East County Observer 11.17.22

YOUR TOWN

Condo project

ground

Three times the fun in Waterside

It’s not a stretch to say Greenbrook’s Carolyn Mantone and Sharon Noel (above) loved participating in the Mindful Triathlon Nov. 12 at Waterside Place. They were getting ready to start a yoga session after running through Waterside in a 5K that started the event. Besides the run and the yoga session, participants also concentrated on meditation.

Artist in training has a message

Waterlefe’s Kathy Flora started a landscape painting Nov. 11, but she didn’t expect it to be finished when the Manatee River Artists Guild Art Show began Nov. 12.

She was hoping those attending the show would watch her paint.

Flora started painting 18 months ago and wants everyone to know anyone can paint.

“It’s a good idea to show even novices can have a good time with art,” she said. “I never knew how to paint and never had taken an art class, but I love this.”

The event at Station 400 in Lakewood Ranch held to reintroduce key philanthropists to the local Community Fund. SEE PAGE 6

Lori Ruth

Presented by Lakewood Ranch Community Activities and Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, the race focused on health and wellness.

Liz Ramos

Courtesy rendering

The swimming pool at the new condo complex planned for Main Street at Lakewood Ranch will overlook Lake Uihlein.

Jay Heater

Lakewood Ranch Community Fund board member Lorri Kidder enjoys a moment with 2017 Humanitarian of the Year

Angela Massaro Fain.

Banded together by the past

LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER

or years, Makayla Mocadlo remembered building friend ships with her bandmates, such as Brian McCoy, at Car los E. Haile Middle School.

She might have been thinking about the day when they would be competing together for a state marching band championship.

But McCoy, and several other of Mocadlo’s friends, went a differ ent direction, attending Lakewood Ranch High, while Mocadlo went to Braden River High. Since the two schools were in different divisions, they wouldn’t even be competing against each other.

That has changed.

With Lakewood Ranch’s drop to the 3A division in 2022, the two perennial marching band powers will collide Nov. 20 in Fort Lauderdale as the Class 3A Florida Marching Band Championships begin.

“It’s weird to think that years ago, they were my friends and I saw them every day, and now our schools are rivals and we compete against them,” said Mocadlo, who is a junior. “It’s all good fun though.”

John Schindler, director of Lake wood Ranch’s band, and Cliff Daw son, director of Braden River’s band, said some 4A marching bands have dropped in their number of partici pants following the COVID-19 pan demic and that has created a larger 3A division.

“It’s just kind of a sign of the times that (band) enrollment is down, and we’re all still working on recover ing from that,” Dawson said. “We’re going to build our programs and keep things moving.”

Sidney Foeller, a Braden River sophomore, said having friends as rivals can be fun.

BEEN THERE, DONE A LOT

Local bands’ history at Florida marching band championships

BRADEN RIVER HIGH SCHOOL

■ Performed in the finals 10 times out of 14 years since 2007

■ Placed first in its class four times in 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2013

LAKEWOOD RANCH HIGH SCHOOL

■ Performed in the finals 12 times out of 18 years since 2002

■ Highest place was third in 2019, 2012, 2009 and 2007

PARRISH COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL

■ Performed for the first time in 2021 and placed 11th out of 16 bands in Class 2A

“We’re both kind of pushing each other to be better than the other,” Foeller said.

Mocadlo said there’s been some teasing about which is the better band, but it’s all friendly competi tion.

“I enjoy seeing their band, but I also enjoy the feeling of being able to compete against them and being able to score better than them,” Mocadlo said.

Lakewood Ranch and Braden River have had a longstanding rivalry in other sports and activities because of their proximity.

“In a perfect world, we both make finals, and we both place pretty well and everyone’s happy,” Schindler said.

Schindler and Dawson said both schools have strong band programs, and they want to support each other as they represent Manatee County.

If they’re able, the directors said their students are likely to watch and cheer for their competitor.

But they both have to be concerned about 17 other Class 3A opponents, as well.

“It’s nice we’re not going to be in a division where there’s nobody to measure yourself against,” Dawson said. “It’s an interesting season for sure.”

Jonathan Torres, a senior and drum major at Lakewood Ranch, said it’s nerve-wracking to go up against so many other bands, but it’s an oppor tunity for them to push themselves and work harder to get to finals.

Mocadlo said having so many opponents could leave them with a “major sense of accomplishment.”

“We’re going to do great, and I’m proud of our band this year,” she said. “It’s a nice feeling knowing there

are amazing bands we’re compet ing against and we’re actually in the running with them.”

Lauren Cunningham, a Lakewood Ranch sophomore, said with 81 stu dents in the marching band, the Mustangs could have a bigger sound, which could help them in the state competition against Division 3A opponents that don’t have as many participants.

Schindler and Dawson said it’s more important for the bands to focus on themselves than the oppo nents.

“Everything we do is a learning process, and about pushing our selves to be as good as possible,” Dawson said. “I start every year tell ing the kids to work as hard as you possibly can and make the most of it. At the end of the year, no matter what happens, you’ll be thankful and happy you had a season knowing you did everything. It doesn’t matter if there were 18 bands or 48 bands.”

Parrish Community High School will be making its second consecutive trip to compete in the Florida Marching Band Championships on Nov. 20.

The band will compete in Class 2A.

Kendall Carrier, director of Parrish’s band, said the marching band has 65 students this year, which only is five students away from being able to compete in Class 3A. The divisions are based on the number of participants.

“We’re achieving at a higher level,” Carrier said. “The band’s a little bit bigger than last year, so it’s nice to see the growth. We will probably be in 3A next year.”

Carrier said it is important that some members of the band have been to the state championships.

“(Veteran students) are able to let the younger kids know what it’s all about,” he said. “Some of those kids have helped to build the program, so they’re really good section leaders and band officers. We have a lot of detailed work to do.

“We call it ‘dotting all the Is and crossing all the Ts’ just to make sure everything goes according to plan and hopefully make finals. That’s our goal.”

Former middle school bandmates are now competitors as Lakewood Ranch and Braden River high schools vie for a championship.

Courtesy photos

Robert Powers, a trumpet player, and the rest of the Lakewood Ranch High School Marching Mustangs will compete against 18 other bands, including Braden River High, at the state championships.

Parrish Community High School’s Norma Ramirez gives it her all in a performance.

A SHORE THING

Although the project had several delays, it was inevitable condos were coming to the bank of Lake Uihlein. LUXURY CONDOS

After a number of delays and three different owners, the condominium project along Lake Uihlein in Main Street at Lakewood Ranch has targeted 2023 for groundbreaking.

Developer Frank Dagostino, whose recent projects have been in Clear water and St. Petersburg, said he hoped to clear permitting stages with Manatee County in the next few weeks so the beginning stages of construction can begin.

Adam Myara, a Realtor market ing the property, said reservations for condominiums already are being taken and the first units could be under construction in January and available as early as June 2024.

Lakeshore at Main Street Lake wood Ranch will occupy the space between The Fish Hole miniature golf course and Michael Saunders & Co., on the bank of Lake Uihlein.

Dagostino said it was the beauty of the location that drew him to pur chase the land.

“When you get here, you see birds and you see trees ... it’s beautiful,” he said. “You don’t have to imagine how it’s going to be because it’s a gorgeous site.”

Dagostino was drawn by Lakewood Ranch’s ranking as the No. 1-selling multigenerational, master-planned community in the U.S. He loved that the businesses, studios and restau rants along Lakewood Main Street would provide amenities for the residents.

“There’s a number of things right there in walking distance that are incredible amenities in that area,” he said.

TIME TO MOVE FORWARD Dagostino said that there is sig nificant anticipation for the proj ect, with roughly half the condo miniums reserved for presale at this point and the rest available to be

reserved. Those interested can go to LakeShoreAtMain.com.

Myara said once permitting is fin ished, the property will be fenced off and the land cleared.

Construction was previously set to begin two months ago, he said, but had been delayed because of a change to bigger elevators to accom modate larger furniture.

Large furniture is likely with the luxury condos, with the largest at 3,449 square feet. The largest con dos have four bedrooms and threeand-a-half baths. There are also three bedrooms and three-and-ahalf bath layouts (2,526 square feet), three bedrooms and three bath units (2,415 square feet), and three bed rooms and three bath units (1,696 square feet). Prices range from $960,500 to $2,100,015.

Dagostino said he decided to adjust the number units from 40 to 32, as he wanted to ensure ample parking space for residents, although he still managed to accommodate a size increase for some units.

He said the current design is still similar in nature to the plans that he inherited after purchasing the proj ect.

The property was formerly owned by the late Larry Pearce, who began planning in 2006 to build Lakeshore at Lakewood Ranch with the help of his friend and project manager John Swart and architect Gary Hoyt. Because of cancer treatments he was undergoing, Pearce sold it as a pack age to another developer, the Bullard Group, in 2016.

After acquiring the project, the Bullard Group revised floor plans for larger master suites, expanded ter races, and added more use of natural light, among other design changes.

In 2017, the property was listed for sale on Realtor.com at a cost of $2.6 million, with Dagostino acquiring it in 2020.

THE FEATURES

Myara said all the units will provide a lake view and they all will have lake views with large balconies.

He said residents can expect mod ern aesthetics, which will include high ceilings and contemporary kitchens, with items such as luxury vinyl plank floors and granite and quartz countertops employed as standards.

Windows will be hurricane-rated.

Myara also noted residents will have the option to include certain customizations and upgrades for their condominiums, including tile, carpet, and countertops, in the price of their unit. He said this is possi ble through arrangements with the builder, KS Contracting Services.

Dagostino said he prefers com plexes that have equal numbers of bedrooms and bathrooms and said these were not built often enough in the Lakewood Ranch area.

Myara described the shared garage as being of a large size to accommo date all the occupants but that pent house owners will receive a personal two-car garage located inside the main garage.

Additional amenities are also planned.

A concierge will be present Mon day through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to receive packages for resi dents, including those who might be out of the area for part of the year.

A fitness center measuring 30 by 20 feet will feature free weights, machines, treadmills and cycles.

