East County Observer 5.19.22

EAST COUNTY

Observer

Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998

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YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

FREE • THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

VOLUME 24, NO. 27

YOUR TOWN

Signals go up for roundabout Lorraine Road motorists debate whether a signal or roundabout is needed at Players Drive. SEE PAGE 3A

Ian Swaby

Riding the wave, but on wheels Lakewood Ranch 11-year-old Max Slattery arrived May 14 with a creation that was different from the other miniature cars at the Pinewood Derby at The Mall at UTC. His car was shaped like a surfboard.

Slattery, who belongs to Lakewood Ranch Cub Scout Pack 125, made the car with his father, Shawn Slattery, who volunteers with the pack. The Cub Scouts create their cars, but adults can help.

Shawn Slattery said the idea for the car came from the Ron Jon Surf Shop sticker it bears, which he found in a drawer in their home.

Prior to the event, Scouts purchase a rectangular block of wood and engineer a wooden car that meets certain specifications regarding height, width and ground clearance. At the event, cars are released side by side onto a sloping racetrack, allowing gravity to perform the rest of the work.

Max Slattery, who has participated in the Pinewood Derby in the past, said he hoped his car would perform better than others because it was “thinner.”

He came in fourth.

Silver medal moment Lakewood Ranch High senior Grace Marston led most of the state track meet’s 3,200-meter finals before eventually finishing second.

SEE PAGE 15A Ryan Kohn

Shear delight

A+E Courtesy photo

Friday night snack in the Lake Club?

It might have been a tough ask for any watchdog.

Bria, a bichon frise, went to the front door just before 6 p.m. May 6 to find an unwanted visitor at her Lake Club of Lakewood Ranch home.

Not only did an alligator come knocking, but it also showed Bria that it could swallow her 12-pound body in one bite.

Owner Mark Stephens snapped Bria looking through the glass door and said it was quite the Friday evening surprise.

Bria wasn’t asked to chase away the guest, who left a short time later.

All is well for both Bria and the Stephens household.

Artist sees the light.

SEE PAGE 1B

Stephen Moody, a noted educator of stylists, teaches his craft at Yellow Strawberry Salon.

SEE PAGE 8A Jay Heater

Yellow Strawberry stylist Willow Sanders acts as a model for Stephen Moody as he passes along his four decades of hair-cutting knowledge.

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

County’s move toward transparency in question

LOCATIONS WHERE CONCEALED CARRY IS PROHIBITED IN FLORIDA

Commissioner James Satcher adds concealed carry issue four days before commission meeting.

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

C

ommissioners Carol Whitmore, Misty Servia and George Kruse called into question the county’s commitment to greater transparency during a May 10 meeting of the Manatee County Commission.

The controversy arose over a motion by Commissioner James Satcher to “direct the county administrator (Scott Hopes) and county attorney (William Clague) to bring back a policy that respects and codifies Manatee County employees’ second amendment right to carry while at work.”

Eventually, the commissioners postponed further discussion about the issue to the next regular meeting of the commission July 26.

However, Whitmore, Servia and Kruse objected to Satcher adding an agenda item on May 6 for a May 10 meeting after commissioners had just stated they would be more transparent by giving the public plenty of time to research and offer input on items brought before the commission.

Pushback on the issue was more focused on Satcher’s timing than on the issue itself.

Servia said she did not understand the timing of the item’s addition and said more information needed to be gathered by the county attorney and county administrator.

“I did think we all agreed we were going to give ample notice to the public when we were going to do things, unless it was something that was urgent and a matter of emergency,” she said.

Whitmore said Satcher did not offer enough advance notice and that the issue had never been raised by other commissioners throughout her time on the board.

District 5 Commissioner Vanessa

Baugh said the Friday notice had provided “ample” time.

“I think we make a mountain out of a molehill sometimes,” she said.

Baugh said the motion was directing the county attorney and county administrator only to examine the topic, and that it would still have to come back to the board for a vote.

Satcher said the agenda item’s late addition was valid because of the existence of a serious threat to employees’ safety.

“At this point, I see that this is something that affects 2,000 of our Manatee County citizens, and so we’re responsible for it,” Satcher said. “The worst-case scenario is we get busy, we get onto something else, and we don’t have a meeting for a month coming up. If something were to happen to an employee then, I’d have trouble sleeping afterward.”

Other commissioners said that based on past experience, there is no evidence of an impending threat.

“I understand what Commissioner Satcher is saying, that someone could get shot tomorrow,”Kruse said. “But that’s kind of a pretty wild hypothetical to justify a sense of urgency.”

Kruse did say the motion was directing the county attorney’s office only to look into the issue, so the commissioners were not going to vote on it at the May 10 meeting.

“We’re looking at what other counties do right now,” he said.

“What do the states do?”

The idea of allowing county employees to “carry” in a no-weapon zone did prompt discussion.

Commissioner Reggie Bellamy took a skeptical stance toward allowing county employees to carry firearms at work and offered a list of his own proposed scenarios.

“One of the scenarios is county employee shoots citizens,” he

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For more information, visit Leg. State.FL.us n Any police, sheriff or highway patrol station n Any detention facility, prison or jail n Any courthouse n Any courtroom, except that nothing in this section would preclude a judge from carrying a concealed weapon or determining who will carry a concealed weapon in his or her courtroom n Any polling place n Any meeting of the governing body of a county, public school district, municipality or special district n Any meeting of the Legislature or a committee thereof n Any school, college or professional athletic event not related to firearms n Any elementary or secondary school facility or administration building n Any career center n Any portion of an establishment licensed to dispense alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises... n Any college or university facility n The inside of the passenger terminal and sterile area of any airport (except for purposes of lawful shipment) n Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law.

Ian Swaby

James Satcher introduced a motion that could result in the right of Manatee County employees to carry weapons while at work.

said. “The other scenario is county employee shoots coworker. The other scenario is county employees have shootout.”

Bellamy said the issue should be left to security protocols.

He cited a recent incident in which a proposed security threat to the building took place and said, “Our security protocols were immediately challenged, and I think we learned a lot that we can do with our security protocols to make sure that the facility is secure. I would rely on those protocols first, before we start putting weapons or putting guns in individuals’ hands.”

Clague said liability was an issue for allowing county employees to carry guns at work should such a policy be introduced.

“It’s a double-edged sword,” Clague said. “On the one hand, you have the risk associated with people not being able to choose to be equipped to defend themselves because our rules say that, but then on the other hand, there is liability associated with having firearms in the workplace.”

He said his office would need to

speak with its insurance consultant about potential insurance costs.

Hopes said that as chairman of the Manatee County School Board during the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas shooting in Parkland, “That (issue) weighed pretty heavy on me as a chairman and as a board member.”

He said following the event, he helped establish a program for school guardians and pushed for teachers to be armed, but he did note there were many questions to ask on the issue and noted that some teachers had threatened to quit their jobs if their colleagues were armed.

Satcher called it “shortsighted” to hold off on the ordinance because of new security protocols. He said the protocols took “decades” to implement and should not be considered a solution.

The topic was met with multiple comments from the public, including favorable remarks by Jason Bearden, a Republican candidate for county commissioner.

“Who is somebody to tell me if I can or cannot protect myself?” Bearden said, citing constitutional rights.

Even though she described her-

self as a “gun advocate,” county resident Belinda Ritchie called the issue political.

“It might behoove you until July just to make one entrance to the building if you are scared of the bogeyman,” she said.

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

S

Y PLA ER

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LORRAINE RD.

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SEE THE LIGHT

Although a traffic signal was planned at the intersection of Players Drive and Lorraine Road, a roundabout is now being considered.

MAN ON THE STREET

Photos by Ian Swaby

Based on concerns from residents in the area, Commissioner Vanessa Baugh hopes to have a traffic circle installed at the intersection of Lorraine Road and Players Drive.

Motorists split over signal or roundabout

UNIVERSIT Y PKW Y.

But everyone agrees traffic control is needed at Lorraine Road and Players Drive.

— Country Club’s Keith Kuhlmann

STAFF WRITER

C

— Waterside’s Ed Pires

“Roundabouts are better for management of traffic in nonrush hour situations, which is most of the day.”

IAN SWABY

ountry Club East’s Kathy Leher tires of taking the long way around when it comes to exiting Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club, where she lives.

Like other residents in the area, she said the north and southbound traffic on Lorraine Road has become too dangerous to navigate as she tries to turn left to enter the road from Players Drive. She was pleased to hear Manatee County had planned a traffic signal for the intersection.

Now she might have to wait a bit longer. With the light signal 60% planned, Manatee County Public Works has been asked to study whether a roundabout might be a bitter fit for the intersection.

“You can’t get out onto Lorraine if you want to make a left,” Leher said.

“And the median isn’t big enough for a car to go halfway (and wait). You’ve got to go all the way or not at all.”

Because of the danger, Leher said she turns right on Lorraine Road and makes a U-turn when she can.

According to the latest information on the traffic signal released by Manatee County, the project would include signals, Advanced Traffic Management System devices such as closed-circuit television cameras, a Motor Vehicle Detection System and Bluetooth data collection detectors.

That’s if the roundabout isn’t feasible.

The reason for a traffic signal or roundabout is that area growth has led to an extreme increase in usage, with more residential development and vehicles on the way.

The county’s analysis states that “the side street traffic is expected to experience higher delays due to increased traffic volume along Lorraine Road. Based on a traffic study, the warrants to install a traffic signal at this intersection were met.”

It says the staff’s study also recommended installing pedestrian crossing features.

Ogden Clark, strategic affairs manager for the Public Works Department, confirmed that the cost and feasibility of the roundabout are

“As long as people know how to use (roundabouts), the traffic flows more easily.”

Residents of the area say the multiple lanes, small median, volume and speed of traffic all pose difficulties when turning left onto Lorraine Road.

being evaluated.

District 5 Commissioner Vanessa Baugh said she had requested the county to consider the idea of a roundabout.

“It would certainly help to slow traffic down, as well as help to reduce the noise,” Baugh said. “I hope to eventually have more than one roundabout on the road.”

She said roundabouts, in general, are preferable to traffic lights.

“With traffic lights, people zoom toward them and then slam on their brakes. With roundabouts, you can’t do that.”

Interviewed residents were split as to whether they preferred the light or a traffic circle, but all agreed that it was essential for the county to introduce a means of moderating the traffic as soon as possible.

Leher and her husband, Jack, expressed a preference for the signal.

“The traffic is moving too fast on Lorraine for a roundabout,” Jack Leher said.

He said the traffic along Lorraine Road poses a hazard, especially as bushes located in the road median obstruct the view of traffic trying to turn on to the road.

“You make a left, and the traffic is on top of you before you know it,” he said. “That’s why you’ve got to have a light.”

He also said traffic entering and exiting Players Drive to get to Country Club East continually increases.

One of the main concerns by residents about a roundabout is that it doesn’t completely stop traffic and therefore might still make it hard to enter Lorraine Road without a break.

“I think if there were a circle there,

people would be coming too fast,” Country Club East’s Ginny Lamb said.

She noted the speed limit on the road is being raised to 40 mph on that section of Lorraine Road.

She also said roundabouts on State Roads 64 and 70 made more sense than on Lorraine Road.

“There are lights all the way down the rest of the way (on Lorraine),” she said.

Country Club East residents Greg Hagopian and his wife, Gina, said that they prefer a roundabout.

“Someone’s going to get killed,” Greg Hagopian said. “It’s an absolute safety issue. You might have fender benders, but you’re not going to have fatalities at a roundabout.”

While he agreed that there is a concern that drivers might not understand how to navigate traffic circles, he sees them as the safest option.

“They are a very successful, very safe method of slowing down traffic and regulating ingress and egress,” he said. “They’re used all over the country. They have been used in downtown Sarasota effectively and at UTC effectively. People get used to them.”

Gina Hagopian said that while a traffic light backs up traffic at many points throughout the day, a circle would only do so at certain rush hour times, leaving the roads clearer.

Country Club’s Christine Shaklak said she preferred a traffic light, and echoed Jim Leher’s comments about the levels of traffic.

“I don’t think it keeps traffic moving in downtown Sarasota, when there’s too many people in that small area,” she said.

She said she currently can’t get

anywhere on Lorraine Road during rush hour.

Shaklak said she prefers a traffic light to give her the opportunity to get across the road to make a left turn. She said it’s all a matter of the community growing too fast and the roads not being able to keep pace with that growth.

Joseph Brielmann, who moved out of Country Club in 2020, said the intersections along Lorraine Road are difficult.

He also said roundabouts are preferred by cyclists.

“It keeps the flow of traffic, and I feel a lot of safer,” he said.

He said that he drives S.R. 64 daily, and finds the effect of the circles beneficial. “I think it slows down traffic just enough, and it doesn’t hold me up,” he said.

Country Club resident Keith Kuhlmann said a roundabout is the best option and makes more sense considering the proposed speed limit increase in the area from 35 to 40 mph. He said in non-rush hour traffic, roundabouts keep traffic flowing better than a signal light.

All the residents interviewed said it was a time for better traffic control.

“We need it fairly quickly,” Jack Leher said.

Esplanade’s Steve Nantais wouldn’t be surprised if the county opts for a roundabout.

“They’re installing them everywhere,” he said. “I guess it’s the way of the world. As long as people follow the directions, it cuts down on the wait times.”

Waterside’s Ed Pires said he is used to roundabouts.

“As long as people know how to use them, the traffic flows more easily, and I think more people will learn how to use them. There are a bunch in Sarasota. It just keeps the traffic flowing.”

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

Manatee seeks bridge funding IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

M

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anatee County commissioners are expressing guarded optimism that a proposed second bridge span over the Manatee River might qualify for federal funding.

On May 11, the commissioners departed for Washington, D.C., in the hopes of presenting their case to officials there.

According to At-large Commissioner Carol Whitmore, some of the individuals with whom the county commissioners will be meeting include Sens. Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan and federal transportation officials.

Commissioner Vanessa Baugh said of the project: “It’s very expensive, but we need it desperately.”

Commissioner James Satcher said a new span would benefit transportation not only on Fort Hamer Road but also in the entire region.

“Right now, one stalled car on I-75, and everyone’s got an extra hour’s commute,” Satcher said. “We can make a difference if more people could take local roads and stay off the interstate.”

The proposed bridge would add two travel lanes beside the current Fort Hamer Bridge and is being pursued in conjunction with another project to widen Fort Hamer Road from the Manatee River to U.S. 301.

The Fort Hamer Bridge, completed in 2017, has one lane in each direction.

The new span would expand that two offer two lanes going each direction.

