East County Observer 03.08.12

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EAST COUNTY

You. Your neighbors. Your neighborhood.

SPORTS

inside

Opera Guild fashion show hits high note.

+ Don’t forget to spring ahead!

Daylight saving time begins this Sunday, March 11, so remember to set your clocks one hour ahead before you go to bed on Saturday night.

Daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. on the second Sunday in March. It lasts until the first Sunday in November.

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SCHOOLS

East County golfers tee off at Archie Griffin Golf Classic.

PAGE 18A

PAGE 9B

OUR TOWN

Thursday, MARCH 8, 2012

McNeal students go crazy at annual Winter Carnival.

PAGE 2-3B

legal proceedings By Pam Eubanks | News Editor beauty and the feet

Parties want quick resolution Stoneybrook Investors has filed a lawsuit against the Heritage Harbour South Community Development District regarding changes in its assessments.

HERITAGE HARBOUR — As a lawsuit over how property owners in the Heritage Harbour South Community Development District are assessed makes its way through the legal system, both residents and parties involved hope to resolve the dispute quickly.

Residents say they are worried the lawsuit will rack up high legal fees. Plus, if the district loses, it may have to pay $3.8 million to the owner of Stoneybrook Investors, owner of the Stoneybrook Golf Course, as per the lawsuit.

Homeowners, essentially, would foot the bill.

IN MEMORIAM

Representatives of Stoneybrook Investors say the fight is one they don’t want. They simply are protecting their assets and trying to show the golf course provides value to the district and homeowners that was not considered when the CDD adopted a new assessment methodology

By Pam Eubanks | News Editor

Ranch YMCA unveils expansion

Napier’s Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary has teamed up with Purina’s Pets for Seniors to help adoptable pets at the Sanctuary find new homes and to help seniors find a new companion.

Select dogs and all cats will be offered free of charge to seniors (ages 60 and up). All cats will be spayed/neutered, have shots, de-wormed, FIV/ Leukemia test and microchipped for ID. Dogs will be spayed/neutered, have shots, de-wormed, a heartworm test and microchipped for ID. For more, www.

NapierFamilyFarm.com.

The Lakewood Ranch YMCA opened its new fitness center to the public March 3.

File photo

Hub Hubbell delighted his audiences with his humor, gentle nature and his impressive trick-shooting, which he loved to perform.

HAPPY TRAILS

Lakewood Ranch Women’s Club members learned of the latest fashion trends during the group’s annual Spring Fashion Show and Luncheon Feb. 22, at Michael’s On East.

The annual event benefits the club’s charities: Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy, SOLVE Maternity Homes, Meals on Wheels Plus and HOPE Family Services.

SEE LAWSUIT / PAGE 11A

now open

By Pam Eubanks | News Editor

+ Rescue offers free pets for seniors

+ Ranch women enjoy fashion show

in September. Under the change, the club’s assessments would increase by about 500%, or $35,000 annually.

CDD officials say the assessment methodology they adopted is fair and their position is solid.

The East County’s resident cowboy, Hub Hubbell, died March 3, on the back porch of his home off University Parkway. He was 93.

Cowboy legend Hub Hubbell, in many ways, was larger than life.

A rodeo icon who rubbed shoulders with Western stars such as Roy Rogers, Dale Evans and Clayton Moore during his career, Hubbell made his mark as sharpshooter, rodeo announcer and horse trainer who

lived and breathed life as a cowboy.

Hubbell, 93, died March 3 on the back porch of his home on the Flying H. Ranch, off University Parkway. He was preceded in death by his wife, Eunice, who died in 2009 of cancer.

Up until the day before his death, Hubbell was out promot-

ing the upcoming Arcadia Rodeo.

“He was an absolute cowboy gentlemen,” said longtime friend Ellian Rosaire, who had known Hubbell for more than 25 years. “He was awesome.”

Friend Kandi Cooke agreed.

SEE HUBBELL / PAGE 9A

LAKEWOOD RANCH — The Lakewood Ranch YMCA just got bigger.

On March 3, members and officials of the YMCA celebrated the opening of the facility’s new $2.1 million, 13,000-square-foot addition, which has been under construction since September.

“We had a big turnout,” Branch Director Scott Morin said, adding he’s appreciative of members who stuck with the YMCA during construction. “We didn’t get any negative comments. Everybody seemed to be very happy and very appreciative.”

The new space includes a new fitness center with 80 pieces of cardio equipment, an expanded free weight area and two new circuit training lines, as well as a group exercise room, a yoga/dance classroom, a group cycling space and several small offices.

SEE YMCA / PAGE 11A

INDEX Classifieds ........ 17B Cops Corner..........7A

Crossword.......... 16B Opinion.................8A

Real Estate........ 14B Neighborhood...... 1B

Sports................ 13A Weather............. 16B

Vol. 13, No. 10 | Two sections YourObserver.com

2A

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012 PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Hundreds of People Cash In at the Treasure Hunters Event Yesterday!

STAFF WRITER

Gold and Silver pour into yesterday’s THR’s Treasure Hunters Roadshow due to highest prices in 40 years.

THR’s Treasure Hunters Roadshow is not affiliated with or related to the Antiques Roadshow television series, PBS or WGBH

Archie Davis, a Treasure Hunters representative. “Broken jewelry and gold or silver coins add up very quickly. I just finished working with a gentleman that had an old class ring, two bracelets, and handful of silver dollars,… his check was for over $650.00. I would say that there were well over 100 people in

Yesterday at the Best Western Plus Ambassador Suites, Homewood Suites, & Holiday Inn Express Bradenton West, hundreds lined up to cash antiques, collectibles, gold and jewelry in at the THR’s Treasure Hunters Roadshow. The free

“If you go to the event you can cash-in your items for competitive prices. THR’s representatives will be available to assess and purchase your items at the Best Western Plus Ambassador Suites, Homewood Suites, & Holiday Inn Express Bradenton West through Saturday in Venice, Sarasota, & Bradenton.”

“It is unbelievable, I brought in some old coins that had been in a little cigar box for years and some old herringbone necklaces and in less than fifteen minutes I left with a check for $712.37.” event is in Venice, Sarasota, & Bradenton all week buying gold, silver antiques and collectibles.

One visitor I spoke with yesterday said “It’s unbelievable, I brought in some old coins that had been in a little cigar box for years and some old herringbone necklaces and in less than fifteen minutes I left with a check for $712.37.

That stuff has been in my jewelry box and dresser for at least 20 years.” Another gentlemen brought an old Fender guitar his father bought years ago. “Dad had less than fifty bucks in that guitar.” The THR specialist that assisted him, made a few phone calls and a veterinarian in Seattle, Washington bought the guitar for $5700.00. The seller continued, “I got another $150.00 for a broken necklace and an old class ring. It’s

Above • A couple waits with anticipation while a THR specialist examines their antiques and gold items. The Treasure Hunters are at the Best Western Plus Ambassador Suites, Homewood Suites, & Holiday Inn Express Bradenton West this week.

not every day that someone brings six thousand dollars to town with your name on it.”

Jeff Parsons, President of THR’s Treasure Hunters Roadshow commented, “Lots of people have items that they know are valuable but just don’t know where to sell them. Old toys, trains, swords, guitars, pocket watches or just

Our International Collectors Association members are looking for the following types of items.

• COINS Any and all coins made before 1970. This includes all silver and gold coins, dollars, half dollars, quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies. All conditions wanted!

• GOLD, SILVER & JEWELRY PRICES AT 40 YEAR HIGHS! for platinum, gold and silver during this event. Broken Jewelry, dental gold, old coins, pocket watches, Kruggerands, Gold Bars Canadian Maple Leafs, Gold, Silver, Platinum, diamonds, rubies, sapphires and all types of stones, metals, etc. Rings, bracelets, necklaces, all others including broken jewelry. Early costume jewelry wanted.

• WATCHES & POCKET WATCHES Rolex, Tiffany, Hublot, Omega, Chopard, Cartier, Philippe, Ebel, Waltham, Swatch, Chopard, Elgin, Bunn Special, Railroad, Hamilton, all others.

• TOYS, TRAINS & DOLLS All types of toys made before 1970 including: Hot Wheels, Tonka, Buddy L, Smith Miller, Nylint, Robots, battery toys, Mickey Mouse, all other toys - Train sets, all gauges, accessories, individual cars, Marklin, American Flyer, Lionel, Hafner, all other trains - Barbie Dolls, GI Joe, Shirley Temple, Characters, German, all makers accepted.

• MILITARY ITEMS & SWORDS Civil, Revolutionary, WWI, WWII, etc. Items of interest include swords, badges, clothes, photos, medals, knives, gear, letters, etc.

• ADVERTISING ITEMS Metal and Porcelain signs, gas companies, beer and liquor makers, automobile, implements, etc.

All sports memorabilia is in high demand including: Pre 1970’s baseball cards; autographed baseballs, footballs & basketballs; jerseys; signed photos; etc...

about anything old is valuable to collectors. These collectors are willing to pay big money for those items they are looking for.”

This week the Treasure Hunter’s Event is the place to get connected with those collectors. The process is free and anyone can brings items down to the event. If the Treasure Hunter’s specialists

find items their collectors are interested in, offers will be made to purchase those items. About 80% of the guests that attend the show end up selling one or more items at the event.

Antiques and collectibles are not the only items the Treasure Hunters are buying. “Gold and silver markets are soaring,” says

here yesterday that sold their scrap gold.”

One gentleman holding his check for over $1250.00 in the lobby of the event yesterday had this comment, “I am so happy I decided to come to the THR’s Treasure Hunters Roadshow. I saw the newspaper ad for the event and brought in an old German sword I brought back from World War II and some old coins and here is my check. What a great thing for our community. I am heading home now to see what else I have they might be interested in.”

The THR’s Treasure Hunters Roadshow continues today starting at 9am. The event is free and no appointment is needed.

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Gold is now trading near 40 year highs, and you can cash in at THR’s Treasure Hunters Roadshow. All types of gold are wanted, including gold coins, Krugerrands, Maple Leafs, and other gold bars, etc. All gold jewelry, including broken jewelry is accepted. Anything gold and silver is wanted.

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By Jason Delong THR’s Treasure Hunters Roadshow

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

3A

competitive edge By Pam Eubanks | News Editor

Manatee TSA teams sweep states Manatee County schools took five of six top-ranked posts during the 2012 Florida TSA Competition last month.

MANATEE COUNTY — As students in Justin Devine’s technology class at Nolan Middle School hovered around computer screens, manipulating images, the excitement from weekends past still hadn’t worn off.

On Feb. 26, Nolan’s Technology Student Association team not only came back from the state TSA Conference and Competition with 16 first-place finishes but also with a state championship title.

“It really motivated us to work harder for the national conference and to try to keep our reputation,” said 13-year-old Sofia Atz-

rodt, who, with teammates, took home several awards.

Manatee County Public Schools dominated the competition, held Feb. 22-26, on Amelia Island, with Manatee high schools sweeping the top-three overall championship spots. Southeast High took first, while Braden River High followed closely behind, and Lakewood Ranch High placed third.

In the middle school contest, Nolan came home as state champions, earning more than five times as many first-place finishes as any other Manatee County middle school and 24 total topthree finishes. Johnson Middle

School, a magnet school, placed third overall with 11 top-three finishes, while Haile Middle School placed fourth.

More than 1,000 middle and high school students from across Florida’s 67 school districts competed in 68 events during the competition.

“This is an amazing accomplishment, and one that shows just how hard our teachers and students are working,” said Doug Wagner, director of Adult, Career and Technology Education for the school district. “We won more trophies than any other school district in the state, and we re-

campaign trail By Pam Eubanks | News Editor

SECRET TO SUCCESS

Wagner noted that East County schools performed exceptionally well, and success at the high school level, in particular, may stem back to the implementation of a Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics, or STEM, program at the elementary level. McNeal and Freedom elementary schools were the first elementary schools to offer the program.

ally won more than all the other school districts combined.

“For me, the most impressive result we had (was that) we had

GRILL WARE

581 top-10 finishes from our students in Manatee County,” he said.

Manatee’s top finishers in June will head to the 2012 National TSA Conference in Nashville to compete for the national championship.

Wagner said STEM programs and organizations such as TSA are important to Manatee students because they help prepare children to be college and career ready upon graduation.

All Manatee schools have TSA chapters, Wagner said, and seven district elementary schools have engineering programs in place, including McNeal, Freedom and Braden River elementary schools in the East County.

Contact Pam Eubanks at peubanks@yourobserver.com.

By Pam Eubanks | News Editor

Barbecue cook-off needs more chefs Main Street is seeking amateur cooks to compete in its High on the Hog event.

School Board candidates Robert Moates with Jeff Zientara and Steve Litschauer

Manatee School Board candidate rallies in Ranch

Gregg and Ruth Anderson

Michael Terry with campaign manager Rochelle Dudley

Supporters of Manatee County School Board District 2 candidate Robert Moates gathered Feb. 29, at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing for a fundraising meet-and-greet event.

Moates, a government and economics teacher at Lakewood Ranch High School, is hoping to oust long- David Wick with Manatee County time School Board Commission District 5 candidate member Harry Kinnan. Vanessa Baugh

Jackie Smither, Chris Reynolds and Carrie Russ served drinks.

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Summerfield Bluffs resident Charlie Morse has been told many times his barbecue is better than average.

In fact, it’s gotten rave reviews.

“Everybody says it’s the best they’ve ever had,” Morse said. “I guess it’s time to find out.”

Morse, with his son, Connor, was the first barbecue-enthusiast to sign up as a contestant for the High on the Hog Barbecue Contest, an amateurs-only, people’s choice barbecue competition slated for April 29, on Lakewood Ranch Main Street. And although a few competitors have stepped up to the challenge, event organizer Julia DeCastro is seeking more amateur cooks to heat up their grills and compete in the contest, which has a grand prize of $1,000 for the winning chef.

“It’s going to be fun,” DeCastro said. “I’m excited about it.”

Grill teams of up to four people will have less than six hours to set up and grill up enough barbecue to offer 500 2-ounce portions to event-goers. Teams must provide their own tent and grill as well as cooking rigs.

Organizers will supply a 12-foot-by-15-foot space and one 8-foot table to each competing team.

DeCastro said the idea for the competition came as a result of the annual barbecue cook-off between Lakewood Ranch Main Street restaurants each summer.

Each year, residents, she said, call hoping to participate but previously have not been able to do so.

“We thought it would be fun to open it up to backyard barbecueers,” DeCastro said, noting the annual restaurant competition will continue as usual. “(Contestants) cannot be a professional (chef).

That’s the only rule we have.”

Entry fee for the contest is $125 per team by April 1. They also will be responsible for providing 500 2-ounce portions for the competition.

DeCastro noted aspiring chefs who are concerned with the entry

Pam Eubanks

Summerfield resident Charlie Morse, and his son, Connor, are teaming up for the barbecue competition.

if you go High on the Hog Barbeque Contest WHEN: April 29 WHERE: Lakewood Ranch Main Street REGISTRATION $125 per team by April 1. For a registration form, visit www. lwrmainstreet.com and click on April 29 on the events calendar. Main registration and entry fee should be sent to: Main Street at Lakewood Ranch, Attn: High on the Hog Event, 14400 Covenant Way, Lakewood Ranch, 34202. costs can ask for business sponsorships from their employer or other companies as a way to defer personal costs and provide a valued marketing tool for the businesses.

At the event, attendees will pay $5 for a card that allows them to sample barbecue from all the competing teams.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund.

Contact Pam Eubanks at peubanks@yourobserver.com.

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

NEWSBRIEFS

4A

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

+ Canadian company coming to Lakewood Hot Brands International, a restaurant company based out of Toronto, Canada, has established its U.S. headquarters in Lakewood Ranch.

According to a press release by the Manatee Economic Development Corporation, the company plans to add 12 corporate office employees and plans to launch a fast-casual concept over the next three years.

County commissioners recently approved $12,000 in performance-based incentives for the company. The state also committed $48,000 to accelerate the company’s location and hiring.

Hot Brands International has more than 800 employees worldwide with restaurants throughout the country.

“Much of the United States remains underserved in terms of healthy, contemporary and

quick ethnic cuisine,” Kanak Balm vice president of business development for Hot Brands International said. “HBI looks forward to bringing our newest concept to the region.”