A swimming pool, which is about 39 feet in length, will overlook Lake Uihlein. Included in the pool area will be personal, lockable cabanas where residents can store objects, such as water equipment, for use on the lake.

The cabanas will be available for $25,000 and will be included with a penthouse or another upper unit. They will feature ventilation but will not be air conditioned.

The roof of the complex will fea ture a Tiki bar.

Although Dagostino said the bar will not include servers or alcohol, Myara said it will feature tables, chairs, and umbrellas, and will pro vide an open-air view of the area.

Dagostino said he was glad to join the community on Main Street at Lakewood Ranch.

“The Main Street people that I’ve dealt with are just the nicest people,” Dagostino said. “I have felt very wel come.”

Courtesy renderings

The complex will house 32 condos and all will have a balcony overlooking Lake Uihlein.

Realtor Adam Myara said units would

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

Large balconies will be a feature for all the units at Lakeshore at Main Street.

NEWS BRIEFS

COMMISSIONER’S TRIAL SET FOR EARLY FEBRUARY

Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court Judge Erika Quartermaine has picked the week of Feb. 6 to hear the state attorney’s case against Manatee County Commissioner George Kruse for driving under the influence.

At a Nov. 8 pretrial conference, Quartermaine said she wouldn’t select the exact date for the trial until the “Thursday or Friday” before that Feb. 6 trial week.

On June 22, the State Attorney’s Office filed one count of driving under the influence against Kruse involving an April 20 one-car crash on GreyHawk Boulevard in East County. Kruse has entered a plea of not guilty.

Assistant State Attorney Darlene Ragoonanan, who will prosecute the case, said she expected approximately 10 witnesses will be called at the trial from a list of 24 possible witnesses, which includes Political Consultant Anthony Pedicini and developer Carlos Beruff.

Sarasota Attorney Jeffrey Haynes is representing Kruse.

Jacqueline Steele, the 12th Judicial Circuit Court judge originally assigned to the case, recused herself on July 14. Originally scheduled for Aug. 2, the pretrial conference was postponed to Aug. 16, then Oct. 11 and finally Nov. 8. The latest continuance was requested by Haynes, who said the case involved a large amount of discovery for a first-offense DUI charge.

COMMISSIONERS TO TAKE OATH OF OFFICE

Manatee County will swear in its three new commissioners Nov. 22 at the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners Chambers, 1112 Manatee Ave., W., Bradenton. Commissioners in Manatee County serve a four-year term.

Amanda Ballard, the District 1 commissioner-elect; Mike Rahn, the District 4 commissioner-elect; and Jason Bearden, an at-large commissioner-elect, will take their oath of office at 9 a.m.

NEW DEPUTY CHIEF OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

HIRED

Jodie Setnor Fiske has assumed her new role as deputy chief of emergency management in Manatee County.

Fiske previously served at the Office of the Governor, Florida Division of Emergency Management, where she was the statewide field supervisor of regional response coordination teams, as well as a regional response coordinator responsible for 10 counties in southwest Florida.

“It’s easy to serve when times are good, but it’s an honor to serve when times are tough,” Fiske said in a Manatee County press release. “Preparing for and responding to tough times is what emergency management is all about. I am grateful to County Administrator Scott Hopes, Deputy County Administrator Robert Reinshuttle and Deputy Director of Public Safety Steve Litschauer for their confidence in me.”

Fiske has been involved in mass shooting responses, such as the one at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland in 2018.

She has helped manage responses to Hurricane Michael in 2018, Hurricane Dorian in 2019, Hurricane Iota and Hurricane Eta in 2020, and Hurricane Elsa in 2021. She also worked the response to the 2021 Surfside building collapse in MiamiDade County.

Fiske holds a Master of Science in homeland security and emergency management from Kaplan University and a Bachelor of Science in administration of criminal justice from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.

Her appointment follows a series of departmental reorganizations initiated by Hopes.

The role of emergency management chief is currently held by Steve Litschauer, who assumed the additional role of deputy director of public safety following the resignation of Public Safety Director Jacob Saur in July.

Manatee County also appointed a new utilities director, Evan Pilachowski, on Oct. 9, after the retirement of interim Utilities Director Jeffrey Goodwin, who had previously served as deputy director of utilities.

Organic farm struggles in wake of Hurricane Ian

Among the significant losses were two nurseries that were ripped apart, and the loss of trees and crops.

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

While the Myakka City area was hammered by Hurricane Ian, Bill Pischer wants Manatee County residents to under stand the storm had some devastat ing agricultural effects in other parts of the county as well.

Pischer, who owns Jessica’s Organic Farm at Hauri Road and 47th Street, west of Interstate75, said the farm is still trying to recover from the severe damage that has threatened to put Pischer out of business.

“We’ve had some close ones,” Pischer said. “But this was the most intense.”

He said few other organic farms exist in the area, so the loss would be a great one for local residents.

“We grow and harvest it and bring it up to the market,” he said. “That’s not a common thing.”

The organic-certified farm sup plies food through the market it operates on its property Friday through Sunday. The market also features organic-certified produce from other farms.

The farm grows lettuce, spinach, basil, kale, okra, sugarcane, pump kin, papaya and watermelon, among other vegetables.

Cody Pischer, who is Bill’s son, said although the farm suffered damage during Hurricane Irma, this was far worse.

“On a farm, you’ve got to expect

losses,” Cody Pischer said. “It’s usu ally nothing this big.”

The farm suffered damage to the two plant nurseries on the property.

The largest and newest nursery suffered significant damage with its metal framework becoming twisted and its canvas cover shredded.

Cody Pischer said it likely would have to be replaced entirely, which could cost them thousands of dol lars.

With the winter months and cool er temperatures approaching, the repairs need to be done in a hurry. The plants in that nursery have suf fered damage because of exposure to sunlight and rain.

And rain from Tropical Storm Nicole also hurt the farm, since the greenhouses were not up to par due to damage suffered in the hurricane.

Cody Pischer said it took about five months to build the bigger nurs

IF YOU GO

Where: Southwestern corner of Hauri Road and 47th Street, Sarasota

When: Market is Fridays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information: JessicasOrganicFarm.com

ery, and they had expected it to last more than 20 years.

“It’s pretty frustrating, when you build something and then it’s taken out in one day,” he said.

He said they might try a lower ele vation greenhouse when they rebuild it, hopefully making it less suscep tible to wind.

The other nursery was nearing the end of its expected life span, but Cody Pischer said they were hop ing to get another few years out of it before having to invest in a new one.

Hurricane Ian left the wood frame work of that building in a crumpled mess on the ground.

They build a makeshift structure to house plants to suffice until they can begin construction on a new nursery.

The Pischers said they also lost a grove of trees, about half of which were papaya trees.

One of the items Bill Pischer hopes to buy, if finances allow it, is a generator. He said it would be a key upgrade.

He said the farm’s watering system operates on electricity and the walkin coolers as well.

After Hurricane Ian, Bill Pischer said all hands tried to keep up with the watering with watering cans because they couldn’t use hoses with power down.

While the smaller plant nursery can utilize rainwater to some extent, with a material called a shade cloth along its top that disperses water across the plants, the main nursery’s watering is done manually.

Pischer said the farm had to switch its priority in terms of vegetables for some of the fields that had been saturated by the heavy rainfall. He had to switch to lettuces, kale, col lards, arugula, parsley, cucumber, and dandelion in fields that had been targeted for different produce before the hurricane.

Bill Pischer called his outlook “pretty optimistic” for the farm’s recovery. However, he said the state of the farm is now up to “God’s will.” Fundraising efforts are being planned. He said any contribution from the public would be much appreciated.

“We just take one day at a time and go from there,” he said.

Bill Pischer said the farm has been in the area since 1979, when he established the business.

The farm is named for Bill Pisch er’s eldest daughter, Jessica Pischer. Those who want to help the farm can go to GoFundMe.com.

DO WELL TOGETHER

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Photos by Ian Swaby

Bill Pischer says the workers at Jessica’s Organic Farm have worked hard to rebound after Hurricane Ian.

Plans for some fields changed because of moisture left behind by the storm.

Heaping helping of humanitarians

The room at Station 400 in Lakewood Ranch was abuzz with activity.

Assembled Wednesday were what Manatee County Com missioner Vanessa Baugh called “the best of the best” when it came to doing humanitarian work in the community.

The Lakewood Ranch Community Fund board held a breakfast Nov. 9 to honor the past winners of the C. John Clarke Humanitarian of the Year award.

The idea was to not only honor the past recipients of the Humanitar ian of the Year award, but to perhaps also reengage them with the goal of unifying the community to support the many nonprofits helping those in need.

“Oh my gosh, energizing is the word for this,” said Barbara Najmy. “I think we are all here to empower each other to continue the good work we’ve done.”

Najmy and her husband, Joseph Najmy, were the Humanitarians of the Year in 2019.

Joseph Najmy, a former Commu nity Fund board member, said he was happy to see the current Lakewood Ranch Community Fund board try ing to expand on the charitable work that has been accomplished over the years.

“This work has tentacles that I am sure the initial founders are so proud to see,” he said.

Diane Brune, the 2018 Humanitar ian of the Year and a former president and board member of the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund, said the past winners of the Humanitarians of the Year had never been brought together before.

“I am very happy and surprised with the energy in this room,” Brune

said. “I love this new phase the fund is going through.”

The Community Fund is coming off a successful Wine and Giving Oct. 27 at the Esplanade Golf and Country Club that sold out with 260 in attendance. The event raised more than $50,000 profit to go toward the grant program that benefits the region’s nonprofits.

With the Community Fund board hoping to host more events in the future, it wanted to tap the previ ous Humanitarian of the Year award winners for guidance. Station 400 agreed to host the event to further the cause.

“I am beyond words,” Lakewood Ranch Community Fund President Nicole Ryskamp said. “This is such great energy.”

Lakewood Ranch Community Fund Executive Director Adrienne Bookhamer told the former Human itarians of the Year that the board is committed to making a huge impact in the community.

