Charlie Morton (above), a rising eighth grader at The Out-ofDoor Academy, had the opportunity to work one-on-one with a dog from Dogs Inc., formerly known as Southeastern Guide Dogs. He learned about training service animals during Dogs Inc.’s visit to the upper school campus in Lakewood Ranch.
Morton’s time with Dogs Inc. was a part of ODA’s newest summer camp, Hearts of ODA. Campers were encouraged to engage in different acts of community service throughout the week.
Campers played bingo with residents at Grand Living at Lakewood Ranch, read to Gocio Elementary School students, sorted non-perishable food items for All Faiths Food Bank, cleaned up a beach, and more.
Foodie friends
Isabel MacGloan and Jana Marra (above) are friends, coworkers and neighbors at Lakewood National.
The pair work at Elite IV Hydration, where Marra is the owner.
On June 19, the neighbors celebrated the summer solstice at Waterside Place because Agave Bandido threw a launch party for its speaktiki Maya, a cross between a speakeasy and a Tiki bar.
“We have a Tiki bar at Lakewood National, but we like to go out,” MacGloan said.
MacGloan and Marra have an active after-work routine that includes a favorite spot in every entertainment hub in the area. The foodies love Osteria 500 at Waterside Place, Georgie’s Garden Cafe at UTC and the Grove on Main Street. They say it’s a toss up between Fuego and Tsunami when at The Green.
Twice-denied Concession project approved
Developer drops lawsuit against Manatee County after 15 homes are approved near The Concession’s north entrance. SEE PAGE 3
Lesley Dwyer
Liz Ramos Jessica Ryherd, the director of marketing operations for Feeding Empty Little Tummies, is grateful for the support of Sisterhood for Good members like Peggy Kronus and Darci Jacob.
Courtesy image
Lesley Dwyer
District 5 candidate loves a challenge
Joseph Di Bartolomeo says citizens should stop voting against their interests because of a party affiliation.
JAY
HEATER MANAGING EDITOR
Joseph Di Bartolomeo describes himself as a cerebral type person who enjoys being challenged. Boy, did he pick a whopper of a challenge.
Tara’s Di Bartolomeo, who has no party affiliation, is running for the District 5 seat on the Manatee County Commission.
He said he no longer could sit on the sidelines — with those he calls bleacher screamers — and do nothing.
“I can’t sit by and watch what is going on,” he said. “No one in the county has any solutions. We have Republicans who hone succinct messages, and then just repeat them. So I am suiting up and getting on the field.”
He admits it will be a tough campaign.
“There is no way for me to compete with developer and special interest money,” he said. “But there are NPAs out there looking for a home. People are looking for moderate candidates with their best interests in mind. I never have been a politician.”
But that will mean stirring the pot enough to get voters to do their due diligence and not just mark a letter on their ballot.
“There is a level of complacency in the county in terms of being informed,” he said. “The problem I see is the focus on the commission. They are trying to find answers of problems that don’t exist in our community. I am focused on the property owners. They have a vested interest in my being elected.”
Di Bartolomeo makes it clear that he is not against growth.
“There is this focus that we are overdeveloping,” he said. “That is just a symptom of the underlying issue. A community needs to grow or it withers and dies.”
DISTRICT 5 CANDIDATE
District 5 candidate for the Manatee County Commission
Who: Joseph Di Bartolomeo
Lives: Tara Family: Wife, Helen; three children (grown), and three grandchildren Party: No party affiliation
Political experience: Currently serving the second term as the chairman of the Tara Preserve Community Development District; member of the Tara Master Association
He said commissioners provide sweet deals for developers instead of guiding proper growth.
“The way they normally build infrastructure here, the schools are overcrowded and there is traffic everywhere you go,” he said. “We need an economic plan that makes sense. We need to follow a viable growth trajectory. We need to pay as we go, and we are not doing that.
This board is not fiscally conservative.”
He said the county is overextending itself with bonds, and that eventually will lead to higher taxes.
“I am a capitalist,” he said. “But not at the expense of the people of the county. I hope people will get behind me, a businessman who understands how to make money. And I am not tied into the development community. Everything is on the up and up.”
Di Bartolomeo grew up and lived in New Jersey for much of his life, before moving to Manatee County 19 years ago.
“We were not a political family,” he said of his youth. “I was born traditional Italian Catholic and I attended
Catholic high school.”
He earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s in finance from Rutgers University. He earned a second master’s in information technology from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Di Bartolomeo has worked in both the public and private sectors as well as owning several small businesses. Among the businesses he has owned are landscaping, transportation, staff augmentation and professional consulting businesses.
He has not hired a campaign manager and is planning to knock on as many doors as possible.
Spending two terms on the Tara CDD helped prepare him for a run at a commissioner’s seat.
“It was about protecting the assets of the community,” he said of his role with the CDD. “It was about cost
“No one in the county has any solutions. We have Republicans who hone succinct messages, and then just repeat them. So I am suiting up and getting on the field.”
Joseph Di Bartolomeo
control and taxation. You need the same core competencies as a commissioner.”
As a manager, director or CFO, he said when your people come to you with problems, you tell them to simultaneously come with solutions as well.
“I am a problem solver,” he said.
Di Bartolomeo said if he was running Manatee County as a normal business, he would be trying to find
an untapped revenue stream. For instance, could there be untapped cruise ship capabilities at the Port of Manatee?
“Or you could get together small business owners and ask them what the county is doing right, wrong, or not doing at all,” he said.
He believes the citizens of Manatee County’s District 5 will be open to a candidate without a party affiliation. He will find out in the Nov. 5 general election. He will face the primary winner between incumbent Ray Turner and challenger Robert McCann.
“Our issues are not red or blue, or right or left. I am going to reach people by using social media and by knocking on doors. I will speak to anyone about anything. People have to break the cycle of voting against their best interests.”
Courtesy image
Joseph Di Bartolomeo is running for District 5 commissioner in Manatee County.
County backs down after threat of $8.9 million lawsuit
LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER
Aproposal for 15 homes on a 17-acre parcel at the State Road 70 entrance to The Concession was approved June 20, but some Panther Ridge and Concession homeowners who are opposed to the project said they won’t back down because one vote by Manatee County commissioners didn’t go their way.
Those homeowners have vowed to continue with a battle that began four years ago over a patch of green space and a horse trail. They hope to raise funds to file a lawsuit against the county.
“Our boards, our residents, there are many of us who have a greater resolve than what I think The Concession (representatives) would like us to have,” said Nikki Olarsch, vice president of the Foxwood at Panther Ridge Homeowners Association.
“They can expect to see us again.”
The Concession developer Kevin Daves had an equally strong resolve to reallocate the 22 remaining units out of the 255 housing units that were approved in The Concession’s General Development Plan in October 2000.
Daves’ proposal was denied twice by commissioners in 2020 and 2021. In 2022, Daves filed a lawsuit against Manatee County claiming an estimated $8.9 million in damages for not being able to reallocate the units. Commissioners, in their first two votes, along with residents in Panther Ridge and The Concession, found The Concession’s proposal to be incompatible with the county’s Comprehensive Plan. Most of the surrounding homes sit on five to 10 acres. This project would be clustered on a 17-acre parcel that sits 1,500 yards from the gates that lead into The Concession.
In 2000, commissioners turned down the project for the first time, voting 6-1 against it. Another reason for the denial was that the property was home to a trail — an abandoned railroad easement from the 1930s — that had been used by Panther Ridge residents for horseback riding, biking and walking for 20 years.
Residents also said that the open area has helped the two communities in terms of flood control.
Bill Galvano, attorney for The Concession Golf Club and former state senator, said the developer had considered environmental effects.
“This proposal doesn’t represent any significant environmental negative impact,” Galvano said. “They’re not impacting wetlands. They fit neatly into this existing development. And frankly, they’re consistent with the trends that are going on in this area.”
Since being rejected in 2000, the Concession’s plan was modified from 22 units down to 18, three of which will be moved to a separate parcel.
At the June 20 land use meeting, the current board approved the proposal to transfer the units from the original General Development Plan in a 5-1 vote.
The staff’s analysis was that the proposal “can be found to be” consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and in compliance with the
Land Development Code, and Daves will now drop his lawsuit against the county.
“It can be found to be consistent — I can drive a truck through that language,” Foxwood resident Mark Lyons said. “How many at-bats do these people get?”
“We have been advised by the county attorney’s office that we don’t have much of a legal path forward,” Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge said. “Our odds of winning this are slim to none.”
IN THE TRASH
Dan Lobeck, attorney for the Foxwood at Panther Ridge Homeowners’ Association, provided a packet of information for each commissioner that laid out an opposing argument to those odds. The moment the packet reached Van Ostenbridge’s hands, he stood up, walked over to the garbage can, threw the packet in and returned to his seat.
Residents, their attorneys, Commissioner George Kruse and county documents offered reasons as to why the odds were not slim to none.
“This is not my opinion. This is the county attorney office’s statement in the record of the lawsuit (filed by The Concession),” resident Rich Williams said as he read from the statement. “Denial did not deprive the plaintiff of the ability to make reasonable economic use. Plaintiff’s complaint fails to state a cause of action for inverse condemnation.”
The Florida Bar Journal defines inverse condemnation as “a claim made by a property owner that the effect of a governmental action on its property is so devastating that it is the equivalent of the direct exercise of eminent domain, and thus requires just compensation under the Fifth or 14th amendments.”
Attorneys for The Concession argued that they’ve had the right to build 22 more homes for 24 years, but Kruse said that doesn’t matter because Daves profited on the land twice already in that time.
Lawsuit played a role in commissioners reversing their position on the project.
“There may not be 255 physical structures, but that doesn’t mean they didn’t make a reasonable expected return on the land itself,” Kruse said. “They also subsequently sold the golf course, and part of that was with the cottage rights. There were 16 of them, and now they’re trying to take those 16 away that they already sold, and take them back after they profited from selling them the first time with the golf course.”
The Concession sold all 255 lots, but many to the same owners for single homes. Olarsch said the developer’s “stupidity” should not be the public’s problem.
“As the developer, you made that choice,” she said. “Now, it’s become the public’s problem that you think you’re entitled, like some child, to get whatever you want just because you have money to keep pushing the issue.”
FILED UNDER BERT HARRIS Daves’ lawsuit was filed under the Bert J. Harris Jr. Private Property Rights Protection Act. To summarize the act, the government can’t inordinately burden a piece of private property with laws and regulations.
When passed in 1995, the focus was on farmers. Now, the act is often used by developers when their projects are denied.
“(The Harris Act) has taken away all subjective opinions of a board to do what’s in the best interest for the community,” Kruse said. “It’s tried to quantitatively analyze things that, in some cases, just have to be qualitatively analyzed.”
Commissioner Ray Turner said the commission has to try to avoid litigation if the county attorney says the case has merit.
“We can’t take the approach of — it’s only $9 million and it serves this small number of people,” he said. “It’s the rest of the county’s money, too.”
Kruse said there’s no way The Concession has a viable Bert Harris claim because the act doesn’t state how
TIMELINE TO APPROVAL
MAY 2020: The Planning Commission voted 6-0 to approve the transfer of 16 single-family detached villas within The Concession’s general development plan to 22 single-family home lots on the 17-acre parcel. However, the meeting was not properly noticed.
JUNE 2020: Residents argued their case, and the Planning Commission denied the project in a 4-2 vote.
JULY 2020: Commissioners denied the project in a 6-1 vote.
JANUARY 2021: After Concession Land Development filed a petition for dispute resolution, mediation was held before a special magistrate. Concession Land Development agreed to modify its development plan.
AUGUST 2021: Another board that included current commissioners George Kruse, Kevin Van Ostenbridge and James Satcher, voted to deny the modified plan of 15 single-family houses in another 6-1 vote.
OCTOBER 2022: Concession filed an $8.9 million lawsuit against Manatee County.
SEPTEMBER 2023: Commissioners agreed to hear the proposal for a third time in accordance to a settlement agreement with The Concession. The number of proposed homes was 22.
