East County Observer 1.23.14

bserver O EAST COUNTY FREE • THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

FAIR

American Idol’s Sam Woolf performs at county fair.

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EDUCATION

SPORTS

Teacher Jackie Holloway named award finalist.

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Braden River weightlifter makes state finals.

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by Pam Eubanks | Managing Editor OUR TOWN ground work

BRU nears irrigation line completion Braden River Utilities has completed work west of Interstate 75 in its quest to bring reclaimed water to Lakewood Ranch.

+ Longo set free Manatee County’s resident manatee, Snooty, bid farewell to the last of his two roommates Jan.16.

The South Florida Museum released Longo, one of two manatees who had been undergoing rehabilitation in the museum’s Bishop Manatee Aquarium with Snooty, at the Manatee Viewing Center at TECO’s warm water site in Apollo Beach.

Longo was rescued in January 2012, on Longboat Key. At the time of Longo’s release, he weighed 715 pounds, compared with his weight of 271 pounds at the time of his rescue.

The museum released Snooty’s other roommate, Cheeno, Jan. 7, in the Orange River in Fort Myers.

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Lakewood Ranch irrigation provider Braden River Utilities is nearing completion on a project to bring reclaimed water to Lakewood Ranch from the city of Bradenton.

Contractors now have focused on work east of Interstate 75. As part of the project, Palmbrush

Trail, at its intersection with State Road 70, will be closed through Feb. 10.

“Full access to the businesses will be maintained off Palm Brush Trail from Lakewood Ranch Boulevard,” said Scott Pryor, project coordinator for contractor E.T. MacKenzie of Florida. “Traffic will

just not be able to exit or enter directly from State Road 70. The reason is to accommodate equipment and materials required to bore under State Road 70 for part of the BRU reclaimed water interconnect.”

SEE IRRIGATION / PAGE 8A

Pam Eubanks

Reclaimed water pipes are being installed along State Road 70.

SWING MACHINE

+ Horses need home Horses rescued from a foreclosed property need a new home.

Napier’s Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary is seeking new homes for several companion horses — horses too small to be considered fullsize horses and too large to be called ponies.

They have their shots, including rabies, and are available for adoption by calling 750-8185.

+ Funding families The Lakewood Ranch-based Payton Wright Foundation assisted 600 families of children affected by brain cancer last year, with bills such as mortgages and transportation needs.

In total, the organization donated more than $102,000.

For more information, visit paytonwright.org.

Attendees of the Manatee County Fair, which runs through Jan. 26, enjoy a variety of midway rides.

CONTROL, PATROL

Amanda Sebastiano

by Josh Siegel | Staff Writer

Ranch leaders discuss enhanced police patrols Recent home burglaries have caused neighborhoods to consider extra security from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Although there’s been only one reported home burglary within the borders of the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club this month, some of its residents have not lost sight of what they consider a security problem.

A survey of the roughly 20

neighborhoods within Lakewood Ranch Community Development Districts 2, 5 and 6, will determine how strong the concern is, and if residents deem it worthy to pay for patrolling the communities 24/7.

A memo from Dick Moran, who represents CDD 2 on the

Country Club/Edgewater Village Association’s Safety Committee, and signed by Steven Peters, the president of CEVA, asks chairmen of the neighborhoods in CDDs 2, 5, 6 and the Edgewater neighborhood to determine if their constituents would favor increased security patrols from the Mana-

tee County Sheriff’s Office.

“I know I would feel better if there was someone in a uniform and a car driving through here more than they do now,” Moran said. “It’s important knowing someone is five minutes away.”

The memo, sent to the neighborhood chairmen, specifically inquires about 24/7 or 12-hour patrols, although the CDDs could

SEE POLICE / PAGE 13A

INDEX Calendar............ 18A Classifieds ........ 17B

Cops Corner....... 11A Crossword.......... 16B

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

Sports................ 19A Weather............. 16B

Vol. 14, No. 42 | Two sections YourObserver.com

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

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Academic Excellence

Saint Stephen’s College Acceptances DUKE UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA BROWN UNIVERSITY BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY CORNELL UNIVERSITY DARTMOUTH COLLEGE GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY HARVARD UNIVERSITY WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA PRINCETON UNIVERSITY RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN SMITH COLLEGE TULANE UNIVERSITY MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY WILLIAMS COLLEGE YALE UNIVERSITY BOSTON COLLEGE *Partial List Of 2013 Acceptances

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For more information contact Linda Lutz at Saint Stephen’s Admissions 941.746.2121 www.saintstephens.org

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

business by Pam Eubanks | Managing Editor

Lakewood Ranch Main Street reaches 100% occupancy Lakewood Ranch Commercial Realty expects the final lease to be signed this week.

LAKEWOOD RANCH — From the view of Drs. Brad and Ashley Masuga, the time could not be more ripe for opening a new business — especially on Lakewood Ranch Main Street.

The couple signed a lease Jan. 13 for a space next to MacAllisters Grill & Tavern and Raymond James, making the plaza more than 98% leased.

Another business has issued a letter of intent and is expected to sign a lease for the final tenant space on Main Street this week.

“This is the first time ever since the center was a pipe dream,” Julia DeCastro, director of leasing and sales for Lakewood Ranch Commercial Realty, said of having the shopping center 100% leased for the first time.

Ashley Masuga and her husband plan to open In Focus Family Eye Care, an optometry office that sells glasses and other retail items, in early May. “We live near Lakewood Ranch, and we know it’s an upand-coming area,” Ashley Masuga said. “It’s an excellent place to be. You couldn’t ask for a better location to start a business when there are no vacancies.”

Lakewood Ranch Main Street celebrated the opening of Health Living Organics in December and Decal World in November.

The University of South Florida will open its cooking school in the former Viking culinary center space in February.

Karen Ronney, vice president of the Main Street Merchants Association and co-owner of MacAllisters Grill & Tavern, said the wave of new tenants has boosted the confidence of patrons visiting the plaza, and the morale of business owners.

“We had a guy in for lunch today who hadn’t been here in four years,” Ronney said. “He was surprised at how full of life the street was. There are a lot of nice, different stores. It lets

Photo courtesy of Amanda Vercheski

the customer feel like it’s worth coming down.”

When Lakewood Ranch Main Street opened in 2005, its owners planned for it to be similar to St. Armands Circle — a high-end destination shopping center — out east. But the real estate market crash in late 2008 made them rethink that concept.

Lakewood Ranch developer and Main Street co-owner Schroeder-Manatee Ranch acquired Casto Lifestyle Properties’ 50% stake in the plaza in December 2009 and began making the center a destination for families.

Ronney also said the changes Lakewood Ranch Commercial Realty, a subsidiary of SMR, implemented have accomplished that goal. With stores such as Knot Awl Beads and Arts A Blaze and Main Street Travel, the plaza boasts an eclectic mix of familyfriendly and higher-end shopping choices.

“It changed our focus, and it’s become a lot more realistic

We had a guy in for lunch today who hadn’t been here in four years. He was surprised at how full of life the street was.

There’s a lot of nice, different stores. It let’s the customer feel like it’s worth coming down.

Karen Ronney, vice president of the Main Street Merchants Association

of what’s going to work (here),” Ronney said. “I think that’s why over the last year we’ve seen the spaces fill up.”

DeCastro said Main Street’s tenants consist primarily of family-owned businesses, and she has worked hard to create the right mix of specialty store offerings, without duplicating services.

“It’s trying to find that perfect hybrid,” DeCastro said of the street’s tenant mix. “The restaurants do great, but if people don’t shop in the stores, (it’s not working).”

“We try not to cannibalize the (business owners) who are here,” DeCastro said. “I feel like we’ve done this same thing with the restaurants. We (have) long-term (vision) for Lakewood Ranch.”

DeCastro said Main Street’s in-line design makes it harder to lease.

“We don’t have a lot of national brands because they require car counts,” she said. “To have a town center that’s 100% occupied in this market is just amazing.”

Offices on Main Street’s second level already are 100% occupied already.

For more information on Lakewood Ranch Main Street, visit lakewoodranch.com.

BY THE NUMBERS 1 — Number of letters of intent and leases still out on Lakewood Ranch Main Street 8 — In years,

how long it took Main Street to become fully leased for the first time

44,000 — In square feet, amount of office space on Lakewood Ranch Main Street 98 — Percent Main Street is leased without the final two tenants 157,822 — In

square feet, total amount of retail and office space on Lakewood Ranch Main Street

NEWS BRIEFS + School district preps for School Choice enrollment Parents who wish to send their child to a school other than the one to which they are zoned will have their chance during the Manatee County Public School District’s School Choice enrollment period, which will run Jan. 28 to Feb. 7.

Before the School Choice Open Enrollment Period begins, students and parents can attend the district’s School Information Fair from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 27, at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto.

Families can sign up for school choice at the fair.

Representatives from every public school and charter school in Manatee County will be at the fair to discuss educational programs, academies and opportunities.

The School Choice Open Enrollment Period is the only time during the year that parents can apply to have their child attend another school without citing a specific reason for the move.

Approval of school choice applications are subject to enrollment and other demographic criteria.

+ New section of Pope Road receives new name Manatee County has renamed a section of Pope Road, which leads north to the Lakewood Ranch communities of Bridgewater and Esplanade Golf and Country Club.

County staff discovered the original Pope Road off State Road 64 would not align with a newer section extending north from State Road 70. The new section of Pope Road has been renamed White Eagle Boulevard because county development codes do not allow two streets to share the same name.

White Eagle Boulevard runs north and south between State Roads 64 and 70.

Road signs for White Eagle Boulevard were installed recently.

The old section of Pope Road will retain its name.

MEETINGS AGENDAS

&

 Manatee County Board of County Commissioners Meeting — 9 a.m.

Jan. 28, at the Manatee County Administration Building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton  Manatee County School Board Workshop — 3 p.m. Jan. 28, at 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton

Manatee County School Board Meeting — 5:45 p.m. Jan. 28, at 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton  Manatee County Audit Committee Meeting — 3 p.m. Jan. 29, at 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton 

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Drs. Brad and Ashley Masuga plan to open an optometry practice on Main Street.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

FORWARD THINKING

by Josh Siegel | Staff Writer

YourObserver.com Lakewood Ranch supervisors NORTH AMERICA’S BEST OVERALL LOCAL NEWS SITE approve new revenue source Down to Earth, the landscape contractor for Lakewood Ranch CDDs, will rent space at Town Hall’s new maintenance facility.

TM

of The Sarasota-Manatee Originals The Observer has partnered with The Sarasota-Manatee Originals and is producing an online video series.

Each episode features one of the more than 53 members of The Originals.

Scan th e to watch QR code or visit o the video YourObs ur website, e InTheKit rver.com/ chen.

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DAILY HEADLINES

LAKEWOOD RANCH — When Ryan Heise helped negotiate a contract to buy land from Schroeder-Manatee Ranch to build a new maintenance facility to house his operations staff, he found the purchase price — and acreage — to be attractive.

Heise, the director of operations for Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, knew the five-acre property would exceed the space needed to support the $2 million facility, but he also predicted the extra space could present an opportunity.

“The thought was to purchase as much land as possible, knowing there would be a future use for it,” Heise said. “We would generate revenue until a time — when or if —Lakewood Ranch Operations needed to utilize the (extra) space.”

Lakewood Ranch Community Development District supervisors authorized an inter-local agreement Jan. 16 for their landscaping contractor, Down to Earth, to rent space at the facility; the deal represents a new revenue source for the districts.

“We already have a good relationship with Down to Earth, and this deal puts them closer to the property they take care of,” said Eva Rey, Lakewood Ranch Town Hall executive director. “And, now, we have new money coming in.”

The lease calls for Down to Earth, a Mount Dora-based company that provides landscape services to all of the CDDs, to pay $1,079 rent every month, plus utilities and common-area maintenance expenses. In total, the deal generates $1,500 per month in revenue for the districts.

Down to Earth will use a half-acre of the property to house a construction trailer

IN OTHER BUSINESS: All CDDs:

• The districts honored Steve Zielinski, chief financial officer, for six years of service.

CDD 1:

• The board authorized Supervisor June Stroup to fill in for Supervisor Allan Roth, the district’s Inter-District Authority (IDA) representative, when he cannot attend IDA meetings.

CDD 2 & 5:

• CDDs 2 and 5 have committed to placing yellow plastic markers in the middle of various curved roads to better guide residents. Staff is reviewing three bids for the work.

• CDD 2 board members voted to renew their contract with US Securities Inc. The contract carries a 3% cost increase.

for storing equipment. Personnel also will work out of the trailer.

CDD 2 is listed as the landlord on the lease, because the district financed the maintenance facility. Lease revenue will be distributed to districts based on the size and number of residential units within each district.

The contract, which begins Feb. 1, runs through September 2016 with automatic renewals tied to the districts’ maintenance contract with Down to Earth.

Contact Josh Siegel at jsiegel@yourobserver.com.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

5A

sunny forecast by Amanda Sebastiano | Staff Writer

Economist predicts ‘breakout year’ for area Henry Fishkind sees steady population and job growth in Manatee County’s 2014 forecast.

EAST COUNTY — As his PowerPoint presentation of graphs and statistics lit the screen behind him, Henry “Hank” Fishkind raved about Manatee County’s positive economic climate heading into 2014.

The economist and financial analyst, with 30 years of field experience, spoke about the increase in job opportunities and steady population growth as more than 350 area professionals listened intently to his economic forecast speech Jan. 16, at Manatee Technical Institute’s State Road 70 campus.

“We really have the wind at our backs (in Florida),” Fishkind said.

“These are very good trends.”

For 15 years, the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp. has invited an economic

BY THE NUMBERS 6.5 — Percentage of unem-

ployed Manatee County residents

3,200 — Predicted number of new Manatee County jobs in 2014

8,000 — Predicted number of new residents in Manatee County in 2014

350,000 — Number of residents who move to Florida each year

authority to speak once a year at a selected venue. This year’s EDCselected finance guru — a former member of Gov. Jeb Bush’s Council of Economic Advisers, among other educator and director roles at the University of Florida — boasted about the gradual increase of younger generations returning to the Sunshine State.

As more employment opportunities surface, so will “labor-aged people” and their families, Fishkind assured event participants.

In 2008 and 2009, the 18-to44 age group showed little to no activity on Fishkind’s radar of out-of-state residents moving to Florida, as the number of jobs available for the demographic dwindled, he said. In 2014, however, he estimates Manatee County will collectively become home to 8,000 new residents.

Fishkind credits the close proximity of East County, and other parts of the area, to the beach and other tourist attractions as being key elements that he expects to draw newcomers. Although the U.S. Census Bureau calculates Manatee County’s population to have grown by about 3,600 between 2012 and 2013, Fishkind believes the actual number is larger, and that it will increase at a strong, sustainable rate.

While population numbers and competition for jobs increase, the analyst remains optimistic and does not see any reason for job

Amanda Sebastiano

Mike Moschella, Henry Fishkind, Sharon Hillstrom and John Rice chat before the Economic Forecast presentation hosted Jan. 16 by the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp. seekers to worry — there will be enough employment opportunities, he believes. Fishkind predicts the addition of 3,200 jobs in Manatee County this year, with the possibility of a decrease in unemployment numbers in the foreseeable future.

As of November, the county’s unemployment rate sat at 6.5% — what Fishkind labeled “a good number.”

“This is really going to be a breakout year for Manatee County,” Fishkind said, smiling. “Tour-

ism is driving Florida — and this area.”

The nearly one-hour meeting did not just touch on the positive aspects of the county’s current upswing, however.

A higher demand for credit by consumers likely will raise interest rates by 2016, Fishkind noted; he expects that to affect the housing market.

On a statewide scale, higher interest rates will increase the prices of new and existing single-family homes, he projected.

However, he also sees the addition of new jobs and consumers having reliable sources of income, as a way to even the playing field with the rising interest rates.

Fishkind’s presentation assured attendees that the future of Manatee County is bright, as illustrated by a participant who smiled as he said quietly to a friend, “Well, that sounded promising.”

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at amandas@yourobserver.com.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

pieces in place by Josh Siegel | Staff Writer

Cardiac & Vascular Specialists

Photos by Josh Siegel

Before work began, left, an eroded bank of the Braden River allowed water to overlow into a nearby walking path and pond. To repair the bank, workers installed 3,000 square feet of articulating concrete, right, on top of the 400 tons of fill dirt to keep water in the river.

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LAKEWOOD RANCH — Spectrum Underground Inc. will finish repairing an eroded riverbank on the Braden River this week, in a project designed to prevent stormwater from flowing onto a nearby walking path and into a storm retention pond behind Greenbrook Adventure Park.

Spectrum Underground, the contractor hired by Lakewood Ranch Community Development District 4, began $75,000 in repairs in early January.

