East County Observer 12.3.20

E A ST COUNTY

Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

Run like a turkey.

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FREE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

VOLUME 23, NO. 4

Manatee committee lands tall task Manatee County’s ELMAC committee set to handle a $50 million responsibility. SEE PAGE 3A

YOUR TOWN

Liz Ramos

Students gobble up donations

RANCHER CULTIVATES RESPECT

Students at Primrose School at Lakewood Ranch Town Center and Lakewood Ranch North spent time at home doing chores so they could earn money.

“I helped mommy cook and clean up the play room,” said kindergartner Hannah Marco (shown above).

The students then pooled their money together to purchase food to donate to Hungers End and decorated the boxes. Together, the schools donated at least 1,115 food items.

Myakka City’s Cully Rowell is named Agriculturalist of the Year.

SEE PAGE 8A

Jay Heater

At 79, Myakka City Rancher Cully Rowell still is a driving force in area 4-H, FFA and Junior Cattlemen organizations.

Auto lot faces appeal

Liz Ramos

High on pies Windsor Reflections Memory Care of Lakewood Ranch showed appreciation for its neighbors during the holiday as Matt Halada, a chef and the dining services director, made 30 pies and gave them away via a drivethru event before Thanksgiving.

“It takes the stress off baking,” Halada said.

In addition to people coming through the drivethru to receive their apple or pumpkin pie, Sales Director Linda Doherty (shown above with Halada) made 10 deliveries to people who couldn’t come to pick up their pies.

File photo

Residents who live near the site of a proposed auto dealership on State Road 64 near Lakewood Ranch protest Oct. 17. A nonprofit has sued the county over its decision to rezone the land and pave the way for the dealership.

Nonprofit group sues county over rezone decision that would allow a car lot on S.R. 64. PAGE 5A

A+E Home again PAGE 20A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

EYE IN THE SKY

How Manatee County is using drones n Delivering medical equipment to emergency scenes n Checking roofs on county buildings n Taking photos of events on county land n Documenting inventory, such as irrigation equipment n Aiding search and rescue n Crowd control

Photo courtesy of Manatee County

This photo was taken by a drone over county land near Lakewood Ranch High School to check the irrigation system. That task used to be done by workers who would walk the area.

Drone program takes off Manatee County utilizes 15 drones and 30 certified pilots across a handful of departments.

Sleek

BRENDAN LAVELL STAFF WRITER

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Manatee County technology program continues to gain momentum.

Manatee County begin using drones in May 2019 and now owns 15, with 30 employees now certified to operate them.

The drone program is run by the Energy and Sustainability Division of the Property Management Department, although a few other departments use them as well.

Rather than settle on one specific model, the county has tried

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out a variety to learn what works best. The Energy and Sustainability Division, for example, has four types of drones among the six that it operates.

“Not every drone has the ability or the capacity for every single project that we have,” said Hjalmar Pachas, a buildings and facilities technology coordinator within the Energy and Sustainability Division. “One brand will give you the option to have a thermal camera, but the other brands will not.”

To become a certified pilot, county employees have to pass a

test administered by the Federal Aviation Administration. When the county first started the program, it brought in a consultant to give the employees formal training. But there’s no uniform training required to take the test.

Pachas, for example, trained and studied on his own before passing the test.

The Energy and Sustainability Division uses its drones to do roof inspections and count inventory for irrigation equipment, while other departments use them for tasks ranging from crowd control to search and rescue to damage assessment after storms.

When it comes to roof inspections, the Energy and Sustainability Division uses a drone with a thermal imagery camera. When flown at dusk or nighttime — sunlight can interfere with the imaging — the thermal camera can detect subtle differences in temperature caused by leaks and other forms of water damage.

Energy and Sustainability Division Manager Eric Caplan said the Property Management Department is always looking for innovative ways to save time and

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money. In the past, the county would often outsource its roof inspections to another company.

So using a drone, which typically costs between $1,200 and $1,500 for models approved for county use, saves the time of planning and scheduling someone else to do the inspection as well as the cost of paying those inspectors.

Caplan said the biggest savings come through mitigation. Using the drone and its thermal energy technology, the county can check its roofs for water damage on a much more consistent basis.

Pachas said time and money aren’t the only factors that make the drones a worthwhile investment. Safety is also a consideration. The county doesn’t have to worry about accidents that can happen when people do roof work, meaning there is no possibility of having to file an insurance claim or worker’s compensation.

The drones save even more time when detailing irrigation infrastructure such as sprinkler heads.

When people take count, they use a handheld GPS to find each head and take note of how it is working. Depending on how large the field is, it can take up to a day. A drone can simply fly overhead and do the same job in about five minutes.

Caplan said the county does not yet have a cost-benefit analysis, but a business case was started over the summer to show cost effectiveness.

The county will use an intern over the first few months of 2021 to help finalize the analysis and will present the findings to the commissioners when the internship program ends in April.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

“We could not do many of the things that were laid out in the original purpose in 1993. We couldn’t go out and find environmental lands because there was no money.”

— Bill Webster

Photos by Brendan Lavell

Bill Webster is the chairman of Manatee County’s Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Committee. He got his start in the environmental world with a group called Concerned Citizens of Manatee County.

TIME TO PRESERVE With a $50 million fund in place, Manatee County’s Environmental Lands Management and Aquisition Committee is about to get busy.

BRENDAN LAVELL STAFF WRITER

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or 27 years, the Manatee County Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Committee has advised county commissioners on matters of land acquisition.

But there was no dedicated source of funding for such purchases.

“We could not do many of the things that were laid out in the original purpose in 1993,” said ELMAC Chairman Bill Webster, who has been a member for 15 years. “We couldn’t go out and find environmental lands because there was no money to (buy them).”

That changed when county voters passed a referendum to “finance the acquisition, improvement, and management of land to protect drinking water sources and water quality, preserve fish and wildlife habitat, prevent stormwater runoff pollution, and provide parks,” agreeing to give up to $50 million of taxpayer money for the county to protect such lands.

Members of the ELMAC hope they’ll be the ones who help the county decide how to use it.

While Manatee County commissioners will have final say on such purchases, they will be advised by people with more expertise in such matters.

County staff will recommend

the commission use ELMAC for this purpose, according to Parks & Natural Resources Department Director Charlie Hunsicker, adding the committee’s structures and procedures are aligned to provide this exact support for the board.

PROTECTED LANDS Percent of land conserved in central and south Gulf Coast counties.

(Counties listed from north to south)

Commissioners will decide after Jan. 1 whether to use ELMAC or a similarly designed board.

The ELMAC was established in 1992, and though it has performed various tasks since, it will likely become much busier before too long.

In the past, the board has focused more on tasks such as maintaining canopies and tree cover, educating people on the many positive effects that trees have on the environment, making Arbor Day proclamations and coordinating with organizations such as Keep Manatee Beautiful.

That’s not to say the ELMAC, which meets once every two months, hasn’t done any work to preserve environmental lands.

The committee has evaluated lands such as Johnson Preserve at Braden River, Robinson Preserve and Ungarelli Preserve, all of which it recommended the county acquire.

The difference is the county can now be more proactive in targeting certain areas of land for environmental protection.

“We’ve lost time and valuable land that could have been preserved,” said Ingrid McClellan, who has been an ELMAC member for 10 years. “We’ve fallen short in overseeing a balance between development and nature in Manatee County.”

“We’ve been on the sidelines for a while,” added Randy Cooper, who has been an ELMAC member for about two years. “And now the coach is finally going to let us play. … We’ve been practicing and training. And I’m looking forward to this opportunity to actually get on the field now and do something.”

Members of ELMAC can’t disclose specific parcels or even areas of land they are looking at because telegraphing their interest might drive up the cost of purchase.

However, Webster said the committee is always interested in coastal lands, lands that feature endangered animal populations and lands in river watersheds, particularly those involving drinking water sources.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

ABOUT ELMAC What: The Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Committee of Manatee County Established: 1993 Purpose: Advise the Manatee County Commission on environmental land acquisition and management, assist with the management of acquired lands, and serve as the Tree Advisory Board, which promotes awareness of tree canopy and tree education programs Members: 15 (one seat is currently vacant) n One member from the Florida Engineering Society n Two members schooled in a natural science: ecology, biology, botany, etc. n One member with background or education in active outdoor sports n One member from a local environmental group (general environmental activism) n One member of the Chamber of Commerce’s Environmental Committee n Six year-round residents of Manatee County n One representative/employee of the school board n One member with background/ education in banking, finance or real estate n One representative from the agricultural community

The members of ELMAC come from a variety of environmental backgrounds. McClellan’s background, for example, is in environmental education and management, and she has a master’s degree in natural resources. She worked as executive director at Keep Manatee Beautiful for 22 years and has also worked in a marine laboratory.

Webster got his start in the environmental world with a selfdescribed grassroots group called Concerned Citizens of Manatee County, of which he eventually became president.

Until three years ago, he also worked in the corporate office of Bealls specializing in public and government affairs, which helped him learn more about the county.

Cooper, meanwhile, is a civil engineer, which he said gave him a strong environmental background because he worked with entities such as water management districts and the Department of Environmental Protection as well as dealing with issues such as stormwater drainage.

Each parcel of land that ELMAC is interested in will be brought before the commissioners in a public meeting, giving Manatee County citizens the chance to weigh in on the purchases they are funding.

Citrus: 36% (133,330 acres conserved) Hernando: 29% (89,240 acres) Pasco: 24% (112,930 acres) Pinellas: 10% (18,470 acres) Hillsborough: 17% (112,100 acres) Manatee: 13% (62,280 acres) Sarasota: 30% (109,190 acres) Charlotte: 40% (177,570 acres) Lee: 20% (102,660 acres) Collier: 68% (882,120 acres) Monroe: 96% (613,670 acres) Source: Florida Natural Areas Inventory

The county’s Environmental Lands Management and Aquisition Committee advised commissioners when it came to buying Johnson Preserve at Braden River.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

County asks for CARES Act extension Manatee County might return $30 million to the U.S. government if a bill to extend the deadline for spending grants doesn’t pass.

THE DETAILS

MANATEE CARES ACT FINANCES AND DEADLINES Money granted: $70.5 million Money that could go unused: Up to $30 million Final application window for businesses closed: Nov. 10 Deadline for unspent money to be returned to U.S. government: Dec. 30

BRENDAN LAVELL STAFF WRITER

Courtesy photo

organizations such as the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance and organized “business walks” where representatives went out into the community to deliver about the program until he saw a facemasks and provide informaFacebook post through the Lake- tion about the CARES Act. wood Ranch Business Alliance Goltsman said in recent weeks, about the final day to apply. By as COVID-19 has surged across then, the window had passed. the country once more, his busi“They didn’t make a good effort ness has slowed down again of letting local businesses know because people are more conabout the program,” Goltsman cerned about going to weddings, said. “I could definitely use the parties and dances. He said he money. We’re struggling here. To is sure he would be eligible for my dismay, I saw that it’s already a grant because his business past deadline to apply. So it was depends on people gathering, very disappointing.” which has been restricted due to However, the county launched COVID-19 regulations. an aggressive effort to reach the The most recent application public about the funding. window produced almost 900 In an effort to get the word out business applicants. The county and promote the CARES Act pro- has assigned CLIENT: staff to work overPUBLICATION: gram, Stewart said the county time to ensure thosePest applications Sarasota Observer Turner Control used its own website and social are reviewed and processed before DATE:cham- the federal deadline, AD SIZE: 5”W x 8”H to media, worked with local according November 13, 2020 9:16 AM Full Color bers of commerce, reached out to Stewart.

She COLOR: has heard from- no onebleed

Edward Goltsman is one local business owner who said he did not hear about the CARES Act program in time to apply. Goltsman runs a DJ service called SarasotaParty.com and owns Bottom Line Records.

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The county distributes its own money to approved CARES Act applicants first and is later reimbursed through the U.S. State Department Office of Emergency Management.

Manatee County’s first application window opened July 14.

The final of three windows for businesses to apply, which ranged in length from 11 to 21 days, closed Nov. 10. County Deputy Administrator Karen Stewart said it is “very possible” the county can open another application window if the federal deadline is extended.

One business owner who missed out on the application windows is Edward Goltsman, who owns Bottom Line Records and runs a DJ service called SarasotaParty.com. He hadn’t heard

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anatee County Administrator Cheri Coryea said millions of dollars granted to Manatee County by the United States government will be returned if a federal deadline to spend the grants is not extended.

The county was granted $70.5 million through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. Coryea said up to $30 million could go unused if the federal government does not extend the Dec. 30 deadline.

She said, given extra time, the money can be used to support businesses that have lost revenue, provide food for families whose providers are out of work or not working full-time, purchase personal protective equipment and support the county’s housing assistance program for people who need help paying rents and leases.

“For all that money to get processed through for eligibility, the timeframe for just those short four months is really difficult,” Coryea said.

additional business owner who missed out on the deadline.

“We are committed to getting everything done on the current timeline if we have to as far as businesses go, but some of it will be out of our control,” Stewart said.

Delays can be caused by businesses that did not supply all the necessary information in their application.

“We’ll have to go back to them at the end and work with them to get through the process,” Stewart said. “And having an extension would allow us to do that.”

Another issue the county has with the current deadline is the procedure involving nonprofit program funding. Essentially, nonprofits have to provide their service or program and pay for it before they can seek their reimbursement from the county. This creates a lag.

In October, county commissioners voted to send a letter encouraging Florida political leaders to support a bill introduced by U.S. senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) that would extend the deadline through Dec. 31, 2021. The county said that even an extension through June 30, 2021 would make a substantial difference.

If you think you could be eligible for a CARES Act grant, contact theDESIGNER: Manatee Chamber of Commerce. chamber may contact LenaThe Shore, lena@lenashore.com you if there are any future openFILE NAME: ings.

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

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Rezone decision challenged in court Appeal says having a car dealership at 117th Street and State Road 64 would violate planning codes.

