East County Observer 10.12.23

EAST COUNTY

Ranch Nite Wednesdays are back.

Observer

Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998

PAGE 21

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

FREE • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

VOLUME 25, NO. 16

YOUR TOWN

Wetland cuts stir emotional pot

Some voters vow to do everything in their power to get rid of commissioners who favored the move.

SEE PAGE 3

Liz Ramos

Jason Wysong and Laura Campbell

Improving ‘Tara-dise’ Laura Campbell, the principal of Tara Elementary School, said the school often is referred to as “Tara-dise,” an educational paradise for students and staff.

Campbell (above with Superintendent Jason Wysong) looks forward to improvement of the “Tara-dise” facilities as the school undergoes a renovation, and a four-classroom addition is constructed on campus.

“We will be able to say we have the best people, students and a wonderful, beautiful building that’s vibrant and where children are going to thrive for years,” Campbell said during a groundbreaking ceremony at the school Oct. 6.

The nearly $35.3 million project includes the construction of a four-classroom addition, removal of portables and renovation of all buildings.

‘She helps me see life as it is’ Grayson Tullio says Monika Oberer has helped him persevere through Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

SEE PAGE 8 Liz Ramos

Lakewood Ranch’s Grayson Tullio and Monika Oberer have built a friendship on trust, honesty and a passion for helping others.

Lesley Dwyer

Emma Evans and Michael Pahr

Meeting at the net in Waterside Place Emma Evans and Michael Pahr (above) had just met playing volleyball Oct. 4 at Waterside Place.

While the competition in the every Wednesday event is fun, the social part of the MVP Sports and Social league is just as important. The social aspect is why teams aren’t formed until the day of the event.

“Everybody shows up, and they randomly pick four people on a team,” Evans said.

“Then you play a tournament throughout the night just for fun.”

There were more players than courts on Oct. 4. Evans and Pahr’s foursome were volleying off to the side and others brought folding chairs to wait their turn. Wednesday sunset games run from 6-7 p.m., are open to all levels and are free to play. MVP also runs leagues on Thursdays and Sundays at Waterside and it costs $62 to join one of those leagues.

A+E A horror, or just plain fun?

INSIDE

This little piggy is just right Students discuss what they seek in the perfect show pig for the fair.

SEE PAGE 10

Liz Ramos

Clayton Reagan, an eighth grader at Carlos E. Haile Middle School, feeds a pig blueberries. Reagan has been showing pigs at the Manatee County Fair for six years.

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

New Meals on Wheels program in Myakka Seniors treated to a free lunch, fellowship at the Myakka Family Worship Center.

IF YOU GO The Friendship Dining Center is inside the Myakka Family Worship Center at 33420 Singletary Road. Any person, 60 or older, living in Manatee County is invited to attend. Registering ahead of time is preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. Hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Fridays.

Call 747-4655.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

T

GIF has taken on a new meaning for seniors living in Myakka City.

Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee opened a Friendship Dining Center at the Myakka Family Worship Center that will be open on Fridays. On Oct. 6, the dining room was filled with conversation, laughter and the smell of beef and bean chili.

Lois Kersey, 92, was seated at the table, but she used to be the one serving the meals. She worked for Meals on Wheels in Myakka City for 14 years and has been retired for 10 years.

Kersey said it was 2000 when Meals on Wheels started delivering meals around Myakka. Costs were too high the first year to continue daily deliveries, so they slowed down the service to weekly deliveries.

“For a while, that kind of worked, but we’re talking about people who are kind of lonely, and they enjoyed the company of me coming,” Kersey said. “All they need is just a little attention. More than their meal, that’s what older people need.”

The dining center serves wellrounded, healthy meals, but the program is focused around socializing. Diners play cards and learn new skills. Participants get a chance to share their own skills, too.

Ken Harwick, 82, had a stroke a year-and-a-half ago. His daughter, Lori McGregor, brings him to the center. Harwick has a talent for chalk art and wood carving.

“I do sculptures and carvings, it’s all Southwestern stuff — eagles, bears, Indians and all that,” he said.

Carvings are too complicated to cover in under an hour, so he taught the group how to draw a horse with

m

e Fu

Th he T

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Helen Lehman and Lois Kersey are both in their 90s.

Director of Client Activities Stefanie Guido serves beef and bean chili with mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables to Helen Lehman and Lois Kersey.

dated.

“If they come and they like the program and would like to continue being members, then we’ll do their assessment on the spot and get them enrolled,” Director of Client Activities Stefanie Guido said. “They just have to be over 60 years old and live in Manatee County.”

Guido describes the Friendship Dining Center as a lifelong learning

center that offers an opportunity to socialize and laugh.

With 15 members so far, the room was lively. Cheers erupted around the table when 98-year-old Helen Lehman won a round of Trash, the card game of the day. Lehman’s daughter drives her each week.

“I like the food and playing cards, but I really enjoy getting to know everybody,” Lehman said.

HOT BUYS!

LIVING LIVING LIVING S A L E ROOM ROOM ROOM

om .co seo.cuse uh hoe

re r eW eaWa ru r u t i t i n Fur rn

chalk instead.

Another member will be leading the group through decoupaging a gourd in an upcoming session, and the staff brings their special skills, too. On Oct. 13, Dining Center Coordinator Donna Broecker will be planting garden pots with the group.

“It’s enriching for them,” Broecker said. “I feel like it keeps them young, gives them a sense of purpose, gives them somewhere to go and makes them feel welcome and supported.”

Each week offers something new and fun, from arts and crafts to armchair travel. An armchair travel day to England included tea and crumpets. The staff dressed like the king and queen, wearing crowns and royal robes. Guests learned about English cuisine, customs and landmarks. On Oct. 20, the group will be armchair traveling to Brazil.

While guests are free to come and go, the day is scheduled with activities from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. starting with breakfast. After breakfast, there’s an activity, such as a puzzle, to get the brainwaves flowing and then some chair exercises to get the blood flowing.

McGregor said she’ll start doing the same chair routine with her dad at home. The program is designed for those 60 and older, but drivers and caretakers are welcome to stay and participate, too.

It’s best to sign up ahead of time, so the staff is better prepared, but walk-ins will always be accommo-

12 MONTHS NO INTEREST*

PICK UP TODAY OR NEXT DAY DELIVERY AVAILABLE

Relax

and enjoy Reclining sofa. Matching console loveseat & recliner available. Gray or brown.

Original

and stylish

Show-stopper dining room set.

Includes table and four chairs.

Stores Hours: Mon-Sat 9-9, Sun 11-6

699

$

99

899

$

SOUTH SARASOTA 5252 S. Tamiami Trail (at Phillippi Creek) 941-260-9601

SOFA

99 5-PC

NORTH SARASOTA 4027 N Washington Blvd (Hwy 301) 941-351-8600

Practical

$

Quality

$

elegance Queen headboard, footboard, rails, dresser and mirror.

mattress Simmons® Deep Sleep™ Firm Queen Mattress. All Sizes Available.

BRADENTON 1100 Cortez Rd W (corner US Hwy 41) 941-749-6069

ELLENTON 5814 18th Street East (across Premium Outlets) 941-479-7900

599

99

49999

VENICE 550 S Seaboard Ave (US Hwy 41 Bypass) 941-485-3211

PORT CHARLOTTE 1241 El Jobean Rd (across Sam’s) 941-764-8700

* On Purchases $300 or more with the Furniture Warehouse credit card made between October 12, 2023 and October 11, 2024. Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date if the promotional purchase is not paid in full within 12 months,

by October 2024. Minimum Monthly Payments required. Offer applies to only single-receipt qualifying purchases. No interest will be charged on promo purchase and equal monthly payments are required equal to initial promo purchase amount divided equally by the number of months in promo period until promo is paid in full. The equal monthly payment will be rounded to the next highest whole dollar and be higher than the minimum payment that would be required if the purchase was a non-promotional purchase. Regular account terms apply to non-promotional purchases. For new accounts: Purchase APR is 29.99%; Minimum Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders should see their credit card agreement for their applicable terms. Subject to credit approval. Furniture must be delivered within 60 days for all financing offers. All prices include Hot Buys, Coupon savings or any promotional discounts. Terms of promotions - Previous purchase excluded, cannot be combined with any other promotion or discount. Promotion offers exclude Hot Buys, floor models or clearance items, sales tax, furniture protection plans, warranty, delivery, or service charge.

411565-1

2

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Bradenton’s Bob and Pam Luersen, shown at the Oct. 5 Commission meeting, say they will vote against any commissioner who favors cutting the county’s wetland protections.

WETLANDS PROTECTIONS REDUCED despite emotional pleas WHAT THIS DECISION MEANS FOR LOCAL WETLANDS

■ The county has no regulatory power over wetlands, for county wetlands will be regulated by the state.

■ Formerly 25- to 50-foot buffers are reduced to the state standard of between 15- and 30-foot buffers.

■ Surface waters, such as streams, no longer require 30-foot buffers.

The Manatee County Commission voted 5-1 to cut additional wetland protections out of the Comprehensive Plan.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

A

fter commissioners voted 5-1 to reduce wetland protections on Oct. 5, some Manatee County residents said they will fight back at the polls next year.

“I’m in District 2, and Amanda Ballard was just elected, so she doesn’t come up until 2026, but in spite of what district I live in, I’m going to work for a candidate to defeat Kevin Van Ostenbridge,” Peggy Haynes said. “Also, I’m going to pay more attention to what these guys are up to.”

Haynes said that while past commissioners have also been conservative, they were moderate conservatives who were more thoughtful about the needs of the community.

“Now, all we have is one good voice, which is George Kruse, and at least some thoughtfulness out of Amanda Ballard and Mike Rahn,” she said. “But the others don’t speak to the subject. They try to push people’s buttons, and they succeed. They tell us to be respectful, and they’re not at all respectful.”

THE ONLY ‘NO’ VOTE

Kruse was the one dissenting vote arguing to keep the county’s buffer protections from being reduced to state recommended levels (see box, right), and Ballard provided the most detailed explanation as to why she voted to take the protective language out of the Comprehensive Plan.

“The Comprehensive Plan is for overarching goals and objectives. It is not the place for nitty-gritty policy decisions like buffer widths. It’s extremely inflexible. Other counties don’t do it this way. If it belongs anywhere, it belongs in the LDC (land development code),” Ballard said. “Some of the worst instances of environmental degradation have occurred under government control, so this is giving people more control over the land that they own.”

She also said that she thought some of Suncoast Waterkeeper’s information was presented in a deceptive way and was not on point with the discussion.

Suncoast Waterkeeper is a nonprofit with a mission to protect everyone’s right to clean water. The organization started a petition to stop the cuts, which garnered 2,331 signatures from Manatee County residents.

Ballard is not up for reelection next

Rusty Chinnis, Abbey Tyrna, Brice, Ali and Coco Claypoole sit in the front row of the chambers through the land use meeting on Oct. 5.

“Why would the Manatee County Commission, unless they’re directly involved in development, be voting for it unless they’re being coerced into it?”

— Dart Cline Myakka City resident

year. Neither is Rahn nor Bearden.

But Commissioners Ray Turner, James Satcher, Van Ostenbridge and Kruse are. Turner was appointed after Vanessa Baugh retired early.

The rest won seats because of their conservative, Republican views, but since the vote, Republicans are also questioning their representation on the board.

“I’m a Republican, but that’s a different kind of Republican,” Myakka City resident Dart Cline said. “Why would the Manatee County Commission, unless they’re directly involved in development, be voting for it unless they’re being coerced into it? That’s what’s happening, and that happens with every political party.”

Cline didn’t attend the meeting, but he read about it in the news and has lived in Manatee County for 50 years.

LANDOWNER IMPACTS

Van Ostenbridge had staff search county parcels prior to the meeting.

According to their research, over 66,000 parcels are impacted by wetland buffer requirements in Manatee County. He equated the additional protections to government taking.

But then he dismissed Suncoast Waterkeeper and anyone who supported its position. He likened 15-year-old Longboat Key resident Brice Claypoole to Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunburg and

said he was being used as a political pawn straight out of the “George Soros (a billionaire who was the country’s largest Democratic contributor during the 2022 elections) playbook.”

Claypoole started his own activist group called Kids for Clean Water.

He collected over 100 signatures from kids living in Manatee County who wanted to see the wetland protections remain in place. As homeschooled students, he and his 13-year-old sister, Coco, were able to attend the meeting with their mom, Ali Claypoole.

A DONE DEAL

“Everybody knew that this was passing, and if their sole goal in life was just to pass this to gut our wetland buffers and harm our environment so Carlos (Beruff) and a few people can build a few more houses, they had the votes,” Kruse said. “Any rational person who wasn’t driven by ego would have just kept their mouth shut.”

That’s the route Rahn took. He asked a few questions of the staff and thanked Suncoast Waterkeeper for meeting with him, while Van Ostenbridge continued to stir up the crowd.

“I did see the best drone footage and slideshow that George Soros money could buy. I did not attend his indoctrination seminar at the League of Women Voters and the discredited Suncoast Waterkeeper’s group,” he said sarcastically, as no such meeting took place.

Suncoast Waterkeeper held a panel discussion titled “The Value of Wetlands Science” on Sept. 26.

Kruse was the only commissioner to attend.

The drone footage was shot by Longboat Key resident, longtime fisherman and former building contractor Rusty Chinnis. Chinnis told commissioners that he wasn’t a scientist, but he has eyes to see the decline of Manatee County waters over the past five years.

Van Ostenbridge’s statements aligned with the views of an anonymous group called the Real Manatee County Conservatives, which has 94 followers on Facebook. A recent headline on their website reads, “Stop Soroscoast Waterkeepers before it’s too late.”

“If you want George Soros and his allies setting policy here in Manatee County, then listen to his climate crisis alarmists, the Suncoast Waterkeepers,” the website reads. “They only live up to their name by carrying water for a group that hates you and everything you stand for. Real Conservatives of Manatee County exists to call out the blatant hypocrisy of so many liberals hiding among our ranks.”

Two people showed up to the meeting to favor reducing wetland buffers. One was Jon Mast, CEO of the Manatee Sarasota Building Industry Association, and the other was Ryan Lieberman, vice president of development for the Barrington Group in Sarasota.

ANOTHER VIEW

“Vote for property rights. Vote for what you know to be a nonemotional issue. I applaud those that want to be heard on this issue. It’s their civic right,” Mast said. “However, do not get caught up in the hysterics of a vocal few. There are roughly 422,774 citizens in Manatee County, as I Googled today, and only a handful that are here to speak out against this. Don’t allow them to be driven by emotion to change your mind.”

Sneed Island resident Starr Parsons disagreed. Parsons had never attended a commission meeting before and chose not to speak at the podium, but she said the move went against the voting majority.

“I was one of the 71% who voted for the conservation tax, and yet a group of elected officials want to change the definition of conservation,” she said.

While Kruse confirmed he will be running for reelection, he hasn’t filed his paperwork yet. Satcher, Turner and Van Ostenbridge have, but only Van Ostenbridge has submitted financial reports.

“When this board considers development proposals, they look only to the property rights of developers,” Manatee County resident Kenneth Piper said. “The problem with protecting the fee simple rights of developers is that it ignores the property rights of the rest of us.”

3

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

SMR leader earns Legend award Rex Jensen honored by Builder magazine for taking Lakewood Ranch to No. 1.

Welcome to our Team!

GEORGE SKOPIS, M.D.

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

With the announcement on Friday that he is being honored by Builder magazine with its “Legend Award,” Schroeder-Manatee Ranch CEO and President Rex Jensen said the award needs to go to Lakewood Ranch.

“This is a prestigious award,” Jensen said Friday from the company’s headquarters in Lakewood Ranch.

“But I view it as going to the community. It shows that people are noticing, and it indicates the brand is what I thought it is. There is a fine line between hallucination and this.”

It certainly has not been a hallucination that Lakewood Ranch has been the No. 1 selling, masterplanned, multigenerational community in the country for the past five years and the first half of 2023.

Builder magazine is owned by Zonda, which informs, advises and connects housing industry experts.

Zonda is hosting its Future Place event at the JW Marriott in Tampa and honored Jensen at the conference Oct. 9.

“The Legends Award honors those who have made outstanding contributions to the planned-community sector,” said Jeff Meyers, chief executive officer of Zonda, in a release. “Rex Jensen’s career (He began working for SMR in 1990.) is an inspiration for everyone in the industry, let alone the tens of thousands of people who have built their lives in his communities.”

“Rex has played a crucial role in ensuring Lakewood Ranch stays innovative and up to date with the latest design, development, styles, trends, and business models — reflecting his dedication to delivering high-quality, modern, and desirable communities,” said John Cannon, president of John Cannon Homes, in a release.

Board-certified Ophthalmologist and Fellowship trained Vitreoretinal Surgeon.

His expertise in age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vascular occlusions, macular holes, macular pucker/epiretinal membranes, retinal detachments, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, and scleral fixated intra-ocular lenses.

Earned his medical degree from the FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine in Miami, FL where he was elected to the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha medical honors society for his academic achievement.

Completed his ophthalmology residency at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC where he served as chief resident.

SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY! 941.269.4150

5985 Silver Falls Run, Suite 102 | Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211

Courtesy photo

Jensen pointed to “lifestyle” as the top factor that has lifted Lakewood Ranch to being No. 1 in the nation in sales for such an extended period of time. He also said the underpinnings of the community have set it apart.

Part of those underpinnings has been SMR’s financing arrangement with builders who pay part of their land purchase up front but aren’t required to pay off the purchase until after their first home is sold.

Jensen said it creates a win-win situation because builders can invest more into the building of the new community.

Many of those builders have worked with SMR for more than 20 years.

“If you have a good relationship, why trash it?” Jensen said.

Jensen also noted that SMR could have been successful just creating a retirement community.

“But we elected to be more than that,” he said.

With Manatee County commissioners voting this week to reduce its wetland protections, Jensen said SMR always has been environmentally conscious.

“Protecting the environment, we just did it,” Jensen said. “It’s not hard. If you stop and think about it, we were dealing with square miles.

We’ve preserved from Day One. If we hadn’t done it that way, it would have looked like a plowed under corn field in Iowa. We leave (wetlands) in place and develop around them.”

Rex Jensen, the CEO and president of SchroederManatee Ranch, received the Builder magazine Legend award.

DENTAL IMPLANTS

EAST COUNTY

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

TO EMAIL US

by Dental Implant Specialists

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.

ESTHETIC GUM GRAFTING

EXTRACTIONS BONE GRAFTING

IMPLANT SURGERY

COSMETIC VENEERS CROWNS

IMPLANT TEETH

Providing simple to complex specialty dental care in one convenient location

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 First-Class Canada One year / $200 One year / $250 Six months / $160 Six months / $200 Three months / $128 Three months / $160

PUBLIC NOTICES The Sarasota/Siesta Key, East County and Longboat Observers meet the legal requirements to publish legal and public notices in Sarasota & Manatee counties, per F.S. 50.011.

AUDITOR INFORMATION Verified Audit 1101 Fifth Ave., Suite 270 | San Rafael, CA 94901 (415) 461-6006 | www.verifiedaudit.com

LIKE US www.facebook.com/ObserverGroup

HARRY F. HARING III DMD

MAGGIE MISCHHARING DMD

KATHERINE E. MISCH DMD

CRAIG M. MISCH DDS, MDS

SPECIALIST IN PROSTHODONTICS AND FULL MOUTH ESTHETICS

SPECIALIST IN PERIODONTICS & IMPLANT SURGERY

SPECIALIST IN PROSTHODONTICS AND TEETH IN A DAY

Minimally invasive periodontal and implant surgical techniques to improve patients’ oral health

Over 30 years experience with an eye for achieving a natural perfection in dental restorations

SPECIALIST IN ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY & PROSTHODONTICS

Master clinician using the latest technology to artistically transform smiles using veneers and crowns

FOLLOW US www.instagram.com/observergroup

International lecturer, faculty at Univ. of Michigan, U of F & PENN, author of numerous scientific publications and textbooks

A Family-Owned Dental Speciality Practice

WATCH US FOLLOW US https://twitter.com/observergroup

CHECK OUR REVIEWS ONLINE

www.drmisch.com

120 South Tuttle Ave Sarasota, FL 34237

941.957.6444

407145-1

www.youtube.com/user/YourObserverVideo

411371-1

4

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

Ruth’s Chris Steak House is the first of several new restaurants set to open before the end of the year.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

R

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Ruth’s Chris Steak House is the first of several restaurants expected to open before the end of the year.

MORE CHOICES ■ Tsunami Sushi and Hibachi Grill. 11627 E. State Road 70.

Opening by the end of October.

■ Miller’s Ale House. 7175 State Road 64. Opens on Oct. 30.

■ Agave Bandido. 1550 Lakefront Drive, Suite 100. Opening in November.

Bandido, is set to open at Waterside Place in early November. The South Florida inspired Mexican restaurant and tequila bar has one location currently open in Pembroke Pines, but there are three new locations set to open in addition to Lakewood Ranch — in Hamlin, North Carolina, Greenville, South Carolina and High Street, Georgia.

Waterside Place will soon be added to the list of over 130 Duck Donuts locations across the globe.

Most are located in the United

p

■ Duck Donuts. 1580 Lakefront Drive, Suite 102. Opening in December.

