East County Observer 1.5.23

TOWN

Heartfelt certification for medical center

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center is the first in Florida to earn The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Advanced Primary Heart Attack Center Certification.

The certification evaluates how the medical center uses “clinical outcomes and performance measures to identify opportunities to improve care, as well as to educate and prepare patients and their caregivers for leaving the hospital,” according to a news release.

CEO Andy Guz (above with Lyn Swann, director of the medical center’s cardiac catheterization lab) presented the award to Swann.

“It spotlights our commitment to quality patient care, positive outcomes and saving lives,” Swann said.

Close encounters at Waterside

East County 5-year-old twins Dylan and Lilli Monaghan were enjoying a trip to Waterside Place with their grandparents, Martha and Mike Monaghan, on Dec. 18 when they came upon some other visitors.

Also out for the morning, just beneath Waterside’s bridge, were an alligator and a large group of Florida softshell turtles, which didn’t shy away from walkers on the bridge.

Lilli Monaghan (above right with Dylan, left) called the sight “very cool,” while Dylan Monaghan said it was the first time he had a chance to see an alligator up close, for he hadn’t been to a viewing location that was on the water before.

He also said he remembered that it was important not to feed the alligator, for it could become aggressive if food were offered.

Afterwards, they crossed the bridge to the playground.

“It’s a gorgeous day to be outside,” said Mike Monaghan.

Liz Ramos

Jerry Dakin, owner of Dakin Dairy, says the farm needs new roofs, repairs to its cooling system and a larger herd to survive.

Courtesy photo

Lakewood Ranch High School’s Riley McGee, a member of the band’s color guard, is excited to be in the University of Alabama’s end zone. The University of Alabama is McGee’s dream college.

Ian Swaby

Liz Ramos

LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER

he worst part of Alexis Speckman’s day would be when she drove from her job at Levine Veterinary Neurology on Cooper Creek Boulevard to University Parkway as she headed home.

That’s no longer the case.

With the new roundabout constructed on Cooper Creek Boulevard at the Shoppes at UTC and the addition of a left-turn lane to get onto University Parkway, Speckman, a veterinary manager, said it now takes a maximum of 10 minutes when she’s headed home around 5 p.m. every day.

“It’s much better,” Speckman said. “You can actually pull out going south on Cooper Creek. It’s easy to just fly into either one of those three lanes of traffic to make a left to go to I-75. Whereas sometimes I would sit way back (past the new roundabout) and wait minutes — or what felt like hours sometimes. I have not had to wait with the new roundabout.”

Since the construction of the roundabout was completed, businesses and their customers have had mixed reactions.

Cooper Creek Boulevard now has the roundabout at the Shoppes at UTC, three left turn lanes onto University Parkway, two lanes going straight across University Parkway toward the Mall at University Town Center and a dedicated lane to go west.

Benderson Development managed and funded the project, working with Manatee County to promote the project.

Mark Chait, director of Florida leasing for Benderson Development, said he loves the improvements on

Cooper Creek Boulevard.

“It’s better in ways you can’t even imagine unless you drive it every day,” Chait said. “It has corrected and enhanced the traffic flow. This is something our company did. This was about a long-term vision on how to enhance our project.”

Chait said roundabouts also eliminate the need to make left turns, which is often where people have

accidents.

Speckman said when the construction of the roundabout was announced, “it was a sticker shock” at first.

She said during construction, it was difficult to get around, but still navigable. Since its completion in November, she’s seen a definite improvement from when construction began.

“As long as you’re paying attention and so forth, it significantly flows quite well,” Speckman said. “It’s been a good improvement.”

Daniel Rensberger with Maple Street Biscuit Company said he was skeptical of the roundabout when

the project was proposed.

“I was like, ‘No way in the world is this going to work taking out this light and just having people continually drive in circles,’” he said. “But it’s done so much more for the flow of traffic. Once they get the left-turn lane on University (Parkway) timed better, the traffic will flow a lot easier.”

Rensberger said it’s the busiest time of year for UTC, with people holiday shopping, the snowbirds being back in town and so many new residents in both Manatee and Sarasota counties. As a result, there’s still a buildup of traffic at the roundabout and the four-way intersection

outside of the Maple Street Biscuit Company.

Rensberger said even with the increase in traffic, the roundabout has helped ease the flow.

“It’s not a complete stop like it was with that light,” he said of the previous traffic signal that was replaced by the roundabout. “It kind of trickles through. An abundance of cars in the area has definitely made it a lot busier. Over time, people will be more accustomed to the new change.”

Rensberger said although some of his customers are not fond of the new roundabout, his employees are having an easier time getting to and from work.

Albany Sams, an assistant manager at Tropical Smoothie Cafe, said the roundabout has made traffic worse because people don’t know how to use the roundabout or the four-way stop by Maple Street Biscuit Company and SUNS European Outdoor Living Sarasota.

“They should’ve kept the light instead of having the roundabout,” she said. “It’s confusing for people to know who goes first or second.”

Sams avoids the roundabout altogether by taking the exit from Shoppes at UTC that’s farther north on Cooper Creek Boulevard by BJs.

She said around 5 p.m. is when traffic is at its worst, as some employees are trying to leave work and people are coming to shop after getting out of work.

Lynette Naughton, owner of Three Dog Bakery, said the roundabout has helped, but it will take time for people to get adjusted to it.

“It’s a better flow, definitely,” Naughton said. “I don’t think people know how to use it though. Some people are still kind of grumpy about it. Change is hard for a lot of people. It’s something people will just get used to over time.”

The biggest improvement for Naughton has been the addition of a third left-turn lane onto University Parkway from Cooper Creek Boulevard.

Naughton said before the addition of the turn lane, she would cross University Parkway and loop around the Mall at University Town Center so she could have an easier time getting onto University Parkway to then get on Interstate 75.

Alexis Speckman, a veterinary manager at Levine Veterinary Neurology, spends less time making her way to University Parkway with the new roundabout than when there was a stoplight on Cooper Creek Boulevard at the Shoppes at UTC.

The roundabout on Cooper Creek Boulevard at the Shoppes at UTC opened in November.

Photos by Liz Ramos

Traffic flows more easily through Cooper Creek Boulevard with the new roundabout.

TURN FOR THE BETTER?

Roundabouts have become part of our everyday life in Sarasota and Manatee counties, and public opinion appears to be more accepting than in the past.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

It was 2016, and the Florida Department of Transportation had unveiled to the public a plan to build three roundabouts on State Road 64 along the north border of Lakewood Ranch.

“I went to the DOT and said, ‘Have you all lost your minds?’” said Manatee County Commissioner Vanessa Baugh. “It was ludicrous, but that was our world at the time.”

Times have changed.

Motorists in Manatee and Sarasota counties have grown accustomed to roundabouts as more have been built, and slowly have become more accepting of future roundabouts.

“I would say back then, about 85% of the residents were against roundabouts, and so was I,” Baugh said. “It used to be that people wouldn’t even listen to you when you talked about roundabouts. At the time, we really had none. But now, everyone is becoming more familiar with them. The residents are more lenient when it comes to talking about them.”

It has been a slow process.

MOVEMENT BEGINS IN 2002

Since 2002, the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization has had a policy requiring the consideration for a roundabout when it comes to intersection improvements and in greenfield developments.

“That doesn’t mean they always got full consideration or that they would work in every situation,” said MPO Executive Director David Hutchinson. “Engineers have questioned whether or not they can actually work in rural areas, but in rural areas they actually have proven effective as a safety measure.”

In 2019, safety was at the top of the list when FDOT presented plans to widen State Road 70 between Lorraine Road and County Road 675. Besides adding lanes to the road, the project scheduled roundabouts at Uihlein Road, Del Webb Boulevard, Bourneside Boulevard, Lindrick Lane, 213th Street East, Panther Ridge Trail and Waterbury Road.

Slowing down traffic in that corridor with roundabouts is a consideration, just as it was on State Road 64.

“On State Road 64, we have roundabouts with more coming,” Hutchison said. “They help slow down the traffic that’s been traveling at 65 to 70 miles an hour out in the country, and they get into the now more populated and urbanized areas, such as Lakewood Ranch, that helps send a strong message that you are entering into a more populated area and it’s time to slow down.”

In Sarasota County, State Road 72 (Clark Road) is an example of another corridor east of I-75 where roundabouts are under consideration to slow down traffic, according to Hutchison.

MORE ON THE WAY

“We will see more roundabouts in the future, especially where there are movement conflicts that have resulted in fatal or serious injury. There’s no other single improvement you can make to an intersection, according to many engineers, than installing the roundabout (to slow traffic).”

Like Manatee County, Sarasota County has experienced a growth in the number of roundabouts.

Two decades after the concept of a roundabout at Gulfstream Avenue and U.S. 41 first appeared in a downtown mobility study, the circle replacing one of Sarasota’s busiest intersections is now open.

Bolstered by a 2008-2010 Bayfront Connectivity Study that recommended roundabouts on U.S. 41 at Gulfstream Avenue and at Fruitville Road in Sarasota, the concept has now evolved into a string of roundabouts built or planned on the bayfront.

Sarasota now has four roundabouts on U.S. 41 — from north to south — at 14th Street, 10th Street, Fruitville Road and Gulfstream, the latter the vital connector between the mainland and St. Armands, Lido and Longboat keys. Two more at U.S. 41 at Myrtle Road and MLK Jr. Way are in the Florida Department of Transportation design process, and studies and planning for roundabouts at U.S. 41 at Ringling Boulevard and at Main Street are underway.

In both counties, roundabouts now are being designed into road projects. Two roundabouts were built on the Lakewood Ranch Boulevard extension just before its connection with Fruitville Road.