+ Bus crash victims released from hospital Manatee County Public School officials report all eight students taken to a local hospital March 2, after the bus in which they were riding was struck by another vehicle, are doing OK. “All the students were released (from the hospital) within an hour-and-one-a-half of the crash,” said Mike Barber, of the school district’s community and press relations office.

“Everything went as well as could possibly be expected.”

On March 2, as the bus was picking up students on the way to Freedom Elementary School, a silver pickup truck ran a stop sign, drove around another car

and then rear-ended the bus at the intersection of 27th Street East and 11th Avenue East.

+ Sheriff following leads on Gross murder The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is following “strong leads” as it builds its case in solving the murder of Lakewood Ranch resident Ina Gross, who was found dead in her home Jan. 9.

Manatee County Sheriff Brad Steube said he is still waiting for toxicology reports from the coroner, as well as DNA evidence, bank records and an analysis of phone records.

Steube said detectives collected evidence from Gross’ home for two-and-one-half days and that evidence all must be sorted and analyzed. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Steube said, sends its evidence to a private lab for testing, which allows his office to get results back in six or

seven weeks compared to five months when utilizing the state.

“Once all the pieces of the puzzle are together, there’s an opportunity to make a case here,” Steube said.

+ Board reverses retroactive pay cuts The Manatee County School Board today announced the salary reduction for teachers previously approved will not be retroactive to July 1, 2011.

During an executive session Feb. 28, board members discussed retroactive salary cuts, and although the school district believes it is on solid legal footing to implement retroactive cuts, the Manatee Education Association disagreed.

Board members have agreed it is in the district’s best interest to avoid potential litigation and the School Board directed Superintendent Tim McGonegal to make salary decreases effective Feb. 16.

Meetings & agendas  Manatee County Planning Commission — 9 a.m.

Thursday, March 8, Manatee County Administrative Building’s first-floor commission chambers, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.  Manatee County Board of County Commissioner’s Regular Meeting — 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 13, Manatee County Administrative Building’s first-floor commission chambers, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.  Lakewood Ranch Community Development District Meetings for Districts 1, 2, 4, 5 and the InterDistrict Authority Board — 8 a.m. Thursday, March 15, at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8155 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch.

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WEB EXCLUSIVE: Pet of the Month Contest

Do you think you have the cutest pet in Sarasota and Manatee counties? Visit the “Contests” page on YourObserver.com to enter your pet photo in our monthly contest. Online voting starts March 25. Each monthly winner will receive a gift certificate from one of the Pet of the Month page sponsors and will have their photo published in the Sarasota Observer and Pelican Press.

VIDEO In the Kitchen Sarasota residents prepare chicken piccata

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EAST COUNTY Observer

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THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

traffic By Pam Eubanks | News Editor

AMERICAN DREAM

Thirty-six-year-old Sophorn Touch, co-owner of Jules Touch Salon, came to the United States 17 years ago on March 11.

The Florida Department of Transportation hosted an open house on the project Feb. 28.

As a high school student Because she knew no Engin the early 1990s, Sophorn lish upon her arrival in BraTouch remembers seeing denton, Sophorn initially broadcasts of the Cambotook language classes with dian officials badmouththe United Way, before ening the United States. rolling at Manatee Technical But while listening to her Institute. Then, she studied radio at night, she heard English for one-and-oneanother story — one of half years before deciding to freedom and opportunity. enter a one-year cosmetolIn those moments, ogy program.

Sophorn believed the lat“I love hair,” Sophorn said. ter.

“It’s instant gratification, “It was my dream (to be and you make people feel here in the United States),” good about themselves — Sophorn said. “I feel like I make people happy. I love won a lottery ticket.” the interaction with people.

Almost exactly 17 years It never feels like a day of ago, Sophorn immigrated work. That’s how I feel. Not to the U.S., joining her many people can say that.” husband, Phala, in BraFor Sophorn, owning her denton. own business truly is a dream Although she knew no come true, but she still has English when she arrived, many other dreams to fulPam Eubanks Sophorn not only speaks fill. Ultimately, she hopes to Sophorn Touch and her business partthe language effortlessly return to college to take writner, Julie Kramer, recently opened Jules now, but also is living out ing and reading comprehenTouch Salon in San Marco Plaza. the American dream as a sion classes, which, she said, homeowner and as a new will create even more opporried May 19, 1994, at the choosbusiness owner. tunities for herself. ing of their parents.

She and friend Julie Kramer, “Learning, to me, is never“In the Cambodian culture, in December, opened their own you expect arranged mar- ending,” she said. hair salon, Jules Touch Salon, in riages,” she said. “Your parents She also wants to show her San Marco Plaza. kind of know who you are (and 10-year-old son, Alexander, to “It’s rewarding starting your choose wisely).” appreciate the opportunities ofown business,” Sophorn said, Two weeks after their wedding fered in the U.S. smiling. “It’s a big investment. in Cambodia, Phala returned to “My dream is I want to master We want to be here for a long the U.S., where he already had the English language,” she said. time and we want to be the best been living. Sophorn stayed in “If I can master English, I can do place — a great place, not just her home country until March anything.” great service.”

Contact Pam Eubanks at peu11, 1995, and then joined Phala Touch and her husband mar- stateside. banks@yourobserver.com.

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Tree & Landscape to save about 30 trees. Twenty-five sabal palms will be relocated to the north side of the Palma Sola Causeway, while one crape myrtle will be moved to a median on S.R. 64 near its intersection with 67th Street West, and six bald cypress trees are being relocated to Jiggs Landing.

Keep Manatee Beautiful and local governments helped with the new landscape design. Officials said landscaping of medians has proven to be an important issue to residents.

Additionally, primary safety and traffic concerns have centered around changes to access at the intersection of 39th Street East and S.R. 64, which is open now, but will become a right-out only access onto S.R. 64. Residents will have to do a U-turn on S.R. 64 to head east or travel on Third Avenue to take another road south to S.R. 64 and head east without having to complete a U-turn.

Construction hours will be limited to help minimize impact to drivers during rush hours. No roadwork will be done between 6-9 a.m. and 3-7 p.m., and much of the work will be done at night, as well, FDOT officials said.

FDOT officials expect the project to be completed in about 450 days, or in May 2013.

Contact Pam Eubanks at peubanks@yourobserver.com.

BUYING BUYING Invest in Diamonds from

By Pam Eubanks | News Editor

DYNAMIC DREAMER

FDOT readies for S.R. 64 construction MANATEE COUNTY — The Florida Department of Transportation is preparing to start work this month on a project to widen State Road 64 to six lanes from just west of Carlton Arms Boulevard to west of Interstate 75.

The FDOT hosted an open house for the project Feb. 28, at RiverLife Church, so East County residents could see plans and speak with FDOT officials and contractors for details on how the project would affect daily life.

“I think it will have a positive impact (upon completion) due to the amount of traffic we have going east,” said Braden River Lakes resident Janette Lawson, whose primary concern centered on the intersection of 48th Street Court with S.R. 64.

Project improvements include milling and resurfacing the existing roadway and widening the outside to accommodate three 12-foot-wide travel lanes, a 5-foot bike lane and outside curb and gutter with drainage swales and a sidewalk in both directions.

“It’s a capacity job,” FDOT spokesperson Cindy Clemmons said. “It’s going to help alleviate traffic flow issues. We’re also doLBK - 2010 -K ing some access management.

LBK doing - 2010 -K We’re some changes (that are) generated by safety.”

The FDOT is working with Keep Manatee Beautiful and Turner

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EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

game on!

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

By Pam Eubanks | News Editor

Braden River High Key Club hits courts for charity The club will host a sand volleyball fundraiser March 10. Teams can register through March 9.

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MANATEE COUNTY — also will be contests for Braden River High School guests and other activities.

Sandbox student athletes Marc Me“It’s going to be a great time.

Volleyball dina and Casey Davis aren’t Eighties beach invasion is Tournament normally found on the volthe theme.”

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 leyball court, but this weekDavis agreed: “It’s going p.m. March 10 end, they’ll be helping to to be fun to watch. It’s an WHERE: Bee Ridge volley hard and score big opportunity to see somePark, 4430 S. charity. thing different.”

Lockwood Ridge Road, They and the Braden Registration for the event Sarasota River High School Key Club runs through 5 p.m. March REGISTRATION: Cost will host a Sandbox Vol9, at which time registration is $65 per team. Must leyball Tournament fundforms must be submitted to register by 5 p.m. raiser from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., him at the school, Medina March 9. Forms availMarch 10. Registration costs said. able at http://brhskey$65 per team of up to six Medina said sponsorclub.weebly.com/sandplayers, and teams must be ships of the event, as well as box-volleyball-tournaregistered by 5 p.m. March 9. a grant, are covering about ment.html. Completed Proceeds from the event $1,100 in expenses for rentforms can be turned will benefit The ELIMINATE ing the park for the tourin to teacher Jenni Project, a collaboration benament, as well as for the McNally at Braden River tween Kiwanis International printing of T-shirts.

High, 6545 S.R. 70 E., and UNICEF to eliminate Medina said students

by March 9. maternal and neonatal tetasettled on a volleyball fundINFORMATION: Marc nus, a painful disease that raiser for The ELIMINATE Medina or Casey Davis, kills nearly 60,000 newborns Project after considering 932-2411 or 773-9009 annually. the past success of Braden “Anybody can play,” Davis River High’s Volley Boys said, noting there are several teachers from competition, and of other sports-related Braden River competing in the double- fundraisers at schools. elimination style tournament. “You can be “We saw that Bayshore (High School) has in middle school. You can be in college.” their ultimate Frisbee (fundraiser),” MediThe public is welcome to attend the tour- na said. “What attracts people most is going nament, because festivities will involve to be sports event.” plenty of crowd participation.

For information, visit http://brhskey“There’s going to be music (by Braden club.weebly.com/sandbox-volleyball-tourRiver High student and disc jockey Mar- nament.html shall Jackson) and food and donation buckContact Pam Eubanks at peubanks@youets going around,” Davis said, adding there robserver.com.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

Cops

MANATEE

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

Feb. 24

Strange encounter

6:28 p.m. — 8300 block of Town Center Parkway. Suspicious incidents. The complainant went into the store with her 5-year-old daughter. The cashier reportedly followed her out of the store and handed her a flyer. She advised the suspect then said she had a salamander and some eggs on her back. She then asked him to knock them off. According to the complainant, the suspect then told her he has had them on him before and she needed to go into

Corner the woods with him to get them off. She advised she didn’t understand why he wanted her to go to the woods and explained to him to just get it off of her. She advised the suspect then brushed his hand across her back and said it was off. She looked on the ground and nothing was there. The complainant immediately got her daughter and left the area. She then called her husband, who, in turn, called the Sheriff’s Office.

The responding deputy spoke with the suspect, who seemed extremely nervous. He approached the deputy as soon as he pulled in and said he was so nervous he couldn’t eat his lunch. The suspect then explained what happened. During his entire explana-

him on his right hand, causing a large rip in the skin. Dispatch contacted Animal Control, but it hadn’t arrived by the time the deputy left the hospital. The victim was given a victim’s packet with a case number.

Feb. 27: Man’s best friend?

8 a.m. — 35500 block of State Road 70 E. Animal bites. When the responding deputy arrived at the kennel, the victim already had been transported by EMS to Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. The deputy got the dog’s owner information from the kennel owner. She stated the dog had been dropped off about a month ago. She has tried to contact the dog’s owner, but he tion, he never mentioned asking the complainant to go into the woods. At this point in time, no crime has occurred.

Feb. 25

Missing identity

9:40 a.m. — 6220 block of State Road 64 East. Lost prop-

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hasn’t returned her calls. She said the victim doesn’t work for her but knows the dog and just hangs around there. The deputy went to the hospital and talked to victim, while the staff was working on his right hand.

He stated he works for a nearby kennel and that he had been in a cage with a dog called Firi. The victim was raking out some hair from the dog’s face when it bit erty. The complainant reported he lost his wallet. He stated he remembered bringing the wallet into the bathroom and now is unable to locate it. He made contact with store employees, but no one has turned the wallet in yet. The complainant requested a report be taken because he longer has

his driver’s license and no form of identification for his flight home.

He was issued a case number for the lost property.

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

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“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.”

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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 / Michael 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-at-Large / Rod Thomson, rthomson@ yourobserver.com Multimedia Production Manager / Caleb Stanton, cstanton@yourobserver.com Director of Advertising / Jill Raleigh, jraleigh@yourobserver.com Advertising Executives / Victoria Baga, vbaga@yourobserver.com; Penny DiGregorio, pdigregorio@yourobserver.com; Robert Lewis, blewis@yourobserver.com; Suzanne Munroe, smunroe@yourobserver.com; Kathleen O’Hara, kohara@yourobserver. com; Laura Ritter, lritter@yourobserver.com; Lori Ruth, lruth@yourobserver.com; Julia Schroeder, jschroeder@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 Executives / Maureen Hird, mhird@yourobserver.com; Courtney Callahan, ccallahan@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; Chris Stolz, cstolz@yourobserver.com; Luis Trujillo, ltrujillo@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

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THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

our view

School Board: Dysfunction junction In October 2010, the East County Observer recommended Julie Aranibar over incumbent Jane Pfeilsticker for the Manatee County School Board District 3 seat.

At that time, we wrote, “Julie Aranibar would bring to the board characteristics this board could use — indefatigable energy, insatiable desire to make whatever she touches better, MICHAEL community ENG involvement and, what we like best, paycheck-writing business experience.”

And now, more than a year later — and especially amid the recent controversy at Manatee schools HQ — that endorsement stands. Even more than before.

We knew Aranibar possessed the passion — and the guts — to challenge the regime. We knew she’d shake up the district’s gowith-the-status-quo flow. And she has — in a big way.

Few people knew, however, how ugly it would get, or to what extent the Old Guard would try to stifle, marginalize and demonize the outlier from their flock.

The days following the Feb. 15 “vote heard ’round the county” played more like an episode of your favorite trashy reality TV

show than it did of a district and board led by intelligent life. The day after the vote, Superintendent Tim McGonegal used the press to accuse Aranibar and board member Karen Carpenter of “playing politics” because they voted not to cut teachers’ salaries retroactively.

Cue here: cheesy, cliffhanger bumper music.

On the next episode of “The Real School Board Members of Manatee County,” McGonegal continued his assault on Aranibar, this time fueling the outrage regarding Aranibar not donating 7% of her $36,000 salary to the Manatee Education Foundation or Take Stock in Children. These donations were intended as a show of solidarity — implying the board members were willing to take a cut alongside the district’s teachers.

Both the Bradenton Herald and Sarasota Herald-Tribune ran with the juicy story, publishing the hammer headlines, “Aranibar doesn’t donate portion of salary” and “As School Board reduces its pay, one member holds out,” respectively. McGonegal then issued a photo of his cell phone that depicted a text-message conversation he had with Aranibar, which he claimed was proof Aranibar agreed to the donation.

It does not. In fact, it proves the opposite.

Here’s the exchange: Aranibar: “Tim, is there a payroll deduction sheet with my a signature?”

McGonegal: “Julie, I gave it

Lynn. I did it for 5%. Did you want 5% or 7%?”

Aranibar: “I have to check with my attny. Anything with $ has to be approved by Richard and myself. Will pick up form and send it in. Thanks.”

Aranibar’s sticking point has remained clear: She doesn’t want to make a tax-deductible charitable contribution; she wants a real reduction of her salary. And that’s what she had asked of McGonegal — a payroll reduction sheet. What she received was a form to set up a donation.

Said Aranibar: “In the fall, I began mediation for my divorce and needed to document my pay. I had already informed my attorney that my pay would be reduced. I needed documentation and that was when I asked the super for a payroll-deduction form to verify my current income.

“I was given a form by the assistant to the super to donate funds to the education foundation,” she said. “That is not the same as a payroll gross reduction. The employees were not asked to donate to a charity; their pay was cut. I asked for the same.”

Remember how this most recent firestorm started — the retroactive pay cuts for teachers?

Despite Aranibar and Carpenter’s “nay” votes, the motion carried 3-2 that night. But 13 days later, the School Board reversed its decision regarding the retroactive portion of the cut in a closed executive session Feb. 27.

“The School Board decided it was not in the best interest of the school district or its employees to become involved in protracted litigation to resolve the legal issues,” the release stated.