■ Deep Lagoon. 1540 Lakefront Drive, Suites 100 and 101. Opening in January or February.

■ First Watch. 14475 State Road 70. Still in the permitting phase.

States, but there are franchises in Canada, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Qatar.

“We don’t have a set date, but we’re looking at sometime in December,” George Widunas, manager of the Waterside franchise said.

Part of what’s made Duck Donuts so popular is that the donuts are made to order. Customers choose their own toppings.

Deep Lagoon, the Florida-based chain with locations in Naples, Fort

Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi Grill in The Green is expected to be open by the end of October.

Myers, Marco Island and Casey Key, was expecting to open late this year, but CEO Grant Phelan said in an email that the opening was held up due to construction delays and he’s shooting for January or February.

The chain is part of the Phelan Family Brands, which also owns and operates Pinchers and several other restaurants in South Florida.

A second First Watch is headed to East County, but the opening date is too far off to predict. The popular breakfast eatery signed a lease to move into the Lorraine Corners shopping center where Nancy’s Bar-B-Q used to be located.

Michael Chadwick, the managing director of Southeast Development for CASTO, said First Watch is in the permitting phase and plans to start construction over the next 45 days. CASTO bought the plaza from Lakewood Ranch Commercial in August.

NEW BUSINESS OPENINGS ■ Woodie’s Wash Shack is opening its 17th location at 6612 University Parkway on Oct. 13. As the official car wash of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they’ll be giving away free tickets and signed merchandise to celebrate.

■ Fifth Third Bank cut the ribbon on a new branch at 13040 SR 64 E on Oct. 6 and will cut the ribbon on another new branch at 6556 University Parkway on Oct. 13.

■ Eatalia is planning to open at Waterside Place in early 2024. Eatalia is more of an Italian market than an Italian restaurant. Guests can grab quick meals to go or shop for imported meats, cheeses and freshly baked breads.

G r a s s t itu e r HAPPY

. de

Ex

uth’s Chris Steak House is the first in a string of new restaurant openings coming to East County.

The 58-year-old steak house chain opened its 16th location on Oct. 3 at 6490 University Parkway.

Tsunami Sushi and Hibachi Grill is next up. The popular Sarasota restaurant is opening a second location in Lakewood Ranch at 11627 E. State Road 70 in The Green plaza. While there’s not an exact date set, owner Jeffrey Karasawa said the new location will be open by the end of the month.

The building needs a final inspection, and they’re meeting with a planner this week to set a date for the grand opening. The restaurant features a party room, lounge bar and two floors to accommodate both family friendly and high-end dining.

Miller’s Ale House at 7175 State Road 64 will start with a soft opening on Oct. 29 and be open to the public on Oct. 30. The opening was delayed because of the parking lot.

“There’s no issues with the building or anything on our side,” Miller’s Ale House Manager Dustin Smith said. “We had to get the parking lot done in order to open, but they’ll be finished up today or tomorrow, and we’re on schedule right now.”

Miller’s has 103 ale houses across 10 states. The next closest location is in Sarasota in the CattleRidge Shopping Center. Expect the same sports bar atmosphere, but the SR 64 location is smaller by about 20 tables.

An up and coming chain, Agave

EYE ON BUSINESS

More restaurant choices coming to East County

5

K in

The headlines on the local and national news remind us daily that times are tough for a lot of people. But along with those challenging times, we are also hearing first-hand from our clients about their thankfulness. They are thankful that Meals on Wheels PLUS is here for them, providing them with vital nutrition, companionship, and hope.

They are thankful to know that whether they are a mom and dad with children to feed, or a senior living alone, help is available from Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee - thanks to your generous donations.

The Florida Registration number for Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee is #CH1420. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free (800-435-7352) or at www.800helpfla.com within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state.

e dn

Please donate this holiday season to help those in need in our community.

All donations, up to $100,000, made before December 31st will be matched $1 for $1 by The Steve and Natalee Herrig Family Foundation!

MealsOnWheelsPLUS.org 410655-1

nd

ss

Ex

te

.

Thanksgiving

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

Living on the wild side Representatives from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office share information on local wildlife.

YOU SHOULD ■ Secure attractants such as garbage cans ■ Keep cats and small dogs indoors or in attended areas outside ■ For nine-banded armadillos, place a turned on flashlight or radio at the opening of its burrow during the night ■ Use motion activated scare devices

LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR

A

s Lakewood Ranch continues to be developed, there is less green space for the wildlife.

While a common misconception is that the wildlife will retreat to the green spaces and stay away from development, Jessica Moore, a wildlife biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, said the animals often stay in the area.

“A lot of times we have this idea that wildlife is in our area because there’s nowhere else for them to go. In some cases, that’s true. But we also, in a lot of ways, make our neighborhoods especially appealing to wildlife,” Moore said.

Moore said knowing the animals in the Lakewood Ranch area and what to do with the animals when they are near can help keep residents and wildlife safe.

“Knowing and being aware of your environment goes a long way to preventing any kind of encounter,” she said.

Moore, as well as Sgt. Rob Hendrickson with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, spoke about the various wildlife that can be found in East County during a “Living with Florida Wildlife” presentation Oct. 5 at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.

Moore said Fish and Wildlife doesn’t consider any wildlife “inherently dangerous.”

“Most people who are injured by wildlife are doing something they shouldn’t be doing, whether they’re feeding that animal, trying to catch

THE DOS AND DON’TS OF WILDLIFE

Liz Ramos

Sgt. Rob Hendrickson, with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, says people should leave alligators alone and notes they can’t be relocated if they are larger than five feet or aggressive.

WILDLIFE IN LAKEWOOD RANCH ■ Alligators ■ White tailed deer ■ Raccoons ■ Coyotes ■ Bobcats ■ Wild hogs ■ Gopher tortoises ■ Snakes ■ Opossums ■ Rabbits

the animal, or trying to kill the animal,” Moore said. “If you just left the animal alone, those injuries wouldn’t have occurred.”

Moore said wildlife can be considered a nuisance when animals are causing property damage, are presenting a threat to public safety or are being an annoyance.

When someone sees a bobcat crossing a backyard or a coyote walking down the street, a common response is to call Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to report it and ask for it to be relocated.

But Moore said relocation usually isn’t the best option for the animals or the community.

She said relocation means moving an animal from its established territory to an unfamiliar area where it doesn’t know where to find food, water and shelter. The animal might not adjust well and it can disrupt the ecosystem in which it has been relocated.

Relocation also can facilitate the transfer of disease as new animals that might be carrying a disease are introduced to different areas.

Most times after relocation, Moore said the animals will expend energy to return to their familiar territory.

“So not only have you not solved

YOU SHOULD NOT ■ Feed wildlife or leave pet food out ■ Disturb wildlife (leave them be) ■ Approach an opossum as it could be playing opossum, which is an involuntary response ■ Relocate turtles or tortoises (if one is in the road, move it in the direction it was headed and no more than necessary)

the issue, you’ve also cost that animal a lot of work and caused that animal to cross a lot of roads and go through other human areas in the process,” Moore said.

Relocation also can cause more wildlife to inhabit the area. For example, if a coyote in a breeding pair is relocated, all the other adult coyotes in the pack will disperse and establish their own breeding pairs.

As a result, Moore said it can sometimes cause a population increase.

When encountering wildlife, Moore and Hendrickson said the best thing to do is leave it alone.

Easy ways to deter wildlife is securing attractants such as closing garbage cans, not leaving pet food out and emptying bird feeders at night.

Moore said if wildlife, such as coyotes and bobcats, continue to be present, hazing can encourage them to leave. Hazing includes people making themselves big, yelling at the animal and being aggressive. Throw small stones or sticks near, but not

at, the animal. Haze the animal every time it’s seen so it learns to keep a respectable distance from people.

A snake that finds its way into lawns, lanais, garages and, sometimes, a home, can cause panic for people. The assumption can be that the snake is venomous and therefore dangerous.

Hendrickson said pigmy rattlesnakes, eastern diamondbacks and water moccasin (also known as cottonmouth) are the three most common venomous snakes in the area.

He said snakes should be left alone because they’ll leave on their own.

They won’t chase people.

If someone calls the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office for snake removal, Hendrickson and Deputy Amy Dunkum are the only ones in the Sheriff’s Office who are permitted to handle venomous snakes. If they aren’t working that day, Hendrickson said the Sheriff’s Office most likely will not send someone out to relocate the snake.

With several lakes in Lakewood Ranch, even if an alligator might not be seen in the lake, Hendrickson said there likely is an alligator present.

“If there’s freshwater in Florida, there probably was an alligator, is an alligator or will be an alligator,” Hendrickson said. “Alligators are not aggressive by any means as long as they don’t get fed. Alligators generally become a problem when people start feeding them; then they associate people with food.”

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s relocation policy for an alligator is if the alligator is under five feet, the trapper is supposed to catch and relocate it.

If the alligator is more than five feet, Hendrickson said the trapper can sell the alligator to a farm, which might keep it for breeding purposes.

If the alligator is aggressive, no matter the size, it will not be relocated, Hendrickson said.

Hendrickson said alligators will remain in the same area as long as there is water and a food source.

Male alligators can be more aggressive during mating season, which is in April and May. Nesting season in June and July is when female alligators will be more protective. During the colder months, alligators are not as active.

Place Your Bets!

One-Eyed Jack’s Poker Room

70 TVS - SIMULCASTING Watch and wager on thoroughbred & greyhound tracks from across the country

Poker

LIVE ACTION CASH GAMES TEXAS HOLD ‘EM 7 CARD STUD • OMAHA

DAILY & MONTHLY TOURNAMENTS

VEGAS STYLE GAMES ULTIMATE TEXAS HOLD ‘EM WILD STUD 3-CARD FACE UP PAI-GOW

HIGH HAND PAYOUT SPECIALS

NEW GAME DAY FOOD & DRINK SPECIALS AVAILABLE! 4404 BEE RIDGE RD SARASOTA, FL 34233

SUNDAY: NOON - MIDNIGHT MONDAY THRU SATURDAY: 10:00AM - 2:00AM

WWW.SKCPOKER.COM 941-355-7744 EXT 1001

411434-1

6

YourObserver.com

7

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

WEST FLORIDA’S PREMIER POOL BUILDER

A new tune at Haile Students are preparing for their first concert Dec. 7.

LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR

Design•Build•Maintain

Liz Ramos

has meant Wagner has to teach her students the basics before they can build on the program.

“The exciting part is that it’s like molding them and shaping them right from the beginning,” Wagner said. “There’s no bad habits.”

Wagner has been teaching her students to sight read, harmonize and work as a team to perform a song. She said learning how to harmonize often is a challenge for students because they are used to singing the melody of a song.

The choirs will be able to show off what they’ve learned during their first concert Dec. 7.

Wagner said she’s a little nervous about the concert because her students have yet to perform in front of anyone.

In February, the choirs will perform in the Music Performance Assessments at Venice High School.

They will sing two prepared songs for judges as well as sight read rhythm and vocal exercises.

Celia Baehr, an eighth grader, is thrilled to be a part of the program, but she’s sad she’ll only have one year with the choir until she moves onto high school.

Baehr said she felt judged in her other classes when she would hum or quietly sing to herself, but now she has the space to sing her heart out while surrounded by a group of like-minded students.

“It’s a great community, and we’re all learning and getting better since the start of the school year,” she said.

Professional In-House Construction

Molly Garrett and Thea Pham sing “A Distant Shore.” They are among 55 students in Haile Middle School’s new choir program.

Call today to schedule an appointment

941.927.1882 411980-1

Lily Sutton, a seventh grader at Carlos E. Haile Middle School, remembered the joys of being a part of the All-County Choir in fifth grade.

She practiced every week with the choir and loved participating in the competition.

When she was entering middle school in sixth grade, she was disheartened to find out Haile Middle School didn’t offer a choir program.

But this year, Sutton is loving every day on the risers in the choir room at Haile Middle, singing with her classmates as part of the school’s new choir program.

“I’ve been singing since I was a little kid, and now I get to sing with this awesome group of people,” Sutton said.

Haile Middle eliminated the choir program in fall 2020 due to staffing cuts.

The program has returned this school year with high interest. The choir program consists of a choir for sixth grade students and another choir that combines seventh and eighth graders. This year, the program has 55 students, but teacher Janice Wagner hopes to see the program grow.

With 25 years of experience teaching choir, Wagner was asked to serve as the director of the school’s new choir program. She had stepped away from being a choir teacher and served predominantly as a math teacher for the past eight years.

“I was a little hesitant, but once I got into it, I realized how much I missed it,” Wagner said. “The kids are just awesome. They’re so enthusiastic, and they sing so well.”

Since the school hasn’t offered a choir program over the past three years, the students in the program have not had any vocal training unless they pursued it individually.

Starting the program from scratch

www.HolidayPoolsFlorida.com

of West Florida, Inc. Lic# CPC1458597

Family Owned and Operated Since 1994

Duette® Honeycomb Shades Operating System PowerView® Automation

Sarasota’s Best Voted One of

410936-1

29 Years in a Row!

BLINDS•SHUTTERS DRAPERIES•WALLCOVERINGS heraldtribune.com

WINNER

941-925-7800 mmwallcoveringsblinds.com 4801 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Across from The Landings

VOLUNTEER

HERE

CENTERED ON OUR STUDENTS

Janet and Curt Mattson Owners

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Where will you take us this year?

SCF Foundation Events

Assist with SCF Foundation events through set up, clean up, registration, parking, guiding, scholarship application reading, and more.

SCF Performing Arts and Athletic Events

Serve as an usher, ticket taker, concession stand worker, stage crew member, theatre set striker, and more.

SCF Health Care Services

Be a simulated patient for future health care providers in the areas of dental hygiene, radiography, physical therapy, and nursing.

Observer’s It’s Read Everywhere Contest

Increase student success through academic tutoring, mentoring, providing subject matter expertise, interview coaching, career counseling, and more.

Enter for your chance to win a 7-night cruise in a balcony cabin on

Take your favorite Observer with you.

Take your best shot.

Enter at https://www.yourobserver.com/ contests/its-read-everywhere

Contact Madeline Mangas, Community Outreach Coordinator

Sponsored by:

Marc Bokoff of

941-752-5336 MangasM@SCF.edu | scf-foundation.org/volunteer

411942-1

HOW TO ENTER:

Tutoring and Mentoring

412251-1

411648-1

Wallcoverings & Blinds, Inc. Since 1989

8

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

An unconditional friendship Monika Oberer’s and Grayson Tullio’s 10-year friendship has meant not only supporting each other but raising funds to find a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.”

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 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

LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR

F

our years ago, Lakewood Ranch’s Grayson Tullio was using a Hoyer lift to get out of bed.

The sling didn’t fit him properly, so Tullio, who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, fell out of it and broke his leg.

His mother, Jen Tullio, made three phone calls. One to call for an ambulance, another to his grandmother, Pat Miller, and a third to Lakewood Ranch’s Monika Oberer.

Oberer sped to the Tullio home to help calm Jen Tullio, who was emotional. Oberer instructed first responders how to best assist him.

A few months ago, Grayson Tullio learned that Oberer risked receiving a speeding ticket to be there for him that day.

“She didn’t care because she wanted to be there for me,” Tullio said. “This is a person who will do anything for me, even if it means breaking the rules.”

What started out as an opportunity for Oberer to raise money at the Chicago Marathon for Tullio’s nonprofit, Another Day for Gray, has turned into a 10-year friendship built on trust, honesty and a passion for helping others through races such as the annual Boo Run. Races like the Boo Run and Doggies for Duchenne have been a way for the two of them to work together to raise money for research to find a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Lakewood Ranch’s Grayson Tullio and Monika Oberer have built a friendship based on trust, honesty and a passion for helping others.

Courtesy photo

2022

File photos

Grayson Tullio, Monika Oberer and Grayson’s dog Panda head to the finish line of the 2022 Boo Run 5K. They dressed in a “Wizard of Oz” theme.

A DECADE OF FRIENDSHIP

Oberer met Tullio 10 years ago at Summerfield Community Park when he was 10 years old.

She was preparing for the Chicago Marathon and was looking to support a charity through her run.

She heard of Another Day for Gray, a nonprofit raising money for research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy, through the Lakewood Ranch Running Club, of which she’s a member.

Oberer, who owns the Light up Your Life lighting store in Sarasota, connected with Tullio’s mother and started to learn about the disease.

At Summerfield Community Park, Oberer participated in a photoshoot with Tullio. She didn’t know then that it was the start of an “unconditional friendship” that would be one of the most meaningful relationships in both of their lives.

After meeting Tullio, Oberer said she knew she had met a cool kid. Not having any children of her own, she enjoyed getting to know him and his family. The more time she spent with them, the more she saw the everyday challenges that a family can face due to his condition.

“I realized the everyday life in Jen’s household is not a normal everyday life with twins (Grayson has a twin sister, Emma),” Oberer said. “I said to Jen, ‘I will commit to always being there for Grayson.’ Honestly, I don’t know why I’m attached to Grayson. I just am. I’m at a point where I’m not going to question it. It’s given me 10 amazing years with him and a lot of great experiences.”

Since then, Oberer has been there for every birthday party and every important occasion. Oberer was the one who volunteered to go skydiving with Emma Tullio when she turned 18 and no one in the family wanted to go.

Over time, Oberer built an unbreakable trust with Tullio, which is demonstrated in the fact she is one of only a few people he has trusted to lift him in and out of his wheelchair when he could no longer walk.

Throughout their friendship, Tullio and Oberer never minded the age gap. He is 20 years old, while she is 50.

“I’ve never asked or thought about her age. It’s never been a thing on my mind because in my brain, it doesn’t matter,” Tullio said.

They also don’t let their differ-

EAST COUNTY

2021

like to be living with a disability and the challenges that can come with it.

“It’s beautiful to be able to see the world through somebody’s eyes and feel it and appreciate it,” she said.

During the interview for this story, Oberer turned to Tullio and said, “I’m a better person because I’m friends with you.”

Tullio said he’s learned not to be quick to judge. When he sees someone park in a handicap spot but doesn’t see a physical disability, he’s not as quick to question why that person is allowed to park there.

Oberer has helped him to understand that not all disabilities are physical.

They’ve also expanded each other’s horizons. Tullio, a movie buff, has introduced Oberer to various movies she never would have seen on her own such as “Avengers: Infinity War.” Tullio has tried new foods, such as salmon and broccoli, at her insistence.

Tullio said her persistence encourages him to step out of his comfort zone and try new things.

But there are some things Oberer and Tullio refuse to do. Although he is an avid video game player, she dislikes them.

“I’m never going to (play video games) with you because I’m not going to force you to do something you don’t want to do,” he said to her.

PASSION FOR HELPING OTHERS

Lakewood Ranch’s Monika Oberer met Grayson Tullio 10 years ago after his mother, Jen Tullio, introduced Oberer to their nonprofit, Another Day for Gray. Now they help coordinate the Boo Run to raise money for the nonprofit.

ences impede their friendship. The two had different upbringings. Tullio was born and raised in the U.S., while Oberer is from Switzerland and immigrated to the U.S. in 2002.

Above all, Tullio appreciates that Oberer is honest with him. She will tell him how it is, rather than sugarcoat anything. He said this new perspective was weird at first for him, but he’s grown to appreciate it because not many people will treat him that way. He said his trust in Oberer has made him value her opinion and wisdom.

Oberer said she can be herself with Tullio.

“I could always say anything,” Oberer said. “We just clicked.”

Tullio said he can be more open and less reserved with Oberer in comparison to being with his parents, Jen and Nick Tullio.

“Everyone’s always worried if they’ll say something, they’ll either maybe offend their parents or make them look differently at them,” Tullio said. “My mom also is always someone who sugarcoats things.

She is a totally different personality from Monika, who helps me see life as it is.”

They talk to each other about top-

IF YOU GO BOO RUN When: 6 a.m. Oct. 28 Where: 6300 University Parkway, Sarasota Details: Kids Boo Dash starts at 7:30 a.m.; 5K run or walk starts at 8 a.m.; 5K run or walk with pups starts at 8:10 a.m. The race benefits Another Day for Gray and the Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch More information: RunLWR. com/Boo-Run-5k/

ics Tullio won’t talk to anyone else about, such as relationships and his health. Tullio and Oberer said his health can be a difficult topic of discussion for his family, so Oberer is Tullio’s outlet to have open discussions about a disease with no cure.

New treatments are credited with improving the quality of life for those with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

“Sometimes I feel better at the end of the day when I get something off my chest that has been bugging me,” Tullio said.

Both said they have many fond memories from the last decade, whether it’s conversations about life at a dinner, spending a day at Universal Studios or traveling to Berlin, Germany, where Oberer ran in the Berlin Marathon.

They’ve learned from each other.

Oberer said she’s learned what it’s

One of Oberer’s favorite aspects of Tullio is his big heart. She said he’s always thinking of others before himself and treats people with kindness.

She admires his dedication and desire to help dogs, especially those at the Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch. Tullio volunteers there at least once per week.

His love for dogs inspired Tullio to work with her to start Doggies for Duchenne, a race that benefits Another Day for Gray and the Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch. The race was held for five years before the COVID-19 pandemic brought it to an end.