“Thank you so much for being a

part of our history,” she said. “We try to remember where we came from. This is John Clarke’s vision, to make the community better.”

Clarke is the former SchroederManatee Ranch president and CEO who founded the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund with the thought that no strong community exists without a charitable arm.

“We want to continue that (vision),” Bookhamer said. “We want to find out how to can make a bigger impact.”

Mark Clark, the vice president of the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund board, called the event “some thing special.”

“The wine soirée was just the beginning,” he said. “It’s great to see this energy come together. I remember when I used to hear peo ple say that nobody will ever move to (Lakewood Ranch). Oh, how they

were wrong. And we are taking your dream that you started years ago to another level.”

Baugh and her husband, Don, were the 2016 Humanitarians of the Year, She said the Community Fund board needs to continue its path.

“We have grown a lot,” Baugh said of the community. “We have a lot of potential and we need to grab it.”

Angela Massaro Fain and her hus band, John Fain, were the Humani tarians of the Year in 2017. She said it is smart for the board to want to include the past Humani tarians of the Year as they plot the future.

“It’s interesting what this great turnout means,” she said of the packed room at Station 400. “(The Humanitarians of the Year) want to be engaged. A lot of these people are big community leaders, even if they are retired.”

Humanitarians

were (back row) Darrell Turner, Joseph Na jmy, Bob Smith, John Fain, Don Baugh, and (front row) Barbara Najmy, Diane Brune , Angela Massaro Fain

Community’s top do-gooders receive a special thanks from the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund.

Photos by Jay Heater

of the Year who attended

and Vanessa Baugh.

The Humanitarians of the Year enjoyed a special breakfast at Station 400 in Lakewood Ranch.

This camp a site for sore eyes

Bigger, modern RV Park already filling up along the Braden River.

LIZ RAMOS | STAFF WRITER

After a week at Linger Lodge RV Park, Tina Naulton decided to make the park her home for the next six months.

Naulton, who is from Maine, was so impressed with the renovated park that she has chosen to live there while working as a travel nurse at Manatee Memorial Hospital.

“It’s good so far,” Naulton said. “The amenities are pretty awesome, and I love that the restaurant is on site.”

Naulton might not have known that only weeks earlier the RV park suffered significant damage from Hurricane Ian, with its fence ripped apart, half the grounds flooded, and downed trees everywhere.

On Nov. 11, it was like Hurricane Ian never happened. The grounds had been cleared and a new fence installed.

Naulton spent that evening work ing out in Linger Lodge’s new gym, which was added during the RV park’s renovation that took almost two years.

It also is an amenity that made it through Hurricane Ian, which hit Florida three days after the RV park had reopened on Sept. 25.

More than a month after the hurri cane, Friedrich Hoffelner, who man ages the RV park, said more than 20 trees have been cleared and a hole in the Linger Lodge Restaurant roof, caused by falling tree, was fixed.

“The hurricane was bad luck, but they happen here,” Hoffelner said. “Looking forward, we are happy. We have a good team now. We love to work together, and it’s fun. We’re glad to be open.”

Hoffelner said many of the guests at Linger Lodge are insurance adjusters, roofers and others who came from northern states to assist residents in the aftermath of the hurricane.

“We also are getting a little bit of the snowbirds already,” he said. “We already are seeing a lot of bookings.”

Before the renovations, Hoffelner said Linger Lodge had a lot of elec tric, water and sewer issues, but now there’s new electric installations and the campground is on Manatee County’s water and sewer system.

With Linger Lodge’s renovations, the RV park has 139 lots.

Naulton is staying in the new sec tion, which she said is quiet and peaceful with a lot of greenery.

Hoffelner said the new area had a residential house on it before it was removed to make room for 42 new RV spaces.

As Tropical Storm Nicole approached Florida Nov. 9, Hoffel ner said there wasn’t much the Lin ger Lodge staff could do to prepare.

“That’s Florida,” he said. “You have to live with them. It doesn’t make sense to panic with every trop ical storm.”

The new clubhouse, pool, pool cage, bathrooms and gym didn’t sustain any damage from the hur ricane or the tropical storm.

That was important since the new clubhouse was a major upgrade, pro viding activities for visitors such as a pool table, toys, a play area for

children and a large screen for mov ies. The pool area has a resort-style pool and a jacuzzi.

Besides new bathrooms, the RV park has a laundry room with wash ing machines and dryers.

“A lot of people were asking espe cially for a pool area,” Hoffelner said about the renovation. “They like to hang out in the pool and the club house. It’s a great place where they can go if it’s raining or if they want something to do in the evening. We can do movie nights or sports nights, and we can cater from the restaurant. I think there will be a lot of activities we’ll be doing in season.”

Brandon Barbineaux, an insurance adjuster from Lafayette, Louisiana, was enjoying the upgraded facilities last weekend, like the clubhouse.

“I’ve never seen anything like this at an RV park,” Barbineaux said.

Naulton said she looks forward to Linger Lodge hosting activities. She hopes there’s a bingo night or corn hole.

Hoffelner said although there are new facilities on the campground, the staff members also have stayed true to Linger Lodge’s Old Florida charm. There are taxidermied ani mals hanging in the clubhouse and a giant alligator is hanging on the wall in the office next to the front desk.

“It’s a historic Old Florida area, and that’s why people come,” Hof felner said. “People from the north like this Old Florida style, and we tried to keep it in all the upgrades.”

HISTORY OF LINGER LODGE

Linger Lodge was built in 1945 as a two-story log cabin on the Braden River.

It was surrounded by 100 acres of land for fishing, canoeing and camping.

Veterinarian Frank Gamsky and his wife, Elaine, bought Linger Lodge in 1968. Frank Gamsky started decorating the lodge with taxidermied wild game and roadkill found on local roads.

Austrian Franz Hartl and his family bought Linger Lodge in 2016.

In September, after two years of renovation, Linger Lodge reopens, adding new facilities while maintaining its Old Florida charm.

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8130 Lakewood Main St., Suite D207 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-755-5357

“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

Photos by Liz Ramos

Friedrich Hoffelner, who manages Linger Lodge RV Park, is ready to welcome guests at its new office and gift shop.

Linger Lodge RV Park balances being modern with maintaining its Old Florida charm.

Tina Naulton, who is from Maine, loves the on-site gym. Other improvements to Linger Lodge include a new clubhouse, pool and restrooms.

RVs fill the campground at Linger Lodge RV Park only weeks after it suffered major damage from Hurricane Ian. The park had reopened after a two-year renovation only three days before Hurricane Ian hit the area.

Lakewood Ranch a beacon of relative success

This is a moving story. Not so much in an emotional sense, but because it really is about moving.

It’s also a story about Lakewood Ranch, because as we know, the master-planned community ranks No. 1 in the nation in terms of sales in a multigenerational community. People want to come here, even in a country where inflation is out of control and our economic future is uncertain.

So meet Sandy Lisenbee.

Lisenbee and her husband, Kenneth Donovan III, were enjoying life in Denver when COVID-19 became a household term in 2020. An executive in the mortgage banking business with more than 10 years experience, Lisenbee was living the good life in a city many consider to be one of the nation’s top places to live.

But happiness to her is a relative term. Such as, how far do you have to travel to see your relatives?

Lisenbee didn’t think too much about proximity before 2020. She could board a plane rather easily and go to anywhere in the country to visit her relatives in less than half a day. Or her relatives could come see her.

The pandemic changed that.

Travel no longer was easy because of many restrictions and concerns. And while Lisenbee knew those restrictions and concerns would dwindle, she also started to think about a possible next pandemic.

She talked to her husband about their priorities, and at the top of the list was living closer to their relatives. But where?

“We felt very isolated in Denver because all of our family lived out of state,” Lisenbee said. “We felt helpless in being able to help them if anything happened. Life is just too short, and we wanted our children to grow up with grandparents. We should be together.”

The couple has two children, Ken Donovan IV, who is 7 months old, and 3-year-old Sienna.

Her husband’s parents, Ken and Anne Donovan, were already Florida residents, but they were considering Lakewood Ranch at the time as several members of their family already live in the area.

Eventually, it became clear the Lakewood Ranch/Sarasota/Bradenton area held a huge draw for both the Lisenbees and Donovans. Sandy and Ken bought a home in Lakewood Ranch without even

seeing it first. They packed up and drove for three days from Denver, with Sandy hoping their new home didn’t smell bad when she got there.

Ken’s parents made their way to Lakewood Ranch as well and have lived here about 18 months. Sandy’s parents, Antonia and Dan Lisenbee, moved from Reston, Virginia, into a Tidewater Preserve home in Bradenton earlier this month. Her sister, Sarah Kane, moved with her husband, Jim, from New York to Bradenton.

It’s going to be quite the Thanks-

giving.

So now with the mission accomplished, Lisenbee can concentrate on work.

It is a work environment that has changed mightily since she arrived, with homes skyrocketing in price and listings disappearing faster than Italian Ice in a sauna. Inflation and rising interest rates have raised inventory and slowed the amount of time homes are on the market.

It is an interesting time for Lisenbee, who is managing director and CEO of View Mortgage, to introduce herself to the community. She held a grand opening event Nov. 4 at PopStroke in University Town Center to do just that. Now that much of her family has moved to the same area, is she concerned she made a mistake from a business standpoint?

“To me, this is not scary,” Lisenbee said. “This business is cyclical, just like the economy. You find that those who are not totally invested tend to leave when things get rough.”

She is not leaving the business. If fewer people are seeking mortgages, she said she will make good use of the time.

“I will use the time to sharpen my tools,” she said. “I am taking more training on products and becoming a better professional overall.

“What we had before was not normal. Appreciation at 60% is not normal or sustainable. I, for one, am looking forward to normalization.”

She wants to grow roots in her new area, and she said part of that will be giving back to the community.

“Kenny and I have a passion for financial education,” she said. “I could see us giving a marital finance class at Our Lady of the Angels (their new church). It hurts my heart when I see people who have no idea how to manage their credit

or how to budget themselves. I could see putting a training presentation together for seniors in high school on how to properly use a credit card.”

