice

941.493.7441 | www.manasotaonline.com

celebrity cipher

©2022 Universal Uclick

ACROSS

65 Finalize, as a deal 67 The “I” in TGIF 1 Cheese’s informal 68 Jewish ball variety partner 69 Whopper toppers 2 Big bothers 70 Family man, perhaps 3 Like a juicy nectarine 4 They’re just for openers 71 Takeoff guesses at JFK 72 In a competent way 5 Go after legally 78 Milky gems 6 Kind of blocker 80 Doing nothing 7 “Beowulf” or “Gil81 Girl who may play the gamesh” bagpipes 8 Isn’t in some places?

83 Bright sign filler 9 Keep bothering 84 “Drat!”

10 Cold pack 86 “No more for me” 11 Type of race in a city 12 Nickname that rhymes 88 Stopped dawdling 89 Bossy remark? with “Ray” 90 Mr. Hyde and the Hulk, 13 Pesto ingredient for Dr. Jekyll and Bruce 14 Cut, to a surgeon Banner 15 Slender shark 93 What the intolerant 16 Any thing might avoid?

17 Earns after taxes 19 Muscle-bone connector 95 African language group 96 Sinus M.D. 23 Audition tapes 98 H.S. exam for college 25 “Swan Lake” swan credit 28 Make smile 100 Beneath trees on a 31 Safe savings options, sunny day, say briefly 101 Brownish gray 33 Bestial person 103 Allude (to) 34 Black fuel 105 Closest pals, to texters 35 Wrinkly fruit 68 Cash cache 99 Sole soul 106 Mineral in red meat 36 Old West exchange site 73 Goes fishing 102 Alfa Romeo alternative 107 “Thank Heaven for 37 Snoozes 74 Baffled 104 Relatives of bees Little Girls” musical 38 Cousin of a bassoon 75 Stationed 105 Large digit 109 Narc’s weight unit 39 Fixes at a vet’s office 76 Helpful hints 108 Tiny amount 40 John, Paul and George, 110 Battery contents 77 Mrs. Lincoln’s maiden 109 Dead, as an engine 111 Guinea pigs, goldfish, but not Ringo (Abbr.) name 112 Bitter beer, briefly etc.

42 Goodbye, in Genoa 79 Wastes, as time 115 Fair fare 113 Half a quart 43 Is a sound sleeper?

82 Checkmate, for a chess 117 Coarse course 114 One poker chip, maybe 47 Snoozes, in Sonora game 120 Steams (up) 116 Spanish “Bravo!”

49 Bottomless pit 85 Ape house’s place 121 Alternatively 117 Gym unit 51 “Frozen” reindeer 86 Babysitter’s handful 122 A-list 118 Salon coloring 52 Eyelid affliction 87 Like fast deliveries 123 Gossipy person 119 It powers a Charger 56 “Would I lie to you?!”

90 La ___ Tar Pits 124 Agitated state 58 Battering ___ 91 Switch positions 125 College in Portland 59 Used to be 92 Breakfast, lunch or 126 Miniature sci-fi 61 Cartoon art collectibles dinner vehicles 62 Affirmative vote 94 Refrigerates 127 ___ Park, Colo.

64 Enjoyed a potluck 95 Guiding light

34 Deserts desserts 41 Afternoon affairs 1 Chalk lines, e.g.

44 Fiona in “Shrek,” for one 6 Word after “snap” or 45 Supports criminally “string” 46 Sinful desire 10 Website for film fans 14 “Sounds good to me!” 48 Molecule found in “Moderna vaccine” 18 Farewell, in France 50 “What a pity!”

19 Old photo tone 20 Singer Alessia or Irene 51 Wedded partners 53 Make a knot in 21 “Great” detective of 54 Stick up kid-lit 55 Toilet seat cover?