BRENDAN LAVELL STAFF WRITER

The drama involving the future of an 18-acre parcel of land in East County at the northwest corner of State Road 64 and 117th Street East is headed to a new stage — a court of law.

A group of residents who live near the site have formed a nonprofit, Save Gates Creek and its Neighborhoods, and filed an appeal against Manatee County on the grounds that commissioners’ Oct. 22 decision to rezone the property to planned development commercial and pave the way for a Cox Chevrolet dealership is not consistent with the county’s Comprehensive Plan dictating what can go in a residential area.

The appeal was filed through the nonprofit’s attorney, Robert Lincoln, and will be heard by Circuit Court Judge Charles Sniffen.

A hearing date has not been set.

“In this particular case, I looked at it closely to determine whether there were valid claims that can be brought, whether the county really had made a mistake,” Lincoln said. “And I think we’ve identified truly legitimate

claims.”

In addition to seeking an order determining the commissioners’ decision was not consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, the appeal asks for an injunction to prevent the county or anyone else from acting in accordance with the rezone.

The primary basis for the appeal rests on the argument that the rezoning to planned development commercial “creates a prohibited intrusion into the existing residential area by proposing and approving a commercial site and use located between two residential sites, with neither residential site separated from the commercial site by an arterial or collector roadway,” according to the complaint filed Nov. 19.

The two residential sites in question are Missionary Village to the east and the 19-acre Lush family homestead to the west.

Arterial roads are high capacity, while collector roads connect arterial roads with local streets.

The appeal states that 117th Street is a local road.

“The only issues that we can bring in a lawsuit are claims that not only is the decision inconsis-

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CAR LOT APPEAL

Plaintiff: Save Gates Creek and its Neighborhoods (nonprofit) Defendant: Manatee County Plaintiff attorney: Robert Lincoln Date filed: Nov. 19 Appeal hearing date: TBD Circuit Court Judge: Charles Sniffen

tent with the plan, but that the aspect that is an issue involves the use density or intensity,” Lincoln said. “While there are, I think, several aspects of this decision that didn’t properly comply with the plan, the decision to allow commercial use at that location I think is particularly problematic.”

The complaint states that 117th Street East currently serves only residential uses for communities such as Missionary Village, Osprey Landings, Greyhawk Landings and Copperleaf. But if a car dealership is installed, the complaint says the road will experience an influx of commercial traffic to use the proposed dealership’s 117th Street entrance, including trucks making deliveries that will not be able to U-turn at State Road 64 and vehicles

File photo

Eagle Trace resident Patricia McHugh (left) shows her concern about the Cox dealership, largely flooding issues in her case, in this Jan. 25 photo.

leaving the property to drive east on State Road 64.

The complaint also notes the effect a dealership would have on Gates Creek and on-site wetlands. First, it said an application for dealership permits to the Army Corps of Engineers displayed 2.18 acres of wetland impacts on the site even though the general development plan does not permit such impacts.

Second, the complaint claims that the commissioners did not find “overriding public interest for impacting the 25-year floodplain” located on the site, which is required by the Comprehensive Plan. It also states that the interests of Save Gates Creek and its members are more protected than the interests of the broader community because of their proximity to the site, their use of 117th Street for strictly residential purposes and the possibility for increased flooding at their properties.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

Oh baby, new doctor’s on the Ranch

Don’t let the 2020 rollercoaster derail your investment strategy

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

O

n her second day as the medical director of neonatology at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center and Manatee Memorial, Dr. Audrey Davis was having a slight problem getting an employee to understand she, indeed, was on the staff of the hospital.

The employee was simply taking her job seriously, checking everyone at the front door to make sure they had a reason to visit Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. The employee ran down a list of staff members and her name didn’t appear.

Davis was gracious, handling everything with a smile and a touch of class.

It was understandable since she often is the “baby doctor no one wants to see.”

Certainly, no mother wants a neonatologist to intervene at birth, for that usually signals trouble. But the administrators at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center and Manatee Memorial, along with the mothers, are thrilled Davis will be on the scene if there are difficulties. Both hospitals operate under the Universal Health Services umbrella.

At Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, it’s the latest of many improvements to help the hospital keep up with the community’s growth.

In June, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center began construction on a $3 million renovation of its Women’s Center. The project was started to give the Women’s Center a more spa-like atmosphere and expand access to maternity care. The project is expected to

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be finished by early 2021.

Just before that renovation began, the hospital hired Chrissy Coney as its first “birth designer.”

Davis said before her hiring, a newborn in difficulty might be taken by the family to another facility more equipped to deal with the situation.

Now Davis said space is being dedicated at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center so babies in difficulty can stay right where they are. Davis and Dr. Wajed Haddad, another neonatologist, check babies every day at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center and Manatee Memorial.

A Pasadena, Calif., native who spent the past seven years working at Sunrise Children’s Hospital in Las Vegas, Davis and her husband, Douglas Grant, began looking for a new home after Davis’ elderly parents, Las Vegas residents, died.

“It is gorgeous here and we are water people,” she said. “Lakewood Ranch is growing, and I’m excited to grow with this unit.”

They are building a house in Waterside at Lakewood Ranch.

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YourObserver.com

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

EAST COUNTY

Harvest of honor

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

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Publisher / Emily Walsh EWalsh@YourObserver.com Associate Publisher — East County Observer / Lori Ruth LRuth@YourObserver.com Executive Editor / Kat Hughes KHughes@YourObserver.com Managing Editor / Jay Heater JHeater@YourObserver.com Senior Editor / Pam Eubanks PEubanks@YourObserver.com Sports Reporter / Ryan Kohn RKohn@YourObserver.com Staff Writer / Liz Ramos LRamos@YourObserver.com Copy Editor/ Kaelyn Adix KAdix@YourObserver.com Editorial Designers / Melissa Leduc, MLeduc@YourObserver.com; Carol Parker, CParker@YourObserver.com Black Tie Editor / Harry Sayer HSayer@YourObserver.com

Manatee County’s agricultural community honors longtime rancher, youth volunteer.

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

I

nside the bedroom of his Myakka City ranch house, right over top of his “sock drawer,” Hansel “Cully” Rowell keeps a painting of a Pony Express station back in 1860, during the days of the Wild West.

Workers are waiting for a delivery, and one rider is headed inbound, carrying the mail. Rowell, who received the painting as a gift from his son Timothy, likes to say that rider is “just boogieing along.”

The Pony Express, only in existence about a year and a half, reduced the time of mail delivery from the East Coast to the West Coast, and vice versa, to 10 days.

Those fortunate enough to know Rowell understand why that particular painting is one of his favorites.

“The Pony Express could get you a letter in 10 days from back East,” he said. “Now it takes 10 seconds.”

While Rowell respects the past, he understands it mostly gives way to improvements in the future. He’s not a good-olddays kind of guy, even if he spends much of his time researching the agricultural history of Manatee County.

He said we all will be better off if we attempt to understand our past so we can continue to make improvements. Toward that goal, he has worked with friends and county personnel such as Brenda Rogers to create maps of former ranches and farms in Manatee County.

Along with his research, the 79-year-old Rowell is known for donating countless hours to supporting the youth programs of Future Farmers of America, the 4-H and the Manatee County Junior Cattlemen’s Association.

His years of service were recognized Nov. 17 when he was named the 2020 Manatee County Agriculturalist of the Year during the Bradenton Kiwanis annual Farm City Week Luncheon, which this year was held virtually.

“I have to pinch myself,” said Rowell, who still raises about 60 cattle. “When my name was called, I acted foolish. Never in my life did I think I would get it.

You know, I’ve always enjoyed the kids. If you don’t train them, they won’t take over right. But we have the best FFA, the best Junior Cattlemen’s Association, the best 4-H.” Fellow rancher Buddy Keen, like Rowell a past president of the Manatee County Cattlemen’s Association and a former Agriculturalist of the Year, said Rowell didn’t act foolish when his name was called, he just became emotional in talking about his work with the kids.

“He is so involved with the kids,” said Keen, who manages the 6,000-acre L3 Partnership ranch.

Cully Rowell was named the 2020 Manatee County Agriculturalist of the Year.

Jay Heater

“He started to break down. I’ve known him 40 years, and if you ever needed anything, you could to go Cully. He is down to earth and he won’t tell you a lie.”

East County’s Kelly Davis Strausbaugh, who is a member of the Cattlemen’s Association, said “Mr. Cully” has made countless positive impacts on her life.

“Honestly, it’s hard to think of people he hasn’t positively impacted in some way,” she said.

“He is such a major part of what makes our association and our local industry so great, and so solid. He is the first to volunteer, to give his time, his guidance, his energy. He always has been a supporter of the junior association and he is a cheerleader who never shies away from rolling up his sleeves, all while telling a story about something funny that happened in the past. It’s easy to love Mr. Cully.”

Rowell is a Manatee County native who graduated from Manatee High School. He grew up on a farm on Tallevast Road and was influenced by his parents, Wesley and Jesse Rowell, and his many aunts and uncles, who mostly were involved in agriculture or farming in some way.

“I guess it’s a lifestyle and I liked it,” he said. “My mom and dad worked in the celery fields at Whitfield and Prospect. I remember the younger generation celery was boarded, but eventually they thought if it would get more sun, it would be better. They took out all the boards, and it was better.”

It became a theme of his family members. He said his grandfather had a ranch adjacent to where Linger Lodge is now and remembers the scrawny 350-pound cattle that were prevalent at the time. His grandfather wanted to develop superior cattle.

“My relatives always were looking to do something better,” he said. “I had an uncle who was looking for a better tomato.

Another uncle was looking for a better pepper. My uncle John grew vegetables where Southeast High School is now. My relatives were trying to find something they knew the tourists would eat.

I also had an uncle who raised hogs, but I guess my family never did get a better hog.”

After high school, Rowell was an assistant at the Gulf Coast Experimental Station where Braden River High School is now.

He said one of the scientists had a

ABOUT ‘CULLY’

Who: Hansel “Cully” Rowell What: Bradenton Kiwanis 2020 Agriculturalist of the Year Lives: Myakka City Wife: Donna Children: Cynthia Chandler and Timothy Rowell About Cully: FFA, 4-H, Junior Cattlemen’s, Manatee County Agricultural Museum, Manatee County Farm Bureau volunteer; former president of the Manatee County Cattlemen’s Association; 30-plus year career as a foreman at Florida Power and Light Also honored: Brothers Cameron, Jerry and Farren Dakin (posthumously) were named to the Manatee County Agriculture Hall of Fame

tomato named after him.

After getting married to his wife, Donna, in 1963, Rowell began to seek his own better vegetables.

“I would grew watermelon that would weigh more than I do now,” he said. “But they don’t do that anymore.”

Cully and Donna would sell vegetables at area roadside stands and they moved to a Prospect Road ranch in 1968. He moved to his current Myakka City ranch in 1988.

Cully and Donna no longer grow vegetables, though.

“The ground moved too far down,” he said as he bent over to pull some make-believe weeds.

“We would have more vegetables if it moved back up.”

The cattle, though, will stay.

FFA and 4-H members help him on the farm and he pays them “a little.” Because they are helping, he doesn’t have to get on a horse anymore.

He wakes up at 5 each morning, eats at 6 and is out the door at 7.

He gets on his tractor each day to see if he has any new calves.

He doesn’t spend much time walking in the fields because “I can’t climb the fence before my hip pocket is on the horn,” he said with a laugh.

Actually, there are no horns on each ranch anymore for that exact reason.

He spends his off time researching the county’s agricultural past.

“We’re losing our lifestyle,” he said. “And people should know where we come from.”

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

9A

JAY HEATER

Commission strife demands public input considers whether to cancel the contract of Manatee County Administrator Cheri Coryea, who has served the county for decades, mostly in a lower role.

She was named county administrator in 2019 and deputy county administrator in 2017.

Baugh wasn’t the one who made a motion Nov. 19 to serve Coryea notice that the commission was going to consider her termination, that was new Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge. The motion was supported by Baugh, along with the two other new commissioners, George Kruse and James Satcher.

Baugh’s opponents would have you believe she has cast a spell over Van Ostenbridge, Kruse and Satcher, leading them to vote to her every whim. It’s insulting to those men.

What you have here is four commissioners who share common ideals and who understand they can combine to control the vote when they generally agree on a specific direction. As a commissioner, it’s a great feeling to know you won’t continually be one vote short of getting something done. If you voted these people in office, it means they should be able to follow through on campaign promises.

Which brings us back to the Coryea decision.

To illustrate a point I will throw Commissioner Carol Whitmore under the bus. Whit-

more can take it, for she has been a commissioner since 2006.

Whitmore basically has chastised the three new commissioners and Baugh for a reprehensible move to replace Coryea. How could anyone be so unfeeling?

They should all be ashamed.

But let’s flash back to Oct. 27, when the commission voted 4-3 in favor of rezoning property at the northwest corner of 117th Street East and State Road 64 near Lakewood Ranch to allow up to 150,000 square feet of commercial space that will clear the way for a Cox Chevrolet lot.

The vote came after residents of the neighborhoods surrounding that parcel told commissioners how a car lot would devalue their homes, perhaps cause flooding, and would cause them to move. Some believed allowing a car lot on that parcel would ruin their lives, at least until they could relocate. The commissioners listened to their passionate pleas. In Whitmore’s case, she bagged her emotions and voted for what she believed would be in the county’s overall best interests.

It’s a moot point whether Whitmore was right or wrong.

She hurt some people to do what she felt was right for most of the residents. It’s a tough job.

But, please, don’t play the emotion card when a group of commissioners want to discuss hiring a new administrator.

BUY or REFI

File photo

Cheri Coryea’s future as Manatee County Administrator could be decided Jan. 6 at a Commission meeting.

It’s apples and oranges when it comes to topics, and yet, the same rules apply. Take emotion out of the discussion and do what’s right for the county as a whole.

As residents, this showdown is a huge signal flare that is calling for your involvement. If you have strong feelings about whether to replace Coryea or not, call your commissioners and tell them how you feel. Let them explain what they have in mind for the county if they feel the need to replace her. Whether you support the move or oppose it, make an impact with your participation.

