East County Observer 7.4.24

EAST COUNTY

Observer

Young golfer has the drive.

Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998

PAGE 7B

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

FREE • THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

VOLUME 26, NO. 1

Former county services site to host 638 homes Manatee County’s controversial Lena Road land purchase close to being sold to D.R. Horton. SEE PAGE 3A

YOUR TOWN

PASSION WITH A PADDLE Cancer survivor JoAnn Moore takes Dragon Boat racing to another level in Sarasota.

SEE PAGE 1B

Courtesy image

Stirrup some fun

Ellie Wiget (above) spent her days June 24-27 getting to know Perfection, a mini horse.

Wiget brushed and styled Perfection’s hair, cleaned her stall, walked her around and performed other tasks around the farm during Hundred Oaks Farm’s mini horse and donkey camp in Myakka City.

The campers were able to work one on one with mini horses and donkeys, as well as participate in crafts and games.

Courtesy photo

Lakewood Ranch’s JoAnn Moore, standing atop the finish tower, is bringing the Unleash Your Dragon event to Nathan Benderson Park in January.

A principal willing to go to extremes

Courtesy image

His play is Yumee

Lakewood Ranch resident Bill Bozzone (above) is one five playwrights to be selected by the Sarasota Players’ New Play Festival to read his play aloud for the community.

The winning play will be produced in June 2025.

Bozzone’s play, “Yumee and Jack,” is set in an assisted care facility where “long-held secrets come to light.”

“Some years ago, my best friend’s father was placed in an upscale adult care facility in Connecticut,” Bozzone said.

“Our visits were the main inspiration for both the comedy and the drama of this play.”

“Yumee and Jack” will be read at 7:30 p.m. on July 9 at The Crossings at Siesta Key, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail. A Q&A will follow.

Todd Richardson chosen to be the first principal of Lakewood Ranch’s new K-8 school.

SEE PAGE 12A Courtesy image

As principal of the new K-8 school, Todd Richardson will continue participating in fun activities as rewards for students, such as being taped to a wall.

A+E

On stage: Just for laughs.

PAGE 16A

2A

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

Manatee attempts to secure $7.5 million conservation grant The Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast is applying for a $25 million regional grant that would benefit Manatee.

STAFF WRITER

M

anatee County is working with the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast in an effort to secure a $7.5 million cost matching grant through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Nature Resources Conservation Service.

If awarded, the $15 million will be used to purchase conservation lands and easements in Manatee County.

The USDA caps the grants at $25 million, which is the total amount the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast is requesting for the region, which includes all of Manatee and Sarasota counties, most of Charlotte County and small sections of Hardee and Lee counties.

With the USDA’s match, $50 million would be spent on conservation across the region over the next five years, but there’s no plan as to exactly which properties will be bought.

“That’s what a lot of the public has trouble with. They think you know exactly what properties,” said Christine Johnson, president of the Conservation Foundation. “It’s a regional (grant), so it’s anything in this region that meets the criteria for what the USDA is trying to do.”

The grants are awarded through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program, which has four “priority resource concerns” that decide if a property is eligible or not — the long-term protection of land, degraded plant conditions, water quality degradation and inadequate habitat for fish, wildlife and invertebrates.

The properties must also fall within a USDA Critical Conservation Area. Johnson said all of Manatee County falls within one of the CCAs. It took about five months for foundation staff to fill out the application, which was submitted on June 28. Awards won’t be announced until the fourth quarter of the year.

“There’s no reason that money shouldn’t come in,” Manatee County Commissioner Ray Turner said. “We check all the boxes.”

Johnson said the foundation applied for the grant once before and didn’t get it. She said this time around, the staff has a much better idea of what the USDA is looking for and what their last application was lacking.

Manatee County’s pledge of $7.5 million will be matched and spent in Manatee County. Sarasota pledged $5 million to purchase properties within its county.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will also match funds as long as the properties have previously been targeted for acquisition.

The DEP will contribute $3.5 million to any project that’s listed under its Florida Forever Priority List.

Since 2001, the Florida Forever program has spent about $3.3 billion to conserve more than 907,412 acres of land.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services pledged $10 million for any priority properties listed under the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. Since 2001, the program has

Lesley Dwyer

President of the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast Christine Johnson chats with members Debi Osborne, Brandon Snyder and Robin Varon before Manatee’s celebration of purchasing Crooked River Ranch.

acquired nearly 69,000 acres of conservation easements from farmers and ranchers.

The Conservation Foundation pledged an additional $5 million, which brings the pledge amounts to $31 million. Johnson said that number makes the application “very competitive.”

If awarded, the $15 million total for Manatee County would go through the same process as any other conservation acquisition. Landowners submit their properties to be reviewed by the Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Committee. Then, ELMAC sends its recommendations to the Manatee County Commission for approval.

Landowners can also submit their properties to the Conservation Foundation directly. If the grant is approved, the foundation will administer it for the length of the grant.

“The USDA recognizes that these projects take years to pull together and can pop up as well as fall off, so they give you five years to utilize $25 million,” Johnson said. “There’s so much happening where we’re losing valuable environmental land, and this will quicken the pace (of con-

servation).”

One of the foundation’s major missions is to create a Southwest Florida Wildlife Corridor, and this grant could help move the project along.

The Florida Wildlife Corridor is 18 million acres, of which 50% is already protected, but it doesn’t connect to this region yet.

Currently, there are 18,000 acres protected in the Southwest Corridor.

The ultimate goal is to connect with the Florida Corridor.

Locally, the corridor starts from Duette Preserve in Manatee County. It expands through the Myakka Island Conservation Corridor down to the Babcock Webb Wildlife Management Area, which is just five miles from Punta Gorda.

Manatee County has worked with the Conservation Foundation on two recent acquisitions: Johnson Preserve on Braden River and the Crooked River Ranch.

“They basically brought Crooked River Ranch to us, and that was a great parcel for us,” Manatee County Commission Chair Mike Rahn said.

“They work very well with us and our staff. They’re good folks over there.”

GRANT CRITERIA ■ Property is located within a USDA Critical Conservation Area.

■ Purchase or easement provides long-term protection of land.

■ Property exhibits degraded plant conditions (sometimes from pests).

■ Property provides an inadequate habit for fish, wildlife and invertebrates (aquatic or terrestrial habitat).

■ Property exhibits water quality degradation (field sediment, nutrient and pathogen loss and field pesticide loss).

427498-1

LESLEY DWYER

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

Plans change The 161 acres along Lena Road purchased by Manatee County in 2020 went from potential county services to being sold to a builder for 638 homes.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

go according to the builder’s

File photos

DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT PLAN LENA RD.

I

f negotiations with D.R. Horton proposal, Manatee County will

get its money back on a controver-

CHANGING BOARDS AND NEEDS

Not one commissioner who voted to purchase the property at 1707 Lena Road still sits on the Manatee County Commission today. Kruse said due diligence was skirted in 2020 to push the purchase through before a new board came in.

By September 2022, the new board was ready to sell the property, so it was rezoned from Suburban Agriculture to Planned Development/ Mixed Use. “It creates value for us and also encourages developers to build what, we believe collectively, the community needs,” Kruse said during the land use meeting in 2022. “It’ll cre-

Potential County Warehouse +/-11.6ac 150k-120k sf

Cypress Strand Nature Park +/-17.75ac

Single Family +/-72.13ac Multifamily +/-19.46ac 330 units

RD.

The $32.5 million purchase was for 161 acres near the Lena Road Landfill. D.R. Horton has offered the county $35 million.

“On March 8, the evaluation committee met to review the four proposals received as a result of the Invitation to Negotiate,” county spokesman Bill Logan said. “The evaluation committee recommended the county enter negotiations with D.R. Horton. As of today, negotiations are ongoing.”

Commissioners George Kruse, Kevin Van Ostenbridge and James Satcher joined the board in 2020, a month after the property was purchased. While campaigning, all three said the land was overpriced at $187,488 per acre.

The board, at that time, purchased the former dairy farm from Musgrave Real Estate Holdings to build a county operations center and extend the life of the landfill.

A press release dated Oct. 13, 2020, said the site would eventually house a district office, property and evidence warehouse and a fleet maintenance facility for the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, along with field operation facilities for the Utilities and Public Works departments and possibly an EMS station.

The idea of building a transfer station adjacent to the landfill was also discussed by then Utilities Director Mike Gore.

D.R. Horton’s proposal, submitted on Feb. 20, is to build a $187 million mixed-use project that would include 116 single-family rental cottages, 222 single-family detached homes and 300 multifamily residences. Six acres would be set aside for commercial use and 11 acres for a warehouse site to be used by the county.

Commercial +/-6.13ac 55,000sf

LENA

sial 2020 land purchase.

Casitas +/-19.31ac 116 units

ate an opportunity to do things for an area that could use some more employment base and higher density residential. It’s closer to I-75 and steering it a little bit more toward the west than some of the other development is going.”

Only former commissioner Misty Servia voted against the rezone. She said it wasn’t the commission’s place to decide what an area should be.

As for all the plans the county made for the 161-acre property, well, plans change.

“A handful of the plans for it are no longer necessary, and it was going to be very expensive,” Kruse said.

He said new locations were found for the Utilities administration and the Sheriff’s Office fleet facility.

Utilities moved from 4410 66th St. W. to 3647 Cortez Road in March. The new location is a 20,806-squarefoot office building in the Wildewood Professional Park. It sits on 3.7 acres and was purchased in October 2023 for $3,366,813.

In the same month, commissioners voted to convey the 8.7-acre property on 66th Street that Utilities formerly occupied to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

On June 15, the foundation broke ground on Bradenton Veterans Village, a residential facility for homeless veterans that will feature an 84-unit apartment complex, 38 homes, a support service center and workforce development center.

In 2022, Kelley Klepper, vice president and senior planner at engineering firm Kimley-Horn, speaks about changing the zoning of the Lena Road purchase.

NEW DIRECTION

What: Manatee County’s 2020 land purchase of 161 acres at 1707 Lena Road Purchase price: $32.5 million purchase price Current offer for property: $35 million by D.R. Horton Expected uses in 2020: Housing a Sheriff’s Office district office, property and evidence warehouse and fleet maintenance facility; housing a field operation facility for the Utilities and Public Works departments; housing an EMS station; building a transfer station adjacent to the Lena Road Landfill.

Proposal by D.R. Horton: Build a $187 million mixed-use project that would include 116 single-family rental cottages, 222 single-family detached homes and 300 multifamily residences. Six acres would be set aside for commercial use and 11 acres for a warehouse site to be used by the county.

Amenities will include a game room, gym, pickleball court and lounges.

Bradenton Veterans Village is expected to open sometime in 2025.

The Sheriff’s Office fleet maintenance facility is moving north to Palmetto. The approximately 27,000-square-foot facility is being built at 3105 Buckeye Road.

The Sheriff’s Office property and evidence warehouse is being built next to the Child Protection Investigation Division at 3500 Ninth St. W. The two-story, 45,000-squarefoot building would also house the Crime Scene Unit, Fingerprint Unit and Chemistry Lab. The estimated cost is $36,780,000 and it’s scheduled to be completed in August 2025.

A 5,000-square-foot Sheriff’s Office substation is being built at Premier Park in Lakewood Ranch.

In addition to previous plans for a substation on Lena Road, mold and a leaky roof forced officers out of their last Lakewood Ranch location on the corner of State Road 70 and Lorraine Road.

What was the Lakewood Ranch Information Center on the corner of

Rangeland Parkway and Lakewood Ranch Boulevard is being used as an interim space for the Sheriff’s Office until the $4,958,750 substation at Premier Park is completed in August 2025.

THE LIFE OF THE LANDFILL

When the property was originally purchased, Manatee County Administrator Cheri Coryea said having additional acreage next to the landfill would prolong its life by six years.

The estimated value of the additional air space was $75 million.

When opened in 1972, the landfill started with 132 acres. It’s since been expanded to 316 acres.

In August 2023, Deputy County Administrator Evan Pilachowski said the landfill had close to 15 years of remaining capacity, but it could be extended without using any additional acreage.

“Within the existing footprint and existing maximum height, we could add upwards of 21 years to the life of the Lena Road Landfill,” Pilachowski said. “It just changes how we do our filling operation, so we have maybe a slightly steeper slope on the sides and we have to manage our stormwater accordingly to make sure we can optimize that available air space.”

The landfill is split into three stages. Stage 2 is in use now. Stages 1 and 3 were exhausted and closed, but additional life can be gained by opening them up again.

When closed, fill dirt was put in place to make sure the piles were level. As the solid waste settled, each stage would be refilled to maintain the proper levels.

Not only can the soil be removed, it’s valuable. Staff estimates the fill material from both stages is worth $2.5 million.

Logan said a permit modification was submitted to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Approval is expected sometime this summer, but the slope modification isn’t expected to begin for a “number of years.”

“The projected lifespan of the Lena Road Landfill is now 35 years,” Utilities Deputy Director Chris Collins said. “At present, there are no plans for a transfer station. However, potential future needs may arise over time.”

What was once expected to become a service center for Manatee County is now being pointed toward 638 new homes

by D.R. Horton, which has offered $35 million for the property. The top photo shows the property along the landfill, and to the left is D.R. Horton’s plan.

3A

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

Jay Heater

Builders program continues to grow w o n k u o Y

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

T

she es are when s s la g r e h re whe uch em, how m missplaces th medicine, and her ing she hates tak okies. ssion for co

pa

at, too.

We’ll know th

Start home care today. hwcg.com/sarasota 941.214.4172

427709-1

Find out how our extensive training and care philosophy help us make meaningful connections that lead to better, more engaging care.

ENDS SATURDAY 7/6/24!

SALE

he law firm of Williams Parker sponsored a breakfast meeting of the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation at Forked in Waterside Place on June 27 to allow foundation executives to talk with members of the Builders Give Back program.

They had to make room for one more seat at the table.

Lennar Homes is giving consideration to joining 10 other builders in the program, which began in May 2023 with seven original members.

Neal Communities and Neal Signature Homes joined in March and M/I Homes joined in May. The LWRCF is hoping Lennar makes it 11.

The builders in the program currently are Anchor Builders, Homes

by Towne, John Cannon Homes, Lee Wetherington Homes, M/I Homes, Neal Communities, Neal Signature Homes, Nelson Homes (A/R Homes), Pulte Homes, and Stock Luxury Homes.

Builders make a $100 donation to the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation per closing in the name of the buyer(s). Lakewood Ranch developer Schroeder-Manatee Ranch matches those donations up to $10,000 per year.

Thus the program helps the foundation through the funds and engagement with homeowners, who receive an introduction in local philanthropy by the LWRCF. New resi-

dents are sent an information packet.

Through the first quarter of 2024, the LWRCF has communicated with 360 new homeowners and has collected donations of $58,200. The LWRCF has granted $24,500 to six organizations in the first quarter of 2024. Organizations receiving funds are Breaking Chains Foundation, Easter Seals Southwest Florida, Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation, Forty Carrots of Sarasota, Healthy Teens, and Sisters Sowing Seeds.

Michelle Tucker, a division manager for Lennar who handles the North Port, Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch areas, had been working the Fort Myers area until being transferred to this region recently, and she didn’t have any knowledge of the LWRCF until being updated on the program by SMR. “We are not officially in the program yet, but we are working on the approvals,” Tucker said. “The (LWRCF) helps some great causes and we help a lot of charities through our Lennar Foundation. But in the past, we’ve been involved with the charities directly. I like that the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation can identify the needs for us.”

Tucker said it will take some time for company executives to get all the information and decide if the program makes sense for Lennar.

“No matter what happens, we are going to be involved in some way with the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation,” she said.

Attending the Builders Give Back meeting:, back: Christa Folkers (LWRCF), Kyle Bernethy (M/I Homes), Chris Pereira (Pulte Homes), David Hunihan (Lee Wetherington Homes), Dominick Giallombardo (Stock Development), Ashley MillerCafiero (AR Homes), and Sandi Shahinian-Levins (SMR); front: Michelle Tucker (Lennar Homes) Amy Brown (John Cannon), Svetlana Stelmach (Homes by Towne), Ciara Kilian (Neal Signature Homes), Christine McKelvey (Neal Communities) and Mark Clark (LWRCF)

PRIMARY CARE

Nice to find a patient-centered primary care office” - Adult Family Medicine Patient

10% OFF INDOOR FURNITURE

Michael Austen, MD

Lisa Zapotocky, MD

Dr. Austen is a board-certified family medicine physician who provides comprehensive outpatient adult medical care that includes:

In Stock Items + Orders

15% OFF OUTDOOR FURNITURE

•

Management of acute injury and illness

•

Minor in-office surgical procedures

•

Annual physical and wellness exams

•

Preventive screenings and immunizations

•

Medicare wellness visits

Dr. Zapotocky is board certified in internal medicine and brings more than two decades of experience. She treats patients ages 18 and older, and her areas of specialty include:

In Stock Items + Orders

4th of July sales do not include previous purchases, custom, or Miller’s Cabinetry. Sale may not be combined with other offers or discounts.

Ends July 6, 2024.

3737 Bahia Vista St. Sarasota, FL 34232 - 941.952.5646 6100 N Lockwood Ridge Rd. Sarasota, FL 34243 - 941.960.2942

dutchhausfurniture.com

•

Chronic disease management

•

Preventive medicine (including well-woman exams, school and work physicals, and Medicare wellness exams)

•

Urgent care

•

Young adult and geriatric medicine

425735-1

Both Dr. Austen and Dr. Zapotocky are accepting new patients.

To make an appointment, call 866-515-9777 or visit lakewoodranchmedicalgroup.com.

PUBLIC NOTICES The Sarasota/Siesta Key, East County and Longboat Observers meet the legal requirements to publish legal and public notices in Sarasota & Manatee counties, per F.S. 50.011.

1854 Rye Road East | Bradenton, FL 34212

AUDITOR INFORMATION

For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website. 242035157-2060130 6/24 416202-1

Circulation Verified Council 12166 Old Big Bend Road, Suite 210 | St Louis, MO 63122 314-966-7111 | www.cvcaudit.com

428059-1

4A

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

5A

Former school board member files suit against SOE James Golden says he has been unlawfully prevented from running for the District 5 school board seat.

LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR

C

ome Nov. 5, the District 5 seat on the School Board of Manatee County will be vacant as Richard Tatem, the current representative, will have resigned to see the outcome of his run for the House of Representatives.

But how will the school board seat be filled?

With two years remaining on his school board term, Tatem filed his resignation from the school board on May 30 to run for the Florida House District 72 seat left vacant by Rep. Tommy Gregory, who has accepted the position as the president of the State College of Florida.

