East County Observer 12.19.24

EAST COUNTY

Observer

Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

Meet the big cheese.

PAGE 12A THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

VOLUME 26, NO. 18

YOUR TOWN

Aquatics center advances Manatee to break ground by February at Premier Sports Campus North. SEE PAGE 3A

Courtesy photo

Have a seat

The library is a special place for 16-year-old Cooper Leiberick (above). The Lakewood Ranch resident and member of Boy Scout Troop 89 spent a lot of time at libraries as a young child.

“I’m glad to have this new location (the Lakewood Ranch branch) closer to my house,” Leiberick said. “I chose to build benches because Tiffany (Mautino), the library’s branch manager, mentioned they needed them for the outside areas.”

The Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Library paid for the supplies, and Leiberick put in the labor as part of an Eagle Scout project.

“I hope the community enjoys them for many years into the future,” Leiberick said.

Holiday traditions like no other Jay Heater Courtesy photo

Main Street elves still on the job Christmas is quickly approaching, so the elves are working diligently around Main Street at Lakewood Ranch to fill orders.

Can you spot them?

We all know elves like to work anonymously, so it’s not easy to find them. If you do, you will be come eligible for a prize.

Just go by the Lakewood Ranch Information Center or any Main Street at Lakewood Ranch business to pick up an entry form for the Hidden Elves contest.

More than 15 mischievous elves are hiding inside and outside Main Street establishments, so be sure to look high and low. The contest began Nov. 25 and runs through Dec. 30.

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In 1989, Mandalay’s Ron Goldstein started a holiday tradition of blending Christmas items and Yankees memorabilia into a museum-worthy display.

East County sports an eclectic array of customs. SEE PAGE 4A

A+E Twisted, but fun, circus art.

INSIDE

Time for a special delivery Local elementary school students write their letters to Santa.

SEE PAGE 1B

Jay Heater

Jaclynn Meiler of Tammy Peters’ first class at Braden River Elementary holds her letter to Santa.

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

Holiday vacation — at home Mike and Sandy Sobzack set off on a whirlwind retirement tour around the world in March.

STAFF WRITER

M

ike and Sandy Sobzack used to be creatures of habit. In retirement, they’re nomads.

Both worked for Wells Fargo.

She was in human resources, and he was in project management. They owned the same East County home for 26 years.

Mike Sobzack, 53, used to play pickleball every morning at Longwood Park.

He no longer plays daily, but since March, he’s played pickleball in Morocco, Mongolia, Nepal and Bhutan.

The couple left their jobs, sold their assets, made a list of the Top 20 countries they wanted to see and took off, but there’s no place they would rather be for the holidays than home.

Since they sold their house, the couple is staying at an Airbnb. But Mike Sobzack rated the holiday trip’s importance as a “10 out of 10.”

“That’s the plan every year,” Sandy Sobzack said. “We’ll continue to come back for November and December.”

The remaining travel plans are taken leg by leg, year by year. Whether it takes two years or 30, the pair will travel until they’re “tired of it.”

The Sobzacks’ next leg kicks off in January. They’re flying to Buenos Aires to take a 17-day cruise to Antarctica. They’ll spend the next six months touring South America, but will return for a pit stop in Indianapolis at the end of May. “Every year, we went to the Indy 500,” Mike Sobzack said. “We didn’t this year, and we missed it.”

After that, the plan is to hit Greenland, Iceland and Norway before next Christmas.

Spending weeks to months in each destination has provided both

FOOD TOUR

While on the road, Sandy and Mike Sobzack missed home for two reasons — the people and the food.

Sandy Sobzack recalled how hard it was to find peanut butter while traveling, and Mike Sobzack declared that Wings and Things has the “best wings in the world.”

But since returning home, he’s also had a craving for a big plate of tsuivan. Tsuivan is a noodle dish they discovered while traveling through Mongolia. The couple returned home with incredible memories and a new craving from each country.

MOROCCO Chicken tagine: The couple ate so much tagine they thought they’d stop ordering, but it always hit the spot. They also ate versions that included beef, mutton, fish and vegetables.

NEPAL The national dish of Nepal is dal bhat. It’s made with lentils and rice and was another frequently ordered meal by the Sobzacks.

BHUTAN Ema datshi is the national dish of Bhutan, but it’s made with chili peppers, so the spice depends on the chef. Mike Sobzack said it was delicious, but Sandy Sobzack’s favorite dish was hoentey, dumplings with wrappers made from buckwheat flour.

unique experiences and challenges.

While staying in Bhutan, they were invited to a religious ritual at a private home. Monks played drums

Lesley Dwyer

while chanting scriptures.

Sandy Sobzack described the rite as one of the most incredible experiences she’s ever had in her life, and one that can’t be found on a tour bus.

Traveling independently allows the couple the time and space to form relationships with locals.

“It was a whole day’s event,” she said. “They bring in people to play instruments, and they build little temples in their homes. And all the food they made was phenomenal.”

The other side of once in a lifetime experiences is the chores of everyday life. Figuring out how to wash their clothes has been an experience in itself everywhere they’ve stayed.

The washing machine in Nepal was four floors down outside in the yard. Instead of squirrels scampering through the trees, there were monkeys.

Instead of pressing a button and walking away, the laundry had to be soaked, spun and rinsed by hand, then hung on a line upstairs on the roof.

Everything they did required Google Translate. Mike Sobzack rated the app at an eight or nine out of 10. Even still, it could take the capable couple up to three hours just to grocery shop.

The constant newness has come easier to Mike Sobzack than to his wife.

“I knew I was going to grow,” Sandy Sobzack said. “But I didn’t realize just how rigid I was, how many expectations I really had, how many rules I had.”

While staying in a guest house in Mongolia, the owner of the home prepared a picnic for her family and invited the couple along.

She prepared a beautiful lunch, but after cutting up the meat, she cut up the watermelon using the same unwashed knife.

“I told myself to just be chill about it,” Sandy Sobzack said. “It helped me. I’m not as freakish (about germs) after that day.”

Mike and Sandy Sobzack return home to East County for the holidays. The couple stop by the University Park Country Club for lunch on Dec. 9.

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LESLEY DWYER

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

Long-awaited pickleball/swim facility to break ground Manatee County expects to break ground by February and finish by summer 2026.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

A

fter seven years and several drafts, Manatee County will break ground in late January or

early February on the Athletic and Aquatics Center at Premier Sports Campus North.

The park was officially rebranded, too. The original 127-acre campus (Premier Sports Campus) that was purchased from Schroeder-Man-

Courtesy images

The Athletics and Aquatics Center at Premier Sports Campus North is expected to be complete by summer 2026.

atee Ranch in 2017 is now Premier

NAME THE SOCCER STADIUM

Sports Campus South.

The additional 111 acres the county purchased from SMR to the north, where the Athletic and Aquatic Center will be located, is now Premier Sports Campus North.

PREMIER SPORTS CAMPUS NORTH

Commissioners on Dec. 12 approved the execution of a contract with Tandem Construction Dec. 10 to build the athletic center and a rezone that allows for the construction of a public center.

The final step is to break ground, which is anticipated to happen in late January or early February.

The agreement with Tandem sets the maximum price for all costs and services at $44,228,316.60 with a construction schedule of 567 calendar days.

“We can’t wait to put a shovel in the ground,” said Molly White, Manatee County’s director of Sports and Leisure Services. “The World Pickleball Tour will be at G.T. Bray this weekend, and they’re chomping at the bit to get more tournaments in the area.”

While 24 new pickleball courts, 14 of which will be shaded, will be attractive to tournament organizers, the courts won’t regularly be occupied by tournaments.

“We’re going to cater to the residents first,” said Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. “What we don’t want to see is bringing in so much business that the residents don’t have enough court play or aquatic center use.”

Falcione described finding the balance as an art. However, in this case, a major distinction lies within the funding of each campus.

The purchase of the south campus was mainly funded through the tourism tax. Construction on the north campus is being funded through the infrastructure sales tax, which is paid by residents, and impact fees, which are paid by builders.

Falcione said that distinction makes the Premier Sports Campus North “the residents’ venue.”

Area soccer clubs, such as the Chargers and Braden River, use the south campus, too. However, that campus generates between $40 million to $45 million in economic impact for the county, much of it coming from out-of-town business.

Falcione said Premier Sports Campus North will not bring in “the magnitude” of business that Premier Sports Campus South attracts from soccer and lacrosse.

He speculated that between the pools and pickleball courts, that campus would bring in more like $12 million in economic impact a year.

East County swim clubs have complained about having to drive to Sarasota or the west side of Manatee County for training and meets. This facility is expected to meet the community need for swim lanes and a place for exercise classes.

Prior plans included a third 25-meter pool with the ability to host

These are the latest renderings of the Athletics and Aquatics Center slated for Premier Sports Campus North.

ATHLETIC AND AQUATIC CENTER ■ 24 pickleball courts (14 covered) ■ 50-meter competition-size pool ■ Therapy pool ■ Administration offices ■ Restrooms ■ Locker rooms

diving competitions that would have attract more competitions. However, staff members asked commissioners to remove the 25-meter pool in December 2023 because it was the only way to stay within the county’s $39 million budget.

Tom Yarger estimated the cost of an additional 25-meter pool at about $4.5 million. But once that was removed from the equation, restrooms and locker rooms were scaled down, too.

Falcione mentioned the possibility of a partnership with Sarasota County because there’s an aquatic center in South Sarasota, but said this facility was designed to “target a narrow aquatics segment.”

“At the end of the day, I’m a community servant,” Falcione said. “If we can stimulate the economy while, at the same time, enhancing the quality of life for the residents who live here, then I’ve met my objective as a tourism director.”

The construction will take about 18 months to complete, so the coun-

ty is planning on a completion date during summer 2026.

In the meantime, a job-site camera will be mounted on the Lakewood Ranch Library when the work kicks off. A link will be added to the county’s website, so the public can keep up with the progress in real time.

PREMIER SPORTS CAMPUS SOUTH

Construction at Premier Sports Campus South is due to be complete by the end of the month.

Improvements include the addition of two synthetic turf fields and two 2,500-square-foot locker rooms.

What won’t be included is a 6,500-square-foot event tent, which was intended to provide an air conditioned space that could diversify the campus’s rental uses to include nonsporting events, such as weddings.

The $1,126,405 tent, which was paid by funds from the tourism tax, was going to be a savings to the county because it could be used for indoor space without having to construct an actual building, which would have cost at least three times more.

However, the tent had to be custom ordered from Germany and took two years to fabricate.

When ordered, county building officials and the fire marshal signed off on the tent because it met the code requirements.

By the time it arrived, Information Outreach Manager Bill Logan said that type of framed tent was no longer considered a permanent structure under the state building codes.

“That’s what happens every time

In other Premier news, Manatee County signed a deal with the Sarasota Paradise professional soccer team on Dec. 10 that allows the league to call Premier Sports Campus South its home field.

The agreement also grants the team sponsorship opportunities through signage and naming rights for the stadium. “(The county) has to approve (the name),” Falcione said. “So it’s not a controversial name, like Camel cigarettes or something like that.”

If approved, the cost to name the stadium is $100,000 for a five-year term.

The Paradise is in charge of brokering the deals, but the county gets a portion of the proceeds.

a hurricane comes through the state of Florida,” Falcione said. “The codes are always being reevaluated.”

At 6,500 square feet, to put the tent up and take it down again costs about $10,000. The tent is so specialized that it’s not something county staff can handle themselves.

But Falcione said he never gives up, so while it’s too early to say what exactly will happen with the tent, he is looking for ways to rent the tent to recoup some of the funds.

The $320,000 of groundwork installed, such as the concrete pad and the necessary utilities, also can have other purposes.

Restrooms will be built around the pad, which will require electricity and sewer lines.

Falcione also said the pad could handle a one-story block structure in the future if the county sees fit.

For now, Logan said the pad allows for the use of temporary tents, food trucks and other special event-related requests.

Monetizing the tent will likely involve a public-private partnership to have an expert market it and rent it.

Falcione is still working out the details of what he can and can’t do with the county’s procurement office and attorney’s office.

“We pride ourselves on creativity,” he said. “Am I frustrated? Of course, I am, but you control the controllables and look at how you can shift gears.”

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YourObserver.com

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Holiday traditions that score big

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

HAMILTON FAMILY

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Favorite pastimes, charities, movies and passions all emerge during the holiday season.

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T

he nutcrackers still sit prominently among Ron Goldstein’s Christmas decorations in his Mandalay neighborhood home.

Perhaps his late mom, Bronia Goldstein, should get credit for the eye-popping Christmas displays he creates each and every year.

In the 1960s, she began giving him “everything Yankees” for Christmas, which made sense because they lived down the block from Yankees star Joe Pepitone on 83rd Street in the Canarsie neighborhood of Brooklyn.

Included were a bevy of nutcrackers.

The passion for the Yankees, and for Christmas, continued to build all through Goldstein’s life. After earning a law degree and a master’s in business administration, Goldstein earned a job working with the Yankees, and professional athletes in general, as a troubleshooter.

“I was like a janitor,” Goldstein said. “I cleaned up messes that no one else wanted to deal with.”

It afforded him the opportunity to collect all kinds of Yankees memorabilia, and coupled with his love of collecting any kind of Yankees merchandise he could find, especially that connected to Christmas, he filled his home and storage lockers with thousands of items. He said he often bid at auctions against Yankees’ super-fan Billy Crystal for memorabilia.