Within the Lakewood Ranch Waterside development is a roundabout at Deer Drive at the entrance to

WHY A ROUNDABOUT?

According to the Federal Highway Administration:

n Roundabouts feature channelized, curved approaches that reduce vehicle speed and entry yield control that gives right of way to circulating traffic, and counterclockwise flow around a central island that minimizes conflict points. The net result of lower speeds and reduced conflicts at roundabouts is an environment where crashes that cause injury or fatality are substantially reduced.

n Roundabouts are not only a safer type of intersection, they are also efficient. Even while calming traffic, they can reduce delay and queuing when compared to other intersection alternatives. Furthermore, the lower vehicular speeds and reduced conflict environment can create a more suitable environment for walking and bicycling. Roundabouts can be implemented in both urban and rural areas under a wide range of traffic conditions. They can replace signals, twoway stop controls, and all-way stop controls.

n Roundabouts are an effective option for managing speed and transitioning traffic from high-speed to low-speed environments, such as freeway interchange ramp terminals, and rural intersections along high-speed roads.

Waterside Place.

According to FDOT, there are some 20 roundabouts operating on the state highway system and more than 300 on local roads throughout the state. Growing in popularity, they are no longer unique.

“At the state level, we have seen the benefit of having multiple roundabouts as a chain,” said Alvimarie Corales, the city of Sarasota’s Chief Transportation Planner.

CHAIN PRODUCES STRENGTH “Traffic studies indicate that a network would improve traffic conditions much more significantly than a standalone roundabout due to the limitations from choke points at signalized intersections,” said Ryan Brown, the Sarasota-Manatee MPO’s planning manager. “Signalized intersections are confining, and when you look at implementing a roundabout in the middle of regular intersections with red lights on each side, it’s going to choke.”

Brown said other MPOs around the state have recognized the resiliency of roundabouts, as well as their ability to push through more traffic in a given period of time.

“Having such large roundabouts in such a dense urban area is something that I think others will look to do,’’ he said.

That resiliency comes in the form of functionality of intersections during localized or widespread power outages. Roundabouts don’t rely on traffic signals to move traffic.

“You’re eliminating the need for vigilance over the signaled systems,” said Nina Venter, multimodal planner of the Sarasota-Manatee MPO.

“If there’s one thing we learned with Hurricane Ian, roundabouts that were otherwise unobstructed continued to function whereas many signalized intersections either lost power or the signals were destroyed. As a resiliency tool, roundabouts are effective, and at those on 41, which are evacuation routes, are necessary.”

Safety has been at the forefront of adding roundabouts. Removing left-turn movements in the face of oncoming vehicles eliminates the need for stacking and prevents headon and T-bone type collisions, when most injuries and fatalities occur. The most common crashes in roundabouts are low-speed rear-ends and sideswipes, according to the FDOT and the MPO.

“One of the reasons why roundabouts are so highly advocated for is you don’t have to spend the energy of the car to slow down and then speed up, and then also just idle,” Corales said. “You keep the car moving and that requires less energy.”

What makes roundabouts efficient, especially those with multiple lanes, can also make them confusing to some drivers, particularly those who are unfamiliar with them. Arrows, dotted stripes, solid stripes, dual stripes and flashing crosswalk beacons can be a lot to navigate for a driving culture accustomed to left and right turn lanes, through lanes and signals.

“It is a learning process and it is going to take time,” Baugh said. “But what you need to look at is the result you are trying to achieve. Are you looking at safety? The accidents in a roundabout are Corales agreed there is a learning

“Drivers will see the benefits of it,” Corales said. “Gulfstream is large, but as long as you already know roundabouts and how they operate, I think it will be a seamless operation. Some sections of Gulfstream have been open for a while now, so they are experiencing parts of it. Once it’s open, they will experience the whole circle there.”

Eric Garwood

Traffic flows through the traffic circle at U.S. 1 and Gulfstream Avenue.

Harry Sayer

Traffic circulates around the new roundabout at U.S. 41 and Gulfstream Avenue on its first day of operation.

A roundabout was added at Greyhawk Boulevard and Pope Road in 2021.

S.R. 64 roundabouts produce few complaints

FDOT official says the new roundabouts have been functioning in an efficient manner.

As the Florida Department of Transportation prepares to build its third roundabout on a short stretch of State Road 64 in the Lakewood Ranch area, a department spokesman said the strategy appears to be working.

FDOT Public Information Officer Adam Rose said few complaints have been filed about the first two roundabouts.

In May 2018, the FDOT added its first roundabout to State Road 64, at the intersection of Rye Road and White Eagle Boulevard, while in

ROUND WE GO

GREYHAWK BOULEVARD/POPE

ROAD ROUNDABOUT

Construction Cost: $4,700,000

Completion Date: Nov. 1, 2021

RYE ROAD AND WHITE EAGLE BOULEVARD ROUNDABOUT

Construction Cost: $5,035,000 Completion date: May 5, 2020

2020, it added a second at the intersection of Greyhawk Boulevard and Pope Road.

Now, the department is acquiring land to build a third, at Lorraine Road.

Rose said based on the preliminary analysis by the FDOT, no spikes in crashes have been observed.

Adult Family Medicine

Michael Austen, MD is board certified in Family Medicine. He received his medical degree from the University of St. Eustatius School of Medicine, Netherlands Antilles. He completed his Family Medicine residency at Cabarrus Family Medicine in Concord, N.C.

1854 Rye Road East Bradenton, FL 34212

Photos by Ian Swaby

Since the roundabouts are still relatively new, Rose said it will take more time to compile enough data to consider the numbers to be an accurate reflection of effectiveness.

Rose said studies will be initiated to understand how the roundabouts are working to alleviate traffic and to make the stretch of highway safer.

So far, however, feedback from road maintenance workers and from preliminary evaluations has been positive.

However, the lack of any major studies at this time means no unusual issues have been found, according to Rose.

He said comprehensive studies are undertaken if the FDOT receives numerous complaints from motorists or local law enforcement.

When there are problems, such as traffic jams or crashes, he said those who drive the road tend to voice their displeasure.

RATIONALE FOR ROUNDABOUTS

The roundabouts, he said, are built for numerous reasons.

Above-average numbers of crashes top the list. When those numbers come to light, the FDOT initiates an intersection control evaluation.

“We always try to evaluate every solution,” he said.

National studies have indicated that roundabouts are safer options at intersections. Rose said they change the direction in which accidents occur. Instead of broadside crashes, accidents in traffic circles tend to be more in the sideswipe category.

Rose said roundabouts normally improve that area’s traffic flow because motorists don’t have to make a full stop. Drivers who get impatient at a signal light are usually as affected by a traffic circle.

He said roundabouts reduce maintenance costs due to the lack of electrical components involved.

However, the FDOT is not planning any addition roundabouts on State Road 64 after the one at Lorraine Road is built.

On State Road 70, several roundabouts are planned between Lorraine Road and County Road 675.

Rose said roundabouts that will go to bid in 2024 include S.R. 70’s intersections with Uihlein Road, Del Webb Boulevard, and Bourneside Boulevard.

Additional roundabouts are planned for S.R. 70’s intersection with Lindrick Lane, 231th Street East, Panther Ridge Trail, and Waterbury Road, but no bid date is planned yet.

Rose said the area’s growth could change future plans depending on the flow of traffic. Rose said a fiveyear study is the norm before adding a roundabout.

However, the FDOT is ready to react if necessary.

“We’ve seen a huge increase in growth,” he said. “I think it’s well known that our state has grown very quickly due to the pandemic, and there have been a lot more people relocating down here.”

LORRAINE ROAD UPDATE

The FDOT is in the process of adding a third East County roundabout at Lorraine Road and S.R. 64.

The roundabout is in the rightof-way acquisition phase, Rose said. Once construction gets rolling, Rose doesn’t anticipate any supply shortage problems.

The FDOT buys its supplies from both local and out of state vendors far in advance.

Once construction begins on any of the roundabouts, he said drivers should look out for changes to the configuration of traffic, as well as changes to speed limits, although the specifics of the construction still need to be determined. Normally for such projects, lane closures will take place at night in order to limit the intrusions caused by traffic.

The intersection of State Road 64 and Lorraine Road is set to become a roundabout

Water system transfer tops 2023 LWR CDD priorities

WHAT’S IN YOUR WALLET?

District budgets for Fiscal Year 2023 (adopted August 2022)

Many repairs, upgrades

strategies are planned for Lakewood Ranch CDDs in the upcoming year, but transferring the potable water system in CDD6 to Manatee County tops the list.

Here is a look at some of the priorities for Lakewood Ranch CDDs in 2023.

CDD6 (WEST COUNTRY CLUB)

Chairperson James Rogoze said CDD6’s main priority will be to transfer ownership of its potable water system to Manatee County, a project Rogoze said he expects will be initiated in January and hopefully completed by the end of the year.

The transfer will mark the third and final phase of a project that included the turnover of its sewer system in September 2022 after extensive maintenance, checks and upgrades to align it with county’s standards, and the transfer of its lift station in 2018.

Zielinski said the transfers, so far, have cost approximately $446,000 in upgrades.

Rogoze said he hopes the remaining work will cost less than the amount already spent, but said regardless, the end result will be a reduction in residents’ fees, along with improvements in maintenance. Rogoze said the amount the fees will be reduced has not yet been determined.

The second priority for CDD6 is dealing with the rapid rise in interest rates and finding out how to best earn money off its $2 million in reserves.

“We want to make sure that we are earning the maximum within the boundaries of safety and within the boundaries of what the state of

Florida allows, to bring the rate of return on money up significantly from where it was,” he said.

The third priority is to maintain the appearance of the district including its gates and landscaping.

