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Movie night at WatersidePAGE 1B ObserverYOU . YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.VOLUME 25, NO. 29 YOUR TOWNDierence makerDel Webb’s Lucille Messina (above) once worked to have a swing for individuals with disabilities installed at a park she frequented in Long Island, New York. But before her daughter, Jacklyn, who had a degenerative neurological disease, could use the swing, she was hospitalized and later died at 11 years old. þ In honor o f her daughter, Messina started Del Webb’s Making a Dierence organization to supporting people with disabilities. þ The club r aised $1,785 during its Bingo and Bake event May 31 to cover the cost of a swing for individuals with disabilities, which was installed at Urfer Family Park in Sarasota. þ “E very child should be able to swing and feel a breeze,†Messina said. “A child, no matter their abilities, should be able to enjoy a playground.†FREE • THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023A permanent staycationGeorge and Beth Roldan (above) love living at Waterside Place so much, they rarely leave. They frequent the restaurants and are regulars at the plaza to meet with friends and listen to live music. þ “W e went someplace else tonight and still ended up here,†Beth said. “Look at it — it’s beautiful.†þ O riginally from New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the couple has lived at Shoreview for almost two years. George was particularly interested in the Friday night live entertainment. þ He ask ed the evening’s entertainer, Justin Layman, to play “Tea for the Tillerman†because, in his opinion, Layman “sounds just like Cat Stevens.†While listening to the song, he watched a guy operating a powered parachute over Kingsher Lake. þ “I hope he doe sn’t crash,†George said. þ Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998EAST COUNTY A+E35 years of laughs, and love PAGE 13A Liz Ramos Lt. Col. Jay Bradin, who taught at Braden River High for 18 years, is covered in Silly String during his surprise retirement celebration at Camp Flying Eagle.Jay Heater Willie Blackwood nishes compacting a repaired pothole. A shock to absorb: Manatee County xes about 7,000 potholes a year. SEE PAGE 3ACounty settles Tara disputeEleven years of litigation over commercial development in Tara ends. SEE PAGE 2A Former students honor longtime Braden River High instructor. SEE PAGE 8ATugging his heartstringsSmooth cruising into pothole seasonLesley Dwyer Liz Ramos
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2A EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 YourObserver.com rffrfntrfttbftffrbtffftfrffrrfrtr rfrfbrrffrtrfrrfrrrffrbttffrtfrrfr ftrrttbfbfrrtfrrrtrffrbttfffrfttbrffrrffftbrt rffrffffrfrrrffrrfrtttfrtrftf frrbf‘b’fftrfrffbtrtrfr“tâ€rrrt•f–rfrtrffrrtt fbbrtrfffrtrffrt•f–—trffrfffrftrr $ $ 1199 1199 99 99 r rrf ntrf ntrf $ $ 999 999 99 99 bn bn r rfrf $ $ 599 599 99 99 rfr rrrf12 MONTHS NO INTEREST* $ $ 399 399 99 99 rr rrfrrf SOUTH SARASOTA bf ‘’ “â€â€¢â€“â€â€¢â€““ NORTH SARASOTA –—tr –“’ “â€â€œâ€â€¢â€“– BRADENTON ““––t b“’ “â€â€”â€â€¢â€“• ELLENTON ““br rrr’ “â€â€”â€â€”–– VENICE –bb b“rr’ “â€â€â€œâ€œ PORT CHARLOTTE ““ rrbr’ “â€â€”•â€â€”–– Stores Hours: Mon-Sat 9-9, Sun 11-6 ††401576-1 LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITERAn 11-year battle between Tara developer Lake Lincoln and Manatee County has been settled for $3.6 million. On June 6, the commission unanimously agreed to pay the developer $3,634,868 to settle the property rights case originally filed in May 2012. In return, Lake Lincoln will deed the 10.33-acre property in question, plus two additional wetland par cels that equal about 45 acres, over to the county. The 2022-23 budget was amended to transfer funds from reserves to pay the settlement in full. “A discussion has not been done. I can’t say for sure it will never be built on. There’s going to be new boards,†District 5 Commissioner Vanessa Baugh said, “But hopefully, we can turn it into some sort of preserve, where it’s not built on.†The suit was initiated after two years of back and forth over three acres of the 10.33-acre property on the southwest corner of State Road 70 and Tara Boulevard that Lake Lincoln wanted to use for commercial development. After ruling the property could only be used for open space and conservation in 2011, commissioners tried to find middle ground between the developer and the residents by amending the maps to accommodate residential and residential support use in 2019. Residential support use allows for businesses such as day care centers, whereas commercial use would’ve allowed for businesses such as a gas station. Seven months after the maps were amended, attorneys for Lake Lincoln filed a modification to the lawsuit that included an appraisal provided by Durrance & Associates that estimated a $3.61 million loss in property value and revenue dating back to when the lawsuit was first filed. With the property tied up in litigation and unable to be developed, it was effectively off the market. Lawyers for Lake Lincoln argued that the decision to not allow commercial development went against the Comprehensive Plan and that the county “inordinately burdened the land,†which landowners are shielded against under the Bert J. Harris Private Property Rights Protection Act. As far as the 2019 decision to allow residential and residential support use, lawyers said it still lowered the value of the property in comparison to the commercial use allowed for in the Comprehensive Plan. Tara residents held their ground, too. The rights of citizens to inter vene became a big issue in 2017 when one of the proposed settlement offers approved up to 19,500 square feet of commercial development. Residents of Tara signed a petition and the associations representing them hired an attorney to have a say in the matter. Attorney Robert Lincoln, representing the Tara residents opposed to commercial development, argued that the settlement violated county development codes and wasn’t in the best interest of the public. Tara proposed the alternative option of amending the maps. Judge Lon Arend ruled residents had a right to participate in the proceedings and sent the settlement back to the commission for another vote. The same agreement from Lake Lincoln was rejected 4-3 on the revote, but Tara’s alternative proposal was approved. In 2010, Lake Lincoln had already agreed to only use the property for residential and residential support uses. But by 2019, attorney Patricia Petruff was arguing that the developer wanted the zoning to match the “correct use†and the “character of the area.†“The Board of County Commissioners, when we vote ‘no,’ we have a reason, and I think it should be honored, and that’s not something that is done nowadays. It seems like almost every time we turn down a project, the developer sues, and they win,†Baugh said. “The community gets upset because we approve things, but at the same time, Manatee County citizens need to understand that when we lose a case such as this, it’s taxpayer money that pays that fine.†County pays Lake Lincoln $3.6 million to settle litigation that began in 2012 over commercial development rightsManatee County settles with Tara developer TIMELINE OCTOBER 2010 — Commissioners deny Lake Lincoln’s request to rezone 10.33 acres on the corner of Tara Boulevard and State Road 70 to “planned commercial development.†APRIL 2011 — Lake Lincoln les a claim against Manatee County under the Bert J. Harris Jr. Private Property Rights Protection Act. SEPTEMBER 2011 — The property is restricted by the county to open space and conservation use only. MAY 2012 — Lake Lincoln sues Manatee County over its right to develop the property. JUNE 2016 — Commissioners reject a settlement oer of $2.6 million. JUNE 2017 — Commissioners approve a settlement to allow up to 19,500 square feet of commercial development. AUGUST 2018 — Judge Lon Arend asks commissioners to reconrm the settlement after Tara representatives were granted the right to intervene. APRIL 2019 — The previously approved settlement is rejected by the commission in a 4-3 vote. Instead, Tara’s development maps are amended to allow for residential and residential support use. JUNE 2023 — A settlement for $3,634,868 is reached. Lake Lincoln agrees to deed the property, along with two additional wetland parcels, to the county upon payment. File photoTara residents packed the commission meeting in 2019 to protest potential commercial development by Lake Lincoln.
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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 3A YourObserver.comJAY HEATER MANAGING EDITORSo there you are, driving down Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, and traffic is jammed up, trying to merge over into one lane because a Mana tee County truck is just ahead with its lights flashing. What the heck? It’s hard to consider, in that moment, that the road crew causing the backup is there to help. They are, after all, filling a dreaded pothole. While this might be considered hurricane season, it is even more so pothole season. Day after day of rain can lead to standing water on the roadways, one of the main causes of potholes. Once they form, drivers often don’t realize they are there until they hit them. Thump! There goes your wheel alignment. The county’s Public Works Department understands motorists’ frustration with potholes. So much so that the department utilizes eight full-time workers whose job every day is to fix problems in the roadway. Last year, the county repaired approximately 7,000 potholes with 700 tons of asphalt. Thus, it is likely you have come upon a road crew repairing the roadway. “We’re responding to a problem,†said Danny Thomas, who is Manatee County’s superintendent of the Public Works Field Maintenance Department. “These guys are there making a repair for you and the community. It’s like with any road project, you should slow down and move over.†The road crew workers are just like any motorist, so they understand the frustration. However, some drivers can yell some nasty comments as they go past. “It’s like, ‘What the heck are you doing here?’†Thomas said. “We spend more time explaining than fixing the pothole. But we are in that environment where we are directing traffic, and people are running late from work, and they don’t have the patience. “And we do get ‘thank yous,’ too.†Thomas has been with Public Works for 36 years, so he knows the drill. It’s why the county tries to be as proactive as possible when it comes to seeking and repairing potholes. The eight full-time pothole crew employees often break up into two or three groups and head to various points in the county to examine roads and look for potholes. He points out that they do it well, too, because of the 7,000 potholes that were fixed last year, only about 800 were due to a call from the public reporting a problem. Thomas said anything bigger than a cellphone is considered a pothole, although once he found a pothole 4 foot by 4 foot on a back road near the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. He said repairs are a fairly simple process, where the crew arrives, squares up the hole by cutting its edges and digging out any loose material before compacting the remaining material and filling the hole. The new material is compacted, a tar tacky material is sprayed on to seal it, and the crew is done, often in less than 20 minutes. Of course, where there is one pothole, there are likely to be others. The crew will fix more if they see them. The patch trucks are specialized vehicles, usually a crew cab style truck with a hopper in the back that can haul up to seven tons of asphalt. The truck has heaters and burners to keep the asphalt soft, and also is equipped with jackhammers, compactors and saws. Thomas noted that not all breaks in the roadway are potholes. Sometimes they can be caused by failures under the pavement in water or sewer lines. In that case, the public usually doesn’t realize what kind of problem it might be when reported. The crew members often see a pothole about to happen when they see “alligator cracking†in the roadway. Myra Prater, the Public Works Main Division Manager, said the varying temperatures also cause potholes, with the heating and cooling of the surface causing expansion and contractions that opens space that can be occupied by water. “Then we do have our hot spots, our typical high-volume roads,†she said. Prater noted that before the county even takes over a road that is built by a private contractor, county officials are present during the process to make sure it is up to county standards. Over the years, she said materials and techniques have changed. In the late 1980s and 1990s, roads were built with an expectation of lasting 50 years. Now, with the traffic volumes so much higher in the county, that expectation has generally been lowered to 20 years. The roads take a pounding. Prater said limitations exist for Public Works due to funding. She echoed Thomas’ comments about Public Works being proactive. “Typically, we find potholes before they get all that big,†she said. “And when they are reported, about 98% of the time we get to them in 48 hours or less.†The county likely will have to expand its pothole efforts in the future. “Say someone has lived in the area for 20 years,†Thomas said. “Now there seems like there are more potholes. But the road is older, and it’s taking more than 10,000 more trips a day. We have highly (traveled) roads, and they will wear out.â€What causes a pothole? Potholes are normally bowl-shaped holes in the pavement that usually form in low areas, such as wheel paths and utility trenches. They are caused by pavement weaknesses, which might result from poor quality materials, thin pavement surface, poor drainage on the pavement surface or within the base, or a loss of load support by either the base or sub grade. Two factors are always present in such a failure — trac and water. What is the gestation period of a pothole? Rain seeps through cracks in the pavement and into the sub-base. If the moisture cannot adequately drain away from the sub-base and soil underneath, it becomes saturated and soft. Trapped moisture is subjected to repeated expansion and contraction cycles. With each cycle occurrence, the pavement lifts and cracks the pavement more. The passing trac weakens the pavement, cracking it further. As temperatures rise and fall, a void is left under the pavement. This void collects more water, and during the next cycle, the void will enlarge. Vehicles drive over the weakened pavement and pound it until the surface breaks and collapses into the void below, creating a pothole. How should you report a pothole (one that is larger than your cell phone)? Go to MyManatee.org or call the 311 call center. What makes up most road surfaces in Manatee County? Three layers. A sub base of clean dirt. If you are building a road in Lakewood Ranch, the sub base often is muck. You have to replace that with clean materials. The base is then material like limerock, and you mix in other materials, such as shell. Then you have asphalt (or state roadways often are concrete). How many potholes does Manatee County repair a year? The county repairs approximately 7,000 potholes a year requiring about 700 tons of asphalt. How many county employees work strictly on repairing potholes? The asphalt crew is made up of eight (full-time) positions, including seven eld sta members and a supervisor. How much does Manatee County spend on xing potholes in a year? Last year Manatee County spent approximately $800,000 on potholes and around $900,000 on other asphalt cut-outs and roadedge repairs. These costs include labor, equipment, and materials. All pothole repairs are in-house repairs.A bump in the road Public Works crew stays on top of pothole problems. DEEP SUBJECT(Answers supplied by Manatee County Public Works) David Gamble smooths out asphalt that was just added to repair the pothole. Above: Fluctuations in temperature and road wear can make the road surface expand and contract. That can lead to cracks and spaces that allow water to accumulate. Manatee County Public Works’ Myra Prater and Danny Thomas oversee an operation that lls more than 7,000 potholes in a year.Photos by Jay HeaterWHY ARE THEY CALLED POTHOLES?“Pottery makers in 15th and 16th century England would take advantage of the ruts that wagon and coach wheels gouged into roads. Anxious for a cheap source of raw materials for making clay pots, the potters would dig into the deep ruts to reach clay deposits underneath. Teamsters driving wagons and coaches over those roads knew who and what caused these holes and referred to them as “potholes.â€â€” From the American Public Works Association and attributed to syndicated columnist L.M. Boyd
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4A EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 YourObserver.com 401656-1 rrfrntbtnr tnrftrrrrff r ff 401589-1 941-366-2404 | 2542 17th St., Sarasota, FL 34234 | www.catdepot.org Introducing our brand new adoption promotion Seniors to Seniors!Now, through the end of the year, Seniors who are 60+ can adopt one of our amazing senior cats (8yrs +) for an adoption fee of only $25!Thank you to “Pets for the Elderly†for subsidizing the reduced adoption fee donate & shopHave large items to donate? Call to schedule your free pick up.( 941 ) 444-5783 www.habitatsrq.org 3 Stores 1 Location Tuesday Saturday 10:00am 5:00pm 2095 17th Street SarasotaBuilding Materials | Furniture | Appliances Art | Decorative Accessories | LampsOur vision is everyone deserves a decent place to live. donate & shopHave large items to donate? Call to schedule your free pick up.( 941 ) 444-5783 www.habitatsrq.org 3 Stores 1 Location Tuesday Saturday 10:00am 5:00pm 2095 17th Street SarasotaBuilding Materials | Furniture | Appliances Art | Decorative Accessories | LampsOur vision is everyone deserves a decent place to live. donate & shopHave large items to donate? Call to schedule your free pick up.( 941 ) 444-5783 www.habitatsrq.org 3 Stores 1 Location Tuesday Saturday 10:00am 5:00pm 2095 17th Street SarasotaBuilding Materials | Furniture | Appliances Art | Decorative Accessories | LampsOur vision is everyone deserves a decent place to live. donate & shopHave large items to donate? Call to schedule your free pick up.( 941 ) 444-5783 www.habitatsrq.org 3 Stores 1 Location Tuesday Saturday 10:00am 5:00pm 2095 17th Street SarasotaBuilding Materials | Furniture | Appliances Art | Decorative Accessories | LampsOur vision is everyone deserves a decent place to live. 396351-1 405105-1 rf rr r f r ntbttntbrf rbn t Treats Skin, Muscles & Fat rrrfr rfn tbbtnn t fbtbbtbb 405058-1 LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITORJanice Martinez, a State Trooper on patrol in Tampa at the time, remembered transporting a drunken driver to jail when she saw a car coming at her head on, driving down the road the wrong way. She had less than two seconds to react, but she managed to veer off the road and brace for impact. Neither Martinez or her passenger were injured, but she was trapped in her car and could only watch as the wrong-way driver fled the scene. It took six hours, but the hit-andrun driver was apprehended. “He was drunk, he was speeding, driving aggressively, had no driver’s license and was here illegally,†Mar tinez said. “Everything that we push with our ‘Target Zero’ messaging, — like slow down, watch your speed, don’t drive impaired, wear your seat belt, everything you can do to arrive alive and get home safe — the guy that hit me violated every single one of those things.†Now as the law enforcement liaison for District One of the Florida Department of Transportation, Martinez encourages people to avoid driving aggressively and to stay safe on the road. FDOT hosted a kickoff event at Bradenton Motorsports Park on June 8 for a campaign to discourage aggressive driving. Keith Robbins, a district safety administrator for FDOT, said his department has conducted analysis of crash data and found that the types of crashes occurring most include intersection crashes, lane departure crashes and crashes involving bicy cles and pedestrians. Nine out of 10 fatalities and three out of four injuries are results of those types of crashes, he said. Men ages 18 to 34, make up more than 50% of the fatalities in those crashes. “Young male drivers think they’re invincible,†Robbins said. “That contributes to aggressive driving because they think ‘Nobody’s going to get me,’ ‘I’m not going to get in a wreck,’ and that’s not always true. The biggest thing is not only are they not invincible, but their actions can have consequences on the people around them.†Martinez advises drivers to be vigilant at all times. “It’s just watching what’s around you and being prepared,†she said. “Our message is buckle up, watch your speed, put your phone down and don’t drive impaired. Your driv ing behavior is your choice, and if you choose to violate the law, it has the potential to hurt somebody or kill somebody.†She said people don’t always understand the ripple effect their bad decisions on the road can have. As a homicide detective, Martinez said she would have to knock on people’s doors to deliver the news that their loved one died in an accident. She doesn’t want any law enforcement officer to deliver that news.Rollover simulator is used at Bradenton Motorsports Park to demonstrate the result of poor driving decisions.Crash course on safety Liz RamosJanice Martinez, a law enforcement liaison for the Florida Department of Transpor tation, joins a couple of crash dummies to encourage people to drive safely.
