Jay Heater Breanna Trautweiler serves up wine to Country Club East’s Glenn and Barbara Welcher. Sofia’s opens as Mediterranean-themed restaurant in Lakewood Ranch.
A picture of trust When Gilbert W. McNeal Elemen tary announced its theme for the 2022-23 school year would be “Trust,” Alex Benson probably didn’t think it would involve him. However, the school, indeed, put its trust in Benson, who is the father of second grader Addison Benson, to create a mural to go along with the theme. “I whipped something up with (students) literally building trust,” Alex Benson said about his mural, which shows stu dents building the word “trust” out of wood. “The school had to put trust in my concept. They didn’t know me other than I was a parent of a student.” He spent a week working around the heat and rain, finish ing the mural so it could be ready for the first day of school Aug. 10. “Even when I was baking in the sun, it was a blast,” said Ben son (above in front of his mural). “I wanted to keep it whimsical and fun, so I addedPhotoibises.”byIan Swaby
Observer YOU YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. VOLUME 24, NO. 39 Community garden interest grows. PAGE 2A
Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998 EAST COUNTY
Liz Ramos Scott Dalton and Juan Vaquero are working in the kitchen at Linger Lodge now that it has reopened. Dalton is new to Linger Lodge, while Vaquero has been with the restaurant for 18 years. It was closed 2 years because of the pandemic and a construction project to upgrade the RV area.
managers.Photoby Liz Ramos FREE • THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022
YOUR TOWN Clowning around to help seniors University Park’s Hope Carey, president of the Suncoast Aging Network, decided it was time to trade one mask for another. After not having any live events since the start of the pandemic, the nonprofit held its Masquerade Ball Aug. 11 at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing in Lakewood Ranch. University Park resident Chuck Sidlow, from the nonprofit World of ChuckO, entertained with his elaborate clownCareycostume.(above with Sidlow) said the event was organized by vice president and Bradenton resident Chazsady Davis. Carey said one reason the network had been hesitant to return to in-person events is that it works directly with seniors who might be at risk. She said her network provides funds directly to seniors for vari ous needs, and funds programs such as the Dementia Care and Cure Initiative along with sup porting a lifeline-type monitoring service called Electronic Care giver. It includes organizations such as home health agencies, assisted living communities, and geriatric care
SEE PAGE 10A
A capital plan offense
SEE PAGE 3A RETURNSCHARMTHE Main Street menu expands SEE PAGE 8A A+E Talk PAGEChinaaboutgroove.13A
Inflation causes the School District of Manatee County to alter its capital project plan and possibly speed up some projects.
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MORE OWNERSHIP Pandeloglou said another benefit of the club managing the garden would be a collective ownership of the grassy paths. He said the paths require a weed barrier, as well as weed maintenance, for weeds can still occur even with a barrier is pres ent. Previously, there was not a plan for how to maintain these areas. Pandeloglou said the group would have autonomy to decide how the garden is run. “We want the group to have some ownership over it,” he said. “We just want to put infrastructure in place to help get them to that point where they can make those decisions.” Pandeloglou said there would be no significant restrictions on the types of plants. “If you plant within your walls, you should be OK,” he said, noting some larger plants might require supports.
* On Purchases $300 or more with the Furniture Warehouse credit card made between August 18, 2022 and August 17, 2023. Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date if the promotional purchase is not paid in full within 12 months, by August 2023. Minimum Monthly Payments required. Offer applies to only single-receipt qualifying purchases. No interest will be charged on promo purchase and equal monthly payments are required equal to initial promo purchase amount divided equally by the number of months in promo period until promo is paid in full. The equal monthly payment will be rounded to the next highest whole dollar and may be higher than the minimum payment that would be required if the purchase was a non-promotional purchase. Regular account terms apply to non-promotional purchases. For new accounts: Purchase APR is 29.99%; Minimum Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders should see their credit card agreement for their applicable terms. Subject to credit approval. Furniture must be delivered within 90 days for all financing offers. All prices include Hot Buys. Instant savings prices are reflected in current ad. Terms of promotions - Previous purchase excluded, cannot be combined with any other promotion or discount. Promotion offers exclude Hot Buys, floor models or clearance items, sales tax, furniture protection plans, warranty, delivery, or service charge. ** Pick Up Today or Free Door Delivery pertains to in-stock merchandise. SARASOTA 5252 S. once-thriving community garden in the Greenbrook Adventure Park of Lake wood Ranch about Whencomeback.important volunteers stepped away, the garden became overrun with weeds, and problems were further compounded by the pandemic. However, local leaders are hoping vegetables and flowers will once again replace the weeds. Mike Griffin, chairman of the board for Community Development District 4, which oversees Greenbrook, said he has received calls from residents about the state of the garden, which is adjacent to the Lakewood Ranch Dog Park. He said interest is growing. “I think it’s a great program, a great idea, and there is a lot of interest in it,” Griffin said.
OPENED IN 2016 The garden, which opened with some seed money from the CDD in 2016, had grown to a point in 2018 where every square foot hosted some kind of vegetable growth. CDD board member Joe Sidiski was the organiz er when the garden opened with 24 beds available. In 2018, Sidiski suggested improvements to the garden, such as doubling the size of the 70-foot by 70-foot space, and building a new shed, a compost pile and an arbor. At the time, the Lakewood Ranch Gar den Club was overseeing the garden and had a waiting list of four people who wanted plots. Lori Walker was president of the club at the time. The club had one section in the garden that was dedicated to growing vegetables and donating them to the Stillpoint House of Prayer food bank.
is
RULES NEED TO BE DEFINED Griffin said as the CDD oversees the rebirth of the garden, questions remain about what the rules should be and who will hold responsibility over what “Everybody’sfeatures.going to have his or her own slice of heaven, but who’s going to manage that?” he said. Pandeloglou said he could envi sion a new community group being formed under Lakewood Ranch Community Activities to monitor the garden. It most likely would be called the Community Garden Club. Membership in the club will not be required to rent a plot in the garden. However, he said that having a club would ensure that a group of indi viduals most passionate about the garden would be responsible for its maintenance.Oneresult of a dedicated man agement, he said, is a mechanism for dealing with abandoned garden plots. He said some users might try gardening but fail, and then never return to their plots. He also said events such as quarterly cleanup days could be held by the club. A major responsibility of the club, however, would also be the purchase and installation of the boxes, the wooden segments in which the plants are placed, which have functions that include blocking the spread of weeds. Responsibility previously fell to the individual plot owners. In the past, he said, there were no consistent construction standards, with different types of wood being used. He said one of the proposals of Community Activities is to have the boxes rebuilt in phases so that they meet standards. He also said a goal would be for those who use the plots to provide a small donation — still to be deter mined — that would ensure future funding for the boxes, which are expected to last 4 to 6 years. Pandeloglou compared the boxes to “Incondominiums.acondo,you’re responsible for the contents, but the association’s responsible for your walls,” he said. He said some current boxes, due to inadequate construction, have become weathered and no longer create sufficient barriers to weeds. One reason has been storms, which have tended to flood Greenbrook Adventure Park due to an intentional function of its design to direct water away from Pandeloglouhomes.isworking with Com munity Gardens Program Assistant Mack Lessig at the University of Florida Extension Office to evalu ate options for the garden, including those for the boxes. Lessig said one possibility for deal ing with weeds would be to raise the boxes higher off the ground, and he said irrigation would be spread to each box through a micro irrigation line.
Griffin described the options as “flowers or vegetables or whatever youThewant.”garden handbook is being updated to reflect changes. The manual is currently under review by Steve Zielinski, chief financial offi cer and chief operating officer at the Inter-District Authority. Griffin said he did not find the original version of the handbook as specific as it should have been. He said the new version needed to clearly define how responsibilities were divided between the garden club and the maintenance team at the Inter-District Authority. “We all felt that if we were going to invest in bringing the garden back, that we needed to know who was going to be responsible for what, and we needed to put it in writing, so that everybody would have a very clear picture of whose job it is to clean up afterwards or what happens if a plant goes fallow,” he said. During a July 20 board meeting of CDD4, Zielinski said the board could assign an individual responsible for handling disputes between users. Pandeloglou said the timeline for opening the garden is difficult to estimate based on staffing and fund ing, but said to expect completion no earlier than January. All plans require approval by the CDD 4 board. However, those hoping to get a head start on gardening knowledge will find an opportunity in the near future.Pandeloglou said a Lakewood Ranch Community Activities guide being released in the first week of September will feature two class ses sions taught by Lessig, likely held in October and November. “We are appreciative for the part nership we have with Town Hall staff and leadership and that they are so open to keeping this amenity,” Pandeloglou said. “In some ways, it would be a lot easier to not have one. But we know that this is a great ame nity, and a great community, and we want to make sure we do what we can to keep it active and thriving.”
to make a
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Ian Swaby Mike Griffin, chairman of the board for Community Development District 4, said he is getting more interest from residents about using the community garden.
IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER Keith Pandeloglou, who is execu tive director of Lakewood Ranch Community Activities, said interest eventually declined in the garden. Lakewood Ranch Community Activities began working with the CDD “early on” to help maintain the garden. But Pandeloglou said the garden was dealt a blow in 2020 when Walker stepped down. Her presence was missed. He said those using the garden simply concentrated on their own plots and the community aspect had been lost.
2A EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 YourObserver.com
school n Manatee Technical College expansion n Manatee Technical College firing range and drive n R. Dan Nolan Middle School addition n Tara Elementary School addition and renovation Original estimated Estimated New estimated School project total cost inflation increase total cost Blackburn replacementrenovationElementaryand$24,393,500 $4,976,500 $29,370,000 Carlos H. Haile Middle renovation $31,247,000 $6,538,000 $37,785,000 Manatee replacementgrandstandsHigh $3 million $3 million Southeast High School replacementbuilding $13,229,500 $3,652,500 $16,882,000 Tara renovationElementary $26,175,250 $5,324,750 $31.5 million Security fencing $1,954,750 $300,000 $2,254,750 Total $100 million $20,791,750 $120,791,750 School District of Manatee County 5001,0001,5002,0002,500 Braden River High Freedom Elementary Carlos E. Haile Middle Lakewood Ranch High R. Dan Nolan Middle Tara Elementary KEY CapacityEnrollment 1,737 1,860 701746889924 1,818598578 772777 2,396
PROJECTS
n Braden
The School Board of Manatee County has approved up to $100 million to fasttrack six capital projects and they are considering to raise that level to $135 million or more due to inflation.
“The sooner we get these projects completed, the better so we can save money, renovate and improve schools and build new schools.” Bargeron said if the school board allows the district to borrow up to $125 million now, the district can save about $24.6 million between fiscal year 2022-2023 and fiscal year 2027-2028 in inflation costs. “We borrow and we have to pay interest, but we’re avoiding a signif icant amount of expense,” Bargeron said.The district and the contractors chosen for each project settle on a guaranteed maximum price for each project, so if there were to be a reduc tion in inflation and the contractors spend less money on the project, the district would receive money back on theJoeproject.Ranaldi, the chief operations officer for the district, said the dis trict has implemented a new postconstruction audit for each project in which the district and auditors will evaluate the bid documents from the subcontractors and if the district should be paying less for anything, the district would go back to the con tractors for a refund.
QUESTION OF HOW MUCH School board member Mary Foreman suggested the district look at bor rowing more than $125 million with the thought of eventually building a new Oneco Elementary School. Oneco Elementary currently is in line for a renovation, but Foreman said an entire new school is needed. The Florida Department of Educa tion conducted a Castaldi Analysis on the school that determined the school didn’t qualify for a rebuild and the district could only renovate the school at this point. But Foreman believes the state would approved the new school in the not-too-dis tantPostponingfuture. a renovation would give the district time to find land in the area where it could build a new Oneco Elementary. “I’m just throwing it out there for my fellow board members that we could borrow an extra $25 million (bringing the overall loan amount up to $150 million), do something better for Oneco than what’s planned, and if it doesn’t work out, we retire that portion of the debt,” Foreman said. Chad Choate, a school board member, said the district should be looking at a loan of about $135 mil lion.“Isay let’s do more than $125 (mil lion) but I’m not saying to do $150 (million),” Choate said. “It gives us a cushion and we don’t need to come back and have another 45 minutes of presentation to talk about why we need it. We need it. There’s no ques tion we need more than $100 (mil lion). It doesn’t mean we’re actually going to use it. We’re just authoriz ing it.”
collection over the next five years, the district backed off to a total of $125Bargeronmillion.said although inflation has risen higher than the 7% he pro jected in 2021 when the district was developing its five-year capital plan, interest rates have not risen as much. As a result, he said borrowing money and continuing with the capital proj ects makes more sense than stopping any“Weprojects.want to get them complet ed as soon as possible, not just to save money, but as we talked about before, it’s good for staff, students and the community,” Bargeron said.
School district races against inflation
File photo Ethan Conner, a Freedom Elementary School fourth-grader, works with Melanie Stern, a Project TEACH volunteer. More Freedom Elementary students will be able to participate in Project TEACH once a planned addition is built.
Other major projects that are included in the capital plan, already are funded and will see significant increases due to inflation include projects at Freedom, Oneco and Annie Lucy Williams elementary schools, Buffalo Creek and Haile middle schools, Lakewood Ranch High School, a firing range for Man atee Technical College, the Student Support Center and a new East County K-8 school. The total projected inflation for these projects is more than $21 mil lion.Projects that were added to the capital plan include a new middle school and elementary school in the northern part of the county. School board member Gina Mes senger said what she found most striking about Bargeron’s presenta tion to the board was seeing the cost of the new schools has skyrocketed since the district constructed Bar bara A. Harvey Elementary School and Dr. Mona Jain Middle School. The new K-8 school in Lakewood Ranch is projected to cost $79 mil lion, while the new middle school in the northern part of the county is projected to cost $75 million, and the new elementary school is projected to cost $58.6 million. The capital plan has the K-8 school scheduled to be completed in 20242025 followed by the new middle school in 2025-2026 and the new elementary school in 2026-2027. “When we built Harvey in 2017, it was about $28 million and now we’re projecting $58 million (for a new ele mentary school),” Messenger said. “Theoretically it’s a 10-year sepa ration, but in 10 years to just about double the cost is insanity.” IN EAST COUNTY five-year capital plan includes several projects at East County The capital plan is from 2022-2023 to 2026-2027. River Carlos K-8
ENROLLMENT AND CAPACITY
The
nflation on construction costs is impacting every builder and developer in the region, and the School District of Manatee County is no exception. Tim Bargeron, the associate super intendent of finance for the School District of Manatee County, said the cost of construction has increased about 20%, which means the cost of each of the district’s capital projects will significantly increase as well. The projected cost of inflation for the 15 major capital plan projects on the five-year plan is projected to be just under $42 million. The School Board of Manatee County approved a resolution in October 2020 that allows the school district to borrow up to $100 million for capital projects. School board members must decide whether to borrow now, and even expand the amount that can be borrowed to $135 million or more, to have the ability to fast-track several projects that are scheduled late in the five-year plan. The thought is that building soon er, even though interest must be paid on loans, will eventually save mil lions on possible inflation costs. The district already had pro jected the $100 million in borrowed funds to fast-track renovations at Carlos E. Haile Middle School and Blackburn and Tara elementary schools, as well as replacing a build ing at Southeast High School, doing grandstand replacements at Mana tee High School and installing secu rity improvements at various schools within the district. During an Aug. 12 school board workshop, Bargeron recommended the school board consider borrow ing up to $25 million more (than the originally suggested amount of $100 million) to cover the cost of inflation on those projects, which right now is projected at $21 million. “Without having information on revenue changes, we were thinking, ‘OK, we’re going to have to increase the amount of the borrowing or we’re going to have to drop some projects off,’ ” Bargeron said.
OTHER MAJOR PROJECTS
EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 3AYourObserver.com
I
Here is the enrollment and capacity of East County schools that have planned construction on the School District of Manatee County's five-year capital plan. These numbers are as of Nov. 1, 2021.
High School addition n Freedom Elementary School addition n
District plots a borrow and build now strategy to outrun inflation costs. LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER
schools.
E. Haile Middle School addition and renovation n Lakewood Ranch High School addition and roof replacement n New
MORE MONEY NEEDED Bargeron said the district first con sidered a recommendation of bor rowing an additional $50 million for a total of $150 million but after calculating the projected capital tax
IMPACT OF INFLATION
BRIEFSNEWS
4A EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 YourObserver.com 384860-1 8130 Lakewood Main Street, Suite 207, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 PHONE: 941-755-5357 | WEBSITE: www.YourObserver.com TO EMAIL US Email press releases, announcements and Letters to the Editor to: Jay Heater, jheater@yourobserver.com TO ADVERTISE Display Advertising: To obtain information, call 941-366-3468, Ext. 319. Classified Advertising / Service Directory: For information and rates, or to place an ad, call 941-955-4888. Hours 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. To place a classified ad online, visit www.YourObserver.com, or email your ad to classified@yourobserver.com. TO SUBSCRIBE To subscribe: Please call Donna Condon at 941-366-3468, Ext. 301, or email dcondon@yourobserver.com MAIL DELIVERY SUBSCRIPTION RATES Observer EAST COUNTY FOLLOW www.youtube.com/user/YourObserverVideoWATCHhttps://twitter.com/observergroupFOLLOWwww.facebook.com/ObserverGroupLIKEwww.instagram.com/observergroupUSUSUSUS PUBLIC NOTICES The Sarasota/Siesta Key, East County and Longboat Observers meet the legal requirements to publish legal and public notices in Sarasota & Manatee counties, per F.S. 50.011. AUDITOR INFORMATION Verified Audit 1101 Fifth Ave., Suite 270 | San Rafael, CA 94901 (415) 461-6006 | www.verifiedaudit.com First-Class One year / $200 Six months / $160 Three months / $128 Canada One year / $250 Six months / $200 Three months / $160 The Surgical Care You Need Close to Home Advanced surgical care right in your community The team cares for both elective and acute care general surgery patients and offers the following services: • Minimally invasive and robotic hernia and gallbladder surgeries • Management of benign and malignant breast disease, including lumpectomy, with SAVI SCOUT® wire-free technology • GI tract procedures, including Colonoscopy and Upper Endoscopy • Treatments for benign and malignant skin diseases • Office procedures for removal of moles, skin cysts, lipomas and skin tags For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website. 22698339-973854 7/22 8340 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Suite 290 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 lakewoodranchmedicalgroup.com For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 941-254-6767. David Dexter, MD, FACS Alexa Kinder, MSPAP, PA-C The Lakewood Ranch Medical Group team is excited to offer care in the Lakewood Ranch community. 374647-1 384883-1 941 499 7171 www.Wellnessah.com NOW ACCEPTING NEW FURRY PATIENTS PUBLIX PLAZA 8322 Market St, LWR 34202 DR. NINA Our Commitment Veterinary medicine is our passion in life. And this community is our home. We grew up here. We care deeply about our neighbors. We think of you more as extended family. That is why we are so passionate about making it easier to care for your pet. From wellness plans, to walk in visits, to endless compassion, we built this practice to make a difference in your life. So give us a call, and we’ll do just that. CALL TODAY MENTION THE OBSERVER FOR SPECIAL DISCOUNTS! 941.499.7171 www.wellnessanimalhospital.cominfo@wellnessah.com EXAMFIRSTFREE! Wellness & UrgentSurgeryHealthDentistryDiagnosticsPreventionCertificatesCare
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grant The Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast has received a $10,000 grant from the Gulf Coast Community Foundation in support of the Next Gen Conservation Program. The grant, made possible through the Katherine Naismith Witten Fund, will strengthen the commitment to youth education through discovery and nature-based activities. “Our Next Gen programming gives kids wild places to explore and learn about the wonders of our natural world,” Conservation Foundation President Christine Johnson said in a release.“These experiences help shape their views on wildlife and habitats, instill a love for nature, and inspire their desire to protect the environment. “ The Next Gen Conservation program is composed of Youth in Nature, and Nature Explorers. Youth in Nature focuses on underserved middle and high school youth from Manatee, DeSoto, and Sarasota counties, according to the release. Nature Explorers is Conservation Foundation’s free and open-to-thepublic youth education program for children grades K-5. Next Gen operates year-round. Contact ConservationFoundation. com for more information.
