East County Observer 05.31.12

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EAST COUNTY

You. Your neighbors. Your neighborhood.

Thursday, MAY 31, 2012

Sports

NEWS

in focus

Cascades community Braden River High’s Kayla Gray earns dedicates American flag on Memorial Day. elite status on the

East County residents honor fallen heroes.

PAGE 3A.

PAGE 1B.

OUR TOWN

field. PAGE 11A.

kid’s best friend beauty and the feet

campaign

By Pam Eubanks | Managing Editor

By Pam Eubanks | Managing Editor

Manatee fertilizer ban takes effect June 1

+ The Observer promotes staffers Rex Jensen may be called “Mr. East County,” and Don O’Leary may be known as East County’s titular mayor, but if there is anyone to rival them in their knowledge of and roots in East County, it would be East County Observer Managing Editor Michael Eng Michael “Mike” Eng. Eng has covered every aspect of the East County for 12 years — first as a reporter in Pam Eubanks 2000, then as managing editor ever since 2003.

Earlier this year, Eng took on the additional role of managing editor/features for the Sarasota Observer and the Pelican Press. And now, Eng will take on establishing and building the Plant City Observer, a new weekly Observer newspaper scheduled for publication July 4.

Eng will be managing editor of this startup. His wife, Jessica Eng, assistant managing editor of the East County Observer, will continue to design the East County Observer and will design the Plant City Observer. The Engs and their two children, Lyric, 4, and Aria, 2, will move in June to Plant City.

Longtime News Editor Pam Eubanks will succeed Eng as managing editor of the East County Observer. Eubanks joined the newspaper in June 2005 as a staff writer and was promoted to news editor in 2007.

“We are saddened and thrilled at the same time,” said Matt Walsh, editor and CEO of The Observer Group.

“Mike is an institution in East County and a walking East County encyclopedia. We hate to see him leave there. At the same time, he knows so well how we operate that he is the perfect person to help us launch the Plant City Observer and create another successful community newspaper.”

Please see Page 8A for Mike Eng’s farewell to the East County.

A University of Florida grant has two community groups educating their neighbors about new fertilizer restrictions and other water quality issues.

Pam Eubanks

Grayson Tullio, 8, is excited to have his own service dog, Hooch, at home with him. Grayson suffers from Duchenne muscular dystrophy, so Hooch will play an important role in assisting Grayson with balance, opening doors, calling for help and other tasks as Grayson’s condition progresses.

Golden Returns Eight-year-old Grayson Tullio, who suffers from Duchenne muscular dystrophy, brought home his new service dog, Hooch, Friday, May 18.

EAST COUNTY — For more than two years, 8-yearold Grayson Tullio has been dreaming about the day he’d get his helper dog.

And, now, it’s finally here.

Grayson, a student at Willis Elementary School, and his mom, Jen, returned from Georgia Friday, May 18, with Grayson’s new service dog, Hooch, a golden retriever.

“It’s good,” Gayson said of having Hooch. “He’s fun. I like when he sleeps with me and plays outside with me. He’s getting used to the house. It’s cool he can help me do things.”

Grayson and Jen Tullio attended training May 7 to May 17, at Canine Assistants, where

Grayson was matched with Hooch. The non-profit trains service dogs for individuals with disabilities or special needs. While there, he and his mom trained with Hooch and learned how to care for him properly.

Grayson’s grandmother, Pat Miller, who lives in Naples, attended one week of the training with her grandson, as well, and also made it back for Grayson’s graduation from the program, Jen Tullio said.

On the first day of the twoweek training event, each participant got to interact with the dogs one-on-one, before train-

THE PROGRAM

Jen Tullio said she and her family learned about Canine Assistants three years ago during a conference hosted

by Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy. The organization had done a demonstration on how its service dogs could help individuals, who like Grayson, need help with balance and other day-to-day tasks.

“It was amazing to see the interaction,” Tullio said.

“From that point forward, we said Grayson needs one of those dogs.”

SEE GRAYSON / PAGE 2A

EAST COUNTY — River Club resident Dyan Laphan has always taken a hands-on approach to landscaping.

But, she didn’t realize how big of an impact her own yard had on the condition of her neighborhood’s stormwater ponds and nearby waterways until she recently became involved in River Club’s “Love Our Lakes” committee.

“I started to realize the lakes are all connected,” Laphan said. “It gave me the big picture.”

In cooperation with representatives from the University of Florida, Laphan and several other community members are working on a campaign to educate the community about the health and importance of stormwater ponds, as well as a new Manatee County ordinance governing the use of fertilizers.

The new ordinance bans nitrogen-based fertilizers from June 1 through Sept. 30 (Florida’s rainy season), and requires nitrogen-based fertilizers to be at least 50% slow-release for the remainder of the year.

It also bans fertilizers from being applied within 10 feet of the water’s edge. Additionally, phosphorous applications are banned year round, unless a soil analysis proves a phosphorous deficiency and the deficiency is put on record with the county administrator, among

SEE FERTILIZER / PAGE 2A

INDEX Business.............. 9B Classifieds ........ 13B

Cops Corner..........7A Crossword.......... 12B

Opinion.................8A Real Estate........ 10B

Sports................ 11A Weather............. 12B

Vol. 13, No. 22 | Two sections YourObserver.com

2A

GRAYSON/PAGE 1A ers matched the dogs with participants based on their interactions, temperaments and other factors.

Grayson knew almost immediately he wanted Hooch as his helper dog, although another dog named Skippy was his second pick, Jen Tullio said.

“The neatest part was matching day,” Tullio said of the experience. “Recipients ranged in age from 7 to about 60, and there were 14 people in the class

$

EAST COUNTY Observer

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THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2012

(getting dogs). Before we came, Grayson had to do a personality test. They had a pretty good idea of Grayson’s personality.”

When Hooch was announced as Grayson’s dog, Grayson’s face grew red with excitement, Tullio said. And from that moment on, Grayson and his mom began learning to work with Hooch.

Two days later — May 10 — Hooch went home to the hotel with his new family, after a day of training together. Over the next week, Hooch accompanied Grayson to Walmart, shopping at

Each dog provided by Canine Assistants is valued at about $25,000 because of its training.

FERTILIZER/PAGE 1A other restrictions.

Michelle Atkinson, Floridafriendly landscape coordinator for the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, said the campaign, which now is being bolstered by Manatee’s fertilizer ban, encompasses two East County communities — River Club and Lakewood Ranch — although each is working independently.

“Everything you put in your landscape ends up in a stormwater pond, even if you don’t live on a stormwater pond,” she said, noting fertilizer runoff causes algae blooms, fish kills and other issues, adding that it is ultimately about water quality. “We know it can be drastically changed through improved landscape (practices).”

Lakewood Ranch’s “Protect Our Ponds” campaign developed after Lakewood Ranch Town Hall Director of Operations Ryan Heise contacted University of Florida

officials for ideas on improving storm-water quality. The Southwest Florida Water Management District in 2009 provided a grant that allowed Heise, with a team of residents, to develop an alternative landscape design for ponds, which is showcased along the shoreline of Lake Uihlein, behind Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.

A team of River Club residents, led by resident Bob Mendoza, has also been educating their community about the importance of caring for storm-water ponds through its “Love Our Lakes” campaign, after receiving a community education grant from the Southwest Florida Water Management District in February 2011.

The grant provided funding for River Club residents to monitor water quality in their storm-water ponds.

For each community, residents of the neighborhood and representatives of the University of Florida and the social marketing company, Uppercase Inc., now

the mall and even to an aquarium.

Since arriving home, the Tullio family has been adjusting to having a new family member and is working hard on Hooch’s training, because he is still learning to take commands from people other than his trainer, Grayson’s dad, Nick Tullio, said.

Hooch is trained to open doors, ring doorbells, press buttons, go get help and complete other tasks Grayson may need assistance with as his condition progresses.

“It’s a constant work-in-progress, in terms of training,” Nick Tullio said.

Each day, Grayson helps feed and brush Hooch.

have joined forces to further educate the public about Manatee’s ordinance, the impact of grass clippings in the ponds, ways to reduce fertilizer runoff and the importance of vegetative buffer zones.

“It’s residents educating the residents,” Atkinson said. “They know how to talk to their neighbors and what’s important to the folks in their community.”

Lakewood Ranch resident and “Protect Our Ponds” committee member Judy Amato hopes the campaign will provide a singular, accurate source of information for residents on issues pertaining to storm-water ponds and related issues.

“People need to be aware of what is going on in the neighborhood,” Amato said. “I think it’s important we’re getting together to work on a current issue and that we are a part of this whole thing.”

River Club resident and Love Our Lakes committee member Mike D’Angelo agreed.

Grayson’s twin sister, Emma, connected with Hooch the day he arrived at the family’s Sabal Harbour home.

“Life is a lot better,” Emma said, smiling as she petted Hooch. “Hooch entertains me.

He likes to go outside and play ball.”

Grayson and Hooch are still developing their bond, but the Tullios are hopeful the two will grow closer over the summer.

Grayson will be taking Hooch along to a Muscular Dystrophy Association Camp June 24 to June 29, and Nick and Jen Tullio hope to send Hooch to school with Grayson starting in the fall, as long as training continues to go well, they said.

INFORMATION

To learn more about Grayson Tullio’s story, muscular dystrophy or to donate toward Jen Tullio’s upcoming Chicago Marathon run, which she’s doing to raise funds for the Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy organization, visit the family’s blog at www.anotherdayforgray. com.

To learn more about Grayson’s battle with muscular dystrophy, or his trip, visit anotherdayforgray.com.

Contact Pam Eubanks at peubanks@yourobserver.com.

Manatee County Fertilizer Ordinance

Manatee County’s new fertilizer ordinance goes into effect June 1.

The following restrictions apply to homeowners and landscaping companies alike, although landscapers must be certified in best practices for landscaping, as part of the ordinance.

1. Nitrogen-based fertilizers are banned completely from June 1 through Sept. 30. For the rest of the year, nitrogen-based fertilizer applied must be at least 50% slow release.

2. Applications of phosphorous are banned year round, unless a soil analysis proves the yard has a phosphorous deficiency. The deficiency must be on record with the county administrator.

3. No fertilizer can be applied within 10 feet of a body of water.

4. When fertilizer is being applied against a hard surface, such as a sidewalk or driveway, you must use a deflector shield on the fertilizer spreader to keep pellets from entering a body of water or landing on a hard surface.

5. Commercial landscape contractors must have a decal on their vehicle to show they have been trained in best management practices for applying fertilizer.

— For more details on the fertilizer ordinance, visit mymanatee.org.

“I think as a community we all have a consciousness that the lakes are alive and that they don’t take care of themselves,” D’Angelo said. “The end product of what we

see when we drive by is an end product of what we do or don’t do collectively as a community.”

Contact Pam Eubanks at peubanks@yourobserver.com.

CLASS OF 2012 CONGRATULATES THE Class of 2012 College Acceptances

Members of the Class of 2012 were admitted to over 300 different colleges and universities throughout the United States. A sampling of those schools is as follows:

Amherst College Auburn University Babson College Baldwin Wallace College Bard College Bates College Boston University Bowdoin College Bryn Mawr College Butler University Carleton College Clemson University Colgate University College of Charleston College of Wooster Colorado College Colorado State U. Columbia University Cornell University Davidson College Denison College

DePaul University DePauw University Dickinson College Drexel University Eckerd College Emory University Florida Atlantic U. FAU (Honors College) Florida Gulf Coast U. Fordham University Florida State U. Furman University Georgia Institute of Tech.

Guilford College Hamilton College High Point University Hobart & William Smith Colleges Indiana University Ithaca College Lafayette College

Lake Forest College Lehigh University Louisiana State U. Loyola College Loyola University Merrimack College Miami University Michigan State U. Mt. Allison U. (Canada) Mt. Holyoke College New College of Fl. Northeastern U. Occidental College Pratt Institute Purdue University Rhodes College Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) RIT RPI Scripps College

Simmons College Smith College SMU St. Anselm College St. Bonaventure U. St. Lawrence U. Stetson University Syracuse University Temple University Trinity College Trinity University Tulane University University of Alabama University of Colorado University of Delaware University of Florida University of Hawaii University of Miami U. of Rhode Island U. of Richmond University of San Diego

U. of South Carolina University of Tampa University of Vermont U. of West Florida University of Wyoming UC San Diego UC Santa Barbara U. of North Florida Union College Ursinus College USC (CA) U. of South Florida Villanova University Virginia Tech Wake Forest U. Washington & Jefferson College Wheaton College

100% Matriculation to four-year colleges & universities

94% of Class received unsolicited merit/ academic scholarships

Over $132,000

Average four-year scholarship per recipient

Over $7 million

in total scholarship dollars awarded

89% - Application acceptance rate

Be a part of the largest enrollment in the school’s history! Schedule a personal tour today!