In explaining her own business, she said it is about “finding the best loan product because not every shoe fits all.

“I provide credit advice to my customers as it pertains to the process of obtaining a mortgage. I am a lending concierge, and I can provide emotional support during one of the most stressful financial actions of your life.”

Lisenbee said View Mortgage started as a lender for a builder, but that builder doesn’t operate in Florida. She will be providing primarily home buyers with her expertise.

“We also do refinances and reverse mortgages,” she said.

Currently, she is looking for an office, and she will continue to do business from her home until she finds the right place. Those interested in her services can contact her at SandyLisenbee.com.

She hopes she has become a role model for other women who hope to become executives in the mortgage banking industry.

“The lending business is a very man-dominated industry,” she said. “I want to be a beacon of hope to female leaders that you can do it all.”

Now that she has landed in Lakewood Ranch, expect her to realize that goal with relative ease.

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

UNDERSTANDING VEIN DISEASE

By Adam N. Phillips, D.O, Board Certified General Surgeon & Vein Specialist

Vein Disease:

Underdiagnosed & Undertreated

Our circulatory system keeps our body and its tissues healthy, but when that system goes awry, we develop a series of diseases, including vein disease and all its symptoms. Based on the latest scientific data, vein disease in the U.S. is underdiagnosed and undertreated, and it affects more than 40 million Americans. Unfortunately, less than one-half of one percent of Americans seek treatment and fewer than half a million ever receive treatment for vein disease.

What Causes Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

The short answer is malfunctioning valves inside the veins. When blood circulates inside the body, the heart pumps blood down the leg. To get the blood back up to the heart, however, the body relies on a combination of valves and muscle contractions to push blood upward. Healthy valves

within the veins act as backflow prevention device in the legs to keep the blood from flowing backward and pooling in the legs. Faulty veins don’t close completely, resulting in varicose veins, swelling, heaviness, itching, and a whole host of other life-changing symptoms.

Are You At Risk For Vein Disease?

Most likely, if you have any of these high-risk factors – a family history, obesity, prolonged sitting or standing, multiple pregnancies, you’re older than 40 and/or you smoke or once did. Women are affected with vein disease more than men; however, men don’t escape this dangerous disease.

What Are The Signs & Symptoms Of Vein Disease?

More common symptoms that develop over time include pain, heaviness, fatigue, aching, itching, restless legs, burning, and cramping. Physical findings are large areas of spider veins, varicose veins, leg swelling, discoloration, skin thickening, and ulcers.

What Is The Treatment?

Luckily, treatment is in your favor. FDA-approved, minimally invasive treatments have a 99% success rate with far less risk and fewer side effects when compared to the now-antiquated vein stripping techniques of the past. At Florida Lakes Vein Center, all treatments are performed in the office. There is no downtime, and normal activities can be resumed as soon as you leave our office.

9114 Town Center Pkwy, Ste 101 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

sponsored content

Minimally invasive treatments have a 99% success rate with far less risk and side effects.

Jay Heater

Sandy Lisenbee and her extended family all planned a move to the region after the pandemic convinced them they needed to be closer together.

Jay

exploration beyond the pavement.

Rain, wind place endangered air plants in peril

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, the fate of giant and cardinal air plants at Myakka River State Park was of particular concern. Both native species are endangered in Florida because of habitat loss and illegal collecting of specimens from natural areas.

They are also threatened by the invasive Mexican bromeliad wee vil. Populations of these sizable and once-abundant epiphytes have been reduced in the park’s hammocks by the voracious weevils, which were introduced to South Florida in 1989 via the horticulture trade. With no natural predators here, the weevils quickly spread and are now estab lished in the park. The insects chew holes in the plants’ leaf bases, where they lay their eggs. And as the larvae feed and mature, they consume the base, often killing the whole plant.

The largest bromeliad to occur naturally in Florida, giant air plants are especially vulnerable to the wee vils, because, unlike most air plant species, they don’t “pup,” or produce offsets from the base. Instead, after up to 20 years of growth, the giant air plant sends up a single flower stalk,

ENJOY THE WILD

which produces thousands of seeds, then dies. Air plants that produce offsets stand a better chance of sur viving weevil attacks, as they have multiple buds and multiple chances to reproduce.

Air plants, which use trees merely for support, are an important mem ber of the ecosystem and afford many ecological benefits, such as providing food, water and shelter to native Florida animals.

And given their dwindling num bers, these species are especially vulnerable to extreme weather events, such as Hurricane Ian, which had a widespread impact on the park. As many trees in the park sustained wind or water damage from the storm, finding and saving the park’s imperiled epiphytes was prioritized.

Thanks to rapid rescue efforts, guided by expert advice from Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, more than 70 endangered epiphytes have already been collected from dam aged trees.

Once storm recovery efforts are completed, the plants will be reat tached to new host trees in the park, where they will have a chance to grow to maturity and produce a suc cessional generation of these imper iled species.

—MIRI

HARDY, FRIENDS OF THE MYAKKA RIVER

Imperiled epiphytes, such as these young giant air plants, are being collected from damaged trees at Myakka River State Park and will be reattached to new host trees.

STILL CLOSED

Myakka River State Park remains closed to the public until further notice while recovery efforts from Hurricane Ian continue.

An

Wild Florida is a monthly feature written by Miri Hardy, the first executive director of the Friends of Myakka River. Miri has been a Sarasota resident since 2014 and holds a doctorate in social psychology from Washington University in St. Louis. She is happiest exploring wild Florida, often on her bike, and capturing its beauty though the lens of her camera.

Miri Hardy

All The Right Moves

What does it take to be named the #1 Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital in Florida by U.S. News & World Report ? Try a patient-focused and goal-oriented approach designed to help each individual find the best path to recovery from illness or injury. Put it in a state-of-the-art Rehabilitation Pavilion with 60 private patient rooms, fully-equipped gyms and simulated training areas. Then add the best team of physiatrists, physical & occupational therapists, nurses, psychologists, dietitians, social workers, and speech pathologists you can.

They’ll

show you how it’s done . Every step of the way.

Bear down on literacy

Esplanade’s Barbara Liodice watched as Kambrie Rowell tried to draw a bear.

While drawing, Rowell, a kin dergartner at Ballard Elementary School, talked about her day. They finished reading “Bear’s Loose Tooth” on Nov. 8 and then started working on literacy activities.

“You are the best,” Liodice said to Rowell.

“No, you are the best in the whole, entire world,” the little girl replied.

Liodice and Rowell have been working together once per week since mid-October as part of the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch’s new Books for Kids Kindergarten program.

More than 60 volunteers go to Ballard, Oneco and Daughtrey ele mentary schools once per week to work one-on-one with a class of kindergartners. They read a book the students take home. After read ing together, the volunteers will ask students questions about the book to help with comprehension, followed by various literacy activities.

During the Nov. 8 session, kinder garten student Kemora Wallace pre dicted what would happen next in the book as volunteer Glenda Myers, of Waterlefe, read to her.

The Books for Kids Kindergarten Program was started this year as a pilot program after seeing the suc cess of the Books for Kids program with students in first through third grades.

Joanne Vernon, a co-coordinator for the Books for Kids Kindergarten Program, said early intervention is key when it comes to reading skills.

“We want to build lifelong read ers,” she said.

Sheila Halpin, leader of the cam paign for grade-level reading and a volunteer coordinator for the School District of Manatee County, said the Books for Kids Kindergarten Pro gram is a “beautiful collaboration that’s extremely strategic.”

She said the School District of Manatee County’s curriculum department chose the books used for the program, and each volunteer had to take literacy training to prepare them to work with the children. The books correlate back to what stu dents are learning in the classroom.

“It’s an amazing program, and we’re seeing that it’s making a dif ference both academically, socially and emotionally.”

Rudy Keezer, the principal of Bal lard Elementary School, said the program will help close learning gaps.

For example, he said some students walk in the first day of kindergarten with letter recognition, and they are

KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM

The Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch has expanded its Books for Kids program to now include the Books for Kids Kindergarten Program.

Volunteers work with a class of kindergartners at Ballard, Oneco and Daughtrey elementary schools, which are Title I schools.

Volunteers work one-on-one with a student to read a book, ask and answer questions about the book and do literacy activities.

Besides helping with literacy, the volunteers serve as mentors to the kindergartners.

able to spell their own names, while others are just starting to learn those skills.

Working one-on-one with the kindergartners gives volunteers an opportunity to develop relationships and serve as mentors.

Liodice decided to volunteer to give back to the community and work with children.

Liodice said she has loved working with Rowell, who she says has been engaged in the activities and reading.

“She just dives in,” Liodice said. “She just loved books and loved to chat with me. We chat about a lot of things besides the book. She’s got a great imagination and is really smart.”

Being together each week allows the volunteers to see the prog ress the kindergartners are making throughout the 20 weeks they spend together.

Since Liodice started working with Rowell, she’s noticed she has improved on letter recognition.

“You can see the pride she has in herself,” Liodice said.

Liz Ramos Waterlefe’s Glenda Myers works with Ballard Elementary kindergartner Kemora Wal lace once a week.

Ride of their lives

car sat for 16 years. Eden had bought another car.

IF YOU GO

What: The 30th annual Ponies

Under the Palms Mustang and Ford Show

When: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20

Where: Main Street at Lakewood Ranch

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

When the 30th annual Ponies Under the Palms Mustang and Ford Show begins Nov. 20 at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch, the beauty of the cars will be just a part of the show.

The major entertainment will be the stories told by the owners and the spectators about what makes each vehicle special.

Here are just three of the cars that will be on display for the event, which raises funds for the Denis V. Cooper Foundation’s Wishes for Heroes, and Take Stock in Children.

RAY BAKER 1964 1/2 MUSTANG

Sarasota’s Ray Baker was asked what he thought the first time he saw his uncle’s 1964 1/2 Mustang.

“Come on,” Baker said as if the question was just plain silly.

