East County Observer 2.16.23

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.

Feel the heat

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.”

Green light for land purchases

Liz Ramos

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

Ian Swaby

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

Courtesy photo

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

Liz Ramos

Ian Swaby

Building events center piqued interest of new COO

PARK PROMOTION BRUCE PATNEAUDE

What: New COO of the Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy

Family: Bruce and wife Linda have five children

Michael 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-

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

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

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.

Former IMG executive Bruce Patneaude wants to put his stamp on Nathan Benderson Park.

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.

East River Ranch project advances

Schroeder-Manatee Ranch project gets Planning Commission’s blessing while opponents protest possible

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

Despite 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

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

BOUNDARY LINE

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.

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.

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

Photos by Ian Swaby

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

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

Scott Rudacille

David Hunsader of Hunsader Farms speaks at the commission meeting.

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

A DREAM REALIZED

true.

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

“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.

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

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.

8130 Lakewood Main Street, Suite 207, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 PHONE: 941-755-5357 | WEBSITE: www.YourObserver.com

TO EMAIL US

Email press releases, announcements and Letters to the Editor to: Jay Heater, jheater@yourobserver.com

TO ADVERTISE Display Advertising: To obtain information, call 941-366-3468, Ext. 319.

Classified Advertising / Service Directory: For information and rates, or to place an ad, call 941-955-4888. Hours 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. To place a classified ad online, visit www.YourObserver.com, or email your ad to classified@yourobserver.com.

TO SUBSCRIBE

To subscribe: Please call Donna Condon at 941-366-3468, Ext. 301, or email dcondon@yourobserver.com

MAIL DELIVERY SUBSCRIPTION RATES

PUBLIC NOTICES

The Sarasota/Siesta Key, East County and Longboat Observers

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

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.

“It was humbling, incredible and overwhelming”

Kelly Smith-Williams

County approves pursuit of significant lands

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

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

The 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-

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.

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-

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

File photos

ENVIRONMENTAL WISH LIST

GOSPEL CRUSADE

Location: Manatee River (North side)

Acreage: 37.92

Recreational activities: Hiking, boating, fishing, camping

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

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

“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

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.

TOP 1% OF NATIONAL REALTORS®

Over $500 million in total sales

Lakefront

Four bedrooms, four baths, extended lanai with resort-style pool, and spa, new windows and doors.

16920 PELHAM PLACE • $700,000

lot situated on a quiet cul-de-sac offering two bedrooms and a den. Extended lanai takes advantage of privacy along with tranquil lake views while watching the wildlife. Many extra features here, including an oversized garage.

Under Contract at Del Webb | Lakewood Ranch

Just Listed in Lakewood Ranch

Under Contract Representing Buyer

Just Listed in Lakewood Ranch

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.

Search for the tastiest tacos

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

Sometimes 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

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,

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

my time.”

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

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.”

Jay Heater

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

At Sarasota Memorial, you’ll find the award-winning comprehensive cardiovascular care that you need to stay active and living the life you want to live. Whether it’s a sudden heart attack or a chronic condition, our expert team of cardiologists, electrophysiologists and cardiovascular surgeons stand ready, equipped with state-of-the-art technology to deliver both rapid diagnosis and equally swift intervention. And a multidisciplinary approach to collaborative care ensures every patient receives the personalized treatment they need to get them back on their feet and back with the people they love.

Because home , not the hospital , is where the heart should be .

GREEK GLENDI ADDS TO ITS MENU

“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.”

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

As 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

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, usu ally 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.

ORDER UP

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

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

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

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

Managing Editor / Jay Heater, JHeater@YourObserver.com

Senior Editor / Liz Ramos, LRamos@YourObserver.com

Sports Editor / Ryan Kohn, RKohn@YourObserver.com

Staff Writers / Ian Swaby, ISwaby@ YourObserver.com

Digital & Engagement Editor / Kaelyn Adix, KAdix@YourObserver.com

Copy Editor / Gina Reynolds Haskins, GRHaskins@YourObserver.com

Senior Editorial Designer / Melissa Leduc, MLeduc@YourObserver.com

Editorial Designer / José Valle, JValle@YourObserver.com

Black Tie Editor / Harry Sayer, HSayer@YourObserver.com

Director of Advertising / Jill Raleigh, JRaleigh@YourObserver.com

Sales Manager / Penny Nowicki, PNowicki@YourObserver.com

Regional Digital Director / Kathleen O’Hara, KOHara@YourObserver.com

Senior Advertising Executive / Laura Ritter, LRitter@YourObserver.com

Advertising Executives / Richeal Bair, RBair@YourObserver.com; Beth Jacobson, BJacobson@YourObserver.com; Jennifer Kane, JKane@YourObserver.com; Honesty Mantkowski, HMantkowski@YourObserver. com; Toni Perren, TPerren@YourObserver. com; Brenda White, BWhite@ YourObserver.com

Classified

Advertising Sales Executive / Lexi Huelsman, LHuelsman@ YourObserver.com

Sales Operations Manager / Susan Leedom, SLeedom@YourObserver.com

Sales Coordinator / Account Manager Lori Downey, LDowney@YourObserver.com

Digital Fulfillment Specialist / Emma B. Jolly, EJolly@YourObserver.com

Tributes Coordinator / Kristen Boothroyd, Tributes@YourObserver.com

Director of Marketing / Robin Lankton, RLankton@YourObserver.com

Marketing Specialist / Melanie Melone, MMelone@YourObserver.com

Director of Creative Services / Caleb Stanton, CStanton@YourObserver.com

Creative Services Administrator / Marjorie Holloway, MHolloway@ YourObserver.com

Advertising Graphic Designers / Luis Trujillo, Taylor Poe, Louise Martin, Shawna Polana

