East County Observer 5.30.24

EAST COUNTY

Observer

Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998

Making the grade

PAGE 3B

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

FREE • THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

VOLUME 25, NO. 48

Skyward trend won’t stop eastern growth Review of the Comprehensive Plan may lead to taller buildings, but it won’t halt the addition of more homes farther east. SEE PAGE 3A

YOUR TOWN

Lesley Dwyer

Ahead of schedule

The common name for the Agave Americana is the century plant because once it was thought to take 100 years to bloom.

In reality, it can take up to 20 years to flower on its stalk.

However, Lakewood Ranch’s Audrey Jakel Hlavin has been surprised that the plant in front of her Esplanade home flowered in just four years.

“When we first got (the plant), it was a tiny, little thing,” Hlavin said.

Now, the plant is nearly as tall as Hlavin, and its stalk is shooting about 20 feet into the air.

The downside of such a botanical event is that once a century plant blooms, its main plant then dies. It’s so large and spiky, that Hlavin’s landscaper will have to remove it using a Bobcat machine.

STAR-SPANGLED APPRECIATION Thousands line Lakewood Main to honor veterans.

SEE PAGE 1B Jay Heater

Sarasota 4-year-old Alona Hymel is in fashion, sporting the beads she collected at the Tribute to Heroes Parade in Lakewood Ranch on May 26.

A+E

Local man perseveres through transplant process

Liz Ramos

Gene Witt student wins 4-H speech contest Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells listened intently as Mia Lockhart, a Gene Witt Elementary School fifth grader, gave her speech after the school’s fifth grade ceremony May 23.

Lockhart recited her speech titled “Respecting Men and Women in Blue.”

Lockhart’s speech earned her first place in the Manatee County 4-H Speech Contest for fourth and fifth graders.

She also gave her speech at the Bradenton Kiwanis May 21.

Julia Spence, a student at Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School, placed third in the speech contest for fourth and fifth graders.

Festival of note INSIDE

Rob Rempert has been on the kidney transplant list for four years but has faith the system will come through for him. SEE PAGE 8A Jay Heater

Lakewood Ranch’s Rob Rempert said his 15-week-old labradoodle, Madison, has helped keep his spirits up as he hopes for a kidney transplant.

2A

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

District 72 candidate hopes to mix things up Richard Green says he will bring new ideas to serve his constituents if he is elected to the Florida House of Representatives.

MANAGING EDITOR

W

hen Richard Green was attending high school in Louisville, Kentucky, he used to argue with his classmates about all kinds of issues.

He admits he often didn’t know much about the subject.

“I would argue with a brick wall,” he said with a smile.

It didn’t take long for him to understand if he wanted to have meaningful outcomes to those debates, he needed to be fully invested.

So when he went to the University of Louisville, everything “flipflopped” for him, including his environment. He grew up in a very “safe” environment not far from the private Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville.

The university was more urban with “no protection.”

“Louisville was a very left-leaning institution,” said Green, who is running for the District 72 seat in the Florida House of Representatives.

“It was great for me, starting out, but after a couple of years, I found myself with a different mindset than my classmates. I was being asked, “Why do you support George (W.) Bush? Are you a fascist?

“I spent my junior and senior years getting into politics.”

While he has never followed his urge to enter the political arena, Green continued to delve into issues so if the time came for him to run for office, he would be ready.

That time is now.

Tommy Gregory was hired to be the president of the State College of Florida in April and will leave his District 72 office June 30. It left an unexpected void and forced those with political aspirations to make a quick decision.

‘GRASSROOTS EFFORT’

— Richard Green

Who: Richard Green Lives: Lorraine Lakes What: Running for District 72 seat in the Florida House of Representatives Profession: Attorney Family: Wife Caitlin, children Mason, Oliver and Mila Website: VoteRichardGreen. com

Green talked it out with his wife, Caitlin.

“We had talked about (running for office) for 14 years,” Green said. “I feel we have centered a lot of our lives around this goal. It is our dream.”

Caitlin urged him to be bold.

“This is what we’ve always talked about,” she said. “It seemed like the right time. Politics is not something we are used to, but we are both rooted in our morals and how we were raised in God. We understand we will open our lives to scrutiny.”

Green isn’t worried about political attacks.

“My skin is stone,” he said. “Some lawyers are highly emotional, and they take it home. At the end of a day, I proverbially close the pad. I am a dad and a husband.”

Green is a senior attorney with the Lewis, Longman and Walker of St. Petersburg.

He is the vice chair of administrative, civil and appellate litigation and his law practice biography notes that he “has extensive litigation experience in a variety of areas such as real property, commercial, code enforcement and environmental matters. He represents various public and private

Jay Heater

Richard and Caitlin Green say his goal for years has been to run for office.

entities in litigation in both federal, state and administrative forms. Primarily, he has represented clients in litigation regarding environmental matters such as environmental permitting, environmental contamination, and construction litigation.”

He also handles “all matters of real estate transactions, including acquisition, sale and closing administration.”

He will talk to voters about how his law background will help him make and support laws that will preserve “our values — limited government, personal liberty, respect for law enforcement — and I never will waver in being pro-life and profamily.”

Green said he understands how important balancing development

and agricultural concerns will be.

His district contains Lakewood Ranch and much of eastern Manatee County, which is where the county’s agricultural base is located. Green said he wants changes in the Legislature to help farmers and ranchers not be forced to sell their land because they can’t make a living.

He will be facing former Manatee County Planning Commission Chairman Bill Conerly, AG Creative founder Alyssa Gay and Manatee County School Board Member Richard Tatem in the primary.

Democrat Lesa Miller will oppose the winner of the primary in the general election.

Green, 39, said that he is somewhat of an unknown commodity in the local political arena and that is

fine. He said District 72 doesn’t need more candidates who only want to be career politicians.

“I have certain talents I have been given,” he said. “I am not doing this for fame, and certainly not for fortune. I am doing it to serve.”

His election website VoteRichardGreen.com characterizes him as “Your Conservative Outsider Fighting for District 72.”

He is a believer in smart development.

“I agree that master planning on paper as a philosophy should work very well,” he said. “However, what we are talking about in practice is that the government wants something, the person coming in wants something, but a lot of times the interests (of the citizens) are not taken into consideration.”

He said while property rights should be protected, neighboring lands also should be taken into account as well.

When laws are written, he said he will know how to break them down and understand them.

“I definitely think it gives me a leg up (in the election),” he said. “We are writing laws and people are wellintentioned, but they pass something and then it is up to my industry to interpret it. I have seen statutes with unintended consequences. We need people who when a lobbyist brings you a bill, you can read the bill.

That’s what I have been trained to do.

“We need someone who will shake the trees and mix things up. I am going to do a lot of knocking on doors. This is grassroots.”

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JAY HEATER

“I have certain talents I have been given. I am not doing this for fame, and certainly not for fortune. I am doing it to serve.”

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

Lesley Dwyer

Building up won’t stop urban sprawl

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE A date hasn’t been set yet, but there will be a second round of community workshops held at the end of this summer so the public can weigh in on the changes. These are a few additional highlights from Kimley-Horn’s presentation to commissioners.

■ Updates to the Comprehensive Plan will be followed by an updated Future Land Use Map and an updated Land Development Code.

■ Minimum and maximum percentages between residential and nonresidential should be established for mixed use developments.

■ Multimodal transportation provisions should be improved.

This will lay out what makes a complete street for cars, bicycles and pedestrians, whether it be in an urban or rural part of the county.

■ The Comprehensive Plan states that data collection should be used to properly understand the housing needs of the growing population, but how and when the data is reported need to be clearly defined.

■ “Demolition by neglect” language should be considered for historic buildings.

As the Comprehensive Plan is updated, building taller is likely, but the market will continue to demand single-family homes.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

W

ith Manatee County’s Comprehensive Plan under review, its staff is starting to

look up for solutions to a growing population, and not just east.

“One of the things that the 1989 Comprehensive Plan restricted was how much density we were allowed to have as a community,” Impact Fee Administrator Rachel Layton said. “Height was not encouraged.

Even getting something over two stories was very difficult for a very long time in Manatee County.”

Kimley-Horn is the engineering firm the county hired to rewrite the Comprehensive Plan. Project manager Kelley Klepper provided an update to commissioners on May 21 during a special work session. The new plan is expected to be drafted

by August and adopted in October.

Much of the revisions are language related, such as changing a word like “encourage” to a more directive word like “shall” and removing duplicative language that already exists in other codes.

POPULATION PLANNING

Encouraging height would be a policy change that would work in concert with Livable Manatee, a county program that incentivizes builders to include affordable housing units within their projects.

The city of Bradenton has been successful in encouraging higher densities through height, using incentives. Because Manatee County’s population is predicted to exceed 500,000 by 2035, commissioners have considered offering developers similar incentives to increase density in the county.

Commissioners liked the idea of taller buildings along corridors like State Road 64, where rapid development is taking place. However, they agreed that building up is not going to halt the county’s current trajectory east.

“I don’t think we’re going to be

able to stop urban sprawl,” Commissioner Ray Turner said. “We’re known for that. Lakewood Ranch is well advertised as the top-selling master-planned community, and as we move out, that’s what people are going to want.”

Commissioner George Kruse agreed homes would continue to develop east because of demand, but said incentives could shift some of the demand westward.

“You’ll start seeing less supply of houses out east because more developers are going to be steered toward where our incentives are,” Kruse said.

As the county has grown over the past 75 years, its center has shifted.

Klepper said it would’ve been downtown Bradenton in the 1950s.

“With the development and success of places like Lakewood Ranch, and then some of the communities along the I-75 corridor, that geographic center has consistently shifted further to the east,” Klepper said. “Right now, it’s about I-75, in between State Road 64 and State Road 70.”

Based on population and housing projections, the center is predicted to continue to shift to the east side of I-75.

URBAN LIGHT

At 12 stories high, Layton said the Nine20 Manatee apartment building going up in downtown Bradenton is the tallest building to be allowed in the city or the county in a long time.

T5 (urban center) and T6 (urban core) zoning downtown allows for up to 20 stories. Layton doesn’t anticipate those kinds of heights anywhere but downtown.

“The evaluation for increased building heights would be to identify whether buildings over three stories are appropriate, and if so, what height maximum should be proposed,” Layton said. “Factors that would be taken into consideration include existing development

“The evaluation for increased building heights would be to identify whether buildings over three stories are appropriate, and if so, what height maximum should be proposed.”

— Impact Fee Administrator Rachel Layton

patterns and compatibility.”

As of now, the Waterfront at Main Street condominium complex that overlooks Lake Uihlein is the tallest development in East County with six- and seven-story buildings.

“You can’t just put a blanket canvas on the height,” said Laura Cole, the senior vice president for Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, the developer of Lakewood Ranch. “It’s generally market driven. It’s regulatorily enabled. And thirdly, construction costs are a huge factor.”

For master-planned communities

like Lakewood Ranch, entitlements regulate the height restrictions and square footage for each particular parcel. The market drives how those parcels are built out.

“Townhomes are now a more accepted product type in this market, but eight years ago, I can tell you, it was not an accepted product type,” Cole said. “Forcing a product type that has a lot of density or height to it, from a residential standpoint, probably nobody would risk capital to develop something like that.”

Cole said condominiums and townhomes are located in Lakewood Ranch where they make sense and the higher density plays out naturally. She describes town centers like Main Street and Waterside Place as “urban light.” People like the walkability of the areas, so they’re willing to trade off not having a yard, but they don’t want to live in a 12-story building.

Tara resident Ralph Pusheck was opposed to a plan for a three-story apartment building on the corner of Tara Boulevard and State Road 70.

“Three stories matters because you have the bank and Goodwill, which are one-story, and then single-family residences and the golf course,” he said. “This is going to be a box development. It’s out of place there.”

Turner was one of three commissioners to vote that project down. He said people don’t want change, but higher densities will at least help temper urban sprawl.

“We’re going to have to do it,” he said.

But for developers, building up costs more. Incentives will have to entice them.

Cole said costs rise significantly when building above four stories because heavier materials are required.

Lakewood Ranch considered a condo complex similar to Waterfront at Main Street for the town center at Waterside Place, but the homes would’ve been priced at almost $1 million to support the construction costs.

“We would have liked to have a condo project right in the town center,” Cole said. “But the costs were too high, and the builders were reluctant to build.”

Not only are single-family homes the most inexpensive product to build, people want to buy them.

“Ideally, it makes more sense to not continue to sprawl out east,” Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge said. “But there’s a reality to it, and that’s that the majority of the people that are moving down here are boomers, who are accustomed to the suburbs and accustomed to a yard.”

MAXIMUM HEIGHTS Outside of planned development projects that require approval of proposed building heights, zoning districts dictate the maximum heights allowed in Manatee County.

Stories

Zoning

2

Agriculture and single-family residential

3

Residential duplex, professional, neighborhood commercial and heavy commercial

4

Residential multifamily

4 (6)

General commercial (special permit can be requested to build up to 6 stories)

Waterfront at Main Street has six- and seven-story buildings.

3A

4A

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osemary McCullen, a volunteer for Mothers Helping Mothers, sees at least 120 women come to the nonprofit each week for diapers, formula and underwear.

She said more clients are coming to the nonprofit as the cost of diapers and formula increases.

With the help of a grant from the Palm Aire Women’s Club, McCullen said Mothers Helping Mothers will be able to buy more supplies to provide to its clients.

“Without that (grant), we can’t purchase these items,” she said.

“One package of diapers only lasts maybe a day. These mothers are so grateful and will take whatever we can offer. It means a lot because they have nothing.”

The Palm Aire Women’s Club distributed $9,000 in grants to seven nonprofits in Manatee and Sarasota counties during a luncheon May 10.