“The bank eroded way beyond what it should have been,” said Hondo Sunquist, vice president of Spectrum Underground.

“This is a preventative measure using one of the better products around so that overflowing does not happen again.”

Repairs are intended to smooth the eroded bank and make it less steep.

To begin work, an eight-man team from

Spectrum layered the slope with 400 tons of fill dirt — purchased for $3 per ton from Schroeder-Manatee Ranch — to create a smooth surface.

Workers then mounted articulating concrete, a mat of blocks that look like puzzle pieces, on top of the fill dirt.

During the last week of work, beginning Jan. 21, Spectrum was set to pour concrete onto the 3,000 square feet of mat, to anchor it and prevent it from moving.

The cells in the mat, square holes in each “puzzle piece,” will be filled with seeds to grow vegetation.

“It’s important that vegetation grows to hold the soil underneath the mat in place,” Sunquist said.

Sunquist’s crew worked daily during three weeks, excluding weekends, to perform the repairs. He says they will finish ahead of schedule.

The trail near the riverbank and behind the Adventure Park remained open during the process.

Contact Josh Siegel at jsiegel@yourobserver.com.

2014 MANATEE COUNTY FAIR FOOD, FUN, RIDES, AND ENTERTAINMENT ARTS AND CRAFTS YOUTH LIVESTOCK SHOWS JANUARY 16 - 26 Daily Shows at the fair:

Marty Stuart Concert Alter Eagles Concert Friday, Jan. 24th at 7:30 PM Thursday, Jan. 23rd at 7 PM

The Castillo Kids Jan. 18, 19, 25, 26

For Fair Information go to manateecountyfair.com

The Sweeny Family Band Jan. 23, 14, 25, 26

• The Dennis Lee Show • Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show • The Grizzly Experience • The Barnyard Review • Rock-It the Robot • Tadpole the Clown • Pig Races • Petting Zoo • Ed and Geraldine’s Old Time Music • Lawton’s Trout Farm Exhibit • 4-H and FFA Youth Livestock Shows

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CONCERTS: Marty Stuart Friday, Jan. 24 Alter Eagles Thursday Jan. 23 The Castillo Kids Jan. 18, 19, 25, 26 The Sweeny Family Band Jan. 23, 14, 25, 26

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

TIME MANAGEMENT

7A

by Amanda Sebastiano | Staff Writer

Amanda Sebastiano

Supervisors Lee Bettes and Michelle Patterson hope to discuss ways to make Heritage Harbour South CDD meetings more efficient in the future.

CDD meetings miss mark After adopting new procedures that include a time limit for meetings, supervisors of the Heritage Harbour South CDD struggle with efficiency. new procedures dictate that if supervisors decide they need more time than the allotted two hours, the board must pass a motion to extend the meeting in 30-minute increments.

After running out of time at last week’s meeting, CDD Chairwoman Joyce Sandy found herself mulling over options of how to make the board more efficient.

Sandy does not believe conducting longer meetings is the answer. She said an open-to-the-public workshop might be something to integrate.

“If we have a workshop prior to the meeting, where the public has a choice to come, then we can talk about how to handle invoices and financial matters there,” Sandy said. “The public appreciates that because it can be kind of boring to them; they want to get to the meat of the meeting.”

The next CDD meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, at the Stoneybrook Golf Club.

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EAST COUNTY — As the Jan. 16 Heritage Harbour South Community Development District meeting came to a close, community supervisors shook their heads in disapproval at the night’s events, or lack thereof.

“From an observer’s standpoint, they expect that we’re going to go over what’s on the agenda,” said Michelle Patterson, CDD vice chairwoman. “We should be getting our work done, whatever it takes.”

The supervisors struggled to get through the night’s agenda within their two-hour time limit last week, and they only covered one of six new business items after spending the bulk of their time discussing check approvals and staff reports — normally deemed less-important items.

In response to audience members’ and supervisors’ complaints about the lengthy duration of meetings, and to establish organization within the group, supervisors adopted a rules of procedure and meeting procedure document in December. The

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YourObserver.com

Editor / CEO / Matt Walsh mwalsh@yourobserver.com Publisher / Lisa Walsh lwalsh@yourobserver.com Chief Digital Officer / Emily Walsh ewalsh@yourobserver.com Executive Editor / Kat Hughes khughes@yourobserver.com Deputy Executive Editor / Jessica Luck jluck@yourobserver.com Managing Editor / Pam Eubanks peubanks@yourobserver.com Sports Editor / Jen Blanco jblanco@yourobserver.com Staff Writers / Josh Siegel, jsiegel@yourobserver.com Amanda Sebastiano, amandas@yourobserver.com Managing Editor/Design / Nancy Schwartz nschwartz@yourobserver.com Designer / Jess Eng jeng@plantcityobserver.com Managing Editor/Diversions-Season / Stephanie Hannum, stephanie@yourobserver.com Arts & Entertainment Editor / Mallory Gnaegy mgnaegy@yourobserver.com Black Tie Assistant Editor / Heather Merriman hmerriman@yourobserver.com Director of Advertising / Jill Raleigh jraleigh@yourobserver.com East County Advertising Manager / Lori Ruth lruth@yourobserver.com Sales Manager / Penny DiGregorio pdigregorio@yourobserver.com Sales Manager / Rosemary Felton rfelton@yourobserver.com Senior Advertising Executive / Laura Ritter lritter@yourobserver.com Advertising Executives / Robyn Didelot, rdidelot@yourobserver.com Patti Duff, pduff@yourobserver.com Laura Fernandez, lfernandez@yourobserver.com Beth Holman, bholman@yourobserver.com Beth Jacobson, bjacobson@yourobserver.com Robert Lewis, blewis@yourobserver.com Suzanne Munroe, smunroe@yourobserver.com Brand Marketing Manager / Leslie Gnaegy lgnaegy@yourobserver.com Sales Coordinator/Account Managers / Lori Downey, ldowney@yourobserver.com Susan Leedom, sleedom@yourobserver.com Rachel Livingston, rlivingston@yourobserver.com Classified Advertising Sales Executives/ Maureen Hird, mhird@yourobserver.com Deedie Parker, dparker@yourobserver.com Director of Creative Services and Information Technology / Kathy Payne, kpayne@yourobserver.com Assistant Creative Services Manager / Brooke Schultheis, bschultheis@yourobserver.com Advertising Graphic Designers / Monica DiMattei, mdimattei@yourobserver.com Marjorie Holloway, mholloway@yourobserver.com Jim Knake, jknake@yourobserver.com Chris Stolz, cstolz@yourobserver.com Luis Trujillo, ltrujillo@yourobserver.com Director of Digital Sales / Kathleen O’Hara kohara@yourobserver.com Interactive Art Director / Caleb Stanton cstanton@yourobserver.com Digital Marketing Consultant / Brandon Steinert bsteinert@digitalobservermedia.com Digital Content Producer / Alex Mahadevan alexm@yourobserver.com Chief Financial Officer / Laura Keisacker lkeisacker@yourobserver.com Controller / Lisa Schwenk lschwenk@yourobserver.com Office Coordinator / Donna Condon dcondon@yourobserver.com

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B.D. Gullett’s Jackie Holloway vies for the EdVantage Education Award for outstanding educator.

EAST COUNTY — As she finishes sorting graded assignments and prepares to walk down the hallway to retrieve her students from gym class, B.D. Gullett second-grade teacher Jackie Holloway lives her dream every day.

The mother of two and University of South Florida graduate has wanted to be a teacher since she was a second-grade student at Braden River Elementary in the early ’90s.

“I was successful when I was in school, and my teachers always made me feel that way,” Holloway said. “I loved that feeling and wanted to be able to give it to my own students someday.”

Holloway caught the attention of the Manatee County School District in October, at which time she learned she had been chosen as a nominee for the district’s annual award that celebrates outstanding educators and school support staff — the EdVantage Education Awards. The East County instructor and three other teachers in Manatee County were chosen as finalists for the educator award.

Holloway received the news in December that she would move on to the finals. She stood at the front of her classroom, with her back to the door. After hearing the door open, she glanced over her shoulder and saw Gullett Principal Kathy Hayes quietly walk in, to visit, Holloway assumed, as she often did.

“True to Jackie, she just kept teaching, even after we all walked in,” Hayes said, laughing. “Rick Mills, his team and I were standing there for a few minutes before she turned around and said to me, ‘It’s not just you in here!’”

Excited and surprised she could be a finalist after only teaching for

BY THE NUMBERS 5 — Number of phases for the project 16 — Day in January on which the Suncoast Branch of the American Civil Engineers named the project Project of the Year.

90 — Percent completed for

a new pump station associated with the project.

6 million — In gallons,

approximate amount of water to be supplied by the city of Bradenton to Lakewood Ranch daily.

IRRIGATION / PAGE 1A BRU’s $11 million reclaimed water interconnection project creates 11 miles of transmission pipes roughly from the River Run Waste Water Treatment Plant, near Pirate Stadium and Mixon Fruit Farms in Bradenton, south to State Road 70 and east to about Pope Road, in Lakewood Ranch.

Manatee County deeded a section of existing pipe, which runs between 45th Street East and just west of Caruso Road, to BRU as part of the project.

The first of five phases of the project — the construction of a pump station at the water treatment facility near Bradenton’s municipal golf course — is about 90% complete. All of the pipeline west of Interstate 75 (phase II) has been installed, said Jim McLellan,

Amanda Sebastiano

B.D. Gullett Elementary’s Jackie Holloway attended Braden River Elementary School as a child. eight years, Holloway said everything became a blur after the announcement.

Unsure who nominated her, Holloway had a feeling one of the five other second-grade teachers she works closely with each day chose her. Hayes also gave her input, and later wrote a letter of recommendation.

The principal has worked alongside Holloway since the school opened seven years ago, and she has witnessed Holloway “grow into the role” and provide individualized attention to students in need.

A Haitian student, with no knowledge of English, enrolled at Gullett in November, and found himself placed in Holloway’s class. After three months of daily engineering section manager for the city of Bradenton.

The remaining phases of the pipeline bring the transmission line along S.R. 70 from the Braden River to Pope Road and include the installation of a connect line for BRU from Lakewood Ranch Boulevard to Lorraine Road.

The main transmission line will bring reclaimed water to SMR’s property roughly from Lakewood Ranch Boulevard east to Lorraine Road and north to State Road 64.

The transition line will connect the new line with existing infrastructure used for irrigating developed residential areas north of the Braden River, including the Summerfield and Greenbrook communities.

McLellan said contractors are on schedule and pipeline completion is expected by the end of March.

“They are on schedule,” McLellan said. “They’ve had pretty good luck with the contracts and construction.”

Once the pipeline is finished, testing will commence. The city of Bradenton expects to begin water delivery by May. “It takes a little bit of time to test it and make sure (the line) doesn’t leak,” McLellan said. “The vast majority of the pipeline has been done by the directionaldrill process, which means all the pipe is fused together before it’s put into place. There aren’t many joints that could leak.”

McLellan said the project benefits both BRU and the city and

30-minute reading blocks, during which Holloway and other instructors teach him the alphabet and basic phonics comprehension at a first-grade reading level, he now reads at the top tier of remedial first-grade readers, Holloway said. The student illustrates one of the biggest lessons Holloway has learned throughout her career — the importance of catering to the students’ needs. She continuously works with the other second-grade teachers to create lesson plans that target areas in which students struggle most and that also fulfill the new Common Core requirements.

Growing up in the Manatee County school system, Holloway can’t believe how much information today’s students need to

learn, she said. To her, the learning process starts with a relationship.

“For many kids, learning is about stability,” Holloway said, with tears forming in her eyes.

“This is the only constant in their day. I’m very real with my students, and they see that and trust that in me.”

The winner of the EdVantage Education Awards will be announced at the ceremony held at 7 p.m. March 12, at Manatee Technical Institute’s State Road 70 campus.

“I’ve been here since the school opened, so I’m not just representing myself in the competition,” Holloway said. “I’m representing this school.”

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at amandas@yourobserver.com.

64

Existing River Run Tank

64

26TH ST.

75

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301

Proposed 24” Transmission Main

LVD

Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944

Local teacher recognized as finalist

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

award-winning by Amanda Sebastiano | Staff Writer

57TH ST. E.

Observer EAST COUNTY

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

45TH ST.

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Existing 16” Transmission Main

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was awarded Project of the Year Jan. 16 by the Suncoast Branch of the American Civil Engineers.

“We don’t have a developed urban reclaimed system for us to distribute to folks within downtown,” McLellan said. “We don’t have the pipe network to do that; it would be cost prohibitive to construct that.

“But, we have excess water,” he said. “This project is going to allow us to significantly reduce, if not totally eliminate, our discharge to the (Manatee River) and allow the water we have to be beneficially used by the people of Lakewood Ranch.”

McLellan said reclaimed water is a clean, viable water source that, up to this point, has not been fully utilized.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District is encouraging the use of reclaimed water, which is better for irrigation than well water.

The new pipeline will deliver about 6 million gallons of water to Lakewood Ranch each day.

Lakewood Ranch currently uses well water and reclaimed water supplied by the city of Sarasota to meet irrigation needs.

Contact Pam Eubanks at peubanks@yourobserver.com.

YourObserver.com 75

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

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DEVELOPMENT

CREEKW OO D

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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by Josh Siegel | Staff Writer

Ranch Lake Apartments near completion

70

The East County apartment project has begun leasing and will begin moving in residents in March.

ties such as a clubhouse and pool, fitness center, tennis and basketball courts and a putting green.

Kitchens in the apartment units will have granite countertops and the bathrooms are tiled black and white. The buildings are sand-colored, with a white trim and brown paint at their foundations.

Walking trails and trees make the community feel secluded. Of the property’s 48 acres, CORE has built on less than half of them.

N

In frequent trips to East County from Boston, Sterner has studied the competition.

“We know the market inside and out,” Sterner said. “We were excited about the market before we knew about the Mall at (University Town Center). Once we knew about it, we thought, ‘We have to do this.’ There’s so much stuff going on and we are right in the middle of it.”

At Ranch Lake, apartments will cost from $1,000 to $1,600 per month.

Contact Josh Siegel at jsiegel@ yourobserver.com.

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“We’re excited for the community to see and feel what we’ve been working on.”

Although Forest Properties owns and manages 400 apartment units in Sarasota, Ranch Lake Apartments is the company’s first from-scratch development in Florida.

Once finished, Ranch Lake will offer one-, two- and three-bedroom units, and it also will include 24 detached garages and ameni-

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Jim Nichols, of CORE Construction, and Sheila Boyd, property manager for Ranch Lake Apartments, stand by a wooded area of the property.

More than half of the 48-acre property has been left untouched.

The community is gated, with two entrances and exits accessed by a card.

Ranch Lake modeled the look after Bella Apartments Orlando, which shares the same architect, Owen G. Carr.

“People will feel like they’re in the middle of nature,” Sterner said. “What you’re getting is classy and subtle and not crazy, but you’re getting a lot for this type of budget.”

There’s also a fireplace under a covered lanai outside the clubhouse by the pool.

The clubhouse, set to open in this month as leasing picks up, has a clock tower, an aesthetic quality also used at Bella Apartments Orlando.

Until the clubhouse opens, leasing will be handled at a temporary office in the Lakeview Professional Center at 9114 58th Drive E., Bradenton, also off State Road 70.

The community opens at a time when two other Lakewood Ranch apartment projects — The Venue at Lakewood Ranch, across from Lakewood Ranch Main Street, and Creekside Apartments, the second phase to Lost Creek Apartments, off Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, are under construction.

RANC

EAST COUNTY — Continuing to fulfill a need for multifamily housing in East County, the latest apartment complex to come off the ground has begun leasing.

Interested renters can move into Ranch Lake Apartments, a housing community on 48 acres off a winding road behind the State Road 70 Walmart, starting in March.

The entire complex, which will include 336 units inside 14 threestory buildings, will be finished by mid-June.

Three buildings with 72 units will be available for move-in by the end of March.

As of Jan. 21, Ranch Lake had leased 20 apartment units.

Sarasota-based CORE Construction, the contractor building the apartments, is working on the interior of the three buildings.

Boston-based Forest Properties officially purchased the site, as well as plans for the surrounding property, in December 2012 from Village Partners, a venture between Investors Realty and Carr Investment.

“Things are really moving along,” said Dan Sterner, director of acquisitions in New England and Florida for Forest Properties.

10A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

education by Josh Siegel | Staff Writer

State officials discuss Common Core changes Officials traveled to Mixon’s Fruit Farms to defend the importance of new learning standards.

EAST COUNTY — Kathy Kimes, a fifth-grade teacher at McNeal Elementary School, feels constrained by the Common Core State Standards.

