East County Observer 3.16.23

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Mote Science Education Aquarium construction goes vertical as it heads toward a fall 2024 opening.

SEE PAGE 3

Nolan students show they can carry the load

Brianna Bigelow (above), a student at R. Dan Nolan Middle School, left her backpack at home March 2.

Instead, Bigelow grabbed a fertilizer spreader, put her notebooks and school supplies inside and pushed it around school as part of “Anything But a Backpack Day.”

Students were creative with their alternative backpacks. Some used instrument cases, shopping carts, strollers, speakers, toy cars, trucks and more.

Irish eyes smiling at the polo club

East County’s Diane Wardell and her friends showed off their St. Patrick’s Day spirit March 12 at the Sarasota Polo Club.

Covered in green, Myakka Valley Ranch’s Heather Nestle, her mother, Michigan’s Cindy Nestle, and Wardell (shown above) loved the St. Patrick’s Day theme at the polo fields. St. Patrick’s Day falls on March 17 this year.

Wardell said she felt a certain connection to the holiday, having Irish heritage.

“Besides, I like the corned beef,” she said.

Wardell said she always enjoys inviting her friends out to polo matches, as the field is very close to her house, just beside Panther Ridge.

And the horses are an added bonus,” she said.

BRUSH WITH FAME

Lake Club woman will be the featured artist during the Spring Show and Sale of the Creative Artists Association of Lakewood Ranch.

SEE PAGE 8

Mote executives say now that construction of the new aquarium has gone vertical, corporate sponsorships are a greater possibility.

Lisa Sweeney’s resin art will

Hall.

Liz Ramos Ian Swaby

Time for change?

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

Now that the clocks have been turned to daylight saving time, some residents of Lakewood Ranch are hoping it will soon stay that way.

That depends on whether the Sunshine Protection Act gains traction in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“I’m for it,” Lakewood Ranch’s Rachael Park said of the bill. “I just never understood why we have to go back and forth.”

On March 8, Congressman Vern Buchanan, who represents the 16th District and is responsible for introducing the bill in the House, visited San Marco Plaza in Lakewood Ranch to speak in favor of the bill.

In 2017, Florida’s Legislature passed a bill to end the twice-a-year time shift, but even though that bill was signed into law in 2018, it can’t go into effect unless Congress repeals the Uniform Time Act. The Sunshine Protection Act would do it, but so far has only passed in the Senate (2022).

Buchanan said the Sunshine Protection Act would offer both economic and health benefits.

“The two big parts of this are tourism and how (time change) impacts everybody’s health,” Buchanan said at the press conference.

He said more daylight hours in the evening would be “a big deal” for tourism, especially outdoor dining. He also said research has shown that not having the time changes would reduce car crashes because daylight saving time better aligns with rush hours. It also would cut energy usage and lead to fewer robberies. He also said additional daylight in the evening was important for farmers, who were supportive of the legislation.

He said he hopes Sen. Marco Rubio, who introduced the companion leg-

islation that passed in the Senate, will keep up the momentum in the Senate, while he said Congressman Gus Bilirakis, who is on the subcommittee overseeing the bill, spoke with him yesterday, and as a result, he hopes a hearing will be scheduled in the near future.

While Buchanan said he was hopeful that a Republican majority in the House would lead to the bill being passed, he said it was largely a bipartisan issue.

Brittany Lamont, leader of Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, said she was grateful for Buchanan’s introduction of the bill.

“People come to the Sunshine State as tourists to experience our beautiful beaches, our outdoor amenities, so to be able to have that consistency and give them another hour of daylight, it is only going to continue to help our business community prosper,” she said.

“I don’t like to give up on things,” Buchanan said. “This is the right thing, especially for Florida. I think for a lot of states there are probably some questions about it. But for Florida, to me, it’s a no-brainer.”

Buchanan said while he preferred permanent daylight saving time over permanent standard time, either option would be better than the current situation.

A HEALTHY RESPONSE

Jennifer Bencie, the health officer for the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County, spoke at the press conference and said there would be significant health benefits to extending daylight saving time.

She said an extra hour of light at the end of the day could help prevent obesity and diabetes by allowing for more activities outdoors and reducing stress and lowering blood pressure.

She said a study in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that an extra hour of evening daylight increases walking by 62% and bicycle riding by 38%. She said children exercise more during daylight saving time, and adults spend substantially more time engaged in walking, cycling and other recreational activities, including pickleball.

More vitamin D from more sunlight would result in healthier bones, while the body also produces more melatonin, which allows us to sleep better, Bencie said.

RESIDENTS’ VIEWS

No matter which side they favored, residents were direct when asked about the issue.

“(Time changes) are the stupidest thing on Earth,” said University Park’s Jim Haugh. “I am so sick of the health problems it gives to people. It’s totally unnecessary. That’s the state of America. We can’t even get rid of the penny.”

Troy Landwehr and Julie Perrino said staying permanently on daylight saving time would be beneficial.

BENEFITS OF PERMANENT DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME

■ Reduces car crashes according to the American Journal of Public Health and the Journal of Safety Research

■ Reduces the number of robberies, according to a 2015 Brookings Institution study

■ Benefits the economy, according to a study by JPMorgan Chase & Co., which found there is a drop in economic activity of 2.2 percent to 4.9 percent when clocks “fall back”

“When you get out of work in the Northeast at 4:35 p.m. and it’s pitch black, it’s not healthy,” Landwehr said.

However, he said children needing the light to walk to school in the morning is a concern.

Arbor Grande’s Sheila Sullivan said she would like to stay permanently on daylight saving time, as the schedule change causes problems for her dogs, Ellie May and Molly.

“They’re wondering, ‘Where’s dinner? When is walk time?” she said.

Lakewood Ranch’s Ricardo Van Erven said he was in favor of leaving the current system in place and Lakewood Ranch’s Tom Jiang said it’s not that complicated to change clocks twice a year.

He does have to adjust a clock for his furnace, as well as his car’s clock.

But Lakewood Ranch’s Erynn Arnold said she would rather not deal with the change in time.

She is in favor of the additional daylight in the evenings, as it would give children more daylight hours to exercise after school.

■ Increases childhood physical fitness, according to studies published by the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, and the Journal of Physical Activity and Health

■ Reduces energy usage according to a 2008 study by the U.S. Department of Energy

Congressman Vern Buchanan addresses a Lakewood Ranch crowd about his proposed bill to end the twice-ayear time change.

Photos by Ian Swaby

Congressman Vern Buchanan and Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance President and CEO Brittany Lamont speak at San Marco Plaza.

SKY HIGH

Mote executives elated the $132 million aquarium project at Nathan Benderson Park has hit its vertical construction stage.

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

Dan Bebak, vice president at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, stepped outside his construction trailer and headed toward the construction site of the new Mote Science Education Aquarium that sits adjacent to Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota.

As he drove toward the site, he continually looked up.

Yes, up.

Up is a celebratory word for Mote because it means its $130 million project (now a $132 million project) that was announced in February 2018 and broke ground in November 2020, has begun to make a visual impact on anyone who passes.

That’s a massive impact considering more than 50 million vehicles pass the 11.76-acre along Interstate 75 in a year.

Besides the busy workers on the ground level, two huge cranes are on site, moving around building materials set to go skyward. Columns and elevator shafts already have stretched toward the sky and in May, the huge Gulf of Mexico acrylic windows, that help form a tank that occupies both the first and second floors of the three-story, 110,000-square-foot building, will be placed.

Because that Gulf of Mexico exhibition tank is so massive, builders Willis Smith Construction and Whiting-Turner will have to place it before they can begin to construct the walls around it. That’s when the vertical construction takes off.

“Once you get vertical, it picks up,” said Michael Moore, special advisor to the office of the president at Mote. “Up to that point, you have to be a visionary. Now the public is feeling the vibe.”

Moore said Mote has a commitment of $100 million toward the aquarium with “a couple” other large potential donors seriously considering coming on board.

But he said the vertical stage of any project often stimulates corporate sponsorships most.

“Corporate sponsorship is the last in,” he said. “They want to get closer to get real. Now it’s really happening.”

Bebak began working at Mote in 1981 as an intern and was permanently hired in 1985, eventually working his way up the ladder to overseeing a $7 million annual budget and a staff of 70.

“It’s great to actually walk out there,” he said of the construction site. “And it’s going to be nice to say, ‘There’s the Gulf of Mexico tank.’”

The two acrylic “windows” that make up the Gulf of Mexico exhibition tank weigh a combined 14

GROUND LEVEL: GULF OF MEXICO GALLERY

tons. That will be a sight in itself — although the acrylic will be covered by plywood — as those passing by will see the tank being constructed in May and June. The windows are being shipped from Reynolds Polymer Technology in Grand Junction, Colorado.

Then it’s off to the races.

As the project goes skyward, work on the second and third floors will be mostly complete before the firststory floor is completed. Bebak said heavy materials, such as the tanks, must be brought in on the first floor, which would ruin the flooring.

While people think about vertical construction being from the ground up, Bebak noted the 368 pilings that have been put into place to support the construction are, indeed, vertical, with the pilings going 80 to 90 feet into the ground.

So far, Mote has spent about $30 million on site and below-theground construction.

“We are on schedule and looking at the fall of 2024 to open,” Bebak said. “Now that we are going vertical, we know what we have ahead of us. We will put the water in the tanks and get the fish in there. We will be doing

LIFE IN A FISHBOWL

FUN FACTS ABOUT THE AQUARIUM

n Hard core stuff — The structure will be made up of 11,200 cubic yards of concrete, delivered by 1,250 truckloads.

n Steely gaze — The aquarium will have 1,600 tons of reinforced steel, which is the weight of about 2,600 manatees.

n We’ve got structure — Construction will include 420 tons of structural steel, which is the weight of about 3,050 sea turtles.

n Through the looking glass — The Gulf of Mexico exhibit tank, where it is viewed from the multipurpose room, is convex and 11 inches thick.

n Roof over our heads — The Gulf of Mexico window that curves over guests’ heads like a ceiling is 9 inches thick.

n Just a bit taller — When completed, the height of the Mote Science Education Aquarium will be slightly taller than the finish tower at Nathan Benderson Park.

