East County Observer 1.19.23

YOUR TOWN

Environmental lands purchase moves forward

Taking the Cyclone for a spin

The Manatee County Fair wasn’t alone in having a midway on Jan. 12.

East County’s Rich and Taytum Boyd (above) decided to visit the Sarasota Winter Carnival at University Town Center, offered in the mall’s parking lot by Dreamland Amusements.

They enjoyed their experience riding the Cyclone, the fair’s Round Up ride, which spins participants at a rapid speed.

“It was definitely a good head rush,” Rich Boyd said.

“Some tears were shed, for sure,” said Taytum Boyd, noting that she wished she had waited until after the ride to try the fair foods.

Overall, it’s a nice little addition to the UTC area,” Rich Boyd said.

They’re getting into the groove

Country Club East’s Colleen and John Dickinson (above) felt like teenagers again as they took in the atmosphere during Sunday Polo at the Sarasota Polo Club on Jan. 15.

They even helped add to the scene, which included a ’70s Disco Party theme, by dressing in style with extravagant colors and funky accessories.

Colleen Dickinson said the couple enjoyed reflecting on a time when she and John Dickinson were both teenagers, as well as being part of the community by embracing the theme.

She even had a genuine piece of the ’70s she’d brought along, a pair of spiral earrings she had purchased a half century ago at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire.

“This was a fun theme,” Colleen Dickinson said.

School assignment on time

Jay Heater

Although Prohibition marked the 1920s, Becca Towery shows that those who attend the Gatsby Speakeasy Soirée won’t need a bootlegger. Liz

Gatsby Speakeasy Soirée fundraiser will feature fashion of the 1920s.

Ian Swaby

Ian Swaby

County identifies four environmentally significant lands to purchase with funds provided by the voters in 2020. SEE PAGE 3

Race village proposed for S.R. 64 development

recreational vehicles, including RVs they use to travel to racing events.

A potential tie between the neighborhood and race track is being discussed.

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

After opposition from the motorsports community, Lakewood Ranch developer Schroeder-Manatee Ranch has offered a revised plan for its Taylor Ranch community that will be adjacent to Bradenton Motorsports Park and the Freedom Factory race tracks.

A portion of the development, which will be located at the southeast corner of State Road 64 and Bourneside Boulevard, will be dedicated to those who would like to live in a “race village.”

Kyle Grimes, an attorney for Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, talked about the revised plan during the Manatee County Planning Commission meeting Jan. 12.

In addition to the race village, he said new stipulations and buffering will be added to the development’s proposal.

The new proposal, which involved a rezone of the area from General Agriculture-Rural to Planned Development-Residential to allow for the construction of the overall Taylor Ranch community, was unanimously passed by the Planning Commission.

The rezone will go before the Manatee County Commission at an undetermined date.

At that time, commissioners will also review a change to the future land use category to allow three dwelling units per acre on the property, which was sent for state review during the Dec. 15 commission meeting.

The Dec. 15 meeting saw a turnout of numerous individuals in the racing community concerned that opposition to the noise from the area’s two racetracks by future residents would put the racetracks out of business.

Speakers included Garrett Mitchell, owner of the drag strip Freedom Factory who is known by his YouTube persona Cleetus McFarland,

and Victor Alvarez, owner of Bradenton Motorsports Park.

Grimes said that after the board hearing, he met with the staff at Schroeder-Manatee Ranch and the two track owners to determine provisions that could improve the original proposal.

Grimes said he wanted “to talk about some alternative options and things that could not only ensure that these two uses could coexist,but

that might benefit each other in the long run.”

RACE VILLAGE

The race village, which would cover about 140 acres in the northwest corner of the approximately 2,307.57acre development, will be designed to serve those who are interested in race tracks, Grimes said.

He said it will be “specifically designed and marketed toward buyers, owners and tenants who not only understand and appreciate the operations and uses at the race track, but who want to live in close proximity to it.”

Grimes said in order to evaluate its options, SMR visited other similarly themed developments in the area, one of them being The Motor Enclave in Tampa, which includes townhome-style buildings with large, oversized garages. The Motor Enclave has its own performance track.

The race village, Grimes said, would follow a similar design, including the oversized garages. He said the garages would allow homeowners to work on or store race or

Grimes said based on the testimony at the last board meeting from the racing community, SMR believes there will be widespread interest in a race village.

The planning commission appeared to be receptive to the concept.

“That’s a very creative way to try to get around the track challenge, and I think it’s actually a very interesting residential use,” said Planning Commissioner Ray Turner.

STIPULATIONS

Grimes said stipulations are being proposed for deed restrictions throughout the entirety of Taylor Ranch, not only the racing village.

These stipulations will not only require homeowners to be notified about the noise, he said, but will also take the requirements a step further than usual. All declarations recorded throughout the entirety of Taylor Ranch will include provisions that future homeowners recognize the existence of the tracks, the purpose of the race village and the fact that the tracks are preexisting, permitted uses to which homeowners must not raise objections.

These sections, he said, cannot be amended or terminated without the prior written approval of the owners of the track and drag strip.

“We wanted to show that our client intends to see this racetrack and drag strip continue to be successful — but not only that — with some of the clarifications and changes we are making here, the two could work together,” he said.

ADDITIONAL MITIGATION

Some changes to noise mitigation are included in the new proposal.

The large screening buffer in the northeast corner, which will extend to the future location of 44th Avenue E., will provide a combined berm and wall height of more than 25 feet, Grimes said.

Previously, its combined height had been described as at least 20 feet.  Moving forward, Grimes said there will also be wetlands and habitat preserved in an upland area just south of the race village. These buffers were shown as 50 feet in length on a map displayed by SMR.

MORE FEATURES

Ancillary uses are also being added to the development, including a future 20-acre school site and a personal wireless service facility. The school site is located at the eastern edge of the property, just north of the extension of 44th Avenue E.

Katie LaBarr, a certified planner with Stantec, said there were several access points for the community from Bourneside Boulevard, and one from State Road 64, the specific details of which would be approved in the future.

She said the project will provide thoroughfares as two roads, 44th Avenue E. And Rangeland Parkway, are extended into its boundaries.

LaBarr said compatibility issues will continue to be addressed as each phase comes in for approval, and also said the developer was limiting density to 1.95 dwelling units per acre.

PAST THE BOUNDARY LINE

Dorothy Rainey, a Manatee County planning staff member, noted that the development, which is east of Bourneside Boulevard, will extend beyond the Future Development Area Boundary (FDAB) line, which is located along that road.

The line is intended to serve as a boundary for the eastward expansion of development in the county. Rainey noted that the development is still permitted because it is “coterminous and contiguous” with the adjacent development to the west.

She noted positives of the project including its master plan, which can address compatibility between internal and external uses, as well as its thoroughfare roads, amenity centers and housing options.

SMR tweaks plan to attract race-track friendly homeowners to Taylor Ranch.

Photos by Ian Swaby

Kyle Grimes, an attorney representing Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, speaks at the Dec. 15 Planning Commission meeting.

Katie LaBarr, a planner with Stantec, talks with Rossina Leider, a planner with Manatee County.

ELMAC NEARS LAND ACQUISITIONS

ENVIRONMENTAL TARGETS

These East County properties will be recommended by ELMAC to Manatee County

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

After Manatee County’s Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Committee was given its first dedicated funding source through the Parks Projects Referendum overwhelmingly passed by the voters in 2020, its staff has been working to find the right properties to buy.

In 2023, voters should finally see how that funding will lead to environmentally significant land purchases. ELMAC, which has yet to purchase such a property, is considering three parcels that run along the eastern Manatee River and one parcel in the highlands of Owen Creek, east of Myakka City.

Debra Woithe, Manatee County’s liaison for ELMAC, said these areas were selected after the organization reviewed a dozen properties — with willing sellers — that were deemed to have above-average natural resource value.

All of the properties have received authorization from ELMAC’s board for its members to create work plans and prepare recommendations that will be sent to the county commissioners at a still undetermined date.

Woithe said she was pleased with the organization’s progress thus far.

“ELMAC is doing a great job,” she said. “We are looking forward to taking the recommendations to the commission so we can get to work and begin purchases.”

Woithe said Manatee County staff members will continue to review qualified properties and contact property owners to ask if they are interested in participating in the voluntary program for conservation acquisition.

MANATEE RIVER PROPERTIES

JOIN LINEUP

During a Jan. 9 ELMAC board meeting, members voted to approve the latest authorization for work plans, which included three parcels north and south of the Manatee River alongside Upper Manatee River Road.

The area being considered includes two adjoining parcels north of the river, the westernmost of which is 37.916 acres in size and is owned by Gospel Crusade Inc., the organization that manages Christian Retreat directly across the river.

An adjoining property to the east is 30.884 acres and is owned by RETR, LLC. and had been planned for use as flood mitigation.

The most recent addition, which is 25.97 acres, is located along Williams Road on the south side of the river and aligns with the boundary of the second parcel.

ELMAC Chairperson Scott Tus-

sing said while the Gospel Crusade property was one of the first examined by ELMAC since the referendum, they haven’t been able to move forward until now because they didn’t have proper access, which was needed because they thought the property would have great value as a park.

Formerly, the only access had been from the river by using the Christian Retreat property’s dock. Buying the adjoining eastern parcel would allow a better point for public access.

Woithe had initially been in talks with the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast about a conservation easement for that parcel, and she eventually wondered why the county should not simply purchase both properties.