According to the state constitution, a seat left vacant with 28 months or more remaining in the term will be filled during the next general election. If the remainder of the term is less than 28 months, then the governor’s office would appoint someone to fill the vacancy.

The point of contention that has people questioning the fate of how the seat will be filled is whether the time left in Tatem’s term should be counted from the date he filed his resignation, which was May 30, or from the effective date of his resignation, which is Nov. 5.

Tatem said when he filed his resign-to-run letter, he “did not have a definitive answer” as to whether his seat would be filled by an election or by appointment.

“For those who say I should have resigned immediately, there are others who say we elected you, please stay and represent us as long as you can,” Tatem said. “I turned in the let-

James Golden

Lakewood Ranch’s Richard Tatem was elected to the School Board of Manatee County in August 2022.

ter according to the laws of the state of Florida, and I selected my resignation date also in accordance with the laws of the state of Florida. Once the supervisor of elections office received my letter, they did their due diligence and made a decision they believe to be in accordance with the laws of the state of Florida.”

James Satcher, the recently appointed supervisor of elections for Manatee County, issued a statement indicating the District 5 seat will be filled by an appointment in accordance to Florida’s resign-to-run law.

Satcher said the resign-to-run law was amended in 2021 to clarify that an office is deemed vacant on the effective date of the incumbent’s resignation and not the date the incumbent tendered the resignation.

James Golden, a former school board member who lost his reelection to the District 5 seat to Tatem, filed a lawsuit against the Supervisor of Elections in 12th Judicial Circuit Court after Golden attempted to qualify to run for the school board seat on June 10 and was turned away.

On June 12, Golden mailed in the qualifying paperwork and receipt of the deposit for the qualifying fee to

the supervisor’s office.

Golden said the statute regarding the filling of a vacancy and the resign-to-run law are “never conflated,” and an officer’s decision to resign should not interfere with a resident’s ability to qualify for a seat. He said the resign-to-run law is effective and applicable to the person who has resigned, which is not him.

“The supervisor of elections, in this case, has wrongfully utilized the resign-to-run statute as a basis for determining whether I can qualify to fill the vacancy,” Golden said. “He doesn’t have any discretion in this.

He must abide by the law. This is just more evidence of why he’s not competent to be a supervisor of elections.

He doesn’t understand the law.”

Golden said he didn’t want to run for the school board again. He wanted to qualify for the seat to make a point.

“I don’t want the elections process to be corrupted by anybody for any reason, and I certainly don’t want it to be corrupted ignorantly,” he said.

“This is about protecting the integrity of the process. You can’t just bend the law to suit your will. You can’t

File photos

move in and outside of the law to suit your purposes. Whether I never get elected again, I stand for that.”

If the circuit court judge requires the seat be added to the ballot, and if elected, Golden said he will serve out the remainder of Tatem’s term.

Local organizations, including the League of Women Voters of Manatee County and Manatee Democratic Party, have spoken out against the decision to have Gov. Ron DeSantis appoint someone to represent District 5 rather than putting the seat on the ballot in the general election.

The organizations believe the determination of appointment or election should be dependent on the date the resignation was filed, not the date the resignation is effective.

The Manatee County Democratic Party said in a statement that not having an election to fill the seat is the “disenfranchisement of voters.”

“The decision of the (supervisor of elections) demonstrates a complete lack of competence,” the organization said in the statement. “There are serious concerns that the SOE is acting unethically, and potentially unlawfully, by not allowing the required special election.”

Artfully Uniting Extraordinary Homes with Extraordinary Lives “FREEDOM IS NEVER GIVEN; IT IS WON.” WISHING YOU A HAPPY AND SAFE INDEPENDENCE DAY.

UNDER CONTRACT | LAKEHOUSE COVE AT WATERSIDE

PRIVATE PRESERVE TREED SETTING | LAKEHOUSE COVE AT WATERSIDE

741 CROSSWIND AVENUE | $2,350,000 Lee Wetherington custom-built coastal home on Lake Mallard with breathtaking expansive water vistas that offer astonishing colorful sunsets! Three bedrooms, three baths, resort-style pool, spa and outdoor kitchen with three-car garage, 2,983 square feet.

8085 TIDAL POINTE WAY | $979,000 Better-than-new Cay model offering three bedrooms, a den, huge great room with towering ceilings, two-and-a-half baths, extended lanai with outdoor kitchen, porcelain tile flooring throughout and an incredible gourmet kitchen.

PRIVATE LAKE AND PRESERVE SETTING | RIVER CLUB

COMPLETELY UPDATED HOME IN ESPLANADE LAKEWOOD RANCH

JUST LISTED | LARGE LOT IN SOLERA COMMUNITY IN LAKEWOOD RANCH

7586 TORI WAY | $775,000 Must-see this Todd Johnston custom-built home with many recent improvements, including new HVAC system installed in September 2023. Three bedrooms, three full baths, a den, kitchen with granite countertops and resort-style pool with two covered outdoor areas. Over 2,600 square feet.

5043 SERATA DRIVE | $645,000 All new luxury vinyl flooring, updated kitchen and all baths, extended lanai with panoramic screen and Kevlar automatic hurricane screen on a private treed lot.

Three bedrooms plus den.

17527 CANTARINA COVE | $590,000 Destin floor plan offering four bedrooms, three baths and a three-car garage!

Open concept of 2,350 square feet built in 2022. Large kitchen with island opening to the spacious great room and flowing to the lanai.

Global Real Estate Advisor

941.524.8299

Charles.Totonis@PremierSIR.com

Joe Harris

Over $50 Million Sold and Pending in 2023 Top 1% of REALTORS® Nationwide according to RealTrends Verified 2024

Global Real Estate Advisor

941.539.0974

Joe.Harris@PremierSIR.com

Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. Property information herein is derived from various sources, including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations.

To View All Our Listings Scan the QR Code TheCharlesTotonisTeam.com

PremierSothebysRealty.com

417258-1

Charles Totonis

6A

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

Ranking the risks

DIAMONDS & FINE JEWELRY WANTED

The top five threats identified in a 2024 report for those in Manatee County are hurricanes, floods, terrorist acts, cyber incidents and epidemics.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

H We are your trusted jewelry buyer ensuring a private, respectful experience and immediate payment Cartier • Tiffany • Van Cleef • Webb Boucheron • Rolex • Patek Philippe

941.366.1014 SAME LOCATION FOR 40 YEARS DOWNTOWN SARASOTA

HIGHEST PRICES PAID FOR GOLD

1515 Ringling Boulevard ~ Suite 990

Licensed Fully Insured | Mon. - Fri. 9:00-5:00

From a Simple Refresh

426346-1

Northern Trust Bank Building - Free Parking

urricanes are undoubtedly the biggest threat to citizens and property in Manatee County, but the devastating storms are far from the only threat.

Manatee County staff members identified and assessed 33 other hazards, too. Now, the Public Safety Department and the Division of Emergency Management are asking the community to participate in the Local Mitigation Strategy Planning Meetings.

The first meeting was held at the Manatee County Emergency Operations Center on June 26. The next meeting will be held in September.

A date will be set as it gets closer.

The county calendar can be viewed at MyManatee.org/News___Events/ County_Calendar.

The meetings are a chance for citizens to convey needs and concerns that are countywide or specific to their own communities.

Myakka City resident Carol Felts, who is running for the District 1 commission seat, asked staff members to be more proactive in East County.

“A lot of our hurricane preparedness is geared to shorelines and places like that, but rural areas pose a little bit of a different situation.” Felts said. “We have to address livestock issues. We lost about 250 (cows) at Dakin Dairy (during Hurricane Ian).”

Manatee County resident Glen Gibellina asked staff members to address evacuation traffic jams by taking a closer look at the buildings themselves, not only where they’re located, before issuing evacuation orders. “(Staff) has done no analysis of the

Lesley Dwyer

current buildings,” Gibellina said. “If you look on Longboat, those condos are pretty bulletproof. They look like a garage, but they have breakout walls, so the water (breaks through and) flows in and out.”

Director of Public Safety Jodie Fiske listened at the meeting. She agreed with Gibellina that evacuations could run smoother, but stands by an old adage.

“Run from the water; hide from the wind — that messaging will always be consistent in any emergency management agency,” Fiske said. “But go tens of miles to evacuate. Don’t go hundreds. Plan to stay at a friend’s house. You don’t have to jam pack the highways.”

Glen Gibellina offers a citizen’s point of view at Manatee County’s Mitigation Strategy Planning Meeting on June 26.

RISK ASSESSMENT

Before the public could weigh in, the staff gave a presentation on the 2024 Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment.

Every five years, staff members gather data and input from law enforcement, EMS and other local, state and federal agencies to rank natural, technological and humancaused threats to assess which pose the biggest risks to the county.

The top five threats identified in the 2024 report are hurricanes, floods, terrorist acts, cyber incidents and epidemics.

The more vulnerable the county is to the threat, the higher it ranks. The list changes based on events, but also on what mitigation tactics the county has taken in the past five years.

MAKING YOUR

to a

Complete Home Remodel WICKED AWESOME!!!

Experience Beautiful Work, With Care, On Time and On Budget.

Ready to make a change?

Call today and let

Take Kelly’s Fresh Lobster Rolls & Roast Beef Sandwiches with you!

DRIVE THRU OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!

Gilbert Design Build make it happen.

Join us July 19th

for an OPEN HOUSE Event

Tour Our New Design Center and Enjoy Light Bites and Refreshments.

Friday, July 19 | 3:30pm – 5:30pm 6924 Professional Parkway East Lakewood Ranch, Florida

427538-1

License #: CBC1263526

KITCHENS | BATHROOMS | FEATURE WALLS | MULTIPLE ROOMS | WHOLE HOME

Gluten Free Options • Drive Thru Open 7 Days A Week 11am-9pm The Square at UTC Next to to CVS pharmacy • 5407 University Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34201

426324-1

GilbertDesignBuild.com | 941.757.3395

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

4 T H

O F

J U L Y

Save Up To

7A

S A L E

Take An Extra

40% OFF

10% OFF

*Limited time only! Exclusions apply. See store for details.

*Limited time only! Valid 7/4-7/7 only. Exclusions apply. See store for details.

S T O R E W I D E

Y O U R

P U R C H A S E

Hurry in to take an EXTRA 10% OFF your entire purchase!

leather

IN MOTION Don’t miss your chance to shop 100% genuine Italian leather by Natuzzi Editions.

426999-1

matterbrothersfurniture.com |

8A

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

Lakewood Ranch woman brings new event to NBP

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

JoAnn Moore will spread the word about Dragon Boat Racing during the Unleash Your Dragon event at Nathan Benderson Park.

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Publisher and President / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com Associate Publisher — East County Observer / Lori Ruth, LRuth@YourObserver.com

JAY HEATER | MANAGING EDITOR

S

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

he wasn’t playing with a full ... paddle.

JoAnn Moore, who admit-

tedly was at a stage of “hope-

lessness” in her life, drove the 50 miles from her home in Atlanta to Georgia’s Lake Lanier.

It was 2009, about four years after Moore, who now lives in Lakewood Ranch, was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer that had metastasized to her bones and lymphatic system.

The subsequent treatment for the cancer left her unable to walk for almost three years, so it was a victory in itself when she managed to walk the Susan Komen 5K in Atlanta in 2009. At the end of the race, Moore picked up a card with information about Dragon Boat Atlanta, a breast cancer survivors team.

Adding to the pain of her disease was the fact she had lost her ability to be super active. She was a tennis player and a water skier, among other sports. She had to leave her profession of 29 years, being a high school science teacher and department chair.

So it was off to Lake Lanier to have a look.

DAZZLED BY A PADDLE

What she saw was a group of breast cancer survivors making positive waves on the water. She wanted ... needed ... to get into that boat.

But she didn’t have the strength to pull the water with a paddle. She asked anyway.

The team made her an altered paddle, where the flat blade that goes into the water was cut in half. That way, she could practice the form as the paddle blade would slide through the water without resistance.

“It was exhilarating,” Moore said June 28 during an interview at Nathan Benderson Park, her rowing home since 2014. “I loved it. Perhaps this was a sport I could get into and not damage my spine. I had cancer in every vertebra. At that time, I was excited if I could walk to the mailbox without getting tired. It hurt so much to walk, my husband (Brian Moore) had put sponge rubber in my shoes. This was extremely uplifting.”

Fifteen years after she picked up that altered paddle — 17 years after she had been told she was likely to expire — the 71-year-old Moore is a globetrotter, bringing her brand of exhilaration to blossoming programs.

On June 24, she had just returned from Vancouver, Canada, to help the paddlers there. Two weeks earlier, she was in the Czech Republic in Prague. Two weeks before that, it was Puerto Rico.

In 2016, Moore wanted to take her new-found love of paddling to another level. Breast cancer paddlers were making huge strides in their physical and emotional well being, but she felt the sport was falling short in offering “premier” breast cancer paddlers an outlet. She started the

EAST COUNTY

“We’ve always been very strong collectively. And we’re still growing strong as a breast cancer team.”

— JoAnn Moore

Courtesy photos

team “Linked in Pinks,” which she calls the cream of the breast cancer survivors paddlers.

“We wanted to elevate the level of cancer survivor teams,” she said.

LINK TO THE FUTURE

Linked in Pinks began traveling to paddling events and not only became known for its efficiency on the water, but as promoters and teachers of the sport. She holds the title of founder and captain. She also is the southern representative for the International Breast Cancer Paddlers Commission and serves on the competition and technical committee for the United States Dragon Boat Federation.

“As we began to travel, we became considered one of the elite teams in the world,” Moore said. “Now we get invited to train new breast cancer teams. We have a stellar reputation.”

Linked in Pinks has trained breast cancer programs in Argentina and Brazil, among other countries, and in January, it trained the first breast cancer Dragon Boat team in Mexico in Puerto Aventuras.

Everything the members of Linked in Pinks do is volunteer work. But Moore said it gives her something more valuable than money.

“This has been the most rewarding experience of a lifetime,” she said. “We teach them how to thrive through Dragon Boat racing. Oh, the joy you see in these women. Their faces are indescribable.”

Anyone in East County who wants to check out that joy can attend the Unleash Your Dragon event Jan. 22-25 at Nathan Benderson Park.

JoAnn and Brian, who have been married 46 years, moved their primary base to Lakewood Ranch in 2014. While living in Atlanta, they had purchased a second home and discovered Nathan Benderson Park and its Dragon Boat programs.

The late Nathan Benderson, who had donated $1 million to Sarasota County to transform the former Cooper Creek Park into a health and wellness destination in 2007 and subsequently had the 600-acre park with a 400-acre lake named for him,

JoAnn Moore (center) celebrates with Carol Tucker of Lakewood Ranch (left) and Michele Doss, of Sarasota, after Linked in Pinks participated in Vancouver, Canada, in June.

bought the park its first Dragon Boat in 2014 — called Nate’s Hope — and the program got off the ground.

RACING FORWARD IN SARASOTA

In October 2014, teams in Tampa and Miami hosted the first big Dragon Boat event (an International Breast Cancer Paddlers Commission competition) at Nathan Benderson Park.

Meanwhile, Nathan Benderson Park had talked Angela Long into starting its own program.

Moore had been competing for Dragon Boat Atlanta, but after attending the NBP event, she changed her home base.

“I moved my heart here,” she said about joining Long’s Survivors in Sync team.

In 2016 she formed Linked in Pinks because she wanted it known that breast cancer survivors could paddle as premier athletes.

Nathan Benderson Park Marketing Director Marnie Buchsbaum said Moore is an ambassador of the sport throughout the world.

“She is everywhere,” Buchsbaum said.

“We love her story, and we are so proud of her,” Buchsbaum said. “And now people are learning more about us. The paddler piece (at Nathan Benderson Park) is big and growing.”

Moore brought the idea of the Unleash Your Dragon event to Buchsbaum and Chief Operating Officer Bruce Patneaude and they loved it.

The event will include workshops, clinics and races. Individuals can register and be placed on teams.

“If I have to wait four seconds for her to respond when I ask her to do something, that’s a long time,” Buchsbaum said of Moore. “We knew this would be a great event for the park.”

Registration for the first-year event opened April 15, and within three days, they had 70 people signed up. Currently, they have 15 countries represented among the participants and they expect “hundreds” of paddlers.

Moore is most proud of the fact that the first men’s prostate cancer paddling team — Butts in a Boat — from Vancouver, Canada, has signed up for the event.

As a member of the IBCPC’s special interest committee designed to “enhance all cancer teams, breast cancer teams and para dragon teams, and to enhance training and to elevate those teams,” she is trying to encourage men with all forms of cancer to “find joy in Dragon Boat racing.”

“She gives people hope, that they, too, can overcome,” Buchsbaum said.

“She is creating a positive spirit.

They can all laugh together and cry together.”

As far as her own health, Moore said she practices three times a week, and she feels wonderful.

“I love spreading (Dragon Boat paddlers’) enthusiasm for life,” she said. “I love to share that optimism.”

In 2022, JoAnn Moore brought the U.S. flag and her Linked in Pinks team to an event on the Loire River in central France.

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

Observer Media Group Inc. is locally owned.

Publisher of the Longboat Observer, East County Observer, Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer, West Orange Times & Observer, Southwest Orange Observer, Business Observer, Jacksonville Daily Record, Key Life Magazine, LWR Life Magazine, Baldwin Park Living Magazine and Season Magazine

CEO / Matt Walsh MWalsh@YourObserver.com President / Emily Walsh Chairman Emeritus / David Beliles Vice President / Lisa Walsh (1995-2023) 8130 Lakewood Main St., Suite D207 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-755-5357

YourObserver.com © 2024 The Observer Media Group Inc. All Rights Reserved

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

SIDE OF RANCH

9A

JAY HEATER

Is a little fear of technology app-propriate?

I

used to be somewhat afraid of heights.

If I went to the edge of the Empire State Building, I would get all wobbly in the knees.

But that was nothing compared to my fear of apps.

Everywhere I go, some business is telling me I need to upload its app.

RetailDive.com reports that a 2023 study — the M-Commerce Audit by the Acquity Group — noted that “46% of retailers surveyed had an iPhone app, which is an increase from 23% in 2011, and 33% of retailers had an Android app, up from 10% in 2011.

No big surprise there. Everybody’s doing it.

I know I should just embrace it, but it’s hard when you get all wobbly in the knees.

Have you paid your car insurance lately? I am sure they told you if you uploaded their app, and then let them follow you every time you drive, you ultimately could save money.

Somebody watching me every trip, and every move I make, now that is scary. That’s what many apps do. They track you. And some share the information about your habits ... where you go, who you see, what you buy.

Then again, I am living in a world where without them — and especially as we move into the future — life can be difficult.

I learned that when I needed some entertainment while flying across the country. You can’t watch those in-air movies without the app. When you sail away on a cruise and go to dinner, you are supposed to call up the selections by opening your app and scanning a bar code.