22 Righting writing 56 Convenient “babysitter” 24 Sight site 57 Branch location 26 Short time, for short 59 Like a Scottish terrier’s 27 Pass into law coat 28 Blood-typing letters 29 “Dog days of summer” 60 Comforting comment and “Cat got your tongue?” 63 2010 Emma Stone film about a high schooler 30 Top spot 32 They roll through runs 66 They don’t hold water 97 Alone at prom

“UYGLOVGKK ALV XG ALFOIYGR BV EVG MEYR: DBNGKOPDG. DBNG BK UER’K UBNO OE PEI, KOPDG BK MCLO PEI JLTG EN BO.”

JLG A. HGJBKEV

“NFD HSNXRY AXYTD M WMF WMJFRI KENW SJH YDVEMUJOJDH. UJEOXDH PMF LD KMZDY. YDVEMUJOJDH MED EDMR.”

ZRMXH ZJFHZJ

“YT DZVBV RPDZ OA GRGBIX, P ZGJV G LBVGD MPL XDGDYV SN LBSYUZS OGBC, EYXD DS TYD VJVBADZPWL PW TVBXTVUDPJV.”

ESZW HPDZLSR

© 2022 NEA, Inc.

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

389474-1

DOWN

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

Puzzle Three Clue: D equals T

ECHO CHAMBER by Paul Coulter. Edited by David Steinberg

Puzzle Two Clue: A equals J

crossword

Puzzle One Clue: F equals P

Sarasota

390393-1

KARASTAN, MOHAWK, ARI. O, SMARTSTRAND, ALL PET

CARPET

©2022 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

10-20-22

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2022

RED PAGES INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

Items Under $200

DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at Noon

PICTURE: FRAMED/MATTED, 10”X14”, (“Siesta”) Very unique, asking $150. Call 941-952-1097

redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages Service Directory - Friday at 3PM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card The East County Observer reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only. *All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher. *It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in the East County Observer to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with towncodes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property Notice: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis..

SMALL UNDERWATER Camera Brand new. Deluxe wrist strap included. $169. (941) 351-4116

Use the RED PAGES to clean out your garage

CALL 941-955-4888 TOOLS - Screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, ratchet/sockets & more $10 (412) 527-7434 TV 19" FLAT SCREEN Broksonic.

Remote, Cable Line. Exc Cond Orig Owner. $20 (412) 527-7434 VINTAGE QUILT ‘41, sunbonnet gal, 64”x69”, pink/multi $45; Hull pottery vase,13”x4, $30.

941-320-8345

This week’s Crossword answers

Sporting Goods

Garage/ Moving/ Estate Sales

Beach’ N Rides Electric Bike Shop eBike Sales and Rentals Ride easy on an eBike with as much exercise or assistance as you want. Leave traffic and parking problems behind!

13 models available.

Daily and weekly rentals available We also repair other Brands Open 10 to 5 daily except Sundays and holidays 12208 Cortez Road, Cortez, FL

941-251-7916, Ext 1

home services

Made for where you live. Here!

Adult Care Services PERSONAL CARE GIVER- Private care: Meal preparation, errands, shopping, and more.

Affordable hourly rates, available weekdays, weekends, and holidays.

Minimal shift 5 hours can also provide overnight care.

Temporary or long term care.

Over 10+ years experience.

References available. No new faces, one consistent caregiver.

COVID Negative.

Call Kati: 941-536-7706.

peekers’ place

You’re only cheating yourself.

©2022 Universal Uclick

Items Under $200 This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “Greatness can be captured in one word: lifestyle. Life is God’s gift to you, style is what you make of it.”

Mae C. Jemison Puzzle Two Solution: “One should judge a man mainly from his depravities. Virtues can be faked.

Depravities are real.”

Klaus Kinski Puzzle Three Solution: “Up there with my awards, I have a great big statue of Groucho Marx, just to put everything in perspective.” John Lithgow

This week’s Sudoku answers

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 GREAT FINDS LOCATED HERE!

