East County Observer 4.25.24

Major shift in county’s election personnel

Resignations of supervisor and No. 2 cause upheaval during presidential election year. PAGE 3A

Humane Society seeks pinup pooches

Is your pet the cutest, fluffiest, most adorable pet on the block? If so, it’s time to get out your camera and prove it. The Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch is looking for models, such as Charlie (above) for a pet calendar. There is a $5 entry fee, and the goal is to raise $15,000 to help HSLWR continue its mission to provide a safe haven for homeless dogs and cats. The contest runs from May 1-31. The top 13 pets will win a professional photo shoot with Sherri Krams of Moments Unleashed Photography and be featured in the 2025 Whiskers and Wags pet calendar. Visit GoGoPhotoContest. com/HumaneSocietyatLakewoodRanch to enter.

New royalty in town

Lakewood Ranch High School’s prom at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota not only was a night to celebrate one of the biggest moments of the school year, but also the coronation of the school’s prom king and queen. As hundreds of students gathered around the dance floor April 19, they waited with anticipation for the crowning ceremony. Friends and classmates cheered as senior Ahmed Osman was named prom king and Dakota Holler was named prom queen. A sash and crown was placed on Osman and Holler, completing the coronation and starting their reign that runs through next year’s prom.

Tim Widing gives the LECOM Suncoast Classic trophy a smooch after winning the tournament in a playoff against Patrick Cover and Steven Fisk.

Swede Tim Widing wins the LECOM Suncoast Classic in a playoff at Lakewood National. SEE PAGE 15A

Sherri Krams

Courtesy image

East Manatee Fire presents top awards

Longtime friends/coworkers Josh Dillard, Jason Morrow honored for their service.

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

Sometimes those who deal with life and death situations need to have a sense of humor.

Take, for instance, Capt. Josh Dillard of East Manatee Fire Rescue.

He was talking about what makes Jason Morrow, the department’s 2023 Fireman of the Year, special.

“He is so cool and level-headed at the scene,” Dillard said. “It’s kind of a joke here that if you ever see Jason running, you had better be able to run faster.”

Sitting in an office at Station 1 in Lakewood Ranch, Dillard and Morrow laughed a little bit at the “I might not be able to outrun a bear, but I can outrun you,” comment.

During a 30-minute interview, the two were obviously at ease, more friends than supervisor and employee.

“I’ve always looked at Jason as a mentor,” said Dillard, who at 34 is 16 years his junior. “We spend a lot of time together off duty.”

Dillard said Morrow’s lessons aren’t just about being a firefighter. They also involve life in general. Both have two children, although Morrow’s kids are 25 and 23 and Dillard’s kids are 5 and 2.

The respect goes both ways.

“I’ve learned more from him than anyone,” Morrow said of working with East Manatee Fire Rescue. “In general, it’s just his knowledge.”

Morrow has worked 18 years for East Manatee Fire Rescue, and was with Emergency Medical Services for seven years previously. He met Dillard when he joined East Manatee 13 years ago.

It didn’t take Morrow long to realize Dillard was working hard to learn whatever he could about being a fire-

man. When Dillard spoke, even early in his career, he knew what he was talking about. “I didn’t expect it,” Morrow said. “I remember thinking, ‘Wow! This guy knows his stuff.’” He still does.

Morrow nominated him for the 2023 Officer of the Year award, which was presented to Dillard on awards night April 15 at the same time Morrow received his honor. It was fitting since the two say they are kind of a package deal.

Morrow used to drive Dillard’s truck when he was in charge of it as a lieutenant. They have worked together often since, including the last year at Station 1. Dillard would like to move up the ladder, and he was just promoted to captain this month. The next rung would be battalion chief. So his assignments coincide with his goals.

Morrow can retire next January if he so desires, but he said he will hang around for a while because he loves his job.

Station 1 wouldn’t be many firefighters’ first pick to be assigned.

“We have 10 stations,” Dillard said. “And if anyone needs a light bulb, they call Station 1. Not many guys enjoy being here, but he chose to come here.”

Morrow doesn’t sweat the small stuff, and he believes many of his small responsibilities are what led to him being honored as firefighter of the year.

“I come to work, and I try to make everyone better,” he said. “That can be by training the rookies, or helping out around the station.”

Sometimes firemen have lulls between their calls, and Morrow said they can get complacent. He tries to keep that from happening.

“You’ve got to be ready,” Morrow said.

He believes Dillard always is ready.

“Training-wise, he is just at another level,” Morrow said of Dillard. “He has grown as an officer.”

Dillard said he was surprised by the award, and he is quick to admit

that he has grown since his early days at East Manatee Fire Rescue. He remembered yelling at a fireman who had messed up.

“Grown men don’t like that,” he said.

The years have helped him mature and his patience level has improved.

“I have had a good work ethic,” he said. “I got it from my father (David Dillard, who was a parks superintendent for Manatee County).”

Morrow keeps coming back to learn more as well.

“I just love the job,” he said. “I love the camaraderie and helping people when you are needed.”

Firemen in today’s world need to keep on top of their training.

“You are in the public eye more, and everything is on camera,” Morrow said.

Morrow also keeps an eye on fellow firefighters who have to put up with emotional situations that would be overwhelming to many.

EAST MANATEE FIRE RESCUE ANNUAL AWARDS

■ New firefighters — Tim Pierce, Nicholas Miller

■ Promotion to engineer — Jordan Rogers, Ben Stasurak, Kevin Harvill, Tyler Schuele, Brian Bjork

■ Promotion to lieutenant — Michael Guard

■ Promotion to captain — Josh Dillard

■ Five-year awards — Brian Bjork, Tyler Schuele, Ben Stasurak, Dominick Reale, Ben Davison

■ 10-year award — John Creaser

■ 15-year awards — Dawn Graf, Chris Burns

■ 20-year award — Drew Stark

■ 25-year awards — Fred Young, Erik Nicholson

■ 45-year award — Lee Whitehurst

■ Lifesaving awards — Chris Sheedy, Tyler Gingras

■ 2023 Rookie of the Year — Brandon Tackett

■ 2023 Firefighter of the Year — Jason Morrow

■ 2023 Officer of the Year — Capt. Josh Dillard

He does look for signs his coworkers might need someone to talk about the stress.

“You look for people who are not acting normal, guys who are usually talkative, but are not (talking).”

“Fortunately, I have not had that happen,” Morrow said of being overwhelmed by seeing death or critical injuries.

Jay Heater

Capt. Josh Dillard (Officer of the Year) and firefighter Jason Morrow (Firefighter of the Year) were honored by East Manatee Fire Rescue on April 15.

MAJOR CHANGES IN COUNTY’S ELECTIONS OFFICE

DISTRICT 1 SEAT UP FOR GRABS

Manatee County Supervisor of Elections

James Satcher made his first big decision in his new role by hiring David Ballard as his No. 2 in the office.

Ballard is an attorney and the husband of District 2 Commissioner Amanda Ballard.

David Ballard is coming off a bad year. He was arrested for driving under the influence twice in 2023. He lost his driver’s license for six months and was placed on probation for a year, which is due to expire Aug. 24.

“Obviously, I preach of God and second chances,” said Satcher, who is a minister. “I like to apply that to my life whenever I can. (Ballard) has the capability and mindset that we need to get the job done.”

The former No. 2 in the Supervisor of Elections office, Scott Farrington, resigned April 12, the day Satcher was appointed to the office by Gov. Ron DeSantis following Mike Bennett’s resignation.

A NEW ADMINISTRATION

With only four months until the primaries on Aug. 20, Satcher and Ballard will have to learn on the job quickly. Neither has experience in an election office.

Former Supervisor of Elections

Mike Bennett had no prior experience, outside of being a candidate, when taking the office in 2012.   Bennett ran four successful campaigns (for other positions) — one for the Florida House of Representatives and three for the Florida Senate before being elected as supervisor of elections, where he served almost

Now that James Satcher will be running for the Supervisor of Elections, the District 1 race has seen some additional candidates. Keith Green was running against incumbent George Kruse for the at-large seat, but he’s in the race for District 1 now. Glenn Pearson, the first Democrat to enter the race, filed his paperwork on April 16. There will also be an incumbent added to the list once the governor makes an appointment to fill Satcher’s seat for the interim. As of publication, these are the candidates who have filed to run and how much each has raised in campaign contributions.

■ Carol Ann Felts (Republican): $9,846.07

■ Jennifer Lynne Hamey (no party affiliation): $5,465

■ Glenn Pearson (Democrat): $0

■ Keith J. Green (Republican): $0 (Green raised $10,787.41 for his at-large campaign, but needs donor approval to transfer those funds into his new campaign account.)

12 years. By trade, Bennett was an electrical contractor and real estate investor. He also served four tours in Vietnam and holds a master’s in Business Administration from Drake University.  Satcher is a minister by trade. He was a pastor at Dream Builders Church in Kennesaw, Georgia for four years. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Berry College and a diploma in Pastoral Studies from Rhema Bible College.  Since 2009, Satcher has been the CEO of Satcher Evangelistic Association. The nonprofit offers ministry outreach services. The only recent information available on the nonprofit are tax records on IRS.gov from 2018 to 2020.

The records list Satcher as the only paid officer. In 2018, he was paid $19,315. From 2019 to 2020, Satcher received a $19,348 pay raise. His last reported salary was $45,024. Contributions to the nonprofit in 2020

were reported to be $63,107.

Running for supervisor of elections will be Satcher’s third political campaign. He ran against U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan for the 16th District House seat in 2016. Buchanan won with more than 80% of the votes.

