Observer JULY 2021
SPIRIT OF AMERICA
PURSUIT
OF HAPPINESS
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JULY 2021
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Let freedom ring.
For 45 years, Michael Saunders & Company has proudly connected our customers to the American dream of homeownership. As we celebrate the birth of our nation, it is with gratitude that we reflect on our commitment to you, our community and independence. We are honored to be your neighbor and share this special place we call home.
Nowhere but here.
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CONTENTS ALSO INSIDE Calendar........................8 Fireworks shows........10 What to do on the Fourth..........................12 American traditions ................... 26 Recipes ...................... 30 Citizenship quiz............................. 38
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IDIOT’S GUIDE There’s a lot of ways to celebrate. This isn’t one of them.
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LOVE OF BASEBALL It’s still the quintessential American sport. Here’s why.
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BACK TO FUN Ready, set, enjoy. Event organizers have you covered.
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Back to the Fourth, back to the fun
I J U LY 3 , 2 0 2 1
A Suncoast Family Gathering
n the past, our Spirit of America section has had a few light notes, but typically, it strikes a serious tone — perhaps because we tend to take ourselves a little seriously as Americans. Our planning session usually revolves around exploring lofty themes, such as freedom or liberty or our country’s heritage and values. But after a year-plus of few distractions, vacations or normalcy, we just couldn’t bring ourselves to do it. We could not be serious. So we decided to explore another important value Americans share: fun. Remember fun? After all, “the pursuit of happiness” was named as an inalienable right in the Declaration of Independence. And part of that pursuit is no doubt the ability to enjoy some levity as we return to normal. On the following pages, we dive into all kinds of things that bring us joy as Americans, especially as we celebrate our independence on the Fourth of July. Our first section is focused on just that — celebrating the Fourth! Now that events are back this year, we have a full calendar of what’s going on in the area, from Siesta Key to Palmetto. And we are delighted to say that you’ll
have a lot to choose from. So much so that if you have trouble deciding, check out our handy flow chart on Page 12 to give you the flavor of what kind of event is right for you. One much-welcomed return this year is a smattering of fireworks displays to enjoy. If you’re one of the brave ones who likes to take pyrotechnics into your own hands, we provide some guidance on what your money will buy at area fireworks stands. And, because sometimes celebrations can get a little crazy, we present the Idiot’s Guide to the Fourth, to provide tongue-incheek advice of do’s and don’ts to enjoy your Fourth to the fullest — because there’s nothing like a late-night ER visit to dampen your celebratory spirit. The rest of the section is focused on the folks in our community and the traditions we share — or not — as well as a deep dive into why we love baseball so much and how the sport coined our national pastime continues to endure in our area. Last but not least, test your own meddle as an American by taking our quiz, which features questions from the U.S. citizenship exam. And don’t forget to watch the video on YourObserver.com to see how other people in the area answered. It is sure to make you laugh. — KAT HUGHES, EDITOR
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FOURTH OF JULY
CALENDAR SATURDAY, JULY 3
MANATEE COUNTY ANNA MARIA ISLAND PRIVATEERS FOURTH OF JULY PARADE The Anna Maria Island Privateers will bring swashbuckling fun to Independence Day with its annual public parade. The event is open to all interested parties, including local businesses, families and other salty sea dogs looking to live the pirate life. The parade begins at 10 a.m. at Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, and ends at Bayfront Park, 316 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. Free. Visit AMIPrivateers.org.
SUNDAY, JULY 4
LONGBOAT KEY ANNUAL FREEDOM FEST AND HOT DIGGITY DOG PARADE Longboat Key’s perennial patriotic party begins at 7 a.m. at Bicentennial Park for festivities through noon. The 15-minute parade along Bay Isles Road begins at 9 a.m. Attendees of all ages will throw on their most vibrant red, white and blue attire for a day of games, patriotism and celebration. Longboat Key Fire Chief Paul Dezzi will serve as one of three Freedom Fest grand marshals in a celebration honoring local heroes. Free. Call 383-2466. ‘AMERICAN FANFARE’ Choral Artists of Sarasota is joined for the first time by Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble for its annual Fourth of July concert celebration. Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble will perform several pieces including “The Star Spangled Banner” and John Philip Sousa’s “Hands Across the Sea.” Choral Artists will perform two arrangements — “An American Celebration” by Brent Adams and “Lift Every Voice for Freedom” by Moses Hogan — before the two ensembles join for “Armed Forces Salute,” “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “God Bless America.” The concert will be performed live at 2:30 p.m. at the Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., and available online July 17 through Aug. 17. Tickets are $25-$50. Visit ChoralArtistsSarasota.org.
File photos
Above: Statue of Liberty Irina LaRose lights up the 2019 Freedom Fest parade in Longboat Key, accompanied by Steve Howard and his dogs, Winston and Chico. Left: Benjamin Vargas enjoys watching bubbles stick to his car at Benderson Park.
ALL-AMERICAN COOKOUT If you prefer a more natural venue for your July Fourth merriment, check out Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ All-American Cookout. The 6-9 p.m. event will have allAmerican food for purchase and a number of activities and games before the fireworks. General admission is free for children up to 3, $10 for children 4-12, $25 for members and $35 for general public. Tickets are also available for Selby Experience, which includes valet parking, an all-inclusive buffet, an open bar and prime fireworks seating. Call 366-5731.
SUNCOAST SUMMERFEST THURSDAY, JULY 1
NEWTOWN BACKYARD BBQ COOK-OFF 6-9 p.m. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way/ North Orange Avenue Free Call 336-918-1658.