It was 1964 in Elmira, New York, and Baker was a 13-year-old. That particular Mustang was rocking the automotive world at the time, get ting rave reviews from automotive magazines as one of the sportiest cars to come off the assembly line.

“Wow,” Baker said of his first impression. “What a neat car.”

Did he imagine sometime in the future that uncle Ken Eden’s car would become his own?

“Not in my wildest dreams,” Baker said.

Eden lived in Sarasota, and he bought the car new at Anderson Ford in 1964. It was known as a 1964 1/2 because it was so hot that Ford didn’t want to roll it out in 1965 and moved up production.

Baker eventually moved to Florida in 1971, and his uncle still had the car. And in 1978, Baker said his uncle drove home after buying a new set of tires for the car, parked it, and the

Over the years, Baker became more of a car enthusiast and developed a love of classic cars. In 1994, he and his wife, Lola, made his uncle an offer that they would take the car, restore it and give it back to him. Then, when he finally decided to let it go, he would give it to them. So in 1994, they did a total restoration on the car.

“We used to caravan with other (car owners) to shows, five or six of us in a row,” he said. “You would see people hanging out the window with their thumbs up.”

DAYTON AND PHALA AMEY 1969 FORD MUSTANG MACH 1

Braden Woods’ Phala Amey found out quickly how serious her hus band, Dayton Amey, was about his cars.

She was sitting in his prized 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1, with her hand draped over the passenger side door, tapping on the body.

She was wearing a ring.

Tap ... tap ... tap.

“He said, ‘Don’t tap on the car,’” she said, putting sternness in her voice to tell the story. “‘You will scratch the paint.’”

Nobody was going to mess with Dayton Amey’s Mach 1. He had wanted that car when he was a high school student, but his parents said it wasn’t a safe car for that age.

It wasn’t long before his father relented, and once being a car sales man, handled the negotiations for his “dream car,” a 3-year-old Mach I.

“We paid $1,900, down from $2,600,” said Dayton Amey, who was living in Allentown, Pennsylvania at the time. “It was a base car and not high performance. It has an auto matic transmission.”

Even so, he loved the look of the car, including its four headlights and sleek body style.

He married Phala in 1976 and pre sented another lesson in how much he cared about his cars.

“He liked cars, especially Fords,”

Presented by: The Mustang Club of West Central Florida Benefits: The Denis V. Cooper Foundation’s Wishes for Heroes and Take Stock in Children

Admission: Free for spectators; $25 to enter a car in the show the day of the event (Check-in begins at 8 a.m.)

Information: Go to MustangClubofWestCentralFlorida.com or call 920-944-8137

Phala Amey said. “I had a Monte Carlo, and it wasn’t long before we sold that car. He bought another Mustang, a 1973 Mach 1.”

LARRY BRUNATTI

1963 1/2 FORD FALCON SPRINT

This is one sprint Larry Brunatti of Braden Woods won a long time ago.

More than 25 years ago.

A fan of classic cars, Brunatti developed a love of Ford Falcon Sprints years ago when one of his good friends bought a hardtop.

Years later, he searched for one of his own when he came upon a 1963 1/2 Ford Falcon Sprint — on Ebay. It was in Spokane, Washington.

He bought the car for $9,500, and it turned out to be perfect mechani cally. It had the original 260 V-8 engine. The body not so much.

“The paint had spiderwebs going through it,” he said. “And the top was white. It just didn’t go with the car.

“So we stripped the car down to the bare metal and surprisingly, there was no rust.”

While the Sprint might not look the role to those unfamiliar with classic cars, Brunatti said at the time it was the “sporty car of that era.”

“It was the forerunner to the Mus tang,” he said.

“It’s my favorite,” Brunatti said. “You very rarely see sprint convert ibles ... only 4,600 were made that year. And it’s fun to drive.”

Thirtieth annual Ponies

Under the Palms fundraiser set for Lakewood Ranch.

Ray Baker looks over the 289 cubic inch engine in his 1964 1/2 Mustang.

Phala and Dayton Amey say they liked that their Mach 1 was an unusual color, which now draws a lot of attention.

Photos by Jay Heater

Larry Brunatti says the Falcon Sprint was the forerunner to the Mustang.

St. Barbara hosts sweet event

It’s easy to tell the experienced patrons from the rookies at the St. Barbara Philoptochos Society’s Autumn Fest.

The rookies are covered with pow dered sugar.

Maria Kirlangitis, vice president of the St. Barbara Philoptochos Society,

LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER

The annual festival offers a taste of Greece while benefiting charities.

Liz Ramos

Marilyn Blazakis, president of the St. Barbara Philoptochos Society, Pat Trempelas, assistant treasurer, and Maria Kirlangitis, vice president, can’t wait to serve Greek foods and pastries at Autumn Fest.

said some people just don’t know the best way to eat kourambiethes.

Kourambiethes are a Greek short bread cookie with almonds covered in powdered sugar.

“You have to know how to eat them because there’s a lot of powdered sugar,” Kirlangitis said. “You pick it up, hit it a little bit to get some of the sugar off and then take small bites. You can tell who hasn’t eaten kourambiethes because there’s pow dered sugar all over them.”

People will have their chance to try kourambiethes during Autumn Fest on Nov. 18-19 at the St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church.

Besides kourabiethes, the menu includes Greek specialties such as pastitsio, gyros, lamb shanks, spanakopita, dolmathes and Greek pastries including koulourakia, bak lava and galatoboureko.

People will be able to dine at the Father Frank Kirlangitis Community Center next to the church or they can take food to go.

“It’s the joy of sharing with people in the community our culture, our delicacies and our special treats,” Kirlangitis said. “It’s a beautiful community of people who love each other and care for each other.”

Besides eating, those who attend can shop at Yia Yia’s Attic.

Proceeds from Autumn Fest will benefit the Hurricane Ian Relief

Fund, Tunnel 2 Towers Foundation and Philoptochos charities.

The money from the Hurricane Ian Relief Fund will help parishio ners in St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church’s sister church, Annuncia tion Greek Orthodox Church in Fort Myers, which has had many people displaced by the hurricane.

Tunnel 2 Towers Foundation hon ors military and first responders.

Marilyn Blazakis, the president of the St. Barbara Philoptochos Society, said spanakopita, tiropita and pans of pastitsio will be sold frozen so people can take them home to have them whenever they want, including during the holidays.

Many of the foods at Autumn Fest are made by parishioners of the church using their own recipes.

Kirlangitis said the organization has created a cookbook filled with recipes from parishioners.

Kirlangitis and Blazakis said some of their baking is associated with their faith and culture.

“When you say Greek food, I don’t want people to associate only with baklava because we have so many varieties,” Kirlangitis said.

Members of the church have sweet bread on their holy days and they break their fast from meat at Easter with pastitsio and lamb shanks.

Kirlangitis said in a Greek home, with coffee comes kourambiethes.

“These are good luck cookies,” she said.

“You’re going to see them at our baptisms and weddings.”

Pat Trempelas, an assistant trea surer for St. Barbara Philoptochos Society, said lamb shanks always are a fan favorite at festivals like Autumn Fest.

Blazakis and Kirlangitis said spanakopita and baklava also are favorites among attendees.

“I find it interesting when people who have come through the years are determined to have certain things,” Kirlangitis said.

“They always say, ‘I want this and I want that.’ They know exactly what they want.”

Blazakis said sometimes people can’t decide what they want, so they take one of everything on the menu.

David Dexter, MD is board certified in General Surgery and a Fellow in the American College of Surgeons. He is currently seeing both elective and acute care surgery patients at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. He performs all aspects of general surgery, but has particular skills in minimally invasive and da Vinci® robotic surgery. Minimally invasive robotic surgeries including:

• Hernia Surgery

• Anti-reflux surgery and repair

• Hiatal and Paraesophageal Hernias

• Gallbladder surgery (Cholecystectomy) • Breast Surgery • Complex abdominal wall reconstruction

Office appointments can be made directly with Alexa Kinder, PA-C for evaluation and in-office removal of skin disorders including abnormal moles, lipomas, and cysts. Appointments may also be made for common breast concerns including breast pain, nipple discharge, or lumps detected on self-breast examination. To make an appointment, call 941-254-6767 or schedule online at lakewoodranchmedicalgroup.com/appt.

Fast Break

There’s just something about a football crowd.

Speaking about his first varsity season playing football after concentrating primarily on baseball, Lakewood Ranch High junior quarterback Clayton Dees said the roar of the Mustangs crowd was the first thing he noticed when stepping onto the field for his first game. The rest of the game wasn’t bad, either, as the Mustangs won 51-23 win over Cardinal Mooney on Sept. 9. “That was my favorite moment of the season,” Dees said.

… Certified Sports Guaranty, a sports card grading company based in Lakewood Ranch, is making a name for itself in the high-stakes world. Last month, the company graded a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card (#311) that is valued at more than $2 million. That’s a lot of cash for a card, and it takes a lot of trust from the owner to let the Lakewood Ranch company certify it. That’s a good sign for the company’s future in the ever-expanding market.

… If you know of any area athletes doing something charitable during this holiday season, let us know by sending an email to RKohn@YourObserver.com. We love to feature athletes doing right by their community.

… High school basketball starts this week with the girls already getting into their regular season. The boys will begin with preseason events. A game to put on your schedule will be when the Lakewood Ranch High girls host Braden River High at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8. That should be a fun one.

David Waddilove Steve Zonca, Michael Hanna and Ruel Wright (130) won the Men’s Golf Association “Open ing Day” best ball event Nov. 9 at University Park Country Club.

RYAN KOHN SPORTS EDITOR

For the Lakewood Ranch High and Braden River High football teams, the 2022 season ended in different shades of disap pointment.

The Mustangs entered the final week of the regular season at 6-3 and seeded seventh in its Florida High School Athletic Association Class 4S region, in line for a playoff spot — as long as it beat Booker High (6-5) at home Nov. 4 in the season finale.

They didn’t, giving up 443 rush ing yards in a 43-39 loss. The results caused the Mustangs to drop out of the region’s top eight seeds, miss ing the postseason for the secondstraight season at 6-4.