The county plans to apply for the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) federal grant for the 2023 fiscal year.

The funds requested are $39,022,343, and Manatee County is required to offer a match of $19,512,171.

If the application is approved, federal funds would be delivered via grants over the next five years. The county also intends to submit a project application for the bridge every year.

Grants are selected through the Federal Infrastructure and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infra-

Ian Swaby

structure Framework, which uses a rigorous selection process that considers impact to the movement of goods and services, highway capacity, hurricane evacuation routes and relief to the interstate highway system from state and local roads.

According to information released by the county, both projects are expected to score well due to their regional significance.

Baugh said commissioners would be dining with the transportation committee, which will provide an opportunity to present their concerns. She called the bridge a “huge ask,” but said she was hopeful the appeal would be successful based on the demonstrable need she said exists.

Satcher said the undertaking was worthwhile despite its expense. He said that his involvement in pushing for funding has been driven by his experiences “sitting in the line, trying to go south.”

“When it’s rush hour, and there’s nothing holding anyone up, there’s just so much volume that you’re backed up 10 to 20 minutes. It’s just not a good situation,” he said.

“I think with a lot of people in the county, it needs to happen. I have made it a big part of what we’re doing, to get the project moving forward. The bridge was too small when it was completed.”

Manatee County commissioners are seeking federal funding for an additional bridge span at the Fort Hamer Bridge to help traffic flow better.

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

5A

Memorial dedicated at SR 64 roundabout Chase Coyner and Matthew Powers, who died at the site, were memorialized with a roundabout dedicated in their names.

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

Photos by Ian Swaby

State Rep. Tommy Gregory presents Scott and Cory Coyner with a plaque for their family.

Robert, Rebecca, Katie and Dan Powers stand near the new roundabout sign.

crashes had taken place near the same spot the prior year, in 2017.

“It definitely means a lot — words can’t even describe how much it means — because I know that they didn’t die in vain; they died and

are saving people’s lives because the roundabout was put in,” Katie Powers said.

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cott Coyner knows the sadness he will feel every time he drives past the new memorial signs placed at the site where his son, Chase Coyner, and Chase’s friend Matthew Powers died in a car accident Sept. 15, 2018.

But the memorial signs — “Chase Coyner & Matthew Powers Memorial Roundabout” — also will be a reminder of how much the community loved the boys, who were Lakewood Ranch High students.

“This community and everybody stepping up, it tells you how tightknit the community is,” Coyner said May 14 during the dedication ceremony for the signs. “It was a tragedy for everybody, not just us. We had people from all these different neighborhoods coming in to support us and help us. We’re honored to have (the memorial). Their names are on it, and always, forever, it will be their roundabout.”

Coyner said he appreciates the addition of a roundabout at the spot and the effort to make that section of road safer.

Dan Powers, father of Matthew Powers, said his family appreciates the memorial and the dedication ceremony.

“Words can’t do it justice,” Powers said. “It’s such a huge honor the state has done this for the boys and has given them a legacy.”

Coyner said that after the accident at the intersection of Pope Road and State Road 64, the community pulled together to see a memorial happen and make changes to improve the safety of that stretch of road.

The May 14 dedication ceremony was led by State Rep. Tommy Gregory of District 72.

The ceremony began at the

entrance to the Mill Creek subdivision on the lawn outside the CounTreeWide Realty office. Terry Courter, pastor of the Living Lord Lutheran Church, led a brief ceremony.

Speaking were Gregory, FDOT’s Andy Orrell, Coyner and Powers.

The Powers and Coyner families were presented with plaques.

The group then moved to the roundabout, where the families removed a tarp to unveil one of the memorial signs. Family members included Powers’ wife, Rebecca, and their children, Robert and Katie, as well as Coyner’s son, Cory. Coyner’s wife, Shayleen, was unable to attend.

Others present included county officials and friends.

Gregory said concerns from the community were the genesis of the roundabout.

“We thought once we had finished construction, the dedication would be the right thing to do; it would be time for us to honor Chase and Matt,” Gregory said. “It’s also a time for us to remember our commitment at the local, state and federal levels.”

Gregory said his staff, including Legislative Aide Kevin Fleming and District Aide Carolyn Kolenda, were key to the effort to recognize the boys with a memorial.

Orrell said the Florida Department of Transportation was proud of the opportunity to partner with Gregory and “to make sure that this roadway is safer, and that no one traveling down State Road 64 will ever forget both of these young men, as we celebrate the public unveiling of the Chase Coyner and Matthew Powers Memorial.”

The accident took place at the intersection of State Road 64 and Pope Road, near the entrance to Mill Creek.

The boys were headed to their homecoming dance before the accident.

At that time, the intersection had no traffic control device. Thirteen

stant video games late at night and frequent conversations.

“It was really inspiring,” Fraatz said. “He was very fun to be around, and everyone around him, he made them smile. It felt good to see that our community is going to remember Matthew, that people are thinking of him and his family, that people are behind us and can help us remember him.”

Scott Coyner remembered seeing the crosses community members placed at the site.

Members of the two families said that in healing they have become “one big family.” Although Matt Powers and Chase Coyner were friends, the two families had not met before the accident.

Sarasota resident Bridgette Bach said Chase Coyner was her best friend in her junior and senior year of high school, when she moved to the area.

“We were close,” Bach said. “We did everything together.”

She called Chase Coyner “the sweetest person” and said it was important to her that safety measures were being taken at the site.

Lakewood Ranch High Principal Dustin Dahlquist, who didn’t take over his post until after the accident, said he has come to know the two families extremely well. He said the school has a memorial walk as well as scholarships named for Matthew Powers and Chase Coyner.

“We do hope the naming of the roundabout does bring some awareness to traffic safety here in east Manatee County and throughout our community,” Dahlquist said. “These two students touched a lot of lives in the short time they were with us, and we’re just here to honor their memory.”

“I’m just awestruck the state of Florida has taken and set aside this as their own little piece of the world,” Dan Powers said. “So this will always be their roundabout.”

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

Hard work pays off — literally

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Lakewood Ranch High’s Olivia D’Orazio and Braden River High’s Gabriel French are among the top students who struck gold with their academic work.

IS BACK

LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER

It was down to the wire for Olivia D’Orazio, a senior at Lakewood Ranch High School.

She found out March 10 that she had received a four-year Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Commanders Scholarship that will pay full tuition for either the University of Florida or Auburn University.

Along with other scholarships she will get, it will add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Those scholarship offers were important when D’Orazio had 24 hours to decide where she would begin college in August before the deadline arrived to notify either Florida or Auburn of her choice.

With the pressure on, D’Orazio and her father, Joe D’Orazio, jumped in the car and drove to Gainesville to visit the University of Florida.

While on the University of Florida’s campus, D’Orazio felt the school just wasn’t for her, and Auburn would be her next home.

“I loved Auburn,” said D’Orazio, who graduates with her Lakewood Ranch High classmates at 7 p.m. Friday, May 20, at LECOM Park. “The campus was gorgeous, the people were wonderful there, and they have a good engineering program.”

She wouldn’t have been able to select between the two – and others – if it weren’t for the multiple scholarship offers she received.

“It’s rewarding to be able to make the decision to go out of state because had I not gotten the scholarships, it wouldn’t have been feasible,” D’Orazio said. “It’s definitely opened up a lot of doors in that respect. It’s rewarding

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D’Orazio ranked 27th in her class of 579 students; her weighted GPA was 4.47.

She received other offers from universities such as Texas A&M and Alabama. At Auburn, she will be part of the university’s ROTC program.

“I’ve wanted to serve for as long as I can remember,” D’Orazio said of her desire to eventually join the military.

“Taking advantage of the opportunity to have it cover college doesn’t hurt, either.”

D’Orazio decided to join the Air Force ROTC because she’s majoring in environmental engineering, and she said the Air Force has more opportunities to lead her to engineering jobs.

Besides being a member of JROTC, she has logged more than 350 volunteer hours with groups such as Southwest Florida Therapy Animals, Project Manatee, Manatee BUDS, Suncoast Reading Coalition and the Farmhouse Sanctuary.

She isn’t the only local student whose hard academic work has led to big scholarship offers. Gabriel French, a senior at Braden River High School, has received at least $150,000 in scholarships and is waiting to hear whether he will receive money from more than 20 other scholarships for which he has applied.

French, who will graduate with his Braden River classmates at 5 p.m.

Saturday, May 21, at LECOM Park, said every scholarship he receives is proof his hard work throughout high school has paid off.

He maintained a high GPA, took several advanced placement courses, completed his service hours for Bright Futures in his sophomore year and continued to be involved in various extracurricular activities throughout high school.

“Freshman through junior years, it wasn’t really resonating,” French said. “I knew I was doing a lot of work.

I was taking a lot of hard classes, and it was showing in my grades, but

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Courtesy photos

GABRIEL FRENCH School: Braden River High School Year: Senior Activities involved in: JROTC, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta University: University of Central Florida Major: Mechanical engineering

OLIVIA D’ORAZIO School: Lakewood Ranch High School Year: Senior Activities involved in: JROTC, National Honor Society, Lakewood Leaders, Youth in Action University: Auburn University Major: Environmental engineering

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school he would attend based on his ambition to become a mechanical engineer in the theme park industry rather than on what university he could afford to attend. He chose the University of Central Florida.

“I’m looking forward to having classes oriented to what I want to do,” French said. “(High school) electives are great, and some will definitely help, but being able to focus my time on what I’m doing for the future is going to be great.”

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Beauty is our Business

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THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

EAST COUNTY

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

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Publisher and President / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com Associate Publisher — East County Observer / Lori Ruth, LRuth@YourObserver.com

A CUT ABOVE

He puts the bangs into education Yellow Strawberry Salon stylists get razor-sharp tips from the expert.

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

I

t was a snip of Stephen Moody’s educational style.

Facing 30 hair stylists at the Yellow Strawberry Salon in Lakewood Ranch, the man who turned Vidal Sassoon’s Academy in Santa Monica, California, into the “Harvard of Hair” placed scissors into the palm of his right hand and began manipulating the position of the scissors by using only his thumb.

“Look at my thumb ... look at my thumb ... look at my thumb,” he rattled off in rapid-fire succession.

Thirty sets of eyes (23 stylists and seven assistants) followed his every move May 15 as if they were trying to discover a magician’s secrets.

Then he manipulated the scissors again, this time using only his pinkie. He was showing how the stylists could handle the scissors without worrying they might poke a customer in the face while moving their hands around during a haircut.

“Look at my pinkie ... look at my pinkie ... look at my pinkie.”

Salon owner Caroline Behan, who has operated the business along with her husband, Desmond, for 18 years, stood back and watched her employees soak up Moody’s every word.

“What I love is that everything he teaches comes from the heart,” Caroline Behan said. “He doesn’t have an ego, and he has such an easy way about him.”

Besides setting up Moody, who now works as an independent educator, for her students, she also brought in Wella Brand educator Johannie Jacquitte from Washington, D.C., to teach her students.

“If we don’t continue our education, we are going backward,” Behan said.

With more than 40 years in the business, Moody worked from 1987 to 2012 for Sassoon and then for Wella through 2021 before becom-

Stephen Moody works with the stylists at Yellow Strawberry.

ing independent this year.

“He is the god of hair education,” said Jacquitte, who has taught at the same seminars as Moody. “He lights a fire of inspiration, and he has a contagious personality.”

Jacquitte had to talk quickly because Moody was getting ready to fire off another lesson.

“You’ve got to practice ... and practice ... and practice,” he told the stylists.

Moody noted that such practice is necessary to prevent thinking about each move with the scissors. He held the scissors up again.

“I am not thinking about this hand,” he said of the hand holding the scissors. “This is my stupid hand.

All it does is open and close, and the hair falls to the floor.”

It was smiles all around as Moody talked about his clever hand, without the scissors, that planned each step of the haircut.

With the stylists out to lunch, Moody had a moment to talk about the most important part of cutting hair.

“Passion,” he said quickly.

“My purpose is to ignite and excite their passion for hair,” he said.

“When you have customers every day, (the hair stylists) can get diluted. This is about elevating creativity.

This is about elevating imagination.”

He said the role of imagination is key when a customer walks into a salon. He suggests the customer first listen to the stylist, who will say what they see and perhaps where they should go.

“There is no point otherwise,” he said. “You might as well go to Supercuts.”

When Moody talks about his craft, the passion flows from him despite 43 years in the business. It was a business that changed for him very early when he decided that, while he liked his customers, he would rather work with the salon owners and stylists.

“I have a vested interest in elevating them,” he said.

As he travels the world, Moody said he can walk into a salon and sense whether the culture is right.

“It’s like a battery where it is going and going and going, and at some point the battery will go flat. You’ve got to recharge the batteries,” he said.

Guinevere Lucree has been an employee at Yellow Strawberry for more than seven years. She said the continuing education is important to her, and Moody definitely helped to recharge her batteries.

She talked about how Moody gave tips that will immediately save a little wear and tear on her body. He told them that instead of bending to reach a certain area during the haircut, to move the customer around. It might seem minor, but Lucree said stylists are forever bending forward and putting a strain on their backs.

“He talked about ergonomically

Who: Stephen Moody, one of the world’s foremost educators of professional hairdressers What: Taught a three-day seminar for hair stylists at Yellow Strawberry Salon, 8215 Nature’s Way, No. 125, San Marco Plaza, Lakewood Ranch When: Saturday, May 14, through Monday, May 16 About Moody: Born in Yorkshire, England, and grew up in a family of hairdressers. His mother took lessons in London from Vidal Sassoon. Became an apprentice of Sassoon in 1980 and moved to California in 1987 to manage the Sassoon Academy in Santa Monica, California. Became international executive director of Vidal Sassoon Education. In 2012, became the global education academy dean for Wella, and in 2022 became an independent haircutting educator.

Award: Moody, who lives in Malibu, California, was named Haircutter of the Year by the North American Hairstyle Awards in 2021 and was a finalist for Educator of the Year.

Did you know?: In an Estetica magazine interview in 2020, Moody said his mother gave birth to him above her salon in Yorkshire. “Even the word ‘salon’ is an exaggeration … it was a tiny place,” he said. “My child care was the customers. I spent time with my grandmother; I spent time with neighbors. But most of my time growing up was on the customer’s lap. So that was really my introduction to hair. I grew up in the salon.”

Stephen Moody goes through a lesson with the Yellow Strawberry stylists.

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Photos by Jay Heater

Willow Sanders gets attention from Wella Brand educator Johannie Jacquitte, who was teaching along with Stephen Moody.

how we push our body,” Lucree said.

“We kill our bodies.”

