East County Observer 3.28.24

EAST COUNTY

Observer

Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998 ICO D R GU LF OF MEX .

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

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VOLUME 25, NO. 39

YOUR TOWN

Sarasota takes over all of Longboat, Manatee to absorb Lakewood Ranch Southeast. SEE PAGE 3A

GULF OF MEXICO DR.

Deal leads to new Manatee, Sarasota borders

File photo

Amazing restaurant comes to the Ranch AmazingBurger has opened at 2222 Lakewood Main St. with its signature A-Burger (shown above).

While the A-Burger looks like a heart attack waiting to happen, it actually is heart friendly. The burger patties are smashed king oyster mushrooms and the bacon is dyed purslane. Various plant mixtures make up the rest of the recipe and the sauce is zero calorie Russian dressing. The whole thing is served on a Keto bun.

AmazingBurger owner Will Dunn said Lakewood Ranch was a great fit for the restaurant because it serves classic favorites with a healthy twist that fits the area’s lifestyle.

“Lakewood Ranch is the perfect place to launch our chain,” Dunn said. “The people here will try anything if it is proven to be healthy. If you made a shoe out of plants they would eat it ... but I hope our A-Burger is a lot better than a shoe.”

CHARGED UP Mote amped up over two-headed electric eel.

SEE PAGE 2A

Courtesy image

AC/DC, the only known two-headed electric eel in the world, will be a main attraction when Mote opens its Science Education Aquarium early in 2025.

File photo

East County will be the site of ‘The Birds’ remake The annual bird infestation in East County has drawn the interest of Director Jay Beakes.

Beakes has chosen the Lakewood Ranch area for his remake of the Alfred Hitchcock thriller “The Birds.”

“Hitchcock had to go to a garbage dump to get gulls in his movie,” Beakes said. “And while you have a dump here, there are plenty of birds that love the construction sites. We won’t have to bring anything in.”

Hitchcock used crows, ravens, gulls and sparrows in his classic, but Beakes said he wants to put his own spin on the remake.

“Gosh, if I can find a way to use those nasty turkey vultures ... well, that’s an ‘R’ rating right there. And could you imagine an attack scene featuring sandhill cranes?”

County hangs hopes on suspension bridge

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Conventional span soars in cost, so Manatee explores alternatives. SEE PAGE 4A

Jumpy the Dog hits the stage in ‘Old Feller.’

INSIDE Courtesy rendering

Manatee County planners are looking at a Golden Gate replica for a second Fort Hamer span.

2A

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024

Shocker, Mote will plug in two-headed electric eel The freak occurrence came out of Surinam and will be the featured exhibit.

FUN FACTS

Five electric eel facts to make you squeal

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

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Courtesy image

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

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

*Information from Treehugger. com

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. SEE EEL ON PAGE 4A

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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.

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.

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ote Marine announced March 26 that it has acquired a rare two-headed electric eel — named AC/DC — that will become the marque attraction when the new Science Education Aquarium opens early in 2025.

AC/DC arrived at Mote’s City Island facility March 24 and was put into a quarantine that will last two months. Mote spokesman Mia Copa said AC/DC eventually will be in a first-floor tank that will be the first thing visitors see when they go through the front door of the aquarium.

“AC/DC is the only known twoheaded electric eel in the world,” Copa said. “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

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.

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.

TAR A BLV D.

LIE WAY NATA

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024

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Wheelin’, dealin’ or just plain stealin’?

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

LONGBOAT KEY

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JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

LET’S MAKE A DEAL

Sarasota and Manatee counties agree to historic land swap SARASOTA COUNTY GETS: ■ All former Manatee County land on north Longboat Key ■ Palm Aire community ■ University Park community ■ 500-acre parcel to be named *The deal still must be approved by the state

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LET’S MAKE A DEAL Sarasota and Manatee counties agree to historic land swap

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MANATEE COUNTY GETS: ■ 4,120 acres east of I-75 (Lakewood Ranch Southeast) ■ All land between Lakewood Ranch Boulevard and Lorraine Road and from University Parkway to Fruitville Road ■ The Fruitville Commons shopping center ■ $150 million cash *The deal still must be approved by the state

SEE SWAP ON PAGE 4A

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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.

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uring 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 THE and talk it out.

He said it eventuallyMAbrought “likeminded communities together.” E. S AV you E Rwhen “What do you think of 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

4A

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024

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?

Engineers begin planning for a suspension bridge at Fort Hamer.

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

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soggy bottom has forced Manatee County officials to make an artistic, and expensive, decision.

Layer upon layer of muck at the bottom of the Manatee River has made building a new span at Fort Hamer “not impossible, but impossibly expensive,” according to a county engineer.

With costs soaring to $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

Courtesy photos

They won’t match up, but it looks like the Manatee River will have the original Fort Hamer Bridge and a smaller replica of the Golden Gate Bridge side by side.

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

BY THE NUMBERS Manatee County considers a suspension bridge at Fort Hamer

2 lanes 2,567 length in feet 150 million cost in dollars 26,000 miles of galvanized steel 6 years to build 40 Width of bridge in feet 61 Number of strands of steel in one cable

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.

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EAST COUNTY

Summer Fun Observer

Observer

2024 Guide

Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998

Your guide to summer camps in Manatee and Sarasota counties.

INSIDE Kids learn how to swim at

Lakewood Ranch YMCA camp.

ARTS PAGE 6

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

EDUCATION PAGE 22

GENERAL PAGE 30

SPORTS PAGE 44

FREE • THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024

VOLUME 25, NO. 39

YOUR TOWN

More food choices to grace Waterside Chamberlin’s Natural Foods and Bar Italia head businesses opening in Waterside. SEE PAGE 7A

Lesley Dwyer

Primed for a break at Nolan Middle With spring break on its way, Chase Johansen, an eighth grader at R. Dan Nolan Middle School, was packed for the beach.

Rather than bringing his backpack to school March 22, which was the last school day before spring break, Johansen walked around with a beach chair strapped to his back.