Siesta Key Campus: Pre-K-Grade 5 | Uihlein Campus at Lakewood Ranch: Grades 6-12 | Sarasota, FL | 941-554-3400 |

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EAST COUNTY Observer

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THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2012

building specs By Pam Eubanks | Managing Editor

MTI structure nearly complete The Manatee County Public School District plans to turn on the air conditioning in the new building sometime this week.

EAST COUNTY — Manatee Technical Institute’s new East County campus is taking shape, with construction crews finishing up the building’s structure in the next few weeks.

“We’re about 90% (complete) with the building envelope,” said Jane Dreger, director of construction services for the school district.

“Our focus now is really to close up the building. We hope to turn on the air conditioning in June, as the finishes progress. It’s nice to have the air conditioning on when you start doing (finish work such as) the paint and carpet. You don’t want to do those things when it’s

home at last

Fast fact

One key design element of the new Manatee Technical Institute campus will be its movable walls, which will allow MTI to change room sizes according to need and program type.

humid and hot inside.”

Permanent power was authorized last week for the building, and Dreger said she expected to turn the generator off and switch to electrical power June 1.

Manatee County Public School officials are working to get the

$44.3 million project completed in January 2013, in time for students to start classes in the new building.

Dreger said contractors have started work on the terrazzo floors in the main high-traffic areas of the building and are also finishing the concrete slab for the auditorium and the roof. The college’s elevator will be coming the first week of June and could take up to two months to install, Dreger said.

Crews also are completing the school’s parking lot, as well as a driveway on 66th Street East, which will be a secondary entrance for the school. Plans call for the installation of a traffic light at the Caruso Road entrance to Braden River High, which will become the bus entrance and exit for both schools and the normal

access for Braden River traffic.

MTI’s main access will be from State Road 70, with a secondary entrance on 66th Street East and Caruso.

“In the summer, we will activate the light on Caruso Road, so when students come back in August (to Braden River High), that light will be functional,” Dreger said. “We’ll make modifications to the Braden River High School bus loop as part of the project.”

Dreger said the school district is also working to procure equipment needed for MTI’s class offerings, including welding booths, cosmetology hair-station chairs and other items not normally purchased by the district. Those pieces of equipment, likely, will be installed in November and December, she said.

3A

by the numbers 8,800 — Number of cubic yards of concrete supported by 280 tons of rebar 16,000 — Number of square feet of glass used for the building 205 — Number of miles of electrical wiring the building will have when completed.

School district officials held a groundbreaking ceremony for MTI’s new 210,000-square-foot campus June 14, 2011.

Manatee County Public Schools Superintendent Tim McGonegal brought to the School Board a proposal to construct a new MTI campus in front of Braden River High School, along State Road 70, in December 2009. The new East County campus is expected to almost entirely replace MTI’s existing campus in Bradenton, off 34th Street West.

Contact Pam Eubanks at peubanks@yourobserver.com.

old glory

By Nick Friedman | Staff Writer

By Pam Eubanks | Managing Editor

Cascades dedicates flagpole

John Pyle celebrated the completion of his 3,144-mile run to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project at Fit2Run.

Nick Friedman

Ultramarathon runner John Pyle returns to Sarasota After an 83-day, 3,144-mile run to raise money and awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project, John Pyle returns to Sarasota.

After 83 days and more than 3,000 miles, Sarasota ultramarathon runner and patriot John Pyle has returned to Sarasota.

Pyle set out from San Francisco March 1, and completed his journey May 20 with a 100-mile ultramarathon in Key West, with his signature American flag in tow.

“I feel like the luckiest guy in the world,” said Pyle of the trek.

The cross-country run, called the Patriot Run Across America, benefited the Wounded Warrior Project, which provides services to injured service members and helps them transition to civilian life.

Just in time for Memorial Day, Pyle celebrated his re-

turn with a meet and greet at Fit2Run in Lakewood Ranch, which outfitted him with running supplies for the trip. Residents came to show their support and congratulate him on his accomplishment.

Pyle shared stories of his run and expressed his gratitude to all who helped make it possible and to U.S. military members. Pyle reported that the run, while grueling, went fairly smoothly.

“I dealt with some pretty bad shin splints,” he said. “My coach and I really had to distinguish between what was pain and what was an injury.”

At the times when the pain was most intense, Pyle pushed

By the numbers 83 – number of days Pyle spent running 40 – number of miles Pyle typically ran each day 3,144 – number of miles Pyle ran in total 20 – number of pairs of shoes used throughout the trip 268 – number of runners who have completed this run 27 – number of hours in which Pyle completed his final 100-mile ultra marathon through by taking his mind elsewhere, which he said wasn’t difficult, considering

the variety of views the trek afforded him. He also found inspiration and support from onlookers drawn to his running partne, the American flag. Pyle was even invited onto the field of the Houston Astrodome before a game, and he was in awe of the crowd’s show of support.

“I met thousands of people, who were so grateful for what I was doing,” said Pyle. “The real heroes are the men and women who are willing to fight to protect this great country.”

Bill Robinson, owner of Fit2Run, said he was happy to support Pyle’s run by providing him with shoes and other running gear.

“It’s incredible what he’s doing for them (U.S. military members),” said Robinson. “It’s really a phenomenal accomplishment.”

EAST COUNTY — As residents of the Cascades community gathered for their annual Memorial Day celebration last weekend, they also paid tribute to the nation’s fallen heroes with a special flagpole dedication and flag-raising ceremony.

Sunday, May 27, the Cascades Men’s Coffee Group dedicated a new flagpole at the community’s entrance, just in front of the guardhouse.

“It truly is a community flagpole,” Men’s Coffee Group Treasurer Joe Landes said, adding the group raised $2,550 for the pole, several flags and landscaping in three weeks.

“It happened so quickly, it’s ov e r w h e l m ing.”

The coffee group purchased an American flag and Missing In Action flag to place in Cascades’ clubhouse a few years ago. And at a recent meeting, group Pam Eubanks member John The new flagpole Sagar inquired was installed about placApril 30 and ing an Ameri- dedicated can flag at the Sunday, May 27. community’s entrance.

With a consensus to move forward, the group then took its proposal to place a 25-foot flagpole and 8-foot-by-10-foot flag in front of the guardhouse to the Cascades’ Homeowners Association for approval in March.

The pole was installed April 30.

The Men’s Coffee Group will maintain the flagpole and flag in perpetuity and will be responsible for lowering the flag to half-staff, when necessary, and handling and replacing tattered flags.

EAST COUNTY Observer

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THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2012

FLORIDA’S NO. 1 WEEKLY NEWSPAPER WEBSITE

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Web exclusive Visit our website to see more photos from the Lakewood Ranch and downtown Sarasota Memorial Day parades.

MOST READ STORIES ONLINE LAST WEEK: 1. “PHOTO GALLErY: braden river School Middle Dance” (May 18) 2. “News briefs” (May 22) 3. “ranch youth earn certifications” (May 23) 4. “Observed: Outrage over FCAT misplaced” (May 23) 5. “Comment: Lakewood embodies sports best” (May 23)

DAILY BROADCAST: Regsiter on YourObserver.com and have our daily video broadcast delivered to your inbox.

IN THE KITCHEN: Watch a video of Susan Asselstine making pasta with a Bolognese sauce, one of her family’s favorites.

+ Vitale gala raises funds for cancer research Lakewood Ranch resident and ESPN commentator Dick Vitale has done it again.

The longtime cancer research advocate, with the help of family, friends and supporters, May 18, raised $2.1 million for the cause at the seventh annual Dick Vitale Gala. Of the $2.1 million, $500,000 was an anonymous donation made during the gala.

Proceeds raised at this year’s gala will benefit pediatric cancer research initiatives at All Children’s Hospital, the Moffit Cancer Center and Shands Cancer Center in Gainesville through The V Foundation, an organization that raises funds for cancer research.

+ East County youth make headlines at history fair Forty-two students from Manatee County area schools competed at the Florida State History Fair April 29 through May 1, in Tallahassee. Many county team projects earned excellent and superior ratings.

Several East County youth advanced to the highest level of competition, making it to the final round of judging, including Kaitlin Folsom, of Haile Middle School; and Amy Alvarez, Gabby Morford, Mitch Arnold and Tyler Hickman, of Lakewood Ranch High School.

Folsom advanced in the junior individual documentary category for her documentary, “The American Revolution: a Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge.” Lakewood’s students advanced in the senior group exhibit board category for their project, “Barcodes: Scanning the World.”

Additional youths participating in the fair from Lakewood Ranch High School: Kelsey Armstrong, Colin Beightol, Madison Bouchard, Kirstin

Meetings &agendas  Manatee County Board of County Commissioners Budget/Constitutional Officers Presentation — 9 a.m. May 31, at 112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

Manatee County Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting — 9 a.m. June 5, at 112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.



Manatee County Board of County Commissioners Land-use Meeting — 9 a.m. June 7, at 112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.



Clark, Maddie Ehsani, Vinny Franco, Caitlin Hermanson, Katie Kelly, Alexandra Lewis, Zach Matthews, Graham Myers and Andie Tradler.

Additional competitors from Haile Middle School were Chloe Gingerich, Hannah Michell Reynolds and Breanna Thomas.

Competitors from Nolan Middle were Kerina Adamson, Maggie Eschmann, Hannah Figueras, Madison Frost, Liberty Grimond, Athena Kavis, Mati Limbach, Alysa Ness and Olivia Yaryura.

+ Dental office hosts cancer-screening event Creekwood Dental offered free oralcancer screenings during a special event for the public May 9.

Drs. Amir Guirguis and Jennifer Pfeiffer and their team were on site to screen patients with VELscope technology, which uses a blue light to help dentists see oral abnormalities.

More than 37,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer annually, of which 25% have no risk factors, Guirguis said.

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Calling all dads! Enter your favorite picture of you and your child in the Father’s Day photo contest through Wednesday, June 6, on YourObserver.com.

Voting begins online Thursday, June 7 and ends Sunday, June 10. The prize is a facial and one hour massage from Massage Envy. Good luck!

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THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2012

By Pam Eubanks | Managing Editor

Town Hall welcomes new employees Gary Glass and Jessica Mears are the newest team members at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.

LAKEWOOD RANCH — As Lakewood Ranch Town Hall continues efforts to improve the organization’s customer service and perception in the community, it welcomes two new employees.

Jessica Mears will serve as Town Hall’s clerk, a newly created position meant to streamline and improve the organization’s public records-keeping process.

Gary Glass will serve as the new director of community associations and services for Lakewood Ranch Town Hall. He replaces former Director Cynthia Wills, who recently resigned.

“One of the primary reasons that Gary and Jessica were selected for their positions is that they both understand and exhibit my commitment to customer service and service to the community,” Town Hall Executive Director Eva Rey said. “ I am extremely proud of Town Hall and the entire IDA staff for moving beyond any past adversities and becoming a more responsive and professional organization.

The addition of Gary and Jessica to our team simply enhances our ability to continue to strive for the best possible service to the community.”

Introducing Jessica LBK - 2010 - I Mears

As the new clerk, Mears will be responsible LBK - 2010 -forIpreparing the agendas for each of Lakewood Ranch’s community development districts managed by Town

Pam Eubanks

Jessica Mears and Gary Glass are excited to join the team at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall and eager to serve the Lakewood Ranch community.

Hall, which will allow for document changes to be made more efficiently. Additionally, a postmeeting agenda, with meeting results, will be posted online at the community’s website, lakewoodranchgov.org, by the following day.

Mears also will handle public records requests, help maintain Town Hall’s new website, lakewoodranchgov.org, and assist CDD boards with any questions they may have.

“We have a lot of records that (haven’t been uploaded to a digital format),” Mears said. “I’m going to be archiving those records.

That will take a lot of time.”

