East County Observer 5.2.24

EAST COUNTY

Residents feel left in the dust

Going green Carollynn Ramirez, a fifth grader at William H. Bashaw Elementary School, had the opportunity to show off her green thumb.

In celebration of Earth Day on April 22, Skye Grundy, who is a nutrition specialist with the School District of Manatee County’s Food and Nutrition Department, worked with the fifth graders to plant vegetables in donated Earth Boxes. The Earth Boxes were placed in the school’s garden.

Some of the vegetables included green bell sweet peppers, yellow bell sweet peppers and purple bell sweet peppers.

Patriotic gift for patrons

The Gold Star Memorial at the Lakewood Ranch Library will be dedicated on May 4, but the Gardeners Out East had one more patriotic gift for Branch Manager Tiffany Mautino – a handmade wooden flag.

“It’s from a young man, and he’s going to be in law enforcement,” President Carolyn Lowry-Nation said. “We donated it to the library.”

Lowry-Nation came up with the idea, but the flag was carved by 19-year-old Lakewood Ranch resident Lorenzo Liberti. Liberti has raised more than $30,000 for homeless veterans living in Manatee County.

Club member Melodie Friedebach (above with Mautino) delivered the flag on April 23.

It’s not hung yet because it will be displayed during the Gold Star Memorial ceremony. The flag’s permanent home will be in the front entrance of the library.

Lakewood Ranch man buys out miniature railroad in Vermont and moves it to Sarasota.

Jay Heater

Lakewood Ranch’s Richard Pierson is the owner of the Sarasota Toy Museum, which is expected to open in July on 17th Street in Sarasota.

Lesley Dwyer

Rose Truong and Thu Tran are especially excited The Fresh Market is open because they work at Lavish Nail & Spa next door.

WAY ABOVE PAR

The exclusive Miakka Golf Club is being built next to the TerraNova Equestrian Center on Clay Gully Road.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

Paul Azinger isn’t just a celebrity endorser who flew into town for a day to promote the up-andcoming Miakka Golf Club.

Azinger is part of the design team and a local.

“I was here before the interstate,” he said with a laugh.

The 1993 PGA champion grew up in Sarasota and now lives in west Bradenton. He was part of an architect panel held at the TerraNova Equestrian Center on April 25 to discuss plans for the new golf course being built next door. A groundbreaking ceremony was held afterward.

The 18-hole championship course

is expected to be completed in late 2025.

Steve Herrig owns TerraNova. The golf club will be built adjacent to the equestrian center on 1,100 acres.

“Most golf courses are on 200 acres,” designer Dana Fry said.

But the Miakka Golf Club will not be like most golf courses. Tee times won’t be required because the club will be so exclusive that they’re not necessary. Membership is inviteonly, and every prospective member must meet with Herrig first.

Local memberships are available, but most players will travel to play. Cabins will provide overnight accommodations.

The architectural theme of the club is Florida Cracker style with large porches and weathered wood.

The structures are being built to fit the landscape, and the landscaping is being designed to fit Florida. About 350 acres of the property are being preserved as native areas.

Invasive species are being replaced with native species surrounding the wetlands. Oak trees that need to be removed for the course are being transplanted. The grass will require about a third less water to maintain, and the drainage will lead to hidden filtration areas.

The 7,700-yard golf course will run along two miles of the Myakka River, which is one of the reasons Azinger wanted to be involved with the project and is looking forward to using his membership.

Azinger said the team is being mindful of the river in everything it does. The golfer is also a fisherman. He was visibly excited as he listed the variety of fish that can be caught from the river’s bank.

“Lots of environmental aspects and characteristics are going in,” designer Jason Straka said. “It certainly will be a very celebrated project in our industry in that regard. It is an environmental pinnacle for the state of Florida and golf.”

The facilities will be state-of-theart with a practice facility that will feature a 360-degree driving range with tees hitting from all directions, and a performance center that will integrate the latest swing-analysis technology.

THE PANELISTS

The architect panel included the five key players on the development team.

■ Steve Herrig is the owner. He’s an entrepreneur and the CEO of SUNZ Insurance.

■ Paul Azinger is a four-time Ryder Cup winner and 12-time PGA tour winner. In 1993, he was the PGA Championship winner. Azinger currently is a design consultant on the golf course.

■ Dana Fry and Jason Straka are partners in Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design. The pair has designed more than 40 golf courses, including Erin Hills in Erin, Wisconsin, the site of the 2017 U.S. Open and the 2025 U.S. Women’s

Even the grass is above par. Grass on the tees and fairways will be Stadium Zoysia grass. Herrig bought another 1,600 acres adjacent to the course that has since been established as a sod farm.

Stadium Zoysia is a fine-textured grass that Azinger said makes the ball sit up and “feels like you’re touching the top of Ian Poulter’s head back in his prime when he had all that gel in there.”

“I’m 100% positive that every tour player is going to know about this golf course, and they’re going to want to see it,” Azinger said.

Lesley Dwyer

Owner Steve Herrig and PGA champ Paul Azinger celebrate the groundbreaking of the Miakka Golf Club on April 25.

Courtesy image

This rendering shows the club’s golf course running alongside the Myakka River.

WHEN WILL THE DUST SETTLE?

County staff responded to residents’ complaints with additional requirements for developers clearing land.

Imagine homeschooling three children and not being able to have any kind of recess in your backyard because of airborne dust and debris.

The Alvarez family lives on two acres of land off of County Road 675 in Parrish. But if they want to play outside, they have to drive somewhere else because the air surrounding their home is filled with orange dust from a construction site.

Lennar Homes is clearing more than 1,300 acres of land across the street from the Alvarez home for a development in Rye Ranch.

While Parrish and west Bradenton developments have brought attention to the issue of construction dust over the past six months, East County resident Mark Van DeRee said the problem started near his home on Waterline Road two years ago.

Manatee County staff gave a presentation to commissioners April 23 that included additional requirements for developers to control the dust blowing off construction sites, but Van DeRee is skeptical that the problem will be solved anytime soon.

“I don’t think (the county) has enough inspectors to enforce a lot of the rules on the books for construction,” he said. “They may just not have the will to enforce either because there’s so much pressure by the developers politically.”

Following the presentation, Commissioner George Kruse pointed out a flaw in the staff’s position that additional requirements will remedy the issue.

“All areas involved shall be maintained and prevent dust or debris from blowing or spreading onto adjoining properties — that’s in our code now,” Kruse said. “This should have never happened over the past six to 12 months, and it did because we weren’t adhering to our code.”

Kruse raised the issue during a commission meeting in November 2023, but that action didn’t lead to any meaningful enforcement to relieve those living near the Lennar site.

DEVELOPERS RESPOND

Residents have complained to the commission and the developers. They told commissioners Lennar Homes and Neal Communities had contrasting responses.

Myakka City’s Elizabeth Arnold said she called the county three times to report dust coming off Neal’s Palm Grove site on State Road 64.

“Finally, I got frustrated and I called Neal’s construction office,” Arnold said. “I went by there again and saw that they put straw out over the dust, and it seems like they’re doing quite a bit to try to mitigate some of this.”

She said Lennar didn’t seem to be reacting to complaints. Marcos Alvarez reached out to

Lennar in February to request the builder do more to control the dust and provide compensation for cleaning expenses.

He received a letter from Vice President of Land Development Scott Edwards dated Feb. 23, 2024.

In the letter, Edwards said Lennar was managing windborne debris and dust with water trucks and was also seeding and mulching where construction activities have stopped.

“While I can appreciate your concerns of any dust or debris from all of the construction activities along C.R. 675 that may have an affect on your house, Lennar will continue to take the necessary steps in order to maintain our site and follow the regulations that are in place but will take no further action on any of the requests for compensation or maintenance on your home,” Edwards wrote.

The Observer reached out to both homebuilders. Lennar did not respond.

Neal’s vice president of land development, John Lydon, said, “We understand the importance of being good neighbors during the construction process and make it a priority to address dust and other land development concerns in a responsive and respectful manner.”

PROPOSED NEW REQUIREMENTS

Manatee County staff presented these additional requirements to commissioners on April 23 as a way to mitigate the dust blowing off construction sites.

■ Windbreak treatments (natural or constructed barriers) along areas with densities greater than one unit per acre.

■ Site clearing of no more than 100 acres at a time without special approval.

■ If dust is clearly leaving the site when the average wind speed is more than 15 mph or gusting at more than 25 mph, land clearing activities must be discontinued until the dust is under control.

■ If a cleared area will not be accessed regularly for more than 21 days, it should be temporarily seeded or sodded no later than 14 days after the last disturbance.

■ Contractor shall submit a dust control plan at the preconstruction meeting or prior to starting any clearing.

THE TOLL

Residents say it’s hard to put a dollar amount on the damages because it’s not just a matter of replacing pool filters and hiring pressure washers. It’s a time-consuming effort to keep up with the amount of dust and debris blowing onto their homes.

Van DeRee said the orange dust in the air settles into a black soot that covers every surface. He said when construction started on the Hillwood Preserve development, he was hosing down his house, barn and everything else once a week.

Alvarez hired a company to clean his pool. It took three hours and cost $250. The dust has taken over his attic as it blows through the soffits.

Residents say it’s a losing battle every time the wind blows, but the more concerning issues are the possible health risks.

“I don’t think (the county) has enough inspectors to enforce a lot of the rules on the books for construction. They may just not have the will to enforce either because there’s so much pressure by the developers politically.”

East County resident Mark Van DeRee

Residents near the Lennar site are complaining of increased asthma attacks and COPD flare-ups. Foxwood resident Carol Dukes has a lung condition called bronchiectasis.

“It is not curable. When I have a flare-up, I cough a lot, sometimes including a lot of mucus,” Dukes said. “This condition makes me more susceptible to infections. The latest culture showed I have Mycobacterium abscessus. Mycobacteria are bacteria in dust, soil and water that can cause infections, so you can see my concern.”