Woithe said the Gospel Crusadeowned parcel already contains the makings of a park, as the site includes a clubhouse, a 1950s home, which could potentially serve as a visitor’s center, and existing trails, boardwalks and pavilions, although roads would need to be cleared and a parking area created.

She said the habitats involved in the Williams Road property include mesic hammock, flat woods and black water river, and she said some rare plants have been noted by the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast.

The property formerly contained a pasture, she said. She said the owner was “very keen” on restoration and had planted more than 500 longleaf pines, a quarter of which survived, and had plans to plant another 250.

Natural Resources Director Charlie Hunsicker complimented the proposed unity of the three properties along the Manatee River.

“The connectivity of this property is fabulous relative to a goal to identify and protect those natural areas remaining on the Manatee River in

our urban area,” he said. “This is a good opportunity from a willing seller to help us advance our goals.”

He said coupled with areas along the river already owned by the county, it gives an opportunity to have unique areas on both sides of the river that are becoming rare.

Hunsicker said Devil’s Elbow is one example of a strip of property that the county already owns that is environmentally important.

Located directly west of the three parcels under consideration, that property exists inside a large northward bend in the river and, Hunsicker said, was acquired in the mid1990s as a way to prevent flooding and evacuation needs when the dam at Lake Manatee had to release large quantities of water.

He said he would be in talks with Manatee County Utilities to find out whether that department could assist in the acquisition cost for the new properties, due to its relationship to the dam.

OWEN CREEK HIGHLANDS

In late 2022, ELMAC also authorized work plans for a 947.84-acre property in the highlands of Owen Creek in Myakka City. The property is located in the easternmost portion of Manatee County, directly at its border with Hardee County.

Tussing said the property is relatively undisturbed, with much of it in its native state, having been cow pasture throughout its history.

Woithe said while the owner of that property is currently entertaining offers, the individual had not fully committed to conservation efforts.

She and Hunsicker joined with the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast to talk about the importance of that parcel of land with Florida Forever, a section of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

GOSPEL CRUSADE Location: Manatee River (North side) Acreage: 37.916

Recreation activities: Hiking, boating, fishing, camping

GOSPEL CRUSADE EAST Location: Manatee River (North side) Acreage: 30.884

Recreational activities: Hiking, boating, fishing

PROPERTY AT WILLIAMS ROAD

Location: Manatee River (South side) Acreage: 25.97

Recreation activities: Hiking, boating, picnicking, fishing

OWEN CREEK HIGHLANDS

Location: East County border, near Myakka City Acreage: 30.884

Recreation possibilities: Hiking, boating, fishing Possible partners in acquiring the land: Florida Forever, Southwest Florida Water Management District, Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast

Possible parcels to be considered for purchase:

n Terra Ceia State Park addition n Parrish Preserve n Perico Bayou n Anderson Property (Palma Sola) n Rattlesnake Key

She said Florida Forever’s process of determining the property’s eligibility for funding — to help with the county’s purchase — will take about 18 months. Florida Forever representatives are expected to make a site visit in February.

FUNDING OF PROPERTIES

Board member and former Manatee County Commissioner Betsy Benac said that after having reviewed ELMAC’s budget, she was concerned about whether it could support the property acquisitions.

“We look at all this land, and we love it. We want to protect it; we want to do something. But the board has to make sure that meets the budget,” she said.

She said the budget was tight, even with the ability to bond for $50 million.

However, Hunsicker said there were no concerns.

He said the county’s environmental millage gave a continuous funding stream that will bring the organization $7 million this year, with the amount increasing as the property values go up.

ELMAC does not publicly disclose its offers to purchase the environmentally significant land.

The Manatee County committee identifies four tracts of environmentally significant land to purchase with funds approved by voters.

Commissioners for purchase

Photos by Ian Swaby

ELMAC liaison Debra Woithe discusses the property alongside Alissa Powers, interim environmental protection division manager for Manatee County, during a Jan. 9 ELMAC meeting.

Deer cross a path beside the Williams Road property.

Courtesy photo

call the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office at 747-3011.

Bank of Tampa opens in Lakewood Ranch

The Bank of Tampa opened its branch at 10650 Boardwalk Loop in Lakewood Ranch on Jan. 17.

“Opening our Lakewood Ranch office has long been in our plans to continue to grow our presence in the Sarasota and Manatee markets,” Charlie Murphy, Sarasota and Manatee market president at The Bank of Tampa, said in a release.

Justin Darr

“When we expanded to Sarasota County, we did so with the thought that we would continue to grow our footprint and build a team of local bankers in this area. We’re thrilled to see that vision coming true with an official location in the Manatee County market.”

The bank is 3,820 square feet and includes a drive-thru. Bryan Boudreaux, a 16-year banking veteran in Lakewood Ranch and Manatee County, will lead the new office. Boudreaux joined the Bank of Tampa in 2018.

Justin Darr was a physical education teacher at Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School in Lakewood Ranch.

The release said, “Detectives observed no obvious signs of trauma at the scene, and the medical examiner completed an autopsy (Jan. 16), finding no signs of homicidal violence. Pending toxicology results, cause of death is still unknown.”

Detectives continue to investigate the death.

Darr was last seen a week ago. On Jan. 10, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office issued a “missing endangered adult” alert for Darr. That release stated: “Justin Darr, 39, has not been in contact with his family for several days, and they fear he could be in some type of trouble. Justin’s residence ... was found unoccupied, and his pets had not been cared for in some time. His vehicle was also there. Family members say it is extremely out of character for him to disappear.”

Anyone with information should

ER at Fruitville receives award

The Lakewood Ranch Medical Center ER at Fruitville received the 2022 Ganey Human Experience Guardian of Excellence award.

The award is presented by Press Ganey, a global health care experience solutions and services company that ranks hospitals and health systems.

Press Ganey’s study stamps the ER at Fruitville as being in the top 5% of health care providers in delivering patient experience in 2022. More than 41,000 health care facilities were included in the study, according to a Lakewood Ranch Medical Center press release.

“It is an honor to recognize our team of physicians, nurses, and support staff at the ER at Fruitville for achieving this honor,” said Lakewood Ranch Medical Center CEO Andy Guz. “We understand that a patient’s experience is influenced by several touch points throughout their visit.”

EDEN YELVERTON, MD

Obsetetrics and Gynecology

Dr. Yelverton is a board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist. She is a graduate of the University of Mississippi School of Medicine, in Jackson, Miss. She completed her residency at Atrium Health, Carolinas Medical Center, in Charlotte, N.C. Dr. Yelverton is a member of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists and the American Congress of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

Dr. Yelverton offers comprehensive obstetrics and gynecology care in the areas of:

Minimally invasive surgery including robotic and laparoscopic surgery

• Management of pelvic pain and endometriosis

• Menopausal symptom management

• Preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum care

• Vaginal birth after cesarean delivery

Dr. Yelverton is accepting new patients

To make an appointment, call 941-348-1144 or schedule online at lakewoodranchmedicalgroup.com

Towers of Tomorrow with LEGO® Bricks is presented by NEWS BRIEFS

No signs of ‘homicidal violence’ in teacher’s death

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office issued a brief update Jan. 17 on the death of a 39-year-old Parrish man whose body was found Sunday not far from his Cottage Hill Avenue home.

Lakewood Ranch Prep upper school takes shape

LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER

When Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy freshmen returned to campus after winter break, they saw the walls of the upper school in place.

Construction on the 77,409-square-foot building is expected to be complete in August, just in time for the freshmen class to start their sophomore year.

Scott Stenman, vice president of construction for Ryan Cos., said the construction company is in the process of completing the structural steel, which will allow workers to install the roof and drywall in the building.

After the roof is complete, Ryan Cos., which is working with Red Apple Development on the project, will work on the interior finishes.

While construction on the building continues, Stenman said sitework will continue as well.

Although many construction projects are being delayed due to supply chain issues and inflation, Stenman said the company’s tracking tools for materials and strong partnerships with subcontractors will allow them to closely monitor supply chains.

“Our development, design and construction teams are in sync and always ready to pivot, if needed, to achieve our customers’ goals,” Stenman said.

The upper school will include a weight room, gym, black box theater, football field, tennis courts and

green space with artificial turf.

Cheryl Cendan, principal of the upper school, said students will have a say in what the classrooms will look like and what furniture will be in the school. They also will be involved in the planning of the upper school’s classrooms, extracurriculars and more.

“That’s what’s so cool about being a part of the inaugural class,” she said. “They’re going to have their seal of approval.”

In its second year, Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy will have kindergarten through seventh grade as well as ninth and 10th grade next school year. The upper and lower school will have a combined maximum enrollment of 1,140 students, which is 400 more students than this school year.

Cendan said the school still is in the planning phase for determining whether the middle school students will remain in the lower school or move to the upper school.

Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy is accepting applications for the 2023-24 school year during open enrollment, which ends Feb. 11.

Cendan said 98% of the school’s 740 current students have already committed to returning to the school next school year.

“It validated what we’re doing is what the families are seeking,” Cendan said. “We know what we have envisioned when we opened, and we really wanted to be that collaborative environment where the parents felt welcome and involved in their students’ education. We obviously have hit that mark, but of course, it’s always continuous improvement.”

Within two days of the school

TO BE DONE

that,” Cendan said. “We’re not going to have a huge number of openings though.”

Siblings of students currently enrolled at the school will receive preference.