But Satcher’s next campaign was successful. He was elected to represent District 1 on the Manatee County Commission in 2020. Instead of running for reelection for his commission seat, Satcher will run against Farrington in the primary for the Supervisor of Elections job. Both are registered as Republicans. The job pays $178,586.

Farrington said he’s not dwelling on how things turned out with the governor’s appointment of Satcher over him. He’s preparing for the election as a candidate for the first time. He’s raised $10,300 toward his campaign.

Satcher hasn’t filed for the position yet, but he raised $70,500 for his District 1 campaign. Considering the governor’s appointment, he said he was confident donors will agree to transfer their contributions to his new campaign.

Farrington worked alongside Bennett for his entire tenure. Before that, he worked in the Sarasota County election office for 10 years. He’s a Certified Election/Registration Administrator and a Master Florida Certified Election Professional.

Farrington also holds a master’s degree in Information Systems Management from the University of South Florida.  “Elections belong to all the people of Manatee County — not one party, not one specific group. I believe both parties truly want fair and honest elections,” Farrington said. “Having fair elections that people trust is very important, and the people of Manatee County deserve the choice of who can do that best.”

Bennett wrote a recommendation letter to Gov. DeSantis on behalf of Farrington, and Bennett said he sees Satcher’s choice of Ballard as his No. 2 as a mistake.

Bennett said Farrington made up for any lack of election experience

Bennett lacked when he first stepped into the role.

“The first thing it takes to run a successful election is to hire staff members who actually know something about elections and know how to manage people,” Bennett said.

“You’ve got to have somebody who

knows all of the intricacies, whether it’s hiring poll workers or fixing IT issues.”

Farrington did both. His other title was chief of staff, and Bennett said if a voting site was experiencing a technical issue, Farrington would drive over to fix it.

Satcher addressed IT issues in his first week on the job during a special Manatee County Commission meeting April 16, but from the podium, not the dais.

“One person left on Friday, of his own accord, and took all the passwords with him and refused to give them to our technology department when we called and asked for the passwords,” Satcher said. “That’s not the way we need to be running things in Manatee County.”

Satcher didn’t name names, but Farrington told the Observer that he did resign that Friday. He denied taking passwords with him and said no one called asking for passwords.  Bennett said there would be no need to call Farrington because the No. 3 in the office, Sharon Stief, keeps all the passwords. He called Satcher’s statement “a blatant lie.”

WHAT DOES IT

TAKE TO RUN AN ELECTION?

Passwords aside, Farrington held other valuable information because he’s been in the field for over 20 years. One of the most important parts of the job is making sure the office stays in compliance with changing laws.

“From a legal aspect, there are so many laws and administrative rules and opinions and court cases that play into (an election),” Farrington said. “It takes a couple of years before you even know what questions to ask.”   Satcher said the law is one of Ballard’s strengths. “He’s got extensive experience with state law, even writing and helping draft state laws,” Satcher said. “This job is statutorily intensive, so that comes in handy. He’s got finance experience, his undergraduate degree. We’re able to get a lot of return on investment for the taxpayer.”

Farrington’s base salary was $175,177.60, and Ballard accepted the job for $120,000.

While Ballard will be paid a lower salary, he can’t take over for Farrington on the IT side. So Satcher is actively seeking to hire an additional person to fill that role.

Both the new and former administrators agree that IT is crucial in any election. Farrington said technology is in play from the moment a voter checks in. Satcher told the commission that he wants to buy and implement products that will enhance voter security. He also said the precincts haven’t kept up with the population growth.

Bennett has a record of smooth elections and said it didn’t require a bigger budget. It required the right people and political neutrality. Bennett didn’t allow political discussions inside the office.

“You’ve got to have somebody who is truly politically neutral,” Bennett said.

Former Commissioner James Satcher was appointed to the office by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF

Judge Gilbert A. Smith Jr. swears in James Satcher as the new Supervisor of Elections. Satcher is joined by his wife, Monica.

Fellow commissioners attend James Satcher’s swearing in as the new Supervisor of Elections.

From left: Amanda Ballard, Jason Bearden, Judge Gilbert A. Smith Jr., James Satcher, Mike Rahn and Kevin Van Ostenbridge.

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

In

Jamie Warrington, director of transportation for

of

When middle school lets out, only 24% of buses are at the middle schools’ campuses prior to the bell as they still are completing elementary school routes and navigating traffic.  Warrington said the department is always looking for ways to address buses being on time to pick up and drop off students but much like other districts, there are challenges Manatee County faces.

EMPLOYEE SHORTAGE

said every minute

tee

people all the time, three extra minutes in my world is the difference of hitting the green light sequence going down Cortez (Road),” he said. “If I can shave three minutes off a route, that might be the difference in me getting that bus into school on time.” On average, between Aug. 10 and April 9, 92% of the buses arrived at district high schools in the afternoon prior to the bell. But it wasn’t that efficient at the middle school level.

On paper, Warrington said the district looks like its transportation department is fully staffed when it comes to bus drivers.

The district has 95 routes and 97 bus drivers to cover those routes, but when drivers are absent or on leave or if a bus breaks down, there aren’t enough drivers to cover the routes.

Ideally, Warrington would like to have 125 bus drivers to cover 105 routes, so there are 20 available drivers to serve as substitutes.

But by the time the middle school students have been released at 4:10 p.m., those average on-time percentages dramatically decrease.

The biggest challenge the district faces with the employee shortage is competitive pay for bus drivers and vehicle maintenance employees.  Warrington said in comparison to school districts in the Tampa Bay area, the School District of Manatee

County is the second highest paying for bus drivers behind Sarasota. The starting pay for a bus driver in Manatee County is $19.57 per hour.

But the private sector often is offering, at a minimum, $6 more per hour than the district.

Warrington said the district always is looking for ways to increase the pay to be more competitive.

The district also is hosting job fairs in the hope of finding more drivers and technicians.

To make the job more accessible to drivers who live in various parts of the county, the district has started parking some buses at Lakewood Ranch and Parrish Community high schools as well as Lincoln Memorial Middle School so the drivers don’t have to drive to the main bus lot to begin their route. The district hopes that makes the job more attractive.

COUNTY KEEPS GROWING

With Manatee County growing in population, the district has had to keep up with increased transportation needs.

Warrington said the district has had to create “doublebacks,” where a bus driver will pick up a busload of students who live near the school and take them to one bus stop within two miles away from the school. The driver then returns to the same school to pick up the rest of the students for stops farther away.

“They’re not ideal because the same students are leaving school 15 minutes late every day while they wait for that bus to take the first

group,” Warrington said. “But we had to do that in some cases.”

The district started a pilot program using two white vans to address some transportation needs such as transporting students who are homeless or who have special needs.

Federal law requires districts to provide transportation for students who are experiencing homelessness.

As a result, if students who become homeless wish to remain at their originally assigned school but they move from their original address to gain housing, the district must provide transportation. For example, if a student in Bradenton becomes homeless and moves in with grandparents who live in Sarasota, Sarasota County Schools must transport the student to the county line where the School District of Manatee County will have to pick up the student, Warrington said. He said a bus with 30 students could have to divert 20 minutes off route to go pick up the student who is homeless, causing a busload of students to be on the bus longer and potentially be late to school.

Using the white vans allows the district to easily and more efficiently transport those students as well as students with special needs who need to be picked up directly outside their homes.

As a result, more buses are getting to school on time, Warrington said.

WIDE COVERAGE AREA

When more people are visiting Florida during season, it takes longer for buses to go through their routes.

One accident on State Road 70 or State Road 64 can significantly delay a bus from getting to its destination, Warrington said.

Having new parking locations at various schools instead of using a main lot will ensure the buses aren’t having to traverse across the county to get from Robert G. Matzke Support Center to their assigned schools. They won’t have to deal with as much of the large traffic areas such as State Road 70, State Road 64 and where they intersect with Interstate 75. The buses at Parrish Community High will not have to travel across Fort Hamer Bridge.

Warrington said his staff is discussing potential additional schools where more buses can be parked.

School board member runs for Florida House

Lakewood Ranch’s Richard Tatem will resign from the school board to pursue the District 72 Florida House of Representatives seat.

two years of experience with the school board, Tatem said he sees the Florida

House of Representatives seat as an opportunity to make all Florida public schools more financially responsible and administratively efficient.

The Florida House seat for District 72 will be vacant as Rep. Tommy Gregory has accepted the position as president of the State College of Florida. Although his new post begins July 1, Gregory said he is likely to serve out the rest of his term through the election unless he finds the college or his constituents want otherwise.  Tatem was elected to the school

care was second to none.”

Robert Smithson ER at Fruitville Patient

board in August 2022. He will have to resign from the school board, with a designated final day of Nov. 4, because he cannot run for the House while holding another elected position.

“I will be a true and faithful school board member until Nov. 4 because that is my first duty,” Tatem said. “That is the office I’m elected to so I’m a school board member first and a House candidate second.” Florida statute states Gov. Ron DeSantis will need to appoint someone to fill the seat on the school board as the resignation will occur with less than 28 months remaining in Tatem’s term.

Elections to fill a vacancy only are required if the remainder of the term is 28 months or longer.

Tatem said the decision to resign from the school board to run for the State House was not taken lightly.

“I have mixed feelings because I know many people worked right alongside me to help me earn my school board seat,” he said. “I am eternally grateful for all the efforts that those people did for me. I would hope they would understand that they put me in that position because of some shared values and I now have

an opportunity to potentially expand the influence of our values and try to make our school system more fiscally and administratively streamlined.”