It’s time for the Fall LWR Community Yard Sale!

The Lakewood Ranch (LWR) Garden Club is sponsoring the LWR Community Yard Sale for It’s time forof the Fall LWR subdivisions Greenbrook, Community Yard Sale! is Riverwalk, and Summerfield November 5, 2022 The Lakewood 8 a.m. - 2Ranch p.m. (LWR) Garden Club is sponsoring the Rain Date: November 6, 2022 LWRresidents Community Yard Sale for a Those wanting to have subdivisions Greenbrook, yard sale shouldoftake your $5.00 Riverwalk, fee andtoSummerfield is registration LWR Town hall Novaem bersale 5, 20permit 22 to obtain yard by 8 a.m.2nd - 2 pat.m4. p.m.

November Rain Date:wear November 6, 2022 Please your mask.

Those residents wanting to have a yard your $5.00 FOsale R Mshould ORE INtake FORM ATIO N registration CONTACfee T Pto ENLWR NY KTown RESShall to obtain by (4a 43yard ) 716sale -818permit 9 November 2nd at 4 p.m.

Please wear your mask.

General FO R MORE INFORMATION Merchandise

CONTACT PENNY KRESS (443) 716-8189 TOOLS TOOLS TOOLS •DEWALT 12in COMPOUND MITER SAW........... $195 •SENCO NAIL GUN........$100.

•SENCO STAPLE GUN.........$80.

•RIDGID IMPACT DRIVER 18 VOLT........$40.

•RIDGID VAC 18 VOLT.......$25 •PORTER CABLE LAMINATE TRIMMER.........$45 •BOSCH ROTO..............$30 •RIDGID 3X18 ELECTRIC SANDER...............$45 AND MORE. 941-753-7671

BHG GAS Grill, Good Condition, includes gas tank, foldable side shelves, tools, cover, $65.

303-638-7741

SELL IT FAST!

BOSE WAVE music system IV, $199. (941)321-2694

©2022 NEA, Inc.

Place Your Ad Online

CHANDELIER BROWN METAL, MANY BULBS, LIKE NEW $30 (941) 920-2494

YourObserver.com/RedPages

COLLECTIBLE BOOKS on Toys, Film, Silent Movies, Slots, Boxing, Lighters, etc. $1.00 each.

941-921-1815

Merchandise Wanted

DC COMICS official adaption of movie Super Girl 1984.

No barcode. $5. 941-741-9727 OFFICE CHAIRS White and black soft cushion chairs, like new, each $20 (941) 920-2494

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

Please call Marc: 941-321-0707

TREASURES

found here.

Looking for something? Your lucky discovery is closer than you think.

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

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

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

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

auto

stuff

Auto Transport

SELL IT FAST! Place Your Ad Online YourObserver.com/RedPages

Cleaning BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service

by Maria. Residential. Meticulous Cleaning. Excellent References.

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

Autos Wanted CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

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

941809-3660, 941-809-3662.

RED PAGES AD RATES First 15 words .................. $ 17.50 per week Each Add’l word ....... 50¢

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN PLACE YOUR AD: Call: 941-955-4888 Email: RedPages@ YourObserver.com WE BUY cars. top $$ paid for your vehicles.

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

SAND & SEA CLEANING •Residential Cleaning Services •Small, locally owned business •20 years experience •Licensed & Insured •Free estimate prior to 1st clean!

Call Heather 941-226-2773 sandandseacleaning.com

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

Wallpaper installation & removal, pressure washing. Residential & commercial, condos.

Honest & reliable.

Free estimates. 941-744-1020.

35+ years experience.