Mears, who hails from Ohio, graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 2010, with a major in communications and public relations. She most recently worked for a community development district in central Florida, assisting in its customer service and purchasing department.

As part of her duties, she also worked alongside the clerk, handling contracts, contract renewal, inter-local agreements and other details.

“That was one of my largest responsibilities, and that’s one

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of the things I’ll be doing here — keeping and maintaining the records,” Mears said.

Mears will be involved with the Florida Association of City Clerks organization, from which she will have a mentor to offer guidance in her new role. She also will complete training to become a certified municipal clerk, she said.

At Town Hall, Mears’ role eventually will expand to include more public relations-type work, as well as orienting new CDD board members and other responsibilities.

Mears, who moved a few months ago to Sarasota, said she already is enjoying the area’s amenities. She loves going to the beach and also is eager to sample the arts offered in the area, from museums to the ballet and orchestra.

“There’s so much to see,” she said.

Mears even has gotten involved with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program and is eager to start mentoring a child, she said.

said. “The team is great here.”

“I like working with people; I like meeting people and I like solving issues,” he said. “That’s what I strive to do.”

Most recently working as a portfolio manager for Lighthouse Property Management on Longboat Key, Glass has a wealth of experience in the propertymanagement industry.

Glass prides himself on customer service and is eager to listen to residents and work with them to address their concerns.

“I have a saying: You have two ears and one mouth, and if you use them in that proportion, you’ll learn a lot more,” he said.

Glass moved to the area with his family — wife, Sue, and daughter, Jamie — approximately five years ago to take a job with Beth Callans Management, a property-management company on Longboat Key. He began working at Lighthouse Property Management when Beth Callans closed in 2011.

Glass said he is excited to work in Lakewood Ranch, so he can spend more time with his family and better experience what the Lakewood Ranch community has to offer.

“It was a chance to work where I live and get to know the community,” said Glass, who previously spent about two hours daily commuting to and from work.

“It’s family oriented. I’m excited to work where I live. I feel that’s a vested interest.”

Contact Pam Eubanks at peubanks@yourobserver.com.

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EAST COUNTY Observer THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2012

By Pam Eubanks | Managing Editor

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Fifth-grade students at Braden River Elementary School walked throughout the River Club community Friday, May 25, for a walk-a-thon fundraiser benefiting Southeastern Guide Dogs. The students hosted a “Pops for Pups” popsicle sale the day before the walk, as well, to raise money for the cause. This year’s fundraising efforts netted $1,200.

Paulina Medrzycki and Kirsten McGlaun earned about a dozen honks with their signs.

We know the value of water,

and we work to preserve it.

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

80811

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YourObserver.com

MAY 22

CASH BACK BANDIT

3:10 p.m. — 6200 block State Road 64 East. Larceny Petit, First Offense. The defendant was observed by the loss-prevention officer selecting items from the cosmetic area, which the witness states was being matched up to a receipt the defendant had removed from her purse.

The defendant then was observed going to the customer service desk, where she returned the items she had just selected.

She obtained cash back for the items. She then used the cash to purchase numerous items. The defendant, from the original transaction, got back $37.74. She then paid $11.86 for new items purchased with the money.

MAY 23

HOME HIDEAWAY

2:21 p.m. — 6200 Flagship Court.

Burglary to Convey-Larceny. Two deputies visited a property in the 15000 block of Skip Jack Loop to speak to a burglary suspect about an unrelated case. While speaking to his mother, she allowed the deputies to search his room for the stolen item. In his room, deputies found three Garmin GPS systems, which included the one listed in a report. A deputy contacted the victim, and she stated the item was stolen out of her car at the beginning of the year. The GPS was placed into evidence for safekeeping.

HEARD LOUD AND CLEAR

2:49 p.m. — 8300 block Lockwood Ridge Road. Trespass Warning. The property manager at a business told the suspect she was trespassing, and the suspect stated she understood.

May 24

BRASS KNUCKLES BUST

12:30 p.m. — 5500 block Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Processing/Concealing. A school administrator received a call from a teacher stating that a book bag was found in the courtyard.

Upon searching the bag to locate the owner, the administrator found metallic (brass) knuckles inside the front pocket. The administrator then reviewed the courtyard’s security video and observed a white male, wearing white shorts and a dark-colored long-sleeve shirt, place the book bag on the ground in the courtyard and walk into the cafeteria building.

The administrator identified the student and located him in the cafeteria, at which time the student was escorted to the administrator’s office. While there, the student said the brass knuckles belonged to him and he forgot they were in his bag. A juvenile referral was issued.

DEATH AND TAXES

3:34 p.m. — 8000 block Conservatory Drive. Fraud and Use/Possession of ID of Another Without Consent. The complainant has proof of death for her deceased aunt.

The complainant filed her aunt’s taxes and received a notice from the IRS stating her taxes already were being used by unknown persons. The IRS requested a police report.

See more Cops Corner reports online.

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Being at Peace Robin & Peter Miller

• Sharing gratitude for God’s gifts.

• Using our talents to tell Peace’s story.

• Finding a welcoming and fun church family.

We are at peace at Peace Church.

URCH

Reverend Elizabeth Deibert | edeibert@peacepcusa.org

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

Corner

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EAST COUNTY Observer

THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2012

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EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

Observer EAST COUNTY

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

Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944

Editor & CEO / Matt Walsh, mwalsh@ yourobserver.com Executive Editor / Lisa Walsh, lwalsh@ yourobserver.com Associate Publisher-Multimedia / Emily Walsh Parry, ewalsh@yourobserver.com Managing Editor / 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 Copy Editors / Randi Donahue, rdonahue@ yourobserver.com; Maria Amodio 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; Chris Kelley, ckelley@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 / Susan Leedom, sleedom@ yourobserver.com; Rachel Livingston, rlivingston@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

The Observer Group Inc.

THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2012

observed | farewell, East County

My work here is done My work here is done.

Even if they let me have every page of this week’s newspaper, I don’t think I’d have enough room to write everything I want to say.

First things first: After 612 editions spanning 11 years, eight months, I am leaving the East County Observer.

Truthfully, that’s a statement I never thought I’d make. Even still, the words — I MICHAEL am leaving the ENG East County Observer — strung together in that order, look foreign to me, like the first time I cracked open my calculus textbook in high school.

But, they are true. And oh-sobittersweet.

However, although my time at this Observer newspaper has come to an end, they can’t get rid of me that easily. My wife, Jess, and I have an opportunity to launch The Observer Group’s first foray into Hillsborough County, and particularly, Plant City. So, as I type this, our home is under contract (keeping our fingers crossed for a smooth — and quick — sale), and we are packing our belongings and headed up Interstate 75 to begin the next chapter of our lives.

We hope to publish our first edition of the Plant City Observer July 3 — just in time for the city’s Fourth of July bash. Although the paper will have its own special features that will make it unique to Plant City, it will be modeled heavily after the East County Observer — with a focus on hyperlocal news and prep sports.

Stepping into my role at The Observer will be longtime news editor — and one of the best journalists I know — Pam Eubanks. You know her. You love her. She is more than capable of assuming the reins — and the perfect person to succeed me.

The paper is in its proper hands.

The East County Observer was my second “real” job after graduating from the University of Missouri School of Journalism in May 2000. I had a short stint as special sections editor with the Columbia Daily-Tribune in Columbia, Mo., before packing my life into a moving van and trekking down to Florida with three college buddies in August of that year.

I interviewed with The Observer Group Sept. 1, 2000, and began my career here three days later.

Best decision of my life.

5

The Observer ultimately led to meeting my wife, and, in turn, my children. Professionally, this small, family-owned and -operated publisher allowed me to write every story imaginable — and later gave me the opportunity to grow into an editor and leader.

But it was you — the East County community and loyal reader — who gave me the knowledge and courage required to open a completely new publication. When I started here in 2000, I often had to repeat the name of the newspaper every time I called a source for an interview. Today, the East County Observer is the premier source of news for Lakewood Ranch and its surrounding communities.

I wish I could sit here with my chest puffed out and take all the credit. But — sappy as it sounds — we could not have done this without you. For a community newspaper to fulfill its mission, we require quite a bit from our readership. Of course, we need you to pick up and read the newspaper every week. But even more than that, we need your feedback, your scrutiny, your

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

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

1970 Main St., Fourth Floor Sarasota, Fla. 34236 941/755-5357 www.yourobserver.com

2

1

THE CASTAWAY by Jorge Blanco

4

ideas. We need you to buy into our mission, to feel ownership, to consider us your newspaper.

We need you to hold us accountable, to challenge us. And we need you to inspire us.

And inspire you did — every week, without fail.

I’m too chicken to try to cull together a list of names to thank here — surely I would accidentally forget a few folks. But, I simply could not leave you without one more list, so, drawing on the theme in inspiration, I will bid adieu by sharing my memories of five of the most poignant and inspiring stories I had the privilege of telling through the East County Observer. There are many, many more, for sure. But again, they wouldn’t let me have the entire paper. If you want to read these stories in their entirety, they all will be available on our website, YourObserver.com.

Thank you — for everything.

Thank you for opening your lives to us. Thank you for inviting us into your homes, your schools, your businesses, your places of worship. Thank you for your kudos. Thank you also for your angry phone calls. Thank you for

3

making my job a privilege each and every day.

I will miss you, East County.

1. Fueled by Fantasy

Published July 18, 2002 Circus legend Tito Gaona told me it felt exactly like flying as I eyed the trapeze nearly 30 feet above our heads. I scrawled the quote in my notebook. It was for a story I wrote about the Gaona’s summer camp for the Girl Scouts of Gulf Coast Florida. All the girls just love to fly, he told me. Then, he grinned.

“Now, you’re going to fly,” he said. “You need to know what it’s like —‐ for your story. Come on.

Let’s get a harness.”

My head spun at the thought, but several Girl Scouts standing nearby insisted it was a chance of a lifetime. The writer in me wondered what the sensation actually felt like. I imagined the opening paragraph on the page, grit my teeth and — despite my fear of heights — strapped up. Just a big swing, right? Determined, I kicked off my shoes and climbed the rope ladder; my stomach groaned with each rung.

Three stories below, 200 Girl

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2012

4. Jamie Ann Popielinski

Published Nov. 10, 2005 I first met 8-year-old Jamie Ann Popielinski when she received a puppy — her Children’s Dream Fund gift — in February 2005.

Jamie had been diagnosed with cancer — rhabdomyosarcoma

Raising children isn’t easy…

and putting your child in glasses is difficult.

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5. Covert’s Operation

Published Feb. 7, 2008 I had known Bob Delaney for years. The Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club resident was one of the National Basketball Association’s most celebrated referees, and every so often, I’d get an email from him from somewhere

in the country. He signed all his emails with “Be Safe … BD,” but I didn’t know why until 2008, when he released his first book that revealed an entire life before the NBA. Co-authored by former Tampa Bay Times sports writer Dave Scheiber, “Covert: My Years Infiltrating the Mob” recounted Delaney’s three-year undercover assignment as a New Jersey state trooper. As a writer, I marveled at Scheiber’s ability not only to capture accurately all the minutia of a 30-plus-year-old story but also his knack for letting Delaney’s voice through. The book sounds the way Delaney talks.

Ultimately, the book led Delaney into his latest work as a public speaker about post-traumatic stress disorder — a career that has taken him all around the world.

Just last week, he was awarded the U.S. Army Chief of Staff Outstanding Civilian Service Medal from Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, chief of staff of the U.S. Army. The other recipients included Super Bowl champion New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh; Lynn Chwatsky, vice president of Sesame Street Outreach and Initiatives; and Linda Patterson, who founded America Supporting Americans.

Delaney’s story is proof positive that pure, unfettered passion can fuel greatness. And it’s his dedication and work ethic I hope to employ in The Observer’s newest venture.

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— and was in the middle of her 42-week chemotherapy/radiation treatment.

She was so vibrant, so full of life, and she could rattle off the spelling of her tumor perfectly.

I just knew I’d be seeing her pull through.

It didn’t happen. Jamie died at 2:30 a.m., Oct. 27, 2005, at home in her mother’s arms. She was 10.

At the time, I wasn’t a parent, so I really couldn’t comprehend just how devastating a loss this was for parents Kathy and Jim Popielinski. Still, Jim asked to share their story with me, and as I sat there in his study, with the late afternoon sun pulling long shadows across the floor, he opened a file folder titled, “Jamie’s tumor,” and allowed me in. He showed me letters she had written, pictures she had drawn.