Digital Developer / Jason Camillo, JCamillo@YourObserver.com

Director of Information Technology / Adam Quinlin, AQuinlin@YourObserver.com

Chief Financial Officer / Laura Strickland, LStrickland@YourObserver.com

Controller / Rafael Labrin, RLabrin@YourObserver.com

Office and Accounting Coordinator / Donna Condon, DCondon@ YourObserver.com

Observer Media Group Inc. is locally owned. Publisher of the Longboat Observer, East County Observer, Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer, Palm Coast Observer, Ormond Beach Observer, West Orange Times & Observer, Southwest Orange Observer, Business Observer, Jacksonville Daily Record, LWR Life Magazine, Baldwin Park Living Magazine and Season Magazine

CEO / Matt Walsh

Vice President / Lisa Walsh

Chairman Emeritus / David Beliles

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

Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944 ©

LIZ RAMOS | SENIOR EDITOR

Photos by Liz Ramos

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

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

Has calm fallen upon local government?

Idoubt 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 The Living is

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?

Don’t we all want more time to enjoy life? More time to get things done, to make friends and to nurture relationships. More time to focus on family or for yourself. At Lakewood Ranch, we’re all about enjoying life. That’s’ why our community is filled with shopping, dining, nature, entertainment and recreation. So that everything you may need from day-to-day is nearby and conveniently located.

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

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

Our Two Exciting Series

Bonding pitch: Set up a tent

LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR

W

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

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.

Lakewood Ranch Community Activities Community Campout

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

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

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

Music Mondays

Monday, February 20 Sarasota,10:30 am - Venice, 3:00 pm

Modern Marimba celebrates the true diversity of 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.

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.

Thursday, February 23 Sarasota,10:30 am - Lakewood Ranch, 5:00 Friday, February 24 Venice,10:00 am

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.

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.

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.”

Order tickets and complete program details: sillsarasota.org

“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

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!

Locally Owned

Sarasota • Venice • Lakewood Ranch LECTURE SERIES Elysian Fields is more than a gift shop. It’s an experience of serenity, relaxation and expansiveness. Greeting Cards • Books • Crystals • Bath & Body Products • Jewelry • Candles • Unique Gifts Readings by licensed, tested readers • and more! 8207 Cooper Creek Blvd · University Park, FL 34201 · (941) 893-5787 | 1273 S . Tamiami Trail · Sarasota , Fl 34239 · (941) 361-3006 Elysianfieldsgifts.com

397207-1

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.

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.

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

Love on the Green

Waterside’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.

— 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.

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.

An exploration beyond the pavement.

Local nature key in hospitality for real-life snowbirds

In 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-

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.

— 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

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

Miri

Lakewood Ranch Prep focuses on brain health

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

LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR

Throughout 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

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 commu

nity at large.

2

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.

Flexible seating, more student choices aimed at promoting brain health.

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.

Abdul Gaffar, December 10, 1939 –February

2023

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Abdul Gaffar, PhD; a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and inventor, in Lakewood Ranch FL, on February 2, 2023. 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.

398480-1

SPORTS

Fast Break

BY THE NUMBERS

Through 20 games (as of Feb. 11)

0Games Lakewood Ranch has lost in 2022-2023

2Wins separating Lakewood Ranch from a state championship game appearance

9Shutouts recorded by the Mustangs

13Goals the Mustangs have allowed

14Mustangs who have scored at least one goal this season

102Goals 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.

The 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.

New Mustangs goalie asked to save the day

RYAN KOHN SPORTS EDITOR

Even 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

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.

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

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

Ryan Kohn

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

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

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.

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

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.

PROSE AND KOHN RYAN KOHN

A Mustangs’ three-peat spring’s big question

Of 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.

SOFTBALL

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

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.

BASEBALL

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

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.

TRACK AND FIELD

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.

BEACH VOLLEYBALL

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

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.

FLAG FOOTBALL

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. Ryan Kohn

File photo

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

Addyson Bruneman

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 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.

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.

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

What 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.”

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

OF THE WEEK

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Photos by Liz Ramos

Colleen 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.

— LIZ RAMOS

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

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

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.

Go wild in new Waterside village

ALMOST ON THE MARKET

WILD BLUE AT WATERSIDE

After 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

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.

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

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.

Stock Development about to open sales for new community that will emphasize the area’s natural beauty.

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.

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

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

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

Ahome 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

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.

ENCLAVE AT COUNTRY

MEADOWS

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.

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.

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.

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.

RIVERDALE 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.

HAMPTON GREEN 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.

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.

GREYHAWK LANDING

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

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 at YourObserver.com

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.

BEST BET SATURDAY,

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.

Sponsorship opportunities available.

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. This event is presented to the community at no charge thanks to the following partners:

Exclusive Presenting Sponsor

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota

Silver Sponsors Acadia Pharmaceuticals Acorda Therapeutics Boston Scientific Parkinson's Foundation

THE PARKINSON’S EXPO 2023 PRESENTER

FEB. 18

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.

COMMUNITY

THURSDAY, FEB. 9 THROUGH

SUNDAY, FEB. 12

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.

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.

SATURDAY, FEB. 18

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 .

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.

YOUR VOTE COULD

“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

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

By Luis Campos

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

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

GARAGE