“Now that we are going vertical, we know what we have ahead of us. We will put the water in the tanks and get the fish in there. We will still be doing finishing work when we do that.”

finishing work when we do that.”

The tanks will be complete with wildlife months before the doors open to the public in fall 2024. The wildlife needs time to become acclimated. Mostly natural sea water will be used to fill the tanks.

“We will have a better idea of opening dates in a couple of months,” Bebak said. “And you never know what the weather is going to do.”

Half of the third level of the aquarium will be open air. That will give patrons an indoor-outdoor experience.

Moore said successful planning has allowed the project to stay mostly within its budget during a time of inflation. The original $130 million price tag had some inflation figured into it, but Moore said Mote had been buying materials for more than three years and had been locking in prices.

“We are not seeing that escalation (in budget),” Moore said.

Bebak noted the construction project is highly specialized because almost every part of the aquarium has life support systems and specialized pumps, filters, plumbing, air conditioning and heating systems.

All the support system, such as columns, must be extraordinarily strong. For instance, the Florida Waters Gallery tank on the third floor will hold 300,000 gallons of water.

“You need a lot more rebar,” Bebak said. All that has been taken into account.

“The project is moving,” Bebak said. “Nothing is going to stop us, except some weather here and there.”

Mote estimates the aquarium will draw 600,000 to 700,000 visitors in its first year.

Small Atlantic Fish

Moon Jellies

Burrowing Fish

Octopus

Ray Touch Pool

6. Lionfish

7. Deep Water Atlantic Habitat

8. Invertebrate Touch Pool

9. Gulf of Mexico Habitat

Mote executives Dan Bebak and Michael Moore are excited to see construction of their new aquarium go vertical.

Construction workers are at the ground level as the vertical stage begins on the Mote Science Education Aquarium in Sarasota.

Elevator shaft construction begins the vertical construction of the Mote Science Education Aquarium in Sarasota.

One section of the first floor of the Mote Science Education Aquarium. The Gulf of Mexico Habitat actually uses a tank that will be two stories high.

Dan Bebak

Photos by Jay Heater

Manatee County commissioners prioritize projects

As Manatee County commissioners set their federal funding priorities during a March 8 special meeting and workshop, their focus was infrastructure and bringing the county’s trail system to fruition.

Natural Resources Director Charlie Hunsicker said that while prioritization of the projects would not normally have been requested of the commission until April, a message from the appropriations chair, Texas Congresswoman Kay Granger, said such project reports would be due March 13.

The commission created a list of its top three projects which included — in order of highest to lowest priority — building an additional bridge at

Fort Hamer, flood mitigation in the Pearce Drain watershed and building the county’s trail system, which the commission split into two distinct segments for which they would seek funding.

Hunsicker said commissioners’ priorities will be relayed to the Appropriations Committee by Rep. Vern Buchanan. He said federal funding for each of the projects is capped at $3 million, with a limit of 15 projects for the county.

Hunsicker also said Congress has reintroduced “for lack of a better term” earmarks for some agencies, with fairly strict limitations on what projects would be eligible.

FORT HAMER BRIDGE

Commissioners agreed that an additional overpass across the Manatee River, at Fort Hamer Road, should

take priority.

Commissioners have said the overpass, which they have discussed since trips to Washington, D.C. in 2022, will be important for reducing traffic congestion in Manatee County and for providing additional access to either side of the river.

Scott May, an engineer with Manatee County, said the county has appropriated $950,000 for the design and permitting of the structure, which will include funds secured from Buchanan, although no funds have yet been appropriated for construction.

Public Works Director Chad Butzow said the process for developing the project is intended to wrap up roughly a year from now so that the county can apply for that year’s version of the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability

— George

and Equity grant for the road and the second bridge, through two separate applications.

PEARCE DRAIN WATERSHED FLOOD MITIGATION

The second project chosen by commissioners was a project involving mitigating flooding issues in the Pearce Drain Watershed Flood Mitigation.

May said the project would take place across from the Center Lake community, located near the intersection of Whitfield Avenue and 36th Street East in Bradenton, and would utilize a property purchased by the county.

It intended to mitigate flooding created by the Pearce Drain, one of the main drains serving the area, by creating additional stormwater retention. He said studies of the watershed of the Pearce and Bowles Creek drains said both basins need a large amount of compensatory water storage.

District 4 Commissioner Mike Rahn suggested that the commission rank this project among its priorities.

“This is imperative to get done,” Rahn said. “We have folks in District 4, especially in this area, who are on the verge of losing their flood insurance because of the repetitive flooding that goes on.”

Van Ostenbridge said FEMA would be purchasing six buildings in the Shadybrook Village Condominiums due to flooding issues.

RECREATIONAL TRAIL SYSTEM

At-large Commissioner George Kruse highlighted a countywide recreational trail system currently in progress, stating the county should ask for more funds for the trails after declining to include them in its state priorities.

“There are multiple smaller dol-

lar amounts here, yet we’ve still crammed this one towards the bottom, after pulling it off the state priority list and not allowing an appropriation request to be made for it,” he said, reviewing the initial list of federal priorities.

He said he felt the trails would stand out among the other items on the list.

“I think it’s unique, I think there’s money available for it, I think we should go for bigger dollars and really get a shovel in the ground on that trail system, especially if we’re discounting and ignoring it on the state level.”

He said it was his understanding that money for trails and multimodal transportation was derived from a different “bucket” than for the other projects.

Hunsicker said he was reluctant to assign a cost to the trail but said Sarasota County voters approved $68 million for their Legacy Trail. He said tens of millions of dollars was an easy estimate to land on for Manatee County.

Hunsicker said the American Rescue Plan has already $1.2 million toward construction of the trails, with additional funds going toward design and planning. He said additionally, roughly $2.5 million in park impact fees would go toward construction.

He also said an east-west line of the trails, specifically a segment along a railroad track in the Parrish area, was enrolled in a state program and thus eligible for grants from the state, along with the north-south connection, which would serve a regional benefit. Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge said the county only had $1.7 million appropriated to trails.

“We don’t really have any skin in the game,” he said.

Kruse said there was already a public-private partnership with Schroeder-Manatee Ranch to build large sections of the trail through East County. He also said Neal Communities had stepped forward to make a commitment to the trail.

Following a suggestion by Van Ostenbridge to split the project into two parts, Kruse asked whether the county should request funding for the north-south area from Bourneside and State Road 64, where

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IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

Building a new span across the Manatee River at Fort Hamer is the county’s top priority.

Photos by Ian Swaby

A new bridge will be constructed alongside the current Fort Hamer Road span that crosses the Manatee River.

“I think it’s unique. I think there’s money available for it. I think we should go for bigger dollars and really get a shovel in the ground on that trail system, especially if we’re discounting and ignoring it on the state level.”

Kruse

Schroeder-Manatee Ranch’s segment would end, to Rye Preserve.

Kruse said this segment could be viewed as a public-private partnership with Gulf Coast Trails, SMR, and Sarasota County to create a regional trail system. Trail users would be able to visit a trail head, with facilities, currently located at Rye Preserve, and bike from there to Sarasota or Venice.

He said the additional piece of the project could involve an education corridor from Parrish to Palmetto involving Parrish Community High School and the future State College of Florida campus in Parrish.

Van Ostenbridge and Ballard said they agreed with the idea, while Hunsicker called it an “excellent idea.”

“I thought it was fantastic; it should be done,” District 5 Commissioner Vanessa Baugh said of Kruse’s comments.

44TH AVENUE EAST

The commission also discussed additional federal funding priorities not included in the top three.

Commissioners noted that $2.5 million is also being considered for a traffic light at the corner of 44th Avenue East and Wood Fern Trail.

Butzow said the project is important because it is adjacent to Dr. Mona Jain Middle School as well as B.D. Gullett Elementary School, and fit the price limit by being under $3 million.

“It has the idea of the growth and safety for the school. It seemed to check a lot of boxes, and it was in the

right price amount,” Butzow said.

Van Ostenbridge asked whether the county should show that it has “skin in the game” by explaining to the committees that the county has already spent around $100 million, with the intention to relieve two existing state roads, despite requesting an amount of $3 million.

Hunsicker said that Buchanan could incorporate these points into his arguments.

PROJECTS OUTSIDE EAST COUNTY

May said despite this road being a rural road with low traffic volume, the county was looking at widening the Duette Road bridge in Parrish and removing it from the floodplain so that certain rain events would no longer flood the roadway.

He said the mining company Mosaic, which is working with the county on construction, would consider paying an additional price to keep the bridge open throughout the project.

Butzow said this project was included as it is considered a maintenance project due to being a standard bridge replacement, meaning it cannot be funded through impact fees.

The county will also seek federal funding for the replacement of a water main on the DeSoto Bridge in Bradenton, which has to be replaced due to a project to replace the bridge.

The county will also consider funding for Moccasin Wallow Road in Parrish, which Satcher included among his top three priorities, in contrast to other commissioners.

Engineer Scott May, Public Works Director Chad Butzow and Natural Resources Director Charlie Hunsicker address the commission.

DENTAL IMPLANTS

Is DOE smarter than a 5th grader?

School District of Manatee must renovate Tara Elementary even though it would be cheaper to build a new school.

LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR

If you could build a new, improved home on a lot for less money than it would take to renovate it, what would you do?

In most cases, you would have a new home.

That decision, when it comes to public schools, is not so easy for school districts.

Take Tara Elementary School, for instance, which would be cheaper to take down and build a new school than to renovate all the buildings on its campus.

That didn’t matter to the state’s Department of Education.

The School District of Manatee County spent nine months working on and submitting a Castaldi Analysis to FDOE to let it know that building a new school would be cheaper than renovating the 31-year-old elementary school.

The 2021 price for building a new Tara Elementary School was approximately $20 million, although that amount was before a nationwide inflationary period hit. The price tag on the current renovation is approximately $35 million.

A Castaldi Analysis allows the district to determine whether it’s more efficient to replace or remodel a school.

FDOE ruled that the district must renovate Tara Elementary. Therefore, the district is working on a plan now to renovate the school.

Mike Pendley, an executive planner for the school district, said the district’s standard protocol is to conduct a Castaldi Analysis on every school unless the district already has determined a renovation of the school is sufficient.