Tatem said he appreciates the work the Legislature has done for schools, including the improvement of school security and giving more local control to school boards. But his experience as a school board member could bring a new perspective to the Legislature, he said.

If elected, he said he wants the Legislature to look at district’s unfunded mandates as well as the affordability of the construction of schools.

Tatem said he would like to look at the possibility of aligning the construction of traditional public schools to that of charter schools. Charter schools do not need to follow the State Requirements for Educational Facilities and can often take less time to construct schools than traditional schools. For example, Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy was constructed in nine months while the construction of Barbara A. Harvey Elementary School took two years.

“I want to see if we can streamline the process and make it quicker and more affordable,” he said. “We want children to be safe. But if it’s safe enough for charter school students, why is it not safe enough for traditional school students?”

In regard to unfunded mandates, Tatem said the state doesn’t always provide efficient funding to districts to be able to fulfill the mandates.

He said the mandate that requires all entrances to school property to be locked or guarded any time a student is on campus is helpful to increase school safety and security, but without the funding that will be needed to support the mandate, it puts a burden on the districts and the local communities.

Besides education, Tatem said he wants to “continue the good work” Gregory has done to lower property insurance rates. He also wants to work on eliminating “unhelpful taxes” such as the tax paid as rent by commercial tenants as well as striking a balance between protecting the environment with responsible growth.

Lakewood Ranch’s Richard Tatem is resigning from the School Board of Manatee County after two years to run for a seat in the Florida

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High-wire artist finds perfect balance as dog lover

His donation helps Nate’s Honor soar toward its ‘Journey Home’ fundraising goal.

Sarasota’s Nik Wallenda, the high-wire acrobat extraordinaire, takes his dog Schnitzel everywhere. OK, he does walk the high wire, so not everywhere. But his German shepherd, like Wallenda’s five other dogs, constantly goes on the road when Wallenda goes to work at various places around the U.S. Since he constantly does shows, Wallenda has a bus, so he and his wife, Erendira, can bring their canine companions. “We don’t think of them like dogs,” Erendira Wallenda said. “We think of them like our children.”

The Wallendas were giving a little background April 17 of their love of dogs during a check presentation at Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue in Lakewood Ranch. It shed some light as to why the Wallendas are blown away by the $14 million “Journey Home” capital campaign project that has added new construction and improvements to the Nate’s Honor

campus. Among the improvements is a 23,000-square-foot adoption center, a children’s education room, and a veterinary clinic.

To help that effort, Nik Wallenda and the Circus Arts Conservatory made Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue the charity partner of their show, “A Brave New Wonderland,” which ran last holiday season under the Big Top at University Town Center in Sarasota.

Nik Wallenda presented the check for $108,377.09, a percentage of the new show’s profits, to Nate’s President Rob Oglesby. “It had been a dream of mine to host a holiday show in Sarasota,” Wallenda said before presenting the check. “The Circus Arts Conservatory helped me make that dream come true.”

He didn’t expect to be able to donate more than $100,000 from “A Brave New Wonderland.”

“It was such an overwhelming success,” Wallenda said. “A show like that has many layers. You want it to be entertaining and inspirational, but you also want to give back to the community. Our partnership with Nate’s is part of that. We support no-kill shelters.”

The Wallendas support dogs in general.

Erendira Wallenda remembered back a decade ago when their family was dogless and their 12-year-old son, Amadaos, had been begging for a pet. The Wallendas went to see a puppy who was being mistreated and who was locked in a little cage.

“I said, ‘Can you let him out of the cage?’” Erendira Wallenda asked. “He got out, and you could tell he was trying to find water. I thought,

‘We are not leaving him here.’

“Schnitzel is now 10 years old and inseparable from Nik Wallenda. “Schnitzel follows him everywhere,” Erendira Wallenda said of her husband. “If he can’t go with him, Schnitzel sits and sulks.”

Four of their dogs are Shih Tzus, Erendira Wallenda’s favorite breed.

Their love of dogs made the check presentation even more special.

Nik Wallenda said the goal during his new show, in terms of Nate’s Honor, was to introduce patrons to “this amazing facility.”

Of the approximately 150 dogs that were brought to the shows, all were adopted within two to three days after each show. No adoptions were allowed the day of the show to allow prospective pet owners to fill out the appropriate adoption forms.

“It is a huge responsibility having a dog,” Nik Wallenda said. “We are blessed financially, so we have six dogs. We paid $11,000 in vet bills last year.

“But animals are such incredible role models. They are loving and accepting, no matter what they are going through.”

Wallenda said the show, which attracted 50,000 people, itself will return this year and be an annual production and eventually will become a holiday tradition. The partnership with Nate’s will continue as well.

As far as Nate’s new facilities, Wallenda said, “It’s like a resort. They put these dogs in a real world environment. They have a kids playground, where they can play with the dogs. They have a veterinary clinic, because not everyone can afford it. This shows where the Bendersons’ hearts are. Everything they do is at this level.”

Oglesby said he was shocked to receive such a huge check.

“What a fantastic collaboration it has been,” he said of the partnership with Wallenda and the Circus Arts Conservatory. “Just the exposure we received during the show was amazing. It was like ‘Wow.’”

Nate’s Honor has raised over $11 million for its $14 million campaign. “We have had a lot of wows,” Oglesby said.

Construction is expected to be finished by the end of 2024. The project on the eight-acre campus began as a $10 million project, but Oglesby said the nonprofit’s board thought it make sense to add needed projects that weren’t part of the original plans so they didn’t have to go right back into construction. The budget went up another $2 million because the cost of materials and labor.

Oglesby gave a tour of the facility before the check presentation.

Nik Wallenda has six dogs of his own and was thinking about a seventh at Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue.

The “Brave New Wonderland” show at UTC last holiday season led to approximately 150 adoptions from Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue.

Photos by Jay Heater

Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue President Rob Oglesby gives a tour of the facility April 17 before receiving a donation of $108,377.09 from Nik Wallenda from his holiday show “A Brave New Wonderland.”

Wind ensemble blows through Peace Presbyterian

It isn’t likely Mel Davis will have to worry about anyone in the audience at Peace Presbyterian Church throwing an eraser at him during the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble’s Spring Concert May 5.

Back when he was a youngster at Marsten Middle School in San Diego, a “cantankerous” music teacher, Mr. Henneberg, would fire erasers at students who would fall short of his expectations.

It was a major part of Davis’ introduction into the world of music.

“Mr. Henneberg had high standards,” Davis said at his Greenbrook Preserve home. “He pushed you to improve and he was a true teacher. He was an older guy, and he threw those erasers at people. It made an impression on me.

“But I always felt supported in what I was doing.” Davis, who describes himself as an “accomplished” musician, will play sax for the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble at the Spring Concert, which begins at 2 p.m. While erasers won’t be filling the air, Davis, 69, said the expectations for the band’s musicians are much higher than even Mr. Henneberg would have imagined.

“The expectations are the highest of any band I have played in,” Davis said about the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble. “The music is so technically challenging and they want to push the envelope.”

Davis had read about the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble in the East County Observer three years ago and then reached out to its founder, Joe Miller.

“If you are in this band, you are part of an organization that expects you to perform well,” he said. “I bring my ‘A’ game every time I show up.”

During season, Davis plays or substitutes in eight bands other than the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble, including the Manatee Community Concert Band,

the Suncoast Swing Big Band, the North Port Concert Band, the Venice Wind Ensemble, the Sarasota Concert Band, the Sarasota Jazz Project, the Oceans 11 Big Band and the Manasota Sax Quartet. But he firmly says the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble is the most talented group. He hopes that music lovers in Lakewood Ranch take a few hours out of their schedule to discover the group, which continues to hope Manatee County eventually builds a

Jay Heater Mel Davis practices on his lanai in preparation for the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble Spring Concert May 5 at Peace Presbyterian Church in Lakewood Ranch.

theater or events center in the Lakewood Ranch area.

The group appreciates Peace Presbyterian hosting the concerts, but it limits the audience to approximately 250 people.

The Spring Concert will offer music by John Philip Sousa, Robert Sheldon, Alfred Reed and Paul Hindemith. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students.

“We are trying to do more marketing,” Davis said. “The goal is to continue to grow. These are

great musicians playing challenging music ... music you won’t hear often ... at a great price.”

One person who will be in the audience is his wife of 42 years, Margaret.  She still takes notes during his concerts to offer a critical review afterward. Although she doesn’t play an instrument, she has heard a lifetime of concerts and she knows the good from the bad.

“I trust her,” he said.

Davis said his parents weren’t musical at all, but he grew up in San Diego trying all kinds of instruments with their complete support. He first played the clarinet and also learned the piano and trumpet.

As a junior at Clairemont High School in San Diego, he started playing the saxophone by chance. His music teacher, Kenneth Ritchie, told him that one of the sax players in the jazz band was sick and couldn’t play in a concert. Ritchie told Davis that he could take his place.

“I was loaned a tenor sax,” he said. “It was a more powerful instrument, but subtle in that it could cover a range of emotions. When you play the sax in some songs, it can touch your heart. You feel connected.”

Although he never had played a saxophone, he played the instrument in the concert.

“The fingers are the same,” he said. “And it is a reed instrument.”

It became his instrument of choice.

Although Davis always played in a band or two, he began his working career as an industrial engineer, before going into medical device project management, commercial and consumer printing and eventually into engineering pharmaceutical plants.

When his daughter, Malorie Jones, had children, Mel and Margaret moved to Florida to be closer to her and their grandchildren. They moved to Greenbrook in 2019. All through the years, despite his

jobs and his family role, he continued to play in bands.