Commissioner Ray Turner said limiting clearing to 100 acres at a time should stop the problem.

“In my opinion, there’s no way to mitigate the dust and dirt when those large pieces are cleared,” Turner said. “What I saw, they had sprinklers going, trucks with water and everything else that didn’t put a dent in it.”

Turner said clearing 1,100 acres at a time creates a scene from the movie “Dune.” Kruse agreed that clearing limits could help but maintained the solution comes down to enforcement.

“If we were actually enforcing it, (developers) would have voluntarily started clearing 100 acres or 50 acres because they wouldn’t want the fines and the red tags,” Kruse said. “They would’ve been doing this on their own accord.”

A red tag is a stop work order. When Lake Flores in west Bradenton was red-tagged three times, the developer complained to Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge that the equipment rentals cost $75,000 a day.

“That’s the punitive measure that can be taken,” Van Ostenbridge said.

“If we put in a fine of $5,000 a day, that’s nothing in the grand scheme of things.”

Van DeRee said when the county issued violations on developments near his home, the responses were short-lived as “contractors would fix it in a few days and then a couple of weeks later, they go back to the same old way.”

Lennar has put straw over 55 acres of its 1,300-acre site, but residents say it is not enough.

“It is so bad that you can not see traffic coming toward you,” Foxbrook resident Brenda Smith said. “We have additional expenses put on us. We have health issues, safety issues. We have dirty homes, and I don’t live in a dirty home. I don’t appreciate not being able to invite people into my home because I’m embarrassed because of it. Fine them, stop them, do whatever you have to do. We have to be able to live.”

Courtesy images

The dust coming off the Lennar Homes construction site on County Road 675 is causing health concerns for residents.

These before and after photos of Marcos Alvarez’s pool show the impact construction dust can have on nearby properties.

LESLEY DWYER | STAFF WRITER

Bringing home the gold

Manatee Technical College students walked away from the Florida SkillsUSA 2024 State Leadership and Skills Conference in Jacksonville with 33 gold medals. The gold medalists will go on to compete in the SkillsUSA National Championships in Atlanta in June.

Besides the 33 first-place winners, MTC also claimed 15 second-place victories and 10 third-place wins.

Of the 58 medalists, eight were in the high school division and 50 were in the college division.

County confirms new HR director

The Manatee County Commission unanimously confirmed Kate Barnett as the county’s new human resources director April 23 after serving as the department’s interim director since June 2023.

“I’m extremely excited about the opportunity to be the next HR director for the county,” Barnett said in a news release. “Along with our team, our focus has been on employee engagement and determining how we empower employees to do work that matters — every day.”

Barnett has been with Manatee County for three years.

Before joining the county, Barnett spent eight years building a business that made an impact in downtown Wheaton, Illinois, according to

the release.

Her business was awarded Business of the Year for her community outreach initiatives.

Barnett currently is pursuing her Juris Masters from Florida State University.

Commission funds community initiatives

The Manatee County Commission has approved funding for various initiatives for community organizations, public safety, transportation and more.

Commissioners earmarked $1.6 million for intersection improvements at 44th Avenue East at Uihlein Road, 44th Avenue East at Wood Fern Trail, Rangeland Parkway at Uihlein Road and Rangeland Parkway at New Haven Boulevard.

Commissioners also moved $962,052 into the Parks and Recreation fund for improvements to the pump room and restrooms at John Marble Park, which is under construction and expected to be completed by the end of the year. More than $1.8 million was appropriated from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grants to community organizations. Emergency services will purchase 40 new transport ventilators with a $616,534 transfer of funds. An additional $252,686 will be used to purchase a high-water rescue vehicle for the Beach Patrol Division of Manatee County Public Safety.

Courtesy image

Manatee Technical College Dental Assisting students Serina Marshall, Damarian Vincent, Irma Galvan, Nayeli Centeno-Figueroa and Jessica Leseberg win gold at the Florida SkillsUSA 2024 State Leadership and Skills Conference.

Progress continues on new schools

New high school is expected to open in August 2027 while the new K-8 school is expected in August 2025.

LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR

The School District of Manatee County will have many decisions to make as it intends to open the new high school off Rangeland Parkway in August 2027.

The high school will be on approximately 103 acres of land south of Rangeland Parkway and west of Post Boulevard. The land was obtained during a land swap with SchroederManatee Ranch in 2021.

During the 2024-25 school year, the district will select an architect to begin the design of the school.

Joseph Ranaldi, the deputy superintendent of operations for the school district, said the district is looking to make the school’s capacity nearly 2,000 students, but the district needs to consider the programming that will be offered at the school. The determined programming could alter the school capacity.

Ranaldi said high schools can vary in size. He’s planned high schools with capacities ranging from 1,200 students to 2,000 students.

With the project in its infancy, Ranaldi said the district has yet to discuss the types of programs the high school will offer once it’s opened.

“We’re going to do some fairly extensive programming to see if that 1,900 student stations is appropriate or meets the actual programming needs, so we’ll be doing a lot of program design to see what we actually desire for the campus size,” he said.

When it comes to design, Ranaldi said every high school is different based on the programming, so the district might use an existing design for a high school and modify it to fit the needs of the new high school.

“I don’t think we’ll be designing from scratch,” he said. “We’ll find a

PROJECT DETAILS

K-8 SCHOOL

Location: East of Uihlein Road, approximately one-quarter mile south of State Road 64, on

Academic Avenue

Size: 40 acres

Capacity: 1,620 students

Expected opening: Elementary in 2025, middle in 2026

Project estimate: $106 million

HIGH SCHOOL

Location: South of Rangeland Parkway and west of Post

Boulevard

Size: 103 acres

Capacity: Nearly 2,000

students

Expected opening: August

2027

Estimated cost: $150 million

prototype that maybe has different classroom configurations.”

The estimated $150 million project will help alleviate overcrowding at Lakewood Ranch High School that persists despite the district completing the construction of a 22-classroom addition on the high school’s campus in January.

Ranaldi said determining the rezoning for the high school will occur in the 2026-27 school year as the district prepares to open the school in August 2027.

As the wait continues on the new high school, East County residents can watch the new K-8 school in Lakewood Ranch begin to take shape.

Construction on the school, which is located on an approximately 40-acre site off Uihlein Road, has begun. The elementary portion of the school is expected to open in August

2025. It includes the classrooms for kindergarten through fifth grade, as well as the core facilities such as the administration area, media center, kitchen, dining area and classrooms for art and music.

The middle school portion of the school is expected to be complete in February 2026, and the school will welcome middle school students in August 2026.

The school is projected to have 1,620 students, with the potential for an expansion that would add 250 students to the capacity.

The district will finalize the guaranteed maximum price of the K-8 school, which is expected to cost approximately $106 million, during the May 15 School Board of Manatee County meeting. Ranaldi said the cost of the project is coming in $1 million under budget with the cost per square foot at $405.

The Fresh Market opens in The Green

More than 100 residents lined up to be the first shoppers in The Green’s new store on State Road 70.

LESLEY DWYER

On April 24, the parking lot at The Green looked like Black Friday. But instead of doorbusters and holiday deals, this crowd had a different draw: the opening of The Fresh Market. More than 100 residents lined up before 8 a.m. April 24 to be the first shoppers in the store. Lines for the checkouts flowed into the aisles, and the butcher’s counter served nearly 25 customers in the first 15 minutes of the doors opening.

Lakewood Ranch neighbors Toula Vasos and Linda Adams carpooled and shopped together.

“I was hoping for a Fresh Market before there was any indication this would be a Fresh Market,” Vasos said. “I moved here from Indiana about a year and a half ago. We had Fresh Markets in Indiana. So when I heard a Fresh Market was going in here, I couldn’t wait. I love the fresh guacamole that’s made here.” Adams is simply sick of driving to Whole Foods on University Parkway.

That was something Fresh Market’s Regional Manager of Operations Todd Kerscher used to hear regularly at The Fresh Market at University Town Center.

“Every day, the folks in Lakewood Ranch would come in and say, ‘What are you doing to us? We’re driving way too far,’” Kerscher said. “When this became available, we thought it was a no-brainer from a demographic perspective. The clientele here is really well suited to what we do.”

All The Fresh Market stores offer hand-picked produce and custom-cut meats. The more than 24,000-square-foot store on State Road 70 offers the latest iteration of the supermarket that includes an expanded kitchen.

“There are significantly more offerings that are ready-to-eat, also things that can be taken home and, with very little prep, be on the table for the family very quickly,” Kerscher said. “We employ people from the restaurant industry who are chefs as opposed to classically trained grocers.”

The brisket is smoked over local hardwoods for 12 hours in an inhouse smoke pit. The Fresh & Hot Pizzas are made in-house, too.

Customers can grab and go or stay to eat. Tables are set up inside the store and on the outside patio.

The store on S.R. 70 opens at 7 a.m., an hour earlier than the store on University Parkway. Both stores close at 9 p.m.

To further cater to the breakfast crowd, the S.R. 70 store added breakfast sandwiches to the menu. And there are three ways to get coffee — a self-service station, a fullservice station and a coffee bar. The coffee bar offers iced coffees, lattes, mochas and hot tea.

The produce, deli, meat, seafood, bakery and floral departments are full-service. Specialty products include cheese, wine and local craft beers.

While Publix dominates the grocery store market in the Lakewood Ranch area — there’s a Publix across

the street from the new store on Lakewood Ranch Boulevard – Kerscher said the brand doesn’t worry about the competition.

“A lot of guests think of typical grocery shopping, getting milk and laundry detergent and all that, as

a task,” he said. “With restaurant quality food and quick, convenient meals at a great value, we’re able to answer that life long question of ‘What’s for dinner?’ quickly.” Kerscher said the goal of every staff member is to give the customer

the greatest experience they’ve ever had grocery shopping.