Once families who have been awarded a seat through the lottery have accepted the seat, they will meet with Cendan and Bradley Warren, the principal of the lower school, to conduct personalized one-onone meetings to create the student’s schedule and create an academic plan.

opening its enrollment for new families Jan. 9, Cendan said more than 500 applications had been received.

Cendan said the school will have a waiting list for most grades. Families with a kindergartner or freshman will have a higher chance of being accepted because the school currently does not have any students in pre-K or eighth grade who will move into kindergarten and ninth grade next school year.

“It can be very hard to get in the other grade levels because (families) already have recommitted to next year, but of course, people move over the summer and things like

Although the school has received hundreds of applications, Cendan understands Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy is not for everyone.

“We did have some families that either weren’t good with the village model, weren’t good with the uniform, weren’t good with the type of instruction, whatever it might be,” she said.

“We’re a choice school. By all means, we continue to say how blessed are we that we are one of a good group of schools out in Lakewood Ranch. It’s better for our whole community to have options, and we’re just one of those options.”

Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy’s upper school is expected to be completed before the 2023-24 school year starts in August. Its campus will include a gym, weight room, black box theater, football field and tennis courts.

Photos by Liz Ramos

Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy’s Samantha Strohbach is one of 104 freshmen on campus. The class members will move to the upper school in August after construction is complete for their sophomore year.

BY THE NUMBERS

Library self-checkouts on the way

Manatee County Public Library System hopes to have at least one selfcheckout machine at each library by July.

LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER

Cathy Habora, a library assistant at Braden River Library, picked up a children’s book, scanned its barcode and added a radio-frequency identification tag.

One by one, Habora scanned each book to ensure it would be part of

the Manatee County Public Library System’s inventory and ready for the library system’s technology upgrades planned for this year.

More than a dozen library staff members were at Braden River Library Jan. 10-13 tagging each book, DVD and other items in the library with an radio-frequency identification tag.

“We’re beginning to see progress,” Habora said.

The tagging of the library’s inventory is a part of the Manatee County Public Library’s Systems preparations to bring in self-checkout machines to each of its seven library branches. Self-checkout machines also will be available at the Lakewood Ranch Library once it opens.

Andy Sulavik, head of technical services for the library system, said the library system has been working to bring self-checkout machines to the libraries for the past two years.

“Manatee County is moving from the best 20th century technology to the best 21st century technology,” he said.

Lyn Begraft, assistant library services manager, said there are several benefits to having a self-checkout machine, including convenience, privacy and providing staff with more time to spend interacting with residents. The machines will be able to check out several books at once.

“It’s just adding another layer of our customer service model that we feel is coming at an important time

and will allow for enhancements for the library system overall,” Begraft said. “We enjoy building relationships with our patrons, so we’re hoping this will take it to the next level in being able to spend some more time with them.”

In the third week of March, Sulavik said FE Technologies, Tech Logistics and Bibliotheca are bringing their self-checkout machines to Cen -

tral Library for staff members and selected members of the public to test out each machine and provide feedback before the county selects which machines to purchase.

“Each of them has very different functionality,” Sulavik said. “We want to make sure that whichever one we choose, both the staff and the public can use them intuitively.”

Sulavik said each machine can range between $10,000 and $15,000. He said the county expects to purchase at least 14 machines.

Sulavik said the goal is to have at least two machines installed at each library in July. Begraft said although there is a self-checkout machine, there will still be someone at the circulation desk to assist in checking items out of the library.

“I know sometimes people think if you’re having a self-check, then you don’t need a person at the circulation desk and that job is going to be eliminated,” she said. “Nothing could be further from the truth. Circulation is just one key piece of what we do.”

Although a majority of Braden River Library’s inventory was tagged while the library was closed Jan. 10-13, Begraft said tagging will be an ongoing process as hundreds of books and other items were being used by residents at the time and will need to be tagged when they are returned.

Manatee County Public Library System has nearly 500,000 items that need to be tagged.

“The staff library systemwide has been giving their all to get the project done efficiently and with as minimal impact to the communities they’re serving as possible,” Begraft said.

Any new inventory that goes into the libraries will already be tagged, so library staff won’t have to do it, Sulavik said.

The library provided curbside service while it was closed for the technology upgrades.

Other technology upgrades coming to the libraries include an upgrade of the computer management system, remote printing and color copiers.

“It’s exciting the transformation that is going to take place between now and the third week of March,” Sulavik said.

n 7 Current libraries in Manatee County n 14 Minimum number of self-checkout machines being purchased n $10,000-$15,000 Cost of a self-checkout machine n 500,000 Library items that need to be tagged for the technology upgrades n 20% Inventory being used from one library by the public at any given point

Photos by Liz Ramos

Jill Eisenbeis, a library assistant at Braden River Library, works through the children’s nonfiction section.

Jeimy Gonzalez-Bolivar (back), a library assistant at Braden River Library, and Erica Dow, an information services supervisor at Central Library, work to tag every book at the Braden River Library.

Charity in style

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

a fundraiser, one idea they discussed was a jungle theme.

The conversation didn’t last long before Fundraising Co-Chair Becca Towery suggested a Gatsby-themed party instead.

All hands went up ... for Gatsby.

“I’ve always wanted to go to a Gatsby party,” Sisterhood for Good Board Chair Amy Gorman said. “It’s a fun theme, and it’s easy to dress up.”

It’s also different.

Sisterhood for Good founder Angela Massaro-Fain said she doesn’t know of any Gatsby fundraisers being held in the region at the current time. She said she knew of one nonprofit that ran such an event on an annual basis, but the theme died out after five years.

Area nonprofits face challenges in their quest to hold events that will make money toward their missions.

Having great venues, excellent food and top entertainment leads to considerable expenses. That means a higher ticket price and a demand for an entertaining event to make it all worthwhile. Breaking even would be a loss.

The event could flop, or in this case, flap, as in the flappers of the 1920s. The Gatsby Speakeasy Soirée will be held Feb. 15 at the Hyatt Regency in Sarasota.

On Jan. 15, seven members of Sisterhood for Good went to the Central Park home of Massaro-Fain for an impromptu dress rehearsal and photo shoot.

A sense of energy and anticipation was prevalent as the ladies primped to make sure their makeup, hair, jewelry and props were just perfect.

All have been area philanthropists, or do-gooders. It seemed to be giving them devilish pleasure they were preparing for a night of being bad.

As Board Finance Chair Kathy Collums said, “It’s sinful.”

Then she offered a devilish laugh.

The ladies were wearing dresses that aren’t likely to see the light of day, or the dark of night, after the fundraiser.

Collums was fortunate because she had attended a Gatsby-themed event years ago and still had the dress.

“I thought about sending my dress to Goodwill,” she said. “But I couldn’t.”

THE FLAPPER DRESS

IF YOU GO GATSBY SPEAKEASY SOIRÉE

When: 6 p.m., Feb. 15 (The Mob Boss Cocktail hour begins at 5 p.m. for those with VIP tickets.) Where: Hyatt Regency, 1000 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota Food and entertainment: Jazz quartet, cigar station, champagne, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, served dinner (short ribs, salmon, vegetarian), music by Jonathan Cortez

Tickets: $250 VIP; $225 general, buy at SisterhoodForGood.org

Five of the other six members either went shopping online or at boutiques, such as Darci in Sarasota.

Boutique owner Darci Jacob said she keeps “fringe” dresses stocked.

“In this town, yes,” Jacob said.

“Fringe is in.”

Could the dresses be worn out side of a Gatsby event?

“Sure, why not?” Jacob said.

“But I wouldn’t wear it to Publix.”

While the dresses were sparkling, they were covered with strings of pearls almost as big as Hula Hoops.

And don’t for get the gloves, and the feath ers.

Towery has been research ing the style of the Roaring ’20s, includ ing shoes and hair styles.

“I researched the hair, and it’s all about pin curls,” she said.

Towery, a fashion stylist and beauty/ image consultant, will wear a long, flowing dress that narrows to her feet.

“Nobody is going to see my shoes,” she said with a laugh.

“The flapper dress is an iconic and enduring symbol of a new and exciting period in fashion. The roaring ’20s were also famously known as the age of the flappers. This generation was described as reckless yet bright young people that excitedly and shamelessly, smoked, drank and danced the decade away.”

Sisterhood for Good hopes Gatsby-themed party strikes gold for nonprofits.

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SO WHAT IS A FLAPPER?

“In a Feb. 5, 1920 article that appeared in the New York Times, Dr. R. Murray-Leslie identified the flapper as: ‘the social butterfly type … the frivolous, scantily clad, jazzing flapper, irresponsible and undisciplined, to whom a dance, a new hat or a man with a car were of more importance than the fate of nations.”

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CEO / Matt Walsh

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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

When Lakewood Ranch’s Sisterhood for Good members gathered to talk about hosting

— The Fashion History Museum

Photos by Jay Heater

Roxanne Sima didn’t have to shop for a dress to wear to the Gatsby event because her boyfriend gave it to her as a Christmas present.

Kathy Osterberg, Becca Towery, Amy Gorman, Maria MacDonald, Roxanne Sima, Kathy Collums and Angela Massaro-Fain toast to good times.

Angela MassaroFain and Amy Gorman are ready to misbehave at the fundraiser.

On the run with the Community Fund

Fitness at Waterside Place, also donated items for the drawings.

