East County Observer 3.28.24

Shocker, Mote will plug in two-headed electric eel

The freak occurrence came out of Surinam and will be the featured exhibit.

“It is a major score for us and exactly the kind of strange phenomenon that will pique the interest of students all through Sarasota and Manatee counties and beyond.”

AC/DC was purchased from the Surinam government and is thought to be about 3 years old.

Daisy Chean, a U.S. ambassador to Surinam, said Surinam scientists felt the U.S. government was better prepared to do research on “two-faced fish.”

AC/DC is 6 feet, 7 inches long, which makes it tall for electric eels. A two-headed eel is born approximately one in every 189,000 births and only about 2% of those survive.

Besides the draw for visitors, Copa said the two-headed eel has attracted possible sponsors to the aquarium as it approaches its opening. She said Florida Power and Light wants to put its name on the electric eel tank. Making that significant is the fact that Mote scientists have joined forces with the power company to develop a marque sign that will point off the third floor toward Interstate 75 and will be illuminated

by the electric eel’s power surges.

Electric Eels omit 860 volts of electricity, plenty to power the 14-foot “SEA” sign that millions of passersby will see from the highway.

Mote scientists say the two-headed electric eel actually can produce up to 1,200 volts.

The Costa sunglasses company also has approached Mote about an ad campaign that would have AC/DC wearing his and her sunglasses. The AC head of AC/DC is female and the DC head is male.

Suriname fisherman Cabeza de Pez is credited with finding AC/ DC, laying at the bottom of a muddy Litanie River but floundering during the dry season. Electric eels are not actually in the eel family, but rather are fish. They live in freshwater, mostly in muddy river beds, but they also inhabit streams and ponds.

AC/DC was born with two brains that send signals to the eel’s three electric organs, which all reside in an area below the head but above 90% of the rest of the body. Electric eels send out electric impulses that stun their prey and disable them. In the

case of land mammals, those shocks can disable, or stun them, and force them to drown in the water. Electric eels have been known to kill animals as large as horses in this manner.

Although it is rare, humans have been killed by electric eels.

Electric eels utilize buccal pumping, which means they breathe through their mouths. It means that they must come to the surface for air.

Electric eels are the most powerful of all fishes.

Telsa also has contacted Mote Marine about possible sponsorship opportunities and to begin a research program to see if electric eels could power cars.

Mote Marine scientist Mille Meatres said AC/DC will present “awesome research possibilities.”

“Electric eels tend to have very poor eyesight, but AC/DC has four eyes and has shown it navigates much better than most of the species. You could say in this case, ‘Two heads definitely are better than one,’” Meatres said.

Mote officials told of the recorded history of electric eels, which only

are found in South America, in that they were being stalked by the indigenous people who were using horses to pound the river bed and to force the electric eels to come out of the mud to the surface. However, the eels attacked, shocking horses and people and killing several of the horses. The indigenous people were so afraid of the electric eels they would stop fishing that portion of the river.

FUN FACTS

Five electric eel facts to make you squeal

1 — People have died from an electric eel shock. A single shock could temporarily paralyze you and cause you to drown, or could lead to respiratory or heart failure.

2 — Electric eels can release up to 860 volts of electricity. In 2019, the Tennessee Aquarium rigged its resident electric eel’s tank to a Christmas tree.

3 — Electric eels aren’t eels. They are fish, and closely related to the catfish. They live in freshwater, at the bottom of muddy rivers.

4 — Electric eels can jump out of water to attack. This strategy is especially beneficial during the dry season when the eels may be stuck in small ponds or shallow river and are particularly vulnerable.

*Information from Treehugger. com Courtesy

According to Wikipedia, Polycephalic (two-headed) animals often make local news headlines when found. The most commonly observed two-headed animals are turtles and snakes. Other species with known two-headed occurrences include cattle, sheep, pigs, cats, dogs, and fish. In 1894, a two-headed partridge was reported in Boston, Massachusetts. It was notable as a dicephalic animal for surviving into adulthood with two perfect heads. Scientists have published in modern journals about dissecting such animals since at least the 1930s. A 1929 paper studied the anatomy of a two-headed kitten. The Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

5 — Eighty percent of their body is electric organs. Electric eels can grow to eight feet and their skin is covered by tuberous and ampullary electroreceptor cells. All of their internal organs are squeezed into the small space near their head.

museum in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, has collections of two-headed animals.

Wikipedia also tells of “We,” a two-headed albino rat snake born in captivity in 2000 with both female and male genitalia, that was scheduled to be auctioned on eBay with an expected price tag of $150,000, though their policy of not trading in live animals prevented the sale. Mote Martine officials say they would never sell AC/DC.

When the Mote Science Education Aquarium opens early in 2025, the two-headed AC/DC will be a main exhibit.

Wheelin’, dealin’ or just plain stealin’?

Both Manatee and Sarasota counties feel historic land swap was in their citizens’ best interests.

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

During a 14-hour, intense joint meeting of the Sarasota County and Manatee County commissions March 25, a historic land swap was agreed upon that will “bring like-minded communities” together.

In general, Sarasota County will extend its border north to include all of Longboat Key, a goal of Sarasota County and Longboat officials for years. In trade, Manatee County will receive the 4,120 acres on which Schroeder-Manatee Ranch is building 5,000 homes, generally referred to as Lakewood Ranch Southeast.

Manatee County also receives all the land bordered by Lorraine Road to the east and west to Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, from University Parkway to the north and Fruitville Road to the south. In turn, Sarasota receives the Palm Aire and University Park communities along University Parkway.

Sarasota County Executive Lands Manager Swen Dillaire said, in the end, the exchanged tax revenue and land mass weren’t that much different and it mostly was getting the two counties to sit down and talk it out. He said it eventually brought “likeminded communities together.”

“What do you think of when you say ‘beach?’” Dillaire said. “You think Sarasota. What do you think of when you say ‘agriculture?’ You think Manatee. I think each county is getting land that is its best fit. Manatee knows bedroom communities and cows. We know the most exclusive homes in the U.S.”

Sarasota commissioners voted 7-0 in favor of the swap while Manatee commissioners voted 6-1 with George Kruse opposed.

The deal was forwarded to the state for review to make it official. That should happen within the next 60 days.

Upon approval, signs will be erected at the Longboat Pass bridge that say “Entering Manatee County” headed north and “Entering Sarasota County” headed south. After a coin flip, Sarasota County earned the chore of maintaining the bridge for the first 10 years, with Manatee County taking over for the next 10 years. The two counties will continue to swap at 10-year intervals.

There were other elements to the deal as Manatee County received $150 million in cash, while Sarasota will receive a 500-acre parcel to be named at a later date. Manatee County commissioners insisted on getting the Fruitville Commons shopping center because they wanted Twin Peaks and Coopers Hawk.

“I know some of that east Sarasota County property we are getting is low-dollar acreage as compared to Longboat,” said Manatee County Chief of Lands Staff Red Knecht. “But the developers will turn this into prime real estate. They can turn a sink hole into a wine cellar.” Knecht said while some citizens might criticize the deal, he thought it just made sense. “Think of it this way. Sarasota County knows how to take care of its loggerhead turtles. Manatee County is skilled at dealing with gopher tortoises. It’s just a different skill set.”

After the first six hours of the joint meeting, the two counties seemed to have struck an agreement that just dealt with Longboat Key and Lakewood Ranch Southeast. But then the conversation came up about, specifically, the Polo Club, and the Palm Aire and University Park communities.

“Go to Palm Aire or University Park and ask someone where they live,” said Sarasota County planner Kat Ographer. “They will say Sarasota immediately. And I am sure that people are tired of hearing ‘The Sarasota Polo Club in Lakewood Ranch.’ Now they just can call it the Lakewood Ranch Polo Club.”

The final four hours of the meeting

involved bickering over all the shopping centers to the north side of University Parkway and across from the Mall at University Town Center. Sarasota officials were standing firm that they wanted those shopping centers, which are in Manatee County, and the revenue they bring. Manatee commissioners weren’t budging, insisting that Sarasota County needed to include all the land east of Interstate 75 from University Parkway to Bee Ridge Road for the deal to be completed.

“Then we could build our own shopping centers,” said Manatee County strategist A.S. Tute. “We were born at night, but not last night.”

That negotiating eventually was dropped.

Both counties acknowledged there are lots of smaller items to work out, and those conversations will begin immediately. The two counties’ fire and emergency medical, and Sheriff’s departments will need to examine the new map to sketch out coverage duties. Mark Despot, representing the state’s law enforcement bureau, said, “You don’t want to have a situation where no one responds to a bank robbery because they aren’t sure if it’s in their territory.”

Other concerns are things such as school zones, library services, mosquito spraying and park services.

Manatee County did want the sand back that it had used in August to renourish beaches along northern Longboat Key, but eventually Sarasota County agreed to increase the cash settlement by $25 million.  Sarasota County’s Bill Kolector said homeowners affected by the change of county can go to SarasotaTheLaughIsOnU.com to fill in a calculator that will estimate changes.

GOTCHA!

Happy April Fools’ Day from the East County Observer! The stories on pages 1 through 4 are not real news. Hope you’re as relieved as we are!

Is Manatee County out on a wire?

$200 million to build a two-lane span alongside the existing span that opened in 2017, Manatee County commissioners have ditched that plan in favor of a suspension bridge.

Yes, a suspension bridge.

Suspension bridge cable is made out of steel wire, and with the cost of steel sinking the past six months, county officials have estimated the bridge span could be completed for $150 million at current prices. Making the project more attractive to county officials was the decision to loosely model the span after the Golden Gate Bridge.

Obviously, this would just be a two-lane span, but the cable design would replicate the famous San Francisco landmark in design.

“Certainly, functionality is our No. 1 concern,” said Manatee County engineer Bill Toolast. “We obviously

needed two lanes in each direction when this project first was approved. So we are paying the consequences today. Doing what we did last time with the first span now seems unrealistic, so as long as we were going to change direction, we thought we could give Manatee County another landmark. We can call the bridge the “Golden Hamer.”

In 2017, Manatee County opened the original span of the Fort Hamer bridge at a cost of $23.5 million.

Manatee County Planner Sage Advice said the discussion came up about how Lake Havasu City, Arizona, modeled its bridge after the London Bridge. While it is commonly thought the London Bridge was moved to Arizona, only the exterior granite blocks from the original bridge were moved to the U.S. in 1968.

The new London Bridge became such a solid tourist attraction that

people visiting the area began to buy land around the bridge. It provided major stimulus to the area.

While much of the area around the Fort Hamer Bridge is either owned or protected, one Manatee County commissioner said, “We can find a way around that. I know a developer who would love to build condos right on the river.”

