East County - Thursday, August 4, 2011

bserver O

EAST COUNTY

You. Your neighbors. Your neighborhood.

Thursday, AUGUST 4, 2011

SPORTS

NEWS

WEATHER

Eva Rey gets East County comfy in new ump tapped for community. regional tourney.

PAGE 7

OUR TOWN

See inside for this week’s contest winner.

PAGE 19

PAGE 24

CRIME

beauty and the feet

By Pam Eubanks | News Editor

time to tell By Pam Eubanks | News Editor

POLL

Lakewood voters will receive straw poll ballots regarding incorporation beginning this week.

POSITION

Courtesy photo

+ Ranch Chabad kids enjoy Camp Gan

LAKEWOOD RANCH — A straw poll seeking voters’ input on whether Lakewood Ranch should become its own city is under way.

A poll of Lakewood Ranch’s 11,000 registered voters began Aug. 1 under the oversight of independent certified public accounting firm Kerkering, Barberio & Co. If voters are out of town, ballots will be forwarded to the address on file with the U.S. Postal Service.

The ballot asks voters if they favor submitting a bill to the Florida Legislature to consider incorporating Lakewood Ranch.

“This is not a vote to become a city,” said Tom Thomaides, chairman of the Lakewood

Chabad of Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch are helping kids create lifelong memories through its summer-long Camp Gan Israel.

The camp has featured a variety of Jewish-themed activities as well as field trips and more.

+ Meridian offers $1 haircuts for kids Children 12 years old and younger can receive haircuts for just $1 at Meridian College’s Lakewood Ranch campus this month.

The Prime Salon at Meridian, located in the campus at 7020 Professional Parkway E., will offer $1 haircuts for children, Mondays through Thursdays, throughout the month of August.

Individuals should make appointments, but walk-ins also are welcome.

Haircuts are available between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.

For more, call the salon at 377-4880.

Ranch Incorporation Study Group, the group leading the charge. “This is a poll. It allows the process to continue (and) gives all of us a chance to take the next step.”

Voters will be provided with a return envelope but not postage. Individuals have three weeks to return the ballot.

If results of the poll are favorable for incorporation, the Incorporation Study Group will submit a bill, or “special act,” to the Legislature. There, a committee of legislators will review the proposed incorporation, including the proposed city charter and feasibility study, during the next legislative session to determine whether it believes incorporation would be beneficial to the community.

If the Legislature approves the proposal, the decision then would go to a public referendum of registered voters in Lakewood Ranch, as required by law, likely in June 2012. If legislators find flaws with the proposal, it will not be approved and there-

straw poll QUESTION “Do you favor submitting a bill to the Florida Legislature to consider the incorporation of Lakewood Ranch as a city?”

INSIDE

Read the final piece in our summer-long Talk of a Town series on Pages 8-9.

fore will not go to a public vote.

Straw polls are being sent through certified mail and will be tabulated

by Kerkering, Barberio & Co. as results come in. The company, which has an office in Lakewood Ranch, has donated its services for the project.

“We believe it’s important to give back to the communities in which we work and live,” Managing Partner Rob Lane said, noting the firm has not taken a position on in-

SEE POLL / PAGE 2

+ New church plans clothes giveaway The Source Church will host its second City-Reach Clothing Giveaway beginning at 10 a.m., Aug. 13, at the church, 5412 S.R. 64 E. Last year, 1,600 to 1,800 people received clothes from the church’s first drive.

“It is wonderful to see organizations making a difference in communities overseas, but we feel we have been called to start in our own backyard,” said Lead Pastor Ralph Hoehne.

For more information, visit www.tapintothesource.org.

Suspect’s arrest relieves Lakewood residents George Hand has been arrested in connection with an armed home invasion July 26 in Edgewater. Hand also is the key suspect in a similar incident.

LAKEWOOD RANCH — At 77 years old, David Weiss never dreamed a stranger at his front door would take him for the most terrifying ride of his life.

But on July 17, a man showed up on his doorstep in the Edgewater community, and by the time Weiss realized the man had inched closer as they talked, the man pushed his way into George Hand Weiss’ home at gunpoint and later tied Weiss to a chair, shoved a gun barrel in his mouth and threatened him if he didn’t give up his money.

The man took Weiss, in Weiss’s car, first to the bank, then to Checkers and then to the end of University Parkway, where he dropped Weiss off and told him to walk home.

“It was harrowing,” Weiss said of the experience, which lasted several hours. “I’m greatly relieved he’s caught. I came out of it in one piece. He could have done a lot of damage.”

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office believes they have apprehended the suspect, 26-year-old George Hand of 2904 58th St. Court E. Hand was arrested July 28 and charged with armed home invasion, two counts of false imprisonment and two counts of aggra-

SEE ARREST / PAGE 2

INDEX Briefs......................4 Classifieds ...........25

Cops Corner............5 Crossword.............24

Opinion...................6 Neighborhood.......10

Sports...................19 Weather................24

Vol. 12, No. 31 | One section YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 2011

POLL/PAGE 1

ARREST/PAGE 1

corporation. “When we were asked to assist in this important process and determined that we could independently oversee it, we agreed to donate our time.”

The Incorporation Study Group hopes to have results back by the end of August so it can meet a requirement to submit the “special act” to the Legislature 90 days prior to the start of the legislative session, which begins in January.

Thomaides said the group researched its options for conducting a straw poll, including phone calls, petitions and statistical sampling, but was not satisfied with any of those methods. The group decided on polling all registered voters in Lakewood Ranch because it would be most comprehensive.

A straw poll of residents is not required of law, but has become standard practice so a community’s legislative delegation, which would be bringing the request forward, has confidence in doing so.

“I don’t think it could be done better,” resident Douglas Schugg said of the straw poll’s format. “It’s a good step for voters. I think it’s the fair way to do it.”

Resident Paul Jackowski agreed.

“They’re the ones making the decision,” he said of voters.

However Jackowski said he wished all homeowners could vote in the straw poll as well.

Incorporation Study Group members said the cost of the straw poll is about $10,000.

Contact Pam Eubanks at peubanks@yourobserver.com.

vated assault with a firearm for another home invasion that occurred July 26 in the 8400 block of Misty Morning Court in Edgewater. And although Hand has not yet been charged for the crime against Weiss, detectives consider him the key suspect.

During the July 26 incident, Hand entered the home, bound a guest of the homeowner with zip ties in a bedroom and then bound the homeowner’s hands with zip ties before attempting to take him out of the residence in the victim’s vehicle, which was blocked by another car. The guest was able to free herself and call 911.

The suspect fled before authorities arrived, a sheriff’s office report states.

In both home invasion cases, Hand knocked on the front door and asked for someone who did not live at the residence before barging into the home and telling the victims he would not hurt them, a sheriff’s office reports state.

As of press time Tuesday, Public Information Officer Dave Bristow said charges against Hand in Weiss’ case were still pending, but he expected them to be brought forward in the near future. Bristow confirmed surveillance from Weiss’ bank, where the suspect tried to use his ATM card, helped in the case, as well.

Hand’s bail, as of Monday, was set at $19,500.

The most serious of Hand’s charges — home invasion with a deadly weapon

Courtesy photo

Surveillance video from a bank near the Edgewater community provided a visual of the suspect for investigators.

— carries a penalty of up to life imprisonment, Bristow said.

Bristow said the break in the case came July 27 when a deputy responded to a domestic disturbance at Hand’s East County residence. Hand fled the scene before deputies arrived, but during the investigation, deputies discovered information linking Hand to the home invasions.

Hand was arrested July 28 first for carrying a concealed firearm and possession of marijuana, and he was later charged in connection with the home invasion and

an unoccupied burglary in east Bradenton that morning.

Edgewater resident and Lakewood Ranch Community Development District Supervisor Don O’Leary said he has asked the district’s director of operations to check into pricing for security cameras.

Edgewater is a gated community, but there are several pedestrian accesses.

Sheriff Brad Steube is slated to speak with residents this week, O’Leary said.

Contact Pam Eubanks at peubanks@ yourobserver.com.

Cortez Road 41

4780 14th St. W. U.S. Hwy 41 Bradenton, FL 34207

Let us bring your next car to You.

TROPICAL

14th Street West

TROPICAL

70

53rd Street

2011Cadillac SrX

349/mo

$

or Lease F

39 months, 10,000 miles per year, plus tax, tag and dealer fee. See dealer for details.

STK#11441

2011Cadillac eSCalaDe Get the WOW experience you deserve! Just call and make an appointment to have a Sales Professional bring a car to you in the comfort of your own home with the convenience of

Tropical Cadillac’s Concierge Program.

Oil & Filter Change

$

21

95

Starting From

57,995

$

2011Cadillac CtS

Offsite trade evaluations available!

TROPICAL SERVICE INCLUDES: • Up to 8 qts. of oil • genUine MFg oil filter • Check all fluid levels • Free Multi-point inspection

KIA & GM models Only. Some models higher. Excludes Synthetic oil. Plus tax and shop supplies where applicable. Must present coupon at time of write-up. Not valid with any other coupons or advertised specials. Valid only at Tropical Cadillac. Expires 8/31/11.

Lease For

*39 Month lease $1,999 due at signing plus tax, tag, title, and dealer fee of $499.95. 10,000 miles per year with approved credit through Ally financial. Photos for illustration purposes only. The dealership or it’s agency are not responsible for late, lost of misdirected mail, typographical or production errors.

STK#11585

339/mo

$

39 months, 10,000 miles per year, plus tax, tag and dealer fee. See dealer for details.

Tropicalcadillac.com

•

941.751.6886

60684

2

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 2011

UNIFORM POLICY SHIRTS: Solid polo/golf style shirt with or without the BRE logo in navy blue, light blue, white or red, or a BRE uniform T-shirt in navy blue or red.

BOTTOMS: Pants, shorts, skirts, skorts, jumpers or Capri pants in black, khaki or navy.

Shorts, skirts, skorts and jumpers must be two-thirds length from the waist to the knee. No blue jeans or denim, except on Fridays.

OTHER INFO: Any items worn under uniform clothes must be solid appropriate uniform colors for the item under which they are worn. Oversized, baggie, extremely tight or ill-fitting clothing is not allowed. Any logos on clothing other than the official BRE logo must be less than one-and-one-half inches in diameter.

education

3

By Pam Eubanks | News Editor

Braden River adopts dress code When school starts later this month, children at Braden River Elementary School will be wearing school uniforms.

RIVER CLUB — Back-toschool shopping for families of children attending Braden River Elementary will easier this year.

When school starts Aug. 22, children at Braden River will be wearing school uniforms for the first time.

The school adopted the new policy after parents voted in favor of the idea last school year.

Children will be required to wear polo or golf-style shirts in navy blue, light blue, white or red and khaki, navy blue or black bottoms. Children also will have the option of wearing a dry-fit style Braden River uniform shirt. (See related sidebar for policy details.)

“Our policy is basically the same as Willis’ or others, except we have a dry-fit T-shirt option children can wear any day of the week,” Braden River’s Parent-

NEXT WEEK The East County Observer will publish its annual Backto-School Guide in the Aug. 11 edition.

Teacher Organization President Alison denBoggende said. “Anything that would fit in our uniform policy is widely available.

(Parents) don’t have to buy (the uniforms) from the school.”

DenBoggende said parents both for and against uniforms served on the committee that developed the new policy. The policy, she said, provides clothing options for children who are uncomfortable wearing collars as well as for children of different body types.

“I think we walked away with a win-win,” she said. “I expect by

this time next year, people will say this was such a great thing.”

Parent Liz Labriola, who has two boys attending Braden River this year and has friends who were both for and against uniforms, said she felt the new policy was fair and would benefit students.

“I think it sets the precedent for a better environment,” she said.

“They aren’t being compared, have or have not. You want to make sure everybody’s concentrating on what they need to be concentrating on. I think it’s better for the school overall.”

Braden River’s new uniform policy also establishes every Friday as a School Spirit Day. At that time, students can wear any Braden River school T-shirt, as well as jeans or denim.

Contact Pam Eubanks at peubanks@yourobserver.com.

UNIFORM FAIRS Willis Elementary

The Willis Elementary PTO will host a school uniform fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Aug. 12, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Aug. 13, at the school, 14705 The Masters Ave. School uniform pants, capris, shirts, shorts and scooters will be available to try on and purchase, along with Willis backpacks and school supply kits.

Braden River Elementary

The Braden River Elementary PTO will host a school uniform fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Aug. 12, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Aug. 13, at the school, 6125 River Club Blvd. School uniform pants, capris, shirts, shorts and scooters will be available to try on and purchase.

family ties

By Pam Eubanks | News Editor

Bennett Park nears completion Manatee County officials hope to open the 180acre Tom Bennett Park by early September.

community building

By Pam Eubanks | News Editor

Pam Eubanks

Manatee YMCA CEO Sean Allison said improvements will help meet the needs of existing members while providing increased capacity.

Lakewood Ranch Y starts expansion When complete, the improvements will create about 20,000 more square feet of space for YMCA programming.

LAKEWOOD RANCH — To better accommodate existing members and prepare for growth, the Lakewood Ranch YMCA has broken ground on a 13,000-squarefoot expansion.

YMCA officials hope to have the addition, as well as modifications to the existing Lakewood Ranch YMCA facility, completed by mid-April 2012.

“The main thrust is to better serve the people we have,” Manatee County YMCA CEO Sean Allison said. “We feel like a lot of folks who have joined and left in the last three years will come back. We also recognize what’s going on around us (with development). We looked at making sure we had some additional capacity.”

The 27,000-square-foot Ranch YMCA location opened in March 2003 with about 500 memberships and programs including youth sports, swim lessons, aerobics and dance classes. However, within two years, the number of memberships had more than doubled. By 2009, the facility surpassed its capacity of 2,200 memberships.

“It just got too crowded,” Allison said. “We knew we had to improve the capacity to serve children. We also saw a huge need for fitness-and-wellness expansions for adults.”

Contractors will start by constructing a new 13,000-squarefoot building immediately north of the existing building. Once completed, the new structure will

house the cardio room, as well as a yoga and dance studio, free weights and a room for a cycle/ spin class, among other areas.

The existing building will be reconfigured to better utilize space and will include a teen center, aerobic studio, conference room and a youth center with a 25-foottall rock-climbing wall. The open seating area behind the current reception desk will be eliminated as part of the reconfiguration.

“We’re adding 6,000 square feet internally,” Allison said. “We’ve got a lot of wasted space (now).”

Allison said YMCA members will see no disruption to services until January, at which time renovations to the existing building will begin.

“Some aerobics classes and

some kids services (will be displaced), but we will make more use of the gym at that time,” Allison said. “We (have) a curtain to divide the space. It’ll only be for a few months.”

YMCA officials hope to have the renovations completed by Healthy Kids Day in mid-April.

The YMCA launched a capital campaign for the program about a month ago and is hoping to raise about $700,000 to equip the interior of the building. In total, the project will cost about $2 million with one-third of funding coming from monies the Y has put aside for the project and another one-third from the capital campaign. Allison said the remaining portion will be paid off over time, and any monies above the Y’s fundraising goal will go toward reducing that expense.

Contact Pam Eubanks at peubanks@yourobserver.com.

MANATEE COUNTY — After more than a year of construction, Holland Construction this week will finish work on the first phase of the East County’s newest park.

The 180-acre Tom Bennett Park is expected to open sometime in late August or early September.

“We’re very happy with the project,” Manatee County Parks and Recreation Director Cindy Turner said. “What we have found during these difficult times is that our parks are being used now more than ever, because it gives families and people an opportunity to do something fun together with no or a nominal fee.”

The park includes a fishing dock, volleyball courts, more than a mile of hiking trails, a multipurpose field, a tree house playground and a picnic pavilion, as well as a canoe and kayak launch.

Holland Construction Vice President Craig Campbell said the project’s size made it unique, and the company, which designed and built the park, made modifications during construction to save large trees and other unique features of the property.

The project’s second phase, which is contingent on funding, is slated to include a swimming facility with an Olympic-sized pool, basketball courts and an outdoor amphitheater with a lawn that can seat about 5,000 people.

Turner said the county does not have money set aside for the park’s second phase, but it does hope to build park residence for oversight and management of the facility. The item is included in the proposed 2012 Fiscal Year budget.

Contact Pam Eubanks at peubanks@yourobserver.com.

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

NEWSBRIEFS

4

THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 2011

+ Windsor hosts Alzheimer’s conference The Windsor of Lakewood Ranch last week hosted the University of South Florida Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute conference. The event, called “Alzheimer’s Disease: What Caregivers Need to Know,” provided caregivers with information about the disease, diagnosis, treatment and practical tips to prevent or reduce behavior issues.

Conference speakers included Amanda Smith, the medical director at USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute; Jill Ardila, assistant director of clinical research at the institute; and Eileen Poiley, director of education at the institute.

+ Neal’s Central Park celebrates first birthday Neal Communities celebrated the first birthday of its Central Park community last weekend.

Community-wide, there are 15 model homes open; and 143

home have sold over the last year.

Neal Communities was responsible for 130 of the home sales and owns 11 of 15 models available.

“We’re now seeing buyers, who were waiting to see how the market would react, are responding to prices rising and inventory shrinking,” Neal Communities President Pat Neal said. “They recognize the importance and value of buying now.”

both Animal Services locations. The Palmetto site, located at 305 25th St. W., is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. The Bradenton site, located at 1002 B., Manatee Ave. W., is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Call 742-5933 for more information.

+ Sheriff’s office nabs + Manatee County offers award for campaign pet adoption promotion The Manatee County Sheriff’s To show its back-to-school spirit, Manatee County Animal Services is offering a special buyone-get-one free pet adoption event throughout the month of August.

Individuals who adopt a dog or cat at the regular adoption fee can get a second dog or cat at no charge. New owners may mix dogs and cats. The offer runs through August, and regular adoption fees are $80 for dogs and $60 for cats.

The special is available at

Office earned a top finish in the Florida Department of Transportation’s recent Click It Or Ticket Challenge.

The sheriff’s office took first place in the Click It or Ticket Award competition out of its tier of more than 240 agencies, earning it a chance to win a 2011 Dodge Challenger R/T. A Manatee Sheriff’s Office representative drew the winning key and won the car, which will be used specifically for traffic enforcement.

Goodwill BUILDING NEW donation center IN LAKEWOOD RANCH Goodwill Industries has started construction on a new donation center in Lakewood Ranch.

A center is being constructed at 9135 Town Center Parkway, adjacent to Primrose School at Lakewood Ranch. The facility, which will take items such as gently used clothing, furniture, small appliances and more, is slated to open in late November.

Goodwill currently has a nearby location, but

the facility is difficult for donors to locate, Goodwill’s Director of Public Relations/ Communications LuAnne Kirschner said.