FRIDAY, JULY 2
BOAT FUN RUN: WELCOME RECEPTION 6-10 p.m. The Westin Sarasota, 100 Marina View Drive Open only to VIP ticket holders $100
SATURDAY, JULY 3
CELEBRATION IN THE PARK 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. J.D. Hamel Park Free BOAT FUN RUN: OFFICIAL RUN ON SARASOTA BAY 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. $75-$350 Register at SuncoastSummerfest. org. BOAT FUN RUN: POST-RUN AWARDS DINNER 6-9 p.m. Embassy Suites, 202 N. Tamiami Trail
MONDAY, JULY 5
LIBERTY LITTER CLEANUP If you’re wanting some civic engagement to follow your Fourth of July festivities, try the Keep Sarasota County Beautiful’s Liberty Litter Cleanup. Volunteers pick up trash and refuse at Lido Beach, Siesta Beach, North Jetty Park, Ted Sperling Park and a number of other locations starting at 7 a.m. and wrapping by 8:30 or 9 a.m. Registration is required. Call 861-5000, or visit SCGov.net for the online sign-up form. CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
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FIREWORKS SATURDAY, JULY 3
NATHAN BENDERSON PARK FIREWORKS ON THE LAKE AND 4-MILER Nathan Benderson Park will again be home to families, fireworks and fun at its annual Fourth of July show. The event will have its Fireworks 4-Miler race around the park’s lake at 7 p.m., just before sundown. The race will provide a race shirt, a finisher’s medal and glow gear for all participants. Fireworks explode over the water later in the night. Event admission is free. Race registration is $35 for in person and $40 for a virtual race; visit RaceRoster.com. Call 358-7275.
SUNDAY, JULY 4
File photo
Lakewood Ranch’s Greg and Liz Krome, with their daughter, Kinsley, got a front-row spot for Nathan Benderson Park’s 2020 fireworks.
PARADE AND BAYFRONT FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR This year, the Sarasota Bayfront is stepping the Fourth of July celebrations up a notch with a festival and parade before the evening fireworks. From 3-7 p.m. in J.D. Hamel Park, the Sarasota Downtown Enrichment Association hosts a festival featuring food
trucks and live music from bands Big Night Out and Twinkle. The parade, which begins at 8 p.m., will go from Mound Street and Orange Avenue to Bayfront Drive and Main Street, followed by the national anthem performed by “American Idol” singer Alana Sherman. The fireworks display will launch around 9 p.m. with seating around Island Park, the bayfront and downtown. Free. Visit SuncoastSummerfest.org.
PALMETTO FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVAL The Palmetto Community Redevelopment Agency’s annual Fourth of July festival will again be a lively affair, with craft beer and food vendors at Sutton Park, 1036 Sixth St. W., Palmetto. Opening the evening at 5 p.m. is the band His Country. Country singer Wynonna Judd headlines the festival with her band, The Big Noise, beginning at 7 p.m. and leading into the fireworks. Event is free. Call 723-4988.
SIESTA KEY COMMUNITY FIREWORKS The Siesta Key Community Fireworks show, now in its 30th year, has families and friends flocking to Siesta Key’s white-sand beaches for an evening of fun. The event, put together by the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, hosts the community event on Siesta Key Beach. Fireworks are free, but the event has sponsorships available that provide free parking, free beverages and snacks, as well as preferred seating at the hospitality area for the best view. Viewing area opens at 6 p.m., and fireworks start at dusk. Call 349-3800. VENICE FIREWORKS There are few better ideas than traveling down Tamiami Trail to catch the impressive fireworks show launch from the south jetty at Venice Beach around 9 p.m. The free, 30-minute show can be checked out at several area beaches from Caspersen to Nokomis. The south jetty and Jetty Jack’s Refreshment Deck will be closed to the public. Visit VeniceGov.com.
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HOW SHOULD YOU SPEND
THE 4TH?
WHAT’S THE VIBE? A few of us.
Can’t decide what to do or where to go? Go with the flow and let our decision tree point the way.
WHO IS ALL GOING?
—NAT KAEMMERER AND JOSÉ VALLE
The whole fam.
HOW MUCH STRUCTURE DO YOU WANT?
I’ll get there.
Start here.
HOW EXCITED ARE YOU?
Eh.
HOW FAR FROM HOME DO YOU WANT TO GO?
Let’s get a move on.
HOW PATRIOTIC ARE YOU FEELING?
Not far, please.
DO YOU HAVE COMPANY?
Driving is fine. Very excited.
HOW EARLY DO YOU WANT TO START?
I’m a late riser.
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Lazy Sunday.
RUNNING THE FIREWORKS 4-MILER AND FIREWORKS SHOW Get an head start on your Fourth fun with this race at 7 p.m. July 3 at Nathan Benderson Park. There are also kids races at 6:30. After the race, watch the park’s 9 p.m. fireworks. Visit Fit2Run.com/fireworks-4-miler to register.
I want to mingle.
HIKING AT MYAKKA STATE PARK Hit the trails early to beat the heat. The park opens at 8 a.m. daily and is at 13208 State Road 72. Walk the
Quite a bit.
None, we’re good.
SPECTATING THE LONGBOAT KEY FREEDOM FEST At 9 a.m. on Bay Isles Road on Longboat Key, watch the world’s shortest parade. Dogs in costumes are the main event of the 15-minute parade, which is followed by festivities until noon.
Very, but respectfully.
HOSTING A HOME COOKOUT Get a good, old-fashioned American potluck going. One friend brings the watermelon; another the red, white and blue Budweiser; and the host
I bleed red, white and blue.
TAKING IN THE BAYFRONT PARK FIREWORKS After the parade (which starts at 8 p.m. at U.S. 41 and Orange Avenue and ends at Bayfront Park), settle in for the fireworks. Camp out early in the park if you want a good view.