Commissioners talked about building a tourist center and snack bar on the north side of the bridge that would be a steady source of revenue to eventually recoup the expenses of the bridge.

Citizens speaking against the new bridge plan noted that the Golden Gate Bridge cost $35 million to build in 1933-37, which is about $666 million in today’s dollars. They were questioning whether Manatee County could get the project complete for $150 million.

However, the Florida Department

of Transportation has been seeking more north-south arteries in the area and was considering a new bridge over the Manatee River anyway. So with FDOT throwing its hat into the ring, the bridge project is much more feasible. The only catch is that

FDOT is insisting that if it partners with the suspension bridge, Upper Manatee River Road and Lakewood Ranch Boulevard must be made three lanes in each direction from the bridge through to Fruitville Road in Sarasota.

Still, some commissioners argued the cost could be prohibitive.

However, after a contentious two hours of debate, commissioners voted to set aside $8 million for a suspension bridge.

When the debate stalled due to cost, county staff members noted they could transfer funds to the project by suspending any plans for Premier Park in Lakewood Ranch for an indefinite period since “nothing was being done anyway.”

A public information meeting for the suspension bridge project is being held 2 p.m. April 15 at Fort Hamer boat launch.

Engineers begin planning for a suspension bridge at Fort Hamer.

Target to build large-format store near Lakewood Ranch

The retailer has filed for a permit with Manatee County to build a new store, nearly 25,000 square feet larger than its average store, at Marketplace at Heritage Harbour off I-75.

LOUIS LLOVIO BUSINESS OBSERVER

Target plans to build a nearly 150,000-square-foot store in East County next to an existing Costco on Lighthouse Road.

The store will be in the Marketplace at Heritage Harbour shopping center just off of Interstate 75 and State Road 64, about a mile from Lakewood Ranch.

The new location will be part of the Minneapolis retailer’s 2-year old plan to build bigger stores to carry more merchandise and give locations space for its same-day order fulfillment digital strategy.

While the chain is not commenting on the location, a building permit application was filed in January with Manatee County for construction of the 149,214-square-foot store at 725 Lighthouse Drive.

According to Bill Palmer, building services division manager and county building official, as of March 20 “there are revisions required by the reviewers being sent to the applicant.”

“The time varies by how quickly the applicant submits the required information and it is accepted.

This includes site plan and building plans.”

The application was submitted by TH Harbour LLLP, which has a Piscataway, New Jersey, principal address that, according to state corporation records, matches Edgewood Properties, one of Marketplace’s developers.

A marketing flyer and concept plan for the development includes a space next to the Costco store. The text on the flyer designates that space, in all capital letters, as “Lease pending big box user 148,782 sf.”

Edgewood did not respond to a request for comment or updates on the project.

A Target spokesperson said in a statement Wednesday that “At Target, we continuously explore possible locations for new stores, including in the Bradenton, FL area.

As for its size, if the configurations do not change, it will be about 26,000 square feet larger than the average 125,000-square-foot store the chain currently operates. And it will be comparable in size to a new Target in the works in Pasco County.

While many shoppers prefer the existing floor plan, the bigger-sized Target store is a thing of the future.

“I can tell you we are pursuing the opportunity to reach guests in the Bradenton Heritage Harbour area, but at this time, we’re not at a point where we can share any new store plans.” The new Target, when it opens, will be the chain’s fourth store in Sarasota and Manatee counties and the second in Bradenton. The closest Target currently to S.R. 64 is the Super Target at UTC.

The idea, the company said in a 2022 statement announcing the move to a bigger store model, is that the locations would have a wider assortment of merchandise and offer same-day fulfilment services.

The company also announced at the time a new store design with a more open layout and local touches, for both its new locations and remodels.

The retailer, on its website, says that its current 1,957 stores range in size from several thousand square feet to over 200,000 square feet. As it continues to grow, though “we’re adding more large-format stores, including a dozen built in 2023 alone.”

Center Point ready to fill restaurant lineup

Chamberlin’s Natural Foods, Bar Italia restaurant head the lineup coming to Waterside.

The gateway center to Lakewood Ranch’s Waterside district is adding more selections for local residents.

Several new businesses are under construction in the Center Point plaza and preparing to open throughout the spring and summer. Center Point, located on the southeast corner of University Parkway and Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, is being developed by Casto Development.

Destination restaurants Owens Fish Camp and Ruth’s Chris Steak House already are open in the center. Lakewood Ranch residents will be introduced to Chamberlin’s Natural Foods this spring. It is a store where shoppers won’t have to sift through conventional offerings because all of the produce is organic.

An exact opening date can’t be set because the building has to pass inspections and the shelves need to be installed and stocked. According to Chamberlin’s, it will take about a week to fill the 10,000-square-foot grocery store with food and supplements.

Chamberlin’s calls itself a specialized natural grocer with stringent ingredient standards and personalized service.

“All of our new items go through a rigorous new item review to make sure that all the ingredients meet our standards,” Director of Operations Amanda McCollum said. “We don’t necessarily subscribe to any particular type of diet, we just want to support people in their health journey.”

The shelves aren’t in yet, but the refrigerators, freezers and a graband-go station are in place. Chamberlin’s will offer soups, smoothies, an organic salad bar, fresh sandwiches and a sushi bar with ramen and poke bowls.

“One of the good relationships that we’ve been able to cultivate locally is with A Good Human (a food wholesaler) out of Sarasota,” said Chris Lane, the director of retail merchandising. “Kate Harvey is the owner, and she’s going to be a prominent role player here. We’ll be able to offer really high-level vegan fare.”

Chamberlin’s is part of The Healthy Edge Retail Group, which includes sister companies Earth Origins Market and Akin’s Natural Foods. Six of the company’s stores carry grab-and-go products from A Good Human.

The meals are sold wholesale to grocery stores, but are made from scratch with fresh ingredients.

With so many ready-made meals available, the store will offer indoor and outdoor seating.

“The Lakewood Ranch market is

currently controlled by Publix,” said Michael Chadwick, managing director of Southeast Development for Casto. “On the west side (of Interstate 75), you have Whole Foods. Now, there’s a Fresh Market going up to State Road 70 (at The Green). We worked to bring something different that went with the health and wellness type of atmosphere we were trying to create.”

RESTAURANTS

Ruth’s Chris Steak House anchors Center Point on the corner of University Parkway and Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, and Owens Fish Camp anchors the south side, but other anchor restaurants are on the way. Bar Italia, which will be located in the center of Center Point, is coming soon and another restaurant, 131 Main, will open where University Parkway meets Business Boulevard.

Bar Italia is planning to open over the summer. The restaurant was inspired by the Italian restaurants found in New York City with white tablecloths and scratch kitchens.

Lakewood Ranch will be Bar Italia’s fifth location. It operates under NCR (Next Cool Restaurants) Ventures.

“Lakewood Ranch is such a great area,” NCR founder and CEO Rick Doody said. “We have a good feeling about this one.”

Doody has done business with Casto before. He opened up a Brio Italian Grille in Winter Park Village in 2000 and a Bar Italia in 2023. Chamberlin’s also had a store in Casto’s development in Winter Park.

“If we didn’t do deals with Ruth’s Chris, Tommy Bahama, Arhaus (furniture store), Chamberlin’s and Bar Italia over in Winter Park, I don’t know if they’d be here,” Chadwick said. “Obviously, it was a positive experience for both sides. We really enjoyed working with all of them.”

Tommy Bahama anticipates its Marlin Bar and retail store will open in early fall.

New to a Casto development and a little further out construction-wise, 131 Main is planning on opening in the first quarter of 2025.   Lakewood Ranch will mark the first 131 Main in Florida. There are four others in North Carolina.

The upscale restaurant will have 185 seats with a large outdoor patio.

Since lunch and dinner aren’t the only meals of the day, Toasted Yolk is aiming to start serving breakfast in July. The cafe serves lunch, too, and features an extensive bar menu.

The “Rise ’N’ Shine Punch” is mixed with orange and pineapple juices, passionfruit syrup and Bombay Sapphire gin.

COFFEE AND MORE

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii, where even the ice is made out of coffee, is aiming to open in mid-June.

“It’s subject to change, but right now, nothing is staring us in the face as a problem,” CEO Michael Miller said.

Fun fact about Miller — he doesn’t drink coffee.

“It drives my wife crazy,” he said.  His wife, Amy Miller, loves coffee, and Miller said that’s enough for the both of them. More important than his beverage preferences, Miller understands “ohana,” which is the Hawaiian word for “extended family.”

It’s also the name of the nationwide customer rewards program at Bad Ass, but customers of the Center Point location will be privy to a perk beyond discounts.

The coffee shop is 2,500 square feet. It will offer comfortable seating for about 45 people, WiFi and a television. Miller said the space will be available for community organizations and groups to use after hours, free

LESLEY

Chamberlin’s will

Heritage Harbour resort project

OAMBITIOUS PROJECT

are ready to put a bow on this one.”

When the golf destination project is finished, it will include 74 singlefamily homes and a Home2Suites by Hilton property. Hilton representatives said the extended-stay hotel will include 100 rooms or more, and

still is being planned. Bruce said the golf “resort” is a major development for Heritage Harbour and the community.

“Anytime you add 74 homes with memberships, and a Hilton property, it is going to bring in new traffic (to

the course),” he said. “You are going to grow revenue and you are going to further stabilize the club.”

Stabilizing the club by filling a regional stay-and-play golf void was the main impetus behind the plans in 2020. Bruce remained steadfast in his plan through the past four years even though the major players in the project have changed. Through the changes, the resulting product won’t look much different than when the original plan was released in 2020.

The planned “lodge” is now a hotel, and the 74 homes that will be built by the Altcess Real Estate Group will virtually occupy the same space as the original plan.

In 2020, Gene Zeiner, president of the Heritage Harbour Master Association, gave the plan the association’s blessing.

“Anything that improves the golf course is good for the HOA,” Zeiner said at the time. “Our home values are directly linked to the golf course and its success.”

Zeiner called it a great idea and an ambitious project. It was up to Bruce and his owner-

ship group to make the dream a reality. The search began for the right strategic partners.

GETTING STARTED

Bruce had been co-owner for 10 years of Play Golf Sarasota, a website and magazine that launched in 2009. He continually took calls from readers about the lack of golf vacation opportunities in the area and that convinced him to pursue adding a resort component to Heritage Harbour Golf Club.

“This Interstate 75 corridor is exploding,” he said four years ago. “This is where everything is happening. Our project simply aims to raise the bar for our recreational and amenity offerings.”