The Pirates (5-5) also fell in their regular season finale, a 36-20 loss to Port Charlotte High (7-2), but the FHSAA’s ranking algorithm was more favorable to Braden River than to Lakewood Ranch, and the Pirates kept hold on the final playoff spot in its Class 3S region.

Their reward was a matchup with Naples High (8-2), which handed the Pirates a 42-6 road loss on Nov. 11. The game was 35-0 at halftime, and the second half was played with a running clock.

Now, both programs will gear up for a long offseason. Lakewood Ranch High will be trying to find ways to take the next step toward being a contender in the playoffs. For Braden River, it will be a renewed effort to regain its status as one of the state’s top programs.

The Mustangs will graduate key pieces like running back Kevin Ever hart, who finished his senior season with 1,065 rushing yards (7.2 yards per carry) and 23 rushing touch downs, plus 329 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.

On the defensive side, they lose senior linebacker Dylan Letaw, who had 61 tackles, and senior defensive end Cameron Caudill, who had four sacks.

Returning will be quarterback Clayton Dees, a baseball pitcher turned football player, with an arm that intrigued coach Rashad West. Dees, in playing his first season of high school football, finished with 1,704 passing yards, 391 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns (13 pass ing). Along the way, he threw just

three interceptions.

West said he was impressed with what Dees was able to do despite his lack of experience, but the coach said he needs to improve “in all areas” in 2023.

“He needs to know our system bet ter,” West said. “He needs to figure out how teams are trying to defend us. And he just needs to feel more comfortable out there. I mean, he’s played 10 games of football. He’s got a lot of room to grow. Every week was a new challenge for him his year. But he answered those challenges. He’s hungry to get better.”

Dees said he is thankful for West’s help in answering the myriad ques tions about everything from scheme to strategy. He and West said they consider the season to be a step for ward for the program despite missing the postseason and are excited about getting another shot in 2023.

At Braden River, the Pirates will lose defensive stalwarts like line backers Aidan Danger (58 tackles) and Tanner Wolfe (47 tackles) and leading receiver Craivontae Koonce (30 catches, 424 yards and two touchdowns), but they will return most of its skill position players, including junior running back Tray von Pinder (1,086 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns).

The Pirates played a lot of inexpe rienced players with mixed results, but coach Curt Bradley is hopeful that pays off next season.

Bradley was not happy with his team’s effort after the Hurricane Ian-imposed off week. The Pirates were 3-1 before the storm arrived and looked like a typically strong Braden River team, the lone loss being a 10-7 defeat at Manatee High (6-4).

The team went 2-4 after the off week.

“I don’t know what happened yet, honestly,” Bradley said. “We’ll do some exit meetings with our seniors to figure out what it was. Sometimes you have a week off and it’s hard to find that fire again. But that can’t happen (in the future), so we have to figure it out.”

Coaches from both programs said they need to make significant gains in the weight room to compete at the highest level. That will be a focus in the offseason.

At Lakewood Ranch, West said that while the upperclassmen understand the importance of com

mitment to the weight room, it can be a new concept for the underclass men. West said it is important they get the message now.

“They need to be in there con sistently,” West said. “They need to start getting stronger so they’re ready.”

At Braden River, Bradley said he and his staff have not done as good a job of developing his players through the off season. That has to change, Bradley said, as does how the Pirates think about conditioning. It’s not only about the weight room or run ning.

“It’s about taking care of your body in general,” Bradley said. “Football is becoming a sport where guys are developing (quickly). There are a lot more mature bodies now. The only way to do that is by physically taking care of your body. Lifting weights is great but if you’re not eating (smart) and consistently hydrating, you’re going to lose weight and not be in the best form you can be. That’s on the coaching staff and the players to make that a focus.”

“Shooting is my best skill. I have a powerful shot and I have good instincts on where to place it.”

— Braden River High’s Esteban Benjoud SEE PAGE 18

File photo

Braden River High basketball senior Monique Schwalbach will be in action along with the rest of the area teams this week as the season begins.

Ryan Kohn

Braden River will return junior running back Trayvon Pinder in 2023. Pinder ran for

rushing

File photo

Lakewood Ranch junior Clayton Dees (5) played his first 10 high school football games at quarterback in 2022. Dees said he’s excited to have a grasp of the Mustangs’ schemes going into 2023.

High-five performance

KOHN SPORTS EDITOR

month ago, no one in the Lake wood Ranch High boys golf program would have expected a top-five finish at the Florida High School Athletic Association Class 3A state tournament.

in a month.

With strong contributions from all of its top-four golfers — sophomore Parker Severs, senior Preston Severs, junior Henry Burbee, and freshman Josh Orgen — the Mustangs galloped to a fifth-place finish (306) at the tournament, nine shots behind state champion Jupiter High.

The tournament was held Nov. 8 at Mission Inn Resort in Howeyin-the-Hills. It was supposed to be two rounds held over two days, but the FHSAA decided to shorten it to one day to avoid rain from Hurricane Nicole.

The finish is the program’s best since it won the state championship in 2013.

The Mustangs were led individu ally by Parker Severs, who finished tied for seventh (73) with seven other golfers. Riverview High senior Aksel Moe took the individual champion ship with a 70. Burbee finished tied for 20th (75), Preston Severs tied for 41st (78), and Orgen tied for 51st (80).

On Oct. 15, the Mustangs didn’t appear ready to challenge the best teams in the state after finishing 15th out of 18 teams at the 2022 Honda Classic High School Invitational, one of the biggest regular-season events of the year that was held at PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens. Five days earlier, the Mus tangs finished fourth out of nine area teams at the 2022 Donald Ross Memorial Tournament at Braden ton’s Sara Bay Country Club.

Those two tournaments had Lake

wood Ranch head coach Dave Frantz concerned.

The tide started to turn at the team’s district tournament, held Oct. 24 at Summerfield Crossings Golf Club in Riverview. The Mus tangs won that event by shooting 285 as a team. Orgen shot a 74 as the team’s fourth scorer.

“I saw that and was like, ‘Hey, that’s awesome,’” Frantz said. “I always knew we had a good top three. The Severs brothers and Henry Bur bee, they’ve been good all year long. We just needed that fourth scorer and it had not jelled yet. But in the postseason, it did.”

Then, at the team’s regional tour nament on Oct. 31 at Crescent Oaks Country Club in Tarpon Springs, the Mustangs took another step. It was junior A.J. Hovermale who provid ed a key score, shooting a 73, while Parker Severs (66) won the whole thing in a playoff against Gulf Coast High senior Noah Kent.

“I think they (Hovermale and Orgen) knew we needed them,” Frantz said. “They stepped up. They went out and worked for it and the other three guys encouraged them. But the other three stepped up their game, too. It was like light speed. We went from second gear to fourth or fifth gear in a couple weeks. Every one improved. You don’t usually see that in the postseason because of all the pressure.”

Frantz said he didn’t have to do much coaching over the past few weeks. He said when a team gets on such a trajectory, a coach just doesn’t want to mess it up. Frantz said he could tell through his players’ man nerisms and confidence in practice they were ready to roll.

The Mustangs concentrated on side-hill lies leading up to the state event, as Mission Inn Resort’s course is full of hills.

Parker Severs said the Mustangs also did not play too aggressively at the state tournament, while other teams went for risks, and struggled.

“It’s a tight course,” Severs said. “I think everyone was just trying to keep the ball in the fairway. We were trying to eliminate the big numbers. You know you’re going to have some bad holes but you have to stay in it (mentally), because you’re going to have some good holes, too.”

Would the Mustangs have liked a second day of the tournament, as originally planned, to potentially place even higher ranks?

To Frantz, the answer is an obvi ous yes.

“We could have been top two or top three, and maybe even had an outside chance at winning it,” Frantz said. “No one will ever change my mind about that. I saw how we were play ing. There was not a lot of nervous

ness. Part of that was the weather. With probably 10 intermittent spells of rain, it kept us on our toes. We didn’t have time to be nervous.”

The Mustangs will have to wait 12 months for another shot, but if all goes as planned, they should be ready.

Only Preston Severs, who gradu ates in the spring, will be off next year’s roster. The other Mustangs will have experience over a state championship course.

The boys team was not alone in its state-level success.

The Lakewood Ranch girls golf team finished eighth (333) at its state tournament, held Nov. 8, at Mission Inn Resort. The girls team was led by seniors Jessica Kobetitsch and Lau ren Hosier, both of whom finished tied for 16th (77).

RYAN

Courtesy photo

Lakewood Ranch’s Parker Severs, Preston Severs, Josh Orgen, A.J. Hovermale, Henry Burbee and coach Dave Frantz celebrated a fifth-place finish at the FHSAA state tournament.

Lakewood Ranch High’s boys golf team saves its best performance for the state championship match.

OF THE WEEK

ATHLETE

Esteban Benjoud

Esteban Benjoud is a freshman on the Braden River High boys soccer team. Benjoud, a right wing, had two goals and four total points Nov. 8 in the Pirates’ 6-0 home win over Bayshore High.

When did you start playing soccer?

I started playing competitively six years ago, but I have been playing soccer in general since I was a baby, basically since I can remember. My dad (Omar Benjoud) played soccer. He’s the one who got me into it.

What is the appeal to you? The feeling of scoring a goal or win ning a game. It’s pure excitement. It’s great to do those things with your teammates.

What is your best skill? Shooting is my best skill. It always has been. I have a powerful shot and I have good instincts on where to place it.

What have you been working to improve?

Probably dribbling. I need to work on my skills and moves in that area. They could be better.

What is your favorite memory? When I played U10 club soccer I played in the Bradenton Cup (at Pre mier Sports Campus). I scored on a header in the championship game, and my team took the whole thing. A year later, the rules changed and you weren’t allowed to use headers until U13, but it was legal at the time. It’s a great memory.

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

What are your goals for this season?

We want to win more games this year than they did last year (6-8-3). That’s the main goal.

What is your favorite food? I love cheese quesadillas.