“Giving is very fulfilling,” said Carolann Garofalo, the chairman for charities for the women’s club. “We all work together to make that happen. It’s not just one person. It’s our mission.”

The women’s club has 120 members.

GRANT RECIPIENTS ■ Healthy Teens ■ Dollar Dynasty ■ Mothers Helping Mothers ■ Hope Family Services ■ Brotherhood of Men ■ Second Chance Last Opportunity ■ Baby Basics of Sarasota

Like Mothers Helping Mothers, Caroline Lawrence with Baby Basics of Sarasota, said the grant will help the nonprofit buy diapers. She said the nonprofit provides diapers for 150 babies every month.

Char Young, CEO of Hope Family Services, said the nonprofit has added a children’s counseling center to its property, and the grant will help to provide food for the children. The center serves approximately 30 children, providing individual and group counseling to children affected by domestic violence.

The grant also will help to feed the residents and outreach participants of Hope Family Services.

Brotherhood of Men in Sarasota will be able to take 20 boys to Washington, D.C., with the grant the nonprofit received.

The Possibilities ARE ENDLESS!

EAST COUNTY

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

DEVELOPMENT OF REGIONAL IMPACT A DRI is defined by the Florida Senate as “any development which, because of its character, magnitude or location, would have a substantial effect upon the health, safety or welfare of citizens of more than one county.”

The DRI program was established in 1972 as an interim program that was to be replaced by comprehensive plans. DRIs remained a part of large-scale planning until 2015, when the Legislature eliminated the development requirement.

Lesley Dwyer

Jean Myers, Ralph Pusheck, Barbara DiPalma and Susan O’Brien are most concerned with the traffic impacts a residential complex would have on the intersection of Tara Boulevard and State Road 70.

Tara development project stalls Group of Tara residents says residential component would cause more traffic congestion and not be a part of the Tara HOA.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

A

second attempt by Lake Lincoln to build a multifamily residential community at the southeast corner of Tara Boulevard and State Road 70 failed to be approved by the Manatee County Commission.

A group of Tara residents, all wearing red shirts to show unity, filled the commission meeting in September 2023 when commissioners first turned down a proposal for 156

multifamily residential units.

After some adjustments, the plan was resubmitted May 23.

ZNS Engineering, acting on behalf of Lake Lincoln as the applicant, downsized the project from 156 units on 7.5 acres down to 72 units on 5.99 acres.

But that still didn’t sit well with the group of Tara residents, who were back with their red shirts on May 23.

They also brought custom-made signs, no bigger than what’s allowed in the chambers, and their lawyer, Robert Lincoln.

Those residents celebrated a win, when commissioners were deadlocked 3-3 on the vote.

The commission’s rules and procedures state: “When the vote of the Board is equally divided, the status quo ante shall be maintained. In such an event, a person who sought a change in status quo shall be considered to have had the request denied and shall have available the same remedies or rights of review that one would have had if the request had been denied by a majority vote of the Board.”

Residents had repeated the phrase, “Stick to the plan,” because Tara is a Development of Regional Impact.

The plans were laid out 40 years ago in the DRI process. Tara is now in the final stage of its build-out. The parcel in question was designated as commercial, so residents want it built out as commercial.

A med spa, hair salon and dog grooming business were a few uses that some residents said would be preferable to residential units.

The revised project was passed unanimously by the Planning Commission May 15 with a general consensus by the board that residential was a better fit than the commercial options that are currently allowed under the DRI. Commissioners Mike Rahn, George Kruse and Amanda Ballard voted to approve the project on May 23. Ray Turner, Jason Bearden and Kevin Van

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5A

Ostenbridge were opposed.

“The uses on this commercial today, without even showing up here to talk to us because it’s already approved, are gas pumps and a gas station, car washes and a drive-thru fast food place,” Kruse said.

Kruse mentioned car services, lumber and building materials, and a school as approved uses that wouldn’t have to come in front of the board.

“One more that (Kruse) didn’t mention is a drug rehab center,” Ballard said. “So just think a little bit about the acceptable uses of this land without coming before this commission.”

But residents saw a problem with building a residential Tara community that wouldn’t be governed by a Tara homeowners association or be privy to Tara amenities.

“That’s going to cause conflict that we have to manage ourselves,” resident Joe DiBartolomeo said. “We’re putting a pickleball court on the corner of Tara Boulevard and Stone River Road. Everybody plays pickleball. Now, we’ve got to get into conflict with neighbors — ‘No, you can’t play.’ It’s a neighborhood, all of us together.”

DiBartolomeo said the complex would be an “outlier.” Homeowners also pay to maintain the landscaping along Tara Boulevard, but this one community wouldn’t be footing bills or entitled to any amenities.

Some Tara residents also were worried about increased traffic at a busy intersection that they said would be a product of more residential units.

George Deacon, a traffic expert representing the homeowners associations, said that a commercial use wouldn’t add to traffic at the intersection because most of the trips would be coming from inside Tara, and that residential use would have more cars coming in and out from State Road 70.

One thing was made clear before the commissioners cast their votes on the project.

“Unless the county is going to buy another parcel within Tara, this is going to be a site that’s going to be developed,” attorney for the applicant Scott Rudacille said.

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director of exceptional student education for the School District of Manatee County, loves cooking and gardening.

She’ll be looking for any opportunity to become involved in the project-based learning model at Braden River Elementary, focused on giving students chances to work collaboratively and to develop their communication skills.

“If students are exposed and given opportunities so young, it’s only going to continue to help them both academically and socially to be a good community member and in giving back to their community as well,” Oliva said.

Many elementary students are asked what they want to be when they grow up.

For Oliva, whose previous job was as the assistant principal at Ballard Elementary School, the dream job is being a principal. Next school year will be her first year serving as a principal.

“I love to be at the school on a daily basis so I can be around students and teachers,” she said. “I have some district experience and all of that

BRAN

Courtesy image

Mary Oliva

experience definitely prepared me to come back into a school. At this point in my life and in my career, I want to be school based, and I love being an administrator.”

Oliva said she loves seeing students grow academically and socially. Building relationships with students, spending time with them in the classroom and helping them build the foundation of their education are highlights of her job.

On the last day of school at Ballard Elementary May 24, Oliva was looking at some of the cards the students gave her. One third grader wrote “New kids will love you,” while another third grader wrote “You’re a successful girl, person and human.”

Reading those cards, and other similar moments, remind her of how

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

Sarasota & Lakewood Ranch’s FAVORITE MED SPA

MARY OLIVA Age: 44 Family: Husband, Rene Oliva; daughters, 10-year-old Anabel and 12-year-old Amy Past experience: 17 years with the School District of Manatee County; 2007-2014: elementary school teacher; 2014-2018: Title I federal and state programs specialist; 2019-2021: Hope grant school coordinator; 2021-2024: Assistant principal at Ballard Elementary

“If students are exposed and given opportunities so young, it’s only going to continue to help them both academically and socially to be a good community member and in giving back to their community as well.”

— Mary Oliva

thoughtful and kind students can be.

Oliva said she wants to make elementary school as memorable for her students just as it was for her when she was growing up.

She remembered her fourth grade year being her favorite. She recalled her teacher being able to balance hard work with having fun.

Now she wants to do the same as principal, and she already has some experience. She’s participated in academic parties to celebrate students meeting their goals.

Oliva recalled a few years ago at Ballard Elementary standing behind a wood board and putting her face into a cut out hole in the board. She watched as the students lined up

MEMORIAL DAY

eager to throw water balloons at her.

She left the academic celebration soaking wet.

“It’s important for the administrators to attend as many of those as possible and interact with the kids and be a part of what they’re doing, whether it’s a game or any sort of event,” Oliva said. “I look forward to participating in those, being visible and having fun with the kids.

Although we work hard, we also need to celebrate those successes as well.”

A unique aspect of Braden River Elementary School is its dual language program. The school implemented the program in the 2021-22 school year and will be adding third grade to the program next school year.

Olivia said she’ll use the Spanish skills she learned in middle school, high school and college to interact with students in the dual language program in Spanish. She said she’ll be learning alongside them as she develops her Spanish speaking skills.

Much like with her own daughters, 10-year-old Anabel and 12-year-old Amy, Oliva said she wants to support students as they learn about and pursue different passions.

Oliva followed her own passion when she pursued a career in education. She had other family members who were educators and always loved school as a child. But when she found herself too far along in college, pursuing a degree in business administration, she decided to stay the course as she knew that degree would be beneficial in an educational setting.

After graduating and wondering what she should do next, she said her passion for being a lifelong learner led to earn her masters in elementary education from the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee.

Now she continues to be a lifelong learner. Oliva said she’s ready to learn and engage in the family atmosphere at Braden River Elementary.

“I can’t wait to get started, be a part of it and continue that culture of excellence and community they have,” Oliva said.

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

Time ticks away, but hope prevails

EAST COUNTY

“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.”

Waterside man says more kidneys would be available if people understood the transplant system and UNOS.

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Publisher and President / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

t was just before midnight on

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

March 24, and a peaceful night

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

I

in Robert and Kathy Rempert’s

Waterside of Lakewood Ranch home had turned from quiet and dull to an excited frenzy.

They had gotten the call.

It came from the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, which informed them that doctors were ready to “harvest” two kidneys that were a match for Rob, who has been on the kidney waiting list since 2020.

“She was just throwing things around,” Rob said of his wife, Kathy, who raced around the house seeing whether they needed anything other than the packed bags that sit at the foot of their bed.

The couple transferred everything they needed to their car, and away they went, headed to Jacksonville and a brighter future.

They talked excitedly during the ride about the sudden turn of events.

Rob, 62, has been on dialysis since 2022, trying to stay positive despite his “horrible” existence. He now had two chances at a new kidney, not one as expected. Certainly this would be different than their previous trip to Jacksonville, a few months earlier, when they were notified two hours into the drive that the kidney wasn’t a viable prospect.

This time, they had two chances.

They could get back to their active lifestyle in the near future.

They had not been able to make any plans or look toward the future because of Rob’s deteriorating condition. But on the drive toward Jacksonville, as March 24 turned to March 25, they began to chat about vacation spots and places they wanted to visit.

“We knew we had two (potential) kidneys,” Kathy said. “I had this huge sense of relief. I could feel the burden leaving us. We’re getting a kidney, man!”

Once they arrived in Jacksonville, Rob was prepped for surgery as they awaited more information about the donor(s).

Word eventually came that an accident victim’s kidney couldn’t be used, so they were down to one prospect. The man in question had heart disease and was near death, but was hanging on.

It put them in an unusual spot. If the man held on too long, the organs wouldn’t have the proper support from his failing heart and would be damaged. But how do you wish for someone to die sooner?

Eventually, doctors had to tell Rempert that the man had held on for too long, and the kidneys were, indeed, damaged and no longer viable.

The Remperts returned to their car, and started the long trip home.

“It was a pretty quiet ride,” Kathy said. “I knew it would put Rob into a mental tailspin. We had such a tremendous amount of hope, and it went to unbelievable despair. At the end of the day, my well was dry. This thing has been horrible all around.”

Rob was mustering all his ability to stay positive on that ride home.

“But I thought, ‘I can’t keep doing this,’” he said. “I am tired of it. We had contacted friends (to tell them he was going to get a kidney). We had to call everyone back.”

Two months later, the bags remain packed at the Rempert’s home. Their search for a live donor has shown promise at times, but for one reason or another, hasn’t materialized.

They believe it is more likely Rob will get a kidney from a deceased donor, if he can hang on.

A 15-week-old labradoodle, Madison, is now exploring every inch of their home with unbridled energy. It was Kathy’s idea to add Madison to the mix.

“It’s given Rob a new sense of excitement,” she said. “It has been a remarkable thing.”

Rob agrees that it has been a posi-

Jay Heater

Lakewood Ranch’s Robert and Kathy Rempert want people to know more about the UNOS organ sharing nonprofit and how the process of donating a kidney works.

CONTACT UNOS Visit: UNOS.org Important fact: Potential donors don’t need to be a match for the person they know who needs a kidney because of the organ sharing system. Your donation in that person’s name will result in UNOS finding a match from another donor.

Qualifications listed by UNOS to be a living donor: An individual must be physically fit, in good general health and free from high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, kidney disease and heart disease.

Individuals considered for living donation are usually between 18-60 years of age.

Gender and race are not factors in determining a successful match. The living donor must first undergo a blood test to determine blood type compatibility with the recipient, or a possible unknown recipient. If the donor and recipient have compatible blood types, the donor undergoes a medical history review and a complete physical examination.

The decision to become a living donor is a voluntary one, and the donor may change his or her mind at any time during the process.

tive move, saying it was just one more great decision by Kathy in terms of maintaining his mental well-being.

“I wouldn’t be alive if it wasn’t for Kathy,” Rob said. “She takes care of me, and makes sure I am mentally sound.”

Kathy has been trained as a wound-care nurse and works as a sales director for the ASO wound care company. She has been allowed to reduce her accounts so she can help her husband.

“It overtakes your day-to-day existence,” she said of her husband’s condition. “I just worry all the time.

Am I going to go in and find him dead?

“We had goals and hopes. We had painted out what our life would look like. Now I can’t visualize a future.”

DIDN’T UNDERSTAND THE SEVERITY

Rob talked to the East County Observer not so much to tell others about his condition in the hope of a donor stepping forward, but because he wants others to be aware of missteps he made that likely made his condition worsen sooner than if he had taken better action.

He first learned that he might have a troubled future when his son, Brendan, was diagnosed with kidney disease when he was 7 years old.

Brendan had been sick, so Rob and his ex-wife (now Debbie Thurmond) took him to the hospital. Doctors discovered a rare blood disorder, and they were going to remove Brendan’s spleen. When screening before the operation, it was discovered Brendan had something that looked like Swiss cheese holes in his kidneys.

