East County Observer 4.4.24

Let the games begin

Michael Garzia (above), an eighth grader at The Out-ofDoor Academy, raced as fast as he could through the eighth grade obstacle course. He went through hurdles, sprinted through tires laid in a zig-zag pattern and more in hopes of helping the blue team claim victory.

The Out-of-Door Academy celebrated the last day of school before spring break March 28 with a Spirit Day in which kindergarten through 12th grade students were divided into a blue team and a white team.

But it wasn’t all fun and games. Students also participated in a peanut butter and jelly drive to benefit the Food Bank of Manatee. Students and staff also gathered in the shape of “100” for an aerial photo as the school will celebrate its 100th year in the 2024-2025 school year.

Mr. Lakewood Ranch hops to it

Lakewood Ranch residents finally found out why Keith Pandeloglou, the CEO of Lakewood Ranch Community Activities and on the boards of the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation and the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, loves to help others.

Pandeloglou, who once said he would like to be known as Mr. Lakewood Ranch, actually is the Easter bunny. His alter ego appeared at Eggstravaganza March 23 at Waterside Park.

MVP Sports and Social’s Chris McComas, who acted as the announcer for Eggstravaganza, gets a hug (above) from Keith ... err ... the Easter Bunny after hundreds of kids scrambled to find thousands of plastic eggs that were filled with treats.

Pandeloglou danced, and even hopped, throughout the special event, making kids smile all along the way.

Will he be Santa at Christmas? Stay tuned.

Condos nixed for Rodeo Drive

The long-delayed Main Street project will move forward with a new idea. PAGE 3A

Rep. Tommy Gregory will give up politics if he lands president’s role at community college. SEE PAGE 5A

Co-owners Mike Bisaha and Seth Murauskas stand next to the art that greets

Big Top Brewing has huge plans for Fruitville Commons on the southern edge of Lakewood Ranch. SEE PAGE 8A

Courtesy image Jay Heater

Algae blooms postpone fishing tournament

Youth and Teen Fishing Tournament will take place in October as Lake Uihlein undergoes treatment.

LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR

The annual Youth and Teen Fishing Tournament has been moved to October due to blue-green algae blooms in Lake Uihlein in Lakewood Ranch.

Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, occur in freshwater areas in Florida.

According to Protecting Florida Together, sunny days, warm water temperatures, still water conditions and an ample amount of nutrients are some environmental factors that contribute to blue-green algae blooms.

Lisa Boutote, the district office manager for Lakewood Ranch InterDistrict Authority, said the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission tested the water and found blue-green algae present in the lake. The IDA is working with the FWC and the Florida Department of Health-Manatee to ensure it is following all testing and treatment protocols.

Boutote said the blue-green algae can be present in the dirt or water and remain dormant for a long time before rising to the top and causing a discoloration in the water and possibly produce floating mats of algae.  Lake Uihlein is a privately owned lake, and as a result, state agencies are limited in how they can assist the IDA, Boutote said.

IF YOU GO

YOUTH AND TEEN FISHING

SEMINAR

When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 6

Where: Summerfield Park, 6402 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch

Cost: Free

Details: Learn the basics of fishing from the Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club. An hourlong seminar begins at 10 a.m. and noon. Participants will receive a free rod and reel.

More information: MyLWR. com

The IDA’s pond maintenance team continues to test and treat the lake, and signs advising people of the risks of the algae have been posted along its shores.

There are no visual signs to indicate whether blue-green algae are producing toxins, according to Protecting Florida Together.

Many blue-green algae can produce toxins, and exposure to the algae blooms can cause health effects in people and animals.

Direct contact or breathing airborne droplets with high amounts of algal toxins can cause irritation of the skin, eyes, nose and throat.

The IDA advises that people should not swim in the lake and people should avoid getting water in their eyes, nose or mouth. Shellfish from the lake should not be eaten, and fish fillets should be rinsed with tap or bottled water. Fish guts should be thrown out, and the fish should be cooked well. Pets and livestock should be kept away from the water.

Ed Van Stedum, the president

of the Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club, said the algae issues in the lake prompted the club to move the Youth and Teen Fishing Tournament to October.

Lake Uihlein is the perfect location for the tournament as it has sufficient parking for the 100 or more participants, which contributed to the reasoning for moving the tournament to October.

Although the tournament has been moved, the club’s Youth and Teen Fishing Seminar will continue April 6 at Summerfield Park.

Children will be able to participate in either the 10 a.m. or noon seminar where they will go through four learning stations to learn how to tie fishing knots, different types of fishing tackle to use, fishing ethics and how to cast a rod and reel.

Participants will receive a free rod and reel upon completing the seminar.

USE CAUTION AT LAKE UIHLEIN

■ Do not swim in the lake

■ Avoid getting water in eyes, nose and mouth

■ Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts and cook fish well

■ Keep pets and livestock away from the waters at the lake

FISHING TIPS

■ Don’t wear open toed shoes

Van Stedum said having the tournament in October will give people an opportunity for children to be involved with the Anglers Club throughout the year. People can participate in the seminar in the spring, attend Learn to Fish seminars every other month throughout the summer and participate in the tournament in October.

■ Wear sunscreen

■ Have the proper tools to release the fish

■ Be courteous to others who are fishing around you

■ Go to a tackle shop to learn what type of tackle to use depending on where you are fishing

■ Practice fishing in Lake Patton at James L. Patton Park

“They can get more practice and when they’re ready, they have an opportunity to participate in the tournament,” he said.

Van Stedum is looking forward to having children around the lake at Summerfield Park with smiles on their faces.

“We want children to make positive memories so later on in life they could look back and say someone taught them the right way to fish and they’re still doing it,” he said.

TIPS

File photo Lakewood Ranch’s Olivia Mikos enjoys her first time fishing during the annual Youth Fishing Tournament in 2023 presented by the Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club and Lakewood Ranch Community Activities.

Change of plans for Rodeo Drive project

Plans have changed from condos to townhomes, but Lakeshore will still be built on Rodeo Drive.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

When the green fencing went up along Rodeo Drive from the Fish Hole to Michael Saunders and Co. early in 2023, it seemed to be a sign that the long-awaited condo project was ready to break ground.

But then the plans hit a snag.

That snag finally has unraveled, the condos have become townhomes, and the project is ready to go again.

Lakeshore Townhomes, being developed by Frank Dagostino, is just awaiting the permitting process to finish before the project goes fullspeed ahead.

The revised site plan is currently under review by Manatee County, and there’s no official start date, but the builders say everything else is ready to go.

Adam Myara, a Realtor marketing the property, said the goal is to be selling the finished units by the end of this year or at the start of 2025.

What would have been two large buildings with 32 condominiums will now be four smaller buildings with 36 townhomes.

“It’s a cool project,” said Adam Myara. “The buildings look pretty close to the same (as the previous plan). But now, it’s townhomes with balconies and a rooftop deck. People can do outdoor kitchens and things like that up there.”

Two townhomes will overlook the pool, which remains centrally located in the complex. The remaining units will have views of either Lake Uihlein or Rodeo Drive. A road will divide the two rows of townhomes.

The entrance will be in the center of the property with exits on either side. Cars will have to turn right or left to get to their units and exit in the same direction, so the traffic flows in only one direction.

Each townhome will have 1,800 square feet of living area with three bedrooms and three bathrooms. Each unit will have its own staircase, elevator and two-car garage.

THIRD TIME’S A CHARM

The parcel has seen its share of trials and tribulations. It’s on its third owner and has been stuck in the planning process for 18 years.

The late Larry Pearce started planning for Lakeshore in 2006 with project manager John Swart and architect Gary Hoyt. In 2016, while undergoing cancer treatment, Pearce sold the plans and property to the Bullard Group. Bullard revised the plans and put

the property back on the market a year later for $2.6 million. Dagostino purchased the package in 2020 and also revised the plans.

Lakeshore was selling before the first shovel could hit the ground. Contracts were signed to start construction. The fence was put up. The land was cleared. Underground pipes were delivered to the site.

The project was on track, but hit a snag.

The plans had been revised by each new owner, but worked off the original survey provided by Pearce.

When surveyors arrived, they found that the proposed buildings were encroaching into common areas. The parcel is not as rectangular as originally thought. The lot lines run more jagged than straight.

Pearce had purchased common areas to fill out the rectangle, but didn’t follow through with the proper approvals. So at closing, Dagostino didn’t get a clear title to those portions of the land.

He said it would have been too lengthy and expensive of a process to get the required land from the HOA.

CHANGE OF PLANS

“The form this project has taken will be even better than the last,” Dagostino said. “It will be more affordable for the consumer and easier to build on the development side.”

Thanks to the general contractor, Bob Lyons with Sunwest Construction, Dagostino had a new plan quickly. Sunwest had recently completed a townhome project in St. Petersburg that Lyons said buyers

loved.

“He showed us the plans, and they looked amazing,” Myara said. “And it was something that would work (on this parcel).”

Because they’re no longer building two large condominium buildings, the project can be built in phases, which will help control costs.

The townhomes will still be high end, but there won’t be a concierge, fitness center or poolside cabanas.

Myara described it as pretty much the same project, but shrunk down.

The townhomes will have the same modern aesthetic and still use high quality materials. The flooring hasn’t been decided yet, but the cabinets will be all wood and the countertops will be quartz.

The change of plans allowed Lakeshore to adjust according to the feedback received when marketing the condo project. Myara said a lot of clients were looking for their own garage.

Original plans had a shared garage on the ground floor. Only penthouse owners would have had a private two-car garage, and it would’ve been within the main garage. The new plans include a two-car garage

for every unit. The townhomes will be three stories with a rooftop deck. A garage, elevator and foyer make up the ground floor. The living room, kitchen, one bedroom, one bathroom and a balcony are on the second floor.

The master bedroom and bathroom with a walk-in closet are on the third floor, along with the third bedroom and third bathroom. As a developer, Dagostino prefers an equal number of bedrooms and bathrooms.