And then there was this one, which Jamie wrote after doctors told her no additional surgeries could help: “I don’t know what has happened to me, but I kind of got over the surgery thing, and I feel like I am trusting in God now.”

Jamie’s strength and resolve are still a source of inspiration for me to this day.

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Published April 14, 2005 Forget grammar. There was no better description for a dirt lot in the heart of Arcadia than was what scrawled on a sign and posted in the middle: All Our Park.

In the months following the crisscross hurricane season of 2004, All Our Park became a square of refuge for the homeless living in the town just east of Myakka City. For this story, I rode out to Arcadia with Arlene Rosemeyer, a volunteer at Myakka City United Methodist Church who for months delivered food, clothing and other necessities to the hurricane victims.

With her minivan packed with supplies, Rosemeyer and I drove the streets of Arcadia, and I watched as dozens of residents flocked to her car for a sandwich and a hello.

Most of the victims called Rosemeyer The Angel. I couldn’t think of a more perfect nickname for her. So, that became my lead for this story. This was a story of a community’s love overcoming tragedy, and one that gave me goose bumps as I watched Rosemeyer work.

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Published July 15, 2004 Jessica Marie Stock was my age.

My age. And she was found dead July 6, 2004, on the south side of State Road 64 just east of Interstate 75.

I had known her mother, longtime Bashaw Elementary School art teacher Rose Stock, for years.

And I absolutely did not want to write this story.

But, that’s our job, and I was the only one on staff with any relationship with the family.

We had no good phone number for the Stocks, so I drove to the home with notebook in hand. Several extended family

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members were standing in the driveway when I arrived, and after chatting with a few of them, her aunt, Sherry Perny, invited me inside. In those early hours of the investigation, I was the only reporter the family allowed that kind of access.

Because the East County Observer is a weekly newspaper, we always have handled large, breaking stories differently: If we can’t be first, let’s be best. So, with Jessica Stock’s story, we wanted to humanize her, to allow her to be more than a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office incident report.

And, thanks to Jessica Stock’s family members and their willingness to share her story, we were able to publish a story celebrating her life rather than one chronicling her death.

Later, Perny sent a comment to us via our website. And as hard as it was to report on a family’s darkest day, knowing we were able to help in some small way reiterated why I became a journalist in the first place.

“I would just like to thank Michael for the article on Jessica Stock,” she wrote. “I talked with many reporters during that first week, but none like Michael. His respect for the family’s situation, and just the way he approached me for the interview caused me to want to talk with him. I did not provide anyone with the details that I did for Michael. Please thank him for me and for printing an accurate article. Continue to pray for the family.”

Now opeN

Scouts stared up at me. The assistants at the top told me not to look down. I concentrated on chalking my hands; sweat bled through the powder.

“Lista!” Gaona shouted. “Go!” I jumped. The sudden weight on my hands almost forced them off the bar, but somehow, I hang on. I stared at my feet as Gaona, the Girl Scouts and the net sped into a blur around me. I heard some cheers, lots of laughter and Gaona’s voice booming instructions. He was trying to get me to flip my feet up onto the bar.

Whatever.

Less than a minute later, I plummeted to the net —‐ to my surprise, it didn’t collapse.

Gaona helped me to the ground, my knees nearly buckling upon impact.

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EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

blackout

THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2012

By Pam Eubanks | Managing Editor

Provider may terminate service in Cascades, Rio Mar Capitol Infrastructure, the company that provides data, video and other services within Rio Mar and Cascades, has filed for bankruptcy protection and is selling its assets.

EAST COUNTY — Residents of the Cascades and Rio Mar communities are worried they may soon be “in the dark” when it comes to phone, Internet and audio services.

The community’s voice, video and data provider, Capitol Infrastructure, doing business as Connexion Technologies, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Delaware. The company’s liabilities are listed between $100 million and $500 million in its filing, which includes a dozen

affiliates and subsidiaries.

Homeowners associations for Cascades and Rio Mar have a bulk agreement with the company through their original developer, Levitt and Sons, which now is bankrupt. Infrastructure is shared, although Cascades houses the majority of Capitol’s equipment in a building within the community.

“You pay for video and data through your association dues,” Cascades Homeowners Association President Debby Landes

said. “Only telephone is done per household, but still through one vendor. Here we’re talking about the fundamental utilities. (Capitol Infrastructure) is looking to divest of everything.”

Auction bids for Capital Infrastructures assets are due Wednesday, May 30. An auction is set for Monday, June 4.

Considered by Landes to be the “stalking horse” of the auction, Hotwire Communications has put in a bid for some of the communities operated by Con-

nexion. If the transaction is successful, the deal is expected to close at the end of June.

Landes said residents are worried the communities may be left, at least temporarily, without phone, Internet, television and call-out on their alarm systems, particularly if Hotwire’s bid proves unsuccessful.

A local provider, she said, likely would not be able to use Capitol’s existing infrastructure, and replacing it would be a timeconsuming and costly process.

“No 9-1-1,” Landes said.

“You’re talking about our front gates. It would be a tremendous nightmare for us, to put it mildly.

“We’re hoping for the best,” she said. “We anxiously await the outcome of an auction on June 4 to see if our contract is sold or rejected. If rejected, we may face serious service issues.”

The Cascades HOA has hired a Delaware-based bankruptcy law firm to assist the communities, as needed, Landes said. Rio Mar’s association is helping with attorneys’ fees, Landes said.

Contact Pam Eubanks at peubanks@yourobsever.com.

IT’S READ EVERYWHERE

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

ISRAEL. During their 14-day tour of Israel and Jordan, these East County residents — Van Gerri Ayvazian, Ron and Glenda Robertson, Lydia and Pete Cappas, Mary Scharf, Tom Stoffels and Elaine and Pete Bokach — made sure to bring along their favorite community newspaper.

“We started in Tel Aviv, continued to Haifa and its surroundings, Jerusalem, Masada and, then, Jordan to the Dead Sea, Petra and finishing in Amman,” Mary Scharf says.

This picture was taken May 6, atop the Mount of Olives, which overlooks the Jewish burial grounds, the city of Jerusalem and the Western Wall.

Photo by Mary Scharf

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Sports

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

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Pablo Garabitos launched three home runs in one week. 14A

YourObserver.com

COMMENT

Growing up with the grads

I’m used to it by now.

It happens every year.

But this year … this year is particularly special.

For the first time since I started working for The Observer, I will watch my first class of East County athletes turn their tassels as they prepare to head off and begin the next JEN chapters of BLANCO their lives.

They’ve come full circle since their names first splashed across my notebook four years ago.

At that point, they were merely freshmen. They didn’t know what the future held.

But in time they would eventually figure it out.

Over the past four years, they’ve learned new sports, honed their skills and adjusted to new teammates, coaches and the demands of playing high school athletics.

Some were unwittingly thrust into the limelight in the most unforeseen circumstances, only to rise to the occasion before their nerves could truly set in.

They’ve laughed together, cried together and won and lost together. They’ve suffered injuries, heartbreak and

SEE COMMENT / PAGE 18A

signing day

Kyle Benson Brevard Community College Golf

Cari Berry State College of Florida Tennis

THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2012

soccer star

By Jen Blanco | Associate Editor

Jen Blanco

Braden River High sophomore Kayla Gray scored two goals for the Jamaican U17 women’s team during the World Cup Qualifier May 2 to May 6 in Guatemala City.

Pirate scores on national stage Braden River High sophomore forward Kayla Gray was selected to play for the Jamaican U17 women’s team in the World Cup qualifier May 2 to May 6, in Guatemala City.

BRADEN RIVER — Sixteenyear-old Kayla Gray has royal ambitions.

From the moment she watched her first World Cup soccer game, the Braden River High sophomore forward has had aspirations of receiving treatment as one of the world’s elite.

“I saw my first World Cup two years ago, and I said, ‘I want to be

one of those players,’” Gray said.

“I wanted to see what it would be like to be treated like royalty.”

Gray’s aspirations turned into reality earlier this month when she was invited to play for the Jamaican U17 women’s team in the World Cup Qualifier May 2 to May 6, in Guatemala City.

Gray, whose parents were both born in Jamaica, tried out for the

team April 12 to April 16, and two weeks later she learned she had made the team. The news was both somewhat shocking yet slightly expected for Gray, who felt she had a chance of making the team.

“I was shocked and happy,” Gray said. “I had a strong feeling that I was going to make it because I gave it my all.”

Gray traveled April 23 to April 26 to Jamaica for training camp before heading to Guatemala City for the World Cup qualifier.

Gray played three games with the Jamaican U17 women’s team, scoring her team’s first two goals in a 3-0 victory over Guatemala to open the final round.

“I think I did pretty good,” Gray said. “I got the first two goals for the national team. I felt like the hard work paid off. I spent the whole season working on keeping my composure and finishing,

SEE GRAY / PAGE 18A

By Jen Blanco | Associate Editor

Shane Blair Florida Atlantic University Football

Brian Cobb State College of Florida Basketball

Nigel Edwards Jr. Chowan University Football

Huntyre Elling Indian River State College Softball

McKenzie Hathaway Methodist University

Football, Lacrosse

Brandon King Averett University Football, Baseball

Devin McDermott The University of Florida

Track, Cross Country

Arnav Mohanty Mercer University Tennis

Arsav Mohanty Mercer University Tennis

Hunter Sager Canisius College Golf

Shelby Walker Hillsborough Community College Volleyball

Graduating Mustangs announce college choices Thirteen Lakewood Ranch High seniors signed national letters-of-intent to play collegiate athletics during a signing ceremony Tuesday, May 14.

LAKEWOOD RANCH — From the moment he first stepped out onto the football field as a youth, offensive lineman Shane Blair has been focused on one goal — to play collegiate football.

At the time, the Lakewood

Ranch High senior, who grew up in Texas, envisioned playing alongside his best friend inside Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium.

Now with his high school career nearly behind him, Blair is turning

his attention to the next chapter after seeing his dream of playing collegiate football finally come to fruition.

Surrounded by family, friends, faculty and his coaches, Blair signed a national letter-of-intent

to play football for Florida Atlantic University during a signing ceremony May 14, in Lakewood’s media center.

And, although the school might not have been the one Blair envisioned as a youth, he couldn’t be more thrilled with his decision.

“It means a lot to be able to do this,” Blair said. “Ever since I was little, playing in Texas, I’ve wanted

to play college football and really just play as long as possible. I got this opportunity and I decided to take it. It just seemed like home, and I knew it was the right decision.”

In addition to Blair, 12 other Lakewood athletes, representing eight sports, including football,

SEE SIGNINGS / PAGE 18A

12A

Your Personal PhYsician

girl power

navigating Your health care needs

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2012

By Pam Eubanks | Managing Editor

Wende M. Kozlow, MD Board Certified in Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism Dr. Kozlow 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.

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.

Lakewood’s Amanda Baar pushed hard through Braden River’s defense.

Powder Puff girls face off on the football field

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Girls from Braden River and Lakewood Ranch high schools battled May 23, on the gridiron in a Powder Puff football game for the first time. Boys from the two schools matched up May 24 for a volleyball game, as well.

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EAST COUNTY Observer

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THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2012

SIGNINGS/PAGE 11A track and cross-country, softball, volleyball, tennis, basketball and golf, announced their college intentions.

Devin McDermott, who anchored the Lady Mustangs 4x800 relay team to victory in the Class 3A state meet earlier this month, will continue to run track and cross-country at the University of Florida.

Brandon King, McKenzie Hathaway and Nigel Edwards Jr. all plan to continue their football playing careers. King, who also plans to play baseball, is headed to Averett University, in Danville, Va., while Hathaway, who also plans to play lacrosse, is headed to rival Methodist University in Fayetteville, N.C. Edwards is headed to Division II Chowan University,

in Murfreesboro, N.C. “I’m just glad to be able to go and keep playing sports,” Hathaway said. “I have a passion for both.”

Hathaway, who was the Mustangs leading rusher last season, will most likely switch to linebacker when he heads up to Methodist.

“I just like to hit,” Hathaway said. “I love giving the hits, too.”

Twins Arnav and Arsav Mohanty, who captured the Class 3A overall doubles title, both earned full rides to play tennis for Mercer University, in Macon, Ga., while Cari Berry, who also captured an overall doubles title, will play for the State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota.