He said starting in January, the district will be power washing and repainting all monuments, which are the large cement and stucco signs identifying the different areas of Country Club.

CDD1 (SUMMERFIELD/RIVERWALK

VILLAGE)

Alan Roth, chairperson of CDD1, said the priorities of the CDD still need to be determined.

“I don’t see myself as a monarch, I see myself as a leader of a group of people that are meeting and trying to get us in a direction that we all want to go,” he said.

However, he said that personally, he would like to see the board raise the quality of landscaping. He said that situation began to turn around late in 2022 with the switch to CEPRA. Roth said the CDD is more focused on its budget than some other districts might be. He also said more than $150,000 was spent in 2022 to renovate various aspects of the community, including the Summerfield Park playground and tennis courts.

“It’s easy to say we are going to

replace all of our ugly trees with big, beautiful trees and replace all the sod that’s not perfect. But we can’t afford to do that”

CDD2 (SOUTH COUNTRY CLUB/ EDGEWATER)

CDD2 Chairperson Peter Bokach said he hopes his board will pursue privatization of roads in his district during the coming year.

He said on Jan. 17 his board will hear advice from Inter-District Authority attorneys, who are researching the topic of road privatization.

Currently, the roads of Lakewood Ranch County Club, which spans CDDs 2, 5 and 6, remain open to the public, which means the districts do not have the ability to prevent nonresidents from entering through the gates. Zielinski said this situation was the result of public funds having been used for construction of the roads and that some residents had expressed dissatisfaction with the situation, having not been properly informed on community access before purchasing their homes.

Bokach said he expects the task would be an “uphill swim.”

Zielinski said the upcoming meeting will help explain the financial cost of privatization, and whether it is a realistic goal.

Bokach also said the district is

Inter-District Authority: $4,790,410 CDD1 (Summerfield/ Riverwalk): $2,496,070 CDD2 (South Country Club/ Edgewater): $2,496,070 CDD4 (Greenbrook): $2,564,230

CDD5 (North Country Club): $3,104,550 CDD6 (West Country Club): $1,177,450

keeping a close eye on the aging of the community. Eight to 10 years ago, he said, it had developed a longrange beautification plan, which he hopes to revise. He said it was important to look into the operation of the gatehouses, particularly during the hours when visitors arrive.

In the past, issues had been sporadically reported involving delays in service, at guardhouses as well as virtual kiosks, in Districts 2, 5 and 6.

IDA Executive Director Steve Zielinski said on Dec. 22 that gate operations appeared to remain consistent with the results of a July study.

That study found that 90% of visitors were reached by an attendant within 90 seconds, 3%-5% between 90 seconds and three minutes, and 5%-7% after three minutes or longer.

The Town Hall recently secured a new provider, First Coast Security, for the district, whose contract began on Jan. 1. However, Bokach said switching contractors might not be the only solution.

“While the expectation is perfection, I think reality says that that’s not quite going to happen,” Bokach said. “So how do we minimize the times when it doesn’t work?”

He also said the district will be working with the county to find out how it can turn over its sewer system,

which had been planned to follow the transfer of CDD6’s system.

Zielinski said the district would be meeting with the county in January to determine the cost.

CDD4 (GREENBROOK)

CDD4 Chairperson Michael Griffin said the board will be examining its infrastructure in 2023. He also said despite using a schedule that estimates the rates of depreciation for different community assets, he wants to be proactive and replace materials ahead of schedule if needed. Griffin said the board is glad the community garden has returned to Greenbrook Adventure Park.

Previously, the garden, which provides users both inside and outside of Greenbrook with their own plot of land for growing plants of their choice, fell into a state of disuse and disrepair after the COVID-19 pandemic. Lakewood Ranch Community Activities is still continuing its work with the Inter-District Authority to create a reconstructed garden and a set of guidelines for its use.

Keith Pandeloglou, executive director of Lakewood Ranch Community Activities, said the garden, which had not had a definite opening date, had seen some delays in its schedule because of Hurricane Ian repairs around Lakewood Ranch.

CDD5 (NORTH COUNTRY CLUB) Martin Cohn, chairperson of CDD2, said an important initiative being pursued in 2023 would be FEMA reimbursements for the damage caused by Hurricane Ian.

The costs across all of the Lakewood Ranch districts total $1,150,000 Zielinski said on Dec. 22.

On Dec. 14, he said he had been contacted by a FEMA representative, who would be confirming the Inter-District Authority’s eligibility and then would help to start the reimbursement process.

However, he said it is unlikely that the reimbursements will be received in 2023.

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

Ian Swaby

Lakewood Ranch Country Club is maintained by CDDs 2, 5 and 6.

ADDRESS SOLD

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1551 Oak Street $1,895,000 List

7519 Rigby Court $1,800,000 Sell

7018 Dominion Lane $1,700,000 List 7619 Grande Shores $1,700,000 Sell

7712 Sudbury Glen $1,650,000 List

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Dakin Dairy works to stay afloat

Jerry Dakin says his operation is threatened by lack of support from the government, along with cost of recovery from Hurricane Ian damage.

LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER

Although he tries to stay optimistic, Dakin Dairy owner Jerry Dakin said 2023 offers huge challenges for the survival of his dairy.

“I’ve never been challenged so much in my life because you have things you need to fix, but you can’t,” Dakin said. “Right now, we’re taking money out of our savings to keep it going. That’s only going to last for so long.”

Hurricane Ian, which hit Myakka City Sept. 28-29, devastated the dairy farm. The farm lost more than 200 cows and had severe damage to its cattle barns and tour barn.

Dakin said without the roofs on the cattle barns, which are essential to keeping a cooler environment for the cows, milk production was down at least 35%. Compounding the problem, the farm couldn’t get materials to fix the roofs and make other repairs.

The hurricane made an already tough situation for the dairy worse. Dakin said agriculture simply doesn’t have the support from the local and state government to keep the farm in business.

“I hope the community doesn’t get mad because we can’t survive,” Dakin said. “We just don’t have the help. We don’t have the infrastructure for agriculture in this community to stay, and we don’t have the votes.”

The state denied Dakin Dairy the approval to use new technology that would improve the overall shelf life of the farm’s milk, which Louise Coogan, Dakin’s executive assistant, said would improve the business. She said the farm will appeal the decision.

“It just seems so uphill for agriculture in general, and specifically in the state of Florida for some reason,” she said. “I don’t know if the developers have somebody’s ear, but this is 1,200 acres of developable land that they would love to get their hands on.”

Staff members who live on the farm and whose homes were damaged as a result of Hurricane Ian have sent in applications to the Federal Emergency Management Agency but have not heard back about their applications.

Although Dakin Dairy isn’t getting support from the local and state government, the community support has been overwhelming.

As soon as community members heard about the damage at Dakin Dairy after Hurricane Ian, volunteers arrived at the farm to help.

“It was humbling,” Dakin said. “Whether it was just picking up a piece of metal or picking up trash

that blew around, it made people feel like they did something, and they did. They were a blessing to us.”

Dakin Dairy became a distribution center in the aftermath of the hurricane as people brought supplies not only for the farm and its staff but for the community at large because Dakin Dairy is centrally located in Myakka City.

As people were dropping off supplies and volunteering on the farm, Dakin and Coogan said it opened people’s eyes to what it’s like on a working farm and made them aware of the uphill climb Dakin Dairy faces.

Coogan said Dakin Dairy received cards and letters from across the country with donations and notes of

encouragement as news spread about the damage to one of the remaining 66 dairy farms in Florida.

As of December, Dakin Dairy had 1,800 cows with the goal of increasing the herd to 2,300 in 2023.

Dakin has been thankful for the cooler temperatures to help the cows until the farm is able to get the materials for the roofs and get the cooling system working again.

“The cool weather means the cows have not been stressed out,” Dakin said. “It’s a time when we’ll get things cleaned up. It’s nice to see the farm getting back together.”

Coogan said since the hurricane, there’s been more awareness about Dakin Dairy, the state of agriculture and its place in the community.

Dakin said he wants to focus more in 2023 on the cows and keeping the farm sustainable, so Dakin Dairy has turned over the market and tours to Nate Thomas and his wife, Rachel Thomas, of Thomas Family Concessions.

Nate and Rachel Thomas officially took over the market, tours and petting zoo Dec. 5. They will change the name of the Dakin Dairy Cafe to Pete’s Place at Dakin Dairy in honor of Pete Dakin, Dakin’s father.

“We’re having a blast,” Nate Thomas said of taking over the cafe and more. “We  have never taken on something like this, so it’s been really fun.”

The Thomases hope to make the market and cafe a place where people will go to spend time with their friends and families as well as a become a one-stop shop for items such as milk, eggs, bacon, butter, cheese and more so people don’t have to drive to Lakewood Ranch to go to a grocery store.

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They hope to have classes such as art classes for

and space for

“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

children

people to host parties.  Rachel Thomas said they hope to have tours starting up again and have the kitchen open in January.

Photos by Liz Ramos

Jerry Dakin, the owner of Dakin Dairy, says support from Manatee County and the state is crucial to ensuring dairy farms like his can survive.

Nokomis’ Nate Thomas and his wife, Rachel Thomas, have taken over the Dakin Dairy Cafe, tours and market at Dakin Dairy. They will change the name of the cafe to Pete’s Place at Dakin Dairy in honor of Jerry Dakin’s father, Pete.

Dakin

“I’ve never been challenged so much in my life because you have things you need to fix, but you can’t.”

Jerry Dakin

Additions, such as Tesla, create electric atmosphere

It was the genius of Yogi Berra.

“No one goes there nowadays; it’s too crowded.”

As silly as it might sound, I know what the late Yankee catcher meant.

I offer you University Town Center.

It’s eventually going to be 4 million square feet of retail, restaurants and entertainment options and, down the road, will include residential dwellings.