“It just needed to be more visible for the Lakewood Ranch community,” she said of the donation center.

The new 2,200-squarefoot facility eventually will replace the existing donation center at 9126 Town Center Parkway. Jon Swift Construction is building the center.

LOVE CHOCOLATE? If your current system is 8-years old, a new energy-efficient Carrier air conditioning system can save you big on monthly cooling costs. And for a limited time, you can purchase one with combined savings up to $2,730!*

It’s yummy! It’s gooey! IT’S CHOCOLATE!

Carrier rebate up to ....................$1,100 FPL rebate* up to .........................$1,330 Federal Tax Credit up to ...............$300

VISIT US FOR CHOCOLATE WEEKEND FUN! Dive-in Movie Poolside Music  Hippo Slide ($) Food and Drink Specials Fun Games Featuring CHOCOLATE! Chocolate Finger Painting Stack the Oreos Chocolate Checkers Tootsie Roll-roll Slip and Slide with Chocolate! AND MORE!

$50 OFF Any Service Repair Work* *Expires 8/31/11 and not valid with other offers or on diagnostic fee.

Limit one coupon per household. Must present coupon & payment due at time of service.

Free Estimates on replacements 24 Hour/7 Day Emergency Service Residential Commercial and Industrial Licensed, Bonded, Fully Insured

AUGUST 12-14, 2011

Olympic-size swimming pool 2 giant hot tubs Day Spa ($)

Turn to the Experts at

Kids’ splash pool activity area and playground 3-1/2 story Hippo Slide ($) Shuffleboard Miniature golf Volleyball Horseshoes Water Walking Balls ($)

Family owned & operated since 1972

758-3080

Huge Jumping Pillow ($) Kidz Paddle Boats ($)

www.climaticconditioning.com

CAC 041182

Observer

Become part of our fun and adventurous community.

Basketball Tennis

60829

61004

10-acre fishing lake Offer Expires 8/31/11. See Climatic for details on offer, tax credit, guarantees and qualifying equipment.

Home 0wner occupants only, other restrictions apply. *Only FPL customers eligible for FPL rebates.

941-371-2505 or 800-843-2421

Poolside Bar and Grill

Join us on Facebook www.facebook.com/sunnfunfl

7125 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, Florida 34240 www.sunnfunfl.com

EAST COUNTY

to E-mAiL uS:



ADDRESS: 1970 Main St., Sarasota, Fla., 34236 | PhonE: 941-755-5357 | fAx: 941-362-4808 | wEbSitE: www.YourObserver.com





E-mail press releases, announcements and photos to: Michael Eng, meng@yourobserver.com E-mail Letters to the Editor to: Rod Thomson, rthomson@yourobserver.com



to ADvERtiSE:



Display Advertising: To obtain information, call Donna Condon at 941-366-3468, Ext. 301.

Advertisers also may obtain all Observer Group Inc. advertising rates and editorial calendars online at www.YourObserver.com.

Classified Advertising/Service Directory: For information and rates, see the classified advertising section, or call 941-955-4888. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. To place a classified ad online, e-mail your ad to Pam Cooper, pcooper@yourobserver.com.



fREE homE DELivERy & SubSCRiPtionS

free home delivery: The Sarasota Observer offers free home delivery in selected neighborhoods in the following zip codes: 34234, 34236, 34237.

To find out whether your neighborhood qualifies for free home delivery, or to suspend or discontinue your subscription, call Donna Condon at 941-366-3468. mail Delivery Subscription rates: First-Class One year / $60 Six months / $40 Three months / $30

Canada One year / $185 Six months / $95 Three months / $45

Europe One year / $395 Six months / $200 Three mos. / $100

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 2011

Cops

Corner

MANATEE

The following information was gathered from incident and arrest reports obtained from the Manatee County Sheriff ’s Office.

known male suspects kicked in the front door of the victim’s residence. Once inside, the suspects stole a Remington .22 caliber long gun, among other property. The suspects were seen getting into a gold 90s model Ford Crown Victoria. The suspects then fled southbound on Verna Bethany Road toward State Road 70 E. Fingerprints were obtained from the scene.

CHRISTIAN RETREAT July 29

12:01 a.m. — 900 block of Faith Circle. Identity theft. The victim reported an unknown person(s) used her identity without her permission. She stated the person(s) used her personal and account information to make a purchase without her permission. She stated she only uses her debit card in Manatee County, and she is still in possession of her card.

Reported July 29

5 p.m. — 10400 block of Myakka Boulevard. Burglary to a vehicle. An unknown person entered the victim’s unlocked vehicles. The person then accessed the hood of both vehicles and removed both batteries without the victim’s authorization. There was no evidence left at the scene or witnesses located. A case number was assigned to the incident, and the victim was given a case card.

LAKEWOOD RANCH July 31

9:52 p.m. — 8900 block of Manor Loop. Information only. The complainant reported the male suspect has been giving her looks for the past several days. The suspect has not said or done anything criminal in nature to the complainant, but she wanted a report made about this incident. She was given a case card with the case number.

July 30

5:14 p.m. — 40100 block of State Road 70 E. Telephone harassment. The complainant reported she received three phone calls from a customer at a local grocery store in Myakka. It was later determined

MYAKKA CITY July 29

Noon — 7900 block of Verna Bethany Road. Armed residential burglary. Two un-

July 29

1:05 a.m. — 11200 block of Marigold Drive. Criminal mischief. The complainant reported an unknown white male egged her residence. She stated she has video of the incident from her ADT system. She stated it was the same male with which she had a conflict on the previous night. In that incident, the suspect and another male swore at her and called her names based on her heritage. They dropped their pants and showed her their backsides. She stated she is in fear for her safety. The responding deputy took a series of 11 photos and a DVD the complainant burned of the male throwing something at her house.

SARASOTA

OTHER

July 30

5:30 p.m. — 6410 State Road 64 E. Felony petit theft. The suspect entered the convenience store and went behind the cashier’s counter. While behind the counter, the suspect took $40 cash out of a bank bag next to the register while the cashier was distracted.

The suspect took $20 out of the $40 and paid for gas. He later returned and did the same thing again but was caught by the cashier. The cashier confronted the suspect. He denied taking the money and fled the scene, but he was caught on video. The suspect was located at his residence and arrested. He stated he spontaneously took the money because of to his addiction to Roxicodone.

July 30

11:38 a.m. — 8300 block of Cypress Lake Circle. Burglary to an unoccupied

See more Cops Corner reports online. www.YourObserver.com

If it doesn’t work, there’s really NO going back! Your local control is gone forever!

To learn ALL the facts, go to FRIENDSOFLWR.COM F r i e n d s o f 61285

And Vote NO to Incorporation LBK - 2010 - I

RIVER CLUB

dwelling. The white male suspect was seen running from the residence after an audible alarm went off from within. The area was checked without success. The rear screen door had been cut to gain entry. The main house wasn’t entered, and nothing was taken from the porch. A case card was issued.

61902

SAVE THE RANCH!

she doesn’t know him. He arrived at the store in a taxi and used its phone to call her cell phone. She later received more calls on her cell phone that came in as private and also from a number that was on her caller ID from the same unknown caller. She said the male caller sounded crazy and never mentioned her name or otherwise appeared he knew her. One of the messages said, “Bang, you’re dead.” The reporting deputy called the number on her ID, and it went straight to a message, stating there was no voicemail set up.

5

BUYING GOLD

CLEAR LEXAN PANELS Protect Your Entire Home

Instant Cash

Sell your old gold while gold prices are at an all time historical high!

SELL US YOUR BROKEN AND UNWANTED GOLD Each Diamond carries its own certificate.

2150

$

3.16 carat $

$

1.00 carat

LANAI ENCLOSURES

11,900

No more dusty lanais that require constant maintenance.

Operating doors and windows let you enjoy clean fresh air while bringing the outside inside your home!

Take

5.01 carat

990 !

Special Purchase

Clear panels are 30 - 50% lighter than metal panels. The transparent panel can be left in place for the entire storm season while letting the light into your home; eliminating that “closed-in cave-like” feeling.

4590

4.12 carat

6599

$

Expires 7/31/2011

2.54 carat

$

14,500

four generations J E W E L R Y

Acrylic

C O M P A N Y

YOUR TRUSTED HOMETOWN JEWELER FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED Corner of U.S. 41 & Bee Ridge Rd.

941.925.1390

Across from Saks Fifth Ave.

All carat weights are total and may vary by 5%. Sale prices exclude existing layaways, trade-ins,and special orders. Quantites vary by store.

RUN - Starting

. Impact Glass . Glass

61260

$

Based on average single family home.

Restrictions apply.

September 30th

GC# 1518597

$500 Off

Expires 7/31/2011.

On new orders only. Restrictions apply.

61817

1.82 carat

Or Under

6

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 2011

Observer opinion | our view EAST COUNTY

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

Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944

Editor & CEO / Matt Walsh, mwalsh@ yourobserver.com Executive Editor / Lisa Walsh, lwalsh@ yourobserver.com Associate Publisher-Multimedia / Emily Walsh Parry, ewalsh@yourobserver.com Managing Editor / Micheal Eng, meng@ yourobserver.com Assistant Managing Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@yourobserver.com News Editor / Pam Eubanks, peubanks@ yourobserver.com Associate Editor / Jen Blanco, jblanco@yourobserver.com Black Tie Editor / Molly Schechter, mschechter@yourobserver.com Arts & Entertainment Editor / Heidi Kurpiela, hkurpiela@yourobserver.com Web Editor / Eddie Kirsch, ekirsch@ yourobserver.com Editor-Editorial Pages / Rod Thomson, rthomson@yourobserver.com

‘Yes’ on straw poll

After two years of discussion and debate, a huge step is being taken to turn Lakewood Ranch into its own city. Backers of the idea are conducting a straw poll of all Lakewood Ranch residents to learn the level of support for the idea — a necessary step for local legislators to take the next step.

If there is enough support, at least a majority, then the poll results and the proposed city charter will be sent to the Legislature. If approved there in the spring, a formal election will be held probably in June 2012.

With some reservations, we see enough merit in the idea to recommend that residents of Lakewood Ranch vote “yes” on the straw poll to allow the process to go through the Legislature and come back to the voters.

A “yes” on the straw poll does not create the city; it only keeps the process moving forward and the debate continuing.

Proponents raise some persuasive arguments, backed by a Fishkind & Associates study. Those points include the fact that Lakewood Ranch would get back about 70 cents in services for every $1 it pays to Manatee County, and the concept that residents would have more local control over

the future of the community if more decisions were made locally and not in downtown Bradenton by the Manatee County Commission. Plus, there is the somewhat amorphous, yet brand-worthy sense of community that goes with being a city.

Opponents, however, have raised legitimate issues. There are an awful lot of assumptions made in the Fishkind report that result in the financial projections looking rosy. The costs in the study are too lightly covered. And there are risks. There is no turning back once becoming a city, and taxes could be increased by a Lakewood Ranch City Council — although they can also be increased by the County Commission. Plus, there would be a loss of revenue to Manatee County because of it being kept within Lakewood Ranch. And there also is somewhat less local control.

In a sense, both sides are right on local control. Opponents point out that the five Community Development Districts that currently govern the developed Ranch, each with its own board of supervisors, is more local than a city would be. They are right.

But CDDs have fewer powers, ceding many

decisions to Manatee County. So the backers are right that more decisions would be made in Lakewood Ranch.

And we have concerns about the business on the Sarasota County side, which will see a tax increase because there is no unincorporated county tax there. Backers say a tax credit could be worked out. Perhaps. But that probably will not be known until after incorporation.

Some opponents say they are not opposed to incorporation conceptually. They just think now is the wrong time.

So far, we see enough evidence that the proponents of incorporation have a compelling enough case that Lakewood Ranch residents and businesses would be best served by voting “yes” on the straw poll and continuing the discussion.

We salute the civic-mindedness of the proponents and opponents, both expending enormous personal time and energy on what they believe is best for the community.

We hope, if the debate goes forward, that personal attacks will be kept to a minimum and the merits of the concept will be at the forefront.

Director of Advertising / Jill Raleigh, jraleigh@yourobserver.com Advertising Executives / Victoria Baga, vbaga@yourobserver.com; Robert Lewis, rlewis@yourobserver.com; Suzanne Munroe, smunroe@yourobserver.com; Kathleen O’Hara, kohara@yourobserver.com; Laura Ritter, lritter@yourobserver.com; Lori Ruth, lruth@yourobserver.com; Kenji Trujillo, ktrujillo@yourobserver.com Sales & Marketing Coordinator/Account Managers / Stephanie Hannum, shannum@ yourobserver.com; Susan Leedom, sleedom@ yourobserver.com Classified Advertising Sales Executive / Maureen Hird, mhird@yourobserver.com Advertising-Production Operations Manager / Kathy Payne, kpayne@ yourobserver.com Advertising-Production Coordinator / Brooke Schultheis, bschultheis@ yourobserver.com Advertising Graphic Designers / Monica DiMattei, mdimattei@yourobserver.com; Shawna Polana, spolana@yourobserver.com; Marjorie Holloway, mholloway@yourobserver. com; Luis Trujillo, ltrujillo@yourobserver.com Multimedia Production Manager / Caleb Stanton, cstanton@yourobserver.com Chief Financial Officer / Laura Keisacker, lkeisacker@yourobserver.com Accounting Manager / Lori Downey, ldowney@yourobserver.com Accounting Assistant / Kathy Klein, kklein@ yourobserver.com Administrative-Circulation Assistant / Donna Condon, dcondon@yourobserver. com

The Observer Group Inc.

my VIEW

Give school boards more control The nearly 40-year-old, school-funding program de-links those who set tax rates with those who spend the money. This erases accountability.

The different directions of school tax rates in Sarasota and Manatee counties demonstrate the dysfunction that has long been a part of school funding.

This problem has nothing to do with how much money is spent or even who benefits.

The dysfunction is that the Legislature sets the property tax rate for schools, but the 67 local school boards decide how most of the money is spent.

This creates a disconnect by de-linking accountability to the taxpayer and generates bizarre rituals in a funding formula that is more complex than quantum ROD THOMSON theory.

It also explains why school tax bills will fall next year in Sarasota County as the tax rate declines about 3%, while Manatee County school tax bills will remain the same as the tax rate actually increases 5%.

Neither of those decisions was made by the Sarasota or Manatee school boards. They were made by legislators in Tallahassee last April, along with 65 other tax rates in the state.

It’s a system in which taxpayers are left clueless about whom to hold responsible.

School boards blame Tallahassee for cutting money and mandating certain programs, while legislators say school districts are getting plenty of money and need to do a better job living within their means.

The reason Tallahassee sets school-tax rates is in pursuit of a Utopian idea of providing equal education to every student in the state — and fear of lawsuits over unequal education if each school district is allowed to set its own. In the opening overview to school-district funding in this year’s statistical report, the Florida Department of Education wrote: “In 1973 the Florida Legislature enacted the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP) and established the state policy on equalized funding to guarantee to each student in the Florida public education system the availability of programs and services appropriate to his or her educational needs that are substantially equal to those available to any similar student notwithstanding geographic differences and varying local economic factors.”

The FEFP takes a head-spinning number of inputs, from race and ethnicity, to special needs to cost of living in a district, to students who speak other languages, to poverty,

Locally Owned

Publishers of the Longboat Observer, East County Observer, Sarasota Observer, Palm Coast Observer, Pelican Press, Season magazine and Gulf Coast Business Review

Chairman / David Beliles Editor and CEO / Matt Walsh Vice President / Lisa Walsh

1970 Main St., Fourth Floor Sarasota, Fla. 34202 941/755-5357 www.yourobserver.com

THE CASTAWAY by Jorge Blanco

to rural or urban — and so much more — and plugs them in. The formula then spits out tax rates for each school district in an attempt to make funding as equal as possible considering it costs more to do the same thing in some counties.

In this way, the state takes all the money and then spreads it around, so wealthier school districts subsidize poorer districts.

But part of the funding law keeps districts from contributing more than 90% of the cost of running their district. The state average is 54%. Sarasota went over that 90% cap and so its tax rate had to be reduced 3% — something the school district would never have chosen to do.

And because of the decline in property values, Manatee’s tax rate was increased — which in Tallahassee educrat-funding-speak is called a “rollback.”

The solution is simple and grounded in reality and accountability. Get the state of Florida out of the business of setting local school-tax millage rates and let each school board set the rate and spend the money.

Only then will we know exactly whom to hold accountable for getting our money’s worth and eliminate the blame game.

If the Legislature wants to give more money to poor districts, let it do it from the state lottery, that piggybank that supposedly was designated for education.

Unfortunately, there is a degree to which both sides benefit politically by being able to blame the other. They do not have to take responsibility, and that is sweet music in a politician’s ears.

EAST COUNTY Observer

new blood

7

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 2011

By Pam Eubanks | News Editor

Changing of the Guard LAKEWOOD RANCH — From a seat in her living room, Eva Rey smiles and waves a hand toward her front window, which presents her with a picture-perfect, bird’s-eye view of Lakewood Ranch Main Street.

Since moving into the condo about two weeks ago, Rey already has visited several restaurants and shops in the plaza and made her way to the Lakewood Ranch Cinemas for an evening show.

But as of Monday, not only does Rey get to live and play in Lakewood Ranch, but also she gets to work here as well.

Rey started Aug. 1 as the new executive director of Lakewood Ranch Town Hall. The former Summerfield (Florida) resident Pam Eubanks moved to a condominium on One of Eva Rey’s favorite pastimes is reading. At The Villages, she Lakewood Ranch Main Street loved visiting Barnes & Nobles to browse books and other literature.

July 15 and has relished every “That’s a perfect day for me,” she said. moment since as she has prepared to step into her new role. completed her last day of work her home, moving and prepar“It was a whirlwind,” Rey said July 1 at The Villages. ing for her new post. of leaving her post as direc“I’ve never had this much “I really want to submerse tor of purchasing and support time off work,” she said. “It’s myself,” Rey said, noting she’s services for The Villages Cen- been odd not to have to be already identified many of the ter Community Development somewhere.” local service providers she District. “It was a really warm Rey admits the nearly month- plans to use. “I’ve really tried to send-off. I miss my friends and long hiatus from work has been meet people.” my relationships, but I’ve just relaxing, but she also has kept Prior to starting her job, Rey been consumed with all these busy immersing herself in the picked up documents such as thoughts and ideas for here. community as much as pos- the Ranch’s Community DevelI’ve been looking forward, not sible. She attended the recent opment District budgets, agenbackward.” barbecue bash on Main Street da packets and miscellaneous Rey was selected as the new and the Lakewood Ranch Hu- policies to review. director for Town Hall by the mane Society’s Dog Days of She attended a mandatory Lakewood Ranch Inter-District Summer fundraiser and spent staff meeting last week to meet Authority Board in June and much of her time packing up her staff and share with them

8,600 sQ FT oF unIQue AnTIQues WITh 30 deALeRs!