The condo sales came with a showroom full of options to customize the units. Myara said some of the pre-sales included $50,000$100,000 worth of upgrades. Owners were going to have appliances flown in from Germany.

However, customization isn’t being offered on the townhomes because the units will be built and then sold. There will be no reservations for pre-sales.

“Everything is more efficient now,” Myara said. “It’s kind of like how everyone else is doing their projects.”  Without sacrificing quality, scaling down has translated into more units at a lower price. And the units come with more privacy by way of the parking, elevators and rooftop decks. In the original plans, those were all communal areas.

The condos were selling from $960,500 to $2,100,015. Myara said it’s a little early for pricing, but the waterfront units will probably be in the $900,000 range and the units facing Main Street would be less.

“Some of our buyers that we had from our other project are still interested, so we’ll probably give them first crack at picking their units,” Myara said. “But then after that it’s going to be first come first serve.”

Lesley Dwyer

The sign hasn’t changed, but the plans have. Lakeshore at Main Street will now be townhomes instead of condominiums.

Courtesy images Lakeshore at Main Street has been redesigned from condominiums into townhomes.

their reputation is attached to such a careless and foolish organization.” Well, sorry that you feel that way, but ... Gotcha!

Kolter breaks ground on apartment complex

County land swap would have on their property (deal leads to new Manatee, Sarasota borders; Pages 1,3). “It was a great story made even funnier, as the office did receive a few phone calls about it, which left us a bit perplexed until we found your story,” Tussing wrote in an email. Gotcha! Real Estate broker Rebekah Boudrie called to say she was trying to convince a friend that the land swap story was, indeed, absolutely true. Then she found out it wasn’t. Gotcha!

Jiggs Landings’ Denise Kleiner said after a story about a canal being built between Lakewood Main Street and Waterside with gondolas got her a few years ago, she always looks forward to the April Fools’ edition.

One woman was trying to find the new AmazingBurger restaurant (Page 1, Yourtown) and was disappointed to find that the burger in the photo actually was real meat and not “smashed king oyster mushrooms.”

Others simply called to say how much they laughed after reading it. Some, though, were not so happy.

Jerry Swink wrote in his email, “Whoever in this organization thinks that going with such a detailed effort on Page 3 to pull a beyond outrageous thing such as a county to county land and asset swap needs to be told that you no longer have a job and that is no joke. April Fools jokes are what friends and family pull on each other. The idiots responsible for thinking April Fools jokes, especially one of such detail, are appropriate in newspapers and to risk the reputation and credibility of a supposed news organization need a new job. The advertisers to the paper should be outraged that

Kolter Multifamily LLC, has announced it has broken ground on Alton Lakewood, a 350-unit apartment complex at 14750 State Road 64 in East County, just east of Lorraine Road.

The multifamily project will be made up of three- and four-story buildings. Alton Lakewood will offer one-bedroom to three-bedroom residences from 726 to 1,285 square feet.

Outdoor amenities include a resort-style swimming pool with covered cabanas, a summer kitchen with barbecue grills, an outdoor jogging trail and fountain lake.

County accepting applications for ELMAC opening

Manatee County has an opening on its Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Committee (ELMAC).

A county release said residents “who want to help protect land and water resources, preserve fish and wildlife habitat and provide for passive recreation are invited to apply for an at-large position.”

The ELMAC citizen’s advisory committee makes recommendations to the Manatee County Commission on environmental land acquisition and management. That includes recreational planning and programming. ELMAC also serves as the Tree Advisory Board to promote awareness of the county’s tree canopy and tree education programs. Applications will be accepted through April 19. Applicants must reside in Manatee County. ELMAC meets every other month at 6 p.m. at the Manatee County Administration Building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., in Bradenton. For more information about the position, go to MyManatee.org or call 748-4501.

Rep. Tommy Gregory looks to leave politics behind

Tommy Gregory is among three finalists to take over when SCF President Carol Probstfeld retires in July.

Rep. Tommy Gregory (72nd District) is in the running to become the next president of the State College of Florida.

Carol Probstfeld is retiring July 1 after serving 22 years in the role. Gregory is one of three finalists. If he gets the job, he said he either will give up his Florida House seat or he won’t run for reelection.

Gregory is half way through his second term. Representatives are limited to four terms.

“It just makes sense,” he said of not trying to do both jobs. “(College president) is a time-and-a-half job. There’s no doubt about it.”

Gregory visited SCF’s Bradenton campus March 26 for a public forum. About 100 people attended and another 90 interacted via Teams.

It was a 45-minute public job interview. The discussions ranged from Gregory’s vision for the college to his music preferences.

Faculty Senate President Phil Travis broached the elephant in the room, pointing out that Gregory is a politician.

Travis said an anonymous survey of the faculty showed a clear preference toward an appointee who came up through the “traditional channels of education.”

“And they were unanimously concerned with the idea of an appointment who was in politics,” Travis said. “How would you allay the fears and concerns of the faculty?”

WHAT’S NOT ON HIS RESUME?

One audience member asked Rep. Tommy Gregory, “What wouldn’t be on your resume?” Here are his answers:

■ He loves scuba diving but hates golf.

■ His wife (Erica) outranked him when both were in the Air Force.

■ His favorite genre of music is country.

■ His all-time favorite artist is Prince.

Gregory said he would approach the faculty with trust and respect. Then, he joked that he’s all for an “automatic dislike toward politicians.”

The other two finalists are Martyn R. Clay and Anthony J. Iacono.

Clay has been the president of Hillsborough Community College’s Plant City campus since 2012 and has 30 years of higher education experience. Iacono has been the president of County College of Morris since 2016 and has 25 years of higher education experience.

However, Gregory’s resume is not void of education experience. His experience comes from the military instead of higher education. Gregory is a litigation attorney now, but he was a member of the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps.  He served as an instructor, course director and general counsel for the Air Mobility Warfare Center. The mobility operation school teaches 12,000 students a year. He taught seven courses and helped design new ones.

Fundraising is an area where Greg-

ory might have an advantage on the competition. Probstfeld has been vocal that SCF is underfunded when it comes to comparable colleges.

“Anybody can make a request for the state to appropriate dollars to their college, but it really helps to, No. 1, know how the process works, and No. 2, have friends on the inside,” Gregory said.

He said he raised over $1 million to run for office, “many times more than that” for nonprofit organizations and tens of millions in appropriations.

Clay and Iacono went through the same process over the following two days. Faculty can submit comments through March 27, when the decision is handed over to the board of

trustees.

Gregory might not get the job, but if he does, it will mark the end of a successful political career. He won both his elections in landslides.

“If I’m fortunate enough to be selected, my plan is to serve as long as the board of trustees has confidence in me,” Gregory said. “President Probstfeld set a great example. She served in that job until she was ready to retire. That is the goal.”

Politics and law have been rewarding for Gregory, but he said this was a better opportunity to lead and impact the lives of more people and the community.

So what’s his plan if he doesn’t get the job?

“I’m not sure. I’ll look at what the options are out there, but one thing that is certain is I will continue to serve the community. Whether that’s in elected office or not, I don’t know,” Gregory said. “Maybe I’ll run for state Senate or something else, but I will not be even considering that if I’m in this position. If I’m in this position, I’m in this position and that’s a hard stop on politics.”

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Rep. Tommy Gregory shakes hands with audience members before answering their questions.

Rep. Tommy Gregory is at the State College of Florida’s Bradenton campus on March 26. Gregory is interviewing to be the college’s next president.

Will the school bell ring in 2024?

Final $60,000 raised to finish the community center project late in 2024.

Built in 1914, the Myakka City Historic School House generated a wealth of stories the community hopes can be retold by future generations.

For example, 74-year-old Walter Carlton remembered his own time at the school when students were gathered for a program in the school’s auditorium. Suddenly, one of Carlton’s classmates fell through the ceiling over the auditorium, and hung above the stage. The student had snuck into a crawlspace above the ceiling to watch the program and figured he had pulled it off until his leg broke through. Fortunately, he hung there until teachers could free him.

Carlton’s father, Brian Carlton, graduated on that same auditorium stage in 1941.

Carlton, who is the project manager leading the restoration process through the Myakka Historical Society, said while the community has been used to delays in the now 31-year-old project, opening day for the events center/library/museum will be before 2024 ends.

The project has received a “major” donation from Myakka City’s Bob and Barbara Anson and two other “substantial” donations from two local residents who didn’t want to be identified. Those donations covered the final $60,000 needed to “put the building into use.”

Carlton, who became involved in the project in 2016, said while those donations will cover the acquisition of air conditioning units, the finishing of the auditorium floor, the plumbing needed for bathrooms and the kitchen, the project still will need donations for “furniture, display cases and seating.”

ABOUT THE SCHOOL HOUSE

What: Myakka City Historic School House Built: 1914

Current location: 10060 Wauchula Road, Myakka City

On the move: After its closure in 1992, the building was moved to the Manatee County maintenance yard. In 1996, it was moved to its current location.

Current building owner: Myakka City Historical Society. It sits on a lot owned by Manatee County.

Plans: The 5,500-square-foot building would host theater events, concerts, meetings, historical artifacts, weddings, special community events and a branch library.

More information: Call the Myakka City Historical Society at 322-1304.

However, he said all the projects to get the doors open can be finished quickly now they have the money, and he expects an open house for donors by Halloween.

Marilyn Coker, who has worked on the project since the beginning in 1992, is hoping for a Halloween open house, but with so much dictated by volunteer labor, she is focused on having an event held in the auditorium by Christmas.

The three gifts from Bob and Barbara Anson and two other community members have Coker, 87, believing it finally will happen. Two years ago, she purchased the cantata — the “Seven Last Words of Christ” — with the hope of playing it at a grand opening event in 2023. Now it looks like she will in 2024.

“It’s always been my dream,” she said.