“You have to look at, does the facility lend itself to success in the current educational program, because the way we teach has changed,” Pendley said. “We’re always trying

to be good stewards of the (taxpayers’) money. There’s only so much to go around. We have more than 8 million square feet under our roofs, and you only have so much money. You’d have to look at the schools that need it the most.”

A school district cannot tear down a school without approval from FDOE, Pendley said.

In cases like Tara Elementary School, where almost all the school’s mechanical, electrical, structural, plumbing and architectural systems would “require some extent of replacement and modification to meet the latest school construction standards as well as current Florida Building Code,” the district went forward with conducting a Castaldi Analysis.

A Castaldi Analysis requires the district to take a look at the condition of each building on campus. District staff members look at the roof, ADA compliance, structural integrity, mechanical and electrical systems, lighting, plumbing, teaching aids such as technology, parking, campus site and more.

A remodel of the school would only add 15 to 20 years to the building before it would need more major renovations, while it would be about 50 years before any major renovations would need to be done if a new

school was constructed.

The analysis requires the district to determine how much it would cost to remodel and replace each building on campus. For Tara Elementary, it would cost $218,145 more per year to remodel than replace, according to the district’s analysis.

“In every building, we found it was more economical to replace than renew,” Pendley said.

Nine months after spending $8,350 on conducting the analysis and then answering questions from the state, FDOE didn’t concur with the district’s analysis on Tara Elementary that stated a replacement of the school would be more cost effective and provide more longterm solutions than a remodel.

The biggest factor FDOE looks at when considering whether to allow a district to replace a school is the age of the buildings. Pendley said the state typically wants each building to be about 50 years old before replacing it.

Pendley said with all of the buildings on the Tara Elementary campus only being 31 years old, the state didn’t approve a replacement.

USED VS. NEW

TARA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (RENOVATION)

School built: 1991

Budget: $35,260,223

Capacity in 2023: 701

Project design start: July

2022

Estimated construction start:

July 2023

Substantial completion: July

2025

Scope of work:

n Campuswide renovation

n Four-classroom addition

n Roof replacement

n Site improvements, including vehicular queuing and circulation

n Security upgrades, including fencing and administration and reception areas

n Removal of portables

Liz Ramos

Pendley said if the district waited at least five years to conduct a Castaldi Analysis on Tara, there would be a higher chance the district would receive approval to replace the school.

“The problem is we can’t wait five or six years,” Pendley said. “That school needs some serious work right now. So once we go in and do that work now, it’ll be a lot better than it was before. If DOE comes down in six or seven years and they review it, they’ll be like, ‘This building’s great.’ It’s hard to get (approval).”

Although the district didn’t receive approval to replace any of the buildings at Tara, Pendley said the district has received permission in the past to either completely replace a school or at least some buildings on a campus. When FDOE’s staff members came to Manatee County to tour schools to determine whether they should be replaced or remodeled, they visited Tara, Oneco and Blackburn elementary schools.

Tara and Oneco elementary schools were only given permission to do renovations, while two buildings were approved for replacement

GENE WITT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (RENOVATION)

School built: 1993

Budget: $23.4 million

Project status: Complete

Capacity in 2023: 930

Scope of work:

n Campus-wide renovation

n Enlarged cafeteria

n Security upgrades including fencing and administration and reception areas

n Eight-classroom addition

n Site improvements, including vehicular queuing and circulation

BARBARA A. HARVEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (NEW)

School built: 2019

Budget: $28 million

Project status: Complete

Capacity in 2023: 820

Scope of work:

n New state-of-the-art campus

at Blackburn Elementary.

Once FDOE gives approval to tear down a building, Pendley said the district doesn’t have to tear it down. The decision on what to renovate or replace, at that point, goes to the School Board of Manatee County.

The School District of Manatee County is renovating Tara Elementary School after the Florida Department of Education did not approve a replacement of the facility.

Commissioners consider production of methane at landfill

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

Manatee County commissioners are pondering the possibility of converting natural gas produced by its landfill into methane that the county can either keep for its own purposes or sell to a number of interested buyers.

Utilities Director Evan Pilachowski said possible buyers who have expressed interest include ENGIE, Johnson Controls, Nopetro, Energy Systems Group, Pine Creek RNG, and Terreva Renewables.

The natural gas at the landfill is created through the decomposition of landfill waste and would be drawn out from “wells” beneath the landfill and then would enter a process to remove all components, except methane, qualifying it as renewable natural gas.

Pilachowski told commissioners that the methane could be pumped into a natural gas pipeline network that would need to be constructed. The methane could be used to power county vehicles or for other purposes. Or it could be sold.

He said as a result of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which states the federal government’s desire to invest in domestic energy production while promoting clean energy, the county would receive tax credits as a result of producing the methane.

Commissioners said they need more information on the process and its cost before making any decisions.

Jacob Erickson, a purchasing official with Manatee County, said staff members would evaluate proposals and present more information to the commissioner.

Currently, Manatee County burns off the landfill gas to prevent any safety issues it would pose. A small percentage of the gas produced by the landfill is used in the Southeast Water Reclamation Facility for drying biosolids, Pilachowski said, as

USES OF RENEWABLE NATURAL

GAS

Special Prices from the Largest Diamond Importer

n Heating

n Electricity

n Fuel generation

n Vehicle fuel

well as being used for heating for a grease boiler that accepts waste.

He said the ability to pump natural gas into a pipeline would require an agreement with a natural gas utility company. However, he said the project can proceed without a pipeline connection by compressing the gas and utilizing it in county vehicles or energy production.

This would not be the first such project in Florida.

Pilachowski said a project at the New River Solid Waste Association in Union County is the most recent example of converting natural gas to methane.

He said that site spent about $20 million to convert the natural gas to methane.

If the county can get the project under construction by the end of 2024, PIlachowski said, tax credits will cover between 30% and 50% of the cost of the project.

Commissioner George Kruse said some companies have offered to build the plant at their cost.

Pilachowski said staff members would present more information to commissioners after researching financing possibilities.

Kruse said he met with possible vendors last year.

“If we’re going to treat government like a business like we say we are, we need to look for revenue streams where they don’t currently exist. We need to be flexible to help provide services.

“This is a situation where we effectively have money being flared off which we’re not utilizing.”

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Artwork of this former New York City cop will be on display during the Spring Art Show and Sale.

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

Ed Sweeney had to interject. He was listening as his wife, Lisa, was being interviewed about her considerable artistic talent and the March 18 Spring Show and Sale of the Creative Arts Association of Lakewood Ranch.

Lisa Sweeney, who specializes in oil paintings and resin art, was talking about all the artists she has encountered in the area and how they are more talented.

“I am so tired of hearing her say that,” Ed Sweeney said.

A walk through the couple’s Lake Club home proves that Ed Sweeney has a point. The art hanging from walls and displayed on the tops of furniture proves that his wife is, indeed, a special talent.

“We’re running out of walls,” Ed Sweeney said about space for the art she produces.

Lisa Sweeney seems to be making up for lost time when it comes to her artwork. She loved art while growing up in Brooklyn, New York, but the only time she produced any was during art class in her high school.

“I stopped (being an artist) because life goes on,” he said.

For her, life goes on meant she eventually became a New York City Police Department officer. She married Ed, who was a detective with the NYCPD.

“But I always loved art,” she said.

Between work and raising two children (Vincent lives in Tampa and Tara lives in South Carolina.), she had no time.

After 22 years on patrol with the NYCPD, she retired as a lieutenant and moved to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, eight years ago. Suddenly, she had time once again.

“I wanted to find a way to reduce my stress and anxiety,” she said. “Art always had calmed me.”

ARTISTIC TALENT ON DISPLAY

LISA SWEENEY Lives: Lake Club Her art: Oil painting, resin art

Featured at: Creative Artists of Lakewood Ranch’s Spring Art Show and Sale

Where: Lakewood Ranch Town Hall

When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 18

Admission: Free More information: CAALR.com

Two years after moving, she went to a wine and design event and then visited an art gallery. She remem bered how much she loved art in high school. So six years ago, she decided to take an art class.

One teacher turned into three as she refined her found-again tal ent. One teacher would preach the importance of every tiny detail, while the next would be “very loose,” not worrying about lines.

She improved quickly.

“I think I could have gone into the art field,” she said.

She was critical of herself, though, once she began to paint again.

“I threw out some of the earlier ones,” she said. “They looked like something I would have done in high school. At the time, I thought I was good, but I’ve improved.”

Displayed on her walls are several large paintings of horses. After moving to Lakewood Ranch two years ago, she has visited places like the Sarasota Polo Club and Terra Nova Equestrian Center to get fodder for her next project.

“I love doing horses,” she said.

She takes photos and then paints the subject. While she would like to do abstract art, she has yet to venture in that direction.

“I would like to do abstract,” she said, “but I don’t have the brain for that. I need a subject.”

Ed Sweeney would offer a differing opinion, but he knows she has to find out for herself.

“She loves painting,” Ed Sweeney said. “It is like therapy for her.”

The therapy is filling up their house, so Lisa Sweeney decided she needed to sell her art, this time in Lakewood Ranch.

She had begun selling her art in a story in South Carolina. The owner would allow only high-class items to be sold in his store, and Lisa Sweeney’s art was perfect for the setting.

She also sold art in a gallery. On March 18, she won’t have many of her wall paintings on display.

‘I don’t have the space,” she said. Instead, she will be selling lazy Susans that are adorned with one of her paintings and covered with resin. She took out examples and they had sparkled with brilliant colors.

“This house is getting a little cluttered,” she said. “That’s why I have to sell them. But it’s hard, I never know what to charge. That’s the hardest part.”

Realizing she isn’t going to get rich off her lazy Susans, she prices the pieces reasonably, at $95 for a 17-inch lazy Susan and $85 for a 15-inch.

Whatever she sells on March 18, there are more paintings and lazy Susans on the way.

“I sell to get rid of things,” she said.

“I paint three to four hours a day, mostly in the afternoon.”

Ed does poke his head in the door once in awhile to interrupt her painting, but he understands it is her peace. He does help her when it comes to the production lazy Susans. He cuts out the squares and attaches the mechanism to allow the lazy Susan to spin.

She does enjoy selling her art and remembers an instance where a lady kept coming back to her display to admire a painting she did of a turtle coming out of the water.