941-966-9800 941-966-9800

eReading

View the electronic edition of The Observer before the print edition hits the newsstands.

her vision for the organization.

Rey spent much of her first day meeting with staff members and hearing their ideas, as well.

“I think we have some great people here with great ideas and a great energy level,” Rey said at the end of her first day.

“I’m really looking forward to working with this team.”

Rey said she intends to meet with CDD supervisors, as well as homeowners association representatives, to hear their expectations for her work, and she already had lined up several meetings for this week before she started work.

Although Rey won’t divulge all of her plans and ideas, she said she does hope to improve customer service both to residents and employees alike, examine employee training opportunities and improve transparency of Town Hall’s operations, possibly with a new website. Creating a unique and unified identity for the Ranch’s CDDs will be one of her priorities moving forward, she said.

“As a public agency, that’s something that’s very important to me,” Rey said. “We need to be able to tell our story.”

Rey said she also hopes to create more educational programs for residents to learn about the districts’ structure and operations.

Contact Pam Eubanks at peubanks@yourobserver.com.

SAVE THE RANCH! And Vote NO to Incorporation

REY’S FIRSTS IN THE RANCH FIRST FLICK. The first movie Rey saw after moving to the area was “Horrible Bosses” at Lakewood Ranch Cinemas. “It was actually very funny, but it’s not for everyone,” Rey says. “The language is pretty intense.”

FIRST FARE. The first restaurant Rey tried in Lakewood Ranch is the one almost immediately below her new home — Main Street Trattoria. Her first week in Lakewood Ranch, she also visited MacAllisters Grill & Tavern and said she is eager to try other local eateries during the coming months.

FIRST FILLET. The first meal Rey cooked for herself after moving to the area was one she picked up from Publix — a bourbon-marinated salmon fillet. That, along with a salad, proved to be the perfect meal for the night.

FIRST CLASS. Although Rey hasn’t taken a cooking class yet, she’s already signed up for a few at the new Viking Cooking School on Lakewood Ranch Main Street. Her three must-have classes are culinary basics, pasta and chocolate.

Don’t become a minority voter in a hugely expanded voting district. Local control is lost forever when your CDD’s (presently governed by you & your neighbors) disappears.

To learn ALL the facts, go to FRIENDSOFLWR.COM F r i e n d s o f 61795

“Look for the Orange & Green Building!”

113 113 Tamiami Tamiami Trail Trail in in the the town town of of OSPREY, OSPREY, FL FL 1 Block South of Spanish Point

59974

Hours: Hours: Mon-Sat Mon-Sat 10-5 10-5 Sun Sun 11-5 11-5

Quilts • Linens • Period Furniture Vintage Chandeliers & Lighting Primitive Iron • Wicker • Rattan Clocks • Tools • Mirrors • Fine Art Bronzes • Collectibles • Pottery Art Glass • Books • Military • Postcards Jewelry • Bakelite • Toys

Eva Rey started Aug. 1 as the executive director of Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.

m

se.co

ehou nwar

.fur www “Retailer of the Year - State of Florida”

END OFCleSUMMER arance!

No INterest UNtIl AUGUst 2012! Next DAy DelIvery AvAIlAble!* These Danish design recliners with matching ottoman come is soft leather match.

$199 beige

black

$299

$349 Cognac

red

Dark Green

Sign up on

taupe

burgundy

taupe

61583

*with approved credit

NEW LOCATION

BRADENTON SARASOTA 4027 N. Washington 1 Mile South of University on 301

550 S. Seaboard Ave. Just North Of Venice Nissan on U.S. 41 Bypass

Mon.-Sat. 9-9 Sun. 11-6

Mon.-Sat. 9-9 Sun. 11-6

Mon.-Sat. 9-6 Sun. 11-6

749-6069

www.furnwarehouse.com

VENICE

1100 West Cortez Rd. Corner of 41 and Cortez Next to Office Depot

351-8600

485-3211

PORT CHARLOTTE

ELLENTON

1241 El Jobean Rd. (776 across from Sam’s)

5814 18th St East Across from the Ellenton Outlet Mall

Mon.-Sat. 9-9 Sun. 11-6

Mon.-Sat. 9-9 Sun. 11-6

764-8700

479-7900

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

INCORPORATION: Costs in a new city For more residents, the debate regarding becoming a city comes down to finances. However, without a crystal ball, the only source of that data is the criticized Hank Fishkind feasibility study.

The question of fitablish an appropriate nances is perhaps the level of reserves.” most contentious part First, the study of the debate over Lakeshowed what common wood Ranch becoming sense suggested: Lakea city. wood Ranch is a major Would there be more donor community to or less money for city Manatee County — it services? Would taxes go gives more than it gets. up, down or neither?

From all tax and fee The Lakewood Ranch sources in 2009, the Incorporation Study Editor’s note: Ranch paid $31.74 milGroup hired Orlando- This is the last lion to Manatee County based Fishkind & Asso- in a summer-long and $1.78 million to ciates in 2009 to study series regarding Sarasota County, a tothe financial feasibility Lakewood Ranch tal of $33.52 million. of the Ranch becoming incorporation.

On the expenditures a city. Fishkind is one side, Lakewood Ranch of the most renowned in Manatee County economic groups in Florida and received $22.42 million in serhas done other studies on the fi- vices while the Ranch in Sarasota nancial feasibility of communities County received about $742,000, incorporating. for a total of $23.16 million.

The goal was to obtain a profesSo in 2009, Lakewood Ranch sional, objective take on financ- sent out $10.36 million more in ing. Although the results have taxes and fees to the two counbeen criticized by opponents of ties than it received in services, incorporation, who also have according to calculations taken criticized the proponents of in- from the Fishkind report. The corporation and the East County community received back about Observer’s coverage of the issue, 68% of what it paid in. This is a the Fishkind study remains the common situation for any unprimary source of data for evalu- incorporated community that ating where Lakewood Ranch is wealthier than the county in becoming a city makes financial which it is located. sense.

The bottom-line results of the ASSUMPTIONS As with any analysis of possible study state: “Lakewood Ranch has the capability to produce a finan- futures, assumptions play a large cially viable community and es- role. And the Fishkind report is

Talk of a Town

no exception, proving the reputed Yogi Berra comment that “it is difficult to make predictions, especially about the future.”

For revenues, the study assumed continuing most taxes and fees currently being levied by the county, plus getting a city share of what is currently all going to Manatee County from the state. These rely on the assumption that a city of Lakewood Ranch would qualify for the state money and that most revenues would increase at 3% per year.

The following are the revenue sources that Fishkind determined were likely to be available to a new city: • A property tax rate of 0.6109 mills, the same rate being applied to Lakewood Ranch property tax bills by Manatee County as part of being in the unincorporated county — what’s known as the Municipal Services Taxing Unit, or MSTU; • CDD assessments on all properties within each district would flow to the new city; • A city share of the local government half-cent sales tax, for which the study assumed the city would qualify; • A communications services tax, which the county now collects, would be spent within the city; • Local option fuel tax revenues that go to all cities would be available; • A share of the municipal reve-

PROJECTIONS Projected revenues and expenses for a city of Lakewood Ranch over 10 years.

Total Revenues: $135,629,159 Total Expenditures: $126,350,773 Net Fiscal Impact: $9,278,386

nue sharing program that comes from the state sales tax and is redistributed to local governments; • Building permit fees, fines and forfeitures and service charges.

From these revenue sources, the Fishkind report projects 2012 revenues would be $15.98 million and that amount would climb to $32.89 million in 2020, based on regular increases in revenues, plus assumptions on population and employment growth.

But the study was done in 2009, and the further out projections are made, the more inaccurate they can become.

On the expense side, it costs local governments to provide services to residents, visitors and workers that come into the local jurisdiction for their jobs. The study employs a weighting procedure that calculates the time each category of person is in the county, and therefore how much that person will cost in services.

Using that formula, total expenditures projected for 2012 would be $14.45 million and climb to $31.34 million in 2020, running a surplus each year and reaching nearly $10 million after 10 years.

Again, that relies on a range of as-

FREE SEMINAR by Dr. Andrew E. Burchard

The Perception of Beauty • Is True Beauty Universal?

• How Can We Reveal Your Natural Beauty?

Join us for our Free Seminar Series Wednesday, August 24th at 5:30pm

Topics Featured:

Cosmetic Facial Surgery, Medical Grade Skin Care, Botox®, Injectable Fillers, Latisse® and more...

Call for seminar reservations: 941.355.3223 Hillstrom Facial Plastic surgery www.HillstromPlasticSurgery.com

Andrew E. Burchard, MD

Board Certified Head and Neck Surgery American Board of Otolaryngology Board Eligible American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

59904

What would change financially for Lakewood Ranch residents and businesses.

• Residents. Residents would initially see no change in their taxes. The current line item on a Lakewood Ranch homeowner’s property tax bill for being in the unincorporated county falls under what is called an MSTU, or Municipal Services Taxing Unit. The current rate of 0.6109 mills is proposed to remain the same.

The elected City Council could increase or decrease it at any point thereafter as is the case with any city, or with Manatee County.

• Businesses. Businesses in Manatee County would see no change in their tax bill, either, having the same MSTU line item as a resident. However, businesses in Sarasota County, including all those in the Lakewood Ranch Corporate Park on the south side of University Parkway, would see a tax increase because Sarasota County does not charge an MSTU. So that 0.6109-mill tax would be new. Backers of incorporation hope to negotiate some sort of tax credit with Sarasota County to offset that, but there is no guarantee that will be the case.

• CDDs. The CDDs would become “dependent districts,” meaning the City Council would represent them, the same as has been done in several other recent incorporations in Florida. The CDD structure stays in place, but not an individual set of supervisors for each CDD.

finances By Rod Thomson | Editor/Editorial Pages

5911 N. Honore Avenue, Suite 120 (Just South of University Parkway)

The Grove House Grill presents:

TRIVIA!

Thursdays 6:00 pm

August 5th: The Coz with Dean Martin Variety Hour Comedy, quick wit, Dean's voice, and audience response - That’s the Coz.

August 12th: Joe Lauder Milk Performs!

FIRST ANNUAL CRAWFISH BOIL

Saturday September 10th, Noon to 7 pm Featuring The Myakka Band & Taylor Taylor

All Ticket Proceeds Go To Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation!

Call Chef John for Ticket Information 941-721-9315 Friday Night Special: All You Can Eat Fish & Chips $9.95

The Grove House Grill (941) 721-9315

2802 Terra Ceia Bay Blvd., Off Bus41 Just North of Palmetto

Reservations Recommended!

61346

CHANGES

THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 2011

60718

8

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 2011

9

Financial Feasibility (FINANCIAL FEASIBILITY DATA FROM APRIL 20, 2010 REPORT) REVENUES Ad Valorem Taxes Local Option Fuel Communication Services Building Permits CDD Assessments Municipal Revenue Sharing Sales Tax Half Cent Charges for Services Fines and Forfeitures Total Revenues

2012 $1,640,885 988,800 284,098 303,362 10,836,049 405,820 921,850 398,163 204,009 $15,983,036

2013 $1,785,100 1,018,464 331,774 354,271 12,452,086 417,995 949,506 464,980 238,876 $18,013,052

2014 $1,999,789 1,049,018 391,740 418,302 14,374,126 430,534 977,991 549,022 282,765 $20,473,287

2015 $2,287,323 1,080,489 443,380 473,444 15,788,619 443,450 1,007,330 621,396 320,543 $22,465,974

2016 $2,559,763 1,112,904 510,491 545,106 17,873,491 456,754 1,037,550 715,451 369,677 $25,181,187

2017 $2,863,750 1,146,291 559,443 597,377 19,106,717 470,457 1,068,677 784,058 405,482 $27,002,252

2018 $3,109,584 1,180,680 620,945 663,049 20,801,405 484,570 1,100,737 870,252 450,498 $29,281,720

2019 $3,385,146 1,216,100 672,743 718,360 22,034,632 499,107 1,133,759 942,847 488,392 $31,091,086

2020 $3,638,065 1,252,583 726,320 775,569 23,268,473 514,081 1,167,772 1,017,934 527,590 $32,888,387

2012 EXPENSES City Council $227,522 City Manager 1,042,807 Financial and Administrative 910,086 City Attorney 189,601 Planning & Zoning 284,402 Management Information Systems 417,123 Law Enforcement 548,352 Transportation 988,800 Landscaping 2,567,200 Debt Service 1,920,206 Environmental 477,242 Operations 1,571,969 Utilities 1,214,576 Security 602,778 Projects 684,857 Reserves 799,152 Total Expenditures $14,446,673 Net $1,536,363

2013 $265,703 1,217,805 1,062,812 221,419 332,129 487,122 630,131 1,018,464 2,950,060 2,206,576 548,415 1,806,405 1,395,712 692,674 786,993 900,653 $16,523,073 $1,489,979

2014 $313,727 1,437,914 1,254,907 261,439 392,158 575,166 727,394 1,049,018 3,405,416 2,547,172 633,066 2,085,233 1,611,146 799,591 908,469 1,023,664 $19,025,480 $1,447,807

2015 $355,083 1,627,465 1,420,333 295,903 443,854 650,986 798,974 1,080,489 3,740,527 2,797,828 695,363 2,290,431 1,769,692 878,275 997,867 1,123,299 $20,966,369 $1,499,605

2016 $408,829 1,873,801 1,635,317 340,691 511,037 749,520 904,478 1,112,904 4,234,460 3,167,278 787,185 2,592,880 2,003,378 994,251 1,129,635 1,259,059 $23,704,703 $1,476,484

2017 $448,033 2,053,485 1,792,132 373,361 560,041 821,394 966,884 1,146,291 4,526,628 3,385,812 841,499 2,771,783 2,141,606 1,062,851 1,207,577 1,350,113 $25,449,490 $1,552,762

2018 $497,287 2,279,231 ,989,147 414,406 621,609 911,692 1,052,643 1,180,680 4,928,121 3,686,120 916,136 3,017,629 2,331,558 1,157,122 1,314,684 1,464,086 $27,762,151 $1,519,569

2019 $538,770 2,469,362 2,155,079 448,975 673,462 987,745 1,115,050 1,216,100 5,220,288 3,904,654 970,450 3,196,531 2,469,786 1,225,723 1,392,626 1,554,554 $29,539,155 $1,551,931

2020 $581,677 2,666,018 2,326,707 484,731 727,096 1,066,407 1,177,488 ,252,583 5,512,601 4,123,298 1,024,791 3,375,522 2,608,083 1,294,358 1,470,607 1,644,419 $31,336,386 $1,552,001

Source: Fishkind & Associates

sumptions, which could be off in either direction.

OBJECTIONS

Opponents of incorporation take exception with some of these assumptions. But they raise broader concerns about the Fishkind report, which they label “seriously flawed.”

One objection is that the report is light on projected expenses.

Three pages are committed to expenses out of the 44-page report.

Further, the expense projections are based on a comparison to Bradenton and Palmetto, which opponents say are so demographi-

cally different from Lakewood Ranch, they should not have been used.

Both of those cities have a more challenging demographic than Lakewood Ranch, and providing services there could be more expensive than in a new city with the Ranch’s more favorable demographics.

But perhaps the largest issue opponents have with the study is that they argue it does not meet the statutory requirements for incorporation. They believe the backers of incorporation will need more data after the straw poll to submit to the Legislature to meet

the law. If so, that still falls before the official June vote by the community and could be taken into account by voters.

Opponents also point out there is no mention of liability issues for a new city and should be a part of the expense structure.

The study also does not include any impact fees for the new city, which likely would be exempted from paying Manatee County impact fees. Such fees would not be paid by existing residents but would add to the city’s coffers. But they are left out of revenue projections.

Other possible taxes assumed

not to be levied include occupational licenses, franchise fees, public service taxes and others.

The Fishkind study assumes they will not be levied and no revenue is included from them.

CHAPIN’S ASSESSMENT

In response to criticisms of the Fishkind report, the proponents hired Tim Chapin, with Florida State University’s Department of Urban and Regional Planning, to assess the methodology.

Chapin wrote: “As a whole, then, I would characterize the overall quality of this work as very good. The consultant accurately

and appropriately responded to the direction of Florida statutes.

The data employed appear to be the best available, derived using appropriate, professionally accepted methodologies. The presentation of the results is clear, and generally transparent as to the data used and the methods employed.”

Chapin concluded: “The report’s finding that the proposed incorporation of Lakewood Ranch is financially feasible appears to be based upon solid empirical evidence. I believe this work to be of a high professional quality … ”

2419 Landings Cir $2,195,000 #M5822907 Elizabeth Gardini

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-356-0096

13605 Legends Walk Ter Lakewood Ranch $1,199,500 #A3938151 941-383-7591 Sylvia Zimmerman 941-350-5022

10506 Winding Stream Way $689,000 #A3937828 Howie Drourr

East County 941-907-9595 941-812-6476

7047 Twin Hills Ter Lakewood Ranch $689,000 #M5819569 941-907-9595 Mary Hellhake 941-544-0763

7517 Weeping Willow Blvd $650,000 #A3934246 Karen Grant

Sarasota 941-907-9595 941-504-4952

804 N Bay Blvd $625,000 Stacy Haas

#A3936148

Anna Maria 941-907-9595 941-587-4359

3321 7Th Street W Cir $519,500 #M5822615 Dana Preston

Palmetto 941-748-6300 941-705-5510

5508 Summit Pointe Cir # 102 $500,000 #M5820216 Kym Paxton

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-932-5511

6666 Windjammer Pl Lakewood Ranch $499,000 #A3946470 941-907-9595 John Camino, PA 941-685-5060

6350 Watercrest Way # 204 Lakewood Ranch $389,000 #A3942987 941-907-9595 John Camino, PA 941-685-5060

7011 Riverview Blvd $375,000 #M5816076 Ally Howell

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-224-6378

1504 80Th Nw St $375,000 #M5822880 Kathy Valente

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-685-6767

360 Snapdragon Loop $349,900 #M5820781 Stephen Strong

Bradenton 941-907-9595 941-201-9662

5109 E 97Th E St $290,000 #A3942279 Edward Haggerty

Bradenton 941-907-9595 941-685-6154

6607 Rosy Barb Ct Lakewood Ranch $275,000 #A3919333 941-349-3444 Tara Lamb & Judy Greene 941-266-4873

4527 Swordfish Dr $275,000 #M5815262 Ann Debellevue

8483 Idlewood Ct Lakewood Ranch $244,000 #M5818158 941-907-9595 Mary Vargo 941-321-8385

5954 Willow Bridge Loop $199,900 #A3943373 Sarah Mcguire

Ellenton 941-349-3444 941-809-1478

7711 San Juan Ave $199,000 #M5815865 Maria Christenson

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-920-3583

3631 57Th Avenue W Dr # 46 $189,000 #A3941607 Adam Cuffaro

Bradenton 941-752-2683 941-812-0791

6501 Mourning Dove Dr # 216 $149,000 #M5811551 Jo Anne Lanza

3500 El Conquistador Pkwy # 272 Bradenton $139,200 #A3939008 941-383-7591 Sherri Mills 941-350-7112

4302 Chinaberry Cir $139,000 #M5822810 Joe Foster

1003 39Th W Ave $115,000 #M5803817 Cheryl Roberts

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-266-1450

Braden River 941-907-9595 941-812-7634

51113

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-518-6507

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-720-7614

Bradenton 941.748.6300 • IMG Academies 752.2683 • Lakewood Ranch 907.9595 • Main Street Sarasota 951.6660 • St. Armands 388.4447 • South Longboat 383.7591 • Siesta Key 349.3444

10

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 2011

fun and games By Jen Blanco | Associate Editor

Kids have a blast at Ranch camp More than 100 children gathered at Lakewood Ranch High for Summer Blast Camp, which runs through Aug. 5.