Bruce was right in that the State Road 64/Interstate 75 interchange exploded with businesses. Costco came to the area and Miller’s Ale House followed. On the way are Target, Whole Foods, Longhorn Steakhouse, Portillo’s, and many more.

A key part of Bruce’s plan is the Home2 Suites. He said the hotel will have a resort-style pool and other amenities that the owners of the Club Homes at Heritage Harbour will be able to use.

However, the Home2Suites will be important not to just the golf club, but to the area in general. Lakewood Ranch has been in need of quality hotels to serve areas such as the Premier Sports Campus.

“We are thrilled to be bringing the Home2Suites to Heritage Harbour Golf Resort,” wrote Jim Dora Jr., president and CEO of General Hotels Corp., in an email March 25.

“This particular exit along I-75 on the northern end of Bradenton is currently experiencing tremendous growth and is a prime location for adding a new hotel option for today’s extended-stay guests.”

Home2Suites caters to travelers who are staying four days or more. It offers separate bedroom and living spaces and full kitchens that include full-size refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves, and induction burner cooktops. The Home2Suites at Heritage Harbour will be one of 700 hotels the chain currently has under development.

The hotel and club homes are being built on a 15-acre area that originally was part of the course, running along

Courtesy images

A rendering of the layout of 74 Club Homes at Heritage Harbour and the Home2Suites hotel (top left).

ment partner in building Heritage Harbour Golf Resort and Lodge. The plan had changed slightly to allow people the opportunity to own or rent time in the furnished vacation villas or lodge suites.

However, ResClub later pulled out of the project.

Manatee County commissioners were impressed with the project and approved it (for 100 hotel rooms and 74 villas) unanimously in May 2022.

ResClub’s departure caused some delays but Bruce found what he called “more accomplished development partners.” He eventually landed Hilton and later Altcess Real Estate Group. With everything now in place, the project is going full-speed ahead with new owners expected to move into club homes early in 2025.

Once

Landscape

course architect Nick Campanelli, 38, of Glastonbury, Connecticut, was chosen for the design job. The original architect, Arthur Hills, died May 18, 2021. It was in October 2021 that Bruce introduced ResClub as a develop -

“This is a unique project,” Bruce said. “People who live in the club homes will be able to enjoy the hotel’s resort pool and amenities. That’s going to work together in harmony.”

Heritage Harbour is expected to have just over 5,000 homes at buildout. Heritage Harbour currently has 120 members. Bruce said he expects approximately 300 members after the project is finished.

“This will be more than just golf course homes,” Bruce said. “This will be a boutique experience.”

A rendering from above of a club home at Heritage Harbour.

Knights of Columbus sails forward

The Knights at Our Lady of the Angeles Catholic Church have added an Armed Forces Day Charity Golf Tournament to their lineup.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

John Coliton has been a member of the Knights of Columbus for more than 30 years. His job with UPS relocated him five times during that period.

“I have never been in a more active Knights of Columbus group in my life,” he said.  Coliton is one of over 200 members in the council at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church. Men don’t have to be members of the church to join, but they have to be over 18 and Catholic.

Coliton summed up the commitment as “give what you can when you can.” A group of younger men organize an annual basketball free throw contest and leave it at that. Other members have more time on their hands.

“We have a lot of Type A individuals who were very successful in their careers,” Coliton said. “Now they’re retired, living in this area, and still have the drive and energy to make a lot of good things happen.”

Coliton may have been describing himself. He worked for UPS for 37 years and retired as the Director of Human Resources Compliance in 2021. Now, he runs his own consulting firm and is currently spending about 20 hours a week planning a golf tournament for the Knights that will benefit veterans.

Coliton is a Fourth Degree Knight, which means the focus is on patriotism by way of giving to veterans and first responders. The

ABOUT THE NONPROFIT

Knights of Columbus, Council 13341, Assembly #3192. Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church, 12905 State Road 70 E. Visit Knights13341.org. Visit UKnight.org/AssemblyNews.asp?A=3192 for more information on the Armed Forces Day Charity Golf Tournament.

Mission statement: To empower Catholic men to live their faith at home, in their parish, at work and in their community.

council, as a whole, upholds four key principles: Charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism.

The golf tournament will be held at the Tara Golf and Country Club on May 6, Armed Forces Day. Proceeds will be divided between the Military Chaplain’s Fund and Southeastearn Guide Dogs for Veterans.

“We’ve seen firsthand how a dog can help a veteran through (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and other issues they have, Coliton said. “And the Military Chaplain’s Fund could use additional funding. There aren’t many athiests in a fox hole when rounds are coming at you.”

The Knights have fundraisers year round, but they don’t keep a bank account with growing funds.

As soon as the money comes in, it goes back out again.

The group held a Patriotic Ball in February and raised $11,000 for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which builds homes for veterans and first responders.

The fundraising goal for the golf tournament is $15,000, and the Knights are still accepting golfers, diners, sponsors and silent auction items.

The tournament includes a round of golf followed by dinner at the club, but you don’t have to golf

to eat. Sponsorship opportunities range from $150 up to $5,000. The deadline is April 15.  However, members of Fourth Degree Knights do more than fundraise for veterans. They put their values into action by having lunch with veterans at assisted living facilities each month and making hospice and hospital visits as needed.

“We’re people who want to help people that need help,” Coliton said. “We just had 44 people volunteer to give blood. We gave 46

units of blood; that’s going to save over 100 lives.”

In association with One Blood, the Knights council hosts a monthly blood drive. Annually, the Knights fundraise for the Special Olympics, St. Michael Catholic Church in Wauchula, Habitat for Humanity and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

In addition to balls, blood drives and golf tournaments, the nonprofit holds car shows, Tootsie Roll drives and collects coats in the winter. They march in Lakewood Ranch’s Tribute to Heroes parade and host pasta dinners and an annual fish fry.

If you like baseball, there’s one more reason to consider knighthood. Since 2008, the Knights have manned the concession stands at Ed Smith Stadium during Baltimore Orioles spring training games.  With 21 home games, the council raises funds each year to give to local charities. With two concession stands to cover, it takes over 100 Knights and their family members to cover the 6.5-hour shifts.

“It’s impressive as heck when you have all these men and women who are working together for wonderful causes in support of our faith, our families and also the local community,” Coliton said.

Deputy Grand Knight Gordon Shellhaas and Membership Director John Coliton attend the Patriotic Ball in February.

Lesley Dwyer

Courtesy image

Knights of Columbus council members march in the 2023 Tribute to Heroes Parade.

Library on wheels

Manatee County hopes its new bookmobile will drive residents to read.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

Lakewood Ranch has a new library as of January, but as a whole, Manatee County is short on library space.

“We are at about half the state recommendation and half of what is indicated in our Comprehensive Plan,” Library Services Manager Tammy Parrott said.

Considering the Lakewood Ranch Library cost $17.6 million and took years to come to fruition, library staff came up with a quicker and more affordable way to address the issue, albeit on a smaller scale.

The county purchased a bussized, custom coach bookmobile for $587,100. Commissioners approved the purchase at the March 21 land use meeting.

It will take Matthews Specialty Vehicles, a company based out of North Carolina, about two years to complete and deliver the vehicle.

The bookmobile will hold 2,500 books, but Parrot said the collection will be about three times that size to allow for different audiences.

“For example, we may load for youth, seniors, general use or Spanish language,” she said.

Courtesy image

This bookmobile was customized by the same company and provides an example of what Manatee County’s bookmobile will look like.

DELIVERY SERVICE

In addition to outreach events, the bookmobile will be used to distribute library materials to patrons countywide, a service that is currently provided using county SUVs.

Parrott said staff made over 650 deliveries in 2023 to homebound and visually impaired patrons. In total, nearly 2,300 books were delivered.

The service is free to any resident with a temporary or permanent visual or physical impairment. Call 748-5555, ext. 3820 for more information.

“We also took into consideration how it might be able to help in disaster response. We added additional outlets for charging, work space and a place for a printer.”

The bookmobile will travel countywide, but it will most frequently be used in underserved areas. Only seven libraries serve the county’s population of over 400,000.

SPECS

When finished, the county will have a mini-library on wheels with desks, cabinets, shelves, brochure racks, indoor and outdoor TVs, a PA system, refrigerator and microwave.

The bookmobile will have a wheelchair lift to be accessible to all residents and will come with programming like a brick and mortar library.

With a driver seat, passenger seat and work space for two, the coach will accommodate two staff members and be fully equipped with WiFi and audio and visual equipment.

Day loved fishing. He always was out around East County fishing and participating in tournaments. His memory is now honored through the Chad Day Memorial Fishing Tournament.

HONORING HIS PASSION

Lakewood Ranch resident hosts the Chad Day Memorial Fishing Tournament to honor her son while raising money for Tidewell Hospice.

RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR

Even when his health was at its worst, nothing stopped East County’s Chad Day from fishing.

He was undergoing treatment for brain cancer, yet he was determined to participate in a fishing tournament.

Day came home to his mother, Joann Day, filled with excitement. He won $1,000 at the tournament for the biggest trout.

Now Lakewood Ranch’s Joann Day hosts the Chad Day Memorial Fishing Tournament annually in honor of her son, who died from his brain cancer in 2015. The event, set for April 20-21 at Tarpon Bay Grill & Tiki Bar, 7150 Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, benefits Tidewell Hospice.

Chad’s love for fishing stems from his childhood when his family moved into Carlton Arms of Bradenton in 2000 when he was 10 years old. He would go fishing in the ponds by the apartment complex with his friends.

Throughout his life, he would grab his fishing pole and head to a lake.

It was during a fishing trip when the first signs of his brain tumor emerged.

Joann said her son was going fishing by himself one afternoon in February 2014 when he stepped out of his truck, he felt his arm go in the air and he started seizing. A stranger must have helped him because the next thing he knew, he was in an ambulance on his way to Manatee Memorial Hospital calling Joann to tell her what happened.

Joann Day said when she received the call, she thought her son was in a car accident. Upon arriving at the hospital, she discovered that wasn’t the case, and Chad explained doctors were doing tests.

Joann said she thought Chad simply hadn’t had enough to eat that day and passed out.

When a doctor came to speak to them and introduced himself as an oncologist, Joann and Chad were confused. They couldn’t believe what was happening.

The doctor told them a mass was found on Chad’s brain, and they needed to go to Moffitt Cancer Center immediately.

Chad broke down in tears.

“He said to me, ‘Mom, I always knew I wasn’t going to live past 30,’”

Joann recalled. “I said, ‘No, no, we got this.’”

After going to Moffitt Cancer Center, Chad and Joann found out Chad had a glioblastoma, a tumor affecting the brain.