Dr. Nina was born in Sarasota, Florida and returned soon after graduating from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. She has proudly serviced the animals of the greater Sarasota area for 15 years.
Manatee volunteersseekstoserve on environmental lands committee Manatee County is continuing its effort to form its board for the Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Committee. ELMAC makes recommendations to the Manatee County commissioners on environmental land acquisition and management issues. According to a press release, those involve recreational planning and establishing programs for public lands. ELMAC also serves as the Tree Advisory Board. The group protects land and water resources, preserves fish and wildlife habitats and provides for passive recreation for the citizens of the county. The release said five positions are available and all carry three-year terms. One addition is being sought who is a member of an environmental group; one addition is being sought who is involved in banking, finance or real estate; one addition is being sought who is involved in education or active outdoor sports; one addition is being sought who is employed by the Manatee County School Board; and one addition is being sought who is a member of the Florida Engineering Society. The new members will be appointed by the County Commission with reappointment at the discretion of the ELMACboard.also is responsible for implementing the community-initiated Conservation and Parks Projects Referendum. That referendum was passed by voters in November 2020. The referendum authorizes the county to spend up to $50 million in the collected tax proceeds for the acquisition, improvement and management of land to reach the program’s goals. ELMAC meets the first Monday of every other month, excluding holidays, at 6 p.m., in the Manatee County Administration Building. For more information, go to MyManatee.org or call ELMAC Liaison Debra Woithe at 742-5923, Ext. 6052.Applications are due Sept. 2.
File photo
Next ProgramConservationGengets
The Next Gen Conservation Program received a $10,000 grant from the Gulf Coast Community Foundation.
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Some of the programs the district is starting or expanding include dual language, aviation, and the Guy Har vey Academy of Arts and Science at Anna Maria Elementary School. A group of kindergartners at Myakka City Elementary School will participate in the dual language program, which also is available at Braden River Elementary School. Other schools in East County that can expect to have renovations or additions over the next five years include Tara and Freedom elementary schools, Carlos E. Haile Middle School and Lakewood Ranch High School. The district is beginning the pro cess to make the K-8 school in Lake wood Ranch off Uihlein Road and Academic Avenue a reality. The dis trict currently is requesting builders put in “We’rebids.preparing for the growth but also making sure all of our exist ing schools are in the same condition as our new schools,” Saunders said. “Our construction department is doing a tremendous job staying on top of it. With that half cent sales tax, we’re able to keep on top of that.”
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Another goal is a successful transi tion to teaching the new Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking stan dards.“That first year of transition is always an adjustment for the teach ers and the students to understand the shifts,” Saunders said. “We’ve done a lot of preparation over the summer with training and staff development.”Saunderssaid the district is pre pared to adjust to the new standards, and the district will be able to iden tify any shortcomings or weaknesses with teaching the new standards by the end of the school year. Some of the changes coming for students from the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking program include an emphasis on teaching cursive, high school students learn ing financial literacy, and rhetoric (the art of writing and speaking well and being persuasive) being taught in sixth grade rather than ninth grade. This school year, the district also will be implementing new programs and expanding existing programs across the district. “You can’t just define education as we did 10 years ago,” Saunders said. “If we’re not adapting and changing and bringing in programs that appeal to today’s students, we could very well lose their interest.”
Estimated number of students 6,000 Employees Traditional Students transported to and from school each day State ranking of 67 districts
out
schools 14 Charter schools 15,000
BY THE 51,000-52,000NUMBERS
itsclassroomMiddleishernespeciallylationworkingworkbecauselege,choosedershaveofbeing“Expandingtechnicians.those(programs),creative,listeningtotheneedsthestudentsisgoingtoensureweasolidworkforcehere,”Saunsaid.“Ourhopeisthatourstudentswillto,eveniftheygoofftocolcomeback(toManateeCounty)itisawonderfulplacetoandraiseafamily.”SaunderssaidthedistrictwillbetokeepupwiththepopugrowthinManateeCounty,intheeasternandnorthpartsofthecounty.ThedistrictisexpectedtofintherenovationofBradenRiverSchool,whichalsohadasix-additionconstructedoncampusinNovember.
File photo Cynthia Saunders, superintendent of the School District of Manatee County, looks forward to implementing the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking Standards in the 2022-2023 school year.
EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 5AYourObserver.com $59 Includes our 6 Month no breakdown guarantee A/C ONLYTUNE-UP* *With recommended repairs Must be presented at time of service. Cannot be combined with any other offers Buy one light, get one free! Up to 3 BOGO deals per customer Must be presented at time of service. Cannot be combined with any other offers LANDSCAPE LIGHTS $99 Residential Drain Cleaning Only DRAIN ONLYCLEANING* *Some restrictions and fees may apply if access is limited. Excluding main drain line. Cannot be combined with any other offers Expires 10/30/22 ANY TIME BOGO* Bright NightsNo Drain PainBeat The Heat (941) 343-8543 CoolToday.comh Never an Overtime Charge h 7 Days a Week h Call Today to Schedule! /CallTodayCoolToday GET THE BEST AIR CONDITIONING, PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL SERVICE 380676-1 Super start to school year From academics to construction, Manatee County Superintendent Cynthia Saunders says she expects a fruitful 2022-2023 school year. LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER Cynthia Saunders, superin tendent of the School Dis trict of Manatee County, was able to get a peek into three schools, including Braden Riv er Elementary, on the first day of the school year Aug. 10. At Braden River Elementary, Saunders visited a fifth-grade class as well as the school’s dual language program, which teaches a group of kindergartners and first-graders in English and Spanish. She liked the enthusiasm.“(Students) are so eager to come back,” Saunders said. “They’re so eager to be with their friends, to be in the routine of school and excited about being in school.” Saunders began the first day send ing off bus drivers from the R.G. Matzke Support Center before visit ing Southeast High School, Martha B. King Middle School and Braden River Elementary School. Saunders met with a group of seniors at Southeast High who were experiencing their last first day of school. At King Middle, she was able to see the school continue its work to become an International Bacca laureate school. She said she loves visiting class rooms and interacting with teachers, staff and “Beingstudents.superintendent, you’re able to experience all of the schools,” she“You’resaid. able to go out and see the great things happening and work with the community to ensure we have one of the strongest educa tional programs in the state.”
Saunders said one of her goals for the 2022-2023 school year is to ensure a safe and successful environment. “We still have a lot of (COVID-19) safety precautions in place, but it’s nowhere near as strict as it was in the past two years,” Saunders said. “We’re hoping parents will view this as a reg ular school year and they’ll be more engaged and back in the buildings as they once were before COVID.”
ABOUT SAUNDERSCYNTHIA n Cynthia Saunders has been with the School District of Manatee County since 2013. n She started as the executive director of secondary schools. n Saunders has been serving as superintendent of the School District of Manatee County since June 2018 when she was appointed to the position. n The School Board of Manatee County unanimously approved an extension of Saunders’ contract in December 2020. n Saunders’ contract expires June 30, 2023. Students in the program learn in English and Spanish. The Guy Harvey Academy focuses on marine sciences, conservation and the arts. The Aviation Maintenance Tech nician School at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport will provide Manatee Technical College, Sun coast Technical College and Uni versity of South Florida SarasotaManatee students an opportunity to become aviation mechanics and maintenance
INSPECTOR JOE SILVA After managing a crew, serving as a training officer, and performing administrative functions for the Venice Fire Department, Joe Silva was hired in July by East Manatee FireSilvaRescue.saidhe was very interested in taking over the role as fire inspector. “This is just one field where I wanted to continue my career,” he said. “I’m not the young buck any longer, so crawling on my knees and dragging hose isn’t really in my future. I enjoy interacting with peo ple and helping people to the best of my ability, and this gives me that opportunity to continue.”
Paid by James T. Golden for Manatee County School Board, District 5 We proudly endorse James T. Golden for re-election to the Manatee County School Board representing District 5! Barbara A. Harvey Former member of the Manatee County School Board Gulf ExchangeBuildersCoast AssociationEducationManatee Jane Pfeilsticker Former member of the Manatee County School Board
Silva said his newly created role will join with two other fire inspec tors, one of which serves primar ily new construction, and the other which provides inspections of older buildings, as Silva will do. Silva said he is performing annual inspections, and re-inspections of buildings that have seen a change in function, such as if a convenience store is changed to a Hechurch.saideducating the public is important to his role and that gen erally, business owners do not know what fire codes are in place. He said he will explain topics such as how smoke alarms must be located both inside and outside of bedrooms, or how sprinkler heads must be placed at the required distance from new walls added within a building, as well as the rationales behind all rules. He said that he hopes “to rise in the ranks as much as the organization allows,” and is interested in eventu ally becoming a fire marshal, which is able to review plans and perform investigations of fires.
East Manatee Fire Rescue adds a new fire inspector and promotes two of its own. IAN SWABY STAFF TWRITER wo promotions and a new hire are aimed to help East Manatee Fire Rescue keep up with a quickly growing region.During a July 25 meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners, the rescue announced the addition of Fire Inspector Joe Silva, as well as the promotion of Craig Madsen to bat talion chief and Paul Wren to deputy chief of administration. “Our department is growing incredibly fast,” Wren said. “It’s going hand in hand with the growth out here in the Lakewood Ranch area, and the East County area as a whole.”
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Growth leads to fire rescue promotions
BATTALION CHIEF CRAIG MADSEN Craig Madsen is no longer riding on the fire truck, but he still arrives at thePromotedscene. from a captain to a bat talion chief, he now brings his field experience, which began in 2010, to managing the actions of firefighters within his battalion zone. “You’re making those decisions, whether we’re going inside a fire, or pulling out or whatever the case may be,” he said. “It can be stressful, but it’s also rewarding, and it plays a vital role in how the scene plays out.” He said that before the Myakka City Fire Control District merger, there had been one battalion chief running the rescue’s six stations, but as the number began to grow toward the current total of 10, it became apparent another would be needed. While he had hoped to become a battalion chief, he credited his suc cess to his mentors and past deploy ments.Hecalled his two hurricane deployments, Hurricane Irma (2016) in the panhandle and Hurricane Michael (2017) in Collier County, “eye-opening.”“You'refaced with a lot of chal lenging calls and some pretty stress ful situations,” he said. “So, I think it definitely helped mold me into a better officer.” He described the scene of Hur ricane Michael as involving “really Photo by Ian Swaby Battalion Chief Craig Madsen has been promoted from the role of captain.
Re-Elect James T. Golden, Current Chairman of the Manatee County School Board
“Rev. Golden is devoted to our community and has a proven record fighting for our students, teachers, and parents. He is the only candidate with the experience to continue leading our schools.” CIVILITY STABILITY CONTINUITY
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Started career with East Manatee Fire Rescue after joining as a volunteer 2009: Promoted to Firefighter I 2010: Promoted to Firefighter 2011: Promoted to Firefighter III 2014: Promoted to engineer 2014: Graduated from officer candidate school 2015: Joined the East Manatee Technical Rescue Team 2017: Promoted to lieutenant 2018: Promoted to captain 2018: Led team that responded to the panhandle of Florida for the aftermath of Hurricane Michael in 2018. 2021: Promoted to battalion chief nice homes that were two or three stories up, on stilts, just completely washed away” as well as “cars up in trees.” He said after observing the documentation procedures of the battalion chief, he will now know what to expect in the case that Lake wood Ranch is impacted by a hurri cane.Madsen was one of the crew mem bers responding to a 47-car pileup on I-75 near the University Parkway interchange in 2012. “It was literally something that you would see in the movies — just the amount of cars, the amount of damage to passenger vehicles, to semi trucks, to other commercial vehicles on their sides. It was a mix ture of everything,” he said. He said numerous fire depart ments were present, including South Manatee Fire Rescue and the Saraso ta County Fire Department. “You would have thought that we’d worked together every single day, and I felt like the scene operated very effectively and efficiently,” he said.He said he learned essential les sons about communication that will be vital in his new role. DEPUTY CHIEF ADMINISTRATIONOF PAUL WREN Paul Wren was promoted from bat talion chief to deputy chief of admin istration. He said that in many ways his role is not so different from the one he previously held. Currently, he no longer works in the fire stations on a 24-hours-on, 48-hours-off schedule, but works more regular hours in the adminis tration building, assisting Chief Lee Whitehurst with running the entire department in areas that include finance, logistics and fire preven tion.Nonetheless, he called his former role of battalion chief a go-between position that gave him experience both in administrative duties and in operational ones related to work in theHefield.said one of his proudest achievements was a 5-year plan he created for the direction of his technical rescue team. Madsen is also commander of that team, which performs rescues in confined spaces. Also building him for new respon sibilities was a 4-year term as presi dent of the union, during which he helped negotiate contracts with the fireHowever,chief. he said field experience is essential to filling an administra tive“Ourcapacity.mission is to be able to supply the manpower, the equipment, and the training expertise to respond to 911 calls,” he said. Wren said his experience leading a team during Hurricane Michael was also an extremely formative experi ence. Wren was deployed to Cape San Blas in South Gulf County, where he said the volunteer fire depart ments in the area were overwhelmed and East Manatee Fire Rescue was given access to those departments’ personnel and equipment. “The confidence that you get from operating in a true disaster zone like that, when you come back to civili zation, so to speak, you almost feel like it's too easy,” Wren said. “So definitely it was a great experience. I wouldn’t trade it for anything, even though it did stress my family out a lot.”He said he is still gaining a handle on his new responsibilities. “There’s a whole long list of things that have to take place in order for the guys to be able to do what we’re here to do, which is ultimately respond to emergencies and to serve the com munity,” he said. “My eyes have been opened to all that it takes, and it’s a lot.”
EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 7AYourObserver.com Creekwood Crossing I-75 & S.R. 70 Bradenton, FL 941-751-6600 Mon-Sat: 9:30am - 5:30pm Sun: 11am-4pm BartlettJewelers.com Introducing lab created diamonds. They are created in a rough crystal form by scientists and are optically, physically and chemically IDENTICAL to natural diamonds at a more affordable price. 386409-1 386941-1 SRQ | 6118 S. TAMIAMI TRL. 941.360.BTOX (2869) LWR | 6277 LAKE OSPREY DR. 941.359.BTOX (2869) MON/TUE/TH/FRI 10AM - 5PM ALTERNATE WED/SAT 10AMWWW.BOWTIQUEMEDSPA.COM4PM DEPOSIT REQUIRED AT BOOKING Available while supplies last. Must mention ad to receive promotion. Cannot combine with any other discount. Not valid towards previous purchases. All sales final. No refunds. Offers expire August 31, 2022. CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENTS! Sarasota & Lakewood Ranch’s FAVORITE MED SPA OVER 800 FIVE STAR REVIEWS! Beauty is our Business $149 per area Treatment for Forehead, Frown & Crow’s Feet BEFORE $AFTER399each(whenyoubuy2ormore) Crazy Sale! OFF BEFORE AFTER Filler for Cheeks 30 ANY PKG. of 4 treatments NEW Facial Rejuvenation & Skin Tightening RF Laser % LOCATIONSARASOTA “Love this spa! They provide the latest services. Prices are reasonable. The staff is knowledgeable, friendly and professional! This is my go to medspa!” -K.C. FIRE INSPECTOR JOE SILVA 1996: Started a career with Venice Fire Department after volunteering with the Nokomis Fire Department 2022: Retired from Venice after 26 years as a battalion chief BATTALION CHIEF CRAIG MADSEN 2010: Began a career with the East Manatee Fire Rescue after serving as a volunteer with the West Manatee Fire Rescue District 2011: Promoted to Firefighter I 2012: Promoted to Firefighter II 2013: Promoted to Firefighter III 2016: Received Firefighter of the Year award 2017: Promoted to engineer 2017: Responded to Collier County during the aftermath of Hurricane Irma 2018: Received fire safety commendation from Sons of the American Revolution 2018: Responded to the panhandle of Florida during the aftermath of Hurricane Michael. 2020: Promoted to lieutenant 2021: Promoted to captain DEPUTY CHIEF
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Photo by Liz Ramos Rita Lewis, the owner of Linger Lodge, is thrilled to reopen the restaurant. She says it feels like she’s coming home.
Part of the Old Florida style at Linger Lodge Restaurant is the taxidermy.