Since 1992, the community has raised nearly $1 million on the renovation of the 5,500-square-foot school house that was built in 1914. There have been major donations along the way. In December 2017, the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation announced a $100,000 grant to

with the restoration. Manatee County has supported the project, providing the Myakka City Historical Society with $50,000 from its Community Services Department in 2021. The Bradenton Area Convention and Tourist Bureau previously had given $50,000 toward the project. Mosaic gave $75,000 for the new roof.

Two years ago, Carlton said $75,000 was needed to finish the building. That money proved hard to come by in the small community — until now.

“I found out they needed $60,000 to finish and we wanted to help,” said Bob Anson, a rancher who moved to Myakka City in 1974. Barbara Anson owns Barbara Anson Realty and has been in business in Myakka for 44 years.

“It is very important to see the Myakka City Historic School House brought back to life,” Bob Anson said. “We can make use of it. A new building wouldn’t have this character. This brings back past memories.”

Memories also have been generated since the project began. Coker remembered in 1996, when the school house was moved from the Manatee County Maintenance Yard to its current location, that it was full of pigeons. They tried to get rid of the pigeons during the moving process, but the pigeons followed the building

to its new site.

“They came right along,” Coker said. “We had a hard time getting rid of them.”

But they finally did.

Everyone involved in the project is grateful for the volunteer work to make a 2024 opening feasible.

George Bunyak has done all the installation of the air conditioning system for free. All the duct work is done and just awaiting the units. Carlton said the air conditioning will be finished in two to three weeks.

Contractor Doug Grosse has been an important part of the process, working on anything that needed to be done. Currently, he is working on putting a floor under the elevated stage so that can be used as storage space. Mark Dawn has been working on floors for free. Freedom Flooring was a major contributor.

Neil Sutton has handled the plumbing work and Ken Horne has been generous with his electrical work.

When the school is ready to open, Coker will bring out the stage’s curtains that she packed away when the school closed.

“They are velvet,” she said. “Navy blue with long, gold braids. They are beautiful. We had class in Myakka.”

Jay Heater

The Myakka City Historical Society’s Walter Carlton and Marilyn Coker talk to donors Barbara and Bob Anson about the Myakka City Historic School House project.

BIG TOP EXPANDS TO FRUITVILLE COMMONS

The restaurant/brewery targets mid-April for the opening of its 18,000square-foot business.

It’s Big Top Brewing, it’s a big building, and it’s a big risk.

The ownership team of Sarasota’s Seth Murauskas, Mike Bisaha and Josh Wilson knew they were taking a risk when they decided to build an 18,000-squarefoot building to house their newest restaurant/brewery at Sarasota’s Fruitville Commons, at the southern edge of Lakewood Ranch.

“We have it all on the line here,” said Bisaha, who expects the restaurant/brewery to open by mid-April.

Bisaha noted that the three friends and co-owners are not some large corporation with endless resources. However, they have built Big Top’s reputation over the last 10 years (their anniversary was April 1), starting with their Sarasota restaurant/ brewery just to the west of Interstate 75 in Sarasota. They also have one Lakewood Ranch location at 2507 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.

The new location at 3045 Fruitville Commons Blvd. is just to the east of I-75, which Bisaha said is a key point to making such a large facility profitable.

“Beer can be a tourism business,” Bisaha said. “Big Top started on I-75. It’s easy access.”

BRING ON COMPETITION

Fruitville Commons also offers lots of competition with restaurants such as Cooper’s Hawk and Twin Peaks, but Bisaha said that is part of the attraction for the location.

He said those type of restaurants will draw more attention to his new business and they, when combined, will make Fruitville Commons a dining destination for both the locals and those visiting the area. Bisaha was speaking on March 29 as workers hurried about the building, which looks mostly complete from the outside, but which has lots to be done inside. Big Top will be able to host about 700 guests at a time with outdoor seating for about 200. The outdoor area should be a hit, with a long bar that can seat about 60 guests and more than 100 Adirondack polywood-style chairs that not only offer comfortable seating, but should be resilient when it comes to the weather.

The owners say their speciality is beer, so they hired two regional food gurus, Joe Guli and Joe Seidensticker (Clear Play Concepts) to manage the restaurant side of the business.  Guli’s extensive background includes being the former president of Scratch Concepts, Burger 21 and Grillsmith Restaurant Group. He has been regional vice president for Cheesecake Factory and was the corporate chef for the Wolfgang Puck Restaurant Group. Besides the Clear Play Concepts management group

“It is such a massive building, we have been figuring out the right footprint. We have to figure out the flow of the kitchen. We will be making 36 menu items from scratch.”

Joe Guli

he co-founded with Seidensticker, he also is the CEO of the Tableseide Restaurant Group.

Seidensticker is the co-founder of the Tableseide Restaurant Group, Oak & Stone and now Clear Play Concepts, which also handles Good Liquid Brewing Co. at Waterside in Lakewood Ranch.

HEAVY HITTERS

Big Top brought in heavy hitters. “We had to hire a team organization, one that had the skill to execute,” Bisaha said of hiring Clear Plate Concepts. “In the Sarasota area, there were few choices, and Joe and Joe just stand above the rest.

“We didn’t want bar food. We wanted elevated food,” Bisaha said. It takes only 30 seconds to understand Guli isn’t about to deliver “bar food.”

He launched into a discussion about pizza and how nothing ordinary was going to be found at Big Top. Guli talked about their “pizza dough program” that would utilize Caputo flours that would be blended together at room temperature, sealed for 24 hours in a container during the fermentation process and eventually be the crust after a day-and-a-half process.

“I want our pizza program to be unique,” Guli said. “It will be a blend of New York and Neapolitan styles with super high quality ingredients.”

Guli raced though his description with a unique passion that the owners love. He was on site March 29 preparing his side of the restaurant/ brewery for its opening.

“The facility is massive,” he said. “The menu ... there will be something for everyone. I call it comfort food with a twist. We will be using a lot of local elements.”

But Clear Plate Concepts also will go across the country to bring in exceptional quality. For example, Big Top’s brisket-blend burger will consist of meat shipped from Colorado.

Guli said a big part of his job will be making sure the kitchen staff can get the food to the servers in an efficient manner.

“It is such a massive building, we have been figuring out the right footprint,” he said. “We have to figure out the flow of the kitchen. We will be making 36 menu items from scratch.”

Guli said he has hired 111 of the 130 workers needed to open the doors.

If that isn’t enough on the food side, Guli said food trucks could be used to serve the outdoor customers.

“It would be things like grilled oysters or a taco truck,” he said. “We will have live entertainment and kiosk outside to order from.”

TASTY PAIRS

He said a fun piece of Big Top will be pairing food and beer.

“They plan their beers out annually, so you can plan a menu out six months ahead,” Guli said.

With 32 craft beers on draft and a canned selection, that’s a lot of pairings.

As excited as Guli is about the food, Murauskas, Bisaha and Wilson can’t wait to begin serving their beer.

When it comes to beer, Bisaha said the customers are the boss.

“That’s who we work for,” he said.

They serve draft beers such as Hazy Sky Wire and Circus City IPA, reflecting those circus connections.

They are waiting for a dozen 3,000 gallon tanks to arrive at the new building in April. Until the tanks are installed, they will serve their product that is brewed at their other two locations.

On March 29, tables were arriving and being placed to serve about 500 people inside. “Hopefully we will fill it quick,” Mauraskas said.

Joe Guli of Clear Plate Concepts will manage the restaurant side of the business for Big Top with Joe Seidensticker.

Photos by Jay Heater

Artwork in the new Big Top gives a tip of the hat to Sarasota’s connection with the circus industry.

Lakewood Ranch continues to stretch its borders

Lakewood Ranch continues to expand its holdings as builders want to capitalize on the brand.

It looks like Lakewood Ranch, and even smells like Lakewood Ranch with all that fresh air and mowed grass. So it must be Lakewood Ranch. Unless it isn’t.

That was the dilemma facing Toll Brothers after it bought a strip of property along Fruitville Road, east of its intersection with Lorraine Road.

Toll Brothers had great success with The Isles on University Parkway in Lakewood Ranch. The executives immediately saw the power of being in Lakewood Ranch in terms of drawing power.

That No.1-selling, multigenerational, master-planned community in the U.S. label is worth its weight in gold. Those executives already found it to be true at The Isles.

The problem was that this planned community, now called Monterey at Lakewood Ranch, wasn’t really in Lakewood Ranch, at least not part of what SchroederManatee Ranch calls its 31,000acre Lakewood Ranch.

How do you get around it?

Toll Brothers paid for the right to be “annexed” by Lakewood Ranch, as much as you can be annexed by an unincorporated area. Then again, when a community puts in three decades of work to build its reputation, it should have the right to protect its name.

Rex Jensen, SMR’s CEO and president, explained it all well in a 2019 interview. Jensen said that Lakewood Ranch’s success is tied to being not just neighborhoods filled with houses.

“When you buy a home here,

you’re not just buying a house,” Jensen told Mark Gordon of our sister publication, the Business Observer. “You’re buying into a very active, engaging lifestyle.

“Some real estate developments are ‘projects,’ not ‘communities,’” he said. “They don’t have schools. They don’t have churches. They don’t have parks inside them. They don’t have employment opportunities. To me, that’s the difference between a square and cube.”

So I am not sure whether Jensen was saying a cube is better than a square, but whatever the geometry, Toll Brothers said, “Sign me up.”

When Toll Brothers sent out its announcement that sales had begun in Monterey on March 6, it also included prompts to connect with Lakewood Ranch’s information center and the Lakewood Ranch app.