Now the Humane Society of Lakewood Ranch and Another Day for Gray benefit from the annual Boo Run. The Boo Run has been supporting Another Day for Gray for the past 15 years.

Tullio said over the past five years, he’s felt the impact a charity event like the Boo Run can have on nonprofits. He is grateful to see how the money raised can help the cats and dogs he sees on a weekly basis at the Humane Society while also knowing the money is going toward research for a neuromuscular disease that directly impacts him.

Every year, Tullio and Oberer participate in the Boo Run together, often dressed in a themed costume.

The pair has dressed as two peas in a pod, characters from “The Wizard of Oz,” superheroes, pandas, and Scooby Doo characters.

This year’s Boo Run is in honor of Hooch, his service dog that died six months ago. Hooch was at Summerfield Community Park with Tullio the day he met Oberer.

Managing Editor / Jay Heater, JHeater@YourObserver.com Senior Editor / Liz Ramos, LRamos@YourObserver.com Sports Editor / Ryan Kohn, RKohn@YourObserver.com Staff Writer / Lesley Dwyer, LDwyer@ 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 A+E Editor / Monica Roman Gagnier, MGagnier@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; 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 Advertising/Marketing Coordinator / Caitlin Ellis, CEllis@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 Information Technology Manager / Homer Gallego, HGallego@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, West Orange Times & Observer, Southwest Orange Observer, Business Observer, Jacksonville Daily Record, Key Life Magazine, LWR Life Magazine, Baldwin Park Living Magazine and Season Magazine

CEO / Matt Walsh President / Emily Walsh Chairman Emeritus / David Beliles Vice President / Lisa Walsh (1995-2023) 8130 Lakewood Main St., Suite D207 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-755-5357

YourObserver.com © 2020 The Observer Media Group Inc. All Rights Reserved

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

SIDE OF RANCH

9

JAY HEATER

Will commissioners’ wetlands decision impact 2024 election?

S an Francisco Bay Area sports columnist and author Lowell Cohn once wrote an article about a boxing match he had just witnessed and the resulting decision by the judges.

He watched the bout with his young son, who heard the decision and then asked his dad why the guy bleeding all over the ring, with his eyes battered until they closed, had won while the other fighter had no marks on him.

Cohn theorized that, sometimes, right and wrong can best be judged by children.

With that thought in mind, 15-year-old Brice Claypoole, a Longboat Key resident, showed up at the Oct. 5 land use meeting of the Manatee County Commission.

Claypoole was trying his best to convince Manatee County commissioners that reducing buffers for wetlands was not a good idea at a time when water pollution has led to grave circumstances in the Gulf of Mexico.

The commissioners voted 6-1 on Aug. 17 to send the move to the state for approval and certainly hadn’t been listening to any adults.

At the Oct. 5 meeting, and at a previous land use meeting on Aug. 17, a litany of information from environmentalist groups reported that the buffers between any construction and wetlands are, indeed, important. It is the kind of information that inspires children to become activists who want to protect their future during this period of tremendous growth.

To say District 3 Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge was impressed with Claypoole’s activism would be folly. He noted that any sympathizers to the environmentalists’ agenda were being political pawns straight out of the “George Soros (a billionaire who was the country’s largest Democratic contributor during the 2022 elections) playbook.”

File image

Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge

This statement was meant to be derogatory since Van Ostenbridge is a Republican’s Republican, whose purpose in all this shifting of Comprehensive Plan language has been done to protect property rights.

It seems that most of our county commissioners believe residents all over Manatee County have not been able to build swimming pools in their backyards because of insufficient square footage due to the county’s seizing of their property along wetlands.

Of course — wink, wink — it is irrelevant that builders can put more homes on a small parcel of land if they don’t have to worry about wetland buffers.

Commissioners voted 5-1 (District 5 Commissioner Ray Turner was absent) on Oct. 5 to reduce the wetland protections.

Van Ostenbridge has implied that no Republican in his or her right mind would pick the environment over property rights. Well, except

Ian Swaby

At-large Commissioner George Kruse

for George Kruse, a Republican who occupies a seat on the dais and actually wants some thought and dialogue before committing to a red train of progress.

It was apparent early in Kruse’s term that he was going to be the thoughtful commissioner, the one who wouldn’t knee-jerk fall into the party-perfect line. That seemingly all went for naught when Kruse publicly announced an affair and later rammed his pickup into a tree near his Greyhawk Landing home in April 2022. State prosecutors eventually dropped a DUI case against Kruse in June 2023, but the damage had been done. His chance at reelection seemed to be toast.

Lo and behold, Kruse’s political future might have taken an about-face since he has become the black sheep of the commission. His personal frailties will be attacked ad nauseam in the 2024 election cycle, but his actual governing has gained an entirely new respect.

Perhaps more than anything, Kruse

has grown unafraid of taking an unpopular stance. So far, the other commissioners aren’t listening, but perhaps those who vote are.

Whether he can win an election without universal support among developers and builders, who supply much of the candidates’ election funds, remains to be seen.

Likewise, we won’t know if Van Ostenbridge’s role of ring leader in dumping wetlands protections will result in political suicide until the 2024 election cycle plays out.

It already is obvious his campaign donations from developers will swell his coffers, but will there be a backlash from voters over the wetlands decision?

Several of those who attended the Oct. 5 charade said they would work to oust those commissioners who voted against wetland buffers. Van Ostenbridge seems unconcerned because those in that meeting were all crazy Democrats.

It is an interesting evaluation considering the 2022 referendum

in which 71.27% of county voters chose to tax themselves so Manatee County could “finance the acquisition, improvement and management of land to protect drinking water sources and water quality, preserve fish and wildlife habitat, prevent stormwater runoff pollution and provide parks.”

So let’s evaluate that 71.27%. As of this week, Manatee County has 121,833 registered Republicans and 69,970 registered Democrats. When you think of that 71.27% who voted to take major strides to protect the environment, wouldn’t you surmise that many of them had to be Republicans?

Republicans in Manatee County are on record as believing smart growth can be obtained while still protecting the environment. Will that be a factor when voting begins in 2024?

Whether the sleeping bear residents of Manatee County continue to accept the status quo will be tested in 2024. They not only have been poked, but they have slapped several times as well.

If they don’t wake up, they could find themselves, in the immediate future, on the short end of the boxing decision, with no child in sight to help with the common sense decision. They will be wondering what had happened to their environment, and left to mutter a phrase made famous by boxing manager Joe Jacobs after his fighter, Max Schmeling, lost a decision to heavyweight Jack Sharkey in 1932.

“We wuz robbed.”

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

FREE MEDICARE EVALUATION.

Get The

Facts!

You cannot put a price on peace of mind.

Get your questions answered and your concerns addressed from one of the top Medicare brokers in Florida.

DAVE SILVER

Licensed Agent/Broker Office: 941-907-2879 | Mobile: 813-417-2716 | Email: Info@DaveSilverInsurance.com

408488-1

The best part is I’m right in your backyard.

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

IT’S A PIG DEAL Characteristics of a quality show pig: ■ Big muscles ■ Good bone structure ■ Balanced walk ■ Good temperament ■ No abnormalities, such as hernias ■ No arched back ■ Is not red

Liz Ramos

Gunner Marquez, an eighth grader at Carlos E. Haile Middle School, has three months to prepare his pig for the Manatee County Fair.

Fat chance with perfect pig Being porky doesn’t necessarily mean a show pig will be successful at the Manatee County Fair.

LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR

When the average person looks at a pig, they’re most likely thinking the bigger the better.

A fat pig could mean more profits.

But students like Clayton Reagan,

who is an eighth grader at Carlos E. Haile Middle School, look for so much more.

FFA and 4-H students are careful when selecting their pigs to show at the Manatee County Fair.

There are several factors students take into consideration when choosing the pig they’ll spend the next three months preparing for the fair in January.

When Reagan was at a CK2 Showpigs auction in August, he was looking at his options.

With six years of showing pigs under his belt, he can see a pig’s

potential for success at the fair, whether that means the pig will be sold at auction for a high price or he can win ribbons.

Reagan paid attention to the way the pigs walked. A pig’s walk can be telling.

Students will look at pigs walking as if they were models on a runway.

Reagan said he looks for whether the pig has a balanced walk, meaning the pig doesn’t favor one side when walking.

“When they’re walking (balanced), they’ll stay on their toes,” Reagan said.

Jessica Jones, the agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at Haile, said students should look to see if pigs’ shuffle is in a figure-eight form.

“With the shuffle, if a pig is doing something weird, it just makes them look different than the others,” Reagan said.

Not only is it the walk, but students are looking at the structure of the pigs. A pig with a good bone structure and big muscles is going to catch people’s attention.

Caroline Bradley, a seventh grader at R. Dan Nolan Middle School, chose her pig this year because it didn’t have an arched back and its legs looked capable of carrying a large amount of weight.

“There’s a little bit of pressure (in picking a pig) because you’re looking for a pig that will do well and can walk well,” she said. “It’s pretty difficult because the pigs are little and some of them just got off a trailer (from another state).”

Much like any competition, sometimes the results depend on a judge’s preference.

Jones has found over the years that judges don’t like red pigs. They prefer pigs that are white or black and white.

Money can be a factor as well.

Schools have partnerships with breeders to provide pigs at a lower cost, but students also can find a pig on their own, whether they use a specific breeder or purchase a pig through an auction. Students have purchased pigs from around Florida as well as other states.

Carolyn Gilbert, the agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at R. Dan Nolan Middle School, worked with a breeder in Indiana to provide pigs

for her students. Interested students could pay $350 to have one of the pigs.

After the pigs were brought to Nolan Middle, students were able to select their pig in the order that students submitted payment.

A pig that costs $180 might not be as high of a quality pig as one that costs $500. You get what you pay for, Jones and Gilbert said.

Spending big bucks on a pig doesn’t guarantee a blue ribbon or a large return on the investment at the auction.

“My kid spent quite a bit of money her senior year two years ago, and her pig died two weeks after check in,” Gilbert said. “It’s agriculture. Nothing’s guaranteed.”

Once a student picks a pig, they have to put in the time to properly raise the pig, ensuring it’s healthy and gaining an appropriate amount of weight. They have to break their pigs, meaning they train their pigs to walk into the ring with confidence and their pigs are comfortable walking with their heads up. They have to train the pigs to respond to them without guidance or the touch of a whip.

Students need to consider the type of feed and supplements they’re giving their pigs. The quality of feed and supplements can help a pig become more muscular or drop its belly.

For example, Reagan said pigs can be given marshmallows, or other sweet treats, to make the pig fatter.

“Back fat is a big thing,” Reagan said. “If you don’t have enough back fat, you can’t make it into the fair.”

Getting their pigs into the ring at the fair and showcasing what they’ve been able to do with their pig after only four months is an accomplishment, Reagan said.

Although students like to win ribbons and make a profit at the auction, there is one thing more valuable that comes from showing a pig at the fair — the learning experience.

“It’s the memories, the responsibility, the dedication, the commitment and the love for livestock and the swine industry,” Gilbert said.

“We want them to be able to produce an animal that somebody is proud to eat.”

Building Your Outdoor Lifestyle

License #CGC057880

At American Outdoor Cabinets, we have over 15 years of experience in CNC cabinet manufacturing. ✔ Our HDPE cabinets are 100% waterproof marine grade polymer and American-made. ✔ We manufacture locally, ensuring a quick turn around time and impeccable customer service.

Call for a FREE Estimate & Design Consultation

(941) 725-0709 Mention this ad to receive a special discount*

Showroom 10530 Portal Crossing #109 Lakewood Ranch 34211

OutdoorCabinets.com

412010-1

10

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

11

NEW HOMES ON THE NATURAL SIDE S A R A S O TA E A S T

NEW HOMESITES AVAILABLE

Finding a new home with the space you need – inside and out – shouldn’t be complicated. At Artistry Sarasota it’s natural, with fresh new home designs, spacious waterfront & preserve homesites, and a lakeside amenity center open for recreation and fun.

DESIGNER-DECORATED MODELS OPEN DAILY

NEW 3- TO 5-BEDROOM HOMES FROM THE $600s | ARTISTRYSARASOTA.COM

941-677-0518 | 8900 BERNINI PLACE, SAR ASOTA

412208-1

Realtors Warmly Welcomed. Pricing, availability, specifications and amenities are subject to change without notice. CRC057817/CGC1514916

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

y r a s r e v i n An

Rock the house with a classic

NOW

SALE

thru

10/15

Soil • Organic Pest PREMIUM •• Potting Control Garden

PRODUCTS at BIG BOX PRICES

‘Rocky Horror Show’ opens at the Manatee Performing Arts Center Oct. 19 and runs through Nov. 5.

Fertilizers • Hydroponics • & Tons More!

LESLEY DWYER

11

SALE PRICE of

$

99 15

$

941-301-8402 growgoods.com

99

Down to Earth NATURAL FERTILIZER

8

$ 99

visit us at

1799

$

Coast of Maine

4428 Bee Ridge Rd

ORGANIC SOIL

Gluten Free Options

S

D i dn e S a o ome

y

BEEF? T S A RO

Drive Thru FOR A LEGENDARY

Roast Beef SANDWICH!

Kelly’s legendary Roast Beef Sandwiches and Fresh New England Seafood.

409214-1

Drive Thru • Open 7 Days A Week 11am-9pm

The Square at UTC Next to to CVS pharmacy • 5407 University Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34201 KellysRoastBeef.com • 941-263-1911 • @Kellysroastbeef_FL

IF YOU GO

Where: Manatee Performing Arts Center. 502 Third Ave. W. When: “The Rocky Horror Show” opens on Oct. 19 and runs through Nov. 5. Children and outside props are not permitted in the theater. Tickets cost $27 each.

“Y

SALE PRICE of

411902-1

Vegetable Garden 5lb.

STAFF WRITER

Organic Soil for Tomatoes & Vegetables 20qt.

ou’re a hotdog, FrankN-Furter.”

Griffyn Holcomb said that’s his favorite line from “The Rocky Horror Show” because it’s silly, cleverly written and just so simple.

Holcomb is directing a production of Rocky Horror for the Manatee Performing Arts Center. While you might have seen the movie once or twice or a hundred times, Holcomb and the cast have put their own spin on the cult classic, which they describe as 1950s bubble gum pop meets Gothic punk.

“It’s very neon, bright lights, but dark, depressing and murderous, so we try to straddle that line between the two,” Holcomb said. “A lot of it is pretty brand new to how Rocky has been staged. Our set is unique, the way we choreographed a lot of the songs and the nuances that Cheyenne has added. A lot of the choreography for the phantoms and cast themselves, I’ve never seen in a Rocky production.”

Cheyenne, 26, is Holcomb’s wife.

She’s the show’s choreographer and also plays a phantom. The Holcombs met in the Sarasota High School theater program when Cheyenne Holcomb was a freshman and Griffyn Holcomb was a sophomore. Now the pair reside in Lakewood Ranch.

Rocky marks a debut for both husband and wife at the performing arts center. In a role reversal, it’ll be the first time Cheyenne Holcomb is on stage performing and the first time Griffyn Holcomb will be off stage

Courtesy image

Daniel Pelissier is playing Dr. Frank-NFurter in the Manatee Performing Arts Center’s production of “The Rocky Horror Show.”

directing.

Both were part of MPAC’s productions of “Beauty and the Beast” and “My Fair Lady,” but Cheyenne Holcomb was backstage on the crew, and Griffyn Holcomb was onstage acting.

Having prior relationships with some of the cast members gave the new director a level of comfort stepping into the role. There are 14 cast

The Observer’s

Weather

&Nature

ORTHOPEDICS

Ortho NOW

2023-24 PHOTO CONTEST

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

ORTHOPEDIC SAME DAY CARE at our Lakewood Ranch location

Access | Individualized Care | Lasting Relief

Submitted by: Becky Edwards

If you’re experiencing: ✔ Painful, Swollen, or Injured Joints ✔ Acute Pain - such as a sudden knee or back pain ✔ Closed Fractures

Sponsored by

Call NOW for a same day appointment

KITCHEN | CABINETRY OUTDOOR PAVERS

941-552-2183

Submit your photos of spectacular local weather and nature displays and you could win $500!

5985 Silver Falls Run Suite 101 | Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

Go to Yourobserver.com/contests for details.

412221-1

✔ Sports Related Injuries ✔ Sprains & Strains ✔ Foot & Ankle Injuries ✔ Hand & Wrist Injuries

395438-1

12

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

Peaceful

13

$724,900

River Front Estate

6830 68th Avenue East Bradenton 34203 Peace & Tranquility River front 2B/3B 3,000’ two story with 150’ river frontage. Wonderful screened porches on ground and 2nd floor to enjoy the river views, bird sanctuary and nature.

Beautifully appointed kitchen, eat in area wonderful butler’s pantry.

Private dock, fabulous fishing and boating. Nestled in a quaint old Florida neighborhood. Newer Roof 2019 and A/C 2020. No HOA.

MLS A460550

Bee Green Realty, LLC

members; some are familiar faces around MPAC, but many are new to the theater.

“In all my years of performance and creative arts, this is the most talented cast I’ve ever seen,” Griffyn Holcomb said. “We have a brilliant mix of really developed comedic timing as well as hitting some emotional depths. All of our characters go through a transformation at the end.”

Of course, the production pays homage to the movie, but don’t expect a line-by-line copy. Barry Bostwick, who played Brad in the film, was surprised to hear that “Once in a While” made it into the show.

The couple met Bostwick on Sept.

30 when he performed at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Griffyn Holcomb is the assistant technical director at the Van Wezel. “‘Once in a While’ is a song that’s traditionally known as the most boring song in the show. It was cut from the movie,” Cheyenne Holcomb said.

“We kind of took that as a challenge and found a way to make it more fun for the audience viewing it and to keep the pace lively.”

Griffyn Holcomb said his wife’s

941.704.4569

Your Piece of The Puzzle

peggy@peggychrist.com

Peggy Christ

flashy choreography for the number embodies the muses of Disney’s “Hercules.”

Another departure from watching the move is that, for the safety of the actors, no outside projectiles are allowed. Part of the film’s infamy comes from the audience throwing rice, toast and hotdogs at the screen, which pose a safety issue.

But only outside projectiles are banned. The theater will be offering a pre-show sale of safe projectiles, including bubbles, newspaper and playing cards. Shouting expletives at Brad is also allowed and encouraged.

Beyond the racy content, foul language is one more reason to leave the kids at home. No one under 18 will be allowed in the theater. Rocky Horror is grown-up fun.

“You can’t go and not have a good time. I love that it’s B-movie comedy, but I also love that there is a message behind it of freeing yourself from the shame of finding pleasure and enjoying your life wherever you can,” Cheyenne Holcomb said. “One of my favorite lines from the show is ‘Don’t dream it, be it.’ It’s a very empowering message to leave audiences with.”

411901-1

Lesley Dwyer

The cast and crew of “The Rocky Horror Show” rehearse on Oct. 8. The show opens on Oct. 19.

www.peggychrist.com

Come join us for an all in one

Children’s Book Reading, Sip & Shop Event & Dog Adoption Weekend Hosted by yours truly, Scout & Molly’s Boutique Lakewood Ranch! All are welcome!

Bring your kiddos October 21st & 22nd from 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM for a reading of “Gunner Gets Lucky” by the author Karl Riemensperger, where you’ll also get to meet Karl’s furry best friend & main character, his dog, Gunner! While Karl is performing readings throughout the day for the kids, we encourage you to sip and shop with us!

We also want to encourage you to step outside our store to visit some of the puppies from Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue where Gunner came from! Adoption is also available. Partial proceeds from the event will go to Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue.

DATE Oct. 21st & 22nd 2023 TIME 11:00am - 5:00pm PLACE Scout & Molly’s Lakewood Ranch

412211-1

ADDRESS 5275 University Pkwy #132, Bradenton, FL 34201

The Home Service Pros Who Care

PHONE (941)-210-4686

100% DEDICATION TO YOUR SATISFACTION

LARGEST SELECTION OF FANS ANYWHERE! TRADITIONAL

THE HOME SERVICE PROS WHO CARE

MODERN

CONTEMPORARY

LARGE FANS

WHEN YOU THINK FANS THINK DAN’S! Design Your Own Fan Parts & Services Available DC Motor Fans Available

Titan II

DC Motor WiFi Enabled Damp Rated

WATER TREATMENT ARE YOU USING THE RIGHT HOME WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM? Learn more about our complimentary water analyzing and receive $100 credit towards a new whole house filtration system installed. offer expires 12/31/2023

941.366.7676

ELECTRICAL

Design Your Own Fan Parts & Services Available In-Store Warrannes

24 Hour Emergency Service www.AquaPlumbingSarasota.com Lic # cAc1816020 • PLbg cFc1428223 • ELEc Ec13009313

Bradenton

E. Sarasota

1808 Cortez Rd #101 6303 Center Ring Rd #101 (941) 355-1153 (941) 755-3262

Locaaons Naaonwide!

411635-1

!

CALL NOW

PLUMBING

410996-1

HVAC

www.DansFanCity.com

14

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

T OS M AL

Safety first

T OU D L SO

L

t. Steve Ryckman with East Manatee Fire Rescue helped Lakewood Ranch’s Avery Cruz put on a self-contained breathing apparatus.