JUNE 2024: The number of proposed homes was reduced to 18. Commissioners approved the request in a 5-1 vote.
much profit has to be made. The act simply states that a property owner is entitled to make a return that he or she could reasonably expect to make, which was accomplished when all 255 lots were sold for profit.
“What’s disturbing about this scenario is that, as Commissioner Kruse indicated, nothing has been taken away,” said Maggie Mooney, resident and legal representation for The Forest Homeowners’ Association. “The only thing ever denied was the right to place those units in a particular spot.”
Residents were calling the lawsuit frivolous and nothing more than a threat back in September 2023 when commissioners signed off on a settlement agreement that didn’t actually settle anything. The agreement stated that if the proposal wasn’t reheard for a third time, the lawsuit would continue. If the proposal was reheard and approved, the lawsuit would be dropped.
Galvano reiterated that message to start off the presentation.
“Commissioners, what you have before you today is a proposed ordinance that represents an opportunity for you to resolve, once and for all, costly, active, pending litigation impacting the taxpayers of Manatee County,” he said.
County attorney Christopher DeCarlo backed up Galvano saying that the lawyers and residents for the opposition group are asking the county to absorb the risk of a multimillion-dollar lawsuit because they don’t want to see a piece of property developed.
Lesley Dwyer
Bill Galvano, attorney for The Concession Golf Club, argues the developer is entitled to develop 18 more housing units on its property. Courtesy image
The proposed project site is marked in the hashed area, at the entrance to
Fewer bumps in the road
Motorists will see delays for two more weeks on Lakewood Ranch Boulevard due to intersection, ‘scratch course’ improvements.
ccording to statistics provided by Manatee County, more than 20,000 cars a day drive through the intersection of Lakewood Ranch Boulevard and Clubhouse Drive.
That is the biggest reason motorists have experienced a backup while intersection improvements are being made there.
However, Manatee County spokesman Bill Logan said the biggest delays are just about finished as intermittent lane closures are only expected for two more weeks.
The improvements at the intersection include the addition of a traffic signal, northbound and southbound right turn lanes, eastbound and westbound left turn lanes, new crosswalks with crosswalk signals, fiber optic communication related infrastructure, and advanced traffic management system devices.
Motorists also had to deal with other slight delays along that stretch of Lakewood Ranch Boulevard in the last week as a “scratch course,” was applied to reduce the effect of potholes.
That repair to the roadway, on Lakewood Ranch Boulevard between Switchgrass Trail and State Road 70, is not a long-term solution but a temporary fix until a major paving project begins.
Logan said the finished surface won’t be aesthetically pleasing, but the goal is to patch holes and shore up the surface so that the asphalt crews don’t have to make so many site visits.
For residents, it could mean less trips to the mechanic. AAA estimates the average pothole repair costs $425 in Florida.
Paving on Lakewood Ranch Boule-
vard began on June 21 and was completed by the time rush hour traffic began on June 24. Drivers negotiated through lane shifts, but no full-lane closures.
Manatee County put down a scratch course because that stretch of the road was in particularly poor condition. A scratch course is a thin layer of asphalt that will level the road.
The $16,448,575 major paving plan on Lakewood Ranch Boulevard is due to start construction in October 2025. The base and asphalt will be reconstructed on the 2.9-mile corridor of Lakewood Ranch Boulevard from University Parkway to State Road 70.
Traffic signals will be upgraded with Microwave Vehicle Detection Systems, which detect roadway data like the speed and volume of cars. Originally split into three separate projects that would have extended the completion date, the corridor is now expected to be finished by December 2026.
“Instead of stepping it out over a few years, I had (staff) prioritize doing the 70 to University stretch right away,” Commissioner Ray Turner said. “We’re not cutting that into sections. We’re not cutting anything. We’re funding the whole thing.”
If all goes according to plan, construction will then start on the inside lanes of Lakewood Ranch Boulevard from State Road 70 to State Road 64 in October 2027.
Lesley Dwyer
Manatee County laid down a thin layer of asphault to temporarily smooth the worst sections of Lakewood Ranch Bou-
can be done next year.
Creekwood roundabout hits road block
The $6.9 million project is headed toward a deferred list due to lack of funds.
JAY
Thomas Carter knows it isn’t completely official, but he and his wife, Diane, went out to celebrate nonetheless.
The Carters have been in a battle with Manatee County for the past two years over a proposed roundabout on Creekwood Boulevard and 73rd Street East that would cut off much of their backyard if constructed. The roundabout was part of a
$6,890,115 Creekwood Boulevard improvement plan to ease traffic concerns at the 52nd Place East intersection with Creekwood that serves the shopping center there. Those using the Creekwood Crossing shopping center have encountered long delays trying to exit the shopping center to turn left onto to Creekwood Boulevard to head to State Road 70. It has created unsafe conditions as motorists dart in front of each other trying to get into traffic. The idea was to force all traffic out of the shopping center, at that point, to turn right, then proceed to the proposed roundabout at Creekwood and 73rd Street East.
Last week, Carter received a call from Manatee County Commissioner George Kruse who said a county
staff report indicated an expanding proposed budget and limited resources forced it to recommend that certain projects be placed on a deferred list, and the Creekwood improvements project was one of them.
Asked for comment from the staff about projects that were being pushed toward a deferred list of projects, Information Outreach Manager Bill Logan sent an email that said, “It is important to note that while deferral has been recommended, nothing has been decided or finalized. At present, there is no list of deferrals. This topic won’t be discussed by the BOCC until Aug 1. “It is also important to remember that these are still being considered, and regardless of what projects end
PROJECT OVERVIEW
What: Creekwood Boulevard
improvements
Scope: Reconstruct median at 52nd Place East to restrict the left out movements and construct a roundabout at the 73rd Street East intersection. Rationale: Creekwood Boulevard at 52nd Place East has a full median opening that serves the shopping center to the east of Creekwood Boulevard. During the peak periods and peak season, traffic has been observed to queue from the S.R. 70 intersection to the 52nd Place East intersection. Also, traffic is observed to queue on the east leg of 52nd Place East to wait for a gap in the traffic on Creekwood Boulevard. Staff recommends restricting the left out movements at the 52nd Place East intersection and constructing a roundabout at the 73rd Street East intersection. Estimated cost: $6,890,115 Expended to date: $412,693 Original completion date: Summer 2024
up on the deferred list, no projects are being canceled. The intent is for deferred projects to come back in future CIP years.”
Kruse, who said he never liked or supported the project, said while that might be true, it is unlikely the project would come back in the next five years, if at all.
Carter is convinced he can now live in peace.
“I don’t mind when a county does a project,” he said. “But I do mind when they don’t do it right.”
He did say that Kruse warned him that a commissioner could move to take the project off the cut list, but that is unlikely since the project’s main proponent, former Commissioner Vanessa Baugh, has retired.
Carter said many other parcel owners affected by the project “would have a fit” if it was taken off a cut list.
He said county taxpayers also should have a fit if the project comes back.
“The project had gone to ‘regulatory takings,’” Carter said. “That means it would be more expensive. With regulatory takings, you can take the cost (of acquiring land) times two. That happens when the project hasn’t been done right. And part of that is that the county has to apologize to you.” Under the Fifth Amendment in the U.S. Constitution, a regulatory taking occurs when a landowner is deprived by a government action of economically reasonable use of value of the property. Carter said the county never notified homeowners of the project and instead worked only through the HOA.
Kruse said he recognizes that the stretch of Creekwood Boulevard is a problem area and needs to be addressed, but he said there are solutions other than “cramming it in someplace and encroaching on people’s neighborhoods and homes.”
He also noted that many other road projects were suggested by the staff to be placed on a deferred list due to lack of funding, such as three intersection improvement plans on Lakewood Ranch Boulevard. He said the staff report suggested deferring $38 million in improvements to the planned Lena Road extension and $76 million in improvements to the Lorraine Road widening and improvement project.
Carter said, apparently, the county is not rolling in bucks to do such projects, and that has been good news for him.
He called the county’s plan to take part of his backyard to build the roundabout “a land grab.”
Carter, a retired Army captain, put together several Power Point presentations that he sent to the county and he hopes that “tipped the iceberg.”
“The county does not like me,” he said. “I was a contracting officer in the military. I would have courtmartialed some people if this was my project. They just showed up with some stakes one day and put them on my backyard.”
The Carters’ home has been in the family for 19 years.
Construction on the project originally had a 2024 finish date.
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veins
to their
appearance. The enlarged and twisted veins can be cosmetically undesirable, and treatment can help improve the appearance of the affected areas.
Jay Heater
Tom and Diane Carter say a county commissioner has told them the county will no longer be taking part of their Creekwood backyard to build a roundabout.
ER AT FRUITVILLE TREATS PATIENTS LIKE FAMILY
Nova Wallenda and her 3-year-old son Jameson of Sarasota are part of the Wallenda Circus Family, well known for their entertaining high-wire stunts. Nova shares that Jameson loves playing outside with his friends and performing in the circus – he’s already participated in seven shows! A few months ago, Nova was concerned when Jameson was not his energetic self. He had a fever of 103 degrees, a runny nose and cough. She brought him to ER at Fruitville, located on I-75 and Fruitville Road, close to where they live.
“As soon as we walked in, we were in an exam room,” says Nova. Jameson was treated for an upper respiratory tract infection. “The ER staff was amazing with him. They gave him little stickers. The doctor gave him a popsicle. They explained everything and asked me questions. They were so reassuring.”
What Nova appreciated most was the feeling that they genuinely cared for her son.
County streamlines Premier management
Sports and Leisure will handle most day-to-day operations at Premier Sports Campus and Premier Park.
LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER
s Manatee County begins to develop its Premier Park land to the north of the Premier Sports Campus, it is looking to streamline its operations that oversee both sites.
“We have three departments that have their hands in the oversight of Premier,” County Administrator Charlie Bishop said. “So the events will be run by Sports and Leisure, and the day-to-day maintenance operations will be run by Property Management.”
The move will need to be approved by the Manatee County Commission.
The third department was the Convention and Visitors Bureau. Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Elliott Falcione said the updates will optimize operations at a facility that stimulates about $40 million in economic impact each year.
As a former assistant director of operations for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Falcione said he was a good fit to run the events at the Premier Sports Campus when it was first purchased by the county from Schroeder-Manatee Ranch in 2017.
“What we didn’t want to do was just make it another community park and then lose that annual impact to the community, especially when tourism tax proceeds were used to buy it,” Falcione said.
As more amenities at Premier Park begin to open, Sports and Leisure will have full-time staff on-site to manage the facilities, so Falcione said it makes sense for that department to also oversee the Premier Sports Campus.
Locker rooms and a permanent event tent are currently under construction at Premier Sports Campus, and the parking is being expanded to include a drop-off circle and overflow parking.
The event tent is climate controlled and includes restrooms and a backup generator. The overall project, which costs $3,746,949, includes lighting and additional parking. It’s anticipated to be finished in February 2025.
Information Outreach Manager Bill Logan said the county is expected to break ground on the Racquet and Aquatic Complex at Premier Park in early 2025.
FUTURE PREMIER PARK AMENITIES
These are the only amenities that have plans with estimated dates of completion. A baseball/softball campus, playground and recreation trail are in the park’s more distant future.
Pickleball courts: Summer 2026
Aquatics center: Summer 2026
Manatee County Sheriff’s
Office substation: Spring 2026
Parking garage: Summer 2027 or after
The plans for the complex were sent back for a third revision in December 2023 to eliminate the 25-meter-by-25-yard pool and stay within the $39 million budget. The plans for the complex are now 90% complete.
Tom Yarger, the division manager of Construction Services, said once construction starts, the complex will take about 18 months to finish.
Bishop said the county is exploring public-private sports partnerships at Premier Park that would be “game-changing.” He said details of such a partnership are not available to the public because the county signed a non-disclosure agreement, but should be making an announcement within the next six months to a year.