“She finally said, ‘I’ve got to have it,’” Lisa Sweeney said.

When she isn’t painting and Ed isn’t playing golf, they like to attend country music concerts and travel. But it is likely the demand for her art will continue to grow.

“Art is definitely something you can get better at,” she said.

“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.”

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Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944 ©

Lisa Sweeney paints three to four hours every day after taking up art again six years ago.

resin art will be on display at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.

Lisa Sweeney loves painting horses, such as the Herrmann’s Royal Lipizzan Stallions.

Photos by Jay Heater

Right at home raising funds for troops

Rosedale’s Deb Kehoe walked into the Rosedale Country Club March 10 with two large photos under her arm. She was there to talk about the upcoming Rosedale Golf Classic, which for a decade has been raising money for Homes for Our Troops.

Sitting beside Kehoe was Kathi Skelton, who co-founded the Rosedale Golf Classic with her. This year, the Rosedale Golf Classic on April 5 will pass the mark for $1 million raised for Homes for Our Troops.

Kehoe took out her first photo, which showed Army Staff Sgt. Alex Dillmann in 2013 upon hearing he would receive an adaptive, mortgage-free home from Home for Our Troops.

It was the first year the Rosedale residents had raised funds for the program.

Tampa’s Dillmann was on his second deployment in 2011 when his vehicle hit an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan.

The blast left him paralyzed from the chest down, causing a traumatic brain injury, internal injuries, multiple broken bones, and crushed his T3, T4 and L4 vertebrae.

He spent months in recovery and eventually was released to an uncertain future.

Kehoe remembered how fragile he looked in 2011 when he stiffened his arms and tried to raise his body to thank those responsible for his new home. He sat alongside his wife, Holly. A few years later, though, Dillmann realized a bucket-list dream of making a solo parachute jump. And then another, and another.

Kehoe pulled out the other photo. It was Dillmann, again, this time in the air with a parachute strapped to his back, his arms outstretched and his chest pointed downward. It was his 20th jump.

To Kehoe, it was the perfect rep-

resentation of what the Homes for Our Troops program means to those it benefits.

Freedom.

Dillmann already had the mental fortitude to achieve goals despite his injuries. But Homes for Our Troops, with help from the Rosedale residents, told him, “We’ve got your back.”

It gave him the push forward he needed.

Holly Dillmann said the gift was much more than a new home. She told Home for Our Troops, “This home represents the ability to live again.”

There’s even more to the story as in 2016, the couple gave birth to their son Maximus.

Tears welled in Kehoe’s eyes as she told the story. Skelton sat alongside, nodding.

“This is what makes what we do so special,” Skelton said. “It’s the visibility. You can see how it makes a difference in their lives. You see the results.”

This year, the tournament will benefit Army Master Sgt. Christopher Blauvelt, who was on deployment in Afghanistan in 2010 when his vehicle hit an IED.

Blauvelt lost his right leg to the blast, suffered an severe brain injury, a fracture pelvis and spinal fractures.

He told Kehoe and Skelton he can get around even though he lost his leg, but having his spine fused has

The Living is

easy

caused him to be immobile.

While other veterans have participated in the Rosedale Golf Classic, Blauvelt will not be able to play golf.

Every year, Skelton and Kehoe experience another veteran’s story and they say that is why the tournament always will remain fresh. A line of veterans are waiting for an adaptive home.

After running the tournament for a decade, they say will continue to push forward.

“You always think each year will be easier, but it is not,” Skelton said with a laugh. “And there are so many details. It would be hard to give it to other people.”

Kehoe said while their mission was to raise awareness of the veterans’ plight, they have experience some side benefits themselves.

“We have met some wonderful people,” she said.

The list goes on and on.

They wanted to tip their hat to Jim Gettel of Gettel Automotive for being a main sponsor.

“Every year we call him and he says, ‘What can I do for you?’”

Kehoe said.

She also praised the Elks Club of Lakewood Ranch for its many events that raise money for Homes for Our Troops.

Last year, Kehoe and Skelton spearheaded a drive that raised $181,000. Their decade long funding stands at $940,000 and will pass $1 million this year.

They put their heads together to try to find every way possible to squeeze more money out of the tournament. They have hole sponsors and flag sponsors and green sponsors.

Twenty spots remain for the tournament, which is open to the public. Cost is $225 per person that includes lunch, a barbecue dinner, on-course beverages, a goody bag and a $125 donation to Homes for

Our Troops.

The event begins this year with lunch at 11 a.m. A special procession begins at 12:30 p.m. that is led by the Patriot Riders motorcycle group.

The Sarasota Military Academy color guard will present the colors and the national anthem will be sung by Jasmine Ridge, a music therapist for Empath Health.

A shotgun start begins the tournament at 1 p.m.

“It is so personally rewarding to know you have helped,” Skelton said.

“It has been exciting and rewarding,” Kehoe said.

It also has been rewarding for the veterans. Kehoe said it is a thrill to see all the past veterans who have been honored return to the Rosedale Country Club each year.

They simply don’t miss the event.

“The community welcomes them back,” Kehoe said.

This also is the second year they have added a helicopter drop, in which they sell balls for $25 (one), $50 (3) and $100 (7). The ball drop event this year will be held on Friday, April 1 and the ball closest to the hole wins $1,000. Second prize is $500 and third prize is $250. For more information, email Kehoe at Kehoes2@aol.com.

While you might not want to participate, you might think of the effort put forth by Kehoe and Skelton in another way. Both 70-something ladies never imagined they could make a $1 million impact.

Don’t we all want more time to enjoy life? More time to get things done, to make friends and to nurture relationships. More time to focus on family or for yourself. At Lakewood Ranch, we’re all about enjoying life. That’s’ why our community is filled with shopping, dining, nature, entertainment and recreation. So that everything you may need from day-to-day is nearby and conveniently located.

Jay Heater

Kathi Skelton and Deb Kehoe have led the way to more than $1 million in funding for Homes for Our Troops.

LET’S DO WELL TOGETHER

Team — David Dexter, MD, FACS, Samuel Yelverton, MD, and Alexa Kinder, MSPAP, PA-C — provide individualized care to the Lakewood Ranch community. They currently see both elective and acute care general surgery patients at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center.

exploration beyond the pavement.

Healthy wildlife requires healthy floodplains

Floodplain marshes, which are found along rivers and streams, are an important natural community at Myakka River State Park. A defining feature of these marshes, which are dominated by herbaceous vegetation and shrubs, is that they are directly influenced by flooding on an annual or semiannual basis. Indeed, wildlife and plants that live in or along the wild and scenic Myakka River depend on such hydroperiods, when marshes are covered by water, to survive and thrive.

The team’s surgical services include:

• Minimally invasive robotic surgeries, including gallbladder, hernia, spleen and appendix

• Management of benign and malignant breast disease

• GI tract procedures (colonoscopy and EGD)

• Benign and malignant skin diseases

To make an appointment, call 941-254-6767

lakewoodranchmedicalgroup.com

As experienced in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, by slowing runoff and storing flood water, floodplain marshes like Myakka’s reduce the impact of flooding. And by providing habitat and critical sources of energy and nutrients, they also support large and diverse populations of plants and animals, including many threatened and endangered native species.

When allowed to remain intact, natural communities self-manage. Unfortunately, Myakka’s floodplain marshes were heavily impacted by human development and agriculture and became overwhelmed by nonnative grasses, including the highly invasive para grass and West Indian marshgrass.

Related Article February 16, 2023, Local nature key in hospitality for real-life snowbirds. In both public and private lands, native plants are critical for supporting these important winter visitors.

To protect the important benefits offered by floodplain marshes, Myakka’s Florida Park Service staff, in partnership with The Florida Fish

Miri Hardy

Floodplain marsh restoration creates important habitat for native plant and wildlife species, including threatened and endangered birds, such as roseate spoonbills, resulting in enhanced wildlife viewing opportunities.

and Wildlife Conservation Commis-

sion and Southwest Florida Water Management District, have been working diligently to restore their health.

For more than 10 years now, using a variety of treatments, including prescribed fire, they’ve been removing invasive plants from Myakka’s Big Flats Marsh and the Upper Myakka Lake shore, to the benefit of native species — including the crowdpleasing coreopsis, a golden wildflower that blooms in late spring.

As natural hydrology is also very important for floodplain health, a deteriorating weir, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, was removed last year to restore the natural flow of the Wild and Scenic Myakka River. As part of this restoration, a bypass channel, created in 1974, was filled in.

—MIRI HARDY, FRIENDS OF THE MYAKKA RIVER CONTRIBUTOR

Friends of Myakka River exists to support Myakka River State Park and the Wild and Scenic Myakka River. Follow us @FriendsofMyakkaRiver

COME ON BACK!

Myakka River State Park has reopened to the public. Some amenities, such as the historic cabins, the birdwalk and the canopy walkway, were damaged by Hurricane Ian and are not available until further notice. For updates, please see FloridaStateParks.org/ parks-andtrails/myakka-riverstate-park.

Samuel Yelverton, MD

David Dexter, MD

Alexa Kinder, PA-C

At Sarasota Memorial, you’ll find the award-winning comprehensive cardiovascular care that you need to stay active and living the life you want to live. Whether it’s a sudden heart attack or a chronic condition, our expert team of cardiologists, electrophysiologists and cardiovascular surgeons stand ready, equipped with state-of-the-art technology to deliver both rapid diagnosis and equally swift intervention. And a multidisciplinary approach to collaborative care ensures every patient receives the personalized treatment they need to get them back on their feet and back with the people they love.

smh.com/heart

Because home , not the hospital , is where the heart should be .

IT’S A

Pre-planning does more than provide your family with peace of mind. It’s making a promise to keep them free of future financial burdens and the responsibility of carrying out rushed arrangements during their time of remembrance. For more than 30 years, the Toale Brothers family has helped people make their choices now, so those decisions don’t fall on their families later.

Create a plan and a promise for your loved ones. Give us a call today to start the conversation.

When choosing your healthcare provider, consider a physician who sees YOU as a Whole Person, NOT A SET OF SYMPTOMS.

PURR-FECTLY HAPPY: Smokey the cat enjoys a little lap time in the River Club in Lakewood Ranch.