Instead of sitting in a school desk chair, Johansen unfolded his beach chair and relaxed with a book in his hands.

Now, he’s just missing the beach.

He wasn’t the only student walking around with something different than a backpack to celebrate “Anything but a Backpack Day” March 22.

RESORT ON COURSE Heritage Harbour Golf Club project moves forward with club homes and a Homes2Suites hotel. SEE PAGE 8A

Jay Heater

Heritage Harbour Golf Club General Manager Mark Bruce is seeing his project come to fruition with 74 Club Homes at Heritage Harbour and a Home2Suites hotel. Construction already has begun for the underground utilities serving the club homes.

What a rush: Kids gather for egg hunt

Lesley Dwyer

Up, up and away at Waterside Place Drew Benderson brought a kite with him to Waterside Place on Sunday.

It didn’t have ribbons trailing behind it or a spool to reel it back in. It was a 15-foot-wide paragliding kite.

Benderson normally uses it to fly, along with a small motor he carries on his back. If you frequent Waterside Place, chances are you’ve seen him cruising over Kingfisher Lake.

On Sunday, he was just practicing, or “kiting,” on the ground as the winds came and went through Waterside Park.

“Paragliding gives me a thrill,” Benderson said. “It’s just my thing. I fly almost every day.”

Lakewood Ranch Community Activities’ Eggstravaganza draws hundreds of kids to Waterside Park.

SEE PAGE 4B Jay Heater

Waterside 18-month-old August Smith checks out the eggs he scooped up at Eggstravaganza.

A+E Bringing Balanchine to life.

INSIDE

6A

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024

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

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Courtesy image

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.

“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. 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.

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.”

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.

Market Place at Heritage Harbour

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arget 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.

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024

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

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

T

he gateway center to Lakewood Ranch’s Waterside district is adding more selections for lo-

cal 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 Develop-

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Chamberlin’s will open in Center Point at Waterside this spring.

ment.

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

OPEN NOW ■ Center Point Medical Center ■ 7-Eleven ■ Fifth Third Bank ■ International Diamond Center ■ McDonald’s ■ Owen’s Fish Camp ■ Ruth’s Chris Steak House ■ Salon Loft ■ TD Bank ■ Visionworks ■ Woodies Wash Shack

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.

Chamberlin’s will offer an array of grab-and-go options when open this spring.

Courtesy image

This rendering offers a preview of the future 131 Main that will be located in Center Point at Waterside on University Parkway.

“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.

ADDITIONAL TENANTS TO OPEN AT CENTER POINT ■ Allure Nails ■ Arhaus ■ Good Vet ■ Med Spa ■ PAC Dental ■ Quelliv ■ Thrivery ■ Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming

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 of charge.

The community has already given high marks to the next business to open in Center Point – Sport Clips.

Michelle and Nick Choat own two other franchises in Bradenton and Sarasota.

“Our Bradenton location ranks in the top 5% of all the Sports Clips locations in the country (there are over 1,800),” Michelle Choat said.

“We are pretty proud of that. We were also awarded Manatee Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year in 2018.”

Sport Clips caters to men and boys with sports constantly playing on TVs around the salon, but women are welcome, too. The salon opens April 10.

Club Pilates has also set a date to open. The club will be soft opening by hosting a VIP launch party on Aug. 8.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024

OPENING ROUND

What: Construction begins on Club Homes at Heritage Harbour Club home builder: Altcess Real Estate Group Project: 74 club homes will be built adjacent to a Home2Suites by Hilton property that will have 100 or more hotel rooms Bundles: Those who buy a club home will be bundled into Heritage Harbour Golf Club and will have use of Home2Suites’ resort amenities Sprucing up: The Heritage Harbour Golf Course underwent a $2 million renovation in 2022 Golf course renovation architect: Nick Campanelli Original architect: Arthur Hills (died May 18, 2021) Construction goes vertical: August Expected occupancy date for villas: Early 2025 Lesley Dwyer

Heavy equipment prepares the land for the Club Homes at Heritage Harbour.

Heritage Harbour resort project tees off Construction has begun on 74 club homes at Heritage Harbour Golf Club with a hotel on the way.

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

O

n March 25, heavy construction vehicles were plowing up the land off Stone Harbour Loop, a thing of beauty to Heritage Harbour Golf Club General Manager Mark Bruce.

Bruce knows the necessary underground utility work is well underway for a project that initially was planned in January 2020.

“We finally get to see the excavators and the dump trucks,” Bruce said. “We are ready to put a bow on this one.”

Courtesy images

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

AMBITIOUS PROJECT

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

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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 Luminette® Sheers & Shadings with Solar Screen and Combination Wand Cord

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024

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The Most Beautiful Jewels in Lakewood Ranch®

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

River Heritage Boulevard where the former No. 1 and No. 2 holes were located. Original plans pointed at late in 2022 for the lodge to be open.

COURSE IMPROVEMENTS

Once the original plans were made, Bruce had to make improvements to the course, which opened as Stoneybrook Golf Course in 2001 and changed its name to Heritage Harbour Golf Club in 2018. A $2 million renovation was done in 2022.

Landscape and golf course architect Nick Campanelli, 38, of Glastonbury, Connecticut, was chosen for the design job. The original architect, Arthur Hills, died May 18, 2021.

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A rendering of a Home2Suites hotel.

More than 700 currently are under development in the U.S.

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.

“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.”

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NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024

Knights of Columbus sails forward

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

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

J

ohn 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.

Lesley Dwyer

Courtesy image

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

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

Get There in a Hop, Skip and a Splash

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.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024

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

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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.

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.

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.

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akewood 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.

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

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024

IF YOU GO Chad 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.

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.

HONORING HIS PASSION

Courtesy images

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.

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

LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR

E

ven 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

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

More information: ChadDay.ProFishingTournaments.com 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.

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.

EAST COUNTY

“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.”

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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.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024

13A

JAY HEATER

Bizarre supervisor of elections saga continues I f you want to mail your concerns to Commissioner James Satcher, you will find his address on Manatee County’s website.