The county has yet to build a park amenity on the land it purchased seven years ago with the promise of park amenities. Commissioner Ray Turner, who represents District 5, said that is about to change.
“We just needed to get out of our own way with Premier Park,” Turner said. “We’re pressing on the gas now. We’re going to see a lot of this stuff rolling out a lot faster in the fall.”
Beyond First Class™
Sisters produce another record year
RECIPIENTS
■ A Door of Hope
■ Baby Basics of Sarasota
■ Beds for Kids ■ Beyond the Spectrum
■ Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Suncoast
■
■ Bridge a Life
■ Bring on the Ministry
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
Whisper Bend’s Melissa Wandall was filled with gratitude.
She held a check for $4,360 from Sisterhood for Good on June 20 as she shared how the money would help four local children who have lost a parent, sibling or guardian go to camp.
Wandall said her nonprofit, The Mark Wandall Foundation, usually takes 50 kids to a three-day camp that provides therapeutic services and more to help them through the grieving process.
This year, Wandall said the foundation sent 64 kids to camp, and there were still 24 kids on the waitlist.
BY THE NUMBERS
2011 Inception of Sisterhood for Good
10 Members when Sisterhood for Good started
$1,000 Total raised in 2011
2 Grants given in 2011
275 Members in 2024
Grants given since 2011
“We make our events so interactive and enjoyable that people want to come back, so it’s not pressure, it’s a pleasure.”
Angela Massaro-Fain
dren’s voices for the first time.”
Nonprofits like Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee and Baby Basics of Sarasota will use their grants to provide diapers, wipes and other baby supplies to mothers.
Jessica Ryherd, the director of marketing operations for Feeding Empty Little Tummies, said the $5,000 grant the nonprofit received will provide 3,000 weekend meals for approximately 500 children.
Ryherd said FELT served more than 377,000 meals in the 2023-2024 school year, and the nonprofit delivers meals to every school in Manatee County. For the first time, Ryherd said there was a wait list of people wanting to receive food.
Anna Crowe, who receives assistance from Harbor58, and her mentor, Annie Wilson, are grateful for Sisterhood for Good. The grants presentation event allowed them to spread awareness of Harbor58 and connect them with other nonprofits with which they can partner.
“Donations like this help us get a little bit closer to not having a waitlist because at the end of the day, we don’t want anyone to go without,” she said.
Nonprofits such as The Twig, Harbor 58 and Liquid Castles will assist children in foster care.
Stacey Maloney, the founder and chief executive officer of Liquid Castles, said its ultimate is to help those aging out of foster care be able to put down a deposit on their first home. The nonprofit received $4,000. Harbor58 is focused on providing life skills to teenagers in foster care and those aging out of foster care.
Annie Wilson, a mentor for the nonprofit, said receiving a grant from Sisterhood for Good is encouraging. Wilson said attending the grants presentation allowed Harbor58 to spread awareness of the nonprofit. She said she was able to educate others on the mission of Harbor58 and strike up conversations with other nonprofits that could lead to future partnerships.
Publisher and President / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com
Associate Publisher — East County Observer / Lori Ruth, LRuth@YourObserver.com
Executive Editor and COO / Kat Wingert, KWingert@YourObserver.com
Managing Editor / Jay Heater, JHeater@YourObserver.com
Director of Creative Services / Caleb Stanton, CStanton@YourObserver.com
■ Easterseals
■ Kids Against Hunger
■ Liquid Castles Inc.
■ Manatee Children’s Services
■ Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee
■ Prodigal Daughters Journey Home
■ Resilient Retreat
■ Resurrection House
■ Saving Our Seniors
■ St. Joseph’s Food Pantry
■ Suncoast Aging Network
■ Take Stock in Children of Manatee County
■ Team Tony Cancer Foundation
■ The Florida Center for Early Childhood Development
■ The Magic of Mittens
■ The Mark Wandall
■ The Players Theatre
■
■ The Twig Cares
■
“We cannot do this without our community,” Wandall said. “The collaboration we have with Sisterhood for Good is phenomenal. You can’t put a price tag on it. … The most important part (of camp) is they are connecting with other kids so they know they’re not alone in their grief.”
Angela Massaro-Fain, the founder of Sisterhood for Good, tried to hold back tears as each of the nonprofit’s grant recipients came forward to accept a check and then share how the money would impact their nonprofits during Sisterhood for Good’s annual grants presentation at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing in Lakewood Ranch.
Massaro-Fain was in awe hearing how the funds would help hundreds of individuals in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
Thinking back on how Sisterhood for Good started in 2011 with only 10 members and two $500 grants, Massaro-Fain said she’s filled with pride and humility to see the nonprofit expand to more than 275 members raising $153,036 to provide 40 grants for nonprofits.
“Taking care of our community, for me, is key,” she said. “Not everybody
has what everybody else has. Some people struggle, some people don’t, but for the people that struggle, they really need our help.”
The grants will help in various ways, from providing basic supplies, to care for babies, to helping children in foster care, to feeding families, to assisting animals.
Jill Gass, the vice president of philanthropy for Easterseals Southwest Florida, said the $2,500 grant Easterseals received will pay for communication devices for children who are nonverbal.
“Most of us can’t imagine not being able to communicate, but we have moms and dads sending their kids to us every day who have never heard their voices,” Gass said. “This grant will provide the opportunity for eight moms to hear their chil-
MORE MONEY RAISED
Every year since 2014, Sisterhood for Good members have been able to out-do themselves, raising more money than the year before. Massaro-Fain said it’s a result of the passion of the members.
“Nothing can take the place of being passionate about something you believe in,” she said. “We’re passionate about female group philanthropy and affordable philanthropy. Our philanthropy is affordable to the women who want to be able to write a small check and be able to participate in helping elevate our community.”
Massaro-Fain said she doesn’t feel pressure to have the nonprofit raise more money than the previous year but rather there’s a desire among members to do so. They work to make their fundraising events, such as Designer Bag Bingo and the nonprofit’s annual gala, so much fun people want to return year after year.
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Angela Massaro-Fain, the founder of Sisterhood for Good, presents a grant check to Beth Grogran, the founder of Magic of Mittens, which provides holiday gifts to families in need.
Sisterhood for Good presents grants totaling $153,036 to 40 nonprofits in Manatee and Sarasota counties.
Local author stirs up his own ‘mob’
So I was tipped about a local author, East County’s Mike Sisti, who has written a series of novels and developed an impressive following along the way. Well, la...de...da...de...da.
I often talk to local self-published authors, who are basically in the pay-to-play system.
If you have the bucks, you, too, can be an author.
Even so, I respect the dedication it takes to put together any book, so I figured I would check out Sisti’s story.
What I found was not so much a story about novels, but a story of inspiration.
You see, Sisti is a very young 84 years old.
That is not the clincher, though. I have met many of those latechapter-in-life authors, who finally have time on their hands, so they sit in their living rooms typing instead of watching Perry Mason reruns. I might be there myself one day. No, Sisti’s story is different. It’s about innovation.
And that’s what inspires me. Whether you are 8 or 80, you can tap an area heretofore untouched. But it takes daring, and perseverance.
Sisti’s idea was to recruit a legion of followers — he calls them “mobsters” — who care enough about his writing to spend their precious time reviewing his work, and giving him tips about his writing, book titles, or even art for the book covers.
His “Flash Mob” has grown to more than 550, what social media would probably call “followers,” and continues to grow even though none of his nine novels, although heralded with awards, have made their way to a best-sellers list. The mob has become a bigger story than the story. It could be argued that his process is more rewarding than the outcome.
“I started with six friends who
loved to read,” Sisti said. “They were fascinated by my writing process. They became immersed in what I was working on and they became a group of advisors. I am the author, and they submit ideas. They read my early drafts, and they don’t sugarcoat anything.
“They will tell me, ‘The book starts great, then drops dead.’ But they always are encouraging.”
In general, being an author is a solitary pursuit. Why would Sisti want to involve the masses?
“It’s much more fun,” Sisti said.
“Writing is a lonely business. When I start writing, the story starts to write itself and I just know what is going to happen. I do it myself in my office at 6 a.m., and I don’t know whether it is any good.
Other people start looking over my shoulder. It’s great. Some authors have a mentor or an advisor, or two.
Nobody has a group like this.”
Rhode Island’s Lucy Svagan is a proud mobster. She met Sisti when he ran the marketing department at Blue Cross Rhode Island.
“In essence, this is his own focus group study,” Svagan said. “And creative people jump at the chance to be creative. It’s nice to know we are part of something.”
When they worked together at Blue Cross, Svagan said Sisti would send out emails to his employees that were business related, and yet they always included some humorous story he had made up.
“He always entertained us,” she said. “And we liked him, so that goes a long way.”
Now he sends newsletters about his work to his “mobsters” and besides asking their opinions on his writing, he includes other bits of humor. She said she looks forward to the newsletters that come about once a month along with checking out his blog.
Has he taken any of her suggestions?
She said she voted on the best
design for the cover of his newest book, “On the Brink,” and also nixed a couple other titles that she considered kind of silly before he settled on the current one.
While many of Sisti’s original members of his “Flash Mob” were former coworkers, the group grew as they contacted their friends and word spread across social media. He has members all over the U.S. and one in Bordeaux, France.
“They all read, and they love getting involved,” Sisti said. “My open rate (for his newsletter) is 70%.”
Sisti’s current publisher, John Koehler, posted this on his site.
“My firm has published nearly a thousand books for 940 authors with sales of over 900,000 books. While most authors have a fan base, Michael Sisti has a large, dedicated organization. Sisti’s first book with us is the product of this synergetic collaboration, and why we signed him.”
As far as his writing, Sisti bases his topics on actual events, but strays from the facts so they are considered fiction and therefore, not open to lawsuits. He is publishing “On the Brink,” through Koehler Books of Virginia Beach, Virginia. It already has won the International Firebird Award.
His first book was “Executive Crumple Zone,” published in 2008. To find out more on his books, go to MichaelSisti.com.
Executive Crumple Zone involved his experience at Blue Cross Rhode Island, which began in 1996 when he was hired to be a consultant and then later hired full time, which lured him away from a marketing company he owned in Bergen County, New Jersey. He wouldn’t have left his company, but he said his wife, Sara, had breast cancer at the time, and he liked the benefits that Blue Cross would provide.
Changes in upper management caused him to leave the company and in 2002 he and Sara moved to
Sarasota.
In 2004 he decided to write a “little tribute” to his staff at Blue Cross.
“They were amazing people,” he said. “I still had my company laptop.”
He started looking back at some of the “zingers” he sent to his coworkers in the internal email account. “The department didn’t like the water in our water fountains so we — 25 of us — all paid for a water color, about $2.75 each a month. I wrote to them that I had been in meetings all month and had only two sips, so I only owed 25 cents.”
Eventually, he wrote his first book using emails to tell the story, another innovation. The story was loosely based on the true story of a state senator going to prison for his dealings with Blue Cross, and with Sisti, who was indirectly involved.
Sisti said he has been writing — “mostly essays and stuff” — since
he was a kid growing up in Brooklyn, New York.
His mother, Mary, was a disciplinarian and his dad, Michael, ran a printing plant. He was first generation American and his mom wanted him to become “a perfect kid,” sending him to Catholic grammar and high schools with nuns and priests.
He said more books are on the way.
“Writing is my drug habit,” he said. “And I need to support my habit.”
Jay Heater is the managing editor for the East County Observer. Contact him at JHeater@ YourObserver.com.
Lunch & Learns
Grand Living at Wellen Park, 19985 Market Way, North Port, FL 34293
Jeffrey Cameron, MD, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota Healthy Aging
Friday, July 26 • 11:30 am-12:30 pm
Christopher Cortman, PsyD, Licensed Florida Psychologist Depression & Dementia
Jay Heater
East County author Michael Sisti’s newest book is “On the Brink.”