Myself, I would hope the commissioners would meet with Coryea and discuss their future priorities. Her previous

experience doesn’t guarantee she should be retained, but it should guarantee her a chance to convince the commissioners she deserves the opportunity to work with them.

Once that has been accomplished, the commissioners have to make a decision and move forward.

Yes, it’s a tough business.

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

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olitics, even on the local level, can be a tough business.

I didn’t call it a dirty business because I do believe, by and large, most of our local politicians are not doing it because they are seeking fame and fortune.

These people want to serve their community.

But the way they serve can generate anger among their contemporaries, and the taxpayers, when opinions about the taxpayers’ best interests clash.

Those who follow the Manatee County Commission know these next two months, and perhaps beyond, is going to include the type of angry clashes usually reserved for the fifth-grade playground, or reality TV. The Real Commissioners of Manatee County.

Some commissioners would have us believe the villain’s role in this soap opera is being played

by Vanessa Baugh, who represents the Lakewood Ranch area and most of East County. Baugh is an aggressive, strong leader who isn’t worried about hurting feelings when it gets in the way of her constituents’ best interests. She just completed her second term (eight years overall) and wasn’t challenged when she ran for her third term.

She’s popular and she’s been around the political block.

Baugh will be in the spotlight Jan. 6 when the commission

10A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

Effects of burglary linger Four years later after the theft, The Family Jeweler owners are out of business in Lakewood Ranch.

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

L

ong removed from the Nov. 15, 2016 burglary that basically ruined their Lakewood Ranch business lives, Murray Margolis and his wife, Ardene Chodosh, still carry an anger that never figures to end.

It was on that day The Family Jeweler at 8342 Market St. in Lakewood Ranch was cleaned out by a three-man team of sophisticated burglars who have achieved legendary status in Florida among law enforcement officials.

The suspected thieves,William Anthony Granims, Michael Ornelas and Matthew Petruccelli, were arrested May 19, 2018 for a burglary in progress in Chicago, and were later tied to as many of 23 Florida burglaries and $16 million in loot. They were eventually delivered to Hernando County, where they are suspected of committing 10 jewelry store burglaries.

Hernando County called a press conference Dec. 12, 2019 to announce it was charging the men with multiple counts of burglary; a trial date has yet to be set although county officials say they expect a trial in January.

Margolis, who has lived in Sarasota since 1991, said he will be at the courthouse when the men go on trial. However, he said

no one has asked him to testify even though he lost more than $200,000 in the burglary.

“I don’t expect these guys will get a heavy sentence,” he said.

Granims, 58, and Ornelas, 57, previously had been arrested in 1999 for a string of robberies all over the Southeast. After their release from federal prison in 2011, law enforcement officials believe they began robbing jewelry stores again in 2011 because their methods were one of a kind.

“What really upsets me is the lack of communication between law enforcement agencies,” Margolis said. “Did anyone think of warning anyone? Did anyone send out notice to the jewelers and say, ‘Be aware of this.’ And these guys got popped in the 1990s, only their sentences were a joke. Crime pays better than working. I guess I should feel honored to have been knocked over by the best.”

Margolis did applaud the investigative work turned in by retired Miami-Dade Detective Mike Crowley. Crowley spent countless hours talking to jewelry store owners such as Margolis, keeping them informed and helping other law enforcement agencies tie the puzzle together. He knew that their mode of operation was the same in their burglaries so he knew it was a matter of time before they could be tied to the crimes.

“Their targets always shared a wall with a business that had no real reason to install an alarm of its own,” Crowley said, noting that The Family Jeweler was bordered by a travel agency. “They would cut entirely new walls through the doors. They would turn the air conditioning down low in the stores they robbed so they wouldn’t sweat, in case detectives collected DNA samples. They would drill one hole into the safes and disable them from inside.”

According to law enforcement reports, Granims was the alarm specialist while Ornelas was a locksmith. Petruccelli, 68, was a thrift store owner who could move stolen goods and he also acted as a lookout.

Left in their wake were the jewelry store owners, who in most cases suffered huge losses because they were underinsured.

“After the burglary, I had trouble sleeping all the time,” Chodosh said. “I can’t speak for Murray because he isn’t as candid as I am. I don’t mind sharing, though, how I felt after all the years, the money, the customers, the income, the savings, were all gone in one night.”

After they were robbed, Margolis and Chodosh had to face their customers, many who had jewelry at the store for repair.

“I would become teary eyed

Jay Heater

Sarasota’s Murray Margolis and Ardene Chodosh have struggled since their Lakewood Ranch jewelry store was burglarized in 2016.

when I told them their jewelry was gone,” Chodosh said. “They had lost emotional pieces they were giving to their grandchildren or someone who was getting married, or for a special anniversary.

I held their hands and hugged them.”

The couple replaced every one of their customers’ items that had been left for repair. It created financial hardship because those items had value that couldn’t be accurately estimated. Margolis paid out more the $125,000 to those who had left items at the store, and that ate most of the money he received from the insurance settlement. He admitted he was underinsured.

“We just felt it was the right thing to do,” Chodosh said.

“We’re both old school.”

Since the theft was right before

Christmas, the couple lost their most important sales time of the year. The store never recovered, eventually closing at the location a little more than a year later.

They moved to a shop on Lake Osprey Drive in Lakewood Ranch, but then COVID-19 hit and delivered another crushing blow. They closed that store in October and now Margolis said his lifetime of work is in a 10-foot by 10-foot storage locker.

Although he is 75 now, Margolis wants to open another store in Lakewood Ranch, but this time instead of selling jewelry, he only wants to repair it. They know they have loyal customers from more than 20 years in business.

“We’ve done good job in Lakewood Ranch and people appreciate it, so I figure we’ll be fine,” Margolis said.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

Polo opens in a pandemic world Sarasota Polo Club owner hopes fans will buy tickets in advance to help safety planning.

OPENING DAY

SARASOTA POLO CLUB’S 30TH SEASON OPENER When: 1 p.m., Dec. 13 (Gates open at 10 a.m.)

Where: Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Lakewood Ranch Tickets: $15 per adult, children 12 and under free. Multiple-game ticket packages available at sarasotapolo.com Season: Dec 13-April 25 2020 season: Drew 40,000 fans in 14 Sunday events but lost seven Sunday matches after closing due to COVID-19 concerns

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

W

hen L a kewo o d Ranch’s James and Misdee Miller purchased the Sarasota Polo Club in 2018, they knew it might be somewhat of a money pit.

They also knew it had carved out a unique place in the sport.

It drew fans, by the thousands.

James Miller, who plays at clubs all over the world, said the atmosphere generated by the fans in Lakewood Ranch is unmatched, even on an international level.

However, the Millers probably never expected the sport’s popularity here might present problems as well.

When the Sarasota Polo Club’s 30th season opens Dec. 13, the worry isn’t that fans will stay home because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rather, the Millers worry that too many fans might show up.

“COVID-19 is the most uncertain thing in my lifetime,” James Miller said. “Every move we have planned for here, almost all the improvements have been put on hold until we know what we can do and what it will mean. There

File photos

Cramming the sidelines at the Sarasota Polo Club to greet players won’t be possible this season.

were a lot of things I wanted to do and I thought COVID-19 would come and go, but it didn’t.”

In his travels, he has seen how other clubs have handled social distancing, but those clubs typically deal with a few hundred fans. The Millers are dealing with thousands.

James Miller knows the Sarasota Polo Club’s opener will be well attended because of pre-sales, but how well attended is another uncertainty. The club has been urging polo fans to purchase tickets in advance so it can perfect a plan for social distancing.

Already, the Sarasota Polo

Club has expanded its season ticket packages, usually confined to the south side of the field, to the entire south side and half the north side. Knowing how many people are going to show up helps with planning.

Those who show up game day without tickets still can set up their tailgate party on half the north side, and other areas will be open past the ends of the field, but the premium tickets will be more limited on game day during the pandemic.

“It’s going to look a little different this season,” James Miller said. “We’re just trying to deter-

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mine how we get people in and how we keep them comfortably distanced.”

James Miller believes people who have been isolated by the pandemic want to attend an event if they can do so in a safe manner.

He said the nature of the sport, which is played on a 10-acre field, leaves the Sarasota Polo Club better suited to keep fans socially distanced.

He said people need to make up their minds whether they want to attend an event that could draw more than 1,000 fans. But if they do decide to watch polo, James Miller said he wants to make sure they are comfortable and safe.

“I don’t want people to think we aren’t respecting the virus,” he said.

He is hoping the fans take responsibility for keeping them-

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James Miller, the co-owner with his wife, Misdee, of the Sarasota Polo Club, says he will adjust safety measures as the season progresses depending on attendance.

Polo fans are being urged to buy tickets in advance because fewer premium tailgate spots will be available for those who show up on game day without tickets.

selves distanced.

“It comes down to people respecting each other’s space,” he said.

While James Miller has been disappointed that some of his additions to the facility have been put on hold due to the pandemic, he was excited about the addition of a new director of food and beverage, Tony Maniscalco.

Fans will have the ability to preorder food and beverage packages and have them delivered to their space or tailgate. James Miller said hiring a food and beverage director was an important “next phase” addition that needed to be done immediately.

Another upgrade that will be completed before the season begins will be the installation of a 60-foot by 12-foot stage at midfield on the north side. The Sarasota Polo Club will use the stage for a higher level of seating that will be just behind the premium

Adirondack chairs seating that already exists there.

He said the stage could be key to hosting other events at the Sarasota Polo Club.

“We can set up the stage for theater groups for the families who come to our Ranch Nights (which begin Jan. 20 and run each Wednesday evening),” he said. “When we have tools like that, it creates opportunities for other groups. Heck, you could do a graduation ceremony here or a speakers series, an outdoors corporate presentation. You could social distance people easily.”

He also is contemplating some kind of bleacher seating for those who want to watch the polo but might not want to set up a tailgate.

While the Millers are dealing with the pandemic from the perspective of polo club owners, they also have experienced the disappointment from an equine com-

petitors’ standpoint. They had made a trip to the Netherlands to compete in a combined driving competition and had all kinds of challenges in trying to ship their horses overseas in October. Then, five days before the competition, it was called off.

He was asked if there is a worry the Sarasota Polo Club will have trouble featuring the world class talent that comes to Lakewood Ranch each year.

“I would say 60-to-70% of our players come for the entire season,” he said. “We have so many events that it is just more efficient. It’s great for us because we don’t have players coming and going. We have an insular group of athletes.”

James Miller said the economic impact from COVID-19 will have more of an impact on the teams than traveling woes. He said team owners have businesses that allow them to spend money on polo. If their business isn’t doing well, polo could be affected.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

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“This is a professional hobby sport,” he said. “The owner has to fund the operations of the team.

What makes our sport so unique is that we are the only sport where the owners and amateurs can play with professionals.”

The season runs through April 25, so James Miller is sure changes will be made all along the way to make those who attend more comfortable.

“If we get too many people, and there is not a way to distance them, it creates problems,” he said. “One of my more recent thoughts is to utilize our bleachers more and socially distance the seats. If people aren’t comfortable, you go to the next step.”

He again stressed the importance of buying tickets in advance.

“We have to know you are going to your place, as opposed to jump roaming,” he said. “We are trying to figure out ways to manage this situation better.”

But he does expect a big crowd on opening day.

“People want to get out of the house and experience the excitement of something going on.

People are going to be shy about having group gatherings, but I am hopeful they will realize we’re outdoors.”

He said opening in the face of a pandemic does keep his mind spinning.

“The most unfortunate part of it is the mornings I wake up at 4 a.m. and can’t get back to sleep because I have to think about all these worries,” he said. “But I also feel fortunate I haven’t had to shut down. Polo can be a saving grace for people who want to get outside and interact. People are tired, cooped up, irritated. I hope we are providing an opportunity to heal, to define some happy moments.”

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

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oming into the school year, Mike Newhams, a science teacher at The Out-ofDoor Academy, wasn’t sure what he was going to do.

Newhams said he has a poor immune system and bad lungs, so his doctors told him he shouldn’t return to school because of the risk of being exposed to COVID-19.

Newhams had a decision to make: lose his job or find a way to be in the classroom safely.

He opted to find a solution.

Newhams approached the school’s leadership with the idea of an outdoor classroom where he and his students could social distance and wear masks.

ODA’s administration supported Newhams’ idea and moved his classroom to a gap between classrooms off the quad that used to be a place for students’ lockers.

“I’m bringing ODA back to its roots,” Newhams said. “I have to be as protective as possible, and this was a great solution.”

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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“Each day presents a new opportunity. It’s something we’re putting out to all of our teachers ... to think differently.”

— Jay Mahn

ODA has always aspired to provide a well-rounded educational experience for students, often taking classes outdoors, but since the pandemic, the school has taken outdoor classes to a new level.

“There’s so much therapeutic value to being outdoors,” said Jay Mahn, the assistant head of middle school. “You have the fresh air, you have the sunshine, you know, the vibes around you.

Being out in nature is fabulous, and personally, I love it. The kids have responded well to being outside. You have worries that there could be more distractibility, but when it’s part of your regular routine, the distractibility factor diminishes considerably.”

Besides the classroom off the quad, classes are also held on the outdoor basketball courts normally used by middle school students.

Mahn teaches a geography class with 26 students on the basketball courts. Each student sits at the opposite ends of a table that’s more than 6 feet long, so the students can be without their masks.

If students have trouble hearing, Mahn has a microphone at his disposal.

He said when the schedule was being formed before the semester began, the conversation turned toward the open spaces outdoors.

He said it would have been foolish not to consider using that space.

So teachers planned to take their classes outside, utilizing the more than 300 Adirondack chairs the school purchased.

“Each day presents a new opportunity,” Mahn said. “It’s something we’re putting out to all of our teachers ... to think differently.”

Students are eating their lunches all around campus as well while practicing social distancing. Classes that are being held inside, sometimes will go outside for a mask break.

