In the ultimate showdown, Wendell Butler, principal at Braden River High School, was facing off against senior Ava Culp.
Surrounded by dozens of students in the cafeteria, Butler (above) and Culp participated in a rock, paper, scissors final Oct. 30.
Culp was the senior champion from the rock, paper, scissors competition Oct. 29 and had to defeat Butler to be the Pirate Champion.
After two rounds though, Butler had bested Culp, earning dozens of beaded necklaces Culp had earned for each of her victories.
The rock, paper, scissors competition was a part of the Braden River High’s homecoming spirit festivities, which were originally scheduled the week of Oct. 7, but Hurricane Milton caused the school to reschedule for the week of Oct. 28.
Sporting gold on local courts
Pickleball players at Longwood Park have a Special Olympian in their midst.
Chris Vinci (above) won a gold medal at the Special Olympics West Coast Regional Fall Classic on Oct. 5. The event was held at the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Complex in Wesley Chapel.
Before competing, players are assessed based on their serves, return of serve, volleys and rally. Vinci lives in Parrish but practices for two hours every day at Longwood Park.
“I’ve been playing in the Special Olympics since 1989,” Vinci said. “I’ve won a lot of medals.” Vinci plays tennis and softball, too.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2024
Manatee Republicans sweep
Country Club’s Michele Campbell and Blythe Hanson enjoy
SMART merger with heart
Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy merges with Hooves with HEART to become SMART with Heart.
LIZ
RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy is returning to its roots — but with a twist.
Under new leadership, the nonprofit has merged with Hooves with HEART. (Horse Education and Riding Therapy), another East County nonprofit, to serve more individuals with disabilities by providing therapeutic riding lessons.
The resulting nonprofit, now known as SMART with Heart, is headquartered at SMART’s 23 acres on County Road 675.
Ilee Finocchiaro, who served as a volunteer and instructor at SMART for eight-and-a-half years as well as a volunteer at Hooves with HEART for 11 months, has been named SMART with Heart’s new executive director.
Danielle Curtis, the vice president of the SMART with Heart board,
said the board decided to let go of SMART’s previous executive director, Mark Hiser, to return to the nonprofit’s mission and why it was created.
“(The board) wanted the sole focus of this facility to be about the therapeutic benefits our equines can deliver to those in need in our community,” Curtis said. “Hiring Ilee was the step in that direction and merging with a like-minded program like Hooves with HEART was the next one.”
The merger was finalized Sept. 1. Finocchiaro said the resulting nonprofit is providing therapy riding lessons to about 40 riders with special needs per week.
Curtis said the merger helped Hooves with HEART at a time when it was looking for a bigger home to serve more riders.
Hooves with HEART has been headquartered on a donated property in Myakka City but now will move to SMART’s home at 4640 C.R. 675 in East County.
Curtis said her initial reaction to the potential of merging the nonprofits was terrifying because Hooves with HEART was the “little train that kind of could” and was growing to serve the community the best it could.
She had never visited other equine therapeutic centers in the area, but after visiting SMART, she was hooked.
“I was kind of spellbound by this beautiful facility,” Curtis said of SMART’s grounds. “All I saw was the potential of what that place could be, and because Ilee was working with us over at Hooves and I knew what her heart was, I just needed to sit down with the current board and see if they were willing to merge in a way that Hooves riders would feel as at home (at SMART with Heart) as they’ve always felt with us at Hooves.”
SMART with Heart has five certified therapeutic riding instructors and two equine specialists in mental health and learning.
Finocchiaro walked around the arena at SMART with Heart and gave instruction to Daniel Barros, a 13-year-old rider with cerebral palsy, during his lesson Oct. 30.
She said coming back to SMART felt like returning home. Finocchiaro, a hairstylist and stay-at-home mom over the years, never imagined she would become the executive director of the nonprofit she adored.
“I can’t do this by myself,” Finocchiaro said. “I was a hairstylist who loved horses, and I don’t know everything, but if I surround myself with people who have the passion, belief and knowledge, we can all do this together.”
“Being back home again, I want to be able to build that family feel again with our volunteers and with our participants,” she said.
Finocchiaro said there is something happening every week at SMART with Heart, whether it’s hosting a homeschool field trip, hosting community organizations like Selah Freedom, giving individual lessons, or working with veterans.
But the nonprofit is struggling financially because of leadership turnover and hurricane damages.
SUPPORT SMART WITH HEART
The nonprofit is looking for donations and volunteers. Visit SMARTRiders.org to donate or sign up to become a volunteer.
On Nov. 9, anyone who mentions SMART with Heart while ordering from PDQ at 5484 Lena Road will be able to support the nonprofit as PDQ will donate a portion of the proceeds to SMART with Heart.
SMART with Heart is 100% volunteer-run.
“Our community has a huge heart to want to see this succeed,” Curtis said. “We have such giving people who are willing to step up to the plate and do what needs to be done.”
Finocchiaro said SMART with Heart is depending on community donations so it can care for the nonprofit’s most important partners — the horses.
“We can’t overwork them,” she said. “We need to cycle them around because their mental well-being is just as important as humans’,” she said. “They definitely come first.”
Finocchiaro said it costs approximately $10,000 per month to care for the nonprofit’s nine horses and five mini horses.
Besides needing money to care for the horses, the nonprofit is looking for donations for facility repairs, including a new roof on two of its buildings, a new concrete barn and a new water system.
Flanzer Trust matches every donation to SMART with Heart.
SMART with Heart also is looking for volunteers, especially to allow it to expand its services and programming.
“Every day, I’m like, ‘OK, how are we going to teach these kids today?’ We’re short handed, and in order for us to continue doing our mission, we need the volunteers and the support to be able to continue putting on safe therapeutic riding lessons,” Finocchiaro said.
Finocchiaro and Curtis hope to begin a program for first responders and another for individuals who might not have a medical diagnosis but need therapy to address stress, anxiety and more. Finocchiaro also would like to start a program for those struggling with substance abuse as well as a program for cancer survivors.
Photos by Liz Ramos
Amber Tarbet takes 13-year-old Leah Barros through her riding lesson with the help of Martha Murphy, Lisa Hughes and Sheryl Aguilar. SMART with Heart is looking for more volunteers and instructors to serve more people.
Ilee Finocchiaro is the new executive director of SMART with Heart.
Voters support school tax referendum
Carol Felts completes Cinderella political story with victory in District 1 County Commission race.
LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
For Cliff Dawson, the director of bands at Braden River High School, it was work as usual, preparing his marching band on Election Day.
While he and his dozens of students were practicing, voters were headed to the polls to decide whether to continue to support the School District of Manatee County’s 1-mill property tax referendum, which supports visual and performing arts programs like Braden River High’s marching band.
Dawson said the funding from the referendum “has done so much for the students” by injecting money into arts programs in Manatee County that was “desperately needed.”
“It is kind of crucial to our success,” Dawson said.
Voters understood the importance, and 83% of them voted to approve the continuation of the 1-mill property tax referendum.
The support was expected, as was the domination by Republican candidates over Democrats and NPAs in every Manatee County race.
Support for the additional school tax continues to build. In 2021, voters approved a continuation of the school tax referendum during a special election after initially approving the referendum during a special election in March 2018.
Jason Wysong, the superintendent of the School District of Manatee County, said the district is grateful for voters recognizing the progress the district has made over the past three years.
The 1-mill property tax referendum will fund teacher and staff salary supplements, an additional 30 minutes to each school day, visual and performing arts programs, career and technical education, STEM programs, athletics, early literacy initiatives, and school safety and security.
“This was a important vote to maintain the momentum that’s been built,” Wysong said. “We have a very talented set of teachers and support staff, all the people who create a positive learning environment at schools. The additional mill from the voters ensures that this workforce is going to stay intact and is going to be here for hopefully the long haul.”
Wysong said besides the financial support, the community’s overwhelming approval of the referendum demonstrates to teachers and staff that “they have the community’s support to educate the children of Manatee County.”
New aspects of the referendum include early literacy initiatives, school safety and security, and athletics.
Funding will go toward paying for transportation, officials, equipment and more for athletics.
For school safety and security, referendum funding will allow the district to have additional security at after-school events and activities, and more.
Referendum funding for early literacy programs will focus on learners from birth to third grade and support an Early Learning and Family Support Center that provides free developmental screenings.
“We’re excited for all the things we’re going to be able to continue as well as the new items added by the board,” Wysong said. “We’ve had lots of informal conversations about possibilities about the opportunities the funding will bring in those areas, so now we will really get to work on building a proposed budget to implement those items.”
MAJORITY RULES
The school tax victory was just one of the landslides on Election Day.
After two previous defeats in her attempts to earn a Manatee County Commission seat, Myakka City’s Carol Felts got the job done in 2024. Felts lost in 2020 and 2022, but on Nov. 5 she won the District 1 seat in a landslide with 64% of the vote over Glen Pearson, the Democratic candidate, and Jennifer Hamey, who ran
with no party affiliation.
“I was just happy to win the primary,” Felts said. “Honestly, I’m as nervous as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs. Now, people expect things from me. It’s easier to be an activist.”
Felts celebrated at a Chinese buffet in Bradenton with eight of her campaign volunteers. Volunteer Charlene Kow placed a plastic tiara on Felts’s head after they heard the good news.