Neubecker is the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund committee chair for the Feb. 18 Run for the Beads, a 5K run/walk with a goal of generating funds for regional nonprofits. The event will be held at Waterside Place.

It is a daunting task for someone who has never organized a running event fundraiser. The biggest challenge was how to separate the event from the dozens of garden-variety runs.

Neubecker had an idea: Mardi Gras.

“I had done some research on Mardi Gras races,” Neubecker said. “There are none here. So I thought, this time of year is a good time for races because it’s cooler. The chance of no rain is pretty good.

“We could do something cool. I knew nothing about races, but I came up with a theme and people loved it.”

The event is part of a more aggressive trend by the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund to brand itself and to raise more money for the region’s nonprofits. That movement began in October with the fund’s first Wine & Giving event that was held at Esplanade Golf and Country Club. The fundraiser generated a net profit of more than $60,000.

“Run for the Beads” will be the fund’s second big event meant to not only raise funds, but to introduce itself to the community.

Those introductions will be limited, though, if Neubecker and her committee members can’t draw a large crowd to Waterside Place.

One of Neubecker’s selling points is the race’s after-party. Certainly, she wants as many die-hard runners as possible, and toward that goal she enlisted Fit 2 Run to handle

the event’s nuts and bolts. Fit 2 Run oversees all of the region’s top runs, and while it does take a monetary investment, it shows the serious runners that everything they need will be in place.

Fast runners, however, can sometimes be seen running away from events as soon as they cross the finish line. Neubecker wants those who participate in Run to the Beads, to know the party is just starting after the run is over.

That can be difficult when the race begins at 8 a.m.

“We thought about, ‘How do we put it all together?’” Neubecker said.

One way is to give things away. Enter all the participants’ numbers into a hat and hold prize drawings.

“We have some good giveaways,” she said. “We have $300 of Fit 2 Run cards that we will be giving away in increments of $50.”

Other businesses, such as 3 Form

Participants are being encouraged to dress in Mardi Gras attire to help build a fun atmosphere.  Anyone who registers will receive beads and masks (of the Mardi Gras variety) in their packet.

DJ Jose Ramirez will keep the tunes spinning and Neubecker is working on some live music.

As runners come through the finish line, they will be handed fleurde-lis necklaces.

An actual awards ceremony will be held to honor the top male and female runners. Awards will be handed out for best costume and largest community or workplace team.

Professional clowns will be entertaining throughout the after-party. Artists will perform body and face painting for both adults and kids.

There will be beer, and beignets, not necessarily together.

Food trucks will include Shiny Gumbo, Bowled Life and Carousel’s Soft Serve Icery. The kids can whack a piñada or do crafts at the mask-making table.

Anyone so inclined can join the Mardi Gras parade.

Neubecker, a retired educator, is hoping she has put together a party you don’t want to miss, and in turn, it will allow the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund to meet potential volunteers.

Her own introduction to the fund came in 2020 after she had moved to Central Park. Lakewood Ranch Community Activities was hosting a new homeowner orientation and the guest speaker that day was David Fink, who at the time was the fund’s chair of the board.

Right away Fink, who remains a fund board member, hit it off with Neubecker, who had been involved with nonprofits most of her life.

“My husband (Gary Moore) and I were living in Hilton Head (South Carolina) and we were looking to

move farther south. We had been there nine years and Hilton Head had very rainy winters. We had looked at several places in Florida, but we started reading about Lakewood Ranch. We began only looking at Lakewood Ranch communities.”

In Hilton Head, she was a board member on the Moss Creek Charitable Fund, and her past volunteer work included 18 years with the Rotary.

“I just get such a reward back from helping people,” she said. “It’s such a thrill when people open their wallets and give, when you know it is going to something wonderful. It’s kind of selfish on my part because you get such a reward from it.”

Fink explained to her how the roots of the fund and Lakewood Ranch itself had run a parallel course. She agreed to volunteer for a fund event at the Sarasota Polo Club, handling the table decorations, and her commitment to the fund was off and running.

“We are moving forward to engage Realtors and builders, and getting the word out. When I say the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund, people in general will say ‘What is that?’ So it is about getting the word out.”

During the Run for the Beads, Neubecker said signs will be posted all along the course giving blips of information about the fund.

For information about the race, go to LWRFund.org.

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

Jay Heater

Annemarie Neubecker has organized a fundraiser for the Community Fund.

Risen Savior rises to new challenge

The Christian Academy in Lakewood Ranch is adding a new kindergarten class in August.

LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER

Risen Savior Academy is welcoming a new kindergarten class to its school starting in August.  The Christian school has been constructing a wing to add 20 kindergartners to its school, which already has pre-K, as part of its expansion to start an elementary school on campus.

Pastor Caleb Free said the vision for an elementary school on its campus began in 2021.

The 5,500-square-feet elementary wing with four classrooms is the first step in the church’s expansion. Construction has begun and is expected to be complete in July.

“We have parents who are thrilled there’s a private Christian elementary school right here in Lakewood Ranch,” said Jodi Batsch, an elementary school administrator. “That is a continuation from our preschool, so that Christian education they’re getting in preschool is then tied into their elementary school.”

Batsch said one reason for the expansion is to “reach more families with the word of God.”

“Having students here for sixand-a-half hours a day and having their families invested in that education gives us an opportunity to share the love of Jesus with them every day,” she said. “That’s our core mission.”

The kindergarten classroom will mimic the school’s pre-K classrooms but with more technology. Each student will have an iPad assigned to them, and there will be interactive displays for teachers and assistants to use to teach.

“One of the coolest things about starting a school from scratch is that the canvas is blank, and we are able to shape and mold it in ways that are

IF YOU GO

RISEN

SAVIOR ACADEMY ELEMENTARY INFORMATIONAL SESSION

When: 5:30 p.m. Jan. 30

Where: Risen Savior Academy, 14605 59th Ave. E., Lakewood Ranch Details: Learn more about Risen Savior Academy’s addition of kindergarten and the beginning of its elementary school. Tour classrooms and attend a presentation and question-and-answer session. More information: Call 756-7545 or email RSaviorAcademy@gmail.com

going to serve our students and their families,” Free said.

“Families will be able to help us do that as they get to know us and we get the school off the ground and running.”

Free said there will be a handson approach to learning rather than students sitting at a desk working on worksheets.

The new wing will house kindergarten through third grade. The school will then build another wing for fourth through eighth grade starting in 2025 to become a K-8 school.

Jodi Batsch, an elementary administrator, and Caleb Free, pastor at Risen Savior Lutheran Church, are excited to expand Risen Savior Academy to include kindergarten. The classrooms will look similar to the school’s pre-K classrooms.

Liz Ramos

13-year-

Kneading tradition

LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER

Lakewood Ranch’s Marilyn Abrams mixed her challah dough ingredients as best she could with a spoon before putting on a pair of gloves and kneading the dough by hand.  She looked over to her 13-year-old granddaughter, Rachel Abrams, and her daughter-in-law, Marni Abrams, and smiled.

Marilyn Abrams watched for a moment as Rachel and Marni worked swiftly to follow along in the baking process. They each added flour to their yeast and water before moving onto the next step.

Although Marilyn Abrams had been attending the Jewish Women’s Center’s Mega Challah Bake for years, Jan. 12 was the first time she was able to enjoy the experience with Rachel and Marni Abrams, who live in Sarasota.

“We have three generations of Abrams here,” Marilyn Abrams said with a smile. “I’ve lived my life for this.”

The Mega Challah Bake, which was held Jan. 12 at the Grove, was an opportunity for Marilyn Abrams to pass the tradition onto her daughterin-law and granddaughter.

“We’re instilling it into younger generation, hoping that (Rachel Abrams) will do the same,” Marni Abrams said. “When she becomes a mother, God willing, she will teach her children.”

Chanie Bukiet, director of the Jewish Women’s Circle, has loved seeing more women bringing their children to the Mega Challah Bake each year.  Bukiet said one of the three mitzvot (commandments) Jewish women have is making challah. The other

WHAT IS CHALLAH?

Challah is a special mitzvah for Jewish women. Chanie Bukiet, director of the Jewish Women’s Circle, said challah symbolically shows that it’s not about what people need for themselves but is about giving to others.

Challah bread is usually braided and eaten on ceremonial occasions, including Shabbat and major Jewish holidays.

two are lighting the Shabbat candles and family purity.

“Those are the three cornerstones that are entrusted specifically to a woman because she has so much influence in her home,” she said.

“When we have 250 ladies here, it’s not just about them. It’s about them being powerful women in their circle of influence, and we’re celebrating and empowering them to continue to be able to do that.”

Lakewood Ranch 12-year-old Ariella Vinokurov was the one helping her 24-year-old sister, Michelle Vinokurov, and her mother, Vicki Vinokurov, learn how to make challah. Ariella Vinokurov has made challah at school, but Michelle Vinokurov and Vicki Vinokurov were making challah for the first time.

Michelle Vinokurov couldn’t wait to learn.

Vicki Vinokurov said the Mega Challah Bake was an opportunity to bond with her daughters while learning about an important Jewish tradition.

“It’s very special because you work and don’t always have time for family, but this event is to bring the family together,” Vicki Vinokurov said.