What is your favorite movie?

I love all the Marvel movies. My favorite one is probably “Avengers: Endgame.”

What are your hobbies?

I like to play video games and go to the beach. Lately, I have been play ing Minecraft, Rocket League and Rainbow Six Siege.

What is the best advice you have received?

Hard work always has a good out come. It has been true for me so far.

Finish this sentence: “Esteban Benjoud is …” … Chill.

YOUR NEIGHBORS

TOAST OF THE TOWN

After attending the Suncoast Food and Wine Fest, which was presented by the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch at the Premier Sports Campus, Lakewood National’s Diana Bingham felt she had taken a tour.

“We get to taste a little of what Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch have to offer,” Bingham said.

More than 40 restaurants were represented at the Nov. 12 event and approximately 100 wines were available for tasting.

Country Club’s Tammy Norton was delighted by the choices.

“I love the diversity and trying wines we normally haven’t had,” Norton said.

Lakewood Ranch’s Jill Wallace has attended the festival at least six times enjoying the dozens of foods and wines offered.

“I always end up finding a new restaurant that I end up going to,” Wallace said.

and Lynn Halpern are regulars at the Suncoast Food and Wine Fest.

The Isles’ Carolyn Stuhlfire attends Suncoast Food and Wine Fest with her friends and neighbors Kathy Barrie, Beth Flamini, Janine Terhaar, Marion McGrath and Jim McGrath.

Lakewood Ranch’s Jill Wallace, Jessica Zeller and Terrie McKelvie have fun trying different wines and restaurants. “I always end up finding a new restaurant that I end up going to,” Wallace says.

Manatee Technical College has a constant line of people waiting to sample their food, pastries and desserts.

Juan Lerma and Marie Westerberg, who are baking and pastry arts students at Manatee Technical College, serve desserts.

Palmetto’s Sara Parmenter and her sister, Tampa’s Rachel Valari, make the Suncoast Food and Wine Fest a family event by going with their mother, aunt and other family members.

Photos by Liz Ramos

NEIGHBORS NOTES

Seniors support Alzheimer’s Association

Residents of Watercrest Senior Living at 4100 University Parkway held Arts for Alzheimer’s Oct. 27 to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. The arts and crafts show raised $3,389 and a check was presented to Alzheimer representative Kelley Strychauz on Nov. 4.

“We sold arts and craft items, baked goods and ‘White Elephants,’” said Joe Coley, the Arts for Alzheim er’s committee chair. “The event was our first outreach effort and hope fully will be the first of many.”

Jiggs Landing Boat Parade is back

Jiggs Landing is seeking those with boats to participate in the 10th annual Holiday Boat Parade that begins at 6 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Jiggs Landing boat ramp.

Boat registration is free for the event, where boat owners decorate their boats in lights, then take a tour of the reservoir before heading off to Linger Lodge down the Braden River.

A 7:30 p.m. dinner reservation is recommended for those who want to dine at Linger Lodge. Those who don’t have a boat but want to participate can book a boat

tour at JiggsLanding.com by clicking on the “Book Tours” prompt.

Note that Jiggs Landing has live music that day from 3-6 p.m.

Determined effort for cancer research

Raylene Gaines, office manager at Charlene Neal PureStyle, lead a Neal Communities sponsored team, Building Hope with Pink Pride, in the 2022 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk that was held Oct. 22 at Nathan Benderson Park.

Gaines, who leads a team every year, combined with 40 walkers in 2022 to raise $6,249. The event raised $418,350 for the American Cancer Society.

“There are so many people that I know who have been affected by cancer,” Gaines said in a release. “I will probably never quit doing this because it just means so much to me.”

Basketball sharp shooters wanted

The annual Elks Hoop Shoot will begin at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4 at Carlos Haile Middle School, 9501 E. S.R. 64, Bradenton.

Founded by the Elks National Foundation, the Elks Hoop Shoot is a free-throw contest for all boys

Courtesy photos

Alzheimer representative Kelley Strychauz receives a check from Joe Coley, the Arts for Alzheimer’s committee chair, and Susan Adams, executive director of Watercrest Senior Living.

and girls ages 8-13. The age group is determined by the contestant’s age as of April 1, 2023.

Entry for the event is free, and winners advance to regional, state and national competitions. You do not need to be an Elks member to participate.

For more information, call Randy Volkart of the Elks at 266-1355.

Shred Day at Manatee Technical College

The Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller is hosting a Fall Community Shred Day 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19 at Mana tee Technical College, 6305 S.R., 70 E., Bradenton.

Manatee County residents can dispose of personal documents, securely recycle electronics, and destroy old hard drives for free. Those who would like to par ticipate will enter a drive-thru line where a clerk’s office staff member will remove the items for disposal from the vehicle. No drop-offs will be accepted.

All participants must remain in the vehicle with their documents or electronics until a staff member se curely places their items into a bin. Hard drives will be destroyed on site.

The event will be overseen by ShredQuick, a professional shred ding company that is AAA Certified by the National Association for

Information Destruction.

For more information, contact Jennifer Linzy by email at Jennifer. Linzy@ManateeClerk.com or by phone at 741-4007.

Women’s Club raises money for charity

The Lakewood Ranch Women’s Club capped its 25th anniversary celebra tion in October by announcing it had raised $17,000 to benefit Hope Fam ily Services, Solve Maternity Homes, Sarasota Manatee Association of Riding Therapy, and Children’s Guardian Fund.

A special celebration, that includ ed a raffle, silent auction, gourmet dinner and dancing, was held Oct. 12 at the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club.

“I feel blessed to live in a caring community that comes together to help those in need,” Event Chair Monika Templeman said in a release.

“We are grateful to celebrate to gether having been spared much of the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian. Sadly, some among us were not as fortunate. Our adopted charities and the clients they serve suffered considerable losses as a result of the hurricane, which compounded the problems caused by the pandemic.”

Carol Belmont, the LWRWC presi dent, presented the 2022 Woman of the Year Award to Irene Shatz for her contributions as the club’s cultural donations chair.

Women’s Club President Carol Belmont, 2022 Woman of the Year Irene Shatz, and Event Chair Monika Templeman celebrate during the club’s 25th anniversary celebration.

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YOUR CALENDAR

COMMUNITY

FRIDAY, NOV. 18 AND SATURDAY, NOV. 19

MUSIC AT THE PLAZA

Runs from 6-9 p.m. each evening at Waterside Place, 1561 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch. Singer/musician Paul Fournier will provide the live music Friday and on Saturday, singer-songwriter Tyler Vaden will provide the entertainment. For more information, go to WatersidePlace. com.

SATURDAY, NOV. 19 AND SUNDAY, NOV. 20

MEDIEVAL FAIR Runs from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Woods of Mallaranny, 29847 S.R. 70 E., Myakka City. The 18th annual Sarasota Medieval Fair continues its run at the Woods of Mallaranny in Myakka City. The event runs every Saturday and Sunday in November. Single day tickets are $22.95 for adults; $19.95 for those 60 and older, students, active military and veterans. Children 5-10 are $11.95; children 4 and under admitted free. For more ticket information, go to SarasotaMedievalFair.com.

HEAD OF THE 941 REGATTA Begins at 8 a.m. both days at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. The Head of the 941 rowing regatta features competition in both sculling (two oars) and sweeping (one oar). The event is hosted by Sarasota Crew. The event is free for spectators. For more information visit NathanBendersonPark.org or RegattaCentral.com.

SATURDAY, NOV. 19

ART SHOW AND SALE

Runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. The Creative Arts Association of Lakewood Ranch is hosting its 20th annual Fall Show and Sale. The show features watercolors, jewelry, pottery, ceramics, wood turning and more. For more information, go to CAALR.com.

SUNDAY, NOV. 20

FARMERS MARKET

Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Lakefront Drive in Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch. The Farmers Market at

BEST BET

FRIDAY, NOV. 18 AND SATURDAY, NOV. 19

MOVIES UNDER THE STARS

Begins at 7 p.m. at the Mall at UTC, in the west district in a lot (The Green) near Ford’s Garage. The Mall at UTC presents its annual Holiday Movies Under the Stars series, which begins Nov. 18 with “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” Arrive at 6 p.m. for a special meet and greet with Harry Potter and friends. The free event continues on Saturday with a 7 p.m. showing of “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Arrive at 6 p.m. for a special meeting with Jack Skellington and Sally. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. For more information, go to MallatUTC.com. The event continues every Friday and Saturday through the end of December.

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, NOV. 23

RANCH NIGHT WEDNESDAYS

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

Bringing influencers from the world stage to our stage in Sarasota

Isles home tops sales at $2.15 million

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

Ahome in Isles topped all transactions in this week’s real estate. Mark Reis and H. Sandra Simpson sold their home at 8428 Cane Bay Court to Rosa Gay Mclaughlin and Joseph Wilson Scheller III, of Lakewood Ranch, for $2.15 million. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,532 square feet of living area. It sold for $977,500 in 2021.

COUNTRY CLUB

David and Patricia Morehouse sold their home at 13310 Palmers Creek Terrace to Michael and Jill Shelby, of Bradenton, for $1,875,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,653 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.35 million in 2021.

Kathryn Wilburn sold her home at 7137 Orchid Island Place to Scott and Tina Muller, of Bradenton, for $715,000. Built in 2005, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 2,326 square feet of living area.

COUNTRY CLUB EAST

Kenneth and Tener Veenema, of Sarasota, sold their home at 7651 Haddington Cove to Mitchell Auslander, of New York City, for $1,799,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,469 square feet of living area. It sold for $975,000 in 2020.

Craig Alan Blumenthal and Mary Deborah Blumenthal, of Colts Neck, New Jersey, sold their home at 16604 Collingtree Crossing to Kevin and Tina Stancil, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1,175,000. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, twoand-a-half baths, a pool and 2,628 square feet of living area. It sold for $958,400 in 2022.

LANGLEY PARK

Andreas Louis Ruckli and Ursula Ruckli sold their home at 7030 Langley Place to Antebo USA LLC for $1.25 million. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,083 square feet of living area. It sold for $752,500 in 2010.