Can’t you just hand me a menu?

Speaking of a bar, you use an app to play the jukebox. Don’t want to wait in line at McDonald’s, you can order your burger before you get there with an app.

And for full disclosure, we have a

will work it out.

“We would love to go to the retirement communities,” she said.

“We could show them some things about the app.”

After all, the idea of putting the app together in the first place was to make things easier.

“I do think it is going to be very easy to use,” Colonneso said.

“You’re going to go to the app and hit a button, and you will get a directory. We wanted to make it very accessible for people who wanted access to things such as finance reports.”

The Manatee clerk’s office has begun a new app for its services.

LAKEWOOD RANCH UNVEILS NEW APP Lakewood Ranch has rolled out a new app.

Your Observer E-paper app as well.

So I have to buckle down and let go. I am going to walk up to the rim of the Grand Canyon and let in the app world.

I will start with these two.

MANATEE COUNTY CLERK OFFERS NEW APP

The office of Angel Colonneso, Manatee County’s clerk of the Circuit Court and comptroller, rolled out a new mobile app on June 26 that she said will provide county residents with a convenient way to access Clerk and Comptroller services.

It sounds like a great deal that can save you trips to downtown Bradenton. The app will allow you to search for court records and official records; submit a public records request; make online payments; receive clerk news and updates in real time; and access the clerk’s complete office directory. The app — search for Manatee clerk app —

Courtesy images

is available for download in the Apple Store and Google Play Store.

Colonneso said the bottom line is her office is trying to bring services to the people.

“We have seen other clerk’s offices in Florida have success with this,” Colonneso said. “It’s just a quicker way for people to navigate the services. Offering a mobile app just makes sense.”

In the release for the app, Colonneso said customers will receive real-time updates from her office as well.

Colonneso said her office is more than willing to send a representative to a community meeting to help those who, like me, might be uneasy with apps. If someone wants to organize such a session, and has verified the desire in that neighborhood for such a session, they can call the clerk’s office and Colonneso

While the clerk’s office was putting out an entirely new app, Lakewood Ranch has launched a redesigned app — MyLWR — developed by the property technology firm Cecilian Partners.

Lisa Barnott, director of marketing and communications for Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, said the tool underscores Lakewood Ranch’s commitment to creating an exceptional resident experience.

Philip Worland, co-founder and chief product officer at Cecilian, said SMR wanted an app that “would allow the residents to more easily engage with a complex community.”

SMR’s Rachel Gray, director of community marketing, said the former app did not connect with the MyLWR website. The new app will. Both the app and the website will have the same user login credentials.

Gray said SMR researched what other master-planned communities were doing with apps.

“But we were unique in size,” she said. “We needed our app to be customized because it’s not one size fits all.”

App users will have full access to the calendar of events as well as information on parks and commu-

nity facilities. The MyLWR app will have a connection to organizations in Lakewood Ranch, including clubs hosted by Community Activities. It will allow users to volunteer in the community through the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation, Lakewood Ranch Community Activities, and the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance.

Upon registering with a home address, users will be linked to HOA contact information and will be provided with specific utility service information.

“With MyLWR, we’re excited to provide a more streamlined and user-friendly experience for our community,” said Keith Pandeloglou, president and CEO of Lakewood Ranch Community Activities, in a release.

More than 4,000 residents and 1,500 nonresidents already have registered for the app.

Pandeloglou said it will provide valuable data to help improve community amenities and programs.

Gray said the new app streamlines some services, such as getting a dog park membership. All the needed applications can be uploaded at once.

The process of renting parks facilities also has been streamlined.

Gray said the new process has eliminated the “back-and-forth.”

And Gray said, for people like me who aren’t tech savvy, the website (MyLWR.com) will be available as always.

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

OVER $101 MILLION SOLD AND PENDING IN 2024 OVER $164 MILLION SOLD AND PENDING IN 2023

LUXURY REAL ESTATE DEFINED

“

We chose Donna Soda to list our house in Lakewood Ranch and we could not have been happier with the results. We found Donna to be very knowledgeable

$6,999,000

20819 PARKSTONE TERRACE THE CONCESSION

$3,700,000

and detail-oriented. She kept in constant contact

14750 COMO CIRCLE THE LAKE CLUB

with us. Donna is pleasant, upbeat, and makes her clients number one! Donna made suggestions based on facts. She provided us with the benefit of her many years of expertise in the real estate field. It is without hesitation that we recommend Donna Soda to anyone buying or selling a house.” – Earle B. “Donna was amazing to work with.

She was efficient and very knowledgeable

19417 GANTON AVENUE THE CONCESSION

$2,949,000

NO. 1 TEAM for Premier Sotheby’s International Realty in Sarasota

13603 BLYTHEFIELD TERRACE LAKEWOOD RANCH COUNTRY CLUB

about the market.” – Ann M. 3

SOLD | REPRESENTED BUYER $3,213,000

NO. 2 SMALL TEAM

NO. 19 SMALL TEAM

by sales volume in Sarasota

by sales volume in Florida

TOP 100 team in sales volume by Sotheby’s International Realty® 2022

To find out more about our recordbreaking luxury sales and how we can work for you, scan the QR code.

Donna Soda, REALTOR® Donna.Soda@PremierSIR.com 941.961.5857

SCHEMMELSODAGROUP.COM With expert market knowledge and unparalleled team resources, we can provide the highest level of service throughout the buying and selling process for customers on the barrier islands, mainland neighborhoods, and in the area’s golf course and master-planned communities, including Lakewood Ranch and Palmer Ranch.

CONTACT US TODAY!

424780-1

Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Property information herein is derived from various sources, including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate. Source: Stellar MLS; RealTrends Verified 2024.

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

STAY COOL!

LETTERS

Welcome Summer!

File photos

Lakewood Ranch’s JoAnne and John Lawler bring attention to Flag Day on Lakewood Ranch Boulevard.

y

on T ’ l i L

Veteran comments on flag display column

www.AnthonysAirConditioning.com

941-208-6939

423168-1

VOTED THE BEST!

IT’S TIME TO STOP HIDING YOUR LEGS!

Every Thursday in July

Limited Availability Appointments Required

Call Us Today To Reserve Your Spot

941.866.8989 9114 Town Center Pkwy., Suite 101 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 Florida Lakes Vein Center offers appointments in Lakewood Ranch Tuesday & Thursday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Fellowship Trained & Board Certified

Interventional Pain Management, Mild/Vertiflex for Spinal Stenosis, Image Guided Injections, Back & Neck Pain/Joint Pain/Arthritis, Peripheral Nerve Stimulation, Spinal Cord Stimulation/Kyphoplasty, Radiofrequency Ablation, Complex Headache Management/Treatment

We Can Help If You Suffer From...

William Mahoney, M.D.

· Bulging Leg Veins · Leg Swelling or Cramping · Heavy or Achy Legs · Restless or Fatigued Legs

It’s a No Veiner!

RIVER CLUB

Douglas Constant, M.D.

Fellowship Trained / Board Eligible Orthopedic Surgeon

Adult Hip and Knee Joint Reconstruction, Arthroscopy, Trauma/ Arthritis, Regenerative Injections, Cortisone/Gel Injections

COMPASSIONATE, ACCESSIBLE, EFFECTIVE CARE Your doctor and expert team will create a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan for lasting relief.

®

Same Day Appointments Available (941) 552-2183 5985 Silver Falls Run Suite 101 | Lakewood Ranch (941) 214-2864 5741 Bee Ridge Rd Suite 450 | Sarasota 427712-1

SCREENINGS

RUSSELL JOHNSON

WELCOMES NEW DOCTORS

Florida Lakes Vein Center offers state-of-the-art, minimally invasive treatments with no downtime!

FREE

I read your articles in the Observer every week and enjoy them. I wanted to comment on your pet peeve about the display of the American Flag. (Did you notice Old Glory on Flag Day? June 20) As a disabled veteran from the effects of Agent Orange usage in Vietnam, I am particularly sensitive about disrespect for the flag. I have a pamphlet that reminds me of how the flag is to be treated, so I am aware of the recommendations, especially the one you mentioned about leaving it out during inclement weather. I, for one, have struggled with that one.

Unfortunately for me, my flag is above my garage and it is difficult to get a ladder and take it down when it rains. I certainly do it when we are having a tropical storm or hurricane. Maybe I could move it, but there aren’t a lot of places where it wouldn’t be covered by trees or get in the way of security cameras and such.

That would also require me to get on a step stool or a ladder more than

I want to. So, the question for me was, do I fly the flag in inclement weather, or only put it up when there is a holiday? Or do I, like 90% of my neighbors, never fly it at all?

I felt it was important to show my patriotism all the time rather than on holidays or special occasions.

A few years ago, the Legacy Golf Course owners decided to put American flags on all the greens.

When I saw that, my group held the flags so that they never touched the ground (which I consider disrespectful because of all the soldiers who have died retrieving the flag in battle when the flag bearer went down). When I told one of the owners who happened to be in the clubhouse, I got a shrug of the shoulders and a “Well, just hold it then.” I respectfully responded with a few choice words. Most people do not know about that recommendation and therefore I am sure that the flags were on the ground all day long.

Anyway, I just wanted to share my opinion for what it is worth.

(941) 919-3841 5504 Pinebrook Rd Suite 201 | Venice

427162-1

10A

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

Local, family owned roofing contractor specializing in METAL | SHINGLE | TILE

Better water oversight needed in East County

KATHLEEN GRANT LAKEWOOD RANCH

CCC1334855

George Kruse

Writer supports Commissioner Kruse in reelection bid

CERTAINTEED LANDMARK CHARCOAL BLACK

We have a wolf in sheep’s clothing attempting to pull the wool over our eyes.

The commissioner who represents us (in District 7, at large) is George Kruse, while the wolf who wants our vote is Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge. Van Ostenbridge is leaving District 3 due to the overwhelming majority of residents who do not support him. Van Ostenbridge’s statements in the East County Observer (June 14) calling Commissioner Kruse a “liberal” are truly laughable.

Kruse represents a position of financial responsibility, control over development and safeguarding the county’s wetlands. He voted against the ridiculous budget request ($800,000+) from the new Commissioner of Elections James Satcher. Satcher needs to be dumped, as well, given his total lack of knowledge of the election law and has no experience with a presidential election.

Van Ostenbridge has sold his soul to Manatee County developers and will continue to do so if not defeated in the Aug. 20 Primary.

Please take heed, George Kruse needs our support.

422018-1

Over the past several months, in the midst of a drought, it has been difficult to ignore the multiple times each day irrigation of the recently renovated Legacy Golf Course, and consequent draining of Lake Uihlein.

Water resources in Lakewood Ranch are managed by the Southwest Florida Water Management District, whose mission is “to protect water resources,” and which “issues water permits to ensure withdrawals from water bodies will not harm existing users, the water resources or the environment.”

In response to my inquiry about the excessive irrigation of Legacy, SWFWMD representatives stated that “while irrigating as much as they are would not seem consistent with conservation on a micro scale, we look at the macro side and the permit is in compliance with all conditions of their water use permit.”

Of course, the permit itself was issued by SWFWMD. And even the permit states that “water conservation is a condition of your permit and should be practiced at all times.”

SWFWMD added that it “can’t speak specifically to the levels on this man-made stormwater pond.” Never mind that Lake Uhlein is not a man-made pond, but the only natural body of water in Lakewood Ranch, fed by natural springs. At 160 acres, it can hardly be considered “micro.”

There was no need to initiate the golf course renovation in the middle of a drought, other than rushing to have it completed in time for the “season,” to ensure maximum monetary return on investment.

What return on investment are taxpayers getting from SWFWMD?

11A

Contact us today for a complementary estimate

Visit our Showroom @

941.312.5535

2245 PORTER LAKE DR.

OFFICE@NWRSRQ.COM

S A R A S O TA , F L 3 4 2 4 0

LET US DESIGN A POOL THAT FITS YOUR LIFESTYLE

Design•Build•Maintain Professional In-House Construction Call today to schedule an appointment

REGINA DUBOIS

941.927.1882 427852-1

EAST COUNTY

www.HolidayPoolsFlorida.com

Lic# CPC1458597

Family Owned and Operated Since 1994

Your Luxury Lifestyle Awaits Furnished Model Home Open To Tour

Specialized Dental Care Oral Surgery, Periodontal, Restorative, Dental Hygiene

SIESTA KEY WATERFRONT LOCATION

Trust your oral health to a specialist

THE ISLANDER

558 Venice Ln, Sarasota, FL 34242

Open To Tour

$4,985,000

• Winner 2024 Parade of Homes “Best Overall” • Stunning West of Trail Location • Elegant Designer Furnishings & Finishes

4,170 Sq. Ft. | 4 Bed | 4.5 Bath | 2 Car Garage Study | Media Room | Pool and Spa

Wed-Sat 10-4pm | Sun 12-4pm

MLS A4589732

IMPLANT SURGERY

THE SAND DOLLAR

118 N Warbler Ln, Sarasota, FL 34236

$7,250,000

4,594 Sq. Ft. | 4 Bed | 5.5 Bath | 3.5 Car Garage Study | VIP Suite | Bonus Room | Infinity Pool MLS A4557763

COSMETIC VENEERS CROWNS

IMPLANT TEETH

Providing simple to complex specialty dental care in one convenient location

*Rendering shown of Hansen St. Property

ANTICIPATED COMPLETION FALL 2024

ESTHETIC GUM GRAFTING

EXTRACTIONS BONE GRAFTING

ANTICIPATED COMPLETION FROM FALL 2024

THE BAHAMA

Offering Two Opportunities West of Trail 1625 Hansen St, Sarasota, FL 34231 3,157 Sq. Ft. | $2,449,000 MLS A4538727 3934 Sunshine Ave, Sarasota, FL 34231 2,642 Sq. Ft | $1,818,000 MLS A4541484

Take Advantage of These Limited Opportunities Heritage Builders is pleased to announce these five unique custom homes located in Sarasota’s most desirable neighborhoods. These striking residences feature the same cutting-edge layouts, luxurious appointments and superior construction quality that have made Heritage Builders Sarasota’s leading custom home designer and builder.

Please contact us today to learn more about these limited opportunities.

HARRY F. HARING III DMD

MAGGIE MISCHHARING DMD, MS

KATHERINE E. MISCH DMD

CRAIG M. MISCH DDS, MDS

SPECIALIST IN PROSTHODONTICS AND FULL MOUTH ESTHETICS

SPECIALIST IN PERIODONTICS & IMPLANT SURGERY

SPECIALIST IN PROSTHODONTICS AND TEETH IN A DAY

Minimally invasive periodontal and implant surgical techniques to improve patients’ oral health

Over 30 years experience with an eye for achieving a natural perfection in dental implant restorations

SPECIALIST IN ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY & PROSTHODONTICS

Master clinician using the latest technology to artistically transform smiles using veneers and crowns

Custom Homes | West of Trail Homes | Waterfront Residences

Visit us at HeritageBuildersWFL.com or call (941) 328-8272

HB Realty Group, Inc. | Licensed Real Estate Broker

A Family-Owned Dental Speciality Practice

415340-1

All designs are the property of Heritage Builders of West Florida, LLC. CBC1259307 Plans, pricing and specifications subject to change without notice. Renderings are artist’s conception and not intended to show specific detailing. Square footages are estimated and may vary in actual construction.

International lecturer, faculty at Univ. of Michigan, U of F & PENN, author of numerous scientific publications and textbooks

CHECK OUR REVIEWS ONLINE

120 South Tuttle Ave Sarasota, FL 34237

www.drmisch.com

941.957.6444

425400-1

THE WINDEMERE

1550 S Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34239

12A

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024 Designer Screen Shades | Fabric: Empire 5% | Color: Gray Mist

New challenge for Gullett principal Todd Richardson has been chosen to lead the new K-8 school in Lakewood Ranch.

LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR

BLINDS•SHUTTERS DRAPERIES•WALLCOVERINGS

W

heraldtribune.com

WINNER

941-925-7800 mmwallcoveringsblinds.com 4801 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Across from The Landings

Janet and Curt Mattson Owners

Trusted Care In Your Neighborhood Serving Patients with Chronic Pain for 24 Years NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! PROGRAMS OF EXCELLENCE Interventional Treatments & Procedures Medical Management of Chronic Pain Pain & Addiction Medicine Pain & Balance Physical Therapy Behavioral Health Clinical Hypnotherapy *program availability varies by location

BRADENTON

SARASOTA

LAKEWOOD RANCH PORT CHARLOTTE

ST. PETERSBURG

941-708-9555

ARCADIA

ENGLEWOOD

VENICE CLEARWATER

RamosCenter.com

MEDICARE, MOST COMMERCIAL INSURANCES, VA, PERSONAL INJURY & WORKERS’ COMPENSATION ACCEPTED

420834-1

427849-1

Wallcoverings & Blinds, Inc. Since 1989

hile packing his office at Gullett Elementary School, Principal Todd Richardson stumbled upon an East County Observer article that showed a photo of him moving into his classroom at the new Freedom Elementary School.

He recalled the excitement of being a part of the staff that opened the new elementary school in 2003.

As a teacher, Richardson didn’t have to make the decisions regarding hiring teachers and staff or programming for the school, but he did have to help make smaller decisions that would have an impact on the every day life of a student, such as, how do students get to and from the carline?

Richardson didn’t know that 21 years later, he would be preparing to open a new school once again, but this time, as a principal.

Richardson has been named the principal of the new K-8 school being constructed in Lakewood Ranch.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, especially this type of school being a K-8,” he said. “This is the first one that the district is building with the K-8 concept because the other schools added an elementary or added a middle. This one is being built strictly for that K-8 model.”

Leaving Gullett Elementary, where Richardson served as principal for the past seven years, next school year will be bittersweet, he said.

He’s watched the school grow from approximately 900 students seven years ago to ending the 20232024 school year with approximately 1,390 students.

“This school wasn’t designed for that (many students), so we’ve had to do some really good teamwork, problem solving and collaboration to figure out ways to create safe spaces for them and ensure our academics are still being followed through,”

File photo

Richardson said.

Richardson said leading a school with a large enrollment, such as Gullett, has helped him prepare to be the leader of a school with a capacity of 1,692 students in pre-K through eighth grade.

The two-story elementary building on the K-8 campus is being constructed first, followed by the administration building and media center. Work on the dining, arts and music facilities will follow, with the gymnasium coming soon after.

The elementary portion of the school is projected to open in August 2025.

Then the one-story middle school building will be the final facility constructed with a projected completion of January 2026, but middle school students will not be on campus until August 2026.