The grand opening was no exception to that credo. The event started with a bread-breaking ceremony in front of the store. The experience continued inside the store with a performance by award-winning international concert cellist Steve Kramer.

The first 500 guests received a customized Lakewood Ranch shopping bag, and Feeding Tampa Bay received a check for $2,000. The store will also make weekly food donations to the nonprofit. Feeding Tampa Bay provides food assistance across 10 counties, including Manatee.  Rose Truong and Thu Tran drove to work early in the morning April 24. They work next door to The Fresh Market at Lavish Nails & Spa. Not only were the women excited to check out the store and shop, they’re happy to have an anchor store back in the plaza.

“We couldn’t wait,” Tran said. “It’ll drive business to us, too.”

at

• Glaucoma Management & Surgery

• Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Procedures

• Micro-Incision Cataract Surgery

• Routine Eye Care

Whether

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Residents line up to get into The Fresh Market on April 24.

Less than 15 minutes after opening, the butcher’s counter is serving its 24th customer.

CDDs seek uniform regulation of lakes

Currently, only CDD1 has rules to regulate the ponds and lakes within its district.

LESLEY DWYER

In a community built around lakes, Lakewood Ranch isn’t regulating many of them. That might change this summer.

As of now, only CDD1, which includes Summerfield and Riverwalk, has regulations in place regarding the lakes, ponds and any activities they might attract. Boating is only allowed on Summerfield, Heron and Trophy lakes. Catchand-release fishing is mandatory for bass, and swimming is prohibited.

Now, the rest of the CDDs are considering implementing rules. Staff is in the process of creating a set of rules that are expected to go before the CDDs and the public during June’s monthly meetings.

“Everyone had always assumed that it’s catch and release, but some people are getting fish and putting them in their coolers and bringing them home to eat,” District Counsel Andrew Cohen said. “CDD1 definitely has fishing policies, but it became evident that we should have some uniformity.”

The end goal is to come up with a policy that will apply across ponds and lakes in the entire community.

CDD4, which includes Greenbrook Adventure Park, is looking to add a rule after last Fourth of July when the pavilion burned down from improperly disposed fireworks. The rule is simply no fireworks.

It’s only legal to set off fireworks on three days of the year in Manatee County – July 4, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. But if a CDD or homeowners association bans fireworks, then they’re banned in any common areas on those days, too.

“We might have a pavilion now that hopefully won’t burn, but we have protective covering on exercise equipment and all those trees that

Only CDD1

for

WATER RULES IN CDD1

These are some of the rules that currently apply in ponds and lakes within CDD1.

■ Fishing is not allowed behind a private residence without permission of the resident.

■ “Catch and release” is mandatory for bass and encouraged for all other fish.

■ Fishing is restricted to one rod/reel or drop/ hand line per person fishing. No set lines are allowed.

■ No gill or throw netting of any fish is allowed, and fishing with live bait is prohibited.

■ No vehicle parking is allowed on a common grassy area adjacent to any lake to fish on the lake.

■ No fishing is allowed between dusk and dawn.

■ Boats will be no longer than 16 feet in length.

■ Use of gas powered or other internal combustion engines is prohibited.

■ Electric motors are restricted to a maximum thrust of 47 pounds (3HP).

■ Swimming is prohibited.

could be set on fire,” CDD4 Assistant Secretary Nancy Johnson said about the park. “I personally am very pro CDD4 banning fireworks period.”

The CDD cannot ban people from using fireworks on their own property during those three holidays.

&

Lesley Dwyer

has rules

ponds, lakes and fishing. This sign is posted along Hidden River Trail.

Museum sees light at end of the tunnel in Sarasota

The Sarasota Toy Museum and Moosehead Toys and Comics could open in July.

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

With respect to Johnny Cash, “I hear the train a-comin.’”

It’s going to be rolling around the bend on 17th Street in Sarasota as early as July.

That’s when Lakewood Ranch’s

Richard Pierson expects to open his Sarasota Toy Museum.

A large space in the museum will be dedicated to a professionally built (by David Frary) HO scale layout modeled after the ski area in Killington, Vermont, that has been set up and maintained by the Sarasota Bay Model Railroad Society. The layout has sections that go from winter to spring to summer to fall.

The layout was featured in Model Railroader Scenery Magazine.

“This is a world-class layout,” said Lakewood Ranch’s George Borsari, the founder of the Sarasota Bay Model Railroad Society. “Just look at it. It has 28,000 handmade trees, a staggering number.

“This was built to be a museum layout. It was designed for people to watch the trains run.”

Pierson struck a deal with the members of the Sarasota Bay Model Railroad Society because he wanted the train layout in his new museum to be something more.

“Our members like to run the trains, so we designed it so people can come here and run them, not just watch them,” Borsari said.

Pierson’s idea for starting the Sarasota Toy Museum came during an antiquing trip to Quechee, Vermont, the site of the Vermont Antique Mall.

It was there he met Gary Neil, who had been curating a toy exhibit for more than 40 years and whose finds were on display at the antique mall.

Neil told Pierson that he wanted to retire and was looking for someone who would not only buy the toys but also keep them to be displayed in a museum. Pierson told him of his desire to start the Sarasota Toy Museum, and they struck a deal.

Pierson loaded two 53-foot tractor trailers with the toys and headed to a Sarasota storage facility. The trains and the associated landscape materials were loaded up last because Pierson had decided not to take them, simply because they had more bulk than he thought he could handle.

His wife, Mary Pierson, objected. She said it didn’t make sense not to take the trains because they were amazing artwork and would be a hit in the museum.

Eventually, he loaded up the trains, too.

It also became an important part of the deal that Pierson has a 20-yearold son Jacob, who has autism.

“When I started talking to Gary, I told him I had an adult autistic son, and he said, ‘I do, too,’” Pierson said. Pierson said the toy store and museum were projects that Jacob would enjoy. “He loves trains and he loves toys,” Pierson said.

When the Sarasota Toy Museum opens, it will be open to all special needs children and adults for free.

Pierson found a 6,000-squarefoot building for rent on 17th Street just off the corner of Beneva Road. He decided to dedicate 4,000 square feet to the museum while the front 2,000 feet would be another of his businesses, Moosehead Toys and Comics.

He put all the toys from Vermont in storage, and then spent time looking at the train layout, which was in more than 50 pieces, not includ ing all the boxes that contained various landscape pieces and train accessories.

“I was just look ing at the mass of what I had,” he said.

“I had people I knew take it apart, but I didn’t have anyone to put it together. So me not knowing anything about trains, I went looking for train clubs.”

He found Ellenton’s Dave Fon taine, who is on the board of directors of the Sarasota Bay Model Railroad Society. Fontaine, who is 64, built his first model train layout when he

was 15 years old and has pursued the hobby his entire life.

Pierson admitted looking upon the pile of model trains and parts in storage and thinking he never would see it all put together like it was when he bought it in Vermont.

“We were looking at it thinking, ‘This is going to be a challenge,’” Pierson said.

But then Fontaine and Pierson went to work.

While Pierson has workers ready to build all the display cabinets once he gets further along in the permitting process, the model railroad layout is mostly finished.

Besides piecing everything together, Fontaine has changed the display from one that was coin-operated — allowing patrons to put coins into a slot to move select trains around — to a “DCC” or digital command control system, which allows the layout, sounds, trains and accessories to be controlled by a computer.

Pierson said eventually his patrons at the museum will be able to control the layout through their cell phones.

“It was a big step,” said Borsari, who said gone are the days when “blocks” of the layout were con -

RIGHT ON TRACK

What: The Sarasota Toy Museum

Expected opening: July

Address: 3580 17th St., Sarasota

Owner: Richard Pierson

Features: Toys from the early 1800s to present time

More information for Sarasota Toy Museum: Call 415-519-2649

More information for the Sarasota Bay Model Railroad Society: Call 202374-8521

trolled by switches that were mounted on the board.

“It is not a matter of running a train around a Christmas tree anymore,” Borsari said.

The Sarasota Toy Museum and Moosehead Toys and Comics will be staffed by Pierson and his two sons, Jacob and Richard Jr., who is 34.

Pierson, who made a living in the fashion industry working for Tommy Hilfiger and Guess Jeans before retiring, said while the model railroad component is an entertaining feature of the museum, he has plenty of antique toys to round out

“I’ve got cap guns from back in the 1800s,” he said. “I’ve got hundreds of vintage lunch boxes, a large collection of tin toys from the turn of the century (and early 1900s), Barbies, Star Wars collections, red line Hot Wheels and early battery operated Pierson said he never had many toys himself growing up because he was a kid at a time when many children played outside and used whatever was available, such as sticks, as toys. He would like his patrons to experience “the wow factor” when they come into the museum, thinking about the toys they had in their childhood.

Publisher and President / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com

Associate Publisher — East County Observer / Lori Ruth, LRuth@YourObserver.com

Executive Editor and COO / Kat Wingert, KWingert@YourObserver.com

Managing Editor / Jay Heater, JHeater@YourObserver.com

Senior Editor / Liz Ramos, LRamos@YourObserver.com

Sports Editor / Ryan Kohn, RKohn@YourObserver.com

Staff Writer / Lesley Dwyer, LDwyer@ YourObserver.com

Digital & Engagement Editor / Kaelyn Adix, KAdix@YourObserver.com

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Publisher of the Longboat Observer, East County

Photos by Jay Heater

Owner Richard Pierson hopes to open the Sarasota Toy Museum by July.

The Sarasota Bay Model Railroad Society was recruited to rebuild the layout previously shown in Quechee, Vermont.

Richard Pierson says the toy collection he bought to stock the Sarasota Toy Museum ranges in date from the early 1800s to present day.

Key questions need to be asked before election

“Lucy, you got some ‘splainin’ to do!”