His title is listed as “The Honorable James Satcher.”

Most of what he has done as a commissioner would affirm that title. Sure, he can be annoying as he wastes time in commission meetings on topics that don’t belong on a county agenda. Sure, he is overzealous when it comes to our out-of-control growth. But, right or wrong, there always is a certain integrity attached to his personal agendas, whatever his position.

Integrity, yes. The guy has a degree from Rhema Bible College.

He is a minister who met his wife on a mission trip to Peru, for goodness sakes. We all know these things don’t assure high morals, but in this case, it would be hard to argue that Satcher walks the walk.

But that doesn’t always make you right for every job. We haven’t seen a lot of priests become president.

Even so, Manatee County voters decided 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.)

Jay Heater

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

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.

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024

Greenhouse provides window to rare plants Brewer’s Nursery and Landscape Services of East County created a greenhouse for plant collectors.

STAFF WRITER

C

innamon 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.

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

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

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

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

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.”

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LESLEY DWYER

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024

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Local residents travel to Israel to volunteer Temple Emanu-El congregants say parts of their trip were heartbreaking, yet inspiring.

LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR

I

n 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.

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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.

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

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SPORTS Fast

Break

“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

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

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)

Courtesy image

Lakewood Ranch High graduate Ashley Pater has proven to be a dominant force on the USC beach volleyball team as a freshman.

F

ormer Lakewood Ranch High beach volleyball player Ashley Pater is 12-2 as a freshman at the University of Southern California as of March 25.

Pater has served as part of the Trojans’ No.3, No. 4 and No. 5 scoring pairs this season. As a team, the Trojans are 18-2 and ranked No. 1 in the country. She competed for the U19 National Team in 2022-23. … The first edition of the World Champions Cup, a PGA Tour Champions team-style event held at The Concession Golf Club in December, has been nominated by Sports Business Journal for the Sports Breakthrough of the Year award at the 17th-annual Sports Business Awards. The winner will be announced on May 22 at the New York Marriott Marquis Times Square. The World Champions Cup will return to the Concession for its second edition in December 2024. … Braden River High softball junior Sophia Pippen went 2-2 with five RBIs in the Pirates’ 16-0 win over Booker High on March 21. Pippen is now hitting .464 with 12 RBIs in 2024.

Braden River is 7-5 as of March 25. … Lakewood Ranch High boys track and field senior Levi Freed took the gold medal in the javelin (146 feet, 8 inches) at the 2024 ODA Thunder Classic, held March 23 at The Out-of-Door Academy. … Braden River High junior running back Marcus Galloway received an offer from Cornell University on March 13. Galloway, who also holds an offer from the University of Pittsburgh, had 134 carries for 627 yards and three touchdowns in 2023, plus seven catches for 104 yards and a touchdown.

STILL SLUGGING PAGE 20A

Photos by Ryan Kohn

SHOT AT THE TITLE Lakewood Ranch’s lacrosse team is off to its best start ever and hoping for a district title.

RYAN KOHN SPORTS EDITOR

F

or 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

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

20A

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024

PROSE AND KOHN

RYAN KOHN

LWR High graduates shine as NCAA softball stars F or 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.

Former Lakewood Ranch High pitcher Payton Kinney has a 3.20 ERA as a senior at the University of Connecticut 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

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.

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.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024

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.

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.

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

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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024

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MARCH 28, 2024

YOUR NEIGHBORS Tropical Nights celebrates 30 years T

hese 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.

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

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

— LESLEY DWYER

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

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

Venice residents Jens and Bethany Behrmann get into character.

Stuart Hales and Ava Lasseter greet guests at Tropical Nights on March 23.

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Tropical Ave Band performs for the crowd.

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024

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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024

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4B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024

Charge of the egg brigade H

oover 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

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

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.

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

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

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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.

*All are welcome, especially students grades 6-12.

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.

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024

5B

Luxury Residences on Peaceful Waters

IN HARMONY WITH NATURE

Close-Out Pricing On All Remaining Homesites Over 90% Sold Out

The Victoria

by John Cannon Homes

A PRIVATE GATED WATERFRONT COMMUNITY ON THE MANATEE RIVER RESIDENCES DIRECTLY ON THE MANATEE RIVER WITH BOAT DOCK APPROVALS FROM $2.6 MILLION WATERFRONT ESTATE HOMESITES UP TO 1.5 ACRES INFORMATION CENTER OPEN DAILY WINNER OF PARADE OF HOMES “BEST COMMUNITY” FOR 6 CONSECUTIVE YEARS Easy Access to Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch and Tampa/St. Petersburg

|

941.776.1729

|

Info@TheIslandsRealty.com

|

TheIslandsRealty.com

USE ONE OF OUR PREFERRED BUILDERS OR SUGGEST YOUR OWN Roy Dupuis’

Kemick Builders 422065-1

& Consultants

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024

PET PICS

Florida’s Largest

IV SEDATION DENTAL GROUP

Have photos of your four-legged family members? We want to see them! Share them at YourObserver.com/contests/petpics to be published online and for a chance to see them in print!

is now open in Lakewood Ranch!

You no longer have to fear going to the dentist!

NEW PATIENT SPECIAL

HOPPY EASTER EVERYBUNNY: This cute bunny is enjoying an Easter basket in Lakewood Ranch.

FREE**

Internal Medicine

Includes Full Mouth Exam and X-Rays, Consultation and 2nd Opinions

WELCOMES

$393 Value. Expires in 30 Days.

Juan Carlos Vigil, DO Board Certified, Internal Medicine

Advertised Services: D0150, D0210, D0330, D2740, D9243, D9997. The patient and any other person responsible for payment has a right to refuse, cancel payment, or be reimbursed for any other services, examination, or treatment that is performed as a result of and within 72 hours of responding to the advertisement for the free, discounted fee, or reduced x-rays. Due to insurance guidelines, our specials cannot be combined with other offers or dental insurance. *Same day appointments subject to availability. **Does NOT include insurance deductibles or insurance required office visit fees

Dr. Juan Carlos Vigil brings to Intercoastal Medical Group at the Lakewood Ranch II office a wealth of knowledge and experience in Internal Medicine.