The diagnosis was devastating. Joann said she was an avid runner before the diagnosis, but since hearing the news, she could barely get herself out of bed. She would go out every night because she didn’t want to sit at home thinking about it.

“For a long time, it was hard to face reality,” she said. “I didn’t want to.”

On Feb. 18, 2014, Chad had surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible. Afterward, he began radiation and chemotherapy.

He wasn’t getting better, so his doctors put him in a clinical trial in January 2015. The trial was unsuccessful.

Chad was having difficulty walking, using his right hand and his quality of life was diminishing. The chemotherapy he was given was only making him sick.

Joann said she couldn’t see her son suffer any longer and decided to discontinue treatment so her son could enjoy the time he had left.

In February 2015, Chad and Joann took a trip to their home state of Ohio so Chad could go sledding and see snow again. They went to Magic Mountain Fun Center where he was able to get in an inner tube and go sledding.

In April, Chad and Joann returned to Moffitt where they learned the cancer had spread throughout Chad’s brain.

Joann needed help caring for Chad at home, so she reached out to Tidewell Hospice.

Tidewell Hospice took over care for Chad, and that included supplying his medications, sending a nurse to their home three times per week and giving them a wheelchair and bed.

Although she had help, Joann said it became too difficult to care for Chad alone at home, so they moved into a room at Tidewell’s Bradenton Hospice House in May 2015.

Joann made the room as comfortable as possible, adding what she could to make it feel like home, including bringing Chad’s cat, Hazel. She put picture frames around the room as well.

“The nurses and doctor there were really nice, and they were just

IF YOU GO CHAD DAY MEMORIAL FISHING TOURNAMENT

When: For fishermen, Captain’s meeting held 3 p.m. April 20, and fishing continues with last photos being accepted 2 p.m. April 21; for fun at Tarpon Bay Grill & Tiki Bar, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. both April 20-21

Where: Captain’s meeting and awards ceremony (beginning after last photos have been accepted) will be held at Tarpon Bay Grill & Tiki Bar, 7150 Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; actual fishing can take place east of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge but not in Port Manatee.

Line drawn from the North Sunshine Skyway fishing pier to the end of Bean Point, south to the Venice inlet. No fishing is allowed from shore.

as concerned with me as they were with (Chad),” Joann said. “I don’t know what I would have done without their help because they took care of everything. I was just there to be with him. They were caring and compassionate about everything, so it allowed me to be the mom (rather than the caretaker).”

Chad died at Tidewell Hospice on May 16, 2015, at 24 years old.

“I just admired his bravery throughout the whole thing,” Joann said of her son.

When Joann was looking for a way to raise money for the American Brain Tumor Association, she knew a fishing tournament would be the perfect way to honor her son.

In 2017, she hosted her first tournament hoping to raise money to find a cure for brain cancer.

When Joann brought the tournament back in 2021 after the COVID-19 pandemic, she decided to have the proceeds donated to the Tidewell Foundation in appreciation for all the care and support provided for Chad at no cost. The tournament raised at least $8,000 for Tidewell.

Since then, the Chad Day Memorial Fishing Tournament has raised approximately $50,000 for the Tidewell Foundation.

“I feel like I haven’t repaid them back enough,” Joann said of donating to the Tidewell Foundation.

Cost: Entry fee is $320 per boat (four fishermen allowed per boat). Event attendance at Tarpon Bay is free.

Details: Spend the day fishing, or listening to live music and participating in raffles, silent auctions and a 50/50 drawing while helping Joann Day raise money for the Tidewell Foundation in honor of her son Chad Day, who died of brain cancer at Tidewell Hospice in 2015.

More information: ChadDay.ProFishingTournaments.com

“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

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; Lexi Huelsman, Lexi@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 / Anna Reich, AReich@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

Lakewood Ranch’s Joann Day hosts the Chad Day Memorial Fishing Tournament in honor of her son, Chad Day, who died of brain cancer in 2015.

LIZ

Courtesy images

Chad Day Memorial Fishing Tournament attendees show their support by participating in the silent auction and raffle. Proceeds from the tournament benefit the Tidewell Foundation.

Chad

Bizarre supervisor of elections saga continues

Satcher was best for the District One seat. Appearances say that he is doing everything he can to live up to that responsibility. Like him or not, you will get a chance in upcoming elections to let him continue in his post, or not.

Or maybe you won’t have a chance, as far as his running for commissioner.

I would imagine that Satcher’s head has to be spinning right about now.

You see, Satcher is one of two applicants for the Manatee County supervisor of elections position. The other is Scott Farrington, who has served 11 years as chief of staff and as the No. 2 elections official in the Manatee County supervisor of election’s office. He also has more than 20 years of total experience in an elections office. (He worked in Sarasota before Manatee.)

Manatee County is waiting for Gov. Ron DeSantis to make his choice between the two. It would seem it is like that Capital One Bank commercial where they are choosing up sides for a third-grade basketball pickup game and Charles Barkley is one of the choices.

Making an appointment became necessary when Mike Bennett, who has held the position since 2013, retired on March 1. It wasn’t a surprise, Bennett alerted the governor of his retirement on Feb. 1.

Being an election year, you might have expected Gov. DeSantis would have made that choice quickly. But he hasn’t.

When you call up VoteManatee.

com for all our county’s election information, there still is a photo of Bennett on the top of the page that lists his name and — Supervisor of Elections — even though he is retired. When you look at the Supervisor of Elections race, Farrington is the only candidate listed.

Meanwhile, the 79-year-old Bennett continues to work, for free, as a volunteer to assist Farrington in getting everything done. They work, and they wait for the governor’s decision. Perhaps the governor is hoping that he can squeeze another six months out of Bennett so he doesn’t have to make a decision, and that way voters can decide the new Supervisor of Elections in

the November election without any political drama. Bennett has complicated matters by working for free because “he doesn’t want to let Manatee County down.” He doesn’t want to hang Farrington out on a limb alone during a presidential election year and he wants citizens to have a smooth election process.

All the while, Satcher remains in limbo, not knowing what direction his political career will go. If he is appointed as supervisor of elections, he said he will accept that job, and that will mean giving up his commission seat and running against Farrington in November.

If he doesn’t get the appointment, then he will continue his bid for commission reelection, in a race in which he would have to be considered the favorite. He is an incumbent who lists $70,500 in contributions, running against Jennifer Lynne Hamey (no party affiliation), who has listed $3,350 in donations and Republican Carol Ann Felts, who lists $0 in contributions. While that isn’t a tell-all statement, money is powerful in these elections.

For the voters of Manatee County, we are left to wonder what the heck is going on here? Why would Satcher ditch being commissioner to go into a field where he has no experience? Certainly, this is not about a religious calling.

Satcher was gracious enough to tell the East County Observer in a previous interview, “I have an amazing role right now. I love being the commissioner for District 1. A public servant is generally going to be looking, or open to the role where he can make the biggest difference and do the most good. That’s how I’ve made decisions my whole life, honestly.”

It sure seems that somebody is telling him he can make the biggest difference in being the supervisor

of elections. Who is this person and why is Satcher listening? It begs the question, how are you going to make a big difference overseeing elections that have been running smoothly for years and which have a qualified candidate ready to take over?

So we go to perception. Would the perception be that someone in the Manatee County political machine wants to get Satcher off the commission so he can be replaced with someone deemed to be a better choice? Can it be done by using salary as a carrot?

Commissioners made $98,743 in 2023. The supervisor of elections earned $168,563 in 2023.

Personally, I am hoping that Satcher isn’t chewed up and spit out by the political machine. The past five years of Manatee County politics have played out as a reality TV show where the actors are given scripts. I could see Satcher getting run over by political strategizing. I could see Gov. DeSantis appointing Satcher as supervisor of elections, then seeing him drop out of the commission race, before losing to Farrington in the election. Then he would be left with neither job to “make a difference.”

Let’s hope the minister, the missionary, the father of six, is choosing his own path, and letting his own ethical standards guide his choices, and not trying to please a system that chews people up and spits them out.

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

Jay Heater

Commissioner James Satcher has applied for the supervisor of elections job.

Greenhouse provides window to rare plants

Brewer’s Nursery and Landscape Services of East County created a greenhouse for plant collectors.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

Cinnamon and cat whiskers sound like ingredients in a witch’s brew, but Ryan Chapman uses them to garden.

Chapman is not just a guy who likes plants. The 39-year-old Bradenton resident is a collector who turned a hobby into a career. Chapman is a horticulturist at Brewer’s Nursery and Landscape Services on State Road 64 near the intersection at Lorraine Road.

He saves cat whiskers (only when they fall out on their own) to transfer pollen from plant to plant. He uses cinnamon when cutting roots for its antifungal and antibacterial properties.

Chapman’s grandmother, Lelo Watts, was a plant collector, too. When freezing temperatures were predicted, her home in Bradenton was cluttered. Watts had more than 1,500 orchids, and she’d bring every one inside.

“It got crazy,” Chapman said. “I used to do that when we’d get into the 40s. Most of my collection would come inside — took over a guest bedroom and the litter boxes had to come out.”

Chapman collects “fat plants” and has about a third of the collection his grandmother had. It’s still an impressive display of desert roses and pachypodiums, especially when in bloom. The plants are called fat because of the thick trunks and roots that grow above the ground.

While Chapman treasures all five acres of the nursery and can identify each plant and offer some kind of origin story or interesting tidbit, there’s one greenhouse he’s partial to, along with the nursery’s owner Taylor Grismore.

Grismore bought the nursery with her husband, Scott, in 2020. The 200-square-foot greenhouse didn’t

IF YOU GO

Brewer’s Nursery and Landscape Services

Address: 15110 State Road 64 Info: BrewersNursery.com. Shoppers can browse the nursery inside and out. Walk past the main building at the entrance; the collector’s greenhouse is the first one on the left.

To see Chapman’s home collection, visit FloridaFatPlants on Instagram.

exist prior to the Grismores’ ownership.

“It started with the plants I wanted for myself,” Grismore said. “I’ve had to learn that even the plants I’m not interested in, I still need to buy because some people are interested, so it’s become a broader range.”

So the new greenhouse was built. For the collector, the greenhouse is home to plants like the monstera Thai constellation that costs $1,500 because of its size, rarity and variegated leaves.

Brewer’s Nursery also stocks Venus flytraps, which most nurseries don’t because the carnivorous plants are labor intensive.

“That greenhouse is my baby,” Grismore said. “I wanted to get a name by having cool stuff that you can’t find anywhere else.”

Everyone loves a deal, including Grismore. She gets “giddy” when she can find a specialty plant to offer customers at a reasonable price. Customers have told her in the past that she could charge more, but part of the fun is sharing her insider discount with fellow plant lovers.