Dr. Kansara
at Coastal Eye Institute, is a leading expert in the field of ophthalmology, specializing in:
• Glaucoma Management & Surgery
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His patient-centric approach ensures personalized treatment plans that cater to your unique eye
Whether you’re seeking preventative care or battling an eye condition, Dr. Kansara’s expertise and compassionate care can guide you towards improved vision and a healthier lifestyle. He is dedicated to staying at the forefront of ophthalmic advancements, offering the latest treatments and technologies to deliver the best possible outcomes for his patients.
Don’t miss this opportunity to receive compassionate and personalized eye care.
Kansara
Celebration uncorked
Fiorelli Winery to host holiday event to benefit Suncoast Charities for Children.
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
To Kristin Hokanson, celebrating Fourth of July means coming together with family and friends.
Even if it’s a few days early.
So that’s what makes the third annual Red, White and Blueberry Celebration on June 29 extra special for Hokanson, who owns Fiorelli Winery with her husband, John Hokanson.
“We’re excited to bring people into our family by hosting this event with great music and a great charitable organization,” Hokanson said.
For the first time, Hokanson said the Red, White and Blueberry Celebration will feature a band rather than a solo act. The country band One Night Rodeo will take the stage.
The event also includes food trucks, such as Southern Smoked by JP, as well as a variety of craft vendors.
Hokanson said the celebration will be family friendly with kids activities as well as the winery’s playground.
The night will end with fireworks at 9:45 p.m.
Hokanson said 10% of sales will go to Suncoast Charities for Children, which she said is dear to her heart.
Suncoast Charities for Children supports other nonprofits that serve children, teens and adults with special needs. Those nonprofits include Children First, Special Olympics Florida, The Florida Center for Early Childhood, Loveland Center, The Haven, Venice Challenger Baseball League and Suncoast Foundation for Handicapped Children.
Hokanson said Suncoast Charities for Children is important to her because her 46-year-old brother Shawn White receives services at The Haven. Hokanson said White
Details: Enjoy food trucks, craft vendors, live music and fireworks while supporting Suncoast Charities for Children
More information: FiorelliWinery.com/event/redwhite-blueberry-celebration
lost oxygen at birth, causing developmental delays.
“I’m sure everybody can think of a friend or family member who has some form of special needs,” Hokanson said.
Lucy Nicandri, the executive director of Suncoast Charities for Children, said the nonprofit is grateful for Fiorelli Winery’s support.
Nicandri said the population growth in Sarasota and Manatee counties is resulting in an increase in need of services for individuals with special needs. She said the rising cost of health insurance is causing parents to stop sending their children to therapy and other services.
“We are appreciative of anything that comes our way financially because it goes toward the bottom line and helps reduce the wait list too,” she said.
Courtesy image
The Red, White and Blueberry Celebration returns to Fiorelli Winery June 29 in East County.
CANDIDATES RALLY!
Driven to succeed
Manatee Technical College student says his MTC degree has given him power in the job market.
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
East County’s Evan Bouthillier always wanted to fix issues with his Ford F-150, but he didn’t know how.
As a senior in high school, he started working at Valvoline as a lube technician in 2019. He appreciated the experience and the opportunity to learn about multiple types of makes and models of vehicles.
But he wanted more.
After doing some research and hearing positive feedback regarding Manatee Technical College’s diesel systems technician program, Bouthillier decided to enroll.
When MTC hosts graduation for its programs June 26 and June 27 at its main campus, Bouthiller will be celebrating his ability to now fix not only his own car but other mediumand heavy-duty vehicles as well after completing the diesel systems technician program.
Bouthillier said he’s grateful for the experience he gained.
“Knowledge is power, and the connections get you there faster,” Bouthillier said.
Although between jobs at the moment, Bouthillier said the connections he has made through Adam Green, the diesel systems technician program instructor, has opened doors for him. He is taking the time to find the job that is the best fit for him because diesel mechanics are in high demand.
Bouthillier’s on-the-job training with Sun State International in Sarasota gave him hands-on experience to prepare him for his next job.
“(Sun State International) is never doing the same thing twice,” he said. “I loved the jack-of-all-trades kind of work I was doing. If I do the same
thing repetitively, I get bored quickly. I constantly want to be working and learning new things.”
Bouthillier said he was confident knowing that Green was working to get him a job.
“It gives you a sense of security,” he said. “I’m in the process of finding a job that fits me. There’s always going to be work, and I will always have a place to go. Because of how I performed as a student and the amount of certifications I built up on top of my (Commercial Driver License), I’m coming out in the top echelon of this group. I have so much available to me, it’s honestly a little bit mind boggling.”
Throughout his training in the program, Bouthillier worked on various vehicles, including light medium tactical vehicles from Manatee County Search and Rescue. He said working on the light medium tactical vehicle was one of his favorites because of its “phenomenal power.”
“The power that vehicle holds is absolutely invigorating,” he said. “It is so cool to understand how each one of these vehicles takes a diesel
receives hands-on experience in Manatee Technical College’s diesel systems technician program by working on Manatee County Search and Rescue vehicles. Bouthillier hopes to become a master mechanic.
Senator Rick Scott
Congressman Greg Steube (District 17)
Congressman Vern Buchanan (District 16)
State Senator Joe Gruters (District 22)
engine and uses it for its own benefit. … All the vehicles at our disposal really open the mind. It’s so fantastic to learn about so many different types of systems.”
Bouthillier said working on the various engines available in the diesel program and figuring out how they work was like magic.
“I’ve come to appreciate the amount of work it takes to put these magic boxes together,” he said, referencing the engines.
Bouthillier’s skills were put to the test during the SkillsUSA competition in April in Jacksonville. He was one of six diesel systems technician program students who participated in the competition. Bouthillier placed third at the state level.
MTC diesel students were competing against students from diesel programs across the state that have been running for years. MTC started its diesel program in October 2022.
With graduation around the corner, Bouthillier is focused on the future. He wants to continue to expand his knowledge and experience.
He said one of his goals is to pursue his automotive service excellence certifications, which are certifications to work on medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. The diesel systems technician program provides the opportunity for students to earn two of the eight potential certifications. Bouthillier wants to pursue at least five of the other six certifications.
With seven of the eight certifications, Bouthillier can become a master mechanic.
“If you have the master mechanic certification under your belt, you can go pretty much anywhere and ask for pretty much anything,” he said.
He said he would like to become a mobile mechanic because that can lead to him starting his own business. He said mobile mechanics have to be “the best of the best” as they can’t rely on the resources and safety of a shop.
“I definitely want to get to that type of status and be able to handle myself regardless of what I’m doing,” he said.
BY THE NUMBERS
Manatee Technical College will celebrate the graduation of nearly 600 students in its programs June 26 and June 27. The ceremonies are not open to the public. Here are how many students are graduating in each program:
Accounting operations: 5
Advanced manufacturing and production technology: 12
Applied cybersecurity: 16
Automotive collision technology: 8
Automotive service technology: 18
Baking and pastry arts: 7
Barbering: 10
Building trades and construction design technology: 14
CNC production specialist: 3
Computer aided drawing and modeling architectural: 5
Computer aided drawing and modeling mechanical: 5
Computer systems and information technology: 14
Cosmetology: 32
Dental assisting technology and management ATD: 8
Diesel systems technician 1: 15
Digital design technology: 4
Digital photography technology: 2
Digital video technology: 9
Early childhood education apprenticeship: 2
Electrical and instrumentation 1: 5
Electrician: 3
Emergency medical technician- ATD: 15
Facials specialty: 67
Fire fighter I/II: 20
Fire fighter/EMT combined: 33
Florida law enforcement academy: 19
Fundamental food service skills: 6
GED: 18
Heating, ventilation, air-conditioning/
Refrigeration: 27
Machining technologies: 1 Marine service technologies: 15
Massage therapy: 8
Medical assisting: 9
Medical coder/biller: 8
Nails specialty: 49
Nursing assistant-articulated: 1
Paramedic- ATD: 12
Patient care technician: 8
Pharmacy technician: 8
Practical nursing: 22
Professional culinary arts and hospitality: 3
Surgical technology: 11
Welding technology: 32
IT’S READ EVERYWHERE
Headed
A toast to the corner bar
Jack Dowd’s ‘Last Call’ gets another round at Ringling College’s Stulberg Gallery.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
esides home and work, humans need what urban sociologist Ray Oldenburg dubbed a “third place,” where people of different backgrounds can mingle and get to know each other. Historically, that place has been a church, a coffee shop or a bar. However, thanks to the internet, social media platforms have become a popular watering hole. Still, pandemic lockdowns — government or self-imposed — were a sometimes lonely reminder that there’s no substitute for communing in real life. That’s why Ringling College of Art & Design’s encore of Sarasota artist Jack Dowd’s installation, “Last Call,” comes at the right time. Some people will remember “Last Call,” a mythical New York City tavern, from its 2001 exhibition at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, where it attracted 40,000 visitors in 10 weeks.
Like the art itself, the June 7 opening reception for “Last Call” at Ringling College’s Lois and David Stulberg Gallery brought together people of varying ages from different walks of life. Some visitors, no doubt, were enticed by the offer of free food for
But most were there to hobnob with the artist and to get up close and personal with the installation, which was protected by a barrier but was surrounded by bistro tables with snacks. Just outside the gallery entrance, a bar sold drinks. As one patron exclaimed, “Everybody’s here!” Where else could you see Sarasota philanthropist and socialite Graci McGillicuddy ordering a bottled water from the Dawg In an interview, Ringling College Chief Curator and Director of Galleries Tim Jaeger says he considered holding the show during season but “A lot of people would have enjoyed this just as much or more in season, but it makes great sense to have this during the summer months because of how local Jack is,” Jaeger says.
SEE DOWD, PAGE 16
Courtesy image
Artist Jack Dowd, creator of “Last Call,” has been a Marine, a musician, a high school teacher and a bar owner.
“Furthermore, we’re not competing with other venues and other exhibitions for coverage. Also we could commit to a longer period of time,” he adds. The show runs through Aug. 16.
Jaeger, who hires Dowd’s son, Jon, to install artworks at The Ringling’s seven on-campus galleries, first met Jack Dowd around 2007-08. At the time, Jaeger had a studio on 10th Way near where Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is today.
“I was working on a series of chickens,” Jaeger recalls. “Jack coldcalled me and asked if I wanted to do a trade. I picked out one of his Andy Warhol statues, which is in my office today.”
Over the years, Jaeger and his wife, Cassia, began to socialize with Dowd and his wife, Jill. Jaeger also worked with Dowd on the artist’s “27 Club” exhibition at Ringling College in 2012. The show consisted of pastel drawings of performing and visual artists such as Amy Winehouse, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Jim Morrison and others who died at age 27.
“The ‘27 Club’ was one of the last exhibitions I did with Kevin Dean, who was my mentor and the director of Selby Gallery,” Jaeger says. Dean died in 2014 after curating more than 250 shows for Ringling College’s Selby Gallery.
CAPTURING A LIFETIME OF EXPERIENCE
Jaeger says he wanted to give “Last Call” another exhibition so newcomers to Sarasota’s arts scene would have the opportunity to view Dowd’s work and meet the artist in person. Dowd is going strong in his mid-80s.
In many ways, “Last Call” is the culmination of its creator’s artistic and life experience. A former Marine, Dowd is an artist and musician who taught high school on Long Island and ran bars there and in Vermont before moving to Sarasota in 1984.
“We found Sarasota by accident. I did an art show, and we thought we would like it here,” recalls Dowd. “We found a nice house on the beach on
Siesta Key. It was $100,000 for the house with two bedrooms and two baths. That’s when I really started working on my sculpture.”
The Dowds lived on Siesta Key for seven years before moving to Gator Creek, a community east of I-75 between Bee Ridge Road and Lorraine Road. “It’s not pretentious,” Dowd says. “Everybody has five acres or more. There are about 70 homes, and we don’t have a lot of rules.”
Before moving to Sarasota, Dowd reckons he owned 11 bars and nightclubs over a 15-year stretch. They ran the gamut — from Jack’s Backyard and The Canterbury Pub, both on Long Island, to a joint called Texas in Burlington, Vermont.