Blake Newmann, a freshman, said having classes outside isn’t much different than classes that are indoors, and he enjoys getting a break from wearing a mask all day.

Ciniya Moore, a freshman, sat on a chair by the lake working on a class assignment Nov. 17. She said she can focus better when working outside because it’s peaceful and quiet.

However, having classes outside doesn’t come without challenges.

In his usual classroom, Newhams does an activity every week, but because of the time and preparation that goes into adapting an activity for outside, he isn’t able to do as many.

The outdoors poses a few other challenges as well, such being able to hear each other, especially when wearing masks, and dealing with the elements.

When Tropical Storm Eta came through Nov. 11 with a downpour of rain, Newhams’ classes moved into the Fine Arts Center while Mahn’s classes moved to the gym.

No matter the challenges, Newhams said having class outdoors is worth it. He is able to interact with more students and staff members as they pass his

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

15A

Left: Mike Newhams, a science teacher, explains how to separate the layers of an onion to his students. Newhams loves having his class outdoors and at the center of campus so he can connect with other students and staff members.

Below: A geography class is purposefully scheduled to be held on the basketball courts to take advantage of the outdoor space.

classroom since it’s close to the heart of the campus unlike his classroom at the end of the hall on the second floor of the DART STEM Center.

“I found I’ve missed being so close to the school,” he said. “I

never saw anything. I just love being out here, and I’m kind of secretly hoping they could turn this into a classroom for me. Just give me some walls and maybe air conditioning.”

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

Bridge to Somewhere Area angel investing group, in three years of looking for companies to invest in, discovers focus can be just as important as funds.

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hasing what works has led to an evolution for Bridge Angel Investors.

Since 2017, the Sarasota and Manatee-focused group-funding entity, has invested in four companies. The group continues to seek more opportunities — for investing both members’ money and mentorship energies. A new partnership that could increase Bridge’s impact is also potentially in the organization’s future.

One of the most challenging parts of running Bridge, Executive Director Wendi Chapman says, is keeping members engaged and moving forward on the same path. That’s one way the group has gone after what works.

Bridge started with about 40 members. But Chapman says without strict membership requirements, at first it was harder to get people to focus. So Bridge instituted a mandatory raise, with members required to provide a $20,000 investment each year and a $2,000 membership fee. “Mandatory funds allow us to invest more easily and more frequently,” Chapman says.

Courtesy photo

Bridge Executive Director Wendi Chapman

Members are also required to provide more than money. “They have to be involved,” Chapman says. “They can’t be a passive investor.” That means supporting entrepreneurs through mentorship and providing feedback about companies within the group.

At first, the requirements led to the membership shrinking. “A lot of folks weren’t as committed as they needed to be to make it work,” Chapman says. It has about 20 members now, but that smaller number doesn’t mean Bridge hasn’t grown, as far as Chapman is concerned. Members are more dedicated, spending considerable time supporting companies.

“We are attracting more diverse subject-matter expertise, which

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

— Wendi Chapman

is fantastic,” she says. “People are generally coming from other areas where they’ve generally been involved in angel investing.

They’re able to bring their experience to Bridge.”

Business and entrepreneurial heavyweights Tom Gardner and Sam Guren co-founded Bridge.

Gardner is a former Johnson & Johnson group executive and founder and CEO of Sarasotabased medical technology and consumer health care products company Omeza. Guren is a managing partner for Guren Capital and helped fund Apple, Yoplait, Staples, Sports Authority and Ulta.

Bridge members now include entrepreneurs, executives, nuclear engineers, software engineers, venture capitalists and consultants. Chapman, former vice president of the San Francisco Marathon and former general counsel and executive manager of Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation, thinks Bridge has barely scratched the surface of potential members because the Sarasota area is a haven for highly accomplished retired executives.

Chapman is also president of Chapman Capital Development, where she supports develop-

ment and operations for small businesses, including the Brenn Foundation and Omeza.

In addition to chasing what works, Bridge has upped its presence in the community by participating in events and connecting with area groups, such as Tampa Bay Wave, Upsurge, University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, State College of Florida, LECOM, SCORE and economic development agencies. “People hear about us usually via word of mouth,” Chapman says.

Bridge focuses on investing in companies in the SarasotaManatee area and in Florida, but in 2020, it also started accepting applications from out-of-state companies, if brought to the group by a member.

Companies seeking funding from Bridge can apply through its website. Bridge also hears about companies through incubators, referrals and calls with other Florida angel groups.

Bridge’s investment in companies varies. In general, the average — and what Chapman says is the group’s sweet spot — is about a $200,000 investment. Sometimes, though, individual investors put in more. With one deal, Chapman says a member got so excited, that investor put in $600,000, and Bridge’s deal came in close to $1 million. “That’s more of a one-off, but it can happen,” she says.

Bridge has closed two deals in 2020, investing in peer tutoring platform Knack and book subscription community Next Big Idea Club. Last year, Bridge closed a deal with digital marketing tool VuPulse, and the year before, it invested in recruitment platform Rewired.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

17A

First Physicians Group Welcomes

Sonia Sharma, MD We are pleased to welcome our newest endocrinology specialist to the First Physicians Group (FPG) network. Dr. Sonia Sharma is dedicated to the treatment of endocrine, diabetes and metabolic disorders. She looks forward to serving the community at both the Waldemere Medical Plaza and Lorraine Corners locations.

Specialty: Endocrinology Board Certification: Internal Medicine; Board Eligible: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Medical School: Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA Internship & Residency: Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA Fellowship: Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA

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We already have a success story. We got a bunch of people together and invested in local companies, so they could grow and expand, and we could talk about Florida as a place to start and grow your business with the type of resources and mentorship that’s here.

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18A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

Restaurateur’s passion on menu Chef Nabil Rezkalla and interior designer Sharie Kelly open Riviera Mediterranean Grille.

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N

abil Rezkalla might have gone to school to be an architect, but he lives life to be a restaurateur.

When Riviera Mediterranean Grille opened for business Oct. 3, the Italian-Mediterranean fusion restaurant became his latest foray into the culinary world.

“Always, my passion is the restaurant business,” said Rezkalla, who co-owns the restaurant with Sharie Kelly. “I had this concept in my head all the time.”

In the past, Rezkalla has operated both Italian and Mediterranean restaurants in Florida and Virginia. The two types of cuisine are close to his heart. Rezkalla, who is also one of Riviera Mediterranean’s chefs, is half-Italian and half-Egyptian. He grew up in Egypt and earned a architectural degree in France before moving to the United States in 1999.

While his Virginia restaurants were strictly Italian, he said the Mediterranean element was especially important to add in Florida. Rezkalla said Italian food can be heavier and more carb-

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centric, while Mediterranean food gives his menu some lighter, healthier options. He said people in East County are more healthconscious.

Thus far, his most popular dishes have been Sicilian shrimp scampi, grouper Francaise, chicken Francaise, gyro platter, filet mignon platter and mixed grill, complete with saffron rice and mixed vegetables. Rezkalla said all his dishes are prepared from scratch.

Rezkalla has been in the restaurant business for about 25 years, but Riviera represents the start of a journey into a new industry for Kelly. Although she grew up around her family’s restaurant in Park Hill, N.Y., a suburb of Syracuse, she never worked at the tavern that was started by her greatgrandfather.

“But I love food,” Kelly said.

“And I love seeing people happy, eating good, healthy food.”

Kelly and Rezkalla, who both

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

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19A

YOU HAVE ONE MORE MONTH TO DOUBLE YOUR DONATION AND HAVE A SUBSTANTIAL IMPACT ON HELPING PUTTING AN END TO CHILD ABUSE

Brendan Lavell

Riviera Mediterranean Grill co-owners Sharie Kelly and Nabil Rezkalla stand on either side of chef Jennifer Ramsey. Rezkalla also is a chef at his restaurant, which just opened in East County.

“Always, my passion is the restaurant business. I had this concept in my head all the time.”

Whether you realize it or not, someone in your close-in network has been affected by this. A typical case of child abuse has significant repercussions beyond the obvious as entire families and even friends are also drawn into the trauma.

— Nabil Rezkalla

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atmosphere at their own pace, even when they’re done eating.

At night, for example, that means dim lantern lighting and smooth jazz.

Although business has been strong, Rezkalla said opening during the COVID-19 pandemic has come with challenges.

“People still worry about the coronavirus, worry about their health,” Rezkalla said. “We opened in a very difficult time, but thank God we’re doing good.”

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live in Parrish, met about a year ago. Rezkalla was working as a manager at a friend’s restaurant, and Kelly, who has been an interior designer her whole life, was doing kitchen design work. Their backgrounds seemed conducive to starting a restaurant together, and when they found an open unit on State Road 70 in Lakewood Ranch, they decided it was too good a deal to pass up.

“We’re both the kind of people that refuse to fail,” Kelly said.

“That’s why we’re working our butts off. … If somebody told me two years ago I would own a restaurant, I would’ve said, ‘You’re crazy.’ But I like change. And I like a challenge. And I just like to keep growing and progressing.”

Kelly designed the inside of the restaurant. She is aiming to make the restaurant a place where people can sit, relax and enjoy the

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

Nashville musician returns to Sarasota John Salaway will perform Americana hits at the Blue Rooster Dec. 10.

“It’s all about the heart that I put into it. As long as I’m coming from that place and really wanting to put out something beautiful and heartfelt then it all feels so great.”

HARRY SAYER STAFF WRITER

J

ohn Salaway has picked up plenty of musical knowledge in his time.

The 43-year-old multiinstrumentalist musician has called Nashville his home for 17 years, and in that time has found a comfortable spot performing at BB King’s Blues Club and a number of other venues.

But he cut his teeth in Southwest Florida. Salaway is returning to Sarasota to perform Americana music at Blue Rooster on Dec. 10.

“I love coming back (to Florida) and seeing old friends,” he said. “I feel like I need to be by the water as often as possible.”

Salaway grew up in Englewood with a father who played drums.

His first love was also the drums — he discovered the craft during a lazy summer when he was 10, reigniting his father’s passion for drumming. His father taught him everything he knew, and Salaway said he caught on quickly.

There was a therapeutic element to drumming he liked, a kind of peace that he found while playing that stayed with him when the music ceased. “(Drumming) is really the driving force of all music,” Salaway said. “It all started out with tribes

— John Salaway

Courtesy photo by Ben Neely

John Salaway is drawing on his love of The Beatles for his new psychedelic-inspired Americana album being released next year.

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using drums in Africa, centuries and centuries ago … it’s the root of all music, it’s the most important instrument.”

He was playing in a jazz band with other students in his high school in Englewood by 15. The group — called Mystic Blues — played in Englewood, Sarasota and Boca Grande, but Salaway liked the idea of creating music all his own.

Solo shows can be a tricky business, especially for multiinstrumentalists, but Salaway has a process for his performance he started early where he loops musical tracks together. He’ll record music live on stage and then play on top of that to create a larger, fuller sound. He’ll be on stage alone but thinks audiences

will hear much more than what they’re accustomed to.

“That’s kind of my thing that I do when I’m not producing or playing drums,” he said. “... When I’m solo I do the one-man-band show with all those effects.”

He’s spent much of this year recording new music in his studio with his next album planned for the spring. The album — which will incorporate psychedelic 1960s-type sounds into his typical Americana style — will feature guest musicians from the Foo Fighters, Smashing Pumpkins and more.

As he’s continued further into his career, he’s found it less stressful and more enjoyable.

“It’s all about the heart that I put into it,” Salaway said. “As long as I’m coming from that place and really wanting to put out something beautiful and heartfelt then it all feels so great.”

Make Room For Life Joe Makes Room for a New Chapter Riding his motorcycle, everyone knew Joe better as “Big Dog.” But obesity comes with a heavy cost, and at age 56, Big Dog was running out of road, a borderline diabetic with high blood pressure and heart disease.

Then his doctor told him about the Sarasota Memorial Bariatric and Metabolic Health Center. Today, Big Dog is back at the front of the pack, with a healthy heart and the horizon’s promise ahead.

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DECEMBER 3, 2020

5

1

Braden River High boys basketball junior Karmani Gregory had 23 points and three rebounds Nov. 22 in the Pirates’ 55-51 home win against Newsome High.

2

Lakewood Ranch High boys basketball junior Andres Junge had 28 points and eight rebounds Nov. 24 in the Mustangs’ 7349 home win against Venice High.

3

Isaiah Tholl sank a hole-in-one Nov. 24 on the No. 8 hole at Esplanade Golf and Country Club. Tholl used a 9-iron on the 152-yard hole.

4

Andrew Heeren sank a hole-in-one Nov. 24 on the No. 13 hole of Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club’s Cypress Links course. Heeren used a 5-hybrid on the 168-yard hole.

5

Lakewoood Ranch High boys soccer senior Timothy Sheredy had a goal and an assist Nov. 20 in the Mustangs’ 5-1 home win against Riverview High.

1734 South Tamiami Trail Venice, FL 34293 941.493.7441

— Lakewood Ranch High’s Travis Ference SEE PAGE 23A

PERFECT LANDING Two Lakewood Ranch gymnasts persevered to earn scholarships.

Ryan Kohn

Omer DanenbergLerner and Ashlynn Voorhees are off to college on gymnastics and acrobat and tumbling scholarships, respectively.

RYAN KOHN SPORTS REPORTER

T

hrough the highs and lows, two Lakewood Ranch Gymnastics teammates have persevered, and their hard work is paying dividends.

In June, Omer DanenbergLerner had made up her mind to quit gymnastics. The stress of the sport, the pain stemming from rotator cuff and back injuries, the fear of falling while learning new skills, was all becoming too much, with not enough to show for it.

“Sometimes you find yourself laying in bed and thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, I do not want to go to practice tomorrow, I am so scared,’” said Danenberg-Lerner, whose best event is the balance beam.

Two days after DanenbergLerner decided to hang up her leotard, she received a call from Iowa State. The Cyclones offered her a gymnastics scholarship. Danenberg-Lerner said it changed her mind. Maybe the challenges were worth the reward after all. She decided to commit.