“Do you think you can wear that for an hour?”

Ryckman asked Cruz.

“No,” said the 10-year-old Cruz, who slouched over from the weight of the apparatus.

Ryckman went on to show Cruz and his 3-yearold brother, Grayson Cruz, other features of the East Manatee Fire Rescue firetruck.

The firetruck was one of several emergency service and first responder vehicles sitting outside Lakewood Ranch Town Hall Oct. 7 for Safety Town.

Safety Town gave children an opportunity to meet first responders and learn about the services they provide for the community.

Lakewood Ranch’s Nicole and Bill Schorn said their sons, 5-year-old Liam and 3-year-old Landon, loved the firefighter hats and whistles they received before getting to sit in the driver’s seat of the firetruck.

Nicole Schorn said it’s important to introduce children to first responders.

“Exposing the kids to it will get them excited and more interested in learning about safety,” she said.

BlackTie Gala Join Us for An Elegant Evening Benefiting:

Friday, November 3, 2023 6 PM - 10 PM

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens • Cocktail Reception • Live Band • Gourmet 3-Course Dinner • Curated Live & Silent Auction Packages

Photos by Liz Ramos

Lakewood Ranch 3-year-old Grayson Cruz sees what it’s like driving an East Manatee Fire Rescue truck.

— LIZ RAMOS

www.SPARCC.Net

Presenting Sponsor/The Rose Lawrence P. Castellani Family Foundation

Diamond Sponsors/The Lily

Jan & Bill Farber Bonnie McIntyre Sue & Tom Ghezzi Kimberley Pelyk JoAnn Heffernan Heisen John Roble Jennifer & Roger Holland Fred Simmons & Nancy Smith Georgie Holst-Knudsen Cathy Bachand & Cindy Thelen Elizabeth & Michael Murphy and Shirley & Patrick Wulf

406154-1

Media Sponsors

Announcing Bradenton East Integrative Medicine is now part of INNOVACARE HEALTH

Family Practice with an Integrative Approach When choosing your healthcare provider, consider a physician who sees YOU as a Whole Person, NOT A SET OF SYMPTOMS.

East Manatee Fire Rescue firefighter Jason Burnside shows Lakewood Ranch 8-year-old Ryan Martin and his grandmother, Joyce Harpring, how to use the jaws of life.

FREE ROOF EVALUATION & ESTIMATE 0% Financing for 12 or 18 months

(*Some restrictions apply)

®

THE DIFFERENCE IS

®

THE PROMISE

Integrative medicine practitioners spend time with their

patients, listening to their histories and looking at the interactions among genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that can influence long-term health and complex, chronic disease.

Offering Bioidentical Hormones as a natural approach to Hormone balance without the risks associated with synthetic hormone replacement.

ASK US ABOUT BHRT PELLET THERAPY AND HOW WE CAN MATCH YOUR NEEDS.

Our Practitioners: Karen O. Brainard, M.D. Gilberto Alvarez, M.D. Samantha L. Notman, D.O.

Carol Lewis, APRN Bridgett Edwards, APRN Deborah Howard-Patton, APRN Camille Kasten, APRN

check us out at beimonline.com 8614 State Rd. 70 E., Ste. 200, Bradenton, FL 34202 | (941) 727-1243

941-271-4935 | CovenantRoofFL.com 5500 Bee Ridge Rd, Sarasota | Lic # CCC1332763

411903-1

410438-1

Scan the code to request your appointment

YourObserver.com

15

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

On my way to dance class...

TRI FLEX FROM 0 0 HX1 $ 9

49

RUBY RED

CAT DOG

$

SAVE HUNDREDS

FROM00

PRO

Electrolux • Hoover • Hand Quilter • ALL BRANDS, ALL BUDGETS • Plaff • JUKI • Brother • The Bank • Bissell • Miele • Plaff • JUKI

$ $ $ $ OFF FOR ANY TRADE

Miele • Electrolux Hoover • •ALL BRNDS, ALL BUDGETS • Hand•Quilter •Quilter Plaff •Plaff JUKI• •JUKI BrotheBrother • The Bank • Bissell • Miele • Plaff Miele ALL BRANDS, ALL BUDGETS •• Hand • Pfaff JUKI•••Brother Miele ••••Electrolux Electrolux Hoover •••ALL ALL BRNDS, ALL Quilter • Electrolux • Hoover • ALL BRNDS, BUDGETS • Hand Quilter •BUDGETS Plaff • JUKI • Brothe The Bank • Bissell •• • Plaff• •JUKI MieleMiele Electrolux •Hoover Hoover ALL BRNDS, ALL BUDGETS • Hand Hand Quilter •Miele Plaff Brother •••

#1 RATED MIELE MARIN

NEW BAGLESS RECHARGEABLE MIELE TRI-FLEX-WOW!

408619-1 Bank • Bissell • Miele • Plaff • JUKI Electrolux • Hoover Hoover •• Hand Hand Quilter Quilter••ALL ALLBRANDS, BRANDS,ALL ALLBUDGETS BUDGETS••Plaff Plaff• •JUKI JUKI• •Brother Brother• The • The Bank • Bissell • Miele • Plaff • JUKI

WE DEMO AND ASSEMBLE

SAVE HUNDREDS

FROM00

Electrolux • Hoover • Hand Quilter • ALL BRANDS, ALL BUDGETS • Plaff • JUKI • Brother • The Bank • Bissell • Miele • Plaff • JUKI

$

Miele Electrolux • Hoover •• ALL BRNDS, ALL BUDGETS Hand Quilter •Quilter Plaff • JUKI • Brothe • The Bank • Bissell Miele•• Bissell Plaff • Miele • Plaff Miele • Electrolux • Hoover • ALL BRNDS, ALL BUDGETS • Hand Quilter ••Plaff • JUKI •• Brother • Miele • •Electrolux Hoover ALL BRNDS, ALL BUDGETS Hand • Plaff • JUKI • Brothe • The •Bank Miele • Electrolux • Hoover • ALL BRNDS, ALL BUDGETS • Hand Quilter • Plaff • JUKI • Brothe • The Bank • Bissell • Miele • Plaff

#1 RATED MIELE MARIN

Electrolux • Hoover • Hand Quilter • ALL BRANDS, ALL BUDGETS • Plaff • JUKI • Brother

Miele • Electrolux • Hoover • ALL BRNDS, ALL BUDGETS • Hand Quilter • Plaff • JUKI • Brothe • The Bank • Bissell • Miele • Plaff

Adult dance Monarch • Janome • Bernina • Dyson • ALL BRANDS, ALL BUDGETS • Janome • Oreck • Bernina Shark • Dyson • Sebo••ALL BRANDS, ALL BUDGETS Arts • Oreck Shark • Se & fitness: Studio Tap SEWING SAVINGSJazz SPRING SEWING CLEAN-UP SAVINGS862 SPRING 62nd St. CLEAN-U Cir. E. ALL MIELE SEWINGHundreds SEWING FAMOUS Lowest Prices In USA! Save Lowest Off Prices Internet!

In USA! Save Hundreds Off Interne SAVINGS IN STOCK SERVICE #103 SAVINGS Hula Janome Bernina ••Dyson ••ALL BRANDS, ALL•BUDGETS • Oreck Shark • Sebo • Bernina • Dyson • ALL BRANDS, ALL BUDGETS • Oreck Shark ••Bernina • Sebo ••The Dyson Bank • ALL Bissell BRANDS, Miele ALL BUDGETS • Oreck Shark • Sebo • The Bank •• Bissell • Bradenton, • Oreck SharkFL • Sebo • Hip-Hop • Janome • Bernina • Dyson • ALL BRANDS, ALL BUDGETS Tops Vacuum and Sewing Tops Vacuum and Sewing (941) CLEAN-UP 201-5608 299 299 SEWING SAVINGS SPRING Bellydancing E V SEWING SAVINGS SPRING CLEAN-UP SA ALL SAVE NDS S •Save D carries a huge• Janome selection a huge selection • Bernina • Dyson •carries ALL BRANDS, BUDGETS Oreck Shark • Sebo • Off Internet!

Lowest Prices In USA! Hundreds N SA In USA! Save Hundreds Off Internet!

SA Jazzercise Lowest Prices THOU THOU

$ $ $ $ OFF FOR ANY TR

of sewing of sewing machines Models are in! machines Great Holiday Gift!

Models are in!

Great Holiday Today!

Gift!

Register SEWING SAVINGS SPRING CLEAN-UP Tops Vacuum and Sewing and Off Sewing and sergers. and sergers.

Lowest Prices InTops USA! Vacuum Save Hundreds Internet!

AVVEE DS SA carries a huge selection NDS SERVIC ps Vacuum and Sewing carries ps Vacuum and Sewing carries S Ucom SEWING SEWING SAAN carries aSERVICE huge • Bernina • Dysonwww.danceallianceofbradenton.

• ALL BRANDS, ALL BUDGETS • Oreck Shark • Seboselection • The Bank • Bissell • Miele •THOU S of sewing machines HO BEST TURBO BEST PLASTIC LOWEST EMISSIONS

EASIEST TO USE THIS IS HOW YOU CLEAN YOUR HOUSE

BEST TURBO BEST PLASTIC LOWEST EMISSIONS

EASIEST TO THIS IS HOW

Expires Expires 7/15/21 7/15/21

BROTHER, JANOME, JUKI,

BROTHER, JANOME, JUKI,

Electrolux • Hoover •Electrolux Hand • •ALL ALL ••Plaff ••JUKI •• Brother Electrolux • Hoover • HandQuilter Quilter ALL BRANDS, ALLBUDGETS BUDGETS Plaff JUKI Brother Electrolux Hoover ••Hand Hand Quilter ALL BRANDS, ALL BUDGETS ••• Plaff •••Hoover •BRANDS, ••• ALL BUDGETS Pfaff ••• JUKI JUKI ••• Brother Electrolux Hoover HandQuilter Quilter ALL BRANDS, BRANDS, ALL BUDGETS Plaff JUKI Brother

• Bernina • Dyson • ALL BRANDS, ALL BUDGETS • Oreck Shark • Sebo • The Bank • Bissell • Miele CLEAN • YOUR TRY BEFORE YOU BUY • Oreck Shark • Sebo • The Bank • Bissell • Miele • HOUSE • Bernina • Dyson • ALL BRANDS, ALL BUDGETS

85

Expires 7/15/21 Expires 7/31/21

Expires Expires 7/15/21 Expires7/31/21 7/15/21

HOLIDAY SAVINGS SAVINGS HOLIDAY

85

FO-AT210809_182330

• Janome • Bernina • Dyson • ALL BRANDS, ALL BUDGETS • Oreck Shark • Sebo • Janome • Bernina Dyson • ALL BRANDS, ALL BUDGETS • Oreck Shark • Sebo • The Bank • Bissell • Miele • Expires•7/15/21

LESSThan Than10lbs 10lbs LESS

FROM FROM

MIELE

M

RO FHAS CUSTOMER HAS SPOKEN CUSTOMER SPOKEN BAGLESS • RECHARGEABLE BAGLESS • RECHARGEABLE

Oreck,Sanitiare, Sanitiare,Simplicity, Simplicity,Miele, Miele, Oreck, Dyson,Bissell Bisselland andmore! more!

Dyson,

MIELE

GET A DEMO SAVE HUNDREDS

MOTORHEAD• V11 • V11 TORQUE MOTORHEAD TORQUE

• Reset to Factory • lubricate • Adjust Tension Tolerances • Adjust Timing • Polish Hook FREE ESTIMATES

BEST WAY TO CLEAN ALL FLORIDA HOMES WOOD, TILE LAMINATE, CARPET TERRAZZO, AREA RUGS FOR ALL SENSITIVE FLOORS

Clean • Grease Wash/Wax • Deodorize We’ll get it in top shape!

LAKEWOOD RANCH

Expires Expires 7/15/21 7/15/21

ResettotoFactory Factory lubricate • •Reset • •lubricate Tolerances AdjustTension Tension Tolerances • •Adjust PolishHook Hook AdjustTiming Timing • •Polish • •Adjust Expires Expires FREEESTIMATES ESTIMATES 10/31/21 FREE 10/31/21

VACUUM Wash/Wax • Deodorize ALL SEWING & SEWINGFROM 99 FREE LESSONS&&& & SEWING SEWING SEWING We’ll get it in top shape!

SARASOTA

SAVE SAVE

ALL MODELS ALL MODELS HUNDREDS HUNDREDS

THATGOOD! GOOD! ITITISISTHAT

MIELE

Electrolux • Hoover • Hand Quilter • ALL BRANDS, ALL BUDGETS • Plaff • JUKI • Brother • The Bank • Bissell • Miele • Plaff • JUKI

FO-AT210809_182330

MIELE

$

CUSTOMER PROTECTION PLAN Electrolux • Hoover • Hand Quilter • ALL BRANDS, ALL BUDGETS • Plaff • JUKI • Brother

2120 Bee Ridge Road.

7212 55th Ave. E. 941-251-5226 941-926-2699 FOR 941-926-2699 941-251-5226 941-926-2699 Clean941-251-5226 • Grease Clean•••Grease Grease Clean Wash/Wax Deodorize SENSITIVE FLOORS Clean • 10 YR WARRANTY www.topsvacuumandsewing.com Clean • Wash/Wax •Grease Deodorize Wash/Wax •Grease Deodorize Expires10/31/21 10/31/21NP NP Expires We’ll get it in top • Bissell • Miele • Electrolux • ALL BRANDS, ALL BUDGETS • Hoover • Hand Quilter • Plaff • JUKI • Wash/Wax • Deodorize Wash/Wax •inDeodorize We’ll getititin topshape! shape!

We’ll get top shape!

LAKEWOOD

$

85

Expires 7

www.topsvacuumandsewing.com www.topsvacuumandsewing.com www.topsvacuumandsewing.com www.topsvacuumandsewing.com BEST SELECTION IN USA

VACUUM RANCH RANCH VACUUM RANCH 5206 RANCH VACUUM VACUUM SEWING & &VACUUM 5206Manatee Manatee Ave. Ave. 2120 2120 Bee Ridge Road. 7212 55th Parrish 2-year-old Zander Vinopal checks out an East VACUUM VACUUM VACUUM SEWING 55th Ave.E.E. Ave. 2120 Bee Ridge& Road.

2120 Bee Ridge Road.

5206 Manatee Ave.VACUUM 5206 Manatee Ave. 7212 55th Ave. E. 7212 55th A SEWING & SEWING 941-792-8048 941-926-2699 941-792-8048 Manatee Fire Rescue firetruck with his mother, Meghan 941-251-5226 941-251-5226 & SEWING & SEWING & SEWING 941-926-2699 941-926-2699 941-792-8048 941-792-8048 www.topsvacuumandsewing.com 941-251-5226 941-251-52 & SEWING & SEWING www.topsvacuumandsewing.com Vinopal, 3-year-old sister, Raevin Vinopal, and father, SARASOTA Expires 7/15/21 Expires 7/31/21

Expires Expires 7/15/21 Expires7/31/21 7/15/21

RANCH

NAPLES PORT CHARLOTTE FORT MYERS •••Miele ••ALL BRANDS, ALL ••55th Hoover PlaffQuilter JUKILAKEWOO LAKEWOOD Miele ••Electrolux Electrolux ALL BRANDS, ALL BUDGETS Hoover Quilter • Plaff •• JUKI ••• Plaff • BeeBRANDS, Road.

LAKEWOOD • Miele • Electrolux • ALL BRANDS, ALL BUDGETS • Hoover Miele • •Hand Electrolux Quilter ••2120 Plaff ALL •Ridge JUKI •BUDGETS ALL BUDGETS ••E.Hand Hoover •NAPLES Hand 7212 Ave. BRADENTON SARASOTA LAKEWOOD BRADENTON SARASOTA BRADENTON SARASOTA NAPLES 5367 Airport Pulling Rd. N. 3846 Tamiami Trail N. BRADENTON 12135 Cleveland Ave. MYERS FORT

Vinnie Vinopal.

FORT MYERS 941-251-5226

3846Tamiami TamiamiTrail Trail 3846

239-939-4445 239-939-4445 (941)766-7118 766-7118 (Formerly (941) (FormerlyVac Vac&&Sew) Sew)

5367N.N.Airport Airport 5367 PullingRd. Rd. Pulling

(239)591-4422 591-4422 (239) NexttotoBed BedBath Bathand and Next Beyond Beyond

www.topsvacuumandsewing.com www.topsvacuumandsewing.com • Miele • Electrolux • ALL BRANDS, ALL BUDGETS • Hoover • Hand QuilterLAKEWOOD • Plaff • JUKI • www.topsvacuumandsewing.com BRADENTON SARASOTA www.topsvacuumandsewing.com www.topsvacuumandsewing.com www.topsvacuumandsewing.com www.topsvacuumandsewing.com RANCH www.topsvacuumandsewing.com www.topsvacuumandsewing.com VACUUM Manatee Ave. 2120 Bee Ridge Road. ALL Bissell•5206 •Miele Miele Electrolux ALL BRANDS, ALL BUDGETS ••Bissell ••Electrolux ••ALL BRANDS, Hand Quilter Quilter •• 7212BUDGETS 55th Ave. E. • Hoover • Hand NP-GCI1046961-02

FO-33384024

941-926-2699

PORT (239)12135 PORT (239) 591-4422 (941) 766-7118 939-4445 12135 ClevelandAve. Ave. Cleveland CHARLOTTE CHARLOTTE Ft. Myers,FL FL Next to Bed Bath & Beyond (formerly Expert Sewing Center) (formerly ABC Vac &Myers, Sew) Ft.

• Bissell • Miele • Electrolux • ALL BRANDS, ALL BUDGETS • Hoover • Hand Quilter •

FO-33384024 FO-33384024

FO-AT210809_182330

FO-33384024

411973-1

East Manatee Fire Rescue Lt. Steve Ryckman helps Lakewood Ranch 10-year-old Avery Cruz try on a selfcontained breathing apparatus.

$

Electrolux • Hoover • Hand Quilter • ALL BRANDS, ALL BUDGETS • Plaff • JUKI • Brother

HANDI QUILTER QUILTER Sewing Machines Sewing Machines TFROMHANDI Models are in!

Great Holiday Gift! a Van huge selection ofFROM sewing a huge selection of sewing 99 FREE LESSONS 99 FREE LESSONS of sewing machines Tops Vacuum and Sewing Although Lakewood Ranch 8-year-old Kenny Van Slyck, 3-year-old Carmela Slyck, 5-year-old Models are in!

Great Holiday Gift!

SAVE SAVE 10 YR WARRANTY 10 YR WARRANTY and sergers.

Angelina Van Slyck and 6-year-old Vincent Van Slyck love seeing the first responder vehicles, they Longarm VE•• Sebo A Longarm Machines BESTMachines SELECTION IN USA BEST •SELECTION USA ALL MIELE Janome •••Bernina •••Dyson •••ALL BRANDS, ALL BUDGETS •Oreck Oreck Shark •The The Bank Bissell Miele SEWING S FAMOUS $20 $20 S and sergers.

Janome Bernina Dyson ALL BRANDS, ALL BUDGETS • Oreck Shark Sebo • The Bank Bissell •• Miele Miele••• Janome Bernina Dyson ALL BRANDS, ALL BUDGETS • Shark • Sebo • Bank ••Bissell •IN D SEWING carries a huge selection machines and sergers. machines and sergers. ps Vacuum and Sewing carries N also love the free snacks.

SERVICE A SAVINGS IN STOCK S SERVICE ps Vacuum and Sewing carries U FAMOUS SEWING SERVICE O HUGESELECTION SELECTION HUGE TH Machines QuiltingModels Machines Sewing Machines • Reset toQuilting Factory • lubricate • lubricate sewing machines SERVICE • Reset to Fa aahuge selection of sewing are in!

Great Holiday Gift!

WE DEMO AND ASSEMBLE Sewing Machines #1of RATED SAVE Tolerances SAVE IN STOCK huge selection of sewing IN STOCK • Adjust Tension • Adjust Tension Tolerances SAVE Sewing Machines Sewing Machines Longarm Machines FREE LESSONS FORsergers.

LIFE 10HUNDREDS YR. WARRANTY ALL SALES MIELE MARIN Embroidery Machines Embroidery Machines $20 W • Polish Hook and • Adjust Timing and • Adjust Timing • Polish Hoo machines sergers.