The assortment of 13 characters who inhabit “Last Call” is inspired by people whom Dowd met along the way in bars and on the streets of New York and Florida.
For those who want to get to know all of them, the wall of the Stulberg Gallery contains portraits of each character, with a painting by Dowd, a photograph and a brief biography that includes their favorite drink, fashion style and motto.
A character called Murphy, wearing roller blades, was inspired by the late John F. Kennedy Jr. during his bachelor years in New York City.
His personality traits: “Looking for the right girl. Hangs out on the Cape, loves to surf. Mode of transportation is bicycle or roller blades,” says Murphy’s bio.
Dowd discovered the inspiration for a waitress he dubbed “Courtney” after singer Courtney Love, when he saw a woman walking across Tompkins Square in New York City while he was installing one of his artworks there.
According to her bio, Courtney “spends time in the East Village, where she looks normal surrounded by hard people.” Dowd paid the model $25 to pose for him.
WORKING AT THE CAR WASH
Some of the characters in “Last Call” may look familiar because they are based on local personalities. The bartender is modeled on Jack Fehily, co-founder of Patrick’s 1481 restaurant on Main Street.
Another local in “Last Call” is Reggie, whom Dowd discovered working at Johnny’s Car Wash on Tamiami Trail.
It took Dowd two years and $200,000 to build “Last Call,” where a clock behind the 22-foot mahogany bar reads 3:55, just five minutes before the mandated 4 a.m. closing time in New York.
To make each figure, Dowd first photographed and measured his model. Jon Dowd would create a “skeleton” out of metal that would be covered with bendable wire lath.
Dowd put meat on the bones of his characters with oil-based clay that wouldn’t dry out if it was left for a time. Jill Dowd helped paint the resin sculptures that were made by a
foundry. “She has the patience of a saint,” her husband notes.
If you like “Last Call” so much that you want to take it home, you can: It’s for sale for $2.5 million, Dowd says. Look at it this way — it’s cheaper than owning a real bar and you won’t have to throw rowdy patrons out.
Courtesy images
Jack Dowd’s “Last Call,” a life-sized installation of a New York City tavern, is on display through Aug. 16 at Ringling College’s Stulberg Gallery.
This character in Jack Dowd’s installation, “Last Call,” is named “The Captain.” He likes motorcycles and billiards.
THIS WEEK
THURSDAY
SUMMER CIRCUS SPECTACULAR
11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road $20 adults; $15 kids Visit Ringling.org.
If you’ve never seen a performance in The Ringling’s jewelbox venue, the Historic Asolo Theater, here’s your chance. Presided over by Ringmaster Jared Walker, the Summer Circus Spectacular includes contortionist Uranbileg Angarag, acrobatic hand balancers The Bello Sisters, hair hang artist Camille Langlois, slack wire performer Antino Pansa and clown Renaldo, a veteran of the Big Apple Circus. Runs through Aug. 17.
The son of a religious woman and a Green Beret, Danny Bevins walks the tightrope between the sacred and the profane. Bevins has been seen on Showtime’s “Live From Amsterdam,” “Road Dogs with Billy Gardell” and “Sullivan and Son” on TBS. Continues June 30.
OUR PICK
CLASSIC MOVIES AT THE OPERA
HOUSE: ‘MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS’
Watch a classic movie in the beautiful, air-conditioned Sarasota Opera House as MGM’s “Meet Me in St. Louis” unspools. Starring Judy Garland, Tom Drake, Marjorie Main and others, the 1944 musical follows a year in the life of the Smith family of St. Louis, beginning in summer 1903. The film’s “Trolley Song” became a standard for Garland, who married the director, Vincente Minnelli. The two later became the parents of “Cabaret” star Liza Minnelli.
IF YOU GO
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave.
Tickets: $12
Info: Visit SarasotaOpera.org.
‘RHINESTONE COWGIRLS’
7:30 p.m. at FST’s Goldstein Cabaret, 1239 N. Palm Ave. $18-$42 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Created by Nancy Allen Productions, this musical tribute to some of the first ladies of country features such classics as Patsy Cline’s “Crazy,” Tammy Wynette’s “Stand by Your Man” and Carrie Underwood’s “Last Name.” Runs through July 28.
‘OAK’
7:30 p.m. at Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second St. $7-$44 Visit UrbaniteTheatre.com.
Urbanite Theatre wraps its 10th anniversary season with the Southern Gothic horror-infused “Oak.” Written by Terry Guest and directed by Mikael Burke, “Oak” is a National New Play Network rolling premiere. Runs through June 30.
‘THE MUSIC OF LAUREL CANYON’
8 p.m. at FST’s Court Cabaret, 1265 First St. $18-$42 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
If you know, you know. But not everyone knows about Laurel Canyon, the neighborhood above West Hollywood’s Sunset Strip that became home to folk musicians such as Joni Mitchell, Buffalo Springfield, Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young and The Mamas and the Papas. Runs through Aug. 25.
FRIDAY
KEITH ALBERSTADT
6:30 and 8:50 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd. $26 Visit McCurdysComedy.com.
Nashville boy Keith Alberstadt brought his comedy routines to New York City, where he made a name for himself with performances on “The Late Show with David Letterman,” “Late Night with Seth Myers,” “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and more. Runs through June 29.
‘A NIGHT TO REMEMBER’
7:30 p.m. at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave. $50-$100 Visit WestcoastBlackTheatre.org.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe presents “A Night to Remember” –three nights, actually. The benefit concert by the Soul Sensations and special friends runs through June 30.
DISNEY’S ‘FINDING NEMO KIDS’
7:30 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton $20 Visit ManateePerformingArtsCenter. com.
What makes this musical adaptation of “Finding Nemo” a kids’ show besides its family friendly material? Its length: just 30 minutes. Based on the popular 2003 Pixar movie, the musical follows Nemo, whose overprotective father, Marlin, conquers his fears when his son is kidnapped. With the help of the ever-optimistic Dory, the Tank Gang and others, Marlin and Nemo are reunited.
SATURDAY
CABARET ON THE BOULEVARD: CIRQUE
8 p.m. The Original Wolfie’s Rascal House, 1420 Boulevard of the Arts $50-$60 Visit CabaretOnTheBoulevard.com.
Grae Productions is teaming up with The Original Wolfie’s in the Rosemary District to launch a monthly cabaret series. The first event has a Cirque theme featuring an ensemble cast of vocal, burlesque, drag and circus artists, including Brian Craft, Ashley Figlow, Carmen Lai Garden, Mr. Gripp and Daly Santanta.
MONDAY
MONDAY NIGHT JAZZ AT THE CABARET
7:30 p.m. at FST’s John C. Court Cabaret, 1265 First St., Sarasota $34-$39 Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.
DON’T MISS
‘THE WORLD GOES ’ROUND’
Florida Studio Theatre kicks off its Summer Mainstage Series with “The World Goes ’Round,” a musical revue celebrating the works of John Kander and Fred Ebb. The show features memorable songs from hit Broadway shows such as “Chicago,” “Cabaret” and more. Runs through June 30.
IF YOU GO When: 8 p.m., Thursday, June 27
When: at FST’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St.
Tickets: $39-$59
Info: Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Season has ended, but it’s not over for Monday Night Jazz at the Cabaret as the Jazz Club of Sarasota presents the Rod Alnord Quartet. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for dinner and drinks.
WEDNESDAY
‘DEAR JACK, DEAR LOUISE’
8 p.m. at FST’s Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave.
$29-$46 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Acclaimed playwright Ken Ludwig tells the story of his parents’ courtship during World War II. The play follows U.S. Army Capt. Jack Ludwig, a military doctor stationed in Oregon, who begins a life-changing pen-pal relationship with Louise Rabiner, an aspiring actress living in the Big Apple. Runs through Aug. 11.
Image courtesy of Sarasota Opera
Image courtesy of Sorcha Augustine
Image courtesy of John Jones
Battered bliss: Comfort food never tasted so good
Where to find the best fish and chips in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
EMMA BURKE JOLLY
CONTRIBUTOR
There are a few things that no one prepares you for when you lose someone you love: the unexpected stream of tears when you’re listening to a happy song that reminds you of a moment in time, the brain fog that seeps into your everyday functionality and the fact that the term “comfort food” takes on a whole different meaning. I’ve learned so much about my mother in the last year (including just what a strong cookie she is and how chic she looks with her cute new bob haircut), but one thing that has never faltered is her reliable sense of where to find satisfaction in a fish and chip entree. If it’s listed on the menu, my favorite woman on the planet is without hesitation ordering the crispy golden platter of fish and fries that originates from her favorite place in the world — England. So let’s dig into some of the culinary comfort food that made its way across the pond and into our Gulf-side community.
STAR FISH COMPANY
12306 46th Ave. W., Cortez; 941794-1243; StarFishCompany.com
Recently recognized by USA Today, this historic Cortez Village foodie paradise has been standing since the 1920s, with a market added in the 1960s. With so few waterfront restaurants in the area (always a shock to our visitors), Star Fish not only has a fantastic Floridian view, its simple yet sensational menu makes the combo (water and food) as spectacular as the fish and chips.
You’re So Golden: You have lots of options for which fish you want fried alongside your chips here. They include grouper (market price), mullet ($9.95+), swordfish ($21.95) and so much more.
Oh My Cod: Make way for the Cortez special ($26.95) served with the best hush puppies this foodie has ever noshed on, homemade coleslaw and your choice of broccoli, fries or cheese grits. But it doesn’t stop there. Choose two of the following: shrimp, mahi-mahi, oysters, scallops, grouper, crab cake or clam strips.
OWEN’S FISH CAMP 6516 University Parkway, Lakewood Ranch, 941-951-5052; 516 Burns Court, Sarasota, 941-9516936; OwensFishCamp.com
Call me a repeat offender, but the foodie gods keep pointing me in the direction of Owen’s (the original in Sarasota or the LWR location). They know exactly how to dish out a plate of fish — no matter whether it’s fried, blackened or grilled.
You’re So Golden: Plated in Burns Court is the fish ’n’ chips basket with fries and slaw for ($18.99) that pairs perfectly with a nice Jack Daniel’s iced tea. Dig into the fish ’n’ chips made from Atlantic cod served with fries and slaw ($24.99) — with full bar access at all times.
Oh My Cod: No matter how influenced I may be by patrons around me, I will be a naked-fish girl (market price) until my last bite. Any locally caught fish of the day with lemon-caper butter is my first recommendation to any newbie at Owen’s. Sides? Slap on some cheesy grits and collard greens and I am the happiest version of myself.
THE OLD SALTY DOG
1601 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota; 941-388-4311; TheOldSaltyDog.com
What better way to bite into a beautifully battered meal than on the water at City Island’s Old Salty Dog? Serving Sarasota since 1985, with this location opening its doors in 1991, this stop is a must for locals and visitors alike. My family has been frequenting this restaurant since its debut.
You’re So Golden: Order the traditional English fish ’n’ chips ($18.99) and ask, “Can I get that extra crispy?” Trust me, it made the world of difference for the connoisseur of chips, Amy Burke. Filet of cold water fish, deep fried (and extra crispy, remember!) with fantastic French fries. Be like a Burke and order a side of boom boom
sauce to change up the ketchup game.
Oh My Cod: Want to wrap up the fish in a different way? Order the firecracker wrap with grouper ($19.99) in a chipotle tortilla with lettuce, tomato, tortilla strips and that bonkers boom boom sauce. If you’re like me, hold the tomato.
GEORGIE’S UTC RESTAURANT & BAR 229 N Cattlemen Road, Suite 69, Sarasota; 941-952-5001; GeorgiesGardenCafe.com
This UTC dining destination definitely elevated the cheap and hearty 19th century English meal wrapped in newsprint to a modernday entree served in a fabulously decorated ready-for-Instagram foodie bistro.