Injuries kept gymnastics teammate Ashlynn Voorhees off the mat her entire junior season.

First it was a broken wrist, then the other wrist, then a broken hip.

The stress fractured happened because her body wore down over time thanks to the demands of the sport, which Voorhees said was a scary feeling. Missing an entire season put any athletic scholarships out her mind. Voorhees said she simply wanted to get back competing again.

That’s when Voorhees found acrobatics and tumbling, a sport that she describes as a cross between gymnastics and cheerleading. The sport was approved as an NCAA Division I sport in June after Division II and III approved it in January, though

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it is categorized as an “emerging women’s sport,” meaning it does not yet have championship status.

Colleges can compete in the sport and hand out scholarships.

As Voorhees competed this year in “acro,” as it is known for short, she realized how much less stress it put on her body, and she started to regain her skills. When she reached out to colleges about scholarships, she started getting receiving mutual interest, including from Converse College (Spartanburg, S.C.). Voorhees decided to commit to the school.

Both athletes signed with their respective schools Nov. 12. For them, signing would not be possible without past sacrifices.

Getting good takes time, like any sport, but it was more than that.

In addition to the time commitment and the physical challenges, there were mental challenges too.

The fear that kept DanenbergLerner awake at night? That never goes away, and it extends past attempting new skills.

“I’ll be sitting in my car outside of practice pumping myself up,” Voorhees said. “Like, ‘OK, just get through conditioning and you will be fine.’ It is so hard, so much work.”

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ACROBATICS AND TUMBLING Status: NCAA classifies acrobatics and tumbling as an emerging sport Description: According to the NCAA, acrobatics and tumbling is defined as “a discipline of gymnastics involving tumbling, tosses, acrobatic lifts and pyramids.”

It was added to the NCAA’s Emerging Sports for Women program, which is a pipeline helping women’s sports reach NCAA championship status. Schools can compete in the sport right now, and 30 already do. Once 40 schools adopt the sport, it can be considered for full status. It has 10 years to do so before being removed from the program.

If the demands of the sport are so high, why does anyone do it?

That’s a tricky question, both gymnasts said. There are rewarding moments, like successful competitions and the occasional silly practice, but to be in it for

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the long haul, you have to love the grind.

Danenberg-Lerner could have said no to Iowa State and ended her career, but she didn’t. Getting her offer was the validation she needed. She has recorded gold medal performances in the balance beam in the 2020 Edgewater Classic in Panama City and in the 2020 Manhattan Classic (N.Y.).

Iowa State believes she can make an immediate impact on the balance beam.

Likewise, Voorhees will be trying to help her new college’s, and she has a reason to keep fighting as well.

Danenberg-Lerner and Voorhees get annoyed when they hear people say gymnastics is not a real sport.

Compare it to running, they said. Not everyone can run fast, but almost everyone can run.

On the other hand, most people can’t even complete a back flip, let alone a technically sound one.

It takes athletic ability and mental fortitude.

“It’s not for everybody,” Voorhees said. “I probably won’t have my kids do gymnastics, just to save them some stress.”

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“Wrestling is this little community and you have each other’s backs while you also compete as an individual.”

22A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

PROSE AND KOHN

RYAN KOHN

Skills, accountability the goal A

quick announcement from Coach Nick Leduc that practice had begun was all it took for Braden River Soccer Club’s U11 boys soccer team, the Rage, to get going.

They went through warm-ups by themselves, drill to drill, as Leduc silently watched from afar. Before his nudge, the boys were chit-chatting and playing games with each other. Now there was nothing but determination on their faces. They worked diligently and never got off-task. That was the idea, Leduc told me.

“I want this to be their team, not my team,” Leduc said. “They lead themselves.”

Well, almost.

Leduc still needs to act as an instructor. They’re 11 years old and younger, after all and they have plenty of skills to learn.

But as far as accountability and responsibility go, they have got that down pat.

The players takes each workout seriously, and it has paid dividends. The team is ranked by GotSoccer as the 60th-best in the U.S. as of Nov. 27 (and fourth in Florida).

The team preaches communication on the field. I know this not because Leduc told me, but because almost all the players mentioned it when I pulled them aside. Clearly, they listen well. During practice, the team conducted a passing drill while

“I want this to be their team, not my team. They lead themselves.”

— Nick Leduc

confined to a small area of the field. It took a lot of communication to find open people.

They succeeded again and again.

Leduc said their sideline conversations sound like NFL sidelines in terms of holding each other accountable. He takes pride in that, and so do they.

“We don’t have one star player who juggles the ball through everybody,” 9-year-old Gavin Petricca said. “There’s no spotlight player. Our spotlight is the team and how we work together.

That is what is so fun about playing with these guys.”

It is Braden River’s togetherness that has allowed the team to compete with much larger clubs.

For context, Leduc said Braden River has approximately 2,000 kids in its system, while they routinely play clubs with 15,000 or more kids in their systems. It’s a lot easier to find talent when you have that large a numbers advantage.

Yet they do compete. On Nov. 1, Braden River won the 29thannual Largo Halloween Tournament, which featured 65 clubs.

Braden River went 3-0, winning

Ryan Kohn

Nick Leduc gives instructions to his Braden River Soccer Club U11 team. The team is ranked 60th in the U.S.

the championship game 8-0 over the Florida Celtic Soccer Club.

Leduc said the team’s success is a credit to the kids’ hard work.

Braden River’s players are proud of their accomplishments, but that’s not all they care about.

“It’s not just on the field,” 10-year-old Ace Calvari said.

“We have a connection outside of soccer, too. We have lot of cookouts and team dinners together and we have a lot of fun.”

And isn’t that what it’s all about?

Winning is great, and Braden River does a lot of it, but they’re

still kids. All the success in the world wouldn’t matter if they weren’t enjoying themselves, but the players are all best friends.

Most of them have played together in some form or another for three years now. They have built bonds that will hopefully last well beyond this season.

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

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Travis Ference is a senior wrestler at Lakewood Ranch High.

Ference, who is 5-foot-11 and wrestles at 152 pounds, went 2-0 Nov. 28 at the team’s meet at Palmetto High.

When did you start wrestling?

I started wrestling as a freshman, so three years ago. One day I had Coach Pat [Ancil] as a substitute teacher. He told me he was the school’s wrestling coach and that I should try out for the team, so I did.

What is the appeal?

Wrestling is this little community and you have each other’s backs while you also compete as an individual. When you’re on the mat, it’s just you making your own outcome, and I like that.

What is your best skill?

I think I am great at pumping up the team and getting us to work together in practice. As far as on the mat, I like using sweep singles, which is where you go for one leg. You lift it up and table it, then you get on top and pin the person.

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.

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YOUR NEIGHBORS Trot before turkey I

f James and Chelsea Toldi of Lakewood Ranch start a tradition of running races on Thanksgiving morning, they might look back on the 2020 Florida Turkey Trot at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota as something special.

“We’re both runners, but this is Chelsea’s first race since the new one,” a smiling James Toldi said at the finish.

The “new one” is their 5-month-old son Parker, their first child who James pushed through the race in a baby stroller.

The Florida Turkey Trot made its debut two years ago and drew 4,000 runners last year for its second edition. This year’s event was held over two days so organizers could stagger the starting times to keep the runners socially distanced.

North Port’s Jenna Marks and Mike Fuller, who are engaged, said they wanted to start a tradition running at the Florida Turkey Trot as well. However, they also had another incentive.

“It gets us in the mood for all the food,” Marks said.

East County’s LeAnn and Joel Gonzalez say they felt safe since the race was so spread out in the open.

Lakewood Ranch’s James and Chelsea Toldi finish the Florida Turkey Trot with their 5-month-old baby, Parker.

Angi Darling of St. Petersburg says she is staying away from people she doesn’t know during the race.

“Which is everyone,” she said with a laugh.

— JAY HEATER Runners sprint away at the start of the first group.

Photos by Jay Heater

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Little orange markers made sure runners keep their distance while lining up.

East County’s Jill Eisenbeis says she felt safe during the Florida Turkey Trot.

SEE TURKEY TROT, PAGE 2B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

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FROM PAGE 1B

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

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John Skelton and Jim Kehoe, who represent the Rosedale Golf Classic that benefits Homes for Our Troops, accept a $5,000 check from the Elks’ Tom Sweeney.

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Elks continue charity efforts

Palm Aire gives students a boost

After a successful start in 2019, the Lakewood Ranch Elks Club is coming back with its second annual Car and Truck Show Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its lodge at 4602 Lena Road, Bradenton.

The cost is $10 per car or truck and admission to check out the vehicles is free. Food and drink will be available for sale to raise money for Elks’ charities. The event is open the public. Awards will be offered to Best in Show and People’s Choice. Send an email to dittyjerry@gmail.com for more information.

The Elks’ work for charity was on display earlier this month when a raffle was held to donate money to Homes for Our Troops.

A $5,000 check was presented to John Skelton and Jim Kehoe, who were representing Homes for Our Troops and who organize (with their wives Deb Kehoe and Kathi Skelton) the annual Rosedale Golf Classic at the Rosedale Golf and Country Club.

While members of the Palm Aire Women’s Club couldn’t meet in person during its annual Scholarship Award Celebration to connect with their 2020 scholarship recipients, they did get together during a Zoom meeting.

Palm Aire Women’s Club member Debi Frock organized the meeting with coordination from Amy Gorman of the State College of Florida and Carol Darling, the PAWC scholarship chair. Scholarship recipients Mariah Guinart, John Flojo and Ebony Phillips spoke to members during the meeting.

Guinart is a SCF nursing student currently working in the ICU at Sarasota Memorial Hospital.

She will use her scholarship funds to help her realize a goal of becoming a trauma nurse. Flojo is using his scholarship to work toward becoming a registered nurse at SCF. Phillips will use her funds to pursue a nursing degree at SCF. Another scholarship winner, Bailey Pearce, was unable to attend. She used the funds to help pay for the applied science

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YourObserver.com

Courtesy photo

University Park Women’s Club Garden Group chair Polly Curran stands with beautyberry, a plant native to Florida, during a plant identification walk at Emerson Point Preserve on Oct. 1.

University Park Women’s Club goes green The Garden Group at University Park Women’s Club visited Emerson Point Preserve for a plant identification walk Oct. 1.

The walk was the women’s club’s first event since the COVID-19 pandemic escalated in March.

Patsy Ugarte, a master gardener with Manatee County

The Women’s Club of Cascades held a High Tea event at the Grove in Lakewood Ranch Nov. 18. With tables socially distanced, 26 members of the club gathered.

Despite the pandemic, club members filled a fellow member’s garage with items for the School Supply Drive and also held a food drive for Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee.

New officers at Toastmasters Club The Toast of Lakewood Ranch Toastmasters Club inducted new officers Oct. 20.

The new officers are president Etor Agudu, vice president of education JoAnn Thomas, vice president of membership Adeline Giattino, vice president of public relations Jo Ann Froman, secretary Lorraine Williams, treasurer Janet Chester and sergeant at arms Dale Walker.

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Extension Services, led the walk composed of eight club members. Club members observed native plants such as beautyberry, wild coffee and sea grape as well as invasive plants such as rosary pea and Brazilian pepper.

“Because most of our activities occur outdoors, it is a bit easier for us to adapt and bring our members together,” Garden Group Chair Polly Curran said.

“We will continue to plan more outdoor events to encourage more of our members to participate and let nature heal and bring us back together.”

Cascades women enjoy High Tea

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

HANDCRAFTED CUISINE FROM

Our House to Yours!

COMMUNITY SATURDAY, DEC. 5

REC DAY AT THE PARK Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. Families are invited to experience Nathan Benderson Park during Rec Day. Participants will have the opportunity to try stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, canoes, fishing and more.

Fees are $10 per person for ages 7-18 and free for their parents and siblings ages 1-6. The fee is $10 for adults without children.

Freshwater fishing licenses are required for any participants age 16 and older. Meet at the base of the finish tower. For more information, go to NathanBendersonPark.org.

SUNDAY, DEC. 6

Wine & dine with a 3-course meal and a bottle of wine or choose your favorite items à la carte.

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BARRE IN THE PARK Begins at 9 a.m. at Bob Gardner Park, 2710 White Eagle Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. The public is invited to participate in a free barre workout at Bob Gardner Park.

The event is hosted by Barre3.

Bring your own mat and water bottle. Mats must be placed 6 feet apart. All participants are asked to follow social distancing guidelines. For more information or to register for the event, go to LakewoodRanch.com.

GIRL SCOUT SCAVENGER HUNT Begins at 1 p.m. at Camp Honi Hanta, 5081 51st St. E., Bradenton. The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida is hosting a photo scavenger hunt for girls grades K-12 who are new to scouting or those who would like to join, and their families. Participants can explore nature and see what scouting

has to offer on a self-guided tour of the 123 acres that includes walking trails, a swimming pool, archery range, ropes course, climbing wall, and more. Each girl who attends can make her own bird feeder. Admission is free.

Preregistration is required. For more information, call 800-2324475 or go to www.gsgcf.org/ activities.

WEDNESDAY, DEC, 9SUNDAY, DEC. 20

HOLIDAY LIGHTS SHOW Runs from 6:30-9 p.m. each evening outside the East Grand Entrance of the Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Dr., Sarasota. The Mall at UTC presents a special holiday lights show that includes a projection light show outside the East Grand Entrance (near Kona Grill and Urban Outfitters. Shows begin every half hour. All guests are asked to practice social distancing at the free event. For more information, go to MallatUTC.com.

THURSDAY, DEC. 10

CHANUKAH DRIVE IN CONCERT Begins at 6 p.m. at Premier Sports Campus, 5895 Post Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. The Chanukah Drive In Concert is presented

by Chabad of Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch and will feature a menorah lighting, live Klezmer concert, aerialist show, stilt walkers, strolling jugglers, and more.