Flyin’ solo. Sure do!
WATCHING THE SIESTA KEY FIREWORKS The beach fireworks go off at dusk. Get there early, and enjoy the surroundings before the show begins. Bring a cooler, a blanket and some patience for the traffic afterwards.
Nope. The more the merrier!
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treetop canopy, look for gators along the Deep Hole trail, or take a boat tour for $20. WALKING THE SARASOTA NATIONAL CEMETERY Located at 9810 State Road 72, the National Cemetery is a solemn place to take in Sarasota’s national history. The office will be closed, but you can walk the memorial walkway or take a look at commissioned artwork in Patriot Plaza.
brings the BBQ. What’s more American than that? CELEBRATING AT THE MARIE SELBY BOTANICAL GARDEN ALL-AMERICAN COOKOUT From 5:30-9:30 p.m., the garden (located at 1534 Mound St.) transforms the bayfront sanctuary into an all-American cookout perfect for families. Admission is $25 for members, $35 for adults, $10 for kids 4-12 and free for the little ones.
RELAXING AT THE BEACH Celebrate America the beautiful by spending the whole day at the beach. Just don’t forget the sunscreen so you don’t accidentally add extra red into your Fourth. WALKING TO UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER This Sarasota statue, now at Bayfront Park, is a hot spot for photos any time of year, but it’s a bit more meaningful on Fourth of July. Is it art? Don’t worry about it. Just enjoy.
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Mirth on the Fourth — again A full measure of fun returns to holiday events. MARK BERGIN AND BRENDAN LAVELL STAFF WRITERS
W
File photo
In 2019, Ashlyn, Genevieve and Madeline Pidra enjoyed the Siesta Key beach while waiting for the fireworks display to begin. After the event was canceled in 2020, the pyrotechnics will be booming over the beach once more.
hen the COVID-19 pandemic ground Florida and the world to a halt in 2020, the isolation and cancellations left people with a lot of free time. Some learned to bake sourdough loaves. Others greened up their green thumbs. Suncoast Charities for Children Executive Director Lucy Nicandri and her team used the time to reevaluate the annual Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Race. The result is Suncoast Summerfest, an 11-day celebration that started June 23 featuring events across Sarasota, including the powerboat grand prix, block party, fishing tournament, barbecue, parade and, of course, fireworks by the bay. Events are planned through this holiday weekend. Suncoast Summerfest isn’t the only celebration in the Sarasota-Bradenton area that will be restoring a sense of normalcy to celebrations of America’s 245th birthday. Event organizers around the region have had their hands full planning ways to bring people together after a year spent apart. The focus was on bringing back traditional events, but in many cases — such as Summer-
fest — there is a twist here and an upgrade there. Siesta Key’s popular fireworks show over the Gulf of Mexico is back, as is bayfront Sarasota’s show, this year preceded by a parade down Mound Street and Bayfront Drive. “This Independence Day, we are going to come together once again to celebrate our community, honor our heroes and commemorate our nation’s birth after a very challenging time for our community and our country,” Sarasota Mayor Hagen Brody said in a statement. Nicandri said part of the idea behind Suncoast Summerfest was celebrating a return to the idea of community congregation by making the festival accessible to people from every part of Sarasota. That meant holding events in different parts of town — a barbecue in Newtown, a stroll in Southside Village. “Not everything is right downtown on Main Street,” Nicandri said. “You’re reaching out in the community to engage the entire community.” Nicandri said one of the biggest differences between planning events this summer compared to previous years is the expected crowds. She said Suncoast ChariSEE MIRTH, PAGE 16
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Mirth FROM PAGE 14
ties for Children raised a record $250,000 at the Thunder By the Bay motorcycle festival, and she expects that pent-up demand for events will continue through the summer. Larger crowds mean extra accommodations, such as increased parking options and security, could be necessary. In early June, Longboat Key commissioners decided to resume the town’s annual Freedom Fest celebration and parade after a year on the sidelines. “This is a big deal, even though it’s a small hometown parade, but I would like to honor our people,” Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce President Gail Loefgren said. “I’ve got to make sure (the Rotary Club) will do the Hot Diggity Dog Contest now that we’ve been approved. “The kids and the dogs are the whole reason to do it.” Town Manager Tom Harmer said holding Freedom Fest in 2021 signals a new phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I think it’s a big deal,” Harmer said. “It’s a super short parade, but it’s a fun parade. Our residents really come out and enjoy it.” Harmer said the dog costume contest is a favorite among Longboaters. “You still want to be careful and thoughtful and considerate of others, but we’re starting now to see more events,” Harmer said. “You’re going to see parades and those types of things.” Fire Chief Paul Dezzi is set to serve as one of the Freedom Fest’s three grand marshals.
One of the youngest participants at the 2019 Freedom Fest at 4 months old, Eleanor Clark takes a midmorning nap.
File photos
Rose, Louis, Elina and Louie Goncalves spent the evening at Selby Gardens watching the 2019 fireworks over Sarasota Bay.