Kimes rose from her seat at a Tea Party Manatee program on Common Core and complained that policy is invading her ability to teach. “Beginning next year, I will not be able to give my students the formula for calculating the area of a square,� Kimes said to two state education officials and 100 other people attending the Jan. 14 program at Mixon Fruit Farms. “My principal is telling us that Tallahassee is saying, ‘This is how you have to teach now,’� Kimes said. “They want me to give my students a real square and tell them to figure out for themselves how to calculate the area.� “Who is they?� asked Jim Browder, a regional executive director for the Florida Department of Education. “You is they,� Kimes replied.

This exchange was exemplary of the defiant — yet conciliatory — tone of the program, intended as a forum for Browder and John Colon, of the Florida State Board

“

of Education, to explain the status of Florida’s implementation of the Common Core State Standards.

The meeting coincided with the state education commissioner’s proposal last week to tweak the standards to make the learning requirements unique to Florida.

Most individuals who attended the Common Core program said they doubted the 98 proposed changes State Education Commissioner Pam Stewart suggested would change anything. “This is just Common Core in a new package,� said Brenda Pastorick.

Some individuals, such as Kimes, wondered if the standards, which are being transitioned into schools districtwide, are being implemented like they should. “The standards are not curriculum,� Browder said. “They are the what (students should know), not the how. If you have a problem with curriculum, talk to your school board. States set the standards. Districts set the curriculum.�

By proposing changes to Florida’s version of Common Core, the state education commissioner

successful in college and careers.

Teachers, parents and school administrators from across the country provided input on the standards.

Across Florida, kindergarten and first-grade students started their Common Core education last school year. The standards were implemented in second grade this year with phasing in for grades three through 12 to come.

The 2014-15 school year is supposed to bring full implementation of the standards, but that timeline is not firm because of the state’s potential changes.

In Manatee County, before new Superintendent Rick Mills took the position, a team of internal educators, dubbed the Common Core Design and Innovation Team, created curriculum road maps to guide how the standards are taught in district classrooms.

Diana Greene, Mills’ deputy superintendent of instruction, leads the implementation of the standards now.

This school year, the district reinstalled early-release Wednesdays to provide extra time for teachers to participate in Common Core workshops.

Steven Valley, director of communications for Manatee County Schools, said the district would wait until the state adopts changes to its policy to comment. “We want to ensure Florida’s standards allow our kids to be world class,� Browder said.

Contact Josh Siegel at jsiegel@ yourobserver.com.

Josh Siegel

John Colon of the Florida State Board of Education told a vocal crowd that innovation requires standards to change. was responding to public criticism about the standards — national benchmarks adopted in more than 45 states that outline what students should know at each grade level. “These are the Florida Standards, not the Common Core Standards,� Colon said. “Nothing is written in stone. More changes are coming, and we’re willing to listen to your input.�

The standards are not curriculum. They are the what (students should know), not the how. If you have a problem with curriculum, talk to your school board.

States set the standards. Districts set the curriculum.

Jim Browder, a regional executive director for the Florida Department of Education

The state board of education will vote Feb. 18 on the changes, which include adding new calculus standards and requiring students to master cursive writing.

Opponents, including some in attendance at Mixon, remained unconvinced. They said the revised standards still constitute federal overreach, even though the federal government did not create Common Core standards.

To develop the Common Core program, the nation’s governors and education commissioners, with the backing of the College Board, ACT and the National Teacher Association, among other organizations, determined what students need to know to be

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

LONGBOAT

CORNER

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

JAN. 5 CAT WALK 11:33 a.m. — 6700 block of Carlyle Lane. Theft. Two people visited a woman’s home to care for her cat while she was away. The woman reported someone stole items from her home during that time period.

JAN. 7 CANDID CAMERA 3:35 p.m. — 36000 block of State Road 70 E. Theft. A man wearing an empty, unzipped backpack entered a convenience store. Two younger females accompanied the man. The man walked to the back of the store and selected a 24 pack of beer. He walked out of the view of cameras. Seconds later, the man reappeared, and this time his backpack was zipped and shaped to the size of the case of beer. The man and the females then exited the store without paying for any items. They fled the scene in a light-colored four-door vehicle.

Later, an employee at the store reviewed surveillance video and saw the trio steal the items. The employee asked an unidentified person to view the video. That person recognized the suspects in the case but would not cooperate with police.

JAN. 11 BOGEY MAN 3:26 p.m. — 8000 block of Stone Harbour Loop. Theft. A man reported someone stole his golf bag. He does not know who stole it.

JAN. 7 FRAUDULENT FOOTWORK 9:41 a.m. — 6200 block of State Road 64 E. Theft. A woman was observed in the shoe department of a store selecting a pair of shoes. The woman concealed the shoes in her purse. She then walked to the ladies department, where she selected a package of socks. She pulled the price tag from the socks and placed them in her purse. She exited the grocery side of the store without paying for the items. vard. Property Found. A woman was making a deposit in the night deposit vault of a bank when she found a set of keys. The woman took the keys home and called the sheriff’s office.

JAN. 12 DINNER DRAMA 10:59 p.m. — 5000 block of Vassar Lane. Property Damage. Two female friends went to eat at a restaurant. One of the friend’s former roommates joined them. One of the women became angry during the meal. When another one of the women returned to her vehicle, she found her tires were punctured. The tire punctures were perfectly round, possibly done with a screwdriver or ice pick, a deputy said. The tires are valued at $400.

KEY DROP 3:41 p.m. — 5400 block of Tara Boule-

YOUROBSERVER.COM // Read more of this week’s Cops Corner reports.

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YourObserver.com

COUNT ON IT

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

by Pam Eubanks | Managing Editor

Elections office verifies statewide petitions

BY THE NUMBERS 2— Number of statewide petitions being considered for the November ballot

Pam Eubanks

127110

Poll worker training supervisor Laura Panico validates a petition by comparing the signature, among other items, to voter-registration cards.

MANATEE COUNTY — The 2014 elections are months away, but employees of the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections office are already buzzing with activity.

Workers are combing through thousands of petitions for statewide initiatives to legalize medical marijuana and to dedicate 33% of net revenues from the existing excise tax on documents toward acquiring, restoring and managing conservation lands.

Petitions are due Jan. 31. If all Florida counties garner enough signatures for each respective petition drive, the initiatives will appear on the November ballot.

Workers validate each petition by comparing street addresses,

dates of birth and signatures.

“You’re trying to change the constitution of the state of Florida,” Supervisor of Elections Mike Bennett said. “We want to verify the people who want to vote on this are registered voters in the state of Florida.”

As of Jan. 17, a petition to legalize medical marijuana in Florida had garnered 21,596 signatures.

The petition for land conservation had received about 11,075 signatures, of about 28,000 needed between Sarasota and Manatee counties for each petition.

Bennett said about 20% of petitions received had been dubbed invalid for various reasons, including discrepancies in signatures.

20 — Percentage of petitions deemed invalid 21,596

— Number of petitions received in Manatee County in support of medical marijuana legalization as of Jan. 17

650,000

— Approximate number of signatures each petition initiative must garner statewide

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

Josh Siegel

Dick Moran, who represents CDD 2 on the Country Club/Edgewater Village Association’s Safety Committee, said the CDD will request input on 24/7 patrols.

PATROLS / PAGE 1A request less security than that, depending on neighborhood responses.

The residents of CDDs 2, 5, 6 and Edgewater would pay for increased security; the amount would appear on a household’s normal tax bill.

Moran determined that 24/7 patrols would cost $324,120 annually, equating to $129.08 per home, or about 35 cents per household, per day.

If the districts contracted for 12-hour patrols every day, the cost would be cut in half, to $162,060 annually, which amounts to $64.54 per home.

Currently, the CDDs pay for patrols specific to speeding. Those patrols occur five to six days a month.

Neighborhood chairmen should present the consensus of their neighborhoods — in the form of a written statement — before the February Country Club/Edgewater Village Association meeting, the memo says.

Based on that feedback, the CDD boards would then vote on any further action.

A formal public vote involving homeowners will not occur, Moran said.

CDD board members and community leaders have been discussing ways to enhance security — and to strengthen protective measures already in place — ever since a string of home burglaries hit the

13A

community this fall.

From Oct. 16 to Nov. 16, there were six home burglaries in the sheriff’s office N80 sector, encompassing Interstate 75 to Lorraine Road and State Road 70 to University Parkway.

Dave Bristow, public information officer for the sheriff’s office, says his team has made arrests related to the cases and has a “pretty good idea those people are responsible.”

Since Jan. 1, Bristow said, there has been one residential burglary in the N80 sector, an area governed by Capt. Lorenzo Waiters.

Bristow says the sheriff’s office provides the same level of patrols to Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club as it does to other communities. He believes the level of service is enough.

“We don’t do 24/7 patrols anywhere,” Bristow said. “And Lakewood Ranch is not exactly a hot bed of crime. Usually, when we do provide extensive patrols, it’s to a store that’s been burglarized or maybe an apartment complex at night. Everyone always wants more coverage. Lakewood Ranch has good coverage.”

Bristow says that on a typical day, Waiters will captain a squad with one sergeant, a lieutenant and about nine deputies.

The squad will venture to different areas of a zone during the day and night.

One squad per shift mans a specific area.

Whereas the squad features on-duty officers who can be called to a scene, patrols are off-duty, meaning the deputies still wear their uniforms and drive a sheriff’s car, but they cannot be called to an incident outside the patrol area.

Within the area they are patrolling, officers can detain someone acting suspiciously, ticket speeders and make arrests.

A previous attempt to institute 24/7 patrols in Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club failed years ago, Moran said. Homeowners voted the idea down.

“Perhaps these options are more than we need,” Moran said. “But one burglary is too many. Where do we draw the line?”

Contact Josh Siegel at jsiegel@yourobserver.com.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

THE GOOD NEWS // How donors, volunteers and beneficiaries connect

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ADELL EROZER Adell Erozer and Turning Points in Manatee use compassion to change the lives of the homeless.

When Adell Erozer moved in 2002 to Sarasota, she experienced a lot of difficulty finding a job. She had been living abroad for nearly 17 years and, in that time, most of her work experience was volunteer-based. As the wife of a diplomat, she was not allowed to work in a country with high unemployment.

“When I came back, nobody would hire me,” she says. “Nobody would even look at my resume.”

After two years of searching, she learned about an open position for executive director at Turning Points, a Manatee County organization that provides assistance to the homeless and those at risk for homelessness. She admits that she was initially hesitant about the job.

“At first, I didn’t know if I wanted to be the executive director of a homeless organization because I had this idea of who the homeless were. It wasn’t until I started working here that I realized they’re a lot more than just those people we envision

“I didn’t know if I wanted to be the executive director of a homeless organization. I had this idea of who the homeless were. It wasn’t until I started working here that I realized they’re a lot more than just the people we envision. Now, it’s something I’m very passionate about.”

— in fact, that’s a very small part of the population. Now, this is something I’m very passionate about.”

She says her job-searching difficulties actually better prepared her for the position.

“It can be very frustrating, knowing you’re very qualified, but you’re new, nobody knows you, and you haven’t worked in 17 years,” she says.

“It’s nice to realize someone

YOUROBSERVER.COM/THEGOODNEWS // Learn more about Turning Points and the point-in-time survey.

Nick Friedman

gave me a chance. I want to pass that on and give other people an opportunity. A lot of times, that’s all people need to get back on track.”

Erozer brought her experience in community health to Turning Points, which provides services such as rental assistance, hygiene needs, food, medical and dental services, job-skill training and special programs for veterans.

Turning Points is currently seeking volunteers for its

regular office hours as well as for an upcoming study.

On Monday, Jan. 27, the organization will conduct a 24hour point-in-time survey to get an accurate count of all homeless people in Sarasota and Manatee counties — information that Erozer says is essential to effectively working to solve homelessness.

“There’s nothing more personally satisfying than being able to do something that will help somebody else,” she says.

// BY THE NUMBERS

2,000

Approximate number of homeless children in Manatee County last year

24

Hours in the point-in-time survey

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

15A

growing knowledge by Amanda Sebastiano | Staff Writer

Students use green thumbs

Gullett students learn to care for plants using EarthBoxes.

EAST COUNTY — Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays after she finishes eating lunch with her classmates, fourth-grade B.D. Gullett student Zoey Lipton rushes outside to care for her other friends.

The 9-year-old is one of three students who, under Cafeteria Manager Joey TerMaat’s guidance, planted fruits, vegetables and herbs inside EarthBoxes about two weeks ago. The plastic boxes provide growing space for plants of the gardener’s choice, with few maintenance and environment requirements.

The nine boxes at Gullett include food items such as kale, bok choy and strawberries, Zoey’s favorite.

As part of the tri-weekly routine, she completes alongside her friends, 9-year-olds Devin Riggs and Julie Cruger, she pours water down a black tube in a corner of the box — but not too much, she instructs while pointing to the overflow hole at the bottom of the box that holds the strawberries.

The hydroponic system focuses on the ability of the plant to essentially water itself, as long as the caretaker fills the box to its limit — when water seeps from the overflow hole. The rest is up to the box.

In some situations, too much water can be a problem, however.

“I’ve learned a lot about how much water can affect how the plants grow,” Lipton said. “We had some plants die because of all the rain, I think.”

She points to the empty box to her left, where tomatoes should have been growing. She sighs and explains that too much rain over the last few weeks, she speculates, drowned the would-be vegetable. EarthBox instructions explain that excess amounts of rainfall can be harmful to tomatoes.

The school’s garden is not just to give the students an extracurricular activity to keep them busy, however.

GRAND OPENING!

JANUARY 16TH - 27TH Amanda Sebastiano

Nine-year-old Zoey Lipton cares for fruits and vegetables located inside EarthBoxes at B.D. Gullett Elementary School.

For months, TerMaat planned to start the project and involve students, after seeing the children’s support for the school’s garden club. TerMaat and Gullett Principal Kathy Hayes want to teach students more about from where their food originates before it’s put on their plates at lunchtime.

“It’s great that the kids get to see what vegetables look like from the early stages,” Hayes said. “They get to see how they grow.”

After gardening for a few weeks, Zoey already has asked her mother for something.

“I told her that when we move into our new house next year, I want my own garden,” Zoey said, smiling, before hurrying back to class.

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at amandas@yourobserver.com.

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YourObserver.com

ABOUT THE OWNER The Ameres patriarch and matriarch, Emanuel and Popi, have spent their lives in the kitchen, particularly in Popi’s Place restaurants.

Emanuel Ameres worked as a chef on ships in the Greek Navy, while Popi Ameres cooked at home, using recipes from her mother, “Yaya.”

The couple married when they were 16 years old.

They moved in 1970 to Cleveland, so Emanuel Ameres could work as a chef for Brown Derby Restaurant, a company known for steaks and owned by a Greek man who hired many fellow Greeks.

Popi Ameres soon became the first female chef at the restaurant.

In 1975, the couple transferred to a Brown Derby location in St. Petersburg.

That year, they opened their first restaurant, The Grapevines, an upscale establishment at 14th Street West and Cortez Road, in Bradenton.

The Amereses then opened a similar restaurant, Seven Seas, before starting the Old Town Café, which served homestyle, modest food, like Popi’s Place does.

The first Popi’s Place opened in 1984.

All of the former restaurants, except Popi’s Place restaurants, are closed now.

Each of the Popi’s Place locations is run by family members, including the Ameres’ sons, Andy and George, or friends of the family.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

DOING BUSINESS //

Popi’s Place on the Ranch LAKEWOOD RANCH — They are family, so when Popi Ameres and her son, Andy, interrupt each other while discussing their latest restaurant — presenting their thoughts as one — it hardly counts as rude.

The Amereses are comfortable together, which is clear whether they are sitting on the same side of a booth in their restaurant or in the living room enjoying big Greek family dinners.

The family focus guides the single-minded strategy of their business — Popi’s Place restaurants (pronounced pope-ee)— Manatee County staples since the 1980s known for comfort food and large portions.

Their latest project and eighth Andy Ameres, with his mother, Popi, family-run restaurant, Popi’s Place Ranch location, which has a unique, on the Ranch, opens the week oriented atmosphere. of Jan. 27, next to the Walmart in Ranch Lake Plaza.

And the family serves food that It is the Amereses’ first East customers would probably eat at County restaurant, and it repre- home — but better. sents more restrained growth for The menu, which stays the the family business. same at each restaurant, primarily “I get up in the morning and I’m serves homemade “country clasnot sure (which restaurant) I will sics” such as omelets, deli sandend up (at),” Popi Ameres said. “I wiches and meatloaf. love cooking and that’s my pasThe only sign of Greek in the ression, so I want to be there wher- taurants is the daily specials, the ever we need help. Our customers Greek salads and the family itself. are a part of our lives, and we care There is an Ameres family memfor them, even as we grow.” ber at every Popi’s Place restauSince the first Popi’s Place rant — all eight of them — right at opened 30 years ago at McKechnie home in the kitchen at 4 a.m. makField, the Amereses have strived to ing homemade biscuits. make customers feel at home.