Under pressure from the Manatee Education Association questioning the legality of the retroactive cut, the School Board caved. All of a sudden, no longer pressing was the reason necessitating such a deep cut to begin with — paying off the School Board’s health insurance fund by June 30, which was deemed so critical that the board thought it necessary to cut teachers’ pay retroactively.

So finally, the budget — approved all the way back in July 2011 — is set. And it only took seven months, nine closed executive sessions, failed negotiations with the teachers union and the creation of a ocean-wide divide between the district and its teachers and employees — all wrapped up in an embarrassing public display of dysfunction.

And that’s the final episode — at least for this season. But be sure to tune in next fall when two challengers — Linda Schaich, who is vying for Bob Gause’s District 4 seat, and Lakewood Ranch High School economics and history teacher Robert Moates, who is after Harry Kinnan’s post — could change the entire complexion of the School Board.

We can’t wait. Nor can Manatee taxpayers. The School Board needs to change the rest of its cast.

my VIEW

Sunshine Week celebrates transparency If you ever thought Sunshine Florida’s Sunshine Laws have laws exist to dictate the fantasbeen touted as some of the tic weather we experience in toughest open-meeting laws Florida, you are not alone. Before in the U.S. Chapter 286 of the starting my career in public Florida statutes sets forth the administration, I was pitifully requirements for conducting unaware of my ability to monipublic business in the open. tor and participate in Sunshine Laws are so the decisions made by named because they governmental entities force governmental that ultimately have a deliberations, decisions significant impact on and meetings out from my quality of life. the shade or the darkJames Madison, the ness and into the light. fourth president of the How appropriate is it United States, wrote then that Florida, known in 1822: “A popular as the “Sunshine State,” government without passed the first openEVA popular informameeting laws in 1967. tion or the means of Furthermore, it was the REY acquiring it, is but a late Gov. Lawton Chiles prologue to a farce (then a senator) who also or a tragedy or perhaps both. helped introduce Sunshine Law Knowledge will forever govern legislation into Congress, which ignorance, and a people who was signed into law by President mean to be their own governors, Gerald Ford in 1976. must arm themselves with the Accompanying the Sunshine power knowledge gives.”

Laws is Chapter 119, Florida stat-

THE CASTAWAY by Jorge Blanco

utes, which governs the release and dissemination of public records. Anyone can request an agency’s public records and for any reason. These statutes impact governments throughout the state to include counties, cities, town, special districts, advisory committees, focus groups, selection committees and any other decision-making or recommending group that may discuss a policy or issue to come before a governing body.

Florida’s laws provide for three basic meeting requirements: 1) meetings must be open and accessible to the public; 2) reasonable public notice must be given; and 3) minutes must be taken.

However, what may surprise you is what constitutes a meeting.

According to statute, a meeting is any gathering, whether formal or casual, involving two or more members of the same board, where a matter which will foreseeably come before the

board for action is being discussed. This includes any type of exchange between members including letters, phone/voicemail, text, chat, email, the use of an intermediary, internet discussion groups, etc. In other words, no communications regarding board business can take place outside of a public meeting.

March 11-17 has been designated as national Sunshine Week. Scheduled to coincide with Madison’s birthday on March 16, Sunshine Week was launched in 2005 by the American Society of News Editors to “promote a dialogue about the importance of open government and freedom of information.”

Locally, Sunshine Week should be a reminder that it is our right and our responsibility to arm ourselves with the knowledge and power that was intended by our forefathers.

Eva Rey is the executive director for Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

HUBBELL/PAGE 1A

File photo

Former Braden River Elementary School media specialist Judith Leipiold is almost finished writing her biography on Hub Hubbell. ing. He entered his first rodeo in 1932 — agreeing to collect no pay if he won — just to try it.

And from then on, Hubbell’s passion for the rodeo was unshakable.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army Cavalry Corps. during World War II to avoid the draft, and while in Georgia, convinced his supervisors to let him work the cattle and care for the horses. There, he learned to make belts and do trick roping, as well.

After four years of military service, Hubbell again headed back to the rodeo, drawn by the travel, the girls and the excitement. An avid rodeo promoter, Hubbell roped his wife, Eunice, on their first meeting and took her out for a piece of pie. The couple was

married on horseback in 1952 and developed a unique set of rodeo acts, including one in which Hubbell would shoot an apple off Eunice’s head, earning them a name as “The Shooting Hubbells.”

Hubbell also became a wellknown bronc rider and horse trainer, training his horse Oakie, who appeared in two movies, to play “Mary had a Little Lamb” on a set of sleigh bells in the 1980s.

At 89 years old, while recovering from a broken neck, he taught his pony, Silver, to paint.

“He lived a long and very interesting exciting life,” Rosaire said.

“I wasn’t quite done with him.

(His death) is a real blow. He will definitely be missed by the entire community.”

One of Hubbell’s last public

“

sands of thousands of people who are missing him. I have heard from people from almost every state.”

Leipold said she has been contacted by Hubbell’s friends and fans, including a California resident named Michael Shapiro, who has watched Hubbell perform every year since he was 4 years old.

Leipold, Rosaire and other friends are working together to finalize details of Hubbell’s funeral services. A Western-inspired viewing will be held from 2-4 p.m.

March 11, at Toale Brothers Colonial Chapel, 40 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota. A visitation will be held from 5-6 p.m. March 12, at the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary, 7101 Palmer Blvd., Sarasota. A service will follow at 6 p.m.

“He’s there guiding us, giving us great ideas. It’s going to be a heck of a send-off, for a heck of a guy.”

Rosaire said she plans to build a viewing area at her business, Rosaire’s Riding Academy, for Hubbell’s 1800s chuck wagon, which he brought to the Sarasota County Fair and other venues, and other memorabilia.

Contact Pam Eubanks at peubanks@yourobserver.com.

He lived a long and very interesting exciting life. I wasn’t quite done with him. (His death) is a real blow.

He will definitely be missed by the entire community.

Ellian Rosaire

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“I think he was the greatest man in the universe,” she said. “He was my hero.”

Hubbell, who moved to Sarasota in the early 1960s, was known in the community for his passion for rodeo and his love of promoting it, his quick laugh and gentle smile, the twinkle in his eye and his caring for people.

“Whenever you spent any amount of time with Hub Hubbell, your day was always a whole lot better,” said Ray Harkness, who met Hubbell in 1965 when he started his 10-year career as a rodeo clown. “You could never out-humor him.

“The man was a true legend, but yet very humble,” he said. “He wanted me to be successful and was there to help.”

“He never had a negative word to say about anyone,” Rosaire said. “He would never say anything bad. In fact, when he’d come across people during the day, he’d always say something to make them feel good. He was complimentary.”

Friends said they also will remember Hubbell for the laughs they shared and the stories he told.

“He could find an audience wherever he went,” Rosaire said.

“He loved to tell stories. He had a pretty fascinating life.”

Hubbell, born Aug. 3, 1918, worked on a farm as a teenager before painting houses for a liv-

performances occurred last fall, when he visited Braden River High School to share his tales with students who had been studying “A Land Remembered,” a book about Florida Crackers.

“Hub’s life stories and memories gave students needed background knowledge to illustrate the book’s events,” said teacher Dr. Mary Thompson. “My students were impressed at his energy and were involved with the stories he shared. My students were interested and gracious when he was here, were engaged with his stories and asked good questions. … When the camera was focused on Hub or when the microphone was in his hand, he glowed with energy and enthusiasm.”

Former Braden River Elementary School media specialist Judith Leipold began writing a book on Hubbell’s life in February 2011, after completing a children’s story based on him. Leipold said she is 95% complete with Hubbell’s biography.

“I know when I finish this book, it’s because Hub is still with me, and we’re doing this together,” Leipold. “I miss him, but I know I’m only one of so many thou-

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“

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

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

10A

You’re invited…

LAWSUIT/PAGE 1A The lawsuit — and what it is costing the district and its residents — is causing them to lose sleep at night.

Ultimately, a judge will decide March 15 whether the lawsuit should be dismissed or move toward a hearing. “(This is) to argue whether the case should proceed,” CDD attorney Kenza vanAssenderp said.

Mark Pentecost, who owns the Stoneybrook Golf Club with his wife, Cindy, sent out a letter in late February to Stoneybrook homeowners to explain the course’s position and that the lawsuit is a step to protect the course and residents.

“I feel like I’ve been bullied, and I think I’m being attacked,” Pentecost said of why he wrote the letter. “I didn’t start this. I don’t want this.”

Residents expressed mixed responses to the letter. While some passionately defended the golf club, others said they felt the letter was misleading because it did not divulge costs associated with the suit that would later be assessed to homeowners if Stoneybrook wins the case.

“It was a half-truth,” said resident Harrietta Martinetti, who attends all the CDD meetings. “It actually put our community down. Don’t put us down for living in a CDD.” Pentecost said he did not include costs associated with the lawsuit, because the letter’s intent was to show the golf course provides value to the community.

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EAST COUNTY Observer

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

In other business, the board:

• Directed a representative of MBS Capital Markets, LLC to proceed with the due diligence portion of a possible refinancing of the district’s 2002 bonds.

• Voted unanimously to award a fiveyear auditing contract to McDirmit Davis & Co., at an annual cost of $4,500 for 2012 and $100 more per year for each year afterward.

• Voted to move their first budget meeting forward to May 2.

• Supervisors approved support of Stoneybrook’s third annual Earth Day event April 21.

Residents at the meeting continued to advocate for the golf course and CDD to work together toward an amiable solution as quickly as possible.

“I would hope the CDD and the golf course can make every effort they can to settle this,” resident Tom Bakalar said. “If this going further, we’re really going to negatively impact this community and that’s unfortunate.”

Lighthouse Cove Homeowners Association also has filed a lawsuit against the CDD, alleging homeowners are being improperly assessed. A motion to dismiss the case was slated for March 7, after the East County Observer went to press.

Contact Pam Eubanks at peubanks@ yourobserver.com.

Jaudon works toward solutions At the March 1 Heritage Harbour South meeting, Supervisor Joseph Jaudon again raised concerns that issues in a petition of more than 200 residents still were not being addressed.

Supervisors discussed six items.

First, the petition stated the district should establish an official place of business within the CDD or close by, for CDD records, among other information. Chairman Lee Bettes suggested the district create a website. Supervisors directed community manager Jim Ward to proceed with the idea.

Second, the petition asked that a new treasurer be designated and that checks are signed by the treasurer and by another person, as authorized by the board. Third, it asked for an oral treasurer’s report at each meeting to apprise the public and supervisors of ending balances of all CDD accounts.

Ward currently signs checks on behalf of the district.

Supervisors agreed to have Ward report

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at meetings information regarding checks of more than $5,000.

Fourth, the petition asked for no attendance of engineers at meetings unless permitted, to save the district money.

Because the cost of meeting attendance of engineers now is covered in the district’s annual contract with Morris & Riley, representatives of the company now will attend as needed.

Fifth, the petition asked to have an auditor attend the CDD meeting and explain the annual auditor’s report to the public. A motion by Jaudon to do so failed. Auditors will be available by phone conference for the meeting.

Sixth, the petition asked for supervisors to address an issue regarding Lennar/ Harbourvest’s neglect of the district during its tenure on the board. Supervisors said they did not understand the request.

Jaudon said he would get more information, and the board would discuss the issue at its next meeting.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

YMCA/PAGE 1A “We went from having a few multi-purpose spaces to having dedicated spaces with the quality equipment and flooring that’s needed (for them),” Morin said. “Before, we were teaching aerobics and dance and karate on a rubberized floor. Now, we have two rooms, and they’re dedicated spaces that have a ballet bars and mirrors.

It’s exactly what you need for (those classes).”

Contractors already have begun the second part of the project — remodeling the facility’s existing fitness center. The space will be converted into a large aerobics area and a teen center. A new childcare space is being added, as well, and YMCA officials hope the renovation will be finished in May. The reconfigurations, which also will eliminate the seating area behind the reception desk, will add about 6,000 square feet of space internally.

Morin said the YMCA still needs to raise about $100,000 to meet its capital campaign goal for the expansion project. Once accomplished, the YMCA will add two all-purpose fields to its facility, as well. “(The fields) will accommodate existing programs,” Morin said. “Most of the (outdoor) programs we do now are off-site. This will allow us to do those things on site, as well as do more programming.”

Morin said the expansion is meant to improve customer service and offerings to existing members, while increasing the YMCA’s overall membership base.

In future years, YMCA officials also hope to add a second gymnasium and a splash park, as well, Morin said.

“That’s definitely down the road,” he said.

“Those are not a part of that project, but they are things we’ve talked about and would like to do in the future.

The original 27,000-square-foot YMCA location opened in March 2003 with about 500 memberships and programs such as youth sports, swim lessons and more. Within two years, however, it had doubled its membership, and by 2009 had surpassed its capacity of 2,200 memberships.

Contact Pam Eubanks at peubanks@yourobserver.com.

Lakewood Ranch YMCA Branch Director Scott Morin said he is pleased to make the new facility available to members.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

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Submit your own It’s Read Everywhere entries to the East County Observer, c/o Michael Eng, 1970 Main St., Sarasota, FL 34236. You may also e-mail them to meng@yourobserver.com. Be sure to include your names and when and where the photo was taken.

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Sports

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

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Kenya Yancy saves game with a ninthinning homer. 15A

YourObserver.com

FIRST PITCH

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

By Jen Blanco | Associate Editor

Observer teams swing into action The Lakewood Ranch Little League and Miss Manatee Softball Observer teams both opened their spring seasons last month.

Courtesy photo

The Observer Miss Manatee softball team got off to a fast start this season.

COMMENT

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Fifthgraders Brett Thoma and Anthony Marino huddled together as the news spread throughout the dugout.

The two quickly processed the information before turning to their teammates, who were already busy talking over one another. It was the start of Lakewood Ranch Little League’s spring season, and the boys had just learned they were going to be playing for The Observer.

“Our coach told us we were go-

CELEBRATION

ing to be playing for The Observer, and then he told us about the paper,” Anthony said. “Everyone started talking to the person next to them.”

“I was excited because we got to be in the newspaper,” Brett added.

Across the ballpark, the Miss Manatee Softball spring season was preparing to get under way, and 9-year-old Izzy Rines couldn’t have been more excited.

The Tara Elementary School third-grader spent three seasons playing T-ball before moving up

to 8U, and after spending much of the off-season working on her hitting, the first baseman and catcher couldn’t wait to take the field.

And, if that wasn’t enough of an incentive, Izzy also learned she had been named to the MMS Observer Team.

“I was very, very happy,” Izzy said. “I’ve only been in the newspaper one or two times, and I just thought it would be so cool to be in the newspaper, because every-

SEE OBSERVER / PAGE 14A

By Jen Blanco | Associate Editor

Rankings have no meaning without wins When it comes to sports, or just about any type of competition, the driving force behind an individual or team’s success is ultimately its will to win.

Teams strive to be best. They strive to sit alone atop the leaderboard.

Sure, pure talent can go a long way, but it’s a team’s desire and passion to excel that determines where it will end up.

JEN But what BLANCO happens if you’ve already been deemed one of the nation’s elite well before the season has even begun?

The Braden River High basketball team was named one of the top teams in the state this season before losing a heartbreaker to Port St. Lucie in the regional quarterfinals. This past fall, the Lakewood Ranch High football team nearly upset the No. 2 team in the nation, proving that anyone can be the best on any given day.

Lakewood tennis player Ashley Bongart is ranked 27th in the state of Florida’s U18 rankings, but she never would have known if someone hadn’t told her.

“I don’t really look at them,” Bongart said. “I know what I am, but I’m not wrapped up in it.”

Last season, the Braden River High softball team finished the season ranked No. 2 in the state and No. 6 in the nation, according to MaxPreps, after falling in the Class 4A state

SEE COMMENT / PAGE 14A

Jen Blanco

Barb Alexander fell in love with polo after her husband, George, began playing.

SADDLE UP

Lakewood Ranch resident Barb Alexander will celebrate her 70th birthday playing polo March 10, at the Sarasota Polo Club.

SARASOTA — Lakewood Ranch resident Barb Alexander isn’t afraid of a challenge.

She actually thrives on competition. So it’s not all that surprising that for the past two decades, Alexander has been searching for the best female competition her sport has to offer.

As the organizer for the Central Circuit Women’s Challenge, a women’s tournament she not only hosts but also in which she

competes, Alexander’s goal is to invite the country’s best female polo players — making it even more difficult to compete.