Undergraduate:

Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, FL

Medical School:

Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Residency:

Internal Medicine, Broward Health Medical Center, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Certification:

Board Certified, American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine; American Board of Internal Medicine

Hospital Affiliations: Lakewood Ranch Medical Center; Doctors Hospital; Sarasota Memorial Hospital

Book your Appointment Now!

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

TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT, PLEASE CALL

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

CALL 813-DENTIST

Lakewood Ranch II

www.happydentistry.com

11715 Rangeland Parkway, Bradenton, FL 34211 www.intercoastalmedical.com

A Patient Focused,Medicare Multi-Specialty and most insurancesGroup accepted l National Expertise l Mul 8.26.21_IMG-Kassover-LWRII-18x24poster.indd 1

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

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

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

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

8/26/21 3:27 PM

421407-1

9105 Town Center Parkway on Lakewood Ranch

8/26/21 3:27 PM

941-538-0001

421460-1 XNLV22139

6B

8/26/21 3:27 PM

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024

7B

The World’s Best Shopping. Condensed.

A Moveable Feast of Fashion and Epicurean Delight.

Experience a curated collection of Bal Harbour Shops’ luxury boutiques, and dine at our exclusive fine dining restaurant, The Whitman.

NOW OPEN For more details on featured brands, visit us online at balharbourshopspopup.com or scan the QR code to the right. Follow along on social media @balharbourshops_popup

421683-1

Visit us at West District at UTC, on the corner of N. Cattleman Rd. and Desoto Rd.

8B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024

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

Photos by Liz Ramos

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

First stroll down the runway R

iver Strand’s Nancy Sacarakis has seen each of River Strand Golf and Country Club’s past four fashion shows.

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

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

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.

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.

— LIZ RAMOS

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

BEFORE

River Strand’s Irene Rivera strikes a pose.

AFTER

BRINGING JOY BY CREATING SMILES

BEFORE

“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!

Roy S.

SMILE MAKEOVER PATIENT

Jeffrey Martins, DDS DENTIST AND OWNER

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.

PA R A D I S E

D E N TA L

The Cosmetic Dentist of Lakewood Ranch CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT

(941) 466-8222 1711 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211

SCAN TO REGISTER FOR A FREE SMILE MAKEOVER SEMINAR

419248-1

www.paradisedentalsmiles.com

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024

9B

The Next Evolution of Waterfront Luxury

Limited Offering of Grand Residences on Sarasota’s Bayfront

From the intuitive service to the panoramic vistas, the timeless spirit of The Ritz-Carlton is embraced in an exceptional harborside setting in the cultural heart of Florida. The modern sophistication of the refined design is complemented by an incomparable array of newly unveiled private amenities and services including exclusive access to The Harbor Club.

Waterfront Luxury Residences from $3.7 to over $12M

Presentation Gallery Now Open at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Hotel 1111 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Sarasota, Florida 34236 941.499.8704 | TheResidencesSarasotaBay.com

421692-1

ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE SELLER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THIS BROCHURE AND TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A SELLER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. This is not intended to be an offer to sell, or solicitation to buy, condominium units to residents of any jurisdiction where prohibited by law, and your eligibility for purchase will depend upon your state of residency. The offering is made only by the prospectus for the condominium and no statement should be relied upon if not made in the prospectus. The sketches, renderings, graphic materials, plans, specifications, terms, conditions and statements contained in these materials are proposed only, and the Developer reserves the right to modify, revise or withdraw any or all of same in its sole discretion and without prior notice. Views shown in presentation materials are general representations and do not specifically guarantee a specific view from any specific unit or units. The Developer currently intends to develop the project in phases and no representation is made as to whether all phases of the development will be completed, and if so, in what order the phases will be developed. Accordingly, the final size of the project, including amenities both within the Condominium, the Club component and any future proposed phase of the development, is subject to change without notice. The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sarasota Bay are not owned, developed or sold by Marriott International, Inc. or its affiliates (“Ritz-Carlton”). KT Sarasota South, LLC uses The Ritz-Carlton marks under a license from Ritz-Carlton, which has not confirmed the accuracy of any of the statements or representations made herein.

EASTER Celebration

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024

VISIT THESE CHURCHES & HOUSES OF WORSHIP!

RENAISSANCE CHURCH

Love God, Love People & Make Disciples

EASTER SERVICE:

March 28, MAUNDY THURSDAY: 7 p.m. Worship March 29, GOOD FRIDAY: 2 p.m. Stations of the Cross 7 p.m. Tenebrae Worship March 30, HOLY SATURDAY: 7:30 p.m. Easter Vigil Part One March 31, EASTER SUNDAY: 7 a.m. Easter Vigil Part Two 9 a.m. Easter Breakfast & Egg Hunt 10:15 a.m. Celebration Worship

JOURNEY THROUGH HOLY WEEK WITH US.

Faith Lutheran Church

JOIN US DURING HOLY WEEK AND THEN CELEBRATE CHRIST’S RESURRECTION ON EASTER.

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www.renchurch.life 6615 Greenbrook Blvd in LWR (Meeting at Nolan Middle School)

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MARCH 31ST AT 10:30 A.M.

7750 Beneva Rd. 941.924.4664 www.faithlutheransrq.com

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

“We offer a heartfelt and warm welcome to you”

PALM SUNDAY Services @ 9 & 11* MAUNDY THURSDAY Service @ 6 pm in Syster Hall GOOD FRIDAY Service @ Noon* EASTER SUNDAY Services @ 9 & 11 am* *In the Sanctuary and Livestreamed on YouTube, Facebook, and website.

SIESTA KEY CHAPEL

Jesus Alive Serves All in Worship!