Students enjoyed activities and games, crafts, movies, field trips to the beach and pool and more.

Maija Boelkins, 6, enjoyed camp with sister Mikaela, 8,

Katie Hardesty and Jamie McNeely loved spending time together this summer.

Left: Nine-year-old Michael Bavaro couldn’t wait to play dodgeball.

Dominic Rivera, 9, couldn’t wait to cool off in the pool.

Matthew Luh spent much of his summer vacation in the pool.

Left: Ellie Festerle’s favorite team is the University of South Carolina.

Campers enjoyed dressing up in their favorite sports team’s gear during Favorite Team Day Aug. 2. They also enjoyed Crazy Mismatch Day, Wacky Hat Day, Tropical Shirt Day and Pirate and Princess Day, among others.

Kendall Gardner, 10, Hannah Pierce, 10, Andrea Basso, 10, Nicole Ferrante, 10, Katelynne Shopoff, 9, and Ellie Fensterle, 9

We know the value of water,

and we work to preserve it.

Mosaic understands what it means to be good stewards of our water supply. Over a span of nearly 40 years, the industry has reduced its water usage by more than 75 percent. Today, we recycle approximately 95 percent of the water we use at our mining facilities. We’re continually seeking new ways to further reduce our water usage, and to preserve vital resources well into the future.

61794

®

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 2011

Sarasota 941-926-7000 www.PrudentialPalmsRealty.com

Lakewood Ranch 941-907-2000

11

www.PruLWR.com

Highest Overall Satisfaction for Home Sellers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms

00 68,5

tion

c Redu

No One Knows Lakewood Ranch Better.

$

$799,500 Lakewood Ranch Lake & golf views of Cypress Links course, Upgraded!

A3938083 Pat McMillan 544-4538

0 9,00 $54

tion

c Redu

$950,000 East Sarasota 5 Acres, Gourmet kitchen, Luxury touches A3919191 Greg Hudson 302-1485 00 $10,9

tion

c Redu

When we acquired Lakewood Ranch Realty, the area’s oldest real estate company, we grew in many ways. As the housing market heats up again, we’re building on our commitment to serve this community by expanding our locations and continuing to add agents with the highest standard of performance.

Personalized Service. Trusted Agents

$424,900 Lakewood Ranch – Watercrest Luxury condo, Gated, + 2 car garage & lake views!

A3940754 Bob Bronston 705-0811

941-907-2000 www.PruLWR.com

Shor

le t Sa

$329,900 Country Creek Expansive 4BR/3BA home, Lots of family entertaining space. Huge pool & lanai. Oversized 3 car garage. Lots of storage. M5820316 Sara LaPlante 685-4566

ion

duct

Re 475 $13,

$1,199,000 Founders Club Over 6500SF, pool/spa w/lake & golf views, Gated.

A3939146 Jerry Richter 224-1350

$319,900 Mill Creek Almost 2 acres, 5BR/3BA, cook’s kit., HUGE back yard!

M5822346 Sara LaPlante 685-4566

Trail ts t of Wes front Lo r Wate

tion

educ 00 R ,0 0 1 $

Reduced $40,900! $389,000 Lakewood Ranch Watercrest Condo Lake & Golf Views, 3BR/3BA + 2 Car Garage, 2887sf, End Unit, Club House w/Pool, Spa & Fitness Ctr. A3931236 Denny King 807-2572 Reduced $150K! $350,000 E. Sarasota 20+ Acres, minutes from town. Build 5 acre homesites or possible rezone.

Vacant Land Disclosure & Survey available. A3923368 Rayman/Tan 504-9232

$399,000 Lakewood Ranch Maint. Free “Lock & leave”, upgrades, Golf Views ,Gated.

A3940673 Denny King 807-25720

$589,000 University Park 8th Fairway views, gourmet kitchen, pool & more!

A3940803 Mark Huber 356-2435

$499,000 Laurel Oaks Beautiful Lakefront, 3246SF, Gated golf comm.

A3942716 Jim Thomas 209-9648 Shor

le

t Sa

$199,900 Mill Creek 3BR/2.5BA home with over 2500SF on a spacious 3/4 acre creekfront lot. Upstairs master suite. M5816244 Sara LaPlante 685-4566 Short Sale $199,000 Bent Tree 3/3 in golf community.

Garden Paradise w/entry fountain & lanai waterfall w/pond & goldfish. Solar htd. pool & spa. A3942999 June Shidel 356-1092 $180,000 Whitfield Country Club Heights 2/2 meticulously renovated and updated kitchen, bathrooms, tile & laminate floors. Caged pool, no deed restrictions. A3942737 Rayman/Tan 504-9232 Reduced $20K $179,000 Palm Aire Open lake & golf course views-2BR/2BA/2CG, family room, 12’x30” glassed in lanai-Turnkey furnished-Florida colors. A3944020 Gladys Parker 544-0315

$194,000 Greyhawk Landing Reduced, Lake view, Gated, Community Amenities!

A3934389 Claudia Schwab 962-9453 00 $16,0

tion

c Redu

Just Listed $115,000 Eagle Creek/Palm Aire Golf views, 2BR/2BA, Carport with locked storage. Freshly painted, new carpet & A/C; glassed in Fla Room. Easy commute downtown/I-75. A3946085 Pam Baker 544-7943 $265,000 Lakewood Ranch Country Club From $600K Oyster Bay Landings Legacy Golf Course views, Maint. Free, tile.

7 lots available; Mainland Waterfront Lots from $1,250,000.

A3939128 Chris Baylis 735-4713 A3937879 Rita Ferrell Lasky 780-3579

$179,000 Watch @ Waterlefe Condo Lake views, Gated golfing & boating community M5815576 Doug Cleland 320-8580

941-907-2000 ~ Over 5,000 listings on our website: PruLWR.com

Prudential Lakewood Ranch Realty and Prudential Palms Realty are sister companies serving Manatee and Sarasota Counties. © 2011. An independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license.

Equal Housing Opportunity

61461

Offices to conveniently serve you including: Downtown Sarasota ~ Lakewood Ranch Longboat Key ~ Siesta Key ~ Palmer Ranch ~ St. Armands Circle ~ Osprey

12

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 2011

page-turners By Pam Eubanks | News Editor

Stories come alive in Lakewood Dozens of families gathered July 30, at Kiddie Academy in Lakewood Ranch, for the preschool’s Storytime LIVE! event.

Children enjoyed an appearance by the

Liam Christenson, 2, worked carefully on his drawing.

Below: The Pancake Pig made an appearance.

Pancake Pig, as well as sno cones, popcorn and arts and crafts.

The event also coincided with the franchise’s 30th anniversary.

Marin Eige, 3, made sure to create a special border for her drawing.

Nicole Maughan and her daughter, Shelby, and friend Jodi Kudelko, with her daughter, Elise, used the time to catch up.

Zane Robertson couldn’t decide if he wanted to play or eat a pancake more.

When you can’t provide facts, you place doomsday ads! The last time a major hurricane hit Sarasota was in 1944 – 67 years ago. Aside from that, a real fact is that insurance, federal, state and county funds kick in.

To learn ALL the facts, go to FRIENDSOFLWR.COM F r i e n d s o f

August 4 – 15 Only This exclusive Bookbag!

61744

And Vote NO to Incorporation

Kenzie Jakubauskas, 3, put her beads in a pattern.

61799

SAVE THE RANCH!

Aaron Kovnot turns 3 on Aug. 7.

Yours for just $75, it’s specially designed for fall and available in new Happy Snails, Mocha Rouge, Plum Petals and Safari Sunset, plus existing colors!

August 4 – 15 Only This exclusive Bookbag!

No additional purchase necessary. See a store associate for complete details.

Yours for just $75, it’s specially designed for fall and available in new Happy Snails, Mocha Rouge, Plum Petals and Safari Sunset, plus existing colors!

No additional purchase necessary. See a store associate for complete details.

8111 lakewood main st 61802

lakewood ranch 941.907.9125

© 2011 Vera Bradley Designs, Inc.

TIPS THAT MAKE SENSE FOR YOU AND YOUR HOME Dear John, What are some ways to reduce water waste in my home?

TAKE THE SHOWERHEAD TEST Here’s an easy way to determine if your showerhead is water efficient.

Take the showerhead test.

1. Get a bucket and a watch/clock that counts seconds.

PLUMBING . AIR CONDITIONING . ELECTRICAL

JOIN CLUB AQUA

Maintenance/Service Agreements AND HAVE BOTH PLUMBING AND AIR SAME DAY SERVICE - OPEN SATURDAYS CONDITIONING SERVICE AGREEMENTS AND Residential & Commercial

RECEIVE A 15% DISCOUNT ON SERVICE, PART AND LABOR

2. Place the bucket underneath the showerhead.

3. Turn the shower on all the way using cold water.

4. Time how long it takes for one gallon of water to fall into the bucket.

24/7 EMERGENCY REPAIR

Free Installation Estimates & 2nd Opinions

The club provides routine inspections and maintenance of your plumbing and air conditioning systems which will keep unexpected repair issues to a minimum.

100% Satisfaction Guarantee...

You Have My Word On It!

John Miller

John Miller, President

CHECK YOUR TIMING If it takes: • Less than 24 seconds to fill a gallon of water, then you do not have the most efficient showerhead because its flow exceeds the recommended 2.5 gallons per minute.

• More than 24 seconds to fill a gallon of water, then you have an efficient showerhead.

60155

.

8283 Vico Court. Sarasota, FL 34240

www.aquaplumbing.com

lic#plbg CFC057648 Elec EC13003845 HVAC CAC1816020

941 - 225-2363

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 2011

SOLD ABOVE ASKING PRICE!

COUNTRY CLUB:

Custom built home in the Dominion section of the Country Club situated on prime golf course lot! Buyer control sale. $ 850,000

13

UNDER CONTRACT IN 30 DAYS

RIVER CLUB:

Surrounded by water with 3,800 sq.ft custom built home with all the upgrades & special features. $ 674,900

JUST LISTED: FEATURED HOME

SOLD

COUNTRY CLUB:

Sienna section home with 2 bedrooms, den, open great room. $ 340,000

RIVER CLUB:

3 bedrooms, den, high ceilings, pool & spa, on the golf course. 3 car garage with circular driveway. $ Many recent updates!

439,900

SOLD

SOLD UNDER 30 DAYS

RIVER CLUB:

Custom built home with 2,790 sq.ft. of 3 bedrooms, extended lanai with pool. $ 410,000

JUST LISTED Over 3 acres backing up to the river. Bring your canoes and kayaks and enjoy the Florida lifestyle!

4 bedrooms, 3 car garage. 3,500 sq.ft. $ 525,000

Golf course views with 3 bedrooms, den & pool.

Buyer control sale. $ 405,000

Shows like pages from Architectural Digest situated on a private lake front lot with open water views!

Former model home loaded with all the extra features and upgrades. 4 bedrooms, den with built-ins, gourmet kitchen, second floor bonus room, luxurious master suite, extended lanai with resort style $ pool, spa, summer kitchen and pool bath. Over 3,600 sq.ft with 3 car garage!

565,000

SOLD UNDER 30 DAYS!

SOLD IN 11 DAYS!

RIVER CLUB:

RIVER CLUB:

RIVER CLUB:

COUNTRY CLUB:

RIVER CLUB:

RIVER CLUB:

2 bedroom, 1905 sq.ft. non pool home with great room open floor plan. $ 290,000

3 bedroom, den, travertine marble floors, pool, preserve views. $ 530,000

UNDER CONTRACT

RIVER CLUB:

Second floor addition with bonus room. 2 bedrooms. Open floor plan, Todd Johnston built situated on private lot. $ 289,000

Large home with 2nd floor bonus room & teen suite. Private lake and preserve lot with no neighbors on one side! Over 3,500 sq.ft. $ 529,900

John Cannon home with high ceilings, 4 bedrms & den, private backyard with pool., spa & summer kitchen! 3 car garage. $ 624,900

SUCCESSFULLY LISTING AND SELLING HOMES

As recipient of Signature Sotheby’s “Top-Listing Sold” Award for the year of 2010 and a full time real estate professional for over 20 years, I know how to deliver desired results and get the job done. If you are considering selling your home, put my experience, dedication and enthusiasm to work for you.

I welcome your interview.

For a High Definition Virtual Tour of all my listings visit my

website: www.FindItInSarasota.com

Charles Totonis c 941.524.8299 Charles.Totonis@sothebysrealty.com

www.FindItInSarasota.com

Signature

Mint condition loaded with all the extra features.

3 bedrms. den with hardwood floors, bonus room with vaulted ceilings, huge family room! $ 449,900

Rutenburg custom built open floor plan with vaulted ceilings throughout. 4 bedrooms, huge great room. house generator. 2 zoned systems. $ 420,000

61450

RIVER CLUB:

RIVER CLUB:

RIVER CLUB:

SAVE THE RANCH! And Vote NO to Incorporation

EAST COUNTY Observer 14 YourObserver.com THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 2011 crisis averted! By Pam Eubanks | News Editor

“If it ain’t broke don’t fix it!”

So why change, we love living on the Ranch!

To learn ALL the facts, go to FRIENDSOFLWR.COM F r i e n d s o f

YOuR NeIgHbORHOOD FIsH HOuse There’s nothing quite like it!

Freshest Seafood Only Local shucked Raw bar

Friendliest Atmosphere staff and Neighborhood Patrons

Lunch Served Monday-saturday

Fun for the Whole Family

Dinner Served

Real Food & Real good Times!

Riverview High student Brian Oliveros joined Lakewood Ranch’s Amanda Baar and Natalie Novak for lunch.

Tuesday-sunday

Lakewood teens conquer Red Cross Disaster Camp

Sunday Hours 3pm-8pm

& f i s h m a941-907-0589 rket www.luckypelicanbistro.com

East County high school students learned how to help their community in times of need during the It’s a Disaster!

Disaster Camp for Teens hosted by the American Red Cross July 18-22. Activities included disaster preparedness, mass car and survival training, field trips and even a real life disaster drill with local emergency services.

Can you find the lucky pelican?

6239 Lake Osprey Drive, Lakewood Ranch

59997

Located a mere 30 second drive off I-75 exit 213.

Next to the Holiday Inn....in the Lake Osprey Plaza

Joe Resnick, 14, had fun singing into the Emergency Response Vehicle’s intercom system.

Say Goodbye to

Temporary Crowns!

Aaron Kraft, 17, tells fellow campers their lunch is almost ready.

Same Day Dental ReStoRationS by

Ed’s Tavern

Mark J. Fleming, DDS

is serving up...

Imagine Perfectly fitted crowns in 1 visit!

Summer Sizzlin’ Steamers & Icy Cool Cocktails

We also provide:

Enjoy Steamed Clams and Peel & Eat Shrimp!

VIP Industry Cards now aVaIlable!

Sign up for 15% savings Every Sunday and Monday

941.359.2151

1

$ .50

2924 University Parkway Sarasota, FL 34243

A Jersey Joint in Lakewood Ranch 907-0400 • www.edstavernlwr.com

Open Daily11:30 am-2 am • 10719 Rodeo Dr. • Lakewood Ranch

61800

Care Credit

16oz. bud select drafts All Day Every Day

BaseBall Fans Catch All MLB Games Here At Ed’s

Ed’s Tavern

Most major credit cards welcome. Ask about interest-free financing/prepayment discount.

59959

• Dental Implants-Permanent Replacement for missing teeth • Digital Imaging-80% less radiation than older X-rays • Porcelain Veneers for crooked or stained teeth • Intra-Oral Camera-allows the patient to see inside their mouth • Mercury-free white fillings • Take Home Whitening Kits-whiten your teeth within hours • Dental Laser-replaces gum surgery, schedule a 2nd opinion today!

Lauren Peacock dishes out macaroni and cheese to victims.

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 2011

15

East County Births

Presents

FESTIVAL of STARS

Congratulations to the East County parents who celebrated recent births.

The East County Observer will publish birth announcements each month.

To have your listing included, please e-mail your information to Managing Editor Michael Eng, meng@yourobserver.com.

Jacob Dwight Gilmore was born to Greenbrook residents Amanda and Jeremy Gilmore at 7:26 p.m., July 19, 2011. He weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces and was 21 inches long.

Robert Leith Gnos was born to Sarasota residents Carrie and Bob Gnos at 7:57 a.m., June 15, 2011. He weighed 9 pounds, 9 ounces and was 20-and-one-half inches long.

Parker James McDaniel was born to Greenfield Plantation residents Rebecca and Jeff McDaniel at 10:28 a.m., July 4, 2011. He weighed 6 pounds, 12 ounces and was 20 inches long.

Featuring

JOSE MANUEL CARREÑO

Shyanne Renee Senevey was born to Summerfield Glades residents Brandy and Joshua Senevey at 10:53 a.m., June 23, 2011. She weighed 8 pounds, 4 ounces and was 21 inches long. Proud sibling is Savanna Senevey.

Star Of American Ballet Theatre

JOAQUIN DE LUZ

Principal, New York City Ballet

SARAH LANE

Soloist, American Ballet Theatre And NATALIE PORTMAN’S Double In BLACK SWAN

Ella Catherine Willis was born to Palmetto residents Amy and Ryan Willis at 12:04 a.m., May 26, 2011. She weighed 5 pounds, 9 ounces and was 18-and-one-half inches long. Proud big brother is Blake Willis, 3. Amy is the media specialist at Tara Elementary School.