“It means everything to me to be close to my mom, and now it’s official,” Berry said. “I love the coach. She’s amazing. She seems

like a really great and nice person.

I’m just looking forward to playing on the team and playing some good tennis.”

Joining Berry at the State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota will be basketball player Brian Cobb, who missed most of the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

Pitcher Huntyre Elling, who led the Lady Mustangs to Class 6A state semifinals, will continue playing softball at Indian River State College in Fort Pierce. Volleyball player Shelby Walker will play for Hillsborough Community College, while golfers Hunter Sager and Kyle Benson will play for Canisius College, in Buffalo, N.Y., and Brevard Community College, in Cocoa, respectively.

Contact Jen Blanco at jblanco@ yourobserver.com.

GRAY/PAGE 11A and that’s how I got my goals.

“It was awesome,” Gray said of the experience. “I formed a lot of good friends, and it was (fun) getting treated like royalty for two weeks.”

Gray started playing recreational soccer when she was 4 years old and gradually developed a passion for the game over time.

Since then, Gray has focused her attention on becoming the best player she can be with the goal of eventually playing professionally. Gray led the Lady Pirates in scoring as a sophomore this season.

“In U13 when it started getting more competitive, that’s when I knew this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life,”

&

13A

said Gray, who also plays for the Clearwater Chargers at Lakewood Ranch U16 girls team.

With her first national experience behind her, Gray plans to tryout out for the Jamaican U20 women’s team over the summer. And if all goes according to plan, she’ll play with them for the next three years, in addition to continuing to play for the Lady Pirates and the Chargers, with the hopes of earning a college scholarship and eventually a spot in the Women’s Premier League.

“Jamaica turned out to be a great experience,” Gray said. “I want to get better, improve my foot skills and eventually end up at the next level playing for a great college team.”

Contact Jen Blanco at jblanco@yourobserver.com.

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EAST COUNTY Observer

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THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2012

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Eleven-year-old Pablo Garabitos launched three home runs in two games this past week, including two in one inning, to help power Main Street Trattoria in the Majors division of the Manatee County Cup. It was the first time the Braden River Middle School sixth-grader, who also plays travel ball for the Braden River Havoc, hit two home runs in a single Little League game. Here is an inside look at this week’s Athlete of the Week.

What was your reaction when you hit two home runs in one inning?

ends r e f f O !

HURRY 30. 2012 June

By Jen Blanco | Associate Editor

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2012

SIDELINES + Manatee Bearcats win state championship The Manatee Bearcats 10U travel baseball team won its fourth tournament of the spring, capturing the Nations Baseball State Championship Tournament May 19 to May 20, at Braden River Park.

The Bearcats went undefeated throughout the tournaments, defeating Suncoast Athletics 11-10, the Pinellas Thunder 16-3 and Team Crush 8-0 before defeating the Pinellas Thunder 9-4 in the championship game.

Championship players include: Jake Hanson, Richie Morales, Noe Antuna, Cameron Goudreau, Myles Kaitz, Austin Jenkins, Georgie Davis, Alen Bass, Kaden Steffen, Sammy Martin, Alex Denler, Devon Summerville and Carson Baer.

Several Bearcats players also teamed up to win Cal Ripken Baseball’s Minors division championship, as the Astros defeated the White Sox 8-4.

Astros championship players include: Hanson, Morales, Antuna, DJ Marra, Zac Graham, Garret Hight, Ryan Katchen, Tyler Katchen, Robert Jonas, Colin Heintz, Ohm Patel and Trevor Davis.

15A

catching and will be overseen by veteran instructors in their respective areas of expertise.

The clinics cost $99 for members and $129 for non-members. For more information visit extrainnings-sarasota.com or call 371-7801.

+ Bulldog Navy Wildcat team wins South Conference Championship The Bulldog Navy Wildcat team defeated the Southeast Tampa Seminoles 16-6 to win the Southeast Conference Championship May 12.

Cody Staton threw two touchdowns and connected for two two-point conversions to lead the way for the Bulldogs offensively. Niko Traylor added a touchdown and caught a twopoint conversion. Hunter Barnes hauled in a touchdown, and Ashton Maas converted a two-point conversion. Cole Haddad and sisters Sarah and Emma Fazio led the way defensively.

The Bulldog Bobcat team advanced to the semifinals before falling to the eventual Southeast Conference Champion Storm Gold team in triple overtime.

Sami Ben-ghuzzi and Trevor Jackson both had interceptions for the Bulldogs.

The Bulldog Red Panther team fell 12-6 in the championship game.

LRLL hosts first machine pitch tournament Lakewood Ranch Little League hosted its first machine-pitch tournament May 10.

The Kaufmann Tire Cardinals defeated Strike Zone 12-4 to win the tournament title. The two teams had never played prior to the tournament, and only two players on the team had previously played for LRLL. Of the nine kids on the team, five had never played organized baseball before this season.

+ BRSC to host tryouts The Braden River Soccer Club will hold tryouts May 29 through June 3 for the upcoming fall season.

Any child age 8 to 18 who is interested in playing competitive soccer in the fall should plan on attending.

A full tryout schedule and additional information about the Braden River Soccer Club can be found on the club’s website at www.bradenriversoccer.org.

You’ve never seen a surgery recovery program quite like this.

+ Extra Innings announces summer clinics Extra Innings will host summer baseball and softball clinics from 10 a.m. to noon June 18 through Aug. 2, at the training facility, 717 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota.

The clinics, which are open to all children ages 12 and under, will focus on hitting, fielding, throwing, pitching and

+ Sarasota Area Sports Alliance announces scholarship recipients

The prior year’s scholarship award recipients who were renewed for 2012 include: Chad Chamard, currently attending State College of Florida Oleg Desyatnika, currently attending University of Florida Emily Forrest, currently attending University of Minnesota Katelynn Hatfield, currently attending Santa Fe College UF Jason Hodge, currently attending University of South Florida

COMMENT/PAGE 11A disappointment; and they’ve shared in more historic moments, championships and milestones than I can remember.

As with any graduating class, there are those who will be remembered for their athletic and academic achievements. But for me, the class of 2012 will always be remembered as the first class I covered from start to finish.

I’ve gotten to know them well; and it’s strange knowing that in a matter of months I’ll no longer be running into those same athletes, who have graced the pages of the East County Observer for the past four years, in the halls or on their respective athletic fields.

But with more than three-dozen of my athletes having signed national letters-of-intent this year, I can just about guarantee that I’ll be seeing their names again.

So, as another school year comes to a close, I would like to wish all of my athletes, along with the rest of the class of 2012, the best of luck in the years ahead.

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The Sarasota Area Sports Alliance presented its 2012 college scholarship awards during a luncheon May 22.

Recipients of this year’s scholarships include: Kelli Ahles, Sarasota High School — cheerleading Connor Baldwin, Lakewood Ranch High School — golf Tessa Bartges, Southeast High School — volleyball Jazmine Brown, Booker High School — softball Victoria Graham, Pine View School — golf/crew/softball Zach Hoppe, Out-of-Door Academy — baseball/football Doug Mulhollen, Sarasota High School – football/track Erin Silverthorne, North Port High School — volleyball/ softball Eric Traver, Riverview High School — basketball Kelly White, Venice High School — cross country/soccer/ track

16A

EAST COUNTY Observer

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THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2012

real estate

inside

PAGE 10B-11B

PAGe 6B

weather

Grosvenor Gardens Eighth-graders say good-bye to home sells for middle school. $1,358,900.

See this week’s Cool Today contest winner.

PAGE 12B

MEMORIAL TRIBUTE

Summerfield resident Chris Stratford, with his daughter Nicole, donned his U.S. Air Force uniform for the event.

by Pam Eubanks | Managing Editor

Creekwood’s Hutchinson family — Maddie, Ross, Grant and Rhianna — got a great view of the parade.

Trevor Dutting, 3, made sure his scooter looked patriotic.

East County remembered the nation’s fallen heroes during a special “Tribute to Heroes” Memorial Day parade Sunday, May 27, on Lakewood Ranch Main Street.

ESPN commentator Dick Vitale, with his wife, Lorraine, served as the parade’s grand marshal.

Emma Lakomiak and Tyler Libera attend Willis Elementary School.

Hernando DeSoto Conquistador Shannon Glasgo let Benjamin Bailey, 4, try on his hat.

Above: Dylan and Jakob Huzzard, both 9, sang a patriotic song to conclude the parade.

Riley and Carson Coop drew plenty of attention in their patriotic attire.

Left: Sophia and Oliver Warren, of Greenbrook, couldn’t stop smiling as they watched the parade.

2B

EAST COUNTY Observer

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proven success

THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2012

By Pam Eubanks | Managing Editor

Gullet Elementary students reveal scientific conclusions Fourth- and fifth-grade students at Gullett Elementary School put their hypotheses to the test and showed off their scientific findings during the school’s Science Fair May 24.

“My wife and I may be retired, but since moving to Sarasota Bay Club we plan on having the time of our lives. Now we dine downtown, take in concerts at Van Wezel, and look forward to the beautiful sunsets on Sarasota Bay.”

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3B

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EAST COUNTY Observer

4B

EAST COUNTY Observer

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skills showcase

THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2012

By Pam Eubanks | Managing Editor

McNeal students display their talents Students at McNeal Elementary School wowed their friends and teachers May

24 during a special talent show event. Students sang, danced, played instruments

and more as part of the morning’s entertainment lineup.

Renee Ashby was one of several students to introduce talent show performers.

Schae Mayers danced with a hula-hoop.

Calissa Foege showed off her vocal talents.

Travis Freeman and five other boys closed the show with a humorinspired performance.

Right: Cole McLellan and Marco Scalera added a special touch to jokes told on stage.

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Bryon Barnard, Jake Brown, Andrew Schagen and their classmates performed the “Chicken Dance.”

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EAST COUNTY Observer

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THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2012

5B

team efforts By Pam Eubanks | Managing Editor

Students show off complex dance routines

Students at Imagine School at Lakewood Ranch and Gullett Elementary School showed off their dancing talents during special dance team recitals, May 23, at Gullett Elementary.

Imagine’s Rachael Tullio seemed to love performing.

Sophia Lanni, a student at Gullett Elementary, had fun performing.

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Gullett’s Kristen Rice, 5, smiled throughout her performance.

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Imagine dancers Brooke DePasquale with Hannah Tisone performed the final routine together.

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6B

EAST COUNTY Observer

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THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2012

dancing shoes By Pam Eubanks | Managing Editor

Braden River students dance into summer Eighth-grade students at Braden River Middle School celebrated the conclusion of their middleschool days with a special dance May 18. Students enjoyed food and drink, dancing and pictures during the “A Night in the Orient”-themed event.

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EAST COUNTY Observer

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THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2012

BACKSTAGE PASS

7B

By Heidi Kurpiela | A&E Editor

A Major Production Asolo Rep production manager Victor Meyrich is sitting pretty these days, thanks to statewide recognition for his work and a new million-dollar production center.

DID YOU KNOW Victor Meyrich wrote the original architectural program for the current FSU Center for the Performing Arts. He also oversaw the design of the new Koski Production Center.

Heidi Kurpiela

“I’m in no hurry to retire,” says Asolo Rep production manager Victor Meyrich, who this year celebrated his 43rd season with the company. “I have a great stake in this whole operation.”

84081

Here’s how Victor Meyrich came to the Asolo Repertory Theatre.

It was 1969. Meyrich, a graduate of Carnegie Tech (now Carnegie Mellon University), was working backstage for a theater company in Memphis, Tenn., that was going bankrupt.

Actress Polly Holliday, who would later go on to play a tough-talking waitress on the 1970s sitcom, “Alice,” had just wrapped a show at the same Memphis theater.

Upon learning that his employer was going belly-up, Meyrich, then 26, planned to return to his native New York to work for legendary theater producer Joe Papp.

Holliday, however, suggested he go to Sarasota, where she had just landed a role in the musical, “Oh, What a Lovely War,” at the Asolo Rep. The timing was perfect.

The Asolo Rep needed a technical director, and Meyrich needed a job.

The theater company was still trying to find its I don’t micro-manage. identity, operating out of a I’m a big believer in building Meyrich now reletting people do their fers to as “the prehistoric jobs. I find people have Asolo.”

