East County Observer 2.16.23

EAST COUNTY

Observer

Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998

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FREE • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

VOLUME 25, NO. 13

Green light for land purchases

YOUR TOWN

Liz Ramos

Middle school begins new normal The eighth grade class at Braden River Middle School erupted in applause once Principal Kimberlain ZenonRichardson (above with Superintendent Cynthia Saunders) said students and staff no longer would have to learn in portables.

After 21 months of construction, Braden River Middle School teachers, staff and students, along with School District of Manatee County administrators, celebrated the grand opening of the renovated school Feb. 2.

“It’s a big deal to us because we are finally done,” ZenonRichardson said. “We can now regain a sense of normalcy and serve our students in a better environment.”

The $20.2 million project included a new six-classroom building, cafeteria expansion, and replacement of all HVAC systems.

Manatee County approves the pursuit to purchase three parcels of environmentally significant land.

SEE PAGE 5A

Feel the

heat

St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church fuels its festival flames with new food and drink items.

SEE PAGE 8A

Ian Swaby

Liz Ramos

Natural Resources Director Charlie Hunsicker educates county commissioners on the options available.

Sarasota’s Yianni Chalvadakis is ready to serve up saganaki and loukaniko at the Greek Glendi.

A+E

Ian Swaby

Happy to pick Raining Berries From the moment Tampa’s Edwin Perez first stepped into a Raining Berries acai and coffee shop, he felt at home.

“I just liked everything about what I saw — the families coming in laughing, drinking coffee, enjoying themselves,” Perez said.

He decided to purchase two Raining Berries locations, and with the help of Bimal Bhojani, founder, CEO, and COO, he opened a location in University Town Center on Jan. 22, which he runs alongside his wife, Melissa Serrano (above with Perez).

The other store, he said, might be located in the coastal areas of Sarasota.

Perez said he believed so much in his products that he had “no remorse” about selling his Lakewood Ranch home to make the purchase.

Bhojani called the chain “all about health and lifestyle.”

Rocco rocks the taco scene Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar is scheduled to open its 10th restaurant March 6 at UTC in Sarasota.

SEE PAGE 5A Courtesy photo

Rocco Mangel said he will do a “tequila dance” when Rocco’s Tacos opens March 6 at UTC.

Art in common places.

INSIDE

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

Building events center piqued interest of new COO Former IMG executive Bruce Patneaude wants to put his stamp on Nathan Benderson Park.

PARK PROMOTION BRUCE PATNEAUDE What: New COO of the Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy Family: Bruce and wife Linda have five children Former job: 12 years working as vice president of operations at IMG Academy Did you know? Patneaude has overseen more than $100 million of new construction at IMG Academy

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

M

ichael Taaffe, chair of the Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy’s Board of Trustees, said a new chief operating officer was needed to take the park in a new direction.

After talking to a reporter Feb. 10 about landing that job, Bruce Patneaude demonstrated why he likes that direction.

Instead of heading back to his office, he walked to another area of the park to meet with his maintenance crew.

“I’m a hands-on kind of guy,” Patneaude said.

In his previous 12 years as vice president of operations at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Patneaude had overseen more than $100 million in new construction. At times, though, he lost the ability to get his hands dirty.

And, as he said, “I was doing the same thing ... again and again.”

When he accepted a job as Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy’s vice president of operations this past August, he did so with the expectations that he would be involved on all levels of park operations.

Of special interest to him would be the ability to put his own stamp on the park’s planned $40 million, 100,000-square-foot boathouse and indoor events center.

Sarasota County commissioners voted 5-0 in May 2022 to commit $20 million in tourist tax money toward the boathouse and events center. At the time, Taaffe said the conservancy had about $7 million to put toward the $40 million. Last week he said about three-quarters of the funds have been raised.

Taaffe and his board saw Patne-

Jay Heater

Bruce Patneaude, who served the previous 12 years as vice president of operations at IMG Academy in Bradenton, said he looks forward to being the Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy’s COO.

aude as the perfect guy to take the park forward. Thus, the promotion to COO on Feb. 8.

“With our planning to build a multisports facility project, his background fits perfectly with this new phase for the park,” Taaffe said. “He managed a staff of 150 (at IMG). He is perfectly aligned to go where we are going.”

While Taaffe said the board has the concept for the new facility in mind, they are visiting boathouses and indoor events facilities around the country to get more ideas.

“We are working with an architect on a conceptual plan, but we have not selected a final architect,” Taaffe said.

Taaffe said he hopes planning for the new facility is done this spring and then those plans will be presented to Sarasota County commissioners.

“I have a big project,” Patneaude said with a smile. “It’s one I can make my own. This is a new challenge.”

While the board would like construction on the new boathouse/ events center to begin as soon as possible, Patneaude said there is no pressure to hurry.

“We just visited Rock Hill and Spartanburg, South Carolina just to get ideas,” Patneaude said of looking at other events facilities. “It’s all coming together, but we will know (it’s time for construction) when we know. We don’t want to do it twice.”

Besides supervising construction of a new $40 million facility, Patneaude has to run a county park that has become known as North America’s top rowing facility.

“Our first challenge was the hurricane (Ian),” he said. “In January, we put the course back together, but the docks were destroyed.”

The park also suffered damage to its wave attenuator and suffered erosion on its south shore. The damage was estimated at $3 million to fix.

It all needs to be fixed by March when major rowing events begin.

“It should all come together by the end of this month,” Patneaude said.

Although Patneaude is a “weekend warrior” in terms of running and biking, he said he knows little about rowing except what he has learned by being on his new job since last August.

“I get plenty of great support here,” he said.

He has Bob Whitford, the former operations and facilities manager at Nathan Benderson Park, on speed dial. Whitford resigned in 2020 to become Sacramento State’s facilities director in Sacramento, California.

Whitford was hired in 2010 to help guide the construction of the 600acre park and to help design the rowing facility. When Whitford left, the park had struggled for years to raise the money for what was planned as a $10 million boathouse.

Patneaude said Whitford has been wonderful in answering any question he might have.

Patneaude replaced Stephen

Rodriguez, who had served the nonprofit both as a chief executive officer and a chief operating officer.

Rodriguez was hired in 2017 by the nonprofit, then known as Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates.

Shortly after his hiring, Rodriguez guided the park through the 2017 World Rowing Championships and many major events afterward.

“He has resigned as an employee,” Taaffe said of Rodriguez. “We are trying to come up with a position as a consultant for him. He is good at attracting events to the park. He was very good at that.”

Rodriguez had been acting as the park’s CEO since Tomás HerreraMishler left in 2021 after just a year at the post.

“We are not immediately going to replace that position,” Taaffe said.

“And we are not going to attach that (to Patneaude). We have consultants looking at what we need to do.”

Taaffe, a partner at Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, said the goals at Nathan Benderson Park remain the same. He said, first and foremost, it is a community park and must serve the public in that regard. The programs and community outreach remains the priority.

The next goal is to continue to host quality events, whether that means fireworks, or a circus or rowing events.

The third major goal is to maintain the park’s grounds and structure.

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

“We’re doing what we can to accommodate those roads within two projects that are being completely funded by the developers.”

— Scott Rudacille

BOUNDARY LINE

Photos by Ian Swaby

Planning commissioners Paul Rutledge and Ray Turner respond to comments about the East River Ranch project.

East River Ranch project advances Schroeder-Manatee Ranch project gets Planning Commission’s blessing while opponents protest possible road extensions.

D

espite pleas from some area residents against the project, Schroeder-Manatee Ranch’s East River Ranch development took another step toward fruition Feb. 9 with the Manatee County Planning Commission’s recommended approval of an amendment allowing a new collector road, East River Ranch Boulevard, and the extensions of 44th Avenue East and Rangeland Boulevard to serve the development.

The Planning Commission also suggested that the Manatee County Commission approve a change of the property to Urban Fringe-3 land use.

The Manatee County Commission will address the items Feb. 16, and then decide whether to transmit plans for East River Ranch to the state for review.

East River Ranch is a 1,381.63-acre parcel that is directly east of Taylor Ranch and one that borders State Road 64, County Road 675 and 61st Avenue East.

Among those protesting approval of the new community, because of the corresponding extensions of 44th Avenue East and Rangeland Boulevard, were representatives of Hunsader Farms and the Myakka Elephant Ranch.

The Manatee County Commission also will consider a proposed rezoning of the parcel to Planned Development Residential — Mixed Use, at a yet-to-be determined meeting in March.

RESIDENT RESPONSES

Julia Braren, the chief operating officer of Myakka Elephant Ranch, said an expansion of 44th Avenue East would take the road through the current elephant habitat. She said her family has owned their property at Verna Bethany Road since 1986, at which time they were authorized to use it to house exotic animals.

She said as well as creating a huge amount of traffic and noise in an area that currently is limited to two homes, the development would be a “nuisance and interfere with the animals’ natural enrichment.”

David Hunsader of Hunsader Farms said the current plans feature Rangeland Boulevard passing adjacent to his farm.

“I just can’t see putting a boulevard right next to our farm where when we use it for festivals, we have hundreds of thousands of people come out from around the world to come see our farm and pick our produce, pick our flowers or strawberries.”

Hunsader said that the current extension being proposed for the property involved a road heading “right through” the farm’s tiny town and petting zoo.

DEVELOPMENT PLANS

The new road and road extensions are part of the supporting infrastructure needed for East River Ranch.

Sheila Tirey, a planner with Heidt

CR 67 5

STAFF WRITER

Taylor Ranch (Pending)

BO URNESI DE RD.

IAN SWABY

64

East River Ranch

70 ABOUT THE PROJECT Acres: 1,381.63 Current future land use category: Agricultural/rural Proposed future land use category: Urban fringe - 3 Current zoning: General agriculture Proposed zoning: Planned development — mixed use New roadways: East River Ranch Boulevard, extensions of 44th Avenue East and Rangeland Boulevard Next step: Manatee County Commission will decide Feb. 16 whether to advance the project to the state for review

Design, said an extension of 44th Avenue East and Rangeland Parkway will relieve traffic from State Road 64 and State Road 70. Meanwhile, the new collector road, East River Ranch Boulevard, will extend about 1.5 miles from Bourneside Boulevard and County Road 675 and will provide additional circulation and connectivity.

These roads will be implemented at the expense of the developer.

Tirey said the intersections of the collector road and other areas will include activity nodes along State Road 64, 44th Avenue East, and Rangeland Parkway that will providing services, jobs, and additional residential uses.

“Those proposed residential units will be able to access those services and non-residential uses for daily needs and services, without getting in their car and driving a long distance,” she said.

Carol Clark, a planner with East River Ranch, said some residents requested that 61 Ave. E., which borders the south end of the project, to be paved, while others said they wanted no access from that road. She said the developer would choose whichever option the county preferred.

Evaluations showed about 124 acres of wetlands and just over 3 acres of streams in the area, said Tirey.

Carrie McNott of Monarch Ecology Group, which performed the

David Hunsader of Hunsader Farms speaks at the commission meeting.

environmental consulting on the project, said there were roughly 80 acres of upland habitats, while the rest of the property is farmland.

Currently, up to 276 total dwelling units are allowed on the property.

The proposed change of the future land use category would allow the developer to build three dwelling units per acre, instead of one dwelling unit per five acres.

This designation may contain limits on numbers of units or square footage on non-residential development to ensure that roads and utilities are not overburdened.

Both members of the public and county staff members noted that the project marks another extension beyond the county’s Future Development Area Boundary Line, following the adjoining development of Taylor Ranch.

The lands east of the FDAB are designated as being primarily for agricultural uses, however, in November 2021 the county allowed development further east under specific conditions.

These conditions include that development must be a continuation of lands that are already being developed west of the site, as well as that the project must be managed by a master developer who is responsible for all of the infrastructure.

Thoroughfares and utilities must be available and any continuations of those features must be completed at the expense of the master developer, or an improvement district. In this case, Schroeder-Manatee Ranch is in the process of creating the East River Ranch Stewardship District for the project.

“It’s self-evident that the county will be faced with the decision whether to move the FDAB east,” said Sarah Schenk, an assistant county attorney. “This is a stopgap measure until that time, and I think the time will be coming soon.”

Planning Commissioner Ray Turner said the FDAB had been developed in 1999, before Lakewood Ranch’s population increased.

He inquired about where it would leave the county population-wise, with such a significant migration, if development does not proceed east.

However, Charles Andrews, a certified planner with Manatee County Development Services, noted the development cannot demonstrate compliance with the requirement for development to be “coterminous and contiguous” with development east of the FDAB. Currently, Taylor Ranch, located beside East River Ranch, has yet to gain a final approval from the county commission, but has a pending rezone request tentatively scheduled for March 23.

Andrews also noted the property will fall into the established Watershed Overlay District.

Scott Rudacille, an attorney for Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, said that the legislation on the FDAB did not allow for unlimited development to proceed in the east.

“It’s not that easy to pull together 1,300 acres of property and do a large project with a master developer and all the utilities.”

OTHER RESPONSES

The Planning Commission approved the development through a vote of 3-1, with Planning Commissioner Cindy Kebba in opposition.

Planning Commission Chair Bill Connerly recused himself due to a conflict of interest, handing the temporary status of chair to fellow planning Commissioner Paul Ruteledge.

Kebba inquired whether the development continuing eastward was against the purpose of the FDAB line.

“If you look at our direction, which is to look at what the land use code says, that’s what we need to do,” said Planning Commissioner David Roth about expansion to the east. “I know the builders, I know the attorneys, and I know the public, and they do want to go on it.”

Some residents spoke at the meeting to voice concerns about the development.

Tim Tralick, a Myakka City resident, voiced concerns about the proximity of East River Ranch Boulevard to his property, noting that maps show the road curving directly beside the corner of his 1,000-acre parcel southeast of the Freedom Factory speedway. He inquired about whether a wall could be added to block the view of the development.