A radiologist told Rob it looked like autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, a genetic renal disease.

The hereditary disease often renders the kidneys unable to function at approximately 70 years old. At the time of Brendan’s diagnosis, it was discovered that Rob had the disease as well.

Rob said he was worried mostly about his son at that moment.

Besides, he had a successful career in sales and marketing for Campbell’s and later for Wyeth pharmaceutical company, and he didn’t have time to worry about a medical condition that wouldn’t worsen for many years.

“I didn’t go to the doctor,” Rob said. “That was a big mistake.”

One thing Rob didn’t know was that certain soft drinks contain phosphorus, which generally is considered an essential mineral that is a source of energy for cells. However, it can build up in the blood and worsen kidney disease.

“I was drinking a ton of Dr. Pepper and Coke,” Rob said. “It was my coffee. What you don’t know ... you don’t know.”

In 2010, all the symptoms began to surface. His “filtration rate” was steadily declining. By 2020, he had to sign up for the kidney wait list.

In 2022, Rob needed to go on dialysis, but he was able to do it on a device he could use at home.

“I was hooked up 9-10 hours every night,” he said. “It is amazing technology. You can live a fairly normal life with the machine. I could travel, and it would suck out the toxins.

Insurance covers it.”

He eventually had to go to dialysis

at the Fresenius Lakewood Ranch Dialysis Center.

“I was one of the few people going to dialysis who can still do stuff,” he said. “They go in on stretchers and in wheelchairs. I can still play pickleball.”

Rob said they have been told it usually takes three to five years to receive a kidney transplant.

He now has had both kidneys removed because they were “the size of footballs.”

WORRY FROM AFAR

Meanwhile, Brendan, a 2013 graduate of Lakewood Ranch High, has lived in Denver, Colorado, the past 18 months working for the State of Colorado Office of Homelessness Initiatives.

“It’s been tough (being away),” Brendan said. “I wonder if that needs to change. For the ultimate goal, there is not much I can do. It is up to the donor system in place.”

He is trusting a system that he might have to use one day.

“It is somewhat of a mirror for myself,” he said. “Obviously, I can’t be a donor because I have the same disease.”

His father’s journey has impacted him to concentrate on his health now. He drinks as much water as he can, and he doesn’t drink soft drinks or eat red meat.

“I do look at the progress being made,” he said, referring to doctors experimenting with transplanting pig kidneys into humans. A 62-yearold Massachusetts man died earlier this month after living two months with a transplanted pig kidney.

“Who knows what the future holds?” Brendan said.

Rob, Brendan and Kathy all want people to know they don’t have to be a match with a friend or family member if they want to donate a kidney. Rob has A negative blood, which matches about 13% of the U.S. population.

“That immediately makes it more difficult,” Kathy said.

But those with healthy kidneys can donate to the United Network for Organ Sharing pool in the name of the person. UNOS will find a match, and will set up Rob for a kidney transplant from another person in the pool who does match him.

“But I think nobody knows UNOS exists,” Kathy said.

UNOS notes that more than 100,000 people are waiting for a kidney transplant and more than 600,000 Americans receive dialysis or are living after a kidney transplant.

“It’s the system we have, and we need to get behind it,” Brendan said.

“If more people knew the reality of being a kidney donor, I think there would be more donors. You don’t have to be an exact match.”

Through it all, Rob says he tries to stay positive as he waits for that next call.

“I’ve come to accept it as it is,” he said. “I go out to dinner, I play pickleball, go to the beach. Less than 1% of the patients on dialysis can do that. I know that it would be easy to exit, You check into (hospice) and go off dialysis. You are gone in a week.

It’s always on my mind, every day.

But I know I am in great hands, and I feel like I will get a call.”

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 Digital Content Producer / Jim DeLa, JDeLa@YourObserver.com Copy Editor / Gina Reynolds Haskins, GRHaskins@YourObserver.com Senior Editorial Designer / Melissa Leduc, MLeduc@YourObserver.com A+E Editor / Monica Roman Gagnier, MGagnier@YourObserver.com Director of Advertising / Jill Raleigh, JRaleigh@YourObserver.com Regional Sales Director / Penny Nowicki, PNowicki@YourObserver.com Regional Digital Director / Kathleen O’Hara, KOHara@YourObserver.com Senior Advertising Executive / Laura Ritter, LRitter@YourObserver.com Advertising Executives / Richeal McGuinness, RMcGuinness@ YourObserver.com; Lexi Huelsman, Lexi@ YourObserver.com; Jennifer Kane, JKane@ YourObserver.com; Honesty Mantkowski, HMantkowski@YourObserver.com; Toni Perren, TPerren@YourObserver.com; Brenda White, BWhite@YourObserver.com Classified Advertising Sales Executive / Anna Reich, AReich@YourObserver.com Sales Operations Manager / Susan Leedom, SLeedom@YourObserver.com Sales Coordinator/Account Manager Lori Downey, LDowney@YourObserver.com Advertising/Marketing Coordinator / Caitlin Ellis, CEllis@YourObserver.com Digital Fulfillment Specialist / Emma B. Jolly, EJolly@YourObserver.com Tributes Coordinator / Kristen Boothroyd, Tributes@YourObserver.com Director of Marketing / Robin Lankton, RLankton@YourObserver.com Marketing Specialist / Melanie Melone, MMelone@YourObserver.com Director of Creative Services / Caleb Stanton, CStanton@YourObserver.com Creative Services Administrator / Marjorie Holloway, MHolloway@ YourObserver.com Advertising Graphic Designers / Luis Trujillo, Taylor Poe, Louise Martin, Shawna Polana Digital Developer / Jason Camillo, JCamillo@YourObserver.com Information Technology Manager / Homer Gallego, HGallego@YourObserver. com Chief Financial Officer / Laura Strickland, LStrickland@YourObserver.com Controller / Rafael Labrin, RLabrin@YourObserver.com Office and Accounting Coordinator / Donna Condon, DCondon@ YourObserver.com

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SIDE OF RANCH

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

9A

JAY HEATER

Old Lakewood Ranch still looks new B ut wait, there’s more.

Yes, Lakewood Ranch continues to grow, although most of its growth has come on the 48 square miles the Uihlein family, the owners of the Joseph Schlitz Brewing Co. at the time, purchased in 1922.

But, as Lakewood Ranch celebrates its 30th anniversary year, the most important question shouldn’t be about how big it is, but rather, how do the oldest sections of Lakewood Ranch look?

In my mind, that is the mark of a great developer.

We all know that new neighborhoods, and buildings, look ... well ... new.

But can you tell the old neighborhoods from the new ones?

I know this might get you going if those big oak trees in front of your home were removed, or if you have some increased pond algae, or if your aren’t happy with those potholes on your roads.

But be honest: When you drive into your neighborhood, do you find yourself saying, “I live in a beautiful place.”

I think you do.

Sure, there are more cars on Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, but I still can look to the right or the left and get a feeling of peace and calm when I see the lakes (retention ponds) and landscaping.

“I live in a beautiful place.”

Twice in my earlier years, I moved out of a California home because my neighborhood was deteriorating. In both instances, I was living in a neighborhood that was about 30 years old. It can happen in that amount of time if a developer doesn’t put the proper measures in place to ensure beauty, no matter if it has any ownership responsibilities or not, to care for the land.

I know those CDD and Lakewood Ranch Stewardship District fees can be annoying, but that’s the case

Jay Heater

SMR Senior Vice President Laura Cole talks about Lakewood Ranch’s accomplishments throughout 30 years as the LWRBA’s featuring speaker May 22.

with taxes. They were formed to uphold the integrity of the neighborhoods into the future and to make sure that your property values will remain strong if you ever do decide to sell.

Any new neighborhoods that exist on formerly SMR-managed land, must join the Lakewood Ranch Stewardship District, which was formed in 2005 by the state Legislature as a special purpose form of local government. The district issues bonds to fund the construction and/or acquisition of stormwater management improvements, landscaping, utilities improvements, and roadway improvements. The district

includes 25,000 acres of land both in Manatee County and Sarasota County.

Lakewood Ranch’s developer, Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, always understood from the first house that if the area continued to shine overall, it would enhance the area’s reputation and attract more potential homeowners.

The last six years, Lakewood Ranch has been the No. 1-ranked multigenerational, master-planned community in the U.S. as determined by the RCLCO real estate consulting firm.

Case closed.

Gee, what a concept. So simple, but so rare. Build it, maintain it,

and they will come.

On May 22, the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance celebrated Lakewood Ranch’s 30th anniversary year at its luncheon at the Lakewood Ranch Country Club. SMR Senior Vice President Laura Cole gave a presentation to the alliance about Lakewood Ranch’s accomplishments over the decades.

There were so many, Cole sounded like an auctioneer at times, as she only had about 40 minutes at the podium.

When all was said and done, LWRBA President and CEO Brittany Lamont asked Cole if Lakewood Ranch would ever be incorporated into a city.

Cole asked why anyone would want that to happen since the services a city could offer are in place now.

So here are a few of the eyeopening statistics Cole shared with the LWRBA. ■ Those living in the Sarasota/ Bradenton area are the biggest buyers of homes in Lakewood Ranch.

The perception that Lakewood Ranch is too far out in the sticks is long gone. That group is followed

by No. 2 New York, No. 3 Tampa, No. 4 Chicago and No. 5 Miami.

■ The $501,000 to $700,000 price tag made up 34% of the home sales last year in Lakewood Ranch. Only 1% of the sales went for $300,000 or less and 12% of the home sales were for $1 million or more.

■ The average median income for homeowners in Lakewood Ranch in 2023 was $162,000.

■ That average median income was 1.6 times higher than for the Sarasota/Bradenton metropolitan statistical area.

■ Lakewood Ranch in 2023 hosted 6 million square feet of commercial that included 2,120 businesses and 18,246 employees.

■ Lakewood Ranch has eight

public and charter schools (a mix of elementary, middle and high schools), six private schools, 13 preschools and 10 colleges and universities.

■ Those wanting to buy in Lakewood Ranch can choose from 30,000 households that are available for sale or rent.

■ The estimated population in Lakewood Ranch in 2023 was 70,000. In comparison, Bradenton’s populated, as listed by World Population Review in 2024, is 58,110.

■ The median age of those living in Lakewood Ranch is 53.

■ Of those adults living in Lakewood Ranch, 75% are college educated.

■ Lakewood Ranch now has 95 residential neighborhoods.

■ Forty percent of Lakewood Ranch is dedicated to open space.

■ Lakewood Ranch has 150 miles of multiuse trails.

Familiarity often breeds contempt, but, hopefully, we can celebrate Lakewood Ranch’s successes over 30 years. You will have several opportunities, including at the monthly block party and live music series, Music on Main. Each one will have a theme connected to Lakewood Ranch’s 30 years. The June 7 theme is Supporting Arts and Culture.

So whatever our annoyances with Lakewood Ranch, perhaps we can take a breath and say, “Happy 30th.”

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

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YourObserver.com

LETTERS

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

Just Listed

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Just Listed

Shocked by University Park article I was surprised by the (May 9) headline “Bond issue returns in University Park” and shocked by the full-page article appearing on Page 3A. I’ve lived in this area for 20 years. Whenever you have spoken or we have chatted during this time I have never, until now, thought of the Observer as a tabloid paper.

The Observer ran this story based on one person’s (Dean Matt) opinion regarding approval of a bond to finance much needed maintenance and improvements at University Park Country Club.

The article did not mention the endless hours of meeting, in which all aspects of the bond and community needs were discussed.

The article did not mention how those with supporting and opposing views were given equal time to present their thoughts and ask questions. While the story mentioned that the bond passed with 61.46% of the vote, the story failed to mention that of the 1201 homes in University Park 78.4% voted. This is an engaged community.

The article presented Dean Matt’s thought and opinions as credible.

Interestingly, the article failed to mention the experience, knowledge or thoughts of any one of the RD Board members. All members are volunteers who will have to make the same payments as all other residents to repay the bond. Did your reporter bother to interview any of them? I ask this because the article does not contain one statement from any of them. One of them might have described the process. One of them might have told you that the value of our homes in the park is greatly tied to the amenities provided by the club.

Given all the new development in the area, the proposed work is necessary not only to enhance the resident and employee experience but to remain competitive.

The article repeated Matt’s accusations of corruption. Is there any evidence of this? Or are these statements like the whinings of a petulant child that didn’t get their way?

It is well accepted that truth, accuracy and objectivity are the

cornerstones of journalism ethics.

This article does not adhere to any of these. It would rather appear that the Observer has chosen the path of the National Enquirer.

BARBARA SOMMA UNIVERSITY PARK

(Editor’s note: RD Board Chairperson Sally Dickson was quoted in the fifth paragraph of the story about the value of the country club to homes, and the need for improvements. Information from the PFM Group Consulting firm was included as well, along with quotes from PFM District Manager Vivian Carvalho calling Matt’s claim “inaccurate.”)

Please note other CERT programs I was disappointed in your May 9 article (“Time to Prepare”) that there was no mention of the other nine CERT teams in communities that comprise the East County area.

Manatee County has 19 teams, and we all struggle to be visible, and recruit residents who are willing to assist their neighbors during an emergency such as a hurricane.

Mallory Park, Indigo, Central Park, River Club, Lorraine Lakes, Lakewood National, Polo Run, Del Webb and the Isles all run programs targeted at our individual communities in hurricane preparedness, fire safety, scam and fraud protection, search and rescue and CPR/ AED programs. All of these teams meet monthly to exchange ideas of ways to serve our communities and hopefully increase our numbers. We would like other communities to consider forming their own teams if they don’t live in the “Lakewood Ranch” community.