“He was crazed,” he said of Crystal.

When he married wife Angela

Jay Heater

Sanfilippo in 1989, he started a tradition of building a Christmas display that would make any museum proud.

Now with a smaller home since moving to Florida, his scaled-down collection still has its own room during the holidays.

Mixed with the more common items that you could buy in any gift shop are Yankee treasures, such as Derek Jeter’s batting helmet and glove, signed items and photos from Yogi Berra “who was like a father to me” and the original sign from “Babe Ruth Field” that for years graced the Yankees’ practice field across the street from the stadium at Macombs Dam Park.

Each Christmas, all the items are blended with a collage of Yankeestrademarked holiday keepsakes, along with tinsel and miniature carousels.

“Every year I change the scheme,” he said. “I start in the summer and I do whatever comes into my brain.

I just love the Christmas spirit and friends and family, I love giving and doing.

“I just don’t have enough people to show this to.”

The East County Observer asked our readers what kind of holiday traditions they have.

Mandalay’s Ron Goldstein curates thousands of Christmas and sports items into an incredible display at his Mandalay home in East County.

Goldstein is a former troubleshooter who worked for the Yankees and other sports franchises and pro athletes.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

COATS FOR KIDS

Lesley Dwyer

Sebastian and Julia Serra of Lakewood Ranch make sure they set aside time each Christmas Eve to have the members of their family tell each other why they love them.

IT’S NOT HARD TO SAY ‘I LOVE YOU’

Julia and Sebastian Serra put everything on pause for about an hour on Christmas Eve as their family sits down for a heart-to-heart talk.

Back when their three boys were young, they could see that young adults were reluctant to share their feelings. So they thought it was important to set aside a time when they could express their own feelings to the boys.

“It was important to tell them what we love about them,” Sebastian Serra said.

Each Christmas Eve, at a time when the family enjoys a day-long meal, they all pick a time to sit together.

“We say what we love about each other the most,” Julia Serra said.

“It’s always very upbeat,” Sebastian Serra said. “You know, there is a lot of criticism in this world.”

Joann Graceffo has a new favorite tradition since moving from St. Petersburg to Lakewood Ranch six years ago.

Her husband, Jerry Graceffo, is a member of the Knights of Columbus council at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church.

Each year, the Knights collect coats for children living in the agricultural community of Wauchula.

“I look forward to going (to St. Michael Catholic Church) with my husband every year to give out these jackets,” Joann Graceffo said.

“The children put the coats on, and they’re so emotional. The gratitude they show really makes us all think how lucky we are.”

SANTA’S HELPERS

Lesley Dwyer

Joann Graceffo looks forward to handing out coats to kids before Christmas.

HOME AWAY FROM HOME

Courtesy image

Firefighters and their families enjoy Christmas dinner at Station 11 in 2023. Starting with Lochlynn Mahon in the red dress, going around the table is Cutter and Morgan Johnson, Lou Rivera, Craig Lavelle (EMS), Angie Hadlock (EMS), Bekki Johnson and Nate and Rhiannon Mahon.

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Lt. Nate Mahon can’t remember how many Christmas dinners he’s eaten at East Manatee Fire Rescue’s Station 11, so he left it at “a lot.”

Mahon started out as a volunteer with the Myakka City Fire Rescue in 2006 before the fire district merged with EMFR. Now, the firefighter is a full time part of the crew.

“Somebody’s got to work,” Deputy Chief Paul Wren said. “But we provide money for all the crews to be able to buy those holiday meals.”

So tradition for the firefighters is to set up a long table in the bay and invite their families to celebrate Christmas at the station.

The crew prepared prime rib for dinner last year, but Mahon said families visit during breakfast, lunch and dinner.

“There’s a number of guys with families and children,” Mahon said. “The whole family comes out. (The kids) enjoy playing around the station.”

MARCH OF THE NUTCRACKERS

Annette and Chuck Marden of Watercrest have a tradition of collecting and displaying nutcrackers during the holidays.

Annette says her home has no more room, though.

If Annette and Chuck Marden need to start a new holiday tradition, it probably will have something to do with nuts.

They certainly have the nutcrackers.

In 1982, Chuck picked up a gift for his future wife, a nutcracker that was also a skier. Annette was from Vermont.

Annette liked the gift, so Chuck picked up another nutcracker the next year, and the next year, and the next ...

Eventually their children got into the act as well and over a 42-year period, Annette’s collection swelled. When the holidays roll around, nutcrackers dominate several areas in their home. Every one bears the year it was given.

“I’ve had to say I’ve got no more room,” Annette said, indicating her collection might be complete.

Lesley Dwyer

Traditions have to start somewhere.

Typically, the Saxtons, a family of five who live in Lakewood Ranch, make their own Christmas ornaments and have their kids write letters to Santa.

This year, however, was different.

While the Saxtons will still do their usual holiday activiDylan Campbell ties, a new tradition has come into the The Saxtons fused their love of dressing up for Halloween with the fold.

“We always dress Christmas spirit. Back: Sadie, Phillip, up together for Hal- Summer. Front: Joelle and Archer. loween,” said Summer Saxton, as she and her husband, Phillip, corralled their three children together in the Waterside parking lot. “This year, we all went as characters from Harry Potter. It was so fun that we just decided to keep it going.”

All five of the Saxton clan are ready for employment in Santa’s workshop. Dressed head-to-toe in matching elf costumes, the Saxtons don’t care that Halloween came and gone more than two months ago. The smile on their children’s faces is well worth the time it takes to get dressed up.

WHITE CHRISTMAS

Between University Town Center and Lakewood Ranch, Santa could easily check off any Christmas wish list under an East County tree with the exception of one thing — a white Christmas.

So Sue Ann Miller, president of the Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Courtesy image Library, lives vicariously through the Sue Ann Miller and Griffin have been 1954 classic by the snuggling up on the couch to watch same name. “White “White Christmas” since 2011 when Christmas,” a musi- Griffin was a puppy. cal starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen, is set in snowy Vermont.

Every year, Miller puts on her pajamas and snuggles up with Griffin, her Welsh springer spaniel, for a movie night.

“It wouldn’t be the holidays without reliving the story each year,” she said.

Wishing You a Joyous Holiday Season!

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

HOLIDAY TOYS THROUGH THE YEARS These are the holiday toys that topped wish lists through the decades, according to a New York Times article by Leah Greenblatt.

1950s: Mr. Potato Head 1960s: Etch a Sketch 1970s: Atari 1980s: Cabbage Patch Kid 1990s: Beanie Babies 2000s: Bratz dolls 2010s: Fidget Spinners 2020s: Squishmallows

Photos by Vinnie Portell

Lakewood Ranch’s Richard Pierson, who checks out the cap gun exhibit at his Sarasota Toy Museum, says toys have declined for a while, but he expects a resurgence.

Have toys dropped off Santa’s list?

Lakewood Ranch toy aficionado expects toys to rebound.

VINNIE PORTELL STAFF WRITER

T

hese days, it would appear fewer children are asking Santa Claus for actual toys.

The top toys of 2024 on Amazon include a flying hover orb, a robot pet dog, an instant print camera, and kids’ night vision goggles.

Target.com offers a more classic top toy list that includes Legos and a Barbie Dreamhouse, but also includes a PlayStation 5 and a Meta Quest virtual reality headset.

There’s more competition for kids’ attention nowadays. Are the days of

the Slinky numbered?

Children ages 8-12 in the United States spend four-to-six hours a day watching screens while teens average around nine hours, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

Lakewood Ranch’s Richard Pierson, the owner of the Sarasota Toy Museum at 3580 17th St., is well aware that toys have evolved over time, but that’s not stopping him from trying to share his passion for toys with younger generations.

Pierson hosted a “Toy Stories” presentation at the Lakewood Ranch Library on Dec. 11. Although only one child showed up on time and stayed for the entire presentation, Pierson wasn’t deterred.

“From my perspective, I feel like toys had declined for a while,” Pierson said. “I feel like there is a resurgence in it, and it’s been brought on

by the new episodes of Star Wars and anime, which was huge. I think people are getting back into collecting toys.”

Pierson noted that some toys are becoming popular, but the way they’re used has shifted drastically from the 1900s.

Toys like Funko Pops — figurines with exaggerated heads — other action figures, and trading cards are now bought with the intention of collecting and displaying rather than being played with.

Few are as plugged into the trends of toys as Pierson.

He estimates he has anywhere from 100,000 to 200,000 toys in his 6,000-square-foot museum. The toys he has include anything from original Cracker Jack toys and some of the first toy robots to modern-day Pokémon, anime and Star Wars.

Though his toys in the museum

aren’t for sale, there is a retail section at the front of the building where customers can purchase anything from Pokémon cards to graded comic books.

Some toys go in and out of style simply due to fads and trends, and Pierson has a background wellsuited to stay on top of the current climate.

After spending a career in international fashion for Tommy Hilfiger and Guess, Pierson knows that some toys are here for a season while others are built to last.

“Some toys like Beanie Babies and Cabbage Patch Kids came and went, but then you see something like Pokémon, which is as strong as it’s

ever been, and only getting stronger,” he said. “Funko Pops, I keep waiting for them to potentially go the way of the Beanie Babie, but they’re one of my top-selling items here.”

Though attendance wasn’t what Pierson hoped for at his “Toy Stories” presentation at the Lakewood Ranch Library, he’s also exploring other avenues for reaching kids.

The one child in attendance, Kolt Sweda, asked if the decades-old toy robots Pierson brought were voiceactivated, and Sweda was interested in a video of the museum’s model train.

Judging by Sweda’s questions, there’s certainly still some interest in old-school toys.

Pierson is trying different methods of spreading his passion throughout the community. He recently hosted the Special Needs Railroad Association, an art walk to showcase the work of local artists, and hosted his first birthday party at the museum.

“We have a larger traction of older people than we do kids right now,” said Pierson, who initially wanted to turn his ‘Toys Stories’ presentation into a series at the library, but isn’t so sure after the turnout. “That’s why we’re going to start promoting it out there a little bit more as, you know, an attraction to the family. I think we’ll see more kids coming in here as tourism comes back, and people look for something to do instead of going to the beach.”

When kids see vintage toy robots today, they sometimes ask if they are voice activated.

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

EAST COUNTY

Laura and John Bourjaily are grateful to be celebrating Christmas together.

“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.”

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Publisher and President / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com Associate Publisher — East County Observer / Lori Ruth, LRuth@YourObserver.com Executive Editor and COO / Kat Wingert, KWingert@YourObserver.com Managing Editor / Jay Heater, JHeater@YourObserver.com Senior Editor / Liz Ramos, LRamos@YourObserver.com Sports Reporter / Dylan Campbell, DCampbell@YourObserver.com Staff Writers / Lesley Dwyer, LDwyer@ YourObserver.com; Vinnie Portell, VPortell@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

GRAND MARSHAL Lesley Dwyer

A gift before Christmas John Bourjaily feels blessed to be alive this holiday season after receiving a kidney from his daughter.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

T

ara’s John Bourjaily knows he’s not supposed to have a favorite child, but after his daughter, Alisha, gave him one of her kidneys, she shot to the top of his list.

“My daughter saved my life,” Bourjaily said. “I would’ve never made it to Christmas. She told me, ‘Dad, you put me on this Earth, so I’ll do it for you.’”

The East County Observer sat down with Bourjaily and his wife, Laura, seven weeks after the kidney transplant. Bourjaily was teary eyed when speaking about the gift his daughter gave him.

Bourjaily is a Type 2 diabetic. He said the drug used to control his blood sugar, metformin, “ruined” his kidneys.

A year prior, he couldn’t finish nine holes of golf. Walking any kind of distance was a struggle.

Leading up to the surgery, he couldn’t even sit comfortably because his legs would twitch and shake. He also couldn’t sleep at night because of intense itching caused by a buildup of phosphorus in his body.

If not for surgery, doctors told the 65-year-old that he only had days left to live. A dire situation was made even more stressful because the surgeries were scheduled during hurricane season.

The transplant was postponed twice, the first time because of Hurricane Helene and the second because of Hurricane Milton.

The surgeries also had to change locations after Hurricane Milton caused about six feet of flooding in the basement of HCA Florida Largo Hospital.

Instead, the father and daughter were treated at HCA Northside Hospital on Oct. 22, two weeks later than originally scheduled.

“The postponements were brutal both health-wise and psychologically,” Bourjaily said.

John and Laura Bourjaily met in 1980 and have been married for 35 years. They were divorced once in between.

For Laura Bourjaily, it wasn’t just two hurricanes that doubled the stress.

“I had to worry about my daughter and my husband,” she said. “My stress went from zero to 60.”

In the midst of medical worries, the wife and mother also feared the transplant could get her daughter fired for missing so much work.

Alisha Bourjaily lives in Ohio.

She couldn’t return home for over a month, but she’s since fully recovered from surgery and is back to work full time. She declined an interview.

Laura Bourjaily described her daughter as typically a procrastinator, but not when it came to her father’s ailing kidney.

“She did not hesitate one minute,” she said. “I was so proud of her. To lose weight like she did, and she got all the bloodwork and X-rays done right away.”

Alisha Bourjaily had to lose 35 pounds just to be tested as a possible donor. Once she was determined to be a match, she had to lose another 10 pounds.

Of the couple’s four children, three were tested and two were a match. However, at 37 years old, Alisha Bourjaily was the youngest and healthiest match.