Manatee County resident Angie Fairweather said based on what she had read about the urban fringe future land use category, she was concerned about the traffic flow increase on County Road 675, which she said sees large numbers of children being dropped off by school buses. She called for a non-developer funded study on the environmental impacts.

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

ABOUT THE TEACHER OF THE YEAR KELLY SMITH-WILLIAMS School: Lakewood Ranch High School Subjects: Anatomy and physiology Years with the School District of Manatee County: Seven Family: Husband, Gregory Williams, and 9-year-old son, Jordan Williams

“It was humbling, incredible and overwhelming” — Kelly Smith-Williams

They even set up Lakewood Ranch High School inflatable tubes that waved in the wind outside the auditorium to celebrate. “(Being a teacher) is what I’ve wanted to do my entire life,” SmithWilliams said. “I couldn’t wait to get through college. I couldn’t wait to get my first job. I couldn’t wait to get my first classroom. I’ve just been given the most amazing opportunities in Manatee County. I’m forever grateful for all the principals, administration and all of my co-workers who believed in me.”

Dustin Dahlquist, the principal of Lakewood Ranch High School, said Smith-Williams represents the group of “exceptional educators” at the high school.

“She is so positive,” he said. “She has a passion for teaching. She’s always wanted to be an educator, and that shines through each and every single day. She is there for students before school, after school, and she comes during the summer.”

Senior Omar Rabah, who nominated Smith-Williams for the award, was thrilled to know the teacher he met three years ago was named Teacher of the Year.

“She genuinely changed my life from me not even knowing if I would stay in school, to going into the medical field,” Rabah said. “She has shown me how important it is for me

Photos by Liz Ramos

Cynthia Saunders, superintendent of the School District of Manatee County, and Doug Wagner, deputy superintendent of operations, congratulate Kelly Smith-Williams (center), a Lakewood Ranch High School teacher, on her selection as the Teacher of the Year.

A DREAM REALIZED Passionate Lakewood Ranch High instructor lands Teacher of the Year award.

LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR

Kelly Smith-Williams had wanted to be a teacher since she was 14 years old.

So when the School District of Manatee County named her the 2023 Teacher of the Year Feb. 9, it put an exclamation point on a dream come

true.

“It was humbling, incredible and overwhelming,” said Smith-Williams, who teaches anatomy and physiology at Lakewood Ranch High School. “This is the best thing that’s ever happened to me in my career.

I wanted this award more than I’ve wanted anything else throughout my entire (seven-year) teaching career.”

Smith-Williams was one of four Teacher of the Year finalists, along with four Support Employee of the Year finalists, being honored at the district’s Excellence in Education Awards at Parrish Community High School.

Other Teacher of the Year final-

ists were Parrish Community High School’s Kendall Carrier, Palmetto High School’s Michelle Dowell and Braden River Elementary School’s Tiffany Barrett-Greer.

Support Employee of the Year finalists were Myakka City Elementary School’s Gena Case, Lincoln Memorial Middle School’s Brianna Hall, Braden River High School’s Marisol Hernandez and Southeast High School’s LaTisha Jones.

Hall was named the 2023 Support Employee of the Year.

When Smith-Williams was announced as the winner, Lakewood Ranch High administrators, staff members and students cheered.

to be my own person and how to deal with social issues as well.”

Rabah and senior Naika Dumorne said it’s Smith-Williams’ genuine interest in students and their lives that makes her an excellent teacher.

“She doesn’t just care about academics but our personal lives and how we’re actually doing,” Dumorne said.

“Honestly, the best thing is she looks at students as people and not as students,” Rabah added. “You feel like you can trust someone in the education system, which is really hard to find nowadays.”

Senior Logan Reynolds said he can go to Smith-Williams any time for anything.

“I’ve come into her class crying, needing help and she’s been there,” Reynolds said.

Smith-Williams said having some of her students at the Excellence in Education Awards was a reminder of why she’s a teacher, and she was honored that a student nominated her.

“It’s the best to be nominated by a student because that means they believe in you just as much as you believe in them,” she said.

Smith-Williams, who has been teaching in the School District of Manatee County for seven years, started out as a physical education teacher before being asked to teach anatomy and physiology in the 202122 school year.

Dahlquist said she stepped into a position that was previously taught

by Faust DeLazzer, who had been teaching for 46 years and was considered a legend on campus.

“She didn’t even hesitate,” Dahlquist said about Smith-Williams becoming the anatomy and physiology teacher. “She accepted that she had a lot to learn in her own classroom. She took it upon herself to take on professional development and seek out different resources to assist her. She’s always looking to improve. She’s a true lifelong learner.”

Smith-Williams will go on to represent Manatee County in the Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year Program, which selects the top teacher in the state for 2023.

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

County approves pursuit of significant lands STAFF WRITER

T

he Manatee County Commission has given its approval for the Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Committee to pursue the acquisition of three land parcels.

ELMAC had submitted the three parcels after identifying them as environmentally significant. It will be the county’s first attempt to purchase environmentally significant land since voters passed in 2020 the Parks Projects Referendum, which gave ELMAC a dedicated funding source.

Two of the parcels border the north bank of the Manatee River while the other borders Terra Ceia State Park in northern Manatee County.

“I’m pleased that the board was so supportive,” said ELMAC liaison Debra Woithe after the projects were approved Feb. 7. “Our acquisition group is ready to get started on this work.”

The two parcels along the north banks of the river, known as Gospel Crusade and Gospel Crusade East, are owned by Gospel Crusade Inc., which manages Christian Retreat on the south side of the river. Those two parcels total 68.8 acres.

Another property for which ELMAC requested approval but was turned down was a 25.97-acre property along Williams Road.

A property in eastern Manatee County — Owen Creek Highlands — had earlier been dropped from ELMAC’s consideration because the owner did not want to sell.

ELMAC is expected to make offers quickly on the three approved parcels.

“The time sensitivity of these projects is very real because owners are willing to work with us now,” said Natural Resources Director Charlie Hunsicker. “A decade from now, per-

ENVIRONMENTAL WISH LIST GOSPEL CRUSADE Location: Manatee River (North side) Acreage: 37.92 Recreational activities: Hiking, boating, fishing, camping

Two properties along the Manatee River among three environmentally significant parcels ELMAC is attempting to purchase for the county.

IAN SWABY

5A

haps not. Five nears from now, perhaps not. And frighteningly, maybe three years from now, perhaps not.”

When the county and the property owners come to an agreement on a price for the three approved projects, the proposals will come to the board for final approval.

GOSPEL CRUSADE EAST Location: Manatee River (North side) Acreage: 30.88 Recreational activities: Hiking, boating, fishing TERRA CEIA Location: Along U.S. 41 North, south of Sea Port Acreage: 90 Recreational activities: Hiking, boating, fishing

THE PROCESS

With the three approved projects, ELMAC is moving into its due diligence stage, which will include seeking appraisals, and determining the county’s ability to negotiate.

Currently, the Terra Ceia property is the only one for which a draft work plan has been prepared.

The work plans detail estimated costs for acquisition, capital improvements, public access, public safety, management and restoration.

The committee uses qualified appraisers from the Florida Forever acquisition list. A property over $1 million will be assigned two appraisers. If the appraisers’ estimates are more than 20% apart, a third appraiser will be used.

Hunsicker said the state has a solid history of not overpaying for environmentally significant properties.

He said there is no timeline when the purchase of the properties will be completed.

The process begins with a preliminary assessment in which ELMAC looks at the natural resource value of the property.

If the property ranks high in that regard, it is considered to be qualified. ELMAC then reaches out to the property owner to see if a sale is possible.

An onsite meeting is then scheduled before the property is reviewed by the ELMAC advisory board members.

At-large Commissioner Jason Bearden called the Gospel Crusade property “such a unique piece of property” that could provide resi-

Charles Totonis

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Debra Woithe is liaision for ELMAC, and Charlie Hunsicker is Natural Resources director for Manatee County.

Deer cross the Williams Road property that was turned down as a potential county purchase.

dents with recreational possibilities.

District 3 Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge praised the ELMAC committee for researching possible other sources of revenue to buy the properties. ELMAC has been in talks with organizations such as Florida Forever, Southwest Florida Water Management District, and Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast.

Van Ostenbridge said those other funding possibilities would save county residents millions of dollars and would stretch the $50 million pot the referendum produced.

Woithe said the three Manatee River properties form a “sort of complex” along the river, and Hunsicker called the connection of the three

“something we should take advantage of relative to the timing of the opportunity and the values that are there.”

Woithe said the Gospel Crusade properties had great value including 470 acres of natural wetlands and uplands and 17 species of interest.

She said the area would be excellent for camping and noted the presence of camping facilities already in the area.

The eastern Gospel Crusade property will serve as an access point for the western property, which would otherwise be locked in by the surrounding areas.

Van Ostenbridge said he liked Hunsicker’s focus on expanding

STEP BY STEP PROCESS FOR PROPERTY ACQUISITIONS n Preliminary assessment n Establish if there is a willing seller n On-site meeting/assessment/staff site visit n Review and prioritize properties n Work plan review n Due diligence, appraisal, negotiation n Contract n Closing

camping in the county, with Ballard in agreement.

He said the situation during COVID-19, during which higher numbers of residents were seeking campsites, highlighted the absence of a countyfacilitated campground.

A possible state acquisition of the Terra Ceia property would allow Manatee County’s funds to go toward additional lands.

Hunsicker said if the county bought the Terra Ceia property, and the state park system would manage it, Manatee County would save money. He said the park is working on a letter of commitment from the state’s program.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

Search for the tastiest tacos

Workers put the finishing touches on Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar that opens March 6 at UTC.

Rocco Mangel hopes his travels through Mexico and California have led to an exceptional dining experience as he opens Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar at UTC. JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

S

ometimes simple can be complicated.

Just ask Rocco Mangel, the owner of the Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar restaurant that will open at University Town Center March 6.

Before Mangel opened his first Rocco’s Tacos 15 years ago in West Palm Beach, he went on a quest to find the best ways to build an authentic Mexican taco. Several trips to Mexico were part of the quest, along with trips to California.

“I didn’t want to open the typical Mexican restaurant, you know, with a pinata, a skeleton on the wall, where you would be playing the Mexican Hat Dance. So I decided to go to Mexico, buy furniture, fixtures and equipment for my restaurant. I am half Italian and half Jewish, but I wanted to embrace the Mexican culture.”

He also found the simplicity in cooking tacos.

“You have homemade corn tortillas, and they are meant to fall apart,” he said. “You have a protein, and on the streets of Mexico, they will eat anything, like tongue.”

GOING TO CALIFORNIA

Those trips to Mexico weren’t enough, though. He decided to go to California to learn firsthand the best way to make tacos. He decided to work on taco trucks.

“I went from San Francisco to San Diego, a whole laundry list of places,” he said. “The Mexican food truck scene was pretty much just happening. The street tacos in Los Angeles were where I brought back most of my ideas. It was a corn tortilla, a

protein, flavor in the meat, onions, cilantro. That’s it. That was strong.”

He used that base knowledge to launch Rocco’s Tacos, and it has worked well. The Sarasota location will be his 10th restaurant.

Eventually, though, it became apparent that not everyone is a fan of simple. Although he is not a big fan of cheese on his tacos, he understands many of customers are.

“We have had to adapt,” he said.

“We didn’t have sour cream, we had (Mexican) crema. We started to get so many requests for sour cream.

People like to do things with tacos.

Beer tacos come with broth and you dip it. People like pickled, red onion.

“It’s a tough business and if you don’t evolve, if we don’t change, the world will pass us by. I am very humbled we are still here.”

In Sarasota, customers can get chili braised beef brisket tacos or vegan mushroom tacos, along with all kinds of traditional favorites.

Mangel, who lives in Palm Beach County, said the Sarasota restaurant will have a new look for his chain.

“We went with a little different design,” he said. “We will have a ton of stuff from Mexico, but not as much as in our other stores.”

The outside of the restaurant is lined with seating, including a substantial bar area for those who like to watch the world go past.

The menu itself will offers lots of tweaks to traditional Mexican favorites.

“When we opened our first restaurant, we called ourselves the ‘Original Guac-ster.’ Of course, we were not the innovator of the taco,” he said. “The perception is that the Americanized version is ground beef, sour cream, cheese, and you have a

Jay Heater

OPENING SOON

ROCCO’S TACOS Where: 243 N. Cattlemen Road, Sarasota Opens: Monday, March 6 Owner: Rocco Mangel Phone: 477-8226

taco. I went to 60 to 70 Mexican restaurants across the country. What we wanted, was a combination. A little out of Mexico, and a little out of America. We have the most authentic taco we can have to the American palette.

CHANGE IS GOOD

“But five years ago, people are saying, ‘This is the best,’ and then all of a sudden, people are eating kale.

Things change. We are constantly changing our brand. We put our own spin on it. At one point, we had meatball tacos. Pork belly once was a good thing.

“It still comes down to four basic proteins — chicken, fish, beef and pork.”

Mangel loves the outdoor seating where his customers can try the many tequilas that will be offered.

“We have this tremendous outdoor patio,” he said. “If you look at UTC,

DO YOU KNOW WHAT’S IN YOUR WATER?

our landlord (Benderson Development) delivered a nice space. My restaurant stands alone. I spent a lot of money on our design and décor. I want to be the shepherd and not the sheep. I brought in a lighting expert.

Why sacrifice what I want to evolve to being?

The restaurant has 4,200 square feet inside and 2,000 square feet outside.

Workers were putting the finishing touches on construction this week.

Mangel has been known to do a tequila dance in his restaurants where he pours tequila into the mouths of patrons as he dances across the floor.

He said during COVID, he had to get away from that practice, but he just might renew the tradition on March 6 at his new restaurant’s opening.

“It was such a touchy subject during the pandemic, with everyone wearing a facemask. I am a real guy, and I will kiss your baby. I used to get on the bar in platform shoes. A lot of people would be yelling, ‘Can I get a shot?’