Your article went a long way in alerting the East County residents to the value of having a CERT team, but fell short of telling them that a team might already be within their own community and ready to have them as a team member or that they might form a team if their community doesn’t have one already.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

Twig offers branch of kindness The Twig offers shopping days once a month for children living in foster homes.

K

im and Alex Peralta have fostered 35 children over the past six years.

The Bradenton couple, who are both 41 years old, have four biological children and four adopted children. The children’s ages range from 19 months to 19 years old.

Support from The Twig, which stands for The Way to Inspire and Give, makes it all a little less daunting for the family.

“Knowing that they’re walking alongside us and the four kids that we’ve adopted is amazing,” Kim Peralta said. “It definitely makes it easier. Even for fostering, it makes it easier for us to say “yes” because we know we’re not doing it all alone.”

The Peraltas now bring the kids to The Twig on State Road 64, but before that location opened in 2021, they used to drive to Venice, where the original store is located.

The Twig is a nonprofit organization set up like a retail clothing store where children in foster care can shop for free.

Ellie Peralta is 4 years old. She was placed with the Peraltas as an

infant straight out of the neonatal intensive care unit and has since been adopted by the family.

“Ellie is a little girl who loves everything pink and ‘Frozen,’ so she’ll go through looking and whatever she finds, she always comes out with such a huge smile on her face,” Kim Peralta said.

“She’s always greeted by Lindsay (the program coordinator). Lindsay knows all of our kids by name, so it’s like an extended family.”

While The Twig was designed for children in foster care, those who are adopted remain eligible for services. Children who age out of foster care are also eligible to shop until they’re 21 years old if enrolled in Twig Connects.

Twig Connects is a program held on-site once a month. The kids are fed a meal while learning life skills like how to create a budget or file taxes.

“We serve around 400 children every single month between both of our locations,” Director of Development Nicole Britton said.

“We’ve opened up some more shopping days to be able to serve this many kids. The first three Saturdays of every month, we’re open in both of our locations, and the foster families don’t have to make

File photo

Program Coordinator Lindsey May holds a pair of sneakers that were donated during last year’s summer sneaker drive.

appointments.”

The Twig also offers shopping appointments on Wednesday for kids who struggle with crowds or have been placed with a new family early in the week, so they don’t have to wait until Saturday.

The kids can shop once a month.

Each child leaves with about 10 items, which typically include underwear, socks, accessories, a couple of outfits, a pair of shoes and a book.

About 4,000 items are given away each month, and most of the

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items are donated by community members. The Twig applies for grants and holds fundraisers, but Britton said the nonprofit has a lot of extremely committed monthly donors.

“We have people who will shop off of our wishlist that’s on our website and have things sent straight to us, and we have people that just love to go out shopping,” she said. “Not everybody can be a foster parent, but everybody can do something. So for some people, buying sneakers or pajamas is their

Let’s have a talk C: 818.599.6666 941.792.2000 and see O:what your E: BrokerBrianHomes@gmail home’s value is today!

something.”

The Twig operates with the help of about 100 volunteers, but Britton said they’re looking for more. Volunteering opportunities include helping out on shopping days and sorting the donations.

Donations can be made on the second Tuesday of every month from 4-6 p.m. The Twig also accepts hand-me-downs, but the condition must be like new.

While The Twig offers a steady connection for these children and their foster families outside of the material items, Britton said the shopping goes a long way to make them feel valued and seen. A faded top with stains on it isn’t going to have that same effect.

“We do a sneaker drive over the summer to make sure that we have all kinds of sneakers before school starts,” Britton said. “There was a teen girl who put on a pair of Nikes, and then she sat down on the floor and cried because she said, ‘I never thought I’d have a pair of shoes like this.’”

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

13A

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14A

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

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MAY 30, 2024

SPORTS

“Once I’m in the open field, 99% of the time I am going to score.”

— Lakewood Ranch High’s CJ McRae II SEE PAGE 17A

Fast

Break

Lakewood Ranch High junior Sam Obine-Galvin (middle) will row at his first USRowing Youth Nationals at Nathan Benderson Park June 6-9 in the Sarasota Crew first varsity boys 8+ boat.

Courtesy image

Former Lakewood Ranch High and current FAU catcher John Schroeder is having a breakout 2024 season as a junior.

F

ormer Lakewood Ranch High baseball star John Schroeder, a junior catcher at Florida Atlantic University, went 2-6 with a double and two RBIs in the Owls’ 12-5 win over the University of Texas-San Antonio May 22 in the American Athletic Conference Tournament.

Schroeder is hitting .271 with a team-high 14 doubles, nine home runs and 48 RBIs. … Lakewood Ranch mens tennis players Connor Krug and Jake Krug, juniors at Duke University, helped the Blue Devils reach the round of 16 in the NCAA Tournament before losing to Texas Christian University 4-0 on May 11 in Forth Worth, Texas. In singles matches, Connor Krug finished the season 18-24, while Jake Krug finished 14-16. In doubles matches, Connor Krug was 1211 while Jake Krug was 6-3. … Nathan Benderson Park dragon boat paddler Rick Jensen threw out the first pitch at the Bradenton Marauders’ May 25 game against the Dunedin Blue Jays as part of the team’s Military Appreciation Night. Jenson is a retired U.S. Army first sergeant who served in Vietnam. … Former Lakewood Ranch High track and field athlete Gracie Marston, a junior at Georgia Tech, finished 16th in the women’s 800-meter run (2:08.23) at the 2024 Atlantic Coast Conference Championship, held May 9-11 in Atlanta. Marston also helped the school’s 4x400-meter relay team finish 11th (3:44.42). … Former Lakewood Ranch High baseball star Colton Gordon, now a pitcher with the AAA-level Sugar Land Space Cowboys (Houston Astros), has a 3.14 ERA over three May starts as of May 23. Gordon holds a 4.15 ERA in 2024.

Gordon, a left-hander, is ranked

by MLB.com as the Astros’ No. 10 overall prospect and No. 4 pitching prospect.

SPECIAL MOMENTS PAGE 16A

Stage set for extra-oar-dinary effort Lakewood Ranch-area rowers face ultimate test as USRowing event descends onto Nathan Benderson Park June 6-9.

RYAN KOHN | SPORTS EDITOR

S

IF YOU GO

am Obine-Galvin was in for a shock.

Though Obine-Galvin

was not new to rowing when he joined Sarasota Crew in August 2023, he had never experienced rowing like the Crew does rowing.

Obine-Galvin, a junior at Lakewood Ranch High, moved to the area from the lower east side of New York City. He rowed there, first becoming interested after trying an indoor rowing machine at a local gym, then transitioning to the water. He found success there, winning a state championship at the novice level.

Yet, after moving, Obine-Galvin found Sarasota Crew to be on a different level.

“It was a whole new world,” Obine-Galvin said. “Training was harder, and I had to get used to the heat. It’s an intense (training) plan made for pure speed, and it works.”

Obine-Galvin started in one of the organization’s bottom boats before proving himself, slowly working his way up the team’s depth chart. Now, Obine-Galvin has earned a spot in the Crew’s boys first varsity 8+ boat at the 2024 USRowing Youth National Championships, coming to Nathan Benderson Park June 6-9.

Obine-Galvin is one of six Crew rowers representing the East County area at the event. Lakewood Ranch graduate Sophie Bell, who will row for Old Dominion University next season, is in the girls varsity 2x.

Reese Franquiero, a junior at Parrish Community High, is in the girls second varsity 8+ boat. Jenna Khalil, a freshman at Lakewood Ranch, is in the girls U16 8+ boat. Landon Hess, an eighth grader at Dr. Mona Jain Middle, is in the boys U15 4x+ boat.

Iaroslav Shuman, an eighth grader at Mona Jain, is in the boys U16 8+ boat.

For Obine-Galvin, Youth Nationals will be his first time competing in a national-level event. He’s excited, he said, because the team’s training has him feeling prepared. Sarasota Crew head coach Casey Galvanek is renowned, currently helping the U.S. men’s rowing team in Lucerne, Switzerland, at the World Rowing Cup II. Obine-Galvin said the Crew

Courtesy images

Lakewood Ranch High junior Sam Obine-Galvin said the hard work that goes into rowing becomes worth it when you hear the roar of the crowd during big races.

instructs its athletes like Galvanek instructs Olympians, and with the same level of intensity. They are on the water at every opportunity, with days off being rare. With training taking a lot of Obine-Galvin’s time, he said, academics can sometimes get sidelined. He is thankful for people like Lakewood Ranch social studies teacher Ben Hall, who understand the work required and tries to make Obine-Galvin’s school-rowing balance as easy as possible.

Rowing can take a toll on the body, too, Obine-Galvin said. Workouts are grueling, he said, and it is not uncommon to feel close to passing out. But it brings him closer to his teammates. When big races like Youth Nationals arrive, the end result of all the effort is worth it.

“At the end of a race, your legs are on fire and your lungs feel like they are about to collapse in on themselves,” Obine-Galvin said. “Your arms are dead. Your back is dead.

You’re getting tunnel vision. Your ears are ringing, so you can barely hear the coxswain yelling at you.

But in that last minute of a race, you feel the crowd. It’s like entering the Thunderdome, just pure noise. It’s such a rush. All you want to do is go as hard as you can.”

2024 USROWING YOUTH NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS What: The biggest youth rowing event on the local calendar, with more than 3,500 rowers from 210 clubs expected to compete.

When: June 6-9 starting at 7:30 a.m.

Where: Nathan Benderson Park Tickets: As of May 24, tickets for spectators are not on sale. They will be available at USRowing.org closer to the event. For more information, visit USRowing.org or NathanBendersonPark.org.

Obine-Galvin said his boys first varsity 8+ boat is confident that it will perform its best.

For Jenna Khalil, the rush of Youth Nationals will not be quite as new.

Khalil picked up valuable experience by participating at the 2023 Youth Nationals, finishing third in the C Final (8:31.25) in the women’s U16 4x+ boat. Though it was not the finish she and her teammates wanted, it helped shape her perspective on the event heading into 2024.

“It’s an honor (to row in it),” Khalil said. “You work so hard to get there and everyone else worked hard to get there. It’s mind-blowing to all be together competing.”

That attitude feeds into how she prepares. Khalil is a calm rower, she said. Before races, she does not say much to her teammates in the boat other than “good luck.” She’s too focused for more than that, she said; she knows she’ll have to be at her best, controlling her adrenaline, in order to do well.

In the U16 girls 8+ boat this year, Khalil believes she and her teammates can reach the event’s A Finals.

Get there, and anything can happen next.

“If we work together and stay positive, we can do well,” Khalil said.

16A

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

PROSE AND KOHN

RYAN KOHN

Moments of humanity topped 2023-24 prep sports year F

Courtesy image

Braden River senior Ivy Nguyen said the weightlifting helps people grow as competitors and as people.

Both initially took some time off from soccer, but returned to play the 2023 season despite still undergoing their treatments.

“Soccer is my life,” Chandler said.

“I love it so much. As long as I’m out here playing, I’m happy.”

Chandler and Dieter have become like brothers, leaning on each other when things get tough. To stay as upbeat as Chandler and Dieter are, and to have the determination to keep playing, is impressive.

While telling those kinds of stories is important, there’s room on the beat for fun, too. In November, I asked wrestlers at Lakewood Ranch High about their Thanksgiving plans. Senior Tommy Bisordi was honest about his, which amounted to “not much.”

Bisordi was trying to cut weight, dropping from 185 pounds to 175 pounds by December. That would typically not be a big deal to Bisordi,

Ryan Kohn

Braden River High sophomore Nicolas Dieter and freshman Landen Chandler said the soccer field is their happy place.

who had been wrestling since eighth grade, but in this instance, it meant resisting most of his family’s Thanksgiving treats: honey-baked ham, turkey, stuffing, various desserts.

Bisordi had to be reasonable about it all — with one delicious exception.

“I’ll have a small slice of pecan pie or something,” Bisordi said.

“I have to cheat a little bit, you know?”

Sometimes, the most impressive athletes are impressive not because of their athletic ability, but because of their preparedness for the future.

Abigail Hite and Denis Jones were seniors at Southeast High in 2023, though both were zoned to attend Lakewood Ranch High.

The reason for the change in schools? Hite and Jones, best friends since childhood, wanted to enroll in Southeast’s International

Baccalaureate Program, designed to encourage critical thinking and promote an international perspective. Both Hite and Jones are focused on engineering.

The IB program made also holding a typical high school-level swimming schedule difficult. Hite and Jones had nine practices a week, some lasting as long as twoand-a-half hours, left the pair with little time for much else. It was a lot of work, but the work paid off: Not only did they get the education they wanted, but they found success in the pool. Hite finished second in the girls 100-yard breaststroke (1:04.90) and fifth in the girls 100yard freestyle (52.25 seconds) at the FHSAA Class 3A meet in Ocala in November, while Jones finished sixth in the boys 500-yard freestyle (4:41.70).

The biggest breakthrough of the year happened at Parrish Com-

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munity High, where the football team earned the first playoff berth in program history. The Bulls went 7-3 in the 2023 regular season; in its first three seasons of play, the team went 7-16.

It was a group of East County players that led the postseason charge, including senior quarterback Jackson Volz, senior tight end Lane Tomlinson, senior offensive lineman Carter Dietz, senior offensive lineman Jimie Roden, senior linebacker Holten Graham, senior defensive end Dustin Springfield, junior defensive end Ashton Springfield, junior linebacker Sean Crowley and junior cornerback Bryson Bender. Those players came up the ranks together, starring for the East Manatee Bulldogs youth football program before joining the Bulls.