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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 5A YourObserver.com rfntr rffr ntbrtnnrrrrr ftrrtnnrf trnnrrtfnrtnrtbbrfntrrrfn tbfbrfntbf rfffbbrbbrb fbrrb nrbfbbrnrtbbfffffbbrfrrfrbr frftbnrb brfrfrfrfrfnfffffb rbrrbb nrfrfrbrnfffbrrbnf brrbb rfbrtfr rr rfntr rf ntbn rb b r b rrbr trrrtbbbbnfn 392735-1 397393-1 LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITERWith six kids at home, Manatee County Commissioner James Satcher said he makes good use of the twice-a-week garbage pickup he enjoys while living in unincorporated Manatee County. However, like other county resi dents, Satcher and his family could have to adjust to once a week pickup if Manatee County can’t negotiate a contract with private haulers that would allow it to continue twice-aweek service. Commissioners last week approved a two-year extension of the county’s current solid waste contract, which was initiated in 2008, renegotiated in 2016 and set to expire in September. A rate increase for residents won’t be determined until after the extension is finalized and a two-year rate study is done, but Utilities Director Evan Pilachowski told the board that residential rates are likely to increase by about $5 a month. Then negotiations will decide what occurs after the two-year extension. “I definitely take advantage of the twice-a-week pickup,†Satcher said. “If we miss one of the midweek pickups, we can tell. But the mar ket’s moved, so it’s going to be tough to stick with that plan for too much longer without pricing ourselves out to where the benefit might be outweighed.†If pickup does move to once a week, Satcher is hopeful the county will be able to supply extra containers to make the transition easier on residents. He also pointed out that automated pickups are another likely option when a new contract is signed. “If I have overflow, I can stick it on the side of the can, but that’s not an option if you have the arm (of the truck) picking everything up,†Satcher said. “I just hope that when we do sign the contract, we’re able to take care of those things.†The commission is united on keeping costs down, so to stay within the same pricing structure, cuts likely will have to be made. A two-year extension will allow Manatee County to accept bids from any hauler that cares to compete for the contract. “Manatee County is not by itself,†Manatee County Commissioner Vanessa Baugh said. “Most of the counties are seeing huge increases. My question is ‘Why does it cost so much more now?’†Sarasota and Charlotte counties offer once-a-week garbage pickup. Baugh wants a town hall meeting on the subject. Before moving to Manatee and being elected to the commission in 2012, Baugh lived in Sarasota County and was used to once-a-week pickup. At the time, she suggested Manatee County switch from twice-a-week to oncea-week pickup, but she said resi-The County Commission approved a two-year extension of its current solid waste contract in order to negotiate with potential haulers.Manatee County continues twicea-week trash pickup ... for now File photoDeputy Director of Utilities Kevin Morris and Utilities Director Evan Pilachowski oer a presentation to commissioners.
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6A EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 YourObserver.com A Patient Focused, Multi-Specialty Group National Expertise Multiple Locations 8.26.21_IMG-Kassover-LWRII-18x24poster.indd 1 8/26/21 3:27 PM A Patient Focused, Multi-Specialty Group National Expertise Multiple Locations 8.26.21_IMG-Kassover-LWRII-18x24poster.indd 1 8/26/21 3:27 PM A Patient Focused, Multi-Specialty Group National Expertise Multiple Locations 8.26.21_IMG-Kassover-LWRII-18x24poster.indd 1 8/26/21 3:27 PM EndocrinologyWELCOMES rf nrrfnf ntbntbbtrt941-538-0077fnwww.intercoastalmedical.combf fnnnf t rf fnnnnnr f rnnnnn t n nnrfn fnn n nbnnGayatri Sarkar, MDfn A Patient Focused, Multi-Specialty Group National Expertise Multiple Locations 8.26.21_IMG-Kassover-LWRII-18x24poster.indd 1 8/26/21 3:27 PM 404684-1 SAVE AT 2 LOCATIONS SAVE AT 2 LOCATIONS copenhagen imports(941) 923-2569 • copenhagen-imports.com Warehouse Warehouse1114 Lewis Avenue3 blocks west of Ed Smith Stadium Saturday ONLY 8:00-4:007211 S. Tamiami Trail In-Store In-Store Saturday 10:00-6:00 Sunday 12:00-5:00 JUNE 17 and 18 ONLY! Saturday Sunday SAVE SAVE samples, one-of-a-kinds, and more. Plus discounts on special orders and many in-stock items. Shop early for best selection.SAVE SAVE Warehouse Warehouse Sale Sale 40 40 th th 403912-1 405104-1 rf rfntb ntbbbntbn rr brb nrb nt n nrn n LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITERWith just a slight change in direction, Hurricane Ian could have been worse in the Lakewood Ranch area. That was the message by county staff members during two hurricane preparedness seminars, the first June 6 in the Cresswind neighborhood and the second June 7 at the Manatee Chamber of Commerce in Lakewood Ranch. Emergency Management leaders talked about how Hurricane Ian could have had an even more disas trous impact in the Lakewood Ranch area, more like it did in Lee County. They stressed that the citizens need to prepare for the worst-case scenario. “How many of you would say we were lucky with Hurricane Ian?†Deputy Director of Public Safety Steve Litschauer asked members of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce. Hands raised immediately. Litschauer flipped to a PowerPoint slide that showed the damage to homes in Manatee County. Ten were completely destroyed, 276 suffered major damage, 871 had minor damage, and 2,644 were “affected.†The estimated cost of damages is $99,115,618. And for most of the county, that was a near miss. But then Litschauer posed a second question, “If you were in one of those 10 homes, would you say you were lucky?†Litschauer said much like children are put through fire drills at schools, citizens should be running hurricane drills long before the eye forms. “What we call an afternoon rainstorm, once it gets in the gulf, it can go from that afternoon storm to a Category 4 or 5 in three days or less,†Litschauer said. “Three days or less is not enough time to start thinking about what you’re going to do.†County staff members noted that some important things to consider are how many gallons of water your family will go through in a day or how employees get paid when there’s no power at the business and the bank is shut down. When a levee broke in Myakka City in the days following Ian, 300 wells were contaminated because of flooding. Eight semi trucks loaded with water had to be brought in. Karina Ojeda is the vice president and business development officer for Valley National Bank. She said she attended the seminar as a service to her clients. “A lot of my clients, mostly the small businesses, aren’t prepared,†Ojeda said. “They don’t have the time to come here. I came to pass the information on.†About 30 business owners attended the presentation at the chamber. The night before, about 100 members of the Cresswind community attended one geared more toward homeowners. About 80% of attendees had lived in Florida fewer than five years. Litschauer and his team have delivered more than 30 seminars in the past two months. “People will say, ‘Oh, we went through Irma. We went through Ian, and nothing happened.’ Don’t look at past history to survive,†Litschauer said. “Every storm is different, and it only takes one. Please, listen to us.â€Manatee County ocials hold two seminars in Lakewood Ranch to urge residents to begin their hurricane preparations now.County brings hurricane warnings to Lakewood Ranch Lesley DwyerDeputy Director of Public Safety Steve Litschauer gives a hurricane preparedness presentation to the Manatee Chamber of Commerce. HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS RESOURCES To schedule a hurricane preparedness presentation, contact Emergency Management by calling 7493500 or emailing EMDO@ MyManatee.org. Visit ResourceGuide.MakingAn-Impact.org for a guide to community resources in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Visit Ready.Gov/Plan to make a disaster plan for your home, business and pets.