Loefgren is planning to pick the other two grand marshals: someone who works in health care and someone from the Publix store at the Shoppes of Bay Isles. Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates President and CEO Tomás Herrera-Mishler said SANCA decided not to include Fireworks On the Lake in its budget this year because of the uncer-
tainty of the pandemic. HerreraMishler said it wasn’t until Sunset Automotive Group stepped in to sponsor the event at Nathan Benderson Park that SANCA knew it could move forward. SANCA Chief Operating Officer Stephen Rodriguez said this year’s event will be a hybrid of pre-pandemic editions and the 2020 version. He said the park
received “overwhelming” positive responses to its drive-in event last year, so designated parking will remain for those who want to buy a ticket and watch the fireworks from their cars. A 4-mile run around the lake will precede the pyrotechnics. Additionally, the fireworks will be broadcast on local TV for the second straight year. They were
broadcast last year because of the attendance restrictions that were in place. On the other hand, this year’s celebration will bring the return of live music, food, a 4-mile race and the kids zone, “a fun, safe and controlled environment for families to bring their children to play games and enjoy activities,” Rodriguez said. “The most exciting thing was when I realized that we would be able to gather the community back together after being forced apart for so long, celebrating our nation’s birth together,” HerreraMishler said. “I hope that this fun, familyfriendly event helps to rekindle our patriotism and sense of unity with hope for the future.”
WE REMEMBER & HONOR.
WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR OUR VETERANS WHO SELFLESSLY DEFENDED OUR COUNTRY AND PROTECTED OUR FREEDOM.
We are THANKFUL for all veterans and are HONORED to have over 25 working side by side with us. We are so GRATEFUL for their service to this country and we are PROUD to have them on our team now serving our clients. We also thank the HEROES who continue to fight for our freedom today, as well as the families who support them at home.
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Gnanambal Manivel, M.D.
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$100? $300? $1,000? The choices are yours A Fourth fireworks show need not be expensive. But it surely can be. BRENDAN LAVELL STAFF WRITER
A
lmost 250 years after fireworks were used to celebrate America’s independence from Great Britain, the tradition still runs strong, from the National Mall to your next-door neighbor’s yard. If you want to create your own display this year — or if you mainly want some smaller options just to keep the kids occupied for a while — the Observer spoke with Sky King Fireworks Managing Partner Dustin Luer for an expert opinion on three shopping sprees.
$100
Luer said it would be easy enough to spend $100 on a couple finale pieces (among them, products called Go Home, Karen; Wicked Hardcore; or Buzz Lightyear’s favorite, Edge of Infinity, all ranging in price from $150 to $250, often buy one, get one free) and call it a day. However, those looking to spread out the fun and keep family and friends occupied throughout the evening can also do so. Luer would start with two packs of Roman candles, which would cost $12-$20. Luer also
RULES? WHAT RULES? Following a change in regulations in 2020, the full use of fireworks in Florida is now legal on Independence Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Sparklers, fountains and other ground-based fireworks are legal all the time, but the aerial versions and ones that explode are only legal on those three days.
chose two packs of sparklers for $10. He would then buy two packs of bottle rockets, meaning 288 individual launches, for $16. “You could spend all afternoon (setting them off),” Luer said. With the remaining $50-$60, Luer suggests four finale pieces for the end of the night. He also considered swapping out two packs of finale pieces for two packs of mortar shells. “Then you’ve got a real show, and you’ve got stuff you can muck around with for a little while,” Luer said.
$300
At this price point, an actual small-scale show is possible. Luer starts with two 16-pack mortar shells at $150. He used the
other half of the money to buy three finale pieces. “That’s what will give you more of a professional display,” Luer said.
$1,000
Customers willing to shell out four figures will likely spend most of their money on supercharged 5-inch and 6-inch mortar shells and high-volume finale pieces. Luer would buy two 5-inch mortar shells for $240 and two of the highest quality for $280, leaving him about half of his budget for finale pieces. However, the mortars take more work than the finale pieces because each mortar needs to be prepared for launch individually. “You light it, shoots up, awesome bang,” Luer said. “Cool effects, colors, all that jazz. But if you’ve got (four packs), you’ve got 96 things to individually load and light.” People who don’t want to put in that level of work might be better off spending more money on finale pieces. “With these, you can make a display — each box has its own display,” Luer said. “You can fuse 10 together and make a five- to 10-minute show. It just depends on if people want to spend hours out there touching and feeling and doing stuff like that or if they’d like to just have a real professional-looking show.”
Brendan Lavell
This combination of mortar shells and finale pieces would cost about $1,000, says Sky King Fireworks Managing Partner Dustin Luer.
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Sunday, July 4 th 4th of July Parade & Bayfront Fireworks 8:00pm | Mound Street & Orange Avenue to Bayfront Drive & Main Street This season’s breakout American Idol star and local phenom, Alana, will perform the national anthem at Chaplain J.D. Hamel Park with the Bayfront Fireworks show immediately following.
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IDIOT’S GUIDE TO THE FOURTH W HARRY SAYER | STAFF WRITER
e’re back! Feels like it, anyway — but don’t
get upset if you don’t remember everything from the Before Time. With the Fourth of
July coming up, the biggest and rowdiest holiday many of us have had in a while, it’s possible that we have all forgotten a few of the important rules and tips. We decided to drum up a helpful guide to make sure your
Fourth of July is a roaring (yes, we said roaring) success with everyone leaving with their hands, dignity and Photos by Troy Herring
It’s a time for good food and camaraderie — just don’t be the guy that burns the food.
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There are a lot of ways to celebrate the loudest holiday in more than a year. Here’s one tip: Don’t be stupid.
1
CONSIDER YOUR DRINKING. Any kind of July 4 safety or etiquette starts with figuring out what you're drinking and how much. It’s better to think of a way to pace yourself and have some water, lest you drink too much early and tap out before the first fuse is ignited. You want to make a grand return to your family and friends this holiday, not end up puking into an empty box of Coors Light behind your nephew’s car.
Keep yourself hydrated and healthy, and you’ll be able to take unique Instagram photos just like this.