I could rattle off 20 places I want to go at UTC right now, without giving it much thought. And I love every single one of them when I get there.

But I have to admit, too, that I have to pick my spots. Or better said, I have to plan my spots.

Fortunately, I have the kind of job where I can find the slowest times to visit the busiest places. I do worry that UTC will have so many attractions, at least in my book, that Yogi and I might go less.

It’s a good problem, though, for Mark Chait, director of Florida Leasing for Benderson Development, to have. Chait understands, although I would expect he might not admit it, that he absolutely must find the best of class entries because a trip to UTC, at peak hours, can be like going to the ballpark or an amusement park. Sure, parking is free, but you might encounter a bit of stress getting to a space.

As we go into 2023, it will be interesting to see what Chait and Benderson Development have planned to lure those of us who might be limiting our trips west of Interstate 75. And remember, too, that Mote’s Science and Education Aquarium is coming to Nathan Benderson Park in 2024, adjacent to UTC. More people.

“We have a lot going on,” Chait said at Benderson Development’s headquarters. “There will be a lot more going on our land (70 acres)

east of the mall. But it will be developed over a period of time.”

I tried to pry some information about what entertainment concepts might be close to signing a contract to build in that area, perhaps next to Tiger Woods’ PopStroke, which opened in 2022.

But Chait wasn’t going to name names.

“We can’t disclose specifically who we are talking to,” he said. “We are looking for entertainment the area doesn’t have.”

Well, that’s something.

I asked him if PopStroke, the putting green/restaurant concept that is expanding quickly in Florida, might be hoping it is immediately surrounded by a movie theater, a bowling alley or a go-kart track.

“I think PopStroke is thrilled by what it is surrounded by now,” he said.

Agreed. PopStroke is so unique it probably doesn’t need any help.

“Popstroke was a phenomenal addition,” said Chait, who lives in Lakewood Ranch. “It created great vistas and different areas where you can eat dinner, sitting almost with the sense of being in a stadium.”

It is unique, and Chait said more “unique” is on the way.

He points to Yard House, which will open at UTC in the first quarter of 2023. Although it is a chain, it claims to have the world’s largest selection of draft beers.

Then he talks about the new Tesla dealership and service center that will be built adjacent to Yard House.

“Tesla will be in a two-story building that will be absolutely stunning,” Chait said. “It will be in our northeast quadrant. They are working on the architectural plan now and expect a groundbreaking in 2023. It’s going to be special, as Tesla is, by far, the leader in electric vehicles.”

He said what it won’t be is a huge car lot.

“It’s not going to be acres of cars,” he said. “It’s about the showroom and service.

“When we look at what is going here, we consider what are going to be the right pieces. We are focused on what is best in class, and what is best in the long term for both us and our community.”

Chait said he travels often to

research possible additions to UTC. He also noted that more hotels, still unnamed, are on the way for UTC.

“We are committed to that,” he said. “And the residential (additions) will be a component we don’t have. People want to live near amenities and have great access to I-75.”

So here is a list of what has just opened or is on its way at UTC: West District at UTC: Recently Opened — Christmas Tree Shops and That! and Homesense. Opening soon — Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar (first quarter, 2023); 3Natives Acai and Juicery (first quarter, 2023); Foxtail Coffee Co. (no opening date), Naked Farmer (third quarter, 2023); Fat Point Brewery (no opening date).

East District at UTC: Opening Soon — Yard House (first quarter, 2023).

The Market at UTC: Recently Opened — Face Foundrie.

The Square at UTC: Recently Opened — Kelly’s Roast Beef. Opening Soon — Anna Maria Oyster Bar (no opening date).

The Shoppes at UTC: Recently Opened — Elysian Fields, Learning Express, Post Kitchen & Bar, Tandoor’s expansion. Opening Soon — Raining Berries (first quarter, 2023); The Breakfast Company (third quarter, 2023).

OK, I have to admit that these will bring even me out to brave a little traffic congestion. Yogi would have been disappointed in me.

Jay Heater

PopStroke was the big addition to UTC in 2022. Yard House could be the biggest addition of 2023.

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

Hope & Heal

BOTTOM LINE

But for Sarasota-based nonprofit Resilient Retreat, which offers programs and services for people impacted by trauma and abuse, the timing proved a bit fortuitous.

“I know it seemed like a curse, opening during the pandemic,” said Lisa Intagliata, executive director of Resilient Retreat. “But in a way I think it was a blessing because people understand trauma now very personally.”

Resilient Retreat, which launched as a nonprofit in 2018 and received its IRS tax-exempt status in 2019, owes its beginnings to the personal story of founder Sidney Turner. An adult survivor of child abuse, Turner, who has a Ph.D., had tried various forms of traditional therapies but still found herself wanting more. She began feeling successful once she added more mind and body work and started looking for places in the United States “that had everything under one umbrella — the mindbody-spirit approach that was confidential and based in evidence and free of charge,” said Intagliata, 51.

Key takeaway: The Resilient Retreat in Sarasota, a $7 million project that opened in the fall, helps trauma and abuse survivors move forward and find peace.

Core challenge: To keep its services free, the nonprofit has to both fundraise and operate an event space as a for-profit entity.

What’s next: There’s a wait list for some programs, and more offerings are forthcoming.

When Turner couldn’t find what she envisioned, she created it. Sarasota was chosen as the location (13010 Fruitville Road) because she felt it checked a lot of boxes, offering things like good year-round weather and a strong philanthropic community. The free-of-charge ideal remains a key part of the organization’s model, which is why it also launched The Retreat Sarasota, an event space on the property that can host weddings, retreats, meetings and more.

Resilient Retreat broke ground on its Sarasota facility in 2020, located

on 84 acres east of Interstate 75 on Fruitville Road. The site was gifted by an anonymous donor, who want-

ed to keep the land in a conservation easement while also doing something good with it. Resilient Retreat is building on less than 1% of the donated land.

The nonprofit opened its new $7 million facility in the fall. It includes an 18,000-square-foot retreat center with sleeping wings on each side and a 5,000-square-foot community center the organization calls The Gathering Place. Resilient Retreat raised the needed funds through a capital campaign, and early support from the Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, William G. and Marie Selby Foundation, Impact100 SRQ and other local philanthropic organizations played a big role in its success.

The project team included Tandem Construction, architecture firm Schimberg Group, and P.S. Interior Design Studio. The Danish concept of hygge inspired the minimalist yet

cozy design for the facility, which features lots of wood paneling, soft and soothing color schemes and artwork evoking resiliency and hope created by local artists and program participants or donated by local nonprofit Embracing Our Differences.

The site also features walking and riding trails, a community garden and a meditation pond. Resilient Retreat offers 12 to 14 programs a month both on-site and virtually that include everything from music and art therapy to yoga, meditation and journaling. In February 2023, it will begin hosting three-day retreats where participants can try these and other options like equine therapy, neurofeedback and support groups.

“By the end, they can hopefully leave with a curated menu of tools that we think will work for them and that they think will work for them,” Intagliata says. “It doesn’t mean that it’s going to do the trick, but at least it’s the next step on their healing journey.”

There’s already a waitlist for the retreats, which isn’t surprising, considering the numbers. The National Council for Behavioral Health says 70% of U.S. adults have experienced some type of traumatic event at least once in their lives.

“Unresolved trauma can manifest itself in a lot of different ways — usually unhealthy ways,” Intagliata said. “We can help them navigate on their journey, once they’re not in an immediate crisis, to figure out what’s going to work for them.

“There’s nothing wrong with renting a hotel ballroom, but here, your money is going back into the mission of helping trauma survivors heal,” Intagliata said.

A centralized — and soothing — place to help people overcome trauma in their lives is quickly gaining traction in the region.

A wait list has formed for some services at Resilient Retreat, led by Jennifer Ourednik and Lisa Intagliata, shown with Journey the dog.

Photos by Lori Sax

The Resilient Retreat opened in the fall.

County Fair shows farmers care

Dakin Dairy has provided to various Future Farmers of America and 4-H chapters to show at the Manatee County Fair, which runs Jan. 12-22.

Cameron Dakin Dairy and Bunyak Club Calves provide animals to students, who then learn from the experience.

Sondra Dakin, who operates Cameron Dakin Dairy with her husband, Cameron Dakin, said seeing students show their cows at the fair warms her heart.

“I just love seeing the kids and the love they have for the animals,” Sondra Dakin said. “I love to see how they’re interested in the agricultural industry. Their eyes open to so much. There’s so many directions you can go in agriculture they’re not aware of, so I love being able to open them up to these opportunities.”

ONGOING EFFORT

Cameron Dakin said his farm will provide cows to FFA and 4-H programs as long as it can.

“I see cows every day, and they’re in their working clothes. They might not be washed and brushed and groomed, so you don’t appreciate the quality of who they are,” he said.

“We don’t appreciate them as much as we should, but when you get to the show and you see them cleaned and groomed, it’s awesome.”

The Dakins hope providing animals for students to show at the fair will inspire them to pursue a career in agriculture.

“Not everyone wants to be a doctor or whatever,” Cameron Dakin said. “People have different interests in life, and if we can spark that interest in some part of agriculture, then I’m glad to do it.”

Temple Bunyak, whose family owns Bunyak Club Calves, said her farm leases or sells between 12 and 15 animals to students each year.

might have regarding the animal’s health, and they help with weighing the animals to ensure their weight is on track.

“It’s exciting to watch the kids, to see them caring for the animal and putting a lot of effort into it,” she said. “To not only see the development and progress the cattle make but the development and learning progress the students make as well is the most rewarding.”

Haiden Laraway, a Braden River High School junior, is grateful Bunyak Club Calves has given her Velvet and Tuxedo, two cows to show at the fair.