If Rita Lewis ever wondered about the dedication of her Linger Lodge customers, she was pro vided testament when the East County restaurant reopened Aug. 5 after two long years of clo sure because of the pandemic and a construction project. On Aug. 5-7, Lakewood Ranch’s Tom Pomper and his wife, Kerie Ste vens, were zipping around the restau rant, showing people to their tables, busing tables and washing dishes. Pomper and Stevens are not employees. They are longtime cus tomers who simply want to support Lewis, who owns the restaurant, in any way they can. In this case, it was by providing volunteer labor. “She is the most amazing woman,” Stevens said of Lewis. “We really want to see her succeed. We’re going to do whatever we can to help her.” Pomper and Stevens knew Lewis was struggling to hire staff, so they stepped forward. “It was amazing to see the excite ment of the community when she had reopened,” Stevens said. “I can tell you I’ve never (worked in a res taurant) in my entire life, but it was actually fun. I’m a social person so talking to people, getting feedback from them, walking around the tables to make sure everything was good, was an amazing experience.” While Lewis said it has been dif ficult to get a staff in place, she has loved the support she has received from both the community and for mer workers who have returned. “Once I opened and word of mouth got out through my employees and through the community, I hired sev en people (Aug. 10),” Lewis said. One worker who returned is East County’s Carissa Gunderson, who was thrilled when she received the call from Lewis that the restaurant wasGunderson,reopening.who has worked at the restaurant since she was 15, kept in constant contact with Lewis. “I’ve been waiting for this for a long time,” said Gunderson, who is now 27 years old. “I’ve been dying to get back here.” Lewis said the long anticipated reopening felt like a homecoming. “It was amazing,” she said. “The reception (from the community), and having all the employees back was amazing. I’ve been here for 10 years, so it was like coming home.” The construction project was to upgrade the Linger Lodge RV Camp grounds.Previous employees, like Gunder son, who took on other jobs while Linger Lodge Restaurant was closed, were eager to return. Lewis said some employees who started jobs outside the restaurant industry also have started working for Linger Lodge Restaurant part time. Lewis said the time the restaurant was closed was “just crazy” because there was nothing she could do given the circumstances. She said it’s been a tough two years for everybody, but she’s excited to have her family com ing back Gundersontogether.loves that the restau rant has a “family” feel rather than being a corporate chain restaurant. “Everybody takes care of each other,” said Gunderson, who is the bar manager. “Rita is like my sec ond mom. She’s been there for me through everything. It’s like a second home for me. I just feel really com fortable here. “I’m proud of Rita because she’s put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into getting this place open.” Geno Vittegleo, a bartender at Lin ger Lodge Restaurant, said he missed his“Thecustomers.customer base is phenom enal, and the people I work with are great, too,” he said. “Of all the bar tending jobs I’ve had, this is one of theVittegleobest.” said he was happy that even though the campgrounds are getting upgrades, the restaurant has been untouched and stayed true to its Old Florida theme. “This place has a lot of character,” VittegleoCustomerssaid.can dine outside with a view of the Braden River. A 12-foot alligator hangs on the wall to the left
TIME TO LINGER LONGER
8A EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 YourObserver.com “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 © 2020 The Observer Media Group Inc. All Rights Reserved YourObserver.com Observer Media Group Inc. is locally BaldwinWestSarasota/SiestaEastLongboatPublisherowned.oftheObserver,CountyObserver,KeyObserver,PalmCoastObserver,OrmondBeachObserver,OrangeTimes&Observer,SouthwestOrangeObserver,BusinessObserver,JacksonvilleDailyRecord,LWRLifeMagazine,ParkLivingMagazineandSeasonMagazine CEO / Matt Walsh Vice President / Lisa Walsh Chairman Emeritus / David Beliles 8130 Lakewood Main St., Suite D207 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-755-5357 Publisher and President / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com Associate Publisher — East County Observer / Lori LRuth@YourObserver.comRuth, Executive Editor and COO / Kat Hughes, KHughes@YourObserver.com Managing Editor / Jay JHeater@YourObserver.comHeater, Sports Editor / Ryan RKohn@YourObserver.comKohn, Staff Writers / Liz IanLRamos@YourObserver.com;Ramos,Swaby,ISwaby@YourObserver.com Digital & Engagement Editor / Kaelyn Adix, KAdix@YourObserver.com Editorial Designers / Melissa Leduc, MLeduc@YourObserver.com; José Valle, JValle@YourObserver.com A+E Editor / Spencer SFordin@YourObserver.comFordin, Black Tie Editor / Harry HSayer@YourObserver.comSayer, Director of Advertising / Jill Raleigh, JRaleigh@YourObserver.com Sales Manager / Penny PNowicki@YourObserver.comNowicki, Regional Digital Director / Kathleen O’Hara, KOHara@YourObserver.com Senior Advertising Executive / Laura Ritter, LRitter@YourObserver.com Advertising Executives / Richeal Bair, RBair@YourObserver.com; Beth Jacobson, BJacobson@YourObserver.com; Jennifer Kane, JKane@YourObserver.com; Honesty Mantkowski, HMantkowski@YourObserver. com; Toni Perren, TPerren@YourObserver. com; Brenda White, BWhite@ YourObserver.com Classified Advertising Sales Executive / Lexi Huelsman, YourObserver.comLHuelsman@ Sales Operations Manager / Susan Leedom, SLeedom@YourObserver.com Sales Coordinator / Account Manager Lori Downey, LDowney@YourObserver.com Digital Fulfillment Specialist / Emma Burke, EBurke@YourObserver.com Tributes Coordinator / Kristen Boothroyd, Tributes@YourObserver.com Director of Marketing / Robin Lankton, RLankton@YourObserver.com Director of Creative Services / Caleb Stanton, CStanton@YourObserver.com Creative Services Administrator / Marjorie Holloway, MHolloway@ YourObserver.com Advertising Graphic Designers / Luis Trujillo, Taylor Poe, Louise Martin, Shawna Polana Digital Developer / Jason JCamillo@YourObserver.comCamillo, Director of Information Technology / Adam Quinlin, AQuinlin@YourObserver.com Chief Financial Officer / Laura Strickland, LStrickland@YourObserver.com Controller / Rafael RLabrin@YourObserver.comLabrin, Office and Accounting Coordinator / Donna Condon, YourObserver.comDCondon@ EAST COUNTY
IF YOU GO Linger Lodge When: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays Where: 7116 85th St. Court E., Bradenton Details: Linger Lodge has an Old Florida feel with a menu that includes frog legs, gator bites, fried green tomatoes, hush puppies and more. First come, first served. More information: Call 755-2757
Geno Vittegleo, a bartender at Linger Lodge Restaurant, says he missed the people the most while the restaurant was closed for two years. Carissa Gunderson, who is 27, has been working at Linger Lodge Restaurant since she was 15 years old.
ORDER UP Here are some menu recommendations from owner Rita Lewis and Lakewood Ranch’s Kerie Stevens, who has been coming to the restaurant for four years. Because of supply chain issues, not all menu items might be available. n Fried green tomatoes n Hush puppies n Linger Lodge Étouffeé n Frog legs n Gator bites n Cajun chicken kabobs
Owner Rita Lewis says Linger Lodge’s reopening feels like a homecoming.
LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER of the entrance. Taxidermied animals are mounted around the restaurant. The restaurant has a personal touch from its customers as well. Patches from customers who are retired police officers, firefighters and other first responders are on dis play. Customers’ license plates from around the country are on display as well.“It’s like placing another person’s heart in here,” Lewis said. “It’s just a little piece of them hanging in here. When they come in, they light up and they’re all smiles. They’re like, ‘Look at that; that was mine.’ It just makes us all Althoughfamily.”the feel of the restaurant has not changed, Lewis had to make adjustments to the menu because of supply chain issues. Lewis said many of customers’ favorites, including the Linger Lodge Étouffeé, frog legs, fried green tomatoes and hush pup pies, remain on the menu. Lewis hired a new chef, Scott Dal ton, who looks forward to serving the community an “adventurous” menu. “It’s an interesting menu,” Dalton said. “I’m going to get to do some smoking and maybe put some real creative, adventurous things on the menu that you won’t find in other places like exotic meats like venison or a rattlesnake stew. I have all the opportunities to do that here.” In the coming months, Lewis hopes in time to increase the offerings on the menu to where it was before the restaurant closed and bring back live music and karaoke.
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Jay Heater Joe Martinez started Friends of Lakewood Ranch Performing Arts Center to promote interest in building a theater. Jay Heater is the managing editor for the East County Observer. Contact him at YourObserver.com.JHeater@
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Wind Ensemble. His list of other musical affiliations goes on and on. Suffice to say he is well respected in theSoregion.people tend to listen when Martinez says it is plain silly not to have a performing arts center in such an affluent community, which has generated rapid growth that has meant a fortune to Manatee County. That is the Manatee County that has kept reserves on hand of about a half-billion dollars. I get it. A lot of that reserve money is now being targeted for infrastructure that is going to make our lives a lot easier when it comes to driving around the area. That being said, wouldn’t it be nice if Manatee County led an effort to bring a performing arts center to Premier Park? So far, Manatee County is on the way to delivering a $17.3 million library. A $13.59 million aquatics facility is getting ready to break ground, and it appears it will cost another $770,000 to upgrade the pool to longer swimming lanes, a good idea to have a complex that can host major events. Manatee County has $28.45 million budgeted in its five-year capital improvement plan for sports facilities at Premier Park. No one is going to dispute the tragic and comical nature of our Manatee County Commission proceedings, and yet, if you criticize that obvious lack of professionalism, you also need to step back and compliment the commissioners for bringing much needed amenities to East County. These projects generally have overwhelming support from the commissioners. There has been talk of some kind of amphitheater or stage at Premier as well, and perhaps a gymnasium that would be big enough to host indoor major events in the slow tourist summer. Keep thinking big. So why not a performing arts center? Martinez would like to strike while the commissioners are in the mood to upgrade amenities in East“OurCounty.group is trying to give Lakewood Ranch residents a chance to express their feelings,” Martinez said. “We have an exciting concept, but we have yet to present it to the decisionFriendsmakers.”oftheLakewood Ranch Performing Arts Center already has drawn up some plans, such as a 77,650-square-foot building with two theaters (one seating 750 and the other 300). The building would house three separate rehearsal halls, storage areas, administrative office space, additional office space for rent, chorus rooms, dressing rooms, a kitchen, dining and lounge areas, and a loading dock. You be the judge of whether the Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Performing Arts Center has gone from dreaming big to utter fantasy. Martinez puts a $75 million price on theJustYikes.project.breathe, and keep dreaming. I don’t know if $75 million is a lit tle too pie-in-the-sky, but I do know when Manatee County residents get serious about asking for things, they have commissioners in place who try to deliver. And unless this particular concept gets discussed in an open forum, we won’t know what is possible.Myself,that $30 million theater being planned by The Players was sweet. Perhaps The Players was trying to carry too much of a load by itself. Imagine if The Players had set sights on Premier and had the financial support of Manatee County. I would imagine that would have required other arts groups to be included in the mission as well, but the result could have been special. The Players’ ship probably has sailed, but how about a similar con cept at Premier Park, with Manatee County (read this as “We, the tax payers”) providing support in land, funding, planning and maintenance? Could a public-private partner ship mean a permanent home for a group like The Players, and other nonprofit arts groups? Could those groups make significant contribu tions toward construction? Could a master like Elliott Falcione, the executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention Center, find ways to generate income with such a per forming arts center? Could we build a bigger theater — 1,500 seats or more — that would allow the building to, on occasion, host professional musicians and acts that could turn the center into a regionalMartinezdraw?doesn’t have all the answers, but he wants to get the discussion rolling. Would you like to join his effort? You can reach him at jm_productions@verizon.net. His group already is planning a “Rising Tide Gala” to raise funds for the effort along with a silent auction. It’s time to dream.
New group puts art of dreaming on display
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378794-1 Schroeder-Manatee Ranch always has thought big when planning Lakewood Ranch. Big homes, big entertainment hubs, big parks, big trails. So my hope has been that Manatee County officials think big when planning anything that coincides with Lakewood Ranch. A group of Lakewood Ranch musicians is hoping the same. Calling themselves Friends of Lakewood Ranch Performing Arts Center, their mission is to use a grassroots effort to build support for a performing arts center in the Lakewood Ranch area. Look around. It’s an arts desert when it comes to theaters. Now we’ve been down this road in the not-too-distant past, when I wrote in March about SMR terminating its agreement with The Players Centre for Performing Arts to build a $30 million theater at Waterside Place. SMR obviously was not confident The Players could deliver in a timely manner, and thus decided to move forward, no matter its huge desire to deliver an arts complex to its community. Although that was the case, I noted at that time that Lakewood Ranch, the nation’s No. 1 selling multigenerational, master-planned community, was doing quite nicely, thank you, with a rather artless existence. Sarasota is stocked with arts opportunities and it is a short drive away. In the realm of big thinking, however, the Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Performing Arts Center, led by Joe Martinez, wants more and has decided to get loud about it. It has the perfect guy to sound the bugle ... or Martineztrumpet.ownsJM Productions, a booking and talent agency that contracts musicians for local and national events. He is the principal trumpet for the Sarasota Concert Band and the Lakewood Ranch
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JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR M usician Taddeo Scalici was strumming his guitar, entertaining guests Aug. 13 at Sofia’s grand opening in Lakewood Ranch, singing some Ital ianAllclassics.thewhile, his eyes followed Sofia’s owner Angelo DiFiore, who was going from table to table greet ing the patrons. It was obvious Scalici was over joyed his friend had opened the Mediterranean-themed restaurant on Lakewood Main Street. “He is a little crazy,” Scalici said of DiFiore. “But in a good way. “He has got a big heart.” Unlike Scalici, who met DiFiore in Italy decades ago, those who came to opening night at Sofia’s might only have experienced DiFiore’s cooking in recent years in Sarasotaarea“WeButrestaurants.theyarehooked.havefollowedhim to every restaurant,” said Sarasota’s Dot Rogel, who greeted DiFiore with a huge hug. “We love him dearly. It’s his willingness to please everyone. He is Lakewoodwonderful.”Ranch’s Alexis Meholic said she couldn’t wait for Sofia’s to open.“Oh my god, I can’t put it into words,” she said. “I am thrilled. I have lived here 6 years after moving from Washington, D.C., and I can say we needed something really good here. Now we’ve got it.” DiFiore opened with an invitationonly event that featured a buffet-style offering for the first night only. Those who were invited weren’t only friends or previous patrons. Some, like Coun try Club East’s Glenn and Barbara Welcher, just happened to be dining next door at Remy’s On Main and saw the renovation taking place. Pre viously, the space was the University of South Florida’s Sarasota-Manatee Culinary Innovation Laboratory.
10A EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 YourObserver.com 3737 Bahia Vista St. Sarasota, FL 34232 - 941.952.5646 custom cabinetry dutchhausfurniture.com Indoor + Outdoor Kitchen WallClosetMurphyHomeHomeOfficeLaundryBathroomRoomLibraryBarBedUnit 386806-1 We are pleased to welcome the latest Gastroenterology specialist to the First Physicians Group (FPG) network. Dr. Rodriguez is board-certified in Gastroenterology, Transplant Hepatology, Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine. He specializes in colon cancer screening and adenoma detection, acute and chronic liver disease, acid reflux and functional bowel disease. Dr. Rodriguez recently retired from the U.S. Navy after 20 years of service. He is fluent in English and Spanish. First Physicians Group Welcomes Benjamin Rodriguez, MD Specialty and Board Certifications : Gastroenterology, Transplant Hepatology, Internal Medicine, Obesity Medicine Medical School : Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine, Puerto Rico Internship: National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, MD Residency: Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth, VA Fellowships: Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD and Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL Now Accepting New Patients! To schedule an appointment, call (941) 262-0400 First Physicians Group Gastroenterology 1852 Hillview St., Ste. 301, Sarasota, FL 34239 firstphysiciansgroup com 385263-1 Tasteful opening Invitation-only event Aug. 13 preps Chef Angelo DiFiore’s business for Aug. 16 opening to general public.
The Welchers stopped and knocked on Sofia’s door, asking when the res taurant would be open. They received an invitation to opening night. They couldn’t wait. “This is such a beautiful, upscale place,” Barbara Welcher said. The Lake Club’s Marybeth and Jay Traverso helped make everything look beautiful for opening night by donating their labor to transform the culinary innovation laboratory to the restaurant over the past four months. The Traversos simply loved DiFiore’s cooking over the years at several restaurants in Sarasota, and they became friends with him. They liked his cooking so much they hired him to cater some private parties at their home. When DiFiore told them he wanted to find a restau rant space in Lakewood Ranch, they decided to help. Before he opened his restaurant Aug. 13, DiFiore gathered his staff inside for a pep talk. Besides stress ing team work and greeting the cus tomers with smiles and pleasantries, DiFiore made sure it was clear that he would never be too busy to handle even the smallest of complaints. “Come to me,” he told his staff. “It’s no problem at all. If something isn’t right, we can make another one.” After addressing his staff, DiFiore headed outside to address the public on the sidewalk. Marybeth Traverso had decorated the outside front of the restaurant and hung a ribbon along the length of it. DiFiore grabbed some scissors and walked up to the ribbon, his back turned toward those waiting on the sidewalk for opening night. He was urged to cut the ribbon as he faced the“I’mcrowd.sorry,” he said. “I’m not used to this. I haven’t done this before.” He ducked under the ribbon, and thanked everyone for their support. Among the crowd, of course, were those who had followed him along his many stops as a chef. “This time ... ” he said as he cut the ribbon, “... I won’t move again.”
IF YOU GO What: Sofia’s Where: 8130 Lakewood Main St., Suite 104, Lakewood Ranch Hours: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, beginning Aug. 16 (lunch hours will be added in September) Owner: Angelo DiFiore Fare: Seafood, steaks, wine, cocktails Phone: 500-1166
Photos by Jay Heater Angelo DiFiore addresses a crowd outside Sofia’s, his new restaurant that opened at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch.