A grassroots candidate from her first run in 2020, Felts earned only 299 votes on write-ins that year.
During the current election season, Felts’ campaign raised $26,251.97 to Steve Metallo’s $101,155 for the Republican primary, which she won with 54% of the votes.
Metallo had been labeled a “puppet for special interests” by a coalition called Take Back Manatee, which fueled Felts’ momentum.
“Carol Felts started this whole movement eight years ago,” campaign volunteer Selena Cunningham said of Felts’ desire to limit the power of developers in the commission chambers. “She was posting on the Myakka 411 Facebook page and was telling us to get informed.”
Unlike other candidates, Felts’ end goal wasn’t always to get elected.
“The point of this journey was to inspire others,” Felts said. “I thought somebody bigger, faster and stronger would run, but it just so happened that it ended up as moi.”
As a resident, Felts wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. As a commissioner, she said she’ll do a lot more listening. She’s comfortable that the rest of the board knows where she stands on most issues.
More importantly, she said she doesn’t need to explain her decisions to those on the dias, only to the people.
Felts benefited from the voters favoring Republicans in Manatee County. In other races, Commissioner
CONTESTED RACE RESULTS
MANATEE COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 1 (13 OF 14 PRECINCTS)
Felts
DISTRICT 5 Joseph Di Bartolomeo
DISTRICT 7 (68 OF 71
Sari Lindroos-Valimaki
MANATEE SCHOOL BOARD
DISTRICT 1 (14 OF
DISTRICT 3
MANATEE
71 PRECINCTS) Thomas Dell
EAST MANATEE FIRE RESCUE SEAT 2 (16 OF 19 PRECINCTS) James Carlino
Larry Luh
WATERLEFE CDD SEAT 4
LAKEWOOD RANCH CDD 5 SEAT 2
LAKEWOOD RANCH CDD 5 SEAT 4
LAKEWOOD RANCH CDD 2 SEAT 2
“The point of this journey was to inspire others. I thought somebody bigger, faster and stronger would run, but it just so happened that it ended up as moi.”
Carol Felts
George Kruse sailed through the general election against Democratic candidate Sari Lindroos-Valimaki to keep his seat in District 7.
The general election lacked the passion of the primary, in which Kruse defeated fellow commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, who had switched races to challenge Kruse.
“The public, as a whole in Manatee County on a bipartisan basis, said they wanted change in how their government was run,” Kruse said.
“For the first time in a long time, a majority of this board is beholden to the public and not beholden to any special interest.”
Republican candidate Dr. Bob McCann won the District 5 seat easily. He had won the Republican primary against Commissioner Ray Turner and cruised to victory over NPA Joseph Di Bartolomeo in the general election.
Republican Bill Conerly claimed the District 72 House of Representatives seat by dispatching Democratic opponent Lesa Miller.
In the District 3 Commission race, Tal Siddique prevailed over Democrat Diana Shoemaker.
In the School Board of Manatee County District 1 race, Parrish’s Heather Felton won a runoff easily over East County’s Mark Stanoch.
“My head is spinning a little bit,” Felton said. “I’m looking at the numbers and going ‘22,000 people voted for me.’ A year ago, 22,000 people would’ve never recognized me in a line-up. It’s amazing. I am so excited.”
Felton, a former teacher with experience in the School District of Manatee County, said being a board member will be her full-time job. She said she wants to be an advocate for teachers, students, parents and others.
Her first priority, she said, will be changing the time of meetings to ensure parents, teachers, staff and other residents are able to attend.
With Charlie Kennedy winning the District 3 seat on the board, Felton said she hopes she and Kennedy, as former teachers, can be a voice for the teachers.
“The two of us as teachers will be a good leveling influence in terms of what you can and can’t expect in the classroom and what you can and can’t expect from students, teachers and administrators,” she said.
Lesley Dwyer
Courtesy image
Parrish’s Heather Felton will be the new representative for District 1 of the School Board of Manatee County.
Aeryell Dunnuck, a campaign volunteer, hugs Carol Felts after her victory in the Commission District 1 race.
Art show and sale benefits students
Manatee River Artists Guild’s donations bring new opportunities to Haile and Freedom students.
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
arlos E. Haile Middle School stu-
Cdents were in awe Oct. 3 of how science interacted with art during a glass blowing demonstration at the Duncan McClellan Gallery in St. Petersburg.
At the gallery, students learned about the process of making blown glass art and then they created their own artwork.
“The kids have never created art with glass, so it was cool for them to be able to see and do that and actually participate in the art making process,” said Joe Gibson, the art teacher at Haile Middle School.
The students were able to go to the Duncan McClellan Art Gallery as a result of donations from the Manatee River Artists Guild at Waterlefe.
The guild donates proceeds from its annual art show to Haile Middle and Freedom Elementary School each year and those donations pay to give students opportunities to learn new mediums and methods. The donations also pay for field trips to art museums and galleries.
The guild’s next Art and Craft Show and Sale is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 9 at the Waterlefe River Club.
Kristen Simpson, the art teacher at Freedom Elementary, said the support of the guild has been wonderful.
“Without their support, my lessons would be limited, and my students would not have as many opportunities to explore new art mediums and methods,” Simpson said. “I am able to provide quality materials for the students. I can expose them to more art making opportunities and allow them to develop their skills.”
The guild also donated a mobile art display board to Freedom Elementary to showcase student artwork at school.
call 941-955-4888. Hours 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. To place a classified ad online, visit www.YourObserver.com, Email press releases, announcements and Letters to the Editor to: Jay Heater, jheater@yourobserver.com
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IF YOU GO
What: Manatee River Artists Guild at Waterlefe 18th annual Art and Craft Show and Sale
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 9
Where: Waterlefe River Club, 995 Fish Hook Cove, Bradenton
Cost: Free
Details: The guild will have a fundraising raffle and silent auction to benefit students and visual arts programs at Haile Middle School and Freedom Elementary School. Artists from the community will display their work as well as students from the schools.
More information: Visit ManateeRiverArtistsGuild.com.
New art experiences for Haile students have gone beyond the classroom.
Besides the art gallery in St. Petersburg, students took a field trip to the Ringling Museum of Art on Oct. 30.
“A lot of the kids have never been to an art museum before at all, so giving them this enrichment opportunity is significant,” Gibson said. “Being able to show them some of the amazing work that people have done in history is significant.”
Carlos E. Haile Middle School’s Chase Anthony works on
Will Upper Manatee River Road gridlock get worse?
With commissioners approving 728 new homes in the corridor, residents along Upper Manatee River Road expect the worst in traffic conditions.
to take more right of way unless we start taking people’s actual homes and businesses.”
Traffic on Upper Manatee River Road has become so congested during rush hours, Gates Creek
resident Cheryl Phelps said she wants to move out of the area.
“You don’t have a life here during the week,” she said.
While Manatee County is widening the road from two lanes to four from State Road 64 to the Fort Hamer Bridge, Phelps doesn’t see the congestion easing any time soon, especially in light of two new developments approved by the Manatee County Commission in October.
UMR Sports was approved to build 232 apartments on the south side of the bridge, and Carlos Beruff’s North River Land LLC was approved to build 496 residential units and 300,000 square feet of commercial on the north side of the bridge. Phelps figures each residence will add another two cars to the road, and residences with teenagers will add even more.
“The traffic will flow through here,” she said. “Then, it’s going to stop at the bridge.”
The Fort Hamer Bridge is still two lanes and so is Fort Hamer Road on the other side of the bridge. Phelps fears a bottleneck will occur when trying to merge four lanes into two. She already struggles to get out of her neighborhood during rush hour traffic, especially when she has to turn left. When Phelps needs to be somewhere, she’s learned to leave her home early, which is the same advice Commissioner George Kruse offered all residents in the area.
“This is your life now,” Kruse said. “Adjust it accordingly. At no point is Fort Hamer Road or Upper Manatee River Road going to widen to six lanes. We don’t have the capacity
Construction on Upper Manatee River Road is underway now and is expected to be completed by fall 2027. Ogden Clark, Public Works’ communications coordinator, said the widening will ease some of the congestion.
“Upper Manatee River Road has more access points than just the Fort Hamer Bridge,” Clark said in an email. “Widening Upper Manatee River Road will improve traffic flows south of the bridge for motorists traveling to and from the east-west portion of Upper Manatee River Road, as well as the neighborhoods along the north-south portion of the roadway.”
Kruse called the widening a “Band-Aid” because the county doesn’t have the money to also fund widening the bridge and Fort Hamer Road. He estimates the cost to widen both at about $200 million.
Between commissioners declining to claim special circumstances to collect additional impact fees in August and then lowering the millage in September, Kruse said the county will have to rely on the state to widen the bridge and road to four lanes.
“We just bonded another $140 million, which strains our bonding capacity and our cash flow because now we’ve got another $4 million a year in debt service,” Kruse said. “We don’t have $200 million, and even if we did, we cannot move all of our money to one road because of development.”
Kruse said he voted against Beruff’s project because it was too high in density, but voted in favor of the UMR Sports’ project because it fell in line with the county’s guidelines. The project proposed fewer
UPPER MANATEE RIVER ROAD CONSTRUCTION
Work began in August and is anticipated to be completed in fall 2027. Construction hours are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with occasional nighttime and weekend hours. During construction, drivers can expect some lane shifts, but one travel lane in each direction will remain open through the duration of the project.
units than is allowed in the Future Land Use Map and includes recreational green space.