Those in Monterey at Lakewood

Ranch will be part of the Lakewood Ranch Stewardship District, a special purpose form of local government. The district issues bonds to fund the construction and/or acquisition of stormwater management improvements, landscaping, utilities improvements, and roadway improvements. The district annually collects from property owners both a bond debt service assessment and an (operations and maintenance) assessment. The bond debt service assessment helps amortize the district’s bonds.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with Lakewood Ranch with the opening of Monterey at Lakewood Ranch,” said Brian O’Hara, the Toll Brothers Division president in Tampa and Sarasota, in an email. “This is our newest Toll Brothers community in the highly desirable master-planned community. Monterey at Lakewood Ranch

will anchor the southeast corner of Lakewood Ranch Southeast with direct access to Fruitville Road and the upcoming Bourneside Road extension.”

Jose Molina, the marketing director of Toll Brothers Tampa Division, said Monterey at Lakewood Ranch will consist of 113 single-family homes, priced from the mid$700,000s to more than $1 million.

It will be a gated community with homes from 2,517 square feet to 4,987 square feet and more. The amenities will include walking trails, fitness center, resort pool, a dog park, an event lawn, pickleball courts, an amenities center (construction will begin fall 2025), and everything else you would expect in a Lakewood Ranch community.

Two models are now available on-site.

Molina said he would expect residents to begin moving into the village in January.

In promoting its new community, Toll Brothers notes that Monterey at Lakewood Ranch is “located just minutes from Waterside Place, downtown Sarasota and Siesta Key.

It’s all interesting because in the 10 years I have lived in East County, Lakewood Ranch has come so far.

Although Jensen and his staff were building communities, I do believe the perception for years was that Lakewood Ranch was a bedroom community, or a nice place for seniors to spend their golden days. That has changed.

Even in Toll Brothers first words “located just minutes from Waterside Place, downtown Sarasota ...” is a prime example of how things have changed. In the past, Sarasota always would have received top billing from a developer trying to attract buyers. No more. Waterside Place has become such a destination that it gets top billing.

Don’t think other builders aren’t trying to capitalize on the power of

“Lakewood Ranch.”

The Kolter Group is building the Alton Lakewood apartments on State Road 64, just to the east of Lorraine Road. Included in a promotional package about the project’s groundbreaking was this paragraph.

“Located within Bradenton’s Lakewood Ranch community, Alton Lakewood will provide proximity to top destinations in Bradenton such as the Legacy Golf Club of Lakewood Ranch, Bob Gardner Park and Trails and the White Eagle Shopping Center. The surrounding area of Alton Lakewood is zoned for the top-rated schools, creating a destination for families seeking premier education offerings in addition to thoughtfully designed homes.”

Certainly, anyone trying to rent or sell homes in the vicinity of Lakewood Ranch wants to capitalize on the LWR brand. It can be a risky venture as Lakewood Ranch has sued in the past to protect its brand.

As Pat Neal, by paying SMR for his Windward community off Fruitville Road and Lorraine Road, and Toll Brothers, with Monterey at Lakewood Ranch, have decided, hitching their wagons to the “Lakewood Ranch” brand has paid off.

Which gets me to wondering, just how far will I have to drive in 10 years to get to the Lakewood Ranch border?

Jay Heater Monterey at Lakewood Ranch has two models available, including the Centennial.

Jay Heater

Lake Club Giving Circle makes impact with grants

The Lake Club Giving Circle donates $30,000 to 15 nonprofits in Manatee and Sarasota counties.

the doctor who a year earlier had pumped her stomach to save her from an overdose. She also met a police officer whose daughter died of an overdose. To share his story with Teen Court participants, he brought her ashes to show them. Given her personal experience with the nonprofit, McBrayer-Lynch said she, more than anyone, understands how important a grant like the one the nonprofit received from the Lake Club Giving Circle is to ensuring Teen Court of Sarasota can continue to help the youth in the area.

The Lake Club Giving Circle provided $30,000 in grants to 15 nonprofits in Sarasota and Manatee counties, including one to Teen Court of Sarasota.

GRANT RECIPIENTS

■ Mothers Helping Mothers

■ The Twig

■ Tidewell Foundation’s Blue Butterfly program

■ Teen Court of Sarasota

■ Healthy Teens

■ Habitat for Humanity Sarasota

■ Foster the Family

■ School Attendance Support

■ Safe Children Coalition

■ Human Rights Campaign

■ Manatee Children’s Services

■ Foundation for Dreams

■ Hope Family Services

■ Stillpoint Mission

■ DD’s Miracle Minis

MaryAnn Legler, the founder of Healthy Teens, and Jonathan Evans, the executive director, says grants like the one the Giving Circle gave the nonprofit are critical to allow its teen health educators reach more of their peers.

McBrayer-Lynch said her experience with Teen Court was the wakeup call she needed to get her life in order. She finished high school, stopped using drugs, moved back in with her parents and now serves as the board president for Teen Court of Sarasota.

“If I had a charge on my record, my whole life would be different,” she said.

Nancy Lepain, the grants chair for the Lake Club Giving Circle, said each member of the group chose the top two nonprofits to provide funding. She said she’s discovered the group’s niche for donating include children, family services and women’s services.

Since 2014, the organization has donated more than $118,000 to 30 nonprofits.

“Sometimes we live in a bubble and don’t realize there are people in our own backyard that are certainly less fortunate than we are,” Lepain said. “If there’s some small way we can help them, that’s exactly what we should do. The philosophy of the Giving Circle is to help those that are in need and do whatever we can for them.”

Some of the nonprofits are using the grants they received to launch new programs, such as Foster the Family Florida starting a respite program in Sarasota.

Kimberlee Peralta, the director of Foster the Family Florida, said the respite program will give parents a three-hour break from their children. The children will be provided activities, dinner and snacks, and parents will receive a gift.

The turnover rate of foster homes is substantial, Peralta said, and the foster families do not feel supported.

“No matter how many organizations are offering respite, there can never be enough,” she said. “There are over 700 kids in foster care in our area, so the homes have a lot of children. Some of the families we serve have eight to 10 kids in their homes, so you can imagine trying to get a babysitter for 10 kids so they can go out for a couple hours.”

Other nonprofits are using the grants to provide supplies for its programming or support services provided.

Stillpoint Mission will be able to

distribute more than 17,000 diapers through its diaper program as a result of receiving a grant.

Karen Allen, a volunteer and grant writer for Stillpoint Mission, said the nonprofit distributed 292,000 diapers in 2023, and it is on track to distribute more this year.

She said every donation helps the nonprofit’s mission. Without funds, the nonprofit would have to limit the number of diapers distributed each week, even as the number of people going to Stillpoint Mission for diapers increases.

Ellen McLaughlin, the director of Schoolhouse Link for Safe Children Coalition, said the Giving Circle grant will provide housing for a senior at Sarasota High School who is homeless. She said his mother is an addict and he never knew his dad. Without the nonprofit’s help, he might drop out of school.

“He had been living couch to couch before coming into our program and that instability had made it really hard for him to succeed in school,” she said. “We’re hoping he will graduate this summer and that will be the next step along his path to self sufficiency.”

The team’s surgical services include:

• Minimally invasive robotic surgeries, including anti-reflux, hernia, colon/rectum, gallbladder, appendix, spleen, and adrenal glands

• Management of benign and malignant breast disease

• Benign and malignant skin disease

• GI Tract Procedures

• Robotic Weight Loss Surgery

To make an appointment, call 941-254-6767

Samuel Yelverton, MD

David

MD Alexa Kinder, PA-C

Ellen McLaughlin, the director of Schoolhouse Link with Safe Children Coalition, and David Leubcke, the senior director of programs, are thrilled to receive a grant from the Lake Club Giving Circle for the first time.

Photos by Liz Ramos

Churches unite to support Myakka City pastor

Myakka City’s faith community is coming together to support Myakka Family Worship Center’s pastor after fire consumes his barn.

Whenever someone in his community is in need, Myakka Family Worship Center Pastor Lynn Howell quickly arranges a fundraiser or a plan to help.  His congregation has raised thousands in the past for such causes.

However, Howell never wanted to be the one receiving the proceeds.

But on Feb. 25, an accidental fire consumed Howell’s barn along with another barn owned by his neighbor.

Mark Albritton decided to bring the Myakka City faith community together for a benefit on April 6 to support Howell and his family.

Howell said he was home at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 25 when he noticed a fire

IF YOU GO

When: 5:30 p.m. April 6

Where: Myakka Family Worship Center, 33420 Singletary Road, Myakka City

Cost: Free entrance

Details: There will be a bake sale, raffle, music and a service. Proceeds will go toward supporting Myakka Family Worship Center’s pastor, Lynn Howell and the church

“I’ve lived here all my life. Myakka is a unique community, and I’m honored I get to serve here. … I am tickled pink and I’m grateful the community is rallying around us. It shows the love of this community.”

Lynn Howell

had broken out behind the barn and was making its way to his neighbor’s barn. He said he doesn’t know the cause of the fire, which is under investigation.

“It sounded like a war zone there for a little while,” he said.

Howell’s barn served as storage for his personal tools and also items for the Myakka Family Worship Center. He used those tools to fix things around the church or to help those in the community who were in need.

He still has five generators, gas cans, tarps and other emergency supplies that weren’t lost in the fire.

Howell still catches himself thinking he can go to the barn to grab one of his tools.

“We’re starting over again,” Howell said. “But God will provide.”

Howell was appreciative of the support from East Manatee Fire Rescue, especially Chief Lee Whitehurst and Battalion Chief Casey Lambert. Howell said Whitehurst stayed by

his side all afternoon and helped him through everything.

Howell also said the outpouring of love and support from the community also has been much appreciated.

“Words cannot begin to describe how thankful we are for the response in this community,” Howell said.

After hearing of the fire, Albritton, who retired as the pastor of Sandy Baptist Church in January, said God was telling him to do something to support Howell and his church. He said it was an impressive response “across denominational lines.”

Albritton said the benefit reminded him of 40 years ago when the churches in Myakka City would come together every year for a sunrise Easter service. Over the years, the churches started going their separate ways and have become more independent, he said.