The Grismores moved to the area from Michigan. Shortly before the COVID pandemic started, the couple

sold everything they owned, loaded five children and a dog into a 40-foot camper and hit the road.

“My husband worked in corporate. I was a stay-at-home mom, homeschooling our five young children,” Grismore said. “We decided we were done living like that. We knew we

were going to buy a business somewhere, but weren’t sure where.”

The Grismores were making their way through Florida when the pandemic shut down everything, including campgrounds. They were parked at Encore Winter Quarters Manatee, near Tom Bennett Park, when their

reservations down in the Everglades and the Keys started canceling.

The Grismores ended up spending a month in Bradenton. The family continued on with their travels as campgrounds opened up again, but they’d already decided to settle down on the west coast of Florida.

When Brewer’s Nursery went on the market, Grismore said everything fell into place. That’s also when her affinity for plants expanded beyond the wild.

“We had about 30 acres in Michigan, and we would harvest plants for salads and teas,” Grismore said. “If my kids had a bee sting, they knew what plants to go and pick for a bee sting.”

It took the Grismores about a year to find their home in Sarasota after buying the nursery. So much time spent in a camper with no garden or land to cultivate turned her focus toward house plants.

She built such a large collection of potted plants around their campsite that people would stop by to ask, “Why so many?” Her response: “We just bought a nursery.”

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

This is the greenhouse where collectors can find rare plants at Brewer’s Nursery and Landscape Services.

Ryan Chapman puts his hobby to work at Brewer’s Nursery and Landscape Services on State Road 64.

Two Steps Forward, No Steps Back

When injury or accident knocks you off your stride, recovery can’t come quickly enough.

At Sarasota Memorial, award-winning orthopedic surgeons and Magnet-recognized nurses join forces with a nationally acclaimed rehabilitation services program to form a comprehensive care team that gives every patient the individualized treatment they need to get back on their feet and back to their best life.

From total joint replacement to specialized physical and occupational therapy, our physicians find the solutions you need to keep moving forward.

Because while age and injury may be a natural part of life, at Sarasota Memorial, so is a full recovery.

smh.com/ortho

Scan below for a full list of Open Houses, property details, driving directions and more

Will Your Retirement Last 30 Years?

Here’s what you should know about planning ahead for today’s average retirement from age 62 to 92.

We all dream of a happy, healthy retirement. But when most people envision this, they think of a beautiful snapshot—not an epic, decades-long journey. Of course, your journey can be as enjoyable as you imagine it, but you’ll still need to find some way to finance it.

“We often describe today’s retirement experience as a marathon,” said John B. Leeming CFP®, president at JL Bainbridge. “You need pacing and preparation. And the last thing anyone wants is to run out of gas along the way.” In financial terms, this is called “outliving your money.”

Embarking on a 30-year retirement marathon requires careful planning, disciplined saving, and strategic decision-making. Yet many reach their 50s without noticing how quickly their retirement years are approaching. While it’s not too late at this point to adopt a longterm investment strategy (one that typically avoids overreacting to market swings), specific financial situations and retirement goals require even greater attention and expertise at this stage.

For example, those nearing retirement age should be aware of how to take full advantage of optimizing their contributions to retirement plans. The IRS allows catch-up contributions and recently introduced new contribution limits and other related changes. But the requirements and options for making adjustments are affected by several factors. In other words, it’s complicated.

Let’s go back to the marathon analogy. By starting early, creating a comprehensive financial plan, diversifying your investments, and staying flexible, you’ll improve your chances of pacing yourself for financial success with confidence— even for a thirty-year retirement. But if you feel like some personal “coaching” would help you along the way, consider talking to your financial advisor and tax professional for guidance.

JL Bainbridge family wealth advisors are fiduciaries, required by the SEC to act first and foremost in their clients’ interests.

JL Bainbridge offers free hourlong financial reviews with one of their advisors. To reserve a time for yourself, visit their website, call, or scan the QR code below.

(941) 365-3435

1582

Disclosure:

Local residents travel to Israel to volunteer

Temple Emanu-El congregants say parts of their trip were heartbreaking, yet inspiring.

LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR

In an effort to make a personal connection with violence-torn Israel, a group of nine members of Temple Emanu-El of Sarasota went on a volunteer mission to Tel Aviv March 10-14 in connection with the Jewish National Fund.

They knew it would be an emotional journey.

That was apparent as Tara’s Harriette Krasnoff cried while planting a small oak tree in honor of an 18-year-old woman who was killed during an October attack.

Krasnoff said the woman, along with her parents and sister, died in their home after the Palestinian Sunni Islamist group Hamas crossed the border from Gaza into Israel in an October attack. The family was killed two months shy of celebrating the bar mitzvah of the woman’s brother. Krasnoff said despite the death of his parents and sisters, the brother went through the ceremony with his grandparents.

The story was one of many Krasnoff heard while volunteering with the Jewish National Fund in Israel March 10-14.

Krasnoff traveled to Israel with her husband, Mike Krasnoff, and another East County resident, Paula Hayden of University Park. The other Temple Emanu-El members who were part of the mission were Jack Braverman, Howard Kilman, Barbara Schenk, Dalia Rosenthal, and Rabbis Brenner Glickman and Elaine Rose Glickman.

Krasnoff said the trip led to moments of heartbreak and inspiration as well as an understanding of the resiliency of the Israeli people.

The Temple Emanu-El volunteers worked on farms to help clear the irrigation systems. The farms were in need of assistance as their employees from Thailand had been sent home due to the violence. Also many of the workers were Israeli soldiers or reservists called to serve.

They also helped to paint and clean homes that were attacked as part of the rebuilding effort.

Rabbi Elaine Rose Glickman said the time in Israel was “heartbreaking, inspiring, difficult and gratifying.” She said their trip was a way for the entire Temple Emanu-El community to connect with Israel. Many of the members gave donations for those in need, and on their return, they brought back messages of gratitude.

The hotel in Tel Aviv was housing 71 families who were waiting for their homes to be rebuilt.

Hayden said some people might not return to their communities as it will remind them of the trauma they endured.

During their trip, the volunteers heard stories of the violence from those affected.

“We should all hear all the stories around the world,” Hayden said.

She heard from a woman whose husband went to help defend a neighboring community and was killed. The widow now cares for her six children alone.

Mike Krasnoff said he heard about a 65-year-old woman who was taken away from her family and held hostage. After she was released, she later died in the violence.

Hearing the stories and visiting the site at the outdoor music festival where 364 Israelis were attacked and killed was heartbreaking, Harriette Krasnoff said.

“It’s one thing watching it on the news,” she said. “It’s another to be there. There really were a lot of tears shed throughout the four days.”

Hayden and the Krasnoffs said the resiliency of the Israelis was inspiring.

Five months after the Oct. 7 attack, the Krasnoffs said children were stepping off the bus with smiles on their faces and families were returning to their rebuilt communities.

The Krasnoffs visited a large tent where soldiers go for a meal and to rest. The A Team, an organization in Israel that feeds soldiers, runs the tent. While there, volunteers spoke to a few soldiers and were entertained by a group of soldiers with disabilities who played music.

The Krasnoffs and their volunteer group wrote letters and made cards for the soldiers, who Hayden said were appreciative of the volunteers’ efforts and support.

“That is the idea of any valuable community, where people matter,” Hayden said.

J.L.

Courtesy image Rabbis and members of Temple Emanu-El, including East County’s Paula Hayden and Mike and Harriette Krasnoff, travel to Israel to volunteer.

Fast Break

F“My dad tells me to attack the hurdle. That helps me remember what to do.”

— The Out-of-Door Academy’s John Moschella SEE PAGE 21A

SHOT AT THE TITLE

Ranch’s lacrosse team is off to its best start ever and hoping for a district title.

RYAN KOHN SPORTS EDITOR

For Lakewood Ranch High boys lacrosse senior Lucas Anthony, the 2024 season has been a long time coming.

Anthony, who is committed to play for Embry-Riddle University next year, is one of the premier attackers in Florida. As of March 21, he’s scored 163 goals in the last three seasons and assisted on 67 more. His junior season, when he contributed on 91 of his team’s 128 goals, was his statistical peak. Anthony’s total was the 14th-most in Florida’s Class 2A, and his 5.7 points per game average was higher than six of the 13 players in front of him.

Though Anthony’s point totals proved him a talented attacker, they also underlined a problem for the Mustangs. Anthony was not getting enough help around him, instead having to do much of the team’s scoring himself. It showed in the team’s record as the Mustangs went just 17-15 the past two seasons, losing in the district tournament semifinals each season.

In 2024, under first-year head coach Joe Nelson, Anthony has received help. Anthony still has a team-leading 62 points (41 goals, 21 assists), but sophomores Mickey Cohen, Liam Fernandez and Brady Johansen all have contributed 43 points or more, giving the team a more balanced approach. Anthony said the more even stat distribution is a combination of the sophomore trio’s talent and Nelson putting players in better position to succeed than they had been in past seasons.

The potent offense, combined with a better-positioned defense and strong play from senior goaltender Dylan Brown, have the Mustangs sitting with a 10-3 record as of March 22. It is in line to be the team’s best season since 2019, when the Mustangs finished 11-5. The team has two

regular-season games remaining, on the road against Manatee High (7-4) on April 1 and Lake Wales High (5-5) on April 3,  before the playoffs begin. Lakewood Ranch is confident this is the year it advances into the postseason’s regional round.

Quite confident.

“We’re going to win districts this year,” said senior defenseman Trevor Schmid, a team captain. “None of the other teams stand a chance.”  Schmid’s reasoning? The players are finally capable of playing as a team.

Anthony, who is also a captain alongside Schmid and Brown, said he could tell the 2024 season would be different before it began. Anthony said he and the other captains scheduled preseason practices for everyone to jell with each other and sharpen their skills. It was at those practices where the skills of the team’s sophomores and freshmen became apparent. It gave Anthony hope that his high school career could end on an upswing.

In the Mustangs’ second game of

LAKEWOOD RANCH BOYS LACROSSE TOP SCORERS AS OF MARCH

22

1. Senior Lucas Anthony, 62 points (41 goals, 21 assists)

2. Sophomore Liam Fernandez, 45 points (28 goals, 17 assists)

3. Sophomore Mickey Cohen, 44 points (28 goals, 16 assists)

4. Sophomore Braden Johansen, 43 points (28 goals, 15 assists)

5. Junior Drew Franks, 15 points (6 goals, 9 assists)

the season, against Riverview High on Feb. 16, Anthony’s thoughts were further confirmed. The Mustangs beat the Rams 14-13 in overtime. It was Lakewood Ranch’s second win over Riverview in program history and the first since 2020. Beating the Rams, who were the first lacrosse program established at a public school in the Sarasota-Bradenton area in 2016, was a big deal to Lakewood Ranch, Anthony said.