The scene shop was a a higher standard of fraction of the size it is toquality when they take day and located on a dirt ownership over what road off 12th Street. Techthey do. At the end of nology, by today’s standards, was primitive. the day, it’s all about Meyrich remembers ophaving faith in people. erating the theater’s dimI’m just a resource. mer lights with a broomstick and prop shopping — Victor Meyrich with a Polaroid camera.

“By the time you took a picture of a prop, mailed it to the set designer and waited for him to call you back, the prop would be gone,” Meyrich says. “Today we take a picture with our iPhone, email it to the designer and buy it on the spot.”

Meyrich has four decades of stories like this, most of which you’ll probably never hear because Meyrich, 69, is not the storyteller-type.

“I’ve done this kind of work for as long as I can remember,” Meyrich says. “In middle school I ran the A/V department. They gave me the keys to the building so I could move equipment in and out for shows. I was 11 years old with the keys to my school.”

Meyrich is still that dependable.

For 43 seasons he’s worked as the Asolo Rep’s stalwart production manager, an achievement that was recognized last weekend at the Florida Professional Theatres Association’s annual audition conference in Vero Beach.

On May 19, Meyrich received the Victor “Vic” Meyrich Award for Excellence in and Dedication to Professional Theatre in the Area of Technical and Production Work — a wordy title for a direct guy.

The statewide organization, which usually only honors artistic leadership, had not only selected Meyer as the recipient of its first technical theater award, it chose to name the honor after him.

The reticent 69-year-old was visibly touched by the gesture.

“I’m not aware of anyone else honoring those of us in technical theater,” Meyrich says. “The guys who put the show together backstage are usually not even mentioned (in the playbill). It’s an honor, but for me, the real satisfaction comes from walking away with a production done on time and on budget.”

A carpenter by trade, Meyrich likens his job to the work of a general contractor. As production manager, he’s responsible for overseeing the technical operation of the entire theater, which in season can mean managing a crew of 20 to 40 people.

He divides his time between two offices: one at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts and the other at the new Koski Production Center on Tallevast Road, which, at a whopping 36,000 square feet, is a dream space for Meyrich, who once built the set for Universal Studios’ “Earthquake” in a cramped Sarasota warehouse with poor air conditioning.

“He’s amazingly capable and creative,” says Managing Director Linda DiGabriele, who has worked with Meyrich for 35 years. “He’s kept up with technology at every level and consistently made sure that the product on stage is what everybody has envisioned.”

Meyrich is decidedly less flowery when it comes to articulating his success.

“I don’t micro-manage,” he says. “I’m a big believer in letting people do their jobs. I find people have a higher standard of quality when they take ownership over what they do. At the end of the day, it’s all about having faith in people. I’m just a resource.”

8B

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2012

showtime By Pam Eubanks | Managing Editor

Home-Tech CEO and President Steve Marino and community relations liaison Elise Lipoff welcome guests.

Home-Tech reps welcome the public to showroom Representatives of Home-Tech, a provider of customer service, repairs and installations of air-conditioning and major appliances, welcomed the public to its new East County showroom during a special open-house event Thursday, May 17, at the facility located at 5205 Lena Road.

Home-Tech, an employee-owned company, has been in business since 1981.

“We’ve been wanting to open a showroom in this area for quite some time,” President and CEO Steve Marino said. “We have thousands of customers in this area, and we finally can show them the Home-

Tech experience.”

Visitors to the showroom can test out appliances so they have a better understanding of how a piece of equipment will feel and sound in their own home, Marino said.

The new showroom is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

YourObserver.com

Home-Tech employees Jennifer Barclay and Lizette Hollenbeck enjoy the event.

Pam Marino and Christina Hollis register guests in giveaways.

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BUSINESSOBSERVER

THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2012

9B

+ Pinchers opens Lakewood Ranch location

+ Medallion acquires home sites in Twin Rivers

Pinchers Crab Shack has found a new home in Lakewood Ranch.

The family-owned seafood restaurant opened its new Lakewood Ranch Main Street location Memorial Day weekend, in the space adjacent to Lakewood Ranch Cinemas.

The 6,500-square-foot restaurant is larger than Pincher’s previous location on Clark Road and includes an indoor/outdoor bar with a large patio area.

For more information, visit pincherscrabshack.com.

East County developer Medallion Home recently purchased 122 more lots in the Twin Rivers community, located between Gamble Creek and the Manatee River.

Medallion also purchased 100 more acres in the Twin Rivers community for future development.

Medallion’s current projects include the Riva Trace, Cascades and Country Meadows developments in the East County, as well as others in the Bradenton, Parrish, Venice, North Port and Mount Dora areas.

For more, visit Medallionhome.com.

+ John Neal Homes opens new models John Neal Homes has opened a new model in the Country Club East community in Lakewood Ranch.

The Fairhaven II model in the Camargo section of Country Club East is a 3,367-square-foot threebedroom, three-bath luxury home with a lanai and outdoor living space.

This Mediterranean-style home showcases extensive luxury design elements and options that can be personalized by the homeowner.

“We designed the interior with a couple in mind who love Florida, boating and the water,” said designer Janet Ladwig, of Charlene Neal PureStyle. “The trend today is to bring the outside in, so four rooms in this home face the pool area and golf course. There’s a seamless transition from interior to exterior living spaces.”

For more on John Neal Homes or for a listing of available lots, move-in ready homes, floor plan options and more, visit homesbyjohnneal.com.

An unforgettable

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+ Premier Sotheby’s adds four associates Premier Sotheby’s International Realty has added four sales associates to its Lakewood Ranch office: Garrick Newman, Sandi Ansilio, Rod Underdahl and Sheri Wofford.

Newman joins Premier with more than 12 years of local real-estate experience. He was named one of Sarasota’s “20 People to Watch” by Sarasota magazine’s Biz941 publication in 2011.

Ansilio brings more than 30 years of real-estate and new-home marketing experience to the company. She has served as vice president of marketing for real-estate companies and also owned her own marketing firm.

Underdahl has more than 10 years of real-estate experience and as an independent businessman for more than 20 years.

Wofford most recently served as a new-home sales consultant for a semi-custom builder. She brings more than 11 years of real-estate experience to the company.

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EAST COUNTY Observer

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If someone you care for has Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, you won’t want to miss Compassionate Caregiving: Finding Joy in the Shadow of Dementia, an upcoming educational series at Horizon Bay. Local author Susan Garbett will discuss her father’s struggle with vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. She’ll share helpful strategies for caregivers, and take a serious look at the overwhelming challenges and stresses they face daily. Make plans now to attend any one of three convenient dates.

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2 2 LWR

LWR EXIT 217

Grosvenor Gardens home sells for $1,358,900 The following residential real-estate transactions took place between May 14 and May 18.

A home in Grosvenor Gardens tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. John and Donna Woelfel, University Park, sold their home at 8322 Grosvenor Court to Thomas Reilly, Boston, for $1,358,900. Built in 2010, it has four bedrooms, five-and-ahalf baths, a pool and 4,169 square feet of living area.

Medical Check-Ups

Waterlefe Golf and River Club

SARASOTA

33

Sarasota

SARASOTA

LAKE OSPREY DR

FRUITVILLE RD

Ernest and Cathleen Biczak, of Brookside, N.J., sold their home at 911 Maritime Court to Thomas and Joyce Mumford, Bradenton, for $680,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,299 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $950,000 in 2005.

RD

EXIT 213

UNIVERSITY PKWY

Sprains Strains and Broken Bones

Country Club Village at Lakewood Ranch

Frank Mosca, Lakewood Ranch, sold his home at 6725 The Masters Ave. to Avery and Patricia Monson, of Palos Park, Ill., for $580,000. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,980 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $530,000 in 2009.

EXIT 210

3 Locations Open 7 Days a Week-8am-8pm No Appointment Necessary • Walk-Ins Welcome

Edgewater Village 84102

1 - Bradenton • 4647 Manatee Ave. W. • (941) 745-5999 www.BradentonUrgentCare.com 2 - Lakewood Ranch • 9908 S.R. 64 E. • (941) 747-8600 www.LWRUC.com 3 - Sarasota • 6272 Lake Osprey Dr. • (941) 907-2800 www.SarasotaUrgentCare.com

Andrew and Elizabeth Burchard sold their home at 6612 Topside Terrace to Michael and Susan Mortellaro, Lakewood Ranch, for $538,000. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,340 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $550,000 in 2010.

Richard and Virginia Baldau, Sarasota, sold their home at 8413 Misty Morning

EN P O W O N

a r o f g n Looki

?

E M I T D GOO Scan QR Code to si gn

By Adam Hughes | Research Editor

up

This Week in Sarasofor ta

Court to Steven and Suzanne Hoffman, of Andover, N.J., for $350,000. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,639 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $300,100 in 2000.

Rosedale Highlands

Carolyn Jaques, of York, United Kingdom, sold her home at 4919 96th St. E. to Craig and Mary Parfitt, Bradenton, for $520,000.

Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,868 square feet of living area.

St. James Park

Blair and Joy McMillan, Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 6653 St. James Crossing to Stephen Grossman, trustee, University Park, for $515,000. Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,946 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $425,000 in 2010.

Greenbrook Village

Greg and Christine Bradshaw, Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 13329 Swallowtail Drive to Pravat Mazumlar and Mary Fischetti, of Rochester, N.Y., for $460,000.

Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, a pool and 3,045 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $560,000 in 2007.

Moorings at Edgewater

Susanne Cox, trustee, and Howard Cox sold the Unit 201 condominium at 6539 Moorings Point Circle to David and Barbara Smith, Lakewood Ranch, for $439,000.

Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,963 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $528,400 in 2003.

Sarasota Orthopedic Associates Will Be Expanding To A New Location In Lakewood Ranch Comprehensive Orthopedic Care For Adults & Children On-Site Diagnostic Equipment Physical Therapy

941-951-BONE(2663) www.soa.md 6230 University Parkway, Suite 203 Sarasota, Florida 34240 Locations in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch

“Our commitment is to get our patients back on their feet . . . back to work . . . back in the game . . . back to life.”

Making You Stronger

Matthew erjavec, P.A. Personal Injury/Auto Accident Attorney

For a free consultation with an attorney call:

Find out what’s going on This Week in Sarasota at

ThisWeekinSarasota.com

907-1133

and find us on 83996

Matthew Erjavec, P.A.

5313 Paylor Lane Suite 200 | Sarasota, FL 34240 | www.erjaveclaw.com Office in Lakewood Ranch

78622

CORTEZ RD

64

LORRAINE RD

MANATEE AVE BUC 1

real estate | transactions

UPPER MANATEE RIVER ROAD

LAKEWOOD RANCH BLVD

PALMETTO

THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2012

84089

Back to School Physicals

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2012

11B

P R E S E N T S

A Tale o f

Atlantica Pam Eubanks

This Waterlefe Golf and River Club home, which has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,299 square feet of living area sold for $680,000.

Thomas Devouton and Robert Richard, Sarasota, sold their home at 12203 Clubhouse Drive to Michael and Denise Riebe, Bradenton, for $330,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,423 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $386,000 in 2007.

Hampton Terrace at University Place

Bruce Davis, trustee, of Clifton, N.Y., sold the home at 7722 Edmonston Circle to Mario and Margaret Pasella, Bradenton, for $275,200. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,452 square feet of living area.

Country Creek

Christian and Kathryn Sheridan, Sarasota, sold their home at 127 Mill Run E. to Joe and Joyce Peden, of Bloomington, Ind., for $267,000. Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,685 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $269,900 in 2009.

Tara

has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,423 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $470,000 in 2006.

Riverwalk Village

Yoav Cohen and Jacqueline Cohen, Tallevast, sold their home at 7431 Arrowhead Run to Craig and Sharon Fair, Lakewood Ranch, for $249,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,079 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $278,000 in 2004.

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. sold the home at 11004 Water Lily Way to Gary and Karen Knudson, Bradenton, for $235,000. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,260 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $369,900 in 2005.

Whitebridge Court

Richard and Jeanne Larson, of Mound, Minn., sold their home at 7905 Whitebridge Glen to Mark and Nancy Baum, of Avon, Conn., for $242,000. Built in 1995, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,609 square feet of living area.