All Brands NE 0% Longarm Machines 0%FINANCING FINANCING $20 GUARANTEED PRICE ABILITY TO UPGRADE ONE YEAR BAGLESS machines and sergers. ps Vacuum and Sewing carries for Less RECHARGEABLE SEWING SERVICESHOWROOMS Quilting FREE ESTIMATES FREE ESTIMATES Longarm Machines Longarm Machines • Reset to Factory • lubricate NEVER UNDERSOLD BEST SERVICE LARGEST SHOWROOMS FROM0S0AVE •• NEVER UNDERSOLD BEST SERVICE ••LARGEST SAVE Quilting Machines Sergers – Sewing Furniture Sergers –Machines Sewing • Reset to Factory • lubricate Tolerances MIELEFurniture TRI-FLEX-WOW! • Adjust Tension Sewing Machines Tops Vacuum and Sewing $ 9 Sewing Machines S S 29 OUSA • Adjust Tension • Tolerances a10huge selection ofNDsewing ND DYSON NEW DYSON MIELE TRIFLEX VACUUMS Embroidery Machines NEW MIELE TRIFLEX 10 VACUUMS Sewing Machines Polish Hook TRI FLEX RUBY CAT SAVE • Adjust Timing PRO Quilting Machines Quilting Machines ETiming Embroidery • Polish Hook THOUSA TaHLongarm V 0 HX1 HEADQUARTERS • Adjust A 0Machines SUMMER SIZZLE SEWING SAVINGS TERS HEADQUARTERS S TERS Tops Vacuum and Sewing carries RED DOG carries huge selection of sewing S Tops Vacuum and Sewing carries VACUUM SERVICE VACUUM SERVI Machines SEWING SERVICE $ 49$20 D SEWING SERVICE 9 FREE ESTIMATES Longarm Machines N E Season's Savings Start NOW! V A 95sergers.

A95 S S machines and Sergers – Sewing Furniture FREE ESTIMATES Longarm Machines E U Lowest Prices In USA! Save Hundreds Off Internet!

V 99 A 99 O BEST WAY TO CLEAN ALL BEST WAY TO CLEAN ALL S Sergers – Sewing Furniture H $2023 $selection $NOFF FOR ANY T SAVE $200 DDSSMachines Embroidery Machines Embroidery Machines SAVE $200 machines and sergers. are in!

Great Holiday ahuge huge ofTRADE sewing aHOMES selection of sewing UUS$SAModels • Reset to Factory •Gift! lubricate Quilting Machines SAVE HHOQuilting ANcarries SAVE T Tops Vacuum and Sewing O FLORIDA FLORIDA HOMES Quilting Machines VACUUM SERVICE T Tolerances E BEST TURBO EASIEST TO USE SAVE SAVE Vcarries Tension Tops Vacuum and Sewing VACUUM SERVICE SEWING SERVICE SALongarm S • Adjust Sewing Machines Sewing Machines $20 Machines D $20 a huge selection of sewing N A BEST WAY TO CLEAN ALL machines and sergers.

SYOU Embroidery Machines Sergers Furniture Sergers – Sewing Furniture gWOOD, g machines and sergers.

GET Ag DEMO – Sewing GET A DEMO U • Polish Hook SEWING SERVICE BEST PLASTIC THIS ISg HOW O TILE WOOD, TILE Embroidery Machines • Adjust Timing H BEST WAY TO CLEAN ALL a huge selection of sewing T SEWING SERVICE SAVE SEWING SERVICE $20 $20 Embroidery Machines machines and sergers.

Quilting Machines Embroidery Machines MIELE SAVE HUNDREDS SAVE HUNDREDS CLEAN YOUR LOWEST FLORIDA HOMES $20 ResettotoFactory Factory lubricate • •Reset • •lubricate SAVE SAVE and sergers.

FREE ESTIMATES SAVE Longarm Machines Tops Vacuum and Sewing E CARPET Tops Vacuum and Sewing FLORIDA HOMES LAMINATE, LAMINATE, CARPET SAVEMISSIONS Sergers –machines Sewing Furniture SAVE Tolerances SAVE TRY BEFORE YOU $20 Tolerances Sergers –Machines Sewing Furniture Sergers ––Sewing Furniture gWOOD, HOUSE GET AAg DEMO Adjust Tension BUY Sewing • •Adjust Tension TILE Sewing Machines Sergers Sewing Furniture gDEMO gTERRAZZO, S RUGS Sewing Machines GET WOOD, TILE AREA $20 Sewing Machines NDAREA $20 huge selection ofLAMINATE, sewing Acarries $20 aa huge selection of sewing RUGS Polish Hook SAVE HUNDREDS •••Polish •Adjust Lubricate Reset toHook Factory Timing $20 Longarm Machines Clean • Grease Clean • Grease • •Adjust Timing Quilting Machines HOUScarries SAVE HUNDREDS CARPET TTERRAZZO, Longarm Machines LAMINATE, E Quilting CARPET • Adjust Tension Tolerances VACUUM SERVICE SAVLongarm Machines BEST WAY TO CLEAN ALL machines and sergers.

FREE ESTIMATES Machines S machines and sergers.

FREE ESTIMATES E Longarm Machines D Wash/Wax • Deodorize Wash/Wax • Deodoriz VE FOR ALL FOR ALL • Adjust Timing • Polish Hook USAN WAY TERRAZZO, AREA RUGS Quilting Machines SSAAVEmbroidery THOBEST TO CLEAN ALL Clean •• Grease Grease TERRAZZO, AREA RUGS VACUUM SERVICE Embroidery Machines FLORIDA HOMES Clean Machines S S D D N FREE ESTIMATES Embroidery Machines Wash/Wax Deodorize SENSITIVE SENSITIVE We’ll get itHOMES inMachines top shape! get it in top sha Sergers – Sewing Furniture FOR ALL UUSSAANSewing WOOD, TILE FLORIDA Quilting Machines Wash/Wax We’ll •• Deodorize SewingMachines Machines Embroidery Machines Quilting Embroidery Machines FOR ALL SAVE TTHVHVEOEOFLOORS SAVE FLOORS VACUUM SERVICE Sergers g – Sewingg Furniture VACUUM SERVICE $20 LAMINATE, CARPET SSAA Sergers – Sewing Furniture g g SENSITIVE FLOORS We’ll get it in top shape!

GET A DEMO WOOD, TILE SENSITIVE FLOORS We’ll get itSERVICE in top shape!

Longarm Machines Longarm Machines LAKEWOOD LAKEWOOD Sergers SAANNDDSS SARASOTA $20 VACUUM Sergers VACUUM SERVICE MIELE THHOOUUSSAVE SARASOTA Embroidery Machines TERRAZZO, AREA––RUGS Machines HUNDREDS Embroidery VACUUM SERVICE LAMINATE, CARPET JANOME, JUKI,Machines LAKEWOOD RANCH RANCH Sewing Furniture VACUUM TBROTHER, VACUUM Sewing Furniture Quilting Machines LAKEWOOD SARASOTA Quilting FORAve. ALL SENSITIVE FLOORSSARASOTA SAVE SAVE 2120 Bee Ridge Road.

2120 Bee Ridge Road.

RANCH 7212 55th E. 7212 55th Ave SAVE VACUUM SAVE SAVE RANCH AREA RUGS VACUUM Sergers Sewing Furniture HANDI QUILTER Sergers ––Sewing ggTERRAZZO, ggFurniture Clean •2120 Grease Bee Road.

7212 55th 55th Ave. Ave.941-251-522 E. 2120 Bee Ridge Ridge Road. $20 7212 E. $20 941-251-5226 941-926-2699 941-926-2699 $20 $20 $20

Bissell •••Electrolux BUDGETS • •Hoover Hand Quilter Pfaff JUKI Bissell•••Miele Miele Electrolux•••ALL ALLBRANDS, BRANDS,ALL ALLBUDGETS BUDGETS• Hoover•••Hand HandQuilter Quilter•••Plaff Plaff•••JUKI JUKI••• •••Bissell Miele Electrolux ALL BRANDS, ALL Hoover & SEWING

941-251-5226 • Bissell • Miele • Electrolux • ALL BRANDS, ALL BUDGETS • Bissell••941-792-8048 Hoover Miele ••Electrolux Hand 941-926-2699 Quilter • ALL • BRANDS, ALL BUDGETS • Hoover • Hand Qu FO-33384024

www.topsvacuumandsewing.com Expires 7/15/21

• Bissell • Miele • Electrolux • ALL BRANDS, ALL BUDGETS • Hoover • Hand Quilter •

Good Cause!

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11TH

Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch 1:00 to 4:00

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Sarasota Manatee 10.21.23 | 7:30A.M. Nathan Benderson Park

We invite you to join forces with the American Cancer Society the nation’s nonprofit leader in the breast cancer fight.

Thank you to our presenting sponsor

Join the Making Strides movement to help end breast cancer as we know it, for everyone.

Food & Wine Tasting Event

Sign up or donate MakingStridesWalk.org/ SarasotaManatee

Sample Dishes From Dozens of The Area’s Best Restaurants & Great Wines of All Varieties From Around The World

You Will Never Have So Much Fun Doing So Much Good!

407339-1

www.SuncoastFoodAndWinefest.com

406463-1

Promotion sponsored by:

Learn More & Buy Tickets On Our Website...

16

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

INTRODUCING NEW PHONAK LUMITY DEVICES! Key Benefits:

INTRODUCTORY SPECIAL!

50% OFF

• Sleek and unique designs • SmartSpeech™ Technology • Fully rechargeable options • Unmatched fitting experience • Color options to match your lifestyle • Universal Bluetooth® connectivity

DURING OUR SPECIAL EVENT TUESDAY, OCT. 17 FRIDAY, OCT. 20

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY! ABSOLUTELY FREE FOR 30 DAYS! NO COST, NO OBLIGATION!

Introducing NEW Phonak Lumity Devices!

New hearing solutions that are designed for all people, all lifestyles and all degrees of hearing loss!

RECHARGEABLE

REMOTE PROGRAMMING UNIVERSAL CONNECTIVITY

SMART PHONE APP

Connect your Lumity hearing aid control with your smartphone.

A fast-charging option, a drying to is resolve issues Reprogram yourfunction currentRemote programmingIt important to have your OurTotal Video Otoscope can directly to your TV, smartphone, Adjust your hearing aids for any via inductive charging, and intuitive left and make adjustments from the safety detect if ear wax may be the hearing aids with your new hearing at least and other devices. environment with your smartphone. and right LEDs for status information. and comfort of your home or office. checked

hearing prescription and up-to-date software improvements at no charge.

reason you are experiencing hearing difficulty.

once a year.

OTHER DIGITAL SPECIALS FREE ASK ABOUT OUR

LOWEST COST DIGITAL For a limited time HEARING AIDS ANYWHERE only receive

HEARING EXAM FREE & CONSULTATION! HEARING30 AID DAY TRIAL!

SPECIAL OFFER! NO OBLIGATION!

CHECK UP

FREE

VIDEO EAR SCAN FREE SENNHEISER HD280 PROSURE HEADPHONES MAKES IT’S with purchase a pair of NOT EARofWAX Phonak Lumity Hearing Aids!

DIGITAL SPECIALS EliteOTHER Hearing Centers Authorized

Dealer

of America

100% Digital Open-Fit BTE (Open Fit Behind-the-Ear)

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, FL 904-746-7953 1017 3rd Street South Next to Starbucks

MIDDLEBURG, FL

$ 904-902-4001 WAS 795

1786 Blanding Blvd, $ Ste 15 In the Home Depot Plaza - Nexteach to AT&T

NOW 395 (Up to 40 db Loss)

100% Rated Digital ITE (In-the-Ear)

0 OVER 5 S N IO T LOCA IDE! W N NATIO

OPEN NOW:

100% 100% Digital CIC Micro OUR PROFESSIONAL STAFF OF DOCTORS OF CIC AUDIOLOGY (Completely (Completely & LICENSED HEARING AID SPECIALISTS -in-Canal) -in-Canal)

ORMOND BEACH, FL PORT ORANGE, FL NEW SMYRNA BEACH, FL PALM COAST, FL WAS $995 386-238-9069 386-444-3808 386-597-7454 WAS $995 386-317-4431 Ave, 111 N Orange Street 2 Pine Lakes Parkway N.$ Ste 4 1474 W Granada Blvd, #420 1665 Dunlawton $ In Publix Plaza, corner of #107 1 Block North of Canal St, Next to First Baptist Church each each Williamson and Granada Next to Monterey Grill 1 Block East of US-1 on Palm Coast Pkwy

NOW 395 (Up to 40 db Loss)

NOW 495 (Up to 40 db Loss)

THE VILLAGES, FL

$ WAS 1995 352-775-8836

NOW 595

11962 CR 101, Ste 301 $ Near Villages Pack and Ship eachGolf Carts & Streetrod’s (Up to 40 db Loss)

SOUTH VILLAGES/ OCALA, FL TAVARES, FL PALM BAY, FL MELBOURNE, FL MERRITT ISLAND, FL ORANGE CITY, FL WILDWOOD, FL 352-708-7480 352-360-0023 321-327-7945 321-425-6201 321-735-4494 386-218-0025 352-664-2111 2775 NW 49th Ave, #206 921 Town Center Dr, 500 W. Burleigh Blvd. 780 E. Merritt Island Causeway, Ste 6B 6300 N Wickham Rd, Ste 118 1150 Malabar Rd SE, Ste 112 4110 E. SR 44, Ste 505 In Publix Plaza at In between CVS and Sabal Pointe Plaza - Near Michaels In Centre at Suntree Plaza Publix Super Market at Shoppes Ste 300 and Longhorn Steakhouse of Palm Bay - Next to UPS Store The Shops at Foxwood Left of Clock Tower Bank of America - Next to Tire Kingdom In Freedom Plaza

WE FIT & SERVICE ONLY THE WORLD’S BEST HEARING AIDS

OUR PROFESSIONAL STAFF OF DOCTORS OF AUDIOLOGY & LICENSED HEARING AID SPECIALISTS

of America

OVER 50 LOCATION NATIONW S IDE

Rated

!

OPEN NOW: SARASOTA (941) 667-2577

BRADENTON (941) 667-2574

2807 University Pkwy In Publix Plaza at University Walk

2001 Manatee Avenue E. Ste 104 (Bradenton Pain and Wellness Center)

DELRAY BEACH (561) 453-2734

ROYAL PALM BEACH (561) 453-2736

4900 Linton Blvd #3 (In between Poppies Restaurant and Kristi Cleaners)

11985 Southern Blvd (In between Publix and Sal’s)

BOYNTON BEACH (561) 453-2735

JUPITER (561) 453-2738

4739 N Congress Ave (In between Dollar Tree and Fon Shan Chinese)

6725 West Indiantown Rd Bay 39 (In Jupiter West Plaza)

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

GEORGIA LICENSE NUMBERS: HADS000995, HADS000996, HADS001001, HADS001003

412074-1

Elite Hearing Centers

OCTOBER 12, 2023

SPORTS

“You sometimes feel like you are going to fail, but you always have something else to give.”

— The Out-of-Door Academy’s Kevin Gyurka SEE PAGE 19

Fast

Break

Ryan Kohn

Lakewood Ranch High boys golf sophomore Josh Orgen

L

akewood Ranch High sophomore boys golfer Josh Orgen finished tied for seventh (220) in the 13-15 age division at the 2023 Florida Junior Tour Championship held Oct. 7-8 at Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club’s Commander course. In the 1618 age division, Mustangs junior Parker Severs finished tied for 10th (215) while Mustangs junior Henry Burbee finished 17th (218). … Lakewood Ranch High senior girls swimmer Payton Griffin finished third in the 500-yard freestyle (5:15.65) and fifth in the 200-yard freestyle (2:00.54) at the 2023 Tri-County Championships, held Sept. 30 at Sarasota’s Selby Aquatic Center. The Mustangs also finished second in the 200-yard freestyle relay (1:45.98). The Lakewood Ranch girls were third in the team standings. … Parrish Community High football sophomore nose guard J’air Speaks had a 60-yard fumble return for a touchdown Oct. 6 in the Bulls’ 23-22 road win over Mulberry High. Speaks also had eight tackles (2.5 tackles for loss). The Bulls now hold a 5-1 record and will host Braden River High (2-3) at 7 p.m. Oct. 13. … Parrish Community High girls golf freshmen Natalie Angelo and Avery Banfill are tied for seventh in the Class 2A Florida High School Athletic Association individual rankings. The Bulls are also ranked seventh as a team. … The Out-of-Door Academy volleyball senior Keira Baldwin had 16 digs and an ace in the Thunder’s 3-0 win Oct. 6 road over the Tampa Bay Heat.

Senior Annabelle Basler had 14 kills, nine digs and an ace.

The Thunder’s record is 9-8 as of Oct. 9.

SENIOR MOMENTS PAGE 18

Ryan Kohn

Senior Andrew Scott, junior Vicente Rivera, junior Jonathan Leatt, junior Dylan Johnson and junior Vayle Johnson have the Lakewood Ranch High boys cross-country team in the state meet hunt.

Positive strides The Lakewood Ranch High boys cross-country team has a shot at its first team state meet appearance since 2016.

RYAN KOHN SPORTS EDITOR

I

t has been a long time coming.

The Lakewood Ranch High boys cross-country team had a string of success in the late2010s, the crowning achievement being a second-place finish at the Class 4A Florida High School Athletic Association state meet in 2016.

That year, three Mustangs finished in the top 50, led by then-senior John Rivera Jr. in 20th (16:31.19), while two others finished in the top 90.

The team would miss the state meet in 2017 and 2018, but it still had representation as Jonathan Reid qualified as an individual both years and finished with a silver medal in 2018 (15:49.70).

That was the last time any Mustangs boys runner reached the state meet. In 2018, longtime coach Bryan Thomas retired, and by 2019, when Bill Zarrella took over the program as coach, the runners involved in that 2017 team’s success were all gone.

In the years since, Zarrella has tried to get the program back to the top, essentially starting from scratch.

It has been a process, but the Mustangs appear to be on their way back up the ladder. Lakewood Ranch has a group of five solid runners — senior Andrew Scott and juniors Jonathan Leatt, Vicente Rivera and twins Dylan Johnson and Vayle Johnson — that Zarrella believes has a shot to get back to the state meet.

That is, if everyone runs their best at the district and regional levels.

“We need to have five good ones,” Zarrella said. “If you have four good ones and the fifth is way in the back, that’s what kills you. They’re all going to have to step it up.”

The Mustangs have a few meets left before worrying about the postseason, which begins with its district meet Nov. 2 at North Port High. In that span of time, the runners are concentrating on improvement.

The Mustangs took a good first

step toward their goal of returning to the state meet by winning the 2023 Weeki Wachee Invitational over 17 teams on Sept. 30 in Brooksville.

Leatt, the team’s No. 1 runner, finished second overall in 17:28.35, and the rest of the team’s five scorers all finished in the top 20. The Mustangs tried not to make too much of their showing. While it always feels good to win, they said, the meet was against mostly smaller schools that they won’t be competing against in the postseason.

“We were the big fish in the small pond,” Vicente Rivera said. “We want to be the big fish in the big pond.”

The Lakewood Ranch runners have taken different paths to get to this point. Some, like Leatt and Scott, have been competing for a long time.

They do it because the activity has been ingrained in them. Distance workouts are simply a product of their routine.

For Scott in particular, it also helps with his soccer workouts, he said. Twins Dylan and Vayle Johnson joked that they don’t always like running, despite doing it since their middle school days. They’re doing it because they enjoy their team and as something that stands out on their college resumes.

Others, like Rivera, were new to the sport when they started high school.

Rivera joined the school’s track and field team as a freshman after encouragement from then-senior Dylan Underwood, who was Rivera’s First Sergeant in the school’s JROTC program.

Underwood saw Rivera’s natural speed and thought it was a fit. He was right, not only on the results sheet but in the way Rivera feels while in the middle of a race.

“There’s a point during a middle of a race where I feel like time slows down,” Rivera said. “All I can hear is my feet hitting the ground and my breathing. It’s the happiest thing in the world to me.”

The Mustangs also have enjoyed

LAKEWOOD RANCH TOP-FIVE RESULTS FROM THE 2023 WEEKI WACHEE INVITATIONAL (SEPT. 30 IN BROOKSVILLE) The Mustangs finished first overall as a team ■ Junior Jonathan Leatt finished second individually (17:28.35) ■ Junior Vicente Rivera finished third individually (17:53.50) ■ Junior Dylan Johnson finished eighth individually (18:17.81) ■ Junior Vayle Johnson finished 10th individually (18:26.71) ■ Freshman Kenneth DeStefano finished 26th individually (18:58.32)

the bonding that goes with being part of a team. Road trips are a particular favorite. The music is loud as it is in the hands of Andrew Scott, the lone senior in the team’s top five,. It is usually hip-hop songs with some pop songs sprinkled throughout the mix and the team relishes stopping at places like Villa Italia Pizzeria in Largo for a fresh slice.

What Zarrella likes about his athletes, he said, is that they know how to balance that fun with work.

“They have been good about that,” Zarrella said. “We do two hard workouts, a speed workout, and two distance workouts (per week). Everyone’s times have improved a ton over the last two months.

“The (Lakewood Ranch) girls team has overshadowed the boys for a while now. But we’re up-and-coming and we’re only going to get better.

We have a good core here. The future is bright.”

In their pursuit of a return trip to the state meet, the Mustangs hope that the future is now.

Courtesy image Mustangs junior Jonathan Leatt finished second overall at the 2023 Weeki Wachee Invitational (17:28.35).

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

PROSE AND KOHN

RYAN KOHN

James Aristizabal (6) leaps for an attempted block on a free kick.

Photos by Ryan Kohn

Alexandre Sicre (25) puts a shot on net against Sarasota Football Club.

Seniors make their pitch for playing time us things to work on.”

LWR Soccer Club won the match 7-4, but in the end, the quality of play and the result mattered less to the LWR Soccer Club players than being there at all.