“I know there’s a limited amount, and I feel grateful,” Laraway said.

Lourdes Capote-Dishaw, a Braden River High junior, said the farms’ generosity means more students can be involved.

Capote-Dishaw puts the money she earns from selling a steer at the fair toward her college fund. Students also are able to earn scholarships from businesses like Tractor Supply for their participation in FFA.

COMBINED EFFORT

Jessica Jones, the FFA advisor at Haile Middle, said the school leases on average four heifers from Cameron Dakin Dairy each year.

She said besides leasing the dairy cows to students for free, the farm also provides feed.

“That’s super crucial,” Jones said. “They don’t have to do that for us, especially after the year we’ve had with a hurricane and everything.”

Josie.

They washed, brushed and fed her.

They love spending quality time with Josie while getting her ready to show at the Manatee County Fair.  Josie is one of 94 cows Cameron

Meyers said it means a lot to her that Cameron Dakin Dairy is leasing Josie to Haile Middle so she and Staszak could show an animal for the first time at the fair.

“It was nice of them to let us borrow their cow and trust us,” Meyers said. “I’m glad we were able to do it.”

Every year, local farms such as

“We’ve just enjoyed giving back to the community, helping the kids and seeing them learn the importance of agriculture through this,” Bunyak said. “It’s important because agriculture in Manatee County has diminished some because of the growth and population here. Having students get involved with agriculture and as the public goes to the fair and have that experience with agriculture, it helps connect people a little bit more to the roots of the county.”

Bunyak said her family is available to answer any questions students

Jones said local farms supporting school agricultural programs and vice versa is crucial. She said it also means that the county’s agricultural history is being preserved.

“Agriculture is still in the forefront of people’s minds,” Jones said. “We’d be totally lost if we didn’t have those businesses and those community members to fulfill needs other than just the animal.”

Sondra Dakin said one of the most difficult parts for students is saying goodbye to the cows.

“There are a lot of tears when we’re loading them up at the fair to take them back to the farm,” Sondra Dakin said. “(Students) want to come out and see their Betsy, or whatever they’ve named it.”

Cameron Dakin Dairy and Bunyak Club Calves lead the way in providing animals to show at the annual fair in Palmetto.

Liz Ramos

Victoria Staszak and Ashlyn Meyers, who are eighth graders at Carlos E. Haile Middle School, are grateful to Cameron Dakin Dairy for allowing them to show Josie at the Manatee County Fair. Cameron Dakin Dairy has provided 94 cows for students throughout Manatee and Sarasota counties.

Our Season Starts January 9

Sarasota

Monday, January 9

Sarasota,10:30 am - Venice, 3:00 pm

Issues

Tuesday, January 10 Sarasota,10:30 am - Venice, 2:30 pm

Strengthening America’s

Wednesday, January 11 Sarasota,10:30 am

Thursday, January 12

Sarasota,10:30 am - Lakewood Ranch, 5:00 Friday, January 13 Venice,10:00 am

Courtesy photos

Sweet memories

iley McGee, a member of the Lakewood Ranch High School color guard, couldn’t have been more thrilled with where she was standing.the trip was when the band performed with 11 other bands from across the country during the Sugar Bowl’s halftime show.

The Marching Mustangs were performing at the Allstate Sugar Bowl on Dec. 31, and below their feet in the end zone was written, “Alabama.”

McGee’s dream school is the University of Alabama, which eventually beat Kansas State 45-20.

Being able to perform at the Sugar Bowl with the Marching Mustangs gave her the opportunity to meet University of Alabama band members.

She wasn’t the only Mustang thrilled with their trip to New Orleans from Dec. 28 to Jan. 1.

“I thought everybody had a great time,” said John Schindler, the director of the Marching Mustangs. “It was a really nice experience.”

Schindler said his favorite part of

“It was neat to see the look on (students’) faces when they went down on the field of that big stadium to perform in front of 60,000 people,” Schindler said.

Besides performing at halftime, the band also performed in the Sugar Bowl Parade on Dec. 30.

Students were able to meet and interact with students from other high schools and the university bands during rehearsals and at the game.

The band enjoyed a dinner cruise on the Mississippi River, and students visited historical areas of the city such as Jackson Square and Bourbon Street in the French Quarter.

— LIZ RAMOS

Dover Quartet Chamber Ensemble Named one of the greatest string quartets of the last 100 years by BBC Music Magazine, the GRAMMY® nominated Dover Quartet has followed a “practically meteoric” (Strings) trajectory to become one of the most in-demand chamber ensembles in the world.

Voice in a Changing World Amb. Barbara Stephenson will tackle how America can retain an agenda-setting role in world a airs.

The Case for Following Rules Amb. Barbara Stephenson shows us how America benefits from leading in international rule setting and compliance.

Diplomacy in an Age of Uncertainty: How the U.S. Can Defend Its Interests, Promote Its Values, and Keep the Peace in the 21st Century Amb. Thomas Shannon will address the challenges posed to the liberal international order.

Lakewood Ranch High School’s Jasmine Burden, Bryce Brielmann and Amme Cook lead the Marching Mustangs in the Sugar Bowl Parade. The marching band also performed in the Sugar Bowl halftime show.

Lakewood Ranch High School’s Nate VanPeenen, Kyle Honaker, Alex Malbran and Brian McCoy performed with the Marching Mustangs and bands from across the country at the Sugar Bowl.

Lakewood Ranch High School senior Jasmine Burden spends time with her parents, Joanne and Greg Burden, on a riverboat during the band’s trip to New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl.

Simi Ranajee, her daughter, Sarisa Ranajee, and her husband, Nav Ranajee, are excited to be at the Sugar Bowl. Sarisa Ranajee performed during halftime with the Lakewood Ranch High School Marching Mustangs.

Lakewood Ranch High School drum line members are ready to march in the Sugar Bowl Parade.

Lakewood Ranch High School color guard members Jasmine Burden, Hailey Jensen, Maddie Shirley, Riley McGee, Max Rizzo, Amme Cook, Alyssa Soria and Mattison McKenna can’t wait to take the field.

Keep attention focused on the TERRIFIC 10

terback during fall camp and then showed why coach Rashad West and his staff handed him the reins.

4TRAYVON PINDER, BRADEN RIVER HIGH FOOTBALL

The 2022 season was a down one by Braden River High standards, as the Pirates finished 5-5 and lost in the first round of the postseason to Naples High, 42-6. The struggles were no fault of Trayvon Pinder, who, as a junior, had another strong season in the backfield.

offensive prowess helped the Mustangs to a 10-6 record and a spot in the district semifinals. Though the Mustangs were bounced by Alonso High 13-6, the season was a positive step in the program’s journey.

Should Anthony top his 2022 marks, the team might, too.

6

RYAN KOHN SPORTS EDITOR

As our attention turns to 2023, the sports calendar is both full and exciting here in the Lakewood Ranch area.

Winter sports like basketball and soccer are heading into their respective postseasons. Spring sports like baseball and softball will start stretching for a February return. And football? Well, football may be in its offseason, but if those players expect to be competitive, they have to condition year-round.

Among all these athletes, here is a look at 10 who have positioned themselves for special results in 2023:

1ELLA DODGE, LAKEWOOD RANCH HIGH SOFTBALL

Ella Dodge took over pitching duties for the Mustangs in 2022 as a sophomore and was dominant. Dodge finished the year with a 1.02 ERA, striking out 219 batters with just 24 walks in 152 innings. She set a program record with 25 wins and helped the Mustangs to their second-straight state championship as they beat Lake Brantley High 8-2 in the title game.

Dodge’s season earned her the Florida Dairy Farmers Softball Class 7A Player of the Year award, edging teammate Cassidy McLellan, an outfielder, who was the runner-up. Dodge, who committed to the University of Tennessee on Oct. 23, will be the key as the Mustangs chase a three-peat.

2CLAYTON DEES, LAKEWOOD RANCH HIGH FOOTBALL

The Mustangs received a boost when Clayton Dees decided to play his first year of high school football as a junior in 2022. Dees, who primarily was playing baseball, earned the Lakewood Ranch starting quar-

Dees threw for 1,704 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2022, throwing just three interceptions. He also showcased his running ability with 67 carries for 391 yards and three touchdowns.

Dees said after the season that he needs to get more comfortable with West’s offense. If he does, 2023 has the potential to be a solid year for both him and the Mustangs.

3JACK HOBSON, THE OUT-OFDOOR ACADEMY BASEBALL

Considering ODA’s considerable talent, it can be difficult to pick out just one player as an athlete to watch, but Jack Hobson’s versatility separates him from the pack.

Fans of the Thunder saw Hobson quarterback the team to a big turnaround in 2022, but his true calling is on the baseball diamond, where he serves as a power hitter and relief pitcher. Now a senior, Hobson hit

Pinder had 182 carries for 1,086 yards and 13 touchdowns, despite missing two games because of injuries. He averaged 135.8 yards per game and lost just one fumble all season.

Pinder has become a bedrock of the Braden River backfield. There’s no reason to think that will change when he’s a senior in 2023.

5LUCAS ANTHONY, LAKEWOOD RANCH HIGH BOYS LACROSSE

Lakewood Ranch High continues to build its boys lacrosse program and Lucas Anthony, who will be a junior, is a big part of that ascension.

As a sophomore in 2022, Anthony scored 64 goals in 16 games (4.0 goals per game) and added 13 primary assists. Anthony’s 77 points meant he had a hand in 50.3% of the team’s goals for the season. His

ALLEN CLARK, THE OUT-OFDOOR ACADEMY FOOTBALL

With leading rushers Griffin DeRusso and Luca Marino graduating in 2023, the run-heavy Thunder football team will likely turn to Clark as the next man up.