A 35-28 victory over Braden River High, a budding local rival, in October proved to the players that they were good enough for the playoffs. Though Parrish would lost 42-0 to Naples High (10-3) in the first round, getting to the postseason was a massive step, one that the East County contingent hopes leads to more success in the future.

“This feeling is amazing,” Tomlinson said after the team’s regularseason finale against George Jenkins High. “Setting history for the school, after the struggles we went through, this is awesome.”

Here’s to more awesome moments when the 2024-25 high school sports season begins in August.

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

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or schools in the East County area, the 2023-24 school year was a time of triumph, with several programs and athletes reaching their state-level events and some even winning them.

It was also a great year for stories: of success, of perseverance, of emotion and of humor.

Here’s a rundown of some of the best moments — not the teams and athletes that were the most successful, necessarily, but the ones that showcased humanity.

The most enthusiasm for a sport and a team that I heard all year came from the Braden River girls weightlifting team. That would not have been my prediction at the start of the year. A lot of athletes take weightlifting to stay in shape for other sports. At Braden River, head coach Jordan Borges has made it his mission to get his athletes enthusiastic about the sport.

It’s working. After the girls team won its district title meet in January, they smashed a cake in Borges’ face, covering him with Pirates-red icing. Braden River would also win its regional title. Borges has created an environment where the lifters are pushing each other to be great and giving each other equal amounts of support and constructive critique.

But Borges gets in on the action, too — sophomore Ashlyn Henry said Borges will lose his voice at meets from loudly cheering for his athletes.

That’s the kind of high school spirit I like to see.

If the Pirates weightlifters represent physical strength, two players on the Pirates junior varsity boys soccer team represent mental strength. Freshman Landen Chandler and sophomore Nicolas Dieter have both dealt with forms of cancer, Chandler with Langerhans cell histiocytosis and Dieter with leukemia.

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

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.

CJ McRae II is a senior running back on the Lakewood Ranch High football team. McRae had the Mustangs’ lone score, a 46-yard touchdown run, in their 6-0 road spring game win over George Jenkins High May 17. McRae averaged five yards per carry in 2023 and is positioned to be the team’s feature back in 2024.

the season. Touchdown-wise, I’d like two a game — one rushing and one receiving.

What is your favorite subject?

I like history. Learning about other countries and how different wars went down — it makes me thankful to be a U.S. citizen. We’re blessed to live here.

When did you start playing football?

I started when I was in third grade.

I used to play soccer, but I liked hitting people, so my mom (Stephanie Pacheco) suggested I play football.

What are your hobbies?

I’ll go fishing all day. I like both bass fishing and saltwater fishing.

What is the appeal to you?

It’s just fun to play. Like I said, I like being able to hit people without getting in trouble.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

CJ McRae II

17A

CHECK OUT OUR

NEWSAPPER

What is the best advice you have received?

My dad (Cullen McRae) told me that the grass is not always greener on the other side. Trust the process where you are, and don’t worry about anything else.

What is your best skill?

I feel like I am explosive. Once I’m in the open field, 99% of the time I am going to score. I’m shifty.

What are you working to improve this summer?

My vision. I already have good vision, but when I watch film, there’s some stuff I feel like I could have done differently and had a better result if I saw it.

Finish this sentence: “CJ McRae II is … ” … Humble. I know that anything could be taken away at any moment.

I just let my work on the field do the talking.

What is your favorite memory?

During my sophomore year, I was a backup on the varsity team. But when we played Palmetto High, our starting running back (Kevin Everhart) got hurt, so I got to go in for a play. It was a third and 10, and I ran a wheel route and caught the first down. That was a pretty cool moment for me.

What’s the mood of the team after this spring season?

Coach P (Scott Paravicini) has us going down a good path. If we keep working hard, I think we can be a great team.

What are your goals for the 2024 season?

I want to average at least 100 yards a game to hit 1,000 for

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

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MAY 30, 2024

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Many of the thousands who attended the Tribute to Heroes parade brought American flags with them.

Photos by Jay Heater

Bob Sharak and Paul Roy of the Del Webb Lakewood Ranch Association of Veterans and Military Supporters enjoy the veterans dinner at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.

A salute to our heroes

Lana and Alex Vovkulin, who own the Foam Gator foam party business of Sarasota, enjoy the bubbles with their 4-yearold daughter, Charlotte, before they get ready to participate in the parade.

D

el Webb Lakewood Ranch’s Bob Sharak, a U.S. Army veteran, was enjoying the free veterans dinner at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall before he headed out to march in the Tribute to Heroes Parade on May 26 in front of thousands of cheering spectators.

“It’s just the acknowledgement of our service,” said Sharak, who was a first lieutenant in the service. “This is tremendous.”

The appreciation by veterans was echoed over and over at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch, which once again hosted the parade, one of Lakewood Ranch’s signature events.

“It is great, and this event is getting bigger every year,” said Del Webb Lakewood Ranch’s Paul Roy, who was in the Navy for 23 years.

“This is such an honor for our community’s veterans,” said Dave Daily, the commander of VFW Braden River Post 12055.

John Skeen, a 105-year-old Army veteran, said the outpouring of love and respect during the parade left him feeling “overwhelmed.”

The Knights of Columbus make their way down Lakewood Main Street.

— JAY HEATER

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World War II veteran John Skeen, 105, enjoys a front-row seat during the Tribute to Heroes Parade.

Graham Ellis and Dave Daily of VFW Braden River Post 12055 enjoy those marching in the Tribute to Heroes Parade.

YourObserver.com

YOUR CALENDAR

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

Florida’s Largest

IV SEDATION DENTAL GROUP is now open in Lakewood Ranch!

COMMUNITY THURSDAY, MAY 30 THROUGH SUNDAY, JUNE 2

LIVE MUSIC AT JIGGS LANDING Runs from 4:30-7:30 p.m. each day at Jiggs Landing, 6106 63rd St. E., Bradenton. The live music lineup at Jiggs Landing includes Steve Arvey (Thursday), L’Attitude Adjustment (Friday), Al Fuller’s Midnight Movers (Saturday) and Black Snake Bayou Band (Sunday). The Friday and Saturday concerts have a $5 cover; the other concerts are free. For more information, go to JiggsLanding. com.

BEST BET TUESDAY, JUNE 4

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS SEMINAR Runs from 7-9 p.m. at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.

The Community Emergency Response Teams are hosting a hurricane preparedness seminar for Lakewood Ranch-area residents that is free and open to the public. For more information, go to LWRCERT.org.

FRIDAY, MAY 31 AND SATURDAY, JUNE 1

MUSIC AT THE PLAZA Runs 6-9 p.m. at Waterside Place, 1560 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch. Singer/songwriter Trevor Bystrom is the featured artist on Friday, entertaining those who stroll through Waterside Place. On Saturday, the performer has yet to be announced. For more information, go to WatersidePlace.com.

You no longer have to fear going to the dentist!

SATURDAY, JUNE 1

FIT WITH FABLETICS Begins at 9 a.m. at the Macy’s court at the Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota. The Fab and Fit Fabletics: HIT class, led by Abby Smiley-Krause, is a free workout sponsored by Lakewood Ranch Medical Center and UTC retailers, and offers a conditioning class open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, go to MallatUTC.com.

SUNDAY, JUNE 2

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

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Gayle Thurston practices applying a tourniquet on her husband Dave Thurston’s arm during a CERT refresher course May 17 in Summerfield.

Start the morning off with gentle yoga with lake views. For more information, go to LakewoodRanch.com.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5

RANCH NITE WEDNESDAYS Runs from 6-9 p.m. at Waterside Place, 1561 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch. The weekly event includes food trucks, live music, a night market, a vintage mobile bar and a recreational cornhole league.

No outside food or beverage is allowed. Kettle of Fish will perform.

For more information, go to LakewoodRanch.com.

THURSDAY, JUNE 6 THROUGH SUNDAY, JUNE 9

US ROWING YOUTH NATIONALS Begins at 8 a.m. each day at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. The regatta features more than 3,500 rowers competing in 43 events. For information, go to NathanBendersonPark. org or to RegattaCentral.com.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

3B

On to the next chapter

Z

oe Atwell, a graduate of The Out-of-Door Academy, wanted to live in the moment as she and her friends prepared for their graduation ceremony May 24.

“I want to take it all in and know that it’s OK to cry,” said Atwell, noting it would be the last time she would be in the same room as the 92 other Class of 2024 graduates.

Atwell is headed to University College Dublin in Dublin, Ireland, while her friends Grace Frazier will go to the University of Alabama, Devon Van Hoesen goes to Florida State University and Emilie McKenna studies abroad for a semester in Italy before attending the University of Tennessee.

“It’s sad, but hopefully the good friendships we’ve made means it isn’t the end, and we’ll visit each other,” Atwell said.

Graduate Olivia Seidensticker, who is going to Wake Forest University, said she’s looking forward to expanding her education and learning about things she wants to pursue. She’s planning to study business and art history.

The Out-of-Door Academy celebrated its largest graduating class (95) in the school’s history.

Deb Otey, the head of school, described the class as talented, passionate, kind, confident and capable.

Photos by Liz Ramos

Ashlynn Calka, Avery Duffy, Ava Banks, Ariel Conway and Emma Arrigo say it’s bittersweet to be graduating.

— LIZ RAMOS

Madeline Crosby, Abbey Burwood and Olivia Seidensticker say their high school diplomas represent their years of hard work paying off.

Graduates decorate their caps to show where they are headed next school year.

Ryan Abernathy is the first to accept a diploma for the Class of 2024 from Head of School Deb Otey.

Trey Naese, valedictorian, is congratulated by Sean Ball, head of the upper school.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

SARASOTA 3582 Recurve Circle 4 Beds 4 Baths 4,302 Sq. Ft. Sara Boudarga 941-321-6352 A4588170 $2,999,995

PALMETTO 2121 5th Street E 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 3,010 Sq. Ft. Debbie Vogler 941-705-3328 A4573707 $1,299,000

BRADENTON 535 Honeyflower Loop 4 Beds 4 Baths 3,298 Sq. Ft. Heidi Cox 941-685-1529 A4610622 $939,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 11725 Strandhill Court 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,210 Sq. Ft. Tina Ciaccio 941-685-8420 A4610510 $930,000

PARRISH 1721 Twin Rivers Trail 4 Beds 3 Baths 3,300 Sq. Ft. Cheryl Roberts 941-266-1450 A4605624 $899,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 6514 Waters Edge Way 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,266 Sq. Ft. Mark Boehmig 941-807-6936 A4610315 $895,000

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

LAKEWOOD RANCH 6310 Watercrest Way 201 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,287 Sq. Ft. Jody Shinn 941-705-5704 A4607899 $730,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 6527 Moorings Point Circle 101 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,983 Sq. Ft. Marci McFarland 941-961-3390 A4611058 $725,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 4832 Boston Common Glen 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,245 Sq. Ft. Jody Shinn 941-705-5704 A4595995 $724,500

ELLENTON 5539 70th Drive E 5 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,201 Sq. Ft. Susan Katanic 941-400-0601 A4609489 $715,000

UNIVERSITY PARK 7351 Kensington Court 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,035 Sq. Ft. Jill Singer 941-350-4223 A4573427 $695,000

PALMETTO 611 Riviera Dunes Way 308 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,115 Sq. Ft. Debra Pitell-Hauge 941-356-0437 A4588950 $675,000

PARRISH 11432 30th Cove E 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,293 Sq. Ft. Kathy Valente & Gregory Zies 941-685-6767 A4607762 $649,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7211 Presidio Glen 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,173 Sq. Ft. Kathy Valente & Gregory Zies 941-685-6767 A4604251 $599,900

PALMETTO 2715 Terra Ceia Bay Boulevard 702 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,584 Sq. Ft. Debbie Vogler 941-705-3328 A4591806 $535,000

BRADENTON 4325 Dairy Court 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,816 Sq. Ft. Stuart Lawrence & Laura Lawrence 941-894-4001 A4610349 $499,000

UNIVERSITY PARK 7962 Tybee Court 7962 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,623 Sq. Ft. Tim Koons-McGee 941-320-7073 A4602165 $455,000

PALMETTO 3212 77th Court E 4 Beds 2 Baths 2,121 Sq. Ft. Mark Boehmig 941-807-6936 A4599419 $450,000

PALMETTO 3405 10th Lane W 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,604 Sq. Ft. Jinny Scherer 941-705-0877 A4611033 $399,900

PARRISH 10819 High Noon Trail 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,846 Sq. Ft. Debbie Vogler 941-705-3328 A4599578 $399,000

ELLENTON 4241 Day Bridge Place 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,656 Sq. Ft. Kathy Valente & Gregory Zies 941-685-6767 A4610653 $375,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7120 Cedar Hollow Circle 102 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,352 Sq. Ft. Carol Stewart 941-290-9150 A4594445 $349,900

PALMETTO 3307 54th Street E 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,040 Sq. Ft. Pamela Modisett 941-993-3967 A4607311 $320,000

PALMETTO 8517 Countess Avenue Cir 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,560 Sq. Ft. Jenine Meyer 941-266-8303 A4587109 $243,900

LAKEWOOD RANCH 16341 Daysailor Trail 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 3,442 Sq. Ft. Laura Naese 941-350-3657 A4610794 $2,575,000

SARASOTA 3769 Caledonia Lane 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 3,990 Sq. Ft. Richard Hearn 941-313-1591 A4579920 $2,000,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 17777 Lucaya Drive 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,914 Sq. Ft. Laura Naese 941-350-3657 A4606171 $1,675,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM 424037-1

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in Lake Club topped all transactions in this week’s real estate. W. Gary and Carole Booher, trustees, of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, sold the home at 16109 Foremast Place to Theresa Barton, of Lakewood Ranch, for $2.55 million.

Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, three-and-ahalf baths, a pool and 3,453 square feet of living area.

COUNTRY CLUB EAST

Mel and Joan Booker, of Penhook, Virginia, sold their home at 14810 Secret Harbor Place to James Christopher Howat and Amy Howat, of Grandview Heights, Ohio, for $2.01 million. Built in 2011, it has three bedrooms, four-and-two-half baths, a pool and 3,987 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,875,000 in 2023.

SHOREVIEW

Allan Woolway and Paula Kotary, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 8016 Grande Shores Drive to J. Brian Stone, trustee, of Moultonborough, New Hampshire, for $1.55 million. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,480 square feet of living area. It sold for $759,600 in 2020.

WINDWARD

Neal Communities of Southwest Florida LLC sold the home at 2562 Paradise Plum Drive to Paul Alan Robbins and Barbara Ellen Lowenthal, of Sarasota, for $1,190,700.

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

RIVER CLUB SOUTH

Todd and Debbera Johnson, trustees, of Chesterfield, Virginia, sold the home at 9806 Old Hyde Park Place to David Eakle and Shannon Sheehan-Eakle, of Bradenton, for $1,075,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,931 square feet of living area.

Karen Kehrli sold the home at 7619 Harrington Lane to Blake Daniel Singletary and Valentina Stevanovich Lassalle, of Bradenton, for $850,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,011 square feet of living area.

ROSEDALE

John and Pamela Sasa sold their home at 4739 88th St. E. to Robert Thomas Rosnack and Paige Nicole Liebchen, of Bradenton, for $1,065,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,014 square feet of living area. It sold for $550,000 in 2019.

TIDEWATER PRESERVE

David Oscar Stroly and Karen Stroly, of Bradenton, sold their home at 5514 Tidewater Preserve Blvd. to Theresa O’Neill, of Washington, New Jersey, for $975,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,514 square feet of living area. It sold for $585,000 in 2020.

RIVERWALK RIDGE CYPRESS BANKS

Deborah and Thomas Nevadomski, of University Park, sold their home at 12210 Lobelia Terrace to Benjamin and Kate Boatman, of Lakewood Ranch, for $961,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,729 square feet of living area. It sold for $500,000 in 2014.

DEL WEBB

Maureen and Richard Ferrette, of Bradenton, sold their home at 17722 Eastbrook Terrace to Thomas and Maureen Griffin, of Solon, Ohio, for $910,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,460

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

MAY 13-17

square feet of living area. It sold for $555,000 in 2020.

Michael and Susan Tighe, of Bradenton, sold their home at 6940 Gosport Cove to Tracy Schrantz and Samuel Reyes, of Bradenton, for $850,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,960 square feet of living area. It sold for $508,100 in 2017.

Carol Moran, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the home at 7609 Summerland Cove to Martin Weckerle, trustee, of Lakewood Ranch, for $493,000.

Built in 2023, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,458 square feet of living area. It sold for $475,000 in 2023.

RYE WILDERNESS ESTATES

Dwayne and Elizabeth Ludwig sold their home at 507 165th St. E. to Dennis Misser and Conner Nichel Daugherty, of Bradenton, for $890,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,612 square feet of living area. It sold for $472,000 in 2020.

LAKEHOUSE COVE AT WATERSIDE

Harold and Kathleen Miller, trustees, of W. Chester, Pennsylvania, sold the home at 8113 Sandstar Way to Christopher Kegan, of Sarasota, for $880,000. Built in 2021, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,132 square feet of living area. It sold for $534,300 in 2021.

64TH STREET COURT

Terence and Janis Rumberger, trustees, of Young Harris, Georgia, sold the home at 2201 64th St. Court E. to Suppa FL LLC for $840,000.

Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,458 square feet of living area.

ROSEDALE ADDITION

Carol Selvey, trustee, sold the home at 4723 Tobermory Way to Nicole Littleton and Paul Webster Littleton, of Bradenton, for $825,000.

Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,659 square feet of living area. It sold for $562,500 in 2017.

PALM AIRE AT SARASOTA

Mary Elizabeth Grey, of Sarasota, sold her home at 6913 Country Lakes Circle to Katharine Silverstein and Tyler Carney-Debord, of Sarasota, for $795,000. Built in 1984, it has three bedrooms, twoand-a-half baths, a pool and 3,264 square feet of living area.

Courtesy photo

This Country Club East home at 14810 Secret Harbor Place sold for $2.01 million. It has three bedrooms, four-and-two-half baths, a pool and 3,987 square feet of living area.

GREENBROOK

Kenneth and Pamela Smith, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, sold their home at 14129 Nighthawk Terrace to Larry and Diane Gretzinger, of Bradenton, for $700,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,639 square feet of living area. It sold for $325,000 in 2013.

TARA

James Gilman and Deanna BoileauGilman, of Sarasota, sold their home at 7038 Gosling Terrace to Michael McConnell Schmitz and Elyse Strum, of Bradenton, for $695,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,207 square feet of living area. It sold for $676,000 in 2022.

Robert and Sandra Brubaker, of Bradenton, for $585,000. Built in 1995, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,176 square feet of living area. It sold for $250,000 in 1999.

Monique Brown sold the home at 6710 Pleasant Hill Road to John Bourjaily and Laura Ann Bourjaily, of Bradenton, for $550,000. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,018 square feet of living area. It sold for $196,000 in 2010.

ONLINE

Joan Boughton, trustee, of Lake Forest, Illinois, sold the home at 6905 Chickasaw Bayou Road to

See more transactions at YourObserver.com

In with the new NOW TAKING CONTRACTS

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

ESPLANADE

Robert and Marie Reed, trustees, of Bradenton, sold their home at 12676 Fontana Loop to Diane Lynn Boone and David William Boone, of Bradenton, for $775,000. Built in 2014, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,825 square feet of living area. It sold for $455,000 in 2019.

RIVERDALE REVISED

HomeLight Homes Real Estate LLC sold the home at 4207 Third Ave. N.E. to Anthony Michael Veno and Wendy Leigh Chase, of Bradenton, for $775,000. Built in 1981, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,302 square feet of living area. It sold for $950,000 in 2023.

DOWNTOWN SARASOTA SOTA Residences & Hotel | 941.462.3900 | From $1.8M | Visit the Main Street Gallery | thesota.com

DOWNTOWN ST. PETERSBURG 400 Central | 727.209.7848 | From the $900,000s | Call for an appointment | Residences400central.com

MOVE-IN SPRING 2024

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

GOLDEN GATE POINT

LONGBOAT KEY

WATER OAK

Stanton and Susan Heintz sold their home at 6727 63rd Terrace E. to Nancy Phillips, trustee, and Jason Phillips, of Bradenton, for $705,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,726 square feet of living area. It sold for $319,900 in 2003.

Michael and Desiree Coluzzi, of Marlton, New Jersey, sold their home at 6404 67th St. E. to Scott and Mignonette Petersen, of Bradenton, for $664,900. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,106 square feet of living area. It sold for $630,000 in 2022.

Alan Burr and Tracy Wagner, trustees, of Galena, Illinois, sold the home at 6604 64th Terrace E. to Rosario Crouse, of Bradenton, for $570,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,327 square feet of living area. It sold for $440,000 in 2006.

En Pointe | 941.685.1598 | enpointesarasota.com | From $2,775,000

The Residences at the St. Regis | 941.213.3300 | SRResidencesLongboatKey.com

Sales galleries open and available for virtual or in-person presentations.

Virtual home tours | OnDemand local experts | Interactive site and floorplans

MichaelSaunders.com/New-Homes | 844.591.4333 | Sarasota, Florida Prices as of November 2023

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ADAM HUGHES

REAL ESTATE

Lake Club home tops sales at $2.55 million

5B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

IF YOU GO

EYE ON BUSINESS

THE SALT CAVES AND SPA Where: 5200 Paylor Lane, Sarasota Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday Cost: $25 to $55 Details: Provides salt therapy, infrared therapy and pet therapy Info: Call 290-5113

Photos by Liz Ramos

Myra Maldonado shows the inside of one of the salt caves. The salt came from Pakistan, and the cave was designed to transport people to a calm, relaxing “safe haven,” she says.

HEALING POWERS Owners Myra and Rafier Maldonado opened The Salt Caves and Spa after trying to find holistic treatments for their mothers, who eventually died of cancer.

LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR

L

akewood Ranch’s Myra Maldonado wanted to find a holistic treatment to help her mother, Maria DeJesus, who had liver cancer and fallopian tube cancer.

Maldonado said DeJesus decided to stop cancer treatments because she was tired of pumping medicine and chemicals into her body.

Maldonado’s mother-in-law, Annie Candelario, also was suffer-

ing from pancreatic cancer.

That’s when Maldonado started researching holistic treatments, but she struggled to find options that were affordable.

The desire to help her mother and mother-in-law feel better inspired Maldonado and her husband, Rafier Maldonado, to open The Salt Caves and Spa at Lakewood Ranch, which opened May 1.

Myra Maldonado said the salt caves are made of salt from Pakistan, and the goal is to create a calm, relaxing environment that

mentally transports people to a “safe haven.”

Although she knows it’s not a cure-all, Maldonado said she hopes the salt caves and infrared therapy can help people feel better in some way.

“If I could help even one person, to me, I’ve done my job,” Maldonado said.

The Salt Caves and Spa is the Maldonados’ latest venture in trying to help others.

The Maldonados started their careers as police officers in Long

“I’m not afraid to smile anymore!”

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

Island, New York, until surgeries caused them to retire from the force. Rafier Maldonado had back surgery after 12 years on the force, while Myra Maldonado retired after having neck surgery 14 years after joining the police department.

The couple then opened and owned an Edible Arrangements for 15 years. Maldonado said the thought was selling fruit would be a way to encourage healthy lifestyles.

In 2022, the Maldonados decided to sell the business and move to Florida to help care for their mothers. The cancer diagnosis for DeJesus and Candelario was heartbreaking for the family, and the Maldonados wanted to do all they could to help others have positive choices when it comes to dealing with health issues.

Myra Maldonado hopes she made DeJesus, who died of cancer in February, and Candelario, who died of cancer in October 2022, proud by opening their new business.

“What made us do this was hopelessness,” Rafier Maldonado said. “You feel hopeless when you get a diagnosis like cancer and you watch your parents fade away. So you want to help them before it gets to that point. Let’s take care of our bodies before we get to that point … If we can help anybody avert that and not have to go through that hopelessness, that’s what we want to do.”

Salt therapy, also known as halotherapy, helps with respiratory health, skin health, stress, anxiety and more.

Rafier Maldonado said although the therapies cannot cure illnesses,

it can help people get into a healthy mindset. He said they want to educate people on healthy and natural ways they can live at a younger age to avoid issues later in life.

Myra Maldonado said she wants every client to feel at home at The Salt Caves and Spa. She said she hopes halotherapy becomes a part of people’s lifestyles, like going to the gym.

The Maldonados not only want to help people, but they also provide pet halotherapy. They have an infrared halotherapy machine that people can go into with their pets to receive salt therapy.

“It’s funny because people ask why we’re adding that to a spa, but pets are still part of our family too, right?” Myra Maldonado said. “I think we spend more money on our dogs than we do on ourselves. We pamper them.”

Myra Maldonado said her 12-year-old dog, Minion, suffers from allergies, and the halotherapy helps his skin.

She said if the pet halotherapy becomes popular, she hopes to take it on the road in a mobile unit and start to treat more animals, including farm animals.

Rafier Maldonado and Myra Maldonado opened The Salt Caves and Spa to encourage healthier lifestyles. They opened the business after trying to find holistic treatments for their mothers, who died of cancer.

BRINGING JOY BY CREATING SMILES

AFTER

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.

PA R A D I S E

D E N TA L

Jeffrey Martins, DDS DENTIST AND OWNER

Rowena B.

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The Cosmetic Dentist of Lakewood Ranch

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

7B

Wild Blue

AT WAT E R S I D E

Grand Opening of 10 Models by the Area's Finest Builders

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

Visit Today.

8396 Sea Glass Court, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240 l 941.313.3852 From University Parkway turn south onto Lorraine Road and follow the signs to Wild Blue at Waterside

WildBluelwr.com Residences from $1 million ANCHOR BUILDERS • AR HOMES BY ARTHUR RUTENBERG • JOHN CANNON HOMES

ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING THE REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS REFERENCE SHOULD BE MADE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. ALL RENDERINGS AND PLANS ARE PROPOSED CONCEPTS SHOWN ONLY FOR MARKETING PURPOSES AND ARE BASED ON THE DEVELOPER’S CURRENT PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN. DEVELOPER Proudly presented by RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY, REVISE OR WITHDRAW THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT PLAN IN DEVELOPER’S SOLE DISCRETION WITHOUT NOTICE. NOTHING HEREIN OR IN ANY OTHER COMMUNICATION SHALL BE DEEMED TO OBLIGATE THE DEVELOPER, OR ANY AFFILIATE OF DEVELOPER, TO CONSTRUCT THE PROJECT OR OFFER ANY OF THE PROJECT FOR SALE, AND NOTHING HEREIN SHALL BE DEEMED A GUARANTY OF ANY KIND. THIS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SALE OR SOLICITATION OF OFFERS TO BUY.