For those of us who have lived a little, we heard that comic line many times in the sitcom “I Love Lucy,” whenever the main character Lucy had to answer to her Cuban-American bandleader husband, Ricky, for something stupid she had done.

Now whether or not you feel Manatee County elections in 2024 are one big sitcom, there is certainly lots of explaining to do, and sometimes for stupid decisions.

The winners of the upcoming elections represent you — the residents and taxpayers — and they plan your future, affect the value of your homes and can have a profound affect on your quality of life.

So if you don’t ask some very important questions before you go to the polls ... well ... you deserve what you get. Demand that candidates debate in public forums. If they aren’t willing to answer questions before an election, why would you expect them to be transparent once in office?

Here are a few questions to ask various politicians when you run into them along the campaign trail. Please add many others of your own.

For anyone running for a Manatee County Commission seat — Why do we not have a set plan and a timeline for amenities at Premier Park?

Manatee County has spent almost $10 million taxpayer dollars to purchase Premier Sports Campus and another 111 acres adjacent to it that was supposed to become a major park on the east side of the county, and yet we have precious little to show for that expenditure.

We do have plans for an aquatics and racquetball complex that is planned to be finished in 2026 after several delays, but a dive pool that would be important for attracting

significant swimming events has been scrapped due to cost overruns.

Lakewood Ranch swim coach Steve Lubrino is among those who said it doesn’t make sense to build a pool complex to attract kids who are interested in swimming and diving, along with big events, and then cut an important feature such as the diving well.

We have been told by the county that a similar dive well at G.T. Bray Park attracted few kids interested in diving, but if we are going all out to stimulate sports tourism and economic impact, doesn’t it make sense to have all the bells and whistles that would capture the biggest events?

I understand our commissioners want to protect our interests and our tax money, but if you don’t want to build a first-class, complete

facility, why not scrap the entire competitive pool idea and build a really cool recreational facility to serve residents for less money?

Please explain. As an aside to this conversation, we could ask why if Manatee County can’t afford a dive well at its Premier Park aquatics facility, it has $30 million to build a veterans park in Palmetto, an idea that was introduced in February?

For anyone running for the school board — Why can’t we come up with a budget that includes 100% of teacher salaries so we can stop making this a critical point when our voters are asked to tax themselves by referendum every four years?

Teachers’ salaries should be a certain thing, not an extra. Why

can’t we take the amount dedicated to teacher salaries in the referendum and move that amount to the regular budget? Then move other programs or expenditures in that same amount, and vote on them in the referendum? Why isn’t that simple? Is it that school administrators feel that voters will be more sympathetic to underpaid teachers when it comes to a referendum, as compared to money for arts or school bus monitors or extra security? Perhaps the feeling is that Manatee County voters would never turn down such a self tax to help the teachers. Will that feeling change if their home and car insurance costs continue to go through the roof, groceries turn into luxuries and gas is sold by the pint?

For anyone running for the commission — How can you justify cutting our wetlands protections by explaining your votes as “land rights” issues? Since when did those living in Manatee County have the right to do whatever they want with their land? Isn’t that what zoning is all about? Isn’t that why we can tell landowners they can’t build a chicken farm on the banks of a reservoir, isn’t that why landowners can’t build an eight-story building in the middle of the Country Club? Please explain.

For anyone running for the commission — What is your plan for the future area development boundary? At present, it would appear there is no plan, and that is scary. How about those running for office just being honest if he or she wants to scrap the boundary altogether. It’s OK; at least we would know where you stand. If he or she wants a boundary, how about a detailed explanation of what it might look like? I imagine most of us understand that people are moving to

THE TRUSTED CHOICE

We know that choosing where to receive care after a life-changing illness or injury is an important decision. When you choose our hospital for your rehabilitation, you receive compassionate care from an expert team that works together to help you meet your unique goals. Our clinicians combine innovative technologies and advanced therapies into a treatment plan that helps you achieve what’s important to you.

Your dedicated care team includes:

• Occupational, physical and speech therapists

• Physicians

• Registered nurses

Conditions we treat:

• Brain injuries

• Neurological disorders

• Parkinson’s disease

• Dietitians • Pharmacists

• Case managers

• Spinal cord injuries

• Stroke

• And many more

You have a choice for your rehabilitative care. Choose to get back to what matters most.

the area and we have to accommodate growth. But what should that growth look like? Are there any plans to protect agricultural or farm lands? Is there any cap at all on growth? Is there any plan to stop blowing up population in certain corridors where the infrastructure can’t support the homes? Just look at Upper Manatee River Road. Push for details.

Here are some other quick hits: For anyone running for District 72 representative — How, if you have not had experience in public service, can you be effective in the Legislature? Everyone has to start somewhere, but please explain how you can get things done?

For anyone running for a commission seat? — Is there any way to stop development that obviously is not compatible with a neighborhood that it will border? It appears being compatible means nothing anymore.

For anyone running for school board — Why are there different safety requirements in building regular district schools as opposed to charter schools?

To anyone who is running for Supervisor of Elections — Why do we need to pay a supervisor of elections $170,000 a year if you need no real expertise to do it?

I am sure you have many of your own questions. So please, get out there and ask them.

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

Dr. Michael Warren brings to Intercoastal Medical Group at the Lakewood Ranch I office & Beneva Professional Center a wealth of knowledge and experience in Orthopedics.

Undergraduate: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL

Medical School: Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL

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Need for speed

Lakewood Ranch Cub Scouts design their own cars to race to success at annual Pinewood Derby.

LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR

When Lakewood Ranch’s Grayson Yost was given a pinewood derby car kit, it was a clean slate.  The kit came with a block of wood, four wheels and four screws.

He knew he had to abide by Cub Scout Pinewood Derby rules such as the limits on weight, width and length of his car.

With it being his first Pinewood Derby, he started doing research with his the help of his dad, Justin Yost.

They learned tips and tricks, including baking the wood so there wouldn’t be any moisture in it to add to the weight and using graphite on the wheels to lessen the friction.

When race time came for his pack April 4, Grayson Yost was ready.

His car met all the requirements, and he was pleased with the car’s paint job of blue with red flames.

He watched excitedly as his car sped down the track. Yost, and his father, were surprised to see his car place first in each of the three races, securing his spot as one of three Cub Scouts from Pack 126 to compete at the 2024 Manatee District Pinewood Derby May 4 at Bethany Baptist Church. The derby will host the top three winners from six dens.

Although scouts were given the same car kit, each scout had different approaches to increase speed.

YouTube and Pinterest were places to go for design inspiration and hints on making the car faster.

“You get sucked into a rabbit hole on YouTube pretty quickly about pinewood derby cars and what works best,” said Lakewood Ranch’s Joe Koehler, whose son, Logan Koehler, is in Pack 126.

Many scouts focus on the car’s weight, which cannot exceed five ounces.

IF YOU GO

2024 MANATEE DISTRICT

PINEWOOD DERBY

When: 1 p.m. May 4

Where: Bethany Baptist Church, 26604 State Road 64

E., Myakka City

Details: Watch the top three Cub Scouts from six dens compete at the annual districtlevel Pinewood Derby. The derby is Star Wars themed.

Star Wars attire is encouraged but not required.

More information:

Contact Justin Dockery, DJWaldoProductions@yahoo. com.

Joe Koehler spent hours two nights before the April 4 derby trying to add weight to get as close to five ounces as he could. He hollowed out the back half of the car and inserted weights and added a few more to the top. At 4.8 ounces, Joe Koehler called it a night.

Although parents help with the cars, Joe Koehler and Justin Yost said they try to let their sons do most of the work.

Both Grayson Yost and Logan Koehler loved painting their cars to match the theme they chose.

The real fun is on race day.

Justin Yost said he loved seeing the enthusiasm from the scouts as they compared cars and cheered each other on during the races. Joe Koehler added the races are a lesson on sportsmanship.

Logan Koehler won Best in Show for his pack with his Pokemon car.

Liz Ramos Lakewood Ranch’s Grayson Yost and Logan Koehler love participating in the Pinewood Derby. They came up with the theme and design of their cars.

I was born for a purpose. Trained to help you. You hold me when you’re afraid, Whisper that I saved you, That I’m your brightest star. I am your guide, your support, Your friend. A dog, I’m not. With me, you see the world again.

Hooves with H.E.A.R.T. offers therapeutic horseback riding and trains athletes for the Special Olympics.

29-yearold Lexis Engle blocks everyone out and focuses solely on her horse. For 17-year-old Addison Long, the crowd is a thrill. She even cues the audience when she’s ready for a round of applause.

All eyes were on both Engle and Long when the pair won gold medals at the Special Olympics State Equestrian Competition on April 5 at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala.

The riders competed in different divisions, but in the same two events — Trails and Equitation. Trails requires riders to maneuver their horses around an obstacle

course, and equitation requires following instructions and maintaining the proper positioning on the horse.  Engle, an Ellenton resident, won the gold in both events. Parrish resident Long won the gold in Trails and took fourth in Equitation.  Engle and Long train at Hooves with H.E.A.R.T. (Horse Education and Riding Therapy). The nonprofit operates out of Cavalli Creek Farms on Gates Creek Road from November through May.

Hooves partners with Special Olympics Florida to offer its Registered Training Program in Manatee County. At the end of each season, the farm hosts the Special Olympics Florida – Manatee County Equestrian Competition. The equestrian training offered by the county to Special Olympic athletes only lasts 10 weeks. Hooves was formed in 2019 as a way to extend the training without transferring the cost onto the families.  It’s since grown into accommodating groups, as well, but all the programs are limited by barn space. There’s only room for six horses, and there are limits on how much the

Lesley Dwyer

Parrish resident Addison Long and Ellenton resident Lexis Engle show off their gold medals at Hooves with H.E.A.R.T., where they both trained for the Special Olympics Florida.

ABOUT THE NONPROFIT

Hooves with H.E.A.R.T. 758

Gates Creek Road. Visit HoovesWithHeartFlorida.com.