Lakewood Ranch’s Willow Sanders, a stylist at Yellow Strawberry, agreed.

“I like the techniques,” she said.

“He moves the person instead of moving himself into an awkward position. He does things differently.”

Moody said that kind of talk helped him enjoy his time in Lakewood Ranch.

“My best days are when I walk out and people have a spring in their step,” he said. “The most important thing to me is that every single one of them takes away at least one nugget.”

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

9A

JAY HEATER

Vets passionate about concerts of note A s a musician who has played events related to veterans and the military for most of his life, Jim Hill could be forgiven if he simply goes through the motions when he helps kick off the Tribute to Heroes Parade as part of the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble.

But that just isn’t the case for Hill, who lives in Savanna at Lakewood Ranch.

“I can’t hear the Marines’ Hymn without standing at attention,” said Hill, a retired career Marine who plays the trumpet. “And I love those John Philip Sousa patriotic marches.”

The Tribute to Heroes Parade, which is returning to Lakewood Ranch Main Street for the first time since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, signed the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble to entertain the crowd just before the start of the actual parade. A pre-party begins at 6 p.m., and a 17-piece Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble will perform shortly afterward. The parade will begin at approximately 7 p.m.

The May 22 event is held not only as a precursor to Memorial Day Weekend but also to honor local veterans.

Like Hill, several members of the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble are military veterans and military band veterans.

Hill makes sure to protest when anyone suggests he is any less of a Marine because he played a trumpet for most of his military career.

“Every year we celebrate the Marine Corps’ birthday, which is a big event on Nov. 10,” Hill said.

“We get together and invariably it comes up: ‘What did you do?

Oh, you weren’t in the real Marine Corps.’ Well, I went to boot camp, and when you are in the Marine Corps Field Bands, you are a Marine first. And I played at all the ceremonies you wanted me to be at. I loved what I was doing.”

He noted those in the Marine

Corps Field Bands must train in rifle range exercises and are required to maintain their skills. In the Marines from 1978 to 1998, he spent a year in Okinawa, Japan, and traveled to South Korea, Guam and the Philippines for military exercises.

During the first Gulf War in 1991, some members of the Marine Corps Field Bands were deployed, although Hill was assigned to work security at the base in Twentynine Palms, California.

After he retired from the service, he liked to play concerts such as the Tribute to Heroes Parade and another for the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble at 5 p.m. May 30 at the Sarasota National Cemetery.

Both are free concerts that welcome the public. The May 30 event will include comments from Congressman Vern Buchanan and a reading of the names of veterans interred at the cemetery. The Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble, which will feature approximately 40 musicians that day, will play ceremonial and patriotic music. The public is invited, and anyone who would like to add to the names of veterans who were killed in action can send an email to Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble Conductor Joe Miller at jmmsr7973@gmail.com.

Other musicians in the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble also have served with military bands.

Venice’s Pete BarenBregge was a career member of the U.S. Air Force from 1979 to 1998, serving all of that time with the Airmen of Note jazz ensemble and retiring as a master sergeant.

“This was an extremely specialized, premier band in Washington, D.C.,” BarenBregge said. “I was 29, teaching school in Wilmington, Delaware, and I got to hear the Airmen of Note. Wow. These guys were amazing. I was a very active musician, and I longed to be a full-time musician. What the heck? I decided to contact them.”

Jay Heater

Lakewood Ranch’s Jim Hill, a retired career Marine, will play with the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble at the Tribute to Heroes Parade.

He tried out and enlisted when he was accepted into the band.

While he admitted boot camp was “not a pleasant experience,” the rest of his military career was playing the saxophone or other woodwinds, such as flutes and clarinets.

“But there was (military) training like every single person,” he said.

“That was standard. In a time of crisis, my (assignment) would have been based on troop morale in a wartime environment. Shortly after I retired in 1998, some of the musicians in the band with me were sent frequently to the Middle East.”

BarenBregge’s band’s responsibilities included music at funerals and entertaining the public for public relations and recruiting.

“We needed to be model military people performing at an extremely high level,” he said.

“We were top-flight profession-

als. The last thing we wanted was a negative response.”

While he now plays for many reasons and in many venues, he enjoys playing at events that salute veterans, such as the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble’s upcoming concerts.

“These concerts mean a lot,” he said. “Playing for veterans is an honor and a privilege.”

Lakewood Ranch’s Bob Richards agrees. He started as a member of the U.S. Army Band in Washington, D.C., (Pershing’s Own) as a trumpet player and had different band assignments during his career from 1973 to 1999. He retired as a master sergeant.

Richards said the bands had an important role to bolster pride and morale, though he acknowledged there were times that he felt more a part of a band than the military.

“We would go home at night,” he said. “I didn’t live in a barracks. I would come to the base, change to my uniform and go to work. It was a job, but looking back, we had a lot of pride, and we knew what the band stands for.”

Richards said the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble has quickly become one of the best community groups in Southwest Florida.

“From what I can ascertain, this one is far and away above the others,” he said.

Jim Bertrand plays the French horn for the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble, but he once was a member of the U.S. Air Force’s field band at Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Virginia. He served from 1982 to 1987.

“I was a music major, and I enlisted because they would be paying me to go to school,” he said.

He played in a specialized brass quintet.

“Our mission was recruiting and publicity for the Air Force,” Bertrand said. “We supported ceremonial functions, promotions and funerals. The public relations aspect was very important because it showed the military in a good light. We did the job.”

Berrand said he is proud the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble is playing at the Tribute to Heroes Parade and a memorial service at the Sarasota National Cemetery.

“Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t know what Memorial Day means, besides a day off,” he said.

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

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The truck pulled up in front of The UPS Store at 8429 Lorraine Road in Lakewood Ranch, and it was time for store owner Mike Hornyak to unload boxes of books.

Hornyak opened The UPS Store at the location in January, adding to his other locations on Palmbrush Trail in Lakewood Ranch and in west Bradenton. One of The UPS Store’s nationwide programs that started in 2022 was asking customers if they wanted to donate change by rounding up to the next dollar amount.

Store owners would send the donations to the national office in San Diego. When the store owners collected more than $1,500, they could request the donations be used in their area.

Hornyak, who lives in Palmetto, had solid success with the program through the generosity of his customers and requested the national office purchase books to donate to the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch’s Books for Kids program. He expected to get $1,500 worth of books.

Then he began to unload boxes, and boxes, and boxes.

In all, the national office sent him 1,707 books through its Toys for Tots Literacy Program to be donated to the Books for Kids program.

Hornyak discovered Books for Kids through an article he read in the East County Observer.

“I asked (the national office) in February for books for the grade levels through fourth grade.”

Ted Lindenberg, director of the Rotary’s Books for Kids program, was astounded when he came to pick up Hornyak’s donation.

“This completely is an unusual

Jay Heater

Books for Kids Director Ted Lindenberg had a hard time wrapping his arms around such a large donation of books.

donation,” Lindenberg said. “As many times as I have approached people, this never has happened in terms of a store making a donation. I did not know what to expect. It’s an amazing feeling.”

After Hornyak read about Books for Kids, he contacted Lindenberg, who explained to him how the program helps more than 4,000 kids in 12 schools in Manatee County. He told Hornyak how the program distributes more than 30,000 books a year now and has given away more than 100,000 books since 2013.

Rotary’s Jim Wingert and JoAnn Shakon showed up at The UPS Store to load up the books to take to storage in Palmetto. Rotary members put a label on every book that gives parents tips on how to help their child with reading.

The books picked up from The UPS Store were earmarked to be handed out at a monthly parent and child program at the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in Bradenton.

It runs the first Wednesday of each month, and all students ages 5-7 who live in Manatee County are eligible.

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Help wanted ... immediately Cafeteria and custodial staff are needed to ensure quality for the district’s students.

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Thoma said even if the district could hire 50 of the 90 employees needed in the food and services department, it would put the district in a “decent place” to better serve schools.

The district’s custodial staff also faces a staff shortage.

Rusty Moore, a custodial supervisor for the district, said the shortage impacts the custodial staff’s ability to clean every classroom and other areas in a school each night.

As of May 4, the district is short 42 positions on its custodial staff to reach its full staff of 240 employees.

Moore said the district has five substitute custodians working every day because of the shortage.

Moore said the number of custodial positions is based on square footage. A custodian is needed for every 25,500 square feet, which Moore said is high for a custodian ratio. If a school is supposed to have three custodians but only has two, it makes the two custodians prioritize what they can get to from when they start their shift at 2:30 p.m. to when they finish at 11 p.m.

“We end up doing things that are required by statute, which is taking out the trash and cleaning the bathrooms,” Moore said. “Unfortu-

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Seth Gwalthey, a cafeteria manager for the School District of Manatee County, loves working in schools rather than the restaurant industry.

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arbara O’Brien has been serving breakfast and lunch to students at Braden River High School for 14 years.

By 6 a.m. on school days, O’Brien and the other food service employees at Braden River High are hard at work preparing breakfast for students.

“I love the children,” O’Brien said.

“It’s so nice to see them. I like to think I’m making a difference with them.”

Due to staff shortages in the School District of Manatee County’s food and nutrition services department, food service employees have had to take on extra hours to make up for the 90 vacancies the district had as of May 4. The district currently has 55 managers and 255 food and nutrition services employees.

The School District of Manatee County hosted a job fair May 4 in hopes of hiring more food service workers and custodians.

Regina Thoma, director of food and nutrition services for the district, said the district has been facing a staff shortage for at least the past four years, and the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the issue.

Donna Peregoff, assistant director of human resources, said possible reasons for the staff shortage could be Manatee County being a retirement community, the lack of affordable housing throughout the county and the difficulty in offering competitive salaries.

“We do have good benefits,” Peregoff said of the district. “For a lot of people, working in education is kind of a calling, so finding that person who’s driven to give back to the community and support our students gives us a smaller demographic to work with.”

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

240: Employees needed for a full custodial staff 42: Current vacancies in custodial services 255: Employees for a full food and nutrition services staff 90: Vacancies in food and nutrition services $13.60: Starting hourly pay for a food service worker $14.02: Starting hourly pay for a custodian 75 cents: Amount added to salary per hour for custodians who work 2:30-11 p.m.

25,500: Square footage per custodian 15-20 minutes: Time it takes to clean a classroom 291,000: Meals served during the summer 6,706,603: Meals served during the 2020-2021 school year

nately, that leaves things like maybe sometimes vacuuming or dusting or things like that not done. They have to be prioritized.”

Moore said it’s critical to students’ learning that the district has enough custodial staff to properly clean and maintain the school.

Moore said if students walk on campus to see weeds and trash on the grounds or walk into a classroom to see dust and the trash not taken out, it can affect their attitudes toward the school.

“That attitude is what affects their learning,” Moore said. “It’s actually critical we have enough help to get in there and get those rooms at least minimally cleaned, the desks lined back up, the floors mopped, stuff like that.”

Custodians have been even more crucial to the health and safety of students and staff since the pandemic began and students returned to school in August 2020.

“The thing people miss when you’re talking about COVID is the custodians never left the buildings,” Moore said. “(When someone tested positive at school) our custodians were the ones that went into that room to disinfect and clean that room.”

Moore has spent more than 20 years with the district. He spent 15 years in food and nutrition services and then seven years as an employee of the custodial staff.

“I’ve always enjoyed the fact that what I do, and what we do, helps kids learn, and it provides a future for the kids,” he said. “Everything is for the kids. It’s hard work, but it’s fulfilling work.”

Back in the cafeteria, Thoma said employees are willing to work extra hours and have helped with streamlining service to make meal service easier on the staff. For example, there are more grab-and-go options that don’t require a food service employee to serve to students.

Thoma and Moore said employees in the district office have chipped in when the district didn’t have enough food and nutrition service or custodial employees to cover its 50 schools.

In an effort to provide more competitive pay, Thoma and Moore said the district is working toward increasing the starting salary for food service workers and custodial workers to $15 an hour.

Thoma and Moore said working for the school district provides benefits such as having a flexible schedule, having summers off and working with children.

“It’s a great place to work for parents because they’re off most of the school days,” Thoma said. “If they want to work 10 months, they can work 10 months and be off in the summer. There’s also other positions that are 12 months, so the flexibility of schedule is great.”

In food service for the district, employees also don’t have to worry about working nights and weekends, unlike in the restaurant industry.

Seth Gwalthey, a cafeteria manager and floater, worked in the restaurant industry for 10 years before starting with the School District of Manatee County in November.

A floater is a manager who goes to whichever school is in need of a cafeteria manager.

“You couldn’t pay me to go back (to the restaurant industry),” Gwalthey said. “What’s not to love about working in a school? The benefits are great. The hours are great.”

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SPORTS Thundering to gold “My best skill is my ability to get yards after the catch. I am elusive and hard to bring down.”

HIGH

— Lakewood Ranch’s Isaac Ashley SEE PAGE 17A

5

Distance runner Tristan McWilliam wins the area’s only state track gold medal; Lakewood Ranch High’s Grace Marston earns silver.

LOCAL FINISHES​

RYAN KOHN SPORTS EDITOR

T

1

Former Lakewood Ranch High boys hurdler James Rivera, a sophomore at Florida State, won the men’s 400 meter hurdles (50.36 seconds) at the Atlantic Coast Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships held May 12-14 in Durham, North Carolina.

2

The Out-of-Door Academy baseball junior Jack Hobson hit a walk-off single on May 14 in the Thunder’s 3-2 win against Canterbury High in the Florida High School Athletic Association Class 2A regional semifinals.

3

Former Lakewood Ranch High softball player Claire Davidson, a sophomore at Duke, pitched 5.2 innings May 6 in the Blue Devils’ 3-2 win against Georgia Tech, allowing no earned runs (two total runs) on five hits with three strikeouts. Davidson is 6-0 with two saves and holds a 1.94 season ERA.

4

Greg Richards and Bob Stevens (61) won the Men’s Golf Association best ball event held May 11 at University Park Country Club.

5

Mary Gibbons (31) won the Nine Hole Women’s Golf Association “Throw Out One Hole” event held May 12 on Palm Aire Country Club’s Lakes course.

ristan McWilliam had always taken the lead in his distance races, hoping he could hold on late.

That strategy didn’t work so well for The Out-of-Door Academy runner at the 2021 Florida High School Athletic Association State Track and Field meet. In the Class 1A 3,200 meters, he faded to 11th. In the 1,600 meters, he didn’t even qualify for the finals.

McWilliam wanted 2022 to be different, so he dedicated himself to training harder and changed to a strategy of staying near the front but letting someone else set the pace.