Sarah Lane, eatre American Ballet Th

In a Suite Including White Swan and Black Swan from Tchaikovsky’s ‘Swan Lake’

JACOBY & PRONK

in ‘Softly As I Leave You’ Also:

MELANIE HAMRICK and gENNADI SAVELIEV of American Ballet Theatre

SARASOTA OPERA HOUSE 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27

To learn ALL the facts, go to FRIENDSOFLWR.COM

Tickets $50, $35, $15 Sarasota Opera Box Office - 941.328.1300 or online: www.sarasotaopera.org/carreno2.aspx More information: www.carrenodancefestival.com

F r i e n d s o f

“Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither.”

(C.S. Lewis) 60311

Christ Presbyterian with the emphasis on Christ Our philosophy as a church is simple. We strive to grow in Christ and share the love of Christ with the unreached and the poor. We are currently focusing on reaching and ministering to some of the world’s poorest people in India.

Summer Sale $

20.11 most items

Lakewood Ranch Main Street Store only!

SUMMER WORSHIP TIME 10:00am Traditional service starts in the Fall.

8131 Lakewood Main Street

748-3363 60977

And Vote NO to Incorporation

AND STARS OF TOMORROW PARTICIPATINg IN THE CARREÑO SUMMER INTENSIVE 2011

61788

SAVE THE RANCH!

No matter how they try to say it, there’s NO savings on taxes & the door is wide open for higher taxes. Just read the newspapers.

We are located at 515 Upper Manatee River Rd, which is just 1/2 mile north of SR-64.

www.emphasisonchrist.com

16 YourObserver.com edibles By Molly Schechter | Food Editor

EAST COUNTY Observer

THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 2011

Putting the joy back in cooking Today, I am making spinachand-cheese cannelloni for dinner.

Here’s how. I walk into a brightly lit, absolutely spotless kitchen.

Someone hands me an apron and a cup of coffee (morning) or glass of wine (afternoon). I go to a refrigerated work station where all the ingredients are prepped and ready to go — the spinach washed, dried and chopped, the Asiago cheese grated, the fresh pasta squares rolled and cut, the zesty marinara sauce ready to use.

Following step-by-step instructions and using measuring tools and other implements laid out for me, I mix the filling and assemble the rolls in the container provided. Elapsed time: about eight minutes. After labeling the dish and putting it in my designated refrigerator space, I move on to my next recipe at my next station — leaving bowls and stuff for somebody else to clean up.

Cooking like this is fun!

That’s the essence of what goes on at Let’s Eat!. This unique Sarasota shop, located in the University Park Center, is in the meal preparation or meal assembly business, less formally — “fix and freeze.” The concept is about 10 years old, and several brands tried out in Sarasota without success. But Let’s Eat! happily is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year.

Mark Minton, a British food enthusiast who hails from Yorkshire, England, opened the shop as a retirement business in May

Photos by Molly Schechter

Dr. Allison Silver at one of the shop’s refrigerated workstations.

Let’s Eat! Sarasota 8445 Honore Ave. (next to Cutting Loose Salon) 351-9898 Sarasota@letseatdinner.com www.LetsEatDinner.com

2006. At the time, it was a franchise out of Tampa, but now it is a stand-alone operation and he is a proud parent. Herbs are fresh; lemon juice comes from lemons; and the shop chops its own garlic and onions. Minton will modify recipe ingredients to customers’ preferences, and he and his staff

are there on premises to help.

Let’s Eat! offers a menu of dinner entrées that changes monthly. The customer selects what she would like to prepare and makes an appointment. When she arrives, everything is ready and waiting. As Minton says, “We’ve shopped, we’ve chopped and we’ll clean up.” It’s a winning proposition; Minton estimates that 75% to 80% of his business is from repeat customers.

Dr. Allison Silver has been coming to Let’s Eat! once a month virtually since the day it opened.

She likes to cook, and she is committed to healthful eating, but

with three small children, she is time-challenged — to say the least. The shop modifies ingredients to her specifications (Kosher style, no added salt, organic meats and veggies). Hoisin steak takes less than five minutes, the eight cannelloni not much longer than that. In about an hourand-a-half, she has prepared 12 home-cooked dinners, each serving four to six.

“My kids love everything,” she says.

The menu choices at Let’s Eat! include meats, poultry, fish and vegetarian options. Some are low-carbohydrate, less than 15 grams. Others marked with a heart contain less than 500 calories, 5 grams of saturated fat and 600 mg of sodium per serving.

Somewhat surprisingly, the luxury of having all the prep work done for you does not come at a huge cost premium — if any.

One dish on the present menu is Greek-style chicken and orzo.

Purchasing the ingredients at the supermarket (olive oil, feta, chicken tenders, onion, lemon, fresh dill, garlic, yogurt and dried oregano) came to $24.56. A “Take 2 Tuesday” Sample Session at Let’s Eat! costs $25 per dish; a four-meal session costs $23.50 per dish, an eight-meal session $21 per dish.) Taking into consideration that you will have olive oil for other dishes, the Let’s Eat! way is less expensive than doing it yourself at home. It is unquestionably less work and a great deal more enjoyable!

The ricotta, spinach and seasonings are combined for the filling.

The cannelloni is rolled out.

Cannelloni in freezer-to-oven pan is ready for the marinara sauce.

Spinach-and-cheese cannelloni with zesty marinara sauce is ready to serve.

The Fasting Growing Real Estate Company in America*

The Soda Group: Julie, Ian, Jim & Donna thesodagroup.com 941.961.5857 donnasoda@gmail.com

ENTREPRENEUR MAGAZINE 2010 FRANCHISE REPORT REAL TRENDS MAGAZINE • KW #1 in Closed Sales • KW #1 in Brokerage Profits

JD POWERS AND ASSOCIATES

• KW #1 in Buyer satisfaction (3rd year in a row)

2011 SWANEPOEL REPORT (Trend Report)

• KW #1 Fastest Growing Real Estate Company in America

• KW #1 Real Estate Franchise 2010

TRAINING TOP 125

• KW #47 of all companies in every industry

Cristian Tramontozzi, CDPE, SFR Short Sale Expert Florida@KW.com 941.914.8006 www.SarasotaPropertySearch.com www.SarasotaShortSaleSolutions.com Hablo Espanol

KELLER WILLIAMS - 2010

• KW #1 Real Estate Co. Franchise 500 List • KW #78 World Wide (All Franchises)

FRANCHISE TIMES

Greg Owens P.A. Keller Williams On the Water Greg@TeamWorksFLA.com 941.932.6343 Office: 941.729.7400 www.TeamWorksFla.com

STANFORD UNIVERSITY

• KW was chosen as the only Real Estate model to do a case study 10 years ago • KW was chosen again in 2010 as the Real Estate model for a 2nd case study after the shift in our nation’s economy

PROFIT SHARING

• KW only Company to profit share back to the agents $34.6 million dollars in 2010

FACEBOOK AND TWITTER • KW #1 presence

HARVARD UNIVERSITY BUSINESS SCHOOL

WEB SITE

NATIONAL FRANCHISE SIZE

PAST 5 YEAR STATISTICS (2005 –2010)

• Now teaches the Stanford University’s KW Case Studies in their curriculum

• KW #2 in size, and growing (KW is predicted to eclipse Coldwell Banker by March of next year)

RIS MEDIA SURVEY (all agents in the U.S.) • KW #1 in all categories • KW #2 as most recognizable brand

2010 MEMBERSHIP

• KW - Up 3.4% • National Association of Realtors - Down 4.1%

• KW.COM #1 in Real Estate activity • Close to 3 million visitors per month

FRANCHISE GROWTH

• KW only major real estate franchise to grow

AGENT GROWTH

• KW grew in size to 79,315 agents - Up 39%

OFFICE GROWTH

• KW grew in number of offices to 701 - Up 40%

CLOSING STATISTICS • KW closings increased to 408,061 in 2010 - Up 21% • NAR drastically dropped in the past 5 years - Down 56%

61897

*

Brandy Coffey www.InSarasotaRealEstate.com 941.284.4474 BrandyCoffey@KWLuxuryHomes.com

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 2011

Junior league

By Pam Eubanks | News Editor

The Junior League of Sarasota hosted a summer meet and greet for prospective members July 28

at the Polo Grill and Bar. Attendees enjoyed snacks and games while learning about the organization.

17

Group recruits new members Yen Reed, Crystal Burkhart, Lisa Ward and Jill Berg Photos by Pam Eubanks

Courtney Davenport, Donna Mateer and Amanda Gambert

Over 140 HOMES SOLD

Kristen Pace, Keli Crowley and Maggie Clark

More Homes. Less Money.

2, 3, 4 & 5 Bedroom Homes. From the $130s to the $400s.

At Central Park you’ll find more home choices showcased in 14 new models in 6 distinctly different neighborhoods. These “Certified Green” homes include front porches and architectural styles reminiscent of early 20th century architecture. Built with 21st century construction technology. Where neighborhood sidewalks lead to Lakewood Ranch’s noted main street shopping, offices, parks and schools. The area’s best selling community.

Kelly Withers, Kristina Kaplan and Melissa Fox

Host Host an an Exchange Exchange Host an Exchange Student Today !!

Host an Exchange Student Today Student Today ! (for 3, 5 or 10Today months) !

Student (for 10months) months) (for3,3,55 or or 10 (for 3,Make (for 3,5 5oror 10months) months) lifelong Make aa10 lifelong Make lifelong friend from abroad.

Make aalifelong friend from abroad.

Make a lifelong friend from abroad. friend from abroad.

Enrich your family with friend from abroad.

Enrich your family with Enrich your family with Enrich your family with Enrich your family withcan another culture.

Now you another culture.

Now you can another culture.

Now you cancan another culture.

Now you another culture.

Now you can host a school exchange host a high host a high school exchange host a high school exchange host a high school exchange student (girl oror boy) from student (girl from student (girl or boy) from student boy) from student (girl orScandinavia, boy) from France, Germany, France, Germany, Scandinavia, France, Germany, Scandinavia, France, Germany, ScandinaSpain, Australia, Japan, Brazil, Spain, Australia, Japan, Brazil, France, Germany, Scandinavia, Spain, Australia, Japan, Brazil, via, Spain, Australia, Japan, Italy or other countries.

Single Italy or other countries.

Single Spain, Australia, Japan, Brazil, Italy or other countries.

Single parents, well as couples parents, as as well asother couples Nitcha from Thailand, 16 yrs.

Nitcha from Thailand, 16 yrs.

Daniel from Denmark, 17 yrs.

Daniel from Denmark, 17 yrs.

Nitcha from Thailand, Daniel from Denmark, Brazil, Italy or counItaly oror other countries.

Single Enjoys dancing, playing piano Enjoys dancing, playing the piano Loves skiing, playing soccer with or without children, may Loves playing soccer andand with without children, may parents, as well as couples Nitcha from Thailand, 16 yrs.the Daniel from Denmark, 17 yrs.

16 yrs.

Enjoys danc17skiing, yrs.

Loves skiing, swimming.

Nitcha looks watching American movies.

Daniel 17 yrs. andand swimming.

Nitcha looks watching American movies.

Daniel tries.

Single parents, as well parents, as well asfor couples Nitchadancing, from Thailand, 16piano yrs. host.

Contact us more Daniel from Denmark, host.

Contact uschildren, for more Enjoys playing the Loves skiing, playing soccer and with or without may forward to cooking with her hopes to learn to play football ing, playing the piano playing soccer and forward to cooking with her hopes to Loves learn to play football andand information or to select your information or to select your Enjoys dancing, playing the piano skiing, playing soccer and with or without children, may and swimming.

Nitcha looks as couples with or without watching American movies.

Daniel American host family. live as a real American.

American host family. host. Contact us for more live watching as a real American. swimming.

American student today. student today. and swimming.

Nitcha watching American movies.

Daniel forward toand cooking withlooks her hopes to learn to play football and host. Contact us forContact more children, may host. information or to select your movies.

Daniel hopes to Nitcha looks forward forward to cooking with her hopes to learn to play football and American host family. live as a real American. information or today. to select or your student us for more information to learnlivetoasplay football and cooking American to host family. with her a real American. student today. live as a real American.

American host family. select your student today.

HOME OF THE WEEK

Live the Florida Lifestyle in Neal Communities’ Harmony model from $274,990, which blends indoor and outdoor living in a comfortable, sophisticated fashion. This green built, great room plan allows you to enjoy wide open views of your pool and lanai. At 2453 sq. ft., the Harmony has 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, a den and 3 car garage. Options available to build this home in Longview Lake or within our maintenance-included, gated neighborhood of Claremont Park. Please call 941/756-2608 or visit NealCommunities.com for more information.

Karen 1-800-473-0696 (Toll Free) Karen atat1-800-473-0696 (Toll Free) Joan at 352-382-4485

www.assehosts.com and www.asse.com/host email info@asse.com. www.assehosts.com and www.asse.com/host oror email usus at at info@asse.com.

Karen at 1-800-473-0696 (Toll Free) (Toll Free) (Toll Free) Founded in www.asse.com/host 1976 www.assehosts.com and Founded in 1976 www.assehosts.com and www.asse.com/host or email us at info@asse.com.

ASSE International Student Exchange Program isPublic a Public Benefi t, Non-Profi t Organization.

ASSE International Student Exchange Program is a Benefi t, Non-Profi t Organization. www.assehosts.com and www.asse.com/host or email us at info@asse.com. or email us at info@asse.com. www.CentralParkLWR.com 12145 Forest Park Circle, Bradenton, FL 34211 Directions: I-75 exit 217. East on SR 70.

North on Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Entrance on Right.

NEALCOMMUNITIES 56645

Founded in 1976 ASSE International Student ExchangeFounded Program in is a1976 Public Benefit, Non-Profit Organization.

ASSE International Student Exchange Program is a Public Benefit, Non-Profit Organization.

61692

Karen Karen at at 1-800-473-0696 1-800-473-0696

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 2011

real estate | transactions

By Adam Hughes | Research Editor

Riverdale home sells for $1.45M sold their home at 7528 Harrington Lane to Vern and Patricia Hughes, Bradenton, for $405,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths, a pool and 2,802 square feet of living area.

The following residential real estate transactions took place between July 18 and July 22.

A home in Riverdale tops all transaction in this week’s real estate. M. Pete McNabb sold the home at 3807 Hawk Island Drive to Michael Norris, of West Bloomfield, Mich., for $1.45 million. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,234 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $2.82 million in 2003.

Treymore at the Villages of Palm Aire

Country Club of Lakewood Ranch

Joseph Rich, Bradenton, sold his home at 7906 Royal Birkdale Circle to Toni and Lisa Dugal, Lakewood Ranch, for $674,500. Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,177 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $475,000 in 2009.

Edith How, of Birmingham, England, sold her home at 7047 Vilamoura Place to Harold and Susan Halpern, of East Amherst, N.Y., for $550,000. Built in 2004, it has two bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,941 square feet of living area.

David Denicoff and Diane Denicoff, Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 7064 Whitemarsh Circle to Melvyn and Jane Summersbee, Bradenton, for $415,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,517 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $475,000 in 2004.

Robert and Opal Blattert, of

Jen Blanco

This Riverdale home, which has three bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,234 square feet of living area, sold for $1.45 million.

Newton, Iowa, sold their home at 7103 Orchid Island Place to Kenneth and Kathleen Friedricks, of Floral Park, N.Y., for $380,000.

Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,230 square feet of living area.

Harold and Susan Halpern, of East Amherst, N.Y., sold their home at 6926 Woodmore Terrace to Jerome and Mary Morreale, of Remsemburg, N.Y., for $230,000. Built in 2000, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,544 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $295,000 in 2007.

Preserve at Panther Ridge

David and Amy Sessions, Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 22426 Panther Loop to Larry Koelsch, Bradenton, for $550,000.

Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and

3,907 square feet of living area.

Kurt and Laura Sailer, Myakka City, sold their home at 8111 Snowy Egret Place to Barry and Kathleen Hinckley, Bradenton, for $279,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,323 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $285,500 in 2003.

The Moorings at Edgewater III

Edward and Carol Lieberman, Davie, sold their unit 201 condominium at 6503 Moorings Point Circle to Edd and Rebecca Dean, of Sky Valley, Ga., for $445,000.

Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,963 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $470,000 in 2009.

River Club South

John and Diana DelGaudio

Dolores Galanaugh sold her home at 4871 Carrington Circle to Janet Potter, trustee, of Barrington, Ill., for $399,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,511 square feet of living area.

GreyHawk Landing

Peter and Lisa Ceccacci, University Park, sold their home at 365 Blackbird Court to James and Erinc White, Lakewood Ranch, for $375,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,002 square feet of living area.

Adithya Sastry and Anu Pillai, of Barrington, Ill., sold their home at 13108 Peregrin Circle to Jeffrey and Tracey Carroll, of Burlington, Ky., for $245,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,090 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $615,000 in 2005.

Sonoma

Kayvan and Kelly Ziaee, of Chapel Hill, N.C., sold their home at 8130 Santa Rosa Court to Joshua and Nichole Roenicke, Sarasota, for $354,000. Built in 2009, it has four bedrooms, three baths and

SAVE THE RANCH! And Vote NO to Incorporation

2,993 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $340,100 in 2009.

Wentworth

Marcia Gardner sold her home at 7320 St. Georges Way to David Gross and Lori Berke-Gross, University Park, for $340,000. Built in 1997, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,163 square feet of living area.

Greenbrook Village

Eleanor Iacobelli and Christopher and Deana Iacobelli, Bradenton, sold their home at 13939 Wood Duck Circle to Craig and Jennifer Schust, Lakewood Ranch, for $330,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,352 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $235,000 in February.

National Residential Nominee Services Inc. sold the home at 6219 Pine Siskin Glen to Kristen Nadai, Bradenton, for $220,000.

Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 1,958 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $239,500 in 2009.

Mote Ranch

Lawrence and Harriet Lorensen, Sarasota, sold their home at 7005 Remington Court to Michael and Barbara Carlino, University Park, for $320,300. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,452 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $254,300 in 1999.

Visit our website for more transactions. www.YourObserver.com

They keep saying there’s a projected $37 million dollar surplus. We showed that the dubious figure is based upon unsupported projections and missing data.

If it’s too good to be true, it usually isn’t!

To learn ALL the facts, go to FRIENDSOFLWR.COM F r i e n d s o f 61798

18

CAD6401-42 The Observer FL - Bruce.indd 1

6/15/11 10:22:59 AM

60495

61708

WOMAN’S

Sports

YOUTH | HIGH SCHOOL | GOLF | SENIORS | COMMUNITY | TENNIS

extreme makeover Lakewood Ranch chef beefs up as bodybuilder. 22

YourObserver.com

COMMENT

track and field

THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 2011

By Jen Blanco | Associate Editor

Haile student reaches new heights Haile Middle School eighth-grader Olivia Ogles finished ninth in the long jump at the 15th annual Amateur Athletic Union Club Championship July 13-17, in Orlando.