“Music is my passion,” he said. “There has to be a balance in your life. I would never push it aside.”

His wife never objected to that passion.

“I have an angel of a wife,” he said. “She is my roadie, my critic.”

During the upcoming spring concert, Davis said he will play the baritone sax, which will make him “anonymous.”

“I have been out front (in a solo), and I have been behind the scenes,” he said. “I just like it when the audience has a great time.”

He almost had the opportunity to play at Carnegie Hall in New York City when one of his former bands in San Diego invited him to perform with it there during a festival. However, COVID-19 led to the cancellation of the festival. His favorite all-time moment came outside a church in a small village in the Swiss Alps. He doesn’t know the name of the church or the village. He was on a tour with his San Diego bandmates of Switzerland, Germany and Austria in 1995 when some nuns saw the instruments and asked the band members if they would play.

They set up outside the church and played three songs.

“To this day, I can picture where we stood, on the grounds of that church, with people coming out of their wonderful homes in that calm village,” he said. “It was perfect.

“Throughout my life, I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to play music.”

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

Another record high for Stillpoint Appeal

It was 14 years ago when I was introduced to the Stillpoint Mission, a small, all-volunteer food pantry in Bradenton. Twice a week they would distribute two or three food stuffs — a pound of rice and a pound of beans  — to the poor, homeless, and migrant families.

Upon seeing this rather barebones building and operation, I inquired what they did for fundraising. It turned out that it was “not much.’’

My response was to send a simple email to some of my golfing buddies. I was cautioned not to do this as it was shameless begging, and I was told people would be turned off.

But I received $1,500 from nine golfers.

Now, 13 years later, you can see the stunning, staggering, stupefying result. We are at $383,000 over the years, including this year’s record total of $77,424.

That advice from 14 years ago grossly underestimated the compassion and charity in our community.

On behalf of myself, the Stillpoint Mission and the 400 clients who stand on the sidewalk for an hour each week to receive what admittedly is only a small portion of their weekly food requirements, please accept our thanks.

And thanks to the 50 volunteers who run Stillpoint. Thanks to my friends who selflessly forward my little emails, and thanks to the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club and its members who have so generously supported this appeal. Thanks to the Flanzer Trust, which generously doubles any donation to Stillpoint.

One last shameless beg: As the 13th Annual Stillpoint Appeal has concluded, the 14th annual fundraiser begins.

Anyone who would like to support Stillpoint, can go online at FlanzerTrust.org and make a donation. Please add “14th Annual

Stillpoint Appeal” to your gift.

I offer my immeasurable gratitude.

BOB SMITH WATERSIDE

Observer article didn’t cover adverse effects of growth

I read with great interest Lesley Dwyer’s article “Affordable housing proposed for Lakewood

Ranch area (April 18 East County Observer). We’re relatively new residents of Lakewood Ranch, previously residing in New York.

One of the compelling reasons we left New York was the continuing overdevelopment and over-retailing that dramatically impacted the environment and our quality of life. Unfortunately, we’ve noticed this alarming trend occurring in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch.

We’re deeply saddened that our elected officials and the Planning Commission haven’t adequately

researched or considered how this impacts the environment, the quality of life or even the sentiments of the existing residents. There’s a lot to learn from the mistakes that’s already occurred, and continues to occur, in other states.

Furthermore, your article notes “benefits” of this proposed new housing development. Perhaps there will be some select benefits such as an increase in the tax rolls, and that local merchants/ retailers will experience some increases in revenues, and that the contractors will maintain their workforces for a period of time, but it is abundantly apparent that the developers stand to benefit the most.

What was clearly absent from your article was the potential negatives and any other pressing issues. The costs and expenses associated with the need for more services, the traffic congestion, additional pollution, the impact on existing real estate values, the stresses on public resources (When was the last time you tried to visit Anna Maria Island beaches on a weekend?) and if there is truly any actual benefit of adding future buyers/renters.

Based on some of the data you presented, it seems unlikely that the term “affordable” is really accurate in this situation.

I would have expected a more balanced presentation and perhaps one that address how the community can let commissioners feel about their decisions and how they are affecting the lives of their constituents.

KEVIN RITTER LAKEWOOD RANCH

Please get involved — and vote

Election season is here as evidenced by the political advertisements hitting many of our mailboxes. Many of us have strong opinions on the presidential race, but I want to urge my fellow voters to pay close attention to our local races

including ones for the school board and for seats on the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners.

You can level up quickly by visiting the School District of Manatee County and Manatee County websites. I also strongly recommend searching “Manatee County Board” and “Manatee County School Board” on the YourObserver.com website. These searches yield a useful collection of articles on happenings related to the county commission and school boards.

The people we elect locally influence our taxes, schools, infrastructure, water, environment, parks, and libraries. We are a rapidly growing area and will continue to be for some time. We need to elect wise people to ensure that growth is done in a smart way without destroying what attracted many of us here in the first place. It is no easy task. Choose wisely.  To the candidates — Thank you for putting your hat in the ring. Campaigns can be tough and thankless. Many people are turned off by the process for understandable reason. I urge you to stick to relevant local issues, share your vision, and be respectful of your opponents and of the public. At the end of the day, we are all neighbors.

ERIC DI SILVESTRO

Lakewood Ranch Library hosts Gold Star dedication

Gardeners Out East, which paid for the memorial, will hold the dedication ceremony May 4.

IF YOU GO

Members of the Gardeners Out East club had a long wait for the Lakewood Ranch Library to open.

But they weren’t hoping to check out books on gardening techniques. The club began raising money in 2016 to place a Gold Star Memorial at the planned library. They just didn’t know it would take so long to open.

The library opened in January and the Gold Star Memorial plaque was installed. Now, the memorial only needs a dedication. The public is invited to attend the dedication ceremony 10 a.m. May 4. The ceremony will continue inside the library after a dedication at the plaque outside.

The Knights of Columbus Color Corps from Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church will present the colors and lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Speakers will include Tina Tuttle, president of the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs, Rosita Aristoff, Blue and Gold Star Memorial chairman and Stefenie Hernandez, the mother of Army Specialist Patrick L. Lay II, who died Aug. 11, 2011 while serving during Operation Enduring Freedom. Blue Star Memorials honor all men and women who serve in the military. Gold Star Memorials honor those who lost their lives during service. Lay was killed in Afghanistan by an improvised explosive device. He was 21 years old and a Braden River High School graduate.

“It’s nice to know that the sacrifices your loved one made are not forgotten,” Hernandez said. “They’re always remembered and appreci -

Lakewood Ranch Library 16410 Rangeland Parkway.

The Gold Star Memorial is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. on May 4. Light refreshments will be served inside the library following the dedication ceremony.

ated. This is a small token of how society can do that for Gold Star families.”

A golf tournament was originally held to raise money for the Blue Star Memorial that stands in front of Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, but members raised more money than expected.

“Because we’re a nonprofit, we can’t make money, so we put it away for a Gold Star Memorial,” incoming president Nancy Schneider said.

In addition to fundraising, the club also had to find a community building to accept the memorial because installing it in a public space is a requirement of the program. There are 275 Gold Star Memorials in the United States.   The memorial at the Lakewood Ranch Library is the 14th in Florida. While other locations were considered, the new library was worth the wait. The club now uses one of the library’s conference rooms as its meeting place. The last two meetings were held there.

“It was just a slam dunk in our minds that we have it at the library,” President Carolyn Lowry-Nation said.

Considering the wait, event Chair Melodie Friedebach said they’ve reserved space inside the library in case it rains.

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS

Gardeners Out East has one more reason to celebrate. This is the 10th anniversary of the club.

Gardening brought the group together, but friendship and philanthropy have kept it growing.

“One of the purposes of getting a 501(c)(3) was for us to give money,” Lowry-Nation said. “And we’ve kind of focused on vets.”

The Blue and Gold Star Memorials is a program through the National Garden Clubs, and it provided a starting point for the club.

In 2018, the club donated to Vets

2 Success, a nonprofit formed by Bryan Jacobs to inspire, mentor, educate, and transform the lives of homeless and/or displaced veterans by teaching them skills in the culi-

nary and craft brewing arts.

“The reason we gave (a donation) to Bryan, of course, was not only because he was a chef, but he was doing natural cooking,” Schneider said. “It was organic gardening and then taking the food and teaching people how to cook organically. So it all comes together. It’s not just cooking, it’s about growing and cooking.”

The club has also donated to Penny Pines, another initiative through the National Garden Clubs dealing with a reforestation/forest education program.

“It’s not only pine trees,” LowryNation said. “It restores forests.”

The program aims to save forests $68 at a time, which pays for 230 seedlings to reforest an acre of land that was damaged by fire and other natural disasters.

The club had six founding members in 2014, but needed 10 members to join the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs and gain its non-

profit status. The club still has four of its founding members and 43 total members.

“Anybody can come and join us,” Schneider said, “And it doesn’t have to be women, and they don’t have to know about gardening.”

The club is a way to learn about gardening, and specifically about Florida gardening, which many newcomers to the area might not know much about.

The club organizes field trips. Members have visited nearby attractions like Spanish Point and the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature. They’ve also traveled further away to Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg and Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales.

“We don’t have as big of a group as other clubs, and we don’t have our own facility,” Schneider said. “We’re small but mighty.”

Lesley Dwyer

Gardeners Out East members Carolyn Lowry-Nation, Nancy Schneider and Melodie Friedebach stand by the Gold Star Memorial installed by the club at the Lakewood Ranch Library.