“We can’t fight things to fight things,” Kruse said. “There’s a Comprehensive Plan, a Land Development Code and a Future Land Use Map that we are required by law and Florida Statute to adhere to.”
Before Beruff’s project was approved, residents had the same question for commissioners: Have you driven Fort Hamer Road? The consistent complaint was that it takes between 15 to 20 minutes to drive one mile.
Kruse and Commissioner Jason Bearden were the two dissenting votes.
The bridge and Fort Hamer Road are both owned by the county, but staff members are looking outside the county to help fund each project.
So far, the state has funded $5.5 million to cover studies and designs to widen the bridge and road to four lanes up to U.S. 301.
Commissioners also approved the submission of a grant application to the United States Department of Transportation Bridge Investment Program on Oct. 22.
If awarded, the grant would cover 80% of the estimated cost of $77 million to build a second span. USDOT would pay $61.6 million; Manatee
“We can’t fight things to fight things. There’s a Comprehensive Plan, a Land Development Code and a Future Land Use Map that we are required by law and Florida Statute to adhere to.”
Commissioner George Kruse
County would pay $15.4 million.
The county’s share would come from gas taxes and impact fees over a three-year period starting in
FY2026.
Construction would begin in fall 2028.
A $1.2 million project development and environmental study on Fort Hamer Road is expected to be complete in June 2025. The design of the road is also funded, but right-of-way acquisitions and construction are not funded at this time.
Clark said state funding is justified because the roadway provides another north-south evacuation route and supports the interstate system by alleviating traffic.
The Possibilities ARE ENDLESS!
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I chose Paradise Dental because I heard of Dr. Jeffrey Martins’ work and his passion for reconstructive dentistry - and that’s what I experienced. The result was like night and day! I had no idea my teeth would look this good!
Dr. Martins definitely knows what he is doing. He is incredibly knowledgeable, experienced, and friendly. Plus, his whole team is so warm and caring. They make you feel like you are the only one in the room. They are always smiling and making sure you’re doing ok. The whole process was smooth and pain-free.
I never recommend anyone if I don’t truly believe in them. Dr. Martins and his team are what I call HTP - Highly Trained Professionals. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.”
School make-up time scheduled
Changes to the School District of Manatee County’s academic calendar have been made to make up for time lost due to hurricanes.
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
Students in the School District of Manatee County missed eight school days as a result of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.
As a result, the School Board of Manatee County unanimously approved changes to this year’s academic calendar to make up the time lost.
Superintendent Jason Wysong said there are multiple state requirements in which the district needs to comply, and the state has not waived any instructional requirements due to the impacts of the hurricanes.
Wysong said the three days during the week of Thanksgiving were not sufficient time to make up the lost classroom time, so the district devised a new plan.
“We talked about what was best for students from a learning perspective, and then we talked about what’s best for families based on the stakeholder feedback we were receiving. We also talked about what are the impacts to employee groups,” Wysong said.
The changes to the calendar are as follows:
■ Nov. 6, which was a previously an early release day, will now be a full attendance day.
■ Nov. 11, which previously was a day off due to Veterans Day, is now a full school day.
■ Dec. 18-20, which were previously scheduled high school early
release dates, will now be full attendance days.
■ Jan. 6 and March 5, which were previously early release days, now will be a full attendance days.
■ March 7 and March 14 now will be early release days. They were previously full student attendance days.
■ March 24 was previously a scheduled record day, meaning students were not in attendance, but now students will be in school.
On top of the date changes, bell schedules at select high schools, including but not limited to Braden River and Palmetto high schools, will be modified to increase class periods by one to two minutes. Wysong said those modifications will not alter arrival or dismissal times.
The last day for high school seniors also will be modified based on the number of instructional minutes needed at each campus, but it will not impact graduation dates.
“In my opinion, we have added quality time back into the calendar so that we can move forward with our assurance to families that children are getting the reading, math, science and social studies instruction they need to make that learning gain,” Wysong said.
With these changes, Wysong said the district’s Thanksgiving, winter and spring breaks will not be altered.
Board members Richard Tatem, Mary Foreman and Cindy Spray said although the initial academic calendar had three days scheduled during the week of Thanksgiving as hurricane make-up days, the changes were made due to extenuating circumstances.
“Early on in the discussion, Dr. Wysong was very aware that people need a break,” Foreman said. “We’re all stressed and have been through a lot with the hurricanes and to take away a part of that week, some families already have out-of-town commitments and probably wouldn’t
Roy S. SMILE MAKEOVER
Jeffrey Martins, DDS DENTIST AND OWNER
“In my opinion, we have added quality time back into the calendar so that we can move forward with our assurance to families that children are getting the reading, math, science and social studies instruction they need to make that learning gain.”
Jason Wysong, Superintendent
even be at school, so you’re losing academic days. I think it was a wise decision, and I hope everyone has a very nice Thanksgiving week.”
Derek Jensen, the deputy superintendent of instruction, said schools will be encouraging patriotism and recognizing veterans on Nov. 11 by asking students to wear red, white and blue that day. School uniform requirements will be suspended Nov. 11.
Classroom lessons on Nov. 11 will comply with a state instructional statute that requires lessons that recognize the sacrifices of veterans.
“Because we’ll have a unique opportunity this year on Veterans Day to engage in those topics, we thought it’d be a wonderful opportunity to encourage patriotism and recognize we have so many veterans who have served on board, who are employed in this district or who are in our community,” Jensen said.
Students who participate in Veterans Day parades and community events will be “field tripped” out of school or excused to allow them to continue to participate in the events.
File photo
School District of Manatee County students will have to make up time due to academic time lost as a result of the hurricanes.
Arrival in style
JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR
For Santa, negotiating a wire that runs from the top of a Christmas tree to a neighboring building is no big deal, even if his sled approaches and the wire is a bit higher than he expected.
He just pulls back on the reins and tells Rudolph to lead the team a bit higher. That wasn’t quite the case last year when high-wire acrobat extraordinaire Nik Wallenda had to deal with slightly different dimensions when it came time to walk the wire to light the Mall at UTC’s big Christmas tree along the Santa’s Grand Arrival Parade route with thousands of people watching. Knowing his life is on the line during the tree-lighting walk, as well as all his stunts, Wallenda meticulously plans each step.
But if one end of the wire is attached a little higher or lower than expected, it can change the degree of elevation he is walking or can put him closer to the tree than expected. If the tree is closer or farther away, it can affect what he needs to do with his balancing pole.
“We had elevation issues,” Wallenda said of his 2023 tree-lighting walk at UTC. “We had to get around that tree with the balancing pole.”
Silence fell over the crowd, which collectively held its breath as Wallenda slowly turned his body, working the long pole around the tree. And when those lights on the tree came alive, the crowd erupted in applause.
Despite the added challenge, Wallenda never considered canceling the walk, which was the highlight of last year’s parade, or turning back.
“I’ve crossed Niagara Falls and the Grand Canyon and I’ve done the Macy’s Day Parade (in New York) 13 times, but there always is something special about performing in your hometown,” Wallenda said.
But he admitted it felt good to take his last step off the wire last year and then wave to the crowd.
“There is always a sigh of relief when you get to the other side safely,” he said.
There will be two sighs of relief this year if Wallenda performs his
King of the High Wire ushers in holiday season at Santa’s Grand Arrival Parade.
IF YOU GO SANTA’S GRAND ARRIVAL PARADE NOV. 9
Where: Mall at UTC
Cost: Free Event schedule:
■ 5 p.m. — Parade route opens with live DJs, holiday characters, giveaways, food trucks and more
■ 5:45 p.m. — Veterans tribute
■ 6 p.m. — Tree-lighting with Nik and Erendira Wallenda on the high-wire
■ 6:15 p.m. — First light show of the season
■ 6:30 p.m. — Santa’s Grand Arrival Parade
■ 7:30 p.m. — Fireworks
■ 8-9:30 p.m. — After-party with concert by Cassadee Pope
stunt successfully at the Santa’s Grand Arrival Parade on Nov. 9.
His wife, Erendira, will perform on the wire with him. This year’s treelighting event is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. The tree is located on North Cattlemen Road, on the traffic circle adjacent to UTC’s The Green.
The first light show of the season begins at 6:15 p.m. followed by the start of Santa’s Grand Arrival Parade at 6:30 p.m. After the hour-long parade, a fireworks show begins at
7:30 p.m. and the Cassadee Pope concert kicks off at 8 p.m.
The parade route begins and ends at the traffic circle where North Cattlemen Road meets DeSoto Road and Mall Ring Road and moves to the traffic circle near The Green before heading back in the other direction.
Free parking is available in the mall parking lots, at Nathan Benderson Park, and in a lot south of Homewood Suites.
A special veterans tribute is scheduled for 5:45 p.m. along the parade route. The parade will feature more than 50 floats, marching bands and dance troops, along with a special appearance by Santa Claus.
Pope, whose hometown is West Palm Beach, was the Season 3 winner of “The Voice.” Her duet with Chris Young “Think of You” was Grammynominated.