And when everything was on the line May 14 in the 1,600 meters at the 2022 state championships at James G. Pressly Stadium in Gainesville, it was McWilliam who passed the tiring runners.

The senior won the gold medal in the 1,600 in 4:17.97, out-kicking Cambridge Christian junior Baxton Legg by 0.48 seconds. The time is a personal best and an ODA record.

“That moment of crossing the finish line was pure relief,” McWilliam said. “I am kind of in shock. I was expecting to finish second or third because everyone had better PRs than me.”

McWilliam, who also finished third and set an ODA record in the 800-meter run (1:56.43), said he stayed near the front of the pack in the 1,600 before turning things up a level with two laps to go. Once there were 150 meters left, McWilliam said, he knew he had it won.

“I was basically kicking (sprinting) the entire previous lap,” McWilliam said. “I knew I was the only one who could sustain that (pace) in my group. I gave all I had to the very end, and it worked out.”

The knowledge that McWilliam’s opponents could not keep up with him stems from jockeying for position with the same names over the years, like Legg, Oak Hall’s Caden Montini and Indian Rocks Christian Mateo Luna.

McWilliam thanked his coaches for pressuring him to give 100% of himself to his senior season.

McWilliam, who will run at Embry-Riddle University next year, was given the starter gun’s bullet from his race as a souvenir. It’s a cool memento, but nothing beats the

Photos by Ryan Kohn

ODA senior Tristan McWilliam holds the bullet fired from the starting gun for his 1,600-meter run in the Class 1A championships. McWilliam won in 4:17.97.

Lakewood Ranch High senior Ariana Majano runs the second leg of the FHSAA Class 4A girls 4x800 relay for the Mustangs, who finished eighth (9:41.10).

feeling of gold around his neck.

On the girls side of the state meet, Lakewood Ranch High senior Grace Marston ended her high school run-

ning career with a silver medal in the Class 4A girls 3,200-meter run, finishing in 11:03.58.

Marston led for seven of the race’s eight laps but was overtaken by Coral Park High senior Penelope Sosa on the final lap. Sosa finished in 10:59.28. Marston said she did not expect to be in front of the pack for so much of the race, but the race’s initial slower pace gave her the opportunity to try to steal the race.

It almost worked.

“Being so close to first is tough,” Marston said. “I was fatiguing (on the last lap) from the other races I ran today, but I am proud of how I did.”

In addition to the 3,200-meter run, Marston competed in the 1,600-meter run, in which she finished third (5:01.48), and ran the anchor leg of the 4x800 relay, helping the Mustangs to an eighthplace finish (9:41.10). She said the relay probably hurt her in the chase for gold, but she would not have made the trade if it meant hurting her teammates.

“It was worth it to be with my team on the podium,” Marston said.

n ODA senior Tristan McWilliam won the Class 1A boys 1,600-meter run (4:17.97) and was third in the 800-meter run (1:56.43). n Lakewood Ranch High senior Grace Marston finished second in the Class 4A girls 3,200-meter run (11:03.58) and was third in the 1,600-meter run (5:01.48). n ODA junior Tyler Beck finished sixth in the Class 1A pole vault (13 feet, 3.5 inches). n The Lakewood Ranch girls 4x800 relay team of seniors Grace Marston, Hailey Marston, Ariana Majano and junior Tamlyn Leatt finished eighth (9:41.10) in Class 4A. n Lakewood Ranch senior Hailey Marston finished 12th (2;20.36) in the Class 4A girls 800-meter run. n Lakewood Ranch senior Sophie Palonen finished 19th in the Class 4A girls pole vault (8 feet, 10.25 inches)

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THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

PROSE AND KOHN

RYAN KOHN

Lakewood Ranch senior infielder Kelsey Vogel pumps her first after hitting a double against West Orange High on May 12. The Mustangs beat West Orange 13-3 to advance to the FHSAA Class 7A regional semifinals.

Photos by Ryan Kohn

their regional quarterfinal opponents (13-3 over West Orange High this year, 15-8 over Steinbrenner High last year).

Anyone want to tell me there isn’t something magical going on? The players sure believe they’re capable of something special.

“We have talked about our confidence a lot,” senior catcher Grace Hogie said. “Going into these last four (potential) games, we want to attack when we are at the plate.

Having a close game against Venice is good because it shows we can win a defensive game, and it also renews our offensive fire.”

Lakewood Ranch’s offense has been good all season, but over its last seven games it has looked as potent as last year’s team.

The Mustangs are averaging 10.43 runs per game in that span, and that is with the 1-0 win over Venice. In the 13-3 win over West Orange, the team scored six firstinning runs off West Orange senior Gabriella Lindsey, including a Hogie home run. Lakewood Ranch added three runs in the fourth inning and four runs in the fifth inning to runrule the Warriors.

The Lakewood Ranch softball team greets Grace Hogie (18) at the plate following her home run against West Orange High on May 12. Hogie said the team’s confidence on offense is sky high.

The road back Mustangs Head Coach T.J. Goelz has instructed his players to repeat last season’s work ethic.

I

t appears the 2022 Lakewood Ranch High softball team is following the 2021 team’s roadmap to the state championship.

The seasons are syncing up — and it’s no accident.

Before this year’s season began in February, Mustangs Head Coach T.J. Goelz heard a song on the road — he has no clue which one — that included lyrics about “running it back again.” He rolled the words around his brain.

It was catchy, he thought, but it was not all-encompassing enough for his liking. See, Goelz did not want his team to focus solely on repeating a state title. He wanted the Mustangs to repeat everything: how they practiced, when they rested, the level of competition, their mindset, and eventually, a state championship.

That is why he tweaked the saying, making it “R.E.B.A” or “Run Everything Back Again.” He put the acronym on bracelets, which the team has worn each game.

The mantra took hold, and through the year, the Mustangs have played exactly how Goelz wanted them to play, but even Goelz could never have predicted the level at which this year’s run mirrors last season’s.

For starters, the Mustangs entered the postseason with the same 23-2 record they had last postseason. They had easy wins in the district tournament semifinals (9-0 over Gulf Coast High this year, 9-1 over Hillsborough Riverview High last year) followed by tight wins in their respective district championship games (1-0 over Venice High this year, 2-0 over North Port High last year). In both district championship games, junior infielder Amanda Lee had the game-winning hit.

It doesn’t stop there. The Mustangs had the same set of potential regional opponents both years, albeit in a different order, and Lakewood Ranch followed those close district title wins by blowing out

The Mustangs’ lone shaky moment came in the top of the fourth when West Orange scored two runs off sophomore pitcher Ella Dodge after two Mustang errors.

Neither run was charged to Dodge, but she did walk in a run a few batters later to make the score 4-3. Dodge then got out of the jam and was back to her dominant self the next inning. With the Mustangs’ offense catching fire in the bottom of the fourth, the errors and walked-in run didn’t matter much.

Goelz said he was happy to see his young pitcher work out of a jam like that in a big game, but he would prefer for the Mustangs to avoid those situations entirely.

“Our message to them now is, ‘Play the full game,’” Goelz said. “‘Play it with focus.’ We’re probably going to have another close game at some point, right?

“I mean, I hope not, but there will probably be a game within one or two runs. You cannot drop your focus at all. Everybody is playing for their lives.

“I was looking at the other team’s (West Orange) seniors going through the line, and they were a little teary-eyed, so I told our girls, ‘You’re all going to feel like that at some point, but let’s not make it this year.’ I want our seniors to have a happy ending and to win their last game. But they have to finish all the way through it.”

The Mustangs were set to host Windermere High (20-6, ranked ninth by Class 7A by MaxPreps) in the regional semifinals May 17. If they get past the Wolverines, the Mustangs will play either Newsome High (23-3) or East Lake High (21-6) in the regional finals at 7 p.m. May 20.

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

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

Isaac Ashley is a junior wide receiver on the Lakewood Ranch High football team. Ashley caught three touchdowns in the team’s scrimmage May 13 and Head Coach Rashad West said Ashley has been impressive in spring practice. The Mustangs will play their spring game at 7 p.m. May 19 at home against Osceola High.

When did you start playing football?

I have been playing since I was 7 years old. I started out playing on the offensive line because I was a taller, bigger kid. Coming into high school, I was still tall but not as big anymore, and I could run, so I wanted to try wide receiver. It worked out.

What is the appeal to you?

I love that it is a contact sport, and I love that it creates a family. Having so many teammates that support each other is awesome.

What is your best skill?

My best skill is my ability to get yards after the catch. I am elusive and hard to bring down.

What have you been improving this offseason?

I have been working on my footwork and my route running. That’s important for wide receivers. I need to get better at getting off press coverage.

ceiving yards. As a team, we want to make a deep playoff run, and I think we will have the talent to do it.

What is your favorite food?

I love a Subway sandwich. I get a turkey sub with bacon and American cheese.

What is your favorite movie or TV show?

My favorite movie is “Superbad.” You can’t go wrong with that. My favorite show? I have been watching “Pretty Little Liars” with my girlfriend (Destiny Talbert), and it is pretty good.

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

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THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

17A

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

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MAY 19, 2022

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

COLOR Christian Sampson’s unique creations require a glass of a different color.

SPENCER FORDIN A+E EDITOR

R

oom by room and light by light, young Christian Sampson found inspiration from an early job at the Ringling Museum.

A Bradenton native and former student at Ringling College of Art and Design, Sampson was charged with walking through the museum early in the morning and making sure the light bulbs worked.

If they didn’t, he replaced them.

But all the while, his artist’s eye was working on identifying contrasts.

Two decades later, the acrylic, film and glass installation artist has a piece titled “Vita in Motu” enshrined in Ringling’s permanent collection.

Sampson, based in Los Angeles, can’t help but think back to his time alone in the Ringling Museum and how it forged his future.

“I had the whole place to myself,” says Sampson, who visited his installation at Sarasota Art Museum in April. “I was studying painting at the time. I was noticing how different temperatures of bulbs affected the paints. They made blues different colors. They made reds warmer or cooler. I think that kind of influenced my work today: How you see color, how you see light, how paintings made by candlelight were lit by halogen bulbs at the time.

“That was really influential in my SEE COLOR, PAGE 2B

Photos by Spencer Fordin

Christian Sampson’s experiments with color and light have resulted in his largest work to date, “Vita in Motu.”

ON THE CUTTING EDGE

Depending on the time of day you visit, you can get a totally different experience based on the rotation of the sun and the angle at which it hits.

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

Color

BREAKING THROUGH

FROM PAGE 1B

art making. I think it put me on the path to experimenting with light.”

Sampson, who has shown his work in Paris and all over New York, believes that growing up in Bradenton triggered his artistic appetites.

The Manatee High School graduate can recall coming to Sarasota to visit a magic shop on Tamiami Trail and spent a lot of time at Ringling Museum before he wound up working there.

The Sarasota Art Museum, which now houses his installation, was the site of rival Sarasota High when Sampson played high school baseball. This wasn’t just a great place to grow up, says Sampson, but also a geographic anomaly that compelled him to think about light and space as a youngster.

“This is the West Coast of Florida,” says Sampson. “Geographically, we’re on the East Coast, but we have the West Coast experience.

I live in L.A. now; when I went out to the West Coast, I was like, ‘This is very familiar.’ We have the sunset and the way the light plays off the water. There’s a history of artists from the West Coast experimenting with light and space, and I think I got that. Growing up here, we have those sunsets.

“I grew up on the water and was always on a boat. I first went to the Florida Keys when I was 5; going underwater and seeing color was like the most amazing thing ever.”

Now, for future generations of residents growing up in Sarasota and Bradenton, experiencing Sampson’s “Vita in Motu” installation will provide many of the same sensations. The installation, made of acrylics, glass and dichroic film, is on display on the third floor of the museum in the Jonathan McCague Arcade.

Depending on the time of day you visit, you can get a totally different experience based on the rotation of the sun and the angle at which it hits.

The exhibit has a feel like stained glass but is made of completely dif-

ferent materials. Sampson, who is married to painter Ariel Dill, uses cutting-edge dichroic glass formed in Germany as well as fused glass fabricated at Judson Studios, a venerable glass studio in Pasadena, California. Together, the elements form something novel.

“I sometimes think of it as film,” he says of his installation. “I use film gels; and the way things are projected, you could look at it as a small moving film with the projection. ‘Vita in Muto’ means life is in motion. It’s alluding to the way that it slowly moves, almost like projecting colors onto the sculptures and through the space. I studied film briefly, and when you think of it that way, I think it opens up a lot of interesting interpretation.”

You might be thinking that Sampson sketches things or paints the way he wants things to look before he visits an installation.

You’d be wrong.

He says that his style strongly favors chance; he wants to get into the space where his work will be displayed so he can gauge the way that light works there, but then he wants to figure it out as he goes.

When he visited Sarasota Art Museum and saw the space designated for “Vita in Motu,” it fired his imagination. He went home and began shaping pieces of the glass that he could move and adjust in different ways across the installation space.

Photos by Spencer Fordin

When Sampson visited the Sarasota Art Museum and saw the space designated for “Vita in Motu,” it fired his imagination.

Then the actual art happened in a way that guided his hand.

“The installation was over three days, so I could come at different points,” he says of interpreting the light. “And right away, there was a really strange moment. One of the forms came on the floor, and it was like the symbol for the museum. It was moving quickly; it was something where I was just helping to place but it knew what it was doing.”

Looking back on his career, Sampson singles out late former Ringling College professor Leslie Lerner as a massive influence on his life.

He says that though he doesn’t make art like Lerner did, he took cues from him in learning that the art world was a creative force to tap into as a guide for the rest of his life. Shortly after graduating from Ringling, Sampson moved to New York and started studying for a master’s in fine arts from Hunter College. He drove a box truck to keep his artistic dreams alive, and there were points where he worked for galleries and other artists.

It was a hustle, he says, to go from struggling artist to permanent collection.

“The thing about being an artist is you kind of have to work twice as hard,” he says. “You’ve got your studio practice, but you also have to make money for rent.

“I heard an artist say one time that artists are like pirates. They’re always looking for the next opportunity to create. When things happen big, they help each other. But there are times that are rough seas.”

The waves broke for Sampson in about 2010 or 2011, when he crossed paths with a kindred spirit.

Sampson says Pascal Rousseau, a France-based art historian and professor, helped break him into a bigger level by inviting him to show his work at the Centre Pompidou in Paris. All of a sudden, he had gone international.

“I was a struggling artist,” he says. “When he emailed me, I honestly thought it was spam. But it was an amazing experience to have someone recognize your work and email to say, ‘I’m curating this show. Would you like to be a part of it?’ And I was just like, ‘What?’”