2
ORGANIZE (AND COUNT) YOUR FIREWORKS. The victory is in the preparation, so don’t wait to get fireworks the day of, like those parents who take forever to find presents on Christmas Eve and disappoint their kids. Get your fireworks early, and count them to know exactly how many you’ll be using. Also watch out for younger family members trying to sneak fireworks off for themselves. I’m not saying I was the kid who stole fireworks from my parents to toss around the neighborhood, but I am missing a quarter of a thumb. And count the beers in your fridge while you’re at it.
3
PREPARE FOR EXTENDED FAMILY. Hear that rumbling, steady scream in the distance drawing ever-closer? That’s your extended family coming back to spend a day with you. The awkward in-laws. The overly excited aunts and uncles with their incessant babbling. That niece with a lot of piercings. Wait, Bryson is coming? Who invited Bryson? Anyway, they’re coming, and they’re ready to catch up with you. So ignore that deep dread in your stomach, and show your family you care. And make sure you’ve followed rule No. 1.
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Keep a healthy distance from exploding fireworks and mortars.
4
KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE. Fireworks can absolutely wreck your deal (Read our sidebar from an SMH ER doctor — her hospital becomes a “Saw” film every July 4), so it’s important not to be too close when they go boom. Someone, somewhere, is going to slip and fall while running away from a mortar. It’s going to explode and light their pants on fire. It will become a cruel running joke in their family for the rest of their lives. They will get divorced and lose their home from this. An entire life, hollowed out and left a miserable shell because they couldn’t find escape from Big Ed’s Bunker Busting Firework Bomb going off in their yard. So make sure that’s not you! Get ready to run. 359396-1
CONTINUED ON PAGE 24
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FROM PAGE 23
WE TALKED TO A PROFESSIONAL Don’t just take our word for it. Dr. Sarah Temple, an emergency medicine physician at Sarasota Memorial Hospital and associate program director of the FSU/SMH ER residency program, has been treating people with severe injuries at the hospital for nearly a decade. Although July 4 firework damage could seem like an urban legend, Temple assured us that it’s very much real. “We definitely see (fireworks injuries) on the actual day but even just leading up because people start setting off fireworks early,” Temple said. She’s seen people with burnt skin and missing pieces of their fingers from mortars blowing up in their hands and faces. There’s not really a fix, either. If a firework has blown off part of your hand or finger, no surgery is going to reattach it. “The only time we realistically can consider reimplanting digits is when it’s a nice, clean cut,” Temple said. “But if it’s exploded off, it is simply just a matter of minimizing the amount of damage.” It’s not the traditional approach, but Temple recommends wearing safety goggles while lighting fireworks. It might not look cool, but it’s better than having hot firework particles shooting into your eye at high velocity. It’s also a matter of knowing about your situation and surroundings and not making any silly mistakes. Temple has seen people with serious injuries following a slip and fall while running from a ready to launch rocket. Also — and we’re not making this up — people have been hurt by exploding fireworks in a pants pocket. Having a safety plan is critical, and Temple stresses people bring a large bucket of water with them to douse out any flames. She said people make the mistake of putting ice or lard on burns; the effective thing to do is use room-temperature water and head to the emergency room if the burn is blistering. “If it just looks like a bad sunburn, that’s fine,” Temple said. “But if it’s got significant blisters, or even worse if it looks like cooked chicken, then that’s third-degree burns.” A few more obvious picks: Don’t pick up dud fireworks, don’t aim them at each other, don’t give young children sparklers — but a lot of this ultimately comes back to alcohol. “You really just shouldn’t drink alcohol and shoot fireworks,” Temple said.
5
TALK ABOUT POLITICS. Just do it. Who cares? You have the fireworks and will win the battle when a war of words escalates into an arms race.
6
Photos by Troy Herring
Look how cute this kitten is. Think of your pets and those of others when you’re out making all kinds of fireworks noise.
THINK ABOUT YOUR PETS. Remember those pets that you all adopted at the start of the pandemic when you realized just how quiet your lives really were? Well, they’re still around, and they get really wigged out by fireworks. Make sure to walk them, find them a remote space in the house and even play white noise for them before the fireworks start. It’s a party for you; it’s the invasion of Anzio for them.
7
ENJOY THE NIGHT. We’ve been through a lot, yeah? Be easy on yourself, and enjoy the holiday. It’s a time for family, connection and remembering those who came before us. And you don’t have to talk to Bryson if you don’t want to.
File photo
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JULY 2021
Food big part of holiday traditions Families share their delicious Fourth of July favorites. LIZ RAMOS | STAFF WRITER
O
n the Fourth of July, Greyhawk Landing’s Julie Fitzpatrick will head out on her family’s boat in the morning to Bean Point with her
sons and husband. She’ll get to sit back and relax as she watches her 8-year-old sons, Owen and Connor, try to catch fish that would be part of their dinner menu that also includes ribs and potato salad.
Courtesy photo
Connor and Owen Fitzpatrick show off the fish they caught. It’s a Fitzpatrick family tradition to try to catch a fish to make for dinner on the Fourth of July.
“(The fish) never really complements the ribs and the potato salad, but it’s always something fun, and so far, we’ve been successful,” Fitzpatrick said. “It’s just a fun tradition for the boys to do with their dad, and I always just kind of tag along, and sometimes I catch something too.” The Fourth of July is oftentimes associated with burgers, hot dogs and apple pie, but these Lakewood Ranch-area families have made their own food traditions. The Fitzpatricks’ tradition of going out on the boat to fish before coming home for a dinner of ribs, potato salad and fish started when they bought their boat five years ago. “I love watching them, especially as they’re getting older and becoming more self-sufficient on the boat,” Fitzpatrick said. “I see
a lot of growth each year with my boys. My husband and I just kind of sit back and watch, or we fish on our own.” Fitzpatrick said the way her husband, Ryan, prepares the fish for dinner all depends on the type of fish they catch. Besides the fish, the Fitzpatricks devour ribs and potato salad. The potato salad recipe is from Julie Fitzpatrick’s mother, Carole Wise, and ribs are part of Ryan Fitzpatrick’s family tradition of having barbecue every Fourth of July. “I enjoy having the family tradition that we’ve set forth for our kids, and I hope it’s something that sticks with them that they carry forward like my husband and I have carried from our family SEE TRADITIONS, PAGE 28
Celebrate the
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Nothing stops Tidewell Hospice from honoring our military veterans
Courtesy photo
Maverick Rahe, 3, loves eating jello poke cake made by his mother, Adriana, every Fourth of July.