Grand Opening of 9 Models by the Area's Finest Builders

NOW INTRODUCING THE NEXT PHASE OF THIS INCREDIBLE COMMUNITY.

With new models to tour and tremendous sales activity, Wild Blue at Waterside is excited to introduce its newest release of luxury homes. The new waterfront community by Stock Development boasts an enviable location in Lakewood Ranch, luxury single-family homes by the area’s finest builders, and incredible amenities. The extraordinary lifestyle includes a 13-acre sports complex, and a spectacular social clubhouse, with indoor and outdoor dining, two pools, a movie theater, fitness center, and a 9-hole premier putting course. It’s no wonder Wild Blue at Waterside is fast becoming one of the most sought-after communities in Sarasota.

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Another Elwood Park project stalls

Eastwind Development attorney asks for continuance to consider more revisions to the villa project.

Despite Manatee County’s development boom closing in around the Elwood Park neighborhood, which was established in 1915, residents have successfully fought to preserve their unique pocket of agriculture and housing mix — so far.

In 2022, Elwood Park residents banned together against Jordan Creek, a proposal for 56 villas on 19 acres that were never built. In 2023, the community celebrated another win after a project for 202 townhomes on 22.9 acres was voted down by the Manatee County Commission.

Residents have gathered again to oppose a reworked version of the townhome project, which now has turned into the Villas at Elwood Park. The site is located at the northeast corner of 44th Avenue East and 45th Street East.

On April 11, the planning commission approved the revision 4-2. However, at the April 18 land use meeting, the project didn’t make it to a vote. Scott Rudacille, the attorney representing applicant Eastwind Development LLC, asked for a continuance.

“(Residents) stated their position very well. We, of course, understand it,” Rudacille said. “After hearing the additional comments today, we would like an additional opportunity to go back and look at this plan one more time.”

The continuance was unanimously approved, but no date was set as to when a revision would come back to the board.

From townhomes to villas, high density was the biggest issue all three projects faced.

“One of the problems with this

particular development is that it’s going 1,000 feet into Elwood Park,” resident John Rachide said. “That kind of density is not compatible at all.”

Elwood Park’s density is 1.05 per acre, and Eastwind was proposing 8.5 units per acre. The future land use allows for the transition up to three units per acre.

Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge told residents that if the same density is brought back, he will vote against the project.

While the plans were modified, the residential density remained the same. The major difference was that the original plans included 20,000 square feet of commercial space that was removed during revisions.

Developers also increased the amount of affordable housing included in the project from 10% to 25%, which qualifies it for Livable Manatee incentives. The county program offers a higher density than what’s normally allowed within the zoning if a developer includes affordable housing units.

“That’s only being done for incentives,” resident Ryan MacLachlan said. “Is it really affordable? Because nothing these days is.”

Commission George Kruse said he’s a proponent of affordable housing projects, but wasn’t going to change his mind that the project shouldn’t exceed more than three dwelling units per acre.

“I want to be the district champ in the high jump and hit 5 feet, 2 inches.”

—

Fast Break

Braden River High boys weightlifters Jake Karam and Anthony Delacruz earned thirdplace medals in the Olympic section of the Florida High School Athletic Association

Class 2A state meet held April 20 at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland. Karam, competing at 154 pounds, lifted a total of 505 pounds. Delacruz, competing at 119 pounds, lifted a total of 325 pounds. The Pirates took seventh place as a team.

… The Braden River High boys tennis team won its district tournament April 18 at Mariner High. Sophomore Benecio Claudino and junior Grant Hicks won the No.1 Doubles gold medal, while senior Brody Lind and sophomore Noah Minor won the No. 2 Doubles gold medal. Claudino was also the No. 1 Singles runner-up.

… The Lakewood Ranch High boys lacrosse team (13-5) won its district championship 16-15 over Manatee High (10-6) in overtime and on the road April 18. Sophomore Mickey Cohen tied the game with less than a minute remaining in regulation, then won the game with an overtime goal. The Mustangs will next host Venice High (11-5) at 7 p.m. April 27 in the regional quarterfinals.

Former Lakewood Ranch

High track and field star Gracie Marston, a sophomore at Georgia Tech, finished third out of 93 runners in the women’s 800 meter run (2:10.12) at the Georgia Tech Invitational, held April 19-20. Marston finished 3.25 seconds behind winner Charlotte Augenstein, a senior at the University of Georgia.

Former Lakewood Ranch High softball star McKenzie Clark, a senior at Clemson University, went 7-14 with a double, three RBIs and three runs scored in three road games against the University of Notre Dame held April 19-21. Clark is hitting .371 with nine home runs and 32 RBIs in 2024. Clemson won two of the three games.

Extra thrills at Lakewood National

For the third time in six LECOM Suncoast Classics, the winner is decided in a playoff.

KOHN SPORTS EDITOR

LECOM Suncoast Classic Tournament Director Justin Kristich has not tired of the drama his tournament seems to generate each year.

“Pretty exciting, huh?” Kristich said after 26-year-old Tim Widing of Sweden captured the $180,000 winner’s check on the second playoff hole at Lakewood National on April 21. “We cannot seem to finish without a playoff. But (extra) golf keeps the fans happy.”

For the third time in six LECOM Suncoast Classics, the tournament was decided by extra holes.

Widing, Patrick Cover and Steven Fisk all finished regulation at 20 under par before Cover bogeyed the first playoff hole and Fisk bogeyed the second to leave Widing with the title after a couple of pars on No. 18.

“I’m speechless,” Widing said after his first Korn Ferry Tour victory. “It’s something I’ve practiced for every day, something you dream of. It’s a relief to finally pull it off. You keep telling yourself that you’re close, but winning golf tournaments is tough and I’m just so happy. This is incredible.”

The LECOM Suncoast Classic is building a reputation as an event that comes down to the final hole, or extra holes.

Now established in Lakewood Ranch, the Suncoast Classic drew big crowds throughout the week, especially on Sunday, when a tight leaderboard and a headline-making junior golfer combined to drive interest.

On April 19, 15-year-old Miles Russell became the youngest golfer to make the cut in a Korn Ferry Tour event. Jacksonville Beach’s Russell, who received an exemption to play in the Suncoast Classic, played well all four days, culminating in a fiveunder-par 66 on the final day.

He finished tied for 20th at 14 under par. He was followed by a gallery of hundreds and received a rousing ovation when he approached the No. 18 green on the final day. He tipped his club at the crowd in appreciation.

Lakewood Ranch High alumnus Danny Walker also put together a strong showing. Walker finished tied with Russell for 20th at 14 under par. He was one under par on the final day. While Walker did not attract hundreds of spectators like Russell, he did have a moderate crowd of people rooting for him, including his former Lakewood Ranch high head coach Dave Frantz.

While Kristich had yet to get a ticket count, he was happy with how the tournament came together.

“This was awesome,” Kristich said. “Miles (Russell) was lightning in a bottle and we had this great play coming down to No. 18. We had spectators lined all the way down the hole. We exceeded expectations.”

As for possible improvements in 2025, Kristich said the focus will switch to the No. 17 hole. He said he’s hopeful that, through sponsorships and other funding, the tournament is able to make that hole look more like the No. 18 hole, with stands and other structures where fans can gather.

That work started in 2024, when the event allowed Lakewood National members to drive their golf carts up to the ropes on the left side of the No. 17 green and cheer on the competitors from there. A few spectators even let loose a few honks on their golf cart horns when a golfer sank an impressive shot.

The team now has 12 months to think about upgrades. In terms of pure golf, it will be difficult to replicate the drama that the suddendeath playoff provided in 2024.

Entering the final day of the event, Widing was 15 under par, good for a

2024 LECOM SUNCOAST CLASSIC FINAL LEADERBOARD

1. Tim Widing, 20 under par (67-64-67-66—264)

third-place tie alongside Kris Ventura. Ventura and Widing were three shots back of the leader, Cover. In Widing’s mind, that’s where he wanted to be.

“It’s always a little easier coming from behind,” Widing said. “You kind of get to play a little more aggressive.”

Widing backed up his theory, charging to win. He sank six birdies and had a single bogey on his way to a five-under-par 66. His last birdie came on hole No. 17, and it was a big one as Cover and Fisk struggled down the stretch – each going one over par on the final three holes after entering them 21 under par – the birdie on

No. 17 allowed Widing to get into the playoff.  A pair of pars on the playoff holes was good enough for Widing to secure the win.

“It (the playoff) was just kind of like before a tournament, just do a little bit of prep on the range, warm up and kind of get back to that focus,” Widing said of getting ready for the playoff. “I just finished 15 minutes before that, so it wasn’t really hard transitioning to that. I was just happy I got a shot.”

Widing showed little emotion after making his par putt on the second playoff hole, but after Fisk missed his par putt, he hugged his wife, Jazmine Kelleher, and shed a tear, which he quickly wiped away. Kelleher was supposed to be on a 7:30 p.m. flight to San Francisco for a work trip, Widing said, but she decided to stay and watch him finish his win.

Seeing Kelleher tear up and run toward him, Widing said, was when the totality of the moment hit him.

The Suncoast Classic victory is Widing’s first Korn Gerry Tour win since turning professional in 2021. His previous best finish came at the Astara Golf Championship in February, where he finished tied for eighth (15 under par).

His finish positions him well in his quest for a PGA Tour card. Widing, who entered the week No. 23 on the Korn Ferry Tour points list, is now projected to be No. 2, trailing only Fisk.

The tournament had a $1 million purse.