Upon arriving at the free concert, attendees will be able to pick up Chanukah gift boxes, children’s gifts and dreidels. Everything is free and open to all. Those who attend must register online and will view the concert from the safety of their vehicles. Reser-

It’s time to celebrate Unconditional L ve!

I suggest we celebrate 6 feet apart.

We invite you to share in our virtual Celebration of Unconditional L ve.

Come together and honor the dogs and cats that share our lives while we raise money to care for those that are still homeless. SHARE this event with friends and loved ones both near and far as we will be able to visit everyone through a “live steam” experience. And best of all, your furry family members can cuddle up beside you while you watch the show!

Thank you sponsors!

February 27, 2021 6pm Event Website: arcsrq.home.qtego.net For sponsorship info: Love@arcsrq.org

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

7B

BEST BET SUNDAY, DEC. 6

MARKET AT LAKEWOOD RANCH Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, 8330 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.

The Market at Lakewood Ranch runs every Sunday through April 25. Vendors will be offering seafood, eggs, meats, diary products, pastas, bakery goods, jams and pickles among other items. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

File photo

eds of r d n u h h t i w showroom l a c o 50% off! i t g p a u m e r v u a o s t Visi s trees and a m t s i r h C beautiful

James Cutway’s booth, Myakka’s Gold Apiary, is a hit at the Market.

vations can be made at www.

ChabadofBradenton.com.

FRIDAY, DEC. 11- SUNDAY, DEC. 20

GINGERBREAD FESTIVAL Runs 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays at the former Stein Mart location in the West District at University Town Center, 119 N. Cattlemen Road, Sarasota.

The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida is hosting the 12th annual Gingerbread Festival. More than 200 gingerbread houses will be on display. Net proceeds from the festival support Girl Scout programs. For more information, go to MallatUTC.com.

SATURDAY, DEC. 12

CAR AND TRUCK SHOW Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lakewood Ranch Elks Lodge

4602 Lena Road, Bradenton. The Lakewood Ranch Elks hosts the second annual Car and Truck Show. Entries are $10 per car or truck. The event itself is free.

Food and drink will be available for sale. Awards will be given for Best in Show and People’s Choice. For more information, call 727-422-3680 or send an email to dittyjerry@gmail.com.

LANTERNS ON THE LAKE Runs from 4-7:30 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota.

The event, which costs $30, will be limited to 1,500 people who will received a lantern, batterypowered tealight and markers in a drawstring bag. For more information, go to NathanBendersonPark.org.

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|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

NEIGHBORS NOTES

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

Courtesy photo

Waterlefe residents Alma Paturno and Carl Busch go through some of the 1,600 pounds of food collected by the neighborhood for Meals on Wheels Plus.

Waterlefe residents show their heart

COVID-19 has created more empty plates than ever before.

You can help provide 4 million meals to children, families, seniors, and veterans.

In November, Waterlefe residents proved they are heavyweights when it comes to altruism.

The residents organized their third food drive of the year, collecting 1,600 pounds of food for Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee. For the year, Waterlefe residents have donated more than 4,700 pounds of food.

The first two food drives were in April and June, after the pandemic began.

Give today at allfaithsfoodbank.org

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You can turn an empty plate into a ThankFULL heart.

birthday on Dec. 2. Fran’s daughter Eileen and her husband Terry Hansen of Bradenton, and Fran’s son Jim Schlusemann of Chicago, were among those who attended.

The former Chicago resident and was married 68 years when her husband, Hank, died in 2017. She has two children, five grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren.

She moved to Bradenton in 1986 and to Lakewood Ranch in 1996.

Schlusemann is a member of the Sarasota Shell Club and is a shell artist. She also belongs to the Sarasota Philatelic Club. She was a greeter at the Mote Marine for 18 years. She walks around her Lakewood Ranch neighborhood every morning.

Meals on Wheels serves 640 dinners on Thanksgiving

Fran Schlusemann

Small celebration marks milestone Lakewood Ranch’s Fran Schlusemann was hoping to celebrate her 90th birthday surrounded by family and friends, but that wasn’t possible in the current pandemic world.

Still, her family planned a small gathering to mark her milestone

Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee delivered 640 Thanksgiving meals to homebound seniors in Manatee County.

“These seniors often live alone and are unable to prepare meals, so to provide a Thanksgiving meal means so much to our clients, even more so this year with the impacts of COVID-19,” said Maribeth Phillips, the president and CEO of Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee, in a release.

Since March, the number of home-delivered meals has increased by 52%.

Those who know a senior who needs meals delivered or who want to contribute can go to www.MealsOnWheelsPlus.org.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

|

Sidewalk sale comes to Grand Living

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

9B

Cascades women spearhead drive The Women’s Club of Cascades filled 78 shoeboxes to donate to the Meals on Wheels’ 15th annual Shoebox Collection and DriveThru, which will be held Dec. 5 at the Lakewood Ranch Elks Lodge.

Meals on Wheels in turn delivers the boxes to seniors throughout the holidays. For more information on the event, go to www.

MealsonWheelsPlus.org.

Since some of the residents didn’t feel safe shopping, Grand Living of Lakewood Ranch organized the Holiday Sidewalk sale Nov. 5 and brought vendors to them.

It gave the residents a chance to buy holiday gifts or some local restaurants’ specialties.

Art League’s work on exhibit The Lakewood Ranch Art League currently has an exhibition on display through April at the ComCenter, 9040 Town Center Drive.

Most of the paintings are available for purchase. Those visiting the ComCenter can see the art from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The artwork represents various mediums, such as watercolor, acrylic, oil paintings and charcoal drawings, as well as a variety of styles and sizes. The Lakewood Ranch Art League partners with charities such as HOPE Family Services, SMART Riding Therapy, SOLVE Maternity Homes and Children’s Guardian Fund.

Local students earn honors Sara and Van Engles from the Black Sheep Bake Shop brought their dessert specialties to Grand Living.

Resident Rikki Hill checks it out during a Holiday Sidewalk Sale.

Haven hosts compost program The Haven has trained its 40 employees and engaged its clients, who range from toddlers to young adults, on the importance of composting.

Sunshine Community Compost, a new nonprofit that the

Betty Vogel, Co-President of the Women’s Club of Cascades of Sarasota (center) delivers shoeboxes to Meals on Wheel Plus staff members Bryan Lipps and Kathy Kall.

Barancik Foundation has seeded to help implement a sustainable compost program in Sarasota County, conducted the training session. Sunshine Executive Director Tracie Troxler has partnered with local nonprofits to

create programs at their facilities to collect organic waste and take it to the SCC farm where it is broken down into fertile soil.

The soil then will be returned to each nonprofit to use on its landscaping.

East County’s Sean Finnerty earned a Master of Science degree in global business from the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Ky. ... East County’s Quonnisha Orr has been awarded the Claydon Hayward Barron Memorial Fund Scholarship from Valdosta State University (Ga.) for the 2020-2021 school year.

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A Evening with

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Friday, December 18th @ 5pm Hermitage Beachfront (Manasota Key) Du Yun, Pulitzer Prize-winning composer and performer, will present a talk and demonstration against the backdrop of the setting sun.

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10B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

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Courtesy photos

Braden River High School JROTC students practice social distancing and wear masks while training.

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ather than visiting another high school for the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps rifle competition Nov. 19, Braden River and Lakewood Ranch high school students had to compete virtually from their respective campuses Lt. Col. James Bradin, a senior Army instructor at Braden River, shipped targets to the schools participating in the competi-

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tion. Each team had until Nov. 19 to shoot before sending them back to Bradin, who has an automated program that would scan the results to determine the top shooter in the county as a team and as an individual.

The competition is unlike any the JROTC programs have done in the past, and the adjustments cadets and leaders have had to make as a result to COVID-19 don’t stop there.

Cadet leaders are ensuring their cadets are following social distancing and wearing masks.

JROTC members have been split into pods of 10, so students can be easily traced if someone tests positive or needs to quarantine.

Activities have to be split between morning and afternoon

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sessions because all the cadets can’t be together.

Bradin and Lt. Col. Richard Roller, a senior JROTC instructor at Lakewood Ranch High, said students are learning how to be leaders in adverse conditions.

“Based on the pandemic criteria and things going on, it kind of forces new lessons in citizenship and in leadership and how to adjust,” Roller said. “It definitely brings resiliency to a lot of the stuff we do.”

Selah Swanson, a senior and battalion commander at Braden River, was disappointed at the beginning of the year seeing how many changes had to be made, but now her perspective has changed.

“It’s actually a blessing in disguise because we are always going to be remembered as the leaders who were in charge of this particularly crazy time ... this momentous year ... that we get to be the ones who are in charge.”

Although the programs have seen changes as a result of the pandemic, and students are in different learning modalities, neither Lakewood Ranch’s or Braden River’s programs have seen a dip in enrollment in JROTC. Braden River has 238 cadets while Lakewood Ranch has 157.

Most members are on campus full time or participating in the hybrid schedule, but the few that are e-learners have the option in participating in JROTC activities after school.

“It’s been tough because most of the JROTC instructors in the county have all volunteered to teach all three types of modalities so we can keep our programs intact,” Bradin said. “It’s a lot more work than what we’re normally used to.”

Having students from all three modalities has made daily lessons and activities more challenging and time consuming for JROTC student leaders because they might have to repeat a lesson to multiple class periods and formats.

Roller said the learning modalities and COVID-19 adjustments have forced them to slow down and reassess almost every aspect of the program from how they meet to how they train and com-

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

11B

“It’s clearly not as good, but it’s the best we can do given the conditions that we’re operating under. It’s everything we can do to try to get things back to normal as possible for the kids.”

— Lt. Col. James Bradin

pete.

The activities cadets would normally do before school, such as leaders practicing presentations, are now taking up class time.

Much like dozens of other school competitions, JROTC made adjustments to its competitions due to COVID-19.

“It’s clearly not as good, but it’s the best we can do given the conditions that we’re operating under,” Bradin said. “It’s everything we can do to try to get things back to normal as possible for the kids.”

Swanson said because schools can’t come together to compete, she’s seen competition form more within the school’s own JROTC program.

“It’s kind of sad because it takes away that ability to interact with other schools and kids, but at the same time, it’s fun to compete against the people you know.” Swanson said. “It’s almost like you’re able to get more competitive because if it’s your friend you’re competing against, it’s like, ‘Oh, my pod is so awesome.’”

JROTC leaders had to come up with new activities for the Raider competitions to ensure students wouldn’t be touching the same equipment and to allow for social distancing. Graders from an Army recruiting station went to the individual schools and graded the students on the different events.

Some of the events included push ups, pull ups and a mile run.

The drill season doesn’t start until January, and instructors are

Above: Braden River High sophomore Christian Bell, freshman Nathan Walmsley, and seniors Phil Staffiles and Alex Bustillo practice their shooting.

Left: Braden River High School sophomore Crystal Trejo and freshmen Gabriel Phillips and Jakara Burnham focus on their training.

hopeful that competitions can be held in person but on a smaller scale.

Drill teams will be held to a maximum of nine cadets.

As a result of cadets only doing activities with people in their pods, Elayna Andrews, a junior at Braden River, said the leaders of those pods have to know every event and be able to help younger cadets with training.

Programs are adjusting starting procedures for orienteering, which puts higher numbers of students in close proximity before competition begins. Once the competition starts, cadets navigate through the course by themselves.

Roller said he’s waiting to see how the competitions are being coordinated with different ven-

ues to ensure teams are complying with rules at city, state and municipal parks where the competitions will be held.

Lakewood Ranch is the only school in Manatee County to participate in orienteering. Most schools that participate have Navy programs, which gives Roller’s cadets an opportunity to interact with Marines, sailors and Coast Guardsmen and discuss the different service opportunities available to them.

“Now because of COVID-19, we lose that opportunity,” he said.

“We can still set them up on the phone or if you have questions, you can connect with someone, but it’s not the same as it is standing there talking with somebody and having a live conversation.”

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12B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

LOCALLY KNOWN. GLOBALLY CONNECTED. SINCE 1976.

SARASOTA 6613 Taeda Drive Monica Verinder 941-704-4040 A4482270 $849,000

SARASOTA 8985 Rocky Lake Court Jackie Griese 941-718-0045 N6112451 $843,795

BRADENTON 4766 Mainsail Drive Jonnie Dwyer 941-812-6283 A4482294 $815,000

PALMETTO 140 Riviera Dunes Way 1503 Kathy Valente & Gregory Zies, LLC 941-685-6767 A4471685 $1,250,000

SARASOTA 2950 Dick Wilson Drive Lenore Treiman 941-356-9642 A4482346 $765,000

BRADENTON 73 Tidy Island Boulevard Kathy Valente & Gregory Zies, LLC 941-685-6767 A4477926 $670,000

BRADENTON 5129 88th Street E Chris Baylis & Sue Cosgrove-Lee 941-735-4713 A4481186 $645,000

SARASOTA 5450 Eagles Point Circle 102 Maureen Horn 941-539-3384 A4478724 $579,900

BRADENTON 17033 Polo Trail Debbie Pulliam 813-557-9970 A4481013 $536,900

SARASOTA 86 Arbor Oaks Drive Susan Katanic 941-400-0601 A4476578 $489,000

UNIVERSITY PARK 7936 Hampton Court Lori Bollinger & Beth Ann Boyer 941-524-7034 A4476286 $483,500

UNIVERSITY PARK 6668 Saint James Crossing Beth Ann Boyer 941-780-6606 A4481768 $475,000

BRADENTON 6885 Willowshire Way Jim McElhinney 941-773-1199 A4482705 $369,000

SARASOTA 2521 Wood Oak Drive Judy Wright 941-232-8041 A4481119 $349,500

PARRISH 3412 Woodland Fern Drive Sharon Ingram 941-224-6447 A4483339 $345,000

UNIVERSITY PARK 7623 Whitebridge Glen Nancy Phillips & Beth Ann Boyer 941-400-6078 A4483450 $330,000

SARASOTA 7768 Fairway Woods Drive 1306 Susan Katanic & Janet Montgomery 941-400-0601 A4466126 $324,800

SARASOTA 5368 Eliseo Street Terri Thacker 941-376-1955 A4481423 $324,500

PALMETTO 3318 10th Lane W Jinny Scherer 941-705-0877 A4477228 $270,000

SARASOTA 8120 Enclave Way 104 Mark Boehmig 941-807-6936 A4482167 $260,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7171 Boca Grove Place 202 Laura Navratil 941-806-7436 A4483665 $232,500

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LAKEWOOD RANCH 16113 Clearlake Avenue Stacy Haas & Gloria Bracciano 941-587-4359 A4482326 $2,100,000

UNIVERSITY PARK 7047 Stanhope Place Daniela Soiman 941-779-4797 A4483380 $1,199,000

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in the Concession topped all transactions in this week’s real estate. Ian Howard, trustee, and Melissa Howard, sold the home at 19422 Newlane Place to Michael and Casey Baynes, of Bradenton, for $1,865,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 4,653 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $1,575,000 in 2018.