“It was always in my heart to bring some unity to our diversity,” Albritton said.

Members of seven churches are coming together for the benefit, which will include a raffle, bake sale, music and a choir performance. Albritton said members from all the churches will create a choir to sing hymns. There also will be a service at 7 p.m.

Howell said he’s thrilled, humbled and honored to see the faith community coming together for a common goal.

“There’s a scripture in the Bible that says, ‘Can a man be a prophet in his own homeland?’ The Bible goes on to say, ‘It’s difficult, but for me, it works,’” Howell said. “I’ve lived here all my life. Myakka is a unique community, and I’m honored I get to serve here. … I am tickled pink and I’m grateful the community is rallying around us. It shows the love of this community.”

The proceeds from the benefit will go toward rebuilding his neighbor’s barn as well as replacing the items for the church that were lost in the fire.

“It’s hard for me to be a receiver, but I can be a giver,” he said.

If anything can come from the benefit, Howell said he hopes it’s the unity of the community.

Liz Ramos

Lynn Howell, the pastor of Myakka Family Worship Center, says he is humbled and honored to see the faith community coming together to support him and his family.

PET PICS

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!

EQUAL

Lilyetta helping with her owner’s math lesson in Lakewood Ranch.

Suncoast Food and Wine Fest pays off

Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch provides $130,000 in grants to local nonprofits and programs.

Dbusinesses, Bartoszek said Foundation

would not be able to provide year-round weekend and summer residential camps for children with varying abilities and chronic and/or terminal medical conditions.

Bartoszek said the grant from the Rotary club will go toward expanding its sensory rooms, which give children an opportunity to reset.

Foundation for Dreams was one of 26 nonprofits and programs in Manatee and Sarasota counties to receive a grant from the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch.

The Rotary raised $130,000 to support the nonprofits through its annual Suncoast Food and Wine Fest.

Bob Grepling, chair of the Rotary’s grants committee, said in the 21 years the club has hosted the Suncoast Food and Wine Fest, the club has raised $1.2 million.

Bartoszek said half of the parents of the 110 children already registered for the nonprofit’s summer camp told Foundation for Dreams that having a sensory room would be beneficial to their child.

“Our biggest goal is for them to be able to adjust to camp activities, do things with other peers and be able to be more productive members of society,” she said of the children.

Throughout the summer families receiving meals from Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee through its Food 4 Families program also will benefit from a Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch grant.

Maribeth Phillips, the CEO and president of Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee, said the Food 4 Families program will provide 30 meals that contain enough food for a family of five every weekend throughout the summer.

She said the nonprofit is planning to distribute 22,000 meals per week for nine weeks. That totals close to 200,000 meals over the summer.

“This food for these families is life saving,” Phillips said. “Kids should be enjoying their summer and not have to worry about not having anything to eat.”

Other nonprofits that received grants included funding laptops for

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, sending children with the Children’s Guardian Fund to summer camp and supporting the Easterseals Southwest Florida Easterseals Academy.

Ashley Nolan, the program coordinator for Tidewell’s Blue Butterfly program, said the grant from the Rotary will allow the nonprofit to continue providing services at no cost to its clients.

The Blue Butterfly program provides children ages 5 to 18 and their caregivers a safe space to grieve and process after a significant death in their lives.

Nolan said when she tells people their services are free, hearing the sigh of relief from people who call saying they don’t have insurance or the means to pay for services is amazing.

“It knocks down all the barri -

ers that people have to get mental health services,” said Megan Wenger, a senior philanthropy advisor for Tidewell. “It’s incredible what (the Blue Butterfly program) does and the multiple ways they’re serving children and families.”

The grant funding also is supporting programs within the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch, including the Books for Kids program and the Clean Water Projects.

Ted Lindenberg, the director of the Books for Kids program, said the grant will help expand the Books for Kids Kindergarten Program, which started in the 2022-2023 school year.

The program now provides oneon-one mentorship with 140 children in seven classes. Lindenberg wants to increase the program to 180 children in nine classes.

■

■

Liz Ramos Ashley Nolan and Megan Wenger with the Tidewell Foundation are thankful for the grant Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch member Bob Grepling (center) presented to them for Tidewell Foundation’s Blue Butterfly program.

SPORTS

Fast Break

in a March 26 win against Calvary Christian.

The Out-of-Door Academy girls lacrosse senior Ella East had five goals and an assist in the Thunder’s 16-3 home win over Calvary Christian High March 26. East has 25 goals and six assists as of April 1. The Thunder is 5-7.

… Former Lakewood Ranch High track and field star Gracie Marston, a sophomore at Georgia Tech, helped the Yellow Jackets women’s 4x800-meter relay team take a gold medal at the Pepsi Florida Relays, held March 30 in Gainesville. The team finished in 8:51.37. Marston also finished 35th in the individual 800-meter run (2:11.61).

Former Lakewood Ranch High baseball star John Schroeder, now a junior at Florida Atlantic University, hit a threerun home run March 29 in the Owls’ 13-5 road win over the University of Memphis. As of April 1, Schroeder is hitting .275 with five doubles, one triple, four home runs and 24 RBIs. The Owls are 15-9.

Denise Holter sank a holein-one March 26 on the No. 16 hole at University Park Country Club. Holter used a 5-hybrid on the 115-yard hole.

Lila Cooper (24) won the Nine Hole Ladies Golf Association “Bronze and Ruby” event (individual low net scoring) held March 28 at University Park Country Club.

Lakewood Ranch High baseball senior Lochlan Radloff went 2-2 with a double, a triple, two walks and five RBIs in the Mustangs’ 21-0 win over White Plains High (White Plains, New York). Radloff is hitting .513 with 12 RBIs as of April 1. The Mustangs are 7-6-1.

“In the javelin I’ve already hit my goal, which was 25 meters, so now I want to throw as far as I can beyond that.”

‘A crazy ride’

Kevin Roy almost gave up golf, but now is fighting to get back to the PGA Tour.

RYAN

KOHN SPORTS EDITOR

In 2017, Lakewood Ranch’s Kevin Roy thought he was done with professional golf.  Roy, a native of Syracuse, New York, had spent the previous five years trying to make it his living after graduating from Long Beach State University in 2012. It had been a slog. Roy won one of the first events he played on the West Florida Golf Tour, collecting $10,000 in the process, but soon found it a struggle to stay afloat.

He came close to a breakthrough in 2015 when he obtained a card for the PGA Tour Latinoamérica, but went on to play “absolutely horrible,” he said, making the cut in just one of 10 events and losing nearly all of the money he had raised or earned.

“It’s a crazy ride,” Roy said. “A lot of golf fans don’t realize the credit card debts you get. You’re sleeping in a Red Roof Inn, or even your car in the parking lot sometimes. It can take a toll on you mentally and physically.”

After five years, Roy had enough of it. He did not play a single professional event in 2017, instead working in the medical sales business to get a consistent income. Having money was a nice change of pace, he said, but over the course of the year, he realized medical sales was not how he wanted to spend his life. He saved all the money he could, and in 2018 rededicated himself to professional golf. He said he knows he has the talent to make it, but that it is a matter of being more consident.

Roy’s decision appears to be the right one, even though it has been a long road. In 2020, he played his first full season on the Korn Ferry Tour, and in 2022, Roy finished 21st on the Korn Ferry Tour points list, earning his first PGA Tour card in the process.

“There were times when I never thought it would happen,” Roy said.

“To have a childhood dream come true at 32 years old was emotional.”  Now 34, he wants to prove he belongs on the PGA Tour. He played 31 events during the 2022-2023 PGA Tour season, making nine cuts and finishing in the top 25 of a tournament three times. He made $478,760,

What:

Past

but finished 174th in the FedEx Cup standings, meaning he lost his tour status for the 2023-2024 season.

Roy said the overall talent level wasn’t that much different on the

“The game has been good to me. I’m eager to get back out there because I know I can compete, and I’m more motivated than ever.”

Kevin Roy

PGA Tour as compared to the Korn Ferry Tour. Players on the Korn Ferry Tour are good, he said, but the biggest difference was just finding a comfort level. At one of his first events, he said, he had a locker two down from world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler. He knows he needs to adjust to that kind of pressure. He doesn’t want to be happy just to be there. His focus now is playing well enough on the Korn Ferry Tour to get back to the PGA Tour. To that end, his early-season results have him in a good position. He has made the cut in all four KFT events he has played and finished second (16 under par) at The Bahamas Great Exuma Classic at Sandals Emerald Bay in January. As of March 29, Roy is 13th on the KFT points list as the top 30 at the end of the season will receive PGA Tour cards. Now that he is a Lakewood Ranch resident, he will give local golf fans a rooting interest in the LECOM Suncoast Classic, which will be played April 18-21 at Lakewood National Golf Club.

To prepare for this season, Roy said he has been working with a mental performance coach, Brian Cain, to have more self-awareness on the golf course. Roy said he only wants to think about the next shot, not any past shots or two shots ahead. To do that, Cain’s advice says athletes should monitor their body language, focus and self-talk. If an athlete is in control of all three areas, they are more likely to do what they need to do.

Roy said the advice has been game-changing for him. He’s now able to quickly get over a bad shot or a bad round, he said — a crucial skill in what can be a fickle game. Roy put those skills to work when he secured a sponsor’s exemption spot in the PGA Tour’s 2024 Valspar Championship, held March 17-23 at Innisbrook Golf and Spa Resort in Palm Harbor. Roy finished tied for 12th at five under par, earning $166,740.  Roy said he’s looking forward to competing at the Suncoast Classic in front of family and friends, though he hopes it will be the final time he plays in it.

“I would not change (the journey) for the world,” Roy said. “The game has been good to me. I’m eager to get back out there because I know I can compete, and I’m more motivated than ever.”