Mangel used to be the first in that line, but he hasn’t had a drink in seven years since he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

“I have evolved now as well,” he said. “I am married, I have two kids, a 9-year-old and a 9-month-old. It is a different world. I have to balance

HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE

“I have had more fun than I have had in a long time,” he said. “I lived in Sarasota for a month, and put a lot of blood and sweat in there. You know, this is MS month and my biggest symptom from that is fatigue.

But I probably am more active than I should be. The medication that I am on has kept me feeling pretty good.

And I might be tired just because I am tired.

“I push myself to be strong. When I came out of the MS closet, I put myself in uncomfortable situations.

I am intense.”

He said his No. 1 problem coming up to the grand opening has been hiring his staff, but he is ready for the opening.

The new restaurant, as well as his others, have “aggressive” happy hours from 4-7 p.m., seven days a week.

He won’t have live music at the beginning but that could change.

“We’re a bar, not a nightclub,” he said. “But we will have a DJ, turn it up, have fun. I do want to be careful.

We are going to be open until 10 p.m. on Sunday and Monday, and 2 a.m. other nights.”

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my time.”

He has enjoyed doing hands-on work in his new restaurant.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2023 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM You are invited to a special intimate performance put on by the Sarasota Jazz Project.

We will be enjoying wine and cheese under the shade of our Oak Tree, while listening to Jazz selections from this talented group.

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

EAST COUNTY

GREEK GLENDI

“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

ADDS TO ITS MENU

Publisher and President / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com Associate Publisher — East County Observer / Lori Ruth, LRuth@YourObserver.com Executive Editor and COO / Kat Wingert, KWingert@YourObserver.com

Photos by Liz Ramos

Sarasota’s Yianni Chalvadakis is ready to serve up saganaki and loukaniko at the Greek Glendi.

More traditional food and drink items will be featured at the annual festival.

ORDER UP

LIZ RAMOS | SENIOR EDITOR

Pastitsio - paste, ground beef and cheese, topped with bechamel sauce Moussaka - layered eggplant, ground beef and potatoes topped with bechamel sauce Oven roasted lamb shanks - lamb shanks seasoned with a blend of tomato sauce, herbs and spices Baklava- a layered pastry made of filo pastry and filled with ground almonds or walnuts and sweetened with syrup Koulourakia- a traditional braided Greek cookie KourabiethesGreek cookie made with sugar, butter and almonds and covered with powdered sugar

The Greek Glendi offers a variety of traditional Greek entrees and pastries including:

A

s Sarasota’s Yianni Chalvadakis poured Metaxa, a Greek brandy,

into a sizzling cast iron skillet that was cooking kasseri cheese, flames erupted.

In typical Greek fashion, Chalvadakis exclaimed, “Opa!” Opa, loosely translated is kind of a Greek way of saying, “wow,” and it fit the moment perfectly.

“I used to look down (at the flames), but I don’t do that anymore,” Chalvadakis said with a laugh.

Once the flames died down, his saganaki was finished.

He placed the flambeed cheese on top of a slice of pita before topping it off with loukaniko, a Greek sausage flavored with spices, orange rind and wine.

The saganaki and loukaniko are the newest additions to the menu for St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church’s Greek Glendi.

University Park’s Denise Chimbos can’t wait to see the thousands of people come to the church for the Greek festival that features classic Greek dishes including pastitsio, moussaka and lamb shanks as well as Greek pastries including baklava, koulourakia and kourabiethes.

“We’re so happy to present the festival to the community, and we hope they enjoy it,” she said.

Chalvadakis previously made saganaki at Greek festivals for four years in Boca Raton before his family moved to Sarasota and became parishioners at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church.

He’s become an expert at making saganaki and loves to put on a show with the flames.

“It’s a skill,” Chalvadakis said. “(The saganaki station) is going to be the first stop right at the entrance, so we’ll put on a nice show.

“People love it. Everybody gets their phones out, and everybody wants a picture. We’ll do a countdown to prepare them. We take pride in displaying it out there in front of everyone.”

Chalvadakis said the church purchased 500 pounds of cheese, which will equate to about 2,000 servings of saganaki.

Saganaki is a Greek aged sheep’s milk similar to Parmesan. It’s a hard cheese that fries well.

Chalvadakis starts off the saganaki by putting oil in the heated cast iron skillet. He then adds the cheese and will occasionally remove any excess

The newest items on the menu at the Greek Glendi will be frappés (the brown drink), saganaki (fried cheese) and loukaniko (Greek sausage).

IF YOU GO 39TH ANNUAL ST. BARBARA GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH GREEK GLENDI When: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Feb. 1718; noon to 6 p.m. Feb. 19 Where: St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, 7671 Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota Admission: $5 for a three-day pass; children under 12 are free Highlights: The festival highlights Greek culture with authentic Greek food, dancing, live music and crafts. Church tours allow visitors to tour the church and its Byzantine-style art.

More information: Visit StBarbaraFestival.org

oil. He’s paying attention to the amount of oil and the temperature of the pan.

He can tell when the cheese is ready to be flipped when there is bubbling around the edges of the cheese so there’s a crispy crust.

Once each side was nicely browned, it was time to flambé the cheese.

He grabbed the Metaxa and gave the saganaki a “generous pour” because the amount is never measured out.

“You want to make sure there’s enough brandy to add that flavor under the cheese, but you also want a little extra brandy to get those flames up,” Chalvadakis said. “The more brandy you’re putting in, the higher the flames. We save that for the evenings because you can see more of an effect.”

Metaxa is a Greek brandy that’s rich, smooth with a vanilla and woody taste, adding to the flavor of the saganaki. Oftentimes, Metaxa is being used to celebrate with guests on special occasions or at funerals.

“It’s a big compliment to get a bottle of Metaxa,” Chalvadakis said.

He made sure to put a little distance between himself and the roaring flames. Although he’s never had a major accident, the flames from the saganaki have caused a few minor problems.

“We’ve burned our arm hairs, our eyebrows, our beards many, many times in the past,” Chalvadakis said.

“No major accidents, but just a little bit of hair here and there.”

All that’s left to do after the saganaki and loukaniko are finished is to enjoy.

“Every plate is handcrafted one at a time,” Chalvadakis said.

People can order the saganaki alone or with loukaniko.

Chalvadakis said loukaniko is unique for its exotic spices, orange rind and wine that creates its smokiness and sweetness.

Chalvadakis recommended pairing the saganaki, loukaniko or the combination of the two with one of the Greek wines or ouzo, an aperitif flavored with spices including anise.

He also recommends Mastiha, a xanthan gum liquor that has a rich, smooth and sweet mastic flavor.

For those who need a taste of coffee at the festival, frappés are new to the drink menu.

The Greek version of a frappé includes instant coffee, usually Nescafe, sugar and water. Milk, usually evaporated milk, can be added upon request. All the ingredients are mixed in a blender or cocktail shaker, and it’s served with a straw so people can drink past the thick foam that forms at the top.

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DRINKS

Mastiha - a xanthan gum liquor that has a rich, smooth and sweet mastic flavor.

It’s used for martinis and also is used on ice cream.

Ouzo - an aperitif flavored with spices including anise Metaxa - Greek brandy that’s rich, smooth with a vanilla and woody taste

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

SIDE OF RANCH

JAY HEATER

Has calm fallen upon local government?

I doubt Lee Washington is going to be a Manatee County administrator for very long.

But if he runs for the Manatee County Commission, he will get my vote.

On Feb. 7, Washington was named the interim administrator when Scott Hopes tendered his resignation, obviously under pressure from commissioners who no longer needed a lion to rebuild the county’s government structure.

Washington, who was serving as the county’s director of Community and Veterans Services, doesn’t have the kind of resume that would put him in line for the county’s top government position.

But he does have the perfect qualification to run this government at this time.

“I believe in integrity,” he said Feb. 13 from his new office in the county administration building.

Integrity. Wow. Unless you have been living under a beach umbrella the last three years, you are familiar with the chaos that has been the norm in Manatee County government. No matter what your political bent, you would have to admit it has risen to reality show TV standards.

With the voters’ changeover of the commission — seven rather conservative Republicans — after the November election, it figured peace would arrive on the banks of the Manatee River. But it didn’t.

Even though the lion had been fed, it continued to roar.

And so Hopes was shown the door.

Washington, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1987-98, was taken aback when first asked to become the interim administrator.

He is not the kind of guy to doubt

his abilities, but he wasn’t sure he wanted to be dropped into the water at Myakka State Park and told to swim around for a few months among the alligators.

“To be honest, I had a lot of concerns,” Washington said. “And in the past, I’ve always been able to give thought to things.”

This was different. He had to make up his mind — immediately.

He thought of the reasons not to take the job. Then he thought of the best reason to take it.

“The deciding factor for me is that I was doing it for the betterment of the staff,” he said. “I am someone who has walked the halls before. I am someone they can trust.”

Washington, a former bodyguard, was not delivering a campaign speech. He was speaking from the heart.

“I take pride in being respected,” he said. “I thought I could calm the waters for all interested parties. I want to create a level playing field, with no secrets.”

Double wow.

So how well can he function in a role unfamiliar to him? Remember that upon being named interim administrator, Hopes had to deal immediately with the Piney Point disaster.

“Listening is my super power,” Washington said. “I don’t ever want to think I am the smartest person in the room.”

Is Washington a master of spin? I would say no. This isn’t some plan to set him up for greater roles. In fact, he was ready to leave county administration when asked to take on this new job. Even now, he still has something completely different in mind for the near future.

“I want to finish my food truck,”

he said. “My passion is for cooking, and, downtown, I would like to offer lunches and dinners. There is no soul food in Manatee County.”

As much as I like pork chops and corn bread, I would rather see Washington run for public office.

We need him.

I listen to East County residents complain about their politicians, and yet, they don’t go out and recruit their own candidates to run for office. I hear it all the time, no one tries to stop uncontrolled growth, no one really represents the residents.

“I care about what we do (in the county),” Washington said. “I truly care about the community and about seeing that we do positive things. I care about respecting those who do the work.”

It is likely commissioners knew he was ready to begin his food truck business and wouldn’t have interest in pushing him to apply for the administrator’s role. When Hopes was hired as the interim, no job search was performed and Hopes quickly was funneled into the job.

Obviously, that will not happen this time. Washington can put the I into interim.

In a year, he sees himself looking out a window of his food truck.

“Order No. 7!”

“I can’t see myself being the administrator,” he said. “Not as of today. My vision is to give the necessary support to the team. I want to bring a calm to those who are focused on doing the job. I believe in structure, that we can’t do anything without our team. We set policy, but it’s the other 2,000 employees who get it done everyday.”

That is called leadership. That is what we need on a ballot.

easy

Lee Washington has taken the role of interim Manatee County administrator.

File photo

It is up to the citizens to persuade him to run.

■■■ As an aside to Hopes’ resignation comes this tidbit that drives me bonkers.

It’s called the separation agreement, and this was listed as item No. 3 — Mutual nondisparagement, which could be described as legal lying.

“Administrator agrees not to disparage or speak untruthfully about the county, its currently elected county commissioners, individually and collectively, its acting county commissioner, and its current employees.”

“The county and each of its elected commissioners agree not to disparage or speak untruthfully about administrator.”

“The parties have devised a mutually agreeable joint statement regarding administrator’s voluntary resignation and separation, which shall be released upon full execution of this agreement. The parties agree to respond to any verbal or written inquiries regarding the administrator’s departure from the county by replying in a fashion that is wholly

consistent with this joint statement.”

Hopes was paid well for agreeing to these stipulations.

This kind of legal manipulation prevents local governments, and citizens, from studying their mistakes so they don’t reoccur.

Wouldn’t it be refreshing to hear someone say, “We had a good old boy network running our government; we hired an unsympathetic authoritarian to rip it to shreds and rebuild it, and then we figured out we couldn’t live with him when he was done.”

Or from someone who was forced out saying, “I did the job I was hired to do, and was rewarded by being fired.”

Why aren’t we entitled to the truth?

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

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

Bonding pitch: Set up a tent LIZ RAMOS

File photo

SENIOR EDITOR

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I H S R E TANDING LE AD

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PRINCIPAL, BEN HOPPER

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MUSICAL CONVERSATIONS WITH GREAT PERFORMERS

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Modern Marimba celebrates the true diversity of

hen putting up a tent, Greenbrook’s Mariah Cohen and her son, Drake, have a system.

Drake Cohen, who is 13, puts the poles in a certain order before his mom comes behind him and puts them together.

But even a good system can go wrong at times.

“Sometimes you have to take breaks and timeouts,” Mariah Cohen said with a laugh. “You’re careful you don’t say anything you don’t want your children repeating.”

Together, though, they find what they consider to be the perfect spot during Lakewood Ranch Community Activities’ annual Community Campout at Greenbrook Adventure Park.

Drake Cohen drives the stakes into the ground, securing the tent. Then, he’s responsible for inflating the mattresses inside the tent.

“I don’t think we can ever get another tent because I’ve finally learned how to put this one up, and if we get a new one, I’m done,” Mariah Cohen said.

The Community Campout has become a family tradition for the Cohens, including dad Tom Cohen.

They’ve participated in each of the past three campouts, and they’re always excited to snatch their spot as soon as registration for the event opens.

“It’s just a fun, cool, different event,” Mariah Cohen said. “Instead of it being a block party or an evening on Main Street or anything like that, you’re sleeping over in a tent that’s not in the middle of the woods somewhere. It’s fun.”

Aliye Presley, the marketing and events manager for Lakewood Ranch

music. Tihda Vongkoth has performed as a guest orchestral percussionist with a number of local orchestras. Described as a “captivating storyteller” and “sensitive” player, Steph Davis is a Boston based artist and marimbist.