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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 11AYourObserver.com 387028-1 EXPERIENCE | MATURITY | INTEGRITY On Tuesday, August 23, 2022 Vote for Rich Tatem for Manatee County School Board, District 5 Let’s TAPP the Manatee County School System! TRANSPARENCY | ACCOUNTABILITY | PARTICIPATION | PATRIOTISM FOR Parental Rights Parental ProtectingInvolvementGirls’Sports For more info or to donate visit: VoteRichardTatem.com Colonel (retired) USAF* Paid by Richard Tatem for Manatee County School Board, District 5 *No Dept. of Defense or USAF endorsement implied ENDORSED BY: Governor Ron DeSantis and Sheriff Rick Wells FOOT PAIN? MOST INSURANCE ACCEPTED 11065 Gatewood Drive, Bldg C-2, Lakewood Ranch 4614 26th Street West, Bradenton | www.LimonsFoot.com941.782.8639 OPEN CDCAPPOINTMENTBYANDFOLLOWINGSAFETYPROTOCOLS We treat all kinds of foot problems from Bunions, Heel Pain, Fungal Nails, Diabetic Foot Care, Plantar Fasciitis and more with surgical, nonsurgical and laser treatments. SCHEDULE TODAY! SHAUN J. LIMON DPM Diplomate, American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry Board Certified in Primary Care in Podiatric Medicine LISA GRIFFITH-LIMON DPM Diplomate, American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery. Board Certified in Foot Surgery. Serving Manatee County since 1998 384924-1383680-1 GET THE YOU WANT Located inside Vision Source 11151 East SR 70 Lakewood Ranch FL 34202 (941) 739 5959 Danielle Marple, APRN Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner Laser Skin Resurfacing IPL FormaMorpheus8SmoothGloPhotofacialVoludermSkinTighteningTattooRemoval www.MyVisionSource.com Look INTRODUCING the medspa YOUR VISION, YOUR LOOK NOW ACCEPTING APPOINTMENTS 383878-1 GET THE YOU WANT Located inside Vision Source 11151 East SR 70 Lakewood Ranch FL 34202 (941) 739 5959 Danielle Marple, APRN Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner Laser Skin Resurfacing IPL FormaMorpheus8SmoothGloPhotofacialVoludermSkinTighteningTattooRemoval www.MyVisionSource.com Look INTRODUCING the medspa YOUR VISION, YOUR LOOK NOW ACCEPTING APPOINTMENTS INTRODUCING YOUR VISION, YOUR LOOK Laser Skin Resurfacing IPL FormaMorpheus8SmoothGloPhotofacialVoludermSkinTightening Located inside Vision Source 11151 East SR 70 Lakewood Ranch FL 34202 (941) 739-5959 Now Accepting Appointments Danielle Marple, APRN Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner www.MyVisionSource.com Server Julian Cohn discusses a bottle of wine with patron Susan McKinley of Sarasota. The wine is a Barolo. Sofia’s owner Angelo DiFiore welcomes the first wave of patrons. What is a Mediterranean cooking without a little more cheese? Chef Oscar Busch obliges. Musician/singer Taddeo Scalici entertains the crowd on opening night. The invitation-only opening night featured a buffet-style dinner. Bartender Kristen Compare pours some of the first drinks at Sofia’s.
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12A EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 YourObserver.com
Previously known as Parkinson Place, with a sole focus on people with Parkinson’s disease, the newly renamed Parkinson Place Center for All Movement Disorders has recently expanded its services. Now, those living with all movement disorders will also have access to free weekly classes, educational programs and support groups. Some common disorders include essential tremors, Parkinsonism, and restless leg syndrome
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Parkinson Place Center’s Medical Director, Dr. Ricardo Gonzalez, DDS, MD, recommended broadening the center’s focus. He emphasized that people with all movement disorders would benefit from over 75 FREE classes per month of exercise, education, sociability and support.
Rosedale residents seek traffic solutions
IAN SWABY STAFF FWRITER illing in the gap of Lena Road might be a major item in Manatee County’s 5-year capital improvement plan, but not everyone is excited about theGregoryproject.Matthews, who leads a group of Rosedale residents opposed to the project, said if the project is completed, it will have negative impacts on his neighborhood. He especially expects the entrance to the community, at the intersection of 54th Drive East and 87th Street East, to be significantly impacted. Matthews and a fellow resident, Beverly Martin, both voiced their concerns to county commissioners during an Aug. 13 meeting. “At this intersection, there is going to be a humongous traffic jam,” Mat thews told commissioners. Martin said it already is dangerous at the intersection in front of Rose dale.She said she has almost been struck coming out of the Rosedale gates as cars race on 54th Drive East to get to the intersection with State Road 70. Resident Daryle Russell said within the past month, he and his wife were entering Rosedale from State Road 70 when they witnessed a car, which was attempting to cross the intersection, slam into another car turning out of Rosedale, pushing it across four lanes of Lenatraffic.Road runs along the western outskirts of the community, paral lel to 87th Street, the road to the entrance to the community, and also intersects with S.R. 70. However, there is no eastbound turn available from Lena Road on to S.R. 70. Drivers wishing to turn east on S.R. 70 must travel across 54th Drive East, which connects Lena Road to 87th Street East, and use the traffic light at the intersection in front of Rosedale. Lena Road currently contains a halfmile gap as it travels south from S.R. 64 and north from S.R. 70. The exten sion, budgeted for $8,485,949 on the county’s capital improvement plan, will connect the road’s two segments, allowing traffic to move between the state roads. The project is set to begin construction in 2 to 3 years. District 5 Commissioner Van essa Baugh it was important for the Lena Road connection to be made, but noted county staff members are working to address concerns. “It is something we’re taking very seriously,” she said. Kruse said the extension is essen tial in the case of accidents on I-75, but he understands the concerns. “Your voices and your concerns are not going unheeded. It is some thing we’re working on,” Kruse said. Matthews said motorists coming from Lena Road along 54th Drive East blow through the stop sign at 87th Street East to get to S.R. 70 faster. “They kind of just breeze through the stop sign,” he said. “Everybody doesn’t do it. Many people do.” Matthews and many other residents suggested building a new intersection with a stoplight at S.R. 70 and Lena Road. Rosedale resident Debbie Judge said such a light would even help driv ers turning west on to S.R. 70. “The people coming westbound are moving pretty fast,” she said. “It’s a recipe for an accident.” LENA ROAD $8,485,949 Sources: Impact Fees Groundbreaking: 2023-2024 Details: Create a missing connection by constructing Lena Road as a two-lane urban roadway from south of 44th Avenue East to Landfill Road. University Parkway, Suite 201 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240
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It’s more than 7,000 miles away from Beijing, but because of the passions of its former resident, a Sarasota estate has become a center of China studies. Woods
Courtesy photo Elling Eide in China
SEE ELLING EIDE, PAGE 14A
AUGUST 18, 2022 ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
A Diamond in the
SPENCER FORDIN A+E EDITOR Elling O. Eide’s most fervent wish has become reality a decade after he died. Eide, a Sarasota native and lifelong student of Chinese history, dreamt of opening the gates of his 72-acre estate and turning it into a repository of knowledge. Now, nestled in a remote stretch of Tamiami Trail, his former home has become a leading regional resource for Chinese studies and a place peo ple in the community can come to appreciate both art and nature. Matthew Wells, the Elling Eide Center’s director of research, said the focus of the institution will always remain fixed on ancient China. That was Eide’s passion, said Wells, and you can’t really understand modern China without getting your arms around its roots. “This was the place where he was going to live,” said Wells, gesturing at the building, completed by Sara sota architect Guy Peterson. “He was going to put his collection of books in here — have his own kind of personal library — and basically invite all his buddies to come down and translate and talk about China and all the oth er things that he was interested in.” Eide, said Wells, was a polymath. It would be impossible to quickly summarize all the things he spent his life learning about, but Wells said he was greatly fixated on Asian studies, languages, horticulture and Florida history.Eide, born in 1935, was a gradu ate of Southside Elementary, Sara sota Junior High and Sarasota High School, and he earned a degree in Far Eastern Languages from Harvard in 1957. He later served in East Asia in the U.S. Marine Corps and studied in Taiwan before returning to the USA and serving as a professor at the Uni versity of Illinois in 1970. Eide’s life brought him back to Sarasota. His parents were ill, and he had to decide how to take care of the sprawling estate. Over time, he planted hundreds of trees and plants and continued his burgeoning stud ies from the place he had grown up, making this remote and beautiful property a center of an exotic and rare field of scholarship. “It was more a niche kind of study, but it was also a very different field at the time,” said Wells of China studies during Eide’s day. “He was interest ed back when it was a much smaller community … Somebody getting their doctorate in the ’60s was prob ably trained by somebody who had been trained by someone who was a missionary in China in the 1900s.” Wells said Eide was an early scholar of the T’ang Dynasty, and he played a large role in founding The T’ang Studies Society. His personal collections — books, art and souvenirs — became the basis of the Elling Eide Center’s treasury of Asian knowledge. Eide died in 2012, and the Eide Center opened its doors for research in 2016. Wells said the center has more than 60,000 books in its collection, many of which are only really avail able to specific scholars of Asian languages and literature. For Wells, who arrived in Sarasota a year ago, the hard part of the job was making Eide’s mission more public-facing in 2022 and beyond. “One thing I started doing when I started booking conferences was thinking about the relationship between the scholars that come here to do research and to share research and the rest of the community,” Wells said. “That’s where the pub lic lecture series comes in. I request from the scholars somebody to fall on their sword and give a lecture for the public, and we work with them
The library at the Elling Eide Center contains both books and art.
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EIDE RESEARCH LIBRARY
ELLING
Elling Eide FROM PAGE 13A
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The greenhouse was built to house an amherstia tree from Burma.
ENTERTAINMENT+ARTS to make sure they pitch it right and it’s not too specialized but also not dumbed down. “We respect our audience. They’ve been around. They know what’s up.” Even with their interest level established, though, Wells wants to make sure they’re properly prepared for high-level lectures. For instance, the Elling Eide Center will welcome award-winning author and professor John Balaban to pres ent a lecture on Vietnamese poetry in September, and Wells wants to give the local community a chance to attend presentations like that and fully understand them. That meant, in this case, designing an entirely new lecture series. Wells, a former associate professor of Chi nese at the University of Kentucky, wanted to craft an introduction to Chinese thought that would give its attendees a base of knowledge they could build on. He called it “Coffee and Confucious,” and it will return for another showing this fall. The attendees are mostly older, he says, and perhaps more interested in the subject than you might imagine. “There’s a shocking amount of interest in Chinese culture in the area,” he said. “I think a lot of people, especially the older people, have had enough lifetime where they’ve been to Japan or they’ve been to China. “Maybe they have business in Chi na. Maybe some of them have rela tives there; maybe somebody adopt ed a child from China or something like that. At the last Coffee and Con fucius, I asked them, ‘Show of hands, who’s been to a Chinese speaking country?’ About two-thirds of the audience raised their hand.” That was music to Wells’ ears. He was hoping to give people an entry point into Eide’s world, a primer on Chinese writing, on religion and phi losophy, on history and China’s place in the modern world. He found that not only were people interested, they were clamoring for more. Wells said the initial lectures sold out the lecture hall, which can sit about 50 people. The lectures take on the form of coffee and conversation, and Wells said he was surprised by the public’s attention to detail. “It’s like a college lecture, in that I approach it as if people are educated but maybe not informed in that par ticular area,” he said of the series. “What I want to do is quickly move people to a point where they feel like they understand Chinese writing a little bit. My goal was to have 25 people who are full-timers living in Sarasota who then have this baseline of knowledge, and then they would find any of our other lectures a lot easier to absorb.” That lecture series will return in the fall, but the Elling Eide Center is hoping to develop even more oppor tunities for the public. Now, said Wells, the plan is to do more research on the property and its history. He said there is a New College research project looking into Helen Smith, one of the property’s owners before Eide, and there also will be an archaeological survey conducted on theThere’sgrounds.also a need to study the property’s flourishing gopher tor toise population. The gopher tor toise is currently listed as vulnerable but not endangered. The Elling Eide Center currently has an arboretum tour hosted by a former botany instructor that informs people about the hundreds of species of trees on the property, and Wells hopes that eventually the tour will better include information on the center’s artistic holdings. “If you come take the tour, at the very least, you’re going to see prob ably one of the most amazing horti cultural collections here outside of Selby,” said Wells of the tour. “Then you’ll come in and get some exposure to the kind of art and cul ture we have here. But with this lec ture series and course series, we’re trying to be more active in giving people the opportunity to learn.” The popularity of China studies — like any other field of academic endeavor — is cyclical. Wells said he’s seen a flourishing and a regression in the interest of Asian Language study courses dur ing his career, and he said with Chi na’s increasing prominence in the world, there’s an ever-present need for more people to understand the country’s history and art. Even with someone like Confu cius, a worldwide symbol of knowl edge and learning, there’s a natural ebb and flow to their popularity. “When I first went to China in the mid-’90s, you really didn’t hear much about Confucius or interest in classical China,” said Wells of the ancient philosopher who is now back in vogue. “You get up to about 2006 or 2007 and you start getting some interest then in what are traditional values? I used to show my students the same wall 10 years different; one would say, ‘Build a strong socialist society.’ Then 10 years later, I went back to the same place and it was like a mural about all these different Confucian virtues. It’s amazing.” GO O. AND PRESERVE Where: 8000 S. Tamiami Trail When: Arboretum Tour on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. $5 Info: EllingOEide.org
14A EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 YourObserver.com When there’s a cost-of-living crisis, healthy food can be the first to go. Help your neighbors balance things out. To support our produce program, visit allfaithsfoodbank.org941.379.6333 374128-1 1001 South Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 941.309.430034236SarasotaArtMuseum.org ONMUSICTHE PLAZA
8/24/22StumbleFeaturingSPINCreek|5:30pm - 8 pm SPIN invites you to socialize and experience the contemporary genre of sound through the exploration of musical notes, movement, and engagement. Join us for SPIN every Fourth Wednesday this summer in the Marcy and Michael Klein Plaza for our live music and movement program.
Photos courtesy of Ryan Gamma
The Elling Eide Center was designed by local architect Guy Peterson.
CLASSIC MOVIES AT THE OPERA HOUSE: ‘DOUBLE INDEMNITY’ 7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. Visit$12 SarasotaOpera.org.
WE’RE DOOMED 7:30 p.m. at Bowne’s Lab, 1265 First St. Visit$15 agedthrowswishthemtheirStudioAfterfectsTheyFloridaStudioTheatre.org.maynothavethespecialef-budgetof“2012”or“TheDayTomorrow,”buttheFloridaTheatreimprovtroupehasalldisasterbasescovered.Throwatitleandwatchhowtheyitaroundintheirmindsanditbacktoyouasafullypack-disasterflick.
ASSISTED LIVING THE MUSICAL: THE TALES GRANNY WILL NEVER TELL 3 p.m. at Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Venice likelyfindingGoldenThesecommunitytalesplay,bothRickcom.Visit$35-$50VenicePerformingArtsCenter.ComptonandBetsyBennetcreatedandwillperforminthiswhichcentersontheuntoldfromanactiveseniorlivingcalledPelicanRoost.agingseniorsaretakingtheirYearsinstride,andthey’recomedyinsomeoftheleastplacesyou’dimaginetofindit. AND LITTLE CHEF: BAKING 11 a.m. at Publix Aprons Cooking School, 2875 University Parkway Visit$80 class,cookiepizzabiscuits,bakechildrenpeciallyfocusApronsrienceHere’scom.ApronsCookingSchool.publix.awholesomefamilyexpe-forparentandchild.ThisCookingSchoolclasswillonbakinganditwillcateres-toenterprisingparentsandwhowanttolearnhowtotogether.They’llmakeunicornmojoporkempanadas,doughgarlicknotsandmarbleYoyosoverthecourseoftheandthey’lleatthemalltoo!
HDSUNDAYATTHEOPERA HOUSE: ‘RUSALKA’ 1:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House Visit$22 SarasotaOpera.org. It’s a Dvořak classic brought to you from across the globe. This performance was recorded at the Teatro Real in Madrid in 2020, and it stars Asmik Grigorian and Eric Cutler. This timeless tale, created in 1901 and based on Hans Cristian Anderson’s “The Little Mermaid,” has become one of the most performed operas in the world.
senior curator of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, will take you through his 25 years of experience in the art world and what it means to be a curator on a regular basis. Ormond, who curates the Arts Advocates’ collection, will discuss planning, fundraising, acquiring and even transporting art.
ART TALK: A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF A CURATOR 4-6 p.m. at Arts Advocates Gallery, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail $10 members, $12 nonmembers Visit MarkArtsAdvocates.org.Ormond,theformer
Are you amazed at the many ways framing and lighting can change the perception of an image? Then come on down to Selby Gardens and look at flowers through the lens of some of the most accomplished photographers in history. You’ll see a variety of methods and techniques employed to render natural beauty in its simplest form.
SUMMER IN THE CITY 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Art Uptown Gallery, 1367 Main St. VisitFree ArtUptown.com. This show, which will wrap up on Aug. 19, features work from all 26 Art Uptown Gallery artists. You’ll find painting, sculpture, photography, glasswork, pottery and more.
It’s the classic film noir that launched 100 imitators. “Double Indemnity” stars Barbara Stanwyck, Fred MacMurray and Edward G. Robinson in a tale of murder, betrayal and intrigue. “Double Indemnity” was nominated for seven Academy Awards and didn’t win any, but it was chosen as the No. 29 film in the American Film Institute’s “AFI’s 100 Years, 100 Movies” list in 2007.
FLORASATURDAYIMAGINARIA 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St. Free with admission Visit Selby.org.
GET THE BUNK OUT TOUR 8 p.m. at Fogartyville, 525 Kumquat Court Visit$10 WSLR.org/Fogartyville. Join Steve McAllister for his oneman tribute to Will Rogers, the actor, author and social commentator who had an outsized role in shaping American thought in the early 20th century. McAllister will move you with words uttered by Rogers nearly a century ago, but he’s also added original poetry and songs that help to supplement the Rogers voice.
EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 15AYourObserver.com
ogre and his irreverent donkey pal. Shrek, which won an Academy Award as an animated feature and a Tony Award for best costume design as a musical, will be taking over the stage at the Rise Above Performing Arts Center. Kyle Ramon stars as Shrek, and Jaquavien Jones stars as Donkey. Runs through Aug. 28.