Five Star Quality

Another entry to area’s coffee wars

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

Tom Simonian begins each morning by pressing a few buttons on the coffee maker at his Longboat Key home.

However, during visits from his nieces and nephews, he found they weren’t satisfied with his home brew. They would want to drive or bike to a shop and buy specialty coffees.

“It’s amazing to me to see the generation of 21- to 26-year-olds are willing to spend $6, $7 or $8 for coffee and go out of their way to get it,” he said.

As a result, when Scooter’s Coffee contacted him about becoming a franchisee, he looked into the idea.

At the time, he was relocating from Chicago, where he owned dry cleaning franchises, to Longboat Key.

He began his research on Scooter’s Coffee by researching the company and its performance. That was in addition to completing what he called an “ad-hoc survey” of individuals he knew who had visited Scooter’s locations in the Midwest. The results were positive.

His nieces and nephews also gave the brand a thumbs-up.

And so he agreed to open a Scooter’s at 6625 State Road 70, Bradenton, just east of Manatee Technical College. He expects to open late in 2023 or early in 2024.

“I would be very happy if we can open this year,” Simonian said.

Simonian said the Scooter’s location, which currently is going through the permitting process, will be ideally suited to the area.

He noted that Scooter’s does not have an inside dining area so the workers can concentrate on serving those coming through the drivethru.

He said customers get through the line in a hurry, and that has been a key for the chains growth.

“It’s less than three minutes from the time they place the order at the window to the time they pick up the product,” he said. “It checks off all the boxes. Scooter’s is basically a drive-thru proposition. It’s easy in,

IF YOU GO

easy out, a lot of volume. This particular location is six lanes. Traffic is tremendous.”

He said the store will be able to handle 120 cars, at a minimum, per hour.

“The way it’s set up inside, the equipment, the technology, allows cars to go through the system very quickly.”

However, he said it’s not all about efficiency.

“We do a wonderful job in our mixology to deliver that specialty coffee experience and taste.”

Scooter’s coffee beans are shipped to Omaha, where Scooter’s is headquartered. They are roasted at that location, giving the company quality control of the product.

“You’re getting a tremendous quality product,” he said.

He said the brand is slowly expanding. Having been established in 1998, the brand currently has around 550 stores open in the U.S., and commitments for approximately 3,000 more locations.

Fast Break

THE HUNT FOR GOLD

Former Lakewood Ranch

High softball player McKenzie Clark has been on fire to start her junior season at Clemson University. In 26 games, all starts, Clark is hitting .414 with five doubles, one triple, seven home runs and 21 RBIs, while adding seven steals and playing errorfree defense in center field.

Clark and the Tigers are 25-1.

Former Lakewood Ranch

High girls basketball star

LaDazhia Williams and her Louisiana State University Tigers (28-2) are a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. The Tigers’ first-round game against the University of Hawaii (18-14) will be held at 5:30 p.m. on March 17 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and can be watched on ESPN2 or ESPN.com.

Braden River High junior

Alex Den Boggende finished second out of 28 participants in the discus (129 feet, 8.25 inches) at the 2023 Eagle Invitational, held March 4 at Naples High. Den Boggende was behind only Naples junior Luke Walker (132 feet, 11.75 inches).

… The 116-yard No. 16 hole at University Park Country Club’s golf course was home to two holes-in-one March 10. Chris Edwards sank one with a 4-hybrid, while Peter Perten sank one with a 3-wood.

The Lucky Leprechaun 5K is set for 8 a.m. March 18 at Nathan Benderson Park, and all participants in the main 5K get a green beer after finishing. The main 5K division is flanked by a pet-friendly “furry friends” division and a “swift stroller” division for participants with young children, as well as a “rainbow dash” for kids 12 and younger, meaning everyone can have fun. Registration fees vary by division and spectators enter for free. To register or for more information, visit NathanBendersonPark.org or Fit2Run. com/Races.

Mustangs say the thrill of throwing a spear drew them to the somewhat obscure sport.

RYAN KOHN SPORTS REPORTER

Ever wondered what it feels like to throw a javelin?

According to the people who do it, the feeling is primal.

“I envision an animal down there that I’m trying to hunt,” Lakewood Ranch High junior Levi Freed said. “Sometimes it hurts (to throw far), but it’s all part of the experience.”

The feeling makes sense.

Freed and the other javelin throwers at Lakewood Ranch are learning a skill that dates back to the days of hunting and gathering societies, those who used spears to bring home their food. The sport of javelin grew out of those days and later became widely contested in ancient Greece. It was added to the Olympic games in 708 B.C.

The Florida High School Athletic Association held its first javelin championship in 1925 but banned the sport in 1950 out of safety concerns. The sport returned to FHSAA competition in 2018 with new safety rules in place, including a mandate that all javelins have rubber tips at least 35 millimeters long and five millimeters thick in case anyone is accidentally struck during competition. It stayed a regular season-only sport until 2021, when it returned to state championship track and field meets.

The competitors at Lakewood Ranch said they have no safety concerns — at least, not enough to get

them to stop. The sport itself is too much fun, they said.

As the sport is new to most because of its recent return to the high school ranks, its competitors have discovered it in different ways. Freed said he found the sport through his brother, Caleb Freed, who competed in javelin at Cedar Park Christian in Bothell, Washington, and finished ninth at the 2016 state championship meet as a senior. Ever since watching his brother at the state meet, Levi Freed knew he wanted to give it a shot as well. Freed ranks 15th in Class 4A with a 152-foot, 1.25-inch toss, a throw he made March 9 at the North Port Invitational.

Not everyone has a family connection. Mustangs senior Tony Lenchinsky said he started his track and field career last year as a sprinter but picked up javelin after catching a glimpse of the Mustangs’ other

throwers. It was too good an opportunity to pass up, Lenchinsky said.

“I mean, you’re throwing a spear, what’s not cool about that?” Lenchinsky said. “It looked interesting. I gave it a few throws and the coaches said I had potential.”

Other throwers did not pick the sport themselves, the sport picked them. Or, at least, someone else picked it for them. Mustangs junior Madie Adams said her coaches mentioned the sport at a practice last season. Adams tried it and was hooked. So hooked, that Adams hired a personal throws coach, Andy Vince. Adams said they worked on her block — the contact the thrower’s lead leg makes with the ground that helps the throwing arm accelerate — as well as her run-up to the throw itself.

“The way I was positioning my feet wasn’t as efficient as it could have been,” Adams said. “He fixed my last step on the runway and it helped a lot.”

Adams’ improvement has been dramatic. She finished 10th at the Mustangs’ district meet in 2022 with a throw of 79 feet, 5.5 inches. In 2023, her best throw is 99 feet, 7.25 inches, which she hit Feb. 24 at Riverview High’s Rams Invitational. It ranks 23rd in Class 4A.

When the Mustangs track and field teams practice, they section off a sliver of the school’s football field for javelin use. People know to stay out of the throwers’ lane, but with other field events mainly happening in the corners of the stadium instead of the field, there’s little danger of hitting anyone with a stray throw.

Javelin might never be a mainstream track and field event, but the Mustangs are preaching its gospel anyway. Adams, who also plays on the school’s soccer team, said she told her teammates about her second sport and most of them didn’t get it. She even brought one of her personal javelins to a soccer practice so people could try it afterwards. The verdict, Adams said, was that javelin was more difficult than they thought it would be.

It might look simple — run, step and throw — but using proper technique can make the difference between a throw that soars and a throw that dive bombs into the dirt. Lenchinsky said a thrower’s success is based 60% on technique and 40% on strength, in his estimation. But it is also about feel. In addition to the throwing motion itself, throwers use different grips based on what’s comfortable for their hand.

It can be a frustrating process, the throwers said, but no matter whether a thrower learns from a brother like Freed does, from a coach like Adams does or from online training clips like Lenchinsky does, the most important thing remains the same — the feeling of a good throw.

“It’s the best thing ever,” Lenchinsky said. “You watch it fly, and you’re like, ‘Whew. It’s incredible.’”

HISTORY OF JAVELIN

n Evolved from everyday use of spears for hunting

n Widely practiced in ancient Greece; added to the Olympic Games in 708 B.C.

n Banned by the Florida High School Athletic Association in 1950; brought back for regular season competitions in 2018 with a girls division added

n Boys javelins weigh 800 grams (1.76 pounds) and are 2.6-2.7 meters long (about 8.5 feet); girls javelins weigh 600 grams (1.32 pounds) and are 2.2-2.3 meters long (about 7.5 feet)

“Well, I don’t actually hate running. I know a lot of people do, but I enjoy it.”

— The Out-of-Door Academy’s John Moschella SEE PAGE 19

Courtesy photo

Former Lakewood Ranch High softball player McKenzie Clark is off to a fast start at Clemson.

Mustangs javelin throwers Levi Freed and Tony Lenchinsky say they get a primal rush while competing in the sport.

Lakewood Ranch junior Madie Adams likes javelin so much that she hired a private coach to improve her form.

Photos by Ryan Kohn

Mustangs javelin thrower Levi Freed said he learned the sport by watching his brother, Caleb Freed.

An uplifting pursuit

After watching her brother, Samuel Phillips, play baseball, Jada Phillips wanted to have a similar experience. Her father, Gary Phillips, persuaded her to give softball a shot instead. It worked out. Phillips is ranked by Extra Inning Softball as the No. 6 catcher in the national class of 2024.

Phillips committed to Louisiana State University in October. She said the Tigers were interested in her for the way she plays the game — hard, with no wasted motion.

Phillips said she puts her all into every step and every swing she takes. Her stats back that up. In 2022, she hit .479 with 13 doubles, seven triples, six home runs and 31 RBIs, and she had a .989 fielding percentage while primarily playing

shortstop instead of catcher. She said LSU head coach Beth Torina and her staff made her feel immediately welcome, and added that LSU’s willingness to promote its women’s sports programs on social media and elsewhere just as much as its men’s programs made committing an easy call — as did LSU’s track record of success. The Tigers went 34-23 in 2022 and reached the regional stage of the NCAA Tournament before being eliminated by Cal State Fullerton.