Global Issues

IF YOU GO

Lakewood Ranch Community Activities Community Campout When: 3 p.m. to 9 a.m. Feb. 25-26 Where: Greenbrook Adventure Park, 13010 Adventure Place, Bradenton Price: $50 per camping space for Lakewood Ranch residents; $60 for nonresidents Highlights: Enjoy a night of camping complete with a campfire, movie, food truck dinner, nature walk and more.

More information: MyLWR. com

The bonfire is one of the highlights of the annual Lakewood Ranch Community Campout at the Greenbrook Adventure Park.

Community Activities, said this year’s Community Campout on Feb. 25-26 will be the biggest campout since it began five years ago.

She said the 50 original spots for the campout sold out within 10 days, and to meet demand, Lakewood Ranch Community Activities opened 30 more spots.

“It’s hectic when everyone gets there because their anxious to get set up and get to the activities, and their kids want to run and play,” Presley said. “It’s like we’re in our own little bubble for the night, and it’s so much fun.”

The campout will include a viewing of the movie Disney Pixar’s “Inside Out,” a nature walk, a campfire, and food provided by Dee’s Diner, a food truck that offers burgers, nachos, hot dogs, Philly cheesesteaks and more.

“You’re unplugged a little,” Mariah Cohen said. “It’s different than being at home together.”

Join us

AT OUR COOPER CREEK GRAND OPENING EVENT FEB 25!

AN INSIDER’S VIEW OF TODAY’S WORLD LECTURE SERIES

Tuesday, February 21

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

Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease: When Will We Find a Cure? Dr. Aron Troen will explain why

the first FDA approved immunotherapy for Alzheimer’s disease is mired in controversy and explore current barriers to finding a cure.

Wednesday, February 22 Sarasota,10:30 am Can Dementia Be Prevented? The Role of Diet and Lifestyle Public health guidelines advise diet

and life-style approaches to lower one’s risk of developing dementia. Dr. Aron Troen will explain how the evidence for potential “risk reduction” is obtained evaluated.

Locally Owned

Thursday, February 23

Changing World: Changing Middle East The Biden

administration is facing simultaneous geopolitical crises with Russia, Iran, and China. Amb. Dennis Ross will discuss the implications for U.S. policy and the Middle East.

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

11A

OVER $55 MILLION SOLD AND PENDING IN 2023 OVER $199 MILLION SOLD AND PENDING IN 2022

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Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. Property information herein is derived from various sources, including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate.

12A

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

LET’S DO WELL

TOGETHER

Photos by Ian Swaby

Polo Run’s Jamie Germain and Molly Muni were in a festive spirits to enjoy Valentine’s on The Green at University Town Center in Sarasota.

The Lakewood Ranch Medical Group OB/GYN clinic team, Angie Scarpa, CNM, ARNP, Joel Hallam, DO, FACOOG, Eden Yelverton, MD and Terrell W. Martin, MD, provide individualized care for women through all stages of life.

Love on the Green

From family planning and obstetrical care to routine gynecological care and surgical interventions, using laparoscopic and da Vinci robotic surgical technology, our compassionate and dedicated physicians and nurse practitioner are here to help you feel your best.

W

aterside’s Daniel Dokko summed up the special Valentine’s on the Green event at University Town Center on Feb. 10.

“We are here to share love,” said Dokko, whose JPAN Sushi provided sushi rolls for those who attended.

The event also included build-your-own bouquets with Posies Flower Truck, love ferns from Fancy Leaf Plant Co., face painting by Childlike Productions, desserts from Five-O Donut Co., and Uncle Phil’s Organic Popcorn.

The event also managed to attract some guests who hadn’t been expecting to hold Valentine’s Day celebrations just yet.

The Ranch Club’s Arthur James said his family came out to The Green after having dinner at JPAN and noticing the activities outside.

“We just came out to have a good time and so my daughter could play and make some friends,” he said.

To make an appointment, call 941-348-1144 or schedule online at lakewoodranchmedicalgroup.com Lakewood Ranch Medical Group OB/GYN providers deliver babies at the award-winning Women’s Center at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center.

6310 Health Park Way, Suite 200 | Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

Physicians are on the medical staff of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website. 231292105-1366329 2/23

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— IAN SWABY

Lakewood Ranch’s Travis Treese makes his wife Shannon’s day with a bouquet.

The event was held on The Green at UTC.

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

13A

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14A

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

WILD FLORIDA An exploration beyond the pavement.

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I

n winter months, cold weather to the north brings mass migrations of birds to our region in quest of warmer climes.

Some, just like human snowbirds, choose to stick around in Sarasota County for the season. But as an important stopping point on the Atlantic Flyway — a major northsouth avian superhighway in North America — South Florida also provides critical food and shelter to migratory birds heading to breeding or overwintering sites further afield.

Whether they’re here for several months or mere days, migratory birds are important members of our natural systems who provide ecosystem benefits such as pest control and pollination of plants. And, as parts of the food chain, they are a food source for other wildlife.

Notably, the Atlantic Flyway is the most densely populated and developed out of the four major flyways crossing the United States. Indeed, loss, degradation and fragmentation of important migratory bird habitats is potentially the largest individual threat to migratory birds. And much of this threat is caused by human development.

Protected public lands, such as Myakka River State Park, support migratory birds by providing the natural habitats, diversity of food and native plants these bird species depend on.

Because native plants evolved to exist in our environment, they are well adapted to Florida’s climate, soil conditions and wildlife. And, as native vegetation is the foundation of healthy wild Florida ecosystems, a key focus of Myakka’s Florida Park Service staff is the removal of highly invasive plant species, which were introduced to Florida either purposefully or accidentally. Such plants actively damage ecosystems by displacing native plants, there-

Miri Hardy

fore reducing wildlife habitat quality. Invasive plants also can change important ecological functions, such as water flow.

To support migratory birds, oftentimes all that is needed are small areas of protected land, with native plants that provide shelter and food along their migration route before they continue on to their final destinations. Even on private lands and urban areas, restoring suitable wildlife habitats by replacing nonnatives with native vegetation is a powerful conservation tool for maintaining healthy bird and other wildlife populations.

Robins are one of several migratory birds that rely on resources locally during their winter journeys.

— 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

The Observer’s

Weather

&Nature

Endocrinology

2022-23 PHOTO CONTEST

WELCOMES

A R E F L E C T I O N O F N AT U R E ’ S B E A U T Y

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

15A

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16A

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

Lakewood Ranch Prep focuses on brain health Flexible seating, more student choices aimed at promoting brain health.

LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR

T

hroughout the day at Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy, students have the opportunity to take a break from their studies to walk, choose a more comfortable seat or even go outside with their classmates to continue a lesson.

The change in scenery and flexible seating options can help students refocus while addressing their brain health.

From the small, everyday choices to the Lunch and Learn programs that teach students about various health topics, Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy students are learning more about brain health through the Schools for Brain Health Program.

As a wellness, innovation, science and health model school, Bradley Warren, the lower school principal at Lakewood Ranch Prep, said the partnership with the Brian Health Initiative was serendipitous.

“It meshed so perfectly with our vision of helping not just the whole child, but the whole community,” he said. “We didn’t look at ourselves as if we were going to open a school and do just what’s best for the kids. We

want to do what’s best for the entire family and the whole community.”

Through the partnership, the Brain Health Initiative and Brain Health Scholars are helping students learn more about brain health protective and risk factors, such as stress resilience, nutrition, sleep, general health and more.

The focus for Schools for Brain Health at Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy starts with the freshmen on campus. As the school adds more grades, more students will be involved in the program.

“What we’re developing is an entire community for brain health,” said Stephanie Peabody, the founder and executive director of the Brain Health Initiative. “We are creating a continuum of care that begins before birth and follows an individual across the lifespan. The opportunity to create an education culture that can be a prototype that can be modeled and replicated anywhere is just extraordinary.”

With students spending more than 15,000 hours in school before they graduate high school, Peabody said it’s imperative for students to learn about brain health at a young age.

She said Schools for Brain Health will help the Brain Health Initiative see how effective the initiatives are in promoting a brain healthy lifestyle. The hope is students will share what they learn with their families, ultimately impacting the community at large.

Courtesy photo

Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy sixth grader Ely Chappell conducts observational data collection with Stephanie Peabody, founder of the Brain Health Initiative, and sixth grader Cadence Clay.

BRAIN HEALTH FACTORS Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy students are learning about factors that influence a brain healthy lifestyle. These include: n Stress resilience n Nutrition n Physical activity n Sleep n Social connection n Emotional well being n Home, nature and environment n Meaning and purpose n Cognitive stimulation n General health n Positive impacts n Future protective factors

“What we’re doing is creating a culture that proudly promotes and protects brain health protective factors, a brain healthy lifestyle that identifies the earliest markers of potential concern,” Peabody said.

“It takes everyone seeing through a common lens using a common language and having evidence-based responses.”

The Brain Health Initiative worked with the school to survey freshmen and their parents, teachers, staff and administrators to compile a needs analysis showing their perceptions

and priorities related to brain health.

Peabody said the top priorities were related to physical activity, nutrition and cognitive stimulation.

Now Schools for Brain Health are working on potential projects to address those priorities.

As the school was being constructed, Peabody worked with Warren and Cheryl Cendan, the principal of the upper school, to incorporate brain healthy aspects into an educational environment. For example, each learning village in the school has desks at various heights and flexible seating options for students to be able to choose what works best for them.

Schools for Brain Health also incorporates monthly Lunch and Learns, where experts or Brain Health Scholars present on a variety of topics including nutrition, sleep, stress management and time

management. Cendan said she’s seen students incorporating the tips they’ve learned during the Lunch and Learns into their everyday lives.

She said students are more compassionate and sensitive when talking to each other, they think about how they interact with each other, they’re using devices to help manage their time and they reach out to staff for opportunities to improve their academics and more.

Schools for Brain Health is finding other ways to engage students in lessons on brain health. For example, scent-detection research dogs that are being trained to support safety and provide emotional comfort in schools were brought to campus Jan. 25. The dogs could provide therapeutic assistance for students experiencing anxiety, depression and increased stress levels.

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

17A

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

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He was born in Rangoon, Burma, on December 10, 1939. He earned his BS in Chemistry and Bacteriology from the University of Karachi, Pakistan, his MS from Brigham Young University, Utah.

In 1968, with a Doctorate in Immunology from The Ohio State University, he joined the Colgate-Palmolive R & D Center in Piscataway, New Jersey. His 37-year career at Colgate started as a research scientist, progressed in 1990 to Vice President of Oral Care Advanced Technology and retired in 2006 as VP of Growth Technology Development, a core group dedicated to searching for innovative technologies for the next generation of personal and home care products. A brilliant scientist with creativity and logical intuition, he was the driving force for the launch of several Colgate products for tartar and plaque control, whitening, gum care and sensitivity.

Perhaps he is most acknowledged for his work in the development of Colgate Total, the first multi-benefit

toothpaste approved by the FDA for gingivitis claims and endorsed by 31 dental associations around the world for up to 30% gingivitis reduction. In 1998, Business Week magazine hailed it as one of the year’s best products.

Recognized and respected worldwide as an oral care expert, he was the recipient of two prestigious awards: the New Jersey Inventors Hall of Fame in 2001 and the American Chemical Society Heroes of Chemistry in 2006. The New Jersey Inventors Hall of Fame honors the state’s great inventors and invention processes as inspirations for the future generation. The Heroes of Chemistry is awarded to companies and individuals whose work has led to the welfare and advancement of humanity.

He filed 192 US Patent applications and co-authored more than 200 publications

in scientific journals.

As part of his tireless pursuit of improving people’s lives, he recently invented with a team of scientists, a novel protective antiviral nasal spray, Covixyl through Salvacion USA, Inc. He greatly enjoyed traveling around the globe, pursuing innumerable intellectual pursuits, and cherishing time with family and friends. He lived a full and meaningful life, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, philanthropy, inspiration and love.

He is survived by his beloved wife of fifty-three years Maria Cora; his son, Yousuf Gaffar, MD; five grandchildren and many relatives world-wide.

His Celebration of Life is being planned for March 2023 in Lakewood Ranch, FL. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Doctors Without Borders, doctorswithoutborders.com.

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18A

FEBRUARY 16, 2023

SPORTS

“All the people in softball are amazing.

I have created the best friends.”

— Lakewood Ranch High’s Addyson Bruneman SEE PAGE 21A

Fast

BY THE NUMBERS

Through 20 games (as of Feb. 11)

Break

0 2

Games Lakewood Ranch has lost in 2022-2023

Wins separating Lakewood Ranch from a state championship game appearance

9 13 14 102

Shutouts recorded by the Mustangs Goals the Mustangs have allowed Mustangs who have scored at least one goal this season

Ryan Kohn

ODA’s Zach Fox passes to a teammate. Fox had eight points in the team’s Jan. 6 win over Sarasota Christian.

T

he Out-of-Door Academy boys basketball season ended with a 69-36 loss to Cardinal Mooney High Feb. 8 in the district semifinals, but the Thunder went 16-9 in their first season under Coach Neil Berkman, including a nine-game winning streak, after going 7-16 the previous season. ODA will return 10 of its 14 players next season. … As of Feb. 7, Palm Aire Country Club is the only private country club in Florida to have Padel courts. Padel is a racket sport played like a mix of tennis and squash on an enclosed court. The club will offer lessons through its certified instructor Angel Davila. Call the tennis pro shop at 351-4117 for more information. … Former ODA swimmer Zach Szmania will represent Boston College in three events at the Atlantic Coast Conference Championships, held Feb. 14-18 in Greensboro, North Carolina. Szmania’s highestseeded event is the 1,650-yard freestyle, where he is seeded 21st (15:30.28). Szmania’s time is the school record for the event. … The Sarasota Invitational Regatta comes Feb. 24-26 to Nathan Benderson Park.

The event will feature youth, middle school, high school and masters rowers from across the state and will include Sarasota Crew, Sarasota Scullers and Manatee County Youth Rowing.