So when Alexander finished atop the podium one August afternoon several years ago, she reveled in the moment.

“I’m very competitive, and I’m always a good host,” Alexander said. “I invite people in who can beat me, so I’m very proud of the moment when I won my own

tournament. I’ve since demoted myself to the lower bracket, because everyone is so much better (these days).”

Now with her 70th birthday only days away, Alexander still hasn’t lost her competitive edge.

On March 10, two days before her birthday, Alexander will once again saddle up and take to the arena where she will celebrate her 70th birthday playing the sport she loves.

Jen Blanco

“I’m a competitive person,” Alexander said. “I like getting out there — I still get the urge.”

Alexander, who plays arena polo three days a week at the Sarasota Polo Club, always had planned to play polo that day, but it wasn’t until her husband, George Alexander, mentioned her upcoming birthday to a friend that word began to spread.

“It wasn’t a secret, but I wasn’t advertising it, either,” George Alexander said.

Barb Alexander will either play alongside or against her husband this weekend, but no matter whether they are teammates or opponents, she’s happy knowing she’ll be playing polo surrounded by her family and friends.

“I’m surprised I’m still doing

SEE ALEXANDER / PAGE 14A

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

COMMENT/PAGE 13A semifinals. They were among the nation’s best; but if given the opportunity all over again, I bet the Lady Pirates would be more than happy to give up their state and national rankings for another shot at a state championship.

MaxPreps hasn’t released its softball rankings yet. But with an 8-1 record so far this season, it won’t be long before the Lady Pirates are once again being touted as one of the nation’s elite.

Earlier this week, The Outof-Door Academy baseball team was ranked No. 1 in the state in Class 3A, according to MaxPreps, and with a perfect 7-0 record to start the season.

But now, the question becomes just how much will that ranking really mean if the team doesn’t fulfill its ultimate goal of winning district and state championships? If I had to guess, I would say most teams would give it nothing more than an afterthought.

ALEXANDER/PAGE 13A it,” said Alexander, who has had a knee and a hip replaced. “I’m going to keep playing as long as my favorite horse (Cashmere) is around. She’s like riding a rocking horse.”

LIFELONG LOVE

A native of New Jersey, Alexander was 4 years old the first time she climbed onto a pony. She was visiting her grandfather in Nebraska, and as the oldest grandchild, Alexander had the privilege of going out for a pony ride.

one is going to see it. It’s just awesome.”

The LRLL Observer Team officially opened its season Feb. 18, and the MMS Observer Team began its season the following week.

Through four games this sea-

son, the LRLL Observer Team has had to adjust being the youngest team in the Majors division.

“We are a young team with no Majors experience from last spring, LRLL Observer Team coach Todd Thoma said. “We’re playing against teams that have experienced players from last

year, so we are on a ally good team this learning curve. I exyear.” pected us to start slow Unlike other LRLL Observer and be a much-imteams in their diBrett Thoma proved team at the end vision, the MMS Tucker Smith of the season.”

Observer Team has Bradley Lipsteuer The team has yet to a specific batting Jacob Eyre win a game this season, order — whoever Drake Theriot but the boys, who have is next in line at the Anthony Marino been playing together end of game bats Derek Marino for several seasons, first the next game.

Andrew Sommer are confident that will In addition, the girls Zack Misiura change once they start also rotate positions Rory Atkins swinging the bats more. every 11 innings.

Austin Jenkins “We’re the young“The girls have est team, so it’s kind of done great so far,” MMS Observer hard,” Brett said. “I just MMS Observer Isabelle Pettis want us to try and win Team coach Paul Izzy Rines at least two games. We Panik said. “The Bailey Jenkins just need to practice Charlotte Traugutt newer players are Miriam Traugutt hard and get better at learning the basics Nathalia Vega hitting.” and the more expeJoslyn Chapman On the other side, the rienced players are Julia Dodge MMS Observer Team reinforcing those Julia Thielen has started the season basics. (Overall) I Abby Panik off a perfect 2-0. With want everyone on Sophia Creneti a combination of both the team to have fun new and returning and become better players, the girls are adballplayers regardjusting to new roles on the field. less of their current skill set.”

“So far, we’re doing good this Contact Jen Blanco at jblanco@ season,” Izzy said. “We have a re- yourobserver.com.

Alexander grew up around Western riding before turning her attention to English riding in the fourth grade. She joined the local equestrian team in high school, eventually making the A team, and also started giving riding lessons. She then went on to study theater at Northwestern University, but her passion for riding never ceased.

“I took riding for gym class,” Alexander said.

Alexander, an actress, first became interested in polo in the 1970s, after hearing some of her fellow cast members talking

about the sport, but at the time there were no female polo players.

So Alexander, who was showing hunter jumper horses, decided to buy her husband a polo lesson.

It was the best $10 she ever spent. Alexander began spending time playing what she called “hit and giggle” polo. A group of women, who called themselves the Happy Hookers, got together and started hitting a few balls around.

The women didn’t have equipment and wore their equestrian uniforms to play.

“The news came out to talk to us, because it was something new

and unique,” Alexander said. “We eventually made up our own ratings with trophies.”

Alexander began taking the sport seriously in the 1980s.

In 1986, she and her husband opened Blackberry Polo Club in Batavia, Ill., which the couple still owns today. A year later, Alexander began playing in tournaments with the U.S. Polo Association.

Last July, Alexander was the lone female to compete in the Polo Training Foundation’s tournament for seniors, ages 50 and up, which she and her team won.

“My name is on the trophy

Rosters

The Lakewood Ranch Little League Observer Team wants to have fun and play hard this year.

OBSERVER/PAGE 13A

S A R A S OTA

more than anyone else’s,” Alexander said. “The trophy makes the rounds all over the country.”

In addition to playing polo, Alexander also still performs on stage and in commercials. This summer, she’ll portray both a 9-year-old girl and a 70-year-old woman during the Old Time Radio Convention in Cincinnati.

She also enjoys riding her bike, dancing, taking Pilates classes and traveling with her family.

“You’ve got to keep it moving,” Alexander said.

Contact Jen Blanco at jblanco@ yourobserver.com.

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athlete of the week

15A e O

Braden River sophomore Kenya Yancy hit a homerun in the bottom of the ninth inning, propelling the Lady Pirates to a 7-6 Class 7A-District 11 victory over Sarasota March 2. The walk-off was Yancy’s first home run of the season. Here is an inside look at this week’s Athlete of the Week.

What’s it been like now that you finally hit your first homerun of the season?

I’m more relaxed now when I come up to the plate.

At the beginning of the season I (struggled) a little bit.

Since I committed, I didn’t want to look bad. I’ve put in a lot of extra work.

How did you get into softball?

My parents are really big into sports, and my granddad played baseball.

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LAKEWOOD RANCH — Ashley Bongart walked onto the tennis court three years ago feeling like a different person.

The then-12-year-old was competing alongside one of her friends in doubles tournament of the Eddie Herr International Junior Tennis Championships. It was the opportunity to play against players from across the world — something for which she had spent nearly three years preparing.

But as the tournament progressed, Bongart couldn’t seem to shake an exhaustion that left her feeling uncharacteristically sluggish. She knew something wasn’t quite right; but rather than letting the fatigue bring her down, Bongart pushed on.

After she and her friend celebrated their second-place finish, Bongart learned she had been playing with mononucleosis.

Since then, Bongart’s competitive nature has made her one of the area’s most talented tennis players. The Lakewood Ranch High School freshman is currently ranked 27th in the state of Florida’s U18 rankings.

She also is undefeated on the court this season, having won eight singles matches and four doubles matches while helping lead the Lady Mustangs to an 8-1 record.

“I like it because it’s not just about yourself — it’s the whole entire team,” Bongart said. “I like the competitiveness of it. I like being competitive.”

Bongart began playing tennis when she was 7 years old at the urging of her father Ed Bongart, who now coaches Lakewood’s

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, SARASOTA 941-955-0935

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girls tennis team after spending the past several years coaching the boys team.

“My dad played before, and it was something to do that was the same,” Bongart said.

A little more than a year later, Bongart entered her first tournament. And although she doesn’t remember the match, Bongart admits it was a learning experience.

“I was really nervous,” Bongart said. “I remember one of the ladies coming up to me and telling me to imagine the other girl in her underpants.”

After spending the better part of her tennis career competing as an individual, in the last three months, Bongart has enjoyed adjusting not only to playing on a team but also having her dad serve as her coach.

“It’s good, and then, sometimes, we fight,” Bongart said. “He’s been with me, and he knows me the most.

“She kind of appreciates where I’m coming from now,” Ed Bongart said. “It’s no longer just Dad telling me what to do. Now, she’s mature enough to (realize) why we do certain things. It’s not because I’m crazy. It’s because I want her to get better.”

Bongart will spend the next few months competing with the Lady Mustangs with the goal of reaching the state tournament while also competing individually in United States Tennis Association tournaments.

This past weekend, Bongart competed in the USTA sectional in Plantation, where she won her first match before falling 6-3, 6-4 in the second round.

Bongart has aspirations of earning a college scholarship and, if she continues to improve, eventually playing on tour.

“I’ve been playing this for a long time,” Bongart said. “I love it. It’s part of my life.”

Contact Jen Blanco at jblanco@yourobserver.com.

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March 8, 9 & 10, 2012

Jen Blanco

Lakewood Ranch’s Ashley Bongart hopes to play in college and turn professional.

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EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

JUST THE STATS 15

The number of hits the Braden River High softball team collected in its 6-3 victory over Venice Feb. 28.

50.14

The number of points the Lakewood Ranch High girls track team scored to finish seventh at the Ram Invitational March 2.

3

17A

2012

9

The number of strikeouts The Out-ofDoor Academy pitcher Zach Hoppe recorded in the Thunder’s 1-0 victory over Palmetto Feb. 28.

SUNDAY, MARCH 11 3:00 p.m. - DOLPHIN BOY

Beatrice Friedman Theater, Federation Campus Reception at 5:15

The number of hits Lakewood Ranch High pitchers Jake Axley and Brad Zunica held Dixie Hollins to, as the Mustangs won their Class 6A-District 12 opener 3-1.

7:00 p.m. - BERLIN 36 Beatrice Friedman Theater, Federation Campus

MONDAY, MARCH 12 3:00 p.m. - REMEMBRANCE Beatrice Friedman Theater, Federation Campus

7:00 p.m. - MY AUSTRALIA

Polo Grill, Lakewood Ranch Co-sponsored by The Jewish Club at Lakewood Ranch & AJC West Coast Florida

TUESDAY, MARCH 13 3:00 p.m. - BERLIN 36 Beatrice Friedman Theater, Federation Campus

18

7:00 p.m. - DOLPHIN BOY Beatrice Friedman Theater, Federation Campus

Jen Blanco

The number of Lakewood Ranch Lightning Lacrosse players who had the opportunity to meet the 2012 USA Lacrosse Team.

WED., MARCH 14 3:00 p.m. - MABUL Beatrice Friedman Theater, Federation Campus

7:00 p.m. - REMEMBRANCE

Temple Beth Israel, Longboat Key

THURSDAY, MARCH 15 3:00 p.m. - MY AUSTRALIA

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a discussion will Take Place aFTer each screening.

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EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

fore!

POLO

By Jen Blanco | Associate Editor

NFL stars brighten Concession tourney More than 100 golfers hit the course for the annual Archie Griffin Celebrity Golf Classic March 5-6, at

Lori Ann Marinaccio and her mom Ann Marie Marinaccio also played in the Archie Griffin Celebrity Golf Classic last year.

Rachel S. O’Hara

Wildcat defeats M&I Wealth Management in Sunday match James P. Uihlein was awarded the Best Playing Pony award for his pony Canosa’s performance.

Teams will return to action during the USPA National Inter-Circuit Championship 12 Goal Finals 1 p.m. March 11.

WORD PLAY Penalty A free hit towards the goal from a set distance. The severity of the foul committed determines what penalty will be awarded.

James Uihlein’s Canosa won the Best Playing Pony award.

Kevin Hugill, Chris Hugill, Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson, Gerard Pento and John Grassford enjoyed playing together.

a Power of Wish

Thursday, March 29th Share the

The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Central and Northern Florida will be holding its Fourth Annual Sarasota Walk for Wishes. Join us at the walk and take steps toward making wishes come true for local children who suffer from life-threatening medical conditions.

Registration: Child $10.00 Adult $20.00 Date: Thursday, March 29th Time: 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m Place: Westfield Southgate Mall FoR moRe inFoRmaTion: visit sarasotawalkforwishes.kintera.org email alene.fowler@suncoastwish.org or call (941) 952-WiSH Thanks to our sponsors:

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Wildcat defeated M&I Wealth Management 10-8 to win the Wayne Brown Tournament March 4.

Championship players include: Ryan Gibertson, Carlitos Galindo, Doug Hoskins and Nicolai Galindo.

The Concession Golf Club.

Each of the 21 foursomes was paired up with a celebrity golfer, including two-time Heisman trophy winner Archie Griffin, Detroit Lions players Calvin Johnson and Ndamukong Suh and former NFL running back Robert Smith, among others.

Proceeds from the event, which was hosted by The Concession Charities, will benSarasota residents Jodi efit the Boys & Girls Ewart and Rachel Clubs of Sarasota Connor were recruited into County. playing in the tournament.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

YourObserver.com

19A

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EAST COUNTY Observer

20A

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

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THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

spotlight

inside

weather

PAGE 11B

Pirates invade Lakewood Ranch for polo match.

PAGe 6B

See this week’s Cool Today contest winner.

Lakewood Chabad throws elegant gala.

Fiddler Greg Rohr entertained guests with his lively musical performance.

Annette Nelson and her children, Charlie, 9, Lucas, 9 and Grace, 11, were visiting from Massachusetts.

PAGE 12B

Six-year-old Parker Rose Haught had a blast riding all of the rides.

SWEET SUCCESS

By Jen Blanco | Associate Editor

Carlton Arms residents Wendi and Kersten Schroeder enjoyed spending the afternoon outside with their 10-month-old daughter, Braelyn.

Two-year-old Lisa Diaz, pictured with her mother Marlene, was all smiles as she trotted around on her pony.

FUNON THE

FARM Joshua Durham, 10, and Tyler Aaron, 17, performed with Ancient Ways Martial Arts Academy.

East County residents enjoyed all things citrus during Mixon Fruit Farms’ fourth annual Orange Blossom Festival March 3-4.

Guests enjoyed activities, such as pony rides, rock climbing and face painting, among others, food, live entertainment, musical and other performances, craft vendors and more.

Three-year-old Madeleine Ogden had tons of fun jumping up and down.

Celebrate st. patrick’s Day with us ... th

4 Annual

Who’s Your Paddy

2B

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

step right up!

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

By Pam Eubanks | News Editor

McNeal Elementary kids, parents go crazy for carnival Families of McNeal Elementary School enjoyed a day of fun and games during the school’s annual Winter Carnival Feb. 25, in the school’s courtyard.

Guests enjoyed carnival-style games, a dunk tank, inflatables, food, prizes and more. This year, the event raised more than $8,000, which will benefit McNeal teachers.

Street Fair Block Party

Saturday, March 17th ENJOY ALL DAY! • Corned beef and cabbage • $5 Irish Car Bombs • $3.50 Guinness • Give-A-Ways

Abbie Dietz, Grace Baruffi and Anna Shelby Dees are in fourth grade.

Live Music by pApEr AIrpLANE AND BAGpIpEs To Benefit Fallen Heroes Fund $5.00 Recession BusteR ALL DAY, eVeRY DAY soup oR sALAD & 1/2 sAnDwich

Neighbors Nicolette Woodruff and Emily Pierce made sure to use the cups they won at a booth.

LuNCH AND A MOvIE

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Right: Izabella Watnem, 5, could not get enough of the inflatable slide.

Happy Hour 3pm–7pm 7 days a week!

Announcing

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EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

3B

Nic Knispel, 7, “picked” a giant nose for a prize.

Left: Denise and Cassidy McLellan enjoyed the beautiful weather.

Above: Jake Brown, 10, completed the obstacle course as quickly as possible.

Below: Ally Ellis, 9, finished filling her fish necklace with colored sand.

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Lucas Viera, 7, tested his aim at the dunk tank.