Wallenda will have more local appearances after the parade. For the second consecutive year, his “Wonderland” show will be offered under the big top at UTC, this time with a show called “Illuminate” that will offer shows from Nov. 22 through Jan. 5.
The Wonderland show is billed as a production that “will take audiences on a heartwarming and visually stunning journey that brings together the enchantment of the winter holidays and their unique traditions.”
The show features Wallenda along with Johnny Rockett and Ty McFarlan, along with other circus artists.
“This will be a brand new show (as compared to last year),” Wallenda said. “It’s a new storyline.”
Last year’s show was so popular that Wallenda had to expand his original schedule of 38 shows to 50.
“In the end, people want to see something different,” Wallenda said. “But it features many of the same key personnel.
“It is going to be about unity, and combining all our cultures to come together for the common good.”
Wallenda is happy to be spending the holidays in front of hometown crowds.
“It is such an honor and an incredible feeling to perform for your hometown,” he said. “This isn’t just a circus. There is more to it. I think people will leave these shows inspired.”
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Nik Wallenda puts a charge into the crowd as well as the 50-foot Christmas Tree at University Town Center by crossing Cattlemen Road on the high wire Nov. 11, 2023.
Holiday parade characters get their instructions in a parking lot before the Santa’s Grand Arrival Parade.
Courtesy image
fireworks
light
File photos
Navy vet honored to play in Lakewood Ranch concert
During Pam Jefferies’ 10 years serving in the U.S. Navy, she never was more proud of being in the military than she was June 8, 1991, during the National Victory Celebration in Washington, D.C.
Jefferies, who was serving as the drum major, was leading the Navy Band Southeast (Orlando) in the Desert Storm Victory Parade, which included 8,000 Desert Storm troops and was attended by more than 200,000 people. The parade route went down Constitution Avenue, Pennsylvania Avenue and crossed the Memorial Bridge.
With her position in front of the band, Jefferies came to where President George H.W. Bush and first lady Barbara Bush were sitting. She locked eyes with the first lady.
“Mrs. Bush gave me the biggest salute,” said Jefferies, who now plays saxophone and clarinet for the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble.
“She was all smiles.”
That pride continues to run through Jefferies when she plays songs that honor soldiers and military veterans, as she will Nov. 10, when the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble plays a Veterans Day Concert at Peace Presbyterian Church in Lakewood Ranch.
“Just hearing the music makes me proud to have served, and makes me humble,” she said. “So many people have sacrificed so much. I am proud to be recognized as part of that.”
She said the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble’s focus will be on “our amazing veterans.”
“The music is the music that a military band would play,” she said.
Under the direction of Music Director and Conductor Joe Martinez, along with founder and Director Emeritus Joe Miller, the band will be playing patriotic favorites (iconic American marches and tributes) along with a special performance of “Bugler’s Holiday.” Presentations during the concert
IF YOU GO VETERANS DAY CONCERT
When: 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10
Where: Peace Presbyterian Church, 12705 S.R. 64 E., Lakewood Ranch Program title: “Saluting Those That Served” Tickets: Free for military veterans; $10 adults; $5 students More information or to purchase tickets: Go to LWRWindEnsemble.org. (Tickets also are available at the door.)
include a “Porgy and Bess” medley and “Elegy for a Young American.”
Jefferies, who will play saxophone during the concert, said she would have played in the Navy band for 30 years if the military hadn’t been downsized when she reached the 10-year mark. She thought it was important to be a part of band that played at military funerals, parades and honor functions.
She almost never played a note in the Navy.
After graduating from Ben Davis High in Indianapolis, Indiana, the 18-year-old Jefferies, who was born in Muncie, Indiana, enlisted in the Navy and headed to the Naval Training Center in Orlando.
“I went to boot camp when I was 18,” she said. “I went into the Navy because I loved the water, and I just wanted to serve my country. I wanted to go into aviation (with the Navy).”
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But while training, she found out there was a band on the base. She had grown up in a family that always embraced music, and she was skilled at both the saxophone and the clarinet. She also was the drum major for the marching band at Ben Davis High.
She thought she was fine about
moving away from music in the Navy, until one day she went to the band room and asked the warrant officer there if she could join. He told her they were looking for someone to play both the clarinet and the saxophone. It was meant to be, so she switched to a military career performing in the band.
She found her work fulfilling. “Absolutely, we were the support branch of the military,” she said.
Then, at the age of 9, she came home one day to find a clarinet sitting on the kitchen table with her name on it.
“I was forced into it,” she said. “But my mother said both she and my grandfather could teach me to play (the clarinet). I wasn’t happy, but I took to it. It was just ... me.”
A year later, she picked up a saxophone, which took over as her favorite instrument.
“I play more sax now,” she said. “I love the sound. It’s the cherry on top of my sundae.”
Besides playing with the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble, she also plays with The Gravel Road band, which performs at many Sarasota venues.
She also volunteers to teach students music at several middle schools in Bradenton, Sarasota, Venice and Nokomis.
Unlike the start of her own musical career, in which she was pushed toward the clarinet, Jefferies said she enjoys helping students pick their instruments.
“There is so much that goes into it,” she said.
She began volunteering to teach music in retirement because she wanted to give back. “I love teaching the kids,” she said. “They learn discipline and how to work with others. They learn life skills.”
The reward for her is watching her students perform down the road.
“We would play at the funerals, and the families of the soldiers were so grateful.”
Growing up in Indiana, Jefferies used to go to her grandfather Richard Watts’ gigs. He played both the clarinet and the sax. Her mom, Sandra Benedict, also played the clarinet.
Jefferies didn’t believe she wanted to follow in their footsteps, even though she loved music. She had her heart set on playing the drums.
“When I see them, I tear up,” she said. “I feel I have made a difference.”
Jay Heater is the managing editor for the East County Observer. Contact him at JHeater@ YourObserver.com.
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Pam Jefferies played in the U.S. Navy Band for 10 years. She now performs with the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble.
Lakewood Ranch Town Hall Saturday, November 16, 2024 | 9am - 4pm
AAWA benefit’s goal to unite people
The way the dancers’ gracefully sway their arms toward the sky when performing the Carinosa is similar to Spanish dance movements, but Lake Club’s Maria Cora Gaffar said the folk dance was adapted in such a way that it is distinctly Filipino.
Gaffar is Filipino and the president of the American Asian Women’s Association.
The AAWA is hosting its annual Asian Ethnic Fashion/Talent Show and Luncheon at the University Park Country Club on Nov. 16.
Proceeds from the event benefit three local charities: Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center, the Food Bank of Manatee and the State College of Florida Foundation to fund scholarships.
The event raised over $15,000 this past year to split between the three nonprofits.
Cultural fashions and folk dances are also a way to showcase the different Asian cultures represented by the association’s members. However, being Asian is not a requirement to join the club or attend the show.
“This is not just for Asian women,” Gaffar said. “We’ll include anybody who’s interested in Asian culture. We want to have more members.”
The show will feature six dance numbers from Tibet, South Korea, India, Sri Lanka, Hawaii and the Carinosa from the Philippines.
“It takes training and a knowledge
IF YOU GO
Asian Ethnic Fashion/Talent Show and Luncheon. University Park Country Club, 7671 The Park Boulevard. Nov. 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets cost $70 per person or $520 for a table of eight.
of the country to interpret the dances correctly because there are certain movements associated with each dance,” Gaffar said. “That’s why we call this a talent show, as well.”
For the fashion portion of the show, the dancers will don traditional garb to accompany each dance. If so inclined, guests are encouraged to dress for the occasion, too.
Gaffar will be wearing a “terno.”
The formal Filipino dress features sleeves that resemble butterfly wings. Sponsors at a wedding, which are akin to godparents, often wear ternos.
The buffet lunch will also be on theme with an Asian Fusion menu that features sticky rice with fresh mango and Thai sauce for dessert. Gaffar said it’s a dish that everyone loves.
“There is so much emphasis on differences and not enough on how we can unite and overcome these differences and learn to understand and accept each other,” Gaffar said. “That is the primary goal.”
Hayleigh Vuong, Sriya Ashok, Marguerite Barnett, Imelda Pallen Berry, Francis McCaffrey, Malloy McCaffrey, Romal Boldadora and Aegean McCaffrey perform at the Asian Talent and Fashion Show in 2023.
Courtesy image
PopStroke gets even cooler
outside in the heat and humidity, so fans and misters were installed on the course at UTC, along with some aesthetic upgrades.
The two 18-hole mini-golf courses were returfed, and wood paneling was installed inside to give the location a more elevated feel, Vice President of Marketing Dylana Silver-O’Brien said.
From the groundbreaking to the grand opening, it typically takes under nine months to build a PopStroke.
When the dining and entertainment complex opened in University Town Center in 2022, it was only the third location. Today, there are 17 locations with another set to open at the end of the year in Palm Beach.
“One of the greatest things about PopStroke is that it appeals to everyone,” owner Greg Bartoli said
in an email. “That broad appeal is a huge part of our success. Everyone can have a great time here, regardless of age or skill level.”
Bartoli’s partner in PopStroke is Tiger Woods’ TGR Ventures. Part of the draw is that each course is designed by Woods and is unique to each location.