The event is free for spectators. For more information visit NathanBendersonPark.org. … Ken Richardson sank a hole-in-one Feb. 9 on the No. 7 hole of Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club’s King’s Dunes course. Richardson used an 8-iron on the 138-yard hole. … UMR Sports Complex is offering a beginner’s pickleball clinic Feb. 21 from 1-3 p.m.

Registration is $50. Space is limited. To reserve a spot, email Lynn Barry at RLCBarry24@ aol.com. Call 719-351-3704 for more information.

SPRING TO A NEW SEASON PAGE 20A

Photos by Ryan Kohn

Sophomore Emma Chapman will be the Mustangs varsity goalkeeper during the playoffs after spending the regular season on the junior varsity roster.

New Mustangs goalie asked to save the day Injuries clear the way for sophomore Emma Chapman to take over as the goalie for the Lakewood Ranch High girls soccer team.

RYAN KOHN SPORTS EDITOR

E

ven though the Lakewood Ranch High girls soccer team is unbeaten at 19-0-1 and one win from making the state semifinals, Mustangs Coach Delaney Riggins isn’t afraid of making changes.

Riggins has done so all year.

Some were strategic, like moving second-leading goal scorer Sophie Lemus to the defense, which was depleted by injuries. That change has worked, but in an ideal world, Lemus would still be playing forward.

More surprising might have been a move in goal.

For most of the season, sophomore Emma Chapman was the program’s junior varsity goalkeeper. She performed well, allowing four goals in 10 games, with seven shutouts. With the junior varsity season ending in December, Chapman joined the varsity roster in January, but didn’t expected to see any playing time.

But that has changed in the postseason. With the Mustangs’ varsity keepers nursing injuries, Riggins decided to give Chapman a chance in the team’s district final against North Port High, a team the Mustangs had previously beaten twice.

If it appeared the pressure of a varsity playoff game was too much for the sophomore, the team could make a change — or let her learn from it, as even a loss would not have cost the team a spot in regionals thanks to its sparkling record.

There was no reason to be worried. though, as Lakewood Ranch beat North Port 2-0. Mustangs Coach Delaney Riggins said Chapman looked poised in net and kept things under control. Chapman’s district final performance, plus her undefeated junior varsity record, convinced Riggins to stay with Chapman during the playoff run.

Chapman started Lakewood Ranch’s 8-2 regional quarterfinal win over Plant High and the team’s 5-1 regional semifinal win over Steinbrenner High.

“In the past three games, she has stepped up to do amazing things,”

Riggins said of Chapman. “We’re proud of her and looking forward to seeing what else she can bring.”

Chapman did not have to do a lot against Steinbrenner as Lakewood Ranch controlled play from the outset, holding the Warriors — the No. 9 team in the class, according to MaxPreps rankings — to a handful

Emma Chapman said she feels confident in her abilities despite being new to the varsity team.

Goals the Mustangs have scored

of scoring opportunities.

The one goal Chapman did allow was a shot from the far right side of the field by Steinbrenner’s Aaliyah Pitts, who has 26 goals in 2022-2023, ninth most in the class.

Chapman said she was stunned when the coaches asked her to start for varsity, but quickly became acclimated thanks to the welcoming nature of the roster. Chapman said she has no nerves about ordering a veteran player into a certain spot when facing corner kicks or performing other goalkeeper duties. She said the Mustangs’ strong defense has made the transition smooth.

“It’s a lot more competitive at this level,” Chapman said. “Especially now (in the playoffs). Teams don’t want to be playing their last game. Everyone wants to move on.

It’s intense, but my teammates have made me feel like family.”

Chapman has been working on her skills for a long time. Chapman said she first became interested in sports through school games of dodgeball.

She liked the rush of the ball wizzing at her head — and the relief of snagging it before it could do any damage.

The combination of feelings made Chapman look at other sports where she could do similar things, and being a soccer goalkeeper stood out.

“I like being the last one to save the ball,” Chapman said. “I like that responsibility.”

The coaching staff loves her attitude.

“She’s great at knowing when to come out and win the ball, especially when it is past our defensive line,” Riggins said. “She’s good at commanding her box and she’s good with her feet.”

Riggins said there was no hesitation when making the decision to play Chapman in the postseason despite her inexperience.

If Chapman does falter, the Mustangs have an offense capable of bailing her out. Even with Lemus playing on defense, the Mustangs offense was on fire against Steinbrenner Feb. 10. Senior Julia Magno scored twice, giving her 18 goals, and sophomore Olivia Hadad (16 goals), senior Gabi Madrid (eight goals) and senior Regan Kelly (five goals) all scored once.

The Mustangs played Palm Harbor University High (18-0) Feb. 14 for a spot in the state semifinals. Check YourObserver.com for results from that contest. If the Mustangs won, they will play either Bartram Trail High (18-0-2) or Creekside High (125) at 7 p.m. Feb. 17 at a to-be-determined location based on reseeding.

Lakewood Ranch’s Regan Kelly (22) and teammates Elizabeth Fetchko, Sophie Lemus, Gabi Madrid, Olivia Hadad and Rylee O’Shea rush to the sidelines after a Kelly goal.

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

PROSE AND KOHN

RYAN KOHN

A Mustangs’ three-peat spring’s big question O f all the high school sports seasons, spring most consistently catches me off guard.

February does not feel like spring to me — which, of course, on the calendar it is not — as someone who grew up in the mid-Atlantic region and routinely spent the second month of the year with my heavy coat at the ready.

In Florida, though, February is go time on the spring sports schedule, and so it is once again that spring sports like lacrosse and baseball begin this week, with other sports following in quick succession.

I love the variety of the spring season. Here are some of my picks to be potential spring sports highlights.

RBIs. The team’s depth will be put to the test, however, as Lakewood Ranch has to replace five starting players in its lineup, one of whom — Ella Coiner — also served as the team’s No. 2 pitcher behind Dodge.

That said, until someone knocks the Mustangs out of the playoffs, they will be the the target for the rest of Class 7A. Elsewhere, the Braden River High program will look to bounce back from an 8-18 season. The Pirates don’t have the depth of a team like Lakewood Ranch, but they do boast one of the best players in the state in shortstop/catcher Jada Phillips, a Louisiana State University commit who hit .479 with six home runs and 31 RBIs in 2022.

SOFTBALL

BASEBALL

It’s rare that a program with backto-back state championships has this many questions surrounding it entering the next season, but that’s what happens when a coach leaves.

Mustangs Coach T.J. Goelz stepped down from his position following Lakewood Ranch’s 30-2 season and second state title in a row, citing a lack of time for family and other things in his life. In Goelz’s place steps Todd Lee, the father of Mustangs’ senior infielder Amanda Lee and the program’s former junior varsity coach, who has the unenviable task of following two-straight titles.

Can the Mustangs do it?

Their top-end talent gives them a chance. Lakewood Ranch returns junior pitcher Ella Dodge, a University of Tennessee commit and the 2022 Class 7A Player of the Year (25 wins and a 1.02 ERA), and senior outfielder Cassidy McLellan, a University of Florida commit who hit .561 with 22 extra-base hits and 38

The Out-of-Door Academy baseball team could not match Lakewood Ranch softball’s backto-back titles, but after winning the 2021 state title, the Thunder did go 20-9 and reach the state semifinals in Class 2A in 2022, where they lost 5-2 to North Florida Christian, after winning the 2021 state title.

Unlike the Mustangs, ODA has to replace just two players from its lineup, Aidan Marino and Logan Tribble. Though both players were key contributors, the rest of the Thunder lineup has enough pop to fill the void. Senior Giovanni Giuliani, who hit .426 and had an on-base percentage of .471 with 15 stolen bases and 15 runs scored, is an ideal top-of-the-order bat.

Senior Jack Hobson provided power with six home runs and 34 RBIs and senior Luca Marino brings leadership and strong defense from his catcher position.

On the mound, the Thunder must replace the production of reliable

File photo

Lakewood Ranch High’s softball team captured its second-straight state title on May 28.

lefty Josh Cone, who now pitches for the University of South Florida.

At Lakewood Ranch, the Mustangs went 10-16 in 2022 but return a pair of starters — juniors Jack Muller and Lochlan Radloff — who held ERAs of 1.22 and 1.33 respectively. They should keep the team in games. Offensively, the Mustangs will lose five regulars to graduation.

Junior Clayton Dees, who broke out as a quarterback for the football team in 2022, also led the baseball team with a .348 average.

LACROSSE

In the ever-improving Gulf Coast region of Florida lacrosse, the Lakewood Ranch boys program held its own in 2022, finishing with a 10-6 record but losing 13-6 to Alonso High in the district semifinals. In 2023, the Mustangs will be led by junior Lucas Anthony, who scored 64 goals as a sophomore, tied for 10th best in the state. Anthony’s mark of 4.0 goals per game was actually tied for third-best in the state among the top 10 scorers, so his numbers could be even higher in the 2023 standings if the Mustangs can advance farther in the postseason.

On the girls side, the ODA Thunder will attempt to build on

a 15-2 season that ended with 7-6 loss to rival St. Stephen’s Episcopal in the regional semifinals. The Thunder lose two 50-goal scorers in Dani Taraska and Megan Dowdell, who graduated, but return juniors Aubrey Robbins (56 goals) and Emma Arrigo (46 goals), who will have to carry more of the scoring load; the next-highest goal total of a returnee is 10 by McKenna Larkin, now a sophomore. One worry ODA will not have is goalkeeping; senior Emma Bonacuse helped the Thunder hold opponents to 6.5 goals per game.

championship. They then nearly knocked off Cardinal Mooney High, the Sunshine State Athletic Conference state champion, in the postseason, winning the first two pairs before losing 3-2. The Mustangs will not have star sisters Ashley Pater and Brooke Pater, who graduated, but will have senior Andrea Dietz, a University of North Florida commit.

Braden River should also have a typically strong program. The Pirates went 8-4 in 2022 but lost to Bradenton Christian 3-2 in the district semifinals.

TRACK AND FIELD

FLAG FOOTBALL

In 2023, the area’s only two state medalists in 2022, ODA’s Tristan McWilliam (first in the Class 1A 1,600-meter run and third in the 800-meter run) and Lakewood Ranch’s Grace Marston (second in the Class 4A 3,200-meter run and third in the 1,600-meter run) graduated. ODA pole vaulter Tyler Beck finished sixth in Class 1A in 2022 (13 feet, 3.5 inches), so it is possible he makes the jump to a medal in 2023.

Braden River’s flag football (girls) program has become something of a juggernaut. The Pirates went 11-1 last season and outscored its opponents 338-33, but lost 20-0 to eventual state runner-up Newsome High in the district semifinals.

BEACH VOLLEYBALL

The Lakewood Ranch beach volleyball team was a surprise in 2022, going 9-3 and winning a district

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

Addyson Bruneman is a senior on the Lakewood Ranch High softball team. Bruneman, who is switching from shortstop to catcher for the 2023 season, hit .400 with 11 extra-base hits and 14 RBIs in 2022, including three RBIs in the team’s 8-2 state championship win over Lake Brantley High. The Mustangs’ 2023 season begins at 7 p.m. Feb. 22 at home against Palmetto High.

When did you start playing?

I actually played baseball before softball. I played that through machine pitch. Once I had to start playing against real pitching (at 9 years old), my family suggested I try softball. I tried it and instantly loved it. I stopped doing anything else because I wanted to always focus on softball.

What is the appeal to you?

All the people in softball are amazing. I have created the best friends.

It’s also competitive but in a different way than other sports. You’re competing with yourself a lot of the time, not just other people.

What is your favorite memory?

I have to go with winning our second state title last year. We had everyone trying to beat us because we had already won once and we still won.

What has to happen for Lakewood Ranch to win a third title?

We need to put in work throughout the season. I think other teams work hard at the beginning and then get tired.

What is the best advice you have received?

Be excited to succeed, not afraid to fail. In softball, when you make a mistake, you are usually going to make another mistake if you think, “Oh no, I’m scared.”

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Finish this sentence: “Addyson Bruneman is …” … Competitive, to a point. But I can also be goofy and mess around.

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

PRIVATE DINING ONLY, RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Addyson Bruneman

21A

Parrish Village News PAGE 20

e Tim d ite r Lim Offe

What is your best skill?

I have a good internal clock, like a game clock. I know when I should position myself in certain places and I can read the field and see what’s going on, who is lined up where, etc.

Now is the time...

What have you been working to improve?

I am trying to generate more power. Not that I didn’t have some power before, but I want to get more from my legs so I get more power on lower pitches. I think that has gotten better this offseason.

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

LAKEWOOD RANCH 19450 Beacon Park Place Donna Soda & Joel Schemmel

UNIVERSITY PARK COUNTRY CLUB 7816 Sloane Gardens Court Bridgett Tackett-Byzewski

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FEBRUARY 16, 2023

YOUR NEIGHBORS Third grader Kaylee Casablanca loves dancing with her sister, Briana Casablanca, and third grader Aubrielle Deaugustinis.

Photos by Liz Ramos

SWEET MEMORIES C

— LIZ RAMOS

Fifth grader Samuel Moya shows off his guitar, which was painted with a Florida theme, during the sweetheart dance.

Danielle Jones and Eddie Jones took their kindergartner, Grant Jones, to his first sweetheart dance.

Fifth grader Tobias Guillermoni and his brother, Francesco Guillermoni, who is in third grade, make their way to the dance floor.

Colleen Fackler dances with her first grader, Declan Fackler. “I’m no stranger to the dance floor,” Colleen Fackler says.

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olleen Fackler and her son, Declan Facker, a first grader at Tara Elementary School, hit the dance floor during the school’s annual Sweetheart Dance.

“I’m no stranger to the dance floor, so we’re having a fun time,” Collen Facker said. “We love to dance so much.”

Colleen Fackler said the dance Feb. 10 was an opportunity for Declan to step out of his shell and have fun with his friends.