Richardson said the district has indicated the elementary school potentially will be open to school choice in the first year to hold off on rezoning school zones until the 2026-2027 school year while two other elementary schools in the northern part of Manatee County open. Once the K-8 school opens, Richardson said enrollment at the overcrowded Gullett Elementary will decrease.

With students in pre-K through

YOU’RE INVITED TO THE

Todd Richardson has been named principal of the new K-8 school in Lakewood Ranch.

CANDIDATES RALLY! Sat. July 27, 2024 Robarts Arena FREE Admission!

FREE Local Amish Pie!

Doors open at 10 a.m.

Speeches begin at 11:30 a.m

Invited Speakers:

U.S. Senator Rick Scott, Congressman Greg Steube, Congressman Vern Buchanan, State Senator Joe Gruters and more to come!

Now with Rumble on site!

And Salem Radio!

Come meet OVER 50 LOCAL CANDIDATES who will be participating in the Rally

Salem Radio Host Bill Bunkley will be live broadcasting!

There will be over 50 candidates from Sarasota County, including Legislators, County Commission, and School Board Candidates. Municipal candidates from Sarasota, Venice & North Port.

Paid for and approved by the Republican Party of Sarasota County

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

eighth grade being on the same campus, Richardson said creating a positive, collaborative, community culture will be imperative.

“We want to create a K-8 school, not an elementary school and then the middle school sharing the grounds,” he said. “This is going to be a K-8 school. We’re going to build the culture that no matter what grade level you are, you’re a member of our school. We’re here to care for one another, we’re here to look after and support each other.”

He said a focus is on creating a good community within a classroom. The classrooms are grouped together by grade level. Students generally only interact with students in other grade levels during recess, physical education or dismissal.

“If teachers can build a good community within the classroom, the students see them and their peers in their classroom and they don’t realize they’re one of 1,400 kids,” he said.

Richardson said he wants to incorporate leadership and mentorship opportunities for the middle school students. He said there will likely be opportunities for the older students to work with the younger students.

He said not only will the students be able to work together but so will teachers.

Richardson said he’s awed knowing he will have the opportunity to have an impact on 10 years of each student’s life.

NOW - JULY 8TH

ACE REWARDS MEMBERS GET:

FREE ASSEMBLY & DELIVERY ON ALL GRILLS

LOCAL DELIVERY AREA VARIES BY STORE

†

†

FREE TO SIGN UP

SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. Offer not valid on prior purchases or ship to home orders.

THE TOP BRANDS UNDER ONE ROOF

NEW STORE HOURS MON-SAT 7AM - 7PM

SUNDAY 9AM - 5PM

Since 1981 Family owned and operated.

3371 17th St Sarasota, FL 34235 941-366-1756

4210 53rd Ave E Bradenton, FL 34203 941-727-0884

3170 Bee Ridge Rd Sarasota, FL 34239 941-924-6614

2881 Clark Rd Sarasota, FL 34231 941-921-5363

NEW LOCATION 5471 Palmer Crossing Cir Sarasota, FL 34233 941-278-4242

NEW LOCATION 6398 N Lockwood Ridge Rd 2876 Ringling Blvd 1230 S Tamiami Trl 4231 S Tamiami Trl 7220 University Pkwy Sarasota, FL 34243 Sarasota, FL 34237 Osprey, FL 34229 Sarasota, FL 34231 Sarasota, FL 34240 941-351-3371 941-365-8802 941-918-0001 941-924-5654 941-278-4240

426625-1

Principal: Todd Richardson Capacity: 1,692 Guaranteed maximum price: nearly $84.5 million Location: South of State Road 64, off Uihlein Road and Academic Avenue Land: 40 acres Projected opening for elementary school portion: August 2025 Projected opening for middle school portion: August 2026 Fun fact: This will be the first K-8 school the School District of Manatee County builds from the ground up.

EVENT h t 4 July

He said knowing how long students will be at the school makes it more crucial to have the “best teachers, the best programs and the best curriculum.”

“You want to give them every opportunity for success because they are going to be there for a very long time in their childhood,” he said. “We have to get the parents right on board with us early on and often keep them a part of the community as well.”

Richardson has tried to develop a positive and fun school culture by his willingness to dress up in costumes and participate in special activities as rewards for students.

In the 2023-24 school year alone, Richardson sang karaoke in the carline, participated in a sumo wrestler match with physical education teacher Sean Mackey, rollerbladed around the school dressed as a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle and dressed as Cupid for Valentine’s Day. He also was turned into a human hot dog and was taped to a wall.

Richardson said his playful antics will continue at the new K-8 school.

With a middle school comes opportunities for team sports and competing against other schools, which Richardson has not experienced during his 28 years with the School District of Manatee County in elementary education.

He said having middle school athletic programs will boost school spirit and unite the school.

“Having those opportunities for kids to represent their school and have the community there to celebrate with them and cheer them on creates a lot of good bonding between the kids and it creates a sense of school spirit,” Richardson said. “I’m very competitive, so going out there I will want to be coaching, cheering and I want to win, but I have to remember this is for the kids.”

Many decisions regarding the K-8 school have yet to be made and Richardson looks forward to receiving community input on various aspects of the school, including the school’s colors, name and mascot.

“The excitement is everything’s brand new,” Richardson said.

“Everything that makes the school click is going to be something we as a leadership team and a group will get to develop.”

DG

ABOUT THE K-8 SCHOOL

13A

Focus on

YOU!

Florida Lakes Spa offers three ways to make you look and feel your best.

100% DEDICATION TO YOUR SATISFACTION

1 2 3

THE HOME SERVICE PROS WHO CARE

CHRISTMAS IN JULY *not to be combined with other offers

Get your AC repairs done now with 0% interest for 18 months.

Special Price of $10/unit Tuesdays and Thursday Only

EMSCULPT NEO

Build your core muscles safely to support your active lifestyle & activities. Free Demonstrations

HOURS (by appointment only) Tuesday: 8am - 5pm | Thursday: 8am - 5pm 9114 Town Center Pkwy., Ste 102 | Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

24 Hour Emergency Service www.AquaPlumbing.com Lic # cAc1816020 • PLbg cFc1428223 • ELEc Ec13009313

www.flspa.com

427714-1

941.366.7676

NEUROTOXINS

ELECTRICAL

411019-1

!

CALL NOW

PLUMBING

Every Tuesday from 9-5 Book Your Appointment today

CALL TODAY! 941-866-8989

Enjoy $1500 OFF $2000 OFF on a new Carrier® AC unit install.

Plus 0% financing for 48 months

WATER TREATMENT

FACIALS WITH LYRA

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

Summer of giving The Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle is collecting cereal, shoes and food to support local nonprofits.

LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR

L

ake Club’s Julie Swan has seen firsthand how a new pair of shoes can impact a child.

As a guardian ad litem for children who are in foster care, Swan has taken children to The Twig, a local nonprofit, to shop for new clothes and shoes.

She said when children choose the perfect pair of shoes, they’re thrilled.

“These kids arrive in foster care often with their belongings in a garbage bag,” Swan said. “Being able to give them a very cool pair of shoes, you see their faces light up. It’s precious.”

This inspired Swan to start a shoe drive five years ago and donate the shoes to The Twig. She said she collected 100 shoes the first year.

With the help of the Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle, Swan hopes she and the group can donate 500 pairs of shoes through its Sneakin’ Back to School Sneaker Drive June 24 to July 15.

The group has a list on Amazon that staff at The Twig created, making it easy for people to purchase and donate the shoes.

“We’re not saving the world; we’re giving kids shoes, but it’s a start,” Swan said. “It’s an easy way to help, and from the kids’ point of view, it’s a meaningful thing.”

The shoe drive isn’t the only way the Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle is working to help local nonprofits this summer.

Barbara Najmy, founder of the giving circle, said summer is a time to help organizations focusing on children.

She said many of the children are generally supported during the school year by the district. However, those children don’t get the same

File photo

HOW TO HELP

Interested in donating a pair of shoes for the Sneakin’ Back to School Sneaker Drive?

Visit TLCWomensGivingCircle.org and click on the Amazon wishlist.

The drive ends July 15.

Lindsey May, Julie Swann, Kathy Hall and Jennifer Alokeh show off their favorite donated shoes to The Twig after the 2023 drive.

support during the summer.

Besides the shoe drive, the Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle collected cereal from June 1-30 for Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee.

Nancy Lepain, a Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle member, said the community donated so much cereal — more than 200 boxes — that she had to call Meals on Wheels Plus several times to do a pickup.

Najmy said the various efforts to support local nonprofits fills the members’ hearts.

“It’s an honor and privilege to be able to share our treasures with underprivileged families, children and women,” she said. “That’s what continues to fuel us. It’s humbling to see and know the impact we can make as an organization.”

The Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle will end the summer with its Back to School Bash, which Najmy said will give children in the Lake Club community an opportunity to volunteer and learn about philanthropy.

CAT DEPOT SUPPLY & GIFT STORE

# 1 PLACE TO SHOP FOR CATS & CAT LOVERS

NOW OPEN

2542 17th St., Sarasota, FL 34234 | www.catdepot.org | 941.366.2404

YOUR HOME

Beautifully Clean.

423901-1

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL PRESSURE CLEANING (941) 952-1000 | GorillaKleen.com

427485-1

www.catdepot.org/shop

420031-1

14A

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

15A

I was born for a purpose.

Trained to help you.

You hold me when you’re afraid, Whisper that I saved you, That I’m your brightest star.

I am your guide, your support, Your friend. A dog, I’m not.

With me, you see the world again.

formerly Southeastern Guide Dogs Inc

408360-1

dogsinc.org

JULY 4, 2024

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

oy j The art

FST’s annual Sarasota Improv Festival creates spontaneous comedy with careful planning.

OF IMPROV MARTY FUGATE CONTRIBUTOR

I

mprov comedy doesn’t just happen. No. Strike that.

Should’ve said …

Improv comedy does just hap-

pen. It’s spontaneous by definition.

That said, this spontaneous combustion of comedy needs a place to happen. A crucible, an incubator, a stage. A place where improv artists can sharpen each other’s skills. A place where an improv audience can gather and grow.

Creating that kind of space demands commitment and planning. That’s where Florida Studio Theatre comes in.

Back in 2001, it launched the FST Improv troupe. At the time, it was

Courtesy images

the only unscripted comedy game in town. The troupe rehearsed and learned backstage. They offered intermittent improv shows on FST’s cabaret stage. In 2004, they ratcheted it up to year-round performances.

In 2009, FST took it to a whole new level. The theater launched its first Sarasota Improv Festival. FST Managing Director Rebecca Hopkins was FST’s improv di-

“I actually had two goals,” she says.

“I wanted to expose local improv artists to the exciting national scene. I also wanted to expand the Sarasota improv audience.”

Hopkins adds that improv comedy was still an emerging art form in 2009.

“Sarasota was a sophisticated arts town, but we’d somehow missed out on the art of improv,” she says. “To get the festival off the ground, I had to find a way to explain it to them.

People would ask me, ‘What the heck is improv?’ I’d say, ‘If you’ve seen

“Whose Line is It Anyway,” it’s like that. So, we got the message across.

We sold tickets — and we sold out!

Our first festival was a total success.”

Hopkins laughs. “I was just as surprised as anybody.”

She had originally envisioned the Sarasota Improv Festival as a oneand-done event. Its surprising success led to a change of plans.

“We built it and they came,” she says. “More importantly … they stayed! Our 2009 improv festival had all kinds of challenges — including a total breakdown of our AC system.

The attendees left sweating, but they left happy. If we could pull off the festival under those conditions, why stop with just the one? We knew we had to do it again.”

FST decided to make the improv festival a yearly happening. Its repeat performance in 2010 was an even bigger smash than its inaugural event. Yet again, the shows all sold out, 2011’s festival was even bigger — and 2012 topped that.

As the improv festival blossomed, FST was simultaneously expanding its campus. It transformed the

Florida Studio Theatre’s 14th annual Sarasota Improv Festival takes place July 12-13.

rector at the time. Why create an improv festival? What was her goal?

IF YOU GO

The 2024 Sarasota Improv Festival When: July 12-13 Where: at Florida Studio Theatre campus, 1265 First St. Single tickets: $10 and $25 Passes: $75 for two days; $59 for Saturday; $49 for Friday Info: Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org for a full schedule of performances.

The Austin, Texas, comedy troupe Available Cupholders returns to the Sarasota Improv Festival on July 12-13.

Tropical Punchlines will appear at the Sarasota Improv Festival on Saturday, July 13.

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

Frame It Up

The comedy troupe Dad’s Garage will perform at the Sarasota Improv Festival on July 12-13.

VOTED SARASOTA

Readers’ Choice

“WINNER”

• OVER 5,000 FRAME MOULDING STYLES MATS FILLETS LINERS • All Paper Art/Canvas & Needle Art Framing • Mirrors Framed To Fit Any Size Opening

Best Framing Services!

Custom

PICTURE & MIRROR FRAMING

Mon.- Fri. 9:30 - 5pm Sat. 9:30 -12:30pm 416426-1

6578 Superior Ave.

“The festival brought world-class improvisers to our doorstep, exposing local talent and audiences to the craft’s cutting edge,” Luera says.

“We’ve seen area performers grow by leaps and bounds after participating in festival workshops and sharing the stage with legends.”

FST’s annual festival also inspired the creation of several Sarasota improv groups, including Lazy Fairy Improv and the Early Bird Specials.

It also helped jump-start Tampa’s vibrant improv scene.

Nationally, the festival put Sarasota on the improv comedy map. Its honor roll of visiting troupes includes Dad’s Garage of Atlanta, the Upright Citizens Brigade, based in New York City and Los Angeles, and Available Cupholders from Austin, Texas.

These A-list improvisers definitely entertained area audiences. But they also interacted with local improv talents. As a result, Sarasota became part of a national (and international) improv network. And an improv destination rivaling the scene in Austin, Los Angeles and New York City.

ELTON JOHN | QUEEN | AEROSMITH | KISS | FOO FIGHTERS 80’S NIGHT | MOTOWN | BAD BUNNY | 90’S HIP HOP | U2 | PINK FLOYD BEASTIE BOYS | NIRVANA | The Rolling Stones | THE BEATLES JIMI HENDRIX | OUTKAST | RUSH | NO DOUBT | JOURNEY | BOB MARLEY LADY GAGA | Taylor Swift | DAVID BOWIE | LED ZEPPELIN | LIZZO THE DOORS | AC/DC | BRUNO MARS | VAN HALEN | METALLICA MICHAEL JACKSON | PRINCE | and more!

MAY 23 - AUGUST 31

THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY 7PM & 9PM

$15

Drinks and snacks available for purchase.

201 10TH STREET WEST | BRADENTON, FL 34205 W W W. B I S H O P S C I E N C E . O R G

THANK YOU

FOR HELPING US

DELIVER MORE THAN A MEAL.

With your help, we delivered 177,500 balanced meals and wellness checks to our vulnerable neighbors in 2023.

“

Thank you for helping me survive.

Getting old is not for the weak. My meals are such a help to me. The drivers always leave me with a smile and a lift of my spirits!”

–Faye, age 83

99%

of our clients say:

Our Services Help Them Feel More Secure

97%

of our clients say:

Our Program Helps Them Live Independently

80%

of our clients say:

Our Meals Help Improve Their Health

421 N Lime Ave • Sarasota FL 34237 (941) 366-6693 • MealsOnWheelsOfSarasota.org

SELBY.ORG

A registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization established in 1971

SCAN TO LEARN MORE

421564-1

VOLUNTEER • DONATE HELP US FURTHER OUR IMPACT IN 2024

427072-1

INSPIRING THE CREATION OF NEW TROUPES

The Sarasota Improv Festival’s exponential growth made it the leading celebration of its unscripted art form in the Southeastern U.S. This growth continued until 2020.

Then the pandemic happened.

That was spontaneous, too. Unlike improv, it wasn’t funny at all.

Sarasota’s stages all went dark.

FST was no exception. It canceled the real-life 2020 Sarasota Improv Festival. But improv artists think fast. The show still went on — in virtual reality. The fest was a Zoomonly event that bummer summer.

In 2023, the Sarasota Improv Festival came back strong in the real world. Hopkins wasn’t surprised.

“The improv festival brings people together,” she says. “After COVID killed the party, the community was eager to share in the celebration — and laugh themselves silly.”

Hopkins laughs at the memory.

“It was kind of like hitting the reset dial,” she says. “Our last live festival was 2019. After that, we went through a three-year gap until our next live shows. During that time, Sarasota had a whole new crop of residents and visitors. We couldn’t assume they’d all been to the festival — or had ever been exposed to improv comedy.”

That old question popped up again: What the heck is improv comedy?

“We had to explain it all … again. It was back to ‘Improv Comedy 101.’

But we filled the seats — and the 2023 audience left happy this time, too,” Hopkins says.

She smiles. “I expect we’ll do it again.”

Any Frame Order

Expires 7/13/2024

420871-1

old TheatreWorks auditorium into the Gompertz Theatre — a space comprising two cabaret stages and a mainstage. That allowed FST to keep ticket prices low by running three simultaneous improv shows at different venues.

The 21st century rolled on. FST’s more-is-more strategy worked like a charm. Year after year, the improv festival kept growing. Area improv artists grew with it.

Locally and regionally, the festival nurtured homegrown talents.

Will Luera is FST’s current improv director. He describes the festival’s regional impact as “transformative.”

25% OFF

(941)924-6656

FrameItUpGallery.com

17A

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

THIS WEEK

OUR PICK

SUMMER CIRCUS SPECTACULAR 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.

IF YOU GO When: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Friday, July 5 Where: at Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road Tickets: $20 adults; $15 kids Info: Visit Ringling.org.

THURSDAY

‘RHINESTONE COWGIRLS’ 7 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.

‘THE MUSIC OF LAUREL CANYON’ 7 p.m. at FST’s Court Cabaret, 1265 First St., Sarasota $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.

‘DEAR JACK, DEAR LOUISE’ 7 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.

DON’T MISS

THE SARASOTA PLAYERS NEW PLAY FESTIVAL Not only is Sarasota a hotbed of live theater, it is also an incubator for playwriting, especially during the summer months.

For more than two decades, the Sarasota Players has hosted its new play festival, a week of readings of never-heard-before works with local directors and actors. Playwrights compete for the opportunity to have their plays produced with full sets, costumes, lighting and sound.

IF YOU GO When: 7:30 p.m. July 8-12 Where: at 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1130 Tickets: $10 each night Info: Visit ThePlayers.org.

FRIDAY OPENING RECEPTION FOR ‘GLOBAL RHYTHMS’ QUILT EXHIBIT 5-7 p.m. at Art Ovation Hotel, 1255 N. Palm Ave. Free Visit ArtOvationHotel.com.