20 YEARS

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LEE WETHERINGTON HOMES • STOCK LUXURY HOMES • STOCK CUSTOM HOMES

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WEATHER

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST THURSDAY, MAY 30

SUNRISE / SUNSET Sunrise Sunset

High: 98 Low: 77 Chance of rain: 10%

FRIDAY, MAY 31 High: 95 Low: 72 Chance of rain: 41%

Thursday, May 30

6:34a

8:19p

Friday, May 30

6:34a

8:19p

Saturday, June 1

6:34a

8:20p

Sunday, June 2

6:34a

8:20p

Monday, June 3

6:34a

8:21p

Tuesday,June 4

6:33a

8:21p

Wednesday, June 5

6:33a

8:22p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, JUNE 1 High: 93 Low: 70 Chance of rain: 40%

May 30 Last

June 6 New

June 13 First

June 21 Full

RAINFALL

SUNDAY, JUNE 2 High: 93 Low: 71 Chance of rain: 21% Gordon Silver took this photo of hibiscus in bloom in Del Webb of Lakewood Ranch.

Monday, May 20

0

Tuesday, May 21

0

Wednesday, May 22

0

Thursday, May 23

0

Friday, May 24

0

Saturday, May 25

0

Sunday, May 26

0

*Rainfall totals from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

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

YEAR TO DATE: 2024 9.69 in.

2023 6.05 in.

MONTH TO DATE: 2024 0.02 in.

2023 0.66 in.

We have all of your luxury flooring needs carpet | hardwood | tile | stone | pavers | and more Sarasota 941.355.8437 | Bradenton 941.748.4679 | Venice 941.493.7441 | manasotaonline.com

Flooring Made for Your Family

crossword

celebrity cipher

DOUBLE TALK by Paul Coulter, edited by Jeff Chen Arizona

51 Irritates

119 Ledger column

52 Classic arcade name

120 Ding and dong

55 R.N.’s forte

121 Breaks off a relationship 56 Belgrade locale

3 Assigner of a G or R 4 ___ method (teaching technique) 5 Jargon suffix 6 Can’t stand 7 Milk dispensers 8 Arouse 9 Introductory course?

10 Amin of “The Last King of Scotland” 11 Calzone’s center?

12 PH-neutral vitamin brand 13 What a dump!

14 Kitchen addition?

15 Got an eyeful, and then some 16 Like adult male walruses 17 Chip slogan of the 1990s 18 Choosing rhyme’s starting word 22 Part of CBS ©2023 Universal Uclick

1 Character in many fairy tales 7 Employ additional employees 13 Nickname for a white terrier 19 Husband, in Honduras 20 Circuit board components 21 Brings into accord 23 *Hush-hush?

25 “Peter the Great” of the NHL 26 Jack who hosted “The Tonight Show” 27 Prepare to drive

32 Be of one mind

58 House shower?

minister

34 Seafood that may shock

60 Ethiopia’s ___ Selassie

91 Alternatively, online

you?

63 Miss Hawkins of Dog-

92 Color, as a cartoon

35 Soldiers can get drinks

patch who has her day

93 *”Nudge, nudge”?

from them, in two ways

64 Esau’s father

97 Not a fan of

38 *”Chop chop!”?

67 *Din-din?

100 Opposite of trans, in

42 Crush an exam

70 Newspapers, collectively gender studies

43 Muffin stuffin’

71 Classic name in wafers

101 Bog mosses

44 Like some wine or

72 Karate schools

102 Threat ending

martinis

73 Operatic villains, usually

103 Hairpin curve feature

45 It absorbed the WHA in

75 Non-jolting joe

106 Woman’s name derived

1979

76 Farm layer

from the Greek word for

46 *Can-can?

77 Joan of art

“peace”

50 “Nineteen Eighty-Four”

78 TV series with “NY,” “Mi-

107 Mention, with either

superpower

ami” and “Cyber” spinoffs

praise or approbation

53 Has way too much at the 81 Unblinking hieroglyph in

111 Phrase with a wave

buffet, in slang

112 *”Well, well”?

Egyptian mythology

28 They’re pressed to gener- 54 Movie magnate Marcus 83 *”All right, all right!”?

55 Screener at LAX and LGA 88 Aurora’s counterpart ate carriage returns 30 On dry land

57 Inclined, in a way

89 Burma’s first prime

116 Summon for duty 117 Still buggy 118 State that borders

24 Brightly colored, perhaps 29 Call for 31 Famed American clockmaker Thomas 32 “Sad to say ...”

33 Cotton pickin’ contraptions 35 Head of some families 36 Battery contents 37 Realizes, to a CFO 38 Sellout sign letters 39 Manhattan sch.

40 Restaurant with a green and red vegetable logo 41 Makes up?

43 “Forgot 2 say ...”

47 Matterhorn or Mont Blanc 48 Ancient mariner for 40 days and nights 49 Bare

60 “The ___” (Uris novel) 61 Year abroad in Mexico?

62 Freudian basics

YSKWL YAS AHXW ZSBOAM HLG GEWG ZSF MAWEF PSBLMFU EJ MAW ZFWWGSK YW WLVSU HJ HKWFEPHLJ.”

64 Completely committed

NBPEHL HGHKJ

65 “Later” 66 They’re often swiped at offices 68 Many millennia 69 It’s a long story 74 Ground cover 76 Manually operated fillers

“ZE UVV Z SX ZJ CI VZEP ZB BXXRAP BXCPXJP’B BNZOZR KZRA U BXJH, RAPJ VPR CP SX RAUR UJS Z’C AUNNI.”

77 “Nothing special”

HVUSIB MJZHAR

78 Salad veggie, for short 79 Foul mood 80 SSN, often 82 Seek a House seat 83 Dirty coat 84 Dirt bike cousins, briefly 85 Adversary 86 Letter openers 87 Halfway home?

“RMEXXEA, TVSX ELRSXUA, YLD’U MTJMGA UMSX LHH LD UVZX. UKX UEVRS VA UL MTJMGA SXXB UKX XDOVDX EPDDVDO.”

90 ___-friendly 94 Additional employees employed 95 Have high hopes 96 Tough it out 97 Circus sites 98 Peddle

© 2023 NEA, Inc.

OMEG AVDVAX

Puzzle Three Clue: P equals U

2 Between ports

59 Jeer

“MAW NWOHPU SZ RFHXW KWL HLG

Puzzle Two Clue: O equals R

1 Star who played Sparrow

58 Chocolate source

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

Puzzle One Clue: V equals J

DOWN

ACROSS

417954-1

at MANASOTA FLOORING INC

sudoku

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

99 Go by 102 Be bombastic 103 Premium channel choice 104 Queen of the gods, once 105 Drawn tight 106 Dire day for Caesar 108 NYSE debuts 109 Hatcher, Garr or Polo 110 QED’s “E” 113 Peace activist Yoko 114 Kimono’s closer 115 Harry and Hermione’s pal ©2023 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

5-30-24

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

9B

MAY IS BETTER HEARING MONTH!

Go For The Go For The

Experience Enhanced Sound Quality with our Experience Enhanced Sound Solutions!

Quality with our Personalized Hearing Personalized Hearing Solutions!

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

HURRY! OFFER EXPIRES 6/10/2024!

We offer 0% interest financing for 24 months!

We offer 0% interest financing for 24 months!

We offer 0% interest financing for 24 months!

We offer 0% interest financing for 24 months!

425221-1

­

Offers valid until 6/10/24.

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

SAME DAY CARE

HURRY! OFFER EXPIRES 6/10/2024!

RECHARGEABLE

REMOTE PROGRAMMING

A fast-charging option, a drying function via inductive charging, and intuitive left and right LEDs for status information.

Remote programming to resolve issues and make adjustments from the safety and comfort of your home or office.

UNIVERSAL CONNECTIVITY

SMART PHONE APP

Connect your Lumity hearing aids to your smart phone for carefree streaming of TV shows, movies, phone calls, music & more!

Remote Control App can control your hearing aid from a smartphone without the need for other hardware!

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY! FREE 2-WEEK TRIAL NO COST, NO OBLIGATION!

SOUTH CAROLINA LICENSE NUMBERS: HTP-1029, HTP-1024, HTP-1031, HTP-1023, HAS-0573, HAS-0642, HAS-0637, HAS- 0638, HAS-0633

GEORGIA LICENSE NUMBERS: HADS000995, HADS000996, HADS001001, HADS001003

425223-1

10B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

11B

5-DAY EVENT 5-DAYSPECIAL SPECIAL EVENT Monday, June 3rd – Friday, June 7th

Go For The

Experience Enhanced Sound Quality with our Unlike Any Other Hearing Personalized Hearing Solutions! Aid!

YOU DECIDE!

Try Lumity

for 30 Days

ABSOLUTELY FREE WE ALWAYS PROVIDE THESE SERVICES FREE!

THESE SERVICES FREE! WE ALWAYS PROVIDE PROVIDE THESE SERVICES FREE! NO COST, NO OBLIGATION

WE ALWAYS PROVIDE THESE SERVICES FREE! Reprogram your current It is important to have your Our Video Otoscope can hearing aids with your new hearing prescription and up-to-date software improvements at no charge.

detect if ear wax may be the reason you are experiencing hearing difficulty.

hearing checked at least once a year.

FREE

FREE

FREE

HEARING EXAM VIDEO EAR SCAN &It isCONSULTATION! MAKES SURE IT’S HEARING AID Reprogram your current important to have your Our Video Otoscope can Whether you're new to hearing aids, have older hearing aids or have NOT EAR WAX NO OBLIGATION! CHECK UP detect if ear wax may be the hearing aids with your new hearing checked at least

you are experiencing hearing over-the-counter prescription and tried hearingonce aidsa year. and are eager toreason experience even hearing difficulty. up-to-date software SPECIALS OTHER DIGITAL OTHER DIGITAL SPECIALS better sound improvements at no charge. quality, we have the perfect solution for you!

FREE FREE HEARING EXAM VIDEO EAR SCAN FREE & CONSULTATION! MAKES SURE IT’S HEARING AID

NOT EAR WAX NO OBLIGATION! CHECK UP 100% Digital Open-Fit BTE (Open Fit Behind-the-Ear)

100% Digital ITE (In-the-Ear)

100% Digital CIC (Completely -in-Canal)

100% Micro CIC (Completely -in-Canal)

WAS $795

WAS $995

WAS $995

WAS $1995

each

(Up to 40 db Loss)

NOW 395 $

each

(Up to 40 db Loss)

NOW 495 $

each

(Up to 40 db Loss)

NOW 595 $

each

(Up to 40 db Loss)

425224-1

NOW 395 $

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

5-DAY SPECIAL EVENT Monday, June 3rd – Friday, June 7th

INTRODUCTORY

!

HURRY! OFFER EXPIRES 6/10/2024!

We’ll test you for

and fit you with

Lum

y by

to try f

s LY FREE!

FREE HEARING EXAM! No Cost, No Obligation!

WE FIT FIT & & SERVICE SERVICE ONLY THE WE THE WORLD’S WORLD’S BEST BEST HEARING HEARINGAIDS AIDS

Elite Hearing Centers of America of

OUR PROFESSIONAL PROFESSIONALSTAFF STAFFOF OFDOCTORS DOCTORS OF AUDIOLOGY OUR OF AUDIOLOGY LICENSEDHEARING HEARINGAID AIDSPECIALISTS SPECIALISTS && LICENSED

erica

OVER 50 LOCO AV RN5S0 TE IO NAT LIO OC TID NA ION W NATIONW E! S IDE!

Rated

OPEN NOW: SARASOTA (941) 491-9309 2807 University Pkwy In Publix Plaza at University Walk

BRADENTON (941) 491-9308 2001 Manatee Avenue E. Ste 104 (Bradenton Pain and Wellness Center)

DELRAY BEACH (561) 728-1443 4900 Linton Blvd #3 (In between Poppies Restaurant and Kristi Cleaners)

SOUTH CAROLINA LICENSE NUMBERS: HTP-1029, HTP-1024, HTP-1031, HTP-1023, HAS-0573, HAS-0642, HAS-0637, HAS- 0638, HAS-0633

BOYNTON BEACH (561) 728-1446 4739 N Congress Ave (In between Dollar Tree and Fon Shan Chinese)

JUPITER (561) 728-1454 6725 West Indiantown Rd Bay 39 (In Jupiter West Plaza)

GEORGIA LICENSE NUMBERS: HADS000995, HADS000996, HADS001001, HADS001003

425225-1

12B

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

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

General Merchandise SIZZLING SUMMER SALE at Emiline’s Antique Mall!

BIKE 24" girl's 18-speed mountain bike $50 (941) 342-0446 CROCKPOT 6 QT. COOK & CARRY - Hi/low settings Digital timer Boxed w/owners manual $50. 941-342-0446

SENIOR LOOKING to purchase precious metals, diamonds, time pieces, coins, jewelry, antique and estate jewelry, and some collectors plates. Personal and confidential.

Please call Marc: 941-321-0707 WANTED TO BUY Vintage/Old Costume Jewelry in large amounts. 941-356-1568

Autos Wanted

GET RESULTS!

CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

PLACE YOUR AD ONLINE TODAY Visit the

RED PAGES

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Sporting Goods

PORCELAIN TILES, qty. 76, IMOL, gray, 12.9”x19.3”. New, in boxes. Pick up only. $150 941-779-3181 RATTAN KING headboard, glass-top triple dresser, 2 nightstands, mirror.

(941) 753-8866

Use the RED PAGES to clean out your garage

CALL 941-955-4888 Antiques/ Collectibles MOVING & ESTATE SALES 25 years experience estate sales & cleanouts. Free consultation.

(941) 356-1568

Garage/ Moving/ Estate Sales ESTATE SALE Friday May 31, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM - Saturday June 1, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM - Sunday June 2 9:00 AM-5:00 PM - Rain or Shine 4537 Chimney Creek Drive, Sarasota 34235

auto

Merchandise Wanted

BEACH’ N RIDES Electric Bike Shop! eBike Sales and Rentals Ride easy on an eBike with as much exercise or assistance as you want.