The Tidewell Honors Veterans Program is committed to providing our military veterans the unparalleled service they deserve: • •
Traditions FROM PAGE 26
End-of-life care that recognizes the unique challenges that exist in military families
traditions,” Julie Fitzpatrick said. Wise has been making potato salad, which includes finely chopped green olives and pickles, since Fitzpatrick was a child. “We only have it in the summertime,” Fitzpatrick said. “It’s one of the only things I really remember having on the Fourth of July. We have macaroni salad otherwise. On Easter it’s macaroni salad and ham, and on the Fourth of July we always had potato salad, fried chicken and watermelon.” For Summerfield’s Adriana Rahe, her favorite part of her July 4 meal is dessert when she and her family eat a slice of the jello poke cake she makes every year. “I don’t know anybody who doesn’t like it,” Rahe said. “My husband doesn’t like sweets, and he likes it.” Rahe uses a vanilla box cake mix, strawberry jello and whipped topping for her cake, and to top it off, she uses blueberries and strawberries to make the cake into an American flag. She said the cake also looks
Special pinning ceremonies that celebrate the sacrifice of veterans in the communities we serve
The Tidewell Honors Veterans Program is completely funded by generous donors. If you know a veteran who could benefit from special care only Tidewell can provide, call 855-TIDEWELL today!
Tidewell Hospice … it’s more than you think.
great on the inside because the jello mixes in with the cake to have a marble effect. As for the taste, Rahe described the cake as a strawberry shortcake that’s light and not too sweet. “It’s just enough,” she said. “Even if you’re full, you can have a slice and not feel like you overate.” Rahe has been making the poke cake for the past 10 years after learning how to make it from her mother, Diane Valverde. “Ever since I was little she’s made it,” said Rahe, who is now 31. “It’s fun to keep the tradition and share it with my son. (Fourth of July) is a special time for me, and it’s fun to see my son’s reaction to the things I love as well.” When Rahe thinks of the poke cake, she thinks of family and the feeling of summer. She gathers with her husband, Charley; her 3-year-old son, Maverick; and her in-laws at her home where they swim, eat and watch fireworks every July 4. “It’s family bonding time because everyone knows once we’re done eating we have the jello poke cake, and everyone knows I make it,” Rahe said. SEE RECIPES ON PAGE 30
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POTATO SALAD
JELLO POKE CAKE
INGREDIENTS ■ 8-10 peeled and diced Yukon Gold potatoes ■ 6 peeled and diced hard-boiled eggs ■ ¼ cup chopped scallions ■ ½ cup chopped celery ■ ½ cup Duke’s Mayo ■ 1 Hidden Valley Ranch packet ■ ¼ cup yellow mustard ■ ¼ cup sweet pickle relish ■ Small handful of diced green olives (optional) ■ 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar ■ Dash of celery seed ■ Salt ■ Pepper
DIRECTIONS ■ Place the large eggs in a pot of water. When the water comes to a rolling boil, reduce the heat to low, and simmer uncovered for one minute. ■ Once eggs are boiled, rinse them in an ice bath to help peel easily. Once peeled, dice them, and set them aside to be combined later with other ingredients. ■ Peel and dice the potatoes into about 1-inch pieces. You can boil the potatoes with the skin on and scrape the skin off with a knife after you cooked and drained them. ■ Place the potatoes in a large pot, and cover them with cold water. Bring them to a boil over high heat for about 15 minutes uncovered or until fork-tender. Drain in a colander, and place the hot potatoes in a large bowl or the serving bowl. ■ Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and place it in the refrigerator for about an hour to give the potatoes time to cool. Mixing warm, cooked potatoes will make them crumble when stirring. ■ In a separate bowl, mix the other ingredients together. Add salt and pepper to taste. Combine mixture with the eggs. ■ Add potatoes, and fold in gently.
INGREDIENTS ■ 1 box of Betty Crocker Super Moist Vanilla Cake Mix ■ 1 cup water ■ ½ cup vegetable oil ■ 3 eggs ■ 1 box strawberry jello ■ 1 cup boiling water ■ 1 container Cool Whip ■ 1 cup sliced strawberries ■ ½ cup blueberries
Home
DIRECTIONS ■ Heat oven to 350 degrees. ■ In a large bowl, beat the cake mix, water, oil and eggs together. ■ Pour mix into pan, and bake in oven for 28-32 minutes. ■ Cool for about 20 minutes. ■ In a medium bowl, pour boiling water on gelatin, and stir until gelatin is dissolved. ■ Once the cake is cool, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke the cake several times. ■ Pour the strawberry gelatin over the top of the cake. ■ Cool the cake for about two hours. ■ Spread the Cool Whip over the top of the cake. ■ Slice the strawberries. ■ Place the blueberries in the top left hand corner of the cake in a rectangle shape. ■ Use the strawberries to make the flag’s stripes.