The club has been around for 20 years, serving as a reliable and friendly soccer club for anyone with a Lakewood Ranch address, but this season is the first for the Over 50 team. It is still working on its chemistry, Bowles said, but after the Oct. 8 win, the team is 2-0.

Bowles, 53, has lived in the Lakewood Ranch area for five years. He previously lived in south London.

Despite England being soccer crazy, Bowles said he has taken breaks from the sport over the years. He

played from ages 11 to 19 and would occasionally put on the cleats for a work outing or a random pickup game with friends. But those games were not competitive and usually did not feature 11 players to a side.

Bowles joined LWR Soccer when he moved to the area, and there was an adjustment period as he transitioned back to real soccer. Now, he couldn’t imagine going without it.

“I enjoy running around,” Bowles said. “I’m 53. It keeps me fit. We’re meant to let the ball do the work, anyway. That’s a (soccer) cliche, but it’s true. And if I end up doing a lot of running, I don’t mind.”

There was certainly a lot of running during the Oct. 8 Over 50 game against Sarasota. Neither

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

OCTOBER EVENTS A Taste of Freedom Village Cooking Demonstration Thursday, Oct. 12 | 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Welcome to Freedom Village

Freedom Village is a premier Life Care senior living community that features beautiful living accommodations and a full range of health care services at our scenic 34-acre campus located in West Bradenton.

Our community provides financial security and peace of mind in a safe, friendly, and comfortable environment where daily living is stress-free, and friendships come easily.

Simply stated, we take care of our residents for life.

If you, or someone you know, would benefit from senior living in our community, please join us for a free luncheon to learn more. RSVPs are required by calling 941-231-7434.

6406 21st Ave W | Bradenton, FL 34209 | FVBradenton.com

Senior Solutions: How Freedom Village Helps Seniors Overcome Common Issues Thursday, Oct. 19 | 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Friendship Lunch Table for Widows, Widowers, Singles Tuesday, Oct. 24 | 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Director’s Roundtable: Benefits of Worry-free Living at our Life Care Community Thursday, Oct. 26 | 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

411895-1

T

he athletes were playing “the beautiful game,” but the famous phrase coined by Pele could hardly be applied to what was happening on Sarasota’s Fruitville Park soccer field Oct. 8.

The contest, an “Over 50” Florida Suncoast Soccer League game between LWR Soccer Club and Sarasota Football Club, featured a bevy of missed passes, out-ofposition goalkeepers and failed shots on net. At times, even the referees on hand were stifling their laughter — and the players themselves were aware of how it looked, despite giving their all.

“We were good on the attack, but we were not so sharp on defense,” Ian Bowles said with a grin. “It gives

team could control the ball for long before losing it to the opposition, though LWR had some nice goals — and some nice celebrations. When Alfredo Lazo, 53, ripped a rocket from the right side, he celebrated by getting on one knee and pretending to fire a bow and arrow. When Wilfredo Vilchez, 57, got a tap-in goal in the second half, he did a quick jig.

A member of the Sarasota team even tried get on the scoresheet with a bicycle kick, though it did not go as gracefully as he planned.

For LWR, 56-year-old John Smyth — whom the team calls Scottish John — scored twice against Sarasota. He leads his team with four goals.

These players are over 50, and they might not have the precise dribbling skills they once held, but their exuberance for the game is still hearty. Despite Bowles’ insistence that the event is as social as it is competitive, it seemed plenty important to the players on the pitch. Guys were pushing each other for the best positioning, and players from both teams received cards from the officials. Often, there was language not fit for print used when a player mishit a pass or could not chase down a loose ball.

It was refreshing. I can only hope

I have the same zeal when I’m their age. I’ve got 21 years to keep it up.

In addition to the Over 50 team, which plays against other leagues, the LWR club plays intra-club games three times a week, with Mondays and Wednesdays at Premier Sports Campus and Saturdays at Summerfield Park. The club has approximately 150 members, according to board member Damon Bell, with ages ranging from 17 to 73 and with more than 40 different nationalities represented in the membership.

Anyone with a Lakewood Ranch address is welcome to come to a game and see if the club is a fit, Bell said. Not just men, either — Bell said the club has three women who play regularly.

The club is happy with its current field arrangement, Bell said, but would eventually like a space they can customize. After the Oct. 8 game against Sarasota Football Club, the two teams sat down at Sarasota’s clubhouse to have drinks together and relax. Bowles said LWR would like to have something similar. The club is as much about being social as it is being active, Bowles said, and there’s nowhere at Premier or Summerfield where the whole team can sit and enjoy a beer.

As the club grows and adds more teams, having its own clubhouse will become more of an asset.

For now, the team is content to play out its inaugural Over 50 season, as well as its club games.

The Over 50 team is waiting for its first home game to be scheduled.

It will next play Oct. 22 at PepsiYuengling Field in Tampa against the Tampa Blackwatch. It will be another chance for Bowles and company to bond — and I’m sure they’ll find somewhere to have a celebratory beer.

CALL TODAY FOR YOUR FREE CONSULTATION & X-RAYS

$2395 Implant, Post, & Crown. Offer expires 10/31/2023

(941) 260-2712 LOCATED OFF STICKNEY POINT

410136-1

18

YourObserver.com

What is the appeal to you?

On a longer run, you can think about whatever you want. It calms me down if I’m stressed about something. When you run with a partner or a teammate, you can talk to them. It’s just a fun way to relax and get rid of stress.

Which superpower would you pick?

Super strength, just so I could help out around the house more.

What is your favorite movie?

I have loved the ‘Cars’ series of movies since I was a kid.

What is the best advice you have received?

Never back down. Never give up.

That’s good advice for anyone. You sometimes feel like you’re going to fail, but you always have something else to give. Push yourself and get there.

Help us Save Lives and Run for the Kitties!

Join us for our 4th annual virtual run in support of the cats and kittens we serve each year Now through the end of October Registration is now open and is $45 per registrant.

All registrations will include a commemorative t-shirt, souvenir race bib, and certificate of completion.

2542 17th St., Sarasota, FL 34234 941.366.2404 | www.catdepot.org

Finish this sentence: “Kevin Gyurka is …” … Fun. I go out with friends a lot. I talk a lot. I’m active. I think it fits.

REGISTER NOW AT CATDEPOT.ORG

Now is the time

TO THINK ABOUT A GOLF MEMBERSHIP AT Waterlefe

What is your preference between cross-country and track and field?

I’m still experimenting in track and field, but for now, I would say crosscountry. As a team, you’re more together. Track is separated between the sprinters and the distance runners and the field athletes. I also like having the different terrains in cross-country. I like that the race always changes.

7 Time Host To The U.S. Open Qualifier

What is your favorite memory?

My first race in middle school. I was representing Pinnacle Racing. I ran a 3K in 10:15 and won my division. That was so fun.

Renovated Greens & Tees.

What are your goals for this season?

As a team, we want to get on the Class 1A podium at states. I think we have a chance and it would be good for our program. For me, I want to get under 16 minutes. Hopefully, I will get there in a few weeks if I trust my coaches and my training.

Multiple Membership Tiers Available.

Voted Top 25 Florida Golf Course!

Play Where The Pros Play

River Club Dining Privileges.

No Food and Beverage Minimum.

For information Contact: Sasha Jarquin sjarquin@waterlefefl.com

Top 25 Florida Golf Course 5 Signature Holes

941.718.4848

For Tee Times Call 941.744.9771

411396-1

When did you start running?

I started running for real during seventh grade. That’s when I started training with coach (Jay) Roper during the offseason. But in elementary school I played soccer and did some running events for school, and that’s what got me to try track and field in middle school.

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.

411578-1

Kevin Gyurka is a sophomore on The Out-of-Door Academy boys crosscountry and track and field teams.

According to Athletic.net, Gyurka is ranked 26th in the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Class 1A for cross-country. Gyurka set his personal best time of 16:25.75 at the 2023 North Port Invitational on Sept. 22 at North Port High.

19

2023 FALL FELINE FUN RUN! ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Kevin Gyurka

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

Sponsored Content

Surgeon Performs “Life-Changing” Robotic Splenectomy

“Science has not yet figured out why this happens,” says David Dexter, MD, of Lakewood Ranch Medical Group General Surgery.

He was prescribed steroid medications. The medication caused bloating, depression, migraines and extreme fatigue. “I had a ‘moon face,’ because my face rounded out so much from water retention. When I looked in the mirror, I felt as if I did not know who I was,” says Butler.

Despite the distressing side effects, the steroids did help to stabilize Butler’s condition. But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, he had trouble accessing the healthcare he needed and resorted to self-monitoring. Fast forward to July 4, 2022, Butler experienced a nosebleed so bad that he was soaking through towels. Blood was filling his nasal cavity and coming out of his eyes. He was rushed to the emergency department at Lakewood Ranch Medical

David Dexter, MD, general surgeon, with his patient Taylor Butler, of East Bradenton Center, where lab work once again indicated dangerously low blood level counts. Steroid treatment was restarted but eventually stopped working. He was referred to Dr. Dexter for a robotic splenectomy, a minimally invasive procedure to remove the spleen.

“If you remove the spleen, you remove the process of the spleen destroying platelets prematurely,” says Dr. Dexter. “Splenectomy is not a guarantee, but it helps most people.”

Butler’s blood levels began to normalize within one day of the surgery. Butler calls the procedure “life changing.”

“When I awoke from the surgery, I felt an incredible weight lifted from my shoulders,” says Butler.

When I awoke from the surgery, I felt an incredible weight lifted from my shoulders Visit lakewoodranchmedicalcenter.com to learn more.

“Robotic surgery requires only a very small incision,” says Dr. Dexter. “This often means a much quicker recovery and a decrease in the risk of wound infection.”

If you need a doctor, visit doctors.lakewoodranchmedicalcenter.com or call 800-816-4145.

8330 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if robotic surgery is right for you. Physicians are on the medical staff of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website.

395256-1

Taylor Butler, 23, of East Bradenton, experienced fatigue, night sweats and excessive nose bleeds for as long as he can remember. In September 2019, lab work indicated he had dangerously low levels in his blood counts. He was eventually diagnosed with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a rare autoimmune disease that occurs when the spleen destroys too many of the body’s platelets prematurely.

Classifieds 29 Games 28 Real Estate 25 Weather 28

OCTOBER 12, 2023

YOUR NEIGHBORS High emotions at flag raising

John Skeen, a 105-yearold World War II veteran, is honored during “The Littlest Flag” reenactment Thursday in front of Lowe’s in Creekwood Crossing. The event told the story of Skeen’s 70th Infantry Division liberating Forbach, France.

B

radenton’s George Frabotta of the West Coast Florida Riders motorcycle group waited patiently in line to shake hands with 105-year-old World War II veteran John Skeen on Thursday in the Lowe’s parking lot at Creekwood Crossing.

It was part of “The Littlest Flag” reenactment, which told the story of Skeen’s 70th Infantry Division liberating Forbach, France. The event came two days after “John Skeen Day” on Oct. 3 in Manatee County as designated by county commissioners.

“It brings me to tears,” Frabotta said about being able to speak with Skeen about his World War II experiences.

“Just to know what he went through … it is an honor to know somebody with that kind of history.”

Members of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association of St. Petersburg and Sarasota rolled into town to honor Skeen and watch the ceremony because they wanted to visit with somebody who saw fighting in France and Germany firsthand.

Skeen just shook his head as people lined up to meet him.

“I didn’t expect anything like this,” he said.

Photos by Jay Heater

— JAY HEATER

Courtesy photo

A tiny flag was raised in the Lowe’s parking lot in Creekwood Crossing on Thursday as part of “The Littlest Flag” reenactment.

Event organizer Rich Koch, 105-year-old World War II veteran John Skeen and Koch’s daughter, Heather Crawford, share a moment before the ceremony.

The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association of Sarasota and St. Petersburg rolled into Bradenton to honor 105-year-old World War II veteran John Skeen during “The Littlest Flag” event.

411667-1

Canines for Heroes founder Mark LaFlamme bought 12-year-old service dog Allie to the ceremony. To learn more about the organization, go to CaninesForHeroes. org.

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

21

Ranch Nite returns

R

anch Nite Wednesdays is back for the season at Waterside Place.

“We have a lot of returning vendors, so we’re excited to have them back, but there are a lot of new vendors, too, in the night market,” said Nicole Hackel, the Lakewood Ranch events and resident experience manager.

Ranch Nite rambles down Island Cove Terrace in sections. It starts with a row of food trucks that turns into the night market, where vendors sell everything from baked goods to leather pocketbooks.

The food and shopping depends on the week because the food trucks and vendors are rotated to keep the experience fresh for regular visitors.

After exiting the night market, the plaza is straight ahead, and a massive game of cornhole is around the corner. The league has grown to include 508 players.

The plaza offers a craft cocktail truck on the sidewalk and live entertainment under the pavilion. Fancy Larry & the Plain Jaynes was the band for Ranch Nite’s 2023 debut on Oct. 4.

The band was a hit with the crowd.

“I love sultry voices,” Country Club resident Sandra Aranibar said of the singers.

Aranibar was enjoying a night out on the town with her two dogs, Cali and Bella. She’s lived in the Country Club for 20 years.

“I can’t believe how it’s blown up,” she said. “People would come, but it used to be half this.”

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Marcia Bailey and Carl Carbone have been playing cornhole at Waterside Place since the entertainment hub opened.

— LESLEY DWYER Max Paczesny watches the action from dad Alex’s shoulders.

They’re visiting Sarasota from Indiana for a week.

Bradenton resident Veronica Hernandez carries her pooch Chewie in her bag.

IF YOU GO

Ranch Nite Wednesday. 7500 Island Cove Terrace. 6-9 p.m. every Wednesday night through May 29.

Cornerstone and Company serves craft cocktails, including a spicy mango margarita.

Shop our NEW FALL COLLECTIONS for Pool & Patio

LIVING ROOM SALE October 1-31, 2023

Sale Includes: Fireplaces Curios Rockers Sofas Accent Chairs

Upholstery Entertainment Centers TV Stands Occasional Tables Bookcases

Excludes previous purchases and Miller’s Cabinetry.

May not be combined with other offers or discounts.

3737 Bahia Vista St. Sarasota, FL 34232 - 941.952.5646 6100 N Lockwood Ridge Rd. Sarasota, FL 34243 - 941.960.2942

WWW.ELEGANTOUTDOORS.COM

FOLLOW US

dutchhausfurniture.com 407406-1

SARASOTA • BONITA SPRINGS • NAPLES

410057-1

VISIT OUR NEWLY EXPANDED SHOWROOM 7606 S. Tamiami Tr. Ste. 101 (1/2 mi. South of Clark Rd. on 41) 941-217-6547

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

Positive steps

LYMPHEDEMA

Del Webb’s Valerie Heyer was diagnosed in 2011 with stage four sarcoma. She says it means a lot to her that the Del Webb Breast Cancer and Beyond Walk is supporting people who are impacted by all types of cancer.

D

AND VEIN DISEASE

el Webb’s Valerie Heyer had a smile on her face as she saw dozens of Del Webb residents and residents of other Lakewood Ranch-area communities dressed in pink.

Heyer loved seeing the support for those impacted by not only breast cancer but all types of cancer at the Del Webb Breast Cancer and Beyond Walk on Oct. 7.

“There is not a single person here who hasn’t been touched by cancer in some way,” Heyer said.

Heyer was diagnosed in 2011 with stage four sarcoma.

“When it hit me, I was shocked,” Heyer said of the diagnosis. “I didn’t know where life would turn.”

After two surgeries and radiation, she was cancer-free.

All proceeds from the Del Webb Breast Cancer and Beyond Walk will go to Sarasota Memorial Hospital and Cancer Foundation.

Venous and Lymphatic Medicine

— LIZ RAMOS

Del Webb’s Steve Calobong walks in honor of his mother, Lorraine Calobong, and Victoria Minni walks in honor of her father, Louis Minni. Lorraine Calobong and Louis Minni died of cancer.

What is Lymphedema?

BLOCKAGE OF THE LYMPHATIC VESSELS LEADS TO FLUID RETENTION

Over time this swelling can cause thickening of the skin and recurrent skin infections (cellulitis). It is a permanent condition which worsens over time if not properly treated. There is no cure, but symptoms can be managed which improve the quality of life.

Lymphedema occurs when there is impairment of the lymphatic system, which disrupts normal fluid transport. If the lymphatic system is overwhelmed, damaged, or blocked, chronic swelling can occur.

If you have any concerns of lymphedema or vein disease, it is important to be evaluated. Minimally invasive treatments are offered in our offices, and there’s no downtime! Start your healing at Florida Lakes Vein Center.

Mention the Observer to reserve your FREE vein screening.

941.866.8989

Photos by Liz Ramos

Del Webb’s Diane Cannon, Kathryn Ferullo and Deb DiStefano are ready for a fun walk to support those impacted by cancer.

FALL

IS IN THE AIR

SALE

copenhagen imports

The lymphatic system protects the body against harmful bacteria and transports fluid from body tissues into the vascular system. Lymph vessels are thin walled to absorb fluid, bacteria, and protein for transport to the lymph nodes which eliminate waste and bacteria.

Together, lymph vessels and nodes help maintain a healthy fluid balance.

Florida Lakes Vein Center offers appointments in Lakewood Ranch Monday, Tuesday and Thursday • 8am- 5pm Friday • 8am-3pm

Contact Us Today to Learn More or to Schedule your FREE Screening

9114 Town Center Pkwy | Suite 101 | Lakewood Ranch

7211 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, Florida 34231 *See Sales Associate for Details

Mon.-Sat. 10-6 • Sun. 12-5 941-923-2569 copenhagen-imports.com

412274-1

FURNITURE+LIGHTING+ACCENTS+INTERIOR DESIGN 391227-1

22

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

LIVE MUSIC AT JIGGS LANDING Runs from 4-7 p.m., except for Saturday’s special program from noon to 3 p.m. at Jiggs Landing, 6106 63rd St. E., Bradenton. The live music lineup at Jiggs Landing includes Nat Langston (Thursday), Flip Flop Dave and KoKo Ray Parrot Head Craze (Saturday) and Al Fuller (Sunday).

No music will be offered on Friday due to a special event. The Saturday music is the Jimmy Buffet Music Fest and is $15, while the other days are free. For more information, go to JiggsLanding.com.

BEST BET SUNDAY, OCT. 15

WIND ENSEMBLE CONCERT Begins at 2 p.m. at Peace Presbyterian Church, 12705 S.R. 64 E., Lakewood Ranch. The Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble begins its fifth season with a fall concert that will feature the “Poet and Peasant Overture,” the “Overture to Candide,” and John Philip Sousa’s “The Freelance March,” among others. Tickets are $10 and are sold at the door.

WEEKEND SPECIAL Friday, Saturday & Sunday

$5 OFF

When you spend $25 Open Daily 11am-8pm 8310 Market Street | LWR, FL 34202 941.210.4560 | www.littlegreekfreshgrill.com

FRIDAY, OCT. 13

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS Runs 6-7 p.m. at 1560 Lakefront Drive, Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch. The free Sights and Sounds series continues with the Sarasota Ballet Studio Company and students from The Margaret Barbieri Conservatory. For more information, go to WatersidePlace.com.

SATURDAY, OCT. 14

*Must mention Observer or present coupon at time of purchase.

411185-1

411190-1

THURSDAY, OCT. 12 THROUGH SUNDAY, OCT. 15

YOUR CALENDAR

COMMUNITY

23

File photo

FRIDAY, OCT. 13 THROUGH SUNDAY, OCT. 15

STAND UP PADDLEBOARD EVENT Begins at 8 a.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. The International Canoe Federation 2023 Stand Up Paddleboard World Cup will be held at Nathan Benderson Park. Athletes will compete in sprint, distance and technical races. There will also be a recreational 5K and costume contest that begins at 10 a.m. For more information, visit NathanBendersonPark.org.

SUNDAY, OCT. 15

FARMERS MARKET Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Lakefront Drive in Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch. The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch will run year-round

Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble founder Joe Miller will be featured on the trumpet and cornet in the band’s season opening event Oct. 15 at Peace Presbyterian Church in Lakewood Ranch.

Your HOME Deserves World Class Marketing, Elite Advertising and the Personal Touch from Your Neighborhood Expert.

every Sunday. For more information, visit MyLWR.com.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 18

RANCH NIGHT WEDNESDAYS Runs from 6-9 p.m. at 1561 Lakefront Drive, Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch. The weekly event includes food trucks, live music, and a night market. For more information, go to Events@LakewoodRanch. com.

TIM FINK

SATURDAY, OCT. 21

- We Can Help

It's all about YOU. YOUR Neighbors.

YOUR Neighborhood.

WE FIGHT LIKE HALE ™ If you’ve been injured in a car accident or suffered injury due to another’s negligence, you need strong, effective legal assistance at your side to make sure you get the care and compensation you deserve to recover from your injuries to the fullest extent possible. Hale Law exists to provide the people of Lakewood Ranch with high-quality legal services and a focus on client needs and concerns.

Call Today

• AUTO ACCIDENT • SLIP & FALL • WRONGFUL DEATH

The Brewer Team

I’ll feature your HOME in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Robb Report, Mansion Global, Barrons, Market Watch, Unique Homes, Local and International MLS, as well as FaceBook, Instagram, YouTube and much more!