DONALD PERKINS’ ABRACADABRA PAINTING Residential Painting Services 30 years experience Call Donald (941)705-7096

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2022

Aluminum

Computer

General Contractors

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

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

“Specializing inin6” Gutters” “Specializing 6” Seamless Seamless Gutters” Dustin Yoder

Dustin Owner Yoder/ Operator

Pegatronics.com

941.650.9790 941.650.9790 YoderAluminum.com

389770

YoderAluminum.com

Auto Service

Nighthawk One Services, LLC General Contractor • Roofing Contractor Mark Davis - Owner P: 941-915-8032 E: noscgc@outlook.com

941-735-3362

389164

Owner /Insured Operator Insured

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

New Home Construction • Commercial Licensed & Insured

SELL YOUR CAR!

Sliding Glass Door Repair

GOLF CART

WE COME TO YOU

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

LITHIUM B AT T E RY

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

5-Star Rated

REPAIR

390226

HoHoBuysCars.com Cleaning

2007 Whitfield Park Ave Sarasota, FL 34243

ESTATE SALES • DOWNSIZING SENIOR TRANSITIONS • ONLINE AUCTIONS

390501

Let Gulf Coast Estate Auctions organize & hold an estate sale for you.

gulfcoastestateauctions.com • Free Consultations 941-274-6537

Patio Furniture Repairs.com 389226

Furniture Sales & Repairs Cushions • Slings • Re-powdercoating

Clock Repair

941-504-0903

389772

RED PAGES Bring Results | 941-955-4888

FREE PICKUP / DELIVERY • FREE ONSITE QUOTES

4630 5TH ST W BRADENTON

“IF IT DOESN’T TIC, TOC TO ME.”

S H S R

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224 Recognized Among the Best Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Physicians in America Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

YOUR BUSINESS

Midtown Medical Park 1215 S. East Ave. Suite 210 Sarasota, FL 34239

Advertise as low as $85 per week.

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

389985

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

Home Services

941-773-0875 • 941-932-5505

Call to reserve your ad space: 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages Are You Having Dryer Difficulties?

Landscaping & Lawn

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

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

NO MORE TICKS, FLEAS OR WEEDS! $10 off

You We Make

Family Owned and Operated • Commercial & Residential • Weed Control • Fungicide • Tree & Shrub Treatment • Fertilizing • Insecticide

Any Treatment Dry Or Liquid New Customers Only

Free

Weed & Crab grass Control

www.FGLAWN.com | 941-404-6601

$47

Ticks, Fleas, Fire Ants, Chinch Bugs, Mole Crickets, Grubs, Sod Worms and more. PLUS - Fungus & Weeds and Premium Fertilizer.

166554

lawn & pest control, llc.

NOW

You Get Protection!

PER MONTH*

New Customers Only

*For average size lawn of 5000 sq. ft.

Larger lawns slightly more.

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

Residential

941-705-5468

Commercial

390514

Specializing in Cleaning Exterior Home, Windows, Roofs, Solar Panels, Driveways, Sidewalks, Garbage Cans and Gutters. Paver Sanding and Sealing.

FULLY INSURED

RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL

Licensed & Insured

Doors

Call or text: 941-900-8111 | Email: Newparrishfl@gmail.com

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

Window Repairs • Sliding Glass Door Repairs Sliding Glass Door Deadbolts

Call us today! 941.628.8579 www.ezslider.com

FREE IN-HOM ESTIMATEE S

389165

Don Christo, Sr., Horologist

Irrigation

ED’S RAIN MAKER IRRIGATION IRRIGATION (941) 725-8100 REPAIR edsrainmakerirrigation@gmail.com MAINTENANCE Insured

389166

390227

I T O T E R EPAI

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT

PROUD!

I F T K L U E T O P E A K ENERAL R

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

GROW

Christo’s Clock Repair

L B S G

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

Furniture Repair

• Residential & Commercial • Post-Construction • Move In / Move Out • AIRBNB

CONVERSION

Health

Gulf Coast EstatE auCtions

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

amartcleaning@gmail.com

cwccustomscarts@gmail.com

Estate Sales

AM Art of Cleaning (941) 822-3036

CHASE COURNAN

(941) 704 - 7512 389771

941.270.4400

389774

CGC1529071 CCC1333651

Golf

Doors

FAST • EASY • SAFE

390475

389157

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

390502

14B

Servicing LWR, Parrish and NE Bradenton

CREATE BUZZ! Advertise your business or services in the Red Pages.