As a freshman in 2022, Clark was third on the team with 44 carries, 391 yards and six touchdowns, but his yards per carry average of 8.9 was higher than both DeRusso’s 7.6 and Marino’s 8.2. As the 6-foot, 200-pound Clark gets bigger and matures, he should be running through would-be tacklers.

Clark also saw time on the Thunder defense, where he made 12 total tackles.

7

AUBREY ROBBINS, THE OUT-OF-DOOR ACADEMY GIRLS LACROSSE

The ODA girls lacrosse program went from 8-8 in 2021 to 15-2 in 2022, and Aubrey Robbins’ offensive assault was a big part of the improvement.

.268 and led the team with six home runs and 34 RBIs. He also pitched in 13 games in relief, the most on the team, and recorded three saves.

File photos

Lakewood Ranch softball pitcher Ella Dodge was the Class 7A Player of the Year in 2022.

Lucas Anthony had 77 points for the Lakewood Ranch boys lacrosse team in 2022.

ODA’s Allen Clark made an impact as a freshman and should have a larger role in 2023.

Braden River running back Trayvon Pinder is one of the steadiest players in East County.

Clayton Dees (5) will enter his second year as a starting quarterback as a senior for Lakewood Ranch in 2023.

Mark your calendars for big sports events

The 2023 East County sports calendar looks stacked.  Could the same be said of every year? Maybe, but that’s a product of how talent and eventrich the area has become over the past several years. Between top-tier high school sports, big-time golf tournaments and national water sports events at Nathan Benderson Park, it is easy to take all the area has to offer for granted.

We shouldn’t. It’s a great sports community with diverse offerings, and there is plenty to mark on your calendars.

The 2023 USRowing Masters National Championships will return to Nathan Benderson Park Aug. 10-13. If you attended the 2022 event, which saw more than 775 rowers from 96 clubs across the country compete, you know this is not an event to be missed.

At this past year’s event, I told stories of people like Elliott Vasquez, a paraplegic who lost his motor skills and sensation below the T5/T6 region of his spine but persevered to become a rower and won a gold medal in the PR1 Men’s Masters 1x Final (8:11.99). I hope I get to tell more stories like that from the 2023 event, because if that isn’t inspiring, I don’t know what is.

The 2023 USRowing Youth Nationals will also be held at the park, for the sixth consecutive year. The exact dates aren’t set, but it will be held during the summer.

The new year will bring another edition of the LECOM Suncoast Classic — the fifth one — and as always, it is one of the events I am most looking forward to watching. It has shifted on the schedule to April instead of February. Somehow, every year brings a more dramatic ending than the last.

The 2022 event saw Michael Gellerman miss two consecutive putts to hand the title to Byeong Hun An. Whatever the 2023 event has in

store, it is always a blast, and I’m thankful to the event organizers and the Korn Ferry Tour for presenting it here.

I’m also looking forward to covering more events at the new UMR Sports facility. UMR has pristine beach volleyball courts and pickleball courts and is scheduled to open its baseball/softball training facility in 2023. UMR also hosts other, more relaxed events, such as the New Year’s Eve party it held Dec. 31 that featured cornhole and Spikeball among its offerings. If you have not seen the facilities, I suggest you check its website and find an event that interests you.

Though there is not a specific date yet, I always look forward to the Braden River High-Lakewood Ranch High football game. Not only are the emotions between the two programs (and the two fan bases) always on edge, but I think 2023 could be the year the tide turns in the series.

The Pirates have not lost to Lakewood Ranch since 2013, but with Braden River coming off a down year and the Mustangs returning Clayton Dees at quarterback in what will be his senior season (and second at the varsity level), I think the game at least has the potential to be much more competitive than in the past.

Each year, it seems we have athletes emerge at state track and field contenders.  Two successful runners, ODA’s Tristan McWilliam and Lakewood Ranch High’s Grace Marston graduated in 2022, and they were the East County area’s only medalists this past spring. If someone steps up, perhaps it will be in a more niche event like pole vaulting, where ODA’s Tyler Beck finished sixth in the state (13 feet, 3.5 inches) in Class 1A last year. Otherwise, will the area have a state champion-level long jumper this year? A discus master?  A javelin

title contender? We’ll find out come May.

After winning two state titles in a row, the Lakewood Ranch High softball team is going to attempt to win its third straight this spring, and under a new coach. T.J. Goelz stepped down after the 2022 season and has been replaced by Todd Lee, the Mustangs’ former junior varsity coach. Lee will retain key assistant coaches Paulo Reis and Craig Toler, and the Mustangs will still have heaps of talent, including reigning Class 7A Player of the Year Ella Dodge, a junior pitcher, and do-everything senior outfielder Cassidy McLellan.

I’m certain the Mustangs will have another strong regular season, but the real intrigue will begin in the postseason. Can Lakewood Ranch go three for three? I don’t know, but I’m not betting against this squad.

I’m also looking forward to getting to know more of you. I received more suggestions for story ideas and athletes of the week in 2022 than in any other year since I joined the beat in 2016. Not only are the suggestions themselves helpful, but it’s nice to be reminded that people still read sports news and features. I shouldn’t be surprised because the people in East County have always been knowledgable and helpful. It’s a trend I hope continues into the new year.

For all of these reasons and more, 2023 should be another terrific time on the East County sports beat.

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

File photos

Pirates running back Trayvon Pinder is pulled down by Mustangs Trey Schwartz (20) and Thomas McCue (49). Will the Lakewood RanchBraden River football game have a different outcome in 2023?

The USRowing Youth Nationals returning to Benderson Park in 2023 is another chance for locals like Sarasota Crew’s Maya Schultz and Maeva Ginsberg-Klemmt to win titles.

FROM

As a sophomore in 2022, Robbins scored 56 goals and racked up 41 assists in 17 games. But even outside of scoring, she was a threat. She won 42 ground balls and controlled 67 draws, the most on the team.

In 2023, the Thunder will have lost two other big-time goal scorers to graduation in Dani Taraska (57 goals) and Megan Dowdell (52 goals), so even more of the load will be on Robbins’ shoulders during her senior season.

8NATE SMITH, LAKEWOOD RANCH HIGH BOYS WRESTLING

Nicknamed “Oklahoma” for his previous state of residence, Lakewood Ranch junior wrestler Nate Smith, who wrestles at 285 pounds, has hopes of going deep into the state tournament in 2023.

As a sophomore this past season, the 6-foot-1 Smith made the state tournament in his first season of wrestling, coming to the sport from a football background. Lakewood Ranch coach Pat Ancil said Smith is the first Mustangs wrestler to achieve that feat.

Smith lost his first two matches at the 2022 tournament and bowed out, but the experience will help him in 2023.

9TARYN

NGUYEN, BRADEN RIVER HIGH GIRLS GOLF

For someone competing at the varsity level for the first time, Taryn Nguyen proved herself more than capable.

As a freshman on the Braden River High girls golf team, Nguyen was consistently the team’s top player and qualified as an individual for the FHSAA state tournament by finishing sixth (81) at her regional tournament held Oct. 31 at Bardmoor Golf and Tennis Club in Seminole.

Then, at Mission Inn Resort in Howey-in-the-Hills on Nov. 11-12, Nguyen shot 79-90—169 at the state tournament to finish 39th overall and eighth among freshmen. As she gets more comfortable, her postseason results should only improve.

10RYLEE O’SHEA, LAKEWOOD RANCH HIGH GIRLS SOCCER

O’Shea, the junior midfielder, is one of the Mustangs’ top facilitators on offense. O’Shea leads the team with six primary assists (nine total assists) and has added three goals as of Dec. 20.

Going into the holiday break, the Mustangs have a 9-0-1 record. Through the rest of the season — and into the first half of the 20232024 season — O’Shea will be there to help the team’s offense put up big numbers.

File photos

Lakewood Ranch junior wrestler Nate Smith said the team’s trip to Ohio State over the summer showed him how much work it takes to get to the elite level of the sport and inspired him to work harder.

Lakewood Ranch junior Rylee O’Shea

Fabulous 15 - fun events for 2023 YOUR NEIGHBORS

some of the events the Irish Celtic Festival has to offer.

YOUTH FISHING TOURNAMENT n March 25 at Lake Uihlein, which is behind Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. Visit MyLWR.com.

Lakewood Ranch Community Activities hosts the annual Youth Fishing Tournament for ages 5-12. Equipment and live bait are provided.

EGGSTRAVAGANZA n April 1 at Waterside Park, 7301 Island Cove Terrace, Lakewood Ranch. Visit MyLWR.com.

Don’t miss your chance to see the Easter Bunny and hunt for thousands of eggs spread across a field.

LECOM SUNCOAST CLASSIC n April 20-23 at the Lakewood National Golf Club, 17605 Lakewood National Parkway, Lakewood Ranch. Visit LECOMSuncoastClassic.com.

The Korn Ferry Tour’s LECOM Suncoast Classic offers golf fans an opportunity to see future PGA Tour stars. Watch golfers compete for a first-place payoff of more than $100,000.

of the country’s independence with its annual Fireworks on the Lake. Thousands gather to celebrate with live music.

BOOFEST n Oct. 27, Main Street at Lakewood Ranch, 8100 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch (date and location are subject to change). Visit MyLWR. com.

Time to get spooky with your best costume during BooFest. With music, performances and people giving out treats, the whole family will have fun.

SUNCOAST FOOD/WINE FEST n Nov. 11 at Premier Sports Campus, 5895 Post Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. Visit LakewoodRanch-Rotary.com.

The festival returns to Premier Sports Campus for its 21st edition. Enjoy wine and food samples available for tasting from dozens of restaurants while raising money for the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch’s charities.