Courtesy image Braden River High weightlifters Jake Karam (left) and Anthony Delacruz (right) stand with head coach Jordan Borges after earning third-place medals at the FHSAA state meet.

RYAN

Photos by Ryan Kohn

Tim Widing holds up the LECOM Suncoast Classic trophy. Widing shot five under par Sunday and 20 under par for the tournament.

Miles Russell hits his tee shot on the No. 18 hole on the final day of the 2024

LECOM Suncoast Classic at Lakewood National Golf Club. Russell, a 15-year-old junior golfer, finished tied for 20th at 14 under par.

PROSE AND KOHN RYAN

KOHN

The pitch at LWR Prep — learn the basics

When members of the Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy baseball program were late to practice this season, there were consequences.

Not just for the late players, but for the whole team.

For every person who arrived late, head coach Alex McDuffie said, the team was required to do 50 pushups. It is a discipline technique McDuffie learned in the Army Reserves, where he spent 12 years before retiring as a captain. The Eagles might not have been the most talented team in 2024, but McDuffie made sure his players paid attention to the little details, like being on time, or keeping the dugout clean, for those are the things that make the difference in close games.

Having discipline and accountability are foundational attributes, ones that the Eagles can use in future seasons as they look to become competitive.

The 2024 season was Lakewood Ranch Prep baseball’s first. The school tried to put together a team in 2023, McDuffie said, but it did not draw enough interest to fill out a roster. That is not a surprise as the school, which opened in 2022, only had ninth graders. This season, with ninth and 10th graders, the team was able to fill out its roster with 16 players. Many of the players had little to no baseball experience.

By itself, the lack of experience was not a problem, McDuffie said. He expected that when he agreed to run the program. McDuffie, known to players as “Coach Mac,” played college baseball at Middle Tennessee State University and previously coached at Middle Tennessee Christian School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He was drawn to Lakewood Ranch Prep because of the challenge of the job, he said.  “That was part of the excitement for me, going from the ground

level,” McDuffie said. “We’re building the foundation of the future program. I knew it would be more work than going to an existing program.”

What McDuffie and his coaching staff had to figure out, however, was how to balance teaching his inexperienced players the game’s fundamentals while keeping the experienced players engaged. The coaches decided on a group system at team practices, with McDuffie coaching the experienced group and assistant coaches Jeff O’Leary and Jared Autrey teaching the inexperienced group.  Experience was not the only challenge the Eagles faced in their first year. Lakewood Ranch Prep does not have a baseball field on campus, so the team had to practice on the fields at Heritage Harbour Park, splitting time with the school’s middle school team. It is also where the Eagles played home games. Not

having an on-campus field required the arranging of rides for everyone after school, McDuffie said. The program used an app called TeamSnap to communicate with parents and arrange transportation. McDuffie said the parents were good about carpooling, which took some stress out of the equation.

The Eagles’ season was the first of three probational seasons it will play in the Florida High School Athletic Association, a requirement for new programs. During this time, the Eagles can play other FHSAA schools, but cannot compete for district, regional or state titles. As a result, the program can take its time working its way to being competitive.

This season, Lakewood Ranch Prep played 14 games against a mix of junior varsity and varsity programs. McDuffie said he scheduled things that way so the players could face some similar-level foes as

well as be challenged by the varsity teams. The Eagles went 4-10 against that schedule, with the first win in program history being a 10-8 win over the Sarasota Military Academy junior varsity on Feb. 13.  The 2024 Eagles season was about setting a foundation for the program as a whole, and it was also an opportunity for individual players to make an impression. Some did, two in particular: sophomores Matthew O’Leary and Leif Edoff. O’Leary was the team’s best hitter, leading the Eagles with a .433 batting average with eight RBIs. Edoff was the team’s top pitcher, holding a 2.46 ERA over 31.1 innings.  The program has a long way to go.

In particular, the Eagles struggled with their defense — not unexpected for players new to the game.

Of the 158 runs allowed by the team, 106 were unearned. But McDuffie said he saw improvement in that regard as the season progressed,

especially in the outfield. McDuffie said his center fielders learned to communicate with the left and right fielders and take command, going after any catchable fly balls in their vicinity.

After the team’s penultimate game of the year, a 15-0 road loss to Bradenton Christian School’s varsity team, McDuffie gathered his team in a huddle in left field. It is something he does every game, he said, going over specific plays from the game and giving players a chance to communicate what went right or wrong. After this particular game, McDuffie asked his players what they had learned about themselves over the course of the year.  Unanimously, McDuffie said, his players responded that they learned how to be function as a team. They know the expectations of practice, they know each other as teammates, and they know what it takes to win games against good competition. The team didn’t get as many wins as the players wished, but the things they learned this year will lead to wins in 2025 and beyond.

“For a first-year program, that stood out to me and made me happy,” McDuffie said. “I saw them enjoying the game. They were (mentally) in it from start to finish. They knew that the first year would have bumps in the road. It made me proud to see the kids being that mature.”

Now that the foundation is laid, the Eagles can focus on what all programs ultimately want: getting a whole lot of wins, and having a whole lot of fun doing it.

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

Courtesy image Lakewood Ranch Prep finished its first baseball season 4-10, but head coach Alex McDuffie said the Eagles learned a lot about what it takes to be a team.

Corin Mohammadbhoy

Corin Mohammadbhoy is a senior on the Braden River High girls track and field team. Mohammadbhoy won the triple jump (34 feet, 9 inches) and placed second in the high jump (4 feet, 7.75 inches) at the Palmetto Invitational held April 18 at Palmetto High. Mohammadbhoy also helped the Braden River 4x100-meter relay to a third-place finish (53.65 seconds).

When did you start competing in track and field?

I started my freshman year. I did gymnastics for 10 years before then, but I had some injuries and decided to try track instead. I loved it right away.

What is the appeal to you?

I like the community of track. I have great teammates and coaches. I also like doing a sport outside (instead of indoor gymnastics). And I can run and jump.

What is your favorite event?

The high jump is for sure my favorite. I have been doing it for four years now. It is my most consistent event, which has made me more confident in it. I can focus the most when I’m doing it. It has gone well this year. I’ve matched my personal record (5 feet) three times.

Did you add any new events this season?

I added the triple jump. I wanted to add another field event to balance out my running events. Triple jump is definitely a more complex event (than the high jump). You have to jump from a certain point or it doesn’t count. You have to get the timing exactly right.

What is your favorite memory?

It is probably helping to break the school 4x100-meter relay record my freshman year (at the Riverview High Invitational). I had just joined the sport, and realizing me and my teammates could do that well made me want to continue with it.

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

What are your goals for the rest of the season? I want to be the district champ in the high jump and hit 5 feet, 2 inches.

What is your favorite food? Anything from Chipotle, but my usual order is a burrito with white rice, steak, pico, sour cream, guacamole and lettuce.

What is your favorite school subject?

I like being involved in our Student Government Association. I like the community that we have. We get to spread school spirit and help at events. It’s a lot of fun.

What are your hobbies? I always love hanging by the pool or going to the beach. I like going on long car rides. But I also like staying home and watching movies. My all-time favorite is “White Chicks.”

Which super power would you pick? I would pick being able to fly. I could go anywhere I wanted way quicker.

Finish this sentence: “Corin Mohammadbhoy is …” … Shy, until you get to know me.

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YOUR NEIGHBORS

Officially open

Waterside Park has opened in phases over the past three years, but the eight-acre island park is now fully complete.

The event lawn, exercise equipment and volleyball courts were installed in 2021, but the playground, splash pad and accompanying restrooms, pavilion and picnic area took more time to construct.

The playground opened in December 2023, and the splash pad opened in February. On April 20, Lakewood Ranch hosted a grand opening for the entirety of the park.

“We wanted to give the team time to get everything open and get the hours regulated,” said Nicole Hackel, events and resident experience manager for Lakewood Ranch. “Now that each part of the park is open, we decided to throw a celebration.”

The celebration drew hundreds of

residents, who were treated to inflatables, a climbing wall, photo booth, face painting, balloon animals and caricatures.

School of Rock brought guitars and a drum kit for impromptu music lessons, and Bricks4Kidz set up a building block area. Food trucks served grilled cheese, hot dogs, Philly cheese steaks and snow cones in the parking lot.

Lakewood Ranch also gave away a unique party favor in honor of this year’s 30th anniversary — an old-school viewfinder with pictures that ranged from early construction to the most recent New Year’s Eve celebration.

The grand opening was a warm welcome for East County newcomer Rinda Duarte. Duarte moved to Lorraine Lakes from Connecticut a week ago.

“I love this area,” she said. “I love the weather and all the activities for the kids.”

— LESLEY DWYER

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Sarasota resident Liam Reilmann hits his target during Waterside Park’s grand opening April 20.

Sarasota resident Jyselle Calderon, 8, takes a turn on the climbing wall.

Samantha Gomez and Rinda Duarte explore Waterside Place. Duarte moved to Lorraine Lakes from Connecticut a week ago.

Frances Kozma, Grace Martin, Rafael Gunderson, George Kozma and John Martin strike a pose in Waterside Park.

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Kids cool down at the splash pad during the grand opening celebration of Waterside Park on April 20.

“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.

Spot-on treatment EYE ON BUSINESS

La Chic Bohème perseveres through construction delays to offer a unique experience.

Nwet room with vichy rain shower.” But Sharpe promises her dream spa is much more. She said it is a space that people can go when life gets too fast, and there is a need for emotional well being. Sharpe’s emotions were running amok after she signed a lease at Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch in February 2023. At the time, she

was running a spa at a much smaller space in Sarasota, and when she signed with a contractor, he promised he would perform her interior build quickly.