Andy Ameres and his wife, Kalli, They design each restaurant to will run Popi’s Place on the Ranch. fit with the location and the peoKalli Ameres fashioned the locaple who eat there. tion like a ranch.

POPI’S PLACE ON THE RANCH

Owners: Andy Ameres and his wife, Kalli Opens: Week of Jan. 27 Hours: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Monday through Sunday Location: 5820 Ranch Lake Blvd., Bradenton Services: Popi’s Place on the Ranch is an extension of a family restaurant business known for home cooking, Greek specialties and friendly service.

Website: popisplace.com

Josh Siegel

will run the family’s Lakewood rustic feel but the same family-

Paintings of horses line the walls, next to rope and mirrors.

A prominent bar offers beer and wine.

“Every location has its own character, but the principles in each are the same,” Andy Ameres said. “The recipes are consistent; we have a broad menu with filling portions. It’s hard to do this — to make things fresh to order and family-oriented. Our customers are understanding when we make mistakes because they know what we put into it.”

The strategy means having higher food costs and a larger staff who work long hours.

Andy Ameres said he expects to hire 30 to 40 people to staff the

Lakewood Ranch location, including culinary students from Manatee Technical Institute.

Popi Ameres and her husband, Emanuel, adopted the strategy for their restaurants because of their work in the kitchen (see sidebar).

Popi’s Place became the apex of the dream.

Today, all of the Popi’s Place locations are named for the place in which they reside, such as Popi’s Place Palmetto and Popi’s Place Ellenton.

The family also franchised a restaurant for the first time, granting ownership of the Popi’s Place at Sarabay to a family the Amereses know from St. Barbara’s Greek Orthodox Church.

“We still know how to stay small,” Andy Ameres said. “Any time we open a new restaurant, we’re excited to be a part of that neighborhood, and Lakewood Ranch is no different.”

Before her son could finish, Popi Ameres said, “We’re here because our customers made us this way.”

Contact Josh Siegel at jsiegel@ yourobserver.com.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

17A

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Headed on a great vacation? Make sure to take your Observer along! Visit YourObserver.com and click on the “Contests” tab in the upper-right hand corner to submit your entries. We can’t wait to see where The Observer will travel next!

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COMMUNITYCALENDAR

18A

FRIDAY, JAN. 24 Lakewood Ranch Republican Club — meets at noon at the Lakewood Ranch Holiday Inn, 6231 Lake Osprey Drive, Lakewood Ranch. Kathleen King, chairwoman of the Republican Party of Manatee County and secretary of the Republican Party of Florida, will be the guest speaker.

Lunch costs $20. For reservations, email sjc@mailmt.com, or call 322-9164.

South Florida Museum Fridays: ‘The Right Stuff’ — plays at 7 p.m at the South Florida Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. This film is being shown as part of a moonthemed film series. Film is rated PG. Cost is $3 for museum

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

members and $5 for nonmembers. Paid reservations required. RSVP to 746-4131, Ext. 13.

SATURDAY, JAN. 25 Healthy Living Organic & Natural Market Grand Opening — runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Healthy Living Organic & Natural Market, 10671 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch. Sample products from every department, participate in raffles and prizes, talk with nutrition counselors and more. For more information, call 907-6865.

Dexter Jackson — will be on site from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Lakewood Walk Publix, 11205 State Road 70, Bradenton. The former Tampa Bay Buccaneers player will be available to greet the public. For more information, call 7274180.

Ed’s Tavern Five-Year Anniversary Party — starts at 6 p.m. at Ed’s Tavern, 10719 Rodeo Drive, Lakewood Ranch. Enjoy live music

by Paper Airplanes, as well as craft beer, liquor samplings and a visit by the Miller Lite girls. For more information, visit edstavernlwr. com.

Alienated Grandparents Anonymous — meets at 7 p.m.

at Living Lord Lutheran Church, 11107 Palmbrush Trail, Lakewood Ranch. A representative of Hope Family Services will speak about domestic violence and how an abuser isolates a victim from family, friends and grandchildren. AGA is a support group for alienated grandparents. For more information, visit aga-bradentonsarasota.org or email aga2_lwr@ yahoo.com.

First Ave. W., Bradenton.

Social begins at 6 p.m. Dinner follows at 6:30 p.m. Troy Pumphrey, an investigator with the Manatee County School Board’s Office of Professional Standards, will be the keynote speaker. Dinner costs $20.

Reservations are required to Stephanie DeSear at 720-4186 or stephanie.DeSear@yahoo. com.

MONDAY, JAN. 27

How to Write a Book — runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at 1437 Tallevast Road, Sarasota. The Fox Business Group presents this seminar led by Barbara Bingham. Cost is $45. For more information and registration, call 751-4289.

Manatee Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours — runs from 5 to 7 p.m. at McKechnie Field, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton.

Chamber members and prospective members can enjoy complimentary appetizers and networking. Event is free for chamber members. For more information, contact Jen Bartolone at 748-4842, Ext. 122, or visit ManateeChamber. com.

Manatee County Schools School Information Fair — runs from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto. Families can learn about all the district schools and programs. For more information, call 708-8770, Ext. 2045.

TUESDAY, JAN. 28 Manatee Forum Republican Women Federated — meets at 6 p.m at Pier 22, 1200

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 29

THURSDAY, JAN. 30 Young Leaders Alliance Education Breakfast: ‘Achieving Personal and Professional Success’ — runs from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Keiser University, 6151 Lake Osprey Drive, Sarasota.

Attendees will hear from Marc Simms, owner of RPM Business Advisors, and also receive a complimentary consultation with Simms. Cost is $35 for members and $50 for non-members. For more information, visit youngleadersalliance.com.

Effective Advocacy for Animals Presentation — runs from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Cat Depot

McNeal Elementary Winter Carnival — runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 25, at McNeal Elementary School, 6325 Lorraine Road, Lakewood Ranch. The event, for children ages preschool through elementary school, boasts inflatables, carnival-style games and prizes. Hot dogs, popcorn and other food items will be available for purchase. Proceeds from a face-painting booth will benefit a McNeal family who has a child battling cancer. Teachers run their own carnival events, and proceeds from their booths go to their classrooms. The event is open to the public. For more information, email mcnealpto@gmail.com

SUNDAY, JAN. 26 Devereaux-Kaiser Antique Car Show — runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Rangeland Parkway, in Lakewood Ranch. Hosted by the Sunshine Region AACA and Lakewood Ranch, the event will feature thousands of vintage 1989 and older vehicles on display. Entry is free. There is no vehicle registration cost. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Individuals wishing to sell their cars can place their car in the “collector car corral” for a cost of $25. For more information about the show, visit sunshineregionaaca.com or lakewoodranch.com.

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Join Kate MacFall, Florida state director for the Humane Society of the United States, and Carey Theil, executive director for FREY2K USA, in a discussion on current issues facing animals, state and national animal legislation and what you can do to help animals in your community.

For more information, visit cat depot.org or call 366-2404.

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Sports

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

5

SOCCER Lady Mustangs capture 11th district title.

PAGE 20A

YOUROBSERVER.COM

HIGH

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

BASEBALL

girls weightlifting by Jen Blanco | Sports Editor

by Jen Blanco | Sports Editor

Catcher’s dream fulfilled

MOMENTS OF THE WEEK

Andrew Giddens has controlled the diamond for the past four years; it’s a position he’s looking to further elevate next season at Ave Maria University.

1

The Out-ofDoor Academy alumnus Sekou Bangoura defeated No. 7 seed Yoshihito Nishioka of Japan 6-4, 6-2 to win the Men’s $10K Plantation Community Open, a USTA Pro-Circuit event, Jan. 12.

2

Braden River High freshman shortstop Kinsey Goelz recently announced her verbal commitment to play softball for the University of South Florida.

3

Mark Sulimirski and Filip Svoboda each scored a goal to propel The Outof-Door Academy boys soccer team to a 2-0 victory against Dunbar Jan. 14.

4

Michael Staikos had eight saves to lead the Cardinal Mooney High boys soccer team to a 4-0 victory against Sarasota Jan. 17.

5

Cameron Darby scored 13 points and hauled in seven rebounds to help lead the Lakewood Ranch High boys basketball team to a 61-46 victory against Indian Rocks Christian in the Keith McCollom Shootout Jan. 18, at Seminole High.

Sarah Weiss’s father, Ben, introduced her to weightlifting.

Photos by Jen Blanco

DISTRICT CHAMP Braden River High junior Sarah Weiss will compete in the District 8 State Qualifier Jan. 22 at Charlotte High.

BRADEN RIVER — Sarah Weiss did not know what to expect.

It was her first year on the Braden River High girls weightlifting team, and the thensophomore was simply trying to make it through the season.

A trip to the state finals was the furthest thing from her mind.

But, as the season progressed, Weiss found she had a knack for the sport, and it wasn’t long before Weiss surprised herself by winning her first district title.

She went on to finish third at the District 8 State Qualifier two weeks later and earn a berth in the state finals.

“I honestly didn’t expect anything at all,” Weiss says. “Going to regionals was very stressful. I didn’t know I would get stressed out in front of people.”

The stress of the state qualifier carried over into the state finals. Weiss missed her first lift and was unable to recover enough to make the podium.

“There were so many people watching,” Weiss says. “I was in shock.”

Weiss used the experience not only as a learning tool but also as motivation.

She spent the offseason working out in the gym with her father, Ben, who initially introduced Weiss to the sport.

She spent hours perfecting her form and improving her mental toughness.

Heading into this season, Weiss pushed aside thoughts of personal bests and school records and focused solely on one expectation — making a return trip to the state finals.

Weiss advanced one step closer to her ultimate goal when she won the 169-pound

SEE WEISS / PAGE 21A

Braden River’s Sarah Weiss has a personal best of 150 pounds in the bench press and 125 pounds in the clean and jerk.

LAKEWOOD RANCH — As the sun began to set over the ballpark, a then 12-year-old Andrew Giddens, who was in the midst of his final Majors Little League season, prepared to bid farewell to the field he had called home for the past four years.

It was there on the 60-foot base paths that Giddens strengthened his right arm throwing out base runners, perfected his slide and stepped into the batter’s box with the game on the line on more than one occasion.

He learned the importance of playing together as a team, and most importantly, he developed a routine he would later fall back on as he transitioned into one of the area’s most talented catchers.

Now five years later, the Lakewood Ranch High senior catcher is about to embark on his final high school season while also preparing to play at the collegiate level.

On Jan. 16, Giddens saw his dream come to fruition when he signed a national letter of intent to play baseball for Ave Maria University.

Giddens, who plans to major in physical therapy, chose Ave Maria over the University of North Florida for its atmosphere, small class size, tradition and passion.

“It’s exciting,” Giddens says. “I don’t have a lot of friends going to college for baseball. I feel gifted to be able to keep playing. I’m just happy to be a part of a great program with great coaches and a great history.”

A former soccer player, Giddens began playing baseball when he was 8 years old at the urging of one of his friends.

But it wasn’t until his final season on the small fields that the then 12-year-old hit his stride when he launched his first career home run.

“That sparked a moment for me,” Giddens says. “I had 12 home runs after that. It seemed like that season I hit a home run in every game.”

Following that season, Giddens elevated his level of play in hopes of making his high school baseball team.

Two years later, in the middle of his sophomore season, Giddens looked to former teammate Brad Zunica, who now plays for

SEE GIDDENS / PAGE 21A

20A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

GIRLS SOCCER

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

by Jen Blanco | Sports Editor

Crowning Achievement The Lakewood Ranch High girls soccer team captured its fifth consecutive district championship with a 3-0 victory against Braden River Jan. 17.

The Cardinal Mooney High girls soccer team captured the Class 2A-District 11 title with a 4-1 victory over DeSoto County.

LADY COUGARS WIN DISTRICT CROWN

Photos by Jen Blanco

Braden River’s Liz Shirey pushes the ball up the field in the first half. wood to a 3-0 victory against Braden River in the Class 4ADistrict 11 championship Jan. 17. Both goals came off assists from her older sister. Sophomore Julia Ortiz scored the other goal for the Lady Mustangs eight minutes into the second half.

“In the beginning, I’m nervous, but once you start playing you don’t really notice anything else but soccer and doing what we know how to do,” Falco says.

“These people are all so welcoming, and then, when we put our hard work together, it’s just like

so much excitement. We just love winning, I guess. It’s a good feeling.”

With the win, the Lady Mustangs captured their fifth consecutive district title and 11th in 14 years — all under Virgilio’s watchful eye.

Led by veteran goalkeeper Alex Latham, defenders Lindsay Martinez and Juliana Guida and forward Delaney Riggins, Lakewood notched its 20th victory of the season — a first for the program.

“Winning another district

The Cardinal Mooney High girls soccer team captured its fourth district championship in five years with a 4-1 victory against DeSoto County in the Class 2A-District 11 championship Jan. 16.

Junior forward Rose Amato scored a pair of goals in the first nine minutes of regulation to lead the way for the Lady Cougars.

Skylar Jungers and Alex Byers each added a goal in the second half.

“At first, we kind of started off slow, but in the second half, we picked it up and got our game back together,” Amato says. “Our

defense was really strong throughout the whole game. All the hard work paid off. Practice is where we get good. We don’t get good during the game.”

Trailing 4-0, DeSoto scored late in the second half. It was the first goal Cardinal Mooney allowed in a district game all season.

The Lady Cougars beat the Lady Bulldogs 8-0 in each of their previous two meetings.

With the win, the Lady Cougars will host Cape Coral Oasis in a regional quarterfinal match Jan. 23.

The winner will advance to the regional semifinals Jan. 28.

four years in a row — the feeling never gets old,” Martinez says. “I love doing it for the school and knowing that you see the plaque every day when you walk by it in school. It’s the best feeling knowing that you did something for Lakewood Ranch High School.

We’re making history out here.”

The Lady Mustangs have only

allowed seven goals this season and will carry their 20-game winning streak into the regional quarterfinals Jan. 23, at which time they’ll play host to Naples Gulf Coast. The winner will advance to the regional semifinals Jan. 28.

Contact Jen Blanco at jblanco@yourobserver.com.

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LAKEWOOD RANCH — Age is only a number for Lakewood Ranch High freshman forward Sophia Falco.

Thrust into a starting role in her first season with the Lady Mustangs, Falco has adjusted to the pressure that comes with playing one of the sport’s most critical positions.

Sure, she gets nervous from time to time, but more often than not, Falco has thrived.

Flanked on the other side by her older sister, Talia, and a trio of veteran defenders backing her up, the younger Falco has developed faster than perhaps even her coach could have imagined at the start of the season.

“A freshman coming in, and to be able to withstand all the pressure she has been put under, has been phenomenal,” Lakewood coach Guy Virgilio says. “She can’t seem to accept the idea that she is a freshman. She has so much energy and never stops.

I try to get freshmen to see how far they can go, and she showed she could take the pressure.”

With her cheeks flushed pink from the cold, Falco zipped up and down the field while fending off the pressure Braden River High veteran defender Kendall McNab dealt her.

Falco scored seven minutes into the match, and again in the 76th minute, to propel Lake-

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

WEISS / PAGE 19A weight class at the District 8 Sub-Regional meet Jan. 9. With the win, Weiss earned a berth in the District 8 State Qualifier Jan. 22, at Charlotte High, where her teammates Taylor Wallace (154) and Spirit Cress (129), who also qualified for the meet, will join her.

“I just did what I could,” Weiss says. “I gave it my all. After that, whatever happens happens.”

Weiss credits her recent success, in large part, to her training at Suncoast Strength in Lakewood Ranch, where she began training at the end of December.

Weiss learned about the gym from Lakewood Ranch High lifter Riley Bohan, who also trains there, during a meet earlier in the season. She went to Suncoast Strength that night, and, since then, she’s been training there every day, working on bench presses, squats and incline bench presses, among other elements.

Now, Weiss hopes to finish in the top three at the state qualifier, which will earn her another berth in the state finals.

“It’s hard because you have to think about what you’re going to do before you’re actually doing it,” Weiss says. “Mentally, adding five pounds onto the bar feels like 30 pounds. It’s a mental game.

“I just want to get in the top three and go again,” Weiss says. “It would mean a lot to me because I’ve put a lot of time into the sport.”

Weiss has a personal best of 150 pounds in the bench press and 125 pounds in the clean and jerk. Ultimately, Weiss would like to improve to 155 and 135 pounds, respectively.