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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 7A YourObserver.com 397116-1 rfntbt OVER 60 YEARS!rfntfbff fff FINANCING OPTIONS AVAILABLEff ffrffFO-35378922rfntbtt n rttt rrrr ‘‘’ rrrr ‘‘’rff rff n r‘ “†‘bn r ‘nn •n–t——bb–—n—bb ftrbrfnttt rr ‘f ’“ nrftntt ‘nnrntt t ‘ ‘‘ rfttt rr‘f ’“’ nnrfttt r “ nrrfttt r ‘nrrtt t “ r“ ‘r‘ rfttt r “ nnr ftrb ftrb ftrb rfntbt OVER 60 YEARS!rfntfbff fff FINANCING OPTIONS AVAILABLEff ffrffFO-35378922rfntbtt n rttt rrrr ‘‘’ rrrr ‘‘’rff rff n r‘ “†‘bn r ‘nn •n–t——bb–—n—bb ftrbrfnttt rr ‘f ’“ nrftntt ‘nnrntt t ‘ ‘‘ rfttt rr‘f ’“’ nnrfttt r “ nrrfttt r ‘nrrtt t “ r“ ‘r‘ rfttt r “ nnr ftrb ftrb ftrb rfntbt OVER 60 YEARS!rfntfbff fff FINANCING OPTIONS AVAILABLEff ffrffFO-35378922rfntbtt n rttt rrrr ‘‘’ rrrr ‘‘’rff rff n r‘ “†‘bn r ‘nn •n–t——bb–—n—bb ftrbrfnttt rr ‘f ’“ nrftntt ‘nnrntt t ‘ ‘‘ rfttt rr‘f ’“’ nnrfttt r “ nrrfttt r ‘nrrtt t “ r“ ‘r‘ rfttt r “ nnr ftrb ftrb ftrb rfntbt OVER 60 YEARS!rfntfbff fff FINANCING OPTIONS AVAILABLEff ffrffFO-35378922rfntbtt n rttt rrrr ‘‘’ rrrr ‘‘’rff rff n r‘ “†‘bn r ‘nn •n–t——bb–—n—bb ftrbrfnttt rr ‘f ’“ nrftntt ‘nnrntt t ‘ ‘‘ rfttt rr‘f ’“’ nnrfttt r “ nrrfttt r ‘nrrtt t “ r“ ‘r‘ rfttt r “ nnr ftrb ftrb ftrb rfntbt OVER 60 YEARS!rfntfbff fff FINANCING OPTIONS AVAILABLEff ffrffFO-35378922rfntbtt n rttt rrrr ‘‘’ rrrr ‘‘’rff rff n r‘ “†‘bn r ‘nn •n–t——bb–—n—bb ftrbrfnttt rr ‘f ’“ nrftntt ‘nnrntt t ‘ ‘‘ rfttt rr‘f ’“’ nnrfttt r “ nrrfttt r ‘nrrtt t “ r“ ‘r‘ rfttt r “ nnr ftrb ftrb ftrb rfntbt OVER 60 YEARS!rfntfbff fff FINANCING OPTIONS AVAILABLEff ffrffFO-35378922rfntbtt n rttt rrrr ‘‘’ rrrr ‘‘’rff rff n r‘ “†‘bn r ‘nn •n–t——bb–—n—bb ftrbrfnttt rr ‘f ’“ nrftntt ‘nnrntt t ‘ ‘‘ rfttt rr‘f ’“’ nnrfttt r “ nrrfttt r ‘nrrtt t “ r“ ‘r‘ rfttt r “ nnr ftrb ftrb ftrb rfntbt OVER 60 YEARS!rfntfbff fff FINANCING OPTIONS AVAILABLEff ffrffFO-35378922rfntbtt n rttt rrrr ‘‘’ rrrr ‘‘’rff rff n r‘ “†‘bn r ‘nn •n–t——bb–—n—bb ftrbrfnttt rr ‘f ’“ nrftntt ‘nnrntt t ‘ ‘‘ rfttt rr‘f ’“’ nnrfttt r “ nrrfttt r ‘nrrtt t “ r“ ‘r‘ rfttt r “ nnr ftrb ftrb ftrb Major Appliance Centers rfntfbff fff rfntbtn nrnb bnnrrrtr rfntbt OVER 60 YEARS!rfntfbff fff FINANCING OPTIONS AVAILABLEff ffrffFO-35378922rfntbtt n rttt rrrr ‘‘’ rrrr ‘‘’rff rff n r‘ “†‘bn r ‘nn •n–t——bb–—n—bb ftrbrfnttt rr ‘f ’“ nrftntt ‘nnrntt t ‘ ‘‘ rfttt rr‘f ’“’ nnrfttt r “ nrrfttt r ‘nrrtt t “ r“ ‘r‘ rfttt r “ nnr ftrb ftrb ftrb rfntbt OVER 60 YEARS!rfntfbff fff FINANCING OPTIONS AVAILABLEff ffrffFO-35378922rfntbtt n rttt rrrr ‘‘’ rrrr ‘‘’rff rff n r‘ “†‘bn r ‘nn •n–t——bb–—n—bb ftrbrfnttt rr ‘f ’“ nrftntt ‘nnrntt t ‘ ‘‘ rfttt rr‘f ’“’ nnrfttt r “ nrrfttt r ‘nrrtt t “ r“ ‘r‘ rfttt r “ nnr ftrb ftrb ftrb rrfntbfrrb rtnfrtntbfrntfrrr bb frtbrrtnfrtntbfrrb bb fffrt ntbffrt tf rr ffbff f ntbff br ffbf ‘fb frtntfrt’ brnt“â€f bfn•“ bb ff bf‘f ntbf bb ffnt br b’b fffrt ntf ‘– b’b ffbf ‘f ntbf fbf bb ffbf ‘fbbf frtntbfrr frt’brnt “â€fbf— bb bft fnt rrfbfrrb’b rrfbb fbbb rf You are invited to a special intimate performance put on by the Sarasota Jazz Project. FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 2023 RAIN OR SHINE 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM AldermanOaks.com 727 Hudson Avenue Sarasota, FL 34236 AL#8979 To RSVP Call 941 9559099 Downtown Sarasota s Premier Senior Rental Retirement Residence Enjoy listening to Jazz selections from this talented group either out in our gardens or indoors, depending on the weather. 386515-1 r402611-1 rfnt frbrffnr r fnr rf rft rrtrt ftt rrtft rrf tt rnt LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITEROwner Gary Blake calls his Adolfo’s Italian Market and Pizzeria in the San Marco Plaza a “one-stop Italian shop.†“Ninety-five percent of every thing is imported from Italy,†Blake said. “There are only a few things I can’t get, so I have to get them from a distributor here. All the wines, except for one, are from Italy. A gentleman from Sicily brought his son over to the United States early on, and they bought a vineyard in Sonoma (Mora Estate). They still grow the grapes and dry them out like they did in Italy on bamboo sticks.†The market offers Italian sausages, cheeses, coffees and more. The bread is baked and delivered daily from a bakery in St. Petersburg. The cookies, pastries and desserts are delivered from the next best place to Italy when seeking authentic Italian cuisine — New York and New Jersey. Born in Connecticut, the 61-yearold Blake moved to Sarasota in 1971. He currently lives in Panther Ridge. His great-grandfather, Leopoldo Colatuono, immigrated from Italy in 1890. Colatuono was only 12 years old when his parents sent him off on a solo journey to find a better life in the United States. The little boy grew up to raise a family in Brooklyn, New York. His son was Alberto Adolfo Colatuono — Blake’s beloved grandfather. While Blake’s own middle name is Alberto, he always preferred his grandfather’s, so the new venture was called Adolfo’s. “Way back, in Brooklyn, my grandpa and his family were in the garments and food industries,†Blake said. “I’ve been in medical sales for the last 20 something years, and I always wanted to get back to my roots. The timing just wasn’t right, Then, I had enough of my medical sales and decided the next journey of my life was going to be something my grandpa would be happy about.†Customers often ask about the pizza. They can’t quite put their finger on what makes the dough so unique. The secret is semolina flour. With Cassariano Italian Eatery as one of his neighbors in the plaza, Blake purposefully left pasta off the menu. The restaurant side of Adolfo’s is strictly a pizzeria — no entrees, just pizza, hot and cold heroes, strombolis and calzones. “We feed off one another because they don’t have a pizza oven,†Blake said. A taste of Italy at Adolfo’s IF YOU GOWhat: Adolfo’s Italian Market and Pizzeria Where: 8225 Natures Way, Unit 111, Lakewood Ranch Hours: Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday More information: Visit AdolfosLWR.com. Panther Ridge’s Gary Blake goes to great lengths to make sure Adolfo’s Italian Market and Pizzeria at San Marco Plaza is authentic.Lesley DwyerGary Blake is the owner of Adolfo’s Italian Market and Pizzeria in the San Marco Plaza.
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8A EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 YourObserver.com “If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.†Friedrich Hayek“Road to Serfdom,†1944 2020 The Observer Media Group Inc. All Rights ReservedYourObserver.com Observer Media Group Inc. is locally owned. Publisher of the Longboat Observer, East County Observer, Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer, Palm Coast Observer, Ormond Beach Observer, West Orange Times & Observer, Southwest Orange Observer, Business Observer, Jacksonville Daily Record, Key Life Magazine, LWR Life Magazine, Baldwin Park Living Magazine and Season Magazine CEO / Matt Walsh President / Emily Walsh Vice President / Lisa Walsh Chairman Emeritus / David Beliles 8130 Lakewood Main St., Suite D207 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-755-5357Publisher and President / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com Associate Publisher — East County Observer / Lori Ruth, LRuth@YourObserver.com Executive Editor and COO / Kat Wingert, KWingert@YourObserver.com Managing Editor / Jay Heater, JHeater@YourObserver.com Senior Editor / Liz Ramos, LRamos@YourObserver.com Sports Editor / Ryan Kohn, RKohn@YourObserver.com Sta Writers / Lesley Dwyer, LDwyer@ YourObserver.com Digital & Engagement Editor / Kaelyn Adix, KAdix@YourObserver.com Copy Editor / Gina Reynolds Haskins, GRHaskins@YourObserver.com Senior Editorial Designer / Melissa Leduc, MLeduc@YourObserver.com A+E Editor / Monica Roman Gagnier, MGagnier@YourObserver.com Director of Advertising / Jill Raleigh, JRaleigh@YourObserver.com Sales Manager / Penny Nowicki, PNowicki@YourObserver.com Regional Digital Director / Kathleen O’Hara, KOHara@YourObserver.com Senior Advertising Executive / Laura Ritter, LRitter@YourObserver.com Advertising Executives / Richeal Bair, RBair@YourObserver.com; Beth Jacobson, BJacobson@YourObserver.com; Jennifer Kane, JKane@YourObserver.com; Honesty Mantkowski, HMantkowski@YourObserver. com; Toni Perren, TPerren@YourObserver. com; Brenda White, BWhite@ YourObserver.com Classied Advertising Sales Executive / Lexi Huelsman, LHuelsman@ YourObserver.com Sales Operations Manager / Susan Leedom, SLeedom@YourObserver.com Sales Coordinator / Account Manager Lori Downey, LDowney@YourObserver.com Digital Fulllment Specialist / Emma B. Jolly, EJolly@YourObserver.com Tributes Coordinator / Kristen Boothroyd, Tributes@YourObserver.com Director of Marketing / Robin Lankton, RLankton@YourObserver.com Marketing Specialist / Melanie Melone, MMelone@YourObserver.com Director of Creative Services / Caleb Stanton, CStanton@YourObserver.com Creative Services Administrator / Marjorie Holloway, MHolloway@ YourObserver.com Advertising Graphic Designers / Luis Trujillo, Taylor Poe, Louise Martin, Shawna Polana Digital Developer / Jason Camillo, JCamillo@YourObserver.com Director of Information Technology / Adam Quinlin, AQuinlin@YourObserver.com Chief Financial Ocer / Laura Strickland, LStrickland@YourObserver.com Controller / Rafael Labrin, RLabrin@YourObserver.com Oce and Accounting Coordinator / Donna Condon, DCondon@ YourObserver.com EAST COUNTYLIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITORWhen Lt. Col. Jay Bradin walked into the commissary at Camp Flying Eagle, his eyes opened wide with shock. More than 100 of his former Braden River High School students applauded and yelled, “Surprise.†Bradin had to stop a moment to absorb the scene. After 18 years of teaching, Bradin couldn’t believe so many of his for mer Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps students gathered to celebrate his retirement June 10. Bradin’s impact is far reaching, and students who now live as far as Alaska and Germany virtually attended the retirement party. “It’s good to see all those faces,†Bradin said. “They’re all being successful adults. Our mission is to make them better citizens, and it looks like they’re killing it.†Former students had the opportunity to tell Bradin how he impacted their lives. Garry Montague, who graduated in 2008 and helped organize the par ty, said Bradin is one of three men in his life who steered him in a positive direction toward becoming a man. “He helped you realize what’s actually important and what’s going to get you where you want to go in life,†Montague said. “I was only with him for three years. It felt like I was with him for a lifetime because he was in a section of my life that was the most impressionable.†He said Bradin taught him about ethics and what was right. He recalled Bradin giving him the confidence to be a leader from the moment he came from Southeast High to Braden River and joined the JROTC program his sophomore year of high school. Montague said he uses the leader ship skills he learned in high school in his job a technical sergeant in the Air Force. Nicolas Wigington, who graduated in 2020, said Bradin made the JROTC program feel like a family. Wigington credited Bradin and the program for his transformation from a shy freshman who struggled his first year of high school to a confident leader who felt empowered his senior year. He felt Bradin and the other JROTC instructors provided guidance that led him to Florida State University, where he is a junior, and to the Flor ida National Guard. “I can’t pay him back,†he said. “I wouldn’t be where I’m at now without him.†Bradin said he has loved every minute of his time at Braden River High School. He was able to develop relationships with students throughout the four years he had them in class. “To watch them go from a shy, typically introverted freshman to a leader as a senior, you can’t shut them up because they know what they’re doing and they’re excited and confident in their capabilities,†he said. Many former students said their first impression of Bradin was that he would be a strict instructor given his 22 years of service in the Army. But it wasn’t long before they found out he balanced being strict with being a “big goofball,†as Josh Bickford, who graduated in 2008, described. Esteban Soto, who graduated in 2008, said Bradin always came up with weird quips or “dad jokes.†Soto’s favorite was when Bradin would tell him he was “about as useful as a chicken wire canoe,†which is military slang for someone that is useless. Ashley Wickline, who graduated in 2010, said Bradin is a caring person who treated each of his students if they were his own children. Many students were grateful for the life skills Bradin taught them, including what some might seem as basic knowledge — like how to write a check or create a budget. “He was very focused on mak ing sure that you have the tools to be able to successfully lead and not just teach you the criteria that’s required,†Bickford said. Braden River High School’s JROTC program has built a legacy of success among its rifle, raiders and drill teams, winning several state championships. Bradin was instrumental in building the foundation of the program and its success. Bickford said the key to the program’s success has been the impor tance of teamwork that Bradin instilled in every student. “He stressed teamwork like nobody’s business,†Bickford said. “Starting a program from the ground up, his dedication and our teamwork allowed us to dominate other schools in our first year, which was unheard of at the time, especially for a bunch of people coming from different schools to band together and work as one cohesive unit.†Bickford recalled one raiders practice where they were running several miles. He was exhausted. To help him stay on pace and ensure he finished, Bickford said Bradin ran besides him the rest of the way. Bradin taught him to use light posts to dissect the run into more manageable pieces. Wickline said she still uses the light post method when she runs. Whether his students went into the military, college or the work force, Bradin always wanted them to be prepared for their futures. “I know a lot of you wanted to join the military, but that wasn’t my job,†he said to his former students. “If you did, that’s great. If you didn’t and you’re out there in the community just being a good citizen, that’s was our mission.†Bradin plans to spend his retirement fishing and volunteering at organizations such as Habitat for Humanity or Samaritan’s Purse. END OF AN ERALt. Col. Jay Bradin Age: 63 Years in military: 22 Branch: Army School: Braden River High School Years as a JROTC instructor: 18 Family: Wife, Regina Bradin; son, Jim Bradin What he will miss most: Every day “chit chat†with cadets More than 100 former students surprised Lt. Col. Jay Bradin with a retirement party.Salute to service Nicolas Wigington, who graduated from Braden River High in 2020, signs a ag for Lt. Col. Jay Bradin, his former JROTC instructor. More than 100 former Braden River High School JROTC students gather to celebrate JROTC instructor Jay Bradin’s retirement.Liz RamosLt. Col. Jay Bradin is retiring from Braden River High School after 18 years as a JROTC instructor.
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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 9A YourObserver.com r fnt b n rntf fn r t rfntbntt nnffnt fnnt tt ftfftnnn nt nn nfnff nntnnf tfnftf fnf ttnn t tntnttnt ft t rnt f 395432-1 n n rfnftnbfffbf nffbf 400585-1 My recent birthday irked me more than others, perhaps because of the Medicare implications that I have to consider along with all those other realizations about a degenerating spine, creaky knees and never-ending heartburn. The thought of someday sitting on the couch and measuring my life in old “Gunsmoke†reruns is depressing, to say the least. But how do you snap out of it? It only took a walk down the street to get an answer. Eagle Trace’s Kay Eyermann is a ball of energy and passion, and she, indeed, is older than I am. At an age where many people are putting together a bucket list, she is writing out career goals. Her current adventure is her Serene Coastal Living interior decorating business, which she has owned and operated for the past five years. What makes Serene Coastal Living an anomaly is that she started the business when she turned 70. Eyermann is rather matter-offact when explaining why she is chasing a new career later in life. She fires off her answer — “Because I am good at it†— and talks about the 24 clients she has served the past five years, transforming their homes. Her feedback has been so positive that a stream of word-of-mouth customers has lined up to see what magic she can perform for them. That demand has allowed her to concentrate on total home transformations as opposed to piecework designs. Sitting in the home she shares with her husband, Lou, and her daughter, Lauren, Kay Eyermann talked about a recent project where her clients were a Longboat Key couple who were moving from a 3,500-square-foot home to a 1,900-square-foot home. Eyermann designed the transformation so well that she was told by the clients that they liked the smaller space more than the previous one. Besides her artistic eye, Eyermann said she has a talent for determining spatial limitations or possibilities. Lauren, who helps her with some of the nuts and bolts of the design, said her mom’s ability is uncanny in that regard. For instance, Lauren said her mom can look at an empty room, then at a storage locker full of furniture and know immediately how much of that furniture can appropriately fit into the space. “I help my mom,†Lauren said. “But I can’t do what she can do.†Although she didn’t pursue interior decorating when she went off to college the first time, Eyermann said she always has had artistic talent. She grew up in WinstonSalem, North Carolina, and as a teen, sang for a madrigal group, which competed all over the state. She said her love of music “jumped†her to a love and appreciation of art and eventually to a love of design. But life took over, and by the time she was 25, she was living in New Haven, Connecticut, and teaching elementary school. That career eventually gave way to more moves and a 25-year career with the technology company ROLM. She moved to Orlando to begin her work as a company trainer at 36 years old. Another 25 years later, she and Lou moved to Huntsville, Alabama, and they dabbled a bit in selling antiques. She also began helping her friends design their homes. Instead of drifting off into retirement, Eyermann, at 68, enrolled in an interior design and architectural design course at the University of Alabama. She was confident in her skills as a designer, but she said she wanted to learn more about the use of color. Her time in the program only convinced her more that she would be a first-class designer. She would look around at the young students surrounding her. “I was at the top of my class,†she said. Students in the design class were required to give three major presentations. Her fellow classmates didn’t like when she went first because she set the bar so high. By the time she was 70, she was living in Florida and running her interior design, space planning, home staging and home organization business. She joined the BNI networking organization to help her gain referrals. BNI is the world’s biggest business referral organization with more than 300,000 member businesses in 75 countries worldwide. Eyermann said it wasn’t long before the regular presentations she made as a BNI member landed her a first client for Serene Coastal Living. “My first big client was on Longboat Key,†she said. “I was giving these 30-second presentations every week (at BNI) and that helped me to build credibility and visibility. But at that point, I really was selling trust. That was it in a nutshell.†She did have anxiety over whether she would meet their expectations, and she did. Each client she landed made it easier to get another. It snowballed to the point where she had to be more selective taking jobs. Those who are interested can connect with her by calling 407-619-0593 or by emailing her at SereneCoastalLiving@gmail.com. “I am an honest designer who loves to get to know her clients and what their life preferences are,†she said. “What a designer does is balance things. It is all about balance.†She doesn’t worry about the competition in the region because she said “the market is so big.†Through five years, it hasn’t felt like work. “That’s the key, that I don’t have to do this,†she said. “I love to do this. It’s energizing.†It’s the kind of energy many of us “seniors†would love to have. She is, indeed, inspiring. “I probably will do this the next couple of years,†she said. And then it will be on to the next career.Design talent knows no age Jay HeaterKay Eyermann of Eagle Trace in Lakewood Ranch launched a successful interior design business, Serene Coastal Living, at the age of 70.SIDE OF RANCH JAY HEATERJay Heater is the managing editor for the East County Observer. Contact him at JHeater@ YourObserver.com.