For fifth graders like Isabella Carberry, this year’s sweetheart dance was the last chance for her to make memories at the dance before moving onto middle school.

Carberry’s mother, Traci Carberry, said Isabella didn’t want to attend the dance at first, but once she arrived, she was excited to be with her friends.

Fifth graders Ava Mohamed, Piper Bush and Liana Sienkiewicz get their photo taken with Callie, the school’s therapy dog.

2B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

Go wild in new Waterside village Stock Development about to open sales for new community that will emphasize the area’s natural beauty.

ALMOST ON THE MARKET

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

A

fter a successful run in the Lake Club of Lakewood Ranch, Stock Development has been seeking other opportunities as available land begins to dwindle in the nation’s No. 1-selling, multigenerational, master-planned community.

Those hoping to move to the area or who live here but want to upgrade can now get a look at Stock’s newest venture at Wild Blue at Waterside. Models on the site, which sits on the east side of Lorraine Road (across from the Sarasota Polo Club) in Waterside, won’t be available until late in 2023, but you can check out Wild Blue models at a sales office in the Lake Club at 8307 Lake Club Blvd.

As it has done in the Lake Club, Stock will be concentrating on upscale homes and amenities.

Claudine Leger-Wetzel, Stock’s vice president of sales and marketing, said homes will start at $1 million and then go upward. Besides Stock Luxury homes and Stock Custom Homes, other builders in the new village will include Lee Wetherington Homes, John Cannon Homes, AR by Arthur Rutenberg and Anchor Builders.

“Certainly, this is an extension of what Stock does best, a masterplanned community with exceptional locations,” Leger-Wetzel said.

“We have worked with the team at (Schroeder-Manatee Ranch), putting together a nice package. We are bullish on Lakewood Ranch.”

Stock will have a unique agreement, sharing a 13-acre park with Homes by Towne, which will be developing adjacent land to Wild Blue. Leger-Wetzel said SMR

Courtesy photos

Luxury homes in Wild Blue at Lakewood Ranch will start at $1 million and then go upward in price. This is a Gardenia model.

brought the two builders together on the project.

The park, which includes nature trails, is important to the Wild Blue project, which bills itself as a “nature-centric” community. The village, which will have 500 singlefamily homes when built out, is 550 acres, with more than half being untouched spaces.

A winding trail system will be a major draw, along with a system of small lakes throughout the community. Outdoor amenities will include a resort-style pool, an outdoor poolside bar and restaurant, tennis and pickleball courts, a pavilion, a children’s playground, outdoor fitness equipment, an event lawn, docks and kayak launches, dog park, basketball court and picnic areas. The pool area will include a Fiji-inspired lagoon, a yoga lawn and a putting green.

Besides those outdoor amenities, residents will have a 25,000-squarefoot clubhouse and wellness center.

It will include a movie theater for residents only and a golf simulator.

The clubhouse will be built in the second phase of the project.

Stock Development will be emphasizing outdoor spaces in its new Wild Blue at Waterside community, such as this poolside bar.

Leger-Wetzel said the homes won’t feature the Mediterranean style so well known to the Lakewood Ranch area.

“It’s going to have clearer lines, lighter colors, a British West Indies look,” she said.

On Feb. 8, more than 275 area Realtors and their guests were treated to

WILD BLUE AT WATERSIDE Where: Bordering the east side of Lorraine Road (across from the Sarasota Polo Club) in Waterside of Lakewood Ranch Sales: Future home sales to be released this spring Models: No onsite models until late in 2023, but WildBlue models can be seen in the Lake Club at 8307 Lake Club Blvd.

Price: $1 million and up Features: Resort-style pool, 25,000-squarefoot clubhouse, hiking trials, residents-only restaurant, 13acre park, tennis and pickleball courts, golf simulator, fitness center More information: Go to WildBlueLWR. com.

an introduction to the new village at a special event at the Clive Daniel Home showroom on the Fruitville Commons.

The release of future Wild Blue home sales this spring coincides with the continued development of Waterside Place, which has three restaurants planning 2023 openings.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

LAKEWOOD RANCH 8019 Bowspirit Way 6 Beds 6/2 Baths 6,648 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4552391 $5,495,000

BRADENTON 8317 Lindrick Lane 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,913 Sq. Ft. Tina Ciaccio 941-685-8420 A4553135 $2,798,000

BRADENTON 19007 65th Avenue E 4 Beds 5/1 Baths 4,374 Sq. Ft. Aaron Corr & Leslie Emery 941-840-2346 A4549287 $2,350,000

BRADENTON 657 Regatta Way 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 3,512 Sq. Ft. Sandi Dietrich 941-704-0697 A4551539 $2,195,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7528 Greystone Street 3 Beds 3 Baths 3,058 Sq. Ft. Tina Ciaccio 941-685-8420 A4556659 $1,825,000

BRADENTON 1016 Lanyard Court 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 2,825 Sq. Ft. Mark Boehmig & Noel Morton 941-807-6936 A4553944 $1,550,000

BRADENTON 7527 River Club Boulevard 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,261 Sq. Ft. David D'Angelo 941-587-7268 A4541997 $1,175,000

BRADENTON 6187 9th Avenue Circle NE 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,155 Sq. Ft. Stephanie Okuley 941-773-2677 A4556667 $1,099,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 13510 Saw Palm Creek Trail 6 Beds 4/1 Baths 4,315 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4552620 $1,050,000

BRADENTON 4011 Celestial Blue Court 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,388 Sq. Ft. Laura Navratil & Timothy Carney 941-806-7436 A4559569 $849,000

BRADENTON 17032 Harvest Moon Way 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,828 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4559516 $839,900

LAKEWOOD RANCH 6360 Watercrest Way 403 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,916 Sq. Ft. Beth Ann Boyer 941-780-6606 A4549533 $699,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 6406 Watercrest Way 302 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,917 Sq. Ft. Stuart Lawrence & Laura Lawrence 941-894-4001 A4538694 $674,995

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7245 Orchid Island Place 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,195 Sq. Ft. Beth Ann Boyer 941-780-6606 A4550231 $649,000

PALMETTO 610 Riviera Dunes Way 208 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,115 Sq. Ft. Mark Boehmig & Noel Morton 941-807-6936 A4553604 $649,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 6422 Moorings Point Circle 202 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,344 Sq. Ft. Pamela Modisett 941-993-3967 A4554334 $579,900

BRADENTON 2409 Wildflower Run 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,965 Sq. Ft. Carroll Couri 813-727-1630 A4557015 $539,900

BRADENTON 13714 Messina Loop 203 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,632 Sq. Ft. JJ Williams 941-412-6355 A4558002 $525,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 5721 Palmer Circle 105 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,355 Sq. Ft. Laura Naese 941-350-3657 A4550042 $515,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 5558 Palmer Circle 104 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,336 Sq. Ft. Christopher Van Vliet & Jamie Van Vliet, PA 941-993-7087 A4552858 $499,000

BRADENTON 13738 Messina Loop 203 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,528 Sq. Ft. Barbara A Milian, PA 941-504-0660 A4558816 $499,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 17704 Gawthrop Drive 307 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,142 Sq. Ft. Laura Lawrence & Stuart Lawrence 941-737-3808 A4552690 $420,000

BRADENTON 6406 Rosefinch Court 102 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,691 Sq. Ft. JJ Williams 941-412-6355 A4554445 $349,000

BRADENTON 7803 Grand Estuary Trail 203 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,156 Sq. Ft. Natalia Armonda 941-373-5743 A4552296 $328,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 5544 37th Street E 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,236 Sq. Ft. Debbie Vogler 941-705-3328 A4556908 $250,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 8405 Pavia Way 4 Beds 4 Baths 3,754 Sq. Ft. Stuart Lawrence & Laura Lawrence 941-894-4001 A4555436 $3,250,000

BRADENTON 20706 79th Avenue E 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 5,077 Sq. Ft. Chris Baylis 941-735-4713 A4557206 $3,200,000

BRADENTON 8435 Lindrick Lane 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 4,893 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4539533 $3,175,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

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4B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in Country Club East topped all transactions in this week’s real estate. Tenley Fasola, trustee, sold the home at 7619 Cavendish Cove to Marlene ShannonStringer and Neil Scott Stringer, of Bradenton, for $1,265,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,856 square feet of living area. It sold for $712,900 in 2016.

COUNTRY CLUB

Michael and Sandra Briggs, of Bradenton, sold their home at 7026 Vilamoura Place to Rosemary and David Mayer, of Flossmoor, Illinois, for $1.1 million. Built in 2003, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,757 square feet of living area. It sold for $625,000 in 2018.

John and Judith Hornblow, of Sarasota, sold their home at 7154 Whitemarsh Circle to Per and Mariana Ahlund, of Lakewood Ranch, for $655,000. Built in 2003, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 2,070 square feet of living area. It sold for $320,000 in 2012.

ESPLANADE

Annemarie Rizzo, trustee, sold the home at 13329 Sorrento Way to Herbert and Donna Besaw, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1,075,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,371 square feet of living area. It sold for $508,900 in 2017.

WINDWARD

Neal Communities of Southwest Florida LLC sold the home at 2613 Butterfly Jasmine Trail to Thomas and Susan Castle, of Englewood, for $1,023,400. Built in 2022, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,711 square feet of living area.

SHOREVIEW

Steven and Caroline Harris, of The Villages, sold their home at 825 Seascape Place to Michael Ray Ellerd II and Ashley Nicole Williamson, of Sarasota, for $970,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,486 square feet of living area. It sold for $567,900 in 2020.

TIDEWATER PRESERVE

Timothy Kyle Stark and Heather Grace Stark sold their home at 5213 Lake Overlook Ave. to Paul and Barbara Schweiger, of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, for $952,000. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,725 square feet of living area. It sold for $525,000 in 2018.

UNIVERSITY PLACE

Janice Van Dyck, of Bradenton, sold her home at 7711 Ashley Circle to Sammy Francois and Briana Harris Francois, of Bradenton, for $940,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,061 square feet of living area. It sold for $480,000 in 2016.

UNIVERSITY PARK

JAN. 30-FEB. 3

Elizabeth Serrao, of Las Vegas, sold her home at 1083 145th St. Circle N.E. to AmeriFund Investments LLC for $500,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,778 square feet of living area. It sold for $537,600 in 2017.

RYE WILDERNESS ESTATES

Kenneth Eugene Manning and Geneva Manning sold their home at 503 167th Blvd. E. to Mathuew and Callie Terrell, of Bradenton, for $850,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,568 square feet of living area. It sold for $451,800 in 2018.

RIVERDALE REVISED

James Gieges, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, sold the home at 4728 Starboard Drive to Kory and Jocelyn Davis, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for $800,000. Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,286 square feet of living area. It sold for $380,000 in 2012.

BRADEN WOODS

Stephen and Laura Lentz, of Bradenton, sold their home at 9104 68th Ave. E. to Diane Regan, trustee, of Punta Gorda, for $778,000.

Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,809 square feet of living area. It sold for $700,000 in 2021.

GREENBROOK

Gregory Hendrix and Tatyana Sergeevna Hendrix, of St. Petersburg, sold their home at 14713 Bowfin Terrace to Denise Elizabeth Alatraqchi, of Lakewood Ranch, for $775,000. Built in 2008, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,621 square feet of living area. It sold for $500,000 in 2015.

MILL CREEK

Peter and Barbara Maynard, of Parrish, sold their home at 1707 145th St. E. to Richard and Kathy Chengery, of Bradenton, for $730,000.

Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,666 square feet of living area. It sold for $482,500 in 2005.

RIVERSIDE AT TIDEWATER PRESERVE

Justin and Christine Mizell, of Parrish, sold their Unit C condominium at 1253 Riverscape St. to Jorge Andrew Bou and Elizabeth Bou, of Bradenton, for $710,000. Built in 2014, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 2,332 square feet of living area. It sold for $381,000 in 2016.

Thomas Joseph Fowler and Cynthia Kay Fowler, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the Unit A condominium at 1274 Riverscape St. to Peter and Patrice Taleff, of Bradenton, for $560,000. Built in 2016, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,748 square feet of living area. It sold for $360,000 in 2019.

Courtesy photo

This Country Club East home at 7619 Cavendish Cove sold for $1,265,000. It has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,856 square feet of living area.

Sarasota Luxury Leasing LLC sold the home at 6510 Berkshire Place to Charles Agles, trustee, of Boca Grande, for $610,000. Built in 1992, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,934 square feet of living area. It sold for $355,500 in 2013.

PERIDIA

Willard and Jenny Phillips, of Bradenton, sold their home at 4334 Presidential Ave. Circle E. to Donald Papiez and Bonnie Jo Leece, of Bradenton, for $615,000. Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, twoand-a-half baths, a pool and 2,448 square feet of living area. It sold for $300,000 in 2013.

and Trisha Guarnieri, of Bradenton, for $600,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,183 square feet of living area.

It sold for $406,900 in 2021.

James Michael Driver and Kelli Bascone-Driver, of Tullahoma, Tennessee, sold their home at 12547 Cara Cara Loop to Ronald and Sheila Sadler, of Cadiz, Kentucky, for $500,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,028 square feet of living area. It sold for $278,000 in 2017.

ONLINE See more transactions

GREYHAWK LANDING

James and Anita Smith, of Jamestown, Tennessee, sold their home at 12538 Cara Cara Loop to Robert

at YourObserver.com

In with the new NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Downtown St. Petersburg

400 Central | 727.209.7848 | From the $1MM’s | Call for appointment. | Residences400central.com SOLD OUT

DEL WEBB

Pulte Home Co. LLC sold the home at 7417 Cortland St. to David Reda and Lorna Donatone, trustees, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, for $700,000. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,111 square feet of living area.