Holy Week Services PALM SUNDAY

March 24 9 AM Chapel on the Beach 10:30 AM Worship in the Chapel Tables for 12

March 28, 5:30 PM Worship in the Chapel with Taize music

• Easter SonRise 6:30 a.m.

• Worship w/ Praise Band 9 a.m.

• Egg Hunt & Breakfast 10 a.m.

• Worship w/ Organ, Choir 11 a.m.

March 29, 12:00 Noon Worship in the Chapel

March 31 9 AM Chapel on the Beach 10:30 AM Worship in the Chapel

(1 p.m. in Spanish)

CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER

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419836-1

941.349.1166

St. Michael The Archangel

In the heart of downtown Sarasota 222 S. Palm Ave. RedeemerSarasota.org

4615 Gleason Ave., Siesta Key

SiestaKeyChapel.org

JOIN US FOR A WEEK OF WONDER

Journey Through Holy Week With Us

Holy Week Schedule

If you are seeking a place to call home during Holy Week, we are right in the neighborhood. Join us during the week and then celebrate Christ’s resurrection on Easter.

PALM SUNDAY | MARCH 24, 2024

Saturday, March 23rd 4:00pm Sunday, March 24th 8:00am and 10:00am (Church) 10:00am (Streamed Mass outdoor under canopy)

March 24 Palm Sunday 7:45am & 11:00am Traditional 9:00am Contemporary

HOLY THURSDAY | MARCH 28, 2024 No 9:00am Mass Mass of the Lord’s Supper 7:00pm Adoration following the Mass concluding with Night Prayer 9:45pm

March 29 Good Friday 6:30pm Stations of the Cross

HOLY SATURDAY

March 31 Easter 7:45am & 11:00am Traditional 9:00am Contemporary

No 9:00am Mass Passion of the Lord 3:00pm

Blessing of Easter Baskets/Food 12 Noon Easter Vigil Mass 8:30pm

24

28

9:30AM WORSHIP 11:00AM FELLOWSHIP

7:00PM WORSHIP

PALM MAUNDY SUNDAY THURSDAY

March 28 Maundy Thursday 6:30pm

GOOD FRIDAY | MARCH 29, 2024

29

GOOD FRIDAY 7:00PM WORSHIP

31

EASTER SUNDAY 9:30AM WORSHIP 11:00AM EGG HUNT

Communion served on Maundy Thursday and both Sundays

Living Lord Lutheran Church 419822-1

420220-1

11107 Palmbrush Trail, Lakewood Ranch (941) 753-9365 | www.LivingLordFL.org

PEACE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 12705 FL-64E, Lakewood Ranch peacepcusa.com

420352-1

EASTER SUNDAY

Sunrise Mass 6:00am (Outdoor under canopy) Masses (Church) 7:15am, 9:00am and 10:30am Masses (Streamed under canopy) 9:00am and 10:30 a.m.

EASTER DAY Sunday, March 31 at 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

EASTER SUNDAY

Concordia Lutheran Church CONCORDIASARASOTA.ORG | 941-365-0844

EASTER EVE: THE GREAT VIGIL Saturday, March 30 at 6 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY

EASTER SUNDAY

(at School Avenue, north of Sarasota High School)

Easter at Redeemer

MAUNDY THURSDAY

419817-1

HOLY WEEK

• Maundy Thursday 7 p.m.

• Good Friday Noon and 7 p.m.

• Holy Saturday 4:30 p.m.

2185 Wood St. Sarasota, FL 34237

Online WelcomeToHarvest.Org Facebook.com/HarvestUMC

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1031 S. Euclid Avenue (off Bahia Vista) 914-953-7044 ~ UCCSARASOTA.COM facebook.com/uccsarasota/

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10B

YourObserver.com

11B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024

He is

Community Easter Sunrise Service

Risen!

6:30 a.m. on March 31st Siesta Key Public Beach near historic pavilion ~ Bring a Beach Chair or Blanket ~ Palm Sunday

March 24 at 9:45 a.m. in the Sanctuary th

Maundy Thursday Service

Wishing you a blessed and joy filled Easter!

March 28th at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary

Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, March 30th at 10:00 a.m. - Campus Grounds Free and open to the public

Traditional Easter Worship

CELEBRATE

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Pine Shores Presbyterian Church 6116 Crestwood Avenue (941) 922-1597 ~ www.pineshorespres.org

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9:45 a.m. in the Sanctuary with Full Choir & Brass Nursery Provided • Hearing Loop System Available

SUNRISE SERVICE MARCH 31 7:00 AM

GOOD FRIDAY MARCH 29 7:00 PM

EASTER SERVICE MARCH 31 10:30 AM

WWW.FAITHSARASOTA.ORG

421025-1

FAITH CHURCH

DISCOVER HOPE AT SUNCOAST! OUTDOOR SUNRISE SERVICE 7AM INDOOR MORNING SERVICES 9AM & 10:30AM MARCH 31ST The Story of Easter is a story of hope. You are invited to celebrate Easter at Suncoast Community Church. You’ll experience a welcoming atmosphere,

Non-denominational All Inclusive

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dynamic contemporary music and a powerful message.

Bring your children of all ages for activities designed especially for them.

We look forward to meeting you. Please join us!