Mission statement: To provide support and hope to individuals with special needs through equine-assisted activities and riding therapies

horses can be worked in a day.

There are 24 individual riders and a waiting list.

“This property is donated to us, and it’s a little farm and we appreciate it so much,” President Danielle Curtis said, “But we’re outgrowing it. The needs of our community are sometimes shocking to me.”

Individual riders have been diagnosed with special needs. Engle was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and a developmental delay, Long with autism.

However, the group lessons cater to special needs that arise from trauma. Participants are victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse. Others are veterans or children who lost a parent. Some are first responders who have experienced secondhand trauma.

The programs are tailored to each group. For example, Curtis said the program for sex trafficking survivors is not about riding a horse, it’s about learning to trust themselves and others again.

“When we started, I didn’t know that this is where we’d be,” Curtis said. “We went from one day a week to two to three days a week for riding, plus all these programs that come out. It’s almost overwhelming.”

Hooves operates on volunteers and community donations. There are about 45 volunteers on the roster, and organizations like the Elks offer financial support. The Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks and Bradenton Elks contribute annually.

If a family is financially able to make a donation, the donation is welcome, but it is not a requirement of the program. Hooves doesn’t operate on a sliding scale. All individual riders ride for free, which was

important to Curtis.

“I made a promise to myself, and it’s been a very hard promise to keep, that this was not going to be a business,” she said. “I want it to be a true nonprofit because I understand they’re dealing with so many other things – doctors, medication, all of that other stuff.”

When Curtis saw what riders gained in just 10 weeks, she extended the program to run November through May. Now that she sees how many other community members can benefit, she wants to find a permanent home for the nonprofit.

Currently, Alessandro and Bonnie Galino own the property and loan it to the nonprofit. The couple’s daughter Lauren started the Special Olympics program. The house on the property is rented out, and Hooves leaves for the summer.

Even if Hooves had a permanent home, summer is a hot time of year for riding lessons. The bigger issues are that Curtis is capped at six horses and has to find temporary housing for them each year. Sometimes, the horses have to be split up.

Beyond logistics, Curtis simply wants Hooves to be able to carry on beyond her service.

“If I can establish it so nobody has to leave or go anywhere else and Hooves just lives (in one place), then whoever comes up after us, they can just assume the role,” she said. “I’m hoping somebody out there wants to help us do this for the future generations.”

When diet and exercise haven’t helped you lose weight, or you have serious health problems due to your weight, a robotic surgical weight-loss procedure might be right for you.

Samuel Yelverton, MD, board-certified general surgeon, will discuss how robotic surgical changes, using the da Vinci® Surgical System, can help you feel better and improve your quality of life.

Dr. Yelverton earned his medical degree at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in Jackson. He completed his general surgery residency at the Carolina Medical Center in Charlotte, N.C.

Thursday, May 9 at 6 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

Call 800-816-4145 or register online by going to lakewoodranchmedicalcenter.com and click on events. Space is limited, reserve your spot for this FREE program.

Samuel Yelverton, MD - General Surgeon Lakewood Ranch Medical Group

LET OUR HAND SURGEONS HELP!

to

Can you solve it?

LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR

Some English classes are spent discussing literary greats like William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens or Ernest Hemingway.

But Joseph Bockus’ Cambridge AICE English Language class at Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy had other literary discussions.

Classes were spent brainstorming ways to commit murder. Ideas ranged from stabbings, shootings, death by wood chipper to even a victim being drowned in honey and eaten alive by ants and anteaters.

Other class periods were spent discussing character development and plot progression.

Although not a typical English class lesson, Bockus’ students were learning various literary aspects as the students collectively worked on their own murder mystery novel, “Did I Do It?” that has been selfpublished.

Bockus’ 18 Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy students began working on their novel during last school year. Now in their sophomore year, the students completed the novel.

The class decided their book would be a murder mystery, since many of them have a passion for mysteries as well as crime shows and novels.

Each student was responsible for writing a chapter of the book. Throughout the writing process, the students would read each other’s chapters to work through any plot holes.

Sophomore Kiran Kalia said she was skeptical at first of how the book would come together as each student had different thoughts on what the book should include, and every student has a different style of writing.

But the class had a plan to ensure consistency in characters and plot. They voted on famous people, including Sadie Sink, Louis Par-

AUTHORS OF ‘DID I DO IT?’

■ Christian Arellano

■ Olivia Atrey

■ Payton Casto

■ John Conn

■ Patricia Conteh

■ Anrew Cordani

■ Maddie danko

■ Courtney Henderson

■ Sara Johnson

■ Kiran Kalia

■ Valentino Liberti

■ Olivia Longino

■ Leah Serrapica

■ Gracie Smith

■ Samantha Strobach

■ Shaun Ulstad

■ Gianna Weldon

■ Aidan Woodward

tridge and Elizabeth Olsen, to use for references on how the characters would look.

Sophomore Gianna Weldon said she loved having a part of a larger work. It allowed her and her classmates to design their respective chapter with personal twists and unique takes while threading it all into a novel.

Bockus spent 50 hours editing the book. By the end of the process, he could tell who wrote what chapter based on the style of writing.

After more than a year of working on the novel, Sophomore Olivia Longino said it was surreal to have a copy of the book in her hands during a signing day April 17.

Lakewood Ranch Prepa-

emy sopho-

Kalia, Olivia Longino, Samantha Strohbach and Gianna Weldon present “Did I Do It?,” a book they wrote with their 14 classmates in Joseph Bockus’ Cambridge AICE English Language class.

Gulfside Bank has broken ground on a new location off Fruitville Road, east of I-75.

It’s hard to believe that just five short years ago, Gulfside Bank opened its doors to Sarasota’s business community for the first time. We’ve been growing to meet the financial needs of a vibrant, thriving community ever since.

Today, Gulfside can do anything the big banks can do, only faster, with local decision making and a true personal touch you won’t find anywhere else. And we’re just getting started. Come grow with Gulfside.

Liz Ramos

ratory Acad-

mores Kiran

SPORTS

Fast

Former Braden River High and Oregon State University football running back Deshaun Fenwick signed with the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent April 27. Fenwick had 96 carries for 515 yards, nine catches for 76 yards and seven total touchdowns in 2023. Spring football practice started April 29 for area teams. Braden River High will play its spring game 7:30 p.m. May 17 at Boca Ciega High. Lakewood Ranch High will play its spring game at 6:30 p.m. May 17 at George Jenkins High. The Out-of-Door Academy will play its spring game 10 a.m. May 18 at home, in a jamboree with Sarasota Christian School and Canterbury High.

Former Lakewood Ranch High baseball star John Schroeder, now a junior catcher at Florida Atlantic University, went 5-for-11 with two doubles, a home run and two RBIs in three road games against the University of South Florida held April 26-28. Schroeder is hitting .294 with a team-leading eight home runs and 36 RBIs in 2024.

Braden River High baseball senior Kyle Vaughn went 3-for-4 with a double, a triple and three RBIs April 24 in the Pirates’ 10-0 win over Manatee High. The win brought the team’s record to 13-12. Lakewood Ranch High boys track and field freshman Liam St. John won the javelin (158 feet, 6 inches) at the Florida High School Athletic Association Class 4A District 8 meet, held April 25 at North Port High. The Mustangs finished second as a team.

Former Braden River High girls soccer player Mel Herrera, a junior at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro, was named to the university’s Golden Chain Honor Society on April 25. According to UNCG, the society requires a 3.25 GPA and evaluates candidates based on “leadership, scholarship, service, judgment, tolerance, magnanimity and character.” Herrera, a defensive midfielder, had two goals and four points for UNCG in 2023.

“We communicate well and work together, and we have a well-rounded team. That is how you get good outcomes.”

A PAIR OF ACES

RYAN KOHN SPORTS EDITOR

For Braden River High’s Benecio Claudino and Grant Hicks, their tennis partnership is all business.

It is not that Claudino, a sophomore, and Hicks, a junior, do not get along. On the court, they do. But they don’t spend much time together off the court, and being in different grades, they don’t see each other in classes.

When it comes to building chemistry, they have to make the most out of their Braden River practice time.

If it is a business partnership, then business is booming. Claudino and Hicks were undefeated (8-0) in the 2024 regular season, winning seven of eight matches in straight sets, and took the No. 1 Doubles title at the Florida High School Athletic Association Class 3A District 11 meet, held April 18 at Mariner High. The win gave the pair automatic qualification into the FHSAA Class 3A state tournament, held May 1-3 at Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs.

It was, at first, a pairing of necessity. The two players spent their childhoods learning tennis, while most players on the Pirates started learning the game in high school. It made sense to put them together as the No. 1 pair, Braden River head coach James Straub said.

Claudino and Hicks had played together a few times toward the end of the 2023 season with mixed results, Straub said, but he had a feeling there was untapped potential in the pairing. Claudino is versatile,

IF YOU GO

What: FHSAA Class 3A tennis state tournament

When: 8 a.m. May 1-3 (same time each day)

Where: Sanlando Park in Altamonte

Springs

Why: Braden River High sophomore Benecio Claudino and junior Grant Hicks are in the boys doubles competition.

Of note: The pair went undefeated (8-0) in the regular season and won its district championship.

Straub said, and Hicks’ “loopier” shots can throw off an opponents’ timing.

As they learned how to best play together, it became apparent that Straub was right. Both players are right-handed. Claudino took the right side of the court, as he has the stronger forehand shot. Hicks, who has a good backhand and more length than Claudino, takes the left side on the net. It’s a spot that allows Hicks to poach shots that would otherwise get to the back line, surprising opponents.

Unlike some tennis teams, where each player believes they are the one carrying the duo to victory, there’s no debate here. Hicks admits that Claudino is the stronger player, with more velocity on his shots and the quickness to get to balls Hicks cannot. But Claudino is quick to talk about the extent Hicks has closed the gap this season, both with physical skills and with mental strength. Hicks said he’s taken lessons from watching Claudino work.