Longboat Key

WATERLEFE

Edward and Eileen Davies, of Silver Creek, Georgia, sold their home at 607 Misty Pond Court to Donald Burl McCaskill and Gary Edward Neve, of Wichita Falls, Texas, for $675,000. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,538 square feet of living area. It sold for $385,000 in 2016.

Brian and Alison Sackley sold their home at 7358 Windemere Lane to Anthony Crisafio and Debra Crisafio, trustees, of University Park, for $890,000. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,622 square feet of living area. It sold for $580,000 in 2016.

RIVERDALE

ENCLAVE AT COUNTRY MEADOWS

HAMPTON GREEN

Thomas and Ann Jackson sold their home at 948 145th St. Circle N.E. to Harold Judkins, of Bradenton, for $875,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,939 square feet of living area. It sold for $473,300 in 2015.

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

Veronica Paulson, trustee, sold the home at 103 41st St. N.E. to Alex Nickels, of Bradenton, for $636,000. Built in 1995, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,507 square feet of living area. It sold for $140,500 in 1995.

Harold Lewis Tick, of Highland Park, Illinois, sold his home at 7952 Hampton Court to Stephen and Kathy Luc, of Carmel, Indiana, for $625,000. Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,989 square feet of living area. It sold for $67,600 in 1993.

The Residences at the St. Regis | 941.213.3300 | From $2.4MM to $10.9MM | Call for appointment | SRResidencesLongboatKey.com 1 FINAL OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE

Downtown Sarasota

The Collection | 941.232.2868 | thecollection1335.com

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

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

mscdeveloperservices.com | 844.591.4333 | Sarasota, Florida Prices as of December 2022

Licensed Real Estate Broker

395734-1

ADAM HUGHES

REAL ESTATE

Country Club East home tops sales at $1,265,000

5B

YourObserver.com

Saturday, March 25, 2023 In-Person & Virtual Attendance Bradenton Area Convention Center 1 Haben Blvd, Palmetto, FL 34221

9 AM – 3 PM (ET)

Doors open at 8 am • Program starts at 9 am

FREE EVENT

Registration Required at ParkinsonsExpo.org Online registration is strongly encouraged.

Visit ParkinsonsExpo.org or call 941-926-6413 ext.105 for more information.

LIVE MUSIC AT JIGGS LANDING Runs each day from 3:30-6:30 p.m. at Jiggs Landing, 6106 63rd St. E., Bradenton. This week’s music includes Steve Arvey (Thursday), Greg Short and Friends (Friday), TBA (Saturday) and Mike Sales (Sunday).

A $5 cover is charged on Fridays and Saturdays and the other days are free. For more information, go to JiggsLanding.com.

This event is presented to the community at no charge thanks to the following partners: Gold Sponsors Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota

FRIDAY, FEB. 17

GATSBY SPEAKEASY SOIREE Special VIP cocktail hour begins at 5 p.m. with the main event beginning at 6 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota, 1000 Boulevard of the Arts. Come as a flapper, a gangster or a silent screen star for Sisterhood for Good’s Gatsby Speakeasy Soiree, with proceeds benefiting nonprofits.

The event includes dinner, drinks, a silent auction, music and entertainment. Tickets, $225, can be purchased by going to SFGFlorida.org.

Silver Sponsors

Acadia Pharmaceuticals Acorda Therapeutics Boston Scientific Parkinson's Foundation

THE PARKINSON’S EXPO 2023 PRESENTER

SATURDAY, FEB. 18

Getting the Most Out of your Neurologist Visit Maria De León, MD Board Certified Movement Disorders Specialist, Neurologist, Avid Research Advocate Nacogdoches, TX

A complete listing of speakers and topics is available at ParkinsonsExpo.org

RUN FOR THE BEADS Packet pickup begins at 6:30 a.m. and the race begins at 8 a.m. at Waterside Place. The Lakewood Ranch Community Fund hosts the first Run for the Beads, a Mardi Gras-themed 5K with an afterparty that includes food, drinks, prize drawings, music and a parade. Those who don’t run are welcome to attend the afterparty for free.

The event benefits nonprofits in Lakewood Ranch and the region. The cost is $35 for the first 100 registrants; $40 for the second hundred; and $45 for those who register 201 and above.

To register or for more information, go to LWRFund.org.

THURSDAY, FEB. 9 THROUGH SUNDAY, FEB. 12

The Parkinson’s Expo will feature presentations from medical experts on treatment options, the latest in research, managing the non-motor aspects of the disease, and more.

Platinum Sponsors

SATURDAY, FEB. 18

COMMUNITY

Sponsorship opportunities available.

Exclusive Presenting Sponsor

BEST BET

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 Dean Johanesen, who will play circus swing and American roots music 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. For more information, go to WatersidePlace.com.

SUNDAY, FEB. 19

FARMERS MARKET Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Lakefront Drive in Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch. 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. Fans enjoy high-level polo action each Sunday while tailgating.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at SarasotaPolo.com or at the gate.

Children 12 and under admitted free.

UMR JUNIOR BEACH CAMP Begins at 8:30 a.m. at UMR Sports Complex, 131 Upper Manatee River Road, Bradenton. The UMR Junior Beach Camp is designed to teach beginner and semi-experienced beach youth volleyball players (ages 7-12) basic techniques. Registration is $55. To register or for more information, visit UMRSports.com.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 22

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. For more information, go to WatersidePlace.com.

FRIDAY, FEB. 24

BRAIN HEALTH TALK Begins at 5 p.m. at the Meadows Country Club, 3101 Longmeadow, Sarasota. Stephanie Peabody, executive director of the Brain Health Initiative, will be the guest speaker of the Sarasota-Manatee Science and Technology Society. The public is welcome. Member tickets are $45 and non-members pay $55.

Admission includes dinner. For more information, call Nick Barbi at 267205-7229 .

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YOUR CALENDAR

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

394974-1

6B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

7B

AT T H E L A K E C LU B

Gorgeous Residences. Grand Lifestyle.

DON’T MISS YOUR LAST OPPORTUNITY With just a few residences remaining at Genoa by Stock Luxury Homes, this is your last chance to live in the most beautiful neighborhood in Lakewood Ranch. All the remaining homes feature the spectacular outdoor spaces and expanded lanais designed to celebrate the best of Southwest Florida living.

Genoa homeowners enjoy all the amenities of The Lake Club, with the most coveted lifestyle of any village in Lakewood Ranch, including a 20,000-square-foot Grande Clubhouse, spa and fitness, fabulous dining and much more.

Now’s the time to tour our award-winning community and models, and see why everyone’s talking about The Lake Club!

From $2 million to over $4 million

THE LAKE CLUB INFORMATION CENTER: 8307 Lake Club Blvd., Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 | (941) 907-9088 | thelakeclublwr.com

StockDevelopment

BROKER PARTICIPATION WELCOMED. ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING THE REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS REFERENCE SHOULD BE MADE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. NOT AN OFFERING WHERE PROHIBITED BY STATE LAW. PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

397430-1

FLStockDevelopment

8B

YourObserver.com

WEATHER

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST THURSDAY, FEB. 16 High: 84 Low: 65 Chance of rain: 9%

FRIDAY, FEB. 17 High: 83 Low: 58 Chance of rain: 15%

SUNRISE / SUNSET Sunrise Sunset Thursday, Feb. 16

7:05a

6:22p

Friday, Feb. 17

7:05a

6:22p

Saturday, Feb. 18

7:04a

6:23p

Sunday, Feb. 19

7:03a

6:24p

Monday, Feb. 20

7:02a

6:24p

Tuesday, Feb. 21

7:01a

6:25p

Wednesday, Feb. 22

7:00a

6:26p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, FEB. 18 High: 77 Low: 56 Chance of rain: 1%

SUNDAY, FEB. 19 Gordon Silver captured a black bellied whistler duck with her seven kids along a lake in Del Webb.

High: 81 Low: 57 Chance of rain: 8%

Feb. 20 New

Feb. 27 First

March 7 Full

March 14 Last

RAINFALL Monday, Feb. 6

0

Tuesday, Feb. 7

0

Wednesday, Feb. 8

0

Thursday, Feb. 9

0

Friday, Feb. 10

0

Saturday, Feb. 11

0

Sunday, Feb. 12

0.05

*Rainfall totals from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

Voting for this year’s contest is open through Feb. 27. The photo that receives the most votes will receive a $500 gift card. To vote, visit YourObserver.com/contests. Stay tuned for the 2023-24 contest and prize information.

IT’S TIME TO VOTE!

Remember you can vote up to once per hour.

MONTH TO DATE: 2023 0.15 in.

2022 0.71 in.

The Observer’s

Weather

&Nature

2022-23 PHOTO CONTEST

Sponsored by

YOUR VOTE COULD HELP SOMEONE WIN $500

KITCHEN | CABINETRY OUTDOOR PAVERS

A REFLECTION OF NATURE’S BEAUTY

celebrity cipher

DOWN

sidenote 56 “Now!” 58 Roman 300 60 Hindu honorific 62 Virtual address 63 Easter confection 65 Uncooked 66 Welcome, as a new year 67 Singer Cat or Sufjan 68 Beliefs 70 British rocker Brian 72 Hog’s hangout 75 Wrigley product 76 First small step, figu-

1 Behave 2 YouTuber’s journal 3 Chicago mayor Lightfoot 4 “Yeah, right!”

5 Luxury British wheels 6 “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” author 7 Name hidden in “Norma ratively Rae” 77 “Death be not ___ ...”

8 Expressive hybrid music (Donne) genre 79 South American street 9 Pic on the body food 10 Cheyenne ally 80 Lured successfully 11 Start waking up 81 Former Russian ruler 12 Class action grps.?

84 Outer boundary 13 Jane of “Grace and 87 H.S. stat Frankie” 88 Tavern 14 Didn’t conform 89 Long, thin cigar 15 Kindle again 90 Spiritual forces 16 “Nice to meet you,” in 92 “Ctrl” singer French 94 Enthusiast 17 Unit of power 96 Moguls ©2023 Universal Uclick 20 Before, in poetry 98 TV commercials 100 With 98-Across, relates 21 Easy-to-swallow pill 61 *Jesus’ final meal 32 Esoteric knowledge ACROSS 99 Vietnam’s national dish (to) 64 With 62-Across, high 26 Nice region?

1 Classrooms for H.S. film 33 “Likewise” 101 Cantina foods in corn 102 Virgil hero society 36 Smokeless puffs 28 Mess up clubs husks 104 Lover of a “Grateful” 69 Accustom 41 Five stars, for one 31 ___ squad (cheer team) 103 Greed, for one 7 Instagram’s owner band 43 *Semiaquatic pet given 71 Merchandise 33 2005 George Clooney 11 Coppertone letters 105 Swell out 106 Landers and others 73 Societal division to President Coolidge film whose title contains an 108 Put out, as a candle 14 Sketched 74 *Bumble, Muzz or Tinder 107 Vice President Kamala Arab country 45 With 44-Across, rear 18 Space to hang clothes 111 “Skyfall” singer 109 “Red” or “White” fol78 With 76-Across, small pouch on pants 34 Got too old to qualify 19 Nutty Italian liqueur 112 TV police procedural fruit pastry 47 Trivial lower 35 UFC sport 21 Davis with an Oscar 113 China container?

82 “___ do you need it by?” 110 The “sum” in “cogito 48 ___ 51 37 Top grade 22 “Gran ___” (2008 film 114 Straight, e.g., in poker 83 Bizarre 49 Snaky fish ergo sum” 38 Frigid named for a Ford) 115 Downed 85 Ones with a burning 50 “Ouch!”

112 *”Forget it!”

39 Some boxing results 23 “Service Above Self” 117 Looks at desire?

52 Judge to be 116 With 115-Across, horns, (Abbr.) club member 118 Avocado dip, informally 86 Mom who had no mom tails and such 53 Pot’s top 40 Clinch, like a deal 24 Kick out, as a tenant 119 Mystery writer Bu87 Stare in wonder 121 Make aware 42 Spot to do reps 25 *Holiday retail positions 54 “One Happy Island” in chanan 91 Swing states?

122 Newspaper at many 43 Far from vivid 27 With 26-Across, hip-hop the Caribbean 120 Ooze 93 Clean energy org.

57 Shrub that may cause hotels 44 Recover from injury classic by the Sugarhill 123 Group such as Run the 94 Worry a rash 124 Got away from 46 Money’s equivalent?

Gang Jewels 59 Southeast Asian country 95 Fallback strategy 126 Bits of land in the ocean 51 Commonly pierced organ 125 Dr. with a Super Bowl 29 Luau necklace 97 *Backyard fryer? that celebrates Pi Mai 127 Tweak to perfection 55 Start of a texter’s 30 ___-Locka, Fla. appearance

“R ZPVJ URHO BODJSUHB SPWD VPSGTB HS ZPSJ HBOH XBV JOX CGXH O HVPLVU, XVPXRHRIV, FVOGHRKGW BGEOP FVRPT.” ZRE PSIOZ

“XTFM LV ANLMIBVJLY TI ALNM.” – VHVDI VTISDR / “OM XTFM ZMUDHVM LS’V SJM TIXW SNHM DBFMISHNM.” ILPPL RLTFDIIL

“EYBJ VPYIC-LZB RYPVKJ IAOJ MJ IOB NMDK JY TK O DMH. M GYIKH JAOJ M IYLNH CKGKP RYPVKJ.” “JAK BMEZBYCB” APKOJYP EOJJ VPYKCMCV © 2023 NEA, Inc.

sudoku

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

©2023 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

395908-1

128 Less fatty 129 Red and Black 130 Craze 131 Lays down the lawn 132 Get away from

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

Puzzle Three Clue: R equals F

SPLIT PEAS by Sam Koperwas and Jeff Chen, edited by David Steinberg

Puzzle Two Clue: Z equals B

crossword

Puzzle One Clue: K equals F

397846-1

NOW THROUGH FEBRUARY 27

YEAR TO DATE: 2023 1.58 in.