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EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

NEIGHBORS

Josh tuttle

nal songs, so people can hear my stuff and get absorbed into my sound,” Tuttle says.

Although for Tuttle, for a song to truly captivate, it needs to have a deeper meaning.

“Some people can just sit down at the computer and just start writing music, but I can’t do that,” Tuttle says.

“I have to have a purpose to a song. Something that happens to me in that particular day. It takes me a while to get a song that’s really solid.”

In the future, Tuttle has aspirations of going on tour.

But for now, Tuttle is focused on earning his degree while captivating as many people as he can along the way.

“I love playing for people, and if one person comes up and starts talking to you because they were listening to you and paying attention — that’s the best satisfaction,” Tuttle says. “As long as I’m playing, I’m happy. It’s about sharing a universal language with someone else without having to talk. If I can connect with one person, then I did my job.”

— Jen Blanco

Courtesy photo

Josh Tuttle’s parents introduced him to jazz when he was young. Now, he has completed his first album and already has plans for a second. degree, Tuttle also has his own radio show and is in the process of releasing the first of two albums, a collection of songs from different bands at FAU, which should

P L A C E

be released later this month.

Tuttle also has plans of creating an album with at least 12 of his own original songs.

“That’s been my dream to do just an album of my origi-

Five things you didn’t know about Josh Tuttle. www.YourObserver.com

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eral music last spring from the State College of Florida.

This past fall, Tuttle began studying cohesion music at Florida Atlantic University.

In addition to earning his

76566

Josh Tuttle always wanted to be a firefighter.

From the time he was 3 years old, Tuttle had his heart set on following in his father, Mark’s, footsteps. But his father and, ultimately, his own stomach had other ideas.

“My dad said ‘Don’t do it,’” Tuttle says. “I always secondguess myself, because my mom is a nurse and my dad is a paramedic firefighter, but I can’t handle human blood.”

Instead, the Lakewood Ranch High alum turned to another passion he had developed as a result of his parents — music.

“Ever since I was little, we always had jazz on,” Tuttle says. “That was all I ever knew. That’s how I got into this genre. My parents really got me into it.

“It kind of just grows on you and becomes part of you,” he says. “Although I’m trying to open up my horizons to more than just jazz.”

Tuttle, now a working saxophonist, first picked up the instrument while a student a Haile Middle School. He went on to spend four years in Lakewood’s jazz band and ensemble before earning his associate’s degree in gen-

The Lakewood Ranch High School graduate now has his own radio show and will release his first album later this month.

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

2

LUCKY FANS WILL WIN A SHOTGUN RIDE ON THE HONDA GRAND PRIX TRACK MARCH 22

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6B

EAST COUNTY Observer

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THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

arrrr, matey! By Rachel S. O’Hara | Staff Photographer

Bill Meredith with his parrot, “Pickles.”

Casey Downing and Jeff Hough

Gregg Anderson with Karen and Michael LaPensee Left: Leigh Simons and Suzanne Fugate The Airedale Terrier Club of Florida came out to celebrate “Pirates at Polo.”

Pirates invade Sarasota Polo Club Pirates from throughout the area docked their ships and made their way inland for the Wayne Brown 8 Goal Tournament March 4, at the Sarasota Polo Club.

The tailgate contest’s theme, sponsored by the American Red Cross, was “Pirates at Polo.”

Judy Hanson, Sandy Meredith and Abbie Lomason

Harriet Prager and Miller

Jocelyn Vines, Michelle Pilkington, Vanessa Stull, Anne Barrow, Randy Stull and Jack Pilkington wore pirate masks and had their very own treasure chest.

FREE SEMINAR by Dr. Robert P. Hillstrom

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KATE HAMPTON & HILLARY CLEMENS, COURTESY OF THE RITZ-CARLTON, SARASOTA, PHOTO BY ANNAMAE BAFIA.

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EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

FRONT-ROW SEATS

7B

Unhappy ARE YOU

By Jen Blanco | Associate Editor

with your dentist?

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Fourth-graders Malory Wilson, Heaven Bazo, Maddison Spencer, Abigail Widunas and Aracely Alcantar had a blast listening to the music.

Students jam at lunchtime gig Students at Braden River Elementary School let the good times roll Feb. 23, during the school’s Cafeteria Rock Star Day. During their lunch periods, students enjoyed

a special rock-star menu and enjoyed live music by Guitar Center’s Stephen Miller and Jimi Gee. The event celebrated BRE’s Learning Rocks school theme.

PGA

PROFESSIONAL LESSONS AVAILABLE

“Best Public/Semi Private Golf Course in Sarasota”

Bobby Jones Golf Club is a 45 hole municipal facility named for the legendary Robert Tyre Jones, Jr., who personally dedicated the facility on Sunday, February 13, 1927.

Tee Times 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM The Guitar Center’s Jimi Gee entertained students on the guitar.

Right: The Braden River Elementary cafeteria staff put together a special rock star menu for the event.

46 Exp. 3/21/12

*Plus Tax - Prices Subject to Change

5 Days Advance Tee Times

24

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MORNING SPECIAL $ 64*

www.BobbyJonesGolfClub.com 941-365-GOLF(4653) 1000 Circus Boulevard • Sarasota, FL 34232

Taylor Morrison is Now Building in Country Club East Taylor Morrison will begin construction in early 2012 and will have a model ready by this summer. Drawing inspiration from the Mediterranean, the homes are designed for the sophisticated buyer with open concepts and features such as spa-like master baths and dream kitchens for every chef.

Join The VIP List!

Be the first to know, experience, and live in a Taylor Morrison home at Country Club East!

Visit taylormorrison.com or contact 866.495.6006.

866-495-6006 taylormorrison.com

76548

Offer void where prohibited or otherwise restricted by law. Prices may not include lot premiums, upgrades and options. Community Association and other fees may be required. Prices, promotions, incentives, features, options, amenities, floor plans, elevations, designs, materials and dimensions are subject to change without notice. Square footage and dimensions are estimated and may vary in actual construction. Community improvements and recreational features and amenities described are based upon current development plans which are subject to change and which are under no obligation to be completed. Actual position of house on lot will be determined by the site plan and plot plan. Floor plans and elevations are artist’s conception and are not intended to show specific detailing. Floor plans are the property of Taylor Morrison, Inc. and its affiliates and are protected by U.S. copyright laws. For further information, please see a Taylor Morrison Sales Associate and review our Terms of Use. This is not an offering in any state where prohibited or otherwise restricted by law.© February, 2012 Taylor Morrison of Florida, Inc., FL GC#CBC1257822.

r ou at ! ts Y vent BAR Ho t E NE x I Ne r W Ou

6 $60

Your Neighborhood Wine Store.

for

MIX & MATCH

Save up to Individually priced $29.94! $ $

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

bushel and a peck

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

By Pam Eubanks | News Editor

77029

11.99 - 14.99

8B

Choose from more than 35 featured wines from around the world

Wine. Beer. Gifts.

8225 Nature’s Way | (941) 306-5804 | WineStyles.net/LakewoodRanch

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!

Sofia Lanza and Jackson Helwege enjoyed their time in the spotlight.

Nolan Middle thespians revive classic 1950s musical

Tuesday-sunday

Sunday Hours 3pm-8pm

Students at Nolan Middle School brought back a 1950s Broadway classic with their rendition of “Guys and Dolls Jr.” March 2-3.

The musical featured singing, dancing and acting by a cast of about 40 middle-schoolers.

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

Can you find the lucky pelican?

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

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

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Sarah Brown, played by Taylor Hallbeck, called sinners to repentance.

win over 65 fanTasTic Prizes!

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5

v

a

Riley Knutson and Taylor Hallbeck, playing Sky Masterson and Sarah Brown, were an unlikely, but perfect match.

l u 0 aT e d - $ 7, 5 0 0

0

Harry the Horse, better known as Michael McAfee, testified about his sins.

Help the Humane Society build a new shelter in the Lakewood Ranch area. 100% of your ticket donation goes into the new shelter fund.

Get relief from foot, knee & back pain... even Plantar Fasciitis!

GrAnd PrIzeS Include: 1) One week in beautiful Mont Tremblant, Quebec Canada. Your choice of Winter Skiing or Summer Golf, for up to four people with a total value of $7,500.

2) One week in Mexico. Your choice of nine Vida locations with a total value of $6,000.

Drawing is March 31st at the Hounds and Gowns event at the Lake Club in LWR. You DO NOT have to be present to win. e

s

h

a

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Go to www.HSLWR.org Click on

Make a suggested donation of $40 via PayPal. Tickets will be postal mailed.

■ Free personal fitting and balance demonstration ■ Lifetime warranty on most arch supports ■ Free test walk so you can try before you buy

For More Information or to Order Tickets by Phone, Call

941-840-4055

All Proceeds to benefit the Humane Society of Lakewood Ranch’s new shelter fund. helP us build our new shelTer!

20 OFF

$

Any pair of arch supports

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When you make your donation of $40, please include your name, address, phone number and email in the notes section and your ticket will be mailed to you within 24 hours.

■ Arch supports that fit all shoes — even sandals

Valid only in Sarasota-Tampa area.

Cannot be combined with other offers.

Expires 3/18/12 SOY01

4950 Fruitville Road • Sarasota Just West of Honore , Opposite Goodwill 941-487-7974 www.GoodFeetTampaBay.com

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o

T

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

9B

perfect pitch By Pam Eubanks | News Editor

Fashion show hits all the right notes

Anka Dierbach, Karin McLoughlin, Anna McBride, Annelie Gustke, Ulla Heitmann and Ingril Holzberg are all German.

Opera enthusiasts enjoyed an afternoon of fashion and fare as the Bradenton Opera Guild hosted a fashion show and luncheon fundraiser Feb. 29, at the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club.

Guests enjoyed seeing fashions from Irene’s Resort Wear.

Bringing the best care to you.

Nancy Griffin and Marcia DeGennaro

Claire Marsh and Susann Wright

Margie Jaudon, Geneth Bell and Marion McClellan

Sarasota Memorial Health Care Center at Heritage Harbour Sarasota Memorial Urgent Care Center Immediate treatment for non-emergency medical illness or injury. Staffed by our board-certified emergency & family medicine physicians

Open 8 am – 8 pm, 7 days a week

1040 River Heritage Blvd.

SR 6 4

(941) 917-6440 SR 70

Comprehensive Outpatient Services  Anticoagulation Clinic

 Home Health

 Radiology

 Physical Therapy

 Pain Care

Do You Have an Rx for PT?

Our state-of-the-art facility is just east of I-75 at Heritage Harbour. Take 2nd Heritage Harbour left off SR 64.

(We’re ¼ mile on the left.)

If your doctor has prescribed physical therapy for you, our expert physical therapists are ready to assist you right here at our fully equipped rehabilitation facility. Whether you are recovering from surgery, injury or illness, Sarasota Memorial’s Rehabilitation Services works with your physician to customize a program to help you safely achieve your goals – and return to everyday activities.

Call (941) 917-6440 to schedule.

Sarasota Memorial’s First Physicians Group Board-certified family practice physicians (941) 917-7100

Pat Gauntt, Jody Porter and Barbara Scholes

We’re easy to find!

Sarasota Memorial Health Care Center at Heritage Harbour 1040 River Heritage Boulevard Bradenton, FL 34212

(941) 917-6440 ı smh.com

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Karen M. Bigby, MD 

Andrew E. Burg, MD 77336

Mary Zabin modeled alongside her daughter, Marina Anderson, and granddaughters, Alyssa and Karina Anderson.

 Laboratory

10B

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

By Pam Eubanks | News Editor

77655

decisions, decisions

Timothy Ball, Andrew Dodge, Jesse Kanipe and Austin Haley checked out professions involving mechanics and cars.

Lakewood Ranch students ponder future at college fair Representatives from area colleges and businesses gave East County high school students some insight into their future during Lakewood Ranch High School’s College and Career Fair.

The fair featured a variety of booths and information.

“Mom’s meatloaf never tasted this good!”

Comfort Meatloaf Melt food at it’s finest!

Homemade meatloaf grilled, loaded with tomato, swiss cheese and our homemade 1,000 island dressing, served on grilled marble rye.

Scan our QR Code for our complete menu

941-753-6016 • 11544 Palmbrush Trail, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 seastarcafelwr@yahoo.com • seastarcafe.com

Samantha Hannabass with Arianna DeCecco

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we cater any size party! call us or visit our website today!

Diane Salter and Corey Adams are juniors.

Right: Seniors Casey Henshaw, Jessica Zimmerman, Alexandra Shepard and Melanie Baten hunted for scholarship opportunities.

Please join MD Anderson Cancer Center for two unique Sarasota events Saturday, March 24, 2012

Making Cancer History® Seminar 1000 Boulevard of the Arts Sarasota, Florida

8:30 a.m.

Doors open. Breakfast is served.

9 a.m.

Program on the latest in cancer care followed by a panel discussion with presenting doctors.

Free to the public.

Seating is limited.

You may have DRY

Sarasota Polo Club at Lakewood Ranch Sarasota, Florida

EYE SYNDROME

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

Individual tickets at $175.

Tables beginning at $2,500.

Proceeds support programs at MD Anderson.

3 p.m.

Gates open. *4 p.m.

Polo match begins.

75533

Hyatt Regency Sarasota

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

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

Dr. Troy Bedinghaus Board Certified Optometric Physician

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

6 p.m.

Post-game soiree and silent auction bidding begin.

Golf Lessons

* General admission tickets to the polo match are available at the gate for a $5.00 minimum donation per person. Children 12 and under free.

We Have Golf Logix GPS

available thru our head professional

Ask about our Seasonal Membership

We’re Now

To RSVP to the seminar and/or purchase tickets to Polo Under the Palms, email events@mdanderson.org or call 866-262-9029.

accepting Golf outings for 2012

WINTER Rates • Book a Tee Time • 941-751-4211 7am-8am / After 12 pm

48

$

with coupon or BSc 75897

REguLAR $58

8:04am to 11:56am

53

$

with coupon or BSc REguLAR $68

AFTER 2pm

30

$

with coupon or BSc REguLAR $58

Caddy Shack BAr & GriLL

NOW OPEN

Breakfast & Lunch

6:30am-dark

coupon Expires March 31, 2012

6600 River Club Blvd. Bradenton, FL 34202 • 751-4211

71670

Special thanks to Polo Under the Palms 2011 Royal and Queen Palm Sponsors: Mr. and Mrs. Red Armour • Bessemer Trust Company • Gettel Automotive • M&I Wealth Management Misdee and James Miller • Christie and James P. Uihlein • Mary and Jamie Uihlein

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

11B

show of support By Pam Eubanks | News Editor

Lakewood Ranch Chabad throws elegant auction, gala 72361

Chabad of Bradenton & Lakewood Ranch hosted its annual Gala Cocktail Evening and Auction event Feb. 29, at The Polo Grill and Bar’s Fête Ballroom Festivities included heavyhors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, cocktails and a raffle prize drawing.

Mimi and Isaac Abitbol with Frea Cohen

David Meyersburg with Frank Rodriguez

77665

Phyllis and Sandy Silverman

OF SARASOTA SARASOTA

Style

The Wieand family enjoyed dinner together. From left: Adam, Ella, Malkie and Henny.

Add Beauty &

utdoors

Come Explore Our Garden Center With 20 Acres of Plants, Shrubs & Trees!!

Golf Carts Provided to Explore our Beautiful Grounds.

Garden Leaves Bench.

Beautiful Hardwood & Crafted Cast Iron Bench. Rust Proof!

Bistro Set that has a plain weaved

design. Intricate Details & Designed to Fit Anywhere. Rust Proof!

Huge Selection of Fountains • Exclusive Collection of Pottery Gift Shop with Indoor & Outdoor Decor including Island Decor!

It’s Worth The Trip!

NEW SHIPMENT of pottery, fountains and statuaries!

In the Historic Asolo Theater at the Ringling Museum of Art 5401 Bay Shore Road – Sarasota

S u n d a y, M a r c h 1 8 – 7 : 3 0 p . m .

Tu e s d a y, M a r c h 2 0 – 7 : 3 0 p . m .

“Variations”

MARTINA FILJAK Piano

MOZART Sonata in Bb Major BRAHMS Paganini Variations Book 2 LISZT Ballade No. 2 in B minor PROKOFIEF Sonata No. 2, Op. 14 “Brilliant, sensitive and imaginative playing...and naturalnes of musicality The New York Times

W e d n e s d a y, M a r c h 1 4 – 1 0 : 3 0 a . m .