John Bourjaily is now feeling young and healthy, too.

It’s been hard for the former IT sales director to be so limited in his activities throughout his illness and recovery. He’s especially looking forward to February when he’ll be medically cleared to play golf again.

“My daughter saved my life.

I would’ve never made it to Christmas. She told me, ‘Dad, you put me on this Earth, so I’ll do it for you.’”

— John Bourjaily

John Bourjaily is chair of Tara Golf and Country Club’s House Committee.

He said there was an “outpouring of support” from the Tara community.

Neighbors not only delivered meals to his home, the Social Committee named him the grand marshal of this year’s golf parade.

Because he still can’t lift more than 10 pounds or engage in much activity, the committee is decorating his golf cart, too.

However, Bourjaily’s bad year wasn’t the only determining factor in the committee’s selection.

“They said it was because of everything I’ve done for the club over the past two years,” Bourjaily said. “They had me in tears when they called to tell me.”

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For now, he gets weekly checkups, which are soon to be biweekly. He’ll be on an anti-rejection drug for the rest of his life, but his recovery is progressing well.

After losing 20 pounds over the past year, his appetite has returned, but he’ll be staying away from the holiday buffets this season.

Transplant patients are at highrisk of contracting bacterial infections. He has to eat all his meat well done, drink lots of water and eat frozen vegetables instead of canned.

The minor lifestyle changes are well worth the results.

“I’m very thankful and blessed this year,” Bourjaily said. “It’s been emotional. I said the prayer on Thanksgiving, but I got choked up.”

He and his wife hosted a few friends for dinner. Normally, the couple would go back to Ohio to spend Christmas with their children.

But Bourjaily hasn’t been cleared to travel or fly yet. When he talked about feeling guilty because he’s the reason they can’t go, his wife stopped him.

“It’s one Christmas,” she said.

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Jay Heater

Tara’s John Bourjaily, with a donated kidney from his daughter that saved his life, and his wife, Laura, by his side, served as the grand marshal of the Tara Golf Cart Holiday Parade on Dec. 13.

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

SIDE OF RANCH

9A

JAY HEATER

Ranch ringers sweeten the Salvation Army’s pot

S

he’s got Santa’s heart and Gen. George Patton’s drive.

Spending two hours with Lakewood Ranch’s Jane Imperiale — standing in front of a Publix on Lorraine Road and University Parkway while ringing Salvation Army bells — allowed me a small look at the person behind the Mrs. Claus suit.

The angel on her shoulder led her to organize a team of bell ringers who could efficiently raise a bundle for those less fortunate. The tiny bit of mischievous devil in her leads to the twisted facial expressions when a shopper rushes through the door with a $1 bill in hand, only to pass right by the Salvation Army’s red pot.

On Dec. 13, I thought we were getting a great response from the morning shoppers.

“I think almost 50% of the people who have walked past have given us something this morning,” I said to her, indicating I considered it a very impressive donation ratio.

She was having none of it.

“No, that’s too high,” she said of my estimate, with another unsatisfied expression on her face.

In her world, when it comes to altruism, nothing short of 100% is acceptable.

Of course, if that was the case in our world, her bell ringers wouldn’t be needed and she would be out playing golf or pickleball on a beautiful Friday morning.

For now, those bell ringers, such as Bonnie Staley and Shannon Ford, who preceded us with the very early 8-10 a.m. shift, are important, especially for those who lost their homes and their jobs in the aftermath of the hurricanes.

Even so, I can’t blame anyone for feeling they’ve been put through the donation wringer, being squeezed every which way they turn. I remember being exasperated myself a couple of years ago when a homeless man threw the dollar bill I

Jay Heater

Bonnie Staley and Shannon Ford donate their time to collect funds for The Salvation Army outside Publix at Lorraine Road and University Parkway.

gave him back in my face, telling me I should use it to make a payment on my BMW. It was a man who stood on the same street corner every day, who got a dollar from me every time I passed. I admit that he had me questioning my habit of giving a little something to those in need who might or might not legitimately be in need. Many people tell me that is something I absolutely should not do and it causes more harm than good. Perhaps the answer is to give to a nonprofit like the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation, which vets regional nonprofits to make sure the money goes where it has been promised.

In reality, I know in my heart that there is room in this world for both, and that’s why we need more people like Imperiale, who doesn’t mind reminding us that our small dona-

tions do make a difference, especially if they get a little bigger.

Her team made a $17,000 difference last year in Salvation Army donations, and with nine days left of bell ringing on Dec. 14, the haul this year was at $15,200 and rising.

People in Florida are suffering, and Imperiale knows it. So do we.

Ring. Ring. Ring.

One gentleman watched us for a moment as we swayed to a little Christmas music.

“This is your lucky day,” he said.

He took out a $100 bill and put it into the slot in the pot and headed off without another word. I hope his heart was soaring, because I know mine was.

The angel on Imperiale’s shoulder had to be smiling.

I know it would be folly to attempt to determine who could afford a $100 donation, or a $50, or

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a $20 or a few coins. But I watched as one elderly woman went all through her handbag, turning it inside out, to find a four separate $1 bills. They all went into the pot. My heart soared again.

I was getting more out of the two hours than those who eventually will receive the donations.

Should I have felt guilty? I admit that it was out of character for me to be bell-ringing alongside Imperiale, at least in front of a grocery store. I have written columns in the past about planning escape routes from grocery stores that have exits that are road-blocked by those with good intentions and collection plates.

It’s usually too in-your-face for me, as are the attempts of cashiers to solicit money while my wallet is open.

I imagine many others feel the same way, as I saw several shoppers during my shift make sharper cuts than a running back trying to evade a linebacker.

But even if they were at a safe distance, their car in sight, they weren’t free of the “can’t you help us” look from Imperiale, who personally knew more people shopping at that store than the lottery ticket salesperson.

Many of her acquaintances who saw her did an about-face and came back to donate, probably because they wanted to avoid the disappointed look if they meet elsewhere in public. Others explained they would be back in the near future to give again.

A few used the “I don’t have any cash,” explanation.

Imperiale had them covered.

Now, on the sign and just to the right of that Salvation Army trademark is one of those QR Codes. It says “No cash? Scan here.

Got a credit card?

Normally, this kind of thing would make me uncomfortable, except I would say I always have felt

differently when seeing the Salvation Army logo, or for that matter, the VFW’s poppies. The longtime symbols have earned a trust from me. Other nonprofits hold the same trust for me, but they don’t fundraise in such a manner.

I understand both sides of the donation pot. Being on the collection side with Imperiale, I was sure to wish happy holidays to those who gave, and to those who don’t want me in their face.

Most of the nondonors, when you wished them good tidings, flashed a smile. No donation, but good feelings all around.

My two hours were almost over, and I looked over at Mrs. Claus, who will have the sled at full throttle through Dec. 23. The previous record for collections in a day was $2,980. I don’t know how much we collected in our two-hour shift, because Imperiale doesn’t tally shift numbers because she doesn’t want the bell ringers to become competitive.

Her first season of 2020 saw 16 ringers collect $3,709, so everything she is doing is paying dividends for those who need it.

Imperiale reminded me that anyone who wants to get on the bellringing team for next year can send her an email at JaneImperiale@ hotmail.com.

I left the Publix proud of our community’s collective heart and Imperiale’s effort. I will leave you all with the same message as those who passed by us, donation or not.

Happy holidays!

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

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

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Happy Holidays!

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Get used to poor medical office service This is in response to your article about your difficultly with your doctor’s office (The doctor will call — tomorrow, Dec. 5).

All that I can say is “get used to it,” because it is going to get worse.

Your experience is common today with many (Thank God, not all) medical offices, and I think that it is a result of what has happened to health care delivery in this country over the past 50 years.

I speak with experience when I say physicians gave up control of health care delivery, beginning about 50 years ago, because they wanted to focus on patient care rather than health care administration. As a result, the government, insurance companies and administrators with various business degrees have gladly taken over this responsibility, raking in billions (or more) of the dollars which used to be spent on direct patient care.

Their focus is on the business model and profit — not patient care.

I am a part of that problem, in that it was my generation that began the practice. I spent nearly 40 years in a hospital-based specialty practice, and I saw this happen along with physicians losing control over their actual medical practices and patient care. It took many years for the effect to filter down to office practices, but today, doctors have difficulty staffing their offices adequately because of the decreased reimbursement and because of the decreased number of professionals who are willing to work at that salary range.

LANA M. NUSBAUM, M.D. (RETIRED) LAKEWOOD RANCH

Condo project at Main Street is a mistake

436240-1

CREEKWOOD CROSSING BRADENTON

The ongoing upgrades on Main Street (East County Observer, Dec. 5, Main Street Revival) are welcome.

They’re also necessary, with increased competition from new restaurants and entertainment venues at Waterside and Center Point.

However, your recent story failed

to cover another important part of the current Main Street situation.

There was no update on the condo construction project along the lakefront.

Going on three years since the area was fenced off, the project appears to be in trouble. There’s been no construction or excavation. There’s just a few piles of dirt, some pipes laying on the ground and a mobile office with no sign of activity.

The project is truly an eyesore on what should be the most attractive parcel of land at Main Street.

Schroeder-Manatee Ranch made a bad decision to sell off this parcel for condo development.

It would have been far better to develop a complex of restaurants, shops and an open air entertainment venue, all with a stunning Lake Uihlein view.

ROGER BONKE LAKEWOOD RANCH

Blues fest pricing too high for the talent Just read your article in the Observer regarding the Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival (Dec. 12, Should Ranch music fans be singing the blues?).

To answer your question, yes Lakewood Ranch can support a blues festival. There are a lot of blues fans here, me included for many years.

I recognized only one group because they once played at the greatly missed blues venue The Blue Rooster. The pricing was ridiculous for that lineup and an 8 a.m. start.

There were better headliners at the past Bradenton Blues Festival last held on the River Walk, and certainly at the Tampa Bay Blues Fest in St. Petersburg for much more affordable pricing. Tampa especially was packed.

I hope the festival promoters will continue to host the blues in the Lakewood Ranch area and make it affordable to everyone who lives here. Get the right artists “and they will come.”

ELLIOT DEBEAR LAKEWOOD RANCH

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

11A

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12A

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

LET US DESIGN A POOL THAT FITS YOUR LIFESTYLE

THAT’S NO BALONEY Han graduated from ODA in 2016 to become the ‘Sandwich King.’

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

W

ith more than 7 million followers on TikTok, Owen Han has been nicknamed the “Sandwich King.”

He’s also an Out-of-Door Academy “lifer.” The former Sarasota resident was enrolled in kindergarten and graduated from the upper school in Lakewood Ranch in 2016.

Although he lives in Los Angeles now, Han has not forgotten his roots.

He spent the entire school day and evening Dec. 9 on campus speaking to students and parents.

“Being a lifer from K-12, you know the teachers so well,” Han said. “It feels very much like coming back home to a second home.”

Han remarked that even though the campus has expanded, not much has changed because of “the staples,” such as the quad and gymnasium. He also gave a nod to his favorite spot, the cafeteria.

“ODA would do a sandwich of the day,” Han said. “I kid you not, whatever they were serving, I was getting that sandwich.”

Han’s turkey crunch sandwich, which is featured in his new book “Stacked: The Art of the Perfect Sandwich,” was served to students during his visit.

“We sold out of it,” Director of Development Michael Salmon said.

“I didn’t even get one.”

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he Oscar Mayer theme song powered one of the best ad campaigns in United States history, and people in Lakewood Ranch had a chance to bask in the nostalgia Dec. 12.

The Weinermobile held a “MeatUp” at the Publix Lakewood Walk Shopping Center.

Of course, many of the people who stopped weren’t born when Oscar Mayer started airing its commercials in the early 1960s, but that didn’t seem to make a difference.

Brand representatives Cooper Albert and Kaitlin Goldstein were on hand to make sure people in Lakewood Ranch had a fun and educational experience.

They are just two of 12 “hotdoggers” — or Weinermobile spokespeople — who were selected after a four-month interview process among 7,000 applicants, according to Albert. The hotdoggers work for one year, after which they are “expired meat,” and must move to a different job.

They travel across the country to fairs, events, festivals, and spots of congregation.

“I thought it was the most magical, cool job ever,” said Goldstein, who said on occasion she will talk to thousands of people in one day. “We drive around the country and spread smiles and make magic, and that’s exactly how I wanted to spend my first year post-grad.”

The hotdoggers start their year by attending “Hot Dog High” in Madison, Wisconsin to learn about Oscar Mayer history and products, how to drive the Weinermobile, lessons in media, public relations and communicating with passersby.

Albert and Goldstein were heavy

Vinnie Portell

on their hot-dog related pun usage, but said that’s something that comes from inspiration rather than a classroom.

“They just kind of come to us,” Albert said of his buns of puns. “One day, it was our second week on the road. I was in Beaufort, South Carolina, and I just told someone to have a franktastic day.

“The spirit of Oscar Mayer consumes me whenever I’m driving this and in uniform. It’s a fun job because whenever I’m driving around, we’re always swarmed. People are waving at us, smiling, taking pictures and asking questions.”

The Oscar Mayer Weinermobile was originally built in 1936, but has evolved over the years.

The current model is 27 feet long, 8 feet wide and 11 feet tall. It contains a hotdog shaped dashboard, six ketchup and mustard colored seats, a blue sky ceiling, a removable bun roof, a Gull-Wing door with a retractable step, and of course, an Official Weiner Jingle horn.