Lately, though, softball has not been the only sport in her life. In an effort to get stronger for softball, Phillips started lifting weights with former Pirates strength coach Richard Lansky, who is now at Manatee High. The idea wasn’t

new to her, because she has been lifting weights since she was 11. That started at the Lakewood Ranch YMCA.

Phillips said Lansky, who was named the 2022 High School Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year by the National Strength and Conditioning Association, helped her change her perspective on weightlifting. It was helping her in softball, yes, but it was also something valuable on its own, something that could be taken just as seriously as anything else.

“It wasn’t a chore anymore,” Phillips said. “He made it fun to compete.”

Soon after, Phillips started partaking in Olympic-style weightlifting competitions in her spare time. Now, as a member of Team Florida Gulf Coast weightlifting, she’s nearly as competitive about it as she is softball. On March 2, Phillips traveled with her team to Columbus, Ohio, to compete in the 2023 North American Open Series 1 against other top weightlifters. In her open weight category — competing mainly against adults as a 17-year-old — Phillips finished 34th out of 100 participants, completing a snatch of 62 kilograms (136 pounds, 11 ounces) and a clean and jerk of 85 kilograms (187 pounds, 6 ounces).

She’s not yet satisfied with her results.

“If I’m good at something, it only drives me to do it more,” Phillips said.

Phillips plays travel softball with Lady Lightning Gold, a national club. She travels the country to play in tournaments with them each summer and occasionally travels to the team’s home base of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to get in some practice at minicamps.

Phillips said her LLG coach, John Corn, asked her to participate in more travel events this year, including some in the spring, to get more work against top competition. That, plus former Braden River softball coach Melissa Dowling stepping down after the 2022 season, led to Phillips’ decision to not play high school softball in 2023.

It wasn’t an easy decision, Phillips said, but it’s the right one for her. That does not mean she is taking it easy this spring. Far from it. Phillips said she joined the school’s track and field team this year to increase her speed, and it is less of a commitment than softball would be. If she has to miss a meet to fly to a travel ball tournament, she can do that. So far, Philips has not competed in any official meets, but she’s been practicing the 100- and 200-meter dashes, as well as those events’ relays.

She’s also intrigued by the long jump. That event wouldn’t have any benefit to her as a softball player, she said, but it looks fun.

On the rare afternoons when Phillips has nothing on her schedule, she said, she’s likely to be found in bed sleeping. It’s necessary recovery after going so hard with training so consistently. The heavy load of her schedule can be a lot, she said, but the long-term benefits are worth any in-the-moment stress.

“Some days it does get a little draining,” Phillips said. “I’ll say to myself, ‘Oh, I do not want to be doing this right now.’ But once I actually get into the practice, the joy of it comes back. I remember why I’m doing it. I don’t know what I would do if I wasn’t able to compete in something for a while.”

While softball is Jada Phillips’ main sport, weightlifting and track and field have entered the picture.

Ryan Kohn

Braden River junior Jada Phillips is committed to LSU for softball.

Courtesy photo

Jada Phillips competed in weightlifting for Braden River in 2022-23.

John Moschella

John Moschella is a junior on The Out-of-Door Academy boys track and field team. Moschella won the 400-meter hurdles (58.78 seconds) at the 2023 Charlotte Invitational on March 3 at Charlotte High.

When did you start doing hurdles?

I only tried them for the first time when I was 15. My dad (Kenneth Moschella) was a runner and a hurdler, so he showed me how to do it. Then I joined the track and field team for the first time last year.

What is the appeal for you?

Well, I don’t actually hate running. I know a lot of people do, but I enjoy it. I like that you can determine how well you do. If you want to be better, you just do more work on your own. Hurdles add another challenge to running. Having to jump over something makes races even more interesting.

What is your favorite event?

The 400-meter hurdles is my favorite. I’m not the fastest guy in short distances. I’m more oriented to longer or middle-distance races.

How did it feel to win at the Charlotte Invitational?

It felt great. This year is the first year I’ve won any medals at all. So, to cross the finish line first, it was a pretty good moment for me.

What are your goals for this season?

For the 400-meter hurdles I’d like to get in the 55-56 second range, and for the 110-meter hurdles I would like to get under 16 seconds. I’m training five days a week here (at ODA) plus running on my own on Saturdays to make it happen.

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.

What is your favorite movie?

I like the movie “Bleed for This” a lot. It’s a biopic about the boxer Vinny Pazienza who was a world champion but was in a serious car accident and suffered neck and spinal injuries. The movie is about how he came back from that to win another title.

What are your hobbies?

I play the ukulele sometimes, and I play other sports like hockey in the winter.

What is your favorite class?

I’m in marine biology this year, and I like it a lot. We have had some cool experiences like kayaking.

What is the best advice you have received? Without fear, there is no bravery. I think that’s an interesting perspective. Don’t turn down a chance to try something new or something difficult, even if you’re nervous.

Finish this sentence: “John Moschella is …” … Shy. (Laughs.) I’m not a super outgoing person.

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Models include Women’s Club of Cascades members Chris Wertz, Sue Rosenfeld, Maria Salerno, Sherry Kenny, Ann King, Terrie Thorstad, Bonnie Versele and Lisa Devivo.

M

So why not look good while doing it?

On March 9, the Women’s Club of Cascades in Sarasota hosted its second annual fashion show, with eight club members serving as the models. The event had a theme of “Steppin’ Out and Steppin’ Up Again.”

“We’re all very grateful to be living in paradise,” said Helen LiMarzi, the club’s vice president.

“We need to give back, and this is one of the opportunities to have a lovely social event for our members.”

Clothing items were provided by Janet Carr, owner of Accessories and More of Sarasota.

Club President Jane Faix said the event produced an overwhelming response after it was held for the first time last year.

“Every dollar we can give to nonprofits is a gift,” Faix said “Ev-

embers of the Women’s Club of Cascades wanted to hold an event to support the Mothers Helping Mothers group that helps families in need.eryone is struggling at all different levels.”

Mothers Helping Mothers was represented by Rosemary McMullen, who was grateful for the financial assistance.

“I’m just overwhelmed with their generosity,” she said.

She said Mothers Helping Mothers serves more than 4,500 families and provides materials including car seats, diapers, infant formula and strollers.

The models were a bit nervous before the event, but once they began to walk the runway, they looked confident.

“You just have to be yourself,” club member Maria Salerno said.

Faix said those who attended loved that they could buy the clothes the models were wearing right after the event.

“This is instant gratification,”

Faix said. “You’ll see the model, and you’ll say, ‘Wow, that looks good.’ And you go right to the back of the room and they can find it.”

— IAN SWABY

Cascades’ Stu Krams provides live music at the fashion show.

Bonnie Versele steps down the aisle in a vibrant outfit.

Sherry Kenny presents a new look as Janet Carr, owner of Accessories and More, provides narration.

Helen LiMarzi is vice president of the Women’s Club, and Jane Faix is president.

This park filled with brushstrokes

Former gallery owner Pat Agles is used to being surrounded by works of art.

She probably didn’t know that would still be the case when she moved into University Park recently.

On March 11, Agles was able to see her neighbors’ work up close as University Park held its annual Art in the Park show, which also ran March 12.

“To see the talent in this neighborhood, it’s very impressive,” said Agles, who used to own The Galleria of Boca Grande. “It’s so exciting to see such a range and quality of work.”

Deborah Van Brunt, director of the art show, said it was University Park’s biggest yet, with 53 artists and 176 works on display.

“I don’t know how, but every show seems to be better than the last,” she said.

Among those exhibiting art was Paul Smilow, who has enjoyed sculpting his entire life,

Also having her work displayed was Susan Guthrie, who has been creating collages since she began taking lessons two years ago. Her works all featured her labradoodle, Piper.

— IAN SWABY

University Park’s Susan Wu displayed multiple Chinese brush paintings, including “Peace on Earth.”

University Park’s Pat and Chuck Agles had nothing but compliments about the artistic talent in their new neighborhood of University Park.

Photos by Ian Swaby

The Meadows’ Patricia Scalia learns from John Scoedler about his photograph “A Divided America,” which he took after an American flag was caught on a passing outrigger boat, then torn apart by the wind in New Jersey.

THINK EVERYTHING’S GOOD?

The Suncoast is a beautiful place to live. Unfortunately, amongst our beautiful surroundings, there are many people who are struggling to find work, to secure housing, and to overcome addiction, just to name a few.

The world, and therefore our lives, seems to be moving at a more rapid pace than ever before. Although our intention to help those who need us is there, our focus can become sidetracked. And let’s face it, it is easier to avoid really looking at the difficult side of life.

At JFCS of the Suncoast, we understand that the only way to be good is to do good. We know that real courage is about conviction. It’s knowing that we can make things better, bit by bit, one family at a time. It’s understanding that it’s our duty to help those in need and dig deep to do the tedious, everyday work of making it happen.

Colorful fundraising

Sara Downs, Lily Bertrand and Jaliyh

Tarrt, sixth graders at R. Dan Nolan Middle School, stood still as a volunteer poured purple baby powder on them.

We provide essential support to:

• Seniors who feel isolated and alone

• Caregivers who are desperate to interact with others who understand the challenges they face every day

• Families and children dealing with addiction

• Fathers trying to reunite with their children after incarceration

• Homeless veterans feeling hopeless and forgotten

• Holocaust survivors trying to live in peace

• Youth feeling angry, depressed, and destructive who need diversion and counseling

• People who are incarcerated or hospitalized seeking a comforting conversation with a chaplain

Being good means doing good – it requires action on all of our parts. Join us, and let’s do good together. All it takes is a willingness to take action. To volunteer. To donate. That’s how we make our community stronger. That’s how we change lives for the better. One challenge, one person, one day at a time.

Visit JFCS-CARES.ORG/INFO to learn how you can help, and even see your how your donation can be doubled by the Flanzer Philanthropic Trust.

Their clothes, faces and hair were already splashed with yellow, blue and pink. They knew wherever they would sit, they would leave a colorful mark.

“My parents just got a new car,” Downs said with a laugh, knowing she would be covered in various colors from Nolan’s Color Run on March 9 when her parents picked her up from school.

The students weren’t shy about getting a rainbow of colors dumped all over their hair, face and shirt. They knew it all was to raise funds for school supplies.

Julie Williams, a U.S. history teacher, saw a pair of students who had completely white shirts.