A few years later, says Sampson, the same thing happened again.

But this time it was a meeting with Anne-Marie Russell, the former executive director of Sarasota Art Museum, that opened new doors. Russell had come out to visit his studio in New York because she had heard he was a Ringling student who was doing shows in Europe, and she came with an offer he couldn’t refuse.

Sampson would have a chance

to design a piece for his hometown museum’s opening.

Immediately, says Sampson, he was at home with Russell.

They understood each other.

They spoke the same artistic language, and they both couldn’t get their words out fast enough.

Soon, Sampson was visiting the space and figuring out exactly how the light would work.

“I tried to figure out how can I use the grid on the windows with the sun from the east,” he says.

“I started bringing little samples and playing with how the color would go through, how it would hit the objects. As soon as I had the samples in, I was so excited. I was seeing the reflections and the projections and all the stuff happening with the natural light. It all kind of melded into this thing that’s bigger than me. I’m just visiting it like I’m visiting an old friend.”

SELFIE MAGNET

Interestingly, over time the piece has drawn Sampson even closer to the community where he grew up. People don’t just visit “Vita in Motu” and keep it to themselves.

They take pictures and post them to social media.

It’s a phenomenon that has taken on a life of its own, says Sampson, and it enriches his life on a regular basis. The artist is now working on a large dichroic glass display for an elementary school in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, and “Vita in Motu” is in some respects a prototype for his work going forward. He can only hope that his future installations inspire the same response.

“When the community began interacting with it and posting pictures, that’s something an artist can’t predict,” he says. “I had friends from high school that have come. Art teachers from Ringling emailed me how much they enjoyed the piece. Friends from New York who I haven’t seen since I moved to L.A. have sent me pictures.

“That was always cool; people would come in, and I’d get a picture of them at a certain point of the day. Maybe it was a cloudy day.

It could be a sunny day. But I was always getting these texts or posts from people.”

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2B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

OPENING RECEPTION FOR ‘HERE COMES THE SUN’ EXHIBITION When: 5-8 p.m. June 9 Where: 901B Apricot Ave. Tickets: Free Info: CreativeLiberties.net

Spencer Fordin

Barbara Gerdeman and Elizabeth Goodwill are taking dramatic license to get their Creative Liberties off the ground.

A safe space for artists Barbara Gerdeman and Elizabeth Goodwill want nothing more than to create art and help other artists achieve their goals.

SPENCER FORDIN A+E EDITOR

T

hey share a desk and work space. They finish each other’s sentences.

And they’re determined to do the hard work of not just creating art but helping other artists.

Barbara Gerdeman and Elizabeth Goodwill have known each other for years thanks to their shared tenure as summer art camp teachers at Art Center Sarasota. But now they’ve gone into business together and are taking dramatic license to create something entirely new.

The business, Creative Liberties, is both a brick-and-mortar opera-

tion and an aspirational concept to be something bigger. The artists are renting studio space to other artists and providing all kinds of assistance away from the canvas.

“We have that freedom to mold it,” says Goodwill. “That’s something I don’t think I’ve ever really had as a job: full directorial freedom where I can give it a shot and make it happen. We can experiment in our artwork; now we can experiment in our lives.”

Goodwill, who works in mixed media, sculpture and fiber art, and Gerdeman are doing all of the little things to get their business off the ground. They began in a different location but soon found a new home in the Limelight District on Apricot Avenue in Sarasota.

That’s when things really took off.

There are seven other studio artists and six featured artists working in the Creative Liberties art space.

Gerdeman says the studio has a waiting list of artists requesting space, and Creative Liberties has already built a wide and expansive list of events. All of that has developed organically, Gerdeman says.

“The kind of thing we were

starting with was an opportunity for artists to put their art on our website,” says Gerdeman. “Do you need help photographing your art?

Do you need help preparing for an exhibition? Do you need help reaching out to galleries or help promoting yourself? Those were our original services and tools we were offering.”

They’re not just building a space for creating art — they’re also helping one another sell their pieces to the public.

Creative Liberties is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Wednesday through Saturday, and any artist on hand can help you purchase the work of any artist who sells worth there.

There are also dedicated exhibitions and marketplace events at the studio. Goodwill says that many of their connections were formed at Art Center Sarasota, and working there really gave her a push to go out on her own. But now, as the studio prepares for the summer months, the partners in art are struck by how much they still have left to do.

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like, ‘Ugh, it’s going to get slower.’

We were like, ‘That’s great, but we’re not stopping.’ We’re going to continue to still do events. We’re not going to do outdoor events because it’s too hot, but we’ll still be doing inside events and encouraging our community that is still here. And our community that is not here, that’s what the website is about. We’re going to push a lot on the website this summer.”

Gerdeman, a photographer, painter and mixed-media artist, operated a succesful private muralpainting business for 20 years prior to operating Creative Liberties.

Her daughter, Ashley Harter, runs the Creative Liberties social media pages, making it a family business.

But it still isn’t necessarily a big moneymaker. Goodwill and Gerdeman are splitting the operating costs and are sanguine about the operation’s future prospects.

Every day is an art therapy session, they say, but they’re betting that Creative Liberties can be even more.

“We’re definitely not profiting,” says Gerdeman. “It’s a labor of love at this point. The money we’re bringing in through vendor fees for events and wall rentals and things like that are stuff that is currently going back into the business.

“Paying for advertising, doing all those things, updates and things that we’ve done to the building.

Everything that’s happened here, all the materials, has been out of our pocket. It’s all an investment at this point.”

It’s not just an investment in their business; it’s also an investment in people and an entire community.

The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime is just a few doors down, and Creative Liberties has piggybacked on the bazaar’s hours to encourage more walk-in traffic.

Creative Liberties is also part of the Sarasota Studio Artists Association, a group of artists that open their space to the public once a month. The best thing about opening their business, says Gerdeman, is the synergy with artists and neighbors.

“Right around the time we were moving in here and creating the studios, we met the president of the board of directors of the Park East neighborhood,” says Gerdeman.

“We told them about what we were doing and what the plan was, and it

THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

was so exciting because it was right in line with what they want to see happen with the neighborhood.

“This neighborhood is predominantly a working-class neighborhood, and they’re working very hard to not push residents out but to bring this kind of element in.

It’s Rosemary without the gentrification. There’s no million-dollar condos or any of that stuff, but we’re bringing in exciting, healthy, family-friendly-type things into the neighborhood and preserving the homes for the people that live here.”

What’s growth look like for Creative Liberties?

Gerdeman and Goodwill say they don’t necessarily want to operate a bigger studio space; they want to reach more artists and continue being a bridge between creators and the consumer.

They want to expand their series of events, which includes artist exhibitions, markets and opportunities to come in and hang out with other creative people in a creative space.

Goodwill says that she and Gerdeman needed help from their partners to physically construct some of the art spaces in the studio, and so far it’s been a total team endeavor.

“The funny thing is that we both decided that this was going to be the year where we found our worklife balance and our art again. Then we were like, ‘Oh yeah, let’s take on a brick-and-mortar business,’” she jokes. “As much as I was wanting to focus on me and my art for this year, it’s also me focusing on my mental health. And this is helping me mentally and physically. I’m moving around more than I did before. I do not have a sit-down job anymore.”

At this point, Gerdeman and Goodwill are just thrilled to be operating their business.

Gerdeman says she’s been touched by the influx of customers who come into the studio and mention how upbeat and positive the space feels.

She couldn’t have asked for a better tribute, and she wants artists to know that she wants to help them no matter their background.

“Inclusivity is a big buzzword to us,” she says. “It’s really important to us that anybody who walks in the door, whether they’re an artist or a customer, that they feel welcome, and that they will find support here.

“We have artists who have displayed their work here who have never publicly shown their art before. We welcome artists of all ages, races, creeds and points of career, whether they’re just starting or they’ve been making art for 60 years.”

3B

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

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4B

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

THIS WEEK THURSDAY

This beloved children’s classic has been adapted into a play performed in more than 200 theaters. Settle in as the Venice Theatre tells the story of a friendship that bridges the boundaries of the animal kingdom.

Runs through May 29.

NORTH COUNTY K-12 SPRING ART SHOW 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail Free Visit ArtSarasota.org

HERMITAGE POET’S CORNER — DAMARIS B. HILL AND KIRYA TRABER 5 p.m. at Bookstore 1, 117 S. Pineapple Ave. $5. Registration required Visit HermitageArtistRetreat.org

Celebrate the skill of local student artists from 17 elementary, seven middle and six high schools throughout Sarasota County whose art will be on display at Art Center Sarasota through May 21. Prizes include a full year of tuition from State College of Florida and a pair of $10,000 scholarships from Ringling College of Art and Design.

Listen in as two masters of the written word discuss their distinctive turns of phrase. DaMaris B. Hill, an associate professor of creative writing at the University of Kentucky, will share selections from “Breath Better Spent: Living Black Girlhood,” and playwright/poet Kirya Traber will tease her forthcoming novel and share works from her illustrious past. Traber’s debut novel will be published in 2023 by Dutton Children’s Books.

FRIDAY SARASOTA SHRIMP & MUSIC FESTIVAL 4-10 p.m. at JD Hamel Park, 199 Bayfront Drive Free Visit ParagonFestivals.com.

Sure, you’ve been to music festivals and food festivals, but have you ever been to a shrimp and music festival?

The eighth-annual Sarasota Shrimp & Music Festival aims to give you all you can handle in smooth sounds and edible crustaceans, and festival attendees will have an opportunity to browse an arts-and-crafts marketplace in between bands. The festival will also run from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

‘THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS’ 7:30 p.m. at Jervey Theatre, 140 W. Tampa Ave. $12-$20 Visit VeniceTheatre.org.

SATURDAY

WHOLE BAND QUATRO 8 p.m. at Fogartyville, 525 Kumquat Court $15 members, $18 non-members Visit WSLR.org/Fogartyville It might not be the Whole Band, but it’s the business end of it. The Whole Band Quatro, a four-part and slightly scaled-down version of the Whole Band, will showcase the collective’s original music. Singers Callie Chappell and Kevin Thompson will handle the vocals, supported by pedal steel player Dave Pearce and bassist J.P. Coley.

THE INVENTION OF SEEDS — ANNALISA DIAS 10:30 a.m. at Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road Free members, $5 non-members Visit Ringling.org

DON’T MISS

Annalisa Dias, artist-in-residence, will bring you an informal reading of her new work, “The Invention of Seeds,” which traces a story from seeds, pollinators, soils and the scientists who study them. What separates humans from the foods we eat? Dias will attempt to answer that philosophical question on Saturday morning.

NOCHEUNIDOS You’ve got your orchestra over here and your mariachi band over there.

Now smash them together.

UnidosNow is inviting the community to celebrate the organization’s 10th anniversary of advocating for a better future for the Latino population of Sarasota and Manatee counties.

The 72-piece Venice Symphony and Mariachi Cobre will take center stage, blending the sounds and traditions of two art forms that have stood the test of time and culture.

The Friday night event will be held at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, but there will also be a Saturday afternoon encore performance at the Venice Performing Arts Center.

‘ALICE IN WONDERLAND’ 1 and 5:30 p.m. at Riverview High School, 1 Ram Way $20-$30; $10 children’s tickets Visit SarasotaBallet.org

IN STUDIO PERFORMANCE FEATURING SEA LEE 7 p.m. at Sarasota Contemporary Dance, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts $20 Visit SarasotaContemporaryDance. org

Student dancers from the Sarasota Ballet School and Dance – The Next Generation will bring you the classic story of “Alice in Wonderland” told through the prism of dance in two performances at Riverview High School.

Sea Lee will wow you with her technical skill and inventive choreography. Lee, who earned a master’s in fine arts and a fellowship from Hollins University/American Dance Festival, has been on the faculty at University of Tampa and St. Petersburg College. Lee’s performance is entitled “The Apple Show.”

SUNDAY HD AT THE OPERA HOUSE — RIGOLETTO 1:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. $22 Visit SarasotaOpera.org Opera season is over in Sarasota, but you can still scratch your itch at the Opera House. The Royal

IF YOU GO When: 7:30 p.m. May 20; 2:30 p.m. May 21 Where: Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail and Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Venice Tickets: $30-$120 Info: UnidosNow.org/Nocheunidos

Opera House in London will present the three-act Verdi masterpiece “Rigoletto,” and you can take it all in without flying across the Atlantic.

“Rigoletto” is just the first act of the Sarasota Opera’s HD at the Opera House series, which runs through August.

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‘2 HOT 2 TANGO’ It’s red-hot intimate dance with the delicate intonations of a piano and bandoneón duo.

Ben Bogart and Winnie Cheung will provide a soundtrack of the most familiar tunes from the history of Argentina’s tango composers, and World Tango Champion Fernanda Ghi and her partner Silvio Grand will move cheek to cheek.

Ghi, founder of an eponymously named dance company, was nominated for a Tony Award for her work in the 1998 production of “Forever Tango” and has been one of the world’s foremost ambassadors of the dance for more than 20 years.

2 Hot 2 Tango will perform for one night only at the Historic Asolo Theater.

YO U A R E I N V I T E D !

Join Philip Meinhardt, M.D., our board-certified spine surgeon, as he offers his expertise and answers your questions about the latest innovations and minimal invasive procedures to eliminate your discomfort.

IF YOU GO When: 3 p.m. May 22 Where: Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road Tickets: $25-$45 Visit: ArtistSeriesConcerts.org

Wednesday, June 1, 2022 KALLE TOIVIO 6 p.m. at St. Boniface Church, 5616 Midnight Pass Road $20, $10 college students, free 18 and under Visit BonifaceChurch.org

pianist John O’Leary and drummer Mark Feinman, has performed at international festivals in Spain and Italy, and they’ll bring their chemistry and skill to the John C. Court Cabaret for one night.

Kalle Toivio will bring his worldclass skill on the organ to bear in a performance at St. Boniface Church. Toivio, director of music at the Church of Notre Dame NYC, has earned many distinctions for his exemplary playing, including first prize at the American Guild of Organists National Competition in Organ Improvisation in 2018.

WEDNESDAY

MONDAY LA LUCHA TRIO MONDAY NIGHT JAZZ CABARET 7:30 p.m. at FST’s John C. Court Cabaret, 1265 First St. $35-$39 Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.

OPENING RECEPTION: DRITA DAWN 5-8 p.m. at Creative Liberties, 901-B Apricot Ave. Free Visit CreativeLiberties.net Creative Liberties bills itself as a group of artists in the business of helping other artists, and they’ll give features artist Drita Dawn a helping hand at a reception on Wednesday.