Sarasota’s Marni Abrams participates in the Mega Challah Bake with her motherin-law, Lakewood Ranch’s Marilyn Abrams, and her

old daughter, Rachel Abrams. “We have three generations of Abrams here,” Marilyn Abrams says with a smile. Liz Ramos

Myakka reopens with near-record bird count

On Dec. 19, 2022, after being closed since Hurricane Ian because of wind and flood damage, Myakka River State Park reopened to the public. And in the early hours of that very day, 45 birders arrived to participate in the 76th Myakka River Christmas Bird Count. The Christmas Bird Count is a National Audubon Society community science project. It helps highlight conservation action required to protect birds and the habitats they need to survive. And in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, which impacted natural systems that serve as critical habitat for countless bird species, expectations for the count were low.

This year’s birders, many of whom have participated for decades, covered almost 124 miles in areas rendered unrecognizable by the storm. Access was hampered by stormfallen trees and unseasonably high water levels. Nonetheless, they spotted a record 126 species, just one shy of the highest number recorded in 1996, and counted an impressive 19,903 individual birds.

It was a very good year for wild turkeys, an especially meaningful species for Myakka River State Park. When the park was established in 1941 with the goal of protecting this ecologically significant place and its inhabitants, many species of native wildlife, including wild turkey, had been hunted to near extirpation.

Wild turkey are once again abundant at Myakka, largely due to one of the park’s first mangers, Allen Crowley, who “imported” and bred the birds, then reintroduced them to the park.

Also of interest, the population of American bald eagles, Myakka’s largest raptors, remained stable, despite nest trees blown over and nests destroyed by the storm. Stable numbers were also reported for wood storks, a federally designated threatened species. Like many Florida native birds associated with wetlands, this species has suffered from habitat loss and degradation due to development and greatly depend on protected lands.

Our natural areas and their inhabitants, which are essential for the health of our ecosystems, will continue to recover from this storm’s impact, as they have many times before. We can support this recovery by minimizing harmful humanrelated impacts and continuing to support and protect public lands.

—MIRI HARDY, FRIENDS OF THE MYAKKA RIVER CONTRIBUTOR

Friends of Myakka River exists to support Myakka River State Park and the Wild and Scenic Myakka River. Together, we’re protecting and sharing Myakka’s Magic, to the benefit of future generations, and our own. Follow us @FriendsOfMyakkaRiver

COME ON BACK!

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

An exploration beyond the pavement.

Miri Hardy

In the aftermath of the Hurricane Ian, access to the park was hampered by storm-fallen trees and unseasonably high water levels.

IT’S READ EVERYWHERE

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

PEAK MOMENT: Fitzhugh Elder, Christina Elder, Jill Wellinger and Rick Wellinger, of Lakewood Ranch, enjoy lunch in Sorrento, Italy, with Mount Vesuvius in the background. They brought along their East County Observers

Fast Break

Touring Europe is a snap

It took some time, but former Lakewood Ranch High girls basketball star LaDazhia Williams is finally playing up to her lofty potential at the college level. Outside of two games missed because of injury, Williams has started 16 games for the No. 5-ranked LSU Tigers (18-0) and is averaging 8.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game as of Jan. 16.

… Spring Training games begin Feb. 25, and the Pittsburgh Pirates are looking for local volunteers through the Bradenton Pirates Booster Club. If you are interested in being an usher, greeter or program salesperson, call Club President Mike Roteman at 412-260-7232 or club secretary Debbie Tropeck at 412-512-8001.

The top high school sporting event to attend in the next week is Braden River High boys basketball home game against Sarasota High at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 24. The Pirates are 12-4 as of Jan. 16; the Sailors are 14-4.

Lakewood Ranch native Sasha Pastujov continues to produce in the Ontario Hockey League. The 19-year-old, whose NHL rights are owned by the Anaheim Ducks, is tied for 14th in the league with 48 points (22 goals, 26 assists) as of Jan. 16 despite playing in less games (32) than all but one player above him on the leaderboard.

… The New Paddler Day event at Nathan Benderson Park has been rescheduled for Jan. 29, so if you missed it Jan. 14 because of inclement weather, you are going to get another chance.

Jeff Siegel used a 7-iron to sink a hole-in-one on the 151yard No. 4 hole of Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club’s Royal Lakes course on Jan. 11.

RYAN KOHN SPORTS EDITOR

Successfully completing a bus ride is a big deal for Louis Colosimo.

Growing up in Sarasota and Bradenton counties, Colosimo never had much need to use public transportation. That is why in 2022 the former Braden River High and Davidson College quarterback was nervous about using the bus system in Sollerod, Denmark, on his first day as a member of the Gold Diggers, the town’s American football team.

When Colosimo arrived to the team facilities on time, he was elated. He told his teammates — most of whom spoke English — how proud of himself he was of the accomplishment. They all laughed at him. To them, using public transportation was a way of life.

There were plenty of adjustments he would have to make living in Denmark, but enduring a ribbing? That felt natural.

“Everyone made me feel at home,” Colosimo said.

Colosimo’s journey almost didn’t happen. He was ready to hang up his cleats after graduating from Davidson in 2021.

In fact, he was mulling his job options in the nonsports world in Charlotte, North Carolina, when the Gold Diggers sent him a private message on Instagram.

The team’s pitch was a one-year deal. The Gold Diggers would pay for his apartment, a transportation pass, a gym membership and provide him with discounts at various restaurants, plus a monthly stipend. In return, Colosimo would play for the Gold Diggers’ as well as help coach the organization’s U19 team.

Colosimo said the coaching aspect of the deal was as important to the team as adding his physical skills. In Denmark, he said they are always trying to hoard a deep knowledge of the game. Instilling modern day concepts in the country’s younger players is how the overall talent pool of the country will improve.

“The way I’d put it is, there were high school senior- and college-aged players on the team, but their football IQ and development was at a middle school or high school freshman level,” Colosimo said. “The serious kids start playing at 12 or 13. Most don’t until 14 or 15. So when they’re 19, they’ve been playing four or five

years, not nine or 10 like kids in the U.S. Some of the kids on the (U19) team were still learning the rules. But they were all willing to learn.”

What struck Colosimo the most was Danish football players’ dedication to the sport. In Denmark, American football is, for most people, a part-time passion. The Gold Diggers only practiced twice a week, in the evenings, when they were done with their day jobs. Despite the condensed schedule, players studied as much as they could, some even going to bed early, then waking up at 2 a.m. local time to watch Monday or Thursday Night Football live. Denmark is six hours ahead of the Eastern time zone in the U.S.

Colosimo helped coach the U19 team to a Danish National Championship victory, and he led his own team to a title game appearance, but lost. As much fun as he had on the field in 2022, it wasn’t what made him say yes to the opportunity. Colosimo said he saw the offer as a chance to explore the world before starting the next phase of his life — a phase that he knows will likely not include football. Colosimo said he used his off days to travel across Europe via the rail system, taking in as many sights as he could.

Living off a stipend was not exactly the high life, Colosimo said, but he’s grateful that his passion for football gave him such a rare opportunity. In fact, Colosimo’s jaunt to Denmark was so successful, he has decided to extend his football career one more year. In 2023, Colosimo will play for Mastini Verona of the Italian Football League. Colosimo said he mulled offers from several teams in Europe before deciding that a chance to

play in Italy, where his family is from, was too good to turn down. He’s visited Rome and Milan in the past, he said, but getting to live in the country and fully embed himself in the culture is important to him.

In Denmark, Colosimo said, the language barrier was never an issue since so many people speak English as a second language. In Italy, the number of English speakers in much lower, around 30%, so Colosimo has been learning as much Italian as he can, a challenge that is exciting to him.

From a football perspective, Colosimo will be joining a team that played its first season at the Series A level, the highest in the sport, in 2022. The team’s namesake city is Verona, but the team will actually play its games in Bolzano because of a lack of a true home stadium. In other words, a trip to the league’s championship game, the Italian Bowl, is unlikely, though it would be interesting. The 2023 Italian Bowl will be played at the Glass Bowl in Toledo, Ohio. His season starts March 12.

However the season plays out is OK with Colosimo, who is taking a deal similar to his deal in Denmark. All he wants is to enjoy himself, the European lifestyle and football while he still can. As of now, Colosimo’s plan is for 2023 to be his last year on the gridiron.

“The only reason I’m still playing football is because of this European experience,” Colosimo said.

“If some indoor football team in Iowa wanted me to keep playing, I probably would not do it. But with this, I get to be in Italy and still have my passion for football. It’s pretty awesome.”

“I’m left-footed, which gives me an advantage. Defenders don’t see that as much.”

soccer player Abbey Burwood

Courtesy photo

Former Lakewood Ranch High star LaDazhia Williams is a starter at undefeated LSU.

Former Braden River and Davidson College quarterback finds he can explore Europe by passing on a ‘real’ job.

Former Braden River QB Louis Colosimo uses his football skills to tour Europe, playing pro football in Denmark in 2022 and next in Italy in 2023.

Courtesy photos

Former Braden River QB Louis Colosimo used his off days in Denmark to explore the country and to see other parts of Europe.

TITLE RUN?

KOHN SPORTS REPORTER

In some ways, the Lakewood Ranch High girls soccer match against Manatee looked more like a football game.

A Mustangs player would send a deep pass down the field, as a teammate would sprint past the Hurricanes defense to catch up to the ball — carefully avoiding an offsides call — like a wide receiver getting open on a go route. The player would then make a move on the goalkeeper, firing a shot into the back of the net. Different variations of this scenario played out 10 times.

And that was in the first half.