“Dueling Pianos” JOSEPH HOLT, piano LEE DOUGHERTY ROSS, piano

A fast-paced one-hour performance featuring the “flying fingers” of two all-star favorites playing popular and light classical favorites.

Arrive early for compimentary pastries and coffee.

Presented by the Herald-Tribune Media Group.

70

OPEN: Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 8am - 4pm East of I-75 off SR 70 or SR 64 5020 Lorraine Road Bradenton, FL

www.mariposanursery.com

TICKETS BY PHONE HISTORIC ASOLO THEATER BOX OFFICE – DAILY 10A-4P

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✿

Lorraine Road

Lakewood Ranch Blvd.

64

12B

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

name game

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

By Pam Eubanks | News Editor

Carole Patterson and Alley Hornes

Marco-Allen Barker and David Holmwood, of Viking River Cruises

Jim Jurek with his wife, Marie

Pete and Susie Marro with Tig Winsler and Sharon Butler

Viking cuisine, cruises meet on Ranch Main Street Select travel enthusiasts gathered as Main Street Travel joined forces with Viking Culinary and Viking River Cruises for the Viking Meets Viking Feb. 29, at the Viking Culinary Center on Lakewood Ranch Main Street.

Attendees enjoyed sampling foods and wines from around the world that are served on Viking River Cruises’ stateof-the-art vessels.

Right: Chef Pat Allen dished out foods.

Murray and Leona Levine with Cliff and Kate Andrews

Have you seen tHe “new” taffy’s?

WE’RE KEEPING OUR COOL

Celebrating

50 years on St. Armands Circle

Same Great Store – New Look & New Styles

HELD OVER BY POPULAR DEMAND

Fine Men’s Clothing and Sportswear for the Discriminating Gentleman.

EXTENDED THROUGH APRIL 15, 2012

Outstanding Golf Pants

941-388-1155

77428

Wanda Martinetto with her husband, Eddie

18 S. Blvd. of Presidents • St. Armands, Sarasota, Fl 34236 (Moved Just Two Doors Up)

www.TaffysMensWear.com

77575

Helen Forde Gander & Mary A. Baldwin Charitable Trust

72631

www.mote.org

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

13B

service with a smile By Jen Blanco | Associate Editor

Ranch rolls out red carpet for volunteers

Bonnie Sidiski, Lakewood Ranch Town Hall Executive Director Eva Rey, David Kostura and Maribeth Phillips thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon.

Calico’s Spring Sale

Nearly 180 Lakewood Ranch residents were recognized for their commitment and dedication to Lakewood Ranch Town Hall during the annual Volunteer Wing Ding March 3, at The Sarasota Polo Club.

Guests enjoyed lunch, musical entertainment and dancing on the red carpet.

Country Club of Lakewood Ranch residents Ann and George Pontown attended the Wing Ding for the first time.

Michael and Mary Button caught up with Charlie Brummer.

Calico’s Spring Sale Now thru Sat. March 24

SAVE 20% STOREWIDE*

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CalicoCorners.com

Cannot be used on prior purchases or combined with other offers. Some restrictions apply.

Under new ownership

A ToTAlly

50’ s Ice cream

Menu

eb D rat e St Patrick’s

Saturday Feature:

New England Boiled Dinner (Corned Beef & Cabbage) includes: carrots, turnips & new potatoes

March 2 - 24

from $12.25 Served 11am - ???

IC

R

EC O* SAVE 20% STOREWIDE REAM PARL experIence

ay w

l Ce

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ith u s

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10% Off Shutters

c a i p l

Camille Gonzales, Kelley Miller, Carolyn Super, Heather Reynolds and Sydney Panzarino, of Lakewood Leaders, volunteered their time.

Ty

Right: Edgewater resident Don O’Leary was greeted on the red carpet by Wing Ding volunteer Lauren Redington.

Friday & Saturday (while they last)

1 ¼ - 1 ½ lb

Live Maine Lobstah

The Tastiest Corned Beef in the Area!

32 gourmet flavors of ice cream, yogurt and sorbet including sugar-free selections.

St. Armands Circle 19C Boulevard of The Presidents

77386

941-388-1650

FREE

University Park 8203 Tourist Center Dr. In World of Beer Plaza

941-355-3087

scoopdaddys.com

Hours Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner • Mon-Tue 11am-9pm • Wed- Sat 8am-9pm • Sunday 8am-230pm

Easy to Find!

Quietly tucked inside the Twelve Oaks Plaza between Publix and Gecko’s on SR70 by the entrance to Tara subdivision.

7246 55th Ave East-Bradenton 34203 • 941-758-5670

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SINGLE SCOOP CONE BUY ONE GET ONE

ProPerty Caretakers serving the needs of the absentee homeowner

14B

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

real estate | transactions

By Adam Hughes | Research Editor

Locally Owned and Operated • Fully Insured and Bonded Professional, Quality Service • Individualized, Tailored Packages

Trust - Loyalty - Protection

Lakewood Ranch Country Club home tops weekly sales The following residential real estate transactions took place between Feb. 20 and Feb. 24.

Two homes in the Country Club of Lakewood Ranch top all transactions in this week’s real estate. John and Joanne Zarrella sold their home at 13605 Legends Walk Terrace to Scott and Laura Richards, of Hinsdale, Ill., for $900,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths, a pool and 4,304 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $1,349,600 in 2004.

Thomas and Lisa Kess, of Westlake, Ohio, sold their home at 13412 Blythefield Terrace to Judith Lemieur and Lawrence Lemieur, trustees, for $790,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,724 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $1,399,000 in 2006.

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Pomello Park

Richard Fisher and Deborah Fisher sold their home at 7020 197th St. E. to Douglas and Lynne Pewterbaugh, of Denton, Texas, for $505,000. Built in 2004, it has six s s llow e pi rdine 2 fren of sase of a a a c h & a h purc or set wit matt

77595

$

Leonard and Mary Major, Bradenton, sold their home at 4754 Mainsail Drive to James and Babette Pachence, Bradenton, for $550,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths, a pool and 2,791 square feet of living area.

Mill Creek

Richard and Carol Farrington, of Noblesville, Ind., sold their home at 14809 17th Ave. E. to Michael and Caroline Cox, Bradenton, for $451,500. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths, a pool and 2,649 square feet of living area.

Rosedale I Golf and Tennis Club

Salvatore and Leslie Panico, of Lattingtown, N.Y., sold their home at 8702 54th Ave. E. to Reiner and Monica Gunther, Bradenton, for $435,000. Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,618 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $425,000 in 2003.

Rye Wilderness Estates

Richard and Edythe White, trustees, Bradenton, sold the home at 406 169th Court N.E. to Dale and Elizabeth Mason, Bradenton, for $425,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,828 square feet of living area.

Heritage Harbour

Diane Hoelle, Pompano Beach, sold her home at 8723 River Preserve Drive to MacArthur’s Paving and Construction Co. Ltd. for $390,000. Built in 2009, it has

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Visit our website to learn more about us! www.Claddaghhomewatch.com or call us 941-447-0926

Jen Blanco

This Country Club of Lakewood Ranch home, which has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths, a pool and 4,304 square feet of living area, sold for $900,000.

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths, a pool and 2,661 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $365,000 in 2010.

Country Club of Lakewood Ranch

Bank of America, N.A., sold the home at 7020 Whitemarsh Circle to Alexander Vecchione and Annette Vecchione, trustees, of Commack, N.Y., for $336,500. Built in 2001, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 2,084 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $400,000 in 2004.

15B

“Quality Veterinary Care in the comfort of your home”

dr. carmen shaw

The Club Villas II at Palm-Aire

Betty Sullivan, of Tallmadge, Ohio, sold her Unit 5A condominium at 5612 Country Club Way to Jonathan and Joanne Ralph, of Ontario, Canada, for $255,000.

Built in 1989, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,872 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $161,900 in 1995.

Office: (941) 907-0320 Cell: (941) 773-9854 DrShaw@homevetsarasota.com

www.homevetsarasota.com

the he

Tara

Riverwalk Village

Federal National Mortgage Association sold the home at 11004 Star Rush Place to Jordan and Maureen Finley, Lakewood Ranch, for $229,900. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,143 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $192,500 in 2000.

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Good Times

Welcome LUCKY DUCK Games w a Now Open!

Welcome Welc We lcom lc omee toWe the he want to be your favorite arcade!

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John and Valerie Nickels, Bradenton, sold their home at 6384 Rookery Circle to John and Marilyn Carpenter, Bradenton, for $340,000. Built in 2003, it has two bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths, a pool and 2,343 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $298,200 in 2003.

Birds Now Open!

dogs

59951

o

EAST COUNTY Observer

MA T Good Times

No w Op e n !

WIN CASH H

Welcome to the

real estate transactions.

MATCH PLAY DAILY gressive www.YourObserver.com New 777 Progressive Jackpots We want to be your favorite arcade! at $10,0 Visit our website to read more

H S A CAS C N I W WIN CASH Starting atMATCH $10,000!

BUILDING PERMITS

New Progressive Jackpots Starting at $10,000!

These are the largest East County building permits issued by Manatee County for the week of Feb. 13 through Feb. 24, in order of dollar amounts.

Permit

Applicant

Good Times

DAILYISPECIALS N CASH

W Open 7 Days WIN CASHDAILY SPECIALS

EAST COUNTY Address

PLAY DAILY

Amount

WIN CASH

DA

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18919 68th Ave. E. Pool Stanley McEwen $45,000 Andrew Myers 7714 Sloane Gardens Court Mechanical $41,391 14613 Secret Harbor Place Pool Joan Schuller $34,000 Open 7 Days Pool Forrest Rivinius 16017 Daysailor Trail $31,108 9am til ??

Now Serving Complimentary Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner* 14827 Leopard Creek Place Pool Robert Chalson $30,048 Now Serving Complimentary Breakfast,only Lunch & Dinner* Raymond Ciemniecki Jr. $25,000 12700 Upper Manatee River Pole Barn *Dinner at Sarasota 14014 First Ave. E. Pool James Prokosch $20,000 *Dinner at Sarasota only Re-roof Martin Basye 9224 67th Ave. E. $18,900 3815 Fifth Ave. N.E. Dock Charles Ashley $16,996 PLAYDAILY DAILY Door/Window Martina Schlagwein $14,383 6819 Sagebrush Circle PLAY with purchase 9987 Cherry Hills Ave. Circle Mechanical Paul Gartenberg $14,203 with purchase 6915 Winners Circle Mechanical Terry Coutsolioutsos $13,843 Now Open Now Open Pool Deck Nigel Baker 7824 Valderrama Way $12,850 THE FUN CENTER GOOD TIMES 7809 Derby Court Mechanical James Maguire $12,786 6030 N. Lockwood Ridge, Sarasota 8219 Hwy. 301 North, Parrish Thomas Boyd 7224 Broadmoor Pines Blvd. Mechanical $12,417 kwood Ridg 6030 N. Lockwood Ridge, Sarasota 8219941-479-7953 Hwy. 301 North, Parrish 941-706-1147 7170 Sandhills Place Door/Window Regina Gottschalk $11,975 Robert Kuiken 7452 W. Country Club Drive Pool Cage $11,969 Mechanical Jon Erdner $11,893 8212 Championship Court Dock Elmer Gee 4616 Swordfish Drive $10,000 6523 Deerberry Court Re-roof Leslie Vickers $9,800 Re-roof Ronald Johnson $9,000 110 133rd St. E. 8086 Estates Drive Door/Window Jacqueline Gensemer $8,558 Pool Cage Rick Wenson 8379 Catamaran Circle $8,260 Mechanical Mark Gordon 8114 Spring Marsh Drive $8,195 Boat Lift Howard Savige 4507 Third Ave. E. $8,153 Door/Window Donald Reed 5647 Country Lakes Drive $7,994 Re-roof Allan Baily 4644 Glenbrooke Terrace $7,930 Pool Cage Ronald Santo 7514 Royal Valley Court $7,690

9am til ??

Now

$5.00 $5.00

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036595

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036595

THE CEN FUN CENTER GOOD TIMES 68400

1-706-11 941-706-1147 941-479-7953

6030 N. Lockwood Ridge, Sa

Your Personal PhYsician

navigating Your health care needs

Felicia A. Canada, MD

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3/9 MuMbo JuMbo* 3/16 SchMitz brotherS band* 3/17 Soul SenSationS & raven 3/23 MuMbo JuMbo 3/30 tba

2 DraftS $ 4 well $

Dr. Canada takes time to listen to your health care concerns and makes sure you get timely care while coordinating all of the resources you need.

She is part of Intercoastal Medical Group, a patient focused health care provider comprised of more than 60 board certified physicians in multiple specialties.

DrinkS $ 4 wine....

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Intercoastal Medical Group provides integrated electronic medical records and diagnostic services for your safety and convenience.

A weekend “Urgent Care” Clinic and Emergency Room coverage by an Intercoastal physician means that your health care needs are covered 24/7.

Full bar menu Available until 11:00pm *

First 30 people “No Cover”

march 17th “Soul SenSationS” Motown and Dance music 7:00 pm - 10:30 pm.

St.PatrickS Day Party Special Select Dinner Menu including Classic Corned Beef & Cabbage. $20 cover charge at the door.

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941-359-9255

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77634

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941-706-1147

Join us for Live entertainment

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Source: Manatee County

16B

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

TemperatureS

Temps.

High 77 Sun., Feb. 26 Mon., Feb. 27 85 84 Tues., Feb. 28 84 Wed., Feb. 29 81 Thurs., March 1 83 Fri., March 2 Sat., March 3 83 Average Gulf water temperature: 65.2

Weather Photo Contest Winner

Low 60 67 67 66 62 74 76

MOON PHASES

Sunrise/sunset Sunrise Sunset

Thurs., March 8 6:47 6:35 Fri., March 9 6:46 6:35 Sat., March 10 6:45 6:36 Sun., March 11 7:44 7:36 Mon., March 12 7:43 7:37 Tues., March 13 7:42 7:38 Wed., March 14 7:41 7:38

March 8 Full

March 14 Last

RAINFALL

Manatee/Sarasota Sun., Feb. 26 0.00 0.00 Mon., Feb. 27 Tues., Feb. 28 0.00 0.00 Wed., Feb. 29 Thurs., March 1 0.00 0.00 Fri., March 2 Sat., March 3 0.00 Year-to-date: 2012

3.08 in

March 30 First

March 22 New

WIND SPEED

Manatee/Sarasota Sun., Feb. 26 13.4 8.1 Mon., Feb. 27 Tues., Feb. 28 7.3 Wed., Feb. 29 7.4 Thurs., March 1 5.4 Fri., March 2 8.2 Sat., March 3 16.4

2011 3.67 in.

2011 0.54 in.

PHOTO CONTEST: Win an iPad 2 or Canon EOS T3 camera. Enter your sunset, sunrise or weather-related photos for The Observer’s weather photo contest, sponsored by Cool Today. To enter your photos, visit YourObserver.com, and click on the “Contests” tab in the upper-right corner. Weekly winners will have their photo printed in the paper and will be entered into a drawing for that month. The monthly winner will choose between an iPad 2 or Canon EOS T3 camera.

76095

Month-to-date: 2012

0.73 in

Barbara Birkenberger took this sunset photo from her backyard in River Landings Bluff.

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

OXYMOROnS FOR nOnMOROnS by Gary Cooper

Edited by Timothy E. Parker

ACROSS

1 5 9 13 18 19 20 21 22 25 26 27 28 29 32 34 38 39 40 41 42 45 46 48 49 50 51

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Large Jamaican fruit “Of ___ I Sing” Use a swizzle stick Antithesis of 14-Down Examined, as a patient Devoted to God Bear in the night sky South African antelope Sporting a small bump?

Diminutive being of folklore “Windy City” airport Sergeant’s command Body by Victoria product Imbeciles Lover boy Mine carrier Simple sugar Abstract painting style of the ‘60s Handel’s “Messiah,” e.g.