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10A EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 YourObserver.com For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website. 231292105-1366867 6/23rfntblakewoodranchmedicalgroup.com Family MedicineDavid Vargas, MD, offers comprehensive primary care for the entire family, ages 3 months and older. He specializes in the following services: • Preventive medicine • Annual wellness examinations and screenings • School, sports and work physicals • Immunizations • Well-woman exams • Medicare wellness exams • Management of acute illness and chronic disorders • Dr. Vargas earned his medical degree from the Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine in Puerto Rico. He completed his Family Medicine residency at the Lehigh Valley Health Network hospital in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Vargas speaks both English and Spanish. WELCOME DAVID VARGAS, MD Now accepting patients! To make an appointment, call 866-515-9777 or schedule online at lakewoodranchmedicalgroup.com 395276-1 Electrical Water Treatment SEE HOW MUCH MORE YOU CAN SAVE! The Home Service Pros Who Care LIC # CAC1816020 • PLBG CFC1428223 • ELEC EC13009313 $100 OFF COMPLETE INSTALLATIONof Phyn Plus Smart Water Assistant Saves on Homeowners Insurance Policies FREE WATER ANALYSIS $100 Credit 941.866.6210CALL NOW! 404531-1 The Area’s most Trusted Name since 1974 or visit www.AquaPlumbingSarasota.com CALL TODAY FOR YOUR FREE CONSULTATION & XRAYS$2395 Implant, Post, & Crown. Offer expires 6/30/2023LOCATED OFF STICKNEY POINT (941) 260712 401143-1 LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITERThe Haven is an apt name for an organization that functions as much like a family as it does a facility serv ing children and adults with disabilities. The campus on DeSoto Road is reminiscent of a summer camp — nestled in the woods with a park, playground, trails and a pool. “We have 32 acres in the heart of UTC. That’s not a thing anymore,†Chief Operating Officer Alison Thomas said. “We actually own everything, which we’re really proud of because I always say, ‘If you don’t own it, you can’t say that you can keep it for life.’ And one of our biggest things is being able to say, ‘This is your home forever, even when we all pass.’†The Haven serves children and adults on the same campus and has residential housing, so for many, it becomes a lifelong home. Students graduate rather than aging out. Friends of The Haven President Kelly Askerud rests a little easier since her 36-year-old daughter Mackenzie Holland moved into one of the group homes in 2016. Holland has epilepsy and an intellectual disability. The Haven campus is only five minutes away from the Braden Woods home Askerud shares with her husband, Rick. “We might not have been ready, but she was ready,†Askerud said of Mackenzie moving to The Haven. “From Day One, she loved it. It’s been amazing, not just for Mackenzie, for the whole family. When you have a special needs child, it’s like daycare pick up and drop off, but for 30 years. We, all of a sudden, had freedom and flexibility that we never had. Plus, I felt comfortable that she was safe here.†Friends of the Haven is a nonprof it started by Askerud and about 20 other parents in 2016 to buy things for their children that wouldn’t get funded otherwise. Members also volunteer around campus and at fundraisers. In return, the Friends benefit from a network of parents who know things like how to set up a representative payee bank account or apply Friends of the Haven provides ‘extras’ for the residents while also providing volunteer hours on the campus.Friends for life NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT Photos by Lesley DwyerPresident of the Friends of the Haven Kelly Askerud with her daughter, Mackenzie Holland, who lives in a group home on The Haven campus. ABOUT THE NONPROFITFRIENDS OF THE HAVEN Address: 4405 DeSoto Road Mission statement: Parents, guardians and friends committed to expanding the opportunities and resources for clients of The Haven. Get involved: Meetings are held the second Monday of each month from September through May. Dates and times are posted on Facebook@ FriendsHaven. More info: Call 355-8808 or visit FriendsOfHaven.org.
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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 11A YourObserver.com rfnnntn bff r rfntbrnf rfff bffnfrff 402834-1 for “Baby Boomersâ€Suffering with Neuropathy (Numbness/Tingling) and other Complications of Diabetes or Pre-Diabetes. rfn tbb nbfffbt n bnbt fbt rfrnntbnf tf nttfbb tbtf bnttfbnb n nn n n rn nf nbbnbnbbttbrfntntbbftnnbrfntbntf‘‘’bn“rfntbtnn rfntrb rfntb tbnrffbrn 405115-1 for a Medicare waiver. They have a direct line to management, too. When the wood deck where clients eat lunch was recently upgraded with a cement deck, the picnic tables weren’t replaced. Askerud added her voice to the matter. “I put out a friendly challenge to The Haven board of directors to ‘Deck out the Deck,’ and within 30 days, we had secured enough money to purchase 17 industrial, heavyduty metal picnic tables, 17 umbrellas and 17 stands,“ Askerud said, “So all the clients are enjoying it every day out there.†Five board members donated, and the remainder of the $20,000 tab was picked up by the Friends. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Friends were up to 70 members, and not just parents — siblings, guardians and community members, too. Virtual meetings were a flop and numbers dwindled. But members were enticed with wine and cheese to attend the May meeting and 40 attended in person. Askerud took over the role of president again in April. Her goal is to get both membership numbers and involvement back up to where they were before the pandemic. One major project the group took on pre-pandemic was building Friends Park around the basketball court. They built a deck, put bleachers around the court, installed two bocce courts and supplied grills, picnic tables and garbage cans. “They created Friends Park, and now we have the bocce ball Special Olympics Team practicing out here, which is amazing,†Thomas said. “(The Friends) are also willing to help us with things we really need, those things that typically aren’t things that people want to fund, like nap mats. They cost thousands and thousands of dollars that are not in our operational budget, but they were like, ‘We got it. We’ll figure it out.’†THE HAVENThe Haven dates back to the 1940s and the Sarasota Bradenton Airport. The Sunshine Day School taught children with special needs out of an airport hangar. Like the Friends of the Haven, it was created by a group of caring parents. The original group was entrepreneurial and progressive for a time when institutionalization was a common protocol for treating people with intellectual disabilities. In the 1960s, they saw a need to expand and sold more than 20,000 pounds of Claxton fruit cakes for $10,000 and bought the property on DeSoto Road. There are now six homes on The Haven’s campus and two more under construction. There are 52 permanent residents and more than 300 on the waiting list. Other available services and programs include Selby Preschool, Haven Academy, adult day training and swim lessons for children with autism. Visit TheHavenSRQ.org. The Haven kitchen crew: Rebecca Jordan, Tessa Rager, Nika Rauch and Andrew Auld
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12A EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 YourObserver.com rrfrntbrr rtbrnrnnn frbrfrnrn rnbftfrnfrf ntbffrrrtr Make A Pl. FUNERAL HOME, CREMA TORY & PREARRANGEMENT CENTERrfrrrnfrtrr 396221-1 rfnt rffbnntbbrfrfffrfrffrffrfnrtbnrrrbn nnrrnnn nfnbbbbnb nnfnrnntrfbfnntbbrrfrbrrnnnrb nrnnbnnr nnnrrbnf nnffrffbfnntbt‘’bfrbbf “nrbfn nbb rrnb bfnbbrrnfâ€â€˜â€™â€ ‘‘••–‘••â€â€”rfb f’fffrfr• frf• r• ’‘••’ 405038-1 MIRI HARDYCONTRIBUTORThe ubiquitous eastern gray squirrel is one of Florida’s three native squirrel species and is found in both natural and urban settings. Although very adaptable, these diurnal mammals prefer locations with mature tree canopies. Such habitats offer abundant nesting cavities and allow them to move about without traveling on the ground, where they’re more vulnerable to predators such as owls, hawks, snakes, bobcats, coyotes, raccoons and cats. Squirrels are considered critical for the health and balance of the ecosystems they inhabit. In addition to being a food source for many species, as consumers (and cachers) of nuts and seeds, they provide other vital ecosystem services, such as seed dissemination and plant diversification. Indeed, thanks to their seed-caching activities, squirrels have an important role in maintaining Florida’s native longleaf pine ecosystem. But when living in close proximity to humans, squirrels, like other wildlife, can become dependent on people for food, to the detriment of their ecosystems. Such dependence can occur due to unintentional feeding, as happens when þ animals r aid loosely secured trash or find litter. But unfortunately, wild animals are often directly fed by humans. Feeding wildlife never ends well for them. It can be dangerous for us. And in some cases (e.g. American alligators), it’s illegal. Wild animals have specialized diets and can become malnourished or die if fed foods that don’t provide the nutrients they need. Feeding young animals prevents them from developing critical foraging skills. Importantly, it only takes a few feeding incidents for wild animals to lose their natural fear of people and associate us with food. Though cute, squirrels are wild animals — with sharp teeth and nails — that become demanding and aggressive when food is no longer provided. In fact, due to public safety concerns, feeding wildlife at Myakka River State Park can actually be a death sentence for animals. For example, when American alligators start approaching park visitors after being illegally fed, they have to be killed. We can help keep Florida’s wildlife healthy and our ecosystems balanced by never feeding wild animals. By not leaving litter behind and keeping trash receptacles secure, we can avoid unintentionally feeding them, too. Friends of Myakka River exists to support Myakka River State Park and the Wild and Scenic Myakka River. Follow us @FriendsOfMyakkaRiverSquirrels support healthy ecosystems. We can help keep them and other wild animals healthy by never feeding them. WILD FLORIDAFeeding squirrels or other wildlife never ends wellMiri HardySquirrels are expert foragers, and wild mushrooms are an important part of their natural diet, providing the nutrients they need to survive and thrive.