The sport’s mercy rule ended the game there, at 10-0, but the Mustangs (11-0-1) were scoring at will on Manatee (0-11). The Hurricanes were not Lakewood Ranch’s toughest competition this season, but other teams have not fared much better. The Mustangs are outscoring opponents 68-4 and 28-0 in their last four games.

A 0-0 finish with North Fort Myers High (7-2-3) on Dec. 8 is the only blemish on the Mustangs’ record and is one of just two games to be decided by one goal or less, the other being a 2-1 win over Saint Stephen’s Episcopal (9-2) on Nov. 29.

The team’s dominance has made an impression on MaxPreps. The Mustangs are ranked No. 3 in Class 7A as of Jan. 14.

STATE CONTENDERS

Between the team’s recent play and its ranking, Lakewood Ranch has its eyes on a potential state championship run. The Mustangs have had consistently strong regular seasons under coach Delaney Riggins, who took over the program in 2018, but have bowed out of the postseason earlier than they would like. Last year, Lakewood Ranch finished the

regular season 13-3-3, but fell 1-0 to Palm Harbor University High in the regional semifinals.

The leaders of the Mustangs feel this year can be different.

“We’re more technical than we were last year,” senior captain Regan Kelly said. “We have a lot of speed up top with Sophie (Lemus, junior captain). We can play a lot of ways. So it’s not that we have more depth, but we’re more varied.”

Kelly said that under Riggins, the team does not have a set strategy of what it wants to do on the attack — in contract to the Mustangs boys team, which uses coach Vito Bavaro’s signature three-man weave to great effect.

FIND THE WEAKNESS

Instead, the girls team finds its opponent’s weakness before each game and exploits it, ideally resulting in not just goals but an advantage in possession time.

The less the other team has the ball, the fewer chances they have to score. The strategy has worked as well as it ever has this season, thanks to the Mustangs’ variety of skill players. Against Manatee, the team used its natural talent advantage to end the game early. Against better teams, playing a more finesse game and finding holes in the defense might be required.

Lemus leads the team with 15 goals, but six Mustangs have at least four goals. Seniors like Kelly patrol the midfield and make sure opponents don’t get any easy goal-scoring opportunities in transition, while also setting up the team’s forwards.

Goalkeeper Amelia Gumerova, a junior, has only been forced to make 3.4 saves per game, but she’s come up big when needed.

“Everyone brings different characteristics,” Kelly said.

As intense as the Mustangs can be on the field, their players take things

in stride off the field, not paying any mind to things that don’t break their way — or, in one case, things that break completely. Before the team’s game against George Jenkins High on Nov. 15, Lemus was caught in a bus toilet malfunction that sprayed water over her game uniform. After laughing off the incident with her teammates, Lemus refocused. There was no time to change, so she just had to play. The Mustangs won the game 4-0, and Lemus recorded a goal and an assist. Lemus said the water incident is her favorite memory from the season, at least so far.

She and her teammates would like the team to be a memory-maker for more of the student body, too. At the Manatee game, only the girls’ parents lined the stands. Kelly said sometimes the team will get a mention on the morning announcements, but otherwise, the hallways are not exactly buzzing with girls soccer fever, despite the team’s ascendance.

MORE SUPPORT WANTED

“It would be nice to have a bigger crowd, for sure,” Kelly said.

The Mustangs are not sure why their games don’t draw more fans. Whatever the reason, the school now has a chance to hop on the bandwagon before a potentially deep playoff run. Lakewood Ranch has three

Lemus said she expects the Mustangs to see Palm Harbor (11-0, No. 2 in Class 7A) in the regional tournament again this year. Lemus said she and Kelly have friends on Palm Harbor from club soccer who have not let the duo forget how last year went.

“We’re ready to win this time,” Lemus said.

RYAN

regular-season games remaining as a tuneup. The toughest of the three should be a road game against Parrish Community High, which is 13-4 and ranked No. 7 in Class 5A by MaxPreps. Then again, the Mustangs beat the Bulls 4-1 on Dec. 12.

The Mustangs are peaking at the right time, outscoring opponents 28-0 in their last four games.

Photos by Ryan Kohn

Sophie Lemus gets a high-five from Gabrielle Madrid after Lemus scored against Manatee High.

Lakewood Ranch’s Sophie Lemus leads the Mustangs with 15 goals as of Jan. 13..

Abbey Burwood

Abbey Burwood is a junior midfielder on The Out-of-Door Academy girls soccer team. Burwood, who has been on the varsity team since her seventh grade season, led the Thunder to victory in the four-team Sunshine State Athletic Conference tournament, held Jan. 13-14 at Saint Stephen’s Episcopal. ODA is now 7-3 as of Jan. 16. Burwood has 11 goals in 2022-23.

When did you start playing soccer?

I started at age 5. I got into it because of my sister (Cayla Dammann). She played soccer, and I wanted to play, too.

What is the appeal to you?

I’m competitive. I like being on a team and playing with my best friends.

What is your best skill?

I’m good at taking the ball down the line and crossing passes into the box. I’m left-footed, which gives me an advantage. Defenders don’t see that as much. They can’t anticipate that I can shoot that way.

What have you been working to improve?

Our team this year is young. We have some middle school players. The biggest focus for me has been trying to include the young players in everything and help them learn our program and playing style. Be ing a veteran player, I had to do a good job of that, telling them they did a good job or that it’s OK if they make a mistake.

What did the SSAC tournament win over Saint Stephen’s (0-0, 4-2 on penalty kicks) mean for the team?

It was important. We had played them twice already this season, with us winning

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.

1-0 at home and them winning 2-0 at their home. Our schools are rivals, so every game between us is even more competitive than other games.

I think it will give us confidence to close out the season.

What is your favorite ODA memory?

When I first joined the varsity team in seventh grade, I got to play in my sister’s Senior Night game. That was special for me since I started playing the sport because of her.

What is the best advice you have received?

My dad (Gene Burwood) always says, ‘I can’t want it more than you can.’ You have to motivate yourself, whatever it is your doing. You have to decide to do it. If you don’t want to, why are you doing it in the first place?

Finish this sentence: “Abbey Burwood is …”

Passionate. Everything I do, I want to be the best at it.

YOUR NEIGHBORS

SOLD ON THE FAIR

With the steer auction about ready to begin Saturday at the Manatee County Fair, the 4-H and FFA members who were showing livestock were busy making final preparations.

But it wasn’t just a few hours of preparation. Those kids had been preparing for the event for quite some time.

“It’s not a day long, not a week long — it’s nine months,” said Bradenton rancher Warren Rogers, whose Big Mac steer was being shown by Lakewood Ranch’s Hunter McGrath, an eighth grader at Mona Jain Middle School.

McGrath said the experience of caring for Big Mac was both fun and educational.

McGrath’s mother, Peggy Kronus, said it would be difficult to see the steer finally go after being auctioned off.

“It’s going to be sad tonight,” Kronus said. “Last night was tough, and this morning was tough.”

While cold temperatures kept the crowd small, those who attended the fair Jan. 14 enjoyed all it had to offer.

“Very cold. Very good,” Bradenton’s Trucilla Anderson said.

The fair continues through Jan. 22.

Palmetto 4-year-old Levi Karnitz, his great-aunt, North Port’s Kathy Ellefson, and his 9-year-old sister, Justine, feed the llamas at Giraffic Park Menagerie and Zoo.

— IAN SWABY

Photos by Ian Swaby

Parrish 3-year-old Harper Dillon and her mother, Ashley Dillon, enjoy a swinging Manatee County Fair.

Myakka City’s Wendell Lanier, Parrish’s Oliver Empsall, and Myakka City’s Mellanne Coddington and Jacy Lanier explore the fairgrounds.

Pinnacle Academy seventh grader Weston Dimon heads back to the barn after showing off Rooster in the auction.

Bradenton 4-year-old Eliza Gore and 3-year-old Colson Wynot watch the Hollywood Racing Pigs.

Bradenton 6-year-old Colin Sconberg braves the Drop Tower alone.

Daniel Jolley (back) from Vermont, known as “Pirate Man Dan,” and Bradenton’s Marc Dobson give a roving street performance, passing by Palmetto’s 3-year-old Brody Brouwer and his father, Gus Brouwer.

THURSDAY, JAN. 19 THROUGH SUNDAY, JAN. 22

LIVE MUSIC AT JIGGS LANDING

Runs each day from 3-6 p.m., except for Sundays, when it runs from 2:305:30 p.m. at Jiggs Landing, 6106 63rd St. E., Bradenton. Jiggs Landing hosts live music, including The Koko Ray Show (rock, funk, R&B, soul) on Thursday, Al Fuller’s Moonlight Movers (blues, rock) on Friday, The Divebombers (country, rock) on Saturday, and Nax Steel (jazz, Latin, soul, R&B;) on Sunday. A $5 cover is charged on Fridays and Saturdays; the other days are free. For more information, go to JiggsLanding.com.

Festival offers original, handmade works by artisans. Artwork includes paintings, sculptures, jewelry, photos, glass, ceramics, fiber and woodworking, among other items. Admission is free. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

SUNDAY, JAN. 22

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.

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.

YOUR CALENDAR

COMMUNITY

FRIDAY, JAN. 20 AND

SATURDAY, JAN. 21

MUSIC AT THE PLAZA

Runs from 6-9 p.m. both days at Waterside Place, 1561 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch. Live music will be provided by singer/songwriter 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, singer/musician Frankie Lombardi performs acoustic rock and pop. For more information, go to WatersidePlace.com.