Repugnant reaction Not needing a laugh track Historical period Peacock’s pride Mighty mite It may be on a roll Best buds Temporary home for Napoleon Bard of ___ (Shakespeare’s nickname) Complicated predicament Fail to include Arched foot part Folding beds Send a note of apology Cherry discard Certain immigrant Served dinner to Accused’s excuse Aware of

71 Out-and-out 73 ___ gin fizz (bar order) 74 Progress in the garden 77 Split asunder 78 One of the four cardinal directions 81 Serenaded 82 Couple’s possessive 83 Prefix for “scope” 84 Cookie favorite 85 “What ___, a mind reader?”

86 Arts and crafts stickum 90 Restaurant-bill computation 91 Silent signals 93 In front of others 94 Hidden and mysterious 97 Record producer nicknamed “Babyface” 98 Far from lenient 99 Bottom layer?

100 Existed once 101 Feed the pot 102 One-masted sailboat 103 Long-tailed parrot 106 Obviously at sea 112 Shopping hub of old Athens 113 Last word in church 114 Sophomore and junior, e.g.

115 Like a famous Ranger 116 Hot winter drink 117 Links numbers 118 Volcano of Sicily 119 From square one

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1 Olympics powerhouse 2 Type of toothpaste 3 Deplaning gift in Maui 4 Lock, stock and barrel 5 Amphitheater levels

6 Optimists have it 7 Land of Nor. and Fin. 8 180 degrees from WNW 9 Member of a certain branch of Islam 10 Wabash Cannonball, e.g.

11 “It ___ what you think!”

12 Prey for a cat 13 Unappreciative sort 14 Bundle of energy 15 “7 Faces of Doctor ___” 16 Scary Hollywood film street 17 Actress Charlotte of “The Facts of Life” 19 Wood-smoothing machine 23 “___ won’t hurt a bit” 24 Security worker 28 Shouts at the stage 29 Water park feature 30 Splendid 31 Immodesty 32 Dish’s companion in flight 33 Opposite of cool 34 Hears, as a case 35 Ingredient in baking powder 36 American or Delta 37 Cooked with dry heat 39 Eight-armed mollusks 40 Spanish jar 43 Rain gutter locale 44 Backs, in anatomical terms 47 Computer network acronym 50 Honey holder 52 Breakfasted 53 Wall-calendar page 54 “Exodus” director Preminger 57 ___ Lanka 58 Lincoln’s coin’s value 59 The Santa ___ winds

60 61 63 64 65 66 69 72 74 75 76 77 79 80 83 86 87 88 89 92 95 96 98 99 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111

Book excerpt Lit up, poetically Probe for water Ensconced in an animal hideaway Baseball Hall-ofFamer Monte Before, to bards “I ___ your pardon?”

Prefix with “classical” Squash and pumpkin, e.g.

Unsophisticated ones Spheres like the sun and moon Put on a new crew River near the Eiffel Tower Hard drinker Kind of pressure Target of a youth outreach program Wickerwork palms “Gimme a G ...,” e.g.

Vultures have them In the direction of Angry people may hit it Grammatical connector Curl the lip Regional vegetation ___ mater Electronic reading Gym safety item “Long ___ and far away ...”

Cape in Massachusetts Ballplayer’s headgear Caustic chemical “The best is ___ to come!”

Heir, but not an heiress 67.5 degrees, in terms of direction Petal wetter

Thursday, March 8, 2012

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 (Please provide your name and address) Or Online at: www.yourobserver.com/classifieds (No phone calls please.)

BODY BY Jake: Bun & Thigh Rocker, $75. Almost new. Carol, 941-373-6450.

CAR WHEELS 4 new 17" aluminum wheels, $200.

941-748-2103.

DELL COMPUTER (mini tower) with 17” flat screen monitor, XP, MS Office, excellent condition, $150. 941-224-6050.

DINING ROOM Set. Glass table, 6 off white upholstered chairs. Excellent condition, $200.

941-567-4390.

HOME THEATER: Pioneer 5.1 Receiver; excellent condition. 125w/channel w/3 "S" & component video inputs. $50.00. 941-907-6652.

ORIGINAL FRANK Sinatra albums, 6 record set of songs from 1943-1953. $25. 941-538-9913.

PATIO TABLE 42",4 swivel chairs Table - 4 swivel chairs- beige base, $200. 941-378-3848.

PROFORM 350 Treadmill Speed, Incline Control.

Calorie, Weight Goals. Fan. SpaceSaver. Like new, $200. 941-360-9582 TREADMILL WESLO Treadmill with upper body exercise arms. Excellent condition, $175.

941-358-5046.

CANOPY BED: Queen, with frame. Cream color enamel with gold accents, $200. 941-758-2019.

CHINA CABINET: antique. Beautiful, must see. $199. 941-753-0659.

MIKASA. STUNNING, gold-rim "Ribbon Holly" pattern. 4 place settings in mint condition. Only $89. 358-5270.

POOL/SPA COVER. Enjoy warm water all year with this cover. Only $39. 941-358-5270.

REFRIGERATOR: FRIGIDAIRE - 16 cu.ft., as new. $179.00. 941-753-5539 OR 941-209-9086.

Antiques/Collectibles ALWAYS BUYING: Fine antique 18th & 19th Century Furniture, Art and Collectibles. Call Ren Selby, 941-822-9092.

Boats 2005 FOUR WINDS HORIZON 170: Fish & Ski Bowrider, Volvo 4.3 L I/O Bimini top, Minkota salt troll motor, Magic tilt trailer, Low hrs. Always garaged, $11,500. 941-776-8959.

Consignments ALWAYS BUYING: Fine antique 18th & 19th Century Furniture, Art and Collectibles. Call Ren Selby, 941-822-9092.

Garage/Moving/Estate Sales ALWAYS BUYING: Fine antique 18th & 19th Century Furniture, Art and Collectibles. Call Ren Selby, 941-822-9092.

DESOTO ACRES COMMUNITY YARD SALE SATURDAY, MARCH 17TH FROM 8AM-4PM 200+ POSSIBLE YARD SALES, DON'T MISS THIS ANNUAL EVENT! RAIN OR SHINE! UNIVERSITY PARKWAY TO 47TH ST. 301 TO LOCKWOOD RIDGE RD. ESTATE SALE 9a.m.-2p.m. - Friday, March 9 9a.m.-12p.m. - Saturday, March 10 4269 Sunniland St.- off McIntosh, just N. of Bee Ridge Estate of Virginia Keeley, noted Sarasota portrait artist.

4 Herman Miller chairs, G. Nelson table, odd Miller chairs, 50's & 60's lamps, 50's baby cabinet, over 100 original oil paintings, cherry dining table, chairs & server, 2 twin beds, full electric bed, queen bed set, easels, photography lights, cedar chest, flat TVs, recliner, bookcases, 60's dinette, chests, dressers, Astin-Wit piano, cherry hutch & server, Heat Surge fireplace, files, Kubota tractor, Murray mower, Snapper mower, bikes, yard equipment, & more.

Sale by Julie McClure.

Quality Sales.

Everything priced. No long lines, Organized parking & No preferences given to "special people".

See pictures & late additions or changes at www.estatesales.net

Garage/Moving/Estate Sales

Homes For Rent

Adult Care Services CAREGIVER/COMPANION: 20 years nursing experience. Will care for you in your home. With excellent references upon request. 941-773-7836.

WATERLEFE COMMUNITY Sale. Huge 30 family sale! Saturday, March 10, 8a.m. - 2p.m.

10625 Waterlefe Blvd., Bradenton 34212.

Rain date 3/11.

GARAGE SALE: Saturday, March 10th, 8a.m.2p.m. 11114 Bullrush Ter., LWR. Fishing, tools, Razor scooter, beanies, golf, speakers, computer stuff, nutcrackers, small tables, vintage items.

HUGE GARAGE SALE! Saturday, March 10th, 8a.m.-2p.m. Rain Date March 11th. Lakewood Ranch Communities of Riverwalk, Summerfield and Greenbrook. East off I-75 and SR70. Look for posted signs at community and neighborhood entrances on Lakewood Ranch Blvd. and Greenbrook Blvd.

General Merchandise HOT TUB: seats 5 with lounger, 24 jets, 5HP. Never used. $1695. 941-462-0633.

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

Sporting Goods GUN & KNIFE SHOW: Bradenton Auditorium, March 10th & 11th. 941-746-7937.

Events CANAMGER INTERNATIONAL DIXIELAND BAND CONCERT MARCH 11TH AT 3 P.M. BRADEN RIVER PRESBY. CHURCH 5150 PERIDIA BLVD. E. (In Peridia off SR70) Tickets/$15.00 941-896-5316 or 941-739-0202

Schools/Instruction

Annual, Seasonal & Vacation Rentals Available Dependable rental & property management services.

Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch 941.907.9595 Sarasota/Siesta Key 941.966.8000 Longboat/St. Armands 941.383.5502 Heritage Oaks 941.926.8844 IMG Academies 941.752.2682

76786

Items Under $200 For Sale

michaelsaunders.com/rentals RIVER CLUB: 3BR/2BA, small pet Ok, $1700.

Have other rentals from $1000-$2500/mo. Wagner Realty, Alba Lange. 941-704-3026.

SARASOTA RANCH CLUB: 3BR/4BA, Brand New! Turnkey Furnished, 5,000 sq/ft., 4/5CG, Theater Room, 10 Acres, Call for more details! $2,950/mo. Call 941-928-1542.

Out-Of-State Rentals

PRIVATE PIANO INSTRUCTION in your home. All ages. 20 years experience. Bachelor Music Piano. 1st Lesson Discount. 941-776-7381.

BREVARD, NC Cool Mountaintop House with View. 2BR/3BA, Pet Friendly. No Smoking, $2,000/mo. Owner: 941-383-6844.

Storage

Real Estate Wanted

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

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

Business Opportunities JAN PRO CLEANING FRANCHISE: $950 Down Required, Financing Available for growth, Includes customers. Earn up to $10,000 Month+ Call 941-907-8141

Help Wanted ADVERTISING SALES The Sky’s the LIMIT.

Auto Service WE WANT TO BUY YOUR VEHICLE!!!

Any Make, Any Model, Any Condition.

No Title - No Problem! Bank Lien - No Problem!

Paying up to $30,000 for Vehicles. Call AJ now at 813-335-3794 for a Free Quote or 813-531-4298.

Cleaning BEST HOUSECLEANING Great Price.

Experienced. My Promise - You WILL Be Satisfied!

Call Amy (941) 445-5844.

CLEANING CHANGES LIVES. Local charity, Light Under The Bridge, raises funds by offering cleaning services to you. Get your home cleaned and help women in crisis get their lives back on track from Human Trafficking, Domestic Violence, Homelessness, Addictions, and more. Call for more info 941-567-4007.

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 ELER CLEANING SERVICE. Residential cleaning, 10 years experience. Affordable and reliable.

Call for free estimates and references. Alessandra, 941-301-6493.

HOUSECLEANING. I have lots of experience, attention to detail. Reliable. Call me, I can help!

Carol, 941-536-3705.

MRS. MAIDS. Detailed & dependable cleaning services for your residence. Enjoy freedom from housecleaning. Bonded and Insured. For free estimates, call 941-400-3175.

TWO COUSINS FROM JERSEY. Are you a snowbird resident? Why waste precious time cleaning!

Call for estimate today. Nina, 941-356-2601.

Computer Services

WANTED LUXURY ANNUAL RENTALS

AWC TECHNOLOGY. All facets of computer / network repair completed on site at your convenience. 941-536-1191.

For Qualified Waiting Clients

OWN A MAC/IPHONE/IPAD? MacTutor offers 21 years experience. Unlimited free telephone follow up. (941)812-3887 www.FLMacTutor.com

Contact - Sarasota Luxury Rentals 941-356-5610

Financial Services

email: info@sarasotaluxuryrentals.com

GOOD CREDIT? Bad credit? No credit?

No problem! Are you currently employed? Are you living paycheck to paycheck? Do you need cash? We can help! Apply for a loan today! Call 1-888-823-8766.

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals

Advertising sales positions rarely open at The Observer Group. Because our sales executives know the sky really is the limit.

There’s no limit to what they earn. All it takes is...the right person. To fly successfully in our limitless sky, you will need: - Experience selling top-of-the-line, quality services or products - Impeccable Integrity - Record of calling on decision makers - Boundless energy to prospect consistently - Record of success in a fast-paced environment - Desire to reach the sky

112/2/

What’s the payback?

Personal satisfaction. Professional satisfaction.

Financial satisfaction. Great work environment.

RESERVE YOUR VACATION NOW!!

LUXURY BEACH RENTALS…COTTAGES TO CONDOS…ONE TO FOUR BEDROOM…LOOK NO FURTHER THAN FLORIDARENT.COM DISCOUNTED RATES 20-40%...CALL TODAY!!

PLEASE MENTION CODE OBS2011 941 383 3117 800 331 7293

LIMITED TIME OFFER. ACT TODAY. Send your qualifications to: jraleigh@yourobserver.com

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.

Health Services ACUPUNCTURE FOR NATURAL PAIN RELIEF Allergies, Stress Digestive and Gynecological Disorders 941-773-1899 www.waysacupuncture.com

This week’s Crossword answers

PALM AIRE CONDOS: 1 & 2 bedrooms, furnished, great views, upgraded, utilities included. $1000-$1300/mo. 941-351-1741.

DRIVERS-EXPERIENCED OTR: $1500 Sign-On. 7-10 days out. Apply Online: www.heyl.net 800-973-9161. Heyl Truck Lines, Inc.

Homes For Rent LUXOR MHP

$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

PALM AIRE. Fabulously furnished 2BR/2BA condo. Screened lanai, golf views, W/D, community pool, carport. Available April 1st through 2013 Season. $1400-$2500. Inquire: Eileen, 732-740-9398.

Adult Care Services A LENDING HAND, INC. Caregivers/Companions, Hourly 24/7 Care, Transportation, Social Outings, Dr. Appts., Housekeeping, Meal preparation, Respite Care.

Phone: 941-809-3725

HOUSE CLASSIFIEDS LP # 56733

2012

This week’s Cryptogram answers 1. When the mystical ancient sculptors had fully completed their immense creation, it was a relief!

2. A lovable golfer said he used to consider himself indecisive at the game but now he wasn’t too sure.

18B YourObserver.com 18B Classifieds

www.yourobserver.com

Home Improvement/ Remodeling

Painting/Wallpapering

MOULTON LAWNSCAPES, LLC *15 years+ Experience* *Residential/Commercial* NOW accepting new monthly accounts and cleanup.

Earl@MoultonLawnscapes.com OR 941.357.0798 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

Y E N O M E V A $ And Y E N O M E k MA

   

Telephone: 941-749-5646 yourbookkeeper@tampabay.rr.com

Call 941.955.4888

MOBILE PET GROOMING: all natural, Organic approach - dogs $35.00 and up. www.furrytails4grooming.com (941)224-8655

Beautiful Interior Design on a Budget

100

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In-Home Consultation & Do-It-Yourself Plan

NO Job Too Small

941-727-0272

75969

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Gas Post Lite Conversion Kit Install & Repair

CONSTRUCTION

24 hour emergency service

8011 34th Ave East OfďŹ ce: 941-708-6900 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34221 Fax: 941-708-6910 Licensed & Insured

ECA002495

75445 38056

#USHIONS s 3LINGS s 2E POWDERCOATING #USHIONS s 3LINGS s 5MBRELLAS

941-504-0903

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

77244

SCOTT WOOLF HANDYMAN EXTRAORDINAIRE 31 Years Experience, Prompt, Reliable Service, I Call Back My Customers, Keep My Appointments, AND Your Satisfaction is My Goal.

UĂŠ >ÀiÂ˜ĂŒĂ€ĂžĂŠEĂŠ >Lˆ˜iĂŒĂƒĂŠUĂŠ >Ă€>}iĂŠ Â?ÂœÂœĂ€ĂŠ-Ă•Ă€v>ViĂƒĂŠ UĂŠ Ă•ĂŒĂŒiĂ€ĂƒĂŠUĂŠ Ă?ÂŤiĂ€ĂŒĂŠ/Ă€ÂœĂ•LÂ?iĂŠ-Â…ÂœÂœĂŒiĂ€ ĂŠUĂŠ,ÂœĂŒĂŒi`ĂŠ7œœ`ĂŠ,iÂŤÂ?>Vi`ĂŠUĂŠ Ă€ĂžĂœ>Â?Â?ĂŠ,iÂŤ>ÂˆĂ€ UĂŠ*>ÂˆÂ˜ĂŒÂˆÂ˜}ĂŠUĂŠ/ˆÂ?iĂŠUĂŠ Â˜ĂƒĂ•Ă€i`ĂŠUĂŠ-ĂŒÂœÂ˜iĂŠ7ÂœĂ€ÂŽĂŠUĂŠ-Â…iÂ?Ă›ÂˆÂ˜}

Call Anytime

941-536-1770

scottmwoolf1@gmail.com

76051

77141

HANDYMAN

ELECTRIC

LYLE’S HANDYMAN SERVICES Total Superior Maintenance

75451

Call (941) 747-1968

No job is too small, We will do it all!