Dawn, an abstract artist, will exhibit some of her works at the Creative Liberties studio and be on hand to the meet the public and answer questions about her process.

4:30 pm

Please register to attend: events@sforzodillingham.com or 941.378.5100 ext. 214

Philip A. Meinhardt, M.D. is a board certified orthopedic surgeon and fellowship trained spine surgeon. He specializes in adult spinal surgeries including reconstruction of spinal deformities, minimally invasive/microscopic spinal procedures, decompression, spinal instrumentation, fusion procedures and microscopic cervical disc replacements.

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La Lucha has taken their skill to Europe and back. The trio, which consists of bassist Alejandro Arenas,

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THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

2022 Annual Gala Month 1, 2018

Saturday, April 30, at The Ritz-Carlton | Benefiting Sarasota Asolo Repertory Theatre

Date of Completion

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T

he Asolo Repertory Theatre made merry during its yearly celebration at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota on April 30.

The 2022 Annual Gala transformed the Ritz ballroom into a homage to Sherwood Forest, the setting of Robin Hood’s adventures. Guests arrived dressed as fantasy figures, the Merry Men, Robin Hood himself and more. The event benefited the theater’s 2021-22 season.

Guests mingled before heading into the ballroom to hear from Asolo Rep staff and representatives and enjoy dinner. The night ended with music and dancing.

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PARADE May 22, 2022 Calling all local businesses, non-profits & clubs: we want YOU to be in the parade!

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MAY 19, 2022

YOUR NEIGHBORS

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Bradenton’s Sheila Moncado and Brianna Cripe hold Humpback and Beluga.

BARKS PRODUCE SPARKS R

ob Oglesby, development director at Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue, was quick to describe why the Barks & Brews event May 10 at The Green at UTC was so successful.

“We have a huge dog-loving community,” Oglesby said.

Proceeds from the event, which featured adoptable dogs, craft brews and live music, benefited Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue of Lakewood Ranch.

One of the attendees was Monica Donahue, who adopted her dog Sadie from Nate’s.

“She’s been the most-docile dog, great with kids, and she gets along with every other dog she meets,” Donahue said, adding that she wanted to support the event and the rescue.

Sarasota resident Rae Lynn filled out an adoption application at the event. She said she has been looking to adopt a pet for the past two years and was holding a hound mix named CJ in her arms when the dog fell asleep.

“It was love at first sight,” she said.

River Club resident Nicole Hackel and her labradoodle, Bentley, enjoy The Green.

Left: Conyer Walker sets the ambiance with live acoustic guitar music.

Above: The event drew a large turnout of humans and dogs.

— IAN SWABY

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Left: Luna Banana Lovegood and Lily Bean Potter belong to Jessica Meigs of Sarasota. She features the dogs on social media pages, dubbing them the “Florida Corgis.”

Above: Palm Aire resident Shannon Lowe adopted her long-haired Chihuahua, Wren, from Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue.

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

SUNDAY, MAY 22

TRIBUTE TO HEROES PARADE Begins at 6 p.m. at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch. The annual parade attracts thousands of spectators to honor veterans and heroes. Pre-parade block party begins at 6 p.m., and the parade begins at 7 p.m. Floats, vehicles and groups participate to honor veterans. All event proceeds benefit veterans groups and organizations. A decorated bike contest will be judged between 6:15 and 6:30 p.m. The Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble will play before the parade begins. Prizes will be awarded for Best Float, Most Patriotic Bike, Most Original Bike and Cutest Bike. For more information or to participate, send an email to info@lwrca.org.

Veterans are encouraged to participate in the parade procession.

free for spectators, is a precursor to the International Dragon Boat Federation 13th Club Crew World Championships, to be held at Benderson Park July 18-24. For more information visit GWNDragonboat.com.

SUNDAY, MAY 22

JAZZ PERFORMANCE Begins at 11 a.m. at Living Lord Lutheran Church, 11107 Palmbrush Trail, Lakewood Ranch. The Orion Trio, featuring Tom Pizzi on piano, Rich MacDonald on drums and Cameron Kayne on bass, plays during a service at Living Lord Lutheran Church. The public is welcome to the free event.

FARMERS MARKET Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Lakefront Drive in Waterside Place at Lakewood Ranch. The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch will run yearround 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 MyLWR.com.

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RANCH NIGHT WEDNESDAYS Runs from 6-9 p.m. at 1561 Lakefront Drive, Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch. Ranch Night Wednesdays is a free event that includes food trucks, live music, a market, an outdoor bar and a cornhole league.

It runs every week through May. For more information, go to MyLWR. com.

COMMUNITY SATURDAY, MAY 21

DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL Begins at 8 a.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. The Sarasota International Dragon Boat Festival offers racing for established and entry-level teams looking to gain competitive experience. Sport Division teams will compete in races of 200 meters, 500 meters and 2 kilometers, while Community Division teams will race 3x500 meters. The event, which is

FRIDAY, MAY 27 THROUGH SUNDAY, MAY 29

NCAA ROWING CHAMPIONSHIPS Begins at 8 a.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. The NCAA Division I, II and III Rowing Championships will bring the best women’s collegiate rowers in the country to Nathan Benderson Park. The field for the championships has not yet been determined. Tickets can be purchased at ChampionshipRowing. com or by calling 870-7444; prices vary depending on age and package.

For more information, visit NCAA. com or NathanBendersonPark.org.

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THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

9B

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

BRADENTON 5708 Inspiration Terrace 4 Beds 5/1 Baths 6,326 Sq. Ft. Fran DeDona & Pam Goodwin 941-812-5023 A4528037 $4,995,000

BIRD KEY 628 N Owl Drive 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,534 Sq. Ft. Kathy Valente & Gregory Zies, LLC 941-685-6767 A4526783 $2,495,000

TERRA CEIA 109 Michiana Drive 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,818 Sq. Ft. Debbie Vogler 941-705-3328 A4527498 $1,999,000

SARASOTA 8188 Grande Shores Drive 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,797 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4532966 $1,795,000

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

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7410 Mizner Reserve Court 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,648 Sq. Ft. Tina Ciaccio 941-685-8420 A4534317 $1,590,000

BRADENTON 115 65th Street Court Nw 5 Beds 3 Baths 2,968 Sq. Ft. Patty Brooks 941-545-1194 A4534150 $1,500,000

SARASOTA 8149 Grande Shores Drive 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 3,214 Sq. Ft. Drew Russell 941-993-3739 A4529184 $1,445,000

PARRISH 16003 39th Glen E 4 Beds 3 Baths 3,225 Sq. Ft. Laura Navratil & Mary Pat Pihl 941-806-7436 A4532572 $1,295,000

SARASOTA 4523 Chase Oaks Drive 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,172 Sq. Ft. Anja Deichmann 941-284-7987 A4533395 $775,000

BRADENTON 5223 Title Row Drive 4 Beds 3 Baths 3,244 Sq. Ft. Adam Cuffaro 941-812-0791 A4533342 $769,000

SARASOTA 1752 Sugarberry Trail 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,314 Sq. Ft. Drew Russell 941-993-3739 A4532704 $760,000

SARASOTA 125 Shady Parkway 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,179 Sq. Ft. Stuart Lawrence & Laura Lawrence 941-894-4001 A4534164 $699,900

BRADENTON 3701 54th Drive W 101 3 Beds 3 Baths 1,439 Sq. Ft. Adam Cuffaro 941-812-0791 A4534190 $699,000

SARASOTA 2275 Arlington Street 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,452 Sq. Ft. Denise Gagne 941-400-6358 A4532616 $679,000

BRADENTON 2525 Avolet Court 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,926 Sq. Ft. Carroll Couri 813-727-1630 A4532679 $599,999

PARRISH 9716 46th Court E 4 Beds 2 Baths 2,386 Sq. Ft. Diane Fogo Harter 941-445-2431 A4534352 $525,000

BRADENTON 14954 Flowing Gold Drive 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,672 Sq. Ft. Jamie Van Vliet & Christopher Van Vliet 941-993-8996 A4531744 $479,900

BRADENTON 1320 62nd Street NW 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,815 Sq. Ft. Jody Shinn 941-705-5704 A4534340 $475,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7187 Boca Grove Place 203 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,431 Sq. Ft. Douglas Parks 941-400-9087 A4534349 $380,000

BRADENTON 7019 River Hammock Drive 404 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,121 Sq. Ft. Ray Rausa 941-228-7614 A4532726 $369,000

SARASOTA 5360 Hyland Hills Avenue 2622 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,433 Sq. Ft. Kathleen Griffin 941-302-3979 A4527790 $340,000

SARASOTA 5350 Hyland Hills Avenue 2513 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,324 Sq. Ft. Anja Deichmann 941-284-7987 A4530313 $311,000

SARASOTA 189 Oak Hill Drive 5 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,024 Sq. Ft. Christopher Van Vliet & Jamie Van Vliet, PA 941-993-7087 A4532208 $299,000

SARASOTA 5405 San Juan Drive Beth Ann Boyer 941-780-6606 A4509104 $285,000

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

BRADENTON 20706 79th Avenue E 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 5,077 Sq. Ft. Chris Baylis 941-735-4713 A4531620 $3,650,000

ANNA MARIA 421 Alamanda Road 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 2,116 Sq. Ft. Kathy Harman 941-900-9828 A4534408 $3,495,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in Lake Club topped all transactions in this week’s real estate. Robert and Beth Ryan, of Sarasota, sold their home at 16216 Clearlake Ave. to Rod and Ashley Stuckey, of Fayetteville, Georgia, for $3.1 million. Built in 2012, it has four bedrooms, fourand-a-half baths, a pool and 4,879 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.6 million in 2020.

POMELLO PARK

Chad and Shari Boschele, of Myakka City, sold their home at 23206 67th Ave. E. to Juan Agustin Garcia Argibay and Silvana Perego, of Bradenton, for $2.9 million.

Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, three-and-two-half baths, a pool and 5,174 square feet of living area.

It sold for $775,000 in 2018.

COUNTRY CLUB

Michael and Joanne Duggan, of Bradenton, sold their home at 15705 Castle Park Terrace to Barry and Harriett Haynes, of Bethesda, Maryland, for $1.54 million. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,421 square feet of living area. It sold for $685,000 in 2019.

Heidi Goff sold her home at 14622 Newtonmore Lane to Partners in Practice Management LLC for $1.11 million. Built in 2011, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,153 square feet of living area.

Richard Thomas George Nelson and Grace Emma Mary Morrow, of County Down, United Kingdom, sold their home at 14335 Stirling Drive to Joseph and Tracy Ann Rabbitt, of Concord, Massachusetts, for $800,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, twoand-a-half baths, a pool and 2,176 square feet of living area.

UNIVERSITY PARK

David Kane and Susan Cameron, of Durham, North Carolina, sold their home at 6324 Thorndon Circle to Steve and Linda Heitzner, of Bethesda, Maryland, for $1,338,000. Built in 1995, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 3,130 square feet of living area.

It sold for $715,000 in 2015.

LAKEWOOD NATIONAL

Scott Butler, trustee, of Cape Coral, sold the home at 8127 Lone Tree Glen to Adam and Trina Gunn, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1.6 million.

Built in 2001, it has two bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,932 square feet of living area. It sold for $837,300 in 2018.

Gary Don McKee and Connie Deniel McKee sold their home at 16717 Bwana Place to Heather Upchurch, of Bradenton, for $800,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,248 square feet of living area. It sold for $760,000 in 2021.

Mark and Heidi Rosasco, of Port St. Joe, sold their home at 13712 Red Rock Place to Michael Alexander Abraham, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1.4 million. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,444 square feet of living area.

It sold for $855,000 in 2004.

Julie Baker, of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, sold her home at 7011 Pine Valley St. to David Jonassen and Laura Sferra, of Patterson, New York, for $1,165,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 3,170 square feet of living area. It sold for $575,000 in 2008.

Gregory Kelliher, of Trinity, sold the home at 5545 Mulligan Way to Richard and Paula Ramos, of St. Louis, for $1,315,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,117 square feet of living area. It sold for $685,000 in 2020.

GREENBROOK

Arthur and Maryellen Paterson, trustees, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the home at 6824 Bay Hill Drive to Badreddine and Nabila Bencherif, of Sarasota, for $770,000. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,817 square feet of living area. It sold for $290,000 in 2019.

Young Son and Tarah Nguyen, of Bradenton, sold their home at 6308 Tanager Cove to Lance Parton and Patricia Galvin-Parton, of Setauket, New York, for $970,000.

Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,104 square feet of living area. It sold for $368,400 in 2019.

LAKE CLUB

Richard Jackson and Angela Brindisi Jackson sold their home at 16223 Daysailor Trail to Dilip Mathew and Cynthia Adams, of Lakewood Ranch, for $2.2 million. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,950 square feet of living area.

It sold for $1,082,000 in 2021.

Donald and Virginia Buehner, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 16202 Baycross Drive to Chris and Jeanne Bolen, of Lakewood Ranch, for $2.05 million. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, three

Courtesy photo

This Lake Club home at 16216 Clearlake Ave. sold for $3.1 million. It has four bedrooms, four-anda-half baths, a pool and 4,879 square feet of living area.

Blue Marlin Drive to Michael and Jessica Rhine, of Bradenton, for $970,000. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,520 square feet of living area. It sold for $535,000 in 2020.

MALLORY PARK

Jacob and Melissa Anderson sold their home at 12126 Cranston Way to Jonathan and Laura Jelinek, of Bradenton, for $960,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, a pool and 3,032 square feet of living area. It sold for $495,100 in 2021.

James and Brittney Renneberg, of Bradenton, sold their home at 11806 Mallory Park Ave. to Christina and Gareth Stevenson, of Bradenton, for $820,000. Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,630

square feet of living area. It sold for $482,200 in 2018.

Emilio Raul Ordenana Del Rio and Anni Beatriz Ordenana, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 11805 Hancock Drive to Michael and Melanie Humlicek, of Bradenton, for $810,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 3,570 square feet of living area. It sold for $481,000 in 2021.

PRESERVE AT PANTHER RIDGE

David Carmine Buck Jr. and Devon Buck sold their home at 22305 Deer Pointe Crossing to BATP Properties LLC for $910,000. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a SEE REAL ESTATE, PAGE 13B

In with the new

RIVER CLUB SOUTH

Barry and Winsome Wells, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 7340 Riviera Cove to Thomas Runfola and Mary Jo Runfola, trustees, of Lakewood Ranch, for $775,000.

Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,400 square feet of living area.