Another practice that Bartoli credits PopStroke’s popularity with is listening to its customers and adapting accordingly. People wanted to be cooler when putting
The renovations took a month to complete, and staff worked around them versus closing and reopening.
One course stayed open, while the other’s turf was replaced. The front desk, where guests get their golf balls, temporarily moved to an outside trailer.
As the renovations wrapped up, a new membership program was rolled out.
Bartoli said guests had been asking for ways to “stay more connected and get even more out of the PopStroke experience.” Member-
ships are a way to provide “meaningful” benefits to PopStroke’s most loyal customers.
Jason Greenspan is an events coordinator at Nathan Benderson Park. He used to play golf, but now he and his fiancee, Molly Nestleroad, are content with mini golf.
Nestleroad had a margarita delivered to her on the course during a private event on Oct. 30.
Technology elevates the service and scorekeeping at PopStroke.
Guests can download the PopStroke app to have drinks delivered to any hole, order dinner in between holes and keep track of their scores.
A membership costs $25 a month, which is the same price as a day pass. However, a membership requires a three-month commitment. Benefits include unlimited mini-golf games using an upgraded TaylorMade Spider putter and discounts on food, drinks and events.
Greenspan said he’d consider a membership, especially because he works so close by. For now, SilverO’Brien said the memberships are only good at the Sarasota location.
Currently, there are eight PopStrokes in Florida. Bartoli lives in Jupiter, but the brand has also expanded outside of Florida, with locations in Alabama, South Carolina, Texas, Arizona and Nevada.
The company is actively scouting new markets across the United States. While being a national brand is the end goal, Bartoli
doesn’t want to lose sight of what makes PopStroke special.
“We’ve built PopStroke to foster those moments that get people to put their phones down, laugh, play and make memories together,” he said. “As we grow, we remain committed to providing an exceptional experience in every area, getting to know each community and adapting to what guests enjoy most.”
Outside of using the app to order and keep score, there are plenty of other ways to unplug at PopStroke.
Activities include ping pong, foosball and cornhole. There’s also a playground for little ones and a bar for the 21 and over crowd.
Even the ice cream parlor takes an extra step to appeal to all ages.
The menu includes “boozy shakes.”
The “Chocolate Peanut Butter Wasted” is blended with peanut butter whiskey, vanilla ice cream, Kahlua and chocolate syrup.
Silver-O’Brien said the most common misconception about PopStroke is that you need a golf pass to get in.
All those amenities, you can enjoy by just being here,” she said. “You can just come to eat or drink and hang out.”
Each PopStroke is a little different from the rest, but Bartoli said the Sarasota location has been a “standout.”
“It’s a vibrant spot where we’ve seen people come back time and again for the golf, the atmosphere and the food,” he said.
LESLEY
Photos by Lesley Dwyer
Mote’s new Science, Education and Aquarium building is part of the view from PopStroke’s UTC mini-golf course.
Lakewood Ranch’s Jason Greenspan finishes up the hole with one last putt as his fiancee, Molly Nestleroad, looks on.
It’s Time to Give Your MEDICARE COVERAGE A CHECKUP
This year, Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7.
During this time, Medicare recipients can make changes to their health and prescription drug coverage, including:
returning to Original Medicare (also known as Traditional Medicare)
joining a Medicare Advantage Plan or switching from one plan to another
joining or changing prescription drug plans
Health and prescription drug plans can change from year to year, so it’s important to review your coverage during Open Enrollment to ensure it meets your needs. Any changes made during Open Enrollment will go into effect on January 1, 2025.
ORIGINAL MEDICARE (“Traditional”)
Sarasota Memorial and First Physicians Group (FPG) always accepts all Original Medicare and Medicare/Medigap Traditional supplemental plans.
To help people with Medicare make informed decisions for the coming year, Sarasota Memorial offers this information about Medicare Open Enrollment, now taking place through December 7. *Note:
If you have already made your Medicare selections for the coming year, you can make additional changes through December 7, 2024.
Photo courtesy of Jacob Blickenstaff
IF YOU GO
What: Lakewood Ranch Blues
Festival Where: Waterside Park, 7301 Island Cove Terrace, Lakewood Ranch.
When: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 7
Tickets: $75 general admission and $150 VIP can be purchased at LakewoodRanchBluesFest. com.
“We are very much invested in the community, and into bringing arts to the community.”
Erik Vatter, Sarasota-Manatee BOA President
to check on that property, he then made calls to Lakewood Ranch to check on the status of Waterside Place.
In March, Benjamin Productions, in conjunction with local music producer Independent Jones, announced it would host the inaugural Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival at Waterside Place on Dec. 7. Independent Jones President Morgan Bettes Angell informed Benjamin everything was fine and any minor damage at Waterside Place had been cleaned up.
So it’s all systems go for the festival, which will feature Vanessa Collier, “Monster” Mike Welch, Dylan Triplett, Kat Riggins, Mitch Woods and his Rocket 88s, Melody Angel, and the Danielle Nicole Band. Benjamin wasn’t the only one worried about Waterside Place and how it fared through the storms. Blues fans from around the country who are planning to attend the Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival were calling him to check on its status. Also calling were members of two of the bands that will appear at the festival.
He said both fans and musicians are excited about the new venue, so they were hoping that everything was going forward.
He assured everyone that preparations are advancing smoothly for the concert, which is somewhat of a reincarnation of the Bradenton Blues Festival. Benjamin had been the artistic director of that one since 2012 but that festival ended its run last year.
“Starting a new festival always has its challenges,” Benjamin said. “It’s a different location and you have to put the pieces together. But in this case, the location is a 100% improvement.”
Benjamin is a national figure
on the blues scene as a blues promoter, festival organizer and music producer. His North Atlantic Blues Festival has run for more than 30 years in Rockland, Maine, and features some of the nation’s top artists each year. Aside from his running and consulting on many blues festivals throughout the nation, he has established weekly shows such as the Monday Night Blues series at the Time Out Pub! in Rockland, Maine that have given blues artists a consistent place to launch their careers or showcase their talent.
Bettes Angell has set up parking shuttles from the Out-of-Door Academy parking lot and the Lakewood Ranch Baptist Church, which is next to ODA on Deer Drive to go along with 808 on-site parking spaces.
The festival received a boost when Bank of America took the role of major sponsor in August.
“We are very much invested in the community and into bringing arts to the community,” Sarasota-Manatee
BOA President Erik Vatter said.
“This fits right into that goal. We also like that this festival is highlighting a lot of great businesses in Lakewood Ranch.
“And who doesn’t love the blues?”
Bettes Angell said having BOA come on board was almost like receiving a grant for the festival. She said it adds validity to the effort.
Benjamin and Bettes Angell expect attendance for the inaugural event to be above 1,500 people and Bettes Angell noted that the park could hold about 5,000 as the festival grows.
General admission tickets are $75. Special, in front of the stage tickets are $150. But out of the 150 tickets in front, only 35 remain. Tickets can be purchased at LakewoodRanchBluesFest.com.
LAKEWOOD RANCH
BLUES FESTIVAL LINEUP DEC. 7
■ Melody Angel, 10-11 a.m.
■ Dylan Triplett, 11:20 a.m. to 12:20 p.m.
■ Mitch Woods & His Rocket 88s, 12:40-1:45 p.m.
■ Kat Riggins, 2:05-3:10 p.m.
■ Monster Mike Welch, 3:304:40 p.m.
■ Vanessa Collier, 5 p.m.-6:10 p.m.
■ Danielle Nicole Band, 6:307:40 p.m.
SPORTS
World-class riders head for TerraNova
Some of the world’s best riders are slated to compete at the Myakka equestrian facility from Nov. 15-17.
JIM DELA
DIGITAL CONTENT PRODUCER
More than 300 competitors — including at least five Olympians — are set to saddle up at a worldclass international equestrian event Nov. 15-17 at the TerraNova Equestrian Center in Myakka City.
Dubbed “The Event at TerraNova,” the competition will consist of three different events over three days, designed to test both horses’ and riders’ stamina and precision.
The competition is also divided by skill categories, from Intro and Beginner Novice, to Olympic caliber riders, said Ruby Tevis, TerraNova’s marketing and communications director.
“It’s based on experience,” she said. “You start at your most basic level, which is called starter, and it goes up all the way up to four-star level, which is the highest level we offer. And that’s the level that you will see in the Olympic Games.”
Tevis says some of the best riders in the world will be on display. “We have the United States, Great Britain and Canada represented for Olympic athletes, and then countless Pan American World Championships riders as well,” she said.
This is the fourth fall Event at TerraNova, a 225-acre event site designed to be a go-to spot for all levels of equestrian competition.
WHAT IS EVENTING?
The sport of eventing originated as a cavalry test. The three-day competition is divided into three separate sets of challenges. “It’s similar to a triathlon. You’re going to have the same horse and rider competing in three different phases over the course of three days,” Tevis said. The three components of eventing are: Dressage. The first day is devoted to dressage, where the horse demonstrates obedience, flexibility and balance. The word is from the French term for “training.”
At predetermined areas in the arena, the rider and the horse must per-
form specific movements. “Depending on how well that horse and rider can perform that movement to the standard, that’s how they’re judged,” Tevis explained.