Bradenton artist Michael R. Stevenson brings his bold quilts to the Art Ovation Hotel for a four-day residency. Stevenson comes from four generations of quilters but did not take up his textile art until retiring as a professor. His meticulously crafted quilts incorporate pieces he has collected from his travels over the years. Following the opening reception, Stevenson will be in residency each day from 4-8 p.m. through July 8.

Courtesy images

www.manasotaonline.com

1734 South Tamiami Trail Venice, FL 34293 941.493.7441

SUNDAY

CLASSIC MOVIES AT THE OPERA HOUSE: ‘ON THE WATERFRONT’ 7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. $12 Visit SarasotaOpera.org.

Escape the summer heat with an air-conditioned screening of Elia Kazan’s classic film “On the Waterfront” at the Sarasota Opera House. The film’s stars, Marlon Brando and Eve Marie Saint, look different on the big screen than they do if you stream the gritty tale on your laptop. The famous words, “I coulda been a contender” take on a whole new meaning.

SATURDAY ‘FREEDOM THE MUSICAL’ 7:30 p.m. at FST’s Bowne’s Lab, 1265 First St. $15-$18 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Feeling patriotic but looking for a laugh? Florida Studio Theatre Improv explores “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Laughter” in this one-night-only performance that promises to reveal the secret history of the American Revolution.

‘RADICAL CLAY’ 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The Ringling Art Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Road Free with museum admission of $25; free Mondays and $15 from 5-8 p.m. on Thursdays Visit Ringling.org.

Like women in other parts of the world, Japanese female artists have historically faced opposition to pursuing careers. “Radical Clay,” an exhibition of 41 ceramic sculptures by 36 contemporary artists, includes the works of veterans such as Mishima Kimiyo and Tsuboi Asuka and relative newcomers Mori Aya and Kawaura Saki.

4551 N. Washington Blvd.

Sarasota, FL 34234 941.355.8437

CLASSIC MOVIES AT THE OPERA HOUSE: ‘THE SLEEPING BEAUTY’ 1:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. $12-$20 Visit SarasotaOpera.org.

Watch a film of the Royal Ballet’s timeless production of “The Sleeping Beauty,” the enduring collaboration between composer Tchaikovsky and choreographer Petipa starring Marianela Nuñez and Vadim Muntagirov. The fairy tale-inspired ballet is accompanied by the orchestra of the Royal Opera House conducted by Koen Kessels.

WEDNESDAY JAZZ HAPPY HOUR 6 p.m. at Geldbart Auditorium, Selby Library, 1331 First St. Free with reservation Visit JazzHappyHour.org.

The Sarasota Music Archive presents the Kevin Celebi Septet, “Hamonic Sanity.” Light refreshments are available.

STEVE HYTNER 7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd. $31 Visit McCurdysComedy.com.

Film and TV actor Steve Hytner brings his considerable talents to stand-up comedy in this special onenight show. Hytner is well known to TV sitcom fans for his appearances on “Seinfeld,” “Modern Family,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and many other hits.

2510 1st Street West Bradenton, FL 34208 941.748.4679

OUR SHOWROOMS ARE OPEN Special Financing Available

427682-1

18A

YourObserver.com

19A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

What Florida state budget cuts mean for Sarasota arts Arts and Cultural Alliance CEO Brian Hersh talks about the community’s response.

ART CUTS

A snapshot of Florida Culture Grants in Sarasota County Organization Arts Center Sarasota Asolo Repertory Theater Florida Studio Theater Key Chorale Marie Selby Gardens Sarasota Ballet Sarasota Opera Sarasota Orchestra The Sarasota Players Venice Theatre

MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

S

What is your view of government’s role in the arts?

Public support of the arts is incredibly important, especially while ensuring arts and culture is accessible to the community.

Nancy Guth

Brian Hersh spent more than 20 years in the field of nonprofit arts administration before becoming president and CEO of the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County in June 2023.

How does Sarasota promote itself as an arts destination?

Our friends at Visit Sarasota County have trademarked Sarasota as Florida’s Cultural Coast. When you look at our population size and see how many arts organizations we have (as well as individual artists), you can see Sarasota County has

Does the Arts & Cultural Alliance have any plans to help members offset these cuts?

We can continue to convene and collaborate across the arts and cultural sector among organizations and artists. There are opportunities, but many of these things take time.

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW! THE CIRCUS ARTS CONSERVATORY & THE RINGLING present

Incredible Family Entertainment AT THE RINGLING

NOW – SAT AUG 17 TICKETS:

ringling.org 941.360 .7399

TUE – FRI SAT

20

$

11 AM & 2 PM 2 PM & 5 PM

The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota

15

$

12 & UNDER

Sarasota’s cultural institutions have bounced back from pandemic disruptions to a greater extent that some of their peers across the country. Do these cuts have the potential to derail that progress?

Any funding cut is a setback.

Sarasota has generous individual donors and community foundations that help support the arts. Can they be counted upon to make up the difference in funding?

Support from donors and philanthropic organizations will be incredibly important. Individuals can help, of course, with donations.

In addition to making a donation, community members can also help support the arts by buying a ticket or entrance to an exhibition or by becoming a member.

Individuals can also volunteer.

Find a way to help fill a need for our many organizations by rolling up your sleeves.

Our organizations have great stories to tell. Be sure to share these stories on social media. These are just a few ways to help out now.

Arts and culture goes beyond economic impact. Arts builds community. Quality of life is important, and arts and culture go a long way toward stimulating the vibrancy and well-being within Sarasota County.

CHILD

All of the organizations that will not receive funding from the state will be negatively impacted.

Is there any evidence that government funding of the arts helps stimulate economic growth?

Many studies have shown the economic impact and vitality of arts and culture. A recent survey from Americans for the Arts showed the return on investment was nine to one. For every dollar invested, the return was $9. That’s quite a positive impact.

What we want to continue to convey in Sarasota, across the state, country and international markets is that Sarasota is a vibrant community — with arts and culture as an important aspect of our identity.

ADULT

Will Sarasota’s arts and tourism be hurt by these cuts?

a tremendous breadth of arts and culture.

In addition to the depth of arts and culture, Sarasota County produces performances and exhibitions of high artistic excellence.

These elements are what set Sarasota apart, especially when paired with our stunning beaches.

412408-1

Were you surprised by Gov. DeSantis’ recent rejection of arts funding grants in the latest budget?

The cuts were unprecedented. It hasn’t happened since the state started the program in the late ’70s.

Received Fiscal 2024 $45,297 $106,444 $106,807 $57,050 $98,088 $103,693 $105,445 $104,900 $89,187 $102,629

— Sources: State of Florida, local organizations

427749-1

arasota arts organizations got some unwelcome news last month when they learned that $32 million earmarked for state cultural grants in fiscal 2025 had been rejected by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

When he signed the fiscal 2025 budget into law on June 12, DeSantis vetoed cultural and museum grants as part of $950 million in funding cuts. Of that, the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County estimates $3 million was destined for Sarasota’s vibrant arts community.

The Cultural Alliance says the cuts don’t make sense economically because of the valuable role the arts play in attracting tourism and generating income and employment in Sarasota, which has been trademarked “Florida’s Cultural Coast.”

According to the Cultural Alliance, nearly half (47.5%) of all attendees at arts performances and events are from outside the county, and 2.3 million attendees participate in cultural events in Sarasota County each year.

As employers, nonprofit arts groups contribute more than $176 million annually to household income within the county, the alliance says.

Brian Hersh, Arts and Cultural Alliance president and CEO, took time to discuss what the arts grants cuts, which are unprecedented in the history of the state’s cultural funding, mean for local cultural groups.

Expected Fiscal 2025 $150,000 $150,000 $150,000 $57,000 $70,500 $150,000 $70,500 $70,500 $72,000 $90,000

20A

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

READY TO MOVE BEYOND YOUR EXPECTATIONS?

Look No Further 20819 Parkstone Terrace Donna Soda

$6,999,000 941.961.5857

THE GULF COAST LUXURY LEADER

Scan below for a full list of Open Houses, property details, driving directions and more

THE LAKE CLUB 17011 Verona Place Laura Stavola

$2,575,000 941.447.4875

BOCA ROYALE 43 Grande Fairway Bob Linthicum

PRESTANCIA 7738 Calle Facil Joel Schemmel & Sharon Chiodi

$699,000 407.353.8810

LAKEWOOD NATIONAL 5527 Palmer Circle #204 Lisa Morreale

$1,299,900 941.228.9206

COUNTRY CLUB EAST $1,145,000 941.587.4894

HARMONY AT LAKEWOOD RANCH 5210 Horizon Cove Darren Beddoe

ARBOR LAKES ON PALMER RANCH

$435,000 941.400.9038

7507 Haddington Cove Christine Mazur

4653 Antrim Drive Rebecca Zimmerman

COUNTRY CLUB EAST $999,000 941.224.4824

HAMMOCKS IV IN BENT TREE $590,000 941.539.0974

7360 Oak Moss Drive #4 Michelle Dunbar

$360,000 941.275.6838

3886 Deberry Drive Ziad Sleit

SARASOTA 5164 Marsh Field Lane #111 Judy Mitchell

$1,200,000 770.595.8139

WORTHINGTON

$1,099,000 941.374.4015

SOLERA 17527 Cantarina Cove Joe Harris

5930 Anise Drive Janet Boyden

$448,500 941-210-9526

7204 Annanhill Lane Jaci Krawtschenko

FOREST LAKES SOUTH 4332 Pasadena Circle Robyn Sadlo

GREAT TOWNHOUSE $350,000 941.928.5493

$950,000 941.284.3789

$444,000 941.812.4219

THE MEADOWS 4356 Woodmans Chart Lane #141 Fernando Viteri

$329,000 941.400.7676

The Next Evolution of Waterfront Luxury 78 Grand Bayfront Residences from $3.7 Million

Presentation Gallery Now Open at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Hotel 1111 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Sarasota, Florida 34236 941.499.8704 | TheResidencesSarasotaBay.com ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE SELLER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THIS BROCHURE AND TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A SELLER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. The renderings, terms, conditions, and statements contained in these materials are proposed only, and the Developer reserves the right to modify, or withdraw any or all of same in its sole discretion and without prior notice. The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sarasota Bay are not owned, developed or sold by Marriott International, Inc. or its affiliates (“Ritz-Carlton”). KT Sarasota South, LLC uses The Ritz-Carlton marks under a license from Ritz-Carlton, which has not confirmed the accuracy of any of the statements or representations made herein. Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated.

BROKERAGE | RENTALS | RELOCATION | NEW DEVELOPMENT MORTGAGE | INSURANCE | FINE ART CONSIGNMENT

PremierSIR.com VENICE | 941.412.3323

LAKEWOOD RANCH | 941.907.9541

LONGBOAT KEY | 941.383.2500

RENTALS | 941.203.3433

Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Property information herein is derived from various sources including,but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate. Source: BrokerMetrics®.

418436-1

SARASOTA - DOWNTOWN | 941.364.4000

Classifieds 15B Games 10B Real Estate 5B Sports 7B Weather 10B

JULY 4, 2024

YOUR NEIGHBORS Hundreds gather on the lawn for the Red, White and Blueberry Festival at Fiorelli Winery & Vineyard on June 29.

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Matt and Becki Johnson are with Courtney Dakin and Sam Harmon under the Rock Your Roots Boutique tent. Becki Johnson owns the western boutique.

Winery adds some pop to its menu

I

t was a good time for a good cause.

Hundreds gathered at the Fiorelli Winery on June 29 for the fourth annual Red, White and Blueberry Festival. The event raises money for Suncoast Charities for Children.

Food trucks fed the crowd. The wine and the band, One Night Rodeo, kept them dancing.

When the lead singer, Duane Allison, said the band was from Bradentucky, Jennifer Yelton felt right at home. Yelton is new to town from Kentucky, and she’s already found her new hangout.

“I’ll be coming back here before next year’s festival,” she said. “I love the wine.”

To wrap up the evening, Alison led the crowd in singing the national anthem before the sky lit up with fireworks.

As Courtney Weiland and her 7-year-old daughter, Willow, watch the fireworks, 5-year-old Brooklyn Cassarino and Susan West take a second to capture the moment.

Parrish resident Parker Thielking, 9, sings along to the national anthem before the fireworks begin.

— LESLEY DWYER

427210-1

Jacob Smith, 9, cools down on the playground with a creamsicle.

Ellenton resident Jennifer Yelton and Bradenton resident April Pyle enjoy Yelton’s first Red, White and Blueberry Festival. She just moved from Kentucky.

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

LAKEWOOD RANCH DELI

TFULLY DELIC

IO

U

YOUR CALENDAR

GH

S

D

OPENING LAKEWOOD RANCH DELI IN JULY! I EL

HAMILTON FAMILY

E S T. 2024

LA

KE

WO

OD RANC

H,

FL

Family owned & operated

Hot & Cold Deli Sandwiches Soups & Gourmet Salads Serving Quality Boar’s Head Products

Offering Loyal Customer deli family NOW Our (941) 500.1082 Reward Program HIRING CALL It’s all about the QUALITY! LakewoodRanchDeli.com

426675-1

8225 Natures Way Suite 111, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

E R

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 Donnie Bostic (Thursday), L’Attitude Adjustment (Friday), Bluegrass Pirates (Saturday) and Zooey (Sunday).

The Friday and Saturday concerts have a $5 cover; the other concerts are free. For more information, go to JiggsLanding.com.

Your Crossword Online!

FRIDAY, JULY 5 AND SATURDAY, JULY 6

MUSIC AT THE PLAZA Runs 6-9 p.m. at Waterside Place, 1560 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch. On Friday, singer/songwriter Emily Frost will entertain those who stroll through Waterside Place as part of the free music series. On Saturday, singer-songwriter Dean Johanesen will perform.

Our website serves up new puzzles and clues daily.

PLAY NOW yourobserver.com/crossword SPONSORED BY:

426945-1

SATURDAY, JULY 6

“I’m not afraid to smile anymore!”

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

BEST BET SUNDAY, JULY 7

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

FRIDAY, JULY 5

CRICUT CERTIFICATION CLASS Begins at 2 p.m. at the Lakewood Ranch Library, 16410 Rangeland Parkway, Lakewood Ranch. The Lakewood Ranch Library hosts a Cricut Certification class for doit-yourselfers who want to begin creating their own crafts that are both professional quality and easy to make. Participants need to be 13 years old and up and sign a workshop waiver. For more information or to register, go to MyManatee.org/ Departments/Manatee_County_ Public_Library_System.

P U Z Z L E W

THURSDAY, JULY 4 THROUGH SUNDAY, JULY 7

MUSIC ON MAIN Runs from 6-9 p.m. at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch. Frisson is the featured band at the monthly concert and block party series. Proceeds benefit MVP Sports’ Feel Good Fund.

The event includes local food vendors, beer trucks, sponsor booths, and games and activities for the kids (presented by Grace Community Church). For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

SAN MARCO PLAZA

O

COMMUNITY

FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL Runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the

File photo

The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch runs every Sunday year round.

Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota. Celebrate the holiday with the Suncoast’s Largest Food Truck Festival, which features more than 60 food trucks, trailers and pop-up vendors. For information, call 727674-1464 or visit MallAtUTC.com.

FAMILY LEGO DAY Begins at 11 a.m. the Braden River Library, 4915 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton. The Braden River Library presents “Family Lego Day,” which will feature fun with Legos, blocks and puzzles, plus an exciting craft activity. The event is geared for children ages 4-7. For information,go to MyManatee.org/Departments/Manatee_ County_Public_Library_System.

SUNDAY, JULY 7

YOGA IN THE PARK Runs 9-10 a.m. at Waterside Park, 7301 Island Cove Terrace, Sarasota.

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

BRINGING JOY BY CREATING SMILES

AFTER

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

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

When I decided to visit Paradise Dental, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve always been nervous about having my teeth worked on, but everyone there was so friendly and the team really put me at ease.

They took the time to listen to all of my concerns and what I hoped to accomplish, then recommended veneers for my front teeth. I liked that they took their time and helped me choose just the right color so my teeth would look more natural and not fake.

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

PA R A D I S E

D E N TA L

Jeffrey Martins, DDS DENTIST AND OWNER

Rowena B.

SMILE MAKEOVER PATIENT

Free Monthly Smile Makeover Seminars!

(941) 466-8222 1711 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211 www.paradisedentalsmiles.com

SCAN TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY

422504-1

The Cosmetic Dentist of Lakewood Ranch

423635-1

2B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

3B

JULY 4TH SAVINGS EVENT NOW - 7/10

SHOP LOCAL AND RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE REBATES ON MAJOR BRANDS INCLUDING GE, FRIGIDAIRE, LG, BOSCH, AND MUCH MORE! Our knowledgeable staff will meet your needs and provide you with the best products at the lowest prices.

• GE® ENERGY STAR® 27.7 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant French-Door Refrigerator (GFE28GYNFS) $1,799

• GE Profile™ ENERGY STAR® 27.9 Cu. Ft. Smart Fingerprint Resistant 4-Door French-Door Refrigerator (PVD28BYNFS) $2,599

WAS $3,299

WAS $4,199

NOW $1,799

NOW $2,599

• GE® 30” Slide-In Electric Convection Range with No Preheat Air Fry and EasyWash™ Oven Tray (GRS600AVFS))

• GE® 30” Free-Standing Electric Convection Range with No Preheat Air Fry and EasyWash™ Oven Tray (GRF600AVSS)

WAS $1,599

WAS $1,099

NOW $999

NOW $799

• GE Profile™ 5.3 cu. ft. Capacity Smart Front Load ENERGY STAR® Washer (PFW870SPVRS)

• 5.5 cu. ft. Mega Capacity Smart Top Load Washer (WT8400CB)

• GE Profile™ 7.8 cu. ft. Capacity Smart Front Load Electric Dryer (PFD87ESPVRS)

• 7.3 cu. ft. Ultra Large Capacity Rear Control Electric Dryer (DLE8400BE)

WAS $1,099 EACH

WAS $1,399 EACH

NOW $849

NOW $799

EACH

EACH

Visit JessupsAppliances.com We carry a wide variety of High-End & Mid-Range Kitchen, Laundry & Outdoor Appliances with the latest technology & hottest designs.