“People ask if I sleep in the Weinermobile, which no, it’s not a Weeniebago,” Albert said.

Ashley Giamanco of Lakewood Ranch stopped to take a photo with her 2-year-old son, Jack.

Although he wasn’t old enough to appreciate the nostalgia, that didn’t stop him from crying when his mom said it was time to leave the hot dog.

“We try to make people happy in a world that could always use a little more happiness,” Goldstein said.

Oscar Mayer “hotdoggers” Kaitlin Goldstein and Cooper Albert drive around the country to spread brand awareness and bring out some smiles.

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14A

DECEMBER 19, 2024

SPORTS Fast

Break

“From coach to coach I’ve learned new skills and new ways to work the ball.”

— Mustang volleyball player Ava Collins SEE PAGE 17A

ODA takes the hard road The Thunder has scheduled tougher opponents to help prepare for the postseason.

DYLAN CAMPBELL SPORTS REPORTER

Dylan Campbell

ODA junior midfielder Thomas Mesia scored a pair of goals to help the ODA boys soccer team continued its hot streak.

T

he Out-of-Door Academy boys varsity soccer team (7-1-2) continued to stay hot in its 3-1 win on Dec. 12 win over Bradenton Christian (0-10-1). The Thunder now has won four straight games. Junior midfielder Thomas Mesia scored twice and senior defender Coby Rosenthal scored once. … The Braden River girls varsity soccer team (6-0-4) won its sixth consecutive game when it defeated North Port 3-1 on Dec. 12. Sophomore striker Victoria Caiazzo scored twice and freshman midfielder Jordynn Roberts scored once. As of Dec. 13, Caiazzo and Roberts led the Pirates in goals scored, with nine and eight, respectively. … The Braden River boys varsity basketball team (4-3) lost 58-49 to Manatee High (6-2) on Dec. 12 in the Manatee Schools Television Game of the Week. Fans can watch the Game of the Week live on cable television through Spectrum or Frontier, through the SDMC app on Apple TV, Roku and Amazon Fire TV and online on YouTube. … Sarasota Paradise is coming to Lakewood Ranch. On Dec. 10, the Board of Manatee County Commissioners approved an agreement that will see Sarasota Paradise, a USL League Two soccer team, call Premier Sports Campus its home field for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. Sarasota Paradise, which went 8-1-3 last season, will kick off its season in mid-May under the lights of Premier’s 3,000-plus seat stadium. … Head to Bradenton Motorsports Park for the fifth annual Christmas Tree Drag Racing World Championship 5:30 p.m. Dec. 20. The event, which will have an open test and tune throughout the night as well as a decorated car show, will culminate in the drag race where each vehicle will have a minimum six-foot illuminated Christmas tree attached.

SINGING FOR THE SENIORS PAGE 16A

I

t’s a cool December evening at the Out-of-Door Academy and the sunset stretches blood-orange over the football field.

The girls varsity soccer team is hosting Braden River and the setting is tranquil, idyllic. All seems right in the world.

Except for one thing. The Thunder players are losing badly.

Braden River led ODA 3-0 at the half and the Pirates would go on to shut out ODA 5-0.

This was unfamiliar territory for an ODA team that was 5-1 leading to its matchup with Braden River Dec. 5. ODA, under third year head coach Wayne Ramsey, is not used to losing.

In 2023-24, the Thunder went undefeated in the regular season with a 12-0-1 record en route to capturing the Sunshine State Athletic Association tournament for the second year in a row.

ODA has found its legs under Ramsey, making a name for itself as a hard-nosed, gutsy soccer program.

Leading into the matchup, ODA was averaging 4.5 goals a game. But ODA was against a wall as it was missing some key players due to illness. ODA was helpless against Braden River’s powerful offensive attack and unable to get its own offense in any kind of rhythm. They were, at least for one game, out matched.

Ramsey’s players walked off the field at the half visibly frustrated.

They haven’t been used to losing.

The coach wasn’t panicked, however. In some ways, the loss was beneficial.

In the past couple years of Ramsey’s tenure, ODA has functioned like an orca in one of the very small lakes that surrounds the upper-school’s campus. The Thunder have beaten up on the teams in their immediate weight class — the two SSAA state titles are evidence of that. They have been very good, winning 12 regular season games last season is nothing to scoff at, but Ramsey wants his players to be great.

In 2023, ODA lost 3-0 to Cambridge Christian in the first round

“At this time in the year, our focus is not necessarily to win games. It’s more directed toward being the best version of us and playing the highest level of competition that we can play.”

— Wayne Ramsey, ODA girls soccer head coach

Photos by Dylan Campbell

THE PATH FORWARD ODA has purposefully carved out a tougher schedule for itself this season. Here are some of the Thunder’s biggest remaining matchups as of Dec. 12.

JAN. 7: vs. Riverview (7-1-1) JAN. 14: vs. Sarasota Christian School (4-2-1) JAN 15: vs. Cardinal Mooney (5-4-1)

Out-of-Door Academy freshman Kaleigh Ronca reads the field against Braden River on Dec. 4.

of the Class 2A state tournament.

(ODA competes at the state level in both the SSAA and in the Class 2A tournament.) Last season, ODA the No. 1 seed in its district, lost to Imagine School at North Port in the first round of the 2A district tournament and fell to Naples First Baptist Academy in the opening round of the 2A regional tournament.

Success in the district and regional 2A tournaments are the next steps that Ramsey wants the program to take. Getting there, he realizes, will take some growing pains.

“At this time in the year, our focus is not necessarily to win games,” said

ODA’s Elle Arslaner (13), Tiernan George (11) and Braden River’s Abbey Jackson all look for the ball during a girls soccer game Dec. 5.

Ramsey. “It’s more directed toward being the best version of us and playing the highest level of competition that we can play.”

It’s why Ramsey has scheduled matches with teams like 5A Braden River, 6A Palmetto and Riverview, a 7A powerhouse. He wants his players to be uncomfortable. He wants them to experience adversity, so that when push comes to shove at the district tournaments in later January, ODA is the team doing the shoving.

TEAM FIRST

Ramsey wants his players to put the team first in every sense of the phrase. In some cases it means abandoning all for the greater good.

Senior Ellie Hierholzer, who was the MVP of the team last season as a defender and is the captain this year, has switched to goalkeeper this season for the first time in her career.

Why? Because the team needed her.

“She made a sacrifice for the team and has become very capable in goal,” said Ramsey. “It was a statement from a captain to say, ‘All right, I’ll play a position I’ve never played before’ for the good of the team.’”

Hierholzer, who plays on ODA’s volleyball and lacrosse teams, possesses both the athleticism and the instincts to be a strong goalkeeper.

At 5-foot-8, Hierholzer is long and limber, yet explosive enough to react quickly to oncoming attacks and cover large swaths of the net. Her best skill, however, said Ramsey, is her ability to function as a conductor of sorts while in goal, directing the players upfield.

“Because she has great feet, we’re able to drop a lot of balls back to her,” said Ramsey. “That allows her to distribute the ball around and switch the point of attack for us,” said Ramsey.

The team has had to do more roster manipulation this season after graduating two of its leading scorers, Abbey Burwood and Charlie Hugill, last season. Burwood, who Ramsey said might’ve set the ODA record for goals scored had he not moved her to defense in 2023, and Hugill are “irreplaceable.”

Sophomore Maggie Yull switches between outside back and forward depending on the matchup. Eighth grader Elle Rice, who was a forward last year, has spent time as a defensive midfielder this season.

The speedy freshman Avery Rice has been moved from holding midfielder to outside back this year.

So far, that fluidity has paid dividends. The Thunder players are not dominated by one or two scorers, but instead are a cohesive unit. Yull, who scored five goals in 13 games last season, has matched her season total in six games in 2024. Senior Katherine Triola is second on the team with four goals and four other players, including Elle and Avery Rice, have three apiece.

It’s a pattern that’s reflective of the culture Ramsey is trying to build. It’s a culture of winning and sacrifice, of teammates that are willing to go the extra mile to see one another succeed. It’s a culture that for ODA, is necessary for it to compete with bigger programs.

Out-of-Door Academy sophomore Maggie Yull prepares to defend a corner kick during ODA’s game against Braden River on Dec. 5.

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

CAMPBELL’S CORNER

DYLAN CAMPBELL

Dylan Campbell

Lakewood Ranch boys varsity wrestling head coach Pat Ancil said it is critical that his wrestlers engage in activities that push them out of their comfort zones.

Mustang wresting goes caroling A

t first, they weren’t very good.

But at least they finished better than where they started.

A couple dozen teenagers stood Dec. 4 in the dining room of the Cypress Springs Gracious Retirement Living community, their feet sinking into the taupe colored carpet.

In front of them sat an audience of 70-, 80-, and 90-year-old residents, eagerly awaiting the show.

Or maybe the residents were just ready for dinner, which was to be served after the event. Nevertheless, they were still there, watching.

The teenagers were members of Lakewood Ranch High boys and girls wrestling teams.

The wrestlers had shuffled in some time before, having come to sing Christmas carols to the local residents. It was a premeditated learning experience, said boys head coach Pat Ancil. Not only would this be a good thing to do in the community, but it also forced his wrestlers to get out of their comfort zones.

So they began, tentatively at first, led by sophomore Daxton Martin. Their eyes cast downward as they read the lyrics off their phone screens. While the wrestling team apparently shares some of its members with the school choir, it wasn’t readily apparent. After the first carol, it was evident the team

couldn’t carry a tune.

The residents looked at one another. Was this really delaying dinner?

What the Lakewood Ranch athletes could do, however, was carry their weight in good intentions. The Mustangs plugged forward, finding a collective voice, and becoming more in sync with every song.

The team’s commitment did the trick, and by the time they reached Feliz Navidad three-quarters through their program, the Mustangs had the residents rocking.

The seniors beamed at the kids and at each other and the wrestlers smiled, too, not out of self-consciousness or embarrassment, but

out of something more pure — joy.

When the Mustangs closed out the presentation with “Silent Night,” their time spent at Cypress Springs had shifted from awkward to well meaning to genuinely enjoyable for all parties involved.

The wrestlers later wandered about the area, introducing themselves to the residents and engaging in conversation. These weren’t the stereotypical teenagers of 2024, with their eyes glued to their cell phones. They were sociable, friendly and kind.

The residents, it turns out, didn’t care if the wrestlers were capable of carrying a tune. They just enjoyed that the wrestlers seemed to care about them.

“It felt good to give back to the community, even though my singing isn’t too good,” said senior Alre Storbeck, a member of the girls wrestling team. “It’s fun to go out and socialize and get out of your comfort zone.”

Leaving their comfort zone is exactly what Ancil and his coaching staff wanted.

“Wrestling forces you to get out of your comfort zone because it’s not a team sport,” said former Lakewood Ranch wrestler Nate Lancaster, who is the head coach of the girls team. “It’s literally a 40-foot circle with you and one other person on the mat. You are going to perform solely based on your own actions.

There’s no one else to lean on.”

This season, Lakewood Ranch is an inexperienced team. The boys wrestling team, which won the district title for the first time in program history last year, graduated 11 seniors in 2024, including Will Moran, the district champion in the 285-pound class.

“We had a tough team thanks to those seniors,” Ancil said. “This year, we’re going to have an exciting team, a very fun team, an enjoyable team, but they’re young and they’re going to take their licks. They’ll bounce back though — they’re like sponges.”

The girls team is only in its second year of existence. Both teams, however, have plenty of reason to be optimistic about the 2025 season.

The girls wrestling team placed second in the district last season and will return individual district champ Francesca Bisordi, a sophomore.

The boys varsity team is loaded with young talent, including 106-pounder Aiden Sanders, a junior who placed second in the district, and is ranked in the top 20 of the state. Junior Shawn Maestre, a 165-pounder who finished 15th in the state last season, is an explosive, talented athlete who’s shown tremendous promise in what was his first season of competitive wrestling. Martin a 126-pounder, can do more than lead the Mustangs in song. Ancil said the sophomore is “tough as nails”.

Learning about the ins and outs of Lakewood Ranch High’s wrestling program wasn’t what made the afternoon at Cypress Springs special. It was more how full of life the space was. It’s a strange thing to see — a group of high school students looking across the room at a collection of senior citizens — 30 feet and 60-odd years of life experience separating them.

The feeling of warmth from the event hadn’t just come from the caroling. It’d hit me as soon as I’d walked through the doors.

Beforehand, I wondered if part of me would’ve left feeling sad. I’d assumed that the residents’ lives were quite insulated and circular.

But it was clear that life came from the residents, not at them. It’s a sentiment I hoped will stick with the wrestlers until the day comes when it’s their turn to sit across from a group of teenagers and listen to them sing Christmas carols.

Dylan Campbell is the sports reporter for the East County Observer. Contact him at DCampbell@ YourObserver.com.

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16A

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

When did you start playing volleyball and why?

I started playing volleyball in the sixth grade. I started on a local team — my best friend, Hayden Zimmerman, who I still play with on Lakewood Ranch now, introduced me to the sport.

What’s the appeal?

The teamwork. I played softball before I started volleyball and although I was on a team, it felt like more of an individual sport. Having to use your team to play the game is what I like most about volleyball.

What’s your best skill on the court?

Hitting. From coach to coach I’ve learned new skills and new ways to work the ball. In high school I’ve learned new ways to read the ball and anticipate where it’s going to go.