FLORIDA TURKEY TROT

n Nov. 23 at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. Visit NathanBendersonPark.org.

LIZ RAMOS | STAFF WRITER

There’s never a dull moment in East County, and there is a full schedule of signature events scheduled throughout 2023.

Whether it’s kicking off the year at the Manatee County Fair, enjoying the summer sun leading up to a fantastic display at Fireworks on the Lake or ringing in the holiday season with the Florida Turkey Trot, there is something for everyone to do.

Here are 15 events you’ll want to put on your calendar in 2023.

MANATEE COUNTY FAIR n Jan. 12-22 at the Manatee County Fairgrounds, 1402 14th Ave. W., Palmetto. Visit ManateeCountyFair.com.

Enjoy fair food, games and rides during the Manatee County Fair. Future Farmers of America and 4-H members will be showcasing their livestock, local and national acts will perform and community members of all age groups will share their arts and crafts.

CIRCUS SARASOTA

n Feb. 10 to March 5 at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. Visit CircusArts.org.

Circus Sarasota will present “Legacy: 25th Anniversary.” See international artists perform under an iconic red and white Big Top.

GREEK ‘GLENDI’ n Feb. 17-19 at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, 7671 N. Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota. Visit StBarbaraFestival.org.

The 39th annual “Glendi” Greek festival is four days of family fun while enjoying Greek dishes, pastries and domestic and imported beverages. Enjoy live Greek music and dancing.

COMMUNITY CAMPOUT n Feb. 25 at Greenbrook Adventure Park, 13010 Adventure PIace, Bradenton. Visit MyLWR.com.

Bring the family to Greenbrook Adventure Park and pitch a tent to camp with neighbors. The campout includes music and food trucks.

IRISH CELTIC FESTIVAL n March 11 at Greenbrook Adventure Park, 13010 Adventure PIace, Bradenton. Visit MyLWR.com.

Irish food, dancers, craft beer, Best Legs in a Kilt contest, Lucky Dog Parade and children’s activities are just

TRIBUTE TO HEROES PARADE n May 28 at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch, 8100 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. Visit MyLWR. com.

Thousands gather on Main Street at Lakewood Ranch to honor veterans and see dozens of parade entries.

USROWING YOUTH NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS n June 8-11 at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. Visit NathanBendersonPark.org.

NBP will host the nation’s top youth rowers, as USRowing kicks off its summer schedule with this massive regatta.

FIREWORKS ON THE LAKE n July 3 at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. Visit NathanBendersonPark.org.

Nathan Benderson Park will host a celebration

The Thanksgiving tradition continues. The 5K run/walk will include kids dashes and sweet treats.

MUSIC ON MAIN (TREE LIGHTING)

n Dec. 1 at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch, 8100 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. Visit MyLWR.com.

Kick off the holiday season with this first-Friday-of-the-month tradition. Music on Main in December includes a tree lighting and a visit from Santa.

File photos

Riders enjoy a flight on the Yo Yo ride at the Manatee County Fair.

New year, new polo season

Lakewood Ranch’s Ashley McLeod was breathing hard as she finished racing her 4-year-old son Caspian Reeves on the Sarasota Polo Club field.

She said the polo match was the perfect place to be on New Year’s Day as the Sarasota Polo Club opened its season.

“To me, this is the best thing in the area for a family to do on a Sunday,” McLeod said. “This is going to be our second full season.”

Lakewood Ranch’s Karen Mannering and Deborah Rahman said they both have been attending the Sunday polo matches for three years.

“I’ve been coming to about 50% of the matches,” Mannering said. “Everyone is so friendly, so I meet a lot of people. And this is such a unique experience.”

Rahman agreed.

“To experience nature always is a good thing,” Rahman said. “And the horses are beautiful.”

— JAY HEATER

Placida’s Richard and Patricia Bossey were the first patrons to reserve a spot in the new Hemingway English bus. They had a great view on the bus’s upper deck.

Photos by Jay Heater

Lakewood Ranch’s Irene Kosse and Helen Kosse celebrate New Year’s Day at the Sarasota Polo Club.

Claire Dornak, of North South Wealth Management/Ranch Hand, tries to pass the ball down the field as Barefield/Hawkwood’s Vasco Iriate challenges her in the season opener at the Sarasota Polo Club on Jan. 1.

Before the horses take the playing field at the Sarasota Polo Club, fans are allowed to enjoy the field. Lakewood Ranch 4-year-old Caspian Reeves tries to outrun his mom, Ashley McLeod.

Paige Lautzenheiser rings in the new year by presenting the colors at the Sarasota Polo Club on New Year’s Day.

NEIGHBORS NOTES

Elks, Walgreens collect toys

kids

Hundreds of children who might not have expected much Christmas cheer were surprised by more than 6,000 toys collected through a combined effort by the Elks’ Mighty Southwest District and 25 Walgreens’ stores.

Walgreens offered bins to its shoppers to collect the toys, which were picked up by Elks’ volunteers, packed into a truck at the Lakewood Ranch Elks Club and delivered to the Safe Children’s Coalition of Manatee and Manatee County Guardian Ad-Litem.

It was the third year of the toy drive and the Elks’ Darrin Simone said it was the most toys they have collected.

Faith Frost of the Lakewood Ranch Elks Club was the Toy Drive chair.

“The hardest part was when we were dropping off the toys at the

Manatee County Courthouse,” she said with a laugh. “All the toys had to go through a screener.”

Many Elks members helped with the project.

“Giving back to the community is what Elks do,” Frost said.

Lakewood Ranch Women’s Club brights holidays with market

With its annual Holiday Market Charity Fundraiser on Dec. 6 at the Grove in Lakewood Ranch, the Lakewood Ranch Women’s Club raised $7,500 for charity.

The event was attended by 225 women who enjoyed a holiday bazaar of shopping. The event also included a buffet and a raffle.

The money will be presented to Hope Family Services, Sarasota Manatee Association of Riding Therapy, Solve Maternity Homes, and the

Co-chairs

Palm Aire Women’s Club delves into fashion

The Palm Aire Women’s Club will learn about how the Sarasota Opera Costumes Division works at its Jan. 13 luncheon.

Topics will include how costumes are meant to bypass language differences, convey crucial information and bring characters to life.

A still to be determined member of the Sarasota Opera, which has more than 30,000 costumes stored in its Costumes Division, will lead the discussion, which comes in advance of the Palm Aire Women’s Club Fashion Show and Luncheon 11 a.m. Feb. 3.

The Sarasota Opera’s collection is the largest in North American. Some costume examples will be brought to the luncheon.

The Jan. 13 luncheon costs $30 for members and $35 for non-members. Reservations need to be made by Jan. 8. Contact Debi Frock atdebi. gmhope@gmail.com for reservations. Checks can be mailed to Debi Frock/ PAWC Lunch, 5718 Beaurivage Ave., Sarasota, FL 34243.

The Feb. 3 fashion show will feature spring fashions by Dillard’s. The Presidential Jazz Band at State College of Florida will offer live music while the “Hearts of Fashion” Silent Auctions will raise money for scholarships.

Tickets for the Fashion Show are $65. Checks can be sent to PAWC Fashion Show, PO Box 21051, Bradenton, FL 34204 or left at the PAWC mailbox in the Palm Aire Country Club office. Payment must be received by January 24.

Call Carolann Garafola at 908922-1973 for more information or to confirm a reservation.

East Manatee announces promotions

East Manatee Fire Rescue in December announced it had promoted five employees.

n Firefighter Michael Guard was promoted to engineer.

n Engineer Adam Butler was promoted to lieutenant.

n Lt. Steve Baker was promoted to captain.

n Administrative officer Kim Butler was promoted to Administration Division chief.

n Training officer Bob Mikulski was promoted to training division chief.

n East Manatee Fire Rescue also introduced Michael Blake as its new deputy fire marshal.

Knights of Columbus has a good day

The Knights of Columbus of Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church in Lakewood Ranch presented St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with a donation of $9,500.

The money was the proceeds from the 2022 Knights of Columbus Car Show held on Oct. 29. It was the fourth annual car show and the largest in terms of money raised.

The Knights’ Jerry Graceffo and Michael Mahan made the presentation to St. Jude’s Ingrid McGraw.

Students earn accolades

Jillian Herbst, a member of the Colgate University Class of 2025, has earned the spring 2022 Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence from the Hamilton, New York school. Herbst is a psychology major and a graduate of Lakewood Ranch High School. ... East County’s Dani Taraska was named to the Dean’s List at Berry College of Rome, Georgia. ... East County’s Gia Cohen earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Georgia Tech in Atlanta.

Children’s Guardian Fund.

The event featured more than 40 vendor tables that featured artwork, crafts, jewelry, clothing, and accessories.

of the event were Diane Laybourn and Linda Stone.

Jay Heater

In the back, Mark Cannizzo and Kevin Burke joined, in the front, Steve Cannizzo, Faith Frost, Marge Burke and Darrin Simone in packing a truck with toys for children in need. They all represent the Lakewood Ranch Elks and the Elks’ Mighty Southwest District.

FRIDAY, JAN. 6

MUSIC ON MAIN

Runs from 6-9 p.m. at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch. The free monthly concert and block party returns with Lisa and The Island Hoppers playing pop, rock, country and dance music from the 1950s through today’s hits. The event includes street vendors, beer trucks, sponsor booths, along with rides and activities for children. Proceeds from the event benefit Beyond the Spectrum.

SUNDAY, JAN. 8

POLO

Begins at 1 p.m. at the Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Sarasota. The 2023 Sarasota Polo season runs each Sunday through April 30. Gates open at 10 a.m. Thousands of fans enjoy high-level polo action each Sunday while tailgating. The event includes themed weeks, entertainment at halftime and traditional divot-stomping. Tickets begin at $15 general admission and up for special packages and VIP seating. Tickets can be purchased in advance at SarasotaPolo.com or at the gate. Children 12 and younger admitted free. Dogs are welcome on a leash.