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YOUROBSERVER.COMJUNE 15, 2023 ARTS + ENTERTAINMENTLOVE COMEDY STYLEIf you’ve ever been in theater or on TV, you most likely know the “green room†is an inner sanctum where you wait until it’s your turn to go under the lights or in front of the camera. But at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre in downtown Sarasota, The Green Room is a bar where audience members can enjoy a drink before or aer the show.This green room is like a museum. It contains dozens of framed magazine covers and newspaper front pages, awards and proclamations that Pam and Les McCurdy have racked up during more than three decades in the comedy business. This month, Pam and Les will have to make some room on the walls for the latest round of tributes. They are celebrating 35 years of providing a clean, comfortable venue for comics and teaching people from all walks of life the fine art of making a joke. Told that a recent father-and-son team had attended McCurdy’s Comedy Camp even though one was a professional marketer and the other a successful actor, Les McCurdy wasn’t surprised. “It’s on a lot of people’s bucket lists,†he said. Like skydiving or visiting Yellowstone National Park? “Sure,†says Les. The McCurdys met in 1982 while they were both working at Bennigan’s in Sarasota. Both servers were interested in working in the arts. Their romance took a hiatus in 1984 when Pam graduated from the Asolo Conservatory and moved to New York City. Les took his comedy act on the road and helped a boyhood friend run The Comedy Catch in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Pam eventually joined Les in Chat tanooga, where they got engaged and married in 1987. The following year, on June 15, they opened their own comedy club in Sarasota at the nowdefunct Holiday Inn Airport Marina. They later took the club to the Big Kitchen on Clark Road before renovating the old Teatro Movie Theatre, where they remained until 2014, when they moved to their current downtown location. Making people laugh is harder than it looks, especially during a typical performance of about 20 minutes. What’s even harder is keeping a mar riage alive and growing for 35 years. The McCurdys aren’t planning on adding couples therapy to their repertoire. But they have some tips for sustaining successful relationships. Les wastes no time in offering advice. “No lying,†says the Chattanooga native, who often wears a straw cowboy hat. What about white lies? “No lying of any kind,†Les says more forcefully. One lie leads to another, he says, destroying credibility and trust. Lies of omission can be fatal to a relationship, Les says. They can lead to years of built-up resentment that, like shifting tectonic plates, slowly move toward an earthquake. “Every one thought they were so happy because they had been married for 20 years and then boom,†Les says. Some things, like chemistry, love and mutual respect, can just come naturally. The McCurdys don’t have to work too hard on those. Communication is key, Pam says. But you’ve got to make time for it. “It doesn’t always happen by itself,†says Pam, a petite blonde. Les agrees. While some professional partners who are also in a romantic relationship try to keep business separate from pleasure, that’s not feasible in their line of work, the McCurdys say. Even vacations involve scouting new talent. The McCurdys’ most recent getaway was to the Boston Comedy Festival, where they were wowed by the talent of the show’s winner, Learnmore “Long John†Jonasi. Les still does some performing of his own. At a recent show, his audience included visitors from Indiana. They seemed surprised when McCurdy informed them Indiana is home to one of the world’s largest collections of sex paraphernalia. It’s part of the archives at Indiana University, where sex researcher Alfred Kinsey was based in the mid20th century. This piece of trivia was news to the Indiana comedy fans, and their reactions provided grist for Les’s mill. Interacting with the audience and quizzing them about what brought them to Sarasota and to McCurdy’s generated plenty of risque þ m aterial SEE MCCURDY’S, PAGE 14A Les and Pam McCurdy celebrate 35 years of running their eponymous Sarasota club.MONICA ROMAN GAGNIERA+E EDITOR Monica Roman GagnierLes and Pam McCurdy opened their rst Sarasota comedy club in 1988, the year after they got married.Sidra WaliRoyal purple is McCurdy’s signature color.“McCurdy’s did put Sarasota on the map when it comes to comedy. We have a recognizable brand.â€Pam McCurdy < ‘PLAYING THROUGH’ : The golf lm will screen for free at WBTT’s Juneteenth Arts Festival. 15A CALENDAR: Circus Arts takes center stage. 16A >A+E INSIDE:
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14A EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 YourObserver.com rfntbnrnrfntb 401896-1 NOW – SAT AUG 12 rfntfn br $20 $13 b Incredible Family Entertainment rfntbf 390598-1 from McCurdy. There were jokes about “special†(wink-wink!) birthday presents, aging and online dat ing. When something wasn’t getting any laughs, McCurdy quickly moved on. When a camera flashed, he calmly said, “Don’t do that†and immediately segued back into his routine. Along with possessing the ability to size up someone in an instant and other formidable soft skills, Les has great respect for hard numbers. “If you don’t have a handle on your alcohol and food costs, you’re not going to stay in business,†he says. That’s where Pam comes in, dealing with vendors, making sure deliv eries are accurate and on time. Her soft skills are pretty impressive, too. They come in handy when hiring and managing staff in a time of service industry personnel shortages. Pam also handles press and publicity inquiries and other housekeeping issues. The latter literally means making sure McCurdy’s shines. Les remembers how one of his patrons once came up to him and said, “Your men’s room is so clean that I decided to take a dump there.†Clearly, bathroom humor comes as naturally to Les as jokes about sex. In restaurant or theater parlance, Pam is in charge of the back of the house, while Les’ domain is the front of the house, scouting and booking talent for the shows and the Humor Institute. Pam mostly lets Les be the star of the show. But she doesn’t hesitate to speak her mind. When Les started talking about their predecessors in Gulf Coast comedy, she gently interrupted and said, “I’m sorry, Les. McCurdy’s did put Sarasota on the map when it comes to comedy. We have a recognizable brand.†To support that brand, servers at McCurdy’s wear T-shirts with the tagline, “This place is a joke,†adorned with signature McCurdy’s stick figure holding a microphone that also graces the outside of the building. McCurdy’s merchandise can be purchased in The Green Room, which, like the main club, can be rented out for parties. But the McCurdys don’t use a hard sell approach to club swag. They let their headliners push their own promotional T-shirts and hats. Many well-known comedians have come to McCurdy’s over the years. The list includes Amy Schum er, Jeff Foxworthy, Larry the Cable Guy, Chris Rock, Tommy Chong and Rosie O’Donnell, to name just a few. Famous funnymen (and women) often come back to McCurdy’s when they’re on the road, especially if they’re looking for a cabaret setting. Not every comedian can fill the Van Wezel the way former Tonight Show host Jay Leno did in March. Among the household names who will be coming to McCurdy’s in the coming months are Pauly Shore and Andrew Dice Clay. Have these polarized times forced comics to retreat from the no-holdsbarred style of Lenny Bruce, George Carlin and Richard Pryor? Nothing’s off limits, according to Les. “It doesn’t matter what a joke’s about if it’s funny,†he says. Comedy venues have come and gone in Sarasota. With its signature royal purple paint, McCurdy’s is the last club standing. Like many other businesses in the performing arts, the comedy club was knocked flat by COVID. Luckily, the McCurdy’s were in a position to take the hit. With the pandemic mostly behind it, McCurdy’s is sitting pretty. Their 2014 move to the former location of Shaner’s Pizzeria looks exceptionally shrewd, given the development now going on in their part of downtown. Sprouts recently signed a lease for 23,000 square feet at Main Street and Links Avenue. The natural grocer will have space in Aster & Links, a two-story building with 424 luxury residential housing units. If residents are in the mood for a laugh or two, they can walk around the corner to McCurdy’s. On the McCurdy’s website, Pam and Les say they plan to celebrate their 50th anniversary at their downtown comedy club. With their 35-year track record, they’re not kidding around. Courtesy photoPam and Les McCurdy toast on their wedding day, July 25, 1987, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. “Communication is key, but you’ve got to make time for it. It doesn’t always happen naturallyâ€Pam McCurdyMcCurdy’sFROM PAGE 13A
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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 15A YourObserver.com rfntbff bnnf‘bf’bn“fâ€â€¢f’‘fn–ffnf–n—nb—bn––fn –fb•‘nnnbbnnnn‘fnn bnnn“fnnnnnnb“nn–nn –nfn–fb‘f–fn‘n‘fnf bfnnfnfnbnnn‘fbf–bn bnfbnn‘fbf‘f––fnbfffbb– r•rRECLAIMING HOMECONTEMPORARY SEMINOLE ARTrr“ r“ “ r’ r • rrrr “’ ’ ’’ 380871-1 380873-1 SERVING MEALS • DELIVERING HOPE • SAVING LIVES421 N Lime Ave • Sarasota FL 34237 ( 941 ) 366-6693 • MealsOnWheelsOfSarasota.orgA registered 501(c)(3) not-for-prot organization established in 1971 THE POWER OF A KNOCKTMA knock at the door might not seem like a big deal to many of us. But, to a homebound senior, it could signal the arrival of the only person they might see all day or all week long. It brings hope. It brings health. It brings the nutrition and care that will completely make their day. A knock from Meals on Wheels can even save lives.THE POWER OF A KNOCK TRANSFORMS LIVES. DONATE 398210-1 405032-1 MONICA ROMAN GAGNIERA+E EDITORJuneteenth celebrations in Sarasota are expanding this year with Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s inaugural Juneteenth Arts Festival. WBTT and other organizations have held Juneteenth events in the past, but nothing of this magnitude, says WBTT founder and Artistic Director Nate Jacobs. Juneteenth, the U.S. holiday commemorating the day all enslaved Black Americans were freed, is all about joy, but there is an educational aspect to WBTT’s Juneteenth Arts Festival, too, Jacobs says. “We want to invite the community to help celebrate an extremely important date in African American history. We have planned educational, fun-filled activities for the entire community,†Jacobs says. Two highlights of the festival, which will take place at WBTT, 1012 N. Orange Ave., are a performance of musical group RAD and screenings of the golf-themed feature film “Playing Through.†Screenings will be held in WBTT’s air-conditioned Donnelly Theatre. RAD members Raleigh Mosely II, Ariel Blue and Derric Gobourne Jr., who each have their own artistic careers, have been making a name for themselves around town with their concerts of soul and R&B hits. RAD will be one of several per formers on an all-day outdoor stage for spoken word and live music, which will also feature students from Ringling College of Art and Design. The movie “Playing Through†holds a special place in the hearts of WBTT staff and artists because of their intimate involvement in the production. Much of the filming took place at the Laurel Oak Country Club and other locations in Sarasota. Written by Curtis Jordon and directed by Balbinka Korzeniowska, “Playing Through†tells the story of Ann Gregory, the first Black female golfer to play in a U.S. Golf Association tournament. Jacobs says the Juneteenth Arts Festival has the capacity to serve about 500 guests, between the 200seat Donnelly Theatre and seating in front of the outdoor stage and in shaded areas. There also will be food trucks onsite. Preparations have been made for a hot and sunny day and for guests of all ages, Jacobs says.A Sarasota Juneteenth event to remember Courtesy photosRaleigh Mosely II, Ariel Blue and Derric Gobourne Jr. will perform as RAD during WBTT’s Juneteenth Arts Festival. IF YOU GOJUNETEENTH ARTS FESTIVAL When: 1-9 p.m. Sunday, June 18 Tickets: Free Where: Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave. Info: Visit WestcoastBlackTheatre.org. Nate Jacobs, founder and artistic director of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe.
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16A EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 YourObserver.com rfrntrf ntbrbt trbt tt t bfnnfffnt t r fntbbr br t r t f tf ff 396205-1 THURSDAYSUMMER CIRCUS SPECTACULAR 2 p.m. at Historic Asolo Theater 5401 Bay Shore Road $15-$20 Visit CircusArts.org. Circus fans of all ages can experience the best of the circus arts at aordable prices thanks to the ongoing partnership of The Circus Arts Academy and The Ringling. Master of Ceremonies Heidi Herriott, a third-generation American circus artist, presides over performances by hand balancers, clowns, jugglers and aerial rope artists, to name just a few genres. Runs through Aug. 12. ‘GOLD STANDARD’ Sarasota Music Festival 4:30 p.m. at Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail $30 and up Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org/ Festival. Grammy Award-winning Attacca Quartet makes its festival debut in this chamber showcase. They will perform Caroline Shaw’s Three Essays: First Essay (Nimrod) and Ravel’s String Quartet. Continues through June 24. ‘REEL MUSIC’ 6 p.m. at Florida StudioTheatre’s Court Cabaret, 1265 First St. $34-$39 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org. “Reel Music†celebrates the movies that helped create the soundtrack to the last century, with classics like “Singing in the Rain,†“Circle of Life†and “My Heart Will Go On.†This lively revue reminds us that movies and music have always gone hand in hand. Runs through June 25. 8TRACK: THE SOUNDS OF THE 0S IN CONCERT 7:30 p.m. at 3501 S. Tamiami Trail $30 Visit ThePlayers.org. þ It’ s time to get up and boogie as The Players presents a fast-paced musical romp through the muchmaligned decade. Runs through June 18. THE SURFER BOYS 7:30 p.m. at FST’s Goldstein Cabaret, 1265 First St. $18 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org. From the group that brought you The Jersey Tenors comes a rousing tribute to the band that took America on a “Surn’ Safari†in the early 1960s. Four Broadway veterans bring The Beach Boys’ biggest hits to Sarasota with classics like “California Girls,†“Good Vibrations,†“Barbara Ann†and many more. Runs through Aug. 13. ‘SHEAR MADNESS’ 8 p.m. at FST’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St. $25 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org. There’s been a murder in a local hair salon, and it’s up to Sarasota audiences to outwit the suspects and catch the killer in this interactive comedy whodunit. Runs through July 2.FRIDAY FRIDAY FEST: KETTLE OF FISH 5-9 p.m. on the lawn of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail Free Visit VanWezel.org. Kettle of Fish’s original music is an amalgam of rock, blues, reggae and New Orleans soul. ‘RADIANT TAROT: PATHWAY TO CREATIVITY’ Tony Barnstone 6:30 p.m. at Bookstore1, 117 S. Pineapple Ave. $5 Visit HermitageArtistRetreat.org. Tony Barnstone’s “The Radiant Tarot: Pathway to Creativity†presents a new yet ancient approach to awakening creativity and personal growth. DISNEY’S ‘THE LION KING JR.’ 7 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton $10.50-$18 Visit ManateePerforming ArtsCenter. com. School’s out for summer and camp hasn’t started. Entertain the kids with Disney’s “The Lion King Jr.â€THIS WEEK OUR PICK‘APPALACHIAN SPRING’ SARASOTA MUSIC FESTIVAL Marion Kuszyk, associate principal of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, joins hornist Michelle Reed Baker in Mozart’s serenade for wind octet. Music Director Jerey Kahane conducts the Aaron Copland work that gives the program its name and also plays piano with Attacca Quartet on Brahms’ Piano Quintet in F Minor. Continues through June 24. IF YOU GO When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 16 Where: Sarasota Opera House Tickets: $29 and up Info: Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org/Festival.Courtesy photosThe Alexis Brothers perform in the Summer Circus Spectacular through Aug. 12 at the Historic Asolo Theater at The Ringling.
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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 17A YourObserver.com 385048-1 OUR SHOWROOMS ARE OPEN Special Financing Available1734 South Tamiami Trail Venice, FL 34293 941.493.7441 4551 N. Washington Blvd. Sarasota, FL 34234 941.355.8437 2510 1st Street West Bradenton, FL 34208 941.748.4679 www.manasotaonline.com Juneteenth Arts FestivalPRESENTING SPONSORS DONA & SAM SCOTT CO-SPONSORS DR. DONALD & DORIS JOHNSON Celebrate Juneteenth with WBTT! Featuring local organizations, food vendors, performances, and filmmakers to partake in a communal sharing of art and culture!Sunday, June 18th, 2023 1 PM 9 pmWestcoast black theatre troupe 1012 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236 For more information visit: WestcoastBlackTheatre.org 404861-1 404690-1 SATURDAYGREASE! IN CONCERT 7 p.m. at Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave. Building 5 $35-$50 Visit VenicePerformingArtsCenter. com. The 50s-themed musical comes to the Venice stage for one night only. Get out your leather jackets, poodle skirts and saddle shoes for some romance-lled “Summer Nights.†Grease is the word; pass it along! ‘SOUND STORIES’ 7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. $30 Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org/ Festival. The concert in the Sarasota Music Festival features the works of Respighi, Tchaikovsky and Mozart. Continues through June 24.SUNDAY‘RISING STARS’ 2:30 p.m. at Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail $15 and up Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org/ Festival. Fellows studying at the Sarasota Music Festival perform the works of Dvorak, Brahms, Ibert, Faure and more. Continues through June 24. þ MONDAYIMPROV AND MORE 11 a.m. at Florida Studio Theatre, 1265 First St. $10 Visit OlliRinglingCollege.org. For many, improv is on the “bucket list.†Here’s a low-risk chance to give it a try at the Osher LifeLong Learning Institute course at FST.TUESDAY A FRANK LECTURE ON SINATRA Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) 11 a.m. at Sarasota Art Museum on the Ringling College Museum Campus, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail $10 Visit OlliRinglingCollege.org. þ E verything you wanted to know about Ole Blue Eyes but were afraid to ask will be covered in this entertaining talk, part of OLLI’s summer education series. THE MANY LANGUAGES OF JENNIFER CROFT 6:30 p.m. at Hermitage Artist Retreat, 6630 Manasota Key Road, Englewood $5 Visit HermitageArtistRetreat.org. Writer Jennifer Croft will appear on Tuesday, June 20, at Hermitage Artist Retreat with her husband, Boris Dralyuk, a writer and translator. Croft won a 2022 Guggenheim Fellowship for her novel “Amadou,†which will be published this year by Bloomsbury US and Scribe UK .WEDNESDAY FRANKIE PAUL 7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd. $25 Visit McCurdysComedy.com. Frankie Paul has been touring professionally since 1990 þ and is sure to tickle your funny bone with his material on marriage, family and human stupidity. Runs through June 24. DON’T MISS‘THAT MUST BE THE ENTRANCE TO HEAVEN’ In this world premiere by Franky D. Gonzalez, four Latino boxers all chase a world title to make their dreams come true. But are the sacrices each must make to win the championship belt worth it? IF YOU GO When: Through July 9 Where: 7:30 p.m. at Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second St. Tickets: $39 Info: Visit UrbaniteTheatre. com Courtesy photosPeter Pasco (left), Edgar Miguel Sanchez, Rodney Nelson and Juan Ramirez Jr. star in “That Must be the Entrance to Heaven,†which runs through July 9 at Urbanite Theatre.