426159-1

Major Appliance Centers

FLORIDA TAX EXEMPTION - Through June 30th, 2024 on non-commercial Energy Star Appliances 3756 Bee Ridge Rd. | Sarasota | 941.927.4900 | Mon-Fri 9-6 | Sat 9-5 | Sun 11-4 1210 E. Venice Avenue | Venice | 941.484.9030 | Mon-Fri 9-6 | Sat 9-5 | Sun Closed 1019 Tamiami Trail | Port Charlotte | 941.249.4992 | Mon-Fri 9-5:30 | Sat 9-5 | Sun Closed

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

LAKEWOOD RANCH 19443 Beacon Park Place 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,460 Sq. Ft. Tina Ciaccio 941-685-8420 A4612407 $2,850,000

BRADENTON 5664 Cloverleaf Run 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,101 Sq. Ft. Christopher Van Vliet & Jamie Van Vilet 941-993-7087 A4614127 $1,159,000

BRADENTON 4823 1st Avenue Drive Nw 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,651 Sq. Ft. Adam Cuffaro 941-812-0791 A4603504 $1,100,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 4938 Kiva Circle 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,563 Sq. Ft. Mark McCann 941-685-7624 A4586348 $1,095,000

BRADENTON 1708 80th Street Court W 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,829 Sq. Ft. Jody Shinn 941-705-5704 A4606007 $1,050,000

CORTEZ 3850 Mariners Walk 723 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,942 Sq. Ft. Pam Sweeney 941-266-9622 A4600870 $899,000

BRADENTON 12851289 Hagle Park Road 3 Beds 1 Baths 1,762 Sq. Ft. Chris Jeanes 941-330-4844 A4603689 $875,000

PARRISH 1721 Twin Rivers Trail 4 Beds 3 Baths 3,300 Sq. Ft. Cheryl Roberts 941-266-1450 A4605624 $849,000

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

CORTEZ 3905 Mariners Walk 813 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,829 Sq. Ft. Kathy Valente 941-685-6767 A4595981 $725,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 6438 Watercrest Way 204 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,134 Sq. Ft. Carol Stewart 941-290-9150 A4614255 $724,900

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7142 Sandhills Place 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,817 Sq. Ft. Deborah Angelo O'Mara 941-730-0777 A4613582 $675,000

CORTEZ 4107 129th Street W 203 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,468 Sq. Ft. Dede Curran 941-928-3255 A4597114 $595,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 6919 Dorset Court 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,589 Sq. Ft. Ray Rausa 941-228-7614 A4602356 $499,000

BRADENTON 5004 Brickell Park Cove 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,722 Sq. Ft. Jonnie Dwyer & Bianca Dwyer 941-812-6283 A4614514 $499,000

APOLLO BEACH 7704 Nottinghill Sky Drive 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,208 Sq. Ft. Estraica Grayson, Llc 941-914-4819 A4612024 $450,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 6251 Cassia Street 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,434 Sq. Ft. Blair Schrock 970-666-1240 A4611633 $449,900

PARRISH 4119 Banbury Circle 4 Beds 2 Baths 1,792 Sq. Ft. Diane Fogo Harter 941-445-2431 A4603494 $449,000

BRADENTON 6034 Amberly Drive 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,627 Sq. Ft. Nancy Moore 941-313-5159 A4603013 $420,000

BRADENTON 141 41st Circle E 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,606 Sq. Ft. Gregory Zies 941-779-3081 A4599892 $415,000

BRADENTON 11818 Sky Acres Terrace 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,747 Sq. Ft. Nancie Kalin 941-928-8833 A4594448 $405,000

BRADENTON 3510 Wood Owl Circle 1 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,772 Sq. Ft. Ryndie Brusco 941-809-6913 A4599915 $350,000

BRADENTON 3603 45th Terrace W 103 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,429 Sq. Ft. Adam Cuffaro 941-812-0791 A4613813 $310,000

BRADENTON 4207 33rd Avenue Drive W 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,015 Sq. Ft. Patty Brooks 941-545-1194 A4591184 $249,000

BRADENTON 625 30th Avenue W G203 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,001 Sq. Ft. Brooke Doucett 602-882-3476 A4610948 $239,000

PARRISH 11432 Harbourside Lane 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,355 Sq. Ft. Sandi Dietrich 941-704-0697 A4608564 $2,250,000

BRADENTON 22230 E State Road 64 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,031 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4596938 $1,550,000

PALMETTO 902 25th Avenue W 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,092 Sq. Ft. Drew Russell 941-993-3739 A4614981 $1,250,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

427552-1

4B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in the Concession topped all transactions in this week’s real estate. Michael Hess, of Lakewood Ranch, sold his home at 8420 Lindrick Lane to Frances Krak and Kevin Krak, trustees, of Bradenton, for $4.65 million. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,768 square feet of living area.

It sold for $3,495,000 in 2021.

LAKE CLUB

SD TLC Holdings LLC sold the home at 8470 Pavia Way to Alexander and Estelle Perry, of Bradenton, for $3,245,200. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,995 square feet of living area.

Michael and Andrea Willard, of Bradenton, sold their home at 8355 Catamaran Circle to Donald Paxton and Cynthia Elizabeth Paxton, of Sarasota, for $2.45 million. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,521 square feet of living area.

David Terricciano, trustee, of Kennebunk, Maine, sold the home at 16711 Verona Place to Mark and Barbara Rubin, of Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania, for $1.8 million.

Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,638 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.75 million in 2022.

COUNTRY CLUB EAST

Lynn Marconi, trustee, of Asheville, North Carolina, sold the home at 15922 Kendleshire Terrace to Frank and Donna Ferruggia, of Bridgewater, New Jersey, for $2.32 million. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,137 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,014,700 in 2020.

LAKEHOUSE COVE AT WATERSIDE

Charles Totonis and Joseph Harris, of Sarasota, sold their home at 777 Tailwind Place to Arlette Athelia Steffelmaier and Max Andrea Steffelmaier, of Sarasota, for $1,774,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,494 square feet of living area. It sold for $722,000 in 2020.

COUNTRY CLUB

Mats Wahlstrom and Barbara Wahlstrom, of Bradenton, sold their home at 13405 Montclair Place to Anna Maria Egan, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1.6 million. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, fourand-a-half baths, a pool and 3,908 square feet of living area. It sold for $750,000 in 2012.

Jeffrey Saltz and Kimberly Ann Shaw Saltz, of Hinsdale, Massachusetts, sold their home at 13983 Siena Loop to Mansour and Forouzandeh Farsad, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1 million. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,192 square feet of living area. It sold for $940,000 in 2005.

WATERLEFE

Randy and April Tasco, of Lapeer, Michigan, sold their home at 10610 Riverbank Terrace to Steven Potokar and Lori Potokar, trustees, of Hawthorn Woods, Illinois for $1,459,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,572 square feet of living area.

It sold for $1 million in 2017.

Robert Anthony Small Jr. and Kimberly Suzanne Small, of Parrish, sold their home at 628 Misty Pond Court to Christine and Jeffrey Gooderham, of Bradenton, for $569,900. Built in 2000, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

JUNE 17-21

1,785 square feet of living area. It sold for $221,900 in 2000.

Joanne O’Neil, of East Lyme, Connecticut, sold her home at.

9822 Discovery Terrace to Edith Renee Chapman, of Bradenton, for $515,000. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,017 square feet of living area. It sold for $350,000 in 2008.

KENWOOD PARK

David Doyle, of Birmingham, Michigan, sold his home at 8143 Abingdon Court to Isaac Koziol and Judith Koziol, trustees, of University Park, for $1.39 million. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, twoand-a-half baths, a pool and 2,551 square feet of living area. It sold for $810,000 in 2023.

MALLORY PARK

John Julian and Kenneth Rogers, of Cooper City, sold their home at 11806 Blue Hill Trail to Dennis Michael Lyons and Rebecca Lyons, of Bradenton, for $1.35 million.

Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 4,032 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.11 million in 2021.

RIVER CLUB SOUTH

Joseph Richard Maheu and Ann Patterson Maheu, of Bradenton, sold their home at 10507 Cheval Place to Brice David Tisdale and Kavita Jayandra Patel Tisdale, of Boston, for $1,335,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,610 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.35 million in 2022.

Gerald and Holly Cook, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the home at 9412 Royal Calcutta Place to Laurie Vitale, trustee, of Bradenton, for $1 million. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,006 square feet of living area. It sold for $519,000 in 2019.

Photo courtesy of Tina Ciaccio, P.A., Michael Saunders & Co.

This home at 8420 Lindrick Lane sold for $4.65 million. It has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and is 4,768 square feet.

Michigan, sold the home at 12647 Fontana Loop to John and Cheryle Mayo, of Bradenton, for $865,000.

Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,601 square feet of living area. It sold for $470,300 in 2014.

William and Sara Murphy, of Bradenton, sold their home at 13124 Torresina Terrace to Karen Fleming, of Bradenton, for $500,000. Built in 2012, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,684 square feet of living area. It sold for $233,900 in 2012.

MISTY OAKS

Michael Andrew Clay and Gail Frederick Clay, of Sarasota, sold their home at 8114 Misty Oaks Blvd. to Andrea and Rodger LeBlanc, of Sarasota, for $860,000. Built in 1987, it has three bedrooms, twoand-a-half baths, a pool and 2,526 square feet of living area. It sold for $460,500 in 2015.

COACH HOMES AT LAKEWOOD NATIONAL

Timothy and Jayne Healy, of Deerfield Beach, sold their Unit 4222 condominium at 17921 Gawthrop Drive to Dean and Jennifer Mourfield, of Westfield, Indiana, for $725,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,108 square feet of living area. It sold for $688,000 in 2023.

Dean Rees, trustee, of Bradenton, sold the Unit 6511 condominium at 6075 Worsham Lane to T-S Ruck Ltd. Partnership for $615,000. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,786 square feet of living area. It sold for $340,000 in 2021.

GREYHAWK LANDING

Robert Paul Hagestedt, of St. Charles, Illinois, sold his home at SEE REAL ESTATE, PAGE 6B

PRESERVE AT PANTHER RIDGE

John Barranco sold his home at 22374 Panther Loop to John and Ina Schielke, of Bradenton, for $1.1 million. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,955 square feet of living area. It sold for $450,000 in 2003.

POMELLO PARK

In with the new NOW TAKING CONTRACTS

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Wilmington Savings Fund Socity, trustee, sold the home at 19707 79th Ave. E. to Lennin Ernesto Romero Garcia Colmenares and Nadine Angeles Garcia Breuer, of Bradenton, for $1.09 million. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,721 square feet of living area.

ROSEDALE HIGHLANDS

Roger and Mary Thibault, of Reedsburg, Wisconsin, sold their home at 5226 96th St. E. to Michael Shayle Epstein and Janet Crabb, of Littleton, Colorado, for $1,075,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,004 square feet of living area. It sold for $585,000 in 2011.

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

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

MOVE-IN SPRING 2024

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

GOLDEN GATE POINT

LONGBOAT KEY

LAKEWOOD NATIONAL

Zoltan and Andrea Marsi, of Dellroy, Ohio, sold their home at 17468 Hickok Belt Loop to Jeffrey David Simpson and Lisa Marie Simpson, of Media, Pennsylvania, for $1.05 million. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,270 square feet of living area. It sold for $515,000 in 2020.

Ray and Jennifer Albertina, of Glen Carbon, Illinois, sold their home at 5835 Brandon Run to Barton Ferrell and Laura Ferrell, trustees, of Edwardsville, Illinois, for $860,000. Built in 2022, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 1,900 square feet of living area. It sold for $707,200 in 2022.

ROSEDALE ADDITION

George and Polly Eilers, of Nokomis, sold their home at 10322 Eastwood Drive to Joshua Flake and Melissa Louise Flake, of Bradenton, for $895,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,451 square feet of living area. It sold for $556,100 in 2015.

ESPLANADE

Linda Siggia, trustee, of Westland,

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

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

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

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

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

427656-1

ADAM HUGHES

REAL ESTATE

Concession home tops sales at $4.65 million

5B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

Real estate

1,658 square feet of living area. It sold for $379,100 in 2019.

FROM PAGE 5B

CHARLESTON POINTE

12056 Aster Ave. to Ramon Russell and Sarah Melody Russell, of Bradenton, for $724,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and is 2,481 square feet. It sold for $485,900 in 2020.

Your Hometown Favorite For More Than Eight Decades!

LOCAL, VETERAN OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1939

CELEBRATING 85 YEARS IN REAL ESTATE EXCELLENCE

WATERCREST

RPH Realty LLC sold the Unit 404 condominium at 6406 Watercrest Way to Kenneth Ettinger and Robin Scheer Ettinger, trustees, of Bradenton, for $720,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,134 square feet of living area.

It sold for $627,000 in 2005.

ROSEDALE GOLF AND TENNIS CLUB

For Sale- 3/2.5 | Greenbrook Walk Townhouse

14812 Skip Jack Loop, LWR | Listed at $319,000 1 car garage | Lake views from lanai | Close to schools MLS#A4610621 | Alba Lange / Steven Nicholson Alba 941-704.3026 / Steven 941.400.6332

For Rent- 2/2 | Lakewood National Condo

17006 Vardon Terrace #402, Bradenton | $2,800 mthly GOLF COURSE VIEW | 4th fl penthouse | 12 month lease MLS#A4608590 | Cyndi Grigsby | 941-447-9506

For Sale 2/2 w/den Del Webb Home

17240 Corinna Pl. LWR | 55+ Com. | Listed at $699,000 Pet friendly w/approval | MLS#A4593511 | Cyndi Myers / Diane Lee Cyndi 941-737-1675 / Diane 941-993-6344

8141 Lakewood Main Street, Suite N106 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34210

427441-1

941.756.7800

Content subject to change.

CENTRAL PARK

ARBOR LAKES

M. Dianne Troester and Frank Troester, of Sarasota, sold their home at 17714 Eastbrook Terrace to Donald and Rochelle Appel, of Bradenton, for $660,000. Built in 2020, it has two bedrooms, two baths and is 1,930 square feet. It sold for $485,600 in 2020.

RESIDENTIAL | COMMERCIAL | RELOCATION | RENTALS | BUSINESS BROKERAGE

Thomas and Tina Rentz, of Gloversville, New York, sold their home at 14850 Seventh Ave. E. to Jacob Michael Hargroder and Shelbey Anne Lutinski, of Bradenton, for $640,000. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,210 square feet of living area. It sold for $360,000 in 2017.

WINDWARD

DEL WEBB

YOUR LOCAL FULL SERVICE REAL ESTATE COMPANY

COUNTRY CREEK

Melissa Louise Flake and Joshua Steven Flake, of Bradenton, sold their home at 8711 54th Ave. E. to Michael Dennis Currier and Andrea Dawn Currier, of Bradenton, for $700,000. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,093 square feet of living area. It sold for $435,000 in 2021.

Carie Marie Jackson, of Bradenton, and Travis Robert Jackson, of North Port, sold their home at 12032 Longview Lake Circle to Michael and Alicia Konkol, of Bradenton, for $690,000. Built in 2012, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,873 square feet of living area. It sold for $425,000 in 2020.

For Sale- 3/2 | Lakewood Nat’l Terrace Condo 17724 Gawthrop Dr., #108, LWR | Listed at $420,000 Golf Community | 1st fl end unit | Pet friendly w/approval MLS#A4600117 | Laurie Jarema | 941-321-3410

Christopher and Elizabeth Abernethy, of Charlottesville, Virginia, sold their home at 8234 Planters Knoll Terrace to Frank Joseph Bisesi and Donna Marie Gorman, of Bradenton, for $640,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and is 2,548 square feet. It sold for $390,000 in 2014.

Arthur and Michele Arena sold their home at 16710 Ellsworth Ave. to Douglas Stephen Hodges and Tracy Lynne Hodges, of Frankford, Delaware, for $599,000. Built in 2019, it has two bedrooms, two baths and

Neal Communities of Southwest Florida LLC sold the home at 8518 Frangipani Terrace to Christian Martin Fulda and Gina Schilleci Fulda, of Sarasota, for $639,000.

Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,483 square feet of living area.

Charles Ackerman, trustee, of Orange City, sold the home at 7116 Coachlight St. to George and Andrea Papadakis, of Northbrook, Illinois, for $630,000. Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,839 square feet of living area. It sold for $244,000 in 1999.

OAKBROOKE AT RIVER CLUB

Kelly and Alice Meyer, of Decorah, Iowa, sold their home at 6627 Oakbrooke Circle to Shilpa Chaddha, of Bradenton, for $595,000. Built in 1992, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,836 square feet of living area. It sold for $246,500 in 2014.

ONLINE See more transactions at YourObserver.com

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CABINETS THAT STAND THE TEST OF TIME LICENSE #CGC057880

THE ONE-STOP SHOP FOR YOUR OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE NEEDS! •CABINETS

•IN HOUSE MANUFACTURING

•APPLIANCES

•FULL SERVICE INSTALLATION

Showroom: 10530 Portal Crossing #109 | Lakewood Ranch 34211

Call for a Free Estimate & Design Consultation

(941) 725-0709 OutdoorCabinets.com

Mention this ad to receive a special discount*

427851-1

6B

JULY 4, 2024

SPORTS Fast

Break

“I already have strength, but speed is something college coaches want.”

— The Out-of-Door Academy’s Marvin Palominos SEE PAGE 9B

Only 10, but already an ace Graham Gapin won the Boys 10 division of the 2024 Southeast Florida State Invitational on June 8-9.

RYAN KOHN SPORTS EDITOR

L

akewood Ranch Country Club’s Graham Gapin, 10, is where he wanted to be.

At 5 years old, Gapin watched a movie

called “The Short Game,” a documentary about kids competing at the U.S. Kids Golf World Championship at Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina.

Courtesy image

Lakewood Ranch golfer Kevin Roy is 14th on the Korn Ferry Tour points list as of June 27.

L

akewood Ranch professional golfer Kevin Roy finished tied for fourth (16 under par) at the Korn Ferry Tour’s Wichita Open, held June 12-16 at Crestview Country Club in Wichita, Kansas. Roy earned $41,500 for the finish. As of June 27, Roy is 14th on the Korn Ferry Tour points list. The top-30 finishers at the end of the season earn PGA Tour cards. … Braden River High football rising senior kicker/punter Brunno Reus committed to the University of South Florida on June 26. Reus is rated by Kohl’s Kicking as the No. 3 kicker and the No. 6 punter in the national class of 2025. … Braden River High football rising senior quarterback Lucas Despot received an offer from NCAA Division II school Shorter University (Rome, Georgia) on June 25. Despot threw for 1,619 yards, 18 touchdowns and five interceptions in 2023. … Lakewood Ranch area golfer Brett Traver finished tied for seventh (75) at the Last Chance Qualifier for the Florida State Golf Association Boys Junior Championship, held June 24 at The Club at Eaglebrooke in Lakeland. Traver’s finish qualified him for the Championship, held July 6-8 at Club Adena and Glenview Champions Country Club in Ocala. Traver also plays quarterback for the Lakewood Ranch High football program. … Risa Benoit (21) won the 19-27 flight of the Ladies Golf Association “Strike 3” event (low net scoring) held June 25 at University Park Country Club. Daria Charlesworth (19) won the 1-9 flight.