SATURDAY, JAN. 21 AND SUNDAY, JAN. 22

FINE ARTS FESTIVAL

Runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch. The Lakewood Ranch Fine Arts

Children 12 and younger admitted free. Dogs are welcome on a leash.

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. 25

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.

In the U.S., more than 40 million Americans suffer from varicose veins, or the more serious form of vein disease, chronic venous insufficiency. It can affect up to 40 percent of adults and goes largely undiagnosed and untreated.

Varicose veins are more common in those who are overweight and in women who have had multiple pregnancies. The disease is three times more frequent in women, however, 25 percent of men will also develop the disease during their lifetime.

WHAT IS VENOUS REFLUX DISEASE?

Healthy leg veins have valves that keep blood flowing to the heart. Venous reflux disease develops when the valves stop working properly and allow blood to flow backward (i.e., reflux) and pool in the lower leg veins. If venous reflux disease is left untreated, symptoms will worsen over time. As a result, vein valves will not close properly, leading to signs and symptoms such as:

Cramping

Heaviness or Tiredness

Discoloration

Open Ulcers

AM I AT RISK?

Women are more likely to have varicose veins than men. If you are a smoker, there is a greater chance it causes damage to your blood vessels, increasing your chances of vein disease. If you have a history of blood clots, this can result in higher risk for developing varicose and spider veins.

HOW IS VENOUS REFLUX DISEASE TREATED?

For a small number of patients, conservative treatment alone (compression stockings) may improve blood flow. For other patients, closing the diseased vein may be necessary to improve blood flow. Closing the diseased vein directs blood to nearby healthy veins and can be achieved with VenaSeal®, Varithena® microfoam, radiofrequency ablations, and/or ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy. You don’t have to suffer from the pain and discomfort of venous reflux disease. Florida Lakes Vein Center offers state-of-the-art, minimally invasive

sponsored content

File photo

Jiggs Landing in Bradenton hosts live music every day.

Hello to a new you

Marina Bourantonis, owner of Thavma Yoga, kicked off her yoga class in front of Sirius Day Spa with breathing exercises.

“We will do some heart openers to start the year with a nice, open heart,” she said.

The yoga class was the beginning of Sirius Day Spa’s New Year, New You event Jan. 12 at the spa at the Green in Lakewood Ranch.

Sirius Day Spa partnered with 3 Natives and Modern Gents for the event, which benefited Sisterhood for Good.

Lakewood Ranch’s Heather Lyon said the class was rejuvenating. She said the event was a reminder that people are not alone in their New Year’s resolutions.

Lakewood Ranch’s Heather Bachtel, who is a Brain Health Scholar and LECOM medical student, said she was happy to be with like-minded individuals.

“You want to focus on building a sustainable lifestyle that can be maintained throughout the entire year and not just at the beginning of the year,” Bachtel said.

— LIZ RAMOS

Lakewood Ranch’s Gabrielle Bachtel, who is a Brain Health Scholar and a LECOM medical student, says it was a beautiful day to participate in Sirius Day Spa’s New Year, New You event, which included a yoga class.

Photos by Liz Ramos

Sisterhood for Good’s Kathy Osterberg and Becca Towery, Thavma Yoga owner Marina Bourantonis, Sirius Day Spa owner Karen Medford, Brain Health Initiative founder and Executive Director Stephanie Peabody and Sisterhood for Good’s Graceann Frederico were loving Sirius Day Spa’s New Year, New You event, which benefits Sisterhood for Good.

Lakewood Ranch’s

rejuvenating.

beat up during the yoga class.

Angela Massaro-Fain, founder of Sisterhood for Good, shares

profit’s mission.

Go ahead and jump!

he $50,000 Grand Prix of Sarasota at the TerraNova Equine Center on Jan. 14 in Myakka City included a Mick Jagger sighting.

No, not the rock singer.

Mick Jagger, ridden by New Zealand Olympian Sharn Wordley, finished just short of the title, unable to match Ocala rider Kristen VanderVeen and Jireh.

Wordley placed both second with Mick Jagger as well as third with his entry Gatsby.

Wordley and Mick Jagger had no satisfaction from the second-place finish.

Twenty horse-and-rider combinations competed for the event, which attracted an international field.

Australian Olympian Scott Keach placed fourth on Wild Thing and fifth on Cencorinue.

— JAY HEATER

Photos by Jay Heater

Brooks Hull and Zechariah are coming straight ahead at the $50,000 Grand Prix of Sarasota.

Kristen VanderVeen and Jasmijn race through the course at the TerraNova Equestrian Center during the $50,000 Grand Prix of Sarasota. Although that pair didn’t make the final four, VanderVeen won the event aboard Jireh.

Christian Dior balks at jumping, and that sent Craig Starr out of the saddle. He managed to land on his feet and wasn’t injured.

Stephanie Gallucci brings down Broken Heart after a successful jump.

Scott Keach and Wild Thing had a clean run to qualify for the jumpoffs.

Haley Gassel soars on Iliano Van D’Abelendreef but failed to complete a clean run, which took them out of the competition.

choice

Waterside

Lakewood Ranch by Stock Development

Lake Club home tops sales at $3,509,000

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

Ahome in Lake View Estates at Lake Club topped all transactions in this week’s real estate. George Elliott Mitchell and Herbert Clark West, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 14839 Como Circle to Eric Audette and Wendy Jestings, of Bradenton, for $3,509,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 4,314 square feet of living area. It sold for $2,085,500 in 2020.

LAKEHOUSE COVE AT WATERSIDE

Peter Sibinkic and Heather Antritt, of Sarasota, sold their home at 765 Tailwaind Place to Pierre Alfredo Goria III and Tara Amidi Goria, of Santa Rosa Beach, for $1,717,500.

Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,451 square feet of living area. It sold for $775,000 in 2021.

ESPLANADE

Robert and Judith Volpe, of Bradenton, sold their home at 13218 Treviso Drive to Joseph McAleese, trustee, of Bradenton, for $1.47 million. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,090 square feet of living area. It sold for $567,800 in 2016.

LAKEWOOD NATIONAL

William and Susan Morris sold their home at 5539 Arnie Loop to Kevin and Mary Hittinger, of Bradenton, for $1,285,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,815 square feet of living area. It sold for $700,000 in 2017.

Timothy Dennis Swenson and Rhonda Swenson sold their home at 5514 Mulligan Way to William Francis Cummings and Paula Marie Cummings, of Hebron, Connecticut, for $1.1 million. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,388 square feet of living area. It sold for $613,500 in 2020.

GREENBROOK

Lee and Cheryl Irwin, of Williston, sold their home at 6715 Ladyfish Trail to Jeffrey and Erin Nowakowski, of Schererville, Indiana, for $995,000. Built in 2006, it has six bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,039 square feet of living area. It sold for $740,000 in 2020.

STONEYBROOK AT HERITAGE HARBOUR

Robert and Wendy Smith, of Spring Hill, Tennessee, sold their home at 7570 Camden Harbour Drive to James and Kimberly Reed, of Bradenton, for $888,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,193 square feet of living area. It sold for $810,000 in 2021.

PRESERVE AT PANTHER RIDGE

Robert and Susan Chmura, of Bradenton, sold their home at 8234 Snowy Egret Place to Purchasing Fund 2020-1 LLC for $865,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,633 square feet of living area. It sold for $575,000 in 2019.

BRADEN RIVER RANCHETTES

Juan Cerrillo-Cabrera, of Lakewood Ranch, sold his home at 7210 28th Ave. E. to DTQ Property LLC for $820,000. Built in 1971, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,700 square feet of living area. It sold for $770,000 in 2022.

BRIDGEWATER

Daniel Lee Gomez and Peggy Annetta Gomez, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the home at 13419 Swiftwater Way to David and Rosemary Rheiner, of Bradenton, for $807,500. Built in 2016, it has four

bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,427 square feet of living area. It sold for $535,000 in 2020.

WINDWARD

Neal Communities of Southwest Florida LLC sold the home at 2802 Butterfly Jasmine Trail to Mei Hwa Yu, trustee, of Mission Viejo, California, for $800,600. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three-and-ahalf baths and 3,097 square feet of living area.

Neal Communities of Southwest Florida LLC sold the home at 2562 Wild Cherry Path to Laurie and Eugene Carfora, of Sarasota, for $506,900. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,066 square feet of living area.

Neal Communities of Southwest Florida LLC sold the home at 2891 Butterfly Jasmine Trail to Mary Stephens, trustee, of Sarasota, for $409,400. Built in 2022, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,527 square feet of living area.

COUNTRY CLUB

Fernando Pires sold his home at 7466 Edenmore St. to Christopher Feeney and Jennifer Feeney, trustees, of Lakewood Ranch, for $749,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,186 square feet of living area. It sold for $415,000 in 2020.

WENTWORTH

Annemarie Verling, of Switzerland, sold the home at 7354 Windermere Lane to Albert and Janice Cox, of University Park, for $668,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,984 square feet of living area.

BRADEN WOODS

Jacques and Gretchen PanetRaymond, of Palmetto, sold their home at 6203 98th St. E. to Ed and Jennine Dawkins, of Bradenton, for $642,000. Built in 1985, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 2,261 square feet of living area. It sold for $279,000 in 2014.