“I think she’s in a better position this year than she was last year,” Braden River coach Ali Lacey says. “She’s got a solid chance and is looking toward getting a better place at states.”

Contact Jen Blanco at jblanco@yourobserver. com.

POLO

21A

by Jen Blanco | Sports Editor

GIDDENS / PAGE 19A the University of Miami, for inspiration.

“He’s sort of been my role model,” Giddens says. “He was always going places and doing really well. That’s been my goal ever since.”

North Port pitcher Andrew Steele and Estero shortstop Ryan Keegan, who both play on Giddens’ SWFL travel baseball team, will join him at Ave Maria.

“It makes it more comfortable because we’ll get to experience college together and grow together,” Giddens says.

Giddens will be the second catcher on the Gyrenes’ roster behind Connor Sullivan, who won the Rawlings Gold Glove award and is considered a potential major league draft pick this season.

Following his signing, Giddens grabbed his glove and headed to the diamond to

Courtesy photo

Siaana and Wildcat squared off in the Band Weintraub Cup Jan. 19, at the Sarasota Polo Club.

Wildcat claims victory in Band Weintraub Cup Jen Blanco

Lakewood Ranch High catcher Andrew Giddens, pictured with his parents Helaine and Randy Giddens and Lakewood coach Ryan Kennedy, behind, chose Ave Maria University over the University of North Florida. begin practicing with the Mustangs, who officially welcomed the start of the 2014 season last week.

In his final season with Lakewood, Giddens hopes to build off last year’s 9-15 season and return the Mustangs

back to the Final Four.

“I want a state title and nothing less,” Giddens says.

“It would just be an exclamation point to my high school career. It would be awesome.”

Contact Jen Blanco at jblanco@yourobserver.com.

East County and Sarasota residents enjoyed an afternoon of fast-paced polo during the Band Weintraub Cup Jan. 19, at the Sarasota Polo Club.

Joseph Stuart scored 10 goals in the match to lead Wildcat to a 14-11 victory over Siaana.

After a closely contested first chukker, Stuart scored five goals over the next two chukkers to give Wildcat a 7-3 score, which it wouldn’t relinquish.

Nicolai Galindo scored a pair of

goals, and Ryan Gilbertson and Rob Berg each had a goal to round out the scoring for Wildcat.

Francisco Llosa scored five goals, and Josh Shelton added four goals to power Siaana.

Stuart was named the Most Valuable Player, and Teresa Mull received the Best Playing Pony award for her horse Izzy’s performance.

Teams return to action at 1 p.m.

Jan. 26, in the Rolls-Royce Tampa Bay Cup & Merrill Lynch.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

+ Registration underway for seniors

For more information, call 861-5000.

Registration for the 25th annual Gulf Coast Senior Games is now open and continues through Jan. 31.

The games will take place Feb. 18 to Feb. 23, at various venues throughout Manatee and Sarasota counties.

The games are designed to promote and maintain health and wellness to local residents ages 50 and up.

Events offered at this year’s Senior Games include archery, bowling, cycling, horseshoes, swimming and track and field, among others.

For a complete listing of events and times, visit scgov. net/parksandrecreation.

To become a Gulf Coast Senior Games competitor, register online at mymanatee. org/parks or fill out a registration form. Registration booklets are available at any Sarasota County recreation center or library.

The entry fee is $12 and includes an event T-shirt.

There’s an additional fee of $3 per event, to compete. Some events may also have an additional facility fee.

The Gulf Coast Senior Games is a local qualifier for the 2014 Florida Senior Games State Championships, to be held Dec. 6 to Dec. 14 in Lee County.

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+ River Dawgs receive recognition The 10U River Dawgs travel baseball team finished the fall season by winning the Toys for Tots tournament last month in Oldsmar. The team won three games the final day of competition, including beating two top-rated teams, to capture the championship.

With the win, the River Dawgs finished the season as one of the top teams in Florida; USSSA now ranks them 26th in the nation.

The River Dawgs returned to action in the Disney New Year’s Baseball Classic, during which they faced teams from Illinois, Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina and West Virginia.

STATS

29

The number of points Sam Hester scored in the Lakewood Ranch High boys basketball team’s 61-56 loss to Bayshore Jan. 15.

4

+ ODA Boys Middle School Soccer The Out-of-Door Academy middle school boys soccer team finished its season with a perfect 12-0 record, outscoring its opponents 36-5.

Over the course of the season, the Thunder took 100 more shots than all of its opponents combined; every player on the team saw action in all but one match.

Championship players include: Max Hajduk, Edward Hamburger, Sean Morris, Matteo Romano, Wylder Meyer, Jake Flake, Alvaro Juncosa, Viraj Patel, Banks Paxton, Hunter Coakley, Gus Mahler, Tucker Harris, Zach Szmania, Colin Castro, Daniel Schuetz, Tommy Hubbard, Ryan Ives, Filip Svoboda, Phillip Cecil, Dakota Dickerson, Chase Bannar, Tomas Giacinti, Skye Ehrhart, Thomas Naylor, Adam Sholi and Jack Towsley.

+ St. Stephen’s to hold Game Changers Gala St. Stephen’s Episcopal School will hold its second annual Game Changers event Jan. 25, at the Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club.

The event is open to the public at a cost of $100 per person. VIP tickets cost $175. A VIP reception will be held at 6 p.m., followed by a general reception at 6:30 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m.

JUST THE

KUDOS

The keynote address and live auction will be held at 8 p.m.

Auction items include a chance to throw out the first pitch at a Chicago Cubs game and locker room passes to a Tampa Bay Lightning game, among others.

Matt Hueston Boys Basketball Cardinal Mooney

1

The seed Hueston helped the Cougars secure in the Class 3A-District 10 tournament, which begins Feb. 4, with the win.

12

New Year, New Store!

This year’s keynote speaker will be Herman Boone, whose story was captured in the film “Remember the Titans.”

To purchase tickets, visit saintstephens.org/gamechangers.

The number of players who scored goals in the Braden River High girls soccer team’s 4-0 victory over Charlotte Jan. 15.

17

The number of points Ryan McMahon scored to lead the Cardinal Mooney High boys basketball team to a 69-51 victory over Lemon Bay Jan. 15.

46

The number of points the Braden River High boys basketball team put up in its 46-42 overtime victory over Manatee Jan. 16.

12

The number of points Lisa Hoffman scored in the fourth quarter to lead The Out-of-Door Academy to a 37-31 victory over Bradenton Christian in Class 3A-District 10 action Jan. 15.

94

The number of rebounds Hueston has so far this season.

The number of points Hueston scored in Cardinal Mooney’s 69-21 victory over The Out-of-Door Academy Jan. 17.

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YourObserver.com

SIDELINES

22A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

GRAND At

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23A

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A delightful mix of street festival and concert hall, this celebration of the arts is not to be missed!

Explore the shops and boutiques of Main Street.

Dine at cozy restaurants and cafés. Discover street vendors and local non-profit groups. Includes free children’s crafts and the Mote Marine touch tank.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

FAIR FRENZY

by Amanda Sebastiano | Staff Writer

Davious Kalber prepares his next batch of elephant ears.

Ed and Geraldine Berbaum team up to play guitar and the fiddle for guests.

FAIR

Lily Peden, 4, feeds carrots to her furry friends.

RIDES Beverly and Jim Foy enjoy sweet treats.

AGAIN

Caramel- and candy-coated apples, live music and livestock defined the Manatee County Fair and kept it bustling Jan. 19. Participants of all ages enjoyed sweet, powdered sugar-covered treats,

arts-and-crafts displays and a variety of rides on the midway. The annual event, this year themed “Celebrating the Great Outdoors,” will continue daily until its commencement Sunday.

YOUROBSERVER.COM // Watch “American Idol” contestant Sam Woolf perform “Babylon” at the Manatee County Fair.

Rob Little sketches 11-year-old Ashley Gutierrez.

Deis Schlottman, 16, shows off her prize.

“American Idol” contestant and Braden River High student Sam Woolf serenades the audience.

The Medina family — Gavin, 5, Renee and Laney, 3

Rocket the Robot sings, dances and jokes with fair attendees.

2B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

TALENTED TRIO

by Pam Eubanks | Managing Editor

Pageant winners share special bond Courtesy photo

FAIR FAVORITES: BETH CIEMNIECKI: “Riding the rides and eating the foods.”

KATIE CIEMNIECKI: “The Amish pretzels. I love walking through the arts and crafts (exhibit) for ideas, too.”

SAMMY HYATT: “I really like the rides. And, I always try something new at the fair.”

EXTRACURRICULAR KATIE CIEMNIECKI — theater; president of the 4-H club’s Hoofprints in the Sand Horse Club; adoption counselor at Nate’s Honor Animal rescue; Marching Mustang band manager; and volunteer with special-needs children BETH CIEMNIECKI: Lakewood Ranch High Marching Band member; 4-H Club member; 4-H Youth Council delegate for Manatee County; and FFA member SAMMY HYATT: Color Guard member; Latin Club treasurer; and Junior Advisory Board member

Beth and Katie Ciemniecki and their cousin Sammy Hyatt have competed in the Miss Manatee Fair pageant together since elementary school.

EAST COUNTY — Fifteenyear-old Beth Ciemniecki would much rather walk barefoot than don high heels, or even tennis shoes.

She grins mischievously as she and her sister, Katie, 17, dart barefoot out the front door and onto the front sidewalk toward the backyard. Their cousin Sammy Hyatt, 16, wearing white lace-up canvas shoes, keeps up.

The girls don’t get together as often as they did when they were younger — or as much as they’d like. But this time of year creates a special opportunity for the girls, who grew up down the street from one another off Upper Manatee River Road.

As they have since elementary school, the girls helped one another with makeup and their outfits Jan. 11 as they competed in the Miss Manatee County Fair Pageant, at Braden River High School.

And this year’s results made the annual pageant extra special: Each girl captured a top spot in her respective competition.

Judges named Beth Ciemniecki as Miss Manatee County Fair Junior Queen.

Katie Ciemniecki placed as first runner-up in the Miss Manatee County Fair Queen division, while Hyatt placed as second runner-up for Miss Florida Outstanding Teen.

Pam Eubanks

Sammy Hyatt, Beth Ciemniecki and Katie Ciemniecki love participating in the annual fair pageant together. This year, all three girls placed in their respective competitions.

“Sammy and I are both so proud of Beth,” Katie Ciemniecki says. “She deserved this so much.”

Hyatt adds: “I was standing on the side of the stage (when they announced Beth had won).

Everybody backstage said I was more excited than she was (because I was cheering so loudly).”

Beth Ciemniecki’s fair duties require her to be at the fair several nights per week to greet fairgoers and for special events, including a cheerleading competition and the Little Miss and Mini Miss Manatee Fair pageants, among others.

For now, she’s borrowing clothes for those events from

Hyatt, who also stands at 5 feet, 8 inches, and whose wardrobe better suits the role.

“The other queens have nice stuff, and I have jeans,” Beth Ciemniecki says, noting her role representing the fair will continue until the 2015 fair season.

“I have to go shopping.”

Katie Ciemniecki and Hyatt

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

Braden River High’s Nichole Fleming, Miss Manatee Oustanding Teen

3B

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Nolan Middle School’s Jayln Thompson, center, won Little Miss Manatee Fair.

FROM SICK CARE TO HEALTH CARE Endorsed by the American Society for Preventive Cardiology (ASPC) and the Florida Medical Association (FMA)

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Miss Manatee County Fair Junior Queen: Beth Ciemniecki

Approved for 7.5 CME and 7.5 CEU by FMA

Miss Manatee County Fair Queen: Baliey Mosley

Saturday, February 1st, 2014

Miss Manatee Outstanding Teen: Nichole Fleming Sammy Hyatt, Beth Ciemniecki and Katie Ciemniecki after the pageant

8AM - 5PM

Miss Manatee River: Lauren Nielsen

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Miss Manatee County Fair: Nina Haaskivi

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Mini Miss Manatee County Fair: Brooke Breton

quickly pipe in.

“We’ll go shopping; we’ll help you,” Katie Ciemniecki says.

“Good,” Beth Ciemniecki chuckles.

But, on most days, Beth Ciemniecki dons her barn-friendly clothes, as she heads to the fair’s livestock arena to help her mom, Karen, the FFA adviser at Haile Middle School, with whatever tasks need to be completed that day.

“It’s been long days, but it’s been really fun,” Beth Ciemniecki says of her new role. “I’m already at the fair every day (to take care of ) my pig.”

Katie Ciemniecki and Hyatt plan to be at the fair as much as possible, even though busy schedules keep them from attending as frequently as usual this year.

The three girls, who used to dress alike for special occasions when they were prekindergarten age and attended both Freedom Elementary and Haile Middle School together, began participating in fair pageants together in elementary school, after the Ciemniecki sisters’ horseback riding instructor recommended it.

“Our instructor told us to get out of our boots and into heels,” Katie Ciem-

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Hyatt, who loves finding excuses to dress up, eagerly joined in the fun.

The girls say participating in pageants has taught them about public speaking and has given them confidence in other areas of life, as well.

They get along well, rarely fight and make sure to encourage one another — whatever the circumstance.

Katie Ciemniecki, who is practicing for Lakewood Ranch High’s upcoming performance of “The Wedding Singer,” adds: “Sammy and Beth come to all my shows.

We support each other.”

Contact Pam Eubanks at peubanks@ yourobserver.com.

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4B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

BEERTOPIA EUPHORIA

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

by Josh Siegel | Staff Writer

East County residents raise their glasses at Beertopia Attendees sampled more than 80 craft beers at the sixth annual Beertopia Saturday, Jan. 18, at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing.

This year’s event, which featured food from nearly a dozen local restaurants and a silent auction, benefited the Eye Center Inc. Vision Foundation and the Hernando DeSoto Historical Society.

Most of the money raised will go to a foundation set up through the Eye Center to provide free eye exams and eyeglasses to Manatee County schoolchildren.

Patrisha Martin with event organizer Richard Parcels, of the Hernando DeSoto Historical Society, and Erin Brady

Right: Aaron, Jeff and Sherry Ball with Megan Cummins

Denise Saputo, Hugh Shields and event organizer Sarah Saputo Mackie, of the Eye Center Inc. Vision Foundation

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District 5 Commissioner Vanessa Baugh enjoys story time with 4- and 5-year-olds.

Kiddie Academy classes celebrate Literacy Week EAST COUNTY — With their eyes open wide and legs crossed, students in two voluntary pre-kindergarten classes quietly listened as their guest storyteller read books to them this week.

District Five Commissioner Vanessa Baugh led story time Jan. 14, at Kiddie Academy of Lakewood Ranch, as part of Celebrate Literacy Week. To promote the importance of reading, the school invited Baugh to read to two classes of 4- and 5-year-olds.

The mother of four and grandmother of 10 accepted.

“I love children,” Baugh said, smiling.

“Can you tell?”

Karen Krienen and Debbie Frazoni’s stu-

dents — collectively named the parrot class — sat silently as Baugh read “The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Penn. Krienen reads the story to her classes at the start of each school year to make the students feel more comfortable leaving home for the first time.

Baugh read a more mathematical story, “Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons,”

by Eric Litwinto, to Chelsea Jervis’ students.

Baugh helped the students perform basic subtraction while she read the story.

Friday wraps up the Florida Department of Education’s week of celebrating reading and educating students about the link between literacy and today’s careers.

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at amandas@yourobserver.com.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

play date by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor

ALL IN THE FAMILY The three actors who play siblings in ‘Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike’ have dealt with their own sibling rivalries.

Photo by Frank Atura

LEAVING LITTLE TO THE IMAGINATION Jefferson McDonald, who plays Spike, was featured in a New York Times article Jan. 9, “Vanya and Sonia and Abs and Pecs.” The writer talks to the actors who play Spike around the country, particularly focusing on the shirtless nature of the role.

So, how are McDonald’s abs?

“I guess they look great,” says Peggy Roeder, who sees McDonald as more of a son after spending three seasons acting with him.

Andrew Sellon is sure they are great. As does Anne-Marie Cusson, who says: “If you’re going to ask me about his abs, you’re going to have to ask me about the top to toe of our Spike — they’re great!,” she says with a laugh. “It’s a pleasure to be in his proximity.”