You’re So Golden: Georgie’s fish and chips ($24) is compiled of beerbattered Dover sole, crispy chips, lemon and, to quote the menu, “UTC’s best house made tartar.” Order truffle fries ($8) and feel like late Queen Elizabeth herself.
Oh My Cod: Talk about innovating and elevating — treat yourself to the Gulf grouper ($39) lightly blackened with truffle risotto, asparagus and lemon butter. Who needs chips when you can get truffle risotto?
SHAKESPEARE’S CRAFT BEER AND GASTRO PUB 3550 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota; 941364-5938; ShakespearesEnglishPub. com
You didn’t think I would leave off Shakespeare’s when rounding up the perfect fish and chips, did you? I remember one of the last conversations I had with my dad, when I asked, “Do you think the owners know how much our family loves it there?” He smiled and wrote, “You are like their own PR team.”
You’re So Golden: Once you’ve ordered your pint, go ahead and order the recommended English fish and chips ($16.95) made with flaky white fish dipped in the pub’s English-style batter that tastes like it crossed the pond on a ship itself. Fries piled high accompany the crispy fish, and you can choose from the authentic side of peas or cole slaw. Or do what I do and ask for both.
Oh My Cod: While I could never understand my parents’ obsession with fish filet from Micky D’s, I can definitely get down to clown with Shakespeare’s crispy cod sandwich ($15.95). Dipped in that delectable batter, this cod is accompanied with lettuce, (no) tomato, onion and tasty tartar sauce.
Image courtesy of Georgie’s UTC Restaurant & Bar / Facebook
Drive over to UTC and bite into Georgie’s fish and chips ($24).
ON TOP OF THE WORLD
Lakewood Ranch’s Denise Equinda took a deep breath and brought her hands together above her head.
She followed along as Courtenay Smith, an owner of Shack Yoga, guided Equinda and 17 other people through a yoga class during Rooftop Yoga on June 20 at the Lakewood Ranch Library.
“It was wonderful,” Equinda said. “My blood pressure just dropped to like zero.”
Participants and Smith said they loved Rooftop Yoga because it connected them with nature as they worked out on the roof of the $17.6 million library, which opened in January and now offers many programs to the community.
With a slight, constant breeze, Equinda said she was happy to spend the morning outside.
Smith, a Lakewood Ranch resident, said Rooftop Yoga was an opportunity for her to connect with other people in the community and an opportunity for her to give back to the community with the free class.
Photos by Liz Ramos
Courtenay Smith, an owner of Shack Yoga and a Rooftop Yoga instructor, says the setting of Rooftop Yoga allows people to connect with nature as there are nature preserves around the Lakewood Ranch Library.
Sarasota’s Amy Stine attends Rooftop Yoga to support Courtenay Smith, an owner of Shack Yoga, who led the class. “Courtenay is an amazing teacher. The experience and energy she brings is incredible,” Stine says.
Courtenay Smith enjoys leading Rooftop Yoga at the Lakewood Ranch Library because she can connect with other Lakewood Ranch residents. As an owner of Shack Yoga, she says it also gives her an opportunity to give back to the community through the free class.
Jan Morris enjoys Rooftop Yoga at the Lakewood Ranch Library. She was among 18 people participating in the class.
Rooftop Yoga participants take in the peace and quiet and focus on their breathing.
“I’m not afraid to smile anymore!”
Doctor Jeffrey Martins has changed my whole life. I’m so much more confident now and I feel better about myself. You see, I’ve always had such small teeth, and I was self-conscious about it. I didn’t like how they looked, so I never wanted to smile.
I tried to have my teeth fixed once before. I got some dental work done at another place about five years ago and it helped the situation some, but I wasn’t happy with the results. What they did to fix my teeth didn’t look natural and although I put up with it, the work they did was really only a temporary fix. I put up with it for a long time, but I was still always self-conscious about the way my teeth looked.
When I decided to visit Paradise Dental, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve always been nervous about having my teeth worked on, but everyone there was so friendly and the team really put me at ease. They took the time to listen to all of my concerns and what I hoped to accomplish, then recommended veneers for my front teeth. I liked that they took their time and helped me choose just the right color so my teeth would look more natural and not fake.
Now, everyone comments on my nice smile. I’m so happy about the results, but the best part is that I’m not afraid to smile anymore! They did a wonderful job.” - Rowena B.
PARADISE DENTAL
YOUR CALENDAR
COMMUNITY
THURSDAY, JUNE 27
ROOFTOP DANCE
Begins at 10 a.m. at the Lakewood Ranch Library, 16410 Rangeland Parkway, Lakewood Ranch. The Lakewood Ranch Library hosts a free rooftop recreational dance for tweens and teens. The program is for kids 8-12 and 13-18. Join other kids and learn a variety of dance styles like jazz, Latin, hip-hop and more. The event is open to all dancing abilities. No dance experience is required. For information or to register, go to MyManatee.org/Departments/Manatee_County_Public_Library_System.
‘SHOWTIME FOR KIDS’
Begins at 2 p.m. at the Braden River Library, 4915 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton. The Braden River Library presents “Showtime for Kids,” which will feature Wally the Wacky Bird, who is on a mission to find the most spectacular words ever. The interactive comedy is filled with puppets, balloons, magic and laughter. Sponsored by Friends of the Braden River Library. The free show is aimed for children ages 4-7. For more information, call 727-6079.
THURSDAY, JUNE 27
THROUGH SUNDAY, JUNE 30
LIVE MUSIC AT JIGGS LANDING
Runs from 5:30-8:30 p.m. each day at Jiggs Landing, 6106 63rd St. E., Bradenton. The live music lineup at Jiggs Landing includes Stumpy Joe (Thursday), Soundwave (Friday), Bluegrass Pirates (Saturday) and Flip Flop Dave (Sunday). The Friday and Saturday concerts have a $5 cover; the other concerts are free. For more information, go to JiggsLanding.com.
FRIDAY, JUNE 28 AND SATURDAY, JUNE 29
MUSIC AT THE PLAZA
Runs 6-9 p.m. at Waterside Place, 1560 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch. On Friday, singer/songwriter Paul Fournier will entertain those who stroll through Waterside Place as part of the free music series. On Saturday, Dana Lawrence will perform rock, blues, reggae and soul. For more information, go to WatersidePlace.com.
BEST BET
WEDNESDAY, JULY 3
FIREWORKS ON THE LAKE
Runs from 5-10 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. Fireworks on the Lake returns to Nathan Benderson Park, highlighted by a concert featuring Twinkle & Rock Soul Radio. The event also includes a Kids Zone, presented by Mote Marine, food trucks and other family friendly activities. The fireworks, which will last approximately 15 minutes, will begin shortly after 9 p.m. Parking on Regatta Island is $35 per vehicle. The South Lot parking will cost $25 for cars and $55 for recreational vehicles. A special event lot (next to Homewood Suites) will be available for $25. A VIP Viewing Experience will be available for $100 per person (including complimentary food and beverages, premium parking, and exclusive access to the air-conditioned finish tower). Go to FireworksOnTheLake.com to purchase parking tickets in advance.
SATURDAY, JUNE 29 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 Zumba class, led by Juan Baquero, is a free workout sponsored by Lakewood Ranch Medical Center and UTC retailers. For more information, go to MallAtUTC.com.
SUNDAY, JUNE 30
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 and dairy products. For information, visit MyLWR.com.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 3
BINGO Begins at 10 a.m. at James Patton Park, 7525 White Eagle Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. Bingo under the pavilion is hosted by Lakewood Ranch Community Activities. For information, go to LakewoodRanch.com.
Rowena B.
Navigating grief with the Butterfly
The Blue Butterfly Family Grief Program is part of Tidewell Hospice and Empath Health and is free for families in need.
it never crossed his mind to ask his other two children if they were being bullied because of their grief.
The topic came up during a support group run by the Blue Butterfly Family Grief Program. It turns out both his son and daughter had been bullied at school.
“I have this shirt that says, ‘My brother was so amazing that God made him an angel,’” Katie Powers said. “I wore it to school, and people were laughing at me.”
The kids didn’t understand what the shirt meant. Some confused Matthew with her brother, Robert. Others didn’t know the story and said Matthew shouldn’t have been driving at 15 years old.
Matthew Powers was 15, but he was the passenger. He and Chase Coyner, 17, died in a car crash at the intersection of State Road 64 and Pope Road on their way to a homecoming dance in 2018. He was a sophomore at Lakewood Ranch High School. Katie Powers was 11 years old at the time. She just turned 17 and volunteers for the same program that helped her navigate grief.
The Blue Butterfly Family Grief Program serves children ages 5-18 who have lost a loved one. The program also offers support groups to the caregivers. Beyond Lakewood Ranch, there are three more locations in Palmetto, Sarasota and Port Charlotte. Each location serves
To serve
ages 5-18 and their caregivers by providing a safe space to grieve and process after a significant death in their lives.
about 50 families a year.
Blue Butterfly is a program of Tidewell Grief Care. The services are free for families. Thanks to grant money, the program was offered in 10 Manatee County schools last year. The pilot program was successful, so the program will be offered at more
Courtesy images
Kids in the Blue Butterfly Family Grief Program find their inner superheroes on June 11.
schools as it grows.
Program Manager Danielle Wondrak said grief can cause symptoms in children that parents don’t always pick up on right away. Often, grief manifests through behavior — acting out in school or a decline in grades.
“We train the counselors at the schools,” Wondrak said. “It’s very cool because there are adults at the school that the student already knows, and they feel safe with them. But they’re doing our evidencebased curriculum and model.”
Clinical professionals lead all the support groups and activities at Blue Butterfly. Art, music, books and games are used to engage the children. Each semester is eight weeks, but families often enroll for multiple semesters.
Wondrak said it’s common for younger children to finish the program and then come back again at an older age when they can process more.
The Powers family members were enrolled for about three years. Dan and Katie Powers have both transitioned into being volunteers.
During a recent event centered around finding an inner superhero, Katie Powers unveiled her own superpower when asked to sit with a little boy who had never been away from his mom before. Katie read books with him until he felt comfortable enough to join the group.
“It made me realize that I do have an impact when I’m volunteering,” she said. “I’m not just moving chairs. I’m not just helping bring food to them. I’m helping them come out of their shells and work through their grief.”
Katie Powers had to work through her own grief first. One activity in particular stays with her. Participants are asked to paint face masks using different colors. They paint the colors according to how they’re feeling on the inside and also what they’re portraying on the outside.
“It helped me realize that I really needed to get help to work through those emotions that I was dealing with,” she said. “I did that project many times over the years. It was very cool to see how it changed after I got the help I needed.”
Robert Powers was 13 years old at the time of the crash. He’s 18 now and just graduated from Lakewood Ranch High School. The face mask painting was one of his favorite projects, too. Overall, he said the program helped him to simply feel normal again.
“Before Blue Butterfly, I felt like I was different,” he said. “I felt like people didn’t understand how I was feeling. But when I joined, I learned that there were people like me, who were going through the same thing I was going through.”
Specialized Dental Care
Kids between the ages of 5 and 11 created superhero costumes as part of their grief therapy on June 11 for “Find Your Superhero Day.”
401k Plans: Set and Forget?
Five Common Mistakes That Lead to Disappointing 401k Experiences
401k plans are often touted as a reliable way to secure your retirement, but a “set and forget” mentality can lead to several pitfalls. Here are five common mistakes investors make with their 401k plans and how smart investors can avoid them.
With 401k plans, set and forget often turns into set and regret.
– John B. Leeming, CFP® President at JL Bainbridge
1. Ignoring Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
Starting at age 73, account holders must take RMDs. Missing these withdrawals can result in penalties of up to 50% of the required amount. Set reminders or consult a financial advisor to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.
2. Overreacting to Market Fluctuations
Market volatility can be unsettling, but changing 401k investments in response to short-term shifts can harm long-term goals. Stick to a long-term strategy and avoid reacting to temporary market dips.
3. Missing Catch-Up Contributions
To “top off” 401k plans, those aged 50 and older can contribute additional dollars beyond standard limits—every year.