File photo

Joe Hills trained at Athletic Edge in preparation for the NFL.

BRADENTON — Olivia Ogles silently walked over to the longjump pit and looked around in awe and anticipation.

Jamaican music blasted from across the stadium, as some of the Caribbean’s top amateur athletes made their way onto the track at the University of South Florida for the 20th annual Bay Area Youth

Track and Field Classic.

The Haile Middle School eighth-grader jumped a personal best 15 feet, 7 inches at the meet, which pits Florida and the Caribbean’s top amateur track and field athletes against one another.

“It’s a bunch of different cultures,” Ogles said. “It’s so cool. It’s just awesome.”

Ogles started running track for Haile, where she won the 100-meter dash and the long jump and anchored the school’s sprint relay team to a first-place finish at the Manatee County Championships.

But after learning Haile wouldn’t be competing in county championships this past spring,

Ogles’ father, Mark, a former high school state champion pole vaulter, began searching for alternatives for his daughter.

The two stumbled across Florida Express Track Club. She joined the team and since then has only continued to excel on the track

SEE OGLES / PAGE 20

Joe Hills receives contract with Titans Nearly five years ago, I walked onto the sidelines at Palmetto High School to cover my first high school football game for the North Manatee Observer.

At the time, I hadn’t even spoken to the coach — let alone had a chance to decipher the roster.

But it didn’t take long for me to realize there was one player on JEN the field who BLANCO had tremendous potential — and he wasn’t afraid to let me know it, either.

During that season, junior Joe Hills garnered more ink from me than any other athlete on the field — and with good reason.

The Tigers’ 6-foot-4 defensive-back-turned-widereceiver not only possessed impressive size and speed but also was capable of making big plays down the sideline and over the middle.

I only had the opportunity to cover Hills for one season before moving to the East County Observer, but at the time, I remember thinking how it wouldn’t be long before I heard his name again.

Sure enough I was right.

After spending a year at the University of South Carolina, Hills transferred to Tennessee State University, where he played the remainder of his collegiate career.

In December, Hills returned to the East County and once again began training at Athletic Edge in Lakewood Ranch with hopes of fulfilling his lifelong dream — playing in the NFL. Hills’ name wasn’t called on draft day, but in the weeks that

SEE COMMENT / PAGE 20

LITTLE LEAGUE

By Jen Blanco | Associate Editor Jen Blanco

After 18 years behind the plate, Guy Vilt left today for his next umpiring job — the Little League Baseball Southeastern Region Tournament.

Lifelong Love District 26 Little League umpire Guy Vilt was selected to umpire the Little League Baseball Southeastern Region Tournament Aug. 5-12, in Warner Robbins, Ga. BRADENTON — On any given night throughout the spring, summer and fall, Glenbrook resident Guy Vilt can be found tucked under the shade of the old oak tree.

Everywhere he looks, balls are flying and bats are swinging, as the newest wave of Braden River Little League hopefuls warm up.

It’s there under the oak tree where Vilt also meets with his fellow umpires before the start of every game to change into his uniform. And when the final out has been called, the group returns to the tree to recap the night’s games.

“I enjoy hanging out with my friends — my fellow umpires,” Vilt said. “We’re like a union or a sorority. We hang tight.”

A native of Illinois, Vilt began umpiring 18 years ago. After spending two years volunteering to coach a minors Little League team, Vilt and his wife, Melody, learned they were expecting their first child.

At that point, Vilt decided he no longer had time to coach; but wanting to still be involved in some way, Vilt decided to come out and spend two to four hours a week umpiring.

“It worked out for me,” Vilt said. “It clicked. I just really enjoyed it. I always feel good when I come off the field and someone says “Good job,” and it’s coming from the team that lost.”

Over the past 18 years, Vilt has gone from spending two to four hours at the ballpark to umpiring eight or nine games a week.

And that doesn’t include the time he spends under the oak tree or at Applebee’s with his fellow umpires after the game.

“I’m gone every night pretty much,” Vilt said.

Vilt spent the past month

umpiring the District 26 Little League All-Star Tournament and the sectional tournament in Fort Myers.

Now, he is on his way to his next umpiring job — the Little League Baseball Southeastern Region Tournament. Vilt, who left today for Warner Robbins, Ga., expects to umpire about 10 games throughout the course of the tournament, which begins Aug. 5 and runs through Aug.12.

Vilt put in his paperwork to umpire the Southeastern Region

SEE UMPIRE / PAGE 20

20

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 2011

UMPIRE/PAGE 19

Olivia Ogles has set personal bests in the 100- and 200meter dashes and the long jump since joining the Florida Express Track Club earlier this year.

Jen Blanco

OGLES/PAGE 19 while developing a passion for the sport along the way.

“I really like to run,” Ogles said.

“I don’t know why. I just do.”

In her first year with Florida Express, Ogles, who is coached by former University of Florida track stars Kristina and Camille Bratton, set personal bests in both the long jump and the 100.

Earlier this spring, Ogles ran a personal best 13.1 seconds in the 100, capturing first-place and defeating the nation’s top middle school sprinter, at the Bolt Power Invitational at Gibbs High in Tampa. Ogles also finished second in the 200.

Ogles followed up her championship performance with a

medal in the long jump at the Baytaf Classic.

Most recently, Ogles finished ninth in the long jump at the 15th Amateur Athletic Union Club Championship July 13-17, in Orlando.

Ogles practices two to three times a week at Bayshore High and competes about every other weekend with Florida Express.

Ogles competes in the 100, 200, where she holds a personal best of 26 seconds, and the long jump, but she admits the 100 and long jump are her two favorite events.

“I like the 100 because I like the finish,” Ogles said. “That’s what I’m the best at. I like playing catch up. I have a really good finish, so that’s how I win my races.

“And with long jump, just the

whole outlook of long jump is so cool,” she said.

Now with her first year of track complete, Ogles will spend the offseason training both on and off the track with the hopes of eventually breaking 13 seconds in the 100 and jumping 16 feet in the long jump, which would earn her National Elite status.

Ogles plans to run high school track next year with the hopes of one day running for the Gators and maybe one day going to the Olympics.

“In the future I would like to go to the Olympics in the long jump or at least make the semifinals,” Ogles said. “Just to be able to say that you’ve been.”

Contact Jen Blanco at jblanco@ yourobserver.com.

Tournament last year. He then went through an approval process, umpiring the district and sectional tournaments where he was evaluated and critiqued on his work on the field.

In November, Vilt learned he was eligible to umpire at the next level, but it wasn’t until March 1 that he learned he would be umpiring at this year’s tournament — a feat rarely obtained by an umpire in his first year of eligibility.

Initially, Vilt planned to cut down his umpiring schedule to spend time with his daughter, Taylor, who will be leaving for Florida Gulf Coast University later this fall, but that all changed when he received his congratulatory letter in the mail.

“I was very shocked,” Vilt said.

“It’s nice to know this hard work did pay off. I didn’t set out to go this far. It just kind of happened.

But when you spend six days out at a ball field something is going to happen.”

Following the region tournament, Vilt will submit his paperwork for what he hopes will eventually lead to a Little League

COMMENT/PAGE 19 followed, he was invited to workout for the Tennessee Titans.

And after more than four months of waiting, Hills received the phone call he had been waiting for since he first walked onto the field at Palmetto. Shortly after the NFL lockout had been lifted, the Titans called and offered Hills a free-agent contract.

During my first season on the sidelines, Hills, with his trade-

World Series recommendation — although he won’t be eligible to umpire the tournament for another five years.

In the meantime, Vilt will return to umpiring District 26 games along with Cal Ripken Little League, Manatee Adult Baseball and travel ball games.

For Vilt, it’s simply a love of baseball that keeps him out on the field. Growing up, Vilt and his friends would go out into pastures and play baseball. With farmers for neighbors, the boys gathered up tractor discs and used them for bases.

Vilt went on to play for his local Little League organization and high school team before hanging up his glove in 1986. But even though he was no longer playing, Vilt never left from the game.

“I just think it’s because that’s what I grew up with,” Vilt said of his love of baseball.

And with more than two decades behind the plate, Vilt couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

“I love it,” Vilt said. “I don’t know what I would do without it.”

Contact Jen Blanco at jblanco@yourobserver.com. mark grin, told me he was going to play in the NFL one day. Now, five years later, he’s in Nashville trying to make good on his promise.

The Titans open preseason Aug. 13, and with Randy Moss announcing his retirement earlier this week, and there’s a good chance Hills could land on the Titans 60-man roster by the time the season opens Sept. 11.

And I’ll be able to say: “I knew him when … ”

Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch & 2nd Chance Boutique want to offer a

Big Congratulations to

Michael Saunders for the “Best Hot Dog” in Lakewood Ranch

Thank You to All of Our Sponsors of the 1st Annual “Dog Days of Summer” Event

Sports Physicals

East Manatee Fire Rescue NADCO-tapes & labels, Inc Florida Blood Services Fast Signs Geckos Highway 70 Stanley Steemer MGA Insurance Lifestyles Frankie Catalina Steel Drums

Digital X-Rays, Labs & EKG’s On-Site Open 7 Days a Week • 8am-8pm No Appointment Necessary • Walk-Ins Welcome

25

kewood Ranch Urgent Care

$ (941) 747-8600

9908 S.R. 64 East • Bradenton www.LWRUC.com

Bradenton Urgent School Care & Sports

PHYSICALS (941) 745-5999

4647 Manatee Ave. W. • Bradenton www.BradentonUrgentCare.com

Manatee Ave W

1

64

2

70

University Pkwy

3

CALL US TODAY to schedule a pick-up (941) 355-7082

52976

(941) 907-2800

www.SarasotaUrgentCare.com

And All Our Wonderful Volunteers

We need working appliances, furniture, home décor, home goods, kitchen cabinets, doors, windows, and building materials.

Now Offering the Same Great Patient Care at all Three Locations!

Lakewood Ranch Blvd

Sarasota Urgent Care

Peace River Tom Campbell Photography Sue Anne Cinnamon Bradenton Marauders Bounce U Sylvia’s Heavenly Cheese Cakes DJ Junior Toussaint

FREE PICK-UP & TAX DEDUCTION

March 1st

6272 Lake Osprey Drive • Sarasota

Party Jumpers Ella’s Barkery Pam Stoltz Madelyn Zawislak Heath Maeston State Farm Ins. Clear Channel Sarasota University Auto Spa Main Street LWR Remax Hot Air Ballloon

61842

Sprains Strains and Broken Bones

Open to the Public

Lake Osprey Dr

1 - Bradenton • 4647 Manatee Ave W • (941) 745-5999 • www.BradentonUrgentCare.com

NEW STORE HOURS:

Monday – Saturday 9-5 Friday 9-6

2 - Lakewood Ranch • 9908 S.R. 64 E • (941) 747-8600 • www.LWRUC.com 60029

3 - Sarasota • 6272 Lake Osprey Dr • (941) 907-2800 • www.SarasotaUrgentCare.com Some physicals may incur additional fees. Insurance co-pays will not be accepted as payment for the physical.

Now Open Mondays!

1227 Hardin Ave. Tallevast, FL

61249

Back to School Physicals

Our Sponsor “Florida Cancer Specialists” Our Judges Karen & Malcolm Ronney - MacAllisters Jim Poitrast - Lucky Pelican Our Grand Marshall Kelly DuHamel Our Hardworking Hot Dog Contestants

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 2011

21

SAVE THE RANCH!

athlete of the week

REALLY RISKY BUSINESS since they’re so wrong on so many unsupported financial conclusions.

To learn ALL the facts, go to FRIENDSOFLWR.COM F r i e n d s o f 61796

And Vote NO to Incorporation

Incorporation NOW is

Age 41 - In 26 days lost 16 pounds, 5 inches off waist, 2 inches off each thigh...and these results ARE typical!

LAURA SWARTZENDRUBER

What was your favorite part of the meet?

Doing the butterfly. I like doing the mermaid kick, and after the butterfly, I got to get a sno cone.

What’s your favorite stroke?

Breaststroke, because I can do the froggy kick.

Why did you decide to join the swim team?

This summer, my mom asked me if I wanted to try swimming and I said, “Yes.” I like splashing and playing in the water.

Do you know what you want to be when you grow up?

Maybe a veterinarian. I like animals, especially bunnies.

Who is your favorite Disney Character?

Minnie Mouse. She’s sweet.

Do you have any siblings?

I have a 9-year-old brother named Andrew.

S E R I O U S LY !

Over 1000 people have successfully completed my program, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists and me!

With my 26 day DETOX, women lose an average of 15-20 pounds, men lose 20-30...and KEEP IT OFF! Most of the weight comes off your middle section, where it is most dangerous.

The program is natural, safe, effective, easy to follow and very affordable. It doesn’t matter if you’re 25 or 75, man or woman, it simply works! Don’t throw your old jeans away, come and see me. What have you got to lose?

See hundreds of actual results and read real patient success stories at

What’s your favorite type of flower?

Tulips. They smell good.

If you could go anywhere on summer vacation, where would it be?

Disney World or Aquatica, Sea World’s new water park.

daneebarnett.com Danee Barnett is a Board Certified Doctor of Oriental Medicine 783 South Orange Avenue, Suite 200 • Downtown Sarasota

Call (941) 365-0812 for a FREE private consultation.

Sign up with with a partner for special pricing. Bring your chubby hubby, mom or your best friend!

What’s your favorite dessert?

Mint chocolate-chip ice cream.

What’s your favorite TV show?

“Family Game Night.” It’s really funny.

Do you have a favorite food?

Spaghetti.

What activities do you do besides swimming?

I play the piano, and I might want to do soccer and dance camp.

— Jen Blanco

... And You Thought Only Our Views Were Fabulous. ~Tours By Appointment~

Call Kathryn Cooper Director of Sales

(941) 552-3284

Luxury Residences Starting In The $300’s • 1301 N. Tamiami Trail • Sarasota, Florida 34236 www.SarasotaBayClub.com 60698

What did you think of the meet?

It was kind of hard, because it was mostly 8-year-old girls who were racing me.

the 100-yard freestyle relay from which she earned a bronze medal, in her first major swim meet. Here is an inside look at this week’s Athlete of the Week.

61926

the Area 5 Championship Swim Meet July 30-31 at the Selby Aquatic Center.

The Gullett Elementary second-grader swam seven events, including a leg of

61569

After joining the Lakewood Ranch YMCA Wave Runners swim team less than two months ago, 7-year-old Laura Swartzendruber competed in

From Big Mama to in 26 days Hot Mama

22

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 2011

extreme makeover

By Jen Blanco | Associate Editor

Chef takes on competitive edge Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club Executive Chef Paul Evans started his own transformation 14 months ago. Now, Evans is also a professional bodybuilder and certified personal trainer.

And although Evans didn’t win, the experience proved invaluable.

“I didn’t make it to the top three, which I wanted to do, but I learned what to do for next year,” Evans said. “I learned what my strengths and weaknesses are in terms of symmetry and size.”

Evans now will spend the next year preparing his body for next year’s shows. In addition, he also is hoping to encourage others to make the same commitment to health and fitness.

As a certified personal trainer, Evans is now taking on personal training clients at the Athletic Center and also will teach personal culinary instruction in the clients’ homes.

“Hopefully, I’m an inspiration to a lot of people,” Evans said.

“If a chef can do it, then anyone can commit their life to health and fitness. Our whole mentality at the club is to do things differently. There are a lot of ways to lose weight and get in shape.

We want people to live a better lifestyle and have fun doing I with cooking. Our goal is to take the fear out of it.”

“My goal is just to educate people on living a healthy lifestyle,” Evans said. “Most chefs are overweight, out of shape and have horrible eating and

Jen Blanco

Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club Executive Chef Paul Evans now offers both culinary instruction and personal training. time-management habits. I’m trying to eliminate that stereotype by being a role model to other chefs and families.”

For more information on per-

sonal training or culinary instruction, contact Paul Evans at 812-5173.

Contact Jen Blanco at jblanco@yourobserver.com.

61165

941-360-7979

LAKEWOOD RANCH’S premier neighborhood barbershop that offers

c Hair Cutting Services 9 Straight C c Razor Shaves 9 Hair Coloring 9 Massage C c Therapy 9 Skin Care 9 Nail Care C AND RETAILS FINE GENTLEMAN’S GROOMING PRODUCTS.

941-907-6068

8111 Lakewood Main Street #104 | Lakewood Ranch FL 34202 www.barbaryshoppe.com | Hours: Mon 10-7, Tues-Fri 9-7, Sat 9-5

61473

“A chef I used to work with was into bodybuilding,” Evans said. “We were in the same position, and I thought, ‘If there’s a way for him to do it, then I can do it too.’ It’s hard every day.”

Evans trains six days a week for about one-and-one-half hours. During each workout, Evans does about 45 minutes of strength training and 30 minutes of cardio.

“It’s a change of lifestyle,” said Joey Perrea, a personal trainer and professional bodybuilder at the Lakewood Ranch Athletic Center. “Nobody wants to do what we do in the gym.”

But Evans admits being in the gym is only a quarter of the process. Diet also plays a vital role.

Evans cut out soda, pastries and candy and instead began focusing on eating chicken breasts, fresh fish and vegetables.

“The diet is the hardest,” Evans said. “The training is kind of easy.”

Evans spent the first nine months building up before spending the next three months shedding the fat and trimming down.

On June 4, Evans competed in the Lakeland Classic — his first show as a professional bodybuilder. The following week, Evans competed in the Tampa Classic in front of his family.

59922

LAKEWOOD RANCH — There’s not a day that goes by that Paul Evans isn’t surrounded by irresistible temptations.

As the executive chef at the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club, Evans spends his days whipping up lavish creations designed to trigger your taste buds.

But when it comes to food, Evans knows that the most succulent dishes can also be the most detrimental to your waistline.

“Everything good is around me, but I’m also (surrounded) by everything that’s bad,” Evans said. “Temptation is always around me. Luckily, I have access to the chicken, fresh fish and vegetables.”

Looking to break the common stereotype that chefs are overweight and work too much, Evans began his own healthy transformation 14 months ago.

With a background in martial arts, Evans began working out as a way to maintain his competitive edge while still being able to spend time with his wife, Tara, and 4-year-old twins Christopher and Sarah.

He began hitting the gym in the evenings after his family was asleep, and shortly thereafter, he decided to push himself to the next level. Last April, Evans began bodybuilding.

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 2011

23

COMMUNITY GOLF

+ River Club The teams of Ron Murphy and Joe Brisley and Gordy Harrison and Jeremy Carter both finished +7 to tie for firstplace in the two-man quota points MGA event July 13.