Each movement is scored by a judge on a scale of 0-10. A rider subtly communicates with his horse by using his legs, seat and reins. “It’s almost invisible,” Tevis said. “That’s what the judge is looking for; that harmony, that communication.”
Along with earning marks for the dressage movements, judges also look for more general attributes such as the horse’s gaits, submission, impulses and the rider’s performance, according to the United States Dressage Federation.
Cross-country. The second leg of The Event is held on open ground and a cross-country course can be anywhere from 3,800 to 6,270 meters long.
The course at TerraNova was designed by Olympic gold medalist Mark Phillips. It’s designed to mimic conditions as if the competitors were on a hunt, Tevis said. “We have water features, mounds, and they’re going to experience large obstacles.”
The goal is to complete the course within a time limit without penalties, and jump or pass all obstacles in the proper order. Penalties are given for refusing, circling, or running out of an obstacle, or for going too fast or too slow.
Show jumping. On the final day, the competition returns to the arena for show jumping, where a horse and rider navigate a closed course of obstacles of various heights and lengths in a timed competition.
The goal is to complete the course without knocking down any obstacles within the time limit. Like cross country, riders receive penalties, called faults, if they knock down an obstacle, refuse to jump, or go over the time limit.
The competitor with the fewest faults and fastest time wins.
WHAT MAKES A CHAMPION?
Like any sport, how successful you are depends on how much work you put in, said Madison Bonamarte, the
IF YOU GO
The Event at TerraNova is three days of competition, Nov. 15-17, at the TerraNova Equestrian Center, 31625 Clay Gully Road, in Myakka City. Starting and finishing times vary.
General admission tickets and parking are free. Spots for campers can be reserved. Bring your own camper (50 amp hookups); rentals from Southwest Florida Camping Rentals are also available.
A VIP brunch experience (10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.) includes preferred parking, ringside seating, panoramic competition views in the VIP pavilion, nonalcoholic beverages, beer and wine, and a catered brunch. Single tickets are $125, with special pricing for groups.
Empty Bowls event tickets are $35 Food trucks will be on site.
A limited number of golf carts will also be available for rental.
Parking lot shuttles will be available. The pavilion is wheelchair accessible.
home a keepsake ceramic bowl. Tickets for Empty Bowls are $35 and can be purchased online or at the event.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
TerraNova needs volunteers to work the event and they will be raising money for charity by just showing up.
Volunteers’ hours will be tracked and for every volunteer hour worked, $20 will be donated to The Azinger Family Compassion Center, a multipurpose donation and distribution center that provides life-changing resources for foster children, hungry children, trafficked children, single moms and struggling families from the surrounding community.
director of stable operations and programs at TerraNova.
Having a good foundation is key. “If you put the foundation work in, by the time you get to the upper levels, it’s all easy,” she said. “I think that’s the biggest and most important thing … having a good foundation and fitness.”
Bonamarte says equestrian events can see many breeds of horses, though many are thoroughbred or warmbloods, a cross-breed between a high-spirited horse such as an Arabian, and a heavier draft horse.
“I’ve always competed on thoroughbreds my entire life because I got them off the track and I introduced them to eventing, and they’d be rock stars,” she said.
“Most people nowadays are riding the warmbloods because they score better in the dressage, and they’re still talented enough to do the jumping.”
She has three students competing at The Event, in the lowest level category. “It’s kind of fun because before they started taking lessons with me, they didn’t know anything about eventing, so I’m really excited for them.”
When training riders, Bonamarte says she stresses the partnership of the horse and rider. “I really instill that in the young riders who have aspirations to do the higher levels.”
Bonamarte wants them to remember “why we do the sport and the love that we have for the horses.”
In the end, rider and horse are a team. “It’s the heart of the horse and the connection between the horse and rider,” she said. “When a horse fully trusts you, there’s no obstacle on cross-country that they’re going to say no to.”
GIVING BACK
The TerraNova Equestrian Center will host a special Empty Bowls event during the competition on Saturday, Nov. 16, to benefit the Food Bank of Manatee, which is part of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee.
Guests will enjoy a lunch of soup, salad, bread, and desserts provided by local restaurants including Taverna Toscana, ATRIA Cafe, Myakka City Grill, Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi, as well as several other familiar favorites.
Donors will also be able to take
It takes a lot of volunteers to put on this event, Tevis said. “It is an army of people. We have amazing volunteers, and we need more volunteers,” she said.
No equestrian experience is necessary.
“We see an influx of thousands of people, and they don’t know where to park, they don’t know where to go,” Tevis said.
To volunteer, sign up online.
“We’ve had a busy summer to prepare for the upcoming season, and it is so rewarding to see everyone’s hard work take shape,” TerraNova President Molly Oakman said.
“With the recent hurricanes, TerraNova was able to open its doors to horses in need of evacuation stabling, but now we are ready to fill our barns with competitors and get back to what we love to do — hosting equestrian competition.”
TerraNova has additional events scheduled most weekends from January to May, including the addition of Combined Driving in January and Para-Dressage in May, along with five uninterrupted weeks of Show Jumping in February and March.
“With the recent hurricanes, TerraNova was able to open its doors to horses in need of evacuation stabling, but now we are ready to fill our barns with competitors and get back to what we love to do — hosting equestrian competition.” Molly Oakman
File photos
Lucienne Bellissimo of Great Britain and Tremanton led going into the final show jumping discipline of the 2023 Event at TerraNova, but finished second.
Waylon Roberts, of Canada, rides Fernhill Salt Lake as they change speeds while approaching a jump during the 2023 Event at TerraNova in Myakka City.
Foodies flock to Premier YOUR NEIGHBORS
Pascone’s Ristorante chef William Sellner said an authentic Italian pomodoro sauce only requires six ingredients: good tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, basil, salt and pepper.
The chef was offering cooking tips to a crowd of foodies at the 22nd Suncoast Food & Wine Fest on Nov. 2 at the Premier Sports Campus. The fundraiser is organized by the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch.
Sellner said Italians use a lot of olive oil when making pomodoro sauce because it acts as an emulsifier. If the texture or consistency of the sauce is off, it’s most likely a lack of oil.
“At the restaurant, on average, we probably use 24 gallons of olive oil a week,” Sellner said. “Most people in this country never, ever add enough olive oil.”
While the chef talked about sauce, he demonstrated how to make a stew. The audience was then treated to a taste of the chef’s veal spezzatino.
The gates opened an hour early for VIP ticket holders, so Lakewood Ranch Country Club residents Michele Campbell and Blythe Hanson were among the first guests to arrive.
The friends have been attending the festival together for five years. This is the first year they splurged on VIP tickets, and it won’t be the last.
With more than 30 local restaurants dishing up samples, Campbell likes finding
new places to eat in the area.
“It is such a lovely venue,” Hanson said of the Premier Sports Campus. “And it’s supporting the Rotary, which does such amazing work in our community.”
— LESLEY DWYER
Photos by Lesley Dwyer
Jennifer Allen and Dana Weppner pour wine for the Signature Wine Room.
Sarasota’s Heather Deyrieux and Lauren Ursone sip on a Spanish red wine.
Kay LaRue is visiting Lakewood Ranch from Pittsburgh and deciding between bread pudding and tiramisu.
Lakewood Ranch’s Carol Stephens and Jennifer Edmonson are about to sample a French rosé.
Camille Perkins offers guests a choice between white chicken chili and chicken meatballs from Big Top Brewing.
Lakewood Ranch’s Kelli Martinez and Adrian Tolentino recommend the tuna tartare from Post Kitchen & Bar.
Fun for the kiddies
Although East County’s Jessica McCord dressed up like Elastigirl from “The Incredibles” during the Kiddie Academy Halloween parade on Oct. 31, she wasn’t about to fool Woody or the Princess.
McCord’s kids — her son, Emmett, was Woody and her daughter, Jade, was a princess — quickly noticed their mom was handing out candy during the trunk or treat portion of the event. Like several other parents who were dressed in costume while handing out candy, their little ones didn’t want to leave mom or dad to get back into line.
Even so, after a kiss and a hug, it was back to the parade route for the kids.
Kiddie Academy hosted the event following the school day on Halloween, releasing the kids one class at a time to show off their costumes.
— JAY HEATER
Sophia Marchena, a B.D. Gullett Elementary student, helps Lakewood Ranch’s Hailey Hodges hand out candy from a plastic pool during the Kiddie Academy Halloween parade.
Fellow students had to be green with envy over Apollo Truman’s costume during the Kiddie Academy Halloween parade.
Jessica McCord visits with Kiddie Academy students Emmett Ramirez and Zara Morales during the Halloween parade.
Photos by Jay Heater
Flynn DeSoe, Anthony Marini, Nolan Koepsel and Liam Lazek lead their class during the start of the Kiddie Academy Halloween parade.
Gulfside Bank’s new location off Fruitville Road, east of I-75 is NOW OPEN!
It’s hard to believe that just five short years ago, Gulfside Bank opened its doors to Sarasota’s business community for the first time. We’ve been growing to meet the financial needs of a vibrant, thriving community ever since.
Today, Gulfside can do anything the big banks can do, only faster, with local decision making and a true personal touch you won’t find anywhere else. And we’re just getting started. Come grow with Gulfside.
Mom Jaclyn McCarthy gets a hug from her son, Marcus McCarthy, during the Kiddie Academy parade. Student Jade Ramirez is in the background.