4. Overlooking Roth Options
A Roth 401k allows for tax-free withdrawals in retirement. If you expect to be in a higher tax bracket later, paying taxes now with a Roth 401k might be beneficial. Roth decisions may be related to catch-up contributions, too.
5. Using Target Date Funds
Target Date Funds (TDFs) automatically rebalance as you approach retirement, but they can involve complex fees and may not align with changing retirement dates. Review your investment choices periodically and consider alternatives that might better fit your actual retirement plans.
Your financial advisor should help you with your 401k plans. In fact, some financial advisors have tools to help manage your “held away” assets like employer-sponsored 401k plans. Actively managing your 401k is always better than using the set-it-and-forget-it approach to funding your welldeserved retirement.
JL Bainbridge family wealth advisors are fiduciaries with a duty to act first and foremost in their clients’ interests.
To learn more about JL Bainbridge or to set a time for your Free Financial Review, call (941) 3563435 or visit jlbainbridge.com.
Local man opens his heart, and toolbox
Country Creek’s Dudley Waters donates the tools he collected during his lifetime to help the community.
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
As usual, Lynn Howell, pastor at Myakka Family Worship Center, was helping a Myakka City resident with roof repairs June 21. Helping residents and church members with maintenance and building items has become customary for Howell.
But after a fire burned down Howell’s barn and destroyed all the tools inside on Feb. 25, he was unsure how he would continue to support community members in any of their home projects or conduct maintenance on the Myakka Family Worship Center.
Then he received a call from Country Creek’s Dudley Waters.
Waters read about the fire and how it impacted Howell and his family and wanted to help.
He said he already was contemplating what he would do with his large collection of tools and parts from three generations in his family because he’s moving into independent living. His collection included circular saws, chop saws, table saws, jigsaws, hammers, screws, lightbulbs and irrigation supplies.
Howell was the solution.
Waters invited Howell to his home to collect almost all the tools to donate to him and the church.
“I joked I had every tool known to man,” Waters said. “I hope it’ll be put to good use for the rest of (Howell’s) life and can be used to benefit the people around Myakka City.”
Besides the tools, which took two days and a U-Haul to collect and transport, Waters also sold Howell six 6-foot metal cabinets.
Howell said the donation was a blessing. Without the donation, Howell would have to either purchase tools or borrow from others.
TOOLS IN THE TOOLBOX
■ Circular saws
■ Chop saws
■ Table saws
■ Jigsaws
■ Hammers
■ Screws
■ Lightbulbs
■ Irrigation supplies
“We don’t have to run to the hardware store anymore. It’s right there for us, thanks to Mr. Waters,” Howell said.
He said he’s already used or has plans to use the tools to conduct maintenance work around the church, make minor repairs at a senior citizen’s home, build a ramp at a family’s home and repair a deck at another family’s home.
Although it might not seem like a big deal, one tool in particular from the collection is special to Howell — a 16-inch framing hammer.
“It was a hammer his dad had given him,” Howell said. “To me, that was the most treasured gift because that was something he gave to us he could have handed down in the family or kept it, but he decided to give it to us.”
File photo
Lynn Howell, pastor of Myakka Family Worship Center, says the donation of tools from Country Creek’s Dudley Waters will help him support the community and the church.
Pomello Park property tops sales at $4,295,000
ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR
Atwo-property sale in Pomello Park topped all transactions in this week’s real estate. John and Dorinda Maben, of Bradenton, sold two properties at 6605 189th St. E. to Jason and Amanda Koplin, of Golden, Colorado, for $4,295,000. The first property was built in 2000 and has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,474 square feet of living area. The second property was built in 2007 and has two bedrooms, one bath and 864 square feet of living area. They sold for $810,000 in 2014.
LAKEHOUSE COVE AT WATERSIDE
Armin Kamyab and Amanda Nicole Mindlin sold their home at 8088 Grande Shores Drive to David Van Ess and Diane Gallo-Van Ess, of Sarasota, for $2.05 million. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, a pool and 3,674 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.25 million in 2021.
LAKE CLUB
Christopher and Rachel Darling, of Bradenton, sold their home at 7920 Matera Court to Michael Bruce Schonberg, of Jersey City, New Jersey, for $1.92 million. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, a pool and 2,964 square feet of living area. It sold for $973,000 in 2020.
Patricia Notarianni, trustee, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the home at 7814 Bowspirit Way to Robert and Kimberly Burns, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1,895,000. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,734 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,580,600 in 2023.
Rhonda Wyatt, of Fort Myers, sold her home at 7993 Bowspirit Way to Robert and Jill Hamilton, of Bradenton, for $1.8 million. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,734 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,744,200 in 2023.
SHOREVIEW
Vasilios and Jennifer Kiritsis, of Sarasota, sold their home at 8052 Grande Shores Drive to Zbynek Knoll, of Sarasota, for $1.85 million. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,027 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.7 million in 2022.
Waterlefe Golf and River Club
Brad and Lisa Hantverk, of Sarasota, sold their home at 10510 Winding Stream Way to Lee David Freedman and Elise Bolasny Freedman, trustees, of Bradenton, for $1,265,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,132 square feet of living area. It sold for $600,000 in 2014.
ESPLANADE
Earle and Candice Benjamin, trustees, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the home at 4815 Cabreo Court to Thomas and Sally Purtell, of Honeoye Falls, New York, for $1,235,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 3,042 square feet of living area. It sold for $623,100 in 2017.
Ricky and Joyce Hudson, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the home at 13838 Messina Loop to Alan Gracie and Renee Elizabeth Gracie, of E. Amherst, New York, for $1,025,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,397
square feet of living area. It sold for $518,000 in 2020.
DEL WEBB
Scott and Kellie Bartholomew, of Bradenton, sold their home at 17819 Northwood Place to Norman Allen Murray and Susan Murray, of San Antonio, for $1,085,000. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,082 square feet of living area. It sold for $950,000 in 2022.
RIVER WIND
James and Janet Doherty, of Perkasie, Pennsylvania, sold their home at 983 River Wind Circle to Karen Lynnette Brian, trustee, of Bradenton, for $1,027,500. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,080 square feet of living area.
POMELLO PARK
Hunter Williams and Cathleen Muzzey Williams, of Lake City, sold their home at 7015 225th St. E. to Bobby Buntin and Edward Phung, of Bradenton, for $930,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,180 square feet of living area.
BRADEN WOODS
Nathan Jay Guess and Sarah Richele Guess sold their home at 6310 95th St. E. to Colin Daniel Thomas, trustee, of Lovettsville, Virginia, for $910,000. Built in 1985, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,196 square feet of living area. It sold for $485,000 in 2021.
GREYHAWK LANDING WEST
Jimmy Day and Kristin Day, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the home at 433 Chantilly Trail to Tomasz Wasik and Aleksandra Ginzburg, of Bradenton for $827,500. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, twoand-a-half baths, a pool and 2,632 square feet of living area. It sold for $522,200 in 2017.
COUNTRY CLUB
6615 Muirfield Village LLC sold the home at 6615 Oakland Hills Drive to William McDonald, of Lakewood Ranch, for $825,000. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,098 square feet of living area. It sold for $742,500 in 2023.
Richard Colby Hill, trustee, of Myakka City, sold the home at 6525 Oakland Hills Drive to Ann Elizabeth Schlicht, of Lakewood Ranch, for $620,000. Built in 2001, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,972 square feet of living area. It sold for $319,000 in 2004.
SAVANNA
Brandi Watts Mowles and Austin Wesley Mowles, of Bradenton, sold their home at 3321 Big Sky Way to Evan Matthew Keats and Michelle Keats, of Bradenton, for $810,000. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,778 square feet of living area. It sold for $595,800 in 2022.
Arielle Bell, of Lake Grove, New York, sold her home at 3320 Big Sky Way to Alexander and Natalya Koval, of Bradenton, for $590,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,192 square feet of living area. It sold for $485,100 in 2021.
HERITAGE HARBOUR
Robert Hrabovecky, of Aberdeen, North Carolina, sold his home at 6775 Wild Lake Terrace to Kim Calhoun and Jill Calhoun, trustees, of Bradenton, for $784,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,455 square feet of living area. It sold for $379,800 in 2017.
SOLERA
Oleg and Mariya Kulyk, of Bradenton, sold their home at 5381 Grove Mill Loop to Gregory Szarnecki, trustee, of Bradenton, for $745,000. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,537 square feet of living area. It sold for $528,600 in 2021.
ST. JAMES PARK
Michele Weisblatt, trustee, of Ronkonkoma, New York, sold the home at 6615 Hunter Combe Crossing to Southern Property Group Inc. for $730,000. Built in 1992, it has
RESIDENTIAL
JUNE 10-14
three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,597 square feet of living area. It sold for $260,000 in 1997.
RIVA TRACE
Carol Melendy and Christopher Tabb, of Charlotte, North Carolina, sold their home at 8045 Rio Bella Place to Ceclia Routh Hooper, of Bradenton, for $640,000. Built in 2013, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,961 square feet of living area. It sold for $375,900 in 2013.
GREENBROOK
Angelica Damaris Oquendo and Jonathan Michael Joyner, of Lakeland, sold their home at 15612 Lemon Fish Drive to Christian Michael Porter and Caitlyn Lykins, of Lakewood Ranch, for $639,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,572 square feet of living area. It sold for $362,000 in 2006.
Courtesy image
This Lakehouse Cove at Waterside home at 8088 Grande Shores Drive sold for $2.05 million. It has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,674 square feet of living area.
WENTWORTH
Margareta Carmen Stanciu, trustee, of Avon Lake, Ohio, sold the home at 7353 Windemere Lane to CSDANC LLC for $620,000. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, twoand-a-half baths, a pool and 2,059 square feet of living area. It sold for $337,000 in 2001.
WINDWARD
Neal Communities of Southwest Florida LLC sold the home at 8510 Frangipani Terrace to William Allen Hunter and Barbara Bradlee Hunter, of Sarasota, for $620,000. Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,862 square feet of living area.
HARMONY
Michael Gerard Waters and Ninoska Yadira Waters, of Winder, Georgia, sold their home at 11235 Spring Gate Trail to Christopher and Alison Hatton, of Bradenton, for $599,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,367 square feet of living area. It sold for $352,100 in 2018.
MOTE RANCH
Robert Hukezalie sold his home at 5774 Carriage Drive to 5774 Carriage Dr. LLC for $595,000. Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,203 square feet of living area. It sold for $288,000 in 2013.
Stuart and Arlene Samet sold their home at 5809 Carriage Drive to Mikhail and Marina Plotkin, of St. Petersburg, for $530,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,189 square feet of living area. It sold for $299,900 in 2007.
NOTTING HILL
John Wojcik, trustee, of Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, sold the home at 7322 Kensington Court to Bianco Realty Associates LLC for $584,000. Built in 1999, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 2,196 square feet of living area. It sold for $335,000 in 2003.
PALM WEST
Ronald Coleman and Sandra Coleman, of Jacksonville, sold their home at 5303 Ithaca Lane to Craig and Terra Bache, of Hayden, Idaho, for $570,000. Built in 1992, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,331 square feet of living area. It sold for $179,500 in 2000.
AZARIO ESPLANADE
Joseph and Laura Schnaufer, trustees, sold the home at 15672 Sacile Lane to Debra Jean Plourde and Douglas Ross Plourde, of Bradenton, for $560,000. Built in 2022, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,558 square feet of living area. It sold for $328,900 in 2022.
COACH HOMES AT RIVER STRAND
Loretta Kiara Kalamaroff and George Kalamaroff, of Clarence Center, New York, sold their Unit 4502 condominium at 415 Winding Brook Lane to Richard Gran, of Bradenton, for $500,000. Built in 2011, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,108 square feet of living area. It sold for $259,000 in 2014.
NAUTIQUE AT WATERSIDE
M/I Homes of Sarasota LLC sold the home at 2004 Pulpit Lane to Nolan Wiggs, of Sarasota, for $500,000. Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,743 square feet of living area.