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is pleased to welcome Robert Toale, Debbie Toale and their sons, Jason and Jeff, to Robert Toale & Sons, our family of firms in Sarasota and Manatee County. As proud Welcome to the members North America’s largest network of funeral, Dignity Memorial of family. cremation and cemetery service providers, the Toale family will continue their commitment to serving families with personal, compassionate care. THE DIGNITY MEMORIAL NETWORK
The Robert Toale family and staff remember our veterans and those who have paid the cost of our freedom ®
In honor of the Toales and in recognition of their longstanding dedication to the Sarasota and Bradenton area communities, three local funeral homes will be renamed to reflect this change in leadership, and two of the funeral homes will undergo renovations to better serve our community with beautiful new facilities and enhanced capabilities. Rely on the Toale family and your local Dignity Memorial professionals to help you and your loved ones celebrate each life like no other. THE DIGNITY MEMORIAL NETWORK is pleased to welcome Robert Toale, Debbie Toale and their sons, Jason and Jeff, to our family of firms in Sarasota and Manatee County. As proud members of North America’s largest network of funeral, cremation and cemetery service providers, the Toale family will continue their commitment to serving families with personal, compassionate care.
In honor of the Toales and in recognition of their longstanding dedication to the Sarasota and Bradenton area communities, three local funeral homes will be renamed to reflect this change in leadership, and two of the funeral homes will undergo renovations to better serve our community with beautiful new facilities and enhanced capabilities. Rely on the Toale family and your local Dignity Memorial professionals to help you and your loved ones celebrate each life like no other.
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WHAT A CATCH! WE LOVE BASEBALL’S BEAUTY
Stars shine in America’s pastime, but the burning love begins in our backyards. JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR
I
Jay Heater
Seth McGarry, who rose to the Triple A professional level, says he spent countless hours playing baseball with his dad.
t’s not Shoeless Joe or the Babe or even today’s El Niño who have solidified our unconditional love of baseball. Sure, local baseball fans will profess their adoration of the game’s biggest stars, such as Joe Jackson, Babe Ruth or Fernando Tatis Jr. Still, the reason why baseball remains our national pastime — and will remain relevant another 100 years into the future — can be explained by peeking over many of your neighbor’s backyard fences. There, in the grass, without a base, home plate or pitcher’s mound in sight, will be two or three players. Whether it is mom or dad, son or daughter, or two buddies doesn’t matter. Only a pair of gloves and a ball are needed to have a catch. “My dad, (Tim McGarry), introduced me to the game,” said Lakewood Ranch’s Seth McGarry, who reached the Triple-A level of professional ball with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs before being
released in January. “It was great just being able to do something with him. We spent countless hours at the field. “You can always play catch with Dad.” As the nation honors July 4, many local celebrations will include sandlot baseball or softball, a simple game of catch or perhaps a watch party of the local big league teams, which are certain to be active on the holiday. In watching the MLB players, we begin to realize baseball has grown even above its lofty status as America’s pastime. MLB announced on 2021 Opening Day that 256 foreign players were on rosters, representing 20 countries and territories. Baseball’s reach is worldwide.
ball,” Prieto said about the game’s popularity. “People love to compete, and they love to be around family. I grew up in Caracas, Venezuela, and my dad took me to all the games.” The Venezuelan Professional Baseball League was established in 1945 and became an off-season home to many major leaguers, such as Dave Parker and Omar Vizquel. Prieto, who now gives private lessons to kids who have dreams of playing professional baseball, fell in love with baseball as he watched those stars. Fame and fortune certainly draws youngsters to the big league stars, but the pure fun of it captured their imagination long before they realized the big leagues existed.
JONATHAN PRIETO Jonathan Prieto, who works at Sarasota’s Elevation Prep Academy as a baseball coach for the Florida International Baseball Academy, said baseball has long been the biggest sport in his native country of Venezuela. Prieto, who lives in Lakewood Ranch, became a minor league baseball player in 2003, reaching the Triple-A Nashville Sounds before he became a scout and coach with the Philadelphia Phillies and Pittsburgh Pirates systems. “It’s just the nature of base-
ELI WILSON When Bradenton Marauders player Eli Wilson, a 22-year-old catcher, was a kid, his dreams started to grow in his Seattle backyard — and not because he was watching MLB stars. “I played a lot of whiffle ball with my brother and dad,” he said before the Marauders’ game June 8 at LECOM Park in Bradenton. “It was pretty raw, and we didn’t have a lot of rules. In our backyard, the only rule was that if you hit a window, you were out. SEE BASEBALL, PAGE 34
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Baseball FROM PAGE 32
“But I always loved the thrill of getting a big hit or diving for the ball to make a big play.” Wilson, who played college baseball at the University of Minnesota and now plays for the Class A team, said people who think baseball is slow don’t try to understand it. “It’s a good game if you want to think through it,” he said. “If you are a student of the game, it’s not boring.”
ETHAN BURNSTEIN On June 8, Wilson was one of the big stars to a group of youngsters from Lakewood Ranch who came to the Bradenton ballpark to celebrate Ethan Burnstein’s ninth birthday. To Burnstein and his friends, it might as well have been Yankee Stadium. Sweetening the pot was the fact the Marauders allowed Burnstein to throw out the first pitch. Think that will be a moment to stick with him? Baseball offers many moments that stick with its players and fans over a lifetime. JACK ZIMMERMAN AND GREG DICKINSON Sarasota’s Jack Zimmerman, who at 77 still plays in the Sarasota Senior Softball League, grew up in Boston watching Red Sox legend Ted Williams. “He was larger than life,” Zimmerman said. “Seeing him, … I worshipped him. I was 8 and wide eyed. I thought that baseball was the only game.” Zimmerman and his friends would collect baseball cards of
their favorites and then flip them to win more cards, or lose them. Everything they did revolved around baseball. “For me, baseball was so different than anything else,” he said. “I always wanted to be a baseball player. Never a fireman, never a doctor, never a policeman.” Although he earned his living in the garment business, Zimmerman is still a player late in life. “I have been working on trying to go the other way (for a righthanded hitter, that means hitting to right field),” Zimmerman said as he took the field. “There are not many things I work on at this time of my life, but I’m living the dream here. I still love baseball. “ Also playing in the Sarasota Senior Softball League is Greg Dickinson, who at 74 continues to be active because he loves the camaraderie that develops in softball or baseball. He wishes even more people would watch baseball and give it a chance. “Baseball has a perfect set of rules,” he said. “And baseball is in no rush.” McGarry agreed, saying baseball is a complex game with lots of small things happening each pitch.