What are you working on to improve?

My endurance. Since I move all around the court during the game, I need to have the stamina be able to pass as well. I’m also working on staying aggressive, whether I’m in the front row or back row and keeping my lower level skills, like passing, sharp.

What went right for Lakewood Ranch this year?

Just working together and not getting on each other. We did a good job of letting everything else go when we stepped on the court. As soon as we walked into practice or got ready for a game, it felt like every relationship we had was well developed and strong. We knew that it didn’t matter what we had going on off the court, we just had to work together.

What’s your favorite food?

Lobster and pickles. Not together though, obviously.

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Ava Collins is a junior outside hitter for the Lakewood Ranch High girls volleyball team. This past season, Collins guided the Mustangs to a 15-9 record, leading the team in kills, serving aces and serving points.

If you would like to make a recommendation for the East County Observer’s Athlete of the Week feature, send it to Dylan Campbell at DCampbell@ YourObserver.com.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Ava Collins

17A

What’s your favorite school subject?

English. My mom is a big writer and my great-uncle was an author, so it kind of runs in the family.

What’s the best advice that you’ve received?

My coach Jess (Leupould) at Lakewood Ranch taught me to just know that you can get as close as you can to perfect, but that you’re never going to reach it. So don’t be as hard on yourself as you are.

Finish this sentence. Ava Collins is …

Dedicated.

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What’s your favorite volleyball memory?

It was my third or fourth year playing travel volleyball and our team (EVO) had just won the New Year’s Classic tournament. It was my first year with a new team and we’d already built such good chemistry that winning that last game after playing the whole weekend was just the greatest feeling. It kicked off a three or four tournament win streak for us, too.

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

PREMIER SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY TOP ADVISORS AWARDED BEST WORLDWIDE We are honored to be ranked among the Top 100 advisors worldwide within the Sotheby’s International Realty® network 2021 – 2023.

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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! 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.

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Classifieds 17B Games 16B Real Estate 13B Weather 16B

DECEMBER 19, 2024

YOUR NEIGHBORS LETTERS TO SANTA JAY HEATER | MANAGING EDITOR

S

ometimes, the gift is in the asking.

With Santa soon on the way, East County

children are sending off their letters to the

North Pole in the hope that a wish or two is granted.

But the letters themselves often are gifts to all of us, in

Dear Santa, My name is Jaclynn.

I’m 7 year old.

I’ve been good this year!

Please bring a new LOL Doll Please.

the way they are written, with kindness and joy.

Students and teachers at Tara and Braden River Elementary Schools and Lakewood Ranch Prep— Lower shared their letters to Santa with us. So enjoy our annual feature at the East County Observer.

JACLYNN MEILER First grade, Braden River Elementary

Dear Santa, Merry christmas I have. beeng good this year. I wate a Drit Bike Magikcal Bisee A camrd to.

I like your Presis JORDAN DAVIS First grade, Tara Elementary

Dear Santa, I’m seven years old my name is Webb Brue.

How are you?

I would like a lizard that crawls on the wall.

Thank you.

Dear Santa, My name is Kinsley.

Haw are the elves.

I’m 7 years old. I’ve been good.

I want new barbee hous this years.

WEBB BRUE

First grade, Braden River Elementary

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First grade, Braden River Elementary

KINSLEY WESTON

Dear Santa, Ho! Ho! Ho! My name is Serena I’ve been nice I wood like a dollhouse for Christmas I love you Santa!

SERENA KWIECINSKI First grade, Tara Elementary

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

LETTERS, FROM PAGE 1B

Dear Santa, I love your toys for me.

And I hope you give me a robot.

Hope you have a good christmas!

Dear Santa, I wish I can be in Florida on Christmas but I wreely hope you can get me a wond from Unaversel studias.

I wreely want one so I hope you can make it.

SELAH ORTIZ First grade, Tara Elementary

NIAM SHAH First grade, Lakewood Ranch Prep — Lower

Dear Santa, For Christmas, please bring me Barbie Dramhouse Kit for brecelets, face paint set bandino doll

Dear Santa, I have been very good this year Here is a picture of what I would like for Christmas please Thank you

KAILA HALL First grade, Lakewood Ranch Prep — Lower

AMAYA MEEK First grade, Lakewood Ranch Prep — Lower

SPONSORED CONTENT

I feel fabulous. My energy level has increased. My confidence is heightened.”

Chelsi Russell Weight-Loss Surgery Patient

A NEW LEASE ON LIFE, FOLLOWING WEIGHT-LOSS SURGERY She also had psychological counseling to help

of Palmetto, had robotic sleeve gastrectomy

identify behavioral barriers to weight loss and strategies

Medical Center, and she is already 60 pounds lighter.

involved to ensure her physical condition was

(“gastric sleeve”) surgery* at Lakewood Ranch

Her friends are even calling her “skinny minnie.”

for staying healthy. Her primary care physician was optimal for the surgery.

As a teenager, Russell was diagnosed with polycystic

ROBOTIC SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY SURGERY

can lead to weight gain. For years Russell tried to lose

MD, who performed the surgery, explains, “A sleeve

ovarian syndrome, a chronic hormonal condition that weight through exercise, dieting and medications, but nothing seemed to help. Her decision to finally turn

to weight-loss surgery at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center was in part, because of her profession as a licensed practical nurse.

Bariatric and general surgeon Samuel Yelverton,

gastrectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that system. The surgery works by reducing the size of the

stomach to a small tubular structure, about the size of a banana in diameter and length, restricting the

amount of food the stomach can hold so the patient

says Russell.

GERD and having trouble swallowing, due to a hiatal

Prior to surgery, Russell had dietary counseling to learn healthy food, portion control and exercise

strategies to help keep the weight off after surgery.

Russell says she now eats smaller portions, has no

acid reflux, sleeps better and no longer has joint pain.

“I am looking forward to wearing the clothes I want to wear and just being healthier overall. Everything just

feels better. My skin feels better. I think better, and I’m

doing better, ” she says. Her goal is to lose 100 pounds in a year, and she’s more than halfway there!

is performed using the da Vinci® Xi robotic surgical

“My weight was making me unhealthy, and I

want to be a good role model for my patients,”

HAPPIER AND HEALTHIER

eats less.” Because Russell was experiencing acid reflux,

If you need a doctor, call Lakewood Ranch Medical Center’s physician referral service at 800-454-8215 or find a doctor at doctors.lakewoodranchmedicalcenter.com

hernia, this was also repaired during surgery. “It’s fairly common for people who need weight-loss surgery to also need hernia surgery,” says Dr. Yelverton.

* Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if robotic surgery is right for you. With limited exceptions physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website. . 242018800-2111455 10/24

8330 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

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It’s been about two months since Chelsi Russell, 29,

G I B S W E N YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

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FOR THE FIRST TWO MONTHS | YOU CAN CANCEL ANYTIME

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SCAN HE RE OR VISIT YourObserver.com/subscribe

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

We would like to thank you for your continued patronage & wish you a A Happy and Safe Holiday Season

heraldtribune.com

WINNER

BLINDS•SHUTTERS DRAPERIES•WALLCOVERINGS 941-925-7800 mmwallcoveringsblinds.com 4801 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Across from The Landings

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Wallcoverings & Blinds, Inc. Since 1989

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Guests line up for food trucks at Ranch Nite Wednesday on Dec. 11 at Waterside Place.

They keep coming back to Ranch Nite

R

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anch Nite Wednesdays at Waterside Place attracts residents for all kinds of reasons.

On Dec. 11, the Saxton family attended the weekly event to get the perfect photo with Santa in front of the towering Christmas tree by the pavilion. Meanwhile, Chris and Christine Salicco arrived in search of an amazing chicken teriyaki dish.

“We’re looking for this one truck, but we don’t know the name of it,” Christine Salicco said. “We’ll find it eventually. We’ll have to come back every week and keep walking around.”

Lakewood Ranch rotates the vendors to keep the experience fresh, and during December, Santa makes his rounds.

Santa needs elves, so Summer Saxton dressed the whole family in white collars and pointy hats.

“We always go really big on Halloween,” she said. “This year, I thought we could just do it again in December, and it’s like double Halloween.”

She had to make a special black elf costume for her son Archer because his Elf on a Shelf, “Pickles,” wears black.

Pickles is a little bit naughty and a little bit nice. Saxton transformed a pair of black pajamas because Archer didn’t want to be any elf other than Pickles.

The hardest part of getting the family into elf gear was persuading her husband Phillip to wear a pair of solid gold tights.

“He knows what it means to me,” Saxton said. “He helped me scratch my itch.”

My experience and recovery were above and beyond.

Highly recommended.”

Waterside’s Harley, a 2-year-old French bulldog, is dressed for the chilly weather at Ranch Nite on Dec. 11.

Lakewood Ranch’s Christine and Chris Salicco are looking for a specific food truck. It serves great chicken teriyaki, but they can’t remember the name of the truck.

— LESLEY DWYER

- General Surgery Patient

Sarasota’s Nikole Kennedy and Sam Andrea stop at the Say Cheese food truck.

David Dexter, MD, FACS

Samuel Yelverton, MD

Alexa Kinder, MSPAP, PA-C

Lakewood Ranch Medical Group General Surgery David Dexter, MD, FACS, Samuel Yelverton, MD, and Alexa Kinder, MSPAP, PA-C — provide individualized care to the Lakewood Ranch community. They currently see both elective and acute care general surgery patients at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center.

The team’s surgical services include: • Minimally invasive robotic surgeries, including anti-reflux, hernia, colon/rectum, gallbladder, appendix, spleen, and adrenal glands • Management of benign and malignant breast disease • Benign and malignant skin disease • GI Tract Procedures • Robotic Weight Loss Surgery

To make an appointment, call 941-254-6767

8340 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Suite 290 | Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 lakewoodranchmedicalgroup.com

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Physicians are on the medical staff of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website. 242035157-2060332 9/24

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

HOWIE THE HOME SAFETY HOUND DOG

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is helping this Christmas Season!

Aqua Plumbing & Air is committed to improving the lives of our customers while also supporting our community and giving back.Donating to local nonprofits, helping those in times of need and giving back are a big part of who we are. Not only is it good to give back, but we also believe it is our responsibility as business owners to show good corporate social responsibility.

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24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

6B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

Amber Creek

at Lakewood Ranch

Shining light on UTC’s holiday displays A 25-foot Santa and 15-foot snowman, imported from Italy, are new to this year’s display.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

D

Low-Maintenance Townhomes From Low $300s No CDD! Double brick-paved driveways Included covered lanai & lawn care Fenced-in dog park

riving around to look at Christmas lights is a beloved American pastime during the holiday season.

In East County, that drive must include a spin through University Town Center.

Each year, the display gets bigger and brighter. A team of light specialists plan all year round to ensure the sightseers are dazzled.

The lighting spectacular kicked off the second week of November with a parade that was attended by upwards of 30,000 people this year.

Cliff McHenry, director of project management for Benderson Development’s Florida office, is the man in charge.

“I just get to play Santa or Clark Griswold for part of the year,” McHenry said.

McHenry shared a behind the scenes look at what goes into such an extraordinary display.

How many lights are there?

That’s a tough question to answer. I know when we reviewed it about five years ago, we calculated that there were more than 66 miles of lights if you connected the strands end to end. We’ve grown over the last five years, and as you can imagine, so have the miles of lights.

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When do you start planning the display and installing the lights?

Planning typically starts the third week of January with a review of the most recent holiday season. We begin the holiday light installation the first week of September right after Labor Day and complete it by early November. It takes a massive effort by our vendors and our in-house team to

“I’m not afraid to smile anymore!”

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

Courtesy image

Cliff McHenry, director of property management for Benderson Development, is the man behind the lights.

complete the work. When you add in a couple of hurricanes like we had this year, it exponentially increased the challenge. We have such an amazing team that is committed to making the holidays great. Our work days often start at 3 a.m. and extend well into the evening.

What’s new this year?

We discovered some fresh new displays during our travels to Germany for the Christmasworld expo in January. The massive exhibit halls contained everything holidayrelated you can imagine, presented by manufacturers from around the world. Babbo Natale (Italian Santa) and a snowman caught my attention as they seemed to float through the convention hall bringing smiles

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

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The Cosmetic Dentist of Lakewood Ranch

YourObserver.com

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

Give the Gift that Keeps on Zipping!

Lesley Dwyer

This giant Santa is new to the University Town Center’s holiday display.

What are the huge greeting cards you see along Cattlemen Road?

Local schools from the area create their own unique holiday card for display. We provide the school with cabinet-grade plywood and an allowance for art supplies, and the teachers collaborate with students to create true holiday masterpieces.

Vote for your favorite artwork online, and the winning schools receive awards by category and a donation to their school.

Is that a real ice rink?

Yes. Despite temperatures that are almost consistently in the 70s and 80s, we’re able to make a real ice rink.

We’ve been working with a vendor for several years who specializes in seasonal ice rinks around the country. It’s a great experience for folks who have never seen ice skating or have always wanted to give it a try.

5 STARS

Zip•Climb Swing•Soar

How do you animate the lights?

Lighting animation and sequencing is an effort we undertook about four years ago. It turned out to be a significant effort involving the creation of miles of network cabling, routers and switches, lights, receivers, controllers and some extremely smart and talented programmers and sequencers. The animation adds a whole new dimension to the holiday light experience.

“This place is awesome.