+ Rosedale Peg Bornstein, Kathy Moran and Maureen Romning shot 32 to win the scramble nine-hole event July 12.

Terry O’Shea, Ken Hoffman, Stan Flaming and Denny Woods scored 125 to win the 3-2-1 on 6-6-6 MGA event July 13.

Toni Cicchetti and Barbara Ellfeldt scored 151 to win Flight 1 of the total net LGA Blind Partners event July 14.

Barb Sodini and Linda Gawel scored 154 to win Flight 2.

And Vote NO to Incorporation

Tom Bakalar, Lou Brodersen, Jerry Pytlik and John Graben shot 73 to win the quota points event July 20.

Mike Montgomery - President, Unique Services

+ Tara Anna Mosser, Barb Paddock and Pauli Barry shot 64 to win the one best ball team WGA event July 12.

Bruce McCarthy, Tom Kunzman and James Mazurck shot 87 to win the 1-2-1 on 3-4-5 MGA event July 13.

Call Today to Find Out How!! 941-487-2600 “Serving All of Coastal Florida for over 60 years!” *represent true cost of ownership over 120 months.

lic# cmc041072

4515 19th Street Court East, Bradenton, FL 34203

www.uniqueservices.com

+ University Park Beckie Suverkrup, Ronni Loundy, Katy Arrillaga and Jane Paschke shot 96 to win the two best balls even holes, one best ball odd holes LGA Summer Guest Day July 12.

Judy Whitson, Barb Inbody, Joan Bornstein and Terry Needell shot 63 to win the two best balls of four nine-hole event July 14.

Elaine Kulbako, Jennifer Bauer, Pat Helpbringer and Peggy Miller scored 145 to win the 1-2-3 on 1-2-3 best ball LGA The Waltz event July 19.

Tom Bauer, Jack Siegel, Jim Nellis and Paul Jackson finished +13 to win the A-B portion of the team quota points MGA event July 20. Vince Golden, Dan Helpbringer, Tom Ettlinger and Jack Templeton finished +17 to win the C-D portion.

Lynn Lockhorn scored 24 to win the Lucky 7 ninehole LGA event July 21.

Plantar Fasciitis? Bunions? Flat Feet? Heel Spurs?

Foot, Knee, Leg or Back Pain?

“Properly aligned feet will minimize and often eliminate foot, leg and back pain. I frequently recommend Good Feet Arch Supports. I’ve seen incredible results, and my patients are always happy with my recommendation.”

Amy Haddad European Physical Therapy Sarasota r Pai Any rch of A ports Sup

$

In these uncertain and changing financial times do you really want to take on NOW all the economic risks associated with becoming a new city?

20

OFF

t

No

FREE Personal Fitting Over 300 Styles & Sizes 1.

a. /1 are 8/14 Bay ires 0 pa am s. Exp T in ffer nly o id o her Val ith ot w id l a v

Fits ALL Your Shoes Try BEFORE You Buy Open EVERY Day

To learn ALL the facts, go to FRIENDSOFLWR.COM

GOOD FEET STORE - SARASOTA

4950 Fruitville Road—Just West of Honore

F r i e n d s o f

(Opposite Goodwill)

61905

SAVE THE RANCH!

+ Stoneybrook

59898

Jack Faulds, Art Sandler, Ed Fellin and Grant Dazey finished -3.44 to win the scramble MGA event July 13.

Mary Sarro scored 37 to win the individual low net WGA event July 14.

Daryl Bayer, Shirley Barra and Joy Murtha finished -10 to win the two best balls on threes, one best ball on fours and fives WGA event July 19.

Rick Lane and John Weinert finished -10 to win Flight 1 of the one best ball of two red tees MGA event July 20. Leonard Goodman and Rick Hughes finished -13 to win Flight 2.

Fred Faulkner, Mike Gable and Grant Dazey finished -7.58 to win the scramble MGA event July 20.

Mollie Lafferman scored 14 to win the low putts WGA event July 21.

Dear Friend, I know this statement sounds too good to be true but, it is true! Right now is the best time to own a brand new high efficiency air conditioning system because the instant rebates and energy savings on the average system add up to as much as $7,247!! If you have even considered getting a new system then do not miss this opportunity because it may not be available again.

Sincerely, Mike Montgomery

Kate Skarp shot 36 to win the low net nine-hole event July 19.

61305

+ Palm-Aire

How to own an 18 SEER Super High Efficiency AC system for only $29.66* per month!

Extended thru 7/31/11!

GoodFeetTampaBay.com

1.941.487.7974 Do you have a sandy, gritty feeling in your eyes?

Does your vision fluctuate during the day? Do your eyes tear excessively?

You may have DRY

EYE SYNDROME

Today, treatment for dry eye goes beyond using eye drops. For an evaluation, call 739-5959

FAMILY • COSMETIC • IMPLANT • PREVENTIVE • EMERGENCY 60020

Now Accepting New Patients Complementary 2nd Opinions

Complete Dental Checkup

49

$

10940 East SR 70, Ste 103, Lakewood Ranch FL 34202 (941) 739-5959 www.lakewoodeyes.com

We Can Train Any Dog!

Cleaning

Includes x-rays, exam, intraoral photos, periodontal charting.

for

www.KennedyDentalCare.com

941-351-9900

8198 Tourist Center Dr. Located off University Pkwy. (across from Super Target) Aaron Kennedy D.M.D.

Like us on

61707

Mark Jacobs • Training Director/ Certified Dog Trainer Call 941-416-3489 •www.oncommandk9academy.com

American Dental Association American Dental Implant Association Academy General Dentistry FL Dental Association International Congress of Oral Implantologists West Coast District Dental Association

and

exam

Children

79

$

Kennedy Dental

Not Valid with other offers or insurance discounts. Offer expires 9/15/11

Guaranteed Results All Breeds, All Ages Obedience Training Behavioral Problems Lifetime Warranty Personal Protection Vet and Police K-9 Recommended

Back-to-School Special

Ages 4-15

Expires 9/15/11

Dentistry For All Ages Most PPO Dental Insurance Accepted Joleyn McClemens, RDH, BS, CDHC

American Dental Hygiene Association President-Elect of FL Dental Hygiene Association Manatee Sarasota Dental Hygiene Association Past Delegate of FL Dental Hygiene Association

Not valid with other offers, prior services, and/or insurance discounts D0150, D0210, D0330 THE PATIENT AND ANY OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS A RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT, OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT THAT IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED FEE, OR REDUCED FEE SERVICE, OR TREATMENT. D1120

56709

Dr. Troy Bedinghaus Board Certified Optometric Physician

24

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 2011

TemperatureS

Temps.

High Sun., July 24 92 Mon., July 25 91 Tues., July 26 90 Wed., July 27 87 Thurs., July 28 93 Fri., July 29 96 Sat., July 30 94 Average Gulf water temperature: 88

MOON PHASES

Sunrise/sunset

Sunrise Sunset Thurs., Aug. 4 6:56 8:17 Fri., Aug. 5 6:56 8:17 Sat., Aug. 6 6:57 8:16 Sun., Aug. 7 6:57 8:15 6:58 8:14 Mon., Aug. 8 Tues., Aug. 9 6:58 8:14 Wed., Aug. 10 6:59 8:13

RAINFALL

Aug. 6 First

Aug. 13 Full

Aug. 21 Last

Aug. 29 New

WIND SPEED

Lakewood Sun., July 24 Mon., July 25 Tues., July 26 Wed., July 27 Thurs., July 28 Fri., July 29 Sat., July 30 Year-to-date:

WEEKLY WINNEr: COTTON CANDY clouds

Low 76 77 75 76 75 76 76

Lakewood Ranch 6.5 Sun., July 24 4.8 Mon., July 25 5.3 Tues., July 26 6.8 Wed., July 27 7.4 Thurs., July 28 7.8 Fri., July 29 8.2 Sat., July 30

Ranch 0.00 Trace 0.02 0.06 0.81 Trace 0.68

2011 2010 27.33 in 24.57 in.

PHOTO CONTEST: Enter your sunset, sunrise or weather-related photos for The Observer’s weather photo contest, sponsored by Cool Today. Each week’s winner will receive a $50 restaurant gift card. Send your photos to the East County Observer, 1970 Main St., Fourth Floor, Sarasota, FL 34236, or email them to jeng@yourobserver.com. Please include the name and contact information of the photographer and when and where the photo was taken. Also, please include “photo contest” in the subject line.

Visit YourObserver.com to click on our interactive weather button, which features current weather conditions, weather radar and a five-day forecast.

60851

Month to date: 2011 2010

10.79 in 7.99 in.

Rosalyn Warner took this sunset photo July 22, at Waterlefe Golf & Country Club.

THE OLD COLLEGE by Allen Loggia

O B S E RV E R C RO S S WO R D

Edited by Timothy E. Parker

ACROSS

1 5 10 15 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 29 31 32 35 36 37 39 43 46 48

CRYPTOGRAMS by Myles Mellor 1. J T K U

TD

MUC

XBMCW

CBM

SMUCW

JTKU

BDZ

KSQCMTQCK NWSX BK QGLU BK BD TDLU B QSDMU. HCM,

SDLC

LBGNUM,

MUCH

NWSX

BD

TDLU

B

62 63

QTDGMC! 2. D N A L R O F D N G L U J I Z K G X . A G L K K H E G A N Q G N G L X EGGSGS

L

49 50 51 52 53 54 56 59 60 61

MIIS

XLHGIWGJ.

IFJ

IVVGERDWG

KDEG

A L R R I Z L S N Q G O F L J N G J Z LT H F R G S N I R D M E L K V I J L VLDJ TLNTQ IE NQG RELU!

Writer Kingsley Arbor asset Prevent Don’t put this before the horse Hindu text “Fiddler on the Roof” actor Gradually deteriorate Double-reed woodwind “___ Fire” (Springsteen song) Archaelogical digs, usually Actor Fernando or Lorenzo Bodybuilder’s count Texas students Florida State students Like the Milky Way “___ in Toyland” Daniel survived one Feeling poorly Petrified Rattled one’s saber at Catchphrase for Nelson on “The Simpsons” Extremely hot and dry Olympic swimmer’s slot Mined matter “Aladdin” monkey Balcony section Sumter or McHenry Too sure of oneself Paves, as a road Duke students Buccaneers’ home Raison d’___ Car salesman’s milieu Volcanic outflow Some American Airlines workers

64 66 68 69 71 72 73 76 77 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 90 91 93 94 96 97 98 102 106 109 110 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121

Blithering fool Ball honoree Tossed course Pour, as wine Person-of-the-Year magazine Be 36-Across A la ___ (dessert choice) Deliver a keynote Tennessee students Country that was once Persia “A stitch in time saves ___” Security or faucet problem Swiss river TV Tarzan player Ron Austin-to-Waco dir.

Tackle a word search Hang in there On the ocean blue Battery’s partner River in the Carolinas Cooped-up layer Barbara ___ Geddes Divine Person taking five Virginia students Tulane students Last write-up Prettify Petrie of classic TV Elizabethan and Victorian Surrealist Magritte Extreme Make scholarly corrections to Went on horseback Real-estate document Coquette Decreases, as pain Editor’s “leave it”

dOwn 1 St. Teresa of ___ 2 In-basket items

3 “___ Wanna Cry” (Mariah Carey hit) 4 Spanish punch 5 Leisurely walks 6 Word with “witching” or “happy” 7 Neat as ___ 8 Wears 9 Ernie of the PGA 10 Marina ___ Rey 11 Taped over 12 Ponderous books 13 Wax-coated cheese 14 Denizen 15 Long cigar 16 Genesis shepherd 17 Mountain climber’s need 18 Dick Tracy’s love 28 Hollywood’s Holbrook 30 Hawaiian goose 32 Showed (all) 33 Southern constellation 34 Vereen of “Roots” 37 Attempt to be heard 38 Zoo structure 39 Sojourner explored it 40 Vanderbilt students 41 Spew lava 42 Ballet dancer painter Edgar 43 Loathe 44 Blind as ___ 45 Miami students 47 Allocate 48 “Damn Yankees” siren 52 Number of Olympic rings 53 Deli staple 55 Tranquilize 56 Smudge 57 Actress Burstyn 58 Kilmer of “The Doors” 59 “___ death do us part” 63 Buddies

65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 74 75 77 78 79 82 86 87 88 89 90 92 93 95 97 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 111 112

Hero follower?

Defraud Bird of the Outback Begets Designer Karan Brockovich and namesakes “The Wind in the Willows” character Clifftop home Cartoon chipmunk “The Memory of Trees” singer Discharge, as steam Late Cushiness Swift land Pit stop need ___ XING (street sign) Snakelike fish Clothing, informally “Jeopardy!” questions?

Subsided Tough puzzles Poetic nightfall Scacchi in “The Player” Prophetic card, to some Sidestep Bowling lane button Firewood measure Busy as ___ Morning glory, e.g.

Writer Stanley Gardner Vasco da ___ Bitterly regrets White-tailed eagle Rob Roy’s negative Wrangler alternative end

Last weeks Cryptograms 1. My large dog flunked out of obedience school. While wagging his bushy tail, he claimed the kids ate his homework.

2. A bright economist and finance maven figured out how to cut the deficit and balance the budget- close twelve large states!

Thursday, August 4, 2011 Items Under $200 For Sale ADVERTISE YOUR merchandise with the total value of $200 or less in this section for FREE! Limit 1 ad per month, 15 words or less. Price must be included. No commercial advertising.

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks. Email ad to: classified@yourobserver.com or online at: www.yourobserver.com/classifieds ANGEL TRUMPETS: lavender, double, bloom many times. Seedling $1. Large $3. Patio plant.

941-739-8758.

BACK MASSAGE-HOMEDICS Shiatsu Cushion fits on chair. New $199.99. Sell for $100. 941524-8867.

CLOTHES: ABERCROMBIE & other name brands. Girls: s/m/l $65.00 for all. 941-739-0725.

DINING TABLE: glass top, washed wood base, 60x42, $125. 941-376-1641.

LEBRA FOR 2009-10 RAV4 Base Model LeBra custom front end cover, new. $75.00 Cash.

941-745-1052.

MAGELLAN GPS Roadmate 1475T with car cradle, ac, car chargers and manual. $85.

(941)756-1182.

MOVING BOXES: Enough to move a 3-4 bedroom house including wardrobe boxes, two flat screen tv boxes. $50 941-405-4745.

VIZIO HDTV: 42" L42HTV10A 720p LCD 2006 Model, w/remote. Very good condition. $200 firm.

941-929-4233.

Furnishings LAKEWOOD RANCH ESTATE- Aluminum 5-piece patio (cost $1700-Restoration Hardware) now $699; Sofa & loveseat (Robb & Stucky) like new $850. Henredon and Drexel bedroom sets, Stearns & Foster Beds, Stiffe lamps, Stanley Entertainment Center for plasma/LCD ($350@Robb &Stucky) $995. 5-piece Cherry Home Office w/2-lateral files, La-Z-Boy sleeper, much, much, more.

Manatee Furniture 3015 1st St. Bradenton, 10 Blocks north of DeSoto mall on US Hwy 41.

941-745-2596 SARASOTA BARGAIN Thrift Store & Consignment Center. 1635 12th St., Sarasota. Washers, Dryers, Refrigerators, Freezers. Furniture, Beds, Dressers, Sofas, Tables, TV’s, Records, Books, etc. Don’t give your items away, let us sell them for you!

Delivery & pick-up available. 941-812-0587.

Merchandise Wanted SENIOR LOOKING to buy precious metals, time pieces, coins, jewelry and antiques. Please call Marc, 941-321-0707.

Plants/Trees LARGE WHOLESALE TREES 14-15’ Maples, Cypress, Sycamore, Sweetgum: $95.00 each.

16-18’ Maples, Live Oak, Laurel Oak, Cedars: $275 each.

15 Acres of native trees to choose from.

40 varieties, various sizes available.

Delivery & installation available. By appointment only. Contact Eddie @ 941-232-9377 or eddie@mckeithen.net

4 EAsy WAys To Place your Classified Ad Call 941-955-4888

Fax

Reserved Space LP Reserved Space 941-362-4808

Email classified@yourobserver.com

Online at

www.yourobserver.com/classifieds All major credit/debit cards accepted.

Announcements LAKEWOOD RANCH RENTERS Why Are You Renting?

Trade Your Rent Payment for Home Ownership in Lakewood Ranch NOW! Buy with absolutely no money down/Low fixed rate Are You Eligible?

For your no obligation inquiry contact: Mary Fran Lowry: 941-321-2201 Lowry Properties, LLC

Auctions NURSERY AUCTION

August 6, 10a.m.-Viewing from 9a.m.

3705 Lena Rd., Bradenton. All kinds of plants, pavers, waterfalls, pots, two desks and more.

All Florida Realty & Auction Co. Ab923 941-746-5355 Au1333. Call or go online for terms. www.afraac.com 10% Buyer Premium, MC, VISA, cash purchases w/ID.

Homes For Rent

Home Improvement/ Remodeling

LUXOR MHP

WATER HEATERS, faucets and small plumbing repairs. Reasonable rates. License #CFC1426756.

941-737-0349.

$425mo-1 bed/bath mobile homes.

55+ community. No Pets.

5811 14th St. W. Bradenton.

Sarasota Real Estate Assoc, Inc. Greg Nowak 941-809-6034

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals

Landscaping & Lawn Service BERRYS LAWN & LANDSCAPING. Over 25 years of experience . Best prices in Manatee. Please call 941-713-1742 for a free and fast estimate.

Painting/Wallpapering CASA DEL MAR BEACH RESORT WEEKLY RENTALS GULF FRONT/ GULF VIEW

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.

Personal Services

Reservations: 941-383-5549 Visa/ MC Fax: 941-383-7925

YOUR PERSONAL BOOKKEEPER, LLC Gail Sunray, Owner

“Take our video tour at” www.casadelmar.net

Personal & Business Bookkeeping Accounting/ Taxes

PRIVATE PIANO INSTRUCTION in your home. All ages. 20 years experience. Bachelor Music Piano.

1st Lesson Discount. 941-776-7381.

Office Open 7 Days, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

4621 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key 34228

I come to your home or office.

Storage

WASHER/ DRYER IN EVERY UNIT BEAUTIFUL KITCHENS LARGE HEATED POOL GULFSIDE

Schools/Instruction

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

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

Business Opportunities

FREE Wireless High Speed Internet

Distributor Sarasota Nets $98,000.

Price $350,000.

Commercial Lawn Co nets $140,000.

Price $200,000.