2022 1.15 in.

2-16-23

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

9B

JUST INTRODUCED

IN AMERICA

“THE BEST HEARING AID I’ VE EVER TRIED”

UNVEILING A World First in Hearing Aids!

10-DAY SPECIAL EVENT

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SOUTH CAROLINA LICENSE NUMBERS: HTP-1029, HTP-1024, HTP-1031, HTP-1023, HAS-0573, HAS-0642, HAS-0637, HAS- 0638, HAS-0633

GEORGIA LICENSE NUMBERS: HADS000995, HADS000996, HADS001001, HADS001003

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

ANNOUNCING THE WORLD’S MOST ADVANCED HEARING AIDS! Introducing the

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GEORGIA LICENSE NUMBERS: HADS000995, HADS000996, HADS001001, HADS001003

398137-1

10B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

11B

5-DAY EVENT 10-DAYSPECIAL SPECIAL EVENT Monday, Feb. 20th - Friday, Feb. 24th Monday, Feb. 20th - Wednesday, Mar. 1st

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WAS $795

WAS $995

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each

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each

(Up to 40 db Loss)

NOW 595 $

each

(Up to 40 db Loss)

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NOW 395 $

12B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

5-DAY EVENT 10-DAYSPECIAL SPECIAL EVENT Monday, Feb. 20th - Friday, Feb. 24th Monday, Feb. 20th - Wednesday, Mar. 1st

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ROYAL PALM BEACH 561-631-8757 11985 Southern Blvd (Publix at Crestwood Square - next to Carter Healthcare)

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BOYNTON BEACH 561-619-9274 4739 N Congress Ave (In between Dollar Tree and Fon Shan Chinese)

JUPITER 561-529-3011 6725 West Indiantown Rd Bay 39 (In Jupiter West Plaza)

2001 Manatee Avenue E. Ste 104

SOUTH CAROLINA LICENSE NUMBERS: HTP-1029, HTP-1024, HTP-1031, HTP-1023, HAS-0573, HAS-0642, HAS-0637, HAS- 0638, HAS-0633

GEORGIA LICENSE NUMBERS: HADS000995, HADS000996, HADS001001, HADS001003

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Elite Hearing Centers

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

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

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

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

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

BEACH’ N RIDES Electric Bike Shop! eBike Sales and Rentals Ride easy on an eBike with as much exercise or assistance as you want.

Leave traffic and parking problems behind!

13 models available.

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

941-251-7916, Ext 1

SELL YOUR STUFF HERE!

MULTI-COLORED RUG 8’x10’ used only 2 months. Like new. $50. Text or call 816-519-4802 NEVER USED men’s and lady’s Diamondback bikes, 2 new helmets. $195 all. 941-907-2010 SAW horses $40/ea.

Convection oven, $40. Portable “bag” chairs $15. White Golf shoes (9) $50. 941-228-9467 SIDE TABLES BROWN W/ GLASS TOPS & ROUND 2/$25 (941) 920-2494 Sofa Jamestown Sterling 83 in, 3 cushion, pastel print. $125.

941-355-9057 Vintage Mersman Lamp/end tables (pair) faux bamboo, glass tops cained bottom shelves. $100.

941-351-3166

941-955-4888

Autos Wanted CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

HOME & Office Cleaners Wanted $620/Weekly Cleaning Position: Available Working Days: Mon-Fri Time Schedule: 11 AM - 2 P Minimum Requirement Email: candice75312@gmail.com

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AD RATES

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN

YourObserver.com/RedPages

PLACE YOUR AD: Call: 941-955-4888 Email: RedPages@ YourObserver.com Online: YourObserver.com /RedPages

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

SELL IT FAST! YourObserver.com/RedPages

auto

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Help Wanted

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

Place Your Ad Online

AUTOMOBILE SPOTLIGHT: excellent condition. $125 941-242-3749

BUY STUFF HERE!

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

You’re only cheating yourself.

Items Under $200

Sporting Goods

STORAGE FACILITY Boat/ RV/ Trailer. Secure facility, low monthly rentals, Clark Rd area.

941809-3660, 941-809-3662.

peekers’ place

stuff

SENIOR LOOKING to purchase precious metals, diamonds, time pieces, coins, jewelry, antique and estate jewelry, and some collectors plates. Personal and confidential.

Please call Marc: 941-321-0707

Autos Wanted

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE! MAINTENANCE ASSISTANT/JANITORIAL Part-Time (16-24 hours) Friday, Saturday and Sunday $16-$18 depending on experience. sandcaybeachresort.com

Looking for something? Your lucky discovery is closer than you think.

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

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

PERSONAL CARE GIVERPrivate care: Meal preparation, errands, shopping, and more.

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

Minimal shift 5 hours can also provide overnight care.

Temporary or long term care.

Over 10+ years experience.

References available. No new faces, one consistent caregiver.

COVID Negative.

Call Kati: 941-536-7706.

GARAGE SALE

As low as $17.50 per week!

941-955-4888

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

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

Cleaning

Advertise your business or service in the Observer

RED PAGES CALL TODAY 941-955-4888 Painting CARLO DATTILO Painting Licensed & insured. Interior/ Exterior painting including drywall repair and retexturing.

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

Honest & reliable.

Free estimates. 941-744-1020.

35+ years experience.

SARASOTA INTERIOR PAINTING

BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service

by Maria. Residential. Meticulous Cleaning. Excellent References.

Free Estimates. Reliable. Lic./Ins. 941-400-3342. www.braziliancleaningbymk.com

This week’s Crossword answers

HIGH-END INTERIOR PAINTING WE ARE THE BEST!!!

Fully Insured.

CALL or TEXT Don 941-900-9398

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “I knew Rita Hayworth only enough to know that she was just a tender, sensitive, beautiful human being.”

Kim Novak Puzzle Two Solution: “Love is friendship on fire.” -- Susan Sontag / “We love because it’s the only true adventure.”

Nikki Giovanni Puzzle Three Solution: “Most grown-ups forget what it was like to be a kid. I vowed that I would never forget.”

“The Simpsons” creator Matt Groening

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2023 Universal Uclick

TREASURES found here.

Adult Care Services

©2023 NEA, Inc.

Merchandise Wanted

jobs

Service Directory - Friday at 3PM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card

home services

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

The CRYSTAL CLEAR choice!

RED PAGES

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

Adult Care Services

Computer

Health

NEED PRIVATE CARE?

Is Your Computer Feeling Sick?

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

Let Us Fix It!

Call A Geek

ALZHEIMER/ DEMENTIA ASSISTANCE PRE & POST SURGERY SERVICES

(941) 351-7260

BEYOND HOME SERVICE 941-730-3027

call-a-geek.net

941-915-4588

Aluminum

Computer Repair & Service Virus & Malware Removal / Protection New System Set Up / Data Transfer Networking: Wired/Wireless Installation Data Recovery / Remote Support One-On-One Tutoring / Training

Over 18 yrs serving Manatee/Sarasota Counties

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

5-Star Rated

Are You Having Dryer Difficulties?

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

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

397538

941-504-0903

396972

Furniture Sales & Repairs Cushions • Slings • Re-powdercoating

396974

FREE PICKUP / DELIVERY • FREE ONSITE QUOTES

Handyman

Located in salons by jc 200 Central Ave. Suite 15, Sarasota

KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES INTERIOR RENOVATIONS & ANYTHING FROM THE GROUND UP

TEXT OR CALL 574-354-7772

Commercial

398250

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

FULLY INSURED

RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL

KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES

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

ZIPPYZ Roof Cleaning Pressure Washing Window Cleaning Paver Sealing

941-416-0811 • 941-536-7691 397536

LOS ANGELES HAIRSTYLIST NOW IN SARASOTA

941-705-5468

Furniture Repair

Patio Furniture Repairs.com

Hairstylist Colorist Makeup Artist

398643

397540

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

Amanda Abizaid

424.333.0713

Home Services

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

Beauty

rockstarmobilehair@gmail.com www.rockstarmobilehairsalon.com

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

Residential

WE COME TO YOU

HoHoBuysCars.com

Midtown Medical Park 1215 S. East Ave. Suite 210 Sarasota, FL 34239

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

FAST • EASY • SAFE

941.270.4400

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

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

Sliding Glass Door Repair

SELL YOUR CAR!

Recognized Among the Best Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Physicians in America

Doors

YoderAluminum.com

Auto Service

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

941-735-3362

941.650.9790 941.650.9790 YoderAluminum.com

Owner /Insured Operator Insured

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

Pegatronics.com 397537

Dustin Yoder

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

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

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

Dustin Owner Yoder/ Operator

398109

Computer ServiCeS

PERSONAL CARE

support@filamprivatedutyhomecare.com

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

zippyzexteriorcleaning@gmail.com

Clock Repair

Christo’s Clock Repair 4630 5TH ST W BRADENTON

TIME TO BUILD YOUR BUSINESS Call to reserve your ad space:

CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT

941-773-0875 • 941-932-5505

Advertise as low as $85 per week.

941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

Don Christo, Sr., Horologist

Peace of Mind When It Counts HOME WATCH SERVICES · ERRANDS & MORE!

FREE initial consultation! Call Now! 941-822-8797 • www.premierhwc.com

397568

398248

Home Watch

WITH THE RED PAGES

“IF IT DOESN’T TIC, TOC TO ME.”

Neighborhood

398644

THE CARE THAT YOU CAN TRUST

WE OFFER PRIVATE IN-HOME CARE SERVICES

397541

397440

FIL-AM PRIVATE DUTY HOME CARE LLC

397542

14B

Doors FIRST RESPONDER OWNED & OPERATED

heroes found here.

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

941-955-4888

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Window Repairs • Sliding Glass Door Repairs Sliding Glass Door Deadbolts

Call us today! 941.628.8579 398249

www.ezslider.com

FREE IN-HOM ESTIMATEE S

(941)544-0475 dan@shorelockhomewatch.com

www.shorelockhomewatch.com

RIGHT ON TARGET Advertise your business, starting at only $85 per month.

OBSERVER RED PAGES

Call 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

397543

Relax. You’ve got better things to do. Find a professional here in the Observer Red Pages.

Closer is better.

YourObserver.com

Landscaping & Lawn

Roofing

ED’S RAIN MAKER IRRIGATION

No Job is too Small!

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

Allison J. Abizaid, M.A.

Building & Roofing Contractor

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

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

Personal Gardening Services | Designer

941.400.0431

398645

941-626-3194

gbyallison@yahoo.com gardensbyallison.com

398254

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

Screening

Painting

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

SARASOTA INTERIOR PAINTING, LLC

Custom Granite Services, llc

High-End Interior Painting Services

941-400-4912

CALL OR TEXT 941-900-9398 TODAY! OWNER: DON HUBIAK

396973

CJ COOLEY OWNER/OPERATOR

398642

FULLY INSURED • OWNER OPERATED

CustomGraniteServicesLLC@gmail.com

1/10/23, 10:25 AM

CALL BEFOREYOU YOU FALL CALL BEFORE FALL

UNIQUE PAINTING & PRESSURE WASHING SERVICES

COMPLETE INSTALLATION PACKAGE

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

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

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

397546

$ $235

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

25

support@thewinwinservices.com

397436

UP TO www.thewinwinservices.com

1/1

Mark’s Plumbing Service

Licensed & Insured

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

RELIABLE • INSURED

www.showerandbathsarasota.com

5

Rescreening & Repairs

YOUR HOME

found here.

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

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

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

www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

Made for where you live. Here!

398647

Advertise your business or services in the Red Pages.

Call 941-955-4888

senior citizen discount.

Purified water window cleaning available!!

CREATE BUZZ!

YourObserver.com/RedPages

150

$

SPECIAL 00 $

941-920-8221

398646

Free Estimates • Sarasota Resident Since 1974

STANDARD WINDOWS

ows

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

Plumbing

954-1878 (cell) 780-3346 398252

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?tab=rm&ogbl#search/royaltreasurecasino%40yahoo.com?projector=1

Lic./Ins.

Form Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

GLENN KROECKER

397544

All Airports, Hourly & Tours www.blacklabelcarservice.com

& Pressure C Window lean t e s ing s a S u n n w r o i s n e k W Sun ind erly

THE GRAB BAR GUY Call John 941.377.2940

941-248-4734

Res./Com.

*DRILLING CHARGES MAY APPLY FOR MARBLE, GRANITE OR PORCELAIN. COUPON REQUIRED.

Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

10% off

Windows

DRGRABBARS.COM

SHOWER & BATH MAKEOVERS

Luxury for Less

Booked Referral Program Next Ride with Booked Referral

Personal Services

941.966.0333

BLACK LABEL CAR SERVICE

Complete Interior & Exterior Painting

364556 398253

249 235 *

Transportation

397549

GRAB BARS GRAB BARS

chrome_qrcode_1671726737617.png

398256

Servicing LWR, Parrish and NE Bradenton

398251

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.

397548

Irrigation

$

15B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

RED PAGES YourObserver.com/RedPages

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

P.S. The Key to Your Real Estate Success

NEW PRICE

NEW PRICE

LAKE CLUB

16510 Clearlake Avenue Offered at $3,495,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH CC 7238 Lake Forest Glen Offered at $975,000

NEW LISTING

NEW LISTING

LAKEWOOD RANCH CC 13897 Siena Loop Offered at $975,000

DEL WEBB

6730 Haverhill Court Offered at $599,000

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE LISTINGS, SCAN THIS QR CODE.

PSLuxurygroup.com

Our Experience is Your Best Asset Contact us Today to Discuss Your 2023 Homeownership Goals HOLLY PASCARELLA, PA 941.225.3218 Holly.Pascarella@CBRealty.com

KATINA SHANAHAN, PLLC 941.702.0437 Katina.Shanahan@CBRealty.com

KENNETH SHANAHAN, PLLC 941.702.0443 Kenneth.Shanahan@CBRealty.com

396116-1

16B