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18A EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 YourObserver.com e Next Evolution of Luxury Beginsrfffnftbfbrf rfntbn tttrrr f‘f’“f‘ ‘‘’â€â€¢nff‘r–r—rfrrr rrr—rrrrr—r—r—–rrrrr —frrrrrrrrrrrrr——rrrrr—’rr“rrrrr rrrrr rtrfntbr frrf frrrrfr tbbrff 404806-1
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401167-1 YOUR NEIGHBORSJUNE 15, 2023 Classieds 15B Games 14B Real Estate 9B Sports 11B Weather 14B FINDING FUN AT WATERSIDEIt might be hot outside, but Waterside Place just keeps swimming along with events. “Finding Nemo†played on the big screen for a large crowd on June 9. þ “It’ s a good turnout tonight,†said Peter Petrovich of Grace Church, which is a sponsor of the event. “But in the winter, we’d have twice this many people.†þ The e vent, which also is a mini carnival, is held every second Friday of the month and includes bounce houses, cotton candy and a mechanical bull. þ Br adenton resident Anthony Farias had never ridden a bull before. He said some of the little kids did better, but he hung onto the spinning bull for about nine seconds. þ E ach Movie in the Park event is themed around that month’s movie. The kids had their faces painted with characters from the movie, and Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium set up a table with underwater ndings. þ L akewood Ranch resident Lesalynn Richardson was particularly taken by the manatee skull and learned that manatees love to eat lettuce because they have no front teeth. þ B ay Landing resident Benjamin Craig frequents Waterside Place with his wife, Lauren, and their two kids. He highly recommends the breakfast tamales at Forked and the strawberry cheesecake ice pops his kids wouldn’t eat. þ The r st 300 guests were given tickets for free ice pops, but the Craigs arrived too late to pick their favorite avors. “My children wouldn’t eat these, but I’m glad,†Craig said. “It’s how I ended up double-sted.â€â€” LESLEY DWYER Families get ready for movie night at Waterside Place. Stella Marek, Mason Miller and Stevie Martinez use the buddy system to walk around the park. Bradenton resident Anthony Farias lasts nine seconds on the bull. Lakewood Ranch resident Lesalynn Richardson gets a closer look at a manatee skull. IF YOU GO“Movie in the Park†is scheduled from 7-10 p.m. every second Friday at Waterside Park, 7301 Island Cove Terrace. The movies are family friendly, screened outside and start about 8 p.m.Photos by Lesley Dwyer
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2B EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 YourObserver.com Why Choose UsAffordable Faith-based EducationAt Risen Savior Academy Elementary, we believe that quality Christian education should be accessible to all families. Our reasonably-priced education focuses on academic excellence and strong Christian values, providing your child with the best start on their academic and spiritual journey. Enroll now to give your child the education they deserve.Risen Savior Academy's commitment to y our child's education is strengthened by our well-qualified, experienced staff. With a focus on academic excellence, personalized learning plans and small class sizes, Risen Savior Academy will provide your child with an exceptional learning experience in Lakewood Ranch, Florida.Affordable Tuition Committed to Faith and ExcellenceAt Risen Savior Academy, we believe in making quality e ducation a ccessible. Discover affordable tuition options along with scholarship and discount opportunities, ensuring your child receives an exceptional education without financial barriers.At Risen Savior Academy, we are dedicated to educating through a Christian-based culture, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world. CONTACT US941-756-7545 Our Mission NOW ENROLLING KINDERGARTEN SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION Why Choose UsAffordable Faith-based EducationAt Risen Savior Academy Elementary, we believe that quality Christian education should be accessible to all families. Our reasonably-priced education focuses on academic excellence and strong Christian values, providing your child with the best start on their academic and spiritual journey. Enroll now to give your child the education they deserve.Risen Savior Academy's commitment to y our child's education is strengthened by our well-qualified, experienced staff. With a focus on academic excellence, personalized learning plans and small class sizes, Risen Savior Academy will provide your child with an exceptional learning experience in Lakewood Ranch, Florida.Affordable Tuition Committed to Faith and ExcellenceAt Risen Savior Academy, we believe in making quality e ducation a ccessible. Discover affordable tuition options along with scholarship and discount opportunities, ensuring your child receives an exceptional education without financial barriers.At Risen Savior Academy, we are dedicated to educating through a Christian-based culture, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world. CONTACT US941-756-7545Our Mission NOW ENROLLING KINDERGARTEN SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION Why Choose UsAffordable Faith-based EducationAt Risen Savior Academy Elementary, we believe that quality Christian education should be accessible to all families. Our reasonably-priced education focuses on academic excellence and strong Christian values, providing your child with the best start on their academic and spiritual journey. Enroll now to give your child the education they deserve.Risen Savior Academy's commitment to y our child's education is strengthened by our well-qualified, experienced staff. With a focus on academic excellence, personalized learning plans and small class sizes, Risen Savior Academy will provide your child with an exceptional learning experience in Lakewood Ranch, Florida.Affordable Tuition Committed to Faith and ExcellenceAt Risen Savior Academy, we believe in making quality e ducation a ccessible. Discover affordable tuition options along with scholarship and discount opportunities, ensuring your child receives an exceptional education without financial barriers.At Risen Savior Academy, we are dedicated to educating through a Christian-based culture, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world. CONTACT US941-756-7545Our Mission NOW ENROLLING KINDERGARTEN SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION Why Choose UsAffordable Faith-based EducationAt Risen Savior Academy Elementary, we believe that quality Christian education should be accessible to all families. Our reasonably-priced education focuses on academic excellence and strong Christian values, providing your child with the best start on their academic and spiritual journey. Enroll now to give your child the education they deserve.Risen Savior Academy's commitment to y our child's education is strengthened by our well-qualified, experienced staff. With a focus on academic excellence, personalized learning plans and small class sizes, Risen Savior Academy will provide your child with an exceptional learning experience in Lakewood Ranch, Florida.Affordable Tuition Committed to Faith and ExcellenceAt Risen Savior Academy, we believe in making quality e ducation a ccessible. Discover affordable tuition options along with scholarship and discount opportunities, ensuring your child receives an exceptional education without financial barriers.At Risen Savior Academy, we are dedicated to educating through a Christian-based culture, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world. CONTACT US941-756-7545Our Mission NOW ENROLLING KINDERGARTEN SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION Affordable Faith-Based EducationAt Risen Savior Academy Elementary, we believe that quality Christian education should be accessible to all families. Our reasonably-priced education focuses on academic excellence and strong Christian values, providing your child with the best start on their academic and spiritual journey. Enroll now to give your child the education they deserve.Why Choose UsRisen Savior Academy’s commitment to your child’s education is on academic excellence, personalized learning plans and small class sizes, Risen Savior Academy will provide your child with an exceptional learning experience in Lakewood Ranch, Florida.Our MissionTo grow in God’s unchanging word and share it with a changing worldAffordable TuitionAt Risen Savior Academy, we believe in making quality education accessible. Discover affordable tuition options along with scholarship and discount opportunities, ensuring your child receives an Committed to Faith and ExcellenceAt Risen Savior Academy, we are dedicated to educating through a Christian-based culture, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world. NOW ENROLLING KINDERGARTEN 405136-1 Reserve your home site today! rfntbrfrnrtan Age-Qualied Community | 101 Amsterdam Avenue | Ellenton, FL 34222 EQUAL HOUSINGOPPORTUNITY rrrAct now to secure your new home in this resort-style community.Private Marina • Pickleball Courts • 6 Swimming Pools 5 Clubhouses • 2 Fitness Centers • On-site Dog Park Riverside Pavilion Open oor plans • Low Maintenance Lifestyle • Exclusive Amenities 401644-1 Hezekiah Coblentz, a Braden River Middle School sixth grader, listened intently as Shane Falco, a french horn instructor, played a song. þ C oblentz then picked up his French horn and tried to hit the notes exactly as Falco did. þ C oblentz’s one-on-one lesson with Falco gave him an opportunity to advance his musical talent during band camp June 7 at Braden River Middle School. Coblentz said band camp was going well, and he liked all the teachers. þ “I w anted to continue to learn more before I go into advanced band,†he said about participating in band camp. Falco said it’s amazing to see the progress students make in only a few days. The camp ran June 5-15. þ “I lo ve seeing each student blossom,†Falco said. “I work one on one with them and help them embrace their strengths.†Band camp is one of ve visual and performing arts summer camps through the School District of Manatee County. Students were able to participate in camps for band, orchestra, chorus, art or theater and dance. þ Ne xt door at Braden River Elementary School, students were learning various aspects of art, including painting, drawing and digital art. þ Sierr a Owen, an eighth grader at Braden River Middle School, said she wanted to participate in art camp because it’s a good way to express herself. þ She lo ved the digital art portion because she found it interesting to see the dierent art forms created using photography.— LIZ RAMOSCamp hits all the right notes Photos by Liz RamosHezekiah Coblentz, a Braden River Middle School sixth grader, says he has enjoyed all his time with the teachers at band camp.
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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 3B YourObserver.com 403865-1 VOLUNTEER DRIVERS NEEDED rfnfnntbbbffn rfntbt bf ff bfr405044-1 404243-1 Joe Gibson, an art teacher at Carlos E. Haile Middle School, takes Haven Wood, a rising seventh grader at Haile, through a lesson on how to draw a person. Drake Trombetta, a rising eighth grader at Braden River Middle School, gets a lesson on the snare drum. Milan Ruggiero, a rising freshman at Parrish Community High School, plays crash symbols, while Landon Merrill, a rising eighth grader at Carlos E. Haile Middle School, plays triangle during a percussion sectional. Remi Walker, a rising eighth grader at Buffalo Creek Middle School, and Emma Tarbet, a rising eighth grader at Dr. Mona Jain Middle School, love the digital arts portion of the art camp.
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4B EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 YourObserver.com INFINITE POSSIBILITIES. ONE SOURCE.TILE & STONE | MOSAICS | CABINETRY | COUNTERTOPS | FLOORING VISIT OUR SARASOTA SHOWROOM941.355.2703 | 4500 Carmichael Ave., Sarasota, FL 34234 FLORIDADESIGNWORKS.COM 403990-1 FRESHEN UP YOUR SPACEQuick Response & • INTERIOR & EXTERIOR • DRYWALL REPAIR • STUCCO REPAIR • EPOXY FLOORING • POWERWASHING • TEXTURINGFor Your Free Quote & call us Today! 401151-1RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL rfntbr rfffnttbbnn nttbnbfn ft rfntb404736-1 LIZ RAMOSSENIOR EDITORRyan Langley grew up sur rounded by music. He started playing accor dion at 4 years old because his parents, Rick and Glenda Langley, and his grandparents, Russ and Millie Nyberg, played it. His parents owned a music store in Bradenton, and his grandparents owned a music store in Minneapolis. Langley went on to learn how to play guitar, piano, ukulele and more. So when it came to knowing what he wanted to be when he grew up, Langley’s answer was simple: a musician. Langley took it further, following in his parents’ and grandparents’ footsteps by opening Ryan Langley Music School on April 1, at 7324 Delainey Court in Lakewood Ranch across from State College of Florida.In Lakewood Ranch, the beat goes on EYE ON BUSINESS With a desire to share his passion for music with others, Ryan Langley opens his own music school in Lakewood Ranch.Photos by Liz RamosRyan Langley Music School Studio Manager Ken Settlemyer and owner Ryan Langley are thrilled to see what the future holds for the new school.
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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 5B YourObserver.com r fr frntbf r f n tb t tn r rfntbr r r r r r r r f f n n t t r r b b fnt ntbtb rfntb bffn rbrntr 402651-1 404609-1 r fntb FREE ADMISSIONrffntbnbnrfrfrFlorida State Fairgroundsrfftrr 399386-1 Sarasota’s BestVoted One of 28 Years in a Row! r Janet and Curt Mattson Owners Wallcoverings & Blinds, Inc. Since 1989941-925-7800mmwallcoveringsblinds.com 4801 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Across from The Landings heraldtribune.com WINNER Design Studio Vignett “It’s a long time coming,†Langley said. “Finally, all the stars lined up.†Langley planned to open his music school before the COVID-19 pandemic, but as he said, “Being a musician, timing is everything.†His dreams were postponed until April 1, when Langley, along with his staff and some students, officially opened Ryan Langley Music School. When the school opened, Langley said, not all of the carpet was installed, so for the first two weeks, students had the opportunity to sign the floor, which has since been removed and put on the wall. “They love it,†Langley said of his students having their mark on his school. “I love it. It’s unique. People of all ages were down on their knees just signing away. They were just as happy as we are.†The school is 3,000 square feet with seven lesson rooms. The six instructors offer a range of lessons, including guitar, bass, piano, drums, accordion and ukulele. “I know Lakewood Ranch is a great place to be,†said Ken Settlemyer, the studio manager. “We chose a facility with the idea that it allows us to grow to a good number of students here. We will eventually need more instructors. We’re actually reaching capacity with a couple of instructors already.†Settlemyer and Langley estimate the school will be able to have between 400 and 500 students. The music school offers lessons to people of all ages. Langley wanted to open the music school to share his passion with others and help develop a passion for music within his students. Langley said the instruction is catered to the individual. He said whether it’s a student wanting to learn a particular song or another student wanting to become a rock star or a student wanting to learn a specific genre of music, he and the school’s instructors will work with the students to achieve their goals. “(Being a musician) makes you special,†Langley said. “You get people moving, tapping their feet and singing along all from my fingertips. You get to move people, you get to touch them or have them remember an old memory by learning a song. That’s something special. I want to give students that feeling so they can make themselves even more special.†IF YOU GORYAN LANGLEY MUSIC SCHOOL Where: 7324 Delainey Court, Lakewood Ranch Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Sunday Details: Ryan Langley Music School oers lessons in guitar, bass, piano, drums, brass, voice, accordion, ukulele, harmonica and banjo to people of all ages. More information: Call 8673832 or visit RyanLangleyMusicSchool.com. Ryan Langley wants to share his passion for music through the Ryan Langley Music School.