Carl and Elaine Ketterman, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 7057 Woodmore Terrace to Behnaz Mali, of Lakewood Ranch, for $560,000. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,727 square feet of living area. It sold for $305,000 in 2015.

MAY 2-6

COUNTRY CLUB EAST

Craig Wolpert, of Lakewood Ranch, sold his home at 7051 Portmarnock Place to James and Margaret Pontious, of Lakewood Ranch, for $2.6 million. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, five-and-two-half baths, a pool and 5,993 square feet of living area. It sold for $2,075,000 in 2021.

Joseph Scheibelhoffer and Diane Blanche, of Ellenton, sold their home at 7111 Presidio Glen to Christopher and Sheila Serra, of Lakewood Ranch, for $725,000. Built in 2005, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,787 square feet of living area. It sold for $325,000 in 2018.

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

baths, a pool and 3,623 square feet of living area.

NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Longboat Key

Marilyn Kiracofe sold her home at 6609 Turnstone Lane to Refaat Hegazi and Rasha Salem, of Dublin, Ohio, for $1,025,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,929 square feet of living area. It sold for $589,000 in 2013.

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

Downtown St. Petersburg

Michael Dumer and Tammy Lynn Dumer, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 6202 Warbler Lane to Melissa Killion, of Lakewood Ranch, for $650,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,363 square feet of living area. It sold for $382,000 in 2004.

400 Central | 727.209.7848 | From the $1MM’s | Call for appointment. | Residences400central.com 2 UNITS LEFT

Leigh Morris Behrman and Jane Ellen Behrman, of Crosslake, Minnesota, sold their home at 14216 Gnatcatcher Terrace to Marsha Coulier, trustee of Wyoming, Michigan, for $500,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,275 square feet of living area. It sold for $425,000 in January.

Downtown Sarasota

The Collection | 941.232.2868 | From the $2MM’s | Call for appointment. | thecollection1335.com

BRIDGEWATER

Joseph and Jo Ann Melino, of Bradenton, sold their home at 13015 Belknap Place to Lon Cornell and Deborah Ledford, of Bradenton, for $989,000. Built in 2015, it has six bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,893 square feet of living area. It sold for $560,000 in 2020.

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

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

RIVERDALE REVISED

George and Sharon Gianacakos, of Bradenton, sold their home at 4504

373586-1

ADAM HUGHES

THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

REAL ESTATE

Lake Club home tops sales at $3.1 million

|

MichaelSaunders.com/New-Homes | 844.591.4333 | Sarasota, Florida Prices as of February 2022.

Licensed Real Estate Broker

11B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

Students create WOW effect L

akewood Ranch’s Kali Hill smiled as she showed her family the fairy garden she created during a session at World of Wonder (WOW) Academy.

The family went on to look at the six other art projects Hill, who is 4, worked on during World of Wonder Academy’s art show April 25, culminating the eight weeks the students spent together in class.

“It was so cute,” said Jessica Hill, Kali’s mother. “I love how they themed (the art projects) with a book.”

Each week, the class reads a book with a theme, such as kindness to the Earth, teamwork, first responders and Valentine’s Day. After reading the book, they work on an art project related to the theme. For example, they made their own hearts for Valentine’s Day and painted a flower pot together to show teamwork.

East County’s Shannon Keever said it was fun seeing the projects her daughter, Hope Fisher, created.

“We just love WOW school,” Keever said. “It was a great experience, and Hope was so proud to show us her artwork.”

After viewing their works of art, the students gathered for one last activity: making mud pies.

Under Contract 12334 THORNHILL COURT | LAKEWOOD RANCH COUNTRY CLUB $843,000 | 3 BR, 2 BA, 2,598 SF

Jeremy Gilkey added grass and leaves to mud to make the perfect recipe for a mud pie.

— LIZ RAMOS Mote Ranch’s Liam Bryne, a World of Wonder Academy student, paints a police station with mud.

Under Contract 6603 OAKLAND HILLS DRIVE | LAKEWOOD RANCH COUNTRY CLUB $725,000 | 3 BR, 2 BA, 2,137 SF Photos by Liz Ramos

Above: Lakewood Ranch’s Beverly, Jessica and Jim Hill listen to Kali Hill, a World of Wonder Academy student, explain the fairy garden she created.

Left: Kristina Claxton jumps out of the mud bin and onto a piece of cardboard to make art. “I’m painting with mud,” she said.

“Gloria is professional, knows her product. Wonderful to have in one’s company. We are extremely satisfied with the diligence she showed in finding the right home for us. Would recommend Gloria to anyone.” – Phillip H.

Providing concierge service and extensive knowledge of the Suncoast

Call me today for a complimentary consultation.

Gloria Bracciano Global Real Estate Advisor 941.229.4000 Gloria.Bracciano@PremierSIR.com

PremierSothebysRealty.com Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission.

Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. Property information herein is derived from various sources including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate and neither suggests nor infers that Sotheby’s International Realty participated as either the listing or cooperating agent or broker in the sale or purchase of the properties depicted.

381626-1

12B

YourObserver.com

FROM PAGE 11B

pool and 2,913 square feet of living area. It sold for $530,000 in 2017.

COUNTRY MEADOWS

George and Kelly Said, of Bradenton, sold their home at 14711 Second Ave. Circle N.E. to Roy Jones III and Stacey Lynn Jones, of Falls Church, Virginia, for $887,000. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,027 square feet of living area. It sold for $455,000 in 2019.

EDGEWATER

Jesse McIntyre, of Dubuque, Iowa, sold his home at 8029 Waterview Blvd. to Robert Lee Deyoung and Kazuyo Fukuchi, of Lakewood Ranch, for $860,000. Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,699 square feet of living area. It sold for $335,000 in 2001.

PALM AIRE AT SARASOTA

Helga Lopatin, of Jeffersonton, Virginia, sold her home at 5670 Country Lakes Drive to Gerardo and Alicia Arce, of Cedar Park, Texas, for $855,000. Built in 1989, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,961 square feet of living area. It sold for $274,000 in 2000.

SOLERA

Kenneth Todd Haner sold his home at 17032 Harvest Moon Way to Robert Talbot, of Lakewood Ranch, for $820,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,828 square feet of living area.

It sold for $489,200 in 2021.

GREYHAWK LANDING

Andrew and Kristine Bryan, of Bradenton, sold their home at 125 Peony Court to Kenneth and Jenna Holden, of Bradenton, for $800,000. Built in 2010, it has five bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,330 square feet of living area. It sold for $280,000 in 2014.

Ernest and Jessica Gilbert, of Bradenton, sold their home at 12311 Lavender Loop to John Ahlin and Carmela Coscia, of Bradenton, for $675,000. Built in 2006, it has four

|

THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

13B

Comprehensive OB/GYN Services Provided By Caring Staff

bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,194 square feet of living area. It sold for $335,000 in 2015.

MILL CREEK

Charles and Christina Cook, of Bradenton, sold their home at 1715 145th St. E. to Henry Thomas Verhovsek II and Danette Verhovsek, of Huntingtown, Maryland, for $775,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,466 square feet of living area.

Joel Hallam, DO, FACOOG Obstetrics and Gynecology

Raymond Felske, of Myakka City, sold his home at 13701 Third Ave. E. to Stephen Forristall and Mary Forristall, trustees, of Bradenton, for $655,000. Built in 1991, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,159 square feet of living area.

Kelly and Michael Petrosino, of Sweetwater, Tennessee, sold their home at 203 Mill Run E. to Loren Plusser and Stephanie Christine Plusser and James and Sandy Stogner, of Sun City Center, for $625,000. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,224 square feet of living area. It sold for $370,000 in 2019.

ROSEDALE

Linda and Paul Sabel, of Plymouth, Massachusetts, sold their home at 8724 51st Terrace E. to Sohail Muzaffar Hasan and Pamela Anne Knox, of Bradenton, for $750,000.

Built in 1997, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,835 square feet of living area. It sold for $575,000 in 2021.

HERITAGE HARBOUR

Angie Scarpa, CNM, ARNP Certified Nurse Midwife/ Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner

Our team focuses on family planning, low to high-risk obstetrical care, routine gynecological care, fertility counseling and menopause.

Dr. Hallam and Dr. Martin specialize in minimally invasive advanced laparoscopic and da Vinci® robotic surgical techniques.

Angie Scarpa, CNM, ARNP, provides individualized care through all stages in women’s lives, including pregnancy, labor, delivery, and beyond.

The team delivers babies at the newly designed Women’s Center at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. The $3 million Women’s Center gives expecting mothers access to fully integrated labor, delivery, and postpartum rooms. We strive to provide exceptional quality of care to the women within our community.

To schedule your appointment, call 941-348-1144.

Rodney Kellam, of Bradenton, sold his home at 8313 Heritage Grand Place to David and Deanna Wippert, of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, for $715,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,543 square feet of living area. It sold for $535,000 in 2017.

ONLINE See more transactions at YourObserver.com

Terrell W. Martin, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology

Or book an appointment online at lakewoodranchmedicalgroup.com/appt

6310 Health Park Way, Suite 200 | Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 Physicians are on the medical staff of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website. 22681583-913903 5/22

374569-1

Real estate

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

BRING YOUR BUSINESS

lakeside

To Sarasota’s Only Lakefront Town Center Dynamic, Open-Air Lakefront Destination Open 7 Days/Week

•

Easy Access to I-75

•

Vibrant Street Life

•

Water-Taxi from Residential Neighborhoods (Coming 2022)

•

8-Acre Waterfront Park + Entertainment Venue

•

Onsite Events by Award-Winning Lifestyle Director/Program

•

Year-Round Sunday Farmers’ Market

•

22,000 Households, 56,000 Residents + Counting

•

Median Household Income of $124,000

•

133,520 Residents in the 10-Mile Radius Trade Area

•

120,000 Sq. Ft. of Mixed-Use Retail, Office + Entertainment

•

In-line + Free-Standing Commercial Spaces

•

Primarily Street-Oriented Siting

Plans, specifications, community amenities, standard features, availability and prices are subject to change without notice. The information, illustrations, maps and depictions based on the current proposed development concepts. Actual development may vary from what is depicted. © Lakewood Ranch 2022

381624-1

E x p l o r e Ava i l a b l e L e a s i n g O p p o r t u n i t i e s : Wat e r s i d e P l a c e . c o m / r e ta i l- l e a s i n g

•

14B

WEATHER

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST

SUNRISE / SUNSET

THURSDAY, MAY 19

Sunrise Sunset

High: 87 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 7%

FRIDAY, MAY 20 High: 86 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 63%

Thursday, May 19

6:39a

8:13p

Friday, May 20

6:39a

8:14p

Saturday, May 21

6:38a

8:14p

Sunday, May 22

6:38a

8:15p

Monday, May 23

6:37a

8:16p

Tuesday, May 24

6:37a

8:16p

Wednesday, May 25

6:37a

8:17p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, MAY 21 High: 87 Low: 73 Chance of rain: 41%

June 14 Full

June 20 Last

June 28 New

July 6 First

RAINFALL

SUNDAY, MAY 22 High: 86 Low: 73 Chance of rain: 34% Gordon Silver captured this bald eagle sounding off along White Eagle Boulevard in Lakewood Ranch.

Monday, May 9

0

Tuesday, May 10

0

Wednesday, May 11

0

Thursday, May 12

0

Friday, May 13

0

Saturday, May 14

0

Sunday, May 15

0

*Rainfall totals from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

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

YEAR TO DATE: 2022 6.82 in.

2021 8.89 in.

MONTH TO DATE: 2022 1.19 in.

2021 0.07 in.

MANASOTA FLOORING INC 941.493.7441 | www.manasotaonline.com

crossword

382261-1

941.748.4679 | Venice

celebrity cipher

BREAKING BREAD by David P. Williams. Edited by David Steinberg 110 Black-and-white cookies 111 Large group of troops (... first five) 113 Eurasian mountains 114 Sun Devils’ Arizona city 115 Ice skating jump 116 “The Taste of Country Cooking” chef Lewis 117 Dole (out) 118 Changes the color of 119 Neat 120 Like some fakes or lakes

46 Buddy 49 Narrow valley 50 Mathematician Terence 52 Shapeless shape 53 Like lightly cooked steak 54 Parroted 55 Long vehicle, for short 56 Unnamed writer (Abbr.)

57 Verbal nudge 59 Astronauts feel them 61 Comedian’s gimmick (Var.) 62 Nut to squirrel away 63 Ready to harvest DOWN 66 “You gave me no 1 Sometimes-blue birds choice!”

2 “There’s no stopping 67 Soda holder me!”

68 Inquires 3 Ball game in Las Vegas 71 Sorority invitation 4 Sphere 74 Young pooch 5 Bea of “The Golden Girls” 76 Tire filler 6 Steps for dinner or 78 Veiled criticism disaster 80 Rush 7 Oohs and ___ 81 Came into sight 8 Bikini part 82 Non-fiction?

9 Like a ghost town 84 Lift that isn’t a Lyft 10 First-class 85 Near disaster 11 Apple assistant 86 Jeong or Jennings on 12 Chain with quesaritos TV ©2022 Universal Uclick 13 Be patient 87 Pivotal point on a 87 One celebrating a win 55 Computer support, four in this one) ACROSS 14 “That clears things up” seesaw energetically (Last six maybe?

30 Admit wrongdoing 1 “___ Dreams of Sushi” 15 Campari cocktail 88 “Count me in!” letters + ...)

58 Against the law 32 Desert hill (2011 film) 16 Range of vision 89 Show contempt for 91 ___ and cheese 60 Bolshevik’s foe 33 Pampered one?

5 Iraqi, perhaps 20 Much of North Africa 90 Housefly larva 92 Fit for the task 64 Hit, as a double bass 34 Drama in Shibuya 9 Sleeveless garment 21 Stuff to mold 91 Oscar winner Sorvino 93 “Well, uh-uh” 35 Clever comeback (Last 65 What moles collect 13 Barolo or merlot 23 Handmade jewelry 95 “Bam” and “beep” 94 Performs like Nicki (Last two letters + ...) four letters + ...)

17 Spanish for “love” source 96 Over the moon 67 Chicken ___ (... first six) Minaj 37 Lead-in to “dynamic” 18 Tail end 28 Like 24-karat gold 97 “In conclusion ...”

95 SpongeBob’s channel 69 Dance to punk 38 Stereo alternative 19 Assumed name 29 “The Hot Zone” virus 98 Workplace inspection 70 N. Macedonia joined it (... first six) 21 Name that sounds like 39 Pseudo-cultured 31 Personal taste org.