BACK IN THE DUGOUT PAGE 8B

Before watching the film, Gapin had casually hit golf balls a few times, but never focused on it. One viewing of the movie was all he needed.

Gapin put a goal in his mind. Not only would he would be one of those kids someday, he’d be a real contender.

Gapin started regularly golfing, and he saw his results rapidly improve. At 7 years old, he qualified for the U.S. Kids World Championship for the first time.

The 2024 U.S. Kids World Championship, held Aug. 1-3, will be his fourth — and Gapin said he’s finally feeling confident in his ability to compete with the event’s top players.

Gapin had one of his best performances at the 2024 Southeast Florida State Invitational, held June 8-9 at Hammock Creek Golf Club in Palm City. He won the Boys 10 division of the event at nine under par (68-67—135), six strokes better than second-place Benny Minter of Lutz.

It was Gapin’s first victory in the junior event. In past years, he has been near the top of the leaderboard before faltering, but not this time.

“I came close so many times,” Gapin said. “I made mistakes that I should not have made. I disappointed myself. Being able to win this time was special.”

The difference? In an appropriate if unintentional nod to the film that convinced Gapin to pick up golf, it was his short game. In the past, Gapin has struggled to get the ball in the hole. At this year’s event, he said he consistently landed in go o d spots on the greens, w h i c h gave him easier

Lakewood Ranch Country Club’s Graham Gapin hits a tee shot during the 2024 Southeast Florida State Invitational.

Gapin won the Boys 10 division of the event at nine under par (68-67—135).

Courtesy images

Lakewood Ranch Country Club’s Graham Gapin will play at the U.S. Kids Golf World Championship at Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina on Aug. 1-3.

FAST FACTS GRAHAM GAPIN Age: 10 Sport: Golf Accomplishment: Won the Boys 10 division of the Southeast Florida State Invitational at 9 under par (68-67—135) Up next: Will play in the U.S. Kids Golf World Championship at Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina on Aug. 1-3 Favorite food: Steak, cooked either medium rare or medium Favorite thing to watch: The Good Good golf channel on YouTube Favorite hobbies: Cooking and practicing golf Favorite school subject: Math

putts. He has also made the short game a focus in practice after identifying it as an area he could make better.

The on-course success is no surprise to anyone who knows Gapin.

Golf has become his happy place, one he shares with friends. He has become especially close with Liam Kinne, 9, and Parker Campbell, 10, both of whom are members of Sarasota’s Laurel Oak Country Club.

Kinne also won his age group at the Southeast Florida State Invitational (12 under par), while Campbell finished top six at the 2024 U.S. Kids Golf European Championship in May (12 over par). All three kids train together and support each other despite golf’s individual nature.

“It’s fun to do,” Gapin said. “It felt natural to me when I picked it up. I just want to do stuff that makes me proud and succeed. I want to get better.”

Gapin said he practices nearly every day during the summer. At other times of the year, he still tries to practice twice during the week and twice over the weekend. That

“I can see myself succeeding. I’m able to shoot well, and I have more confidence than in other years. I feel good.”

— Graham Gapin

practice is not limited to physical work.

Gapin spends time working to improve his on-course mentality. He said he used to get upset after hitting a bad shot, which would keep him off balance for the rest of the round.

Now, he focuses on keeping negative thoughts out while generating positive thoughts in their place. It’s hard to do, Gapin said, but he does it as best he can.

Gapin’s mother, Sara Gapin, is proud of how he has dedicated himself to his craft.

“It is his motivation, his love of the game,” Sara Gapin said. “It is amazing to see.”

The Gapin family does not push him to compete as hard as he does, Sara Gapin said. They don’t have to push him. He wants to be out there because he wants to keep improving, an attribute that many top athletes share.

His mother said he is just as competitive off the golf course. He often races his family members up the stairs to see who is fastest, and he has a mind for math and engineering in school. He is also witty. If he doesn’t think a joke is funny, he sometimes will joke back that he is “losing his humor,” a one-liner he learned from his mom.

At the World Championships in Pinehurst, Gapin will be all business.

He enters with a goal to finish in the top five of his age category.

“I can see myself succeeding,” Gapin said. “I’m able to shoot well, and I have more confidence than in other years. I feel good.”

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

PROSE AND KOHN

RYAN KOHN

Courtesy image

Ryan Kennedy coached the Rhino Baseball youth travel team after stepping down from Lakewood Ranch High. Kennedy will return to the varsity coaching ranks at Parrish Community High.

Former Mustangs coach returns to the dugout Ryan Kennedy coached Lakewood Ranch High for nine seasons and reached the Little League World Series in his youth.

I

t just felt right.

When Ryan Kennedy was approached about taking the reins of the Parrish Community High baseball team, he took his time to sort out his thoughts. He consulted with his family and tossed around pros and cons in his mind. After

doing so, the answer became clear to him.

If there was ever a time to return to coaching high school baseball, it was now.

“You never know when you will get this opportunity again,” Kennedy said. “So I took advantage of it.”

Kennedy is a well-known presence in the Manatee County baseball community. He was head coach at Lakewood Ranch High for nine seasons before stepping down following the 2021 season, having won two Florida High School Athletic Association district titles and having made five appearances in the

regional tournament. He had even more success as a player, starting in 1997, when he helped the Manatee East Little League All-Stars reach the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. He would later help Lakewood Ranch High win the FHSAA Class 5A state title in 2003, and help the University of Tampa win NCAA Division II National Championships in 2006 and 2007.

Kennedy spent two seasons in the Los Angeles Angels minor league system before retiring and moving on to coaching. Despite his own on-field accomplishments, Ken-

nedy said, he feels most natural in a coaching role. When Kennedy stepped down from the Lakewood Ranch job in 2021, it was only to spend more time with his family.

Kennedy’s son, Ryker, is 10, while his daughter, Lorelai, is 7. Kennedy said the job was taking up a lot of his time, and he did not want to miss some of the most important moments in his kids’ early lives.

Now, Kennedy said, his kids are old enough that he can talk to them about the amount of time coaching will take. Kennedy said both Ryker and Lorelai were on board with him getting back into high school coaching, as was his wife, Kelly Kennedy.

That was a relief, Kennedy said.

Though he has spent some time coaching with Rhino Baseball, a youth travel team, and working with individuals through his RK3 Development program, nothing can equal the intensity of the varsity level.

“I’m always going to be a coach, no matter what,” Kennedy said.

“That first season (after stepping down), I went to a few games, and it just was not the same.”

Parrish also made sense as a destination. His family has lived there since 2012, and Kennedy had been teaching Exceptional Student Education at the school. He will be stepping into a program that has had success in recent seasons. The Bulls went 23-8 in 2023 and reached the Class 5A regional finals before losing 6-3 to Tampa Jesuit High.

Kennedy will replace Brett Andrzejewski, who stepped down from the job after five seasons.

“My kids grew up here in this community,” Kennedy said. “This is where we see ourselves.”

Kennedy said he loves watching players go through the development process. When it all clicks for them, Kennedy can see it on their faces.

It is those moments, Kennedy said, that coaches live to see.

He’s seen it many times. While at Lakewood Ranch, Kennedy sent 35 players to the college ranks or directly to the professional ranks.

He also saw it in himself back in the day, thanks to coaches like his

father, Mike Kennedy, who coached his Little League All-Star team; Dave Moates, who coached Kennedy in high school; and Joe Urso, who coached him at the University of Tampa, among others. Kennedy learned from them all, he said. The good experience he had as a player is what led him to coaching in the first place.

At Parrish, Kennedy will have a chance to further cement what is already a lofty legacy in the Manatee County baseball community.

There are still things Kennedy has never done, like win a state title as a coach. He’s not thinking about that right now. When it comes to his legacy, Kennedy said, he’d rather be known for how he helped the community than what he accomplished on the field.

“It’s not about me,” Kennedy said. “It’s about molding the next generation of baseball players.

These kids need to have the ability to go into the community and be good people (first), then learn the game and hopefully have the opportunity to go to the next level.”

He’s also had his love of coaching reach some of his players. When Kennedy left Lakewood Ranch after the 2021 season, he was replaced by a former player of his, Colton Chupp. Chupp has gone 42-38-1 in three seasons.

Kennedy’s fingerprints are all over the local scene. Now he is back, and the baseball community is better for it.

“I’m excited for the opportunity,” Kennedy said. “I’m excited to be part of this program and to continue the traditions they have started here.”

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

411340-1

8B

YourObserver.com

When did you start playing football?

I started for real in the seventh grade. A bunch of my friends told me I had the size to play and that I should try out for the school team.

What is the appeal to you?

I like the culture. Our team is a family. We look out for each other, and we have fun together.

What is your best skill?

Pulling. I’m good at blocking in space. My pass protection is also good because I have good vision.

What have you been working to improve?

I am trying to get more explosive and faster. I already have strength, but speed is something college coaches want.

school, in case football is not something that is meant to be in terms of becoming a professional athlete.

What are your goals for the 2024 season?

Well, I’m going to be playing on both sides of the ball this year. I’ve always done it a little, but our coaches usually keep me on the sidelines (on defense) because of the impact I have on the offense. This year though, I talked with my coaches and told them I wanted to step up on defense.

BUSY BEE TUTORING Tutoring Grades K-College General Education & Special Needs

SWIMMING LESSONS

A School Of Fish Today!

“Smart” JoinWethe are open for private and group t Gif r lessons at home, community pools, a e Y All g and the Lincoln and G.T. Bray Lon Aquatic Centers

(941) 907• 8482 mjbhaus@aol.com Schooloffishswimminglessons.com

(941) 907•8482 mjbhaus@aol.com www.busybeetutoring.net

Elevate Your Space CUSTOMER PROOF

427046-1

Marvin Palominos is a rising senior offensive guard on The Out-of-Door Academy football team. Palominos, who is 6-foot-3 and 300 pounds, is a key to the Thunder’s success in the running game, according to head coach Rob Hollway. As of June 28, Palominos is being recruited by Wabash College, Centre College, Hampden-Sydney College, Albion College and Denison University.

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.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Marvin Palominos

9B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

FMG Print Solut Flooring Solutions PO Box 13 Fort Worth, TX 7 for Every Style!

Toll Free: 1.866.818.

Please Check For Accuracy

Fax: 817.237.

Here is a copy of your ad as it will appear on the Sports Schedules. Please review this proof for accuracy and layout; including name, ad WHOHSKRQH QXPEHU FRORU DQG FRS\ FRQWHQW 8QOHVV VSHFL¿HG RWKHUZLVH DQ\ FRUUHFWLRQV UHTXHႋHG RQ WKLV SURRI ZLOO EH DSSOLHG WR DOO Note: the clarity and colors of your published ad may vary slightly from those shown on this proof. If you have made corrections p refer to your revised proof sheet.

12-1-23 Date: ___________________

P48076 Invoice #: ___________________

Sports Schedules Product: _________________ Riverview Area: ___________________

Riverview Project: ____________________

If corrections are necessary, please indicate the changes on this proof proof is not signed and returned, the advertising will be printed a Corrections are due within 14 days from the date provided or NO CHANGES WILL BE ALLOWED. Note: This form may not be u cancel advertisement.

FL State: ___________________

What are your hobbies?

I play saxophone for my school and I also play guitar on my own. I like to hang out with friends and go to PopStroke.

4x2 Ad Size: _________________

A Proof Version: _______________

What is the best advice you have received?

My coaches say that if you want something in life, you should go and take it. That is 100% true.

Finish this sentence: “Marvin Palominos is …” … Enthusiastic and charming. I’m outgoing.

Carpet & Floors, Inc. 3913 Clark Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233

941.923.5499

“Thanks for throwing your business our way!”

Showroom & Design

What is your favorite football memory?

When I scored my first touchdown (against All Saints’ Academy) in the playoffs (2023). The coaches had me line up at running back. It was a run to the right, and everyone was blocking for me.

It was from the 3-yard line. I just pushed it in.

Explore our vast selection of Carpet, Hardwood, Laminate, Tile, Luxury Vinyl

Highest Quality Service

If you have any artwork not present please email: art@fmgprint.com

Professional Installationplease reference your invoice number above

Fax back to 817-237-3002 __________ or reply by Email Family Owned & Operated Since 1957 Honest & Knowledgeable Sales Associates

Proof Correct / No Corrections

Sign For Approval

Proof Correct / With Corre

_________ Sign For Approval

Attention: Art Department

426618-1

What has the recruiting process been like?

It has been great. I want to go to a good college with a good program. Besides football, I want to pursue medical

3913 Clark Road, Sarasota | 941-923-5499 | www.chappiescarpetandfloors.com

COME FLY FOR

FOURTH OF JULY

News Travels.

Zip•Climb Swing•Soar

The Observer app keeps you in touch while you’re away.

The Ground Is Overrated

5 STARS

BRADENTON

Text 941-322-2130

Get your favorite news for just 99¢ for the first two months.

www.TreeUmph.com

You can cancel anytime.

“This place is awesome.

My teens loved it, the courses progressively get harder. It is definitely a workout!”

– Google Reviews

SAVE 15%*

ON ADVENTURE TICKETS AND APE UP TICKETS TO CLIMB THIS 4TH OF JULY *Cannot be combined with any other offer.

424731-1

425354-1

Scan here or visit YourObserver.com/subscribe.

Valid only for Adventure and Ape Up Tickets June 22 – July 8.

Use promo code Fourth2024.

10B

YourObserver.com

WEATHER

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST THURSDAY, JULY 4

SUNRISE / SUNSET Sunrise Sunset

High: 93 Low: 77 Chance of rain: 43%

FRIDAY, JULY 5 High: 92 Low: 77 Chance of rain: 62%

Thursday, July 4

6:39a

8:28p

Friday, July 5

6:39a

8:28p

Saturday, July 6

6:40a

8:28p

Sunday, July 7

6:40a

8:28p

Monday, July 8

6:41a

8:27p

Tuesday, July 9

6:41a

8:27p

Wednesday, July 10

6:42a

8:27p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, JULY 6 High: 93 Low: 77 Chance of rain: 52%

July 5 New

July 13 First

July 21 Full

July 27 Last

RAINFALL

SUNDAY, JULY 7 High: 92 Low: 77 Chance of rain: 58%

Monday, June 24

0

Tuesday, June 25

2.28

Wednesday, June 26

0.02

Thursday, June 27

0 0.54

Friday, June 28

Gordon Silver took this photo of tiny white daisy-like blooms called German chamomile covering the ground in Del Webb.

Saturday, June 29

0

Sunday, June 30

1.6

*Rainfall totals from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

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

YEAR TO DATE: 2024 26.57 in.

2023 10.04 in.

MONTH TO DATE: 2024 0.00 in.

2023 0.00 in.

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

Daily crossword puzzles available at YourObserver.com/crossword

INFINITY POOL by Adam Simpson, edited by Jeff Chen 126 Otherwise

51 ___ toad

127 Winery section

52 Used cursive, maybe

DOWN

53 Canadian territory

3 Tolstoy’s “___ Karenina” 4 Spot for a big needle?

5 Beagle’s bark 6 It might be put through a washer 7 Morales of “Ozark” 8 “I wanna try!”

9 Messing around 10 Alloy producer based in Pittsburgh 11 Name that anagrams to REAL BOT 12 “The Tragedy of Othello, the ___ of Venice” 13 Exhilaration 14 Witticism 15 Candies 16 Eye contest action 18 Bird feeder bit 21 Activist Brockovich 22 Geordi La Forge portrayer Burton 24 “Respect for Acting” ©2024 Universal Uclick

ACROSS 1 “Ah, well” 5 Biblical bro 9 U.S. island territory 13 “American Dad” network 16 It goes with jam at tea 17 V-Day bouquet 19 Nordic capital 20 “___ so?”

21 *The Bangles ballad that’s still hot?

23 Ozzy, Sharon or Kelly 25 Shine 26 *Cyndi Lauper bop that plays around the clock?

28 Van Gogh flower 29 Living room sets 31 More risque 32 Too much 33 Sports goal material

34 Kinships

what might make the songs

36 “I’m not ___ judge, but ...” in this puzzle go on and on

99 Mila who voices Meg in “Family Guy”

38 Ranks above sgts.

70 *See 68-Across

100 Director Eastwood

39 *Carl Carlton classic

71 Negative conjunction

101 Steal

that’s adored to this day?

72 Fish eggs

104 Negative responses

44 Sticks around a diamond 73 All, for nothing?

106 Makeup cleansers

46 Jerk

75 Chasm

109 ___ and outs

47 Italy’s northern border,

76 Stubbed digit

110 Office note

essentially

77 Tom Yum, e.g.

111 *Queen song that keeps

50 Thanksgiving tubers

79 Tokyo dough?

you going?

51 Numbered GPS path

80 Allow to rent

115 Change lanes hastily

54 Business letters?

82 SSW’s opposite

117 Jacket on the slopes

55 Emeril’s catchphrase

83 Bic products

118 *Rod Stewart track that

58 Paunch

84 Doodled

never gets old?

60 Prohibition ___

86 Leaf-eater from Down

120 Thurman of “Pulp

61 Donut shape

Under

Fiction”

63 Blue Hawaii ingredient

88 What snoots might put

121 Not just heard

66 Chicken ___ king

on

122 So, so mad

67 Back of the boat

89 *k.d. lang hit that leaves

123 Fencing weapons

68 *With 70-Across, symbol you hungry for more? of endless repetition ... or

96 Freddy Krueger’s street

124 Confidante 125 That girl’s

author Hagen 27 Extreme pain 30 Show that the movie “Superstar” came from (Abbr.)

34 Walgreens competitor 35 ___-I-am (Seuss character) 37 Egg, in biology 39 UFO pilots 40 Salt, in Marseille 41 Chalky powder 42 Be liable for 43 Will Ferrell Christmas flick 44 Fries and wings with a pint, perhaps 45 Not a pro 48 Nursery vessel 49 Western brawl sites 50 Century units

crispy 56 Cheek-filler for a squirrel 57 Maggie’s mom 59 Shows, as teeth

“RDEF DK RDAF Z GPUEVKFO IFZGYFS ...

EDSKI, DI TDLFK IYF IFKI ZUO IYFU IFZGYFK IYF RFKKPU.” GZUZODZU SZMMFS OSZAF

61 Isn’t decided yet (Abbr.)

62 Bernie Sanders, for VT 64 Avg. size 65 Poetic praise 69 Stockings material 74 55-Down, e.g.

78 Chest muscle 81 “No Scrubs” group

“ZB NJOTLI SDLC OU DRGX OU ZL RG ZB ZUOTLI’D EUZV. R OTRGA R YJG GJZL JVUSO JGB OSGL RG OEU VLJOD.” BJGYB VSOPLI

83 Sty denizen 85 Pot for a stir-fry 86 Radio personality Casey 87 Part of a circumference 88 Farm drone 90 Where a squirrel might feast 91 Hide the ball in a tricky spot, in billiards 92 Some antique cookware 93 He could “sting like a bee” 94 “A Charlie Brown Christmas” composer Guaraldi 95 Health care coverage provider 96 Concludes with 97 Cry for attention,

“IPVGV OGV VJHTVYY JVF UOGSOISXJY XJ PXF IX PZGI O FXEOJ APDYSMOTTD, VEXISXJOTTD, BSJOJMSOTTD OJH YXMSOTTD.”