WATERLEFE

Charles Tilden and Frances Church, trustees, sold the home at 10407 Riverbank Terrace to Frank Paone, of Bradenton, for $1.75 million. Built in 2007, it has five bedrooms, five-andtwo-half baths, a pool and 9,429 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $1.75 million in 2012.

Alfred Pike and Louise Nugent sold their home at 9608 Turning Leaf Terrace to Harry Thomas Ward and Dorothy Ward, of Cinnaminson, N.J., for $407,000.

Built in 2000, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,686 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $310,000 in 2012.

Harry Cervone and Janet Stepp sold their home at 739 Foggy Morn Lane to Carlos and Lauren Bento, of Bradenton, for $390,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,886 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $415,000 in 2007.

COUNTRY CLUB

Geoffrey and Elizabeth Frazier, of Park City, Utah, sold their home at 12505 Highfield Circle to Jim and Heather Rymes, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1.7 million. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 5,550 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $2.1 million in 2007.

Raymond Abreu, of Lakewood Ranch, sold his home at 7025 Vilamoura Place to Andrew Wenzel and Efrosene Begetis, of Sarasota, for $770,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,814 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $650,000 in 2008.

Melanie Scaffe sold her home at 7532 Abbey Glen to Gary and Cindy Cann, of Lakewood Ranch, for $680,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,849 square feet of living area.

Kerry and Cynthia Gordon, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 6626 The Masters Ave., to Richard Alan Affleck and Lisa Carol Affleck, of Lakewood Ranch, for $665,000. Built in

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

NOV. 16-20

1999, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,970 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $540,000 in 2004.

13B

REAL ESTATE

Concession home tops sales at $1,865,000

|

Eric and Michelle Pike, of Wilmot, N.H., sold their home at 7130 Orchid Island Place to Connor Walsh O’Donoghue and Lauren Taplinger O’Donoghue, of Bradenton, for $525,500. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,257 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $470,000 in 2016.

Alexander and Janelle Presley, of Venetia, Pa., sold their home at 12323 Thornhill Court to Wade Hampton Ballard V, of Bradenton, for $510,000. Built in 2010, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,467 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $470,000 in 2015.

Claudine Lisette Bougniart, of Brussels, Belgium, sold the home at 7604 Desert Inn Way to Miklos Laszlo Berente and Nora Zita Berente, of Bradenton, for $435,100. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,431 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $305,300 in 2000.

LAKE CLUB

Jesse and Nancy Vance, of Santa Rosa Beach, sold their home at 16127 Daysailor Trail to Brian Pollice, trustee, of Rochester, Mich., for $1.46 million. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,002 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $1,125,000 in 2019.

Photo courtesy of Tina Ciaccio

This Concession home at 19422 Newlane Place sold for $1,865,000. It has four bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 4,653 square feet of living area.

Yvonne Schloss, of Bradenton, for $444,900. Built in 2012, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,148 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $314,000 in 2012.

TIDEWATER PRESERVE

Michel and Debbie Marion, of Ontario, Canada, sold their home at 5206 Tidewater Preserve Blvd., to David and Adrienne Kern, of Bradenton, for $853,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, four-andtwo-half baths, a pool and 3,681 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $613,300 in 2015.

William and Wanda Jimenez, of Apollo Beach, sold their home at 7138 Westhill Court to Brett Lloyd Cassidy, of Bradenton, for $399,900. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,989 square feet of living area.

SEE REAL ESTATE, PAGE 14B

In with the new

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

COUNTRY CLUB EAST

Jo Ann Jadin, trustee, of Bradenton, sold the home at 7412 Seacroft Cove to Blaine William Laverick and Kimberly Laverick, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1,355,000. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,686 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $1,255,000 in 2017.

George Howard III and Deborah Vogel-Howard, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 14632 Secret Harbor Place to Stephen and Deborah Burnett, of Lakewood Ranch, for $800,000. Built in 2012, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,679 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $583,200 in 2012.

WCI Communities LLC sold the home at 7021 Highgate Lane to Waldo Burkhart Harshberger III and Donna Lyrine Harshberger, of Bradenton, for $597,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,443 square feet of living area.

Ana Pereira, of Bradenton, sold the home at 16529 Hillside Circle to Deanna and Jay Fitzgerald, of Bradenton, for $515,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,224 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $485,000 in 2018.

Robert Suarez and Rosalie Norris, of Bradenton, sold their home at 14419 Stirling Dr., to Robert and

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14B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

Real estate

Invest in the Beauty and Comfort of your Home this Holiday Season

FROM PAGE 13B

Philip and Elizabeth Silva, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the home at 5104 Tidewater Preserve Blvd., to Randy and Kristi Owens, of Bradenton, for $719,000. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two-and-ahalf baths and 2,888 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $456,100 in 2014.

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Rose Ninette Burns, of Sarasota, sold the home at 5012 Lake Overlook Ave., to Anthony Ricciardulli, of Bradenton, for $512,000. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,034 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $359,900 in 2014.

Donald and Patricia Forgie, of Chapin, S.C., sold their home at 913 Preservation St., to Ray Rapchak Holdings Inc. for $455,000.

Built in 2012, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,249 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $318,400 in 2012.

ISLES

Bryant and Jacqueline Headley, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 8362 Redona Loop to Barry and Sherry Hollock, of Mason, Ohio, for $732,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,521 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $563,200 in 2019.

RIVER WIND

Neal Signature Homes LLC sold the home at 1013 River

Wind Circle to David and Jennifer Crofoot, of Bradenton, for $628,600. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,398 square feet of living area.

Preserve at Panther Ridge Glenn and Susan Southworth sold their home at 7706 Jay Watch Glen to Matthew and Trasi Alexander, of Bradenton, for $620,000. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,847 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $322,000 in 2011.

WARWICK GARDENS

Fine’ Viaggo LLC sold the home at 7115 Chatsworth Court to Kenneth Spear and Julie Anne Spear, of University Park, f or $575,000. Built in 2001, it has two bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,845 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $970,000 in 2005.

ESPLANADE

Roy Howard Andersen and Flora Ellen Andersen, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 12752 Fontana Loop to Kermit Elwood Stahl and Deborah Marie Stahl, of North Wales, Pa. for $530,000. Built in 2013, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,087 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $485,000 in 2019.

J. Gregory and Roberta Hetrick, of Bradenton, sold their home at 13116 Torresina Terrace to Gary and Linda Drum, of Bradenton, for $402,000. Built in 2012, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,684 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $348,000 in 2017.

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RIVER CLUB SOUTH

Jared Light, of Bradenton, sold his home at 12195 Longview Lake Circle to Andrea Kay Schneider, of Bradenton, for $345,000. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,495 square feet of living area. It sold for $272,100 in 2014.

COUNTRY CREEK

Cheryl Dussaq, trustee, of Bloomfield, N.J., sold the home at 11123 Battery Park Place to Lillian Rose Perrone, of Bradenton, for $293,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,495 square feet of living area. It sold for $260,000 in 2015.

Keith Scholl, trustee, of Spring, Texas, sold the home at 7519 River Club Blvd., to Tongo Properties LLC for $519,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and is 2,760 square feet. It sold for $300,000 in 2011.

Kathleen Casey, trustee, of Gainesville, sold the home at 203 141st Court N.E., to Daniel and Danielle Moyer, of Bradenton, for $477,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and is 2,508 square feet. It sold for $332,000 in 2010.

Dennis Paul Dummer, of Seymour, Tenn., and Aida Marina Lopez, of Sarasota, sold their home at 102 147th St. N.E., to Juan Martinez and Patricia Casiano, of Bradenton, for $410,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and is 2,873 square feet. It sold for $388,000 in 2016.

George and Jennifer Meadows, of Bradenton, sold their home at 14818 Seventh Ave. E., to Dillon and Holly Garback, of Bradenton, for $410,000. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,155 square feet of living area. It sold for $379,900 in 2007.

CENTRAL PARK

Ronald and Joanne Hoffman, of Ft. Myers, sold their home at 12409 Tranquility Park Terrace to Steven Pulcinella Jr. and Megan Johnson, of Bradenton, for $460,000. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two-anda-half baths, a pool and 2,423 square feet of living area. It sold for $382,000 in 2016.

|

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

HERITAGE HARBOUR

Paul and Terri Marquardt, trustees, of Chandler, Ariz., sold the home at 8704 River Preserve Dr., to Jack and Kimberly Smart, of Bradenton, for $460,000. Built in 2012, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,287 square feet of living area. It sold for $305,000 in 2012.

We don’t treat John’s cancer, we treat John.

MISTY OAKS

Thomas and Linda Schwartz, of Sarasota, sold their home at 8173 Misty Oaks Blvd., to Daniel and Tina Vance, of Sarasota, for $448,900. Built in 1992, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and is 2,223 square feet. It sold for $312,500 in 2003.

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Craig Hullinger and Elizabeth Smith Ruyle Hullinger, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their Unit 2-304 condominium at 10520 Boardwalk Loop to Elizabeth Dean, of Lakewood Ranch, for $445,000. Built in 2018, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,400 square feet of living area.

It sold for $385,000 in 2018.

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

FORECAST

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

SUNRISE / SUNSET

THURSDAY, DEC. 3

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Dec. 3

7:04a

5:34p

7:05a

5:35p

7:06a

5:35p

7:07a

5:35p

7:07a

5:35p

Tuesday, Dec. 8

7:08a

5:35p

Wednesday, Dec. 9

7:09a

5:36p

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FRIDAY, DEC. 4

High: 78 Low: 66 Chance of rain: 50%

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, DEC. 5

Dec. 14 New

High: 70 Low: 56 Chance of rain: 60%

This variety of water birds was captured by Gordon Silver after a heavy rain near Lakewood National.

Dec. 21 First

Dec. 29 Full

Jan. 6 Last

RAINFALL Monday, Nov. 23

0

Tuesday, Nov. 24

0

SUNDAY, DEC. 6

Wednesday, Nov. 25

0

Thursday, Nov. 26

0

High: 69 Low: 59 Chance of rain: 10%

Friday, Nov. 27

0

Saturday, Nov. 28

0

Sunday, Nov. 29

0

*Rainfall totals from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

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2020

2019 47.29 in.

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©2020 Universal Uclick

ACROSS 1 Civil rights activist Chavez 6 Body part within “earmuff” 9 N.C. State is in it 12 Narcissist’s love 16 “Turn down this proposal!”

17 Average, in statistics 19 Beauty balm brand 21 History Muse 22 Move words around 24 Ball game in Las Vegas?

25 Computer operator 26 Wellness centers 27 Philadelphia’s time zone 29 Baseball or basketball marking (or, in different

senses, the first word + the last word of 124-Across?)

31 Noted Chinese philosopher 33 A long way off 35 Marries in a hurry 36 Laughable 39 Penniless 42 Barbara Gordon’s alter ego (... 103-Across?)

44 Do the tango, say 45 Hex, for one 48 Distinctive time span 49 + or - particle 51 One might spin jumpers 52 Extreme dullness

54 Poker player’s giveaway 56 YouTube journal 58 Faint 60 Coll. senior’s test, perhaps 61 Pinot noir or sauvignon blanc 63 Got into a lather?

68 Dog walker’s handful 71 Shuts loudly 73 Sushi restaurant utensil (... 22-Across?)

75 “___ luck!”

76 Flying home?

78 Winter supply for a ground crew

46 Flashy events?

47 Some attract big fish 50 Have a snack 53 Arizona city or landform 55 Leg, for instance 57 “Well done!”

59 Variety 62 Hush-hush grp.

64 Act like 65 Letter after chi 66 “Yada, yada, yada” (Abbr.)

67 Try to lose weight 69 Chicken ___ king 70 Grime on Santa’s suit 71 Longtime Swedish automaker 72 Flowery air freshener option 73 Animation frame 74 “Phooey!”

DOWN 77 Reciprocating reply 1 Brilliant triumph 79 Period between new moons 2 Blues singer James 82 ___ Rachel Wood (“West3 Slimy marine mollusk world” star) 4 Author Beattie 84 Windsor knot garment 5 Beverly Hills shopping 86 Part of QED destination 87 What comes easily to 6 Accumulate hand?

7 Took a break 89 Easy dupes 8 Australian buddy 90 Adjust, as tires 9 “All systems go” 92 Assists 10 Bass ___ (cello music 93 Person who roams symbol) 94 Magical drinks 11 Paddled at camp 95 Palindromic family 12 Carved artistically nickname 13 Beast of Borden 101 Mon. follower 14 Property encumbrances 102 Opposed to certain coats 15 Golfer’s “Watch out!”