99 5G predecessor in 2020 40 Unrefined resource “K.C.” 32 Blue tang in “Finding 100 Ball containers in 22 “Abso-freaking-lutely!” 41 “OK, but just this once” 71 Goes around for rounds 100 Strong desire Nemo” probability textbooks 101 Kind or type 72 Single or twin (Note the last three letters (... first four) 35 Peace’s opposite 101 Extent 102 Light beams 73 Available from a keg 43 Staggers in this answer + ...)

36 Rush of water 104 Thing proven by an 103 Ben & Jerry’s flavor for 75 Drops from the sky 45 Bawl 24 Around the time of 37 Athlete who shines exception Deadheads (Last 3 letters 77 Journeys 46 Opinion survey 25 Feudal lord 38 Humble 105 “Ratatouille” rat + ...)

79 “Obviously!”

26 NBC sketch show, briefly 47 Help 41 Charged particle 106 Long skirt 106 Crush, like potatoes 81 Trippy drug 48 Gung-ho 27 Not that!

42 Musician Phair 108 Lose it 107 Hi-___ image 82 Shark part 50 Sunbathes 28 They’re often lit at 44 Stated 111 Baseball club 109 Stale episode garden parties (... the first 51 Black-and-white animal 83 Open, like an oyster 45 Salsa singer Cruz 112 Spearheaded

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“Z KVVC VTVNULDV ZM JOA GVNV KLN X NVXMLD. ... Z XCFXUM AGLORGA SU NVXC PXCCZDR FXM AL GVCJ LAGVN JVLJCV.”

– IXDVA IXPBMLD

“AFOPTWN, R JTFP PA WRKN LNALSN NKNIUPXRFW PXNU JTFP TFB HAIN. R’SS JTOX PXNRI VTI ZAI PXNH AF PXN JTU AYP.”

– PINFP INCFAI

“DKSJ WURJ POTVIPSJBR WB PR JKB ZBFFAKUOBR. PT P RBB RUWBUOB JBYJPOH EVIPOH JKB RKUD, P DSFX UTT JKB RJSHB.”

– WPIPSW WSIHUFMBR

Puzzle Three Clue: Z equals C

941.355.8437 | Bradenton

Puzzle Two Clue: Z equals F

Sarasota

KARASTAN, MOHAWK, AIRO, SMARTSTRAND, ALL PET

Puzzle One Clue: T equals V

CARPET

© 2022 NEA, Inc.

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

©2022 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

5-19-22

THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

RED PAGES INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

Homes for Sale

redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at Noon Service Directory - Friday at 3PM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card

Business Opportunities

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

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

Call 941-955-4888 Or Email ad to: classified@yourobserver.com (Please provide your name and address) Or Online at: www.yourobserver.com Or mail to: The Observer Group 1970 Main St. - 3rd Floor Sarasota, Fl 34236 5’ MIRROR, white wicker $60.

Hawaiian plant, pink flowers $15.

2’ Mexican pottery planter $75.

Garden trellis $15. 941 359 8460

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN Color background: $ 5 per week Ad border: as low as $3 per week

PLACE YOUR AD: Call: 941-955-4888 Email: RedPages@ YourObserver.com Online: YourObserver.com /RedPages POOL TABLE- Olhausen 30th anniversary model. 1 inch 2 piece slate. New felt, cover, balls, sticks, rack and beautiful light.

Downsizing. $600. (813)363-1774

Merchandise Wanted BUYING BASEBALL card collections! Looking to free up space and make $$? Need to sell sports cards? Collector looking to expand collection.

Pay top dollar. Text/call 941 548 6492 with photos.

SENIOR LOOKING to purchase precious metals, diamonds, time pieces, coins, jewelry, antique and estate jewelry, and collectors plates. Personal and confidential. Please call Marc: 941-321-0707.

Sporting Goods

GARAGE SALE 941-955-4888

BABY ITEMS- Bassinet $40.

Graco Double Stroller $40.

Ingenuity 3-in-1 High Chair $40.

LWR area, east of 75.

Jas-s1028@outlook.com FIREPLACE SCREEN- Vintage brass, gorgeous peacock design.

Wings open to 38” wide X 25.5” high. $40. 941-349-4875 PUB TABLE- made by Thomasville. Painted, wedgewood blue, maple top with 2 chairs. $199. (941)800-4476 TEETER HANG-UP device.

Inversion Board. Brand new. $175.

941-524-1996

FAMILY SECURITY DRIVER 941-735-4732.

Ask for Eddie.

Many years experience with rock stars, wild teens, children, elderly, and foreign families.

Feel safe, Be safe 24/7 Licensed and Legal.

Autos Wanted CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

As low as $17.50 per week!

ARMANI WATCH, men’s, large, new in original box w/tags $100.

1/2" scale wooden farm dollhouse w/electric weather vanes. $40.

941-776-0034

Autos Service

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

13 models available.

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

941-251-7916, Ext 1

BE YOUR Own Boss! As Low As $ 800.00 Down. We Get You Clients! We Have Accounts Now! (941) 907-3200 www.cleaningbutlers.com

Condos/Apts. for Rent LUXURIOUS CONDO on Anna Maria Island For Rent - Upgraded granite/strainless kitchen.

Incredible water views through floor length windows. Waterfront patio, luxury furnishings, 2BD/2BR, king bed. Pool, tennis, walk to the beach. Private carport.

Monthly rent May-November.

Owner/renter. Flexible terms.

570-239-0431 marketreps@aol.com

Homes for Sale

SELL YOUR STUFF HERE! Advertise items less than $200 for FREE! YourObserver.com/RedPages STORAGE FACILITY Boat/ RV/ Trailer. Secure facility, low monthly rentals, Clark Rd area.

941809-3660, 941-809-3662.

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

YOUR HOME found here.

Find a place where you can visit listings, not just imagine them.

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

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

941-321-8848 shortstoryes@gmail.com jerry cunningham keller williams on the water

POST YOUR AD WITH EASE YourObserver.com/RedPages

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

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

Minimal shift 5 hours can also provide overnight care.

Temporary or long term care.

Over 10+ years experience.

References available. No new faces, one consistent caregiver.

COVID Negative.

Call Kati: 941-536-7706.

This week’s Crossword answers

SELL YOUR STUFF HERE!

real estate

Items Under $200

First 15 words .................. $ 17.50 per week Each add’l word ....... 50¢

auto

stuff

RED PAGES AD RATES

located a few miles from the beach in north west bradenton 4 bedroom second family room upper level corner lot vaulted ceiling first floor master bed only $825,714

LONGBOAT KEY Incredible views Private boat dock Pet friendly condo Owner/agent $650,000

©2022 Universal Uclick

You’re only cheating yourself.

OIL PAINTING on canvas.

Original by Hesus Bacci. 5’ tall x 3.5 ft wide. Everglades scene.

941-524-1996

8103 16th ave nw bradenton, fl 34209

peekers’ place

General Merchandise

“short stories”

jobs

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

home services

Made for where you live. Here!

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “I feel everyone is put here for a reason. ... I always thought my real calling was to help other people.”

Janet Jackson Puzzle Two Solution: “Onstage, I want to give people everything they want and more. I’ll wash their car for them on the way out.”

Trent Reznor Puzzle Three Solution: “What most infuriates me is the cellphones. If I see someone texting during the show, I walk off the stage.”

Miriam Margolyes

This week’s Sudoku answers

The Lake Club LWR 4 bed 4.5 bath Pool/Spa Dazzling with upgrades 2.5 Million Buy or Sell with Brooke O’Malley as your Realtor, and CLUB REALTY will Pay your title insurance.

Call 941-726-2677.

©2022 NEA, Inc.

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

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

POST YOUR AD WITH EASE YourObserver.com/RedPages

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THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

Cleaning

Cleaning

ARELIS CLEANING Services Inc. Residential & Commercial cleaning, powerwashing and interior/exterior painting.

Licensed, bonded & insured.

941-822-4114

Use the RED PAGES to clean out your garage CALL 941-955-4888

Cleaning

BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service

by Maria. Residential. Meticulous Cleaning. Excellent References.

Free Estimates. Reliable. Lic./Ins. 941-400-3342.

CLAUDIA C. Cleaning Services.

Experienced, dependable, and ready to begin!

Residential.

Excellent references.

941-773-6895.

www.braziliancleaningbymk.com

GARAGE SALE

Painting

EDLA’S VIP Cleaning is a local cleaning company that has been in business for over 24 years. We are very committed to quality housecleaning and highly recommended. 5 star reviews.

941-400-2866

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

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

Free estimates. 941-744-1020.

35+ years experience.

Use the RED PAGES to clean out your garage CALL 941-955-4888

As low as $17.50 per week!

941-955-4888

Aluminum

Cleaning

Doors

Health

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

Sliding Glass Door Repair

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

941.650.9790 941.650.9790 YoderAluminum.com

381029

Owner /Insured Operator Insured

YoderAluminum.com

Auto Service

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

Furniture Repair

University Health Park 2415 University Parkway Bldg. 3, Suite 216 Sarasota, FL 34243

Furniture Sales & Repairs Cushions • Slings • Re-powdercoating

941-504-0903

FAST • EASY • SAFE

FREE PICKUP / DELIVERY • FREE ONSITE QUOTES

WE COME TO YOU

941.270.4400

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

Patio Furniture Repairs.com

SELL YOUR CAR!

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

Handyman

5-Star Rated

ARCHIMEDES

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

Home Services

30+ YEARS EXPERIENCE No Money Down Reliable On Time Every Time

381025

HoHoBuysCars.com

SERVICES, LLC

Are You Having Dryer Difficulties?

30+years ✔ ConcreteExperience repair, tear-outs ✔ Pressure cleaning, mobile homes, cleaning Concrete Repairs, Sidewalks, Patios and gutters Driveways ✔ Sidewalks, patios, and driveways ✔ All forms of yard maintePressure Cleaning • Painting Interior/Exterior nance and Tree work ✔ Painting interior, exterior Yard Maintenance and Tree Work ✔ Insured/Free Estimates Insured/Free Estimates

381779

SERVING YOU IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME

Owner Ron Willard . 941-277-3818 . archservllc@gmail.com

AMANDA 424-333-0713 | rockstarmobilehair@gmail.com www.rockstarmobilehairsalon.com

GROW

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

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

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

Residential

Irrigation

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

ED’S RAIN MAKER IRRIGATION

381307

Pegatronics.com

IRRIGATION (941) 725-8100 REPAIR edsrainmakerirrigation@gmail.com MAINTENANCE Insured

941-735-3362

Find anything in the RED PAGES

941-955-4888

381308

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

Advertise as low as $85 per week.

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

Commercial

FULLY INSURED

RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL

YOUR BUSINESS

Computer

941-705-5468

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

381031 375249

Beauty

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

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

381780

Dustin Yoder

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

381324

“Specializing inin6” Gutters” “Specializing 6” Seamless Seamless Gutters”

Dustin Owner Yoder/ Operator

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

381313

|

Call to reserve your ad space: 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

Servicing LWR, Parrish and NE Bradenton Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

Doors

Custom Granite Services, llc 941-400-4912

CustomGraniteServicesLLC@gmail.com 381310

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

Window Repairs • Sliding Glass Door Repairs Sliding Glass Door Deadbolts

CJ COOLEY OWNER/OPERATOR

SHOWER & BATH MAKEOVERS

Call us today! 941.628.8579 www.ezslider.com

381032

Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

381325

381658

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

381784

16B

Call John 941.377.2940

Free Estimates • Sarasota Resident Since 1974

www.showerandbathsarasota.com

FREE IN-HOM ESTIMATEE S

NEED HELP?

Find business and service professionals in the Red Pages.

To advertise: 941-955-4888

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

Plumbing

CALL BEFOREYOU YOU FALL CALL BEFORE FALL

RELIABLE INSURED

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

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

941-920-8221

Rescreening & Repairs

DRGRABBARS.COM

Screening

381785

THE GRAB BAR GUY Licensed & Insured

Landscaping & Lawn

GARDENS BY ALLISON

Licensed

No Job is too Small!

“No Job Too Small”

382208

Eldridge Re-Screen

954-1878 (cell) 780-3346

Insured

941-270-1561

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

Allison J. Abizaid, M.A. 941.400.0431

gbyallison@yahoo.com gardensbyallison.com

381311

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

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

Personal Gardening Services | Designer

941-345-5264

specialty screens / screw replacement / paint

Painting

Doors and more!

GROW YOUR BUSINESS Manufacture and workmanship

UNIQUE PAINTING & PRESSURE WASHING SERVICES

Warranties

WITH THE RED PAGES (941) 345-5264

Complete Interior & Exterior Painting

Call to reserve your ad space

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

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

381033

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

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

140

$

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

SPECIAL 00 senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Advertise your business or services in the Red Pages.

381312

381315

Relax. You’ve got better things to do.

Find a professional here in the Red Pages.

STANDARD WINDOWS

CREATE BUZZ!

941 - 748 - 7400

found here.

25

UP TO

ows

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

Specializing in Reroofs and Repairs FREE Estimates • 30 Years Experience

HEROES

Form Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

Purified water window cleaning available!!

Bisson Roofing Inc.

Owner Supervises Every Job

Lic./Ins.

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

$

Roofing

RC0067420 • Lic. & Ins.

Res./Com.

5

941-955-4888

Personal Services

Windows

www.bissonroofing.com

Call 941-955-4888

YourObserver.com/RedPages

381323

GLENN KROECKER

381326

382209

941-626-3194

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

382210

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

380532 364556

941.966.0333

381309

Building & Roofing Contractor

•

381504

249 235 235

$$

$

17B

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.

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

COMPLETE INSTALLATION PACKAGE

THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

Roofing

Mark’s Plumbing Service

GRAB BARS GRAB BARS

|

18B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

|

FURNITURE & MAT TRESS

Extended!

Sale

INVENTORY REDUCTION

Sale | Surfside Wing Chair

NOW $1297 Reg. $2619

We Extended Our Sale!

Save Up To 60% OFF Storewide + Take An Extra 30% OFF Sale Price of Accessories *Exclusions apply. See store for details. Limited time only. Hurry in!

Sale | 100% Genuine Leather Sofa | In-stock in brown

NOW $1997

Sale | Queen Panel Bed

NOW $897 Reg. $2429

Reg. $4999

Take Immediate Delivery On All In-Stock Items Our inventory is overflowing! For the first time in 3 years we slashed our prices on all the brands you love to live in! Save on every item, in every department storewide!

Sale | Ciao Bella Dining Table

NOW $2797 Reg. $5589

matterbrothersfurniture.com | 381377-1

FURNITURE & MAT TRESS