Steven and Pamela White, of Canton, Mich., sold their home at 6717 Pleasant Hill Road to Bernard Cleve and Anna Saban, Bradenton, for $250,000. Built in 1994, it

Visit our website to read more real estate transactions.

Prom

Lakewood Ranch High School Auditorium

10:00 am | 2:00 pm

$

5 OFF

Ticket Purchase

$30 Adults $15 Students

online or by phone Use discount code: SHOW

Box Office:

359-0099 x101

or 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

www.sarasotaballet.org/buy-tickets

www.YourObserver.com

Nightwith the Stars

Sunday, June 3, 2012

84148

Summerfield Village

4th Annual Prom

“Night at the Castle”

2 0 1 2

June 8, 2012 7 - 10pm

Woodlands

Community Church

9607 East SR 70, Bradenton, FL 34202 This prom is FREE to all special needs residents in Manatee and Sarasota Counties.

Everything is provided through generous donations from businesses and individuals in the community.

For more information about attending or donating please contact

Susan @ 941-747-0927 or Mary Anne @ 941-742-3972

FREE Do-It-Herself WORKSHOP*

Tuesday, June 5 • 6:30pm - 8:30pm Painting Interior Walls

Submit your favorite It’s Read Everywhere photos from travels around the world in our online photo contest on *University Park location only

FREE KIDS WORKSHOP* Saturday, June 2 • 9am-12pm Build an Organizer for Dad

Bring in this ad for a 24pk of water for $249 (Reg $3.97)

5475 University Parkway • 941-358-3360 • M-Sat 6am-10pm Sun 8am-8pm

Photo entries will be accepted until September 30. Anyone can vote online October 1-31.

The grand prize winner will receive a $1,000 travel voucher. One first place winner from each paper will receive a $350 travel voucher. Winners will be announced in the Observer’s annual “Welcome Back” edition in November. For complete rules or to submit your photo click the “Contests” page on YourObserver.com.

83683

A woman’s place is in The Home Depot. You have what it takes to make your house your dream, and our Do-It-Herself Workshops will guide you. Spend time working hands-on with a group of women in a friendly, supportive learning environment.

84022

84053

Sponsored by

University Park HoMe DePot

12B

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2012

TemperatureS

Temps.

High Sun., May 20 90 Mon., May 21 91 Tues., May 22 86 Wed.,May 23 90 Thurs., May 24 95 Fri., May 25 94 Sat., May 26 94 Average Gulf water temperature: 82

MOON PHASES

Sunrise/sunset

Sunrise Sunset Thurs., May 31 6:36 8:20 Fri., June 1 6:35 8:21 6:35 8:21 Sat., June 2 6:35 8:22 Sun., June 3 Mon., June 4 6:35 8:22 Tues., June 5 6:35 8:22 Wed., June 6 6:35 8:23

RAINFALL

Manatee/Sarasota Sun., May 20 0.00 Mon., May 21 0.00 Tues., May 22 0.00 Wed., May 23 0.00 Thurs., May 24 0.58 Fri., May 25 0.00 Sat., May 26 0.00 Year-to-date: 2012

8.94 in.

Weather Photo Contest Winner

Low 69 66 64 66 72 73 72

June 4 Full

June 11 Last

June 19 New

June 26 First

WIND SPEED

2011 15.49 in.

8.2

Mon., May 21

7.9

Tues., May 22

5.4

Wed., May 23

6.6

Thurs., May 24

7.1

Fri., May 25

6.0

Sat., May 26

6.3

Stephen Brown submitted this photo of billowing storm clouds, taken Thursday, May 24, in Lakewood Ranch.

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.

84243

2011 Month-to-date: 2011

1.40 in. 2.40 in.

Manatee/Sarasota

Sun., May 20

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

GOLF 101 by Mark Hooper

Edited by Timothy E. Parker

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10 Inward wallowing 28 Apply asphalt coulda” one 80 Boater’s worry 11 Israel natives 29 Viper with an 85 At a slow tempo 82 Played the tourist 12 Bowler’s milieu upturned snout 88 Featherbrain 83 Bright planets, 13 Director Spike 30 A Pueblo people 90 Monkey-bread tree sometimes 14 Thing on a golf 31 Broadway offering 94 Coated with 85 Buddhist in Nirvana course 32 K-___ (big name in hoarfrost 86 Royal headband 15 Bedrock, e.g. records) 95 Bearer of the Golden 16 California mountain 87 Strong-smelling 33 Inflexible Fleece cleaning solution 19 Longest river in 36 Button on a fax 96 Certain thick-piled 88 With the bow, in Great Britain machine rugs violin music 20 Choker hardware 38 Gives a hand 98 Small ridge on the 89 Appointment book 23 “Animal House” 39 Gush forth edge of a button or entry house 41 Saffron-flavored dial 91 Short-haired cat 26 Event in Olympic Spanish dish 99 Amateur radio 92 Known by very few fencing 43 “Me, me, me” types operator 93 Lacking taste 27 An 88, for one 45 Barnard graduate, 100 “The Seven Year ___” 34 Banned football 95 Site of the 2004 e.g.

101 “Don’t move!”

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50 Grassy plain, in 65 Singer k.d.

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Thursday, May 31, 2012

Items Under $200 For Sale DESIGNER PAGEANT/PARTY dress, junior, $30. 941-538-9072.

Garage/Moving/Estate Sales

size 12

PERMALIFE AIR Purifier, Model# 30547, $50.

941-377-5450.

SAUDI ARABIA Rug 4X6 parrot design, bright colors, $100. 941-351-8561.

TV AND Stand 27" RCA Good working order, $45.

941-756-3469.

Garage/Moving/Estate Sales ESTATE SALE ** FRIDAY ** JUNE 1ST - 9:30A.M.-3P.M. 6020 Ferndell St., Garden Lakes Estates 2 leather sofas and recliners, 2 flat screen TV's, coffee and end table. Tables, chairs and china cabinet, chest, desk, bookcase, daybed, California king bedset, dinette, 2 curios, credenza, patio table and chairs, occasional chairs, table and lamps.

Thomas Kinkade painting, watch maker’s desk, vacuum, treadmill, bike, books, fitness items, kitchenware, linens, china, glass and bric-a-brac A NICE SALE! SALE CONDUCTED BY PALMA SOLA SALES **Numbers given out at 8a.m.

TOTAL HOUSE SALE 9a.m.-2p.m. - Friday, June 1 9942 58th St. E. Harrison Ranch-on 301, Parrish 34219 4.8 miles E. of Ellenton Mall

ESTATE SALE 9a.m.-2p.m. - Friday, June 1 3108 56th Ave East, Ellenton, FL Oakley Place - Past the Ellenton Outlet Mall Sofa, chairs, buffet, queen bed, two twin sets, daybed w/trundle, recliners, desks, sterling, safe, coffee, end tables, sewing machine, two dinette sets, rockers, milk glass, linens, lamps, TVs, jewelry, full kitchen, bikes, tools, new Power Pro 5500 generator, power washer, lawn mower, ladders, holiday decorations & more.

SALE BY JULIE MCCLURE Pictures: www.appraisals4u.biz & www.estatesales.net

Painting/Wallpapering 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.

VILLAGE AT Town Park, Lakewood Ranch: 2BR/2BA, new carpet, blinds, stove. Includes W/D. $1050/mo. 941-527-6060.

Personal Services

Homes For Rent LUXOR MHP

$450/mo-1 bed/bath mobile homes.

55+ community. No Pets.

5811 14th St. W. Bradenton.

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

YOUR PERSONAL BOOKKEEPER, LLC Gail Sunray, Owner Personal & Business Bookkeeping Accounting/ Taxes I come to your home or office.

Homes For Sale

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

Storage 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

ELEGANT JOHN CANNON EXECUTIVE HOME: 7980 Megan Hammock Way. 4BR/3BA, 3,510 sq/ft. Just reduced!! $546,000. Call Karen Burket 941-735-7036.

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals

Homemakers/ Companions CNA’S/ HHA’S

You Can Make a Difference. Help seniors stay independent. We provide: non medical care, personal care, meals, light housekeeping, transportation & companionship. Flexible hours availableF/T, P/T, Overnight, Weekends and Live-In. Positions available in Sarasota/ Bradenton/ Venice. To work now, fax resume to: 941-929-7438 or email: stephanieck@comcast.net FL Reg #HCS227965,

SALE BY JULIE MCCLURE Pictures: www.appraisals4u.biz & www.estatesales.net

NAIL TECHNICIAN for Luxury Nail & Spa, Lakewood Ranch. F/T or P/T. Please call Galvin 941-727-7161 or 941-465-6330.

SAT. JUNE 1ST: 6826 68th Ave E. 9AM-2PM. Entertainment center, Mattress set, Plantation chair, Teak end cabinets, Other small furniture. Air comp. Table saw, Mosquito Magnet, Leafblower, other hand & power tools. Misc. household items.

All in good to excellent shape.

Condos/Apts. For Rent

HCS228619, HCS228620 FL Lic #HHA299992670

HARBORAGE CONDO: 2nd floor, 2BR/2BA, 1638sq.ft., W/D, den, garage. Gated, community pool, fitness room, nature trails. No pets. $1200/mo. +security. Call Carol, 941- 228-3130.

Find Treasure!

   

Bill Paying & Account Reconciliation Organizing Personal and Business Files Budgets & Financial Reports Federal and State Tax Returns BONDED & INSURED Over 25 yrs. experience

PALM AIRE CONDOS: Available only May-Dec. 2012. 1 & 2 bedrooms, furnished, great views, upgraded, utilities included. $1000-$1300/mo.

941-351-1741.

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

Adult Care Services ASSISTED LIVING in the Privacy of your Home. Complete Care from Homemaking, Transportation, Dressing and Grooming, Medications to RN Supervision and Case Management. License # 30211372, bonded and insured. Services available all hours.

Call 377-4465.

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

Bosch washer/dryer, side by side refrigerator, king bedroom set, queen bed, dinette, 42" Panasonic plasma TV, 2 leather recliners, leather sofa with recliners, living room sofa, rattan chair, Asian style cabinets and tables, 2 sets of dishes, decorative accessories, acrylic paints, brushes, canvas, wood for frames, yard tools, dog crates and dog accessories, Christmas, linens, kitchenware.

Reserved Space LP Reserved Space

Condos/Apts. For Rent HERITAGE HARBOR: 2BR/2BA, den, screened lanai, community pool, 1429/sq.ft. Annual lease $1150/mo. Convenient to I-75. Call Brian Murphy, Realtor. 941-400-8068.

CARING COMPANION SERVICES Dr. Appts., Shopping, Social Outings, Daily Walks, Housekeeping, Cooking, Laundry, Book Reading www.caringcompanionservices.com Lic. #232533 Bonded and Insured

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.

MOBILE PET GROOMING all natural, organic approach - dogs $35.00 and up. Pet sitting available. www.furrytails4grooming.com 941-224-8655

Pools FULL WEEKLY POOL SERVICE $65 per month.

For screened-in pools. Owner operated, reliable, personal service. Save money - call now. Blissful Pools, 941-705 0400.

Tile

Free in-home consultation 941-320-9111 or 941-320-4886

STEVE ALLEN FLOOR COVERINGS

Alterations/Upholstery

PROFESSIONAL TILE & MARBLE INSTALLATION

"KEEPING YOU IN STITCHES". For all your sewing needs. Tina Jaye Tapia, Seamstress.

941-328-9866

20 YRS. EXPERIENCE CALL FOR FREE ESTIMATE 726-1802 LIC/ INS

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.

SELL IT!

Child Care Services LOVING PROFESSIONAL CHILD CARE. For kids ages 3 and up. Creative arts specialist. Age 31.

Call Tia, 941-321-8334.

Want to find a great deal on something you’ve always dreamed of?

Cleaning

955-4888

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

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

www.yourobserver.com

FREE ESTIMATES! Call Dotty, detailed cleaning.

24 Years Exp. Lic./Ins. Residential/Commercial.

Looking for year-round customers! Dottie, 941-321-6645.

This week’s Crossword answers

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

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

GRASSCHOPPERS LAWN & Landscape Service.

Call for your free estimate on commercial and residential monthly lawn service, hedge/tree trimming, planting & mulching flower beds, pressure washing. Contact Bill (941) 405-8648.

You never know what you’ll find in the classifieds!