With that guarantee, she signed a contact since he wanted to keep her current staff from her Sarasota business, which she closed, and simply move them over.

Then came delays, and delays and more delays.

Her former employees needed to work and had to move forward with their careers. In turn, she had no money coming in, so the bills were mounting.

She and her husband, Aaron Sharpe, a commercial pilot, had to put their savings on the line to pay mounting bills, and she eventually fired the original contractor and hired another who did deliver as promised.

“I learned that you have to read your contracts closely,” she said of her experience in the last year. “You have to protect yourself.

“For a while, it was a very bad thing. I couldn’t get out of bed with-

Jay Heater

Holly Sharp’s La Chic Bohème at Waterside Place has a warm, relaxing feeling throughout.

out the whole world crashing upon me. I needed somebody to come into my life to give me hope.”

With a new contractor, Sharpe began to see her vision come to life. On March 9, she was able to open the doors.

When she signed the lease, she was convinced “this is where I belong.”

When she opened the doors, she found she was right.

“We are about the whole experience,” she said. “It is so amazing to combine the interior design and aesthetics. I didn’t want it to be cold and sterile.”

It is anything but.

The front of the spa is light and airy with window decorations that welcome customers to a place where they can leave their worries behind.

The different rooms, even where it calls for darker surroundings, are warm and inviting. And when the patron lays back and looks up toward the ceiling, Sharpe has decorated it with artsy wallpaper.

“I have been in places where it is quick, in and out,” she said. “There is no relaxation aspect or mental clarity. Our idea is that you are getting more than a facial or a massage.”

The treatments might begin with a foot-bath or in the salt room, and the patron can release any tension before the main treatment begins.

Sharpe said when she used to go for a massage, it used to take her 30 minutes to relax before she actually could enjoy that massage. She said it takes some time to disconnect the stresses from the outside.

From the time a person enters the 2,000-square-foot La Chic Bohème, they can tell they are going to have a different experience. Sharpe has her own fragrance circulating through the air conditioning.

“I like 5-star hotels, and we bring that service,” Sharpe said.

Everything is clean and new.

“We bought new equipment,” she said. “Everything in here is expensive.”

It took Sharpe some time to get on a career path that would take her to La Chic Bohème, which caters to both women and men. She developed an early love for makeup and skin care, and interior design, but she tried hair early in her career and found it was not what she wanted to do.

She and Aaron moved to Sarasota

NEW BUSINESS

LA CHIC BOHÈME

Where:

in 2010, and she started to pursue businesses, and had her daughter, Finley, who now is 12. She rented a room in a hair salon and did facials, waxing and body wraps. She later started a two-room spa in Sarasota but outgrew that space.

Her ordeal followed with the building of La Chic Bohème, but that is now behind her.

She has 10 employees at her new spa, with nine women and one man.

“This feels homey,” she said of her new location. “This is a full sensory experience.”

She followed her passion for inte rior design to give her business just the right look.

“I mixed the things I love,” she said. “They are things that make you smile ... big mirrors, wallpaper on the ceiling. Balancing everything, grounding. You can zen out.”

She said her services are pricey.

“There is nothing to hide there,” she said. “But the value is good. What we are offering in this com munity is received well.”

She said all 10 of her employ ees share the various maintenance duties to keep everyone involved.

“I want to create a family here,” she said. “There is excitement, and nobody is sitting around doing noth ing.

“I sit here and smile, because I have people who I can trust.”

Full STEAM ahead

Medford, who spent at least 100 hours building his robot, was showcasing it during McNeal Elementary’s STEAM Night on April 18. The robots were available to promote the school’s VEX program.

Medford said it was a new experience to be able to share his robot with McNeal Elementary students. Medford attended Robert E. Willis Elementary School.

“It’s cool to see these kids trying to have fun with the robot I spent hours building,” he said.

The robotics station was one of several STEAM Night activities, including making paper airplanes, coding, gardening, constructing a container for stuffed animals and measuring heart rates.

What’s Your Personal Inflation Rate? Inflation is not a one-size-fits-all number.

COMMUNITY

THURSDAY, APRIL 25-SUNDAY, APRIL 28

LIVE MUSIC AT JIGGS LANDING

Runs from 4:30-7:30 p.m. each day at Jiggs Landing, 6106 63rd St. E., Bradenton. The live music lineup at Jiggs Landing includes Steve Arvey (Thursday), L’Attitude Adjustment (Friday), Blue Grass Pirates (Saturday) and Mike Sales (Sunday). The Friday and Saturday concerts have a $5 cover; the other concerts are free. For more information, go to JiggsLanding.com.

FRIDAY, APRIL 26

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS

BEST BET

SUNDAY, APRIL 28

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.

You can’t control inflation. But you can make financial decisions designed to reduce its effects.

– John B. Leeming, CFP® President at JL Bainbridge

Finding your personal inflation rate will help you manage your finances more effectively than just thinking of inflation as an average, slightly relevant number. In fact, you don’t need to think of this as a specific number. Instead, think of it as an exercise to evaluate which areas of your budget are most exposed to higher inflation.

Review your expenses and look at wide categories such as real estate, travel, healthcare, and entertainment. Spending priorities will vary by person, even within the same family.

Inflation affects everyone, but differently. That’s why it makes sense to think about how inflation impacts your personal finances. After all, the most common measure of inflation, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) really only tracks inflation for the average urban consumer. And nobody in the Sarasota area is just average! 1582 Main Street J.L. Bainbridge & Company, Inc.

Remember to revisit your inflationrelated information regularly, especially when economic factors change or for major life changes such as buying a house or funding a child’s education.

Knowing your personal inflation profile is crucial for smart financial planning. It helps you predict how much additional you’ll need to save based on rising costs. If certain expenses, like healthcare, are increasing, you might consider investing in those areas to benefit from their growth.

Understanding your inflation rate also helps you make more informed decisions about spending and saving for the long term, ensuring your budget fits your retirement planning needs as well.

JL Bainbridge family wealth advisors are fiduciaries with a duty to act first and foremost in their clients’ interests.

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

(941) 365-3435 jlbainbridge.com

Begins at 6 p.m. at 1560 Lakefront Drive, Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch. The free, monthly artists’ series features the Rise Above Performing Arts group. Rise Above offers talent with a focus on the education and development of the performing arts in the youth of the community. Rise Above’s goal is to “produce the highest quality theatrical and artistic productions with unmatched skill and precision.” The group’s show choirs will perform numbers from popular musicals such as “Mary Poppins,” “Hairspray,” and “Something Rotten.” The show offers limited seating so those attending are invited to bring lawn chairs. No outside food or drinks permitted.

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

MUSIC AT THE PLAZA

Runs 6-9 p.m. at 1560 Lakefront Drive, Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch. Singer/songwriter Trevor Bystrom is the featured artist in the free artist series. For more information, go to WatersidePlace.com.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 1

RANCH NIGHT WEDNESDAYS

Runs from 6-9 p.m. at 1561 Lakefront Drive, Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch. The weekly event includes food trucks, live music, 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, MAY 3

MUSIC ON MAIN

Runs from 6-9 p.m. at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch. The Heart tribute band Brigade is the featured performer for the monthly concert and block party series. The event features food vendors, beer trucks, sponsor booths and rides and activities for the kids. This month’s event benefits the Camelot Community Care nonprofit. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 4

ARTISTS ON THE PATH

Runs from 10 a.m. to noon at Peace Presbyterian Church, 12705 S.R. 64 E., Lakewood Ranch. Peace Presbyterian hosts Artists on the Path, an artists’ show and sale that features photography, paintings, stained glass, quilts, ceramics, floral designs and more. The event is free both for presenters and visitors. Reserve a spot to present your art by calling Toni Muirhead at 954-309-4802 or Jamie Reagan at 228-4900.

MEN’S BOOTCAMP

Begins at 7 a.m. at Waterside Park in Lakewood Ranch. F3 Suncoast is hosting a free workout and fellowship for men of all ages and fitness levels. No preparation is required, and there will be no judgment. The three Fs stand for fitness, fellowship and faith. For more information, go to F3Nation.com or call Keith Hohler at 321-3726.

Chuck Drager Chuck is the perfect fit for intimate gatherings to concert stage settings. He performs regularly in Las Vegas and at private and public functions around the country. He is the entertainer of choice for countless corporations and country clubs.

Gregg Prescott With extensive experience, Gregg has been mastering lead and rhythm guitar. His expertise spans across generations, contributing to numerous bands including pop, country, hard rock, and easy listening.

T—

ANora Zita Berente and Miklos Laszlo Berente, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 6919 Belmont Court  to Marcel McLaughlin and Noel Marcoux, of Moultonborough, New Hampshire, for $2 million. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, a pool and 4,159 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.5 million in 2023.

ESPLANADE

James and Michele Captain, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the home at 13020 Sorrento Way to Ralph and Teresa Wachtel, of Southampton, New York, for $1.65 million.  Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,057 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.15 million in 2021.

LAKE CLUB

Catherine and Gerald Chenelle, of Laconia, New Hampshire, sold their home at 16809 Verona Place to Mark and Lugene Olson, of Bradenton, for $1,575,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, twoand-a-half baths, a pool and 2,429 square feet of living area. It sold for $762,200 in 2020.

COUNTRY CLUB EAST

Dwight and Beryl Beranek, of North Chesterfield, Virginia, sold their home at 16010 Castle Park Terrace to Dianna and Dean Sirakides, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1.56 million. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,004 square feet of living area.