“Winning in overtime, that was an insane feeling,” Anthony said. “It was electric. Winning that one, we knew we had a chance at a good season. This is definitely the best team I have been on.”

Anthony said Nelson has done a good job of building the program as if from scratch, especially helping players who have little lacrosse experience. Schmid said Nelson has preached selflessness on the field, encouraging the Mustangs to pass as much as possible to keep things moving and utilizing “elevator” passes, or passes stretching from the defensive zone to the offensive zone, to jumpstart things. It is a fun way to play the game, Schmid said. Everyone wants to be at every practice and every game to be at their best.

Schmid is an example of what the sport of lacrosse can do for someone, and not just in terms of athletics. Before he joined the school’s lacrosse program as a freshman, Schmid said, he was an introvert. Playing lacrosse meant he was forced to talk to people, on the field and in the locker room, as the fast pace of play makes communication crucial.

“I forced myself to make friends,” Schmid said. “And I found out it’s easy to connect with someone if you talk to them.”

Schmid and the Lakewood Ranch defenders have put their chemistry to good use. The Mustangs have held opponents to 95 goals through 13 games, or 7.3 goals per game, while scoring 13.3 goals per game themselves.

Brown, the senior goalkeeper, has been a big part of the team’s goal suppression. Though Brown is a senior, it is his first year with the Mustangs.

Brown attends Braden River High, but is allowed to play lacrosse for Lakewood Ranch since Braden River does not offer the sport. Brown has played club lacrosse with several Mustangs players, including Anthony, and this season decided to join them for the high school season.  He’s fit in as well as he hoped. And he, Anthony and Schmid believe the best is still to come.

“We have advanced well,” Brown said. “But you can always get better, and I think we will.”

Lakewood

First-year head coach Joe Nelson has encouraged the Lakewood Ranch High boys lacrosse team to always keep the ball moving.

Photos by Ryan Kohn

Lakewood Ranch High boys lacrosse senior Lucas Anthony leads the Mustangs with 62 points.

PROSE AND KOHN RYAN KOHN

LWR High graduates shine as NCAA softball stars

For three seasons at Duke University, former Lakewood Ranch High softball star Claire Davidson was a two-way player.

Davidson, a left-hander, pitched and hit for the Blue Devils, just as she did with the Mustangs. It led to a fair amount of success in both areas. Davidson held a 3.02 ERA over three seasons (118.1 innings), while hitting .295 with 10 home runs and 28 RBIs. By her junior season, she was entrenched in Duke’s lineup every day starting 58 of the team’s 60 games either on the mound or in the outfield.

Davidson’s results were good, but she wanted to be great. With that mindset, Davidson and Duke made the decision to have her drop pitching from her list of duties for the 2024 season, focusing solely on hitting. It was a decision made easier by Duke’s arsenal of effective pitchers, Davidson said. She knew the team could be helped more with her in the batter’s box than on the mound.

Davidson, a senior, has proven the logic behind that decision as she has taken her offensive game to a new level. As of March 23, Davidson is hitting .423 with nine doubles, seven home runs and 32 RBIs, all of which lead the Blue Devils, as does her .516 on-base percentage. Davidson was named the Atlantic Coast Conference’s Player of the Week on March 19 after going 5-10 with two home runs and seven RBIs in a three-game series against Florida State March 15-17. She also holds a perfect fielding percentage in the outfield.

All the while, Duke keeps winning. The Blue Devils (25-2) are ranked No. 3 in the country by Softball America as of March 23.

“Having three years under my belt, three years with my teammates, has made our connection strong,” Davidson said. “We’re going out there and having fun every single game.”

Davidson said eliminating pitching from her repertoire has taken pressure off her at practice and during games. Davidson said she’s had a shift in her mentality this season, wanting to end her career by playing free instead of trying to make each at-bat perfect. At the plate, Davidson said, all she’s trying to do is hit a single. If it turns into a double or a home run, all the better.

“I’m not worried about results anymore,” Davidson said. “I just want to enjoy my last moments on the field with these people.”

In a twist of fate, the mindset has led to the best results of her career.

Though Davidson has thrived in 2024, she is hardly the only Lakewood Ranch softball star making the most of her NCAA opportunities. Here’s a round-up of other players having strong seasons:

MCKENZIE CLARK, CLEMSON UNIVERSITY

Clark, the former Mustangs outfielder — nicknamed “Pie” for her love of the dessert — is a senior at Clemson. Clark has continued to hit at a high level, as she has done throughout her career.

As of March 23, Clark is hitting .345 with four doubles, two triples, eight home runs and 22 RBIs. Her batting average is third on the Tigers, but she tops the team in slugging percentage (.713) while holding a .969 fielding percentage in center field. Assuming Clark does not have a sharp drop-off in play in the second half of the season, she will finish her Tigers career with remarkable consistency, never hitting worse than a .328 average, with a high (so far) of .355.

It is a consistency that has helped Clemson remain competitive in the ACC despite tough competition like Davidson’s Blue Devils. The Tigers are 21-8 and ranked No. 13 by Softball America as of March 23.

PAYTON KINNEY, UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT

Kinney is a senior pitcher at Connecticut. The right-hander has been challenged physically and mentally at times with the Huskies, as she detailed when talking to the Observer last year, but she has been rock-solid on the mound in 2024.

As of March 23, Kinney holds a 3.20 ERA and a 3-2 record in 25.1 innings of work, striking out 27 batters while walking 12.  The Huskies are 16-11 overall, but 4-0 in Big East Conference play as of March 22. While Connecticut isn’t considered a favorite to reach the Women’s College World Series like other programs represented on this list, competing for a conference championship is a real possibility for Kinney and the Huskies as she closes out her college career.

CASSIDY MCLELLAN, UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

McLellan, a freshman outfielder, is the youngest player on this list, but she is quickly making an impact at Florida. McLellan is hitting .391 with two doubles and nine RBIs in

23 at-bats, while also walking eight times for an on-base percentage of .529.  She’s earning the trust of her coaches: McLellan has started the team’s last four games and reached base six times in those games. She also holds a perfect fielding percentage.  Expect even better numbers as McLellan advances her career.

JILLIAN HERBST, COLGATE UNIVERSITY

Herbst, a junior outfielder at Colgate, could likely find a home at a bigger and better NCAA Division I school if she so chose — Colgate is 10-15 in 2024 — but it appears she is content to put up big numbers for the Raiders.  Herbst, a slapper-style leadoff hitter, is batting .356 with three doubles, one home run and nine RBIs in 2024. Her average and on-base percentage (.447) lead the team, and she holds a .974 fielding percentage. Since Herbst arrived at Colgate, the Raiders have played 121 games and Herbst has started 120 of them, missing one game in 2023.

TAYLOR WOODRING, EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY

Woodring, a junior utility player, is not a cemented starter with the Pirates, but has carved out a niche as a successful pinch hitter. Woodring has seen action in 23 games (nine starts) and has hit .351 with three doubles and three RBIs. Her average is higher than five of the Pirates’ typical starting nine players.

A lack of a true defensive position might be holding Woodring back from a full-time starting position, but she has managed to make a positive contribution anyway. The Pirates are 22-8 and appear poised to compete for a title in the American Athletic Conference.

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

Courtesy image

Former Lakewood Ranch High softball star Claire Davidson gave up pitching for Duke University this season — and it has led to the best hitting results of the senior’s career.

Former Lakewood Ranch High pitcher

Payton Kinney has a 3.20 ERA as a senior at the University of Connecticut as of March 23.

John Moschella is a senior boys track and field athlete at The Out-ofDoor Academy. Moschella is sixth in Florida High School Athletic Association Class 1A in the 400-meter hurdles (57.22 seconds) as of March 25.

When did you start hurdling?

I started during my sophomore year. My dad (Kenneth Moschella) competed in the hurdles at the University of Iowa. He convinced me to try it. I had played hockey before, but I had never done track and field. It was more of a workout than I expected the first time.

What was the biggest challenge?

The whole sport was tough to grasp at first, but the races themselves are the hardest part. You get anxiety before a race. You have to worry about going fast, but also, am I going to hit the hurdles? Am I going to fall down? It’s a challenge. But doing it has helped me become a better athlete overall.

What is your favorite memory?

Last year, going into the state meet, I was seeded ninth. I was just barely in the top heat. But I ended up finishing second (56.67 seconds). What helped was, I didn’t feel any pressure.

How did that change expectations for this season?

It definitely motivated me. It showed me that (medaling) is doable. This year, the goal is obviously to finish first. This season is going well. There haven’t been injuries or anything like that. So I’m optimistic.

What are your goals for this season?

I’d like to get in the 54- or 53-second range in the 400-meter hurdles. In the 110-meter hurdles, it has gone well. I have set a personal record twice in the last three weeks. So maybe I can get in the low 15 seconds.

What do you do with your free time?

Well, this past week I have been watching some of the March Madness college basketball games. But normally I don’t watch many things. I eat. I sleep. I study for school. Besides that, I’m practicing for track and field.

What is your favorite school subject?

I’m taking Wall Street investments this year. It’s a business math class. It gives me real-world skills.

What is the best advice you have received?

My dad tells me to attack the hurdle. That helps me remember what to do. I used to overthink it.

Finish this sentence: “John Moschella is … ” … Competitive.

Tropical Nights celebrates 30 years

These pirates plundered the booty and “arrrr” putting it toward a good cause.

Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee hosted Tropical Nights on March 23 at the Grove Ballroom.

Capt. Jack Sparrow greeted guests. The event’s theme was “A Pirate’s Life.” Eye patches, scarves and stuffed shoulder parrots were the must-have accessories for the evening.

The Tropical Ave Band provided the music, and the silent auction provided the action. Diamond earrings, a yacht trip and an eight-day European stay were up on the block, along with ABC 7’s Bob Harrigan. The package was called “An Evening with a Meteorologist.”

“We raised over $200,000 last year,” CEO Maribeth Phillips said. “We would love to do that again.”

Meals on Wheels Plus delivers more than 300,000 meals a year. The Food Bank of Manatee, one of the

Plus programs, has distributed more than 3 million pounds of food into the community.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Tropical Nights. Phillips said there were people in the ballroom who have attended at least 25 of them.

William and Judi Bjork have attended at least 16 because that’s how long Judi Bjork was the outreach coordinator for Meal on Wheels Plus.