RIVERDALE REVISED

Phillip and Gina Schiavone, of Nolensville, Tennessee, sold their home at 4520 Barracuda Drive to Donald Schultz, trustee, of Bradenton, for $1,125,000. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two-anda-half baths, a pool and 2,064 square feet of living area. It sold for $714,000 in 2020.

John and Julie Rizzo, of Bradenton, sold their home at 4616 Blue Marlin Drive to Oscar Britton Sloan and Michele Gillian Sloan, trustees, of Rockville, Maryland, for $785,000. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,134 square feet of living area. It sold for $510,000 in 2019.

GREENBROOK

Douglas Brownell Jr. and Nicole Redmond Brownell, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 6488 Indigo Bunting Place to Robert William Thrall, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1.15 million. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,184 square feet of living area. It sold for $530,500 in 2019.

THE MOORINGS AT EDGEWATER

Stephen and Nancy Hickey, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their Unit 202 condominium at 6427 Moorings Point Circle to David and Pamela Charron, of Bradenton, for $910,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 3,155 square feet of living area. It sold for $475,000 in 2019.

WATERLEFE

Alan and Jeryl Haibach, of Loudon, Tennessee, sold their home at 10902 Winding Stream Way to Deeda DeLillo and Mark DeLillo, trustees, of Bradenton, for $890,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,685 square feet of living area. It sold for $465,000 in 2013.

SERENITY CREEK

Eduardo Miranda, of Bradenton, sold the home at 12932 Bliss Loop to Edward Rae and Laurel Fec-Rae, of Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, for $882,000. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,967 square feet of living area. It sold for $425,000 in 2017.

ST. JAMES PARK

Guillermo and Jill Weinberger, trustees, sold the home at 6660 Saint James Crossing to Christine Papa, of University Park, for $875,000. Built in 1992, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,954 square feet of living area. It sold for $420,000 in 2014.

POLO RUN

David Meyer and Charlene Marie Meyer, of Cape Coral, sold their home at 6503 Rosehill Farm Run to Russell Scott Campbell Jr. and Carrie Whitehead Campbell, of Bradenton, for $775,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,268 square feet of living area. It sold for $395,000 in 2018.

GREYHAWK LANDING

Joseph Michael Wietecha III and Kimberly Wietecha, of Bradenton, sold their home at 353 Blackbird Court to Massimiliano and Lanny Temperino, of Bradenton, for $770,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,736 square feet of living area. It sold for $362,500 in 2013.

COACH HOMES AT LAKEWOOD

NATIONAL

Kevin Edmund Powers and Tara Adine Powers sold their Unit 1321 condominium at 5806 Wake Forest Run to Kenneth Paul Cameron, of Bradenton, for $735,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,108 square feet of living area. It sold for $315,000 in 2018.

Edward Charles Layng Jr., of Sarasota, sold his Unit 3911 condominium at 17825 Gawthrop Drive to Jeffrey Kridel and Lisa Rothman, of Bradenton, for $645,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,786 square feet of living area. It sold for $347,000 in 2020.

TIDEWATER PRESERVE

Julianna Basore, of Bradenton, sold her home at 917 Preservation St. to Charlene and George Renquist, of Bradenton, for $715,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,915 square feet of living area. It sold for $405,000 in 2017.

COUNTRY CREEK

Sharon Taylor, of Winter Haven, sold her home at 115 141st Court N.E. to Lawrence Peter Storace and Susan Cocchia-Storace, of Bradenton, for $685,000. Built in 2004, it has two bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,302 square feet of living area. It sold for $363,000 in 2017.

OAKBROOKE AT RIVER CLUB

NORTH

Lisa Evans, trustee, sold the home at 6756 Hickory Hammock Circle to Shane Jackson and Sage Johnson, of Bradenton, for $645,000. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,753 square feet of living area. It sold for $314,000 in 2017.

MISTY OAKS

Mark Lapp, Debbie Morgan and Thomas Allen Lapp, of Gordonville, Pennsylvania, sold their home at 8178 Misty Oaks Blvd. to Mark and Linda Midyett, of Sarasota, for $626,100. Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,493 square feet of living area.

RIVERSIDE AT TIDEWATER PRESERVE

John Antonelli, trustee, of Hunting town, Maryland, sold the Unit D condominium at 1238 Riverscape St. to Phil Quesnel and Paula QuesnalJerman, of Remsenburg, New York,

for $625,000. Built in 2015, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 2,332 square feet of living area. It sold for $635,000 in 2021.

CENTRAL PARK

Constance Starkovs, trustee, of Williamsburg, Virginia, sold the home at 5019 Brickell Park Cove to Michelle Kristen Graceffo and Frank Joseph Graceffo, of Bradenton, for $615,000. Built in 2011, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,144 square feet of living area.

DESOTO LAKES COUNTRY CLUB COLONY

AIJ Investment Group LLC sold the home at 8019 Conservatory Drive to Prather Holdings LLC for $590,000. Built in 1978, it has six bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,048 square feet of living area. It sold for $265,000 in 2011.

RIVER PLACE

Arvin and Catherine Mayberry, of Owens Cross Roads, Alabama, sold their home at 6820 71st St. E. to Rebecca Patricia Messinger and Todd Messinger, of Bradenton, for $560,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,142 square feet of living area. It sold for $295,000 in 2016.

LAKE VISTA RESIDENCES

This Isles home at 8428 Cane Bay Court sold for $2.15 million. It has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,532 square feet of living area.

John Psarouthakis and Antigoni Kefalogiannis, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, sold their condominium at 7612 Lake Vista Court to Stephen and Nancy Hickey, of Lakewood Ranch, for $550,000. Built in 2007, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,762 square feet of living area. It sold for $315,000 in 2008.

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS OCT. 31-NOV. 4 SEE REAL ESTATE, PAGE 28

In with the new

Courtesy photo

GREYHAWK LANDING WEST

Dita Robinson, of Bradenton, sold her home at 839 Rosemary Circle to Kevin Robert Phelps and Krista Lynn Phelps, of Bradenton, for $535,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,832 square feet of living area. It sold for $297,000 in 2016.

BRADEN WOODS

Anna Conde, of Bronx, New York, sold the home at 6209 95th St. Circle E. to Braden and Amanda Chandler, of Bradenton, for $530,000. Built in 1983, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,485 square feet of living area. It sold for $350,000 in 2008.

FAIRFAX

Olivia-Grace Ellen Miller and Matthew Stevenson, of Bradenton, sold their home at 4116 Dover Drive E. to Charles and Wilma Garrison, of Bradenton, for $530,000. Built in 1993, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,771 square feet of living area. It sold for $305,000 in 2016.

MIRABELLA AT VILLAGE GREEN

Karen Dismukes, of Leawood, Kansas, sold the home at 6912 Playa Bella Drive to Eric and Patricia Brown, of Palmetto, for $520,000. Built in 2016, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,525 square feet of living area. It sold for $335,000 in 2016.

HARMONY

David Schmidt and Suzanne Schmidt, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the home at 11431 Spring Gate Trail to Steven Witts and Madison Keck, of Baltimore, for $515,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,766 square feet of living area. It sold for $298,000 in 2017.

Steven Pouls and Esther RiveraPouls, of Riverview, sold their home at 11511 Rolling Green Drive to Gregory Daluz, of Bradenton, for $417,000. Built in 2020, it has

two bedrooms, two baths and 1,322 square feet of living area. It sold for $345,000 in 2021.

Steven and Theresa Hietanen, of Hamburg, New York, sold their home at 5572 Pleasantview Court to Aline Aslanian, of Trumbull, Connecticut, for $405,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,673 square feet of living area. It sold for $245,000 in 2019.

EAGLE TRACE

Joni Powers sold the home at 1928 Orange Lake Cove to LaRae Mudd, trustee, of Bradenton, for $512,000. Built in 2015, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,495 square feet of living area. It sold for $284,400 in 2015.

OLD GROVE AT GREENFIELD PLANTATION

Richard and Roberta Drew sold their home at 10659 Old Grove Circle to Larry and Connie Butcher, of Bradenton, for $505,000. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,632 square feet of living area. It sold for $263,000 in 2004.

SUMMERFIELD

VVC Rentals LLC sold the home at 12327 Winding Woods Way to Salvator Calandrino and Rose Claandrino, trustees, of Lakewood Ranch, for $500,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,956 square feet of living area. It sold for $405,000 in 2017.

Michael and Kendal Harvey, of Bradenton, sold their home at 12326 Winding Woods Way to Leif Jonassen Jr. and Janice Jonassen, trustees, of Lakewood Ranch, for $485,000. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,606 square feet of living area. It sold for $248,300 in 2019.

THURSDAY, NOV. 17

High: 69 Low: 56 Chance of rain: 2%

FRIDAY, NOV. 18

High: 65 Low: 59 Chance of rain: 12%

SATURDAY, NOV. 19 High: 73 Low: 60 Chance of rain: 14%

SUNDAY, NOV. 20 High: 65 Low: 55 Chance of rain: 49%

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Nov. 17 6:52a 5:38p

Friday, Nov. 18 6:53a 5:37p

Saturday, Nov. 19 6:54a 5:37p

Sunday, Nov. 20 6:55a 5:37p

Monday, Nov. 21 6:55a 5:36p

Tuesday, Nov. 22 6:56a 5:36p

Wednesday, Nov. 23 6:57a 5:36p

MOON PHASES

Nov. 30 First Dec. 16

Monday, Nov. 7 0.03

Tuesday, Nov. 8 0

Wednesday, Nov. 9 0

Thursday, Nov. 10 0.93

Friday, Nov. 11 1.28

Saturday, Nov. 12 0 Sunday, Nov. 13 0

by Adrian Johnson. Edited by Ross Trudeau

By Luis Campos

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CHOP SAW $30, car battery chargers (2), $25 each. 207-206-5160

CLUB CHAIR drexel heritage oversized, pale red color and matching ottoman $65 941-351-3166