Braden River High sophomore Benecio Claudino and junior Grant Hicks complement each other’s strengths.

“(In the past) I might get nervous in the heat of the moment or tense up and then swing wrong,” Hicks said. “It’s nice to have a player see my mistakes and be able to tell me what went wrong, whether that is during a match or at practice. ‘Shorten up your backswing’ or ‘You don’t need that much (power) on a volley,’ things like that.”

In terms of personality, Hicks said he is the more emotional player, celebrating or mourning each point won or lost. Claudino is more calculated, taking a bigger-picture view of the game. Instead of fretting over a point lost, he focuses on getting the next point back, as that is all the pair can do.

No matter what happens, though, the pair has each other’s back.

“We support each other quite a bit,” Claudino said. “We are always pumping each other up.”

The pair is also sure to remind each other what not to do. High school tennis matches can often come down to limiting mistakes, while looking for opportunities to attack. Claudino said the pair keeps this idea top of mind and talks about mistakes to avoid. The fewer easy points the other team gets, the better. From playing each other in singles matches, Claudino said, the pair knows each other’s weaknesses, which means they know how to minimize those weaknesses as a pair.

Straub said the pair finally unlocked its potential at the district tournament.

“They were pushed,” Straub said.

“They had to dig deep to win it, and they did.”

Another level of test will arrive at the state tournament. Both the players and Straub know any success there will not come easily. Winning will require using all the lessons the pair has learned to this point, playing as more of a well-oiled machine than ever. There can be no fingerpointing and no lackadaisical points.

Straub believes in their ability to get it done. But, he said, that won’t be enough on its own.

“They have to believe in themselves,” Straub said. “And I think now, they do.”

— Braden River High’s Natalie Davis SEE PAGE 17A

Courtesy image

Former Braden River High running back Deshaun Fenwick signed with the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent April 27.

Photos by Ryan Kohn

Braden River High sophomore Benecio Claudino and junior Grant Hicks are undefeated as a doubles pair in 2024. This is their first season together as a full-time pair.

Braden River High sophomore Benecio Claudino says he tries to think about tennis matches in the big picture, not getting emotional over a single point if there are more opportunities to get it back.

Braden River High junior Grant Hicks says he has learned a lot from watching and listening to sophomore Benecio Claudino.

Mustangs lacrosse not lax on effort

The Mustangs have reached the FHSAA Class 2A regional semifinals for the first time.

The first time the Lakewood Ranch High boys lacrosse team (14-5) played Venice High (116) in 2024, back on April 4, the Mustangs lost 7-6 on the road.  Mustangs leading scorer Lucas Anthony, a senior and one of the top offensive threats in Florida, was held to one goal and one assist. The team put just 15 total shots on Venice senior goaltender Alex Ptaszek, a sign that Venice was able to control the ball. It was a disappointing effort, head coach Joe Nelson said.  But in the weeks since, Nelson said, his team has grown — not only in its understanding of the game but also in its understanding of itself.

“These guys are progressing,” Nelson said. “We are finally gelling into an offense that works for our personnel. You have to play your best lacrosse at the end of the season. We still have not hit our peak.”  When Lakewood Ranch and Venice held a rematch April 26, it was in the Florida High School Athletic Association Class 2A regional quarterfinals. This time, Lakewood Ranch shook off a slow start to take control, peppering Ptaszek with shots and ultimately winning 14-8.  Anthony made up for his quiet performance in the first matchup with eight goals in the second. It gave him 63 goals for the season, which as of April 27 tied him for the 20th most in Florida. It was a dominant performance buoyed by the play of his teammates — from his fellow attackers down to senior goalie Dylan Brown — which allowed Anthony the time and space to unleash his rocket of a shot. In front of a raucous crowd

at Premier Sports Campus, the Mustangs put together a complete team effort. Lakewood Ranch now advances to the Class 2A regional semifinals; a win against Newsome High at 7 p.m. May 1 would propel the Mustangs into the regional finals at 7 p.m. May 4. This is the first time Lakewood Ranch has advanced to the regional semifinal stage of the postseason since the school’s lacrosse program was created in 2017-2018. It comes in Nelson’s first year with the program after moving to the area from Minnesota, where he coached lacrosse at Concordia University, St. Paul, among other ventures.  Nelson said his first order of business upon meeting with the Mustangs was establishing “pillars” for the team to carry with them. Those pillars are ways Nelson wants the players to conduct themselves, as well as goals for them to reach

and being good teammates. Nelson said the team conducts “chalk talks” after each game to both go over the X’s and O’s and to give the players a chance to praise one another for things they did to help the team be its best.

“At the end of the day, I want these guys to remember high school lacrosse,” Nelson said. “I want them to have best friends (from the program). I want them to remember coming out and working hard and earning something. It’s not about the wins and losses. If the culture is great, they will remember their experiences.”

No doubt, the Mustangs will remember this season. Against Venice, the team played with a heaping of swagger, with midfielders and defenders routinely knocking down Indians players with physical play and attackers letting out roars after each goal. Even

though the program has never been this deep in the postseason before, the Mustangs play like they know they belong.

For Anthony, who has willed the team to wins at times in previous seasons, the 2024 season has given him some help. Younger players like sophomores Braden Johansen (40 goals), Mickey Cohen (39 goals) and Liam Fernandez (37 goals) have taken the pressure off Anthony to do everything on offense all the time. Anthony said in March that the team’s spike in know-how and development was evident from the start of the season. He called it the best team he’s been a part of, and the rest of the season has proven him right.  Their coach knows how important every member of the team has been to its success.

“Without six guys on the offensive side, Lucas isn’t scoring goals,” Nelson said. “Every single person is

a threat. (Against Venice) it happened to fall into Lucas’ hands, but everyone can move the ball. We are working as an entire unit. It’s getting our best players to critical scoring areas so they can put the ball in the net.”

However and whenever the team’s season ends, Anthony and the rest of the seniors are leaving Lakewood Ranch on an upswing. They hope it’s a few more games away.

Play like they did against Venice, and Lakewood Ranch has a chance to keep the run going.

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

Photos by Ryan Kohn

Head coach Joe Nelson talks to the Lakewood Ranch High boys lacrosse team at halftime against Venice High. Nelson is in his first season with the Mustangs.

Lakewood Ranch senior Lucas Anthony lets out a scream after scoring a goal against Venice High. Anthony had eight goals against the Indians.

Natalie Davis

Natalie Davis is a sophomore on the Braden River High flag football team. Davis had two touchdown receptions on offense and two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) on defense in Braden River’s 32-7 win over Keswick Christian April 23. The Pirates are 16-1 as of April 29.

When did you start playing flag football?

I started last season. My dad (Eric Davis) is a big Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan, so I have grown up around football. We’re always watching it, and we have season tickets. When I joined flag last year, I didn’t know exactly what it was, but I thought it would be interesting. I started to fall in love with it after learning the different positions and getting instruction from my coaches.

What is the appeal to you?

Just being involved with the team. Our team is amazing. I love being in that environment. We’re a family. The atmosphere is so fun.

What is your best skill?

I understand my routes and can run them correctly. I get to the right areas of the field.

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 have you been working to improve?

My attitude. When I mess up or do something wrong, I can shut down. I’m working on avoiding that and learning to turn the page and move on.

What is your favorite memory?

My favorite times are getting close with all the players. We all have a little secret handshake or something. Before each game, Aryanna (Spainhower, a senior) and I play rock, paper, scissors. It’s for good luck.

What has led to the team’s success this season?

We communicate well and work together, and we have a well-rounded team. That is how you get good outcomes.

What is your favorite food? Chicken tenders and fries, for sure.

What is your favorite TV show?

Either ‘Outer Banks’ or ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty.’

What are your hobbies?

My family is a boating family and a camping family. Pretty much every weekend in the summer, we are on the boat or on jet skis. I also like to play soccer over the summer.

Which super power would you pick?

Time travel. I would go into the future to see what my future change things if it’s bad or keep

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK BUSY BEE TUTORING

(941) 907•8482 mjbhaus@aol.com www.busybeetutoring.net Tutoring Grades K-College General Education & Special Needs

A PLAYGROUND FOR EVERYONE

When the Bradenton Kiwanis Club said it wanted to build a playground for all, it meant all children.

But the new playground at Tom Bennett Park is so cool, adults took turns on the equipment, too. Manatee County held a grand opening for the playground April 24.

Communication Division Manager Casey Zempel tested out the talk tubes with a co-worker who was on the other side of the jungle gym, while Kiwanis Governor-elect Jeremy Riehl climbed to the top of the jungle gym.

The zip lines were occupied by children most of the morning. When Manatee County Commission Chair Mike Rahn saw both seats empty, he beelined from an adult conversation under the pavilion across the playground. Once seated, he zipped across the playground and back.

Tom Bennett Park is fully accessible to those with disabilities.

Rickena Gissendanner uses a wheelchair but had no trouble spinning on the merry-go-round.

Denise Griffin loves the padded artificial turf because walking doesn’t come easily for her son Matthew, who is a member of the Kiwanis Aktion Club.

“I don’t have to worry as much because he’s safe,” Griffin said. “He trips and falls a lot, so this padding will be nice and helpful.”

Aktion Club members performed three songs at the grand opening. The second song, “Tooty Ta,” was unfamiliar to most people in the audience, but that didn’t stop anyone from putting their thumbs up and sticking their tongues out as the lyrics instructed them to do.

Club Advisor Jessica Kruse said the purpose of “Tooty Ta” is to show off your inner child and step outside your comfort zone.

— LESLEY DWYER

IF YOU GO

Photos by Lesley Dwyer Past and current Kiwanis presidents Neil Unruh and Andy Minor cut the ribbon on the playground as they’re surrounded by Kiwanis members and county commissioners.