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THEFRIDAYLATEST FROM TERRY GUEST 6:30 p.m. at Selby Gardens, 1534 Mound St. $5, registration required Visit servingHermitageHermitageArtistRetreat.org.FellowTerryGuestisnoticetotheworldthathe has a lot more to say. Guest, the playwright who wrote “At the Wake of a Dead Drag Queen,” will deliver a sneak peek at his new play, “Pageant on White American Memory,” which examines the arc of some of America’s most prominent families and how they got to be in that position.
THIS WEEK OUR PICK FREE MONDAYS AT JOHN AND MABLE RINGLING MUSEUM OF ART You can enjoy your art without opening your wallet. The John And Mable Ringling Museum of Art opens its doors free of charge on Mondays, allowing visitors to take in its rich collection of paintings and exhibits. It’s a perfect time to stroll in and check out “Ballroom Florida: Deco & Desire in Japan’s Jazz Age,” which will be on display until late September. IF YOU GO When: John And Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road Where: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays Tickets: Free Info: Ringling.org.DON’T MISS ‘SMOKE AND MIRRORS’ How does a Hollywood director get hold of a production when a screenwriter stands in their way? Smoke and Mirrors. This wickedly funny romp takes you behind the scenes as an actor, director and screenwriter compete to control an upcoming production, and it lampoons the sometimes dastardly lengths they’ll go to realize their own vision. Who will win? And will they get away with it? IF YOU GO When: 7:30 p.m., Aug. 18; runs through Aug. 28 Where: Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St. Tickets: $25-$36 Info: FloridaStudioTheatre.org. 382163-1
‘SHREK:THURSDAYTHEMUSICAL’
7:30 p.m. at Rise Above Performing Arts Center, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail MakeVisit$17-$32RiseAboveArts.com.wayforacharming
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Lic# CPC1458597 PDesign•Build•MaintainrofessionalInHouseConstruction www.HolidayPoolsFlorida.com384915-1 941.927.1882 Family Owned and Operated Since 1994 Call today to schedule an appointment REVIEWSA+E MARTY FUGATE THEATER CRITIC Novelists and screenwriters often paint an unflattering portrait of Hollywood. Judging by movies like Robert Altman’s “The Player” and novels like Nathaniel West’s “The Day of the Locust,” Tinseltown is a heartless exploitation machine that grinds up writers and their words. Will Osborne and Anthony Herrera’s “Smoke & Mirrors” falls squarely in that tradition at Florida Studio Theatre. The first act opens with a screenwriter’s grievance. Clark Robinson (Alberto Bonilla) is the scribe in question; a creative if highly nervous screenwriter. Clark’s in a movie-making partnership called “Three Happy Fellas.” Director Hamilton Orr (Ben Cherry) and movie star Derek Coburn (Jack Gerhard) are the other two fellas, but Clark’s a most unhappy fella. He bemoans Hamilton’s Procrustean mutilation of his creative“Vicksburg”vision.is the most recent outrage. The company’s last film was a hit. Clark wrote the screenplay, and it was his passion project. But Hamilton got the studio to green light the flick with the promise that Hollywood hunk Derek would play the lead role. (Hamilton got him to sign by making him a creative partner.) After that, the meathead proceeded to rewrite his lines and deliver them just as badly. The result? Critical scorn — and boffo box office numbers. Three Happy Fellas is now working on a sequel. The creative team’s ensconced in the Mississippi state governor’s mansion on an isolated private island in the Gulf of Mexico. The film deal is a package deal. By studio decree (and the terms of his partnership), Derek stays in the picture — or there’s no picture. The writer’s outraged. The director claims to feel the same artistic outrage. This crowd-pleasing dummy is ruining his creative vision, too! For an added twist of the knife, there’s a serious actor who’d love to take his HamiltonHmmm…place!jokingly suggests that they kill Derek — for their art. ThenHa-ha.you realize he’s not joking. Clark initially resists Hamilton’s murderous pitch but eventually agrees to his scheme for Derek’s final exit. How will they kill him and get away with it? Hamilton’s got it all figured out. They’ll tell the dim actor they’ve written a new ending to “Vicksburg II” — a scene where Derek’s character commits suicide. Then they’ll get him to rehearse the scene and switch the unloaded gun with a loaded gun. Bang! No more Derek. A tragic accident! And that’s a wrap. Or maybe not. They don’t call this play “Smoke & Mirrors” for nothing. All I can say is somebody either does or doesn’t die. And somebody’s scheme either goes or doesn’t go as planned. This play is a Mousetrap, as in the Parker Brothers’ board game, not the Agatha Christie play. Giving the ending away really would be a crime. Suffice to say it’s smart and very, very funny. Director Catherine Randazzo finds just the right tone to keep you laughing. Her tightrope walk is no cakewalk. “Smoke & Mirrors” walks the line between parody and homage. (The play’s elaborate bits of business echo half the classics on PBS’s “Mystery Theatre.” But the bits are always just a wee bit off. Something’s happening, but you don’t know what it is. Aside from the fact it’sThefunny.)actors are equally great at high-wire silliness. Bonilla’s highstrung Clark is the low fella on the totem pole. He stammers and stutters like a standard issue nebbish. Then you realize his commitment to creative vision isn’t a joke. Cherry’s Hamilton has one key feature — he’s a manipulator. (One who gleefully sees himself as a puppet master.) He can be charming when he has to be, or a bully when he can get away with it. Alanna Smith plays Hamilton’s wife Barbara as one of his willing puppets. (Maybe.) She delivers a highly cinematic portrayal as a languorous femme fatale. She’s exactly what Hamilton wants her to be. (Or maybe just what he expects her to be.) After the deed is done, Justin Ness makes the scene as Sheriff Leroy, a country bumpkin lawman investigating the crime scene. You figure, like Peter Falk’s Columbo, he’s just playing dumb. Then you realize he’s just plain dumb. That equally applies to Gerhard’s Derek. He’s a tool, and not a sharp one. But moviegoers love him — and he agrees with their opinion. The action on stage is a few steps away from realism. Isabel and Moriah Curley-Clay’s overstuffed set has more stuffed, dead animals than Linger Lodge. It’s impressive and slightly creepy. (Where did they get those crispy critters anyway?) Erin Barnett’s costumes look like costumes. For this play, that’s a compliment. Because its world is not the real world. Osborne and Herrera’s script sparkles with fast-paced dialogue in the Preston Sturges tradition. A recent revision scrubbed away the 1991 anachronisms. (Floppy discs become flash drives; Eleanor Roosevelt is now Barbara Bush!) The only oversight was a reference to film photography. “Smoke & Mirrors” tickles your funny bone without insulting your intelligence. Smart and funny is a great combination — and a rare one. With murder mysteries (comic or otherwise) I usually see the twist ending coming a mile away. With “Smoke & Mirrors,” I didn’t. Nice trick. How do you like your theater renditions of Hollywood movies? With a side of intrigue? ‘Smoke & Mirrors’ at Florida Studio Theatre has you covered. IF YOU GO ‘SMOKE When:MIRRORS’&Through Aug. 28 Tickets: $25-$39 Where: FST Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St. Info: Visit daStudioTheatre.orgFlori Creative Differences
Photo courtesy of John Jones Alberto Bonilla and Ben Cherry star as a writer and director trying to protect their product in “Smoke & Mirrors.”
Players Studio hosts open house
EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 17AYourObserver.com Eleanor Merritt, Remembrance (detail), Mixed media on paper, 36 x 28 in. Gift of the Estate of Eleanor Merritt, 2022. Collection of The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. This exhibition was paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax revenues. Support for this exhibition was provided by the William G. & Marie Selby Foundation and Ringling Museum Endowment.INFORMATION + TICKETS ringling.org ELEANOR MERRITT REMEMBRANCE LAST CHANCE— CLOSES AUG 21 380830-1 CLEAR THE SHELTERS AUGUST 1 - AUGUST 31 COME FOREVERYOURADOPTNEXTFRIEND! 379610-1 During this time we will be offering $25 off all adoptions, Donate now at catdepot.org to support all the kitties we care for and help! 941-366-2404 | 2542 17th St., Sarasota, FL 34234 | www.catdepot.org LARGEST SELECTION OF FANS ANYWHERE! 382879-1
ENTERTAINMENT+ARTS SPENCER FORDIN A+E EDITOR You might be a player and not even knowTheit.Players Studio, an educa tional program from The Players Centre for Performing Arts, reaches more than 200 kids and aspiring actors of all ages, and it’s hosting its annual Back to Studio Bash open house on Aug. 20 in hopes of reach ing more in the future. Brenna Wickstrom, the studio’s director of education, says the open house will feature the best The Play ers has to offer. There will be perfor mances from production groups, mini classes and games, as well as a chance to register for future enrollment. The Players Studio, established in 1995, has been teaching the art of theater for decades. Wickstrom and the studio instructors and perform ers are coming off a busy summer full of theater education. From May through the first week of August, the studio was overrun by kids enrolled in the theater’s mini-camps. The children — aged 5 to 10 — learned songs, dances and scenes from movies and plays, and then they put on a mini-production for their families in the studio. There was also a 4-week musical theater production camp for kids aged 11 to 17, and they worked all month to perform in “We Will Rock You” on Aug. 4 and 5. But the fun isn’t just for kids. The Players Follies is a free community theater group for ages 50 and up, and Wickstrom says it’s great to work with actors of all ages. “We start as young as 6 months all the way to 106,” Wickstrom said. “If you’re 107, we’ll make an exception forWhatyou.”does daily enrollment at the studio look like? That depends on which classes you take. “We could be working on scripts, we could be working on scenes,” Wickstrom said. “We could be exploring theater history or oncamera acting. We could be explor ing the foundations of tap and jazz.” Wickstrom said many of the younger students are first-time actors, but the older students are active in their school drama depart ments. Most of the action at the stu dio occurs on Saturday and the stu dio might have as many as 40 or 50 aspiring actors in it at the time. “We’ll have kids who are here as bright and early at 8:30,” Wickstrom said of the Saturday classes. “They start at 9, and they do not leave here till 2:30 in the afternoon. They’re here all day having fun taking backto-back classes.”
The Players Studio is looking forward to another fall season of theater education and enrichment. IF YOU GO BACK TO STUDIO BASH When: 1-4 p.m. Aug. 20 Where: The Players Studio, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Suite 200 Tickets: Free open house Info: ThePlayers.org Courtesy photo The Players Studio isn’t just for kids. The Players Follies is a free community theater group for actors aged 50 and up. Preside Summer's End Sale Save 10% Store Wide August 18-23 Heirloom-quality solid wood furniture custom built by Amish woodworkers 3709 N. Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota Monday - Saturday 9 AM - 6 PM, Sunday Noon - 5 PM 941.894.6747 | dutchcrafters.com385929-1
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PhotoRamosby Liz Ramos Megan Eliason hugs her kindergartner, Hartley, before sending her off to her first day of school at Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School. Megan Eliason says the first day is emotional.
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LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER
Photo by Ian Swaby Kayla Caldeon says goodbye to her daughter, Paisley Johns, who started her first day of kindergarten at Braden River Elementary School.
A DAY OF FIRSTS
YOUR NEIGHBORS AUGUST 18, 2022 Classifieds 15B Games 14B Real Estate 7B Weather 14B
Photo by Liz Ramos Christine Castellon and Michael Castellon send their son Mateo to pre-K at Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School. “It’s scary and so sad,” Christine Castellon says. Photo by Liz
At Braden River Elementary School, Chloe Smotryski watched as her kindergartner, Liam Falanga, lined up a row of crayons on his desk. “He was nervous, but I think he will do well,” Smotryski said. The first day of school at Braden River Elementary brought back memories for Laura Swinson, who was sending her son, Lucas, off for his first day of kindergarten. Swin son attended the elementary school when she was a child. “It’s very nostalgic,” Swinson said.
M egan Eliason knelt down next to her daughter, Hartley, in front of the “Welcome Back Wildcat Leaders” sign and put on a big smile. Although Eliason was nervous to say goodbye to her kindergartner on her first day of school at Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School, she was excited to see what the school year would bring. “She’s ready,” Eliason said about Hartley. “I heard great things about her teacher. It’s emotional today … but good Parentsemotions.”acrossthe greater Lake wood Ranch area wished their stu dents a great first day of school Aug. 10, with some goodbyes a little more tearful than others. Christine and Michael Castellon watched as their son, Mateo, ride his bike to the entrance of McNeal Elementary for his first day of pre-K. “It’s scary and so sad,” Christine Castellon said. “I’m just hoping he has a wonderful first day.”
Braden River and Gilbert W. McNeal elementary schools are among those celebrating their opening days on Aug. 10.
GiavannacomfortsPattonVincent on her first day of pre-K at Braden School.ElementaryW.atfourthfirsthersendingbeforeAudreydaughterhugsJoySchool.ElementaryRiverBehlinghertoherdayofgradeGilbertMcNeal
Photo by Ian Swaby Philip Swinson ties the shoe of his kindergartner, Lucas.
Photo by Ian Swaby
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Photos by Ian Swaby Founder Mike McKinney, spokesperson Jon Astore, and founder David Slone perform the groundbreaking ceremony. A series of sports cars are parked on the site of the future Luxe Dream Garage.
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Garage project revs up in 2023,
Lakewood Ranch’s Daryl Brown steps into his Ferrari F8 Spider.
Sixty-five garage condos will be complete
with another 64 planned for 2024.
Lakewood Ranch’s Joann Calouri, who is serving beverages, talks with Sarasota’s Shay Spradlin, Luxe Dream Garage owner David Slone’s fiancee.
IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER G round had yet to be broken Aug. 13 in Lakewood Ranch on the new Luxe Dream Garage complex, but auto lovers already were lined up with their shiny sports cars. Bradenton’s Ben Bernheim said he arrived early on the site behind Gold Coast Eagle Distributing to meet oth er future users of the garage condos. He can see his friends able to hang out in an air conditioned garage, chatting about their favorite subject: cars. The gathering was alongside a pond on Communications Parkway, just west of Systems Court. The land directly east of the pond will house the facility termed by the developers as “Luxe One,” which is expected to open in 2023 and contain 65 units. A second facility, “Luxe Two,” will be built at the northwest corner of Lake wood Ranch Boulevard and Commu nications Parkway, and is expected to open in 2024 with 64 units. Founders Mike McKinney and David Slone, and spokesperson Jon Astore, used three special shovels for the occasion to move a little dirt and get the construction part of the project officially underway. Slone said the group was excited as they have been discussing the project sinceWithJanuary.theregion packed with car collectors who own multiple cars with nowhere to store them, the time has been right for Luxe Dream Garage. Slone said the service offers more than simply a secure way to store vehicles.“We’re going to have a place where these people are going to be really excited to hang out,” he said. “We’re going to do events at the clubhouse, and there’s just going to be a nonstop camaraderie going on there.” Attendees were already envision ing the future of the two garage sites. “Everything they’re doing is to (develop) camaraderie,” said Alan Davis, who came from Englewood to attend the event, along with his wife, Cindi Davis. “We like that a lot. It makes it like a little community, and that’s important to us. We’re going to know everybody, which is nice.” The groundbreaking wasn’t the only chance for fans of the project to socialize that day. Attendees had begun their day by showing their sports cars at the Cars & Coffee event at The Mall at University Town Cen ter, before heading to the site of the future garage.
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Point Medical Center grows with the new development.
IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER After opening Comprehensive Pain Solutions in November 2021, Dr. Abdel H. Elhoushy wasn’t sure how his new practice would be accepted in the Lakewood Ranch area. Besides the fact people would have to get used to him, he was occupy ing an office in the new Center Point Medical Center. While the Center Point Medical Center filled up quickly, plans for the rest of Center Point development had yet to be Fortunatelyrealized.forElhoushy, he has stayed busy from Day 1, and it appears he only is going to be more busy now that restaurants, shops and stores are getting close to opening. “I love that every day my inter actions prove that we have patients seeking very high-quality care,” Elhousy said. “We like them, they like us and we feel that we are build ing a family here.” Elhousy said most of their patients have voiced satisfaction and have returned. Combined with a steady flow of new patients, all indications point to a packed office. Previously, Elhousy worked in oth er locations in Florida including Pen sacola, Orlando, Stuart, Boca Raton, and Port St. Lucie. However, after previously serving as chief of anes thesia at Blake Hospital in Bradenton, he settled on Lakewood Ranch as the location where he would open his own practice, where he said he would con tinue for the rest of his career. He said one key factor was that many patients in the area are seeking the type of services he wants to offer. “They are interested in treating the real cause of their pain, which will allow me to use my experience and talent as a physician to help them by finding the real core of the reason for the pain,” he said. He said that while masking pain is often a useful solution, it is not the onlyHesolution.saidthere is always a shortage of pain specialists nationwide and that sometimes other providers must take the burden of helping the patient until the patient can be referred to a pain specialist who is able to treat the underlying cause of the issues. He said pre-screenings determine whether his practice can be the right answer for prospective patients. He works in conjunction with other medical professionals, such as sur geons, for pain management. Amber Lee, who offers patient support and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology, said many patients who come to the clinic have not succeeded in finding answers for their“Theypain.feel like they haven’t been explained things very well (to other doctors),” she said. “They’ve had all kinds of issues.” She said that she sees a change in patients from the time they enter the building.