Christ Centered SUNCOAST COMMUNITY

JOIN US

C H U R C H

421024-1

8000 Hawkins Road | Sarasota Fl 34241 | 941-924-6411 | www.Suncoastcommunity.com

HOLY WEEK SERVICES AND TIMES

HOLY WEEK SERVICES:

Palm Sunday • March 24th at 9:15 AM Maundy Thursday • March 28th at 7:00 PM Good Friday • March 29th at 7:00 PM Easter Sunrise (outdoor) • March 31st at 7:15 AM Easter Morning • March 31st at 9:15 AM

PALM SUNDAY - MARCH 24 at 10 AM GOOD FRIDAY - MARCH 29 at 4 PM SATURDAY - MARCH 30 at 5 PM EASTER SUNDAY - MARCH 31 at 8 AM and 10 AM SUNDAY SERVICE IS BROADCAST ON FACEBOOK & YOUTUBE

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church & School (The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod)

www.newlifesarasota.org | (941) 378-0885

EASTER SUNDAY Resurrection Of Our Lord March 31st

*7 & 10am Garden 9 & 11am Sanctuary Choir, Festive Brass, & Timpani at 9 & 11am

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* In the event of inclement weather, garden services will be held indoors

40 N Adams Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-388-1234 | Join us online at www.saklc.com

419386-1

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Maundy Thursday March 28th | 12 & 7pm Good Friday March 29th | 12 & 7pm Easter Vigil March 30th | 7pm

419737-1

MYBAYSIDE.CHURCH

941-921-3673 www.goodshepherdsarasota.com

419816-1

8010 Fruitville Road • Sarasota, FL 34240 2½ Miles East of I-75 “on the Jug Handle”

5659 Honore Ave., Sarasota, FL 34233

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024

New sports bar hopes to score big The Greyson offers wall-to-wall TVs, later hours and fresh food.

The Greyson is open in the Lakewood Walk plaza at the intersection of State Road 70 and Lakewood Ranch Boulevard.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

E

ven 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.”

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

IF YOU GO The Greyson. 11161 State Road 70 E. #100. GreysonBar.com. Hours are Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to midnight and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Happy hour is from 3-7 p.m. daily.

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

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.”

WOMEN’S SERVICES | MATERNITY

handcrafted for a lifetime They were really there for me on an emotional level.”

Brianna Mahon Maternity Patient THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR HER When Brianna Mahon, 33, learned

she was pregnant with her first baby she made an appointment with

OB/GYN Joel Hallam, DO, because she had heard he was “open and

EVERY PATIENT DESERVES TO BE HEARD The Maternity Team and Birth

Designer Program at the Women’s Center at Lakewood Ranch

Medical Center are committed to

catering to your individual needs.

understanding” to different birth

plans. She recalls how “friendly and kind” his office staff were right from her very first appointment.

“Choosing Dr. Hallam and Lakewood Ranch Medical Center really helped ease my fears,” says Mahon. “The hospital’s birth designer was very

Scan the code to watch Brianna Mahon’s patient testimonial

reassuring. She worked closely with

NEW POLY OUTDOOR FURNITURE DESIGNS ARE HERE!

me to help create the birth plan I

desired. The birth of my baby girl Sage felt just like a home birth. I

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Available in multiple colors, sizes, and configurations. Miller’s outdoor poly furniture is backed with a lifetime warranty.

went in with my birth plan, and they

Women’s Center

everything I wanted,” says Mahon.

8330 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

were very accommodating. It was

Come discover the beauty & quality of these items for yourself!

dutchhausfurniture.com

With limited exceptions, physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website.

242018800-2073083 3/24

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

418399-1

EYE ON BUSINESS

12B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024

13B

Hurry! Offers expire 3/31/24!

Elite Hearing Centers

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

of America

Rated

OVER 50 LOCATION NATIONW S IDE!

OPEN NOW: SARASOTA (941) 667-2577 2807 University Pkwy In Publix Plaza at University Walk

BRADENTON (941) 667-2574 2001 Manatee Avenue E. Ste 104 (Bradenton Pain and Wellness Center)

DELRAY BEACH (561) 453-2734 4900 Linton Blvd #3 (In between Poppies Restaurant and Kristi Cleaners)

BOYNTON BEACH (561) 453-2735 4739 N Congress Ave (In between Dollar Tree and Fon Shan Chinese)

JUPITER (561) 453-2738 6725 West Indiantown Rd Bay 39 (In Jupiter West Plaza)

1Patient will receive $100 gift card upon completion of hearing instrument trial. Not all models are suitable for a free trial (e.g., custom-fitted models such as CIC, IIC, and Virto Black). Complimentary hearing evaluation required. Must have a tested hearing loss. Open to adults 18+ years and older. One gift card per customer, per year. Not valid with managed care or state insurance plans. No cash alternative. Must provide a valid email address for gift card redemption. Please allow 2-4 weeks for delivery of the gift card. 2Buy one Lumity hearing aid at our list price and get another of the same make & model 50% off. Discount is based on binaural purchase. This limited-time offer may not be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion.

New orders only. Private pay only (not combinable with insurance or network). Not available on all levels of technology. 3On in-store purchases of $200+ in with the CareCredit credit card through the end of the month. Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date if the promotional purchase is not paid in full within 24 months. Minimum monthly payments required. Subject to credit approval. Offers expire 3/31/24.

421375-1

We offer 0% interest financing for 24 months!3

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024

LAKEWOOD RANCH 8420 Lindrick Lane 4 Beds 4 Baths 4,814 Sq. Ft. Tina Ciaccio 941-685-8420 A4603015 $5,350,000

SARASOTA 8016 Grande Shores Drive 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,480 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4602413 $1,595,000

UNIVERSITY PARK 7331 Saint Georges Way 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,631 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4591031 $1,449,000

SARASOTA 463 S Shore Drive 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,157 Sq. Ft. Beth Ann Boyer 941-780-6606 A4602537 $1,395,000

UNIVERSITY PARK 8316 Abingdon Court 3 Beds 2/2 Baths 2,768 Sq. Ft. Barbara A Milian, PA 941-504-0660 A4599213 $1,299,000

BRADENTON 6018 Brandon Run 4 Beds 4 Baths 2,868 Sq. Ft. Sandi Dietrich 941-704-0697 A4602419 $1,250,000

PARRISH 14359 Skipping Stone Loop 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,698 Sq. Ft. Rachelle Golden 941-538-8998 A4591662 $1,099,900

LAKEWOOD RANCH 5066 Fairhope Circle 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,318 Sq. Ft. Stephanie Annable 941-376-4100 A4598843 $1,019,500