Leave traffic and parking problems behind!

13 models available.

Daily and weekly rentals available.

We also repair other Brands.

Open 9 to 5 daily except Sundays and holidays.

12208 Cortez Rd, FL 941-251-7916 Ext. 1

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE! 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

STORAGE FACILITY Boat/ RV/ Trailer. Secure facility, low monthly rentals, Clark Rd area.

941-809-3660, 941-809-3662.

WE BUY cars. top $$ paid for your vehicles.

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

The ideal candidate will have strong computer software and hardware skills. Familiarity with Adobe InDesign and Filemaker Pro is a plus. Florida notary certification is also a plus.

Please email your resume and WPM typing speed for immediate consideration to kboothroyd@businessobserverfl. com. Please also specify your available date to start. *This position must be performed in the office. No remote work is available.

Competitive pay, holiday pay, and health insurance available

SELL YOUR STUFF

GARAGE

SALE

Advertise as low as $17.50 per week!

941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

Adult Care Services CAREGIVER - LICENSED CNA 6 years experience w/ dementia & other ailments.

4-12 hrs, 5 days/ week & some weekends. $25-$30/ hr.

Best care for your loved one.

References avail. Marina 786-906-8103

Auto Transport

Advertise your business or service in the Observer

SHIP YOUR car, truck or SUV anywhere in the United States.

Great rates, fast quotes. Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

RED AdvertisePAGES your business

Cleaning BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service

by Maria. Residential. Meticulous Cleaning. Excellent References.

Free Estimates. Reliable. Lic./Ins. 941-400-3342.

or service in the Observer

CALLPAGES TODAY RED 941-955-4888 CALL TODAY 941-955-4888 Painting

www.braziliancleaningbymk.com

SARASOTA INTERIOR PAINTING

Handyman Services HANDYMAN SERVICES. 30 Years Experience. Can do jobs from the floor to the ceiling and in between. Inside the house and outside the house. No job is too small or too large.

Rick Whaley | 941-650-6696.

Painting CARLO DATTILO Painting Licensed & insured. Interior/ Exterior painting including drywall repair and retexturing.

Wallpaper installation & removal, pressure washing. Residential & commercial, condos.

Honest & reliable.

Free estimates. 941-744-1020.

35+ years experience.

This week’s Crossword answers

HIGH-END INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING WE ARE THE BEST!!!

Residential & Commercial.

Fully Insured.

CALL or TEXT Don 941-900-9398

Professional Services

UBA PRESSURE WASHING AND SEALER (941) 320-6172 www.ubapressurewashing.com

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “The legacy of brave men and women who have fought and died for their country is the freedom we enjoy as Americans.”

Lucian Adams Puzzle Two Solution: “If all I do in my life is soothe someone’s spirit with a song, then let me do that and I’m happy.”

Gladys Knight Puzzle Three Solution: “Careers, like rockets, don’t always take off on time. The trick is to always keep the engine running.”

Gary Sinis

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2024 Universal Uclick

SEARCH the RED PAGES for GREAT DEALS To place an ad

Call 941-955-4888

©2024 NEA, Inc.

ADVERTISE YOUR MERCHANDISE with the total value of all items $200 or less in this section for FREE! Limit 1 ad per month,15 words or less. Price must be included next to each item. No commercial advertising.

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

Call 941-955-4888 Or Email ad to: classified@yourobserver.com (Please provide your name and address) Or Online at: www.yourobserver.com Or mail to: The Observer Group 1970 Main St. - 3rd Floor Sarasota, Fl 34236

941-729-5282 5 mi. west of I75 at Ellenton exit

THE BUSINESS OBSERVER newspaper is seeking a fastpaced, detail-oriented Proofreader / Typist for a full-time position in Sarasota, Florida. Hours are 9am5pm, Mon-Fri. Candidates must be able to type at least 75 WPM with great accuracy and proofread typed material and make corrections. Attention to detail is a MUST. Proofreading entails finding errors in the typed print that varies from the original document, not actually editing the documents for errors.

You’re only cheating yourself.

Items Under $200

Visit us at 1415 10th St. W. Palmetto. Mon-Sat 10a-5p, Sun.12a-5p

Help Wanted

peekers’ place

stuff

Our new and existing dealers are excited to offer special pricing during June. Special savings on unique gifts & antiques for yourself or someone special.

jobs

Service Directory - Friday at 3PM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card

Paint thethe town RED!RED! Paint town

redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages

home services

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

14B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

Aluminum

Brick Pavers

Handyman

Business in Christ

JOE DAVIS HD LLC

• Paver Sealing • Pressure & Soft Washing • Concrete Coating

• Doors & Trim Licensed & Insured • Laminate & Wood Over 30 Years Flooring FREE ESTIMATE • Tile Cabinets & Drywall • Texture Paint & Wood Rot 941-929-3000

Call or text today for a FREE estimate:

941.650.9790 941-321-2859 941.650.9790 www.BIC - CC.COM YoderAluminum.com

YoderAluminum.com

Cleaning

INTERIOR RENOVATIONS & ANYTHING FROM THE GROUND UP

GG1 Cleaning Services

Divorce without Lawyers

Indoor • Residential • Commercial Windows, Pressure Washing, Gutters

TEXT OR CALL 574-354-7772

Call Today for FREE Estimate

423.251.2368 / 863.473.1069

Divorce is never fun, but it does not have to be nasty & hateful! Protect your family relationships and assets from expensive Court litigation. Consider Divorce Mediation, the peaceful alternative.

KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES

Health

Computer

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

Pegatronics Computer Instruction and Repair It’s Easier Than You Think!

Call me for a free 30 minute consultation before you call a Divorce Lawyer!

Hardware Repair Virus / Malware Cleanup Software & Printer Install New Computer Setups New Purchase Consults Seniors & Beginners

We have mediated divorces involving up to 15 million dollars of assets over past 30 years.

William J. Leininger, JD

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

Learn Computer Basics Phones/Tablet Help Apple & Microsoft Problems Solved On-Site and Off Much More! Call Today!

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224 Recognized Among the Best Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Physicians in America

Pegatronics.com

941-735-3362

424368

424362

Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator 677 N. Washington Blvd Sarasota, FL 34236 SarasotaDivorceMediator.com 941-727-5555

Auto Service

Contractor

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC Midtown Medical Park 1215 S. East Ave. Suite 210 Sarasota, FL 34239

Professional Contractors Network, Inc.

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

The Only Thing You Have To Lose ... Is The Pain!!

Construction Estimating • Custom Homes Design Build • Restaurants-New/Remodels Office Remodels • Financing

FAST • EASY • SAFE

WE COME TO YOU

Find anything in the RED PAGES

941-955-4888

Email Project Information: PCNestimating@gmail.com 941-527-9414

5-Star Rated

Trades welcome to join our network! Please send email

SHOP LOCAL. SUPPORT LOCAL.

Home Services

Doors

424369

HoHoBuysCars.com

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

Let our Network Handle All your Building Needs

SELL YOUR CAR! 941.270.4400

KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES 424356

Attorney

425452

Over 100 Reviews Award Winning Services

424377

424361

Owner /Insured Operator Insured

425757

Dustin Yoder

Dustin Owner Yoder/ Operator

424357

“Specializing inin6” Gutters” “Specializing 6” Seamless Seamless Gutters”

Sliding Glass Door Repair

Are You Having Dryer Difficulties?

• Dryer hot but clothes still wet after (1) drying cycle?

• Dryer gets hot to the touch or doesn’t heat up at all?

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Take a simple test to see if your vent is clogged. Unhook your dryer vent & compare drying time.

Blinds/Window Treatments

Residential

941-705-5468

Commercial

Isabel M. Perez, Certified Designer

New Deluxe Rollers Will Make Your Doors Roll Better Than Ever Call Nick 928-2263 proslidingglassdoorrepair.com

424370

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

ALL PHASES OF INTERIOR & EXTERIOR REMODELING

Call Us for a FREE Estimate Today

GROW YOUR BUSINESS

941.879.6310 · designingwindowsbyisabel@gmail.com designingwindowsbyisabel.com

Call to reserve your ad space: 941-955-4888

425704

WITH THE RED PAGES

TREASURES

found here.

Looking for something? Your lucky discovery is closer than you think.

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

Call 941-955-4888 or visit YourObserver.com/redpages

Kitchen - Bathrooms | Windows - Doors - Floor Coverings | Repairs

424363

Fabrics · Draperies · Pillows · Bedding · Wall Coverings Valances & Cornices · Shutters & Shades · Upholstery · Motorized Systems

941-526-5396 | tomtka@tampabay.rr.com www.tkahomeservicesinc.com Licensed & Insured | License #CBC1256062

425455

YourObserver.com

15B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

Home Watch

Landscaping & Lawn

Screening

GARDENS No Job is Too Small!

by Allison

Design • Garden Beds • Landscape • Courtyards Clean-Up • Makeovers • Weeds • Trimming 941-400-0431 • gbyallison@yahoo.com • gardensbyallison.com

425458

1/10/23, 10:25 AM

Painting

GRAB BARS GRAB BARS

GULF TO BAY

LIFETIME GUARANTEE • LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED COVERAGEAREA: AREA:LAKEWOOD PARRISH TO NORTHPORT COVERAGE RANCH TO S. VENICE

Lifetime Sarasota Resident & Owner

DRGRABBARS.COM

gulftobaypremierpainting@gmail.com | lwrpainting.com

954-1878 (cell) 780-3346 Licensed & Insured

SHOWER & BATH MAKEOVERS Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

Call John 941.377.2940

Windows

Call Today!

941-504-9787

Ask about Community Discounts!

Knowledgeable & Uniformed | Trained & Certified | Licensed, Bonded & Insured

RELIABLE • INSURED

941-920-8221

RIGHT ON TARGET

Res. | Com. | Lic. | Ins.

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS

Formerly known as Sunrise Windows

Showcase your products or services each week in the Red Pages.

UP TO

CALL 941-955-4888

INCLUDING SCREENS, TR ACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

SPECIAL 00

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc. Building & Roofing Contractor

Advertise your business, starting at only $85 per month.

OBSERVER RED PAGES

Call 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

HEROES found here.

Relax. You’ve got better things to do.

Find a professional here in the Red Pages.

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

Call 941-955-4888 or visit YourObserver.com/redpages

150

25 $

STANDARD WINDOWS

Roofing

www.showerandbathsarasota.com

1/1

Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

Small plumbing repairs. Replace toilets, faucets, water filters, water softeners and repair leaks.

Free Estimates • Sarasota Resident Since 1974

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?tab=rm&ogbl#search/royaltreasurecasino%40yahoo.com?projector=1

Residential & Commercial Cleans

Mark’s Plumbing Service

RED PAGES

GLENN KROECKER

10% off

Airports, Concerts, Dinners & Cruises www.towncarservicebradenton.com

Crystal Clear Windows in Southwest Florida Since 2023

Plumbing

424343

THE GRAB BAR GUY 425457

941-248-4734

Cleaner Than Clean Window Company

Randy Schmidt | 941-702-3262

*DRILLING CHARGES MAY APPLY FOR MARBLE, GRANITE OR PORCELAIN. COUPON REQUIRED.

424378

424373

Complete exterior & interior painting Kitchen Cabinet Painting • Deck Stains & Coating Garage Floor Epoxy Coating

425894

941.966.0333

Licensed & Insured

• Aluminum, Vinyl, & Wood Soffit & Fascia Repair & Installation • Roofing Repair & Installation • Metal Roofing & Tile Roof Repair Specialists

5

$

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

PURIFIED WATER WINDOW CLEANING AVAIL ABLE!!

941-626-3194 424372

$ $235

INCLUDES22MOEN MOEN STAINLESS INCLUDES STAINLESS STEEL STEELANTI ANTISLIP SLIP CONCEALED PEEN CONCEALED SCREW SCREW GRAB GRAB BARS (16”BARS & 24”)(16” & 24”)

364556 425456

249 235 *

Luxury for Less

P REMIER P AINTING

COMPLETE INSTALLATION PACKAGE

$

BLACK LABEL CAR SERVICE

424345

CALL BEFOREYOU YOU FALL CALL BEFORE FALL

Transportation

410036

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

chrome_qrcode_1671726737617.png

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES 941- 284 - 5880

424374

424364

Personal Gardening Services | Designer

424344

Allison J. Abizaid

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

941.702.0437 | ShanahanLuxuryGroup@CBrealty.com | ShanahanLuxuryGroup.com

Top-Selling Lakewood Ranch Real Estate Team Family Business | Concierge Service | Proven Results

Kenneth Shanahan, PLLC

Katina Shanahan, PLLC

Tyler Shanahan, PLLC

941.702.0443

941.702.0437

941.961.8205

Featured Property 712 Sigsbee Loop | Shoreview at Waterside 3,207 Square Feet | 4 Bedrooms | 3.5 Bathrooms | Flex Room | Private Pool | 3-Car Garage

20918 Parkstone Terrace Concession

1182 Blue Shell Loop Wild Blue at Waterside

1095 Blue Shell Loop Wild Blue at Waterside

18mo. Model Leaseback

with 6 - 1 month extensions

$3,475,000 | 4,189 Square Feet 4 Bedrooms | 5 Bathrooms Casita | One-Acre Homesite

$4,895,000 | 4,368 Square Feet 4 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms 4-Car Garage | His & Her Baths | Casita

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$2,787,075 | 3,474 Square Feet 3 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms Flex Room | Pool/Spa | 3-Car Garage

Waterside Concession

The Right Representation Makes the Difference.

Contact Us to Learn More or to Schedule a Showing.

941.702.0437 | ShanahanLuxuryGroup@CBRealty.com 413840-1

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