IF YOU GO ‘VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE’

Much like the middle-aged dependent duo’s only source of who owns the family home. Also When: Opens 8 p.m. Friday, siblings the three actors por- income is from their movie-star thrown into the mix is the pretty Jan. 24. Runs through April tray in Asolo Repertory Theatre’s sister, Masha, who returns home young neighbor’s niece and the 14. upcoming performance, these with her younger, self-absorbed, cleaning lady/prophet, Cassanactors just so happen to come good-looking, half-naked boy- dra. Talk about a rich breeding Where: Asolo Repertory Thefriend, Spike (played by Jeffrom large families. ground for drama. atre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail Andrew Sellon (playing Van- ferson McDonald). Sonia All three of the actors Cost: Tickets are $21 to $76 ya) is the youngest of four; Peggy is adopted. Vanya is gay can relate. They disInfo: Call 351-8000 or visit cuss their own family Roeder (playing Sonia) has three and also the peaceasolorep.org brothers and three sisters; and maker between his histories besisters. Masha is Anne-Marie Cusson (playing the caretaker Masha) is one of five sibtween rehearsals in the lobby of lings.

FSU Center for the Performing They can relate to both Arts. the competitive and lov“Every day is a rivalry,” Cusing relationships preson says of being in a family sented in “Vanya and with lots of children.

Sonia and Masha and The trio laughs and remiSpike,” the play by conisces about how medic absurdist playthey are all guilty wright Christopher of building alDurang, who liances among won his first siblings, and Tony award for how quick and the clever comeasy it is to edy. change sides.

The quick They talk about synopsis: Unhow two sibemployed, lings might ban middle-aged together and take siblings Vantheir grievances of ya and Sonia another sibling to live in their dethe judge — mom. ceased parents’ They share stohome where ries. Roeder once they grew tried to cheat her Photo by Frank Atura sister out of an alup in Bucks C o u n t y , Peggy Roeder is in her fourth season at Asolo Rep; Anne-Marie Cusson is in her first season; and Andrew lowance because Penn. The Sellon is in his first season.

Roeder did all the

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

7B

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Featuring the former Commander of Airforce One Photos by Mallory Gnaegy

er Peggy Roed

e Cusson

Andrew Sellon

Where is home originally, and where are you based?

softball and Frisbee. I love to read, do yoga and quilt.”

Anne-Marie Cusson: Originally New Hampshire. Currently based in New York.

Sellon: “I’m very much into photography and gardening.

I love taking photographs of plants, and I also like Celtic music.”

Peggy Roeder: Originally from and currently based in Chicago.

Andrew Sellon: Originally from Belmont, Mass. Currently based in Yonkers, N.Y. What are your interests and hobbies outside of acting?

Cusson: “I love dipping into whatever New York City has to offer. I walk. I love to read.

I love to wander around and look at architecture … ” Roeder: “I play 16-inch

What is the strangest thing on your résumé?

Cusson: “I actually used to have wild-turkey call on my resume … Years later at an outdoor wedding beyond the fence there was a pack of turkeys. I made the sound, and they all came running toward me. It was very dramatic.”

Roeder: “I’ve taken poledancing classes. I can pole dance.”

cleaning and felt entitled to both allowances. Sellon talks about how he always fought the most with the sister with whom he’s closest.

But, more relevant to the plot of the play is how these sibling relationships change into adulthood.

The idea that these are three middleaged orphans particularly resonates with Sellon, who thinks relationships among siblings change when the people at the top of the family tree are no longer there to hold them together. Discovering these new relationships is something he’s dealt with personally.

Sellon: “I’ve flown in a single-point harness — the same thing Peter Pan uses …

I can fly.”

What is a lesser-known fact about yourself?

Cusson: “I can be shy.”

Roeder: “I wanted to be a nun in grade school.”

Sellon: “When I was a freshman in high school, I was cast as a bully in a skinny-dipping scene with a young actress named Brooke Shields, who was about 8 years old at the time. The film was never made, but that would have been my movie debut.”

But, all three actors agree that even adults without siblings will find their own connection to the play because of the common themes. The play is about connections not just among siblings, but also relationships across generations. There are themes of communication and technology’s effect on how people connect or fail to connect; of aging and aging relationships; of finding purpose; of facing fears.

Sellon’s synopsis is poignant.

“This play is about human connections and how hard they can be sometimes,” he says.

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YourObserver.com

BACKSTAGE PASS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor

Opera house is abuzz with more than singing

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The polar vortex delayed the winter opera season. Blizzards around the country postponed more than a few of the 52 singers the Sarasota Opera employs. So, they started preparing one day later than planned, beginning Jan. 10.

Winter opera season is exciting. It means four operas (“Il Trovatore,” “The Barber of Seville,” “The Flying Dutchman” and “Jérusalem”) will take place simultaneously in March. Which also means the work that goes into preparing for the four productions happens simultaneously.

A group of men haul in set pieces for “Jérusalem” — they’re recycling a few pieces from past productions of “Lombardi” and “Giovanna d’Arco.” It takes eight of them to hoist up one wall and get it in place on stage. They’ll lug sets from the loading dock in through the hall all day.

Nearby, situated down a hallway off one wing of the stage, a handful of people prepare the props. One man creates an animal-skin canteen while another works on

IF YOU GO ‘Il Travotore’ runs from Feb. 8 through March 22.

‘The Barber of Seville’ runs from Feb. 15 through March 21.

‘The Flying Dutchman’ runs from March 1 through March 23.

‘Jérusalem’ runs from March 8 through March 22. a larger wagon prop.

Upstairs in the adjacent building, every rehearsal room and studio is full. Singers find whatever quiet space they can to study music between rehearsals. One sits at the top of the stairs closest to the box office, another holds court in the middle of a hallway, and one perches against a back wall of a studio while a meeting takes place.

Singing drones through the corridor and

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Murder Mystery Theater at the Powel Crosley Estate on beautiful Sarasota Bay

Performances January 21-24, 26, 28-31 Live interactive performances – Tickets $15-$25

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Available at Ticketmaster.com and the Bradenton Area Convention Center box office (941) 722-3244, Ext. 0 Group pricing available - contact the box office

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

YourObserver.com

9B ARE YOU A WEEKEND WARRIOR? W E A R E YO U R B AC K U P T E A M !

CO N S U LTA N TS FO R Jill Unger problem solves a wheel situation on a prop wagon in the prop shop.

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Tenor Jon Jurgens and soprano Alexandra Batsios rehearse a duet.

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down to the offices where the stage manager and assistant stage manager plan the technical details of the production.

Down another set of stairs, racks of costumes act as breadcrumbs to the costume shop. Each one is labeled with an actor’s name, the production name and the scene. It’s a little quieter in that office, while the costume makers cut forms, sew breeches and fit the singers.

But the professionals at the opera house are not the only ones excited for the next two months. Just outside the double doors where all the action takes place, there is a line of locals at the box office waiting to buy their tickets.

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If you are thinking of Buying or Selling a home in 2014 CALL THE CUTMORES Your Residential Real Estate Specialists Around The Ranch

10B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

FUNDRAISER

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

by Pam Eubanks | Managing Editor

IAN BROKER ASSOCIATE EMAIL

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Photo courtesy of Janet Lotozynski

Alyssa Morford, Alana Kelly and Hayley Lotozynski helped organize the event.

119525

Nolan Middle School students ‘climb for cure’ Five students at Nolan Middle School’s Technology Student Association headed to the treetops Jan. 19 to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

Students Hayley Lotozynski, Payton Rypel, Isabella Yost, Alana Kelly

and Alyssa Morford have been working on an event, called “Community Service Video,” in which they will produce a video on how their chapter is involved with the American Cancer Society.

They held a fundrais-

Sunday, January 26 – 2:00 &7:30 p.m.

Ed’s Annual Super Party

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

by Pam Eubanks | Managing Editor

124091

A VERY IMPORTANT DATE

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Alice, played by Gwyn Morse, is moments away from waking up from her dream.

Alice turns The Out-of-Door Academy into a wonderland Middle school students at The Out-of-Door Academy toppled onto a classic adventure Jan. 16 through Jan. 18 as they performed Disney’s “Alice in Wonderland Jr.” Guests enjoyed a lively show that included songs such as “I’m Late!” and “The Unbirthday Song.”

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Members of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance gathered Jan. 15 at the Fête Ballroom of the Polo Grill and Bar in Lakewood Ranch for the organization’s annual membership luncheon.

Polo Grill owner and 2013 board Chairman Tommy Klauber honored MGA Insurance President and CEO Lou Marinaccio with the Chairman’s Award, before passing a ceremonial gavel to the alliance’s 2014 board president, Annette Gueli.

The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance plans to hire a business development director to push the organization forward, and it will move into its own space in the spring.

Right: Incoming board Chairwoman Annette Gueli accepts a ceremonial gavel from outgoing Chairman Tommy Klauber.

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changing of the guard by Pam Eubanks | Managing Editor

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YourObserver.com

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

BUILDERS EXCHANGE

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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Rebecca Dalton, of LWR Communities, with Debra Thomas, of Neal Communities, and Teri Girimont, of Lennar

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John Cannon Homes officials welcomed Realtors and fellow buildingindustry professionals Jan. 17 to the company’s Baylin model, in Country Club East, for the Manatee Sarasota Building Industry Association’s monthly Builder Realtor Alliance Group breakfast.

“We try to bring the Realtors to our builders and create a good relationship,” HBA Executive Vice President Alan Anderson said.

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14B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

real estate | transactions

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

By Adam Hughes | Research Editor

Country Club East home sells for $997,900 The following residential real estate transactions took place between Jan. 6 and Jan. 10.

A house in Country Club East at Lakewood Ranch tops all transactions in this weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s real estate.

LWH LLC sold the home at 7323 Haddington Cove to Chip and Barbara Smith, of North Port, for $997,900. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, three baths, two half-baths, a pool and 3,410 square feet of living area.

Livreri, of Bradenton, sold their home at 11910 Whistling Way to IH3 Property Florida LP for $266,000. Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,267 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $233,000 in 2010.

Sabal Harbour

Stanhope Gate

Gerald and Mary Snider, of Sarasota, sold their home at 7024 Stanhope Place to Robert and Ellen Fenkell, of Bradenton, for $655,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,795 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $610,000 in 2003.

Riva Trace

Allen and Sheila Wolf, trustees, of Scottsdale, Ariz., sold the home at 7515 Rio Bella Place to Robert and Samantha Jones, of Lakewood Ranch, for $545,000. Built in 2012, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,470 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $536,600 in 2012.

Tara

Charles and Joleyn McClemens, of Charlottesville, Va., sold their home at 5919 Wingspan Way to Leanne Leonard and Linda Hlavac, of Cedar Knolls, N.J., for $420,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,360 square feet of living area.

Amanda Sebastiano

This Country Club East at Lakewood Ranch home, which has three bedrooms, three baths, two halfbaths, a pool and 3,410 square feet of living area, sold for $997,900.

Rye Wilderness Estates

D.R. Horton Inc. sold the home at 16705 Second Ave. E. to Ann Smith, of Bradenton, for $420,000.

Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,161 square feet of living area.

Riverdale Revised

The Bank of New York Mellon, trustee, sold the home at 4708 Starboard Drive to Loren and Jennifer Paul, of Palmetto, for $403,000. Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,141 square feet of living area.

Central Park

Central Park Lifestyles LLC sold the home at 4680 Claremont Park Drive to Tyler and Jennifer King, of Bradenton, for $289,400. Built

in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,202 square feet of living area.

Creekside Preserve

M/I Homes of Tampa LLC sold the home at 9024 39th St. Circle E. to Joshua and Susan Robinson, of Parrish, for $279,800. Built in 2013, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,390 square feet of living area.

Greenbrook Village

Jan-Carlos and Stephanie Quilichini, of Alpharetta, Ga., sold their home at 6215 Burrowing Owl Cove to Cherie Cecci, of Bradenton, for $270,000. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, twoand-a-half baths and 2,031 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $247,500 in 2010.

River Club South

John Milazzo and Vincent Milazzo, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the home at 9812 Royal Lytham Ave. to Irma Byrd, of Bradenton, for $270,000. Built in 2002, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 2,142 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $245,000 in 2002.

Glen Cove Heights

Christopher and Barbara Collier, of Sarasota, sold their home at 5216 47th St. E. to Federal National Mortgage Association for $261,100. Built in 1979, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 1,969 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $120,000 in 1998.

Summerfield Village Mario

Mino

and

Kerynne

D&T Properties of Bradenton LLC sold the home at 4640 Sanibel Way to Rosemarie Salvadore, of Sarasota, for $220,000. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,856 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $171,100 in 2000.

Pine Trace

James and Sally Bethel, of Hideway Hills, Ohio, sold their Unit 27 condominium at 7771 Pine Trace Drive to Mary Gillum, trustee, of Sarasota, for $218,000. Built in 1988, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,803 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $198,000 in 2004.

University Pines

EBW Investments Inc. sold the home at 5023 Ithaca Lane to Daniel and Dale Long, of Sarasota, for $211,000. Built in 1985, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,799 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $140,400 in 2013.

NORTH MANATEE Oak Creek

Frank and Marguerite Conway, of Sarasota, sold their home

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279 Londonderry Dr #A3983709 $275,000 Diane Fogo Harter

Sarasota 941-907-9595 941-445-2431

344 Shore Dr #M5841214 $228,000 Collette Quinehan

Ellenton 941-748-6300 941-685-2411

4648 56th Ter E #A3988233 $225,000 Steve Durand

Braden River 941-748-6300 941-447-2531

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-730-4941

4126 Murfield E Dr #M5842048 $222,500 Judy Browning

Braden River 941-907-9595 941-730-3183

3618 117th St W #M5841665 $210,000 Beth Ann McFadyen

Bradenton 941-907-9595 941-780-6606

9622 Sea Turtle Ter # 102 #M5843013 $187,000 Mary Fiorini

Bradenton 941-907-9595 941-526-6755

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

15B

michaelsaunders.com

TOP BUILDING PERMITS

Explore now on your phone or tablet.

These are the largest East County building permits issued by Manatee County for the week of Jan. 6 through Jan. 10, in order of dollar amounts.

EAST COUNTY Address

Permit

Applicant

13202 Palmers Creek Terrace 7123 Prestwick Court 8305 Brower Drive 7669 Haddington Cove 12106 Longview Lake Circle 16307 Clearlake Ave. 4240 Presidential Ave. Circle 7423 W. Counrty Club Drive 8009 Warwick Gardens Lane 907 Mill Run E. 1127 133rd St. E. 8216 Waterview Blvd.

955 Fish Hook Cove 8304 Heritage Grand Place 11218 Rivers Bluff Circle 7317 Eaton Court 418 147th Court N.E. 8753 Monterey Bay Loop 16105 Foremast Place 13704 18th Place E.

Addition Alterations Remodel Pool Pool Pool Re-roof Door/Windows Mechanical Re-roof Re-roof Door/Windows Enclosure Pool Cage Mechanical Mechanical Mechanical Door/Windows Fence Mechanical

Thomas Krug Dennis Isaacs Loretta Waugh Gerald Ritzow Nina Williams Alan Kessler John Christian Joseph Manzo Bruce Blidner Jenny Wilder, trustee Denns Bailey Jim Schmidt Sheri Horger Marlene Boulanger Wallace Oetjen Parmalle Hershey Michael Recchia Charles Volk Michael Harshman Natalie Haught

Amount $190,000 $54,000 $35,960 $31,868 $27,494 $24,546 $18,577 $15,400 $15,200 $14,000 $12,965 $12,349 $12,177 $11,393 $11,000 $10,722 $9,086 $9,049 $8,183 $7,600

370 Highland Shores Dr #M5841969 $1,900,000 Jaymie Carter

Ellenton 941-748-6300 941-920-4573

Source: Manatee County

at 3747 59th Ave. Circle E. to Howard and Esther Fletcher, of Ellenton, for $375,000.

Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,899 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $300,000 in 2010.

McKinley Oaks

D.R. Horton Inc. sold the home at 2915 130th Ave. E. to Steve Serbin, of Parrish, for $260,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,592 square feet of living area.

Parrish

Nationstar Mortgage LLC sold the home at 13251 Golf Course Road to Gamble Creek

8413 9th Ave NW #M5840501 $2,900,000 Sharon Ingram

218 65th Ave W #M5842855 $119,000 Debbie Capobianco

Lakewood Ranch $3,700 941-552-4200

6443 4Th E St #M5843125 Kendra Vogel

Lakewood Ranch 941-907-9595 941-730-0777

9620 18th Avenue Cir NW #M5837420 $850,000 Debbie Vogler

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-705-3328

7616 257th St E #A3986963 $685,000 Chris Baylis

Myakka City 941-907-9595 941-735-4713

7042 Twin Hills Ter #A3984510 $674,999 Sandy and Jerry Strom

Lakewood Ranch 941-966-8000 941-650-8297

6517 Spyglass Ln #M5843018 $659,000 Kere Lewis

Lakewood Ranch 941-907-9595 941-685-3270

6915 Riverview Blvd #M5841965 $525,000 Kathy Valente

SunTrust Mortgage Inc. sold the home at 12422 30th St. Circle E. to Farshid Farazmand and Shiva Baghorf, of Irvine, Calif., for $201,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,059 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $299,900 in 2007.