Aktion Club member Carol Aupperle performs with the club during the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Parrish resident Hudson Vestal explores the new playground.

Aktion Club member Matthew Griffin tries out the zip line.

Two-year-old Kehlani Brown practices her driving.

Tom Bennett Park, 280 Kay Road. Park hours are sunrise to sunset.

Manatee County is installing a splash pad next to the playground. Construction is expected to start this summer and be complete during the fall.

The playground at Tom Bennett park is open. A splash pad will follow in the fall.

PM Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil (begin Paschal vigil) 11:30 PM Midnight Office (Paschal service begins) Sun., 5/5 12:00 AM Matins & Divine Liturgy (Resurrection of Christ) 11:30 AM Paschal Vespers & Gospel Procession Mon., 5/6 9:30 AM Paschal Liturgy & Gospel Procession

CHRIST IS RISEN FROM THE DEAD TRAMPLING DOWN DEATH BY DEATH!

“I’m not afraid to smile anymore!”

Doctor Jeffrey Martins has changed my whole life. I’m so much more confident now and I feel better about myself. You see, I’ve always had such small teeth, and I was self-conscious about it. I didn’t like how they looked, so I never wanted to smile.

I tried to have my teeth fixed once before. I got some dental work done at another place about five years ago and it helped the situation some, but I wasn’t happy with the results. What they did to fix my teeth didn’t look natural and although I put up with it, the work they did was really only a temporary fix. I put up with it for a long time, but I was still always self-conscious about the way my teeth looked.

When I decided to visit Paradise Dental, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve always been nervous about having my teeth worked on, but everyone there was so friendly and the team really put me at ease. They took the time to listen to all of my concerns and what I hoped to accomplish, then recommended veneers for my front teeth. I liked that they took their time and helped me choose just the right color so my teeth would look more natural and not fake.

Now, everyone comments on my nice smile. I’m so happy about the results, but the best part is that I’m not afraid to smile anymore! They did a wonderful job.”

- Rowena B.

PARADISE DENTAL

Serving up lessons

Selah Ortiz, a Tara Elementary School kindergartner, was thrilled to put on a chef’s coat and hat.

She had applied to be a chef at the Banana Leaf Restaurant because she likes to make food and thought it would be fun to be a chef. The restaurant was open for its annual one-night run April 24 in the school’s cafeteria.

Ortiz stood with pride as she grabbed a big spoon and served chicken adobo.

Even more proud was Ortiz’s mother, Natalie Ortiz, who watched her daughter serve up plate after plate for guests.

Natalie Ortiz said the restaurant provided real-world experiences and lessons in life skills.

The restaurant experience allowed them to work on their writing skills through their applications, their speech skills through their personal introductions to the guests, their finance skills as they practiced making change and more.

Lisa Jobst, the mother of kindergartner Isla Jobst, said she loved that the restaurant gave her daughter confidence and taught her class about teamwork.

Rowena B.

— LIZ RAMOS

Kindergartner Elijah Moreno carefully makes his way to his table of guests.

Kindergarten teacher Kelly Walker helps kindergartners Samuel Sousa and Andy Nguyen man the register. “If you like our food, you can give us a tip,” Sousa says.

Photos by Liz Ramos

Kindergartners Selah Ortiz and Erick Gonzales-Dimas put their culinary skills to the test as chefs at the Banana Leaf Restaurant.

YOUR CALENDAR

quilts, ceramics, floral designs and more. The event is free. Reserve a spot to present your art by calling Toni Muirhead at 954-3094802 or Jamie Reagan at 228-4900.

DEDICATION OF THE GOLD STAR MEMORIAL MARKER

Runs 10 a.m. to noon at the Lakewood Ranch Library, 16410 Rangeland Parkway, Bradenton. Join Gardeners Out East, Manatee Library Services and Veterans Services as they celebrate Gold Star Families with the dedication of a Gold Star Memorial Marker. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

2024 MANATEE DISTRICT

PINEWOOD DERBY

Begins at 1 p.m. at Bethany Baptist Church, 26604 State Road 64 E., Myakka City. The top three racers from each participating Cub Scout Den will compete in the Pack Pinewood Derby, which has a Star Wars theme. Star Wars attire is encouraged but not required. For more information, contact Justin Dockery, DJWaldoProductions@yahoo.com.

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.

SUNDAY, MAY 5

SPRING CONCERT

Begins at 2 p.m. at Peace Presbyterian Church, 12705 State Road 64 E., Lakewood Ranch. The Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble plays its annual Spring Concert. Tickets are $10 for adults; $5 for students. The concert will feature “Man with the Horn” Joe Maciariello Miller, the

BEST BET

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 kids. This month’s event benefits the Camelot Community Care nonprofit. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

group’s founder and music director, doing a solo on the trumpet. The concert also features music by John Philip Sousa, Robert Sheldon, Alfred Reed and Paul Hindemith. For more information, go to LWRWindEnsemble.org.

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 is every Sunday. Vendors will offer seafood, eggs, meats, dairy products, pastas and bakery goods, among other items. Other features are children’s activities and live music. For more information, visit MyLWR.com.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 8

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 and a recreational cornhole league. No outside food or beverage is allowed. For more information, go to Events@LakewoodRanch.com.

People show off their dance moves during Music on Main.

O Omazing Mother's Day Gift Guide

CAFE L’EUROPE

431 St Armands Circle • Sarasota, FL 34236

MCGRATH’S KITCHEN & COCKTAILS

8110 Lakewood Main Street Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-210-4398

Join us for Mother’s Day Buffet on May 12th from 10am - 3pm. Cheers to Mom! Celebrate with our bottomless Bloody Mary and Mimosa! Special brunch menu for everyone to enjoy. Fun for the whole family!

941-388-4415 • www.CafeLEurope.net/reservations

Join us at Café L’Europe this Mother’s Day for an unforgettable culinary celebration! Pamper her with exquisite dishes like Lobster Thermidor Quiche, Honey Curried Sea Bass, & our decadent Crème Brûlée Crepe Cheesecake. Visit our pop-up flower truck on St. Armands Circle to pick a stunning bouquet for Mom! Make it a day to remember & a meal to treasure at Café L’Europe.

SIRIUS DAY SPA, SALON & MED SPAS

362 St Armands Cir • Sarasota, FL 34236 140 University Town Center Dr • Sarasota, FL 34243 941-552-8872 • www.LeMacaron-US.com

Handcrafted by our team of French chefs, these classic pastries come in unique flavors like Sicilian Pistachio & Mango Jam. We use the finest glutenfree ingredients. Visit our pâtisserie to enjoy French Macarons, quality French gelato, classic French pastries, European-style beverages & homemade candies. Order your gift boxes now!

BOCA BOUTIQUE

6969 S Tamiami Tr • Sarasota, FL 34231 941-529-1000 www.BocaBoutiqueSRQ.com

We have a superb collection of gift items to make Mother’s Day extra special! Rare finds to surprise and delight: Jewelry, glassware, candles, wall art, decorative, table and kitchen wares, pillows, purses, clothing, beauty products, faith gifts and more. Join us Saturday, May 11, for a Mother & Daughter Shopping Day, 9:30am-5pm. The first 25 mothers will receive a gift!

11585 E SR70 • Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 8512 Cooper Creek Blvd • University Park, FL 34201 941-357-4611 • www.SiriusDaySpas.com

The Perfect Gift for the Moms in your Life, a Gift Card from the #1 Luxury Spa, Salon & Med Spa. Featuring over 200+ services including Massages, Facials, Botox, Fillers, Permanent Make Up, Laser Hair Removal, CO2 Laser (Cool Peel), Morpheus8, IPL, Lash Services and More. Receive $15 Bonus card for every $100 Gift Card purchased through Mother’s Day! Happy Pampering!

ultimate gift: relaxation from Massage Envy. Treat her to a personalized, rejuvenating experience designed to help her unwind and recharge. Give the gift of tailored ME time to show your appreciation for all she does. After all, Mom deserves a timeout!

MOLLY MAID OF SARASOTA, MANATEE & CHARLOTTE COUNTIES

1461 Tallevast Rd • Sarasota, FL 34243

941-753-2220 • www.MollyMaid.com/gift-certificates

What does mom really want this Mother’s Day? A CLEAN home and TIME to herself! Give her a Molly Maid gift certificate so she can take some time off from housework and enjoy some me time! Gift certificates are easy to get and easy to give. To all moms Happy Mother’s Day from Molly Maid!

DIAMOND BAY JEWELERS

Located in the Bay Street Village & Town Center 3976 Destination Dr, Unit 105 • Osprey, FL 34229 941-786-1013 • www.DiamondBayJewelers.com

From classy adornments to engagement specialties, Diamond Bay Jewelers has what you need to create your style for any occasion. Come enjoy the exquisite experience of fine jewelry and expert watchmaking. Jewelry repair, custom design and redesign services available with over 30 years of experience. As seen on celebrities exclusive Gabriel & Co Retailer.

A CHIC AND UNIQUE BOUTIQUE

1874 Stickney Point Rd • Sarasota, FL 34231

941-921-1221 • www.MollysSarasota.com

Your perfect Mother’s Day gifts can be found at Molly’s! Named Best Gift Store in Sarasota for 5 years, you are sure to find something special to give or get for yourself. Beyond gifts, enjoy their large selection of quality shoes, jewelry, apparel and accessories too.

MCCARVER & MOSER

1301 Main St • Sarasota, FL 34236

941-387-8000 • www.mccarvermoser.com

McCarver & Moser Jewelers has sophisticated design collections from around the world. We provide customer service that exceeds expectations with our knowledge, hand crafted designs and a personal concierge team that represents over 115 years of experience. Making our customers happy and beautiful is our passion.