CARRIAGE RUN AT UNIVERSITY

PLACE

Carolyn Lorenc-Zimmer, trustee, of Bradenton, sold the home at 7435 Sea Island Lane to Thalia Maria Crane and Keith Crane, of Sarasota, for $635,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,116 square feet of living area. It sold for $359,900 in 2014.

RIVERDALE REVISED

Julie Sykes and Jodie Sykes Wasik and Jeffrey Wasik, of Bradenton, sold their home at 215 43rd St. Blvd. N.E. to Sherrie Cousineau and Richard Magaldi III, of Bradenton,

for $625,500. Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,508 square feet of living area. It sold for $285,000 in 2009.

WATER OAK

Jennifer Nguyen, of Augusta, Georgia, and Tina Ta and Thanh Le,

of Bradenton, sold their home at 6708 64th Place E. to Larry Randall Fannon Jr. and Lisa Karen Fannon, of Bradenton, for $538,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two

In with the new

Courtesy photo

This Lakehouse Cove at Waterside home at 765 Tailwind Place sold for $1,717,500. It has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,451 square feet of living area.

baths, a pool and 2,073 square feet of living area. It sold for $295,000 in 2015.

SARACINA AT ESPLANADE

Carol Franklin, of Sarasota, sold her Unit 104 condominium at 13515 Messina Loop to Daniel Roberson and Linda Deimeke, of Bradenton, for $535,000. Built in 2015, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,628 square feet of living area. It sold for $264,100 in 2016.

AZARIO

Jason Thomas Besse, of Sarasota, sold his home at 15646 Sacile Lane to Jessica Barkell and Todd Hebert, of Lakewood Ranch, for $525,000. Built in 2020, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,558 square feet of living area. It sold for $327,800 in 2020.

PERIDIA

Zygmunt and Elzbieta Sainski, of Indian Shores, sold their home at 4829 Kilty Court E. to Suzanne Maureen Robertson and Michael Paul Scibetta, of Pittsford, New York, for $520,000. Built in 1990, it has two bedrooms, one bath, a pool and 1,629 square feet of living area. It sold for $215,000 in 2016.

HERITAGE HARBOUR

Jaime Cruz Mendez, of Thornton, Colorado, sold her home at 6937 Quiet Creek Drive to Mark Reid, of Bradenton, for $510,000. Built in

2014, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,628 square feet of living area. It sold for $325,000 in 2020.

LAKE VISTA RESIDENCES

Laura Pfeiffer and Sarah Cecil, of Corydon, Indiana, sold their Unit C-208 condominium at 7710 Lake Vista Court to Cathleen Greeney and Altaf Qayoom, of Lakewood Ranch, for $500,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two-and-ahalf baths and 2,138 square feet of living area. It sold for $500,400 in 2007.

SABAL HARBOUR

Randy James Monchilov and Tammy Jo Krajniak sold their home at 4509 Sanibel Way to P23 Investment LLC for $500,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,685 square feet of living area. It sold for $315,000 in 2020.

FAIRWAY LAKES AT PALM AIRE COUNTRY CLUB

Evan Matthew Altman, of Atlanta, Edward Steven Altman, of New York City, and Carolyn Ruth Altman, of Brooklyn, New York, sold their home at 5854 Fairwoods Circle to Bruce Lane, of Sarasota, for $490,000. Built in 1996, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,059 square feet of living area. It sold for $155,900 in 1996.

TERRACE AT LAKEWOOD NATIONAL

Eli Nicholas Serrapica and Linda Rosa Serrapica, of Bradenton, sold their Unit 1317 condominium at 17810 Gawthrop Drive to Gail Rinaldi, of Lakewood Ranch, for

$450,000. Built in 2021, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,142 square feet of living area. It sold for $224,500 in 2021.

SILVERLAKE

Mihai and Ileana Minculescu, of Bradenton, sold their home at 5115 58th Terrace E. to Harish Narasimhan Chakravarty and Srivaili Dingari, of Bradenton, for $430,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,018 square feet of living area. It sold for $175,900 in 2012.

COUNTRY OAKS

Rex Osborn, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the home at 4907 82nd Place E. to Lance and Natalia Thompson, of Sarasota, for $425,000. Built in 1987, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,587 square feet of living area. It sold for $159,900 in 2008.

TERRACE AT LAKEWOOD NATIONAL

Serene’s Happy Place LLC sold the Unit 724 condominium at 17118 Vardon Terrace to Gary Parker, of Lakewood Ranch, for $425,000. Built in 2018, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,121 square feet of living area. It sold for $198,000 in 2020.

Christopher and Jennifer Fenney, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their Unit 1244 condominium at 17724 Gawthrop Drive to James Blake McHenry and Helen McHenry, of Bradenton, for $390,000. Built in 2020, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,121 square feet of living area. It sold for $200,000 in 2020.

Ingrid Ann-Charlotte Ehrling and William Jackson, trustees, of Longboat Key, sold the Unit 232 condominium at 16804 Vardon Terrace to Hampton Heights Properties LLC for $389,800. Built in 2017, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,142 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $185,000 in 2017.

DEL TIERRA

Rochelle Marie Parsons and Hugh Graham Parsons, of Bradenton, sold their home at 15815 High Bell Place to Amy Quillen, of Bradenton, for $415,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,618 square feet of living area. It sold for $211,000 in 2015.

HERITAGE HARBOUR

Mohammed Tazi and Kyle Ann Tazi, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the home at 6666 Willowshire Way to Orlando Macchia, of Bradenton, for $410,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,387 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $209,000 in 2020.

VILLAS OF EAGLE CREEK

Uschi Frimberger sold the Unit 6204 condominium at 6204 Country Club Way to Linda Thomson, of West Des Moines, Iowa, for $409,100. Built in 1991, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,588 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $155,000 in 2011.

DEL TIERRA

Mark Jeffrey Heller and Rosa Heller, of Bradenton, sold their home at 177 Tierra Verde Way to Eric Ricardo Morales and Ingrid Vanessa Vasquez Romero, of Bradenton,

for $400,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,767 square feet of living area. It sold for $250,000 in 2019.

DESOTO LAKES

Janene Young, of Ocala, sold the home at 4704 Tournament Blvd. to David Michael McCalman III and Chrystal Elizabeth McCalman, of Sarasota, for $395,000. Built in 1977, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,679 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $93,000 in 1993.

WINDSON ACRES

Jason Folk, of Bradenton, sold his home at 11027 10th Ave. E. to Brian and Jody Cason, of Bradenton, for $382,000. Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,468 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $175,000 in 2014.

BRADEN RIVER LAKES

Janet Harrison, of Ellenton, Jerry Landis, of Mount Vernon, Ohio, and Terry Landis, of Alma, Georgia, sold their home at 610 45th St. E. to Joseph and Valencia Ross and Devin Ross, of Bradenton, for $354,000. Built in 1991, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,336 square feet of living area. It sold for $82,600 in 1992.

Monday, January 23

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

- Middle

Tuesday, January 24

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

Beyond Cryptocurrencies

Lee Schneider will explore the history of cryptocurrencies and digital assets and what it means for commerce, economics, politics, communication, and recreation.

Wednesday, January 25 Sarasota,10:30 am

Decentralized Finance as a Gateway to the Metaverse Lee Schneider will define “DeFi” and metaverse and how the traditional world and coming digital world will intersect, coexist and lock horns.

Thursday, January 26

Sarasota,10:30 am - Lakewood Ranch, 5:00 Friday, January 27 Venice,10:00 am

Sergei Kvitko, Piano

Pianist Sergei Kvitko has “polished pianism ...glorious Horowitzian three-dimensional perspective” ( ). He is an internationally sought-a er classical recording engineer and producer, and a multiple award winning composer.

The Prosecutor’s Art From the Streets to the Suites to the Oval O ce Judge Charles B. Schudson addresses how prosecutors direct investigations, assemble evidence, and present cases to judges and juries.

FORECAST

THURSDAY, JAN.

FRIDAY, JAN. 20 High: 77 Low: 60 Chance of rain: 21%

SATURDAY, JAN. 21 High: 74 Low: 62 Chance of rain: 41%

SUNDAY, JAN. 22 High: 79 Low: 64 Chance of rain: 20%

SUNRISE /

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Jan. 19 7:20a 6:00p

Friday, Jan. 20 7:20a 6:01p

Saturday, Jan. 21 7:19a 6:02p

Sunday, Jan. 22 7:19a 6:02p

Monday, Jan. 23 7:19a 6:03p

Tuesday, Jan. 24 7:19a 6:04p

Wednesday, Jan. 25 7:18a 6:05p

MOON PHASES

Jan.

RAINFALL

Monday, Jan. 9 0

Tuesday, Jan. 10 0

Wednesday, Jan. 11 0 Thursday, Jan. 12 0

Friday, Jan. 13 0.25 Saturday, Jan. 14 0.03 Sunday, Jan. 15 0

FAREWELL

TOUR by Jessie and Ross Trudeau, edited by David Steinberg

By Luis Campos

Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

CUBI

EXERCISE BIKE “Marcy” recumbent bike with computer display for time, distance, speed, calories, $45. 941-961-7585

MEN'S CASHMERE Top Coat size 46R Gray (England) never worn $75. Will send photo 941-927-2029

PIANO ROLLS - Assorted Aeolian and QRS player piano rolls. $5 each.( 941)926-7254

WOOD PICKET FENCE- 114 ft & 2 gates, used but nice condition. Siesta Key. $200. 941-346-1688

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