This year, the Bjorks can relax.

“She was always setting up all these events,” William Bjork said, “And then, of course, that brought me in the door and I was emptying garbage bags and helping with everything. This is the first year we’re not doing any of that.”

Judi Bjork retired in December. The couple enjoyed the rest of the evening with cocktails in hand and nothing on their shoulders except William Bjork’s stuffed parrot.

— LESLEY DWYER

Tropical Ave Band performs for the crowd.

Venice residents Jens and Bethany Behrmann get into character.

Manatee County Court Judge Melissa Gould attends Tropical Nights with her husband, Ryan Jawitz. Gould is a member of the Meals on

Patrick Wright and Maribeth Phillips, Meals on Wheels Plus CEO, enjoy the music in the ballroom

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Eric and Yudy Epler work for Woodruff & Sons, one of the event’s sponsors.

YOUR CALENDAR

COMMUNITY

THURSDAY, MARCH 28-SUNDAY, MARCH 31

LIVE MUSIC AT JIGGS LANDING

Runs from 4:30-7:30 p.m. each day at Jiggs Landing, 6106 63rd

St. E., Bradenton. The live music lineup at Jiggs Landing includes Steve Arvey (Thursday), Garbage Men Band (Friday), Blue Grass Pirates (Saturday) and Gator Ridge Ramblers (Sunday). The Friday and Saturday concerts have a $5 cover; the other concerts are free. For more information, go to JiggsLanding. com.

FRIDAY, MARCH 29 EGGSTRAVAGANZA

Runs from noon to 2 p.m. at the Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota. The Mall at University Town Center hosts Eggstravaganza, which includes an egg hunt for 40,000 eggs throughout the mall at participating stores. The event also includes bounce houses near the east main entrance near Kona Grill. A kids safety expo will be held at the Dillard’s Court. Entertainment includes face painting and balloon twisting inside the Grand Court. The first 500 kids 12 and under receive a free egg hunt tote bag. Entry is free. Participation is first-come, firstserved. Check in at the Customer Service Desk to receive an egg scavenger hunt map and tote bag.

FRIDAY MARCH 29 AND

SATURDAY, MARCH 30

MUSIC AT THE PLAZA

Runs 6-9 p.m. at 1560 Lakefront Drive, Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch. On Friday, singer/songwriter Emily Ross will perform for those strolling the streets of Waterside Place in this free concert. On Saturday, singer Mylon Shamble entertains the crowd. For more information, go to WatersidePlace. com.

SUNDAY, MARCH 31

POLO

Begins at 1 p.m. at the Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Lakewood Ranch. The Sarasota Polo Club runs every Sunday through April 7. Tickets are $15, with VIP packages available. Gates open at 10 a.m. Besides the polo action, enjoy the opening parade, halftime wagon rides, food and drinks. Enjoy the traditional divot stomping at halftime. For tickets or information, go to SarasotaPolo.com.

FARMERS MARKET

Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Lakefront Drive in Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch. The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch will run year-round every Sunday. Vendors will be offering seafood, eggs, meats,

BEST BET

SATURDAY, MARCH 30

MY HOMETOWN FEST Runs noon to 5 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. My Hometown Fest was founded in 2016 by the Sertoma Club of Greater Sarasota to support the club’s charitable activities for children and adults. These include Sertoma Kids Speech and Language Center, which serves families regardless of their ability to pay. Each year, My Hometown Fest features samples from some of the area’s leading restaurants. Regional craft brewers and distilleries have beverages available. The event also features live music and kids activities. Music includes Evan Taylor Jones from noon to 1:15 p.m.; Twinkle and Rock Soul Radio from 1:45-3:15 p.m.; and Hot Tonic from 3:45-5 p.m. Tickets are $40 and include food and adult beverages; or $30 for a food only ticket. Kids 12 and under are free. Parking is $10. For more information, go to MyHometownFest.com.

Courtesy image Twinkle will rock My Hometown Fest.

dairy products, pastas, bakery goods, jams and pickles, among other items. Other features are children’s activities and live music. For more information, visit MyLWR. com.

YOGA IN THE PARK

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3

RANCH NIGHT WEDNESDAYS

Runs from 6-9 p.m. at 1561

Lakefront Drive, Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch. The weekly event includes good trucks, live music, a night market, a vintage mobile bar, and a recreational cornhole league. No outside food or beverage is allowed. For more information, go to Events@LakewoodRanch.com.

Charge of the egg brigade

Hoover vacuums have nothing on little kids. Especially when it comes to Easter eggs.

When 569 children were unleashed March 23 at Waterside Park in Lakewood Ranch during Eggstravaganza, thousands of eggs were sucked into baskets within two to three minutes.

It took Lakewood Ranch Community Activities volunteers hours to put out all the plastic eggs containing goodies, and children less than the minutes on an egg timer to pick them up.

It was a wild, fun scramble along Kingfisher Lake.

“This is such a great community,” said Lakewood Ranch’s Brianna Cruz, whose 7-month-old Enzo Cruz, who enjoyed his first Eggstravaganza. “He was so excited. It was such a big day for him.”

Lakewood Ranch’s Stephanie Tretolo brought her 3-year-old Oliver to Eggstravaganza.

“It so nice to have something to go to this close to home, and something so much fun,” she said.

— JAY HEATER

The Ringling Bridge 5K/10K Run and Well-Being Expo unites the community in support of students and teachers, generating hope in the next generation.

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

Seven-year-old Annelise, 5-year-old Evelyn and 3-year-old Isabel McLaughlin of Lakewood Ranch prepare for the start of Eggstravaganza.

Lakewood Ranch’s Enzo Cruz, 7 months old, enjoys his first Eggstravaganza with mom Brianna Cruz at Waterside Park on March 23.

Palmetto 2-year-old Everleigh Flynn put her Easter basket down at Eggstravaganza on March 23 at Waterside Place to concentrate on playing in the sand.

Olivia Escorcia, 7, and Marco Escorcia, 5, meet the Easter Bunny at Eggstravaganza.

Photos by Jay Heater Kaitlyn Stock watches as her son, Lane Watters guesses the number of jelly beans in the jar in a game sponsored by the East County Observer at Eggstravaganza.

First stroll down the runway

River

But this time, rather than sitting at the table watching the models go by, Sacarakis was the one hitting the runway.

She showed outfits from Wish Boutique during River Strand’s fifth annual fashion show March 23. The fashion show benefited the Food Bank of Manatee.

Sacarakis said after years of seeing the fashion show, it was an honor to be chosen to participate as a model.

Eloise Eckler, coordinator of the

fashion show, said residents only are able to serve as models once to ensure more residents are able to participate in the show.

River Strand’s Robbie Phaneuf said she loved going to Wish Boutique and picking out her outfits for the runway. She said it took her about 15 minutes to select three outfits she loved and fit her well.

As she made her way down the runway, guests were giving her positive feedback about her outfits.

“You need to get that one for yourself,” one guest yelled as Phaneuf finished her walk.

— LIZ RAMOS

“I had no idea my teeth would look this good!”

“Dr. Jeffrey Martins and the team at Paradise Dental make you feel like you have known them your whole life. They are such warm and caring people.

My teeth were such a mess when I started going. It’s one of those things where life gets busy and you just don’t take care of your teeth as much. I’m 71 and I still work, but I realized I had bad teeth. I had a chip or two, and the teeth in the front were half the size that they are now. They were a mess! So getting them fixed was a major transformation, no question about it!

I chose Paradise Dental because I heard of Dr. Jeffrey Martins’ work and his passion for reconstructive dentistry - and that’s what I experienced. The result was like night and day! I had no idea my teeth would look this good!

Dr. Martins definitely knows what he is doing. He is incredibly knowledgeable, experienced, and friendly. Plus, his whole team is so warm and caring. They make you feel like you are the only one in the room. They are always smiling and making sure you’re doing ok. The whole process was smooth and pain-free.

I never recommend anyone if I don’t truly believe in them. Dr. Martins and his team are what I call HTP - Highly Trained Professionals. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.” - Roy S.

The

Jeffrey Martins, DDS DENTIST AND OWNER

Back: Irene Rivera, Sue Harbaugh and Jean Scheuer; Front: Mary Ann Cardillo, Nancy Sacarakis, Robbie Phaneuf and Peggy O’Shaghnessy. All River Strand ladies will serve as the fashion show’s models.

Photos by Liz Ramos River Strand’s Patty Horak and Gayle Mutechnik look forward to seeing their friends model the latest fashion.

River Strand’s Irene Rivera strikes a pose.

River Strand’s Jean Scheuer adjusts her necklace so it’s perfect for the runway.

River Strand’s Marie Larsen, Cecelia Hunsberger and Helen Macdonald are ready for the fashion show.

New sports bar hopes to score big

The Greyson offers wall-to-wall TVs, later hours and fresh food.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

Even with a full bar, there’s one thing that will never be on the drink menu at The Greyson — daiquiris.

Russell Matthes, co-owner of the new sports bar in the Lakewood Walk plaza, was a part owner in the Daiquiri Deck chain of restaurants for almost 30 years and is ready to start a new chapter.

He teamed up with River Club resident Tom Halkidis on The Greyson, an upscale sports bar.

Matthes and Halkidis plan to open three to five more locations over the next three to five years. The first location in Palmetto opened in May 2023. The Lakewood Ranch location, which was formally Truman’s Tap & Grill, opened on March 13.

By March 21, Cassia and Peter Seems had already been to The Greyson four times. They live across the street at The Residences.

“The food is great, and the staff is awesome,” Cassia Seems said.

Seems also mentioned that she likes the TVs. The Greyson offers every sports package available for viewing. With that, there are 28 TVs inside and 8 are going outside on the patio.

The dog-friendly patio is waiting on a few finishing touches. A canopy and roll-down screens are being installed over the next couple weeks.

But don’t let more than two dozen TVs fool you. While The Greyson is a sports bar, the food isn’t poured from a bulk-packaged bag into a fryer.

“A lot of our food comes fresh,” Halkidis said. “Every chicken product is breaded in-house. All of our burgers come fresh. There’s not much frozen stuff.”

The menu fulfills every craving a sports bar might evoke — wings, sandwiches, burgers and nachos. There are also specialty salads and artisan flatbreads. Appetizers range from fried pickle chips to a Mediterranean trio of hummus, tzatziki and spicy feta.

There’s a full bar with high-end bourbons and local craft beers. Halkidis described the happy hour as “aggressive.”  “Casamigos (tequila) is $8. That’s the best deal you’ll ever get on that,” he said.  While it’s half-restaurant and

half-sports bar, The Greyson keeps sports bar hours, staying open later than most eateries in the area. It’s open until midnight on weekdays and 1 a.m. on the weekends.