Comprehensive Pain Center
Solutions at
Dr. Abdel H. Elhoushy has
Photo2021.NovemberSolutionshensiveingsincepatientsbusyremainedwithopen-Compre-PaininbyIanSwaby
“They come in here, and some of them are hesitant at first, or they’re asking the doctor a lot of questions,” she said. “All of a sudden, they have this trust, and they kind of fall in love with him. He’s very comprehensive, and he listens to them. So it’s beautiful to get to see that, and to see someone who is so knowledgeable about what they do, and so passionate about it.” Elhousy said his background as a surgeon is helpful to him as a pain spe cialist, a field he entered seven years ago. He said his background gave him exposure to every system in the body. “Pain is a main symptom of dis ease, generally,” he said. “Pain is manifestation of heart disease, pain is a manifestation of cancers, pain is manifestations of hemorrhage, and pain is a symptom of a majority of patients, generally.” For example, he said many times the cause of back pain includes aortic aneurysms, which are bulges in the aorta, the artery that carries blood from the heart through the chest and torso. It can also be caused by tumors, fractured bones, neurologi cal damage and other maladies. He said he attempts to pinpoint those maladies so he knows how to properly treat the pain. “You can have uncommon diseas es presenting as back pain, and I use my ability as a physician to navigate the physiology and the history with the patient,” he said. If the search for causes of pain were a race, Elhousy would consider himself a fast runner. Lee said working with Elhousy has been an informative experience. “I’ve learned how one part of the body can affect so many other parts of the body, and patients don’t always know that,” she said. “They have a lot of wow moments when the doctor tells them, ‘This could be causing this.’ They’ve been going through the pain for years, and they just think that’s their life, and all of a sudden they get this new infor mation. It’s like a light bulb goes on.” Sometimes finding the source of pain means Elhousy has to go a dif ferent direction, such as referring them to experts or specialists. When appropriate, he starts treat ment himself, such as a stellate gan glion block, a procedure which treats pain in the stellate ganglion, a series of nerves located on the neck on either side of the voice box. He sometimes uses a spinal cord stimulator to treat advanced vas cular insufficiency, a condition that occurs when leg veins are unable to return blood to the heart. The pro cedure surgically inserts a device called a spinal cord stimulator under the skin, which sends a mild electric current to the spinal cord that modi fies the pain signal. Other treatments offered at the office include joint injections, epi durals, radio frequency ablations and nerve stimulators. He said the prac tice will eventually progress to the use of stem cells and platelet-rich plasmaElhousyinjections.saidresults with patients have been positive, and that most patients have found the ability to enjoy activities they previously could not.
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ABOUT DR. ABDEL H. EducationELHOUSHY/Certifications n Received MD at Alexandria University, Egypt n Completed Fellowship in Cardiac Surgery at Brown University n Certified by the American Board of Pain Medicine n Certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology n Certified by the American Society of Echocardiography n Received Certificate of Special Compe tency in Transesophageal Echocardiog raphy n Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, UK n Member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists History of practice n Has practiced at locations including Dynamic Pain and Wellness in the Fort Walton Beach and Pensacola area, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, and Osceola Regional Medical Center n Held the role of lead anesthesiologist and critical care doctor at Martin Memo rial Hospital in Stuart, Florida, from 2006 to 2015 n Most recently held the role of chief of anesthesia at HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton
6B EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 YourObserver.com CORTEZ 12925 42nd Terrace W 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 5,138 Sq. Ft. Joanna Benante & Ann Martin 941-356-7717 A4537365 $4,200,000 BRADENTON 20706 79th Avenue E 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 5,077 Sq. Ft. Chris 941-735-4713Baylis A4531620 $3,500,000 BRADENTON 8435 Lindrick Lane 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 4,893 Sq. Ft. Stacy 941-587-4359Haas A4539533 $3,550,000 BRADENTON 6000 Riverview Boulevard 5 Beds 4/1 Baths 7,383 Sq. Ft. Gregory Zies & Kathy Valente 941-779-3081 A4538981 $4,500,000 LAKEWOOD RANCH 7959 Matera Court 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,988 Sq. Ft. Deborah Angelo O'Mara 941-730-0777 A4542529 $2,249,000 BRADENTON 677 Regatta Way 3 Beds 3 Baths 3,045 Sq. Ft. Sandi 941-704-0697Dietrich A4537935 $2,350,000 LAKEWOOD RANCH 7504 Coventry Court 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,870 Sq. Ft. Jamie Van Vliet & Christopher Van Vliet 941-993-8996 A4544241 $1,350,000 LAKEWOOD RANCH 7528 Greystone Street 3 Beds 3 Baths 3,058 Sq. Ft. Tina 941-685-8420Ciaccio A4542384 $1,925,000 BRADENTON 5016 Mangrove Point Road 4 Beds 2 Baths 1,838 Sq. Ft. Kathy Valente & Gregory Zies, LLC 941-685-6767 A4538298 $995,000 BRADENTON 5445 46th Court W 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,719 Sq. Ft. Adam 941-812-0791Cuffaro A4544092 $995,000 LAKEWOOD RANCH 13651 American Prairie Place 4 Beds 3 Baths 3,017 Sq. Ft. Stacy 941-587-4359Haas A4541881 $925,000 BRADENTON 3911 Plumosa Terrace 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,820 Sq. Ft. Kim Galway & Jody Shinn 941-462-9895 A4538211 $900,000 BRADENTON 2112 51st Street W 4 Beds 3 Baths 3,805 Sq. Ft. Jodene 941-302-4913MoneuseA4529879 $895,000 PALMETTO 802 25Th Avenue W 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,440 Sq. Ft. Megg Faillace & Ralph Faillace 941-713-9144 A4544807 $1,300,000 BRADENTON 1804 45th Street Court E 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,519 Sq. Ft. Diane Fogo 941-445-2431HarterA4540510 $1,150,000 LAKEWOOD RANCH 14710 Leopard Creek Place 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,559 Sq. Ft. Heather 941-720-1526SniffenA4541963 $1,100,000 BRADENTON 14205 Flat Woods Terrace 6 Beds 4/1 Baths 3,899 Sq. Ft. Stacy 941-266-0529Hanan A4538218 $1,095,000 BRADENTON 3712 Plumosa Terrace 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,980 Sq. Ft. Judy 941-504-3792LaValliere A4539713 $1,050,000 LAKEWOOD RANCH 6708 64th Place E 4 Beds 2 Baths 2,073 Sq. Ft. Pat 941-685-5805Rodriguez A4543035 $617,000 BRADENTON 839 Rosemary Circle 4 Beds 2 Baths 1,832 Sq. Ft. Debbie 941-705-3328Vogler A4538958 $589,000 PALMETTO 10425 Macfarlane Place 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,403 Sq. Ft. Patty 941-545-1194Brooks A4544361 $575,000 LAKEWOOD RANCH 5007 28th Court E 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,678 Sq. Ft. Pamela 614-632-2801Miller A4524632 $499,000 BRADENTON 15737 High Bell Place 5 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,868 Sq. Ft. Stacy 941-266-0529Hanan A4533236 $499,000 PARRISH 14711 20th Street E 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,336 Sq. Ft. Victoria 941-544-6734BeckhamA4544314 $849,999 CORTEZ 3045 Mariners Cove Drive 112 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,762 Sq. Ft. Kathy 941-900-9828Harman A4543313 $750,000 LAKEWOOD RANCH 7349 Wexford Court 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,562 Sq. Ft. Stacy 941-587-4359Haas A4543823 $675,000 BRADENTON 2512 Starwood Court 2 Beds 2 Baths 2,112 Sq. Ft. Carroll 813-727-1630Couri A4544469 $675,000 BRADENTON 12726 Coastal Breeze Way 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,766 Sq. Ft. Mackenzie Longueuil & Pat Mudgett 941-961-4023 A4540776 $649,000 888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM 379154-1
Michael and Sandra Humenik, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the home at 13207 Palmers Creek Terrace to Amir and Mietra Harandi, of Lakewood Ranch, for $3 million. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 5,581 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,775,000 in 2013.
Heidi Hanssen sold her home at COUNTRY CLUB
Country Club home tops sales at $3 million
Donna Beck Smith, of Longboat Key, sold her home at 7519 Rigby Court to John Scott Wynant and Katherine Richardson, of Weston, Massachusetts, for $1.8 million. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,537 square feet of living area. It sold for $900,000 in 2018. Eric and Leslie Bostick, of Bradenton, sold their home at 7122 Orchid Island Place to Patrick Cullen and Kerrianne Sanicola, of Lakewood Ranch, for $775,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,163 square feet of living area. It sold for $699,000 in 2021.
ESPLANADE Michael and Molly Parker, of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, sold their home at 4924 Tivoli Run to Clyde Eugene Wallace III and Rebecca Wallace, of Bradenton, for $1 million. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 3,036 square feet of living area. It sold for $625,000 in 2020.
David and Lynn Busekrus, of St. Louis, sold their home at 12607 Coastal Breeze Way to David and Kathleen Scheppe, of Williamsburg, Michigan, for $625,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,528 square feet of living area. It sold for $327,100 in 2020.
Photo by Liz Ramos This Country Club home at 13207 Palmers Creek Terrace sold for $3 million. It has four bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 5,581 square feet of living area.
Patricia Lynn Bradbury and David Beesley sold their home at 1253 Highfield Circle to Three Crowns LLC for $2.6 million. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, five-and-ahalf baths, a pool and 6,111 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.5 million in 2010.
ESTATEREAL
JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR ACountry Club home topped all transactions in this week’s real estate.
LAKE CLUB Andrew and Melissa Romine, of Indialantic, sold their home at 17012 Verona Place to Douglas Powell, trustee, of Bradenton, for $1.85 million. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,629 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.7 million in May.
LAKEWOOD NATIONAL Cynthia Perrault, of Hampton, New Hampshire, sold the home at 6135 Cessna Run to Frank Anthony Meola Jr. and Catherine Mary Carey, of Bradenton, for $830,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,207 square feet of living area. It sold for $515,000
Sheila Ann Ryan, of Sarasota, sold her home at 12617 Coastal Breeze Way to Craig and Elizabeth Rice, of Bradenton, for $582,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,528 square feet of living area. It sold for $339,600 in 2020.
TRANSACTIONSREALRESIDENTIALESTATE AUG.SEE1-5REAL ESTATE, PAGE 8B
GREYHAWK LANDING Mitchell and Lisa Hall, of Bradenton, sold their home at 13109 Magpie Place to Soraya Coccimiglio, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, for $1.1 million. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,824 square feet of living area. It sold for $702,800 in 2007. Ian and Amy Whittemore, of Bradenton, sold their home at 13136 Peregrin Circle to Jerrad Dale Hendricks and Lucia Susana Hendricks, of Bradenton, for $875,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,994 square feet of living area. It sold for $420,000 in 2013.
EDGEWATER Joseph Gherardi, of Stockton, New Jersey, sold his home at 8412 Misty Morning Court to Jose Miguel Agudelo and Maria Camila Guzman, of Lakewood Ranch, for $800,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,236 square feet of living area. It sold for $536,000 in 2021.
ARBOR GRANDE Peter and Roberta Rimbos, trustees, of Hinsdale, Illinois, sold the home at 12013 Perennial Place to Susan Hopper and Vincent Barrett, of Bra denton, for $750,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,024 square feet of living area. It sold for $412,400 in 2020.
YourObserver.com EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 7B Sales galleries open and available for virtual or in-person presentations. Virtual home tours | OnDemand local experts | Interactive site and floorplans St.DowntownLongboatKeyPetersburgDowntownSarasotaThe Residences at the St. Regis | 941.213.3300 | From $2.4MM to $10.9MM | Call for appointment | SRResidencesLongboatKey.com 400 Central | 727.209.7848 | From the $1MM’s | Call for appointment. | Residences400central.com The Collection | 941.232.2868 | From the $2MM’s | Call for appointment. | thecollection1335.com NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION NOW TAKING CONTRACTS 2 UNITS LEFT MichaelSaunders.com/New-Homes | 844.591.4333 | Sarasota, Florida Prices as of February 2022. In with the new 373602-1 in 2019. TREYMORE AT THE VILLAGES OF PALM AIRE Gordon and Christina Catlow, of Quebec, Canada, sold their home at 6923 Treymore Court to Raymond Thomas Vieira and Lisa Ann Vieira, of Sarasota, for $825,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,383 square feet of living area. It sold for $585,000 in 2008.
POMELLO PARK Aron and Shawna Weiner sold a home and a vacant lot at 21706 and 21910 73rd Ave. E. to Perfect Favor LLC for $1.8 million. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 4,164 square feet of living area.
LINKS AT PALM AIRE Clifford and Janine Peek, of Sarasota, sold their home at 7305 Links Court to Gayle Hander and Charles Benjamin Hander, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for $1,696,000. Built in 1994, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,038 square feet of living area. It sold for $529,000 in 2017.
ROSEDALE Deborah Glackin, trustee, of Bradenton, sold the home at 4825 88th St. E. to Frank Anthony Mosca, of Bradenton, for $1,104,000. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,806 square feet of living area. It sold for $559,900 in 2017.
INDIGO Frank Mosca, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the home at 13203 Indigo Way to Daniel and Angelia Buhr, of Bradenton, for $973,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,895 square feet of living area. It sold for $506,700 in 2017.
WATERLEFE Daniel Robert Wilding and Barbara Ann Wilding, of Panama City, sold their home at 10621 Conch Shell Terrace to John Mark Puster and Carolyn Barber, of Bradenton, for $970,000. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,101 square feet of living area. It sold for $650,000 in 2018.
John and Sandra Costello, of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, sold their home at 9822 Portside Terrace to Jeff Charne and Evalyn Polombo-Charne, of Bradenton, for $690,000. Built in 2003, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,162 square feet of living area. It sold for $541,800 in 2005.
COUNTRY MEADOWS Jeff and Halli King, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, sold their home at 14716 Fourth Drive N.E. to John and Virginia Caulder, of Bradenton, for $899,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,931 square feet of living area. It sold for $374,900 in 2013.
BRADEN WOODS Rick and Kerry Wilkinson, of Ellenton, sold their home at 5912 93rd St. Circle E. to Kristi and Nathaniel Berger, of Bradenton, for $920,000. Built in 1982, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,166 square feet of living area. It sold for $652,000 in 2021.
GREENBROOK Richard and Barbara Libro, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the home at 14235 Sundial Place to Peter and Janta Daleiden, of Lakewood Ranch, for $875,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 2,804 square feet of living area. It sold for $410,000 in 2008.
Jennifer Kahler sold her home at 6329 Royal Tern Circle to Eric David Webb and Michele Renee Webb, of Lakewood Ranch, for $789,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,387 square feet of living area. It sold for $299,000 in 2009. Craig Roser sold the home at 6434 Indigo Bunting Place to Michael Romeri, trustee, of Lakewood Ranch, for $786,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,035 square feet of living area. It sold for $422,000 in 2017. Timothy Newton and Penny Morgan Newton, of Parrish, sold their home at 14108 Cattle Egret Place to Rui Manuel DeCampos and Lisa Ann DeCampos, of Bradenton, for $640,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,114 square feet of living area. It sold for $333,000 in 2014.
RYE WILDERNESS ESTATES Angeline Bacon, of Kathleen, sold her home at 319 167th Blvd. N.E. to Harry and Nancy Moser, of Roselle, Illinois, for $725,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,170 square feet of living area.
ROSEDALE ADDITION Nicholas Campbell and Janelle Connolly, of Bradenton, sold their home at 4513 Baltry Court to Xiomara Rivera, of Lakewood Ranch, for $675,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,217 square feet of living area. It sold for $358,500 in 2019.
MIRAMAR LAGOONS Robert and Gail Biroscak sold their Unit 201 condominium at 8235 Miramar Way to Linda Susan Bailey-Woods and Arthur Delaware Woods III, of Bradenton, for $500,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,024 square feet of living area. It sold for $258,000 in 2018.
HERITAGE HARBOUR Debbie Pacelli, of Rolling Meadows Illinois, sold the home at 7031 Quiet Creek Drive to Frank Lamendola III and Mary Lamendola, trustees, of Bradenton, for $590,000. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,628 square feet of living area. It sold for $515,000 in 2021.
11603 Bluebird Place to Nathalia Mesa, of Bradenton, for $600,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two-and-two-half baths and 2,148 square feet of living area. It sold for $299,000 in 2018.
BRADEN RIVER LAKES Klaus and Monika Stein sold their home at 1225 50th St. E. to Kimberly and James Allix, of Bradenton, for $662,000. Built in 1995, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,791 square feet of living area. It sold for $280,000 in 2008.
WATERLINE ROAD Harmony Holdings Group Inc. sold the home at 16410 Waterline Road to Tiffany and Jonathan La Britt, of Bradenton, and Anna Marcos Lar Britt and Stephen La Britt, of Sacramento, California, for $739,000. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,881 square feet of living area. It sold for $435,000 in January.
8B EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 YourObserver.com SUNDAYFUNDAY! GET OUT FOR A A Huge Thank You to our SPONSORS: Lakewood Ranch + MyLWR.COM Lakewood Ranch Community Activities + Herald-Tribune | LocaliQ 90+ VENDORS, StREet FOOD + LiVE MUSic Market Produce | Meat & Poultry | Fresh Flowers | Local Honey Spices, Rubs & Condiments | Fresh Breads & Baked Goods Prepared Foods | Coffee & Teas | Specialty Gifts & Trinkets 1561 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240 ThemARkETLWR.cOM | EVERY SUNDAY, 10AM – 2PM YEAR-ROUND @ WATERSIDe PLACe 386119-1 120 South Tuttle Ave Sarasota, FL 34237 941.957.6444www.drmisch.com CHECK OUR REVIEWS ONLINE A Family-Owned Dental Speciality Practice HARRY HARINGF.III DMD SPECIALIST ESTHETICSANDPROSTHODONTICSINFULLMOUTH Master clinician using the latest technology to artistically transform smiles using veneers and crowns KATHERINE E. MISCH DMD SPECIALIST ANDPROSTHODONTICSINTEETHINADAY Over 30 years experience with an eye for achieving a natural perfection in dental restorations CRAIG M. MISCH DDS, MDS SPECIALIST IN ORAL & PROSTHODONTICSSURGERYMAXILLOFACIAL& International lecturer with faculty appointments at Univ. of Michigan, U of F & PENN, author of numerous scientific publications MAGGIE MISCHHARING DMD SPECIALIST PERIODONTICSIN & IMPLANT SURGERY Minimally healthimprovesurgicalperiodontalinvasiveandimplanttechniquestopatients’oral Providing simple to complex specialty dental care in one convenient location INTEETHADAYTEETHIMPLANTVENEERSGRAFTINGGUMESTHETICDISEASEGUM IMPLANTSDENTAL by Dental Implant Specialists 382562-1 Real estate ONLINESeemoretransactionsatYourObserver.com
RIVER PLACE Peter and Beth Johnston, of Bradenton, sold their home at 7128 67th Terrace E. to H. Frank Harvey and Barbara Harvey, trustees, of Bradenton, for $650,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,276 square feet of living area. It sold for $321,600 in 2004. RIVA TRACE Sabrina Desiree Hock, trustee, sold the home at 7728 Rio Bella Place to Thomas Edmond Sampson Jr., of University Park, for $600,000. Built in 2014, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,903 square feet of living area. It sold for $360,000 in 2020.