FARMERS MARKET

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

YOGA IN THE PARK

Begins at 9 a.m. at Waterside Place Park, 7500 Island Cove Terrace, Lakewood Ranch. Lakewood Ranch Community Activities offers yoga that is free to residents; $10 for nonresidents. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 11

NIGHT WEDNESDAYS

RANCH

Runs from 6-9 p.m. at Lakefront Drive in Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch. Live music, food trucks, a

BEST BET

FRIDAY, JAN. 6 AND SATURDAY, JAN. 7

MUSIC AT THE PLAZA

Runs from 6-9 p.m. both days at Waterside Place, 1561 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch. Live music by singersongwriter Paul Fournier on Friday as those who visit Waterside Place enjoy sunset views of Kingfisher Lake, fun at the hub’s small parks, or dining at the various restaurants. On Saturday, Dana Lawrence performs rock, blues, reggae and New Orleans soul. For more information, go to WatersidePlace.com.

YOUR CALENDAR

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.

FRIDAY, JAN. 13

MOVIE AT THE PLAZA

Begins at 6 p.m. at Waterside Place, 1561 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch. Enjoy a free family movie every second Friday of the month presented by Grace Community Church. This event features “Sing 2.” The first 200 attendees can enjoy a free Chick-fil-A sandwich or nuggets. Face painting and inflatables for the kids will be available from 6-8 p.m. Fore more information, go to WatersidePlace.com.

File photo

Paul Fournier will handle the entertainment at Waterside Place on Friday, Jan. 6.

Country Club home tops Lakewood Ranch area sales at $1,935,500

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

ACountry Club home topped all transactions in this week’s real estate. Deborah Vincent, of Lakewood Ranch, sold her home at 13215 Palmers Creek Terrace to Howard Bruce Brandon and Marilyn Brandon, of Greensboro, North Carolina, for $1,935,500. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,701 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.35 million in 2014.

BRADEN WOODS

Jacinta Carter, of Bradenton, sold the home at 9515 59th Ave. E. to Rafael Romo Fuentes and Maria Romo, of Bradenton, for $1.3 million. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,896 square feet of living area. It sold for $794,500 in 2020.

AZARIO Graeme and Jennifer Hennessey, of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, sold their home at 14644 Derna Terrace to Radhika Papandreou, of Bradenton, for $1.15 million. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,256 square feet of living area. It sold for $627,200 in 2020.

LAKEHOUSE COVE AT WATERSIDE

Gerald Lamalfa, of Lakewood Ranch, sold his home at 836 Seascape Place to Michael John Bontell, of Sarasota, for $1,075,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,476 square feet of living area. It sold for $578,000 in 2020.

WINDWARD

Neal Communities of Southwest Florida LLC sold the home at 2521 Paradise Plum Drive to Jennifer Gransbach Achord and Michael Duane Achord II, of Sarasota, for $1,055,800. Built in 2022, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,711 square feet of living area.

Neal Communities of Southwest Florida LLC sold the home at 2790 Butterfly Jasmine Trail to John Joseph Mazzali and Judy Jean Mazzali, of Sarasota, for $714,300. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,334 square feet of living area.

Neal Communities of Southwest Florida LLC sold the home at 2778 Butterfly Jasmine Trail to Debbie Layer, trustee, of Sarasota, for $671,600. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,066 square feet of living area.

RIVERWALK RIDGE

Susan Kotlove, of Manlius, New York, sold the home at 6922 Honeysuckle Trail to Ellin Weissman Sidell, trustee, of Wildwood, for $972,500. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,405 square feet of living area. It sold for $737,000 in 2021.

ARBOR GRANDE

Ryan Joseph Stalheim and Robin Lynn Stalheim, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 12317 Terracotta Drive to Michael Ellingson and Mary Ellingson, trustees, of Poplar Grove, Illinois, for $950,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 2,824 square feet of living area. It sold for $485,000 in 2020.

COUNTRY CLUB

Timothy John Parsons and Franca Parsons, of Ontario, Canada, sold their home at 13990 Siena Loop to Thomas and Janelle Rydberg, of Lakewood Ranch, for $935,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,361 square feet of living area. It sold for $480,000 in 2017

Linda Hoza, of Sarasota, sold her home at 7119 Whitemarsh Circle to Stephanie and Robert Abraham, of Lakewood Ranch, for $860,000. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,492 square feet of living area.

Jerry South Jr. and Anda SpeightSouth sold their home at 7346 Edenmore St. to John and Alexis Fischer, of Bradenton, for $779,000.

Built in 2009, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,004 square feet of living area. It sold for $385,000 in 2018.

WATERCREST

Steven and Iris Herman, of Elwood, New York, sold their Unit 301 condominium at 6430 Watercrest Way to Sidney Stoltzfus and Janice Stoltzfus, trustees, of Lakewood Ranch, for $875,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,134 square feet of living area. It sold for $520,700 in 2005.

Charles Shevlin and Bernice Shevlin, trustees, sold the Unit 401 condominium at 6458 Watercrest Way to Steven Townsend, trustee, of Lakewood Ranch, for $850,000.

Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,376 square feet of living area. It sold for $605,000 in 2008.

POLO RUN

Andre Lamont Henry and Brooke Erin Henry, of Bradenton, sold their home at 18044 Polo Trail to Harry and Tamar Lazarovici, of Bradenton, for $850,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,455 square feet of living area. It sold for $449,000 in 2017.

BRADEN RIVER LAKES

Timothy and Marjorie Bruno sold their home at 4302 14th Ave. E. to Casey Miller, of Sarasota, for $845,500. Built in 1992, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,017 square feet of living area. It sold for $565,000 in 2022.

SUMMERFIELD

Aaron and Susan Traver, of Williamsburg, Virginia, sold their home at 6810 Tumbleweed Trail to Chase Louis De Jong and Christina Joy De Jong, of Bradenton, for $840,000. Built in 1995, it has three bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,145 square feet of living area. It sold for $520,000 in 2019.

TREYMORE AT THE VILLAGES OF PALM AIRE

Vickie Beach, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, sold her home at 4847 Carrington Circle to Malcolm Barry and Rita Barry, trustees, of Sarasota, for $800,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,464 square feet of living area. It sold for $475,000 in 2014.

Theodore and Melody Jones, of Prospect, Kentucky, sold their home at 7224 Treymore Court to Mark Denny and Cheryl Sue Denny, of Sarasota, for $779,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,406 square feet of living area. It sold for $505,000 in 2015.

SONOMA

Ronald and Christa Webber, of Sarasota, sold their home at 8225 Country Park Way to Shyam Krishna Iyer and Colleen Purcell Iyer, of Sarasota, for $799,000. Built in 2010, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,842 square feet of living area. It sold for $458,800 in 2010.

FALCONHURST

NV Property Holdings LLC sold the home at 6805 36th Ave. E. to Christopher Allen Sparks and Caitlyn Elizabeth Sparks, of Venice, for $750,000. Built in 1968, it has five bedrooms, two baths and 3,848 square feet of living area. It sold for $500,000 in 2022.

TIDEWATER PRESERVE

Glenn Brian Becker and Tina Becker, of Bradenton, sold their home at 944 Preservation St. to Dwight Jaeger and Jolly Jaeger, trustees, of Bradenton, for $723,500. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,428 square feet of living area. It sold for $459,900 in 2020.

RIVER CLUB SOUTH

Beverly Whitlock, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the home at 7215 Pine Valley St. to David Feffer and Judith Pratt Feffer, of Bradenton, for $705,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,532 square feet of living area.

Paul Martin McHugh and Andrea Del Rosario Ortiz de McHugh and Jose Mario Ortiz Cruz, of Las Vegas, sold their home at 9905 Royal Lytham Ave. to Ervin and Marcia Lenski, of Bradenton, for $450,000. Built in 2000, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,467 square feet of living area.

MAGNOLIA MANOR RIVER

Sylvia Floroe Murphy, of Charleston, West Virginia, sold the home at 5204 18th Ave. E. to Ruff Life Farms LLC for $700,000. Built in 1972, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,164 square feet of living area. It sold for $95,000 in 1980.

COACH HOMES AT LAKEWOOD NATIONAL

Thomas Lee Meador and Susan Ann Meador, of Bradenton, sold their Unit 3712 condominium at 17805 Gawthrop Drive to Joanne Shufelt, trustee, of Bradenton, for $670,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,786 square feet of living area. It sold for $330,000 in 2020.

In with the new

Liz Ramos

This Country Club home at 13215 Palmers Creek Terrace sold for $1,935,500. It has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,701 square feet of living area.

Sunrise Sunset

THURSDAY,

FRIDAY,

SATURDAY,

SUNDAY, JAN. 8 High: 78 Low: 57 Chance of rain: 8%

Thursday, Jan. 5 7:20a 5:49p

Friday, Jan. 6 7:20a 5:50p

Saturday, Jan. 7 7:20a 5:50p

Sunday, Jan. 8 7:20a 5:51p

Monday, Jan. 9 7:20a 5:52p

Tuesday, Jan. 10 7:20a 5:53p

Wednesday, Jan. 11 7:21a 5:54p

MOON PHASES

Monday, Dec. 26 0

Tuesday, Dec. 27 0

Wednesday, Dec. 28 0

Thursday, Dec. 29 0

Friday, Dec. 30 0

Saturday, Dec. 31 0 Sunday, Jan. 1 0

THE STARS by Drew Schmenner, edited by David Steinberg By Luis Campos

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