RIVERDALE REVISED

James and Esther Kersey, of Parrish, sold their home at 4782 Mainsail Drive to Gavin Derrick Broadfoot and Patricia Hendra Broadfoot, of Bradenton, for $1,415,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 4,458 square feet of living area.

TIDEWATER PRESERVE

Henryk and Paual Leszkiewicz, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the home at 5330 Swift River Court to Perlie Herbert Doyle Jr., of Bradenton, for $1,375,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, four-anda-half baths, a pool and 2,804 square feet of living area. It sold for $759,300 in 2017.

Jeremie Dale Price sold his home at 1105 Bearing Court to Kathleen Sivia, trustee, of Bradenton, for $870,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,980 square feet of living area. It sold for $720,500 in 2022.

RIVERDALE

Daniel and Deborah Dowe sold their home at 4409 Fifth Ave. N.E. to Diane and Tomasz Targosz, of Bradenton, for $1,325,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, twoand-a-half baths, a pool and 2,809 square feet of living area.

COUNTRY CLUB

Thomas Max, trustee, sold the home at 7036 Brier Creek Court to Neil and Sheryl Guiles, trustees, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1.14 million. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,742 square feet of living area. It sold for $400,000 in 2023.

WINDWARD Neal Communities of Southwest Florida LLC sold the home at 2514 Paradise Plum Drive to John Benande and Bonnie Benande, trustees, of Sarasota, for $1,135,500. Built in

2023, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,700 square feet of living area.

WATERLEFE GOLF AND RIVER

CLUB

Steven and Kelly Cullen, of Eastonton, Georgia, sold their home at 10006 Discovery Terrace to Kevin Smith, of Bradenton, for $1,125,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,025 square feet of living area. It sold for $750,000 in 2021.

LAKEWOOD NATIONAL GOLF

CLUB Frank Anthony Meloa Jr. and Catherine Mary Carey, of Parrish, sold their home at 6135 Cessna Run to Gavin and Claire Killen, of Bradenton, for $1,045,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,207 square feet of living area. It sold for $830,000 in 2022.

SHOREVIEW Robert Baillargeon and Bruce Teris, of New Hope, Pennsylvania, sold their home at 823 Anguilla Path to Richard Cervini and Susan Demkowicz-Cervini, of Sarasota, for $1,015,600. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,972 square feet of living area. It sold for $555,500 in 2019.

ST. JAMES PARK FMIS Florida Inc. sold the home at 6625 Saint James Crossing to Richard Korth and Tricia Korth, trustees, of Salem, Wisconsin, for $945,000. Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,333 square feet of living area. It sold for $561,800 in 2016.

ASCOT Volker Otto Konrad Kosfeld and Jasmine Elisabeth Karolina Kosfeld, of University Park, sold their home at 7411 Ascot Court to Kathy and Myron Berstein, of Bradenton, for $855,000. Built in 2000, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,197 square feet of living area. It sold for $365,000 in 2019.

WOODLEAF HAMMOCK

Christopher Matthew Decent and Tara Jo Decent, of Bradenton, sold their home at 2223 Woodleaf Hammock Court to William and Anna Jordan, of Bradenton, for $815,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,788 square feet of living area. It sold for $578,700 in 2020.

LAKEHOUSE COVE AT WATERSIDE

Christopher Burns and Carla Lynn Burns sold their home at 8057 Tidal Pointe Way to Michael Alan Spielman, of Sarasota, for $812,000. Built in 2021, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 2,074 square feet of living area. It sold for $543,500 in 2021.

MILL CREEK

Timothy and Chasity Hislop, of Palmyra, Virginia, sold their home at 902 134th St. E. to Dawne and Joseph Steinbach, of Bradenton, for $809,100. Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,228 square feet of living area. It sold for $430,000 in 2021.

ARBOR RESERVE

Betteanne Esposito, of North Port, sold her home at 4503 Arbor Gate Drive to Curtis and Breann Ellis, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, for $760,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,717 square feet of living area. It sold for $465,000 in 2020.

GREYHAWK LANDING

Andrew Treen and Anna Grieco, of Bradenton, sold their home at 329 Blackbird Court to Leonard Morris Cooperman and Jennifer Knadle Cooperman, of Bradenton, for $739,000. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,701 square feet of living area. It sold for $750,000 in 2022.

HERITAGE HARBOUR Mark and Linda Singer, of Travelers Rest, South Carolina, sold their home at 6772 Wild Lake Terrace to Troy Comiskey and Kimberly Liskey Comiskey, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, for $715,000. Built in 2017, it

SAPPHIRE POINTE Geoffrey Peterson sold the home at 6110 Bluestar Court to Christopher and Rachel Gough, of Bradenton, for $689,000. Built in 2022, it has five bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,638 square feet of living area. It sold for $607,400 in 2022.

sold his home at 3008 Tolmino Court to Earl Larson and Tryla Brown Larson, of Lakewood Ranch, for $699,900. Built in 2023, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,678 square feet of living area. It sold for $613,400 in 2023.

BRADEN WOODS Doncy and Edward Beard, of Sarasota, sold their home at 6411 98th St. E. to Joseph and Samantha Medred, of Bradenton, for $625,000. Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,938 square feet of living area. It sold for $130,900 in 1991.

Liz Ramos

This Country Club home at 6919 Belmont Court sold for $2 million. It has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,159 square feet of living area.

ROSEDALE Frances Barletta, of Sarasota, sold the home at 8707 51st Terrace E. to Louis Michael Sylvester and Teresa Lynn Sylvester, of Bradenton, for $625,000. Built in 2000, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,956 square feet of living area. It sold for $260,000 in 2010.

EAGLE TRACE Patti Powell, trustee, of Bradenton, sold the home at 12347 Whisper Lake Drive to Patrick and Valdineia Blake, of Barnstable, Massachusetts, for $620,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two-anda-half baths, a pool and 2,002 square feet of living area. It sold for $475,000 in 2021.

SOLERA Fayez Anwar Ajib and Anwar Fayez Ajib and Hanan Aref Ajib, of Loxahatchee, sold their home at 17206 Reserva Drive to Mary Ditty, trustee, of Bradenton, for $585,000. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,827 square feet of living area. It sold for $460,000 in 2022.

Wasabi Group LLC sold the home at 17727 Cantarina Cove to Felicia Lynn Judd and Daryl Thomas Judd, of Bradenton, for $550,000. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,774 square feet of living area. It sold for $545,000 in 2023.

CARLYLE AT THE VILLAGES OF PALM AIRE

Ronald and Carole Javner, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the home at 4904 Creekside Trail to Carole and Michael Tinsley, of Sarasota, for $565,000. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,255 square feet of living area. It sold for $325,000 in 2014.

INDIGO Bernard Joseph Sanga and Margarette Anne Sanga, of Ocala, sold their home at 12745 Coastal Breeze Way to Richard and Kimberly Strasser, of Silver Spring, Maryland, for

$534,900. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,766 square feet of living area. It sold for $358,200 in 2019.

Jason Lea Walker and Paula Walker, trustees, of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, sold the home at 12728 Seasong Terrace to Brandi McLoughlin, of Bradenton, for $520,000. Built in 2021, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,617 square feet of living area. It sold for $387,500 in 2021.

Keith and Allison Jones, of Bradenton, sold their home at 12624 Crystal Clear Place to Brock and Kay Renshaw, of Bradenton, for $460,000.  Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 1,750 square feet of living area. It sold for $362,500 in 2020.

EDGEWATER

Virginia Bunbury, of McFarland, Wisconsin, sold the home at 8309 Idlewood Court to Joelle Marie Vlahakis, of Bradenton, for $530,000. Built in 1998, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,624 square feet of living area. It sold for $238,200 in 2001.

VERANDA AT LAKEWOOD

NATIONAL

Steven Borghi, of Alton, New Hampshire, sold the Unit 114 condominium at 5518 Palmer Circle to Dennis Ambach, of Bradenton, for $497,500. Built in 2017, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,336 square feet of living area. It sold for $245,000 in 2020.

COACH HOMES AT RIVER

STRAND Robert Finelli, trustee, of Knoxville, Tennessee, sold the Unit 3504 condominium at 506 Winding Brook Lane to A. Signey Browning and Alia Browning, of Hudson, Massachusetts, for $485,000. Built in 2012, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,786 square feet of living area. It sold for $218,700 in 2012.

You’re cordially invited to the grand opening of Gracewater at Sarasota, where the magic of Florida living comes alive! Nestled on 139 acres of pure bliss, Gracewater is not just a community; it’s an experience waiting to be discovered.

Mark your calendars and join us for a grand opening like no other, filled with excitement and entertainment on Sunday, April 28th from 12 PM to 3 PM. Here’s what’s in store:

• Indulge your taste buds with mouthwatering delights from Smokin’ Momma Lora’s BBQ and cool treats from Carousel’s Icery

• Groove to the live tunes of Hot Club of SRQ as they set the perfect vibe.

• Be amazed by the illusions of Illusionist Pete Michael, captivating audiences of all ages.

• Enjoy a variety of entertainment including stilt walkers, balloon twisters, mini-golf, bounce houses, and more!

• Plus, win exciting prizes including golf for two with a cart at Bent Tree or Tatum Ridge, as well as gift cards to local Sarasota businesses, including options perfect for the whole family. Gracewater at Sarasota awaits to welcome you with open arms to a lifestyle that exceeds expectations. See you there!

Tyler was a pleasure to work with - always professional and amenable on moving things forward. Katina did a great job staging the home, and Ken stepped in to provide support on the contract close. They truly work as a team and complement each other. Very positive experience on getting the job done.