“They’re too clean,” Williams said while holding two cups of yellow baby powder. “I’m going to get them.”

Besides the color run, students were able to enjoy snacks, play cornhole and football and participate in a game of kickball against Nolan Middle staff members.

For 36 years, JFCS has been empowering individuals and families of all faiths and backgrounds. Our mission is to guide those who need us toward well-being and self-reliance by providing mental health and human services, and just caring about the people in our community – the people in YOUR community. What makes us unique is our ability to wrap around our services and provide support to multiple members of the same family who have a variety of needs.

About Jewish Family & Children’s Service of the Suncoast: One of the Florida Suncoast’s leading mental health and human services agencies, JFCS delivers programs and services on a non-denominational basis with the goal of empowering individuals toward well-being and self-reliance. Inspired by the Jewish tradition of helping all people, JFCS of the Suncoast believes all people should be treated with dignity and respect and have equal opportunity for physical and mental well-being, selfexpression, and joy.

Scott Jeffers, a student support specialist, dresses as a taco after promising students he’d dress in a funny suit if they raised $10,000 through the Color

If you’re suffering with shoulder pain, join us for a FREE informational luncheon with Orthopedic Surgeon R. Stephen Otte, MD.

Dr. Otte will discuss common conditions and injuries that cause shoulder discomfort, as well as possible solutions – both surgical and nonsurgical.

Dr. Otte is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who specializes in shoulders and elbows. He completed his undergraduate degree and Doctor of Medicine at the University of Nebraska before completing his Orthopedic Surgery Residency at Spectrum Health through Michigan State University. He completed a fellowship in shoulder and elbow surgery with Midwest Orthopaedics at RUSH, in Chicago. He’s helped take care of several professional sports teams, including the Chicago White Sox, Chicago Bulls and Chicago Fire.

being good means doing good

— LIZ RAMOS

Deborah Hossenlopp enjoys the Color Run with her sixth grader Quinn Hossenlopp.

Run.

Photos by Liz Ramos

Sixth graders Jaliyh Tartt, Sara Downs and Lily Bertrand love getting covered with colors.

Unique spin on drill competition

your own spin, you try eight different variations of it. It’s a lot of stress, but it’s also a lot of fun.”

Senior Taylor Fairchild said the biggest challenge is finding a way to make routines unique.

LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR

When Adanna Wharton and Madison Kelley finish their Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps drill team dual exhibition routine, they have a special gesture they are planning to make.  Wharton, a Braden River High School junior, and Kelley, a sophomore, are big fans of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” a movie released in November 2022.

To show love for the movie, Wharton and Kelley will cross their arms in an “x” over their chest, just like the gesture made popular in the Marvel movie, as they wait for the judges to give them permission to exit the field after their routine.

That gesture is one of the aspects they like about competing in drill team dual exhibitions.

The students are preparing for the Area 5 JROTC District Championships 8 a.m. March 25 at Riverview High School.

The students have creative control over their routines, unlike the larger teams, which have a set routine and strict rules that need to be followed. They have two to three minutes to produce a routine that best showcases their spinning skills and their ability to be in sync.

In dual competition, the competitors can base their routines on their abilities and challenge themselves to learn and incorporate more complicated spins.

“You’re spending all night in your backyard trying to figure out how to put pieces together,” senior Julianna Chupp said. “You learn a new spin and you’re trying to figure out how to fit it into your routine or how to make it look like it’s all flowing together.

When you’re trying to come up with

With only two people competing, all eyes are on them, and there’s no hiding any mistakes.

“There’s no one to blame a mistake on but yourself,” Wharton said. “You need to pick it up and fix it for the next competition. That does kind of add to the stress that there’s no reason you mess up besides yourself.”

Chupp said, however, that it is easy in dual competition to tell when they have impressed the judges. She recalled doing the “death wave,” one of the most difficult spins she’s had to learn.

“I got a whole bunch of new bruises from (learning) it, but as soon as I did it, I could see the judges’ jaw drop,” Chupp said. “It felt amazing because you know that you did well.”

Going into their routines, students said they are nervous, but once they’re in the box, they know they’re prepared to compete.

“Going in, my only thought is, ‘Oh my God, why are my hands sweating so much?’ and ‘I’m going to drop (the rifle),” Kelley said. “Once we do it together, and it goes smoothly, I feel rewarded.”

Wharton said because their routine can change throughout the season as they find ways to improve it, if someone forgets their routine in the middle of the competition, they can always improvise. For example, Wharton was competing as an individual and forgot her routine and she had to think on her feet.

“I kind of just blanked out in the middle of the box,” she said. “With everyone watching — the whole drill team was standing there watching me — I didn’t know what to do. I figured I’m going to do a couple spins and leave.”

When she was done with her routine, JROTC instructor Alexander Figueroa said her routine was “state (competition) worthy.”

Working closely together to

develop their routines and learn their partners’ strengths and weaknesses gives the students an opportunity for them to develop trust.

Wharton and Kelley were acquaintances before, but being partners in the dual exhibitions has made them friends who talk every day.

Junior Jeremiah Gonzalez said being in a dual exhibition for the first time has opened his eyes to what he can do as well as his limitations. He’s been working on developing his own original spins.

Being a part of a dual exhibition team means the students are creating and practicing their routines outside

of school and JROTC hours. They spend hours perfecting their routine throughout the season up until they compete at the regional competition in hopes of moving onto state.

Even though it’s more work, the students said it doesn’t feel like work.

“It’s like extreme recess,” Kelley said.

Gonzalez sees practicing his routine as an escape.

“We can do it on our own time,” he said. “I’ll go home, listen to music and practice spinning. It’s just fun. It takes me away from everything.”

JROTC drill team dual members put their personal stamp on their routines.

Courtesy photos

Above: Junior Adanna Wharton and sophomore Madison Kelley report in for their dual exhibition. Wharton and Kelley enjoy being able to create their own routine.

Right: Seniors Taylor Fairchild and Ethan Mullett are ready to start their exhibition.

IT’S READ EVERYWHERE

Headed on a trip? Snap a photo of you on vacation holding your Observer, then submit your photo online at YourObserver.com/ ItsReadEverywhere. Stay tuned for this year’s prize, and happy travels!

FEELING SUPER WITH THE OBSERVER: Lakewood Ranch’s Don Malko and his grandson, Graham Durick, brought their East County Observer to Super Bowl LVII on Feb. 12. Malko won a contest that paid for the trip.

the places we have gone!

Enter the Observer’s 2023 It’s Read Everywhere contest for your chance to win a 7-night/balcony cabin Celebrity Cruises® cruise.

2023 It’s Read Everywhere contest winner will receive a seven-night balcony cabin Celebrity Cruise from any Florida port. *

Peter and Robin Miller to the Canadian Rockies, British Columbia, Canada. Hepsey Mitchell to the Port d’ Andratx, Mallorca, Spain.

O- Man is ready to join you and your favorite Observer newspaper on your next adventure. For more than 25 years, the Observer has encouraged our readers to take us with you on vacation, snap a photo and enter the It’s Read Everywhere contest.

Our adventurous readers have photographed themselves with the Longboat, Sarasota/Siesta Key and East County Observers at their favorite locations.

Traveling to all seven continents, the Observer has flown high in the sky in hot air balloons, gone on camel rides and safaris, deep sea scuba diving and even hiked to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Where will you take us this year?

With the help of our sponsor, Cruise Planners - Bokoff Tours & Travel along with Celebrity Cruise®, the

HOW TO ENTER:

Take your favorite Observer with you. Take your best shot.

Enter at https://www.yourobserver. com/contests/its-read-everywhere

We know you are out there traveling again and, “O”-man, do we want to come along!

Take your favorite Observer newspaper with you, take a photo and send it to yourobserver.com/contests/its-read-everywhere for your chance to win.

Pictured above are a few of our It’s Read Everywhere photo favorites. THE OBSERVER HAS TRAVELED WITH:

Frankie and Sam Creco to the Amalfi Coast, Italy. Joyce Giaconia-Coughlin to Prague, Czech Republic. Mike and Inah Sporer and Rick and Debbie Brown to Acropolis, Greece. Karin Otterstrom and Randy Van Vlaenderen to Mt. Olympus, Washington. Joseph and Gloria Kaminsky to Mt. Rainer, Washington. Jennifer Mott-Mueller to Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. Michelle Crabtree to Bryce Canyon, Utah. Anne McCunney to Lisbon, Portugal. Amy Muth and Sylvie Obidowski to Seward, Alaska. Karen Renda, Jean Lolli, Lynn Reuss and Kim Raymond to Bomarzo, Italy. Arietha Blackman to Bora Bora, French Polynesia. Diane Bartoszek to Salt Lake City, Utah. Bob and Kay Blair to Halifax, Nova Scotia. Dr. Steve Postie to Queensland, Australia. Alie, Kent and Kyle Williams to Machu Picchu, Peru.

INTRODUCING THE 2023 IT’S READ EVERYWHERE SPONSORS:

Monica and Rick Rice to Zion National Par Joyce Miller a Brooks to B

Klau

OFrankie and Sam Creco to the Amalfi Coast, Italy. Joyce Giaconia-Coughlin to Prague, Czech Republic. Mike and Inah Sporer and Rick and Debbie Brown to Acropolis, Greece. K arin Otterstrom and Randy Van Vlaenderen to Mt. Olympus shington. Josand Gloria to aminsky to Rainer, Washinton. JeJennnifer Ken Mottsa Mueller to Mt. Kilim nzania. ichelle o Bryce CaCunney Lisbon, Amy M uth and ylvie owski tward, laska. aren enda, Jean ynn s and ymon marzo.

Marc Bokoff of Step into the travel world with confidence

Your Professional Travel Advisors and Go To Experts

Celebrity Cruises believes that travel makes us better and helps vacationers expand their horizons. Their iconic "X" is the mark of luxury - with sophisticated and warmly inviting spaces, globally-influenced culinary experiences designed by a Michelin-starred chef, seamless and intuitive service - and everything is designed to provide

a Relaxed Luxury sm “resort at sea” experience aboard their awardwinning ships.