104 Naval fighting force 16 Silicon Valley investors, 105 Slim briefly 107 Club regulation 18 Battle with foam projectiles 108 Biscotti flavoring 20 “Hold on ... back up a bit” 111 Signed 23 Congratulatory touch 112 R.R. stop 28 Billy’s partner 113 A portion of 30 Jeweler’s glass 114 Like show horses’ feet 32 “Positions” singer Grande, 116 Compensates to fans 118 One of Jackie Jackson’s 34 Track competition brothers 36 Help in crime 119 Musk who launched his 37 Undecorated Tesla into space 38 In a steadfast way 120 Dudes 40 Not even 123 Family card game 41 Stereotypical pro gamer 125 Fourth letter 43 Online chuckle populous city 109 Part of a jazz combo 110 Fate 113 Words with very similar meanings, or a theme hint 115 Tap, as savings 117 Tabloid twosome 121 Italian for oil 122 Diamond Head locale 124 Ordinary members of an organization 126 Covering in the news?

127 Japanese soup noodle 128 “Auld Lang ___” 129 Ancient German 130 Merino mothers 131 Big fuss 132 Barrett of Pink Floyd 133 “Great blue” bird

THIS AND THAT by Paul Coulter; Edited by David Steinberg

79 Country in Asia’s Golden Triangle 80 Key near Ctrl 81 Brewery order 83 Peace Nobelist Desmond 85 Alternative to she or he 88 Certain fir 91 Wind direction indicators 96 Cacophony 97 Gold, in Acapulco 98 Pedal a bike 99 Garlicky mayonnaise 100 Corrode (... 39-Across?)

103 Inconsistent 106 Ends up costing 107 Maine’s third-most

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A REFLECTION OF NATURE’S BEAUTY

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SUDOKU

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

©2020 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

12-3-20

CLASSIFIEDS

Thursday, December 3, 2020

The East County Observer reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only. *All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher. *It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in The East County Observer to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with town codes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.

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

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

Call 941-955-4888 Or Email ad to: classified@yourobserver.com (Please provide your name and address) Or Online at: www.yourobserver.com Or mail to: The Observer Group 1970 Main St. - 3rd Floor Sarasota, Fl 34236

Storage

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Homes For Sale

BIKES: 20” GIRLS Huffy 7 speed $40. 26” Diamondback ladies bike 21 speed: $40. 24” Mongoose 18 speed $40. 24” Girls Huffy Cranberry beach cruiser $50. Can deliver. 941-350-9431.

SPINET PIANO Mahogany Queen Ann Legs 37"x57"x24" plus music $200. 941-893-5235.

Autos Wanted CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

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Health/Fitness/Beauty

ASHORE REALTY LLC Introducing our team of agents: Rosemarie Lunardelli-Broker/Owner Rosemarie.ashorerealtyllc@gmail.com 732-489-3676 James “Jim” Andacht- Realtor Associate Jim@ashorerealtyllc.com 941-840-4138 OFFICE NOW OPEN AT: 7915 US 301 N STE 201 Ellenton, FL Ashorerealtyllc.com 941-417-7777 Call today for a free market analysis.

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Merchandise Wanted

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Garage/Moving/Estate Sales

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This week’s Sudoku answers

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LARGE DESK- Cream color, real wood, sturdy, beautiful. $40. 941-993-4064.

Perfect Solutions For Seniors

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “The musicals that leave us kind of staggering on our feet are the ones that really reach for a lot.”

Lin–Manuel Miranda Puzzle Two Solution: “There’s such a thing as theater discipline. One player doesn’t appropriate another’s inventions.”

– Ethel Merman

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Adult Care Services

LV9431

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

Private Boat Lift: beach access villa/condo $399,000 Sarasota: Built in 2010 4BED-2.5BATH Lakeview Lanai $335,000 Phillipi Gardens: $209,000

INVESTORS 3BED-2BATH

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

Excellent references. 941-773-6895.

©2020 NEA, Inc.

This week’s Crossword answers

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

New Construction. 941-400-2866.

Hauling NO CONTACT Junk Removal Just point for junk to disappear.

1-800-GOT-JUNK? (800) 465-5865 or 1800gotjunk.com

Painting/Wallpapering

CARLO DATTILO PAINTING. Licensed & insured.

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

941-744-1020. 35+ years experience.

Personal Services

PERSONAL ASSISTANT SERVICES Transportation to doctors, shopping, meal preparation, organization, painting, cleaning.

CNA trained. Call Ms. Michael: 941-685-1613.

Pools

POOL SERVICE– Now taking new customers ready for 2021- BLISSFUL POOLS BEST VALUE SERVICE IN LAKEWOOD RANCH SPECIAL RATES FOR FIRST 30 CUSTOMERS – Personal service from owner –12 years in LWR. 941-705-0400.

2020

CLASSIFIED LINE AD PRICE First 15 words ............ $17.50 per week Each Add’l word ..............................50¢ 15% DISCOUNT for 4 week Run Yellow color $5 per Week Border as low as $3 per Week Call: 941-955-4888 Email: classifieds@yourobserver.com Online: www.yourobserver.com

ADVERTISE YOUR

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

Call 941-726-2677

GARAGE SALE As low as $17.50 for 1 week!

Get a discount when you run your ad in more than one Observer.

CALL 941-955-4888

YOUR SOURCE FOR LOCAL CLASSIFIED ADS

Explore the

CLASSIFIEDS for great deals.

Visit classifieds.yourobserver.com

18B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

COMPUTER

DOORS

Sliding Glass Door Repair

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

Dustin Yoder

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

Pegatronics.com 345480

941.650.9790 YoderAluminum.com

Owner / Operator Insured

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

345999

941-735-3362

CLOCK REPAIR

HANDYMAN

DEAD ON TARGET

Christo’s Clock Repair

Ron Chapman Handyman

The Observer Service Directory Call 955-4888 to reserve your space

4630 5TH ST W BRADENTON

LV10366

“IF IT DOESN’T TIC, TOC TO ME.”

CONSTRUCTION

941-773-0875 • 941-932-5505

HEALTH

345978

CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT

THE BEST This Doctor is Among

Don Christo, Sr., Horologist formation about

Call for In THIS SPACE COULD BE the Service Directory

SPINAL DECOMPRESSION PHYSICIANS IN AMERICA

Kitchen Renovations and Upgrades Visit our showroom

955-4888

7262 55th Ave East, Bradenton, 34203

(941) 650-7758

bschule88@gmail.com

LV10365

DOORS

DOORS

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

346001

YOURS!

Painting • Roof Leaks Window Cleaning • Pressure Washing cell: 814.218.1782 • FREE Estimates

“Medical Breakthrough Technology for bulging, herniated and degenerative disc ...

No Pain, No Drugs, No Injections, No Surgery” Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC University Health Park 2415 University Parkway Bldg. 3, Suite 216 Sarasota, FL 34243

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com

Call 941.358.2224 today to schedule a

FREE CONSULTATION

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

HOME SERVICES

Call us today!

FREE IN-HOME ESTIMATE S

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

Residential

DIRECTORY

345896

www.ezslider.com

Are You Having Dryer Difficulties?

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

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

SERVICE

941.628.8579

346484

“Specializing in 6” Seamless Gutters”

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

345774

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

345878

ALUMINUM

LV9459

SERVICE DIRECTORY

941-705-5468

Commercial

345775

WORKS FOR YOU Call 955-4888 to reserve your space

Explore the

CLASSIFIEDS for great deals.

Visit classifieds.yourobserver.com

LV10321

| THURSDAY, EAST COUNTY OBSERVER DECEMBER 3, 2020 | THURSDAY, EAST COUNTY OBSERVER DECEMBER 3, 2020

YourObserver.com YourObserver.com

19B 3

KITCHEN/BATH REMODELING

• Interior Painting • Drywall Texture • Drywall/Popcorn Repair • Wallpaper Removal • Exterior Painting • Pressure Cleaning

DrGrabBars.com

345777

Licensed • Bonded • Insured

BOB DAVIS: 754-366-9768

COVERAGE AREA: LAKEWOOD RANCH ƭƨ S. VENICE

AvitarpaintingLLC@gmail.com

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

PET SERVICES

Country Canine Makeovers Dog grooMing 345776

954-1878

SHOWER & BATH MAKEOVERS 345507

Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

Call John 941.377.2940

Building & Roofing Contractor

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

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

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

www.bissonroofing.com

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.

Complete Interior & Exterior Painting

GLENN KROECKER

Free Estimates • Sarasota Resident Since 1974

RC0067420 • Lic. & Ins.

Owner Supervises Every Job

UNIQUE PAINTING & PRESSURE WASHING SERVICES

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

941 - 748 - 7400

941-626-3194

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

Call for appointment

346417

Cindy Wells 941-928-2168

SCREENING

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

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

POWER WASHING

www.showerandbathsarasota.com

345780

INCLUDES 2 MOEN STAINLESS STEEL ANTI SLIP CONCEALED SCREW GRAB BARS (16” & 24”)

LIFETIME GUARANTEE

345779

941.966.0333

Specializing in Reroofs and Repairs FREE Estimates • 30 Years Experience

346415

$

Bisson Roofing Inc.

SPECIALIZING IN:

CALL BEFORE YOU FALL

345481

235

COMPLETE INSTALLATION PACKAGE

ROOFING

345778

GRAB BARS

PAINTING

LV9459

SERVICE DIRECTORY

941-345-5264

LAWN CARE

specialty screens / screw replacement / paint

WINDOWS

Doors and more!

Manufacture and workmanship Warranties

Res./Com.

Lic./Ins.

w & Pressure Cl indo345-5264 W(941) eani t e s ng s a S u n n w r o i s n e k W Sun y ind erl

345961

Form Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

BIODEGRADABLE PRODUCTS

5002 LENA RD, UNIT 107, BRADENTON, 34211 WWW.SMALLENGINEREPAIRS.US

MOVERS

Pressure Cleaning & Soft Washing Residential and Commercial

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

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

dmccarthymoving@gmail.com

SPECIAL 00

10% SAVINGS With this ad

5

$

RESCREENING & REPAIRS 346003

www.davidmccarthymoving.com

Eldridge

GET YOUR NAME

OUT THERE!

345904

Make Your Phone Ring

941-909-2268 | www.lakewoodranchmovers.com

Team Up With Classifieds

941-955-4888

www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

Re-Screen “No Job Too Small”

941-270-1561

RESIDENTIAL MOVES LONG DISTANCE MOVES VALUABLE MOVES INTERNATIONAL MOVES

senior citizen discount.

Purified water window cleaning available!!

LV10370

941-704-4278

941-737-4483 www.PantherHydroCleaning.com

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

120

$

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

346000

David McCarthy Moving • • • •

STANDARD WINDOWS

346416

346002

941-739-5102

25

UP TO

SAFE ROOF CLEANING

SMALL ENGINE REPAIRS

345781

SALES & REPAIRS - MOWERS, GENERATORS, TRIMMERS, PRESSURE WASHERS, CHAIN SAWS, BLOWERS, ENGINES

ows

Advertise your business in The Observer Service Directory Call 941-955-4888 to advertise

SPREAD THE WORD For more information,

call 941-955-4888 or visit classifieds.yourobserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

H2OME

Lakefront Living with a Sarasota Address It’s not every day you get to choose your waterfront home site, steps from a lakefront town center. This is where coastal architecture and stunning lake views will

Shoreview

(Amenity Center Open)

meet a culture of performing arts, retail and restaurants, all connected by water taxis and trails.

PULTE HOMES Homes from the high $400s

LakeHouse Cove (Amenity Center Open) HOMES BY TOWNE

LOOK WHAT’S HAPPENING! (WatersidePlace.com) Coming to Waterside Place: Derek The Salon | Duck Donuts O & A Coffee | Kilwins | Korê PAINT Nail Bar | SmithLaw SoFresh | Yoga Shack | Crop

Explore Waterside at

Homes from the high $300s

LEE WETHERINGTON Homes from the $800s

ARTHUR RUTENBERG Homes from $1 Million

LWRWaterside.com 326004-1

20B

© Lakewood Ranch 2020

. . . t i a W But

S ’ E R THE !

E R MO

XNLV19038

Flip the page for more sales and specials!

www.yourobserver.com/detwilers-weekly-flyer

KISSABLE LIPS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON WITH

599ea

$

(Value $800ea)

LWR 941-359-BTOX(2869) | SRQ 941-360-BTOX(2869) www.bowtiquemedspa.com 329954-1

Beauty is Our Business OFFERS GOOD AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS

6277 Lake Osprey Drive Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240 6118 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34231 MUST BOOK AND PREPAY. Must bring this ad in to receive offer.

Cannot be combined with any other discounts or offers. No exchanges or refunds. All sales final.

Limited availability. Se habla español.

Offers expire 12/31/2020.

DISCOVER ALL THE ADVANTAGES OF BECOMING AN INSIDER.

JOIN OUR ADVANCE ACCESS PROGRAM. You’ll instantly become a member of the Lakewood Ranch family, where you can meet your future neighbors and acclimate to life in the community.

6 RE ASONS YO U ’ L L LOV E B E I N G A N A DVA N C E ACC E SS ME MBE R .

Membership delivers the full Lakewood Ranch experience, plus:

Priority move-in

Pre-move-in wellness guidance

VIP access to beauty salon and barbershop

Dining privileges

Invitations to monthly social gatherings

Moving assistance program

Advance Access is a great plan, so why not get on the list today?

For more information, call 941-315-9503.

Assisted Living | Memory Care | Assisted Living License #12858 11705 Evening Walk Drive | Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211 WWW.SENIORLIFESTYLE.COM

Get to know THE SHERIDAN AT LAKEWOOD RANCH.

Senior Lifestyle offers luxury assisted living and award-winning memory care at The Sheridan at Lakewood Ranch, part of the next generation of senior living communities. Offering management expertise, exceptional care, upscale comforts and a convenient, desirable location, Lakewood Ranch is a first choice in senior living.

ALIGN YOUR FUTURE WITH YOUR PLAN FOR EASY LIVING. Advance Access at Lakewood Ranch gives you priority access to our premium lifestyle. For all the benefits of membership, join now by calling

941-315-9503.

11705 Evening Walk Drive | Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211 WWW.SENIORLIFESTYLE.COM

343388-1

Assisted Living | Memory Care | Assisted Living License #12858