Courtesy image ODA girls lacrosse senior Ella East had five goals and an assist

Courtesy images

Kevin Roy received his PGA Tour card for the 2022-2023 season and played in

Lakewood Ranch’s Kevin Roy is 13th on the Korn Ferry Tour points list as he chases a return to the PGA Tour.

Pirates chase unbeaten regular season

The Pirates are 11-0 as of March 29 and believe they can compete with the state’s elite.

An undefeated regular season is on the table for Braden River High flag football.  The Pirates seek more.

Not just this season, but for several seasons to come.

The Braden River flag football program has become the dominant program in the region since starting play in 2020. The Pirates are 48-7 in that span. In 2024, Braden River stands at 11-0 as of March 29, with games against Lakewood Ranch High (8-5) and St. Petersburg High (7-1) remaining. The Pirates are ranked No. 19 in Florida and No. 7 in Class 1A by the Florida High School Athletic Association.

Then Braden River will be off to the postseason, where the program has also seen success. Last season, the Pirates reached the FHSAA Class 1A regional finals before losing 32-0 to Tampa’s Robinson High.

That score was lopsided, but Robinson beat down everyone in its path on the way to a state title, including a 32-13 win over Choctawhatchee High in the state championship game. It was Robinson’s eighth state title since 2014. The Knights have become the gold standard in flag football — not just in Florida, but in the United States. It’s why Robinson Head Coach Josh Saunders was named a coach with the Girls 15U Flag Football U.S. National Team on March 7.

Having Robinson in the region means Braden River will have to elevate its game to reach a state championship game. Pirates Head Coach Amanda Porco said a state title is the program’s ultimate goal — so they will have to face and overcome Robinson at some point, along with

the other five teams in front of them in the FHSAA rankings.  Porco and the rest of the Pirates flag football staff have led the program to higher levels, but getting the Pirates to the upper echelons of the sport will be an additional challenge.

One way to do that? Get the best athletes you can. In tackle football, the best players on the team are often multisport athletes, participating in basketball, baseball or track and field in the offseason to stay in shape. It makes sense that flag football could work in similar fashion. Porco said the Pirates have players who started in soccer, volleyball and weightlifting, giving them a mix of players with different skills.

But, Porco said, the best flag football players are the ones who

love the sport on its own merits, seeing it as more than an offseason activity. To get good, a player has to dedicate herself to improving. It will not magically happen. That is why Porco watches players’ body language when they first join the team, looking for hints of emotion.

“The moment they get the hang of it, their faces light up,” Porco said. “They instantly ask so many questions because they want the opportunity to find success.”

There’s more to flag football success than enjoyment and athleticism. Like tackle football, teams will need to have a plan for their opponents, and they will need the mental strength to perform at their best in the face of playoff pressure. A state title win will require all of it.  Can the 2024 team be the one to get there? Porco believes in her

team, and she has reasons for that, starting with senior quarterback Cydnee Brooks. As of March 29, Brooks has completed 69.6% of her passes for 1,980 yards, 36 touchdowns and three interceptions. Brooks also has 50 carries for 482 yards and 10 touchdowns. Whenever the Pirates move the ball, she’s going to be involved.

It’s not just her play that impresses her head coach, but her attitude.

“Cydnee commands the offense in such a mature way that puts the entire huddle at ease,” Porco said.

Brooks spreads the ball around.

Senior Ameria Smith leads the team with 48 catches, 622 yards and 12 receiving touchdowns, but junior Aubrey Barak had 47 catches for 460 yards and five touchdowns. Porco called Smith and Barak two of

the most versatile athletes she has coached, helping the team win in multiple ways. That carries over to the defensive side of the ball, where Barak has 41 tackles, second on the team, and Smith has 23.

Behind them in offensive production is senior Aryanna Spainhower, a volleyball player who had never tried flag football before this season. Spainhower has turned into a reliable threat, catching 38 passes for 427 yards and eight touchdowns.

Flag football can seem like an offense-first sport, but top teams can put clamps on opposing offenses. While Barak and Smith contribute to that, the Pirates’ defense is led by “the two Maddies,” — junior Maddie Epperson and sophomore Maddie Baehr.  Epperson leads the Pirates with 12 sacks and is a weapon with how she keeps quarterbacks uncomfortable. Baehr leads the Pirates with 42 tackles and has added four interceptions. As a team, the Pirates have 30 interceptions.

“We’ve got players who wants to make an impact (on defense),” Porco said.

Soon, everyone will see what the Pirates have got. A team can amass talent and cultivate an enthusiasm for the sport and create a game plan to exploit the holes in an opponent’s game. Ultimately, it has to go perform. The Pirates want their season to end with a win, not a loss. The playoffs begin April 8 with the district tournament. That will be the beginning of their chance to prove how far they have come.

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

Ryan Kohn Braden River High flag football Head Coach Amanda Porco said she looks for players who are enthusiastic about the sport.

(4

9.5 inches) at the 2024 ODA Academy Thunder Classic, held March 23 at The Out-of-Door Academy. Bullas also competes in javelin.

When did you start doing track and field?

I started this season. I play soccer and I do throw-ins, so I thought trying the javelin would help with that. Once I joined, the coaches were looking for people to do the high jump and I was willing to try it.

How long did it take you to feel comfortable in track and field? I started to get the hang of things by the second or third week of practice. The high jump came faster than the javelin. I’m still trying to learn the form for that.

Did you expect to be winning events this soon?

I did not, but I’m happy with it. I think with the high jump, I have the strength in my legs to get me up to where I need to be. I think that’s partly from playing soccer.

What is your favorite memory from this season?

My favorite times are hanging with everybody at the meets, seeing how they do and supporting them. Every one has been so supportive toward me and I like to experience new people.

What other events would you like to try?

I think next season I want to add some of the sprint events. I want to do a bit of everything.

What are your goals for the rest of the season?

In the high jump, I’m looking to hit 4 feet 11 inches, maybe 5 feet. In the javelin I’ve already hit my goal, which was 25 meters, so now I want to throw as far as I can beyond that.

What is your favorite school subject? Either math or biology.

What is the best advice you have received?

Never give up. I always get down on myself when I can’t do something.

But you have to keep trying. My coaches have been encouraging with that.

Finish this sentence: “Kiki Bullas is …” … Energetic. I’ve always been an outgoing, extroverted type.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

YOUR NEIGHBORS

SCOUTS ARE THREE OF A KIND

Myakka City’s Gabriel Legutko becomes the third in his family to earn the Eagle Scout rank.

LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR

Myakka City’s Gabriel Legutko didn’t necessarily choose to be a Boy Scout. He said he was born into it.

His two older brothers, Henry Legutko and Andrew Legutko, both earned the Eagle Scout rank, the highest a Boy Scout can achieve.

With Gabriel Legutko growing behind them, it was natural for him to follow in his brothers’ footsteps and become a member of the troop. He decided to stay in Boy Scouts for the skills he was developing and to become a better leader.

But he wasn’t sure he had the motivation to do what it takes to become an Eagle Scout.

Knowing he would be the third in his family to become an Eagle Scout and adding to the family’s legacy became the driving factor for earning the rank.

He said he’s proud to be the third in his family to earn the rank and to give his parents, Tracy and John-Paul Legutko, a “100% completion rate.”

Tracy Legutko said seeing her three sons earn their Eagle Scout rank has been overwhelming, knowing all the hard work that they have

put into it to earn the rank.

“(Scouts) has made them into the men they are today,” she said. “Scouts has helped raise my children. It’s instilled leadership in them. It gave them outdoor skills and confidence in each of them.”

Gabriel Legutko earned his Eagle Scout rank by refurbishing the tree stand Oneco Hope Global Methodist Church uses every holiday season to sell Christmas trees.

He saw it was rundown and was concerned whether it was safe to use.

The moment of greatest uncertainty of whether he could become an Eagle Scout was at the beginning of working on his project. He had to come up with a plan to refurbish

the stand, along with a financial plan, and then present the plans for approval. He said it was overwhelming.

Gabriel Legutko’s leadership skills were put to the test.

He had to take on a managerial role to oversee the project and direct the scouts in his troop.  “I like helping people and stepping in, so it’s weird to just have to stay there and talk to people instead of being able to help,” he said.

With the support of his parents and his grandfather, Carmie Snider, Gabriel Legutko finished his project.

Boy Scouts always has been a family affair for the Legutkos.  Henry Legutko, who is now 22, started with Cub Scouts in 2007,

SOAR LIKE AN EAGLE

GABRIEL LEGUTKO

Residence: Myakka City

Age: 18 School: Lakewood Ranch High School

Rank: Eagle Scout Tip for future scouts: Be understanding as a lot of people are passionate about Boy Scouts and everyone is there for the same reason: personal and team development.

Dream job: Independently working on cars

and his brothers followed in his footsteps.  Tracy Legutko said her sons now laugh because their involvement in Boy Scouts has given her a love for camping as well. Her favorite memories are going on camping trips with them.

Throughout the years, Carmie Snider, who is Tracy Legutko’s father, has mentored his grandsons and helped with their respective Eagle projects.

Both Tracy Legutko and Carmie Snider will continue to support Gabriel Legutko’s troop, Troop 10, and give back to the organization that gave the Legutko family more than a decade of memories and lessons.  Gabriel Legutko said having his brothers in the troop wasn’t always easy as there was a “power dynamic” among them they had to balance.

“You can’t be too mean to your own siblings, so you can’t always make them wash the dishes or anything,” he said. “You definitely have to be cordial. You have to respect each other. But it’s a lot of fun to have family in scouting.”

Gabriel Legutko will celebrate his accomplishment at an Eagle Scout ceremony April 28.

He said the celebration will be an opportunity for him to connect his past to his present as members from his former troop and his present troop will come together to recognize his achievement. It’ll be fun to have the members finally meet each other after Gabriel Legutko has shared stories and memories of being in both troops.

When he started with Boy Scouts, Gabriel Legutko was a member of Troop 42 in Myakka City.