YOUROBSERVER.COM // Go online for more real estate transactions.

Parrish 941-907-9595 941-812-6283

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-704-2394

2911 36th Ave W #M5842716 $139,900 Laura Tracy Clekis

5107 29th St W # 12 #M5842567 $91,000 Cheryl Roberts

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-915-4167

2007 21st St W #M5832159 Lynne Callahan

$599,000

Palmetto 941-748-6300 941-720-3278

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-685-6767

8424 Abingdon Ct #A3982700 $509,900 Edward Haggerty

University Park 941-907-9595 941-685-6154

13103 Raven Ter #A3989334 $499,000 Maureen Doherty

Bradenton 941-951-6660 941-993-3159

101 66th St # 3 #A3978672 Kevin Carroll

$495,000

Anna Maria Island 941-748-6300 941-465-8843

627 Sand Crane Ct #M5839982 $480,000 Judy LaValliere

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-504-3792

7696 Silverwood Ct #A3979632 $435,000 Laura Navratil

Lakewood Ranch 941-907-9595 941-806-7436

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-266-1450

$1,750

Braden River 941-552-4200 941-773-4372

4850 51st St W # 3103 #M5836995 Laurie Rastovski

Bradenton $900 941-552-4200

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-224-6447

Bradenton 941.748.6300 • Lakewood Ranch 941.907.9595 • IMG Academy 941.752.2683

131592

14819 Sundial Pl #M5842954 Laurie Rastovski

11717 Crawford Parrish Ln #M5841979 $167,000 Jonnie Dwyer

7308 Greystone St #M5842021 $999,000 Deborah Angelo O’Mara

RE N TA L

Palmetto 941-748-6300 941-447-9988

RE N TA L

706 15th Avenue Dr E #M5841951 $139,500 Kimberly Roehl

Braden River 941-907-9595 941-779-5000

Chelsea Oaks

RE N TA L

4745 Mainsail Dr #A3977444 $184,900 Robin Bowman

Ranch Holdings 2 LLC for $252,000. Built in 1987, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 3,384 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $380,000 in 2004.

16B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

OBSERVER WEATHER

Do you love taking photos? We want your best photos of sunrises, sunsets, rainbows, etc.

Submit your local weather photos for a chance to have your photo published in the paper!

See all of the winning photos each week by visiting The Observer’s Facebook page.

TEMPERATURES

Record Temperatures High

Low

High

Low

Tuesday, Jan. 14

73

58

84 (1937)

25 (1981)

Wednesday, Jan. 15

65

49

83 (1947)

27 (1964)

Thursday, Jan. 16

57

40

82 (1947)

26 (1927)

Friday, Jan. 17

64

36

84 (1999)

30 (1992)

Saturday, Jan. 18

80

67

84 (1990)

29 (1977)

Sunday, Jan. 19

73

53

85 (1937)

26 (1976)

Monday, Jan. 20

69

46

86 (1990)

25 (1977)

AVERAGE GULF WATER TEMPERATURE: 57 SUNRISE / SUNSET

RAINFALL Tuesday, Jan. 14

0.20

Wednesday, Jan. 15

0.04

Thursday, Jan. 16

0.05

Friday, Jan. 17

Trace

Saturday, Jan. 18

Sunrise

Sunset

Thursday, Jan. 23

7:21a

6:04p

Friday, Jan. 24

7:20a

6:05p

0.00

Saturday, Jan. 25

7:20a

6:06p

Sunday, Jan. 19

Trace

Sunday, Jan. 26

7:20a

6:06p

Monday, Jan. 20

0.00

Monday, Jan. 27

7:19a

6:07p

Year-to-date: 2014 2013

0.82 in. 0.12 in.

Tuesday, Jan. 28

7:19a

6:08p

Wednesday, Jan. 29

7:18a

6:09p

Month-to-date: 2014 2013

0.82 in. 0.12 in.

MOON

 Stacy White submitted this sunset photo, taken in her backyard in Greenbrook.

PHASES

Scan the QR code on your smartphone to submit your weather photos!

Or visit YourObserver.com and click on the “Contests” tab.

Edited by Timothy E. Parker

1 8 12 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28

31 33 34 37 38 44 46 49 50 51 52 54 56 57 4

63 65 66

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Feb. 14 Full

CRITTER-CAL SITUATIONS by Luke Cayon 83 Sharp chops to 9 Bitter brews 71 8 1/2” x 11” size ACROSS

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

1. K Z M W S O Z B

Jan. 23 Last

75 76 77 80

Grinds, as teeth Droops TV part Place for a stud Century plant Snowed, in a way They’re rarin’ to go!

Got Be aware of Ready already Took to task One spelling for New Delhi dresses Work on a patchwork Drive headlong into Hee’s follower Certain skivvies They’re openminded Bumpkins “They’re ___!” (racetrack cry) ___ as a bug in a rug Movie transition Common font Fleur-de-___ Olympus figure Delivered by post Getting down to the facts Sailor’s bearings Part of the wk.

Crystal-ball gazer Words after “rub” They’re married in Mex. Storied homebuilders Ukraine’s largest city Relative of -ita Acting part “___ Maria” Rascal or cad

87 88 90 91 92 94 97 99 100 102 104 105 106 108 110 114 116 120 121 124 125 126 127 128 129

the back of the neck Kinds of eagles Bribe Hither and ___ Ziggurat features Take ___ in the right direction Order on an octagon Call to Bo Peep Outward appearance Zoo favorites, to some Form of “lie” ___ Plaines, Ill. Tear violently Health club Sister of Moses Deep gulches Place to change trunks “Clumsy me!”

Causes for tows Thing in a stable Homeless feline, perhaps Camera or eye part Haughtily Former “20/20” reporter John Commend officially Lover of the finer things

DOWN

1 Old sideshow attraction 2 Indian flatbread 3 Jason’s mythical ship 4 Zillions 5 90 degrees from vert.

6 Recede to the sea 7 Came through the wall, maybe 8 Backs up, on a computer

10 Air Force Two passengers, once 11 Groups of six 12 Bruce Wayne and Batman, e.g.

13 Almond treat, maybe 14 Therapists may help you deal with them 15 “CHiPs” actor Estrada 16 Evening hour 17 Require 18 Use a plus sign 21 At considerable distance 23 “You ___ Beautiful” (Cocker hit) 29 Did away with 30 Homes on wheels, for short 32 Was victorious 34 Hilton rival 35 Canton capital west of Zurich 36 During the time that 39 Carry wearily 40 Some electric cars 41 Curved moldings 42 Ladder piece 43 Tennis units 45 Acorn product 47 Sick-day cause 48 Christmas tree, often 53 Pass on Rollerblades 55 “I Love Lucy” production company 58 Butterflies, so to speak 59 “Gosh!”

60 Apple source 61 D.C. summer initials 62 Brynner of “The King and I” 64 Where “Evita” was filmed 68 Ernie’s roomie 70 Christmas tree trimming

(Abbr.)

72 “I like ___ lot!”

73 How the weasel goes?

74 Kinte from “Roots” 77 Out in front 78 Brink 79 A lot of assessments?

80 Bird’s-eye view?

81 “... ___ I’m told” 82 “She loves me not” item 84 Weave’s go-with 85 “___ pig’s eye!”

86 USSR successor 89 Bake sale org.

93 Bets the works 95 Assn. relative 96 Like a mind reader 98 Funnel-shaped, as a dress 99 Seven on a sundial 101 American satirist Ambrose 103 Fit for cultivation 107 New Zealand native 108 Billiards stroke for sharks 109 Rental period, sometimes 110 Young horse 111 Christiana, today 112 Salt Lake City students 113 Fast way to the U.K., once 115 “Blimey!” blurter 117 “Grapes of Wrath” character 118 Animal’s hide 119 Eyelid inflammation 120 “Emerald Point ___” of ‘80s TV 122 ___ Alamos, N.M. 123 To the rear, on a boat

01-23-14

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Items Under $200 For Sale

Merchandise Wanted

ADVERTISE YOUR MERCHANDISE with the total value of all items $200 or less in this section for FREE! Limit 1 ad per month, 15 words or less. Price must be included next to each item. No commercial advertising.

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

(No phone calls please.)

(Please provide your name and address) Email ad to: classified@yourobserver.com Online at: www.yourobserver.com Or mail to: The Observer Group P.O. Box 3169 Sarasota, Fl 34230

ALWAYS BUYING vintage sports cards and memorabilia. Call 941-896-2652.

BAR STOOLS (3): cushioned seats, $35/ea.

Lamps (2): buffet size, brown shades, $25/ea.

941-893-5216 eves/weekends.

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

Pets Good Things To Eat CLAIRE’S PRODUCE & PLANTS Local Fruits/Veggies Honey, Eggs & More

CRAFTSMAN LAWN mower: in very good condition (like new), $170. 941-896-8072.

7275 N. Lockwood Ridge Rd.

LOVE SEAT: Wine color, cloth with matching back cushions. Excellent condition. $75. 941-518-9930.

Saturday 10-6

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

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

Business Opportunities

PURSE: DONNEY & Bourke, like new, black leather, $90. Cleveland Indian stock certificate, $110. 941-544-3849.

JAN PRO CLEANING FRANCHISE: $950 Down Required, Financing Available for growth, Includes customers. Earn up to $10,000 Month+.

Call 941-907-8141.

Autos Wanted

Help Wanted

WE BUY CARS. TOP $$ PAID FOR YOUR VEHICLES. Call Hawley Motors, 941-923-3421.

DRIVERS: $5,000 Sign-On Bonus! Great Pay! Consistent Freight, Great Miles on this Regional Account. Werner Enterprises: 1-855-517-2507.

Boats ChitwoodCharters.com Cruise or Fish Hyatt Sarasota Docks 32’/53’ Yachts - 2hrs./2 months 941-383-5232

Furnishings BRAND NEW Serta Mattress Sets. 50-80% OFF. King, $290. Queen, $150. Full, $140. Excellent value! Won’t last! Call (941)387-4810.

TABLES: LIVING room, matching set of 4, early American oak, 1 w/1 drawer, 2 w/3 drawers, 1 cocktail table. Excellent condition, $380.

941-359-8917.

Garage/Moving/Estate Sales ANNUAL MUSEUM DISTRICT NEIGHBORHOOD YARD SALE: January 25 & 26: 9a.m.-3p.m.

South of Ringling Museum, West of Tamiami Trail (US41), North of Whitaker Bayou.

CRAFT AND RUMMAGE SALE at rec. hall.

January 25, 8a.m.-12:30p.m., 6633 53rd Ave E., Bradenton. Pleasant Lake Resort.

PRE-ESTATE SALE. Artwork, framed, matted.

Many originals. Off University Pkwy. south to Longwood Run to Del Sol Village South. By appointment only. 941-359-3339.

WATERFRONT ESTATE SALE Friday, Jan. 24 - 8:45a.m.-3p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 25 - 8:45-2p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 26 - 12noon-4p.m.

6280 Riverview Blvd. W, Bradenton Sarasota - take 301 or I-75 to Manatee Ave W (SR 64 W). Take Manatee Ave West to 59th St. Turn Rt. It ends at the Manatee River, turn left.

Plenty of parking on the side streets & on one side of Riverview Blvd.

Fabulous Sale: three king and two queen bedrooms, formal & casual tropical dining sets /8 chairs ea. Sideboard & display cabinets, Regency style tables, daybed, cabinets, & chairs, 9X12 oriental rug & runner, yellow silk sofa, 2 neutral sofas, Baldwin black lacquer grand piano, 3 part mahogany bookcase/wide media area, pair of consoles & mirrors, 2 pairs of upholstered chairs, large set of Hawaii Thai patio furniture, console tables, 2 media room leather chair sets of 3 & 2 sets of 2 chairs, 7 area rugs, game table & chairs, tapestry, a lot of paintings & prints, 2 desks, lamps, coffee & end tables, sconces, mounted game fish, bronze lions, dogs & horses, globe, chaise, white bar/chairs, conference table, TVs, leather chair, books, fireplace fender, bar chairs, 2 wine cabinets, beautiful silk flower arrangements, book ends, office furniture, glass top tables, Staffordshire spaniels, candlesticks, vases, & much more.

Sale by Julie McClure Pictures at www.estatesales.net

Landscaping & Lawn Service DE LA ROSA LAWN CARE - Family owned and operated. Now accepting new clients. Free estimates. No yard too big or too small. Serving Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota. Tony De La Rosa, owner and operator 813-900-4056.

Licensed and Insured.

GENTLEMAN GARDENER. Refine your space.

15 years LW Ranch resident. I’m in your backyard!

941-724-5792.

Masonry

POOCHES PET Lodge Still Open. Originial owner managing. Call Today! 941-747-6199.

Tuesday - Friday 12-6

GRILL: HAMILTON Beach HealthSmart, used once. Original price $60. $20. 941-758-6259.

A Lending Hand, Inc.

CASH FOR Old Military Items. Swords, uniforms, insignia & old guns. Call 941-416-3280.

CHRISTMAS ROMANCE paperbacks (15): $3/ea.

Old comics: Bringing Up Father, Polly and Her Pals, $10/ea. 941-360-3557.

GLASS TABLE Top: 36” diameter, 1/2” thick. $50.

2 Like new 26”x26” pillows. $15. 941-756-1612.

Adult Care Services

SOFTWARE DEVELOPER, Beam Software, Lakewood Ranch, Fl. Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science required. E.O.E. Resume to: jobs@beamsoftware.com

Condos/Apts. For Rent ANNUAL CONDO Rental at Harborage on Braden River. Beautiful new, small gated community.

2BR/2BA. Downstairs, water view condo. Tile, granite, crown molding. Garage, pool, fitness, trails, kayaks, marina. No pets. $1,300 a month.

2 miles west of I-75 on S.R. 70 and Natalie Way. 712-334-0304 PALM AIRE. Fabulous Golf/ water views. First floor, 2BR/2BA condo, W/D in unit, closet space galore. $1200/mo. First. Last. Security. Eileen, 732-740-9398.

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

Real Estate Wanted WANTED LUXURY ANNUAL RENTALS

Provides home healthcare from as little as 4 hours to 24/7 care.

For more info Phone: 941-809-3725 License #230506 & #30211577 IN-HOME ASSISTED LIVING. Why leave the safety, beauty and comfort of your own home to receive professional, affordable and compassionate care? You don’t need to! ElderCare Services provides complete customized care perfectly tailored to suit your needs and lifestyle. Services include, but not limited to, homemaking, transportation, running errands, meal prep., medication supervision, 24/7 medical staffing, and more.

Please call 377-4465 for more info. or visit us on the web @ eldercaresarasota.com. Licensed, bonded and insured. Lic.#30211372

Air Conditioning GULFSIDE A/C & Heating, LLC. SALES & SERVICE, FREE ESTIMATES! 10 MINUTE RESPONSE. Visa/MC/Disc. Lic. #CAC1816929 941-962-6863.

Auto Transport

email: info@sarasotaluxuryrentals.com Personalized attention with professional honest advice.

25 Years Experience - References available

Waterfront Property WATERFRONT “Million Dollar View” - FSBO. Go to: www.tarawittdrive.com Brokers paid.

Check it out.

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.

Personal Services DO YOU NEED A PERSONAL ASSISTANT? Transportation, Personal Errands/Shopping, Doctor Appts, Housesitting, Social EventsTheater, Dinner etc. Light meal preparation/ housekeeping. Call Ms. Schwabe 941-932-2732.

YOUR PERSONAL BOOKKEEPER, LLC Gail Sunray, Owner

SHIP YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR SUV anywhere in the United States. Great rates, fast quotes. Call Hawley Motors, 941-923-3421.

Personal & Business Bookkeeping Accounting/ Taxes

Cleaning

I come to your home or office.

BLUE FISH CLEANING INC. 941-705-3812.

Insured, Bonded. Affordable reliable home cleaning, $60, 2 cleaners, 2 hours.

BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service by Maria.

Residential/ Commercial. Meticulous Cleaning.

Excellent References. Free Estimates. Reliable.

Lic./ Ins. 941-400-3342.

4 Bill Paying & Account Reconciliation 4 Organizing Personal and Business Files 4 Budgets & Financial Reports 4 Federal and State Tax Returns BONDED & INSURED Over 25 yrs. experience

ND SPARKLE. We are a family business experienced in both home and office cleaning great rates. Call for a quote. 941-330-4466. Email: norgrasi@hotmail.com

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

Computer Services Pet Services

COMPUTER TECHNICAL Support. H/W & S/W problems solved. Virus/Malware removal; data recovery; Networking/ Internet Issues; Upgrades; A+, Network+ Cert. Tech. Navy trained electronics tech veteran. 941-225-0046.