LAGOON AT TIDEWATER PRESERVE Peggy Miller and Rachel Smith, of Lexington, Kentucky, sold their Unit C condominium at 1041 Riverscape St. to Stephenie and Mark Whitefield, of Bradenton, for $675,000. Built in 2013, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 2,332 square feet of living area. It sold for $373,000 in 2020.
DESOTO LAKES Vernon Counts and Diane Williams, trustees, of Florissant, Missouri, sold the home at 5104 W. Country Club Drive to Epic Housing LLC for $590,000. Built in 1982, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,886 square feet of living area. It sold for $160,000 in 1998.
PAGE 7B
FROM
www.intercoastalmedical.com
Jessica Kassover, DO Internal Medicine A Patient Focused, Multi-Specialty Group National Expertise • Multiple Locations Lakewood Ranch II Office 11715 Rangeland Parkway, Bradenton, Florida 34211
NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS!
Undergraduate: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL Residency: Florida State University College of Medicine, Internal Medicine Residency, Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Sarasota, FL Certification: Board Eligible, American Board of Internal Medicine Hospital Affiliations: Lakewood Ranch Medical Center; Doctors Hospital
A Patient Focused, Multi-Specialty Group l National Expertise l Multiple Locations Cattleridge Medical Building 3333 Cattlemen Road, Suite 208, Sarasota, Florida 34232
THURSDAY,COMMUNITYAUG.
SUNDAY, AUG. 21 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 year round every Sunday. Vendors will be offering seafood, eggs, meats, dairy products, pastas, bakery goods, jams and pickles among other items. Other features are children’s activities and live music. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 24 REC DAY Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Na than Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. Nathan Benderson Park hosts Rec Day, which offers participants the chance to try stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, canoes, fishing and more. Meet at the base of the finish tower. For more information, go to NathanBenderson Park.org. The fee is $10 per person or $5 for an adult who brings a child. The event is free for children 6 and younger. Fishing licenses are required for all participants who choose to fish.
CALENDARYOUR
Dr. Jessica Kassover brings to Intercoastal Medical Group atthe Lakewood Ranch II office a wealth of knowledge and experience in Internal Medicine.
A Patient Focused, Multi-Specialty Group
NOW
NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS!
Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine Hospital Affiliations: Lakewood Ranch Medical Center; Doctors Hospital ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT, 360 Solution
Lakewood Ranch II Office
11715 Rangeland Parkway, Bradenton, Florida 34211
TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT, PLEASE CALL 941-379-5121
Undergraduate: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL Residency: Florida State University College of Medicine, Internal Medicine Residency, Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Sarasota, FL Certification: Board Eligible, American Board of Internal Medicine Hospital Affiliations: Lakewood Ranch Medical Center; Doctors Hospital
Medicare and most insurances accepted Dr. Jessica Kassover brings to Intercoastal Medical Group at the Lakewood Ranch II office a wealth of knowledge and experience in Internal Medicine.
PLEASE CALL 941-538-0001 WELCOMES Jessica Kassover, DO Internal Medicine 367555-1 75 70 380136-1 Imagine life without pain. Let us help you get back to living your life to the fullest. Call today for a consultation. 941-951-26633 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS Sarasota | Lakewood Ranch | Venice VOTED #1 IN ORTHOPEDIC CARE CALL941.951.BONE(2663) TODAY! SAME/NEXT DAYAPPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE Ourname says it all... our patients arethe Center of ou Care Complete & ComprehensiveOrthopedics LET’S GET MOVING CALL US 941-951-2663TODAY! “My experience at 360-Orthopedics was amazing! Dr. Farino built my confidence with his supportive manner, and his knowledgeable insight. His expertise was evident, as he explaned the surgical procedure that would be performed, to set the broken bones in my wrist. The staff was caring, and professional. The therapists were understanding, and encouraging. I highly recommend 360-Orthopedics.” JoAnne A. 385990-1 HIP | KNEE | PAIN MANAGEMENT | NECK & SPINE HAND & WRIST | FOOT & ANKLE REGENERATIVE | SPORTS MEDICINE & MORE EXPERIENCE the
18 CASUAL CORNHOLE Begins at 10 a.m. at Waterside Park, 7500 Island Cove Terrace, Unit 103, Lakewood Ranch. Lakewood Ranch Community Activities hosts cornhole. The event is free for Lakewood Ranch residents and $20 for nonresidents. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.
Medicare and most insurances accepted Dr. Jessica Kassover brings to Intercoastal Medical Group at the Lakewood Ranch II office a wealth of knowledge and experience in Internal Medicine.
FRIDAY, AUG. 19 AND SATURDAY, AUG. 20 MUSIC AT THE PLAZA Runs from 6-9 p.m. both days at Waterside Place, 1561 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch. The band Side Project Duo will provide the live music on Friday as those who visit Waterside Place enjoy sunset views of Kingfisher Lake, fun at the hub’s small parks or dining at the various restaurants. On Saturday, musician/ singer Kimi Tortuga provides the entertainment. For more information, go to WatersidePlace.com.
www.intercoastalmedical.com
Undergraduate: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL Residency: Florida State University College of Medicine, Internal Medicine Residency, Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Sarasota, FL
TO
11715 Rangeland Parkway, Bradenton, Florida 34211
Dr. David Mohr brings to Intercoastal Medical Group at the Cattleridge office a wealth of knowledge and experience in Family Medicine.
WELCOMES David G. Mohr, DO Board Certified, Family Medicine 386552-1 Lakewood Ranch II Office 11715 Rangeland Parkway, Bradenton, Florida 34211
BEST FRIDAY,BETAUG. 19 AND SATURDAY, AUG. 20 STAND-UP PADDLE Begins at noon Friday and at 8 a.m. Saturday at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. The 2022 Special Olympics Florida Stand-Up Paddle Championships will see approximately 150 athletes compete in a variety of SUP races for medals, and for the fun of it. The event is free for spectators. For more information visit SpecialOlympicsFlorida. org or call 352-243-9536.
Undergraduate: University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL Medical School: Midwestern University - Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Chicago, IL Residency: Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital, La Grange, IL Fellowship: Sports Medicine; St. Anthony North Hospital, Westminster, CO Certification: American Board of Family Medicine Hospital Affiliations: Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Doctors Hospital
Medicare and most insurances accepted
EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 9BYourObserver.com
www.intercoastalmedical.com
WELCOMES Jessica Kassover, DO Internal Medicine
NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS!
SATURDAY, AUG. 27 BEAT THE HEAT CHALLENGE Begins at 8 a.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. Camp Gladiator’s “Beat the Heat” athletic challenge event includes four sections: a 1,000-meter row, a body weight challenge (squat jacks and plank toe touches), a ruck sack carrying challenge and a sand bell tossing challenge. Registration is $69. For more information, “Beatvisitwilliethomas@campgladiator.comemailorRaceRoster.comandsearchfortheHeat.”
NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS!
National Expertise • Multiple Locations Lakewood Ranch II Office
TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT, PLEASE CALL 941-538-0001
TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT, PLEASE CALL 941-538-0001 WELCOMES
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FIELD BOCCE Begins at 11 a.m. at Waterside Park, 7500 Island Cove Terrance, Unit 103, Lakewood Ranch. Learn the basics of field bocce and enjoy a game. The event is free for Lakewood Ranch resi dents and $10 for nonresidents. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.
YOGA IN THE PARK Begins at 9 a.m. at Waterside Place Park, 7500 Island Cove Terrace, Lakewood Ranch. Lakewood Ranch Community Activities offers yoga that is free to residents and $10 for nonresidents. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.
Undergraduate: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL Residency: Florida State University College of Medicine, Internal Medicine Residency, Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Sarasota, FL Hospital Affiliations: Lakewood Ranch Medical Center; Doctors Hospital
TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT, PLEASE CALL 941-538-0001 WELCOMES Jessica Kassover, DO Internal Medicine 367555-1
NEW PADDLER DAY Begins at 9:30 a.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. Those new to paddling are welcome to try a free introductory lesson with the world-champion dragon boat team at Benderson Park. Registration is required for this event. The registration form can be found at NathanBendersonPark.org. For more information, call 358-7275.
Medicare and most insurances accepted Dr. Jessica Kassover brings to Intercoastal Medical Group atthe Lakewood Ranch II office a wealth of knowledge and experience in Internal Medicine.
SATURDAY, AUG. 20 AND SUNDAY, AUG. 21 FLORIDA STATE PREMIER LEAGUE Begins at 8 a.m. at Premier Sports Campus, 5895 Post Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. The Florida State Premier League, which is overseen by the Florida Youth Soccer Association, is an elite youth soccer league for players U13-U19. This weekend, Premier Sports Campus will host the league’s opening slate of games for the 2022-2023 season. The games are a great chance for young players to watch some of the best competition the state has. Games are free to attend for spectators. For more information visit fysa.com.
Medicare and most insurances accepted
1Lakewood Ranch-based tennis player Ava Krug reached the round of 32 at the 2022 USTA Billie Jean King Girls 18 National Championship, held Aug. 6-15 in San Diego, California. Krug, the granddaughter of Dick Vitale, is ranked No. 10 nationally in the Class of 2024 by the Tennis Recruiting Network.
system fully in place, the Mustangs look to turn the corner. RYAN KOHN SPORTS EDITOR CHANGESCLASS
2021FOOTBALLMUSTANGSrecord: 3-6 Head Coach: Rashad West, fourth season Key to the season: How well the defense holds up. If the program sees improvement out of its front seven, it could give the offense a chance to find a rhythm under a new quarterback. SCHEDULE: All games start at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted n Aug. 19 at Dunedin High (Preseason Classic, 7:30 p.m.) n Aug. 25 vs. Lemon Bay High n Sept. 2 vs. Cardinal Mooney High n Sept. 9 vs. Braden River High n Sept. 16 vs. Celebration High n Sept. 23 at Lyman High n Sept. 30 vs. Manatee High n Oct. 14 at Palmetto High n Oct. 21 at Gibbs High n Oct. 28 at Bayshore High n Nov. 4 vs. Booker High
MASTER ROWERS PAGE 11B
Photos by Ryan Kohn Above: Lakewood Ranch High Classicthecouldcompetition.team'sthetianquarterbackjuniorSebas-MejiaisoneofcontendersinthequarterbackAstarterbenamedatteam'sPreseasonAug.19.
SUCCESS With
In March, the Florida High School Athletic Association voted in favor of a proposal to change its foot-
4Jeff Depoy and Barry Sikes (five under par) won the Men’s Golf Association Best Ball event held Aug. 10 at Palm Aire Country Club’s Champions course. 5Nicole Arrowsmith (17) won the Nine Hole Ladies Golf Association “Even or Odd” event (individual low net scoring) held Aug. 11 at University Park Country Club.
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Left: seniorMustangsoffensive guard Thomas McCue and junior defensive end Evan Bolick have fun during an Aug. 12 practice, which featured a scrimmage.
ball division.inAthleticthederentirely.edAcademyrankings.thearethegiventrictgivenAutomaticavailableeighteachfoururbanHigh,playoffbepowerfacinghaveRiverteamurbanacrossincludingthenentswhichevercanpostseason.mostlySuburbanBradenurban—SuburbanbeenRanchsize.minedclassesdivisionsandruralareasstudentswithasificationalsobanmakeremainingofschools.SAA’s228countiesSeminole.Beach,fromconsist—ban.Metrointoinitiallyclassesmainlybasingsystem.classificationInsteadoftheclassesonsize,thewillnowbesplittwoumbrellas:andSubur-TheMetroclassesfourofthem—ofteamstheeightmostdenselypopulatedcountiesinthestate:Broward,Duval,Hillsbor-ough,Miami-Dade,Orange,PalmPinellasandThosecontainoftheFH-495memberThemajorityschoolsinthecountiesupfourSubur-classes.ThereisoneRuralclas-containinghandfulofschools600orlesslocatedindesignatedbytheFHSAA.BoththeMetroSuburbanhavefoureach,deter-byenrollmentLakewoodHighhasdesignateda4schoolthebiggestSub-class—whileRiverisa3school.ThechangesaffecttheTeamsstillscheduleoppo-theywantforregularseason,opponentsMetro/Sub-lines.ButalikeBradenwillnolongertoworryaboutnationalTampaJesuit,whichwasinitsdistrictin2021,inthepostseason;JesuithasbeendeemedaMetro3school.ThePirateswillalsoabletoavoidpastrivalVenciewhichisaSub4school.Eachclasshasregions,andregionhasplayoffspotswithinit.spotsaretothefourdis-championsinaregion,whileotherfourspotsdeterminedbyFHSAA’spowerTheOut-of-DoorisunaffectbythesechangesTheThunwillstillplayinSunshineStateConference,the15-teamSouth
SIGHTS ON Head Coach Rashad West’s
“When I go to the rink, it acts as an escape for me. I don’t have any worries or stress. I can just play.” Lakewood Ranch’s Olivia Sharkoski
2Former Braden River High boys basketball guard Karmani Gregory committed to seniorplayingyearsonSouthWesternFloridaStateCollegeAug.7.GregoryplayedthreeforthePiratesbeforeatSoutheastHighasain2021-2022.
HIGH 5 SPORTS AUGUST 18, 2022
Now headed into his fourth year as Lakewood Ranch High’s head football coach, Rashad West wants to turn the corner when it comes to his team’s win-loss record. The Mustangs only have posted one winning season in his first three campaigns, but West now has his system fully implemented. “We have a better bond overall,” West said. “I also think we’re better on the line of scrimmage, both sides of it, which is where games are won and lost most of the time. I’m excited about seeing that.” All four grades of players have entered the football program under standing West’s expectations and coaching style. West said he’s thank ful for the players he inherited who decided to stick around, but he’s also looking forward to see what can be done this year and beyond. Immediate success, however, could be determined by the current quarterback competition. At this point, West isn’t sure who his starter is going to be. He said juniors Sebastian Mejia, Caleb Rhodes and Carter Edwards have shown positive signs during training camp, but none has risen above to win the job. West expects to name his starter when the team travels to play Dune din High in the Preseason Classic 7:30 p.m., Aug. 19. No matter who ends up behind center, don’t expect the Mustangs to be overly pass-heavy in 2022. That’s because Lakewood Ranch has one of the top running backs in the region in senior Kevin Everhart, who ran for 931 yards (103.4 yards per game) and 13 touchdowns in 2021. He was also the team’s second-leading receiver, hauling in 32 catches for 319 yards and a touchdown. When asked at an Aug. 12 practice how Everhart, who is 5-foot-10 and 190 pounds, looked this offseason, all West could do was laugh. “Kevin is Kevin, man,” West said. “He’s been the least of our concerns. We have been trying to find guys to play next to him. That’s been the focus.”The Mustangs also have talent returning at wide receiver. Isaac Ash ley, a 6-foot-4, 185-pound senior, caught 38 passes for 587 yards and four touchdowns last season. In the team’s spring game against Osceola High, the Mustangs used Ashley in the slot, tossing him screens and generally having him work the mid dle of the field, where Osceola’s line backers had a tough time catching up to Hehim.finished with six catches for 61 yards and a near touchdown — he was tackled inside the 5-yard line on a 20-yard catch. Other than Ashley and Ever hart, the rest of Lakewood Ranch’s weapons are unproven. Like Ashley, junior receiver Connor Anthony has ideal size — he stands 6-foot-3, 190 pounds — but had just 17 catches for 189 yards as a sophomore. If Anthony has improved his routerunning skills, he could turn into a solid option in the Mustangs’ pass ingOngame.defense, West said the Mus tangs have made positive strides. They return junior cornerback Jayden Munoz, who despite his 5-foot-7, 130-pound frame plays big. He had three interceptions in a 38-16 win against Seminole High last sea son in addition to other big plays. Defensive tackle Nathan Smith, a 6-foot-1, 240-pound junior, trans ferred to the Mustangs from Sallisaw Central High in Sallisaw, Oklahoma, and could make an instant impact in the middle of the line. West said he also is expecting big things from the team’s linebacker corps, including senior middle line backer James Buttari, who is 5-foot11 and 180 pounds. Under the Florida High School Athletic Association’s new Metro/ Suburban classification system, the Mustangs are in the Suburban 4 Class, which is the highest Suburban classification. They are in a threeteam district with Manatee High and PalmettoLakewoodHigh.Ranch has a brutal schedule. An opening home game Aug. 25 against Lemon Bay High, which went 9-1 in 2021, leads into a home contest against Cardinal Mooney, which went 7-4 and is projected to improve on that record in 2022. Then comes a home con test against rival Braden River High, which has dominated the Mustangs forTheyears.season ends with games against Gibbs High, Bayshore High and Booker High. Bayshore and Booker had losing records in 2021 and while Gibbs went 8-4, it also played in a relatively weak division. In between the season’s three opening and closing games are tossup games against Celebration High, Lyman High, Manatee High and Pal metto High.
3Ceci Rezk sank a hole-inone Aug. 6 on the No. 11 hole of Lakewood Ranch Country Club’s King’s Dunes course. Rezk used an 8-iron on the 130-yard hole.
SEE PAGE 12B
Nathan Benderson Park hosts the USRowing Masters ChampionshipsNationalthat draws 775 rowers from 96 clubs.
Photo courtesy of Nathan Benderson Park Urs Wunderli (red) and his grandson, Thomas Rucolas, finished their “parentchild” race at the 2022 USRowing Masters National Championships in third place (3:50.61) at Nathan Benderson Park.
EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 11BYourObserver.com Place Your Bets!Poker LIVE ACTION CASH GAMES TEXAS HOLD ‘EM 7 CARD STUD • OMAHA VEGAS STYLE GAMES ULITIMATE TEXAS HOLD ‘EM WILD STUD 3-CARD FACE UP PAI-GOW Watch and wager on thoroughbred & greyhound tracks from across theDININGcountry AVAILABLE - ENTREES, HANDHELDS, PIZZAS, SALADS 4404 BEE RIDGE RD SARASOTA, FL 34233 SUNDAY: NOON - MIDNIGHT MONDAY THRU SATURDAY: 10:00AM - 2:00AM WWW.SKCPOKER.COM941-355-7744EXT1001 70 TVSDAILYSIMULCASTING&MONTHLYTOURNAMENTSHIGHHANDPAYOUTSPECIALS 385572-1 One-Eyed Jack’s Poker Room PROSE AND KOHN RYAN KOHN There’s something about rowing that appeals to incredible com petitors.Itseems like whenever I cover a rowing event, I find a story of perseverance or skill or something even greater. It can be true of global events like the 2017 World Rowing Championships, of course, but it is also true at an event like the USRow ing Masters National Champion ship, which were held Aug. 11-14 at Nathan Benderson Park. The event brought in more than 775 rowers from 96 clubs across the country. Despite the national championship moniker, the event is more of a friendly celebration of rowing than a deadly serious competition. The Masters designation, after all, means the event is open to anyone over the age of 21. There were also no necessary qualifying times. People were racing because they love the sport and its community. Still, there were great stories to be told. Take Elliot Vasquez as an example. Vasquez, 29, was involved in a January 2013 car accident that left him a paraplegic, losing his motor skills and sensation below the T5/T6 region of his spine — essentially from the middle of his chest down. The injury changed his day-to-day life, but Vasquez has not let it affect his abilities as a competitor. He’s continued to push his body as far as it will go. That alone is worthy of celebration, but it turns out Vasquez is a darned good athlete, too. Vasquez, who lives in Sarasota, started his athletic career in hand cycling, but he became interested in rowing in 2018 after seeing photos of para-athletes competing in the sport, particularly Jacqui Kapinows ki, a two-time U.S. Paralympian who also founded a nonprofit organiza tion to help para-athletes called Shifting Gears. Last year, he decided to take the plunge and try it himself. Vasquez said he actually had the honor of practicing with Kapinowski at Nathan Benderson Park. That experience, getting to talk to her about the sport, convinced Vasquez to give rowing his best effort. Vasquez uses an adaptive seat in his boat that allows him to have a back rest and straps him in, making sure he does not fall into the water. It also keeps him balanced, allowing him to focus purely on generating power from his arms, shoulders and upper chest. That’s good, because rowing is no easy feat, even for an athlete like Vasquez, who said his first day of rowing practice left him sore. Practice two was easier, and by the third practice, Vasquez said he could envision himself competing in the sport long-term. His work paid off on the final day of the Masters National Championships. In his first competitive race, Vasquez took a gold medal in the PR1 Men’s Masters 1x Final (8:11.99).Vasquez trains at Nathan Benderson Park and competes for New Crew SRQ, an organization founded in 2021 that offers an adaptive/ para-rowing program. Though he admits his personal experience is limited, Vasquez said he considers Nathan Benderson Park to be the mecca of rowing and encourages everyone to give it a shot, no matter what their athletic ability or physical“There’slimitations.two aspects to this sport,” Vasquez said. “One is the exercise aspect, which is great. The other is the community aspect. When you have a support system behind you, it changes everything. Through my recovery, support was everything. If you’re around people who remain competitive and want you to be competitive as well, that attitude will trickle on down to you. So if you’re in the area, come on out. There are people here for you. There’s equipment here. Everything is accessible. My goal is to connect with as many people as possible and bring them in.” Vasquez wasn’t the only story. Consider Urs Wunderli. He pronounces his name like “oars,” which is appropriate, since he loves rowing more than most people love anything. Wunderli turned 80 years old Aug. 11. On Aug. 12, he raced in the “parent-child” race alongside not his son, but his grandson, Luke Rucolas of Connecticut’s Maritime Rowing. They finished third (3:50.61). On Aug. 13, Wunderli took a silver medal in the Men’s Open J-K 1x Final (5:20.21) and he did so using an old school, wooden Stämpfli boat made in 1967, something he bought in 2003 and won’t ever give up. In other words, it was a special weekend.Wunderli, of Sarasota, said he taught Rucolas, 16, to row at Nathan Benderson Park when he was 9 years old. He watched Rucolas grow. When he got into the boat with him Aug. 11, Wunderli said he finally stopped seeing him as that child learning to row. “When we crossed the finish line — well, first I had to catch my breath, I couldn’t think about any thing,” Wunderli said. “But then I said to myself, I didn’t just race with my grandson, I raced with an athlete. A real one. He’s devoted to this. He’s keyed in. It’s so cool to see.” As for the wooden boat he used in his singles race, well, Wunderli just likes it, even when competing against boats made of carbon fiberreinforced plastic. “She and I have gotten older together,” Wunderli said with a toothy smile. “That company, Stämpfli, is the tree of life in boats and in racing shells. They are at the root of everything. They are first-rate. When I came across it for purchase, I simply said ‘Thank you very much.’ It has held up and is a great vessel.” For someone so in love with the sport, and who has passed that love on to others, it is amazing that Wunderli only began rowing in 1996. His and Vasquez’s stories go to show that — even though it sounds a bit cliche — it is never too late to start your rowing career, no matter who you are. If you still haven’t given the sport a chance, consider this a sign to change that. Who knows what your rowing story will become. Ryan Kohn is the sports editor for the East ObserverCounty . Contact him at YourObserver.com.RKohn@
Masters reveal more impressive rowing stories
When did you start playing hock ey? When I was 10 years old. I first heard about the sport through some family members who played, then I started attending professional games. That experience made me want to try it myself, and I loved it from the start.
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What is the appeal to you? When I go to the rink, it acts as an escape for me. I don’t have any worries or stress. I can just play. I also love my teammates. They are like family to me. There’s a stigma around hockey, that girls aren’t supposed to play or if they do, they don’t get recognized. I want to play a part in changing that. What is your best skill? I would say my skating ability. Whenever I hit the ice, I always make sure to do my edge work (standing on the edge of the skate instead of the flat bottom to increase speed and turning ability). The work has paid off, and I feel like my speed has become a big advantage for me. What have you been working to improve? My strength. In my age group there are a number of girls who are stronger than me. Ideally I would like to be at the average level or 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.
WEEKTHEOFATHLETE Olivia Sharkoski
Lakewood Ranch’s Olivia Shar koski is a girls hockey player with the Florida Alliance organization. Sharkoski, an academic junior who is enrolled in the Florida Virtual School, was named the Fastest Skater at a Liberty University development camp for U18 girls players in July and helped her team reach the 2022 USA Hockey Girls National Champion ships in April.
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Edited by Amanda Rafkin By Luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another. “EN RLTI L XKUR KJ ILJM; EN RLTI L BNNF XKUR KJ VLW. EN RLTI L CIWM BNNF XKUR KJ L RKWLSUI.” – LUIPLGFWN BNGYLUIY KGLWWKEO “ORT CYAPL BGTWV’O LGCT EMGC DPORPV ORT BPMTLOGM’W CPVB, PO LGCTW EMGC DPORPV ORT RTYMOW GE ORT YLOGMW.” – XYCTW LYCTMGV “YLHCW PYL SC Y XWNSKCF, SOM TM ZYJ MWCFCLINOJ XNMCLMTYK, MNN. TM’J ROJM ETHOWTLH NOM VZYM MN IN VTMZ TM.” JCYL XCLL © 2022 NEA, Inc. 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In February 2023, you will vote for your favorite photo, and the submission with the most votes will win a $500 gift card. *Rainfall totals from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport WEATHER YEAR TO DATE: 2022 30.14 in. 2021 35.97 in. MONTH TO DATE: 2022 3.98 in. 2021 7.19 in. Frankie Greco captured this Monarch butterfly getting nectar in a yard at the Country Club in Lakewood Ranch. Aug.New27 Sept.Full10Sept.First3 Sept.Last17
This week’s Sudoku answers Puzzle One Solution: “To make a film is easy; to make a good film is war. To make a very good film is a miracle.” Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu Puzzle Two Solution: “The magic doesn’t come from within the director’s mind, it comes from within the hearts of the actors.” James Cameron Puzzle Three Solution: “Anger can be a problem, but it has tremendous potential, too. It’s just figuring out what to do with it.” Sean Penn©2022NEA,Inc.
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PAINTING 'HOMES Beach surf sherman' framed/oil on canvas. $135. 941/776-0034 PITTSBURGH PRESS Newspapers (7) from the earth to the moon 1958-1969, $10. 941-741-9727 STUDIO COVERS for twin beds. New, custom-made, rust coloreddenim. 38”x75”. $75 each. 941-349-8130 VINTAGE ROYAL Gallery Flatware 7-Piece Setting, Gold, Photo Like New, $20 per Setting (973) 356-8898 CollectiblesAntiques/ LIONEL TRAINS 027- 5 cartons for sale. $300 for all. Call for appt. 941-758-8253 or 941-224-6424 MerchandiseWanted BUYING BASEBALL card collections! Looking to free up space and make $$? Need to sell sports cards? Collector looking to expand collection. Pay top dollar. Text/call 941 548 6492 with photos. SENIOR LOOKING to purchase precious metals, diamonds, time pieces, coins, jewelry, antique and estate jewelry, and some collectors plates. Personal and confidential. Please call Marc: 941-321-0707 Sporting Goods Beach’ N Rides Electric Bike Shop eBike Sales and Rentals Ride easy on an eBike with as much exercise or assistance as you want. Leave traf c and parking problems behind! 13 models available. DDaily and weekly rentals available We also repair other Brands Open 10 to 5 daily except Sundays and holidays 12208 Cortez Road, Cortez, 941-251-7916,FLExt 1 auto Autos Wanted CASH FOR YYOUR CAR We come to you! Ho Ho Buys 941-270-4400.cars. STORAGE FACILITY Boat/ RV/ Trailer. Secure facility, low monthly rentals, Clark Rd area. 941809-3660, 941-809-3662. REAL STUFFLOCALHERE! www.YourObserver.com/RedPages WE BUY cars top $$ paid for your vehicles Call Hawley Motors: 941 923 3421 jo bs Help Wanted SUN HYDRAULICS PART-TIME POSITIONS AVAILABLE We are looking for individuals in the local community that are interested in working 20-25 hours per week in a part-time position on our 1st Shift with start times varying between 6a-10a ranging from 4-5 hours per day on a Monday-Friday schedule. We have positions available in our Sub-Assembly and Packaging areas. The roles will dress our parts with O-rings and package our product to be shipped to our customers around the globe! If interested, please call 941-362-1811 to learn more about the positions! 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages FIND IT IN THE RED PAGES real esta te Homes for Rent 1BR/1BA CROSS City, FL. Furnished RV includes utilities, small deck $550 1 person. $575 2 persons. Walk to town. 1st, last security. (352) 262-7078 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: YourObserver.comRedPages@ Online:/RedPagesYourObserver.com RED PAGES AD RATES FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE! First 15 words .................. $17.50 per week Each add’l word .......50¢ SeasonalVacation/Rentals 1BR/1BA 1350 Main St, in heart of Downtown Sarasota. Beautiful 3rd oor, turn key, furnished condo in upscale building overlooking main street. Amenities include: concierge, reserved in-building parking, pool, tness center, and more. Available for seasonal rental starting September 1 through month of April for $4000/mo. Includes all. Call George: 516-993-3324. hom e serv ice s AdultServicesCare 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. Auto Transport SHIP YOUR car, truck or SUV anywhere in the United States. Great rates, fast quotes. Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421. YourObserver.com/RedPages SELLFAST!IT Place Your Ad Online Cleaning BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service by Maria. Residential. Meticulous Cleaning. Excellent References. Free Estimates. Reliable. Lic./Ins. www.braziliancleaningbymk.com941-400-3342. Painting CARLO DATTILO Painting Licensed & insured. Interior/ Exterior painting including drywall repair and retexturing. Wallpaper installation & removal, pressure washing. Residential & commercial, condos. Honest & reliable. Free estimates. 941-744-1020. 35+ years experience. THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 CALL 941-955-4888TODAY Advertise your business or service in the Observer RED PAGES The CLEARCRYSTAL choice! Use the RED PAGES to clean out your garage CALL 941-955-4888
RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here! INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888 redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages 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.. DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at Noon Service Directory - Friday at 3PM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card placepeekers’ yourself.cheatingonlyYou’re
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16B EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 YourObserver.com Aluminum YoderAluminum.com941.650.9790 Dustin Yoder Owner / Operator Insured “Specializing in 6” Seamless Gutters” 386625 YoderAluminum.com941.650.9790 Dustin Yoder Owner / Operator Insured “Specializing in 6” Seamless Gutters” Auto Service 386851 SELL YOUR CAR! FAST • EASY • SAFE WE COME TO YOU HoHoBuysCars.com941.270.4400 5-Star Rated Clock Repair Christo’s Clock Repair “IF IT DOESN’T TIC, TOC TO ME.” 941-773-0875 • 941-932-5505 CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT Don Christo, Sr., Horologist 4630 5TH ST W BRADENTON Computer Pegatronics Computer Instruction and Repair It’s Easier Than You Think! Hardware Repair Virus / Malware Cleanup Software & Printer Install New Computer Setups New Purchase Consults Seniors & Beginners Learn Computer Basics Phones/Tablet Help Apple & OnProblemsMicrosoftSolvedSiteandOffMuchMore!CallToday! Pegatronics.com 941 - 735-3362386320 GREAT FINDS LOCATED HERE! Doors Sliding Glass Door Repair New Deluxe Rollers Will Make Your Doors Roll Better Than Ever Call Mark 928-2263 proslidingglassdoorrepair.com “FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE” 386322 Estate Sales gulfcoastestateauctions.com Free Consultations 941-274-6537 Gulf Coast Estate Auctions We get you the highest rate of return on your items ESTATE SALES DOWNSIZING SENIOR TRANSITIONS ONLINE AUCTIONS 385788 Furniture Repair 386323 Patio Furniture Repairs.com Furniture Sales & Repairs Cushions • Slings • Re-powdercoating 941-504-0903 FREE PICKUP / DELIVERY • FREE ONSITE QUOTES Health Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression Give Us a Call - We Can Help FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224 Recognized Among the Best Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Physicians in America DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC University Health Park 2415 University Parkway Bldg. 3, Suite 216 Sarasota, FL TheDrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.comwww.SarasotaDiscCenter.com34243OnlyThingYouHaveToLose...IsThe Pain!! GET YOUR LIFE BACK! Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain? Do You Want To Avoid Surgery? 386325 CREATE BUZZ! Advertise your business in the Red Pages. Call 941-955-4888 Home Services Are You Having Dryer Difficulties? Residential 941-705-5468 Commercial • 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. 385787386330Specializing in Cleaning Exterior Home, Windows, Roofs, Solar Panels, Driveways, Sidewalks, Garbage Cans and Gutters. Paver Sanding and Sealing. INSUREDFULLYCOMMERCIALRESIDENTIALCallortext:941-900-8111 | Email: Newparrishfl@gmail.com Irrigation ED’S RAIN IRRIGATIONIRRIGATIONMAKER REPAIR MAINTENANCE (941) 725-8100 edsrainmakerirrigation@gmail.com Insured Servicing LWR, Parrish and NE Bradenton 386331 Kitchen/Bath Remodeling CustomServices,Granitellc 941-400-4912 CustomGraniteServicesLLC@gmail.com CJ COOLEY OWNER/OPERATOR385786 941.966.0333COMPLETEINSTALLATIONPACKAGE $ 235 INCLUDES 2 MOEN STAINLESS STEEL ANTI SLIP CONCEALED SCREW GRAB BARS (16” & 24”) LIFETIME GUARANTEE LICENSED BONDED INSURED COVERAGE AREA: LAKEWOOD RANCH TO S. VENICE CALL BEFORE YOU FALL GRAB BARS DRGRABBARS.COM CALL BEFORE YOU FALL $235 $249 GRAB BARS INCLUDES 2 MOEN STAINLESS STEEL PEEN ANTI SLIP CONCEALED SCREW GRAB BARS (16” & 24”) COVERAGE AREA: PARRISH TO NORTHPORT 385780 GLENN KROECKER 954-1878 (cell) 780-3346 Licensed & Insured THEBARGRABGUY 386852 SHOWER & BATH www.showerandbathsarasota.comMAKEOVERS Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed Call John 941.377.2940 Free Estimates • Sarasota Resident Since 1974 385720 Tub to Shower Conversion! COMPLETE BATHROOM REMODELING No Sub-Contractors! One Day Bath! • Luxurious Acrylic, many styles and colors • Mold and Mildew resistant, no grout to clean • Member of South Hillsborough Chamber of Commerce • General Contractor and State Licensed CRC133256 Local business, lower prices bciacrylic.com Call today 813-551-7504 BILL STEINER Owner, Sales and Installer Sun City Center Resident Find anything in the RED PAGES 941-955-4888 Call us today! DON’Twww.ezslider.com941.628.8579 let your PATIO DOORS be a DRAG or your WINDOWS be a PANE!! Window Repairs • Sliding Glass Door Repairs Sliding Glass Door Deadbolts FREE IN-HOME ESTIMATES385779 lawn & pest control, llc. Family Owned and Operated • Commercial & Residential • Fungicide • Fertilizing • Weed Control • Tree & Shrub Treatment • Insecticide www.FGLAWN.com | 941-404-6601 $10 off Any Treatment Dry Or Liquid New Customers Only Free Weed & Crab grass Control New Customers Only 166554 You Protection!GetNOW Ticks, Fleas, Fire Ants, Chinch Bugs, Mole Crickets, Grubs, Sod Worms and more. PLUS - Fungus & Weeds and Premium Fertilizer. *For average size lawn of 5000 sq. ft. Larger lawns slightly more. $47 MONTHPER* NO MORE TICKS, FLEAS OR WEEDS! 386627 We Make You PROUD! Licensed & InsuredLandscapingDoors& Lawn
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18B EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 YourObserver.com KATINA SHANAHAN, PLLC Katina.Shanahan@CBRealty.com941.702.0437 KENNETH SHANAHAN, PLLC Kenneth.Shanahan@CBRealty.com941.702.0443 HOLLY PASCARELLA, PA Holly.Pascarella@CBRealty.com941.225.3218 Our Experience is Your Best Asset Contact us Today to Discuss Your 2022 Homeownership Goals TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE LISTINGS, SCAN THIS QR CODE. 379772-1 YOUR REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE LISTINGS THE 8411CONCESSIONLindrickLaneOfferedat$4,376,360BUILD DREAMCUSTOMYOURHOME THE LAKE CLUB 8372 Catamaran Circle Offered at $2,965,000 LAKESTUNNINGVIEW ROSEDALE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB 9613 53rd Terrace East Offered at $775,000 PRICENEW LAKEWOOD RANCH COUNTRY CLUB 13309 Matanzas Place Sold for $1,555,000SOLDJUST