LAKEWOOD RANCH Lawn & Landscape LLC. Yearly maintenance program includes: Complete Lawn and shrub Care, Mulching, 2-Pest Control and 4-Fertilizing applications, Most homes $159/mo. Call for Free Estimate, 941-373-5110.

Your source for local Classifieds

LV1247

Masonry EUROPEAN MASONRY "No Job Too Small" We specialize in brickwork, walkways, sidewalks, concrete work, retainer walls, pavers, patios, and all stone work. (941)400-7338 eumasonry@gmail.com www.eumasonry.com

HOUSE CLASSIFIEDS LP # 56733

2012

This week’s Cryptogram answers 1. Two deer were considering food, habitats and the economy. One commented: “If we can’t get more to eat this year, I will blame it on stagflation.”

2. This is a balanced diet: a BLT, a cookie and a coke in each hand.

14B YourObserver.com 14B Classifieds

EAST COUNTY Observer THE EAST COUNTY OBSERV THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2012 Thursday, May 31, 2012

www.yourobserver.com

AIR CONDITIONING

ELECTRIC

LANDSCAPING & LAWN

82950

Call (941) 747-1968

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

82919

82462

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License # EC13001486

APPLIANCE REPAIR

Native Son Landscape Services, Inc. www.nativesonlandscape.com GO GREEN!

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75 -EL 3TEVERSON s 941-526-6832

83455

Install & Repair

Satisfaction Guaranteed Never an overtime charge

INC.

24 hour emergency service

grigsbyslawncare@gmail.com

FURNITURE REPAIR

PATIO REPAIRS, INC PATIO REPAIRS

COMPUTER

SUNCOAST SPRINKLER CO, LLC

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78735

“No Job Too Small�

FREE ESTIMATES

Team Up Today With Classifieds 941-955-4888 CONSTRUCTION

‘Peace of mind is priceless’ Weekly Services from $15 (941) 928-0391 Karen@the-lyons.com

The Observer Service Directory Call 955-4888 to reserve your space.

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MOVERS

MO V I N G

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Dave McCarthy

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“Will move anything from a couch to a household�

INTERIOR DESIGN

LOCAL - LONG DISTANCE FREE ESTIMATES

Beautiful Interior Design on a Budget

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

Dave McCarthy

RedeďŹ ning Interior Design

100

$

In-Home Consultation & Do-It-Yourself Plan

Operator/Owner

941.726.1560

www.chiconthecheap.net chiconthecheap@gmail.com

359-1904

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE�

Call Mark 941-928-2263 www.proslidingglassdoorrepair.com

83805

YOUR DOORS WILL SLIDE LIKE NEW

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

U.S. DOT No. 1915800

Fully Licensed and Insured

PAINTING 83381

PRO Sliding Glass Door Repair

PLUGS +

We sell boxes!

62408

84071

LANDSCAPING & LAWN

DOORS

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

83806

83527

Home Watch Services

DeaD on TargeT

82466

Lyon

Friendly, Expert Computer Repairs

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)UHH (VWLPDWHV

82572

Palmetto

82467

ECA002495

84072

Licensed & Insured

www.Bryanselectric.com

83802

83379

Also Polymer Outdoor Cabinetry

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

83380

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

All Types of Custom Cabinetry Kitchen/Bath Design & Remodeling

LAWN CARE

Gas Post Lite Conversion Kit

Like Us on Facebook

Call for appt. www.themastercabinetmaker.com

365-2407

,)+% 53 /. &!#%"//+ ,%7)3 !6% s */(. -!'')% &2/34 /7.%23

We install and repair anything electrical

CABINET MAKER

941-723-0278

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

Bryan’s Electrical Services Inc.

CABINET MAKING The Master

941-727-0272

83085

Ď­ĎŹĎŹĐš Ć?Ä‚Ć&#x;Ć?ĨĂÄ?Ć&#x;ŽŜ Ĺ?ĆľÄ‚ĆŒÄ‚ĹśĆšÄžÄžÄš

82459 38056

MOST REPAIRS Plus Parts $ at Retail

s 2EFRIGERATORS s 2ANGES s 7ASHERS $RYERS s /VENS s $ISHWASHERS s 'ARBAGE $ISPOSALS s )CEMAKERS &RIG ONLY s 3TOVES

s ,ANDSCAPE $ESIGN 2ENOVATION )NSTALLATION s 8ERISCAPE %XPERTS .ATIVE 0LANTS s/RGANIC 'ARDENING &ERTILIZING s 3OD 2EPAIR s $RAINAGE 3OLUTIONS s 3EASONAL #LEAN 5P 2EMULCH s .EW 0AVERS 0AVER 2EPAIR

83807

Appliance Repair

LAKEWOOD RANCH PAINTING

Š Interior & Exterior Painting & Wallcovering Š Full Service Interior Design & Color Selection Assistance Š Over 30 Years Experience Need a Referral? Matt Arndt, Owner Call today for Ask a Neighbor!

941-726-7077

a FREE estimate!

Classifieds 15B 15B

www.yourobserver.com

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2012

Excellent Service...Outstanding Results

Bisson RooďŹ ng Inc.

Let Our Pros Show You How to Apply All Professional Products

Insects, Termites & Lawn Products

The Soda Group

COUNTRY CANINE MAKEOVERS DOG GROOMING

#1Real Estate Group in Lakewood Ranch*

Call for appointment

s

941-894-1127

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

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

Lakewood Ranch

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

10% OFF Your Spring Clean-up w/ mention of this ad.

24 hours

82469

Harold Lasky

941-780-8514

‹ )LZ[ 7YPJL VU 7HST ;YPTTPUN ‹ :[VYT 7YLWHYH[PVU /H\SPUN 4\SJOPUN Call Bob ‹ 3HUKZJHWL +LZPNU 0UZ[HSSH[PVU 780-2267 S ‹ 4VU[OS` :OY\I 7Y\UPUN Prepatorm Licensed r ation ANY OUTDOOR PROJECT & Insured Residential & Commercial

WINDOWS

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

Res./Com.

The Service DirecTory

“The Team That Sells�

RitaFerrellLasky@gmail.com

NATIVE CUT TREE SERVICE

Call 924-9000 *A/H 730-0130

www.realtor.com/sarasota/bethbarnett

Ferrell-Lasky Team

941-780-3579

TREES

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

83808

REALTORS

Rita Ferrell

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

LIC# CFC1427462

84078

Luxury Home Professionals Over 16 Years in Lakewood Ranch Area

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

announces

27 Years Experience

www.TheSarasotaPlumber.com

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

82176

ALL PLUMBING REPAIR & DRAIN CLEANING

SCREENING

82921

If you’re buying or selling your home Call The Soda Group

82905

PRO-PLUMBING WORKS, LLC. “Where the Customer Comes First�

Sarasota.MrRooter.com

Call 955-4888

Rental agent on staff

82920

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

RELIABLE - CLEAN - PROFESSIONAL - EXPERIENCED

941-755-6300

money!

www.thesodagroup.com

PLUMBING

Chuck Burns Owner

Advertising in the Service Directory makes you

*according to Trendgraphix

PET SERVICES

CFC1428540

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.

www.dennisboylehomes.com www.suncoastgolfhomes.com

We sell the professional

TH 3T 7 "RADENTON s .EXT TO ,OWES s 746-6654

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

“Your Local Roofer – We’ll Cover You�

2ESIDENTIAL #OMMERCIAL 2OOlNG s 3PECIALIZING IN 2OOF 2EPAIRS Shingle/Metal/Tile/ModiďŹ ed 941-748-7400

Dennis Boyle 941-400-5584

83519

Better Job – Better Protection Save Up to 80% Over Pest Control Co.

Sellers Free Home Warranty!

83809

Buyers $500 “Fly and Buy�

Credit

Do It Yourself Pest Control

Can’t buy in stores

ROOFING

82740

BUG BUSTERS

REALTORS

82917

PEST CONTROL

Environmentally Friendly

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

s

WorkS for you!

h50 4/ 34!.$!2$ 7).$/73 s v 30%#)!,

10%

Free Estimates

Call 955-4888 to reserve your space.

00

OFF + Additional

For Senior Citizens Prices Include:

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82918

THE EAST COUNTY OBSERVER Thursday, May 31, 2012 EAST COUNTY Observer

Sell your service with success.

Advertise in The Observers’ Service Directory thEwith rEgulAr pricE a 12-week with a 12-week commitment commitment

ACTUAL SIZE ACTUAL SIZE

*12 week commitment required *12 week commitment required

92 92

$ $

* 00 00* Every 4 weeks!

Every 4 weeks!

*12 week commitment required *12 week commitment required

ACTUAL SIZE ACTUAL SIZE

159 Every Every 4 4 weeks! weeks!

$ $

20 20**

LV1669 LV1669

Call 955-4888

SAVE SAVE % 20 % off offpricE thE 20 rEgulAr

P Pelican elicanPress Press sIesTA KeY sIesTA KeY

16B

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2012

Elite Realty Services 941.907.2000 • www.PruEliteRealty.com

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

00 $90,0 Over duction!

Re

A Wealth of Experience.

ced Redu 00! $89,0

No One Knows the Community Better. $797,979 Lakewood Ranch Country Club Pool home w/oversized bonus, & exercise rms. Overlooks golf/lake.

A3944635 Claudia Schwab962-9453 b

r Clu Rive

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.

$450,000 River Club North Gorgeous Golf & Lake view, 5BR/4BA + Den, Resort style pool.

M5828642 Young/Quinn 504-0595 00 $30,0tion! c u d e R

Personalized Service. Trusted Agents $565,000 River Club South 4BR/3.5BA home with unrivaled comfort & style.

A3958721 Katie Klomp 400-4826

941-907.2000 • www.PruEliteRealty.com

t! arke

he M

on t New

$499,900 Foxbrook, Parrish Gourmet Kit, 1 acre, 10+ car garage, Pool.

M5821691 Sara LaPlante685-4566 ire

A Palm

nt h Fro Beac exico!

100ft Gulf of M e on th

lar tacu Spec Views!

Bay

$459,000 Twin Rivers Architectural touches in every room! 3/3 + flex rm.

A3960600 Owner/agent Judy Bastic 465-6271

$255,000 Fairway Lakes Fabulous updated kitchen..private setting, open plan.

A3954801 Pam Baker 544-7943

ed List Just m Aire! l a in P

Foreclosures $2,995,000 Legends Bay Never lived in, Brand new! 6538Sq. ft. w/EVERY luxury amenity! Near IMG Academies.

A3937779 Pat McMillan 544-4538

$439,500 Links @Palm Aire Lake & preserve views, 3000+SF, close to shopping.

A3960448 Karson Weaver 544-8844

ry Luxummunity te Co a t s E

$2,400,000 Longboat Key Short Sale! Over 1 acre, 2 small beach cottages on property. Ideal for an estate home.

A379491 Owner/agent 586-4052 Just

ced!

Redu

$204,900 Longboat Key – Cedars East 2BR/2.5BA townhome w/ integral garage.Turnkey w/good rental possibilities. Amenities: Har-Tru tennis, pool & restaurant. M5826861 $109,900 Woods 3BR/2BA freshly painted, cul de sac location with partially fenced back yard. M5826517 $27,500 Bradenton Condo New carpet, move in ready! 2nd Floor 2BR/2BA condo in small colonial complex. Easy living w/community pool just steps away. M5828470

h Ranc wood Club e k a L try Coun

$25,500 Bradenton Condo Great location & opportunity to own your own place! 1BR/1BA, affordable in a small condo complex near everything.

M5828659

$345,000 Miramar $1,450,000 Lakewood Ranch Country Club Decorated, updated 4BR/4BA w/lake & golf views! 4950 sq.ft. of custom design features on 1/2 acre of wooded very private homesite.

A3959223 Jerry Richter 224-1350 A3956866 Harold Lasky 780-8514

$1,249,000 The Founders Club 4180SF, 4BR/3.5BA home, Elegant country club living with all the amenities!

A3950443 Cher Pujol 504-5902

$23,500 Handyman Special Bring your imagination to this 1928 Bradenton Vintage style 1BR/1BA home.

M5828318

© 2012 BRER Affiliates Inc. An independently owned and operated broker member of BRER Affiliates Inc. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are registered service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license with no other affiliation with Prudential. Equal Housing Opportunity.

77945

941.907.2000 ~ www.PruEliteRealty.com