Marc Bokoff, CCC, ACC has 35 years of professional experience in the travel industry. Curating land and cruise vacations, Marc provides highly personalized service to clients in Greater Sarasota and beyond, creating vacations for individuals,

couples, families, and groups. With his team, he designs travel experiences that create memories to last a lifetime - all while focusing on exceptional service and value.

A Top Producer in the Cruise Planners network and based in Lakewood Ranch, Marc has proudly hosted the Sarasota Luxury Travel Forum for the past three years.

“For me traveling is all about seeking new adventures and making travel memories. And these adventures become even more fun when you can share them with a good friend.”

-O-man

Lake Club home tops sales at $2.3 million

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

Ahome in Lake Club topped all transactions in this week’s real estate. Rodney Williams and Sonia Nicholas, trustees, sold the home at 17109 Verona Place to Niall Condon and Catherine Majella Condon, trustees, of Bradenton, for $2.3 million. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,940 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,009,900 in 2021.

COUNTRY CLUB

Steven Townsend, trustee, and Marjolaine Townsend, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the home at 13309 Palmer Creek Terrace to Andrew and Sandra Barnes, of Lakewood Ranch, for $2.15 million. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, fourand-a-half baths, a pool and 4,207 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,125,000 in 2012.

Andrew and Lisa Ann Mahler, of Naples, sold their home at 7222 Ashland Glen to William Charles Mechling and Jennifer Fisher Mechling, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1.4 million. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 4,478 square feet of living area. It sold for $750,000 in 2013.

David and Nancy Baxter, of Palm Beach Gardens, sold their home at 7035 Twin Hills Terrace to John Mathai and Sharon Scott, of York, Pennsylvania, for $1,317,500. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, fourand-a-half baths, a pool and 3,680 square feet of living area.

Lydia Kaeyer sold the home at 6556 The Masters Ave. to Thomas Allen Pearson and Melanie Ross, of Bradenton, for $900,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,412 square feet of living area. It sold for $429,000 in 2012.

David Sciabica, of Lakewood Ranch, sold his home at 6561 The Masters Ave. to Geoffrey Jonathan Hachtel and Diana Antang Liou, of Lakewood Ranch, for $890,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,773 square feet of living area. It sold for $554,500 in 2015.

Nancy LaValle sold the home at 7804 Heritage Classic Court to Kathleen Murphy, of Bridgewater, New Jersey, for $625,000. Built in 1999, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,822 square feet of living area. It sold for $325,000 in 2016.

ESPLANADE

Timothy and Jayne Healy, of Bradenton, sold their home at 12932 Sorrento Way to James Stuart Barwell and Hillary Morgan Bardwell, of Bradenton, for $1.6 million. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,027 square feet of living area. It sold for $708,000 in 2020.

Marian Taylor, trustee, sold the home at 5107 Benito Court to David Feldstein and Gail Cosman, of Bradenton, for $1.55 million. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, a pool and 3,310 square feet of living area. It sold for $770,200 in 2016.

Richard and Ruth Zagrabski, of Ruskin, sold their home at 12749 Fontana Loop to Dorothy Suzanne Pianko, of Bradenton, for $1.15 million. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,275 square feet of living area. It sold for $475,100 in 2014.

Betty Parker, of Bradenton, sold her home at 13215 Palermo Drive to Ste-

phen Ross Hurley and Kathleen Erin Hurley, of Arlington, Tennessee, for $715,000. Built in 2015, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,847 square feet of living area. It sold for $440,000 in 2020.

LAKEWOOD NATIONAL

Mickey Howard Mounts and Ronda Diane Mounts sold their home at 5622 Mulligan Way to 1000441697 Ontario Inc. for $1,596,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, a pool and 3,078 square feet of living area. It sold for $610,200 in 2021.

Jamie and Christopher Jennings, of Bradenton, sold their home at 17727 Hickok Belt Loop to Michael and Dena Oberg, of Oxford, Massachusetts, for $850,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,248 square feet of living area. It sold for $458,900 in 2020.

KNIGHTSBRIDGE

Gwendolyn Bottoms, trustee, of Athens, Georgia, sold the home at 7305 Barclay Court to David Goldenberg and Catherine HowlettGoldenberg, of University Park, for $1.46 million. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,471 square feet of living area.

RYE WILDERNESS ESTATES

Benjamin William Fisher sold the home at 210 170th St. E. to Curtiss Rutsky and Jacqueline Van Het Zand, of Bradenton, for $1,245,000. Built in 2016, it has five bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 5,794 square feet of living area. It sold for $767,000 in 2020.

ARBOR GRANDE

Matthew and Brooke Baker, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 2806 Starwood Court to Enrique Mertins and Janelle Kara Mertins, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1.15 million. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 4,467 square feet of living area. It sold for $667,300 in 2017.

Carolann and Doug Palaskey, of Bradenton, sold their home at 2410 Starwood Court to Alfred Raymond Sanfilippo, of Bradenton, for $575,000. Built in 2017, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,815 square feet of living area. It sold for $325,000 in 2018.

SAVANNA

Kevyn Rakowski, of Philadelphia, sold the home at 13720 Saw Palm Creek Trail to John and Ashley Johnston, of Bradenton, for $890,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,021 square feet of living area. It sold for $740,000 in 2021.

MILL CREEK

James and Karen Hodgkinson, of Bradenton, sold their home at 1915 148th Court E. to Brad and Catherine Watson, of Bradenton, for $820,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,434 square feet of living area.

Christopher John Julian and Jessica Ann Mazzer sold their home at 903 136th St. E. to Paul Jacob Kus and Chelsea Marie Kus, of Bradenton, for $600,000. Built in 1989, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,840 square feet of living area. It sold for $343,000 in 2019.

ROSEDALE ADDITION

Gary and Victoria Rademaker, of Bradenton, sold their home at 5135 Tobermory Way to Scott Richard Palmer and Margaret Sue Palmer, of Bradenton, for $740,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,217 square feet of living area. It sold for $379,300 in 2020.

GREENBROOK Brian Gregory Gates and Corinne Ngo Gates, of Maitland, sold their home at 6309 Tanager Cove to Michelle and Richard Colon, of Lakewood Ranch, for $735,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,647 square feet of living area. It sold for $412,500 in 2015.

Steven and Mary Sayler, of N.W. Andover, Minnesota, sold their home at 13223 Swallowtail Drive to

Cesar Enrique Mayorga and Arundathi Rao, of Lakewood Ranch, for $700,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,521 square feet of living area. It sold for $397,500 in 2020.

Paul and Chelsea Kus, of Bradenton, sold their home at 13838 Waterthrush Place to Kenneth and Susan Molnar, of Lakewood Ranch, for $527,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,554 square feet of living area. It sold for $257,000 in 2017.

Ashley Trace at University Place Joseph Cannova and Jo Ann Brancato Cannova, trustees, of University Park, sold the home at 7603 Charleston St. to WEPO Beatty LLC for $727,500. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,687 square feet of living area. It sold for $435,000 in 2016.

GREYHAWK LANDING

Jason and Melissa Perri, of Bradenton, sold their home at 204 Dove Trail to Louis Rosen, trustee, of Bradenton, for $700,000. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,855 square feet of living area. It sold for $750,000 in 2022.

David and Jenna Pincus, of Bradenton, sold their home at 1314 Brambling Court to Connie Marrs and James Weir, of Eatonton, Georgia, for $619,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,462 square feet of living area. It sold for $339,900 in 2019.

RIVA TRACE

Louis Rosen, trustee, sold the home at 7811 Rio Bella Place to William Dean Tedrick, of Loveland, Ohio, for $650,000. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,666 square feet of living area. It sold for $452,500 in 2019.

Liz Ramos

This Country Club home at 13309 Palmer Creek Terrace sold for $2.15 million. It has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,207 square feet of living area.

COMMUNITY

THURSDAY, MARCH 16

THROUGH SUNDAY, MARCH 19

LIVE MUSIC AT JIGGS LANDING

Runs each day from 3:30-6:30 p.m. at Jiggs Landing, 6106 63rd St. E., Bradenton. This week’s music includes Steve Arvey (Thursday), Greg Short (Friday), Sycamore Shade (Saturday) and Mike Sales (Sunday).

A $5 cover is charged on Fridays; Saturdays and the other days are free. For more information, go to JiggsLanding.com.

FRIDAY, MARCH 17 AND

SATURDAY, MARCH 18

MUSIC AT THE PLAZA

Runs from 6-9 p.m. both days at Waterside Place, 1561 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch. Singer/musician Frankie Lombardi entertains on Friday, while on Saturday, singer/ songwriter Kimi Tortuga performs. For more information, go to WatersidePlace.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 18

YOUTH FISHING SEMINAR

Begins at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the pavilion at Summerfield Community Park, 6402 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Those ages 5-19 will learn the art of casting, being a good angler, knot tying and other basic fishing techniques. Participants will receive a free rod and reel, courtesy of Fish Florida. Those who participate will attend one of the two sessions. To preregister or for more information, go to MyLWR.com and click the event on the calendar.

SUNDAY, MARCH 19

FARMERS MARKET

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

POLO

Begins at 1 p.m. at the Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Sarasota. The 2023 Sarasota Polo season runs each Sunday through April 30. Gates

BEST BET

SATURDAY, MARCH 18

CREATIVE ARTS SPRING SHOW

Runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. The Creative Arts Association of Lakewood Ranch hosts its annual Spring Show and Sale. The free show features original works of art by local artists and artisans in painting, jewelry, pottery, ceramics, woodworking, mixed media and more. For more information, go to CAALR.com.

open at 10 a.m. Thousands of fans enjoy high-level polo action each Sunday while tailgating. The event includes themed weeks, entertainment at halftime and traditional divot-stomping. Tickets begin at $15 general admission and up for special packages and VIP seating. Tickets can be purchased in advance at SarasotaPolo.com or at the gate. Children 12 and younger admitted free. Dogs are welcome on a leash.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22

RANCH NIGHT WEDNESDAYS

Runs from 6-9 p.m. at Lakefront Drive in Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch. Live music, food trucks, a market with rotating vendors, a mobile bar and a recreational cornhole league highlight this crowd favorite event. Pets are welcome, but no coolers or outside food or beverage allowed. For more information, go to WatersidePlace.com.

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

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by Caryn Robbins and Jeff Chen, edited by Jeff Chen

By Luis Campos

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