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

The Ground Is Overrated BRADENTON

Text 941-322-2130 www.TreeUmph.com

How much do all those lights cost?

That is probably best left to the imagination. I’m proud to be a part of a company that is sincerely committed to making a difference in the community and helping to spread holiday cheer to all those who visit UTC. I can’t think of any other place where you can experience a holiday light spectacular of this magnitude at no charge.

– Google Reviews

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to visitors. After several meetings with the manufacturer about the design, specs, power requirements and logistics, the order was placed.

The manufacturing process took several months, and upon completion, the displays were put on a container ship headed from Italy to Miami. They arrived in November and are now installed at UTC. Santa Clause stands nearly 25 feet tall and our snowman slides on his rotund 15-foot belly.

Holiday WORSHIP GUIDE

Area services and events to celebrate this joyous time of year

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE

DECEMBER 24th 5:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church & School 435981-1

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941-921-3673 | www.goodshepherdsarasota.com

Christmas

CELEBRATE

Peace WITH

CHRISTMAS EVE Tuesday, December 24 @ 6 pm

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8010 Fruitville Road Sarasota, FL (941) 378-0885 newlifesarasota.org

Live Nativity & Outdoor Music

Tuesday, Christmas Eve, December 24 5:00 pm & 7:00 pm Lessons, Carols, Communion & Candlelight

Peace Presbyterian Church 12705 St. Rd. 64 East, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34212 www.PEACEpcusa.com 941•753•7778

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Wednesday, December 18 @ 5 pm

Sunday, December 15, 5–7 pm The Path to Christmas

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BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE OF HEALING

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(The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod) 5659 Honore Ave., Sarasota, FL 34233

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

Holiday WORSHIP GUIDE Christmas

JESUS’ HARMONY FOR SARASOTA’S HEART Christmas Eve services at 5pm and 11pm

at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church

Christmas Eve

Christmas Day

December 24 · 5, 7, & 9pm

Live Streamed Service at 7pm www.saklc.com

Lessons & Carols

Rev. Dr. Kenneth Blyth, Pastor Michael J. Bodnyk, Minister of Music

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Prelude concert begins 20 minutes before each service

December 25 10am Worship

December 29th 9am & 11am Worship

40 North Adams Drive, Sarasota, FL 941.388.1234 office@saklc.com www.saklc.com

CH R IST M AS EV E

CANDLELIGHT SERV ICE

DECEMBER 24, 5 PM 435686-1

Holy Communion, Festive Brass & Timpani at all services

2185 Wood Street, Sarasota, FL 941.365.0844 concordiasarasota.org

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Christmas Morning service at 10am

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We invite you and your family to join us for a special Christmas tradition as we celebrate the reason for this holiday season with classic Christmas carols and meaningful candlelight moments.

DR. JOHN CROSS, SENIOR PASTOR

FIRSTSARASOTA.ORG

ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL CATHOLIC CHURCH 5394 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key

Christmas Eve Tuesday, December 24, 2024 Children’s Christmas Pageant 3:30pm

Christmas Eve Mass 4:00pm

Christmas Music Prelude 6:30pm

Christmas Eve Mass 7:00 pm

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Wednesday, December 25, 2024-8:00am & 10:00am

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Christmas Day

YourObserver.com

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

CHRISTMAS EVE

Worship with Holy Communion, 4 p.m. & 7 p.m. with music from the Voices of Faith Choir

CHRISTMAS DAY

Christmas Eve 3pm, 5pm, 10:30pm

REDEEME R

Christmas Day 10am

of the

Childcare available for ages 4 and under at the 3pm and 5pm services.

Downtown Sarasota | 222 S. Palm Ave. | RedeemerSarasota.org

Faith Lutheran Church ELCA

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CHURCH

7750 Beneva Rd., Sarasota, FL 34238 | 941.924.4664 435606-1

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Worship with Holy Communion, 10:00 a.m.

SIESTA KEY CHAPEL PRESBYTERIAN (USA)

Christmas Eve Services

LIVING LORD

5:30 pm Worship in the Chapel

LUTHERAN CHURCH

Family Service with Live Nativity

8:00 pm Worship in the Chapel

11107 Palmbrush Trail, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 (941) 753-9365

Candlelight Service with Communion

Celebration of His Birth

CHRISTMAS SERVICES

941.349.1166 4615 Gleason Ave. Siesta Key

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siestakeychapel.org

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Whoever you are and wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here!

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 1031 South Euclid Avenue, Sarasota (941) 953-7044

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES

*Livestreamed via our website uccsarasota.com/YouTube/Facebook

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4:00 p.m. ~ Sanctuary (special music) 7:00 p.m. ~ Sanctuary (special music)* 11:00 p.m. ~ Sanctuary (communion)

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Area services and events to celebrate this joyous time of year 435599-1

Both in person and live streamed on Facebook

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at 4:00 pm & 7:00pm.

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Tuesday, December 24

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

YOUR CALENDAR

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GREETI

NS O S A E S

NGS

941-210-0993

y

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

LIVE MUSIC AT JIGGS LANDING Runs from 2:30-5:30 p.m. each day at Jiggs Landing, 6106 63rd St. E., Bradenton. The live music lineup at Jiggs Landing includes Steve Arvey (Thursday), L’Attitude Adjustment (Friday), Gator Ridge Rambers (Saturday) and Zach Pomerleau (Sunday). The Friday and Saturday concerts are $5; the others are free.

For more information, go to JiggsLanding.com.

THURSDAY, DEC. 19 THROUGH SUNDAY, JAN. 12

FRIDAY, DEC. 20 THROUGH TUESDAY, DEC. 24

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Anthony’s wishes you and yours a happy and safe holiday season! As we say goodbye to 2024 we are grateful to all of you for your business and your trust!

We hope that 2025 brings you all the happiness and blessings you desire! ai172987748835_FSWAC-Select Size-ObserverPrintAd-5.542x9.833-PRINT.pdf 1 10/25/2024 1:31:29 PM

THURSDAY, DEC. 19 THROUGH SUNDAY, DEC. 22

ICE SKATING Runs Monday through Friday 4-10 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Rink at UTC, in the UTC West District next to Ford’s Garage. Lace up the skates for winter fun at the Rink at UTC, presented by the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Individual tickets are $17 per skater.

Tickets include skate rental. Group ticket prices are available. For information about reservations, email Sarasota@IceRinkEvents.com. All visits must be reserved in advance by purchasing timed tickets online.

To reserve a time, go to MallatUTC. com and click on events.

www.AnthonysAirConditioning.com

on Lil’ T

COMMUNITY

WONDERLAND ‘ILLUMINATE’ Runs 7 p.m. Friday; 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Saturday; 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday; 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Monday and 2 p.m.

Tuesday at the Big Top at UTC, 195 University Town Center Dr., Sarasota. Nik Wallenda and the Circus Arts Conservatory present Wonderland “Illuminate.” Tickets start at $35. The show continues on various dates through Jan. 5. For tickets or more information, go to WonderlandCircus.com/#Tickets.

FRIDAY, DEC. 20 AND SATURDAY, DEC. 21

MUSIC AT THE PLAZA Runs 6-9 p.m. at Waterside Place, 1560 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch. Singer-songwriter Justin Layman performs for those strolling through Waterside Place on Friday night while singer-songwriter Sara Nelms will entertain on Saturday.

BEST BET SUNDAY, DEC. 22

POLO Gates open at 10 a.m. and the match begins at 1 p.m. at the Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Lakewood Ranch. The opening match of the polo season features the theme “Christmas at the Green Beach.” The club is sponsoring a Christmas Toy Drive for children in need in the region.

Bring a toy to the pavilion and the club will match every dollar and toy donated. General admission is $15. VIP tickets run $20 and up. For information, go to SarasotaPolo.com.

SATURDAY, DEC. 21

CHRISTMAS ON MAIN Runs from 4-8 p.m. at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch. Come enjoy the biggest Christmas party in town. Grace Community Church will transform Main Street into a winter wonderland with free games, rides, and attractions for the whole family.

Santa himself will make an appearance and there will be a candlelight service from 7-8 p.m. For more information, go to GraceSarasota.com.

SATURDAY, DEC. 21 AND SUNDAY, DEC. 22

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 Donnie Bostic on Saturday and Scotty Yates on Sunday. For more information, call 755-2757.

SUNDAY, DEC. 22

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.

The Possibilities

ARE ENDLESS!

SELECT YOUR SIZE 95-gallon

65-gallon 35-gallon

Illustrations not to scale.

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M

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CY

CMY

K

Sarasota County is transitioning to automated garbage collection in March 2025. Residents living in unincorporated Sarasota County may select their preferred size garbage cart between Nov. 11-Dec. 31.

For more information including cart size options and FAQs, visit scgov.net/freshstartwithacart.

FRESH START with a

CART

We carry Planters, Fountains, Statuary, Wall Art, Mexican Talavera and so much more!

Come and explore our pottery garden and find the perfect piece to add to your oasis.

GLAZED POTTERY PLANTERS

SALE BUY ONE,

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

11B

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

BRadenton 18916 Ganton Avenue 5 Beds 5 Baths 5,078 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4627305 $4,250,000

PaRRish 11432 Harbourside Lane 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,355 Sq. Ft. Sandi Dietrich 941-704-0697 A4608564 $2,225,000

BRadenton 2716 Riverview Boulevard 5 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,025 Sq. Ft. Kathy Valente 941-685-6767 A4631575 $1,400,000

Lakewood Ranch 16528 Berwick Terrace 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,783 Sq. Ft. Stacy Hanan 941-266-0529 A4631146 $1,350,000

Lakewood Ranch 15016 Bowfin Terrace 5 Beds 4 Baths 3,851 Sq. Ft. Olivia Marciniak 941-400-1623 A4622891 $1,070,000

Lakewood Ranch 12121 Thornhill Court 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,116 Sq. Ft. Garry Neeves 941-667-0653 A4625966 $999,000

BRadenton 3523 Santa Caterina Boulevard 3 Beds 3 Baths 3,084 Sq. Ft. Mark Boehmig 941-807-6936 A4613539 $995,000

PaRRish 14359 Skipping Stone Loop 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,708 Sq. Ft. Barbara A Milian, PA 941-504-0660 A4612716 $960,000

BRadenton 14730 1st Avenue E 5 Beds 3 Baths 2,955 Sq. Ft. Angela Adams 941-809-9760 A4621980 $850,000

BRadenton 17723 Polo Trail 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,455 Sq. Ft. Mark Boehmig 941-807-6936 A4618041 $845,000

Lakewood Ranch 11116 Marigold Drive 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,496 Sq. Ft. JJ Williams 941-412-6355 A4631383 $750,000

BRadenton 5111 51st Lane W 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,163 Sq. Ft. Leah Secondo 941-545-4430 A4622923 $685,000

eLLenton 6310 French Creek Court 4 Beds 2/1 Baths 3,001 Sq. Ft. Fran DeDona 941-812-5023 A4628174 $625,000

BRadenton 401 28th Street W 4 Beds 2 Baths 1,770 Sq. Ft. Debbie Vogler 941-705-3328 A4624974 $600,000

BRadenton 4914 Savona Run 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,684 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie 941-376-1717 A4613271 $579,900

PaRRish 10710 Falling Leaf Court 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,110 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4621759 $559,000

PaRRish 16914 Myrtle Hill Lane 4 Beds 2 Baths 2,483 Sq. Ft. Caroline Mitchell 913-787-3131 A4626768 $539,000

BRadenton 15788 Sacile Lane 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,558 Sq. Ft. Jalina Beck 914-844-4665 A4628226 $537,000

PaLmetto 2715 Terra Ceia Bay Boulevard 702 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,584 Sq. Ft. Debbie Vogler 941-705-3328 A4620802 $499,900

BRadenton 7720 34th Avenue W 101 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,854 Sq. Ft. Adam Cuffaro 941-812-0791 A4630247 $499,000

BRadenton 7225 River Hammock Drive 101 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,716 Sq. Ft. Deborah Nelson 941-266-5900 A4618931 $400,000

BRadenton 3409 Avenida Madera A 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,775 Sq. Ft. David D'Angelo 941-587-7268 A4630462 $379,900

BRadenton 702 67th Street W 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,803 Sq. Ft. Suzy Korinek 941-405-7657 A4631155 $325,000

Lakewood Ranch 6591 Fairway Gardens Drive 2-102 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,140 Sq. Ft. Ray Rausa 941-228-7614 A4629071 $289,000

BRadenton 3620 Ironwood Circle 206O 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,088 Sq. Ft. Gregory Zies 941-779-3081 A4631048 $210,000

Lakewood Ranch 19439 Beacon Park Place 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 4,575 Sq. Ft. Nicole Ryskamp 941-807-1766 A4629819 $4,193,506

Lakewood Ranch 7511 Ladybank Xing 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 4,956 Sq. Ft. Toni Schemmel 941-914-0805 A4629884 $2,500,000

Lakewood Ranch 16333 Daysailor Trail 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,020 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4630596 $2,375,000

888.552.5228 | michaelsaunders.com EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

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12B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

RESEARCH EDITOR

H

omes in Country Club East and Country Club tied for the top transaction in this week’s real estate. Philip Joseph Patrick and Sonja LaPointe, of Asheville, North Carolina, sold their Country Club East home at 16422 Kendleshire Terrace to Peter Jon Levesque and Lisa Gouveia Levesque, of Lakewood Ranch, for $2,225,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, fourand-a-half baths, a pool and 3,127 square feet of living area.