In 2020, Troop 42 disbanded due to an insufficient number of participants. Andrew and Gabriel had to find a new troop, so they went to Troop 10, which meets at Oneco Hope Global Methodist Church. Moving from Troop 42 to Troop 10 was an adjustment, Gabriel said.

In Troop 42, they focused more on outdoor skills as they were in Myakka City while Troop 10 focuses more on leadership training.

He said the lessons and skills he learned from both troops have made him the scout he is today and will help him in his future.

Courtesy images

Carmie Snider helps his grandson, Gabriel Legutko, as Legutko works to earn his Eagle Scout rank by rebuilding a Christmas tree stand at Oneco Hope Global Methodist Church.

Henry Legutko led the charge in joining Boy Scouts with his brothers, Gabriel Legutko and Andrew Legutko, following his lead. All three brothers have earned the Eagle Scout rank.

A bigger stage

Every note might not have been perfect, but for the Music Compound students who took the stage at Musicpalooza on Friday at Nathan Benderson Park, it was the perfect setting.

Those musicians and singers performed in Musicpalooza, a free music event to lead into Saturday’s huge My Hometown Fest, which was expected to draw hundreds the following day to the same stage.

Musicpalooza featured food trucks, beverage trucks, area vendors, and the DJ, Kurses & Karma. The bands, all made up of Music Compound students (both adults and kids) were The Spokes, Pins and Needles, Solar Apocalypse, Heartbreaker, Jam Band, and Velvet Echo.

Proceeds from the event benefit Sertoma Kids.

The first Music Compound band to take the stage was Jam Band, made up of adults, who not only attend Music Compound to improve their skills but as a weekly social event.

Music Compound Studio Director Alyssa Martin said such events are important for all the students. “It’s a great opportunity for our students to get on a big stage,” she said. “They can feel what it is like to perform in a music festival, and they get to collaborate with other artists.”

— JAY HEATER

Owner Greg Garrison lands an underhand axe throw on the bulls-eye Friday at Nathan Benderson Park. He brought his concession, “Axe Heads,” to Musicpalooza. Besides axes, his customers can throw Ninja Stars, four-pointed Shurikens.

Music Compound’s Jenny Townsend and Alyssa Martin celebrate their students being on stage during Musicpalooza Friday at Nathan Benderson Park. The event was a lead-in to Saturday’s My Hometown Fest.

Photos by Jay Heater

The Jam Band of the Music Compound entertains during Musicpalooza at Nathan Benderson Park. Five other bands composed of Music Compound students took the stage.

My Hometown Fest rocks again

Jennifer Bash, co-president of the Sertoma Club of Greater Sarasota with her husband, Jamie Miller, flashed a big smile when asked how important the My Hometown Fest will be to her nonprofit’s mission.

“It’s huge,” said Bash, who was in the middle of the annual food and adult beverage frenzy March 30 at Nathan Benderson Park. “This helps us serve more families, help more kids.”

My Hometown Fest was founded by Sertoma Club of Greater Sarasota in 2016 to support the club’s charitable activities that include the Sertoma Kids Speech and Language Center. Not far away, the music group

American Jones was pumping out music that had most within earshot dancing whether they were near the main stage or lined up at one of the booths to get food samples or adult beverages from the region’s top restaurants, distilleries and breweries. Besides American Jones, Twinkle and Rock Soul Radio, and Hot Tonic rocked out as well during the all-day event.

Bash said she expected between 3,000 to 5,000 tickets sold by the end of the day.

“It’s amazing, all these people coming out,” she said.

— JAY HEATER

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jeffrey Martins, DDS

Director Nick Conner is handing out pulled pork and chicken at My Hometown Fest. Mission brought along the five-ton military vehicle, Bam Bam, to the festival as well.

Photos by Jay Heater Marcos Cruz, Stephanie Di Vanni and Mallory Mathis serve up a Seasons 52 favorite — ceviche. Anthony Puccio and Attila Colaci get ready to serve up Buddy’s bagels. Buddy’s has been in business in Sarasota for 40 years.

Heather King and Dan Williams, a pair of general managers for Oak and Stone, say their oven-baked mac and cheese has been a beloved staple dish for the restaurants.

Trey Jones handles the lead vocals for American Jones during My Hometown Fest at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota March 30.

YOUR CALENDAR

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), Soundwave (Friday), Gator Ridge Ramblers and Blue Grass Pirates (special time 12:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday) and Jimmy Buffet Weekend (Sunday). The Friday and Saturday concerts have a $5 cover; the other concerts are free. For more information, go to JiggsLanding. com.

FRIDAY APRIL 5 AND SATURDAY, APRIL 6

MUSIC AT THE PLAZA

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

SATURDAY, APRIL 6

FISHING SEMINAR

Runs from 10-11 a.m. for the first session, and noon to 1 p.m. for the second session at Summerfield Community Park. Hosted by the Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club in association with Lakewood Ranch Community Activities, the annual free Youth and Teen (ages 5-19) Fishing Seminar provides a hands-on introduction to fishing basics such as casting, angling techniques, knot tying and the importance of being a good sportsman. Fish Florida has provided a free rod and reel to any youth or teen who participates. Please register at MyLWR.com.

SUNDAY, APRIL 7

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 and food and drinks. Enjoy

BEST BET

MUSIC ON MAIN

FRIDAY, APRIL 5

Runs from 6-9 p.m. at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch. The free, monthly concert and block party returns as Mojo Filter will play favorite hits from the 1990s. Proceeds from the event benefit Suncoast Charities for Children. The event will feature food vendors, beer trucks, sponsor booths and activities for kids, presented by Grace Community Church. For more information, go to LakewoodRanch.com.

the traditional divot stomping at halftime. For tickets or information, go to SarasotaPolo.com.

FARMERS MARKET

Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Lakefront Drive in Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch. The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch will run year-round every Sunday. Vendors will be offering seafood, eggs, meats, dairy products, pastas, bakery goods, jams and pickles, among other items. Other features are children’s activities and live music. For more information, visit MyLWR.com.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10

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.

FRIDAY, APRIL 12

BLOCK PARTY

Runs from 6-9 p.m. at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch. The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance partners with Lakewood Ranch Main Street and Lakewood Ranch Community Activities to present a free event that includes live music (the Hangtime Band), beer trucks, food vendors, vendor booths and lots of activities for adults and kids. For more information, go to LakewoodRanch.com.

Shop a curated selection of luxury brands presented by Bal Harbour Shops. Available for a limited time.

NEIGHBORS NOTES

became “changemakers” during the Be A Change Maker Campaign that benefits the Mayors Feed the Hungry Program.

The campaign raised $16,000 by urging students to look through couch cushions, coin purses, car floors and other places to find pennies and nickels to share with families facing food insecurity.

According to a Mayors Feed the Hungry Program release, it took Publix employees two days to sort, count and process all the coins.

The donations paid for $25 gift cards for Publix. The cards will be distributed at local food pantries.

Students from Braden River High and Robert Willis, B.D. Gullett, and Gilbert W. McNeal elementary schools were among those who

“It’s heartwarming,” Mayors Feed the Hungry Program Executive Director Scott Biehler said in a release. “While food pantries are always happy to receive canned food and other nonperishables, it is a treat to be able to distribute Publix grocery gift cards. That allows families to buy fresh, healthy ingredients.

“As the need is rising, donations are drying up,” Biehler said.

Anyone who would like to make a

Lori Ruth Olga Maliak and her brother, Dima Maliak, of Lakewood Ranch, won the jellybean contest at Eggstravaganza on March 23 at Waterside Park.

Grant deadline approaches soon

Sisterhood for Good’s deadline for submitting grants for 2024 is April 26.

In 2023, the nonprofit raised $110,000, which supported 32 local charities. The grant funds are distributed through a strategic grant application process, ensuring each organization receiving support aligns with the group’s mission of fostering positive change within the community.

Those nonprofits selected for this year’s grant cycle will receive funds in June.

“We are incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together,” said Angela Massaro-Fain, the founder of Sisterhood For Good, in a release. “Our mission is to impact our community meaningfully by supporting local charities that are doing vital work. Since 2011, we have awarded grants to 143 nonprofits, totaling $319,241, and impacting 24,714 individuals.”

Nonprofits seeking a grant application can go to SisterhoodForGood.org.

New pastor at Faith United Church of Christ

Bradenton’s Faith United Church of Christ has selected the Rev. Joseph Shore-Goss as its new pastor. Shore-Goss previously served two years as chaplain of Orlando Health Dr. P. Philipps Hospital. He received a master of divinity and a master’s in pastoral care from Claremont School of Theology of Claremont, California. He received his Ph.D. after studies at Christ College and Oxford University. Shore-Goss is an artist, photographer and weaver.

He took over at Faith United Church of Christ on March 17.

Neal Communities earns Parade of Homes awards

Lakewood Ranch’s Neal Communities, Neal Signature Homes and Waterscapes Pools & Spas (one of Neal Communities’ family of companies) won a combined eight awards at the Parade of Homes Awards Gala March 21 at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota.

Neal Communities won for its Grand Park in South Sarasota in the “Communities” category. Neal Communities also won two awards in the Single Family Homes category for the Sea Mist model in Wildleaf at North River Ranch in Parrish and the Sanibel at the Boca Royale Golf and Country Club in Englewood. Neal Communities won its fourth award for the Tidewater at Vicenza in Venice in the Multi-Family category offering four or fewer residences.

Neal Signature Homes received awards for two model homes in the Single Family Homes category, the Carlotta 2 at The Alcove at Waterside in Lakewood Ranch and the Cortina at Aria in Venice. Both the Carlotta 2 and the Cortina also won awards for pool design. The pools were designed and built by Waterscapes Pools & Spas, which is part of the Neal Communities family of companies.

“We were among excellent company in all of the categories, and we are honored to accept these awards on behalf of the entire Neal Communities and Neal Signatures Homes team,” said Carlos Puente, vice president of sales and marketing for Neal Communities and president of Neal Signature Homes, in a release.