SPORTS
Fast Break
from Webber International University.
Lakewood Ranch High rising senior running back CJ McRae II received an offer from NAIA school Webber International University (Babson Park) on June 21. McRae had 62 carries for 311 yards and two touchdowns in 2023. The Out-of-Door Academy football rising senior offensive guard Marvin Palominos and rising senior defensive back Frankie Clark announced they would play for NCAA Division III school Wabash College (Crawfordsville, Indiana) on June 12.
Former Lakewood Ranch High and NFL defensive back Dominique RodgersCromartie finished his season with the Tampa Nightcrawlers of the A7FL, a seven-on-seven tackle football league, on June 23. The Nightcrawlers (5-1) qualified for the league’s postseason and reached the conference semifinals before losing 50-13 to New Jersey’s Paterson U (7-1).
Former Lakewood Ranch High baseball pitcher Colton Gordon, a member of the AAA-level Sugar Land Space Cowboys (Houston Astros), pitched six innings and allowed two runs on five hits June 23 against the El Paso Chihuahuas (San Diego Padres), picking up the win in a 6-2 victory. Gordon holds a 4.67 ERA this season.
Jessica Nguyen (33) won the 19-27 flight of University Park Country Club’s Ladies Golf Association Individual Best Nine event held June 18. Charlene Creel and Susan Blackmore (36) tied for first place in the 1-9 flight.
… Professional softball player Taylor Pleasants, a former U.S. National Team representative, will hold a clinic at UMR Sports at 9 a.m. June 29. Registration is $100 and spots are limited. For more information, visit UMRSports.com.
“I enjoy the individual aspect of tennis. It’s all on me. I get the glory when I win and I feel all of the pain when I lose.”
THE STARS OF SUMMER
The Lakewood Ranch Little League U12 All-Star team has the experience and talent to go far. LAKEWOOD RANCH LITTLE LEAGUE 12U ALL-STARS ROSTER
RYAN KOHN SPORTS EDITOR
If his head coach is to be believed, the best 12-year-old baseball player in Florida plays for Lakewood Ranch Little League. That 12-year-old and his teammates are now hoping for a special summer.
Gustavo Omana stands like a bigleaguer in the field and at the plate. He’s never distracted or lackadaisical, instead thinking about where he should throw if the ball comes to him on defense, or focusing on getting his timing right on the next pitch.
This summer, Omana plays on LWRLL’s U12 All-Star team, which has aspirations of reaching Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and the Little League World Series. Every player on the team is considered elite for their age. Even so, Omana’s smooth play makes him unique.
strongly believe he would be the best player on the field at every position. He’s that good.”
In the team’s first district game June 21 against Buffalo Creek Little League, Omana hit leadoff and went 2-3 with two RBIs in the team’s 12-1 win, which was ended after four innings. It’s not just his play that makes him special, Batey said, but his attitude. He’s a charismatic figure in the dugout, egoless despite his talent. He’s loved by his teammates, Batey said.
In Omana’s mind, if the players perform to their abilities, they will be headed toward Williamsport.
“It’s going to take effort and work,” Omana said. “We need more practice and we need to not be lazy. We need to stay focused on the game.”
The U12 team has the same roster from a season ago, when it reached the state level of the All-Stars tournament. Everyone involved believes it has the talent to get there again, and perhaps advance into the
■ Jude Batey
■ Head Coach Josh Batey ■ Assistant Coach Jim Johnson
Assistant Coach James Clark
one run via a pair of walks and some heads-up base running, Lakewood Ranch pitchers James Clark and Ethan Snyder, who pitched two innings each, did not allow a hit.
The team’s patience at the plate stems from the players’ ability to listen to coaches and put their advice into action. Batey said the team’s buy-in is an advantage over other talented teams.
“This is the best team I’ve ever coached,” Batey said. “They are gamers.”
“It’s going to take effort and work. We need more practice and we need to not be lazy. We need to stay focused on the game.”
Gustavo Omana
The importance of the experience the kids received a season ago is incalculable, Batey said, and many of the kids have played together longer than that, some for as long as four years. The league has also made All-Stars a priority this year, with high-level clinics held starting in January as a way to get kids ready. Against Buffalo Creek, the team looked ready. Seven players had hits over the four innings, and three players who went hitless still reached base via a walk. Omana, Austyn Murphy, Charlie Springstead and Landon Rosenberg all had RBIs.
Though Buffalo Creek did score
The team also limits its mistakes. While Buffalo Creek walked eight batters and made defensive errors that gifted Lakewood Ranch runs, Lakewood Ranch pitchers walked just two batters while the position players behind them were calm and made throws on time and with accuracy. Lakewood Ranch has the talent to beat other teams, and is unlikely to beat itself, which is a fatal flaw for many teams in its age category.
It is not lost on the players how important that is.
“You need communication,” Jude Batey, Josh Batey’s son, said. “Otherwise you cannot bond and you won’t know what is happening.”
The players unanimously said they watch the Little League World Series each summer. They know the quality of teams that reach that stage. So do the adults at LWRLL. The league’s 1997 team reached Williamsport and is still the only Manatee County team to do so. In February, the team was honored with a plaque at the Lakewood Ranch Park fields.
Getting another team to Williamsport would beat the odds, but no one is counting this team out. Josh Batey said the team can accomplish anything as long as it continues to believe it can do it.
No matter where the team’s story comes to a close, the players won’t let results affect the bonds they have made during the All-Star process.
“When we step off the field (after a game), we’re friends no matter what,” Omana said.
— GreyHawk Landing tennis player, Hayley Roberts SEE PAGE 31
The Lakewood Ranch Little League 12U All-Stars have dreams of reaching Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and the Little League World Series.
Photos by Ryan Kohn
Gustavo Omana hits leadoff and can play any defensive position for the Lakewood Ranch Little League 12U AllStar team.
Local driver impresses at Ohio Speedweek
Sprint Car driver Conner Morrell said the nine-night Ohio Speedweek event was a test of endurance for him and his team.
The only thing that disappointed Conner Morrell about his Ohio Speedweek performance was the rain.
Morrell, a Braden River High alum, is a 410 Sprint Car driver. He has broken onto the national Sprint Car scene after starting his racing career while still a student at Rowlett Elementary Academy. Now 20 years old, Morrell made perhaps his biggest splash yet during Speed-
week, an event that has thrilled racing fans for 42 years. Held June 7-15, drivers compete night after night for nine nights, each at a different race track. The drivers tally points each night based on their finish before an overall winner is declared on the final night. More than 100 drivers participated in at least one Speedweek event this year.
When the dust settled on Speed-
week, Morrell stood in sixth place in the overall standings. He qualified for seven feature races — only two drivers qualified for more — and had an average feature finish of 11th place, with three top-10 finishes. In an event like Speedweek, consistency pays off. Morrell earned $4,340 for his effort.
Morrell’s week could have been even better. He qualified for the event’s June 8 feature race at Fre-
mont Speedway in Fremont, Ohio, in third place. Seven laps into the race, a deluge of rain hit the track, and the race was canceled.
“You can tell if you have a chance to win within the first five laps, because you feel out your car,” Morrell said. “We were fast (at Fremont). I think we could have won that race. I like a stable race car, one that I can finesse, and it was just perfect.”
The rain at Fremont aside, Morrell’s sixth-place finish in Speedweek is a sign of how far he has come.
In many ways, he has beaten the odds. He said Florida does not have much of market for 410 Sprint Car races anymore. The only big 410 races come in February, when Volusia Speedway Park hosts the DIRTcar Nationals and East Bay Raceway hosts a few High Limit races. Otherwise, Morrell said, Florida is bereft of opportunities for drivers in his class. He and friend Danny Sams, a driver from North Port who finished 11th at Ohio Speedweek, were good enough in their teenage years to earn opportunities out of state.
As a result, Morrell spends most of his time on the road, traveling across the midwest with his team. He comes back to Bradenton toward the end of November, once the racing season is over, to recharge.
Last year, that recharge was much needed. Morrell said he felt like he “hit a wall” in the second half of 2023, not finding much success after racing in some bigger events. That has changed in 2024. Morrell said he can feel himself improving as a driver, getting better at telling his team how he wants his car to feel instead of trying to adjust to his car on the fly.
“Some of these guys (other drivers) like to go bang the wall down,” Morrell said. “I’ll go and do that, too, but I would prefer to be more finesse and get the car where I want it to be on the track.”
This year, Morrell is not thinking about recharging any time soon. He still has half a season of racing to go, and he wants to make it count while
on an upswing. His next big race is the Kings Royal at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio, on July 20. A World of Outlaws-sanctioned event that will hold its 41st-annual edition this year, there will be $175,000 up for grabs at the event.
Race car driver is not the most glamorous job in the world, especially early in a driver’s career. The road to the big time is full of challenges, not the least of which is the financial side of the sport. Asked where he’d like to be in a few years, Morrell said he either wants to be one of the top sprint car drivers in the country or he wants to be a part of NASCAR on the stock car side of the sport.
Either way, he said, getting there will require a lot of funding. Morrell said money is the biggest obstacle to a racer’s success. Morrell said he believes he has the talent as a driver to reach those levels, but to upgrade his car and compete in bigger events, he’ll need financial support.
That support will come the more he keeps having success like he did at Speedweek. By racing at different events and traveling the country, Morrell can make relationships with sponsors. Right now, Morrell is sponsored by Tub O’ Towels and Amalie Oil Co., and he hopes to make those relationships bigger and better as the years progress. Through it all, Morrell said he would never want to be doing anything else.
“It’s an addiction,” Morrell said. “I love the community and I love the people I work with every day. I just love racing.”
Ryan Kohn is the sports editor for the East County Observer. Contact him at RKohn@ YourObserver.com.
Courtesy image
Braden River High alumnus Conner Morrell, 20, is making a name for himself on the 410 Sprint Car circuit.
Hayley Roberts
Hayley Roberts is a tennis player from GreyHawk Landing. Roberts finished fourth in the Girls’ 18s division of the Bobby Curtis junior sectional championships, held June 8-12 in Orlando. Roberts is a fourstar recruit and the No. 120 player in the national class of 2025 according to the Tennis Recruiting Network.
When did you start playing tennis?
I started when I was 5 years old. My family put me into a lot of different sports and tennis was the one that stuck.
What is the appeal to you?
I enjoy the individual aspect of tennis. It’s all on me. I get the glory when I win and I feel all of the pain when I lose.
What is your best skill?
I have worked a lot on the mental side of the game. At the Bobby Curtis event, I handled all of the big moments well. I was able to think clearly even though it was hot and we were playing two matches a day. I’m also consistent. Now that I can drive myself to practice, I can go a lot more and get in more hits, and that has helped.
What have you been working to improve?
My shot selection. I am trying to use my forehand as much as I can, and I don’t want to let my opponents get into a rhythm. I’ll mix in slic es or drop shots or loopier shots to do that.
What is the status of your recruiting process?
I’m still pretty open. I’m looking forward to this summer and competing in front of more coaches.
I’ll be at the Clay Court Nationals in Delray Beach in two weeks, and then I’ll be at the Hardcourt Nation als in San Diego in August. It will be the best players in the country coming together,
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.
and all the (top) coaches go, so it’s a big deal.
Do you get nervous to play in those bigger events?
I try to push it out of my mind when I’m competing. At this point I have matured enough that I know how. There are coaches there, but I still need to focus on the matches. If a coach sees what I can do, that’s great. They are not going to cross me off their list if I make one error.
I just focus on what I need to do on the court.
our favorite food?
Sushi, especially California rolls.
our favorite TV
That’s tough. I like ‘The Vampire Diaries’ a lot.
e your hobbies?
I enjoy doing things outside. I like to go fishing with my brother (Todd Roberts) or go to the mall with my friends. I like to try new food at restaurants.
What is the best advice you have received?
Trust yourself and take accountability for your decisions. And that’s on and off the
Finish this sentence: “Hayley Roberts is …”
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
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