— INTRODUCING THE — YOUR OBSERVER E-NEWSPAPER APP:

GO TO HALE®

• MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

Realtor

941.347.0507

BOOTS AND BBQ Runs from 4-8 p.m. at Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy, 4640 Country Road 675, Bradenton. Join SMART and its horses for a fun night at the barn.

Tickets are $75; ticket sales end Oct. 15. For information, go SMARTRiders.org.

406713-1

MUSIC AT THE PLAZA Runs 6-9 p.m. at 1560 Lakefront Drive, Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch. Singer-songwriter Dean Johansen will perform at Waterside Place. For more information, go to WatersidePlace.com.

FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

941.735.4529

OFFICES: Sarasota, Brandon

BY APPOINTMENT: Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, Venice, Port Charlotte

LIMITED TIME OFFER

99

¢ FOR YOUR FIRST MONTH

Get our e-Newspaper on your laptop, smartphone or tablet all in our new, easy-to-use app.

Scroll through the pages of the paper on any device, and take us with you, wherever you go.

SHARE

PRINT

BOOKMARKS

Love an article?

Share it with a link.

Print articles and crosswords.

Save articles for future reference.

READ OFFLINE

LISTEN

TRANSLATE

Download our digital edition on your mobile device and read it anywhere.

On-demand narration is available for those who prefer to listen to their newspaper.

Our new tool offers instant translation in multiple languages.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!!

Have questions? Call 941-366-3466, ext. 320 or email: customersupport@yourobserver.com

408758-1

412193-1

YourObserver.com

SCAN HERE or visit us online at YourObserver.com/subscribe

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

LAKEWOOD RANCH 17107 Salerno Drive 4 Beds 4 Baths 3,754 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4572960 $3,095,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7423 Greystone Street 3 Beds 3 Baths 3,095 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4581420 $1,595,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 8423 Broadstone Court Tina Ciaccio 941-685-8420 A4583872 $1,450,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 5613 Cloverleaf Run 5 Beds 4 Baths 3,920 Sq. Ft. Mary Jo Violett 941-928-8474 A4583388 $1,300,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7656 Haddington Cove 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,588 Sq. Ft. Lori Bollinger 941-524-7034 A4580725 $1,165,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 17688 Azul Drive 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,270 Sq. Ft. Pamela Modisett 941-993-3967 A4582809 $1,099,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 12026 Perennial Place 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,334 Sq. Ft. Carroll Couri 813-727-1630 A4568143 $993,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 12136 Gannett Place 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 3,625 Sq. Ft. Carroll Couri 813-727-1630 A4578259 $950,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 2223 Woodleaf Hammock Court 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,788 Sq. Ft. Christopher Van Vliet & Jamie Van Vliet, PA 941-993-7087 A4579346 $899,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 17706 Cresswind Terrace 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,162 Sq. Ft. Leah Secondo 941-545-4430 A4580576 $899,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 14511 Stirling Drive 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,487 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4566581 $885,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 13987 Siena Loop 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,289 Sq. Ft. Deborah Angelo O'Mara 941-730-0777 A4582101 $850,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 15422 Helmsdale Place 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,744 Sq. Ft. Carroll Couri 813-727-1630 A4570858 $849,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 13118 Belknap Place 4 Beds 2 Baths 2,221 Sq. Ft. Stuart Lawrence & Laura Lawrence 941-894-4001 A4577331 $838,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 6422 Moorings Point Circle 202 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,344 Sq. Ft. Kaitlin Kuhn 941-400-7861 A4583136 $699,900

LAKEWOOD RANCH 13820 Wood Duck Circle 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,410 Sq. Ft. Deborah Angelo O'Mara 941-730-0777 A4583931 $699,000

SARASOTA 4230 Mackay Falls Terrace 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,841 Sq. Ft. Judy Nimz & Phyllis Garfinkel 941-374-0196 A4584301 $629,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 12327 Halfmoon Lake Terrace 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,744 Sq. Ft. Carroll Couri 813-727-1630 A4584174 $589,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 5215 Montelena Cove 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,371 Sq. Ft. Jennifer Warthling 716-698-4540 A4577614 $572,000

SARASOTA 5558 Country Club Way 2 Beds 2 Baths 2,012 Sq. Ft. Judy Nimz 941-374-0196 A4568697 $475,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 11724 Meadowgate Place 3 Beds 3 Baths 1,753 Sq. Ft. Barbara A Milian, PA 941-504-0660 A4584021 $449,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 4652 56th Drive E 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,378 Sq. Ft. Ralph & Megg Faillace 941-713-9142 A4582804 $425,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 5116 72nd Street E 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,685 Sq. Ft. Drew Russell 941-993-3739 A4582457 $419,900

LAKEWOOD RANCH 4506 Bedford Court E 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,706 Sq. Ft. Sharon Ingram 941-224-6447 A4572351 $419,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7018 Strand Circle 30-202 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,368 Sq. Ft. Keith Kropp & Wayne Rogers 941-587-8376 A4583463 $340,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 15013 Montello Way 4 Beds 4/2 Baths 4,813 Sq. Ft. Izzy Pollack 941-404-0403 A4583074 $2,825,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7803 Mathern Court 5 Beds 4 Baths 4,058 Sq. Ft. Richard Hearn 941-313-1591 A4576952 $2,250,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 15209 Derna Terrace 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,925 Sq. Ft. Debbie Pulliam 813-557-9970 A4580876 $1,775,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

411755-1

24

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in Lake Club topped all transactions in this week’s real estate. David and Lisa Sharkey, of Bradenton, sold their home at 16404 Clearlake Ave. to Deborah Petchul, of Lakewood Ranch, for $3,199,000.

Built in 2008, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,678 square feet of living area. It sold for $2.25 million in 2021.

COUNTRY CLUB

J. Dale and Jean Ragone, trustees, of Osprey, sold the home at 12432 Highfield Circle to John Carson and Tia Lynn Carson, of Severna Park, Maryland, for $1.8 million. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, a pool and 3,898 square feet of living area. It sold for $975,000 in 2019.

SHOREVIEW

Pulte Home Co. LLC sold the home at 7809 Grande Shores Drive to Jaclyn Brunckhorst, of Sarasota, for $1,785,900. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths and 3,943 square feet of living area.

Anneliese and Matthew Cassalia, of Sarasota, sold their home at 827 Anguilla Path to Alexander Senetar, of Sarasota, for $1,094,500. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,142 square feet of living area. It sold for $585,100 in 2020.

LAKEWOOD NATIONAL

Donald and Sandra McKeehan, trustees, of Nicholasville, Kentucky, sold the home at 5650 Mulligan Way to Thomas and Marita James, of Bradenton, for $1.5 million. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,359 square feet of living area. It sold for $535,900 in 2021.

Brian William Nugent and Lissa Paulette Nugent sold their home at 5638 Mulligan Way to Robert Bradford Mouly and Carleen Michele Mouly, of Easton, Maryland, for $1,375,000. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,587 square feet of living area.

It sold for $584,000 in 2021.

DEL WEBB

Marcus and Alicia Beal, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 17327 Hampton Falls Terrace to Joel Sweat and Mary Miller, trustees, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1.2 million.

Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,488 square feet of living area. It sold for $583,600 in 2018.

Jane Campbell, trustee, of Bradenton, sold the home at 16637 Blackwater Terrace to Kella England, of Staten Island, New York, for $540,000. Built in 2017, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,543 square feet of living area. It sold for $305,500 in 2017.

TIDEWATER PRESERVE

William and Margueritte Bates, of Bradenton, sold their home at 1244 Tidewater Court to Eric Williams, of Palmetto, for $1,135,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, twoand-a-half baths, a pool and 2,249 square feet of living area. It sold for $422,200 in 2013.

RIVERDALE REVISED

Nada Arrushdi and Richard Brown, of Port Charlotte, sold their home at 4419 Barracuda Drive to Brian and Sherry Dillard, of Bradenton, for $992,000. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,392 square feet of living area.

It sold for $385,000 in 2009.

PLANTATIONS AT TARA

Jeffrey and Cecilia Carlen, trustees, of Parrish, sold the home at 6604 Butlers Crest Drive to Stephen

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

SEPT. 25-29

Christopher Mearriam and Diana Eden Mearriam, of Bradenton, for $870,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,996 square feet of living area. It sold for $575,000 in 2007.

ROSEDALE ADDITION

Susan Dixon and Gary Gerald Leach sold their home at 4924 Tobermory Way to James Fleming, trustee, of Bradenton, for $863,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,186 square feet of living area. It sold for $470,000 in 2020.

Harland and Cynthia Grout, trustees, of Moberly, Missouri, sold the home at 10031 Marbella Drive to Michael Scott Crumb and Debra Lee Crumb, of Bradenton, for $632,500.

Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,016 square feet of living area. It sold for $550,000 in 2022.

MALLORY PARK

Michelle Louise Klein, of Bradenton, sold the home at 12311 Blue Hill Trail to Jason and Erin Ivey, of Bradenton, for $825,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,483 square feet of living area.

It sold for $500,600 in 2020.

MANDALAY

Brian and Nadine Mercieca, of Ontario, Canada, sold their home at 4614 61st Drive E. to Brian James Sganga and Melinda DeAnn Sganga, of Bradenton, for $768,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,083 square feet of living area. It sold for $685,000 in 2022.

BROOKSIDE ESTATES

Raymond Wade Covert IV and Sharon Elizabeth Covert, of Bradenton, sold their home at 851 129th St. N.E. to Frances Kukla, of Bradenton, for $753,500. Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,140 square feet of living area. It sold for $420,000 in 2018.

MILL CREEK

Richard Curtis and Maureen Young, of Pleasant Beach, of New Jersey, sold their home at 13507 Fourth Plaza E. to Scott and Barbara Brownell for $700,000. Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,243 square feet of living area. It sold for $299,900 in 2003.

Courtesy image

This Lake Club home at 16404 Clearlake Ave. sold for $3,199,000. It has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,678 square feet of living area.

INDIGO

Empire State Holding Group LLC sold the home at 3405 Sky Blue Cove to Joseph Damien Palank, of St. Petersburg, for $598,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,832 square feet of living area.

COACH HOMES AT LAKEWOOD NATIONAL

Jeffrey and Diane Artz, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the Unit 3611 condominium at 17723 Gawthrop Drive to Roxanne Harmer, trustee, of Bradenton, for $590,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,786 square feet of living area. It sold for $337,000 in 2020.

at 6815 46th Terrace E. to Sebastian and Melissa Sue Scalora, of Bradenton, for $585,000. Built in 2008, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,266 square feet of living area. It sold for $535,000 in 2022.

WATERLEFE GOLF AND RIVER CLUB

Gerald and Rosalynn Kiefer, trustees, of W. Bend, Wisconsin, sold the home at 705 Misty Pond Court to Ronny and Chrissy Stroli, of Cedarburg, Wisconsin, for $570,000.

Built in 2000, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,733 square feet of living area. It sold for $258,000 in 2012.

CROSSING CREEK

Jeffrey Aries and Brienne Renee Aries, of Bradenton, sold their home

SEE REAL ESTATE, PAGE 26

In with the new NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION

ROSEDALE GOLF AND TENNIS CLUB

Edward and Diana Hirschhorn, of New Market, Maryland, sold their home at 8714 52nd Ave. E. to Harriet Isabella McHugh and Gary McHugh, of Bradenton, for $675,000. Built in 1995, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 1,966 square feet of living area. It sold for $439,000 in 2005.

Downtown St. Petersburg

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

ESPLANADE

James and Deborah Fleming, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the home at 13342 Torresina Terrace to Carolann Shindelar and Steven Armitage, of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, for $660,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,920 square feet of living area. It sold for $323,900 in 2013.

Longboat Key

COUNTRY MEADOWS

Edward and Rita Crawford, of Sarasota, sold their home at 615 147th Court N.E. to Steven Gilbank and Kristen Joy Gilbank, of Bradenton, for $650,000. Built in 2012, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,390 square feet of living area. It sold for $300,400 in 2012.

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

MIRABELLA AT VILLAGE GREEN

Heidi Klingemann, of Bradenton, sold the home at 7107 Costa Bella Drive to Lesha Ann Bailey, of Bradenton, for $620,500. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,765 square feet of living area.

It sold for $440,000 in 2020.

Frederick Scott Wetzell II and Jo Anne Wetzell sold their home at 7004 Vista Bella Drive to George Francis Leonard III and Shirley Alice Leonard, of Bradenton, for $585,000. Built in 2016, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,525 square feet of living area. It sold for $283,600 in 2016.

Downtown Sarasota

The Collection | 941.232.2868 | thecollection1335.com

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

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

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

Licensed Real Estate Broker

411731-1

ADAM HUGHES

REAL ESTATE

Lake Club home tops sales at $3,199,000

25

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

Real estate

Make

FROM PAGE 25

A Plan.

Gary and Harriet McHugh, of Bradenton, sold their home at 6320 Robin Cove to Michael and Laura Batra, of Lakewood Ranch, for $560,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 1,700 square feet of living area. It sold for $360,000 in 2020.

Michael Terrence Hassell and Janalynn Hassell, of Bradenton, sold their home at 5312 72nd St. E. to James Saropoulos, of Wakefield, Massachusetts, for $487,900. Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,685 square feet of living area. It sold for $265,000 in 2017.

SUMMERFIELD

GLENBROOKE

Jonathan Vrana and Alexandra Dashner sold their home at 11910 Winding Woods Way to Karson and Christopher Wattles, of Lakewood Ranch, for $545,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, two-anda-half baths, a pool and 1,998 square feet of living area. It sold for $295,000 in 2017.

Owen Scott, trustee, of Winter Park, sold the home at 6334 Yellowtop Drive to Vitantonio and Candida Cascella, of Sarasota, for $365,000. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,278 square feet of living area. It sold for $230,000 in June.

WATER OAK

Jason Edward Hancock and Jana Marie Hancock, of Sarasota, sold their home at 6308 67th Court E. to Roxanne Marie Rudolph, of Three Oaks, Michigan, and Asli Gunsel, of Bradenton, for $545,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,120 square feet of living area. It sold for $347,500 in 2021.

GREYHAWK LANDING

Craig and Strawn Toler, of Bradenton, sold their home at 228 Dahlia Court to Linda Karen DiCesare and Francis DiCesare II, of Bradenton, for $530,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,230 square feet of living area. It sold for $265,700 in 2005.

It Makes a Difference.

$520,000. Built in 1983, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,454 square feet of living area. It sold for $295,000 in 2020.

CREEKWOOD

GREENBROOK

PALM AIRE AT SARASOTA

Jann McBride, of Parrish, sold her home at 4628 Glenbrooke Terrace to Choctaw American Insurance Inc. for $479,000. Built in 1987, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,622 square feet of living area. It sold for $366,000 in 2021.

DEL TIERRA

Geoffrey Brian Rousseau, of San Bernardino, California, sold his home at 347 Tierra Verde Way to Opendoor Property Trust I for $461,000. Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,607 square feet of living area. It sold for $303,000 in 2018.

HARMONY

Linda Irene Davis and Debra Davis Leigh, of Bradenton, sold their home at 5629 Silverbridge Trail to Amanda Taylor, of Apollo Beach, for $430,000. Built in 2022, it has two bedrooms, three baths and 1,728 square feet of living area. It sold for $365,700 in 2022.

WATCH AT WATERLEFE

Pink Dolphin Properties LLC sold the Unit 13-A condominium at 910 River Basin Court to Paul Brown, of Eastham, Massachusetts, for $415,000. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,156 square feet of living area. It sold for $285,500 in 2021.

ONLINE

Jeffrey and Debra Vasington, of Essex, Connecticut, sold their home at 5763 Timber Lake Drive to Jeffrey and Jessica Pauley, of Sarasota, for

See more transactions at YourObserver.com

Experience

Close Encounters!

Taking a few moments now can make a significant difference for your loved ones down the road. From removing the stress and financial burdens to fulfilling your exact wishes for your celebration of life, pre-planning is the best gift you can give your family.

We’re here to help.

Give us a call today to start the conversation.

going

Come see what everyone’s

WI LD

about!

Get friendly with some flamingos. Take your picture with a parrot.

Touch a tortoise. Play with our fun-loving lemurs. Our animal interactions and private experiences let you get up close and personal with an assortment of new friends.

Make some lasting memories today!

FUNERAL HOME, CREMATORY & PREARRANGEMENT CENTER

ToaleBrothers.com | 94 1.955.4171 Proudly serving Sarasota, Bradenton and Venice since 1912.

SarasotaJungleGardens.com • 941.355.5305

402827-1

Sarasota's Favorite Family Attraction®

396225-1

26

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

27

Season opener for wind ensemble Hematology/Oncology

Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble opens its fifth season with Peace Presbyterian concert.

WELCOMES

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

Galina Vugman, MD Board Certified, Hematology and Oncology Hospice and Palliative Care

File photo

SEASON OPENER

What: Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble opens fifth season When: 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15 Where: Peace Presbyterian Church, 12705 S.R. 64 E., Lakewood Ranch Features: “Overture to Candide,” “Washington Grays March, the Freelance March” Cost: $10 at the door

ers with the rest of the band on the floor level.

The band tried the new setup Aug. 28 at the church.

“We received so many positive responses,” he said. “It is so intimate that I think it will have a nice effect.”

Besides the season opener, the band has Feb. 4 and May 5 dates at the church, and other concerts still are being arranged at other venues.

Peace Presbyterian seats approximately 220 people for concerts.

Trumpet musician Gene Eohland, a retired Sylvania North View High School band director for 35 years in Ohio, said music fans should check out the band.

“I’ve been with the band twoand-a-half years, and it only has gotten better,” Eohland said. “It is a pleasure to play with such fine musicians. I play in the Manatee Community Concert Band and that is a lot of fun, but this is a whole different level.”

Joe Martinez conducts the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble.

Dr. Galina Vugman brings to Intercoastal Medical Group at the Cattleridge Medical Building II office a wealth of knowledge and experience in Hematology/Oncology medicine.

Undergraduate:

Loyola University of Chicago, Chicago, IL

Medical School:

Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL

Residency:

Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL

Fellowship:

Hematology/Oncology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL; Hospice and Palliative Care, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL

Certification:

Board Certified, American Board of Internal Medicine with Subspecialty Certification in Hematology/Oncology and Hospice and Palliative Care.

Hospital Affiliations:

Doctors Hospital; Sarasota Memorial Hospital

A Patient Focused, Multi-Specialty Group l National Expertise l Multiple Locations

TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT, PLEASE CALL

8.26.21_IMG-Kassover-LWRII-18x24poster.indd 1

941-200-1125

A Patient Focused, Multi-Specialty Group l National Expertise l Multiple Locat

Cattleridge Medical Building II

8.26.21_IMG-Kassover-LWRII-18x24poster.indd 1

5951 Cattleridge Ave., Sarasota, FL 34232 www.intercoastalmedical.com Medicare and most insurances accepted

8.26.21_IMG-Kassover-LWRII-18x24poster.indd 1

A Patient Focused, Multi-Specialty Group l National Expertise l Multiple Locations

A Patient Focused, Multi-Specialty Group l National Expertise l Multiple Locations

8.26.21_IMG-Kassover-LWRII-18x24poster.indd 1

Make it a Day! Jump start your day with a cold brew coffee and sand volleyball before squeezing in a spa treatment and an afternoon of shopping. And as the sun begins to set, gather family and friends for dinner and drinks under the stars. Whether you’re in the shops, on the Plaza, or at the park, you’ll find new ways to spend the day at Waterside Place every time you come. Our year-round events, Sunday farmers’ market and weekly live music are open to everyone.

explore our directory + events!

Watersi de P lac e .com Sarasota’s Only Lakefront Town Center | 1561 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240 410708-1

8/26/21 3:27 PM

8/26/21 3:27 PM

411628-1

Joe Miller, founder of the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble, admits this season, the band’s fifth, will be different for him.

Since he founded the band in 2019, Miller has been the conductor, the band director, a recruiter, a trumpet and cornet musician and the guy who did anything needed.

Something had to give.

It ended up being his body.

Miller, who is 81, noticed last season that whenever he conducted, he was simply worn out by the end of the concert. He decided to pass the conducting duties to fellow band member Joe Martinez.

“It was the toughest thing for me to give up,” said Miller a few days before the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble will open its fifth season with a Oct. 15 concert at Peace Presbyterian Church in Lakewood Ranch.

“But my body was telling me it was a little too much. I’ve done everything since forming the group.”

But even though he won’t be conducting, Miller will be featured on the trumpet and the cornet during “Annie Laurie” and “Poet and Peasant: Overture” during the concert.

Miller said he also is excited about the season opener because the band will be seated differently than past concerts at Peace Presbyterian. He said the stage area had been packed too closely on risers and the clarinet players felt the trumpet players were blowing right into the back of their heads. The percussionists were pushed way over to one side of the band, which was spread thin across the concert hall.