20 Commercial acres with 2 nice homes Punta Gorda nets $144,000. Price $1,100,000.

“Where People Return Year After Year”

WWW.ABBEXINC.COM 941-365-3833 EDUCATORS/NURSES $25K-100K. Free car.

Exotic trips. Residual income. Ongoing Training.

Fastest Growing Industry. Listen 941-366-4586.

Help Wanted Homemakers/ Companions CNA’S/ HHA’S

You Can Make a Difference. Help seniors stay independent. We provide: non medical care, personal care, meals, light housekeeping, transportation & companionship. Flexible hours available- F/T, P/T, Overnight, Weekends and Live-In. Positions available in Sarasota/ Bradenton/ Venice. To work now fax resume to 941-929-7438 or email: joanieck@comcast.net Newspaper is seeking a fast paced, detail oriented Typesetter for a part time position in Sarasota, Florida (Part time hours will range from 20-40 hours per week, depending on volume).

Must be able to type at least 75 WPM with great accuracy and proof read typed material and make corrections.

Ideal candidate will have strong computer software and hardware skills.

Legal background preferred.

Please email resume to: employment@review.net.

Please specify WPM typing speed for consideration.

PART TIME SERVERS. Shifts are 2.5 hours each, include nights and weekends @ $7.50 ph. Apply in person to: Desoto Beach Club 5201 Desoto Rd, Sarasota, FL.

Condos/Apts. For Rent 1 BR apartment E. Bradenton. Furnished, includes utilities, W/D, TV, AC, WIFI. $550 covers all.

941-209-9004.

“INTENTIONALLY BETTER”

Adult Care Services CAREGIVING BY TINA HOURLY OR 24/7 CARE Assistance with Personal Care/ Shopping/ Transportation/ etc. Excellent references, Insured and Bonded. Call 941-586-7278 IN-HOME CARE/ COMPANIONSHIP/ HOMEMAKING available all hours; days, nights, weekends.

Call 377-4465 for more information or visit our website @ www.eldercaresarasota.com Lic. #30211372 Bonded & Insured.

Cleaning A CLEANING EVEN YOUR MOTHER-IN-LAW WILL APPROVE! Every time, guaranteed! Lic./Ins. Bonded. Pamela, 941-320-0023. www.CleanTimeServices.com BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service by Maria.

Residential/ Commercial. Meticulous Cleaning.

Excellent References. Free Estimates. Reliable.

Lic./ Ins. 941-400-3342

FREE ESTIMATES! Call Dottie, detailed cleaning. 24 Years Exp. Lic./ Ins. Residential/ Commercial. Dottie, 941-321-6645.

GREENMAGIC CLEANING. Residential & Commercial. Great work. Excellent references.

Affordable Rates. Come home happy. Lic./Ins. 941-780-4248.

Computer Services OWN A MAC/IPHONE/IPAD? MacTutor offers 21 years experience. Unlimited free telephone follow up. (941)812-3887 www.FLMacTutor.com PC TECHNICAL SUPPORT: Repair hardware/ software/ Internet problems, remove viruses/ spyware. Navy veteran - electronics. 941-364-2109, 941-225-0046.

   

Bill Paying & Account Reconciliation Organizing Personal and Business Files Budgets & Financial Reports Federal and State Tax Returns BONDED & INSURED Over 25 yrs. experience Telephone: 941-749-5646 yourbookkeeper@tampabay.rr.com

Pet Services W W W. F U R R Y TA I L S 4 G R O O M I N G . C O M MOBILE Dog Grooming - a natural and organic approach to pet care. 941 795-0303.

Pressure Cleaning PRESSURE & WINDOW CLEANING. Affordable, environmentally friendly. July special: free driveway cleaning with any roof AND window cleaning.

Call: 941-879-3683.

Tile STEVE ALLEN FLOOR COVERINGS PROFESSIONAL TILE & MARBLE INSTALLATION 20 YRS. EXPERIENCE CALL FOR FREE ESTIMATE 726-1802 LIC/ INS

Woodworking CABINETRY WOOD custom/manufactured for kitchens, baths and office, crown molding and trim work. Paul, 941-238-8033.

Visit us online at www.yourobserver.com This week’s crossword answers

Doors SLIDING GLASS Door Repair.

Roll-in Roll-out Construction, Inc. 941-321-9010, www.Roll-inRoll-out.com

Financial Services

2BR/2BA FULLY furnished, W/D, all utilities included, internet hook-up. Aug. 1st to Dec. 31st.

Golf available. No pets. Non-smoking. $1250/mo.

941-727-9774.

BUSH HOG MOWING. Fast. Free Estimates.

941-773-4808.

TOWNHOUSE AT University Parkway and Honore, Carolina Landings: 2BR/2.5BA, end unit, W/D, new flooring. $1025/mo. yearly lease.

941-538-1792.

R.J. DAVIS WHOLESALE FLOORING, LLC. Tile Setter, Wood Floor Installer. Lic./Ins. 10 Years working in Lakewood Ranch custom homes.

You buy the material, we install. 941-586-8996.

Home Improvement/ Remodeling

THE OBSERVER GROUP LP # 56733

26A Classifieds 26

THE EAST COUNTY OBSERV Thursday, AugustObserver 4, 2011 EAST COUNTY

www.yourobserver.com

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 2011

ACCOUNTING

ELECTRIC

LANDSCAPING & LAWN 56959

PLUGS +

6HUYLQJ 6DUDVRWD DQG 0DQDWHH %XVLQHVVHV

Sod & Landscaping

6PDUW 5HDVRQV WR 2XWVRXUFH <RXU $FFRXQWLQJ 1HHGV WR 8V

Š h{Â&#x2030; z{Â&#x201E;Â&#x160; wÂ&#x201A; Š iÂ&#x2039;Â&#x2C6;}{ fÂ&#x2C6;Â&#x2026;Â&#x160;{yÂ&#x160;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2030; Š YÂ&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â&#x192;{Â&#x2C6;y wÂ&#x201A; ]{Â&#x201E;{Â&#x2C6;wÂ&#x160;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2030;Š XÂ&#x2039;y {Â&#x160; jÂ&#x2C6;Â&#x2039;y Š \Â&#x2039;Â&#x201A;Â&#x201A; i{Â&#x2C6;Â&#x152; y{ [Â&#x201A;{yÂ&#x160;Â&#x2C6; ywÂ&#x201A; YÂ&#x2026;Â&#x201E;Â&#x160;D

Â&#x2021; <RX QHHG PRUH WLPH $FFRXQWLQJ DQG ILQDQFH LV RXU FRUH FRPSHWHQF\ Â&#x2021; (QKDQFH GHFLVLRQ PDNLQJ ZLWK RXU LQWHJUDWHG WHDP RI SURIHVVLRQDOV Â&#x2021; 6DYH XS WR RQ DFFRXQWLQJ FRVWV :H RIIHU FRPSHWLWLYH UDWHV

Call (941) 747-1968

License # EC13001486

60172

AUTO SERVICE

FLOORING

941-504-0903

/54$//2 &52.)452% %80%243 s 777 0!4)/2%0!)23 .%4

LOCAL - LONG DISTANCE FREE ESTIMATES

Is Your home hurricane ready?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;IF IT DOESNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T TIC, TOC TO ME.â&#x20AC;?

) # # s $/4 &, -/6%23 )-

Dave McCarthy

Let us do a free storm protection analysis. Call today for a free consultation.

Order now and be ready for Septemberâ&#x20AC;Śthe most active hurricane month.

(941) 752-4741

Â&#x2021; 5ROOGRZQ 6KXWWHUV Â&#x2021; 8OWUD 6FUHHQ SO\ )DEULF Â&#x2021; $FFRUGLDQ 6KXWWHUV Â&#x2021; %RQGHG ,QVXUHG Â&#x2021;/H[DQ &OHDU 3DQHOV Â&#x2021; :RUNHUV &RPS

&$//

Operator/Owner

MIKE CONNER 941 - 447 - 6666

359-1904

Showroom: 3801 N. Washington Blvd. (State Road 301) 1 mile S of University Parkway

COMPUTER

INTERIOR DESIGN

We sell boxes!

Beautiful Interior Design on a Budget

60767

In-Home Consultation & Do-It-Yourself Plan

DOORS

The Observer Service Directory.

Call 941-955-4888 to advertise

s ,ANDSCAPE DESIGN RENOVATION INSTALLATION s .ATIVE PLANTS 8ERISCAPE %XPERTS s &REEZE 0ROOF 0LANTS s 3OD 2EPAIR s $RAINAGE 2EPAIRS s 3EASONAL #LEAN 5P 2EMULCH s .EW 0AVERS 0AVER 2EPAIR s /RGANIC 'ARDENING &ERTILIZING

service and quality workmanship

s /VER YEARS OF EXPERIENCE s )NTERIOR AND %XTERIOR PAINTING s #OLOR SELECTION AND CONSULTATION PROVIDED WITH EACH PROJECT s 0RESSURE CLEANING SERVICES s 7ARRANTIES PROVIDED FOR ALL EXTERIOR SERVICES s .O JOB TOO SMALL

%XPERIENCED s )NSURED 7ORKER S #OMP Lic. #RGLAN-SL-A1815

365-2407

,%7)3 !6% s */(. -!'')% &2/34 /7.%23

61032

FULLY INSURED Please call for a free estimate today

61031

60759

GET YOUR NAME OUT THERE! Advertise your business in

J. AHales Painting L.L.C. Contractor who specializes in customer

Native Son Landscape Services, Inc. GO GREEN!

Sliding Glass Door Repair â&#x20AC;&#x153;FIX IT - DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T REPLACEâ&#x20AC;?

SPECIAL - $75 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; $100 PER DOOR Call Mark 941-928-2263

PAINTING

941.726.1560

www.chiconthecheap.net chiconthecheap@gmail.com

Fully Licensed and Insured

Classified Ads Bring Results â&#x20AC;˘ 941-955-4888

RedeďŹ ning Interior Design

LANDSCAPING & LAWN

SLIDING GLASS DOORS New Deluxe Rollers Will MakeYour Doors Roll BetterThan Ever

U.S. DOT No. 1915800

61157

100

$

Phone (941) 704-4278 Fax (941) 538-3781 dmccarthy114@hotmail.com

count 15% disJuly! u thr

9LVD 0& 'LVFRYHU $P ([ $FFHSWHG 61029

Free tes ma Esti

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Will move anything from a couch to a householdâ&#x20AC;?

HURRICANE PROTECTION

Serving Bradenton/Sarasota areas Over 30 years experience

All Makes & Models House Calls by apt.

MO V I N G Dave McCarthy

#USHIONS s 3LINGS s 2E POWDERCOATING #USHIONS s 3LINGS s 5MBRELLAS

Christoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Clock Repair

Horologist

MOVERS

60713

WITH COUPON

PATIO REPAIRS Furniture Repairs FurnitureSales Sales &&Repairs

61023

OFF

CLOCK REPAIR

Don Christo, Sr.

61834

FURNITURE REPAIR

61267

Approved with all Insurance Companies

5

$

in The

Observer ClassiďŹ eds

61617 38056

941-882-0991

(941) 315-0896

FIND IT!

LIC/INS. ADAM, 941-724-3917 REFS. Upon Request

60671

FREE MOBILE SERVICE

Many Local References

9 STONE 9 TILE 9 HARDWOOD 9 LAMINATES 9 FLOORS & WALLS

For All Makes and Models Monday through Saturday 8-8

60193

31 Years â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Locally Owned & Operated

$ ' 9 , 6 2 5 < ) , 1 $ 1 & , $ / 7$ ; 6 ( 5 9 , & ( 6

Free rt Expetation ul Cons

60670

ZZZ NHQQHWKMDUYLV FRP

Lawn & Landscape Repair #OMPLETE -AKE /VER s -AINTENANCE s )RRIGATION 4REE 3HRUB 4RIMMING s ,ANDSCAPE ,IGHTING #LEAN 5PS s -ULCH s 2OCK

941.993.4035

LAKEWOOD RANCH PAINTING

Š Interior & Exterior Painting & Wallcovering Š Full Service Interior Design & Color Selection Assistance Š Over 30 Years Experience Need a Referral? Matt Arndt, Owner Call today for Ask a Neighbor!

941-726-7077

a FREE estimate!

Sell your service with success.

Advertise in the Service Directory

Call 955-4888 for more information...

LV1629

www.yourobserver.com

Rental agent on staff

Off The Cost Of Professional Pest Control Services!

60667

528 Brandon Blvd. E.

922-1817

813-651-4477

HOURS: Mon-Fri 9AM-5:30PM s 3AT AM-2:30PM

BETH BARNETT â&#x20AC;&#x153;East Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s #1 Agent!â&#x20AC;?

PET SERVICES

Lakewood Ranch announces

COUNTRY CANINE MAKEOVERS DOG GROOMING Call for appointment Cindy Wells 941-322-6381 941-928-2168

60178

Located off of SR 70 E. 1 mile North on Verna Bethany Rd. 7804 Barr Road Myakka City, FL 34251

Follow us on Twitter: sodasells@gmail.com lakewoodjim www.lakewoodranchlistingalerts.com See us on Facebook: Jim Soda* Visit us at: www.JimSoda.com 59472

5900 S. Tamiami Trail

s

Get the free mobile app for your phone http://gettag.mobi

61033

Make Your Phone Ring Team Up With Classifieds

Regrout Regrout â&#x2122;Śâ&#x2122;Ś Recaulk Recaulk â&#x2122;Śâ&#x2122;Ś Repair Repair Clean Clean â&#x2122;Śâ&#x2122;Ś Seal Seal â&#x2122;Śâ&#x2122;Ś Recolor Recolor

We Cure Sick Grout!

Floors Floors â&#x2122;Śâ&#x2122;Ś Kitchens Kitchens â&#x2122;Śâ&#x2122;Ś Showers Showers

For listing your house, call BETH for proven results!!

Call 924-9000 *A/H 730-0130

www.realtor.com/sarasota/bethbarnett

941-955-4888

Pretty Tile, Ugly Grout?

24 hours

941-755-1300 www.groutdoctor.com

ROOFING

www.groutdoctor.com

POOLS

Bisson RooďŹ ng Inc.

1Â FREEÂ MONTHÂ OFÂ POOLÂ SERVICE! Â Pool. $899 Installed Turn Your Pool into(With a Agreement) Salt

2ESIDENTIAL #OMMERCIAL 2OOlNG s 3PECIALIZING IN 2OOF 2EPAIRS Shingle/Metal/Tile/ModiďŹ ed 941-748-7400

LP Missing: # 61861

Lic./Ins. se Window Washin i r n Su and Pressure Cleaning g

www.dripsnpuddles.com

Lic. CPC1457144Â

61861

A Professional Licensed & Insured Pool Company

345-6081

60261

Re-Screen gulfcoastscreenscapes.com

*Service *Repair *Equipment Upgrades *Remodel

Environmentally Friendly

61034

SCREENING

Swimming Pool

with with this this ad ad

Free Free Estimates Estimates

Res./Com.

92 ,!"/2 7!22!.49 /. !,, .%7 2//&3

9800-610-4570 41-776-7517Â

$25 Off

WINDOWS

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Your Local Roofer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Cover Youâ&#x20AC;?

Licensed & Insured s ,IC 2# s Free Estimates s ./ ()$$%. #/343 OWNER SUPERVISES EVERY JOB START TO FINISH.

Ask Ask About About EnduroShield EnduroShield Coatings Coatings

61723 61723

746-6654

BRANDON

TILE

h,EAVE 9OUR $IRTY 7INDOWS 4O 5Sv

s h50 4/ 34!.$!2$ 7).$/73 s v 35--%2 30%#)!,3

10%

Free Estimates

00

OFF + Additional

For Senior Citizens Prices Include:

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x160; >Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;Ă&#x160; Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x160; >Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;/Ă&#x20AC;>VÂ&#x17D;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;-VĂ&#x20AC;iiÂ&#x2DC;Ă&#x192;

60260

3790 14th St. W.

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re buying or selling your home Call The Soda Group

/-Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;/ , / -Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160; -

SARASOTA

Call Now for a Free Estimate (941) 962-0395

www.thesodagroup.com

BUG BUSTERS BRADENTON

*according to Trendgraphix

80%

in Lakewood Ranch*

Ask us about Superscreen Rescreening pool cages, lanais, etc.

60153

," -Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;

#1Real Estate Group

SAVE UP TO

There could be a nest of thousands - Inside or even outside your home!

SCREENING

The Soda Group

DO-IT-YOURSELF

PEST CONTROL

Just Seeing One May Mean Big Trouble!

YourObserver.com

REALTORS

PEST CONTROL Carpenter Ants Bugging You?

Classifieds 27A 27

www.yourobserver.com

61168

THE EAST COUNTY OBSERVER Thursday, August 4,4,2011 2011 THURSDAY, AUGUST

EAST COUNTY Observer

Observe

what you are missing...

Local News thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

LOCAL NEWS! YourObserver.com

28

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 2011

You may not know what you’re looking for, it. but now you know where to

find

To be notified of special events and open houses, we invite you to join our private registry at SignatureSIR.com

13010 Fruitville Road Unequaled, expansive, and breathtakingly beautiful 85 acre property just east of I-75 approximately 8 miles on south side, frontage has white picket fence and gated entry. Recently featured in the pages of Sarasota’s Nuovo Bride Magazine, this property has played host to countless weddings, significant fundraisers and many other events. $3,500,000

Terry Herschberger 941.468.8439

113 12th Avenue E Gary Janaczek

$1,595,000 941.685.0973

6959 Westchester Circle Brian Snyder

$1,350,000 941.376.2005

31 Boca Royale Boulevard Bob Linthicum

$989,500 941.228.9206

4709 Sonada Court Valerie Dall’Acqua

$949,000 941.445.7295

1549 Bayshore Road Stephen L. Lingley & Gary Garner

$948,000 941.809.7580

4857 Primrose Path Judie Berger

$900,000 941.928.3424

5355 17th Street W Martha Marlar

428 Cezanne Drive Joel Schemmel

$885,000 941.809.0380

5515 2nd Avenue Circle Devon Davis & Bridget Smith

$799,900 941.720.2053

5912 Riverview Boulevard Martha Marlar

$749,000 941.812.0455

237 Harbor House Drive Gary Janaczek

$649,000 941.685.0973

27 Saint John Boulevard Bob Linthicum

$899,900 941.228.9206

941.364.4000

$1,995,000 941.809.7580

877.317.7003

4239 Harbor Boulevard Gwen Heggan

SignatureSIR.com

©MMX Signature Sotheby’s International Realty, licensed real estate broker. ®,™ and SM are licensed trademarks to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated.

$649,900 941.468.1297

To preview open house selections from your phone, scan this code.

51252

490 S Gulf Boulevard Stephen L. Lingley & Melissa Caldwell

$2,400,000 941.812.0455