Kiddie Academy student Tito Toniolo Teixeira obviously is enjoying the Kiddie Academy Halloween parade in Lakewood Ranch. Teagan Biggs shows off her costume during the Kiddie Academy Halloween parade.
Wheels keep turning for St. Jude
The sixth annual Knights of Columbus Car Show on Nov. 2 at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church in Lakewood Ranch was more about stories than cars.
The approximately 120 cars that decorated the parking lot at the church were a conversation starter, and then the stories flowed.
All the proceeds benefitted St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
A fun story was told by East County’s Arthur Matney, who was showing his 2020 C8 Corvette that has a 6.2-liter V-8 engine that produces 490 horsepower.
Matney was asked how fast he had driven his prized car. He said he had gotten it up to 125 in the middle of the night on a deserted central Florida highway. Matney laughed and said there were no witnesses. Then he launched into a story.
“I was driving one day when a police officer drove up alongside me,” said Matney, who figured he might be in trouble. “Then the cop gave me the thumbs up.”
Mike Mahan of the Knights of Columbus said the best story has to do with their donation to St. Jude Last year it was $15,000.
— JAY HEATER
SARASOTA MEMORIAL PRESENTS
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE & RELATED DEMENTIAS
As our bodies age, so do our brains. Join us for this special lecture event and learn to identify the signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia, to distinguish between normal aging and dementia-related memory loss, and how to communicate effectively with those living with these conditions. A brief Q&A will follow the presentation.
Wednesday, Nov. 20th 4:30 - 5:30pm
Danielle Valery, BS, CDPAlzheimer’s Disease & Related Dementias: An Overview of Cognitive Changes
SMH-SARASOTA
Sarasota Memorial Hospital Auditorium - First Floor 1700 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239
This is a FREE LECTURE SERIES with FREE VALET PARKING at main hospital entrance. Light refreshments served. RSVP required. Reserve your space by phone at (941) 917-7777 or online at smh.com/lectures.
Photos by Jay Heater
Palmetto’s Kelvin Etchison stands next to the distinctive fins of his 1959 Cadillac Deville at the Knights Car Show.
Lakewood Ranch’s Elliot Labanauskas, 16 months, might be showing cars of his own in the future, such as Carl Oberg’s 1972 Corvette. He was visiting the Knights of Columbus Car Show on Nov. 2 with his parents, Alexandra and Lukas Labanauskas.
Braden Woods’ Steve Aiena “completely rebuilt” his 1937 Ford, which he has owned for 18 years.
Lakewood Ranch’s Chris Carnevale stands in front of his 1965 Corvette Stingray he was showing at the Knights Car Show.
Bradenton’s Pete Tolhurst sits behind the wheel of a 1964 Corvette. He bought the car in 1979.
Hobnobbing at the library
Lindsay McSweeney with the Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Library sat alongside librarians Fiorella Colacci and Hayley Rigatti to provide information to a special group.
The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance was hosting its Hob Nob BBQ on Oct. 30 at the library.
“Some people didn’t know the library was here or have been in it,” McSweeney said. “It’s been a great opportunity to learn about the library.”
It was one of the side benefits of the Hob Nob, which serves as a fun, but important, networking event.
Approximately 400 people attended the 35th annual Hob Nob,
which LWRBA President and CEO Brittany Lamont said generated funds for hurricane relief.
The LWRBA took over the Hob Nob from the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp. this past year.
Approximately 20 businesses showcased their services during the western-themed event, which featured live music, food and drinks.
“We wanted to help people feel a sense of getting back to normal,” Lamont said. “We wanted to come together while also supporting businesses that were impacted by the hurricane, especially on the island.”
— LIZ RAMOS
Cory Kapral knew it had been eight months too long in dealing with ongoing pain that left him unable to enjoy his usual routine. It wasn’t until his visit with orthopedic surgeon, Roland V. Askins III, MD, that he realized his hip was to blame.
From start to finish, the process of undergoing hip replacement surgery went smoothly for Kapral. He praises his postoperative recovery experience and the team that made all the difference. “The entire team made me feel welcome and at ease, always popping in to check on me and chat,” he says.
He’s joined in his joy by Dr. Askins, who details how glad he is that the surgery was a success. “Seeing him get back to living has been great. I’m so happy to see him happy,” says Dr. Askins.
Jamie Kahns and Bob Kahns with Bank of America and Tim Estep, manager of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, get into the western theme for the alliance’s Hob Nob.
Photos by Liz Ramos
Young Leaders Alliance members Janeth Gonzalez, Kristie Calandro, Jordan Sebastiano and Sierra Nunn pass out popcorn to Hob Nob guests.
Heather Koester and Jacquie Johns, with Invigorate Nexus, connect with others in the business community at the Hob Nob.
Rachel Forsyth, with 1-800 Packouts, and Amplify Communications Consulting’s Kristen Theisen dress for the occasion.
Bank OZK’s Jose Lescano and Fifth Third Bank’s Ernesto Izquierdo make connections at the Hob Nob, which had approximately 400 attendees.
COMMUNITY
THURSDAY, NOV. 7 THROUGH
SUNDAY, NOV. 10
LIVE MUSIC AT JIGGS LANDING
Runs from 4-7 p.m. each day at Jiggs Landing, 6106 63rd St. E., Bradenton. The live music lineup at Jiggs Landing includes Steve Arvey (Thursday), Soundwave (Friday), Blue Grass Pirates (Saturday) and Zooey (Sunday). The Friday and Saturday concerts are $5; the others are free. For more information, go to JiggsLanding.com.
FRIDAY, NOV. 8
MOVIE IN THE PARK
Runs from 6-9 p.m. at Waterside Park, 7301 Island Cove Terrace, Lakewood Ranch. The free family friendly movie series continues with a showing of “Inside Out.” The movie begins approximately at sunset. The event is sponsored by Grace Community Church, which will hand out one Chick-fil-A sandwich to the first 300 attendees. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring a blanket and/or lawn chairs. Concessions available from We B’ Poppin Popcorn and Kettle Corn. Inflatables for the kids will be available from 6-7:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, NOV. 8 AND
SATURDAY, NOV. 9
MUSIC AT THE PLAZA
Runs 6-9 p.m. at Waterside Place, 1560 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch. Singer/songwriter Matt Gerhardt will entertain those strolling through Waterside Place on Friday night while singer/musician Sheri Nadelman will perform on Saturday. For more information about the free music series, go to WatersidePlace. com.
SATURDAY, NOV. 9 AND
SUNDAY, NOV. 10
LINGER LODGE MUSIC
Runs Saturday from 6-9 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. at Linger Lodge Restaurant, 7205 85th St. Court E., Bradenton. Live, free music at Linger Lodge restaurant includes the Brooke Hargrove on Saturday and Scotty Yates on Sunday. For more information, call 755-2757
BEST BET
THURSDAY, NOV. 7
SIGHTS AND SOUNDS
Begins at 7 p.m. at Waterside Place, 1560 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch. The free Sights and Sounds arts series continues with Strings Con Brio presenting “A Salute To Veterans” concert. Strings Con Brio Conductor Kenneth Bowermeister leads a concert of American music throughout history in honor of veterans. Patrons will hear music they know and love, including titles from the American Civil War and the 1940s dance music of the Glenn Miller Orchestra. Strings Con Brio will perform all of the familiar armed forces signature songs as well as “God Bless America” and “Stars and Stripes Forever.” Limited seating is available, so please bring a lawn chair. No outside food or drinks permitted.
SATURDAY, NOV. 9 THROUGH MONDAY, NOV. 11
MEDIEVAL FAIR
Runs 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Woods of Mallaranny, 29847 S.R. 70, Myakka City. The Sarasota Medieval Fair continues its 2024 run, which continues every Saturday and Sunday in November, along with Veterans Day. A wide range of family friendly activities include jousting and human chess performances, fun food (including the classic turkey legs), a children’s realm area, local artisans and craft demonstrations, rides and games, and vendors. Tickets are available online at SarasotaMedievalFair.com.
SUNDAY, NOV. 10
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, which was voted as the top farmers market in Florida for the second year in a row, 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.
IT’S READ EVERYWHERE
Headed on a trip? Snap a photo of you on vacation holding your Observer, then submit your photo online at YourObserver.com/ ItsReadEverywhere. Stay tuned for this year’s prize, and happy travels!
• Top 1% of agents in Sarasota and Manatee Counties
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• Top 7% of Coldwell Banker agents worldwide
• Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialists
OVER THE HUMP DAY WITH THE OBSERVER: Stephanie Boehning took the East County Observer on a two-hump camel ride while visiting the Gobi Desert in Mongolia.
Country Club home tops sales at $2.4 million
ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR
Ahome in Country Club topped all transactions in this week’s real estate. David Lewis Maraman and Brenda Toler Maraman, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 13603 Blythefield Terrace to Steven Gerhardt and Laurie Beth Gerhardt, of Lakewood Ranch, for $2.4 million. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 5,814 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.2 million in 2010.
LAKEHOUSE COVE AT WATERSIDE
Bruce Elliott Sorensen and Tiffany Dawn Sorensen, of Sarasota, sold their home at 7961 Mainsail Lane to Eric Klonowski, of Sarasota, for $1,635,000. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,502 square feet of living area. It sold for $961,500 in 2022.