BRADENTON 12406 Daisy Place 4 Beds 4 Baths 3,913 Sq. Ft. Jennifer Warthling 716-698-4540 A4595884 $975,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 6380 Watercrest Way 301 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,482 Sq. Ft. Tina Ciaccio 941-685-8420 A4602142 $949,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7137 Orchid Island Place 2 Beds 2 Baths 2,326 Sq. Ft. Beverly St Hilaire 818-416-2505 A4603278 $800,000

PALMETTO 4338 14th Street Circle 2 Beds 2 Baths 2,762 Sq. Ft. Jinny Scherer 941-705-0877 A4593055 $799,000

ENGLEWOOD 10828 Trophy Drive 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,360 Sq. Ft. Judy Wright 941-232-8041 A4602448 $749,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 4832 Boston Common Glen 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,245 Sq. Ft. Jody Shinn 941-705-5704 A4595995 $739,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 8408 Miramar Way 19 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,733 Sq. Ft. David D'Angelo 941-587-7268 A4600578 $670,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7612 Lake Vista Court 405 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,762 Sq. Ft. Stacy Liljeberg 941-544-6103 A4600043 $585,000

PARRISH 8708 29th Street E 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,147 Sq. Ft. Sharon Ingram 941-224-6447 A4601305 $575,000

PALMETTO 2715 Terra Ceia Bay Boulevard 702 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,584 Sq. Ft. Debbie Vogler 941-705-3328 A4591806 $559,000

PARRISH 10625 Crooked Creek Court 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,766 Sq. Ft. Kaitlyn Savner-Smith 570-328-1226 A4601848 $539,000

BRADENTON 11946 Brookside Drive 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,575 Sq. Ft. Bianca Dwyer & Jonnie Dwyer 941-209-2466 A4597538 $530,000

SARASOTA 7271 Golf Pointe Way 2 Beds 2 Baths 2,156 Sq. Ft. Beth Ann Boyer 941-780-6606 A4597140 $499,500

PARRISH 4119 Banbury Circle 4 Beds 2 Baths 1,792 Sq. Ft. Diane Fogo Harter 941-445-2431 A4603494 $484,000

PALMETTO 3212 77th Court E 4 Beds 2 Baths 2,121 Sq. Ft. Mark Boehmig 941-807-6936 A4599419 $470,000

UNIVERSITY PARK 7962 Tybee Court 7962 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,623 Sq. Ft. Tim Koons-McGee 941-320-7073 A4602165 $467,500

BRADENTON 4802 51st Street W 222 2 Beds 1 Baths 1,008 Sq. Ft. Stephen Strong 941-201-9662 A4602303 $212,500

SARASOTA 3543 Recurve Circle 4 Beds 4 Baths 4,242 Sq. Ft. Tina Ciaccio 941-685-8420 A4592146 $3,125,000

UNIVERSITY PARK 7227 Marlow Place 4 Beds 3 Baths 3,410 Sq. Ft. Melba Jimenez, Pa 941-356-3970 A4597494 $1,850,000

SARASOTA 8125 Grande Shores Drive 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,850 Sq. Ft. Mark Boehmig 941-807-6936 A4603935 $1,725,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM 421078-1

14B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home 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.

REAL ESTATE

Lake Club home tops sales at $3.3 million

15B

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

MARCH 11-15

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.

Courtesy image

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.

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.

This Lake Club home at 8507 Pavia Way sold for $3.3 million. It has five bedrooms, fiveand-a-half baths, a pool and 4,185 square feet of living area.

$725,000. Built in 1995, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,964 square feet of living area. It sold for $387,500 in 2021.

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.

COUNTRY CLUB

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.

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

SEE REAL ESTATE, PAGE 16B

In with the new NOW TAKING CONTRACTS

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

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.

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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.

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421090-1

LAKEHOUSE COVE AT WATERSIDE

DEL WEBB

16B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024

GROW YOUR OWN

Real estate FROM PAGE 15B

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

11523 Palmbrush Trail (Corner of LWR Blvd) 941.751.6245 14621 SR 70 East (Corner of Lorraine Rd) 941.909.2080

421050-1

Now Available at Two Locations:

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. Built in 1990, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,756 square feet of living area. It sold for $302,000 in 2021.

ONLINE See more transactions at YourObserver.com

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024

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WEATHER

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST THURSDAY, MARCH 28

SUNRISE / SUNSET Sunrise Sunset

High: 78 Low: 57 Chance of rain: 60%

FRIDAY, MARCH 29 High: 81 Low: 54 Chance of rain: 5%

Thursday, March 28

7:24a

7:45p

Friday, March 29

7:23a

7:46p

Saturday, March 30

7:21a

7:46p

Sunday, March 31

7:20a

7:47p

Monday, April 1

7:19a

7:47p

Tuesday, April 2

7:18a

7:48p

Wednesday, April 3

7:17a

7:48p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, MARCH 30 April 1 Last

High: 82 Low: 56 Chance of rain: 4%

April 8 New

April 15 First

April 23 Full

RAINFALL

SUNDAY, MARCH 31 High: 83 Low: 59 Chance of rain: 6% Gordon Silver took this photo of colorful lantana in bloom in Del Webb of Lakewood Ranch.

Monday, March 18

0

Tuesday, March 19

0.05

Wednesday, March 20

0

Thursday, March 21

0

Friday, March 22

0.2

Saturday, March 23

0.18

Sunday, March 24

0

*Rainfall totals from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

Submit your photos at YourObserver.com/contests. All submissions will be entered for the 2024-25. Weather and Nature photo contest. In February 2025, you will vote for your favorite photo, and the submission with the most votes will win a $500 gift card.

YEAR TO DATE: 2024 8.60 in.

2023 1.76 in.

MONTH TO DATE: 2024 1.03 in.

2023 0.18 in.

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Flooring Made for Your Family

celebrity cipher promise

120 Bean or Penn

52 Parenting approach that

121 R&B singer ___ Marie

can be divisive

122 Atomizes

53 Put pen to paper

123 “Mais oui!”