Now the percussionists have been moved to the back row of the 44-piece band with seven trumpets/ cornets and three trombones on ris-

8/26/21 3:27 PM

28

YourObserver.com

WEATHER

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST

SUNRISE / SUNSET

THURSDAY, OCT. 12

Sunrise Sunset

High: 89 Low: 79 Chance of rain: 71%

FRIDAY, OCT. 13 High: 88 Low: 78 Chance of rain: 65%

Thursday, Oct. 12

7:28a

7:04p

Friday, Oct. 13

7:28a

7:03p

Saturday, Oct. 14

7:29a

7:02p

Sunday, Oct. 15

7:29a

7:01p

Monday, Oct. 16

7:30a

7:00p

Tuesday, Oct. 17

7:30a

6:59p

Wednesday, Oct. 18

7:31a

6:58p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, OCT. 14 High: 88 Low: 76 Chance of rain: 49%

Oct. 14 New

Oct. 21 First

Oct. 28 Full

Nov. 5 Last

RAINFALL

SUNDAY, OCT. 15 High: 82 Low: 64 Chance of rain: 39% Ron Owens shot this photo of two black-bellied whistling ducks in Country Club East.

Monday, Oct. 2

0

Tuesday, Oct. 3

0

Wednesday, Oct. 4

0

Thursday, Oct. 5

0

Friday, Oct. 6

0

Saturday, Oct. 7

0

Sunday, Oct. 8

0

*Rainfall totals from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

Submit your photos at YourObserver.com/contests. All submissions will be entered for the 2023-24 Weather and Nature photo contest. In February 2024, you will vote for your favorite photo, and the submission with the most votes will win a $500 gift card.

YEAR TO DATE: 2023 22.14 in.

2022 7.26 in.

MONTH TO DATE: 2023 0 in.

2022 0.02 in.

We have all of your luxury flooring needs carpet | hardwood | tile | stone | pavers | and more Sarasota 941.355.8437 | Bradenton 941.748.4679 | Venice 941.493.7441 | manasotaonline.com

The grounded feeling everyone will enjoy

celebrity cipher

DOWN 1 “Monsters, ___” 2 Sushi wrapper 3 Base’s opposite 4 Cubist Picasso 5 Rita of pop 6 Fleecy boot 7 Stink to high heaven 8 Victorious shout 9 Alias letters 10 Word embroidered on some towels 11 Make sense 12 ___ therapy 13 WWF or UNICEF 14 Tries to court 15 Inflammation of the stomach lining 16 Like horses readied at Churchill Downs 17 Super Mario Bros. console 19 Streaming service succeeded by Max 22 Feudal lord’s domain

©2023 Universal Uclick

ACROSS 1 Garten of “Barefoot Contessa” 4 Come down in buckets 8 ___ Men (“Who Let the Dogs Out” band) 12 Miss piggy?

15 Martini base 18 *Gratuitous words?

20 Approved 21 Like vulgarities 23 Place for pegging 25 Self-centered sorts 26 Many a K-pop artist 27 Lock insert 28 “No problem!”

30 Curry on the court 31 Err 34 Sucker 36 Bench press targets

38 *Like a total giveaway

70 Pipe under the sink

40 Brick that hurts to step on 43 “Please! Anything else!”

72 Feature of both ogres and 106 Online addresses onions, as per Shrek (Abbr.)

74 Crude grp.

107 Oodles

104 Apple consumer?

46 Lively bashes 48 “Days of ___ Lives”

78 “I’m so excited!” noise 80 Pre-calc precursor

108 “Look what I did!”

110 [Mic check]

49 King of Judea 82 *Not needing to run a 50 “But really, though?” bar tab?

52 Life in particular regions 84 Hosts a roast, for short

111 Ink cartridge color 113 “Young Frankenstein” assistant

53 *Complimentary, but without praise

87 Ivy in Philly 89 Brillo product

115 It helps people focus 117 Java

55 Things to be ironed out 58 Strike, in the Bible 59 Property co-owner

91 Wipe out 93 Goods sold by Mrs. Lovett in “Sweeney Todd”

119 Debate position 122 Opposite of success 124 “Your money is no good

61 Coffee shop order 63 ___ ed

95 “I wanna know!”

96 *All for naught?

64 Top marks 65 Flat-topped formation 67 Greet at the door

98 Controversial crops, briefly 99 Big name in printers

69 Structure with a crow’s nest

101 ___ Lingus 102 Loverboy

24 Emmy category won by “Succession” in 2022, informally 29 Chill out 32 Springsteen ballad off “Tunnel of Love” 33 In favor of 35 Puts on a coat

51 Under the weather 54 Fasteners used in climbing walls 56 Bumbling 57 Soaks a tea bag 60 Hold in high regard 62 Risk concern?

66 Suspect’s out 68 Dynamite inventor Alfred 71 Obama’s Secret Service code name 73 See eye to eye 75 Source for some plywood 76 Canine’s coat 77 Bug detectors, of a sort 79 Drag ___ 81 Knocks on, as a door 83 Appliance under a range 84 Hajj destination 85 Serbians’ neighbors 86 Luggage giant 88 “Miss Saigon” setting, for short 90 Nile reptiles 92 Glittery dress decoration

“CNM AGMW FD XNWZAOH AX XFRMCNAOH CNWC NWX VMMO SFXC AO FJZ XFUAWS UFOXUAMOUM, WOG IM OMMG CF ZMCNAOY CNWC.” IMX XCJGA

“X AOUJ RFCXUJT PIC YJCPJLFXIT, XF AOR ONDOER JNGMJM SJ, WGF X RGCJNE AOM OT IWNXKOFXIT FI SOZJ ITJ SICJ FCE.”

“TP TCGN BTXCLNSJN XBIWI CV SUFBWI: ... ZRIJ PCK ZLBNI, NLP NC DISFI CKN SDD NRI XSLNG LISUILG GOBX.” IDTCLI DICJSLU

94 Male flock member 97 “Pale Blue ___” (photo of Earth) 100 “Just a ___!”

103 “La Bamba” singer Ritchie 105 Coax 106 Group that calls strikes 109 Ouzo flavoring 112 Far from flush

K. UJCMX

Puzzle Three Clue: V equals F

133 Core components 134 “Jane ___” 135 Mass opening?

136 Take to court

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

Puzzle Two Clue: L equals C

THANKS FOR NOTHING! by lan Schiff, edited by Jeff Chen

Puzzle One Clue: F equals O

crossword

399842-1

at MANASOTA FLOORING INC

KITCHEN | CABINETRY OUTDOOR PAVERS

© 2023 NEA, Inc.

sudoku

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

114 Charismatic emanation 116 “Don’t go!”

118 Set in stone?

37 Bro or sis 120 Fireworks flops 39 County with some cock- 121 Biblical twin ney accents 122 Start of a giant’s chant 40 Natural dam 123 Barbecue pit morsel 41 Galilean moon 125 “___, this is a Wendy’s”

42 Objects sought in here” ... and a literal descrip- knightly quests 44 Normal, IL or Boring, OR tion of each answer to the 45 Chiding sound starred clues 47 Children of Japanese 129 Join 130 Enjoy a cruise

immigrants

131 Its days are numbered 132 WNW’s opposite

49 Box office smashes

(meme) 126 Stable fodder 127 State tree of Massachusetts and North Dakota 128 Before, poetically

©2023 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

10-12-23

Made for where you live. Here!

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

AIR BED- queen, self inflates $30.

Floor lamp with table-$20. Sewing machine $20. 941-243-0761

SELL IT FAST HERE!

Sporting Goods

November 4th 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Crossroads Christian Church 1400 10th St W., Palmetto

POST YOUR AD WITH EASE YourObserver.com/RedPages

Garage/ Moving/ Estate Sales ANNUAL CREEKWOOD Community Wide Yard Sale. Five neighborhoods to participate.

Saturday, October 21st 8a.m.-2p.m.

SR70 & Creekwood Blvd.

Furniture, small appliances, clothing & toys.

COMMUNITY YARD SALE University Village Saturday October 21, 2023 Gates open 8 am to 1 pm On Tallevast - between Tuttle Ave & Hwy 301

BEACH’ N RIDES BEACH’ N RIDES Electric Bike Shop!

Electric eBike SalesBike andShop!

Rentals eBike Sales andeBike Rentals Ride easy on an with Ride onexercise an eBikeorwith aseasy much as much as exercise or assistance you want. assistance you want.

Leave trafficas and parking Leave traffic and parking problems behind! behind!

13problems models available.

13Dmodels aily andavailable. weekly eb eklely rDeanitlaylsanadvawila renrepair tals avother ailablBrands e We also We also10repair otherexcept Brands Open to 5 daily Open 10 toand 5 daily except Sundays holidays Sundays and holidays 12208 Cortez Road, 12208 CortezFLRoad, Cortez, Cortez, FL 941-251-7916, Ext 1 941-251-7916, Ext 1

auto

Auto Transport

Good, bad, ugly, We buy and sell houses fast.

Autos Wanted CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

DESPERATELY NEEDED Low mileage, cars and trucks.

Also rare or unusual vehicles.

Larry 941-350-7993

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

Presents Our 4th Annual Holiday Craft Festival

CALL TODAY 941-955-4888

Looking for sellers to hold note/mortgage. Seller financing, down payment and monthly payments. Avoid gain taxes.

YourObserver.com/RedPages

NIGHT WITH THE STARS PROM INC.

RED PAGES

Looking for multi-unit properties.

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

941-809-3660, 941-809-3662.

Merchandise Wanted

Advertise your business or service in the Observer

Looking for other homes with pools to buy/sell.

POST YOUR AD WITH EASE

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

Please call Marc: 941-321-0707

Announcements

GREAT OPPORTUNITY close to AMI, no flood insurance, 3 bed 2 bath 2 car/garage. Private pool. $699,900

Adult Care Services

941-955-4888 WE BUY cars. top $$ paid for your vehicles.

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

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

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

October Incentive-Buy or Sell with Brooke O’Malley as your Realtor, and CLUB REALTY will Pay your title insurance. Ask how.

Call 941-726-2677

SELL YOUR STUFF FAST!

GARAGE SALE Advertise as low as $17.50 per week!

CALL 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals LORRAINE LAKES Sunset model, fully furnished 3bd/3ba, study, 3 car garage and amenity center.

Now available. $5,500/month, utilities included.

Call Doris (713)459-5892

Cleaning Perfect Solutions For Seniors •Caregivers/Companions •Personal Care •CNA’s/HHA’s •Assistance with Daily Living Activities •Hourly 24/7 Care •Affordable Rates •Licensed/ Bonded/ Insured

Phone (941) 809-1438 HHA# 299994819

BUY STUFF HERE! YourObserver.com/RedPages

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

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

Minimal shift 5 hours can also provide overnight care.

Temporary or long term care.

Over 10+ years experience.

References available. No new faces, one consistent caregiver.

COVID Negative.

Call Kati: 941-536-7706.

This week’s Crossword answers

BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service

by Maria. Residential. Meticulous Cleaning. Excellent References.

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

Landscaping/ Lawn Services WEED PULLING by Chris We do everything the lawn guys don’t do!

NO MOWING Call 941-565-6523

Painting CARLO DATTILO Painting Licensed & insured. Interior/ Exterior painting including drywall repair and retexturing.

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

Honest & reliable.

Free estimates. 941-744-1020.

35+ years experience.

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “The idea of sharing is something that has been lost in our social conscience, and we need to rethink that.”

Wes Studi Puzzle Two Solution: “I have striven for perfection, it has always eluded me, but I surely had an obligation to make one more try.”

G. Verdi Puzzle Three Solution: “My most important piece of advice: ... When you write, try to leave out all the parts readers skip.”

Elmore Leonard

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2023 Universal Uclick

RED PAGES. MADE FOR WHERE YOU LIVE. HERE! TO ADVERTISE CALL 941-955-4888 OR VISIT YOUROBSERVER.COM/REDPAGES

©2023 NEA, Inc.

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

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

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

GARAGE SALE 207 147th St East, Bradenton Sat, Oct 14th. 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Misc. household, yard items.

Homes for Sale

You’re only cheating yourself.

Items Under $200

ESTATE SALE Saturday, Nov. 14th 9:30-2 Sunday, Nov. 15th 1-4 Midcentury: Table and 5 chairs, china cabinet, sofa table, buffet.

Made in Denmark. Nice patio table & chairs. Twin bed set. Sofa.

Leather sectional. Oriental rugs.

Lennox. Antique pots. Quilts.

Fiesta book including jewelry making. Cameras. Collectibles.

Pottery including some from Sarasota artist Jeff Walsh. Lamps.

Decorative accessories.

Christmas decorations. Computer.

Costume jewelry including Brighton. Jewelry cabinet. Nice Kitchenware. Vacuum.

Refrigerator, freezer. Staghorn fern. Nice clothing.

10127 Woodborne Pl, River Club Bradenton 34202 Sale conducted by Palma Sola Sales.

peekers’ place

stuff

Garage/ Moving/ Estate Sales

real estate

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

home services

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

The CRYSTAL CLEAR choice!

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

Clock Repair

Health

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

Christo’s Clock Repair

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

4630 5TH ST W BRADENTON

“IF IT DOESN’T TIC, TOC TO ME.”

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

941-773-0875 • 941-932-5505

941.650.9790 941.650.9790 YoderAluminum.com

Don Christo, Sr., Horologist

YoderAluminum.com

Attorney

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

Computer

Is Your Computer Feeling Sick?

Divorce without Lawyers

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC Midtown Medical Park 1215 S. East Ave. Suite 210 Sarasota, FL 34239

Let Us Fix It!

Call A Geek Computer ServiCeS

Divorce is never fun, but it does not have to be nasty & hateful! Protect your family relationships and assets from expensive Court litigation. Consider Divorce Mediation, the peaceful alternative.

(941) 351-7260 call-a-geek.net

Call me for a free 30 minute consultation before you call a Divorce Lawyer!

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

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

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

Home Services

Over 19 yrs serving Manatee/Sarasota Counties

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

We have mediated divorces involving up to 10 million dollars of assets over past 27 years.

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

William J. Leininger, JD

412046

Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator 677 N. Washington Blvd Sarasota, FL 34236 SarasotaDivorceMediator.com 941-727-5555

SELL YOUR CAR!

Are You Having Dryer Difficulties?

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

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

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

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

Residential

941-705-5468

Commercial

410338

Home Watch FIRST RESPONDER OWNED & OPERATED

Pegatronics.com

941-735-3362

411193

Auto Service

GROW YOUR BUSINESS

(941)544-0475

WITH THE RED PAGES

FAST • EASY • SAFE

dan@shorelockhomewatch.com

Call to reserve your ad space

WE COME TO YOU

941.270.4400

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

412054

411189

Owner /Insured Operator Insured

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT

411200

Dustin Yoder

Dustin Owner Yoder/ Operator

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

411187

Aluminum

412027

30

www.shorelockhomewatch.com

941-955-4888

5-Star Rated

Doors 412024

HoHoBuysCars.com

Sliding Glass Door Repair

Autos Wanted

DESPERATELY NEEDED

ED’S RAIN MAKER IRRIGATION

Furniture Repair

RED PAGES

Patio Furniture Repairs.com

YourObserver.com/RedPages

941-504-0903

Furniture Sales & Repairs Cushions • Slings • Re-powdercoating

411184

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

FREE PICKUP / DELIVERY • FREE ONSITE QUOTES

Doors

410349

Made for where you live. Here!

Irrigation

412026

410346

UNIQUE SPORT & IMPORTS 941-350-7993

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

411199

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

Low Mileage, Cars & Trucks.

Also Rare or Unusual Vehicles.

Servicing LWR, Parrish and NE Bradenton

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

Custom Granite Services, llc 941-400-4912

CustomGraniteServicesLLC@gmail.com 410339

Window Repairs • Sliding Glass Door Repairs Sliding Glass Door Deadbolts

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

Call us today! 941.628.8579 FREE IN-HOM ESTIMATEE S

SHOWER & BATH MAKEOVERS Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

412033

410337

www.ezslider.com

CJ COOLEY OWNER/OPERATOR

Call John 941.377.2940

Free Estimates • Sarasota Resident Since 1974

www.showerandbathsarasota.com

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

Plumbing

CALL BEFOREYOU YOU FALL CALL BEFORE FALL

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

COMPLETE INSTALLATION PACKAGE

$ $235

RELIABLE • INSURED

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

941-920-8221

410350

249 235 *

Windows

Mark’s Plumbing Service

GRAB BARS GRAB BARS $

31

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc. Building & Roofing Contractor

DRGRABBARS.COM

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

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

THE GRAB BAR GUY

941-626-3194

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

GLENN KROECKER

Screening

Licensed & Insured

SHOP LOCAL. SUPPORT LOCAL. YourObserver.com/RedPages

Res./Com.

GARDENS

Form Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

by Allison

1/10/23, 10:25 AM

410343

Allison J. Abizaid

941-400-0431 • gbyallison@yahoo.com • gardensbyallison.com

STANDARD WINDOWS

410351

Design • Garden Beds • Landscape • Courtyards Clean-Up • Makeovers • Weeds • Trimming Personal Gardening Services | Designer

25

UP TO

BLACK LABEL CAR SERVICE

SPECIAL 00

Luxury for Less

412060

Complete Interior & Exterior Painting

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

412032

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

150

$

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

941-248-4734

Painting

UNIQUE PAINTING & PRESSURE WASHING SERVICES

chrome_qrcode_1671726737617.png

ows

Transportation

10% off

NEED HELP?

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

Find business and service professionals in the Red Pages.

To advertise: 941-955-4888

HEROES found here.

Relax. You’ve got better things to do.

Find a professional here in the Red Pages.

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

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

5

$

Airports, Concerts, Dinners & Cruises www.towncarservicebradenton.com 410036

No Job is Too Small!

Lic./Ins.

indow & Pressure Clea W t e nin s wn as Sunrise Win g o n k Sun y l r e d

Landscaping & Lawn

1/1

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Purified water window cleaning available!!

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

412030

410340

954-1878 (cell) 780-3346

411179

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

412067

941.966.0333

364556 410341

Roofing

32

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

Open House Event

Join our best-in-class global advisors for a two-day open house showcase.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15

Featured listings pictured below may be shown by appointment only

Scan for a full list of Open Houses, property details, driving directions and more

THE LAKE CLUB 8265 Pavia Way Gloria Bracciano

ESPLANADE $2,975,000 941.229.4000

4633 Benito Court Stacy Rumbaugh & Elizabeth Fitzpatrick

ESPLANADE LAKEWOOD RANCH 4815 Cabreo Court Donna Soda

$1,550,000 941.961.5857

BOCA ROYALE 75 Cayman Isles Boulevard Bob Linthicum

$1,685,000 941.592.6002

13021 Sorrento Way Donna Soda

$1,490,000 941.587.6660

5308 Hunt Club Way Vittoria Rutigliano

ASHLEY 6720 Ashley Court Tom Hedge

$959,900 941.228.9206

8326 Misty Wood Court Dennis Girard

$575,000 941.504.9910

2005 Crystal Lake Trail Judy Heuerman

$1,750,000 941.961.5857

SILVER OAK

THE PRESERVE AT MISTY CREEK

HARMONY 11834 Brookside Drive Moriah Taliaferro

ESPLANADE LAKEWOOD RANCH

SKYE RANCH $1,485,000 941.962.5867

10210 Morning Mist Lane Gloria Bracciano

SARASOTA

$850,000 941.809.0041

4539 Trails Drive Charles Totonis

$489,000 941.356.5260

3131 Windrush Bourne Fernando Viteri

EAGLE TRACE

$1,050,000 941.229.4000

RIVER CLUB $725,000 941.524.8299

10098 Glenmore Avenue Charles Totonis

$399,000 941.400.7676

1620 Lakeview Place Patrick Mata

THE MEADOWS

$699,000 941.524.8299

LONGLAKE ESTATES $365,000 941.402.2028

NOW ACCEP TING RESERVATIONS

THE NEXT EVOLUTION OF LUXURY BEGINS

Introducing 78 Grand New Residences on Sarasota’s Bayfront Presentation Gallery Now Open at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota 1111 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Sarasota, Florida 34236 941.499.8704 | TheResidencesSarasotaBay.com

PRESENTED BY

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sarasota Bay are not owned, developed or sold by Marriott International, Inc. or its affiliates (“Ritz-Carlton”). KT Sarasota South, LLC uses The Ritz-Carlton marks under a license from Ritz-Carlton, which has not confirmed the accuracy of any of the statements or representations made herein. Broker Participation Welcomed and Encouraged. ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE SELLER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THIS BROCHURE AND TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A SELLER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. This project has been filed in the state of Florida and no other state. This is not an offer to sell or solicitation of offers to buy the condominium units in states where such offer or solicitation cannot be made. Prices and availability are subject to change at any time without notice. Images are artist’s renderings and may not represent the final building. Furnishings and fixtures are for display purposes and are not included with the residence. Actual improvements, including, recreational facilities and amenities, may vary from those shown and views may not be available from all units.

BROKERAGE | RENTALS | RELOCATION | NEW DEVELOPMENT MORTGAGE | INSURANCE | FINE ART CONSIGNMENT

PremierSIR.com VENICE | 941.412.3323

LAKEWOOD RANCH | 941.907.9541

LONGBOAT KEY | 941.383.2500

Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Property information herein is derived from various sources including,but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate.

RENTALS | 941.203.3433 396053-1

SARASOTA - DOWNTOWN | 941.364.4000