Tip of the hat to Waterlefe

The Waterlefe Golf and River Club Community deserves a tip of the hat for organizing a two-mile walk on March 16 in which the participants raised and donated $2,400 toward the Feeding Empty Little Tummies nonprofit. Besides the money, Waterlefe residents also collected food to donate to the organization.

University Park home tops sales at $2 million

Ain University Park topped all transactions in this week’s real estate. Patrick Henry McEvoy and Renee Lynn McEvoy, of Holmes Beach, sold their home at 7302 Westminster Court to Linda and James Strickland, of Creve Coeur, Missouri, for $2 million. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,193 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.8 million in 2023.

ESPLANADE

Sylvester Bonarti and Maria Milagrosa Diaz Bonarti, trustees, sold the home at 5034 Benito Court to John and Karen Hammersmith, of Bradenton, for $1.8 million. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, a pool and 3,320 square feet of living area. It sold for $767,600 in 2016.

Jaime and Cathy Rochman, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 4522 Terrazza Court to Bryan and Carrie Delaney, of Bradenton, for $995,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,391 square feet of living area. It sold for $485,000 in 2020.

AZARIO AT ESPLANADE

Robert and Maxine Shusman, of Margate City, New Jersey, sold their home at 15517 Derna Terrace to Scott and Janice Wilson, of Englewood, for $1.65 million. Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,101 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,183,800 in 2023.

Daniel and Diana McGonigle, of Sunset, South Carolina, sold their home at 3430 Santa Caterina Blvd. to Robert and Maxine Shusman, of Bradenton, for $1.5 million. Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 3,065 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,221,200 in 2023.

LAKEWOOD NATIONAL GOLF

CLUB

Lynn Douglas Greenler and Sandra Lee Greenler, of The Villages, sold their home at 5585 Mulligan Way to Brian Forrest Lowe and Elizabeth Lowe, of Nashua, New Hampshire, for $1.4 million. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,359 square feet of living area. It sold for $635,000 in 2020.

MARINELAND

Ryan Oberlin, of Bradenton, sold his home at 6711 Lincoln Road to 24 Webber LLC for $1,325,000. Built in 1930, it has four bedrooms, one bath and 2,710 square feet of living area. It sold for $350,000 in 2021.

Preserve at Panther Ridge Toni Solgaard, of Keaau, Hawaii, sold the home at 22579 Morning Glory Circle to Joe and Melinda Mays, of Bradenton, for $1.15 million. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,093 square feet of living area. It sold for $721,000 in 2021.

WINDWARD

Kathleen Elisabeth Butterworth Ropele sold her home at 2574 Paradise Plum Drive to Kevin and Cheryl Baker, of Sarasota, for $1.1 million. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,700 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,155,000 in 2023.

Neal Communities of Southwest Florida LLC sold the home at 8127 Anthirium Loop to Richard Fitzgerald Hobbs, of Sarasota, for $526,500. Built in 2023, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,527

square feet of living area. It sold for $310,000 in 2018.

LAKEHOUSE COVE AT WATERSIDE

HBT at Waterside LLC sold the home at 1008 Waterline Court to Kevin and Susan Laabs, of Hartland, Wisconsin, for $1,089,700.

Built in 2023, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,076 square feet of living area.

RIVER CLUB SOUTH

Norman MacDonald Pritchard and Elizabeth Joan Pritchard, of Bradenton, sold their home at 10045 Cherry Hills Ave. Circle to Nicholas and Rebecca Fischer, of Apple Valley, Minnesota, for $1,045,000. Built in 1998, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,083 square feet of living area. It sold for $528,000 in 2016.

RIVER CLUB SOUTH

Robert and Barbara Jersey, of Bend Cary, Illinois, sold their home at 7110 River Club Blvd. to John Michael Carel and Diane Filipovitch Carel, of Bradenton, for $962,500. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,791 square feet of living area. It sold for $700,000 in 2021.

ISLES Jack Mamane and Janet Mamane, trustees, of Parrish, sold the home at 17688 Azul Drive to Roger and Jocelyn Bonk, of Lakewood Ranch, for $900,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,270 square feet of living area. It sold for $548,500 in 2020.

BRIDGEWATER

Gerald and Celia Martin sold their home at 5609 Cloverleaf Run to Shawn and Amanda Sylvia, of Lakewood Ranch, for $885,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, a pool and 4,744 square feet of living area. It sold for $960,000 in 2022.

ROSEDALE Lawrence and Jane Colyer, of Niskayuna, New York, sold their home at 5217 88th St. E. to Dolores Modrcin, $725,000. Built in 1995, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,712 square feet of living area. It sold for $650,000 in 2006.

Mary Ann Zabaga, of Aston, Pennsylvania, sold her home at 5209 88th St. E. to Jay Nickse and Debra Sippel, of Bradenton, for $705,000. Built in 1996, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 2,575 square feet of living area. It sold for $485,000 in 2013.

Rhona Hecht, of Bradenton, sold the home at 8609 53rd Place E. to Michael Wagner, of Bradenton, for $550,000. Built in 2002, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,620 square feet of living area. It sold for $116,300 in 2018.

MILL CREEK

Diana and James Erickson, of Palmetto, sold their home at 13506 Fourth Plaza E. to Iris Lorraine Schott, of Bradenton, for $680,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,045 square feet of living area. It sold for $669,000 in 2023.

HARMONY Ben Wengel, of Bradenton, sold his home at 11216 Spring Gate Trail to Christina and John Elis, of Bradenton, for $677,500. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,474 square feet of living area. It sold for $435,000 in 2019.

COUNTRY CLUB Olga Bracciano, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the home at 12343 Thornhill Court to Kristin Lunte, of Lakewood Ranch, for $670,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,034 square feet of living area.

HIDDEN OAKS Mary Ellen McClendon, trustee, of Bradenton, sold the home at 728 132nd

MIRABELLA AT VILLAGE GREEN

three baths and 2,297 square feet of living area. It sold for $320,000 in 2013.

ARBOR GRANDE

Craig Alan Hancock and Patricia Leeann Inman Hancock, of Winchester, Tennessee, sold their home at 12432 Terracotta Drive to William and Sharon Papanikos, of Bradenton, for $603,800. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,024 square feet of living area. It sold for $360,000 in 2020.

Brenda Cantin, of St. Augustine, sold the home at 1604 Calle Grand St. to Margaret Lezotte and Troy Lezottte, of Grosse Ile, Michigan, for $587,500. Built in 2019, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,525 square feet of living area. It sold for $426,700 in 2019.

CENTRAL PARK

David and Kayla Ostrowski, of Parrish, sold their home at 12147 Longview Lake Circle to Kevin and Debra Barker, of Bradenton, for $585,000. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,141 square feet of living area. It sold for $410,000 in 2020.

Rosemary and Daniel Rice, of Dunbarton, New Hampshire, sold their home at 4908 Boston Common Glen to Brian Brear, of Bradenton, for $530,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,495 square feet of living area. It sold for $261,700 in 2014.

LONGPOND AT MOTE RANCH

Lynford and Pamela Wiley, of Bradenton, sold their home at 6852 Superior St. Circle to James Lee Ramser and Miranda Kathleen Ramser, of Louisville, Kentucky, for $582,000. Built in 1995, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,020 square feet of living area. It sold for $285,000 in 2008.

INDIGO

Sylvia Spangenberg, of Sarasota, sold her home at 12812 True Blue Circle to Aline Aslanian, of Bradenton, for $540,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,766 square feet of living area.

STONEYBROOK AT HERITAGE HARBOUR

Csilla and Arpad Biro, of Bradenton, sold their home at 8611 Stone Harbour Loop to Ryan Anthony Baldinelli and Hayley Baldinelli, of Bradenton, for $534,900. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, twoand-a-half baths, a pool and 2,032 square feet of living area. It sold for $310,000 in 2016.

LAKESIDE WOODS

Kristen Lee Willis, of Chesterland, Ohio, Halli Lynn Bidwell, of Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania, and Julie Ann Fairbanks, of Mason, Ohio, sold their home at 5856 Lakeside Woods Circle to Timothy Lemuel Gooch, of Sarasota, for $530,000. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 1,639 square feet of living area. It sold for $282,500 in 2012.

SUMMERFIELD

Catherine Elisabeth Santos, of Woburn, Massachusetts and Daniel

Cassidy Jr., Springfield, Illinois, sold their home at 11306 Blue Sage Place to Elaine Vabakos, of Lakewood Ranch, for $530,000. Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,789 square feet of living area. It sold for $197,000 in 2012.

WATERCREST

Rodney Gerling, as Personal Representative, of Bradenton, sold the Unit 201 condominium at 6482 Watercrest Way to Cory Biladeau and Pamela Biladeau, trustees, of Lakewood Ranch, for $500,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,134 square feet of living area. It sold for $451,300 in 2013.

MOTE RANCH

Mary Ferguson and James Seheult sold their home at 5869 Carriage Drive to Robert Smith, of Sarasota, for $490,000. Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,697 square feet of living area. It sold for $529,500 in 2022.

LAKE VISTA RESIDENCES

Renu Surana, of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, sold her Unit C407 condominium at 7710 Lake Vista Court to Ruth Cummins, trustee, of Lakewood Ranch, for $477,500. Built in 2007, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,762 square feet of living area. It sold for $282,000 in 2021.

GOLF POINTE AT PALM AIRE

Anne McDonough, trustee, of Seminole, sold the Unit V-194 condominium at 7252 Golf Pointe Way to Leah Vartanian, of Sarasota, for

“VNI XNZ’C CELY XPFY HY GRY ANTKX

HEK ORN REC SIEPKC YKNTXR GN HELY

Whether you're new to hearing aids, have older hearing aids or have tried over-the-counter hearing aids and are eager to experience even better sound quality, we have the perfect solution for you!