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6B EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 YourObserver.com rfntbfnf ntbfbnrffntbtbtn bbb bb b ‘n’“ntbf“nâ€â€¢â€“•— b rf 404435-1 DIRECT THE MANUFACTURERWHY VISIT OUR SHOWROOM rfQUALITY HIGH END LOOK rfnCUSTOM MADE AT OUR PALMETTO FACTORYEXTENDED WARRANTY ON ALL FURNITURE OPEN PUBLIC tbb fb fffbnttb 402415-1 COMMUNITYTHURSDAY, JUNE 15 THROUGH SUNDAY, JUNE 18LIVE MUSIC AT JIGGS LANDING Runs from 5-8 p.m. at Jiggs Landing, 6106 63rd St. E., Bradenton. The live music lineup includes Donnie Bostic (Thursday), Fat Tracks Band (Friday), Gator Ridge Ramblers (Saturday) and Mike Sales (Sunday). All shows are free except the Saturday night show, which has a $5 cover. For more information, go to JiggsLanding.com.FRIDAY, JUNE 16 MUSIC AT THE PLAZA Runs from 6-9 p.m. at Waterside Place, 1561 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch. Singer/songwriter Frankie Lombardi, eclectic acoustic rock and pop, will entertain those who stroll through Waterside Place’s selection of restaurants and businesses. The entertainment is free. For more information, go to WatersidePlace.com. SUNDAY, JUNE 18FARMERS MARKET Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Lakefront Drive in Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch. The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch will run year-round every Sunday. Vendors will be oering seafood, eggs, meats, dairy products, pastas, bakery goods, jams and pickles, among other items. Other features are children’s activities and live music. For more information, visit MyLWR.com. YOGA IN THE PARK Begins at 9 a.m. at Waterside Place Park, 7500 Island Cove Terrace, Lakewood Ranch. Lakewood Ranch Community Activities oers yoga that is free to residents; $10 for nonresidents. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21BINGO FOR ALL Begins at 10 a.m. at Greenbrook Adventure Park, 13010 Adventure Place, Lakewood Ranch. Lakewood Ranch Community Activities hosts Bingo. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.THURSDAY, JUNE 22GIRLS NIGHT PICKLEBALL Begins at 6 p.m. at UMR Sports, 131 Upper Manatee River Road, Bradenton. This Girls Night Out pickleball session is a chance for women to learn the game of pickleball with their friends. Registration is $40. To RSVP, call 737-0362. For more information, visit UMRSports.com. STAR GAZING Runs from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Greenbrook Adventure Park, 13010 Adventure Place, Lakewood Ranch. Lakewood Ranch Community Activities and Sidewalk Science Center present a special look at the night sky with powerful telescopes. Those 8 years old and older can participate. The cost is $5 for residents; $15 for nonresidents. Go to MyLWR. com for more information. BEST BETSATURDAY, JUNE 17DAD’S DAY BLOCK PARTY Runs 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mall at University Town Center. Celebrate dads with a day of food, family and fun that will include beer and liquor stations, live entertainment, meet and greets with the Tampa Bay Bucs’ Dexter Jackson and the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Ruslan Fedotenko (10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) and the Tampa Bay Bucs’ Shelton Quarles and former Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Darren Puppa þ (12:30-2:30 p.m.). The event also features batting cages, axe throwing and miniature golf. The event is free. Call 727-674-1464 for more information. YOUR CALENDARFile photoFormer Tampa Bay Lightning star Ruslan Fedotenko signs a hat at last year’s Dad’s Day event at the Mall at UTC.
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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 7B YourObserver.com RatedElite Hearing Centersof America Rated Elite Hearing Centersof Am erica r rfntrfbtrfrtrftftfbtftftf fffnntfffnntffrffrtffrff fntbt t fn tbt fnt rfnttbrtf fntbt rfnttbrt r f ntbb bnb rfrntbntrb bnrfrbn rtrbn tnrfnrnbbnrfr rnbnrfrrnfbr r brbbnrfr nbbtbrbb nrfntnrb rnbnn bbbrntb Rated Elite Hearing Centersof America RatedElite Hearing Centersof Am erica r Elite Hearing Centers r rfntrfbtrfrtrftftfbtftftf fffnntfffnntffrffrtffrff fntbt t fn tbt fnt rfnttbrtf fntbt rfnttbrt r f ntbb bnb rfrntbntrb bnrfrbn rtrbn tnrfnrnbbnrfr rnbnrfrrnfbr r brbbnrfr nbbtbrbb nrfntnrb rnbnn bbbrntb DB-AT230602_122431 rf nt bb r rrf r nt f rrf nt nbb rrf nt 405047-1 rfrfrffntb ntbt r bt rfr b tb n ttb n t f bt f f r
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8B EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 YourObserver.com rfntb f tfntn rnb b ftt fnn rnfb f tfntn ftt rnttb tt tfnfn tf rfnb ‘ t fnn tf nb ’““ ft ttfnn ff fnb tft nn tt ffntb b tt nfn ff’ fntb tft tn t‘ ffnb b†ttftt tn ‘ rnb •n––– fff ttn tb frfnfb â€â€” tttt tn t frnb tt fn fnb b tt tnfn fnttb •’n tt tnn rnb tft tn ft nb ““ f fn tf fnfb f tfn f f fnfb ff tn f ffnb ’ ffft n “ fntb b–’ fft tfn f fnb • ff tn tâ€ff ffnb ftf tffn fnfb ’ f tffn fb ffnb ttf n ftf fntb f tfn fntb n tn f ffnfb • ff n r 401871-1
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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 9B YourObserver.com rf ntbtb rffrnntbbtbbr r rfrffrnntbbtbbrf fntfbftf fffftb ftfb t tft ff Licensed Real Estate Broker Prices as of December 2022 401847-1 E. to R. Paul Marshall Holdings Ltd. for $775,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,235 square feet of living area. It sold for $515,000 in 2020.VIRGINIA WATERImre Hidvegi, of Chicago, sold his home at 7217 Churston Lane to Gennady Merman and Eugenia Chusid, of Bermuda Dunes, California, for $735,000. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,216 square feet of living area. It sold for $390,900 in 2003.SARACINA AT ESPLANADEAllan Sarfati, of Sarasota, sold his Unit 102 condominium at 13511 Messina Loop to Joseph Hynes, of New Canaan, Connecticut, for $725,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, three baths and is 2,184 square feet. It sold for $386,000 in 2015. Karen Elaine Finder, of Sarasota, sold her Unit 105 condominium at 13507 Messina Loop to Christine Maei-Greco, of Columbia, Maryland, for $555,000. Built in 2015, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,628 square feet of living area. It sold for $320,000 in 2020.UNIVERSITY PARKWilliam Louis Moore and Sue Ellen Bennett, of University Park, sold their home at 7349 Eaton Court to Patrick DeMouth, trustee, of University Park, for $1.65 million. Built in 1995, it has four bedrooms, six baths, a pool and is 3,291 square feet. It sold for $1.2 million in 2021.LAKEHOUSE COVE AT WATERSIDEAndres Moreno and Sandra Mejia, of Winter Garden, sold their home at 8145 Grande Shores Drive to Max Rudolf Lafer and Michelle Ann Lafer, of Sarasota, for $1.6 million. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 3,579 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,349,500 in 2022.COUNTRY CLUBNicholas and Josephine Baudo sold their home at 7943 Royal Birkdale Circle to Robert Maloney and Tina Maloney, trustees, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1.2 million. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and is 2,903 square feet. It sold for $550,000 in 2010. Michelle Marciniak, trustee, of Loudon, Tennessee, sold the home at 12508 Thornhill Court to Mark and Cheryl Ramsey, of Lakewood Ranch, for $860,000. Built in 2009, it has three bedrooms, two-anda-half baths, a pool and 2,563 square feet of living area. It sold for $632,800 in 2009.ESPLANADEKirk and Jennifer Chivas sold their home at 4921 Napoli Run to James and Mary Jo Blackington, of Bradenton, for $1,175,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, a pool and 2,700 square feet of living area. It sold for $572,500 in 2017. Jane Stickles, of Palmetto, sold the home at 13331 Torresina Terrace to James Callison and Tonya Callison, trustees, of Bradenton, for $661,000. Built in 2013, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,676 square feet of living area. It sold for $281,500 in 2013.LAKEWOOD NATIONALAlan and Geraldine Dopkins, of Bradenton, sold their home at 5641 Arnie Loop to Bradley and Roxann Powell, of Bradenton, for $1,115,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,244 square feet of living area. It sold for $695,000 in 2020.RYE WILDERNESS ESTATESStephen Patrick Paiz and Nicole Marie Paiz, of Parrish, sold their home at 17006 First Drive E. to Shane Berry and Jeanie Ta Berry, of Pataskala, Ohio, for $1.1 million. Built in 2015, it has ve bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,892 square feet of living area. It sold for $585,000 in 2019.BRADEN WOODSRysal Enterprises LLC sold the home at 6002 Braden Run to Thanh Le and Cassandra Lynn Le, of Bradenton, for $1,075,000. Built in 1984, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,331 square feet of living area. It sold for $415,000 in 2020.SAVANNAKimberly Krupa and Wesley Nordine, of Bradenton, sold their home at 14410 Flat Woods Terrace to Nickolas and Kimberly Nordgren, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1 million. Built in 2019, it has six bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,899 square feet of living area. It sold for $470,000 in 2019. Gregory and Lorraine Brown, trustees, of Lady Lake, sold the home at 13651 American Prairie Place to Paul and Albertina Shapiro, of Bradenton, for $851,800. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,987 square feet of living area. It sold for $799,900 in 2021.TIDEWATER PRESERVEPatrick Brian Jones and Millie Jones sold their home at 5709 Tidewater Preserve Blvd. to Brandan and Brittni Adams, of Bradenton, for $975,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,738 square feet of living area. It sold for $498,200 in 2017. Carolyn Gail Steves, trustee, of Tampa, sold the home at 931 Riverscape St. to Shima Ghasemi, of Bradenton, for $770,000. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, twoand-a-half baths, a pool and 2,456 square feet of living area. It sold for $441,000 in 2020.RIVERDALE REVISEDRaymond and Vickie Jansen, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the home at 4411 Shark Drive to John and Kathryn Greaves, of Green Bay, Wisconsin, for $970,000. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,005 square feet of living area. It sold for $227,000 in 1999.ASCOTLorie Masson, of Ontario, Canada, sold her home at 7507 Ascot Court to Andrew Misner and Sabrina Fusco-Sullivan, of Bradenton, for $884,000. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,421 square feet of living area. It sold for $570,000 in 2021.INDIGOTerry and Cindy Holinsky, of Millville, Delaware, sold their home at 12816 Coastal Breeze Way to Jo Kail and Steven Kaye, trustees, of Bradenton, for $870,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,387 square feet of living area. It sold for $432,900 in 2018.DEL WEBBCharles Jordan, trustee, and Margaret Jordan, of Bradenton, sold the home at 17214 Seaford Way to Glenn and Patricia Homan, of Bradenton, for $830,000. Built in 2016, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,949 square feet of living area. It sold for $746,500 in 2022.GREYHAWK LANDINGToni and Rustem Azizov, of Valrico, sold their home at 12728 Daisy Place to Patrick Glynn and Lois Lynn Hay, of Bradenton, for $795,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and is 2,601 square feet. It sold for $435,000 in 2017. William and Connie Cranker, of Wimauma, sold their home at 1310 Brambling Court to Charles and Ashley Stanley, of Bradenton, for $670,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,288 square feet of living area. It sold for $350,000 in 2016. James Henley and Emma Messimer, of Sarasota, sold their home at 1422 Brambling Court to Gust Bages and Jani Ferretti-Bages, of Bradenton, for $650,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and is 2,882 square feet. It sold for $392,200 in 2009. Daniel Tommasone, Jerry Tommasone and Steven Tommasone sold their home at 275 Dahlia Court to Randale Lee Canady and Patricia Canady, of Kenai, Arkansas, for $615,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,272 square feet of living area. It sold for $190,000 in 2011.ROSEDALE HIGHLANDSSandel Scott Blackwell and Carla Taber Blackwell, of Parrish, sold their home at 5326 97th St. Circle REAL ESTATEADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITORA home in Lake Club topped all transactions in this week’s real estate. Coy and Diane Peterson, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 7909 Waterton Lane to Erik Sundquist, of Lakewood Ranch, for $3.75 million. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, seven baths, a pool and 4,436 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,515,000 in 2020. Lake Club home sells for $3.75 million RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS MAY 29-JUNE 2SEE REAL ESTATE, PAGE 10BCourtesy photo This Lake Club home at 7909 Waterton Lane sold for $3.75 million. It has four bedrooms, seven baths, a pool and 4,436 square feet of living area.