CTXGSO OTTGVH

Puzzle Three Clue: B equals F

2 Big-eyed primate

55 It can be ordered extra-

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

Puzzle Two Clue: A equals K

1 Got 100

celebrity cipher

Puzzle One Clue: L equals V

crossword

The Grounded Feeling Everyone will Enjoy

426212-1

at MANASOTA FLOORING INC

© 2024 NEA, Inc.

sudoku

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

sometimes 98 Like household chores 101 Broadway productions 102 Warning signs 103 “Star Trek” collective in a cube 105 Motor oil company 107 Loan revision, in brief 108 Saw logs 110 Made a barnyard noise 112 Pageant title adornment 113 Spoken 114 Moistens 116 Ilk 119 Flock formation ©2024 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

7-4-24

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

11B

Unmute Life

Hear your best and make lasting memories this summer!

SUMMER SUPER SALE! Receive

Receive

Receive

$300

$500

$700

a pair of Phonak 50 level hearing aids1

a pair of Phonak 70 level hearing aids2

a pair of Phonak 90 level hearing aids3

OFF

OFF

OFF

HURRY! THESE OFFERS EXPIRE 7/14/24!

interest financing for 24 months!*

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY! Take advantage of our no money down, 2-week in-home trial!

1Receive $300 discount towards the purchase of a pair of Phonak Lumity hearing aids level 50 technology. 2Receive $500 discount towards the purchase of a pair of Phonak Lumity hearing aids level 70 technology. 3Receive $700 discount towards the purchase of a pair of Phonak Lumity hearing aids level 90 technology. This limited-time offer may not be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion. New orders only. Private pay only (not combinable with insurance or network). *On in-store purchases of $200+ with the CareCredit credit card through the end of the month. Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date if the promotional purchase is not paid in full within 24 months.

Minimum monthly payments required. Subject to credit approval. Offers valid until 7/14/24.

427181-1

Ask about SAME-DAY CARE at one of our convenient locations!

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

SAME DAY CARE SUMMER SUPER SALE! Receive

Receive

Receive

$300 $500 $700 OFF

OFF

OFF

a pair of Phonak 50 level hearing aids1

a pair of Phonak 70 level hearing aids2

a pair of Phonak 90 level hearing aids3

HURRY! THESE OFFERS EXPIRE 7/14/24!

RECHARGEABLE

REMOTE PROGRAMMING

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

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

UNIVERSAL CONNECTIVITY

SMART PHONE APP

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

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

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

427182-1

12B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

13B

5-DAY SPECIAL SPECIAL EVENT 5-DAY EVENT Monday, July 8 – Friday, July 12

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

YOU DECIDE!

Try Lu mHANDS-FREE ity

BLUETOOTH COMPATIBILITY

for 30 Days

CALLING

ABSOLUTELY FREE

ACCEPT/REJECT RECHARGEABLE PHONE CALLSNO COST, NO OBLIGATION BATTERIES

WE ALWAYS PROVIDE PROVIDE THESE THESE SERVICES SERVICES FREE! FREE!

WE ALWAYS PROVIDE THESE SERVICES FREE!

FREE FREE HEARING AID

HEARING AID CHECK UP CHECK UP

It is important to have your checked least Ithearing is important to at have your once a year.at least hearing checked once a year.

Our Video Otoscope can detect ear wax may be can the OurifVideo Otoscope reason arewax experiencing detectyou if ear may be the hearing difficulty. reason you are experiencing hearing difficulty.

EXAM & HEARING CONSULTATION! & CONSULTATION! NO OBLIGATION! NO OBLIGATION!

VIDEO SURE EAR SCAN MAKES IT’S MAKES SURE IT’S NOT EAR WAX NOT EAR WAX

FREE FREE HEARING EXAM

FREE FREE VIDEO EAR SCAN

OTHERDIGITAL DIGITAL SPECIALS OTHER OTHER DIGITAL SPECIALS SPECIALS

100% Digital 100% Digital Open-Fit BTE (Open Fit BTE Open-Fit Behind-the-Ear) (Open Fit Behind-the-Ear) WAS $795 WAS $795

395 NOW NOW 395 $ $

each (Up to 40 db Loss) each

100% Digital 100% ITE (In-the-Ear) Digital ITE (In-the-Ear) WAS $995 WAS $995

395 NOW NOW 395 $ $

each (Up to 40 db Loss) each

100% Digital 100%CIC (Completely Digital CIC -in-Canal) (Completely -in-Canal) WAS $995 WAS $995

495 NOW NOW 495 $ $

each (Up to 40 db Loss) each

100% Micro CIC 100% (Completely Micro CIC -in-Canal) (Completely -in-Canal) WAS $1995 WAS $1995

595 $ NOW NOW 595 $

each

(Up to 40 db Loss) each

427183-1

Reprogram your current hearing aids with new Reprogram youryour current hearingaids prescription hearing with yourand new up-to-date software hearing prescription and improvements no charge. up-to-dateatsoftware improvements at no charge.

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

5-DAY SPECIAL EVENT Monday, July 8 – Friday, July 12

INTRODUCTORY

SUMMER SUPER SALE! Receive

Receive

Receive

$300

$500

$700

a pair of Phonak 50 level hearing aids1

a pair of Phonak 70 level hearing aids2

a pair of Phonak 90 level hearing aids3

OFF

!

OFF

OFF

HURRY! THESE OFFERS EXPIRE 7/14/24!

We’ll test you for

Lu m

and fit you with

y by

to try f

s LY FREE!

FREE

HEARING EXAM! No Cost, HEARING EXAM! No Obligation!

No Cost,

FREE

No Obligation!

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

OUR PROFESSIONAL STAFF OF DOC

OUR PROFESSIONAL STAFF OF DOCTORS OF AUDIOLOGY & LICENSED HEARING AID SPEC & LICENSED HEARING AID SPECIALISTS

Elite Hearing Centers of America

of

erica

Rated

OVER 50 LOCATIONS NATIONWIDE

!

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

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

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

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

OVER 50 LOCATION NATIONW S IDE

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

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

GEORGIA LICENSE NUMBERS: HADS000995, HADS000996, HADS001001, HADS001003

427184-1

14B

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

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

Sporting Goods

real estate

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

MARLBORO MENTHOL cigarettes. 4 cartons. $100 919-667-7609 or 941-351-2149

LUCKY FINDS HERE! YourObserver.com/RedPages

Garage/ Moving/ Estate Sales ESTATE SALE LAKEWOOD RANCH Beautiful Ethan Allen and other high-end furniture and furnishings priced to sell! Items include cherry dining rm table (plus leaf) with 6 chairs, breakfront, L-shaped sectional sofa, loveseat, LR chairs, white bedroom set, coffee tables, crystal chandelier, wool area rug, artwork, accessories, etc!

Saturday, July 6th, 1-4pm at our Lakewood Ranch home.

Cash only.

11619 Water Poppy Terrace or call for appointment.

(941) 356-8152

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

Please call Marc: 941-321-0707

Autos Wanted CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

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

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

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE! 941-955-4888

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

Auto Transport

Updated 2 br/2ba. 1 car garage, water view, vaulted ceilings, plantation shutters, fireplace, jacuzzi tub, turnkey furnished.

Excellent rental history. $499,900 Call 904-556-8900

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

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

Use the RED PAGES to clean out your garage

BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service

by Maria. Residential. Meticulous Cleaning. Excellent References.

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

CALL 941-955-4888 Homes for Sale 5 ACRES Lake Barn Near Fruitville I-75 Call for Price Bradenton: Condo, 2 bed, 2 bath$229,900 Pet friendly 55+ Sarasota: 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Car Garage House $359,000

Venice: 2/2 Condo Plantation Golf Club. Call for Price

*This position must be performed in the office. No remote work is available.

Competitive pay, paid time off and health insurance available

TREASURES FOUND HERE!

THE MEADOWS GOLF &CC

Sarasota: Pool home, 4 bed. $649,900

Please email your resume and WPM typing speed for immediate consideration to kboothroyd@businessobserverfl. com. Please also specify your available date to start.

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

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

Best care for your loved one.

References avail. Marina 786-906-8103

Bradenton: Pool Home, New windows, hvac, Completely Updated $689,900 Longboat Key: 4 pools, beach access. $465,000 Gulf Beachfront Home coming soon: 6.9 million Brooke O’Malley | Club Realty Call 941-726-2677

Cleaning

www.braziliancleaningbymk.com

Moving NATIONWIDE BEST RATE MOVERS For only $140 / hr get 2 men & a truck plus FREE boxes.

Call 941-465-3000

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

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

Honest & reliable.

Free estimates. 941-744-1020.

35+ years experience.

SARASOTA PAINTING, LLC INTERIOR / EXTERIOR / CABINETS WE ARE THE BEST!!!

Residential & Commercial.

Fully Insured.

CALL or TEXT Don 941-900-9398

Advertise your business or service in the Observer

RED PAGES CALL TODAY 941-955-4888 Transportation TOP NOTCH TRANSPORTATION Airport Taxi Service Island to SRQ- $45 Island to Tampa- $90 Add XL- $20 Luxury cars • Over 8,000 trips Regular Hours • Never Late!

Doctors Appts. • All Rides on the Gulf Coast

941-718-9933

www.topnotchtransportation service.com

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

This week’s Crossword answers

Puzzle One Solution: “Life is like a confused teacher ... first, it gives the test and then teaches the lesson.”

Canadian rapper Drake Puzzle Two Solution: “My father used to sing to me in my mother’s womb. I think I can name about any tune in two beats.”

Yancy Butler Puzzle Three Solution: “There are endless new variations on how to hurt a woman physically, emotionally, financially and socially.”

Gloria Allred

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2024 Universal Uclick

DANSK DISH set, white, 48 pcs.

Must See, beautiful set! $200 941-351-2040

THE BUSINESS OBSERVER newspaper is seeking a fast-paced, detail-oriented Proofreader / Typist for a part-time position in Sarasota, Florida.

Hours are 9am-2pm, Mon-Fri. Candidates must be able to type at least 75 WPM with great accuracy and proofread typed material and make corrections. Attention to detail is a MUST. Proofreading entails finding errors in the typed print that varies from the original document, not actually editing the documents for errors.

auto

APPLIANCES MINI Fridge for Sale. Great for dorms. $50 (941) 228-6134

Condos/Apts. for Sale

Adult Care Services

TO ADVERTISE CALL 941-955-4888 OR VISIT YOUROBSERVER.COM/REDPAGES

©2024 NEA, Inc.

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

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

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

FOR LEASE: 1,750 Sq. ft. in Bradenton. Office or Medical. Call Frank 941-720-2199

Help Wanted

You’re only cheating yourself.

Items Under $200

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

Leave traffic and parking problems behind!

13 models available.

Daily and weekly rentals available.

We also repair other Brands.

Open 9 to 5 daily except Sundays and holidays.

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

peekers’ place

stuff

Commercial Property for Rent

The CRYSTAL CLEAR choice!

redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages

home services

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

16B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

Aluminum

Blinds/Window Treatments

Contractor

Professional Contractors Network, Inc.

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

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

Call Us for a FREE Estimate Today 941.650.9790 941.650.9790 YoderAluminum.com

YoderAluminum.com

Attorney

426473

Brick Pavers

Divorce without Lawyers

Email Project Information: PCNestimating@gmail.com 941-527-9414 Trades welcome to join our network! Please send email

Doors

Sliding Glass Door Repair Business in Christ

• Paver Sealing • Pressure & Soft Washing • Concrete Coating • Painting

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

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

Call or text today for a FREE estimate:

941-321-2859

Over 100 Reviews Award Winning Services

www.BIC - CC.COM

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

Cleaning

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

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

425489

425481

Owner /Insured Operator Insured

941.879.6310 · designingwindowsbyisabel@gmail.com designingwindowsbyisabel.com

426474

Dustin Yoder

Dustin Owner Yoder/ Operator

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

426471

Isabel M. Perez, Certified Designer

Let our Network Handle All your Building Needs

Handyman

Cleaner Than Clean Window Company Crystal Clear Windows in Southwest Florida Since 2023

941-504-9787

GG1 Cleaning Services Indoor • Residential • Commercial Windows, Pressure Washing, Gutters

Call Today for FREE Estimate

SELL YOUR CAR!

423.251.2368 / 863.473.1069

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS Showcase your products or services.

FAST • EASY • SAFE

WE COME TO YOU 5-Star Rated

WITH THE RED PAGES

KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES

Computer

TEXT OR CALL 574-354-7772

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

Pegatronics.com 425482

Call to reserve your ad space

941-955-4888

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

INTERIOR RENOVATIONS & ANYTHING FROM THE GROUND UP

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

GROW YOUR BUSINESS

JOE DAVIS HD LLC

CALL 941-955-4888

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

425488

HoHoBuysCars.com

425498

425487

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

Auto Service

941.270.4400

Ask about Community Discounts!

941-735-3362

HEROES found here.

Relax. You’ve got better things to do.

Find a professional here in the Red Pages.

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

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

KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES

CREATE BUZZ! Advertise your business or services in the Red Pages.

Call 941-955-4888

YourObserver.com/RedPages

425477

Call Today!

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

427778

Residential & Commercial Cleans

William J. Leininger, JD

YourObserver.com

17B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

Roofing

CALL BEFOREYOU YOU FALL CALL BEFORE FALL

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

GRAB BARS GRAB BARS

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc. Building & Roofing Contractor

COMPLETE INSTALLATION PACKAGE

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

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

941.966.0333

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

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

• Aluminum, Vinyl, & Wood Soffit & Fascia Repair & Installation • Roofing Repair & Installation • Metal Roofing & Tile Roof Repair Specialists 364556 426478

249 235

* $ $235

$

941-626-3194

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

DRGRABBARS.COM

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

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

THE GRAB BAR GUY

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

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

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

427780

426477

Home Services

Screening

GLENN KROECKER

425478

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

Landscaping & Lawn

GARDENS

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

941-705-5468

Commercial

426476

BLACK LABEL CAR SERVICE

Luxury for Less

by Allison

No Job is Too Small!

Personalized Full Service Gardening & Landscaping

941-400-0431 • gbyallison@yahoo.com • gardensbyallison.com

ALL PHASES OF INTERIOR & EXTERIOR REMODELING Kitchen - Bathrooms | Windows - Doors - Floor Coverings | Repairs

10% off

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

Windows

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

1/1

Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

Painting

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

425483

941-248-4734

426984

Design • Maintenance • Cleanup Allison Abizaid, M.A. Concierge Gardening | Designer

chrome_qrcode_1671726737617.png

410036

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

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

1/10/23, 10:25 AM

Transportation

425493

Are You Having Dryer Difficulties?

Residential

425491

Health

Res. | Com. | Lic. | Ins.

GULF TO BAY P REMIER P AINTING

Home Watch

Licensed & Insured

Formerly known as Sunrise Windows UP TO

Randy Schmidt | 941-702-3262 gulftobaypremierpainting@gmail.com | lwrpainting.com

Plumbing 426464

Mark’s Plumbing Service Small plumbing repairs. Replace toilets, faucets, water filters, water softeners and repair leaks.

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling 427781

SHOWER & BATH MAKEOVERS

RELIABLE • INSURED

941-920-8221

425499

Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

ON TARGET

Call John 941.377.2940

Free Estimates • Sarasota Resident Since 1974

www.showerandbathsarasota.com

OBSERVER RED PAGES Call 941-955-4888 to reserve your ad

STUFF

found here.

The Red Pages is the perfect store to buy and sell locally! You’ll find a wide selection from antiques to furniture to condos!

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

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

426480

Lifetime Sarasota Resident & Owner

150

25 $

STANDARD WINDOWS

INCLUDING SCREENS, TR ACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

SPECIAL 00 5

$

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

PURIFIED WATER WINDOW CLEANING AVAIL ABLE!!

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES 941- 284 - 5880

425494

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

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

941.702.0437 | ShanahanLuxuryGroup@CBrealty.com | ShanahanLuxuryGroup.com

Happy Birthday,

America!

Kicking Off the Summer with Over $50 Million In Sold, Pending and Homes for Sale RECORD-BREAKING SALE 720 Crosswind Avenue Seller RECORD-BREAKING SALE 14921 Derna Terrace Seller 17823 Northwood Place Seller 16506 Baycross Drive Seller 16809 Verona Place Seller 7992 Grande Shores Drive Seller 1206 Blue Shell Loop Buyer 1210 Blue Shell Loop Buyer 15321 Castle Park Terrace Buyer 14512 Stirling Drive Seller 1240 Dolphin Bay Way #502 Buyer 16435 Paynes Mill Drive Seller 5473 Silverside Pine Court Buyer 14233 Tree Swallow Way Seller 16435 Paynes Mill Drive Seller 812 116th Ct. NE Buyer 1787 Spreader Lane Buyer 20918 Parkstone Terrace Concession

1771 Spreader Lane 1828 Cockpit Lane 7684 Livewell Lane 3315 Chestertown Loop 7645 39th St. Circle East 7036 Brier Creek Ct. 17236 Hampton Falls Ter 17022 Cresswind Terrace 17065 Polo Trail 1213 Blue Shell Loop 20918 Parkstone Terrace 1095 Blue Shell Loop 7912 Grande Shores Drive 712 Sigsbee Loop 4129 Butte Trail 11979 Forest Park Circle 16123 Fortezza Drive

Contact us for Off-Market Properties

7912 Grande Shores Drive Shoreview at Waterside New Listing

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

Buyer Buyer Buyer Seller Seller Seller & Buyer Seller & Buyer Seller | Pending Seller | Pending Buyer | Pending $3,475,000 | Active $2,869,875 | Active $2,095,000 | Active $1,930,000 | Active $1,457,000 | Active $945,000 | Active $775,000 | Active

1095 Blue Shell Loop Wild Blue New Construction

$2,095,000 | 3,894 Square Feet $2,869,875 | 3,474 Square Feet 4 Bedrooms | 4.5 Bathrooms | Bonus Room 3 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | Flex Room Office | 3-Car Garage | Pool/Spa Pool/Spa | 3-Car Garage

The Right Representation Makes the Difference.

Contact Us to Learn the Benefits of Working With Our Team.

941.702.0437

413845-1

18B