It sold for $2.05 million in 2022.

Meanwhile, James and Patricia Lemay, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their Country Club home at 6935 Westchester Circle to Noelle and Eric Hage, of Lakewood Ranch, for $2,225,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,081 square feet of living area. It sold for $795,000 in 2020.

LAKEHOUSE COVE AT WATERSIDE

Sally Ross, trustee, and Melvin Ross sold the home at 772 Crosswind Ave. to Harold Jay Ashner and Vivian Carol Ashner, trustees, of Burke, Virginia, for $2,145,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,100 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.06 million in 2018.

James Triant, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the home at 7995 Sandstar Way to Camille Clementine Couppey Le Bideau and Charles Jerome Jean Le Bideau, of Sarasota, for $725,000. Built in 2018, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,876 square feet of living area. It sold for $431,000 in 2019.

LAKE CLUB

Michael and Amber Monserez, of Montgomery, Ohio, sold their home at 8375 Catamaran Circle to Darrel and Melissa Lloyd, of Lakewood Ranch, for $2 million. Built in 2012, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,434 square feet.

Jeffrey Wayne Waddle and Elizabeth Waddle, of Bluffton, South Carolina, sold their home at 16722 Verona Place to Garrett Hunter Brown and Alexandria Anne Brown, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1,875,000. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,629 square feet of living area. It sold for $805,300 in 2021.

BRIDGEWATER

Arsh Deep Singh and Rishita Solanki-Singh, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 13311 Bridgeport Crossing to Jonas and Ruta Bobelis, of Bradenton, for $1.15 million. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,344 square feet of living area. It sold for $655,200 in 2015.

David and Margaret Reich, trustees, of Parrish, sold the home at 13624 Swiftwater Way to Degan Holdings LLC for $785,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,388 square feet of living area. It sold for $504,200 in 2016.

LAKEWOOD NATIONAL GOLF CLUB

Bradley and Stasha Murray, of San Juan Capo, California, sold their home at 5813 Brandon Run to Ryan and Lindsay Malloy, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1.15 million. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 2,868 square feet of living area. It sold for $933,300 in 2022.

Stephen and Lisa Johnson sold their home at 17426 Hickok Belt Loop

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

DEC. 2-6

to Peter and Lizabeth Davies, of Ontario, Canada, for $1,075,000.

Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,248 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.01 million in 2022.

MONTEREY

Toll Southeast LP Co. Inc. sold the home at 2621 Waterfront Circle to Anthony and Maria Cuva, of Dobbs Ferry, New York, for $1.05 million.

Built in 2024, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,517 square feet of living area.

GREYHAWK LANDING

Daniel and Christine Brahler, of Sarasota, sold their home at 319 Blackbird Court to Gary and Deborah Greenspan, of Bradenton, for $950,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,945 square feet of living area. It sold for $422,500 in 2017.

DEL WEBB

Mark and Dori Spector, trustees, of Springfield, Pennsylvania, sold the home at 17726 Littleton Place to Mark and Sandra Dorros, of Andover, Massachusetts, for $905,000.

Built in 2021, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,141 square feet of living area. It sold for $678,300 in 2021.

Kim Woodrich, as Personal Representative, sold the home at 7503 Summerland Cove to Mark and Nancy Shapiro, of Gwynedd, Pennsylvania, for $750,000. Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,111 square feet of living area. It sold for $700,000 in 2023.

INDIGO

Craig and Elizabeth Rice, of Baden, Pennsylvania, sold their home at 13129 Indigo Way to Marie Cypress Osceola-Branch and Emily Osceola-Branch, of Bradenton, for $865,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,029 square feet of living area. It sold for $522,400 in 2018.

RIVER WIND

Dawn Wicklund, of Anthem, Arizona, sold her home at 991 River Wind Circle to Edwina Nelon, trustee, of Bradenton, for $865,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,887 square feet of living area. It sold for $538,000 in 2016.

Jay Heater

This Country Club home at 6935 Westchester Circle sold for $2,225,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,081 square feet of living area.

COUNTRY CREEK

Richard and Jennifer Klobuchar sold their home at 15123 Third Drive E. to Patrick Jon Evers and Jacqueline Ann Evers, of Bradenton, for $694,500. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,568 square feet of living area. It sold for $407,500 in 2020.

THE MOORINGS AT EDGEWATER

John and Janet Waggett, trustees, sold the Unit 101 condominium at 6503 Moorings Point Circle to Myrna Freyman, trustee, of Lakewood Ranch, for $630,000. Built in 2004, it has two bedrooms, two-and-ahalf baths and 1,983 square feet of living area. It sold for $400,000 in 2014.

RIVER CLUB SOUTH

Jonas and Ruta Bobelis, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 9812 Sweetwater Ave. to Katherine Kerns, of Bradenton, for $645,000.

Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,187 square feet of living area. It sold for $460,000 in 2021.

ONLINE See more transactions at YourObserver.com

In with the new NOW TAKING CONTRACTS

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

CENTRAL PARK

John Harry Gustav Enggren Dahlsten and Sarah Elisabeth Dahlsten sold their home at 11979 Forest Park Circle to David and Vickie King, of Loudon, New Hampshire, for $820,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,271 square feet of living area. It sold for $476,500 in 2013.

COUNTRY MEADOWS

Clarence and Morgan Benson, of Parrish, sold their home at 514 Country Meadows Way to Tobin and Jennifer Knowles, of Bradenton, for $770,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,661 square feet of living area.

It sold for $395,000 in 2014.

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EAGLE TRACE

Jay Craig Trager II and Jennifer Mullen Trager, of Estero, sold their home at 1946 Crooked Lake Circle to Mark and Pamela Heacox, of Bradenton, for $768,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,266 square feet of living area. It sold for $347,700 in 2016.

LENNOX GARDENS

Marilyn Schubert, trustee, of Bradenton, sold the home at 7053 Lennox Place to Roch Edward Hoedebecke and Leidy Dolores Vizcaino, of University Park, for $750,000. Built in 2000, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,237 square feet of living area. It sold for $488,500 in 2014.

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

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

SAVANNA

Wanda Pistella, of Sarasota, sold the home at 3120 Desert Plain Cove to Anthony John Pupo and Lisa Lucille Pupo, of Bradenton, for $700,000.

Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,192 square feet of living area. It sold for $479,300 in 2021.

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

427680-1

ADAM HUGHES

REAL ESTATE

Country Club and Country Club East homes tied for top sale at $2,225,000

13B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

REGISTER TODAY!

A laser light show will cap New Year’s Eve festivities at Waterside Place.

th 25

ANNIVERSARY Image courtesy of Sky Elements Drones

Time to celebrate

CHALLENGE

Marquee Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s events are about to kick off.

VINNIE PORTELL STAFF WRITER

W

hile the holidays are full of events in East County, some of the biggest events of the season are ready to kick off.

Lakewood Ranch’s marquee Christmas event each year is Christmas on Main, which this year falls on Dec. 21 at Lakewood Ranch Main Street.

Temple Emanu-El’s Hanukkah Celebration will be held Dec. 22 during the Lakewood Ranch Farmers Market at Waterside Place.

And the now annual New Year’s Eve celebration will be held at Waterside Place 6 p.m. to midnight Dec. 31.

The celebration includes live music by DJ Truth, food and beverages, adult games, a kids’ area, and a drone show just before midnight.

“What we’ve learned over the years is that not everybody celebrates New Year’s (the same),” said Keith Pandeloglou, the Lakewood Ranch Community Activities executive director. “There’s people who want to say they went out on New Year’s and be home by 9. There’s other people who want to go out and have dinner with the family and lis-

ten to the DJ and go home at 11 p.m.

And then there’s the people who will be with us until 12:01 a.m.”

Those who do stay late on New Year’s Eve at Waterside Place will be rewarded with a spectacular drone show.

Though some people may yearn for traditional fireworks, Pandeloglou said the drone show has received positive feedback.

“The drone show is kind of the headliner,” he said. “That’s where most of the attraction is. Last year was the first year we did that. It starts a little after 11:50 and it does the countdown with us in the sky.

“We tried to do something that would be a little more inclusive.

We’ve had some feedback that fireworks can be a little disruptive, but we still have firework components of it, because it looks like the drones are creating a firework.”

Christmas on Main runs 4-8 p.m.

Dec. 21 and includes free games for the kids, rides, attractions, an appearance from Santa and a candlelight service that runs from 7-8 p.m. The event is presented by Grace Community Church.

Temple Emanu-El’s Hanukkah Celebration runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Dec. 22 at the farmers market and features a Happy Hanukkah Table, gelt giveaways, a dreidel spinning contest, Hanukkah crafts for kids, and Hanukkah items for sale.

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14B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

15B

The Most Wildly Successful

New Waterfront Community 16 Designer-Decorated Models Now Open

Wild Blue at Waterside has captivated homeowners with its Lakewood Ranch location, incomparable residences and resort-style amenities, which include the 13-acre Midway Sports Complex, opening in 2025, a social clubhouse with indoor and outdoor dining, two pools, a movie theater, fitness center, and a 9-hole premier putting course.

Idyllically situated minutes away from local landmarks like Waterside Place and Florida’s #1 Farmer’s Market, now is the time to discover Sarasota’s most desirable nature-centric luxury community.

Visit Today.

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

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ANCHOR BUILDERS • AR HOMES BY ARTHUR RUTENBERG • JOHN CANNON HOMES LEE WETHERINGTON HOMES • STOCK LUXURY HOMES • STOCK CUSTOM HOMES

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

16B

YourObserver.com

WEATHER

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST THURSDAY, DEC. 19

SUNRISE / SUNSET Sunrise Sunset

High: 78 Low: 59 Chance of rain: 24%

FRIDAY, DEC. 20 High: 72 Low: 46 Chance of rain: 8%

Thursday, Dec. 19

7:14a

5:39p

Friday, Dec. 20

7:15a

5:39p

Saturday, Dec. 21

7:15a

5:40p

Sunday, Dec. 22

7:16a

5:40p

Monday, Dec. 23

7:16a

5:41p

Tuesday, Dec. 24

7:16a

5:41p

Wednesday, Dec. 25

7:17a

5:42p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, DEC. 21 High: 64 Low: 73 Chance of rain: 3%

Dec. 22 Last

Dec. 30 New

Jan. 6 First

Jan. 13 Full

RAINFALL

SUNDAY, DEC. 22 High: 67 Low: 46 Chance of rain: 5% Gordon Silver took this photo of a young fawn stopping in Del Webb before moving on to catch up with mom and dad.

Monday, Dec. 9

0

Tuesday, Dec. 10

0

Wednesday, Dec. 11

0

Thursday, Dec. 12

0.07

Friday, Dec. 13

0

Saturday, Dec. 14

0

Sunday, Dec. 15

0

*Rainfall totals from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

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

YEAR TO DATE: 2024 77.96 in.

2023 26.59 in.

MONTH TO DATE: 2024 0.07 in.

2023 3.08 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

BRANCH MANAGERS by Kruno Matic and Jeff Chen, edited by Jeff Chen

124 Famed daredevil Evel

54 Office note

126 Long, hard journeys

55 Clay of “American Idol”

127 “That was solid!”

fame

128 Keeps the heat on low

57 Minecraft find

129 Sailing

59 Peron of Argentina

130 Savors, as a dog with

62 Cannes subject

a bone

65 Pic refreshed for a new

131 Light and airy chocolate generation dessert

DOWN 1 Origami verb

66 “Climb aboard!”

68 ___ reader

celebrity cipher

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“EVX THVM SVM EVX PLH UIWW USLU EVX’NI BIUUAHB NILWWE VWY? HVZVYE JLEJ USI MVNY ‘YILUS’ LNVXHY EVX LHEKVNI.”

69 People voting against

K. IKKIU MLWJS

71 Cushy cafe options

2 Heightened travel require- 72 Green legume holder that make people people

processed

74 “To the ___!” (“The

4 “___ be such a pleasure!”

Princess Bride” quote)

5 Agra wrap

75 Vogue competitor

6 Run away to get hitched

77 Cable upsell for special

7 Bird in some hieroglyphics events

©2024 Universal Uclick

ACROSS 1 “Top Gun: Maverick” star 7 “You didn’t need to tell me that” 14 Not at all promising 19 Enterprise offerings 21 “That seems like it’s going to go very wrong ...”

22 “Wednesday” star 23 Pendant hanging from a lobe 24 Leading 25 Skirt around

33 That, in Tijuana

61 Insta uploads

ment

34 Major division of the

63 Opposed (to)

96 Goddess of the dawn

economy

64 Some Pennsylvanians

98 ___ prize

37 Terrible actor

67 Out of ___ (awry)

99 Two twos, for one

38 Murphy of “Beverly Hills

68 Fad

100 “Shameless” channel

Cop: Axel F”

70 “Well done,” in Italy

(Abbr.)

40 Setting

72 Decorative line on a

101 Dodges

42 “___ knew?”

Yankees uniform

104 ___ Beach (California

44 Scruff of the neck

76 Barely ahead

city near San Luis Obispo)

47 Greek god of desire

77 Highly effective

107 A real beaut

49 Really fun, in slang

80 Record of a year’s events 109 Open, as a gift

50 Person adjusting a baby

81 Big brand in snowmobiles 111 Danson of “A Man on the

grand

84 Source of music for a

Inside”

road trip

113 A couple of bucks

86 Zippo

114 Foam on the briny

53 Chemical in some win-

87 Hardly digging at all

116 ER hookups

dow cleaners

89 Flapjack topper

117 Roulette spinner

56 Point on a saw

90 Ljubljana citizen

119 Harsh cleaning agent

58 Going on forever

93 Deets

120 Aired again

60 “Narcos” org.