Photos by Jay Heater
Sara Hanie says she has loved the game since the first day she picked up a bat.
SARA HANIE AND LILY BERTRAND Now he gives private lessons and spreads his knowledge of those complexities with aspiring stars, such as Lakewood Ranch 10-year-olds Sara Hanie and Lily Bertrand. Their fathers were watching at Lakewood Ranch Park as McGarry was putting them through fielding drills. “Sara has loved it since the day she picked up a bat,” said her dad, SEE BASEBALL, PAGE 36
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Baseball FROM PAGE 34
Marty the Marauder is just one example of professional baseball’s many mascots.
Lakewood Ranch’s Sutton Burnstein, 5; Elliott Knight, 8; Ethan Burnstein, 9; and Bob Wayman, 10, have a little fun at a Bradenton Marauders game at LECOM Park.
Photos by Jay Heater
Above: Baseball and softball still make up a large part of each day for Sarasota’s Dave Wulfsohn, who is 88. Right: Lily Bertrand, 10, dreams of playing softball for state champions Lakewood Ranch High.
Bradenton Marauder Eli Wilson, a 22-yearold catcher, says whiffle ball started his love affair with baseball.
Jim Hanie. “I don’t have the time to watch baseball anymore, but I love watching the kids play.” Lily Bertrand’s father, Scott Bertrand, said he loves the life lessons his daughter learns while playing softball. Whether it’s baseball or softball, he said kids learn how to deal with failure and how to respond. Lily Bertrand plays in the Miss Manatee Softball league and with the Riptide, a travel team. Her heroes, though, aren’t MLB players. Scott Bertrand noted the Lakewood Ranch High softball team just won the state championship. “Her dream is to play for Lakewood Ranch High School,” he said. “She has the game, and she constantly is asking me to throw and catch. We go in the backyard. It’s something we bond over.” Young or old, the love of baseball continues to burn bright.
DAVE WULFSOHN At 88, Sarasota’s Dave Wulfsohn knows his best days as a player are far gone, but he still loves competing on the diamond as a member of the Sarasota Senior Softball League. He has played in the league for 24 years. “I like being here,” he said. “It’s relaxing for me.” Wulfsohn finished two games on this particular day, playing catcher. After the games, he didn’t have any time to waste. He needed to get home. His Chicago White Sox were on TV. It was time for baseball.
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NO EASY ‘A’ Would you pass the U.S. citizenship test? Americans like to think we know everything about the country we call home. How true is that? Could we pass our own citizenship test without studying the answers? Here are 13 questions (one for each original colony) from the actual citizenship test to see how you stand. — RYAN KOHN
1 2
What is the supreme law of the land?
The idea of selfgovernment is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words?
How many U.S. senators are there? Who is one of Florida’s two U.S. senators?
What is the name of one U.S. territory?
3
What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?
How many justices are on the Supreme Court?
Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the federal government. What is one power of the
Who was president during World War I?
ANSWERS 8. There are nine justices on the Supreme Court. 9. Federal government powers include printing money, declaring war, creating an army and making treaties. 10. Responsibilities reserved for U.S. citizens include serving on a jury and voting in a federal election. 11. Thomas Jefferson. 12. The Constitution was written in 1787. 13. George Washington.
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What is one responsibility that is only for U.S. citizens?
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Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
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When was the Constitution written? Who is the “Father of Our Country”?
1. The Constitution. 2. “We the people.” 3. First Amendment freedoms include speech, religion, assembly, press and petitioning the government. 4. Woodrow Wilson. 5. There are 100 U.S. senators. 6. Florida’s U.S. senators are Rick Scott and Marco Rubio. 7. U.S. territories include Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam.
4
5 6 7 8 9
Brynn Mechem
Ryan Kohn interviewed Carlos Palma and a variety of others, asking them questions from the real U.S. citizenship test.
EXCUSE ME, WE'RE FROM THE OBSERVER … We thought it would be fun to put folks on the spot as they made their way around St. Armands Circle one day to test their knowledge of basic U.S. information. You know, the stuff people who are seeking citizenship have to learn. Carlos Palma was one of those brave enough to go on camera with us. Here are some of Carlos' answers: The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words? Palma: (Laughs) “My fellow Americans?” Who is one of Florida's two U.S. senators? Palma: I know one is DeSantos. … Oh wait, he's the governor. Then I don't know my senators.
What is one responsibility that is only for U.S. citizens? Palma: Ooh, I hope I'm not breaking any. I have no idea honestly. (After hearing the answers) Oh wow. Some of the most simple things. I do one of them, I promise you. When was the Constitution written? Palma: I do not know when it was written. 1768? What is the name of one U.S. territory? Palma: Puerto Rico. I think another is St. … No, the (U.S.) Virgin Islands. It makes me feel good that I know something. I almost said St. Petersburg, but that isn't right.
WATCH THE WHOLE VIDEO AT YOUROBSERVER.COM.
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