DOGGY HOTEL/GROOMING. 24 Hour Daycare.

FREE Daycare with groom (we are the best).

3925 Brown Avenue behind Sleep King. doggyhotel.net 941-554-4620.

FRUSTRATED WITH YOUR COMPUTER, IPAD, Kindle, or smartphone? Call Dave--The Patient Trainer—for in-home help with any of your devices.

Training, troubleshooting, and help shopping for the right product. 941-404-5585.

“K-9 BOOT CAMP”. Professional in-kennel pet obedience program. 40 Acre facility. 35 years proven results. Lakewood Ranch area. Von Asgard K-9 Center, Inc. Boarding - Training - Sales.

941-322-0705, www.VonAsgard.com

Home Improvement/ Remodeling

POOCHES PET Lodge Still Open. Originial owner managing. Call Today! 941-747-6199.

FRED’S HOME IMPROVEMENT AND REPAIR. Painting, tile, kitchen backsplash, windows, drywall, fans, just ask! 941-744-7473.

For Qualified Waiting Clients Contact - Sarasota Luxury Rentals 941-225-1356

ALL TYPES OF MASONRY Specializing in concrete driveways, pavers, decorative concrete, stone work, patios.

Call for free and honest estimates.

941-525-2435

STEVE ALLEN FLOOR COVERINGS PROFESSIONAL TILE & MARBLE INSTALLATION

Pools FULL WEEKLY POOL SERVICE FROM $65 per month including chemicals. For screened-in pools. Owner operated, reliable, personal service. Save money - call now. Blissful Pools, 941-705-0400.

This week’s Crossword answers

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

Landscaping & Lawn Service

CLASSIFIED LINE AD PRICE AW]Z

[W]ZKM NWZ

HOUSE CLASSIFIEDS

First 15 words .......................$17.50 per week Each Add’l word ........................................ 50¢ 15% DISCOUNT for 4 week Run

LP # 56733

47+)4

Yellow color $5 per Week • Border as low as $3 per Week

Call: 955-4888 Email: classified@yourobserver.com Online: www.YourObserver.com

+TI[[QNQML[

You. SOURCE Your Neighbors.

YourCLASSIFIED Neighborhood.

YOUR FOR LOCAL ADS

2014

This week’s Cryptogram answers

LAKEWOOD RANCH LAWN & LANDSCAPE LLC. Unhappy with your current lawn service?

Try us for free! First week free with no contract when switching from current company. We offer complete lawn care and landscaping services.

FREE ESTIMATES. 941-373-5110.

1. Strength is the underrated ability to split a chocolate bar into four pieces and manage to eat only one of them!

2. I am going on a magical and heavenly diet. I can easily live on it. It’s called the seafood diet. If you see it, you can eat it!

18B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

18A Classifieds YourObserver.com

THE EAST COUNTY THURSDAY, JANUARYOBSERV 23, 2014 Thursday, January 23, 2014

www.yourobserver.com

AIR CONDITIONING

COMPUTER

KITCHEN/BATH REMODELING

License# CAC1816468

Your Bathroom Safety Specialist Always reachable at

941-966-0333 www.drgrabbars.com

Friendly, Expert Computer Repairs

FREE

INSTALLATION

130710

GRAB THIS DEAL

LANDSCAPING & LAWN

PRO Sliding Glass Door Repair â&#x20AC;&#x153;FIX IT - DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T REPLACEâ&#x20AC;?

Residential & Commercial

YOUR DOORS WILL SLIDE LIKE NEW

941-526-0246

Call Mark 941-928-2263

Now Offering Full Service Lawn Maintenance

130714

Service with Integrity, Respect & Honor

www.proslidingglassdoorrepair.com

365-2407

ELECTRIC 128864

www.VeteranAC.com

Integrity AC

www.nativesonlandscape.com

Experienced â&#x20AC;˘ Insured â&#x20AC;˘ Workerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Comp LIKE US ON FACEBOOK 1121 LEWIS AVE, SARASOTA, FL 34237 JOHN L. BLASER/OWNER

CALL 24/7 â&#x20AC;˘ RESIDENTIAL SPECIALISTS FOR ALL YOUR ELECTRICAL NEEDS! 941.538.7274

Stop Paying Retail!

MOVERS

MO V I N G

Wholesale-to-the-Public Central Air & Heat 131317

Dave McCarthy

LIC# CACA44874 $

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Will move anything from a couch to a householdâ&#x20AC;?

LOCAL - LONG DISTANCE FREE ESTIMATES

FURNITURE REPAIR

*Other sizes and efďŹ ciencies available. Installation from $500-$700. FPL Participating Contractor. Permit Extra.

Team Up Today With Classifieds â&#x20AC;˘ 941-955-4888 ALTERATIONS/UPHOLSTERY

PATIO REPAIRS, INC PATIO REPAIRS

I.C.C 361253 â&#x20AC;˘ DOT 812623 FL MOVERS #IM1102

FurnitureSales Sales &&Repairs Furniture Repairs Cushions â&#x20AC;˘ Slings â&#x20AC;˘ Re-powdercoating #USHIONS s 3LINGS s 5MBRELLAS

941-504-0903

Dave McCarthy Operator/Owner

130711 38056

OFFICE 941-932-3046 â&#x20AC;˘ CELL 941-704-9413

MOVE IT! DELIVERY AND TRANSPORT

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

941-752-0202

Day Same * e Servic

HOME SERVICES

ALTERATIONS

130721

KK Painting and Handyman Services

129314

Â&#x2021;

A Home Watch Service

KIM KESLING WILLIAMS - Owner Interior â&#x20AC;˘ Exterior â&#x20AC;˘ Power Washing Carpentry â&#x20AC;˘ Minor Home Repairs â&#x20AC;˘ Odd Jobs

Licensed & Insured

129492

â&#x20AC;˘ Interior & Exterior Painting & Wallcovering â&#x20AC;˘ Full Service Interior Design & Color Selection Assistance â&#x20AC;˘ Over 30 Years Experience Need a Referral? Matt Arndt, Owner Call today for

Since 2003

Lakewood Ranch Home Watchers, L.L.C.

APPLIANCE REPAIR

Appliance Repair

Ask a Neighbor!

MARK HOWARD

PAINTING & HOME IMPROVEMENT

941-356-2332 / 941-356-2601

Mark Fortson â&#x20AC;˘ CertiďŹ ed Building Contractor

A FULL SERVICE IRRIGATION COMPANY

NO GIMMICKS JUST HONEST CLEANING.

130214

1 ROOM CARPET CLEANED $4000 ADD-ON ROOMS $1500 EACH INCLUDES Pre-Treat Deodorizer & Mechanical Deep Scrub SINCE 2000

20 any irrigation $ OFF repair over 100

BUG BUSTERS

PROTECT YOUR HOME BEFORE A PROBLEM

6 Month Control for Yard 3790 14th St. W.

746-6654

Family Owned 1993

Sarasota

5900 Tamiami Trail

922-1817

Brandon

528 E. Brandon Blvd.

813-651-4477

PET SERVICES

COUNTRY CANINE MAKEOVERS DOG GROOMING

SUNCOAST SPRINKLER CO, LLC

941-779-3665 Free Estimates Licensed & Insured

PEST CONTROL

Bradenton

941-888-2988 FREE ESTIMATES rainscapeďŹ&#x201A;.com

Irrigation Systems â&#x20AC;˘ Maintenance & Repairs Pumps â&#x20AC;˘ Valves â&#x20AC;˘ Controllers â&#x20AC;˘ Sprayheads System Revamps â&#x20AC;˘ Maintenance Contracts â&#x20AC;˘ Installations

LIC# CBC056615 MRKFRTSN1@YAHOO.COM

Our Bugs Take It Back to the Nest & END the Problem

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RUSSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; CARPET CLEANING

rain sensors

$

941-254-7327 941-807-9800

Do-It-Yourself Pest Control

Maintenance - Repair -Installation

129516

CARPET CLEANING

Remodel â&#x20AC;˘ Repair

Voted #1

IRRIGATION

15% OFF

24-Hour Water Damage Service Available

131499

Homewatcher1@aol.com www.lakewoodranchhomewatcher.com

128865

75 Mel Steverson â&#x20AC;˘ 941-526-6832

a FREE estimate!

N.J. Detective Robert L. McCabe, (Ret.)

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Care for Your Home When Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Awayâ&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;˘ Refrigerators â&#x20AC;˘ Ranges â&#x20AC;˘ Washers & Dryers â&#x20AC;˘ Ovens â&#x20AC;˘ Dishwashers â&#x20AC;˘ Garbage Disposals â&#x20AC;˘ Icemakers (Frig. only) â&#x20AC;˘ Stoves

941-726-7077

130400

15505 Lemon Fish Dr. Bradenton, FL 34202 OfďŹ ce 941-650-9790

LAKEWOOD RANCH PAINTING

131596

Yoderaluminum.com

FREE ESTIMATES

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

Call for appointment Cindy Wells 941-322-6381 941-928-2168

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Specializing in 6â&#x20AC;? Seamless Guttersâ&#x20AC;?

LICENSED

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Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance member

941.321.4582 suzetteďŹ ve@yahoo.com 127634

941.807.9773 www.ďŹ rstsecure7.com

Yoder Aluminum Inc.

941-792-7336

130824

PAINTING Insured

LIC./INS.

*In Mo st Cases

Moveitsuncoast@gmail.com

ALUMINUM

MOST REPAIRS Plus Parts $ at Retail

What ever â&#x20AC;&#x153;...ITâ&#x20AC;? is, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll MOVE IT! Call: 941-803-4959

Delivery â&#x20AC;˘ Transport â&#x20AC;˘ Hauling â&#x20AC;˘ Junk Removal

5002 Lena Rd. Unit 111 â&#x20AC;˘ Bradenton, FL. 34211

Dustin Yoder yoderaluminum@gmail.com

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

130712

1,580* 1,795* $ 2,125* $

130639

2 ton 13 Seer Tempstar ST. Cool with heat 3 ton 13 Seer Tempstar ST. Cool with heat 4 ton 13 Seer Tempstar ST. Cool with heat

â&#x20AC;˘Landscape Design/ Renovation/Installation â&#x20AC;˘ Xeriscape Experts/ Native Plants â&#x20AC;˘ Organic Gardening & Fertilizing â&#x20AC;˘ Sod Repair â&#x20AC;˘ Drainage Solutions â&#x20AC;˘ Seasonal Clean Up, Remulch â&#x20AC;˘ New Pavers & Paver Repair

129989

DOORS

131312

Buy 1 grab bar & get 1 FREE

REALTORS announces

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tikitimepetcare@gmail.com

bobandersonplumbing.com • 941-322-4510

POOLS Service with Integrity, Respect & Honor

Gas or Electric Pool Heater & Heat Pump Repair and Maintenance

Pool Heater SPECIAL!

$49

Call 924-9000 *A/H 730-0130

Insured • Jim Moccia Owner

371-3196 • 356-0362

24 hours

“ Helping you make the right move.”

ROOFING

Bisson Roofing Inc. FREE ESTIMATES

Residential/Commercial Roofing • Specializing in Roof Repairs

Lora Carpenter, Realtor

941-748-7400

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate 11215 State Road 70 #105 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

941-713-0432 Direct 941-739-6777 Office

Maintenance - OR Service Call

• Kitchen & Bath Remodel • Finish Carpentry • Crown Moulding • Built-Ins • Entertainment Centers

For listing your house, call BETH for proven results!! www.realtor.com/sarasota/bethbarnett

130826

• Save 10% OFF any regular service call (with ad)

water filter systems.

No job too big or too small.

Call Today!

25 Years Experience

Licensed & Insured • RC0067420 • NO HIDDEN COSTS Owner Supervises Every Job

The Service DirecTory

130371

Repairs, new construction,

• Insinkerator Badger 5 disposal $17500 installed remodels, repipes,

130716

PLUMBING

• Save $5000 off the installation of a new 30 or 40 gallon energy miser electric water heater

MOCCIA HOME IMPROVEMENT

Lakewood Ranch

Leave your fur kids in their environment with trusted, loving care!

Providing quality pet care for 10 years!

No extra charge for multiple pets & Holidays!

EXCELLENT REFERENCES

FALL SPECIALS

REMODELING/HOME IMPROVEMENT

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

TIKI TIME PET SITTING IN-HOME PET SITTING!

License # CFC043197

YourObserver.com

131609

PET SITTING

480-694-0756

19B Classifieds 19A

www.yourobserver.com

129996

THE EAST COUNTY EAST COUNTY OBSERVER OBSERVER THURSDAY, Thursday, JANUARY January23, 23,2014 2014

www.floridamoves.com/lora.carpenter

WorkS for you!

License# CAC1816468

Or visit us at: VeteranAC.com

TREES

POWER WASHING

NATIVE CUT TREE SERVICE

ȁ ȁ ȁ ȁ ȁ 130369

SAFE ROOF CLEANING 5 yr. spot free warranty

941-737-4483

15 HOLIDAY SAVINGS %

With this ad

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Pressure Cleaning & Soft Washing Residential and Commercial

www.PantherHydroCleaning.com

Rita@TheLaskyTeam.com Harold@TheLaskyTeam.com

130193

• Best Price on Palm Trimming Call Bob • Storm Preparation, Hauling & Mulching • Landscape Design & Installation 780-2267 • Monthly Shrub Pruning Licensed Landscape ANY OUTDOOR PROJECT & Insured

All Tree Work

Residential & Commercial

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY

Renovations

WINDOWS

HomeServices

Save big $$$$$ on Listing Commissions!

BIODEGRADABLE PRODUCTS

Houses, Pool Cage & Decks, Fences, Driveways & Walks Irrigation, Fertilizer, Rust & Battery Stain Removal

Harold Lasky 941-780-8514

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

Res./Com.

Environmentally Friendly

“Leave Your Dirty Windows To Us”

Contact Alice Bozza, Realtor

941-447-0127 • 941-284-5880

30 Year East County Resident

“UP TO 25 STANDARD WINDOWS • $109.00” SPECIAL

10%

941-518-3906 (Cell) aaalice1948@aol.com

SANDALS REALTY

Observer Classifieds.

It’s read everywhere.

Free Estimates

5.00

OFF + Additional $

For Senior Citizens Prices Include:

2 Bath Mirrors • 2 Fans • Tracks • Screens

131315

top2bottompressurewashing.com

Rita Ferrell Lasky 941-780-3579

Arriving

on your

screen

Winter

2014!

LV7303

͕͘͝Ǥ͖͚͝Ǥ͔͛͝​͔

After

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Before

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Call 955-4888 to reserve your space.

130715

Call: 941-526-0246

20B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

Intercoastal Medical Group at Lakewood Ranch Announces the Opening of its New Medical Office Building 11505 Rangeland Parkway, Bradenton, FL 34211 (SR 70, exit 217 off I-75)

! d e v o M e v â&#x20AC;&#x2122; e W

ALLERGy & ASthMA:

FAMILy PRACtICE:

GAStROENtEROLOGy:

362-8640

907-6016

342-8892

Matthew Aresery, M.D.

Michael J. Bentze, D.O.

Vernu Visvalingam, M.D.

Board Certified, Allergy & Immunology

CARdIAC & VASCuLAR: 362-8662

Hakim Morsli, M.D., F.A.C.C. Board Certified, Cardiology

Mark J. Ramos, M.D., F.A.C.C. Board Certified, Cardiology

Anthony C. Skidmore, D.O., F.A.C.C. Board Certified, Cardiology

Ricardo Yaryura, M.D., F.A.C.C. Board Certified, Cardiology

ENdOCRINOLOGy: 379-1777

Board Certified, Family Practice

Nicole G. Bentze, D.O., FAAFP

Board Certified, Gastroenterology

INFECtIOuS dISEASES: 362-8640

Board Certified, Family Practice

Fariba Donovan, M.D. Board Certified, Infectious Diseases

Felicia A. Canada, M.D. Board Certified, Family Practice

INtERNAL MEdICINE: 907-6016

Josette A. Grice, M.D.

Charles A. Baten, M.D.

Board Certified, Family Practice

Anthony R. Hemmer, M.D. Board Certified, Family Practice

Board Certified, Internal Medicine

PuLMONOLOGy: 362-8662

Richard Aranibar, M.D., , F.C.C.P.

Samuel J. Quartermaine, D.O., Pharm. D.

Board Certified, Pulmonology/Critical Care

Board Certified, Family Practice

Wende M. Kozlow, M.D. Board Certified, Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism

www.intercoastalmedical.com ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

130248

Medicare and most insurances accepted Same day appointments often available

A Patient Focused, Multi-Specialty Group

n

National Expertise

n

Seven Locations