LAKEWOOD NATIONAL
B.J. and Shirley Kingdon, trustees, of Jamestown, North Carolina, sold the home at 5820 Mulligan Way to Douglas Mihelick and Karen Tooley, trustees, for $1.35 million. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,647 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.3 million in 2023.
GROSVENOR GARDENS
Vincent Tonna and Robin Tonna, trustees, of Ontario, Canada, sold the home at 8419 Grosvenor Court to Donald Harrison Snively and Pamela Lynn Fowler, of Ontario, Canada, for $1.3 million. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,917 square feet of living area. It sold for $274,800 in 2015.
Howard Alan Kolk and Bonnie Kolk sold their home at 5719 Arnie Loop to Ann and Sean Mcconnon, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, for $1.15 million. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,840 square feet of living area. It sold for $720,000 in 2019.
COUNTRY CLUB EAST
Dario and Linda Stucchi, trustees, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, sold the home at 16616 Collingtree Crossing to Michelle Brown and Kimberly Skiba, of Rexford, New York, for $1,025,000. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, two-and-ahalf baths, a pool and 2,941 square feet of living area.
Samuel Paul Guerrero and Katherine Elizabeth Guerrero, of Palmetto, sold their home at 7123 Whittlebury Trail to Tony Jei-Ling and Shu Chen Su, of Bradenton, for $855,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,443 square feet of living area. It sold for $518,000 in 2020.
EDGEWATER Ting-Fang Zheng and Su-Hua Men, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 6585 Waters Edge Way to Jacob Dunn, Dimitra Dunn, John Milan and Elizabeth Milan, of Lakewood Ranch, for $920,000. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, twoand-a-half baths, a pool and 2,461 square feet of living area. It sold for $370,000 in 2013.
Christopher Jorgensen and Jody Jorgensen, trustees, and June Jorgensen, of Sarasota, sold the home at 8343 Whispering Woods Court to Fred Reimer, of Boca Raton, for $475,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,644 square feet of living area. It sold for $189,300 in 1999.
POLO RUN Dina Murphy, of Westhampton
RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS
OCT. 21-25
Beach, New York, sold her home at 17523 Polo Trail to Siddharth and Anupama Aneja, of Bradenton, for $906,000. Built in 2022, it has six bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,520 square feet of living area. It sold for $720,000 in 2022.
WOODLEAF HAMMOCK
Gregory Madison Taylor and Jenna Taylor, trustees, of St. Petersburg, sold the home at 2217 Woodleaf Hammock Court to Mark Andrew Thacker, and Rhonda Pafford Thacker, of Bradenton, for $875,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 3,639 square feet of living area. It sold for $574,300 in 2020.
KENWOOD PARK
Susan Hesse, trustee, of White Post, Virginia, sold the home at 8330 Abingdon Court to Marina Solo, of Lakewood Ranch, for $775,000. Built in 2005, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,620 square feet of living area.
SUMMERFIELD
John Robert White and Cynthia Debari White, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 12210 Clubhouse Drive to Christopher and Amy Fehr, of Lakewood Ranch, for $750,000. Built in 1998, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,332 square feet of living area. It sold for $392,500 in 2016.
Christine Aristizabal sold her home at 11829 Winding Woods Way to Daniel Ferrell and Rosalie Soberano, of Barclay, Maryland, for $440,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,871 square feet of living area. It sold for $290,000 in 2020.
INDIGO
Laurie Jo DeLoach, of Lakewood Ranch, sold her home at 13307 Deep Blue Place to Arthur Anthanasios Foutsitzis and Stavroula Pappas Foutsitzis, of Bradenton, for $715,000. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,460 square feet of living area. It sold for $519,100 in 2021.
BRADEN PINES
Michael Cormac McConnaghy and Nicole Marie Canada, trustees, of Lakeland, sold the home at 10612 Forest Run Drive to Karima Mesbahi and Abdelaziz Katibi, of Bradenton, for $600,000. Built in 1981, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,884 square feet of living area.
RIVA TRACE
Anthony Santelli, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the home at 7808 Rio Bella Place to Vasyl and Regina Vasko, of Sarasota, for $580,000. Built in 2014, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,911 square feet of living area. It sold for $415,000 in 2019.
CARRIAGE RUN AT UNIVERSITY
PLACE
Silvia Golueke, of Sarasota, sold her home at 7447 Sea Island Lane to Robert and Dolores Schmelzer,
of Bradenton, for $575,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,116 square feet of living area. It sold for $390,000 in 2021.
STONEYBROOK AT HERITAGE
HARBOUR
Patricia Mulcahy, of Brookfield, Connecticut, sold the home at 8933 Brookfield Terrace to Alfredo Antonio Isaias, of Doral, for $569,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,332 square feet of living area. It sold for $490,000 in 2021.
ARBOR RESERVE
David Joseph Alagna Jr. and Kel-
lie Nicole Alagna, of Catonsville, Maryland, sold their home at 5735 Arbor Wood Court to Michael and Rosemarie Stevens, of Bradenton, for $565,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,588 square feet of living area. It sold for $600,000 in 2022.
COPPERLEFE
Michael Paul Warner and Lindsay Anne Warner, of Stephenville, Texas, sold their home at 11547 Sweetgrass Drive to Roseanne Caputo, of Bradenton, for $545,000. Built in
Lesley Dwyer
This Country Club home at 13603 Blythefield Terrace sold for $2.4 million. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 5,814 square feet of living area.
2018, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,546 square feet of living area. It sold for $348,800 in 2018.
GLENBROOKE
Austin and Mckenzie Stump sold their home at 4633 Glenbrooke Drive to Grace McCabe and Joanne Windus, of Sarasota, for $515,000. Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,665 square feet of living area. It sold for $283,300 in 2019.
WATERCREST
Jeffrey Nuckols, trustee, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the Unit 202 condominium at 6330 Watercrest Way to John Robert White and Cynthia DeBari White, of Lakewood Ranch, for $499,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,742 square feet of living area. It sold for $330,000 in 2017.
BACCIANO AT ESPLANADE
Matthew Ryan and Lisa Pillitteri Ryan, of Bowling Green, Kentucky, sold their Unit 202 condominium at 13822 Messina Loop to Patrick Reilly, of Bradenton, for $480,000. Built in 2021, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,528 square feet of living area. It sold for $266,900 in 2021.
GREENBROOK
Joseph and Abigail Doyle, of Columbus, Ohio, sold their home at 6352 Golden Eye Glen to James and Sharon Gross, of Lakewood Ranch, for $465,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,034 square feet of living area. It sold for $294,000 in 2017.
Maxwell and Deanna Stewart, of Greer, South Carolina, sold their home at 6326 Golden Eye Glen to Irina and Joshua Dumitrescu, of Lakewood Ranch, for $441,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,073 square feet of living area. It sold for $295,000 in 2018.
BRADEN RIVER LAKES
EHB of Tampa Bay Inc., trustee, sold the home at 711 49th St. E. to Enkela Xhelilaj and Meleq Jazaj, of Bradenton, for $440,000. Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,593 square feet of living area. It sold for $245,000 in February.
David Moody, trustee, of Bradenton, sold the home at 905 48th St. Circle E. to Steven and Angela Sylvester, of Bradenton, for $385,000. Built in 1991, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,757 square feet of living area.
COTTAGES OF SAN CASCIANO
Teresa Benedict, of Bradenton, sold the home at 111 San Lorenzo Court to Duncan Rodman and Brianna Valenti, of Bradenton, for $420,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,512 square feet of living area. It sold for $350,000 in 2021.
HARMONY Christian Martin Fulda and Gina Schilleci Fulda, of Sarasota, sold their home at 5532 Coachwood Cove to Albert Joseph Persampiere and Meghan Griffin, of Bradenton, for $420,000. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,904 square feet of living area. It sold for $438,700 in 2022.
RIVERS EDGE
Donald and Kathleen Borsos, of Bradenton, sold their home at 6526 68th St. E. to James Patrick Troxal and Rebecca Sue Troxal, of Bradenton, for $390,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,618 square feet of living area. It sold for $237,000 in 2014.
MANDALAY
Mazen and Jumana Al-Bataineh, of Bradenton, sold their home at 6136 46th St. E. to Laith Ismail and Ashraf Ismail, of Bradenton, for $379,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,290 square feet of living area. It sold for $420,000 in 2005.
VERANDA AT LAKEWOOD
NATIONAL
Jocelyn Udell, of Bradenton, sold her Unit 812 condominium at 5527 Palmer Circle to Robert Gray, of Bradenton, for $370,000. Built in 2018, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,329 square feet of living area. It sold for $222,000 in 2018.
TOWNHOMES AT REGATTA
LANDING
JG STR LLC sold the home at 7253 Ketch Place to Richard Wille and Jordan Constantine, of Bradenton, for $320,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,968 square feet of living area. It sold for $215,000 in 2018.
TERRACE AT LAKEWOOD NATIONAL Ross Overstreet sold his Unit 1044 condominium at 17626 Gawthrop Drive to Meghan and Michael Wald, of Bradenton, for $307,500. Built in 2020, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,121 square feet of living area. It sold for $198,500 in 2020.
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