During the day, it’s family and workforce friendly. There are 170 seats between the dining room, bar and outside patio.

“We know how important service is. We’re quick,” Matthes said. “We keep a lot of servers on staff so you can come in and out for lunch and have plenty of time.”

Outside of the wall-to-wall TV

screens, the look of The Greyson resembles a restaurant more than a sports bar. Guests are greeted with natural light and an artfully scrawled quote across the wall.

“I could talk food all day. I love good food. – Tom Brady.”

A quote about food from a superstar quarterback sums up the balance between sports and dining. Each is equally important.

For those customers who remember Truman’s, the space is transformed. The walls that enclosed the bar area were removed, leaving a more open layout. And the bar itself was updated. Dark wood was replaced with a lighter stone backdrop and clean, white countertops.

Only one week into opening, the bar was nearly full on a Thursday afternoon.

“We knew after our first location that we’d be busy once the word got out, so we did a soft opening,” Matthes said. “We’ve got a good reputation. People love our food, and they love our atmosphere.”

“Choosing

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Tom Halkidis and Russell Matthes own The Greyson, which recently opened in Lakewood Ranch.

Lake Club home tops sales at $3.3 million

Ahome in Lake Club topped all transactions in this week’s real estate. Carol Chernoff, of Westerville, Ohio, sold her home at 8507 Pavia Way to Cain-Aten Hayes and Denise Hayes, of Waban, Massachusetts, for $3.3 million. Built in 2022, it has five bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,185 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,883,100 in 2022.

LAKEHOUSE COVE AT WATERSIDE

Ernest and Anne Nagy, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 748 Crosswind Ave. to Laurel Phillips, trustee, of Sarasota, for $2.19 million. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,309 square feet of living area.

RIVERDALE REVISED

Charles and Paula Winston, of Bradenton, sold their home at 556 Fore Drive to Margaret Reed McMullin, of Denton, Texas, for $1.8 million. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,268 square feet of living area. It sold for $925,400 in 2015.

Judy Bernard and Tony Joseph Liggio, of Saint Rose, Louisiana, sold their home at 4732 Pinnacle Drive to William and Joan Henegar, of Bradenton, for $880,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,291 square feet of living area. It sold for $549,900 in 2019.

ISLES

Toll FL XIII Ltd. Partnership sold the home at 7994 Redonda Loop to Atulkumar Patel and Nileshkum Patel, of Toms River, New Jersey, for $1,436,800. Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,504 square feet of living area.

Toll FL XIII Ltd. Partnership sold the home at 8086 Redonda Loop to Mavi Real Estates LLC for $1,086,900. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths and 3,198 square feet of living area.

LAKEWOOD NATIONAL

Gary Don McKee and Connie Deniel McKee sold their home at 5901 Cessna Run to Jeffrey and Rhonda Fortune, of St. Louis, for $1.15 million. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 2,722 square feet of living area. It sold for $900,000 in 2022.

UNIVERSITY PARK

Jeanne Feldhusen and Gerald Jager, of New York City, sold their home at 7620 Boltons Court to Clifford Holderness and Carol Marckel and Holderness, of Bradenton, for $1,135,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,613 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,061,000 in 2023.

ESPLANADE

Gary Kavafes and Elaine Ortman, of Parrish, sold their home at 5258 Castello Lane to Stephen Warren, of Bradenton, for $980,000. Built in 2013, it has two bedrooms, twoand-a-half baths, a pool and 2,253 square feet of living area. It sold for $442,000 in 2013.

GREYHAWK LANDING WEST

Gay Wiese, trustee, of Nokomis, sold the home at 436 Chantilly Trail to Amy Jones and Thomas Stanton, of Bradenton, for $975,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,904 square feet of living area. It sold for $665,000 in 2021.

RIVER PLACE

Kirk and Dee CayCe, trustees, of Keller, Texas, sold the home at 7020 73rd Court E. to Todd and Gabrielle Kirchman, of Bradenton, for $965,000. Built in 2010, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,034 square feet of living area. It sold for $500,000 in 2018.

BRADEN WOODS

Barton and Tonya Mathis, of Bradenton, sold their home at 6709 88th St. E. to Michael Corbett, of Bradenton, for $925,000. Built in 1989, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,826 square feet of living area. It sold for $395,000 in 2017.

Krystyna and Ewald Zerbin, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 9011 60th Ave. E. to Julia Kline, of Bradenton, for $485,000. Built in 1989, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,488 square feet of living area. It sold for $289,000 in 2019.

DEL WEBB

David James Lewis and Amy Louise Lewis, of Bradenton, sold their home at 7336 Chester Trail to Carole Goldstein, of Bradenton, for $830,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,872 square feet of living area. It sold for $625,000 in 2021.

Edward and Maria Delaney, of Vero Beach, sold their home at 17231 Corinna Place to Bruce Embry and Andrea Celenza, of Bradenton, for $745,000. Built in 2018, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,832 square feet of living area. It sold for $635,000 in 2021.

CYPRESS CREEK ESTATES

LBK Design Build LLC sold the home at 6193 Ninth Ave. Circle N.E. to Donna Louise Ouradnik and Leonard Harvey Ouradnik, of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, for $770,000. Built in 1987, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,918 square feet of living area. It sold for $610,000 in 2022.

GREENBROOK

Robert Clark and Robert Caffrey, of Simpsonville, South Carolina, sold their home at 6461 Indigo Bunting Place to Alexandru Arning and Enyledia Lopez Morales, of Lakewood Ranch, for $760,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,569 square feet of living area. It sold for $355,400 in 2003.

HAMPTON GREEN

Richard Eisenberg, of Saint Helena Island, South Carolina, sold his home at 6423 Berkshire Place to Michael and Mary Jo Gaio, of University Park, for $750,000. Built in 1992, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,067 square feet of living area. It sold for $350,000 in 2019.

UPPER MANATEE RIVER ROAD

Miranda Dupuis and Jean Philippe Dupuis, of Bradenton, sold their home at 16307 Upper Manatee River Road to Adrian Lopez Ramirez and Francisca Matiano Carachure de Lopez. of Bradenton, for $740,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,244 square feet of living area. It sold for $415,000 in 2019.

COUNTRY CLUB EAST

Michael Gulizia and Sandra Sullivan sold their home at 7282 Belleisle Glen to Thomas Roy Hoppenjans, of Lakewood Ranch, for $735,000. Built in 2013, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,784 square feet of living area. It sold for $650,000 in 2023.

COACH HOMES AT LAKEWOOD

NATIONAL

Edward Patrick Mchugh and Christine Melissa Mchugh, of Hamburg, New York, sold their Unit 4422 condominium at 18017 Gawthrop Drive to Brian John Rogers, of Bradenton, for $730,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,108 square feet of living area. It sold for $378,000 in 2020.

TARA John and Teresa Knippel sold their home at 6623 Peach Tree Creek Road to Jacob Torres and Tarrah Lowry-Torres, of Bradenton, for

COUNTRY CLUB

Jeffrey Diemand, trustee, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the home at 12010 Thornhill Court to Trudi Marvin, of Lakewood Ranch, for $665,000. Built in 2011, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,859 square feet of living area. It sold for $190,000 in 2019.

HERITAGE HARBOUR

William Sargent, of Bradenton, sold his home at 143 River Enclave Court to Barton and Tonya Mathis, of Bradenton, for $640,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,996 square feet of living area. It sold for $347,500 in 2020.

Patrick Norbet Arnold and Jacalyn Marie Dicello, trustees, of Lithia, sold the home at 164 Wandering Wetlands Circle to Douglas Charles Orton and Paulene Semerau-Orton, of Bradenton, for $600,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,006 square feet of living area. It sold for $317,300 in 2015.

OLD GROVE AT GREENFIELD PLANTATION

Ryan and Brittany Hoppe sold their home at 10429 Old Grove Circle to Timoteo Oliveira and Karolina Messias, of Fort Riley, Kansas, for $599,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,796 square feet of living area. It sold for $235,000 in 2015.

VINTAGE CREEK

Joseph Salvatore Lisi, of Framingham, Massachusetts, sold their home at 4639 Classique Drive to Leandro Jose Mendez and Dominique Marie Mendez, of Sarasota, for $540,000. Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,305 square feet of living area. It sold for $260,000 in 2015.

COACH HOMES AT RIVER STRAND

Jeanette Radivoy, trustee, of Bradenton, sold the Unit 5003 condominium at 6406 Grand Estuary Trail to James and Kathryn Hammond, of Bradenton, for $530,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,108 square feet of living area. It sold for $275,000 in 2017.

RIVER ISLES

Anthea Banks and Sandra Patterson, of British Columbia, Canada, sold their home at 3910 Joyce Drive to Frank and Barbara Hengemihle, of Bradenton, for $520,000. Built in 1979, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,539 square feet of living area. It sold for $440,000 in 2021.

STONEYBROOK AT HERITAGE HARBOUR

Richard Macklin, trustee, of Bradenton, sold the home at 8210 Haven Harbour Way to Brian Patrick Holmes and Denise Ann Holmes, of Bradenton, for $520,000. Built in 2003, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,913 square feet of living area. It sold for $279,000 in 2013.

COUNTRY CREEK

Maureen Morningstar, of Mountain View, Arkansas, sold her home at 602 147th St. E. to Kayla Reinoehl, of Bradenton, for $519,000. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,920 square feet of living area. It sold for $165,000 in 2012.

PLANTER’S MANOR AT GREENFIELD PLANTATION

Radovan and Klara Feltl, of Placida, sold their home at 710 Old Quarry Road to Dwayne and Brandy Britton, of Bradenton, for $500,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,744 square feet of living area. It sold for $170,000 in 2011.

MILLBROOK AT GREENFIELD PLANTATION

Richard Shopes and Sandra Santilli, of St. Petersburg, sold their home at 1106 Millbrook Circle to Christopher and Amy Gephart, of Bradenton, for $495,000. Built in 2000, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,835 square feet of living area.

DEL TIERRA

Opendoor Property Trust I sold the home at 347 Tierra Verde Way to Alex Diaz Gonzalez and Elianis Hortensia Gonzalez, of Bradenton, for $475,000. Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,607 square feet of living area. It sold for $461,000 in 2023.

BRADEN RIVER LAKES

Jill Daniel, of Winston Salem, North Carolina, sold the home at 608 46th St. E. to Vincent and Amanda Bowman, of Bradenton, for $460,000.

FORECAST

RAMSHACKLE by Jeff Chen, edited by Jeff Chen

By Luis Campos

Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in