94 Invites into one’s apart-

121 Cuspid’s neighbor

26 Amber or pale draft pick 52 Spun some records, for 27 “This bridge hand is the short pits!”

29 Part of a gym set 30 Ships off 31 “The King and I” land

8 “Gosh darn it all!”

78 Bobby of hockey fame

9 Without any spots

79 Align, as with a level

10 Tool for a bomb squad

81 Barber’s action

11 Add a pet to the family

82 Big Island coffee region

12 “Star Wars” character

83 “That’s so typical ...”

Kylo ___

84 Sch. in Fort Collins

13 “Food’s getting cold!”

85 No spring chicken

14 Full of oneself

88 Island near Maui

15 Saying for a teachable

91 Alley ___ (NBA highlight)

moment

92 Nullify

16 Many a Wharton ap-

95 “___ of a gun!”

plicant, for short

97 With 105-Down, “Late

17 Base’s opposite, in

Night” host

chemistry

102 Ropes, as a calf

18 Tots

103 Goes looking for

20 Muscle twinge

105 See 97-Down

“S HCYRVTM (ZXZ) MBJCK PTRXPM ‘ZJXKMT XK ZJXKMT’ SK DB NSPLY HTTO CY HXPO CY RZL. SY HCL ...

SKRPTMSZJT.”

OPSL OPSLYXNNTPLXK

Puzzle Two Clue: T equals E

73 Thoughts and emotions

3 Messages still to be

Puzzle One Clue: Z equals B

ment (Abbr.)

“C VBPWA KWYYW AIPCR SUWE C SIR VCYYVW IEA SUWE C SIR KCT IEA SUWE C TBY BVA.” © 2024 NEA, Inc.

TWEI DBSVIEAR

Puzzle Three Clue: V equals L

crossword

The Grounded Feeling Everyone will Enjoy

426212-1

at MANASOTA FLOORING INC

sudoku

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

28 Garden material

106 Threat ender 32 “The Farm” painter Joan 108 Group prizing high IQ 34 Take a breather on the 110 Religion with covens sideline

112 Blue jeans material

35 Possess

114 Miss, in Madrid (Abbr.)

36 Perlman of “Barbie”

115 Chipper

39 It’s such a stretch

117 Architect Christopher

41 Teensy

118 Stretched-out ride

43 Church instruments

121 Big Dutch-based bank

45 Writes

122 Writer Anais

46 Slight advantage

123 Singer on “Double

48 Nurse, as a soda water

Fantasy”

51 Hesitant sounds

125 Big Australian bird

53 Sandler of “Hustle” ©2024 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

12-19-24

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

Homes for Sale

redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at Noon Service Directory - Friday at 3PM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card 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..

Motorcycles

**NEW & PRE-OWNED HOMES FOR SALE** We have a wide range of homes FOR SALE New Homes starting in the low $200’s Pre-Owned Homes starting in the low $100’s NOW offering “Lease to Purchase Program” on select homes.

Visit our Website for home listings & Golf information at www.riversideclubFL.com

IN PRINT AND ONLINE

A POWERFUL COMBINATION 941-955-4888

YourObserver.com/RedPages

1415 10th St W, Palmetto 941-729-5282 Mon-Sat 10 - 5 Sun 12-5

Merchandise Wanted

Autos 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

CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

CALL 941-955-4888

Homes for Sale

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Bradenton: 55+Condo, 2 bed, 2 bath-$149,900 Pet friendly

Gulf Beachfront Home New construction $6.9 million

auto

We have a unique group of Christmas decorations & gifts.

Stop by & pick out the ones for you & your loved ones!

Advertise as low as $17.50 per week!

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

Venice: 2/2 Condo Plantation Golf Club.

Antiques/ Collectibles

EMILINE’S ANTIQUE MALL would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas & Happy Hanukah!

GARAGE SALE

Sarasota: Block House with 2 Bed, 2 Bath, Huge Lanai, and carport. $370,000

LG 50 INCH TV - $150 Great Christmas Present In great condition with beautiful picture.

703-919-7906

AVID COIN COLLECTOR paying higher prices than any dealers for coins, silverware, and jewelry: 321-236-1075

SELL YOUR STUFF FAST!

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.

Brooke O’Malley CLUB REALTY Call 941-726-2677

TREASURES FOUND HERE!

5 STAR NEW CABIN (Bear’s Den) 3 day min. No long term, no Pets. $250 / night. Pool, handicap accessible, 2 bd, full kitchen, 3 tvs, washer, dryer, very clean & nice. 941-322-2627

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

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

RED PAGES AD RATES First 15 words ................... $ 17.50 per week Each Add’l word .........50¢

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN Color background: $ 5 per week Ad border: as low as $3 per week

PLACE YOUR AD: Call: 941-955-4888 Email: RedPages@ YourObserver.com

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

Cleaning BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service

by Maria. Residential. Meticulous Cleaning. Excellent References.

Free Estimates. Reliable. Lic./Ins. 941-400-3342. www.braziliancleaningbymk.com

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.

NEW YEAR PAINT & HANDYMAN Pool Deck/Patio/Int/Ext/ Drywall/Odd Jobs (941) 685-3777

This week’s Crossword answers

Advertise your business or service in the Observer

RED PAGES CALL TODAY 941-955-4888

Painting SARASOTA PAINTING, LLC INTERIOR / EXTERIOR / CABINETS WE ARE THE BEST!!!

Residential & Commercial.

Fully Insured.

CALL or TEXT Don 941-900-9398

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “You know how you can tell that you’re getting really old? Nobody says the word ‘death’ around you anymore.”

M. Emmet Walsh Puzzle Two Solution: “I watched (Bob) Dylan record ‘Blonde on Blonde’ in my first week at work at CBS. It was ... incredible.”

Kris Kristofferson Puzzle Three Solution: “I loved Bette Davis when I was little and when I was big and when I got old.”

Gena Rowlands

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2024 Universal Uclick

10' WIDE 3 pc. Entertainment Center - dark brown, shelves & cabinets, $175, 941-685-3777

RED PAGES

real estate

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

OPEN HOUSE (New Homes) 10AM-2PM 1st Saturday of the month Normal Business Hours Mon-Sat 8AM-5PM Sun 10AM-4PM 2550 Pier Drive Ruskin, FL 33570

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

OPEN HOUSE (Pre-Owned) 10AM - 12PM EVERY TUESDAY

OLD MOTORCYCLES WANTED *1920-1999* ALL Makes & ModelsAny Condition! $ CASH PAID $ Call 845-389-3239 cyclesndmore10@gmail.com

peekers’ place

stuff

Or call us direct at 877-211-5337 To schedule a private tour

TO ADVERTISE CALL 941-955-4888 OR VISIT YOUROBSERVER.COM/REDPAGES

©2024 NEA, Inc.

Sporting Goods

The Premier Golf & Marina Manufactured Home Community 55+ Active Lifestyle

Paint the town RED!

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

home services

RED PAGES

18B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

Aluminum

Computer

Handyman

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

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

941-735-3362

435932

YoderAluminum.com

Attorney

Contractor

Divorce without Lawyers

INTERIOR RENOVATIONS & ANYTHING FROM THE GROUND UP

TEXT OR CALL 574-354-7772

E&E GENERAL CONTRACTING

KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES

“Your Home, Your Legacy”

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.

Health

Local Home Improvement Contractor: Kitchen & Bathroom Reno • Tile Floor & Showers Flooring & Trim • Siding & Windows • Fencing 941-529-1768 | eecontractingllc.com

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

GET YOUR LIFE BACK! Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

Doors

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

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

DON’T let your

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

PATIO DOORS be a DRAG or your

William J. Leininger, JD

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

KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES

436677

WINDOWS be a PANE!!

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

Sliding Glass Door Repairs Sliding Glass Door Deadbolts | Window Repairs

Auto Service

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

FREE

IN-HOAMTEES ESTIM

SELL YOUR CAR!

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

FAST • EASY • SAFE

Call us today!

WE COME TO YOU

941.270.4400

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

Find anything in the RED PAGES | 941-955-4888

941.628.8579

Are You Having Dryer Difficulties?

436678

HoHoBuysCars.com

Home Services

www.ezslider.com

5-Star Rated

435929

435931

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

Pegatronics.com

941.650.9790 941.650.9790 YoderAluminum.com

Owner /Insured Operator Insured

JOE DAVIS HD LLC

436707

Dustin Yoder

Dustin Owner Yoder/ Operator

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

437010

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

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

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

Brick Pavers

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

Flooring

Residential

941-705-5468

Commercial

In a Snap Flooring

Services & Removal

Sales & Installation Laminate • Vinyl • Tile Refinishing/Concrete Coating Driveway • Patio • Garage Water Damage - Demolition - Epoxy

941-321-2859

www.BIC - CC.COM

Over 100 Reviews Award Winning Services

436697

Call or text today for a FREE estimate:

941-592-0802

YOUR HOME

found here.

Find a place where you can visit listings, not just imagine them.

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

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

ALL PHASES OF INTERIOR & EXTERIOR REMODELING Kitchen - Bathrooms | Windows - Doors - Floor Coverings | Repairs

435934

• Paver Sealing • Pressure & Soft Washing • Concrete Coating • Painting

435935

Business in Christ

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

436699

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

Landscaping & Lawn

Transportation

GARDENS

BLACK LABEL CAR SERVICE “Luxury for Less”

by Allison

All Florida Airports, Concerts & Dinners - Hourly Cruise Ships & Medical | See Specials at: www.blacklabelcarservice.com

Windows

Storm Cleanup • Garden Beds • Landscape Maintenance • Weeds • Trimming

Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

435936

941-400-0431 • gbyallison@yahoo.com • gardensbyallison.com

Irrigation

Mark’s Plumbing Service RELIABLE • INSURED

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

5

$

941-626-3194

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

COMPLETE INSTALLATION PACKAGE

senior citizen discount.

www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

PURIFIED WATER WINDOW CLEANING AVAIL ABLE!!

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES 941- 284 - 5880

Screening

GROW

364556 436701

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

SPECIAL 00

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

CALL BEFOREYOU YOU FALL CALL BEFORE FALL

941.966.0333

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

Building & Roofing Contractor

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

160

25 $

STANDARD WINDOWS

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.

RED PAGES Bring Results | 941-955-4888

249 235

UP TO

YOUR BUSINESS

DRGRABBARS.COM

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

Advertise as low as $85 per week.

SHOWER & BATH MAKEOVERS Call John 941.377.2940

Free Estimates • Sarasota Resident Since 1974

www.showerandbathsarasota.com

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

436709

436700

Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

Call to reserve your ad space: 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

436682

436708

941-920-8221 Roofing

ANDY AVALOS | 941-545-7280

$ $235

Formerly known as Sunrise Windows

436680

437059

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

• Systems Upgraded & Serviced • Troubleshooting & Repair • Serving Manatee County since 1979

*

Res. | Com. | Lic. | Ins.

Plumbing

LAWN SPRINKLER SERVICES

$

436702

Allison J. Abizaid

Personal Gardening Services | Designer

410036

No Job is Too Small!

941 - 248 - 4734 436681

Home Watch

19B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

941.702.0437 | ShanahanLuxuryGroup@CBrealty.com | ShanahanLuxuryGroup.com

As the holiday season is upon us, may your home be a place of warmth, connection, and cherished traditions. Wishing you good health and happiness and a home filled with love and laughter.

From our family to yours,

we’re honored to help guide you home this season.

Katina, Ken, and Tyler Shanahan

556 Blue Shell Loop Wild Blue

8308 Portlight Court The Lake Club

Sold

Sold

$3,286,205 | 4,369 Square Feet 3 Bedrooms | Bonus Room Flex Room | Office

$2,350,000 | 3,422 Square Feet 3 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms Bonus Room | Office

7125 Gradford Court Del Webb

16223 San Donato Place Azario Esplanade

New Listing

$1,399,999 | 2,352 Square Feet 3 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms Office | Private Pool/Spa

$1,995,000 | 3,894 Square Feet 4 Bedrooms | 4.5 Bathrooms | Bonus Room Office | 3-Car Garage, Pool/Spa

12714 Cobalt Terrace Indigo

New Price

$499,000 | 1,533 Square Feet 2 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms Office | Resort Amenities

3331 Chestertown Loop Mallory Park

15044 Lyla Terrace Lorraine Lakes

Sold

$410,000 | 1,706 Square Feet 3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms Private Courtyard | 2-Car Garage

Sold

$465,000 | 1,617 Square Feet 2 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms 2-Car Garage | Resort Amenities

1828 Cockpit Lane Nautique at Waterside

New Listing

$450,000 | 1,836 Square Feet 3 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms Private Courtyard | 2-Car Garage

7912 Grande Shores Drive Shoreview at Waterside

Investment Opportunity

$336,999 | 1,925 Square Feet 3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms Resort Amenities

Your Home Deserves the Best.

Let’s Achieve the Results You Want.

Contact Us Today to Get Started!

941.702.0437 | ShanahanLuxuryGroup@CBRealty.com

413872-1

20B