Call 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

Painting

Building & Roofing Contractor

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

CustomGraniteServicesLLC@gmail.com

FULLY INSURED • OWNER OPERATED

CJ COOLEY OWNER/OPERATOR

CALL OR TEXT 941-900-9398 TODAY! OWNER: DON HUBIAK

941-626-3194

We only use the finest quality Benjamin Moore paints!

UNIQUE PAINTING & PRESSURE WASHING SERVICES

CALL BEFOREYOU YOU FALL CALL BEFORE FALL

GRAB BARS GRAB BARS

Complete Interior & Exterior Painting

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

390229

INCLUDES22MOEN MOEN STAINLESS INCLUDES STAINLESS STEEL STEELANTI ANTISLIP SLIP CONCEALED PEEN CONCEALED SCREW GRAB BARS (16”BARS & 24”)(16” & 24”) SCREW GRAB

Plumbing

Small plumbing repairs. Replace toilets, faucets, water filters, water softeners and repair leaks.

DRGRABBARS.COM

389778

THE GRAB BAR GUY

RELIABLE • INSURED

941-920-8221 Windows

Rescreening & Repairs

Res./Com.

Form Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

GLENN KROECKER

390520

954-1878 (cell) 780-3346 389170

SHOWER & BATH MAKEOVERS

www.showerandbathsarasota.com Landscaping & Lawn

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

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

941-345-5264

specialty screens / screw replacement / paint

No Job is too Small!

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

Allison J. Abizaid, M.A.

Personal Gardening Services | Designer

390522

941.400.0431

gbyallison@yahoo.com gardensbyallison.com

STANDARD WINDOWS

ows

150

$

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

390523

390228

Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

Call John 941.377.2940

25

UP TO

Licensed & Insured

Free Estimates • Sarasota Resident Since 1974

Lic./Ins.

& Pressure C Window lean t e s ing as Sunrise Wi n w o n k Sun y l nd er

Doors and more!

Manufacture and workmanship

Made for where you live. Here!

Warranties

RED PAGES (941) 345-5264

YourObserver.com/RedPages

STUFF

found here.

The Red Pages is the perfect store to buy and sell locally! You’ll find a wide selection from antiques to furniture to condos!

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

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

SPECIAL 00 5

$

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Purified water window cleaning available!!

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

GROW YOUR BUSINESS WITH THE RED PAGES Call to reserve your ad space

941-955-4888

390524

LIFETIME GUARANTEE • LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED COVERAGE AREA: RANCH TO S. VENICE COVERAGE AREA:LAKEWOOD PARRISH TO NORTHPORT

Mark’s Plumbing Service

390519 364556

941.966.0333

389168

249 235 235

$$

Screening

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

COMPLETE INSTALLATION PACKAGE

$

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

389775

390521

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.

High-End Interior Painting Services

941-400-4912

15B

Roofing

SARASOTA INTERIOR PAINTING, LLC

Custom Granite Services, llc

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2022

389777

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

|

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2022

YourObserver.com

All The Right Moves What does it take to be named the #1 Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital in Florida

by U.S. News & World Report? Try a patient-focused and goal-oriented approach designed to help each individual find the best path to recovery from illness or injury.

Put it in a state-of-the-art Rehabilitation Pavilion with 60 private patient rooms, fully-equipped gyms and simulated training areas. Then add the best team of physiatrists, physical & occupational therapists, nurses, psychologists, dietitians, social workers, and speech pathologists you can.

They’ll show you how it’s done.

Every step of the way.

smh.com/rehab 390254-1

16B