Servicing the Residential and Commercial MENTION Communities THIS AD 10% OFF for over 25 Years

941-256-2027 ANOTHER LBRL, INC. COMPANY

INSURED

www.lightreno.com

LANDSCAPING & LAWN

PLUGS +

Sod & Landscaping

Lawn & Landscape Repair #OMPLETE -AKE /VER s -AINTENANCE s )RRIGATION 4REE 3HRUB 4RIMMING s ,ANDSCAPE ,IGHTING #LEAN 5PS s -ULCH s 2OCK

Free rt Expetation ul Cons

Many Local References

(941) 315-0896

Native Son Landscape Services, Inc. GO GREEN!

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

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

365-2407

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

LAWN CARE

SUNCOAST SPRINKLER CO, LLC

,UULJDWLRQ 6\VWHPV ‡ 0DLQWHQDQFH 5HSDLUV 3XPSV ‡ 9DOYHV ‡ &RQWUROOHUV ‡ 6SUD\KHDGV 6\VWHP 5HYDPSV ‡ 0DLQWHQDQFH &RQWUDFWV ‡ ,QVWDOODWLRQV

76627

Š h{‰ z{„Š w‚ Š i‹ˆ}{ fˆ…Š{yŠ…ˆ‰ Š Y…ƒƒ{ˆy w‚ ]{„{ˆwŠ…ˆ‰Š X‹y {Š jˆ‹y Š \‹‚‚ i{ˆŒ y{ [‚{yŠˆ yw‚ Y…„ŠD

Lighthouse Renovations

CGC1507388 Lawrence Barnett (941)526-7750

PATIO REPAIRS Furniture Repairs FurnitureSales Sales &&Repairs

PRO Sliding Glass Door Repair

General Contractor Specializing in Kitchen & Bath Remodeling Free at home consultation National Brands, Competitive Pricing Limited Lifetime Warranty Seasonal Discounts

FURNITURE REPAIR

DOORS

KITCHEN/BATH REMODELING

Satisfaction Guaranteed Never an overtime charge

www.Bryanselectric.com

941.726.1560

www.chiconthecheap.net chiconthecheap@gmail.com

76521

76857

Friendly, Expert Computer Repairs

RedeďŹ ning Interior Design

$

We install and repair anything electrical

Years–- Locally Locally Owned Owned & 3132Years &Operated Operated

in inThe The

Observer Classifieds ClassiďŹ eds Observer

INTERIOR DESIGN

Bryan’s Electrical Services Inc.

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE�

SPECIAL - $75 – $100 PER DOOR Call Mark 941-928-2263 proslidingglassdoorrepair.com

SOLD

ELECTRIC

75449

3204 Gulf Gate Dr., Sarasota (Across from the Library)

FIND IT!

Pet Services DOGGY HOTEL. 24 Hour Daycare. Brown Avenue near Bee Ridge and 41 behind Sleep King (new owner). First day FREE. Grooming by Mark.

Meet and greet and get a treat. 941-554-4620.

SALES & SERVICE NEW & REFURBISHED NETWORKING DSL AND CABLE SETUPS TRAINING BACKUP & RECOVERY SETUP, INSTALL, UPGRADE AFFORDABLE RATES

License # EC13001486

CALL FOR FREE ESTIMATE 726-1802 LIC/ INS

BONDED & INSURED Over 25 yrs. experience

PC & LAPTOP REPAIR

VIRUS & SPYWARE EXPERTS! LAPTOP REPAIR SPECIALISTS

20 YRS. EXPERIENCE

As low as $15 for 1 week!

Get a discount when you run your ad in more than one Observer.

COMPUTER

On Site or In Shop

PROFESSIONAL TILE & MARBLE INSTALLATION

Bill Paying & Account Reconciliation Organizing Personal and Business Files Budgets & Financial Reports Federal and State Tax Returns

GARAGE SALE

K AND C Painting. A women's Touch All facets of interior / exterior painting. 941-544-8658.

PAINTING BY Retired Firefighter. 30 yrs experience. Small interior jobs only. Free estimates. Call Jack 330-620-4558.

STEVE ALLEN FLOOR COVERINGS I come to your home or office.

77245

Landscaping & Lawn Service

Tile

Personal & Business Bookkeeping Accounting/ Taxes

69127

ATTENTION SNOWBIRDS. Retired police officer will take care of house and pool while you are away. Call Greg, 941-388-8834.

YOUR PERSONAL BOOKKEEPER, LLC Gail Sunray, Owner

62408

Home Services

Pools WEEKLY POOL SERVICE FROM $59 - FREE ESTIMATES. Licensed, uniformed, qualified technicians. Guaranteed same day weekly service. Call Blissful Pools, 941-705-0400.

77246

R.J. DAVIS WHOLESALE FLOORING, LLC. 20 Years Licensed and Insured. 941-586-8996.

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

941-779-3665 /LFHQVHG ,QVXUHG

)UHH (VWLPDWHV

77631

HANDYMAN EXTRAORDINAIRE Reliable & Prompt. 25 Years Experience 5 Years in Bradenton Area. Flooring, Masonry, Doors, Carpentry and Water Damage ... etc. Call Scott at 941-536-1770. scottmwoolf1@gmail.com

EAST COUNTY Observer THE EAST COUNTY OBSERV THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012 Thursday, March 8, 2012

PLUMBING

REMODELING/HOME IMPROVEMENT Commercial

Independently Owned and Operated Franchise

s &ULL PLUMBING SERVICES s &2%% PLUMBING CHECK s .O TRIP CHARGES s 3EPTIC TANK PUMPING ˆViÂ˜Ăƒi`ĂŠUĂŠ œ˜`i`ĂŠUĂŠ Â˜ĂƒĂ•Ă€i`

20 OFF

$

with mention of this ad

s 2ElNISH s 2EPAIR s #OLOR #HANGES s "ATHTUBS s 4ILE

LICENSED - CFC1428540

75973

THE

75454

MO V I N G

Bisson RooďŹ ng Inc. “Your Local Roofer – We’ll Cover Youâ€?

2ESIDENTIAL #OMMERCIAL 2OOlNG s 3PECIALIZING IN 2OOF 2EPAIRS Shingle/Metal/Tile/ModiďŹ ed 941-748-7400 92 ,!"/2 7!22!.49 /. !,, .%7 2//&3

Licensed & Insured s ,IC 2# s Free Estimates s ./ ()$$%. #/343 OWNER SUPERVISES EVERY JOB START TO FINISH.

BETH BARNETT “East County’s #1 Agent!�

Lakewood Ranch

SALONS

announces

“Will move anything from a couch to a household�

LOCAL - LONG DISTANCE FREE ESTIMATES

Š f Â&#x201E; < m~ Â&#x160;{ C $25 Š \ Â&#x201A;Â&#x201A; C $15 Š cwÂ&#x201E; yÂ&#x2039;Â&#x2C6;{ < f{z yÂ&#x2039;Â&#x2C6;{ C $30

(free French with Hot Stone and Foot Mask)

in Lakewood Ranch*

14425 SR 70 EAST 941-753-9999

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cut (Excl. Kids Cut) Exp. May 1st

SCREENING

Follow us on Twitter: sodasells@gmail.com lakewoodjim www.lakewoodranchlistingalerts.com See us on Facebook: Jim Soda* Visit us at: www.JimSoda.com

Call Now for a Free Estimate (941) 962-0395 TILE

Ferrell-Lasky Team

KIM KESLING WILLIAMS - Owner )NTERIOR s %XTERIOR s 0OWER 7ASHING #ARPENTRY s -INOR (OME 2EPAIRS s /DD *OBS

941.321.4582 suzetteďŹ ve@yahoo.com FREE ESTIMATES

cracked tile?

75458

Luxury Home Professionals Over 16 Years in Lakewood Ranch Area

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Team That Sellsâ&#x20AC;?

PEST CONTROL

Rita Ferrell

Harold Lasky

941-780-3579

BUG BUSTERS

941-780-8514

Rita@Ferrell-Lasky-Team.com

GROUT RESTORATION HOLLOW TILES FILLED REASONABLE FLAT RATES

(941) 545-6816

www.crackedtile.com

76522

77234

Fully Licensed and Insured

Ask us about Superscreen Rescreening pool cages, lanais, etc.

75459

s

Get the free mobile app for your phone http://gettag.mobi

KK Painting and Handyman Services

75424

75979

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re buying or selling your home Call The Soda Group

PAINTING

LICENSED

5 OFF

Rental agent on staff

We sell boxes!

U.S. DOT No. 1915800

$

Any Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s or

Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-7pm

www.thesodagroup.com

359-1904

Bring this in for

Corner of Lorraine Rd. & SR70 (next to Dunkinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Donuts)

76906

*according to Trendgraphix

#1Real Estate Group

941-758-6868

Lakewood Ranch Hair Salon

24 hours

The Soda Group

14465 SR 70 E Lorraine Corner Bradenton, FL 34202

(free Shellac)

Š iÂ&#x2020;w f{z yÂ&#x2039;Â&#x2C6;{ C $20

Call 924-9000 *A/H 730-0130

www.realtor.com/sarasota/bethbarnett

Nails by Heather

if[Y_Wbi 20%OFF

For listing your house, call BETH for proven results!!

77247

Phone (941) 704-4278 Fax (941) 538-3781 dmccarthy114@hotmail.com

75563

Operator/Owner

DRAIN CLEANING

ROOFING

REALTORS

Dave McCarthy

Dave McCarthy

PROS

400-4864

MOVERS

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

ELECTRIC WTR HTRS $499!!

DRAIN

ALL PLUMBING REPAIR

All Work Warranted

s 3INKS s #OUNTER 4OPS s #ABINETS

(941)737-5861 3AVE 4IME -ONEY 92 7ARRANTY

LIC# CFC1427462

77142

A Full Service Company George Grigsby Mulch/Rock, Trimming, Owner Irrigation, Etc.

Residential

South Florida Tub & Tile ReďŹ nishing

77412

941-755-6300

Sarasota.MrRooter.com

YourObserver.com

77252

LAWN CARE

grigsbyslawncare@gmail.com

Classifieds 19B 19B

www.yourobserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

76458

THE EAST COUNTY OBSERVER EAST COUNTY Observer Thursday, March 8, 2012

4(%Ă´3%26)#%Ă´$)2%#4/29

Do It Yourself Pest Control

7/2+3 &/2Ă´9/5

All Professional Products

TREES

Better Job â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Better Protection Save Up to 80% Over Pest Control Co.

NATIVE CUT TREE SERVICE

76554

Insects, Termites & Lawn Products

We sell the professional TH 3T 7 "RADENTON s .EXT TO ,OWES s 746-6654 75456

Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t buy in stores

PET SERVICES

Â&#x2039; )LZ[ 7YPJL VU 7HST ;YPTTPUN Â&#x2039; :[VYT 7YLWHYH[PVU /H\SPUN 4\SJOPUN Â&#x2039; 3HUKZJHWL +LZPNU 0UZ[HSSH[PVU Â&#x2039; 4VU[OS` :OY\I 7Y\UUPUN ANY OUTDOOR PROJECT

Excellent Service...Outstanding Results

LET US PUMP YOUR SEPTIC TANK AND SAVE MONEY! Septic Tanks should be pumped once every two or three years to avoid total system and drain ďŹ eld failure. A replacement cost of thousands of dollars.

No extra cost for digging!

$

Sellers Free Home Warranty!

Dennis Boyle 941-400-5584

www.dennisboylehomes.com www.suncoastgolfhomes.com

Wash Lic./Ins. rise Wisnudreow n u Cleanin ing S and Pres g

Res./Com.

Environmentally Friendly

h,EAVE 9OUR $IRTY 7INDOWS 4O 5Sv

s h50 4/ 34!.$!2$ 7).$/73 s v 302).' 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;

Sell your service with success.

LV2215

941-757-2595 $

Buyers $500 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fly and Buyâ&#x20AC;?

Credit 75383

75978

Cindy Wells 941-322-6381 941-928-2168

PLUMBING

77143

WINDOWS

75974

Call for appointment

Licensed & Insured

Residential & Commercial

COUNTRY CANINE MAKEOVERS DOG GROOMING Located off of SR 70 E. 1 mile North on Verna Bethany Rd. 7804 Barr Road Myakka City, FL 34251

Call Bob 780-2267 75461

Let Our Pros Show You How to Apply

Advertise in the Service Directory Call 955-4888 for more information... www.yourobserver.com

PelicanPress sIesTA KeY

20B

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

of th e

2012 Proud Spo Saras nsor 20 ota F 12 ilm F estiv al

941.907.2000 • www.PrudentialPalmsRealty.com / www.PruLWR.com

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

1-4 302 Sun # Open rest Wy aterc W 5 646

A Wealth of Experience.

No One Knows the Community Better.

Prudential is your top choice when you are ready to buy or sell a home.

Our award-winning local Realtors have the experience and expertise to guide you, and they consistently deliver premier service that caters to every client’s unique needs.

Locally owned and internationally renowned, Prudential is proud to contribute to the natural beauty, cultural events and extraordinary people that make this community a great place to live. Call us today and let us match you with the house in the area that perfectly suits your definition of home.

$239,900 Lakewood Ranch Deluxe Condo 3/2 w/1916SF, Gated, Elevator, preserve views + 2 Car Garage!

A3956319 Denny King 807-2572 Just

ced!

Redu

$379,000 Palmetto Over 3 acres of land, oak trees, One of a kind cozy home!

M5826403 Ellen Quinn 504-0595 00 $50,0 ion! ct Redu

Personalized Service. Trusted Agents $569,000 Lakewood Ranch Country Club Finest Florida living! Gourmet kitchen. 3472SF, Htd pool/spa.

A3946920 Pat McMillan 544-4538

$549,000 North Ringling Area, West of the Trail Flair, uniqueness & personality like no other home!

A3946877 Harold Lasky 780-8514

941-907.2000 • www.PruLWR.com

0 0,00 $30 ction! u Red

ire

A Palm Just

d!

Liste

$350,000 East Sarasota 20+ Acre Parcel Minutes from town. Build 5 acre homesites or possible rezone.

A3923368 586-4052

$159,900 Woodlake Villas 3/2, Lake/Preserve views, Comm. Pool + 2 car garage.

A3956442 Pam Baker 544-7943

ee anat ! ed M s Deed er Acces Riv

Special Offer $1,450,000 Lakewood Ranch West Estate Community, Custom design & craftsmanship! Every possible upgrade & luxury.

A3956866 Harold Lasky 780-8514 Huge

tion!

c Redu

$820,000 Lakewood Ranch Country Club Village Simply Stunning! 6BR/4BA, study & bonus, 16th fairway on Kings Dune Course.

A39541841 Katie Klomp 400-4826 n Millio $1.7 ction u d Re

$249,000 Manatee 2.1 Acre site, 3/2 Greatroom design, tons of charm.

M5821799 Sara LaPlante 685-4566 Just

ced!

Redu

Complimentary Home Protection Plan* covering home system & appliances while your home is listed with us and giving 1 year protection to your Buyer.

Call 941.907.2000 for details. *Certain restrictions apply ask your agent.

$189,900 Kingsfield Lakess $2,995,000 Legends Bay Gourmet kitchen, 3 car garage, lake views, 3/2 + den.

Bay views, Waterfront masterpiece, Never lived in!

A3955188 Cher Pujol 504-5902 A3937779 Pat McMillan 544-4538

$1,900,000 1 acre directly on Gulf, 100ft of beachfront.

A379491

Longboat Key Owner/agent 586-4052

Prudential Lakewood Ranch Realty and Prudential Palms Realty are sister companies serving Manatee and Sarasota Counties. © 2012. 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

76439

941.907.2000 ~ www.PruLWR.com or www.PrudentialPalmsRealty.com