54 Julian who founded

124 Down in the dumps

WikiLeaks

125 Having a kick

56 Flower in some Chinese

DOWN

1 English cheese that’s

often 20 Cannes setting 21 Beelike 22 Diva’s “voyage” 23 Ham it up 24 Name meaning “peace” 25 Mark caused by a top?

26 Hundredth of a euro 27 *”Mr. Winkler still hasn’t decided on his next role!”

30 Doily feature 31 Ballpark fig.

32 Helped out 33 First-year 35 Purchase for an ailing

(Abbr.)

singer Jim

59 *Urban Dictionary and

2 Places with a lot of buzz

other sassy references?

3 Track meet contest

60 *Birds that are tone

4 Hot goss

deaf?

5 “Narcos” org.

61 “Srsly?!”

6 Comics redhead

65 Sources of imperfection,

7 Making some go red,

in a way

perhaps

66 Scuttlebutt that makes

8 It might make you go red

pros nervous

9 The Grand Ole ___ (music

73 “___ quiet!”

venue)

76 Unstable subatomic

10 Actor Schreiber

particle

11 Carvey of “Becoming

78 Quadrennial international

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games

12 Gobbled down, in slang

82 Navy vessel named after

13 Streaker?

a WWII commander

14 “Open” autobiographer

83 Debtor’s notes (Abbr.)

15 “No,” in France

84 Huff

16 “___ be fine”

86 Guns the engine

17 Opera highlights of Country Pop”

89 Clown’s red wear

87 Stomp (down)

18 ___ de Mayo

36 *”Queen Victoria must

66 Self-evident sentence

90 Party sometimes with

88 Bearded beast

19 Hit 70, perhaps

glow sticks

92 Newborn fox

28 “The Matrix” hero

91 QB’s trick play

95 Remote batteries, often

29 Glass of NPR

67 Actress Dennings American slang for “money” retire now” 68 Howl at the moon 41 Desserts for 3/14 celebra8 Grasps onto 13 Kids just before bedtime,

58 Spartan institution?

1 “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown”

lawn

©2023 Universal Uclick

ACROSS

art

97 Scrape (out) 32 Sounds of understanding 102 Like Monk, on “Monk” 34 Farm producer 106 “Well, ___ that special?”

tions

69 Some intl. diplomats

93 Hexagonal hardware

43 Add a video to a website

70 Motley

94 Sign in the heart of some

44 Quietly acknowledges

71 Disco ___ of “The Simp-

downtowns

47 Gyllenhaal or Tapper

sons”

36 Golfer’s prop

96 Wonky

107 Diagram useful for solv-

48 Container for kimchi

72 “Get outta here!”

37 Roadie’s haul

98 “Eww, stop talking!”

ing some puzzles

51 Comfy sleepwear, for

74 Smoke, in slang

38 “Great Society” prez

99 NATO nation

108 March Madness org.

short

75 Pale

39 Director Craven

100 Chunk of butter

110 “That makes sense now”

52 Airline in “American

76 Openers?

40 Weep and wail

101 Mouth-watering smell

111 Astrological sign

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77 “We’re in trouble now ...”

41 Outcast

103 Enjoy going downhill?

55 Cry like a baby

79 Central Park shade

104 Spot-on

57 Shapiro of NPR

producer

45 *Voldemort’s admins?

105 Muckraker Jacob

112 French bud

58 Road trip stop

80 UPS rival

46 Betraying one’s nerves,

107 Three-pointed hat

113 Soar through the

60 Sculptor’s focus, some-

81 Chipotle dip, for short

in a way

109 Bigwig from Abu Dhabi

heavens

times

83 Flowering

47 Door frame parts

111 Ms. Gorbachev

114 Finale

62 ___ Speedwagon

85 Vacation spot that’s off

48 Player of Hikaru Sulu

113 Panda Express staple

116 Kitchen-invading pest

63 “Meh,” in slang

the grid?

49 Centipede company

115 NBA legend Thomas

117 Horse fodder

64 Twain called the “Queen

88 Like hot fudge sauce

50 Fails to uphold, as a

118 Modify, as a law

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“MHCRU PU JXA KCUA BMXCA UBEJRUU BJE ERUFBPD. PA’U BMXCA DRUPHPRJIR BJE XGRDIXYPJT BEGRDUPAV.” KXSJ YBVBHH Puzzle Three Clue: M equals B

119 Levi’s alternatives

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

Puzzle Two Clue: H equals X

RAMSHACKLE by Jeff Chen, edited by Jeff Chen

Puzzle One Clue: P equals Y

crossword

417954-1

at MANASOTA FLOORING INC

© 2023 NEA, Inc.

sudoku

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

depicted in the middle of 42 *April Fools’ Day officials? today’s grid

©2023 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

3-28-24

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024

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

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It’s time for the SPRING LWR COMMUNITY YARD SALE! The Lakewood Ranch (LWR) Garden Club is sponsoring the LWR Community Yard Sale for subdivisions of Greenbrook, Riverwalk, and Summerfield on April 6, 2024 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

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This week’s Crossword answers

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Keira Knightley Puzzle Three Solution: “Blues is not just about sadness and despair. It’s about resilience and overcoming adversity.”

John Mayall

This week’s Sudoku answers

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Garage/ Moving/ Estate Sales

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stuff

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024

Dustin Yoder

421254

MC Organize Vange Solutions LLC

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20B

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1/10/23, 10:25 AM

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Transportation

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Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

421275

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024

941-955-4888

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024

941.702.0437 | ShanahanLuxuryGroup@CBrealty.com | ShanahanLuxuryGroup.com

2024 Leaders In Luxury

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$49,000 Price Improvement - 55 and Over Community

$949,000 | 2,734 Square Feet | 3 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | Den | Premium Lake Homesite

11979 Forest Park Circle | Central Park

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17022 Cresswind Terrace | Cresswind

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— Barbara D., Lakewood Ranch Country Club

Scan or Call for Your Home Valuation 941.702.0437

Contact us Today to Discuss Your Real Estate Goals 413831-1

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