PET PICS

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

BED

A Country Club East home sells for $2.55 million

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

Ahome in Country Club East topped all transactions in this week’s real estate. Bradley and Marie Block, trustees, sold the home at 16543 Kendleshire Terrace to David Lester and Deborah Lester, trustees, of Bradenton, for $2.55 million.

Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,580 square feet of living area.

PRESERVE AT PANTHER RIDGE

Todd Anthony Kirchman and Gabrielle Kirchman, of Bradenton, sold their home at 23308 Red Robin Place to Derek Shaun Dalton and Michele Dalton, of Bradenton, for $2.4 million. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,262 square feet of living area.

KNIGHTSBRIDGE

Reuben and Sarah Ben-Arie, trustees, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the home at 7313 Barclay Court to Jamie Graham, trustee, of University Park, for $2.05 million. Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, three-and-ahalf baths, a pool and 3,570 square feet of living area. It sold for $1 million in 2021.

SHOREVIEW

Pulte Home Co. LLC sold the home at 7820 Grande Shores Drive to Frederic and Diane Lovine, of Sarasota, for $1.9 million. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three-andtwo-half baths, a pool and 3,378 square feet of living area.

Isles Steven Wellander, of Bradenton, and Linda Wellander, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 8346 Redonda Loop to David Freed, of Bradenton, for $1,565,000. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,206 square feet of living area. It sold for $745,800 in 2021.

DEL WEBB

Robin Rothman and Dennis Johnston, of Tampa, sold their home at 17804 Waterville Place to Carl Kenneth Getman and Leslie Kay Getman, of Bradenton, for $1,295,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,488 square feet of living area. It sold for $751,000 in 2020.

Ronald Quinn, of Bradenton, sold his home at 17526 Northwood Place to Warren Gall and Beth Gall, trustees, of Bayfield, Wisconsin, for $740,000. Built in 2021, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,900 square feet of living area. It sold for $588,900 in 2021.

KENWOOD PARK

Linda Federici, of Bradenton, sold her home at 8417 Abingdon Court to Mark Alan Nordenberg and Linda Nordenberg, trustees, of University Park, for $1,075,000. Built in 2004, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,540 square feet of living area. It sold for $550,000 in 2017.

ESPLANADE

Robert and Catherine Tokar, of Bradenton, sold their home at 4519 Terrazza Court to Robert and Mary Rothacker, of North Ridgeville, Ohio, for $1,035,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,400 square feet of living area. It sold for $500,200 in 2019.

COUNTRY CLUB EAST

Joy Minear, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the home at 16234 Castle Park Terrace to David and Dana Shank, of Lakewood Ranch, for $977,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,231 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,135,000 in 2022.

George and Melissa Gaillardetz, of Simpsonville, South Carolina, sold their home at 15406 Helmsdale Place to Bradford and Heather Glover, of Lakewood Ranch, for $970,000. Built in 2012, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,958 square feet of living area. It sold for $895,000 in 2022.

Barbara Arnold and Richard Kochanski, of Marshfield, Massachusetts, sold their home at 7656 Haddington Cove to William Guy Foster Jr. and Laurie Ostergard Foster, of Bradenton, for $918,400. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,569 square feet of living area. It sold for $589,000 in 2015.

Yim Kwan Cheng, of Lakewood Ranch, sold her home at 15422 Helmsdale Place to Steven and Lisa DuBrow, of Mashpee, Massachusetts, for $609,500. Built in 2011, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,744 square feet of living area. It sold for $560,000 in 2021.

Janet Phelan, of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, sold her home at 7146 Westhill Court to Denise Lessard, of Lakewood Ranch, for $575,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,987 square feet of living area. It sold for $284,200 in 2013.

CENTRAL PARK

Christopher Mayes and Meghan Mayes, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the home at 4616 Seneca Park Trail to Suzy Marie Celine Champagne and Yves and Grenon, of Bradenton, for $920,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,191 square feet of living area. It sold for $527,500 in 2019.

LAKEWOOD NATIONAL GOLF

CLUB

George and Linda Hilbert, of Bradenton, sold their home at 6036 Cessna Run to Christophe and Kibibi Gaughan, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, for $910,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,207 square feet of living area. It sold for $497,000 in 2018.

WENTWORTH

Stephen and Sandy Pepin, of University Park, sold their home at 7342 Windemere Lane to Carol Polston, of Ludington, Michigan, for $875,000. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,233 square feet of living area. It sold for $480,000 in 2021.

EDGEWATER

Jose Miguel Agudelo and Maria Camila Guzman, of Charlotte, North Carolina, sold their home at 8412 Misty Morning Court to David Paul Henneman and Allison Miller Henneman, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, for $870,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,236 square feet of living area. It sold for $800,000 in 2022.

POLO RUN

Gillian Beatrix Dunbar sold her home at 18027 Polo Trail to Ramya Santhanam Raman and Sundar Raman, trustees, of Cincinnati, for $850,000. Built in 2019, it has five bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,470 square feet of living area. It sold for $410,000 in 2019.

James Melvin Ogle, of Bradenton, sold his home at 17939 Polo Trail to Peterson Davis Valerio and Cheri Christiansen Valerio, of Bradenton, for $810,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,455 square feet of living area. It sold for $440,000 in 2019.

ROSEDALE ADDITION

Dale and Linda Dieckbernd, trustees, of Senoia, Georgia, sold the home at 10504 Eastwood Drive to Stuart and Kathleen Breisblatt, of Armonk, New York, for $840,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,399 square feet of living area. It sold for $446,400 in 2015.

RIVERDALE REVISED

Zbigniew Warpecha and Ilona Norman, Russell Warpecha, Samantha Warpecha and Anthony Warpecha, of Chicago, sold their home at 4407

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

APRIL 15-19

Shark Drive to Patrona Sue Stanley and Kenneth William Stanley, of Bradenton, for $830,000. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,757 square feet of living area. It sold for $699,000 in 2021.

RYE WILDERNESS ESTATES

Rick and Kelly Dreiling sold their home at 515 165th St. E. to Timothy Virgil Parker and Claire Andres Parker, of Bradenton, for $825,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,767 square feet of living area. It sold for $449,000 in 2017.

MILL CREEK

William and Leslie Osborn, of Aiken, South Carolina, sold their home at 2118 147th Court E. to Leigh Ann Grooms, of Bradenton,

for $775,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,793 square feet of living area. It sold for $452,000 in 2017.

ROSEDALE HIGHLANDS

William Jackson, trustee, Ontario, Canada, sold the home at 4935 96th St. E. to Michael and Jodi Gentilozzi, of Bradenton, for $775,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,287 square feet of living area. It sold for $165,000 in 2004.

WOODLEAF HAMMOCK

Michael Sohl and Ixia Sohl, of Jensen Beach, sold their home at 2115 Woodleaf Hammock Court to

Courtesy image

This Country Club East home at 16543 Kendleshire Terrace sold for $2.55 million. It has

three bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,580 square feet of living area.

INDIGO

Michael Junkerman and Jamie Bell, of Bradenton, for $766,500. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,299 square feet of living area. It sold for $789,000 in 2023.

WINDANCE ESTATES

Kelly Hayes and Ralph McLaughlin sold their home at 11007 Eighth Ave. E. to Largo 18 Investments LLC for $730,000. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,561 square feet of living area. It sold for $415,000 in 2018.

HARMONY

Ermanno and Albana Morrone, of Mahopac, New York, sold their home at 5217 Horizon Cove to Joshua and Natasha Horn, of Bradenton, for $710,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,507 square feet of living area. It sold for $655,000 in 2023.

GREENBROOK

Kent and Pamela Ringquist sold their home at 6227 Pine Siskin Glen to Paul Klein and Tyann FlooreKlein, of Lakewood Ranch, for $700,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,315 square feet of living area. It sold for $261,500 in 2002.

Reginald Simmons and Melora Simmons, of Palmetto, sold their home at 6203 Burrowing Owl Cove to John Phillip Festa and Diane Artemis Festa, of Bradenton, for $575,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,363 square feet of living area. It sold for $355,000 in 2017.

David and Jennifer Balades, of Bessemer, Alabama, sold their home at 6506 Field Sparrow Glen to Sean and Julia Falconi, of Lakewood Ranch, for $550,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,073 square feet of living area. It sold for $248,900 in 2003.

Steven Robert Walters and Mary Lynn Walters, of St. Petersburg, sold their home at 2957 Sky Blue Cove to Brian Allan Fullerton and Leslie Roberta Fullerton, of Ontario, Canada, for $700,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,220 square feet of living area. It sold for $453,700 in 2020.

DESOTO LAKES COUNTRY CLUB

COLONY Mark and Marci Weibel, trustees, of Vonore, Tennessee, sold the home at 5237 Canterbury Drive to Joann Luise DeBlasis, of Ridgefield, Connecticut, for $690,000. Built in 1972, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,882 square feet of living area. It sold for $162,000 in 2001.

COACH HOMES AT LAKEWOOD

NATIONAL

Marianee and Philip Alba, of Bay Shore, New York, sold their Unit 5611 condominium at 6016 Worsham Lane to Trust Co. Vermont, trustee, for $685,000. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,786 square feet of living area. It sold for $503,300 in 2021.

GREYHAWK LANDING

Vernon Mitchell Shaff and Yafen Xu, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 12323 Lavender Loop to Ethan and Alyssa Foss, of Bradenton, for $655,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,230 square feet of living area. It sold for $359,900 in 2018.

WATERFRONT AT MAIN STREET

Miriam Dougherty, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the Unit 3-202 condominium at 10510 Boardwalk Loop to Kenneth Cecil Kloss and Katherine Ann Kloss, of Lakewood Ranch, for $650,000. Built in 2018, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,400 square feet of living area. It sold for $419,700 in 2019.

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BEAUTY TREATMENT

by Adam Simpson, edited by Jeff Chen

By Luis Campos

Gordon Silver took this photo of hundreds of white pelicans taking over a lake for a few days on White Eagle Boulevard.

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