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10B EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 YourObserver.com CENTRAL PARKJay and Caitlynn Mitchell, of Bradenton, sold their home at 4749 Claremont Park Drive to Thomas barber and Rita Bratsano, of Lakewood, New Jersey, for $722,000. Built in 2011, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,709 square feet of living area. It sold for $835,000 in 2022. Kyle and Stacie Olivarri, of Bradenton, sold their home at 11830 Forest Park Circle to Charles Rose and Sandra Ayers-Rose, of Bradenton, for $500,000. Built in 2011, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,766 square feet of living area. It sold for $315,000 in 2019.STONEYBROOK AT HERITAGE HARBOURThomas and Pamela Whistance, of Thailand, sold their home at 9206 Winter Harbour Way to Nancy and Andrew Canevari, of The Villages, for $715,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,155 square feet of living area. It sold for $342,500 in 2019. Larry Sheldon Dickstein and Tina Vogel, of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, sold their home at 8831 Stone Harbour Loop to Alvin and Kathleen Thornburg, of Bradenton, for $655,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,980 square feet of living area. It sold for $173,000 in 2009. Timothy and Shawn Kennedy, of Cushing, Texas, sold their home at 8807 Haven Harbour Way to Elizabeth Verbeek, of Joplin, Missouri, for $549,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,880 square feet of living area. It sold for $490,000 in 2021.MOTE RANCHGary and Donna Bennett, trustees, sold the home at 6516 Westward Place to Cathy Glick Halman and Larry Halman, of Jackson, Michigan, for $699,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,162 square feet of living area. It sold for $227,000 in 2001.GREENBROOKJames Rao and Evelyn Derosa, of N. Andover, Massachusetts, sold their home at 6578 Field Sparrow Glen to John and Christina Tramontozzi, trustees, of Lakewood Ranch, for $670,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,034 square feet of living area. It sold for $530,000 in 2021.HAMPTON TERRACE AT UNIVERSITY PLACEElizabeth Diaz and George Alexander Cottom IV, of Bradenton, sold their home at 7635 Drayton Circle to Jessica Rogers, trustee, of Sarasota, for $670,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,410 square feet of living area. It sold for $268,000 in 2013.TAILFEATHER WAY AT TARAChristopher and Helen Whiteley, of Hampshire, United Kingdom, sold their home at 6818 Tailfeather Way to Jacques Lapointe and Patricia Ann Jones-Lapointe, of Bradenton, for $665,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,312 square feet of living area.PERIDIARichard Potts and Linda Ahern, of Bradenton, sold their home at 4240 Presidential Ave. Circle E. to Vance Cinar, of Bradenton, for $650,000. Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,733 square feet of living area.LAKEWOOD NATIONALMatthew Craig Edwards and Amber Suzanne Edwards, of Dublin, Ohio, sold their Unit 5012 condominium at 6076 Worsham Lane to James and Cynthia Francque, of Park Ridge, Illinois, for $630,000. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,786 square feet of living area. It sold for $334,000 in 2021. rfntbrfntbnrr brbn ffrffrntbrt nnrrrrrftrrt nnrftrnnrrtfnrtnrtt rtrnnrffnrf nffbnrnr rfrnnn tbr fnntbnrn frfntbr rfbbrntr brntrb rbntfr brfbbttntfr rfbntb tn 392760-1 397804-1 6310 Health Pkwy., Ste. 340 • Lakewood Ranch 217 Manatee Ave. E. • Bradenton 111 S. Pineapple Ave., Ste 301 • Sarasota CoastalEye.com • 941-748-1818 • Most Insurance Plans WelcomedComprehensive Eye Exams Cataract Surgery Advanced Lens Implants Glaucoma Care Macular Degeneration Pediatric Eye Care Neuro-Ophthalmology Dry Eye Treatment Diabetic Eye Care Oculoplastic Surgery Trust your eyecare to our board certied physicians.Murray Friedberg, M.D. Robert Edelman, M.D. Scott Silverman, M.D. Robert Sambursky, M.D. Pooja Khator, M.D. Jeffrey Davis, M.D. Jody Abrams, M.D. Paul Brannan, M.D. Selina Lin, M.D. Philip Ames, M.D. Neal Kansara, M.D.OPHTHALMOLOGY PRACTICELakewood Ranch’s Real estateFROM PAGE 9B ONLINESee more transactions at YourObserver.com
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KICK START TO COLLEGE PAGE 12B SPORTSJUNE 15, 2023 “Stay patient. The game of golf is up and down. I don’t try to rush the process.â€â€” Lakewood Ranch resident Jordan Brown SEE PAGE 13BLakewood Ranch High graduate Sydney McCray was named a second-team National Junior College Athletic Association All-American for her play at Florida SouthWestern College. McCray, a freshman outelder, hit .410 with eight doubles, six triples, two home runs and 44 RBIs while adding 26 steals. þ Mark Hubbard, who won the inaugural LECOM Suncoast Classic at Lakewood National Golf Club in 2019, nished tied for sixth (14 under par) at the PGA Tour’s RBC Canadian Open, held June 8-11 at Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Toronto, Canada. Lakewood Ranch-based tennis player Ava Krug is the No. 7-ranked women’s player in the Class of 2024 as of June 12, according to the Tennis Recruiting Network. Krug, the granddaughter of Basketball Hall of Fame broadcaster and coach Dick Vitale, verbally committed to Duke University in October. þ Lakewood Ranch High senior softball player Amanda Lee was named to the West roster of the Florida Athletic Coaches Association All-Star team June 1. Lee, an inelder, hit .321 with three home runs and 14 RBIs in 2023, while holding a .903 elding percentage. þ After posting a 6.75 ERA in April, former Lakewood Ranch High baseball pitcher Colton Gordon, a member of the AA-level Corpus Christi Hooks (Houston Astros) has lowered his season ERA to 3.78, including a 2.16 ERA in May. Gordon is the No. 8-ranked prospect in the Astros’ system, according to MLB.com, and the top pitching prospect. þ Braden River High wrestler Jessey Colas will continue his career at North Iowa Area Community College. Colas went 71-0 as a senior in 2023 and won a state championship in the Class 2A 182-pound weight class March 5, earning a 5-3 win over Satellite High’s Michael McCarthy (47-5) in the nals. Fast Break File photoFormer LECOM Suncoast Classic winner Mark Hubbard had a big week. RYAN KOHN SPORTS EDITORA May graduate of The Outof-Door Academy helped her Sarasota Crew teammates earn a fifth-place finish at the 2023 USRow ing Youth National Championships, held June 8-11 at Nathan Benderson Park. Giraldo took the No. 5 seat in the women’s varsity 8+ boat, which finished its race in 6:41.30, approximately 13 seconds behind winner Marin Rowing Association. It was the culmination of Giraldo’s high school rowing career. She began her career at a Sarasota Crew summer camp as an incoming freshman, going with friends who were looking for new sports to try. But Giraldo didn’t find out much about rowing at the camp, as it rained every day, which meant row ing was scrapped in favor of kickball or other indoor games. At the end of the camp, Giraldo decided to join the Crew anyway. “I had nothing else to do,†Giraldo said with a laugh. “But when I actually started rowing, it was a bit of a shock. I was not a person who worked out a lot. I guess I was not that fit. But it was exciting, and I liked having something to work at and improve.†Giraldo did improve. After learning the ins and outs of the sport her freshman year, she accumulated valuable experience as a sophomore in 2021. That year, the Youth Nationals were open to anyone who wanted to participate because of the COVID-19 pandemic, when restrictions made it difficult for teams in some states to train as much as others. Giraldo rowed in the newly created U17 8+ boat event and earned bronze (6:56.77). It was nice to have a medal, Giraldo said, but the U17 division does not carry the prestige of the varsity events, and the Nationals themselves were not carrying the usual level of competition, so she was driven for more. Last year, she moved to the Crew’s second varsity 8+ boat, which finished 12th overall (7:04.09). The boat’s finish was not what Giraldo hoped to accomplish, but her individual performance continued to improve and catch the eye of Crew coaches. This year, she earned a spot on the first varsity 8+ boat, and on June 11, she helped the boat to a fifth-overall finish in one of the most competitive events at Nationals. It was the Crew’s first time reaching the event’s A final in nine years, and Giraldo is proud of how she and her teammates performed. “I think we were all a little nervous coming into the event,†Giraldo said. “We knew that all we could do was try our best. Our main goal was getting into the A final, and we did that. Once that was secured, we thought, let’s just have the best pace we can.†Giraldo said it is a thrill to go against the best rowers in the country, something she never could have imagined when signing up for the Crew. Giraldo said she uses the opportunity as a type of measuring stick, compar ing where her skills are to the skills of rowers from other crews. She also uses it as a chance to look at how far she and her teammates have come in their own development. “We were saying to each other before the race, if you had told us last year, coming off a second varsity B final, that we would be in the varsity A final this year, we would not have believed you,†Giraldo said. “It was an exciting opportunity.†The Youth Nationals was Giraldo’s last event with Sarasota Crew, but not in rowing. Giraldo will row for Boston University next year. Giraldo said she chose the Terriers in part because of Boston’s climate — “I’ve always wanted to go up north,†Giraldo said — but also because of its reputation as a great academic school, as well as the treatment she received when talking to members of the program. “It seemed like a great culture, and all the coaches were nice,†Giraldo said. “That was a big part of the decision.†Giraldo said she’s spent a lot of time in recent weeks thinking about the impact Sarasota Crew and the sport of rowing have had on her life. She’s proud that she decided to join, she said, as it not only is giving her a chance to compete in college, but helped shape her as a person. “Rowing has helped me with selfconfidence, fitness and overall life skills,†Giraldo said. “I think I would be totally different if I had never joined. The organization means so much to me because of that.â€ODA graduate Ada Giraldo has made a quick transition to be among the nation’s top rowers. OTHER EAST COUNTY RESULTSAda Giraldo was the only East County rower to compete in a varsity A nal for Sarasota Crew at Youth Nationals, but others competed at lower levels, priming them for better opportunities in the future. Here are East County results: Lakewood Ranch High’s Sophia Stock rowed in the women’s second varsity 8+ in the B nal and nished fourth in the event (7:03.35). Lakewood Ranch High’s Sophie Bell rowed in the women’s varsity 4x in the C nal and nished eighth (7:49.21). Lakewood Ranch High’s Gabe Naguib rowed in the men’s U16 8+ in the B nal and nished second (6:49.02). ODA’s Danny Schaer and Lakewood Ranch’s Ethan Traeger rowed in the men’s second varsity 8+ in the B nal and nished third (6:14.59). Lakewood Ranch High’s Jenna Khalil nished third (8:31.25) in the women’s U16 4x+ boat in the C nal ODA’s Andy Schaer rowed in the men’s second varsity 8+, in the Crew’s B boat, and reached the C nal, nishing sixth (6:28.88).Race to the top “Rowing has helped me with selfcondence, tness and overall life skills. I think I would be totally dierent if I had never joined. The organization means so much to me because of that.â€â€” Ada GiraldoODA grad Ada Giraldo, fourth from left, rows for the Sarasota Crew’s women’s varsity 8+ boat at the 2023 USRowing Youth National Championships.Photos by Ryan KohnODA grad Ada Giraldo rows for the Sarasota Crew women’s varsity 8+ boat at the 2023 USRowing Youth National Championships.
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12B EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 YourObserver.com 404390-1 rfrffntb r ttr rrr rrrrr rr rr rt rt rfntb rfntb rfnntn bbtfbbn trf ‘rrr’ “r“r r nnbnn†n•r“rr rrr–r frr nb We are pleased to welcome Justin Shinn, MD, Head and Neck Cancer and Microvascular Surgeon to the First Physicians Group network. Dr. Shinn is a board-certied head and neck surgeon who treats patients with both benign and malignant tumors of the head and neck involving the oral cavity, nose, pharynx, larynx, salivary glands, thyroid, and skin. He also specializes in airway reconstruction, partial laryngectomy/voice preservation, micro-vascular reconstruction and transoral robotic surgery (TORS). First Physicians Group WelcomesJustin Shinn, MD To schedule an appointment, call (941) 262-0500First Physicians Group Head and Neck Surgery1901 Floyd Street, Sarasota, FL 34239 firstphysiciansgroup. com Specialty : Head and Neck Cancers including mouth, tongue, throat, gland and skin cancers as well as microvascular reconstruction Board Certification : American Board of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Medical School : University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA Residency: Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN Fellowship: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 404874-1 PROSE AND KOHN RYAN KOHNThe Out-of-Door Academy rising senior kicker Mika Levy has a big leg. That can be seen on tape as a June 2 practice session video shows the 16-year-old hitting a 60-yard field goal. But according to Thunder coach Rob Hollway, Levy has a big brain, and a big heart, too. The trio of attributes has convinced Hollway that Levy’s future prospects are, like his kicks, booming. “Mika is a weapon,†Hollway said. “The strongest leg I’ve ever coached, 100%. He’s a standout soccer player; (he’s at the) top of the class; he does incredible service work. He has high character. This kid is destined to be president or something.†Levy started kicking in McClain, Virginia, on the soccer pitch. He had an interest in football but did not play it as a young kid because his family was worried about the sport’s injury potential. Things changed when, as an eighth grader, Levy took a free kick from approximately 30 yards from the soccer goal and scored. After the game, his dad, David Levy, asked him if he used all of his leg strength on the shot. Levy said no, he had used more finesse than power. That’s when Levy’s dad, seeing the potential in his son’s leg, suggested he try a few field goals on a football field. Later that year, the Levy family moved to Florida and Levy joined the ODA football team. He’s been honing his craft ever since. “Through repetition and watching YouTube videos of different kickers, my form got better,†Levy said. “I have also been fortunate to have some great coaches, guys who know a lot and have been willing to help me.†Levy cited Will Snyderwine, a former Duke kicker, as one such coach, as well as Hollway and former Syracuse University kicker and Riverview High grad Mike Shafer, among others. Levy said he’s taken bits of advice from everyone he works with. Levy also said he’s thankful for the great teammates he has at ODA. “This is not an individual endeavor,†Levy said. “No one gets far on their own.†Levy practices his kicks three days a week before school and has continued that training into the offseason. Levy said his practice sessions can last 90 minutes. If he’s focused on field goals, he can get up 30 or more full-power kicks in one session. But other days he focuses on kickoffs or punts, other duties he carries. When Levy is working on field goals, he’s not always working on them in a traditional way. Lately, Levy said, he’s been improving his accuracy by kicking field goals from the edge of the end zone, parallel to the uprights. The idea of the drill is to curve the ball around the closest upright, then have it come back through before the second upright. It is not easy, Levy said, but it is making him a better kicker. He’s been showing off his ability at camps this summer. On June 10, Levy was on a visit to Howard University, and two days later, he attended a Duke University camp. Hollway said Levy, who has a 4.4 GPA,is drawing interest from some of the top academic schools in the country, including Ivy League programs. Levy said academics will play a factor in where he decides to go, but so will the passion surrounding the school’s football program. It doesn’t have to be at the University of Alabama level, he said, but he wants to be somewhere with fans who care. While Levy is improving as a kicker, he’s also focused on being a better person. Over his spring break in April, Levy and his family went to Sierra Leone, to the community of Kamassasa, to do service work. Levy said his family has roots there, and he believes it is important to try to give the people there the most opportunities to succeed that he can — just like the opportunities his family was given after leaving. “We were helping them rebuild lots of buildings and develop a learning center,†Levy said. “I also did a drive at school to send them books and supplies, and we’re sending some clothes, too. When I went over there, it was grounding to see all that I came from. The people there, even with the conditions, they couldn’t be happier. They have made a community where people want to help each other out. It’s why I think we should do the same.†Levy said he introduced the sport of football to the people of Sierra Leone, showing them clips on his phone. Their reaction was positive, he said, and the schoolchildren even tried playing it themselves. Levy’s eagerness to give back to Sierra Leone in those ways is a rare trait in someone his age. Combined with his academic scores and his kicking prowess, I’m not surprised Hollway called him a potential future president. Even if Levy’s path never takes a political turn, he seems like someone drawn to important work, in whatever field he chooses — and doing it successfully. Ryan Kohn is the sports editor for the East County Observer. Contact him at RKohn@ YourObserver.com. Kicker’s future soars through the goalposts File photo ODA kicker Mika Levy (44), shown kicking a eld goal against Cocoa Beach High last season, is being invited to kicking camps by universities.Mika Levy is getting invitations to college camps, but his sights are set on more than just football.
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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 13B YourObserver.com Wednesday, June 21 8:30 AM 10 AM 1945 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34236 404654-1 rfnt rfrrrrfn rtbttt rf rf rtb t nrtb r f rt t nftr bn r f tt rtb n fb rr ff r fntbnrnr rnrntnrn IMPLANT TEETH COSMETIC VENEERS CROWNS ESTHETIC GUM GRAFTING EXTRACTIONS BONE GRAFTING IMPLANT SURGERYDENTAL IMPLANTSby Dental Implant Specialists 397059-1 BUSY BEE TUTORING rfntf bbbnfn rf ntfb rfrrnf tbn rfntf tfffbfntf SWIMMING LESSONS 404291-1 n WHEN YOU THINK FANS THINK DAN’S! DC Motor Fans Available Design Your Own Fan Parts & Services Available TRADITIONAL MODERN CONTEMPORARY LARGE FANS Design Your Own Fan Parts & Services Available In-Store Warran es 1808 Cortez Rd #101 Loca ons Na onwide! www.DansFanCity.com (941) 755-3262 Bradenton E. Sarasota (941) 355-1153 6303 Center Ring Rd #101 Keep It Cool This Summer With An Outdoor Fan! LARGEST SELECTION OF FANS ANYWHERE! 402896-1 sort in Palm Beach), and I’m looking forward to that. I’m also playing on Steph Curry’s Underrated golf tour again this year. I’m excited to try to get back to the Curry Cup (Aug. 2023 at Lake Merced Golf Club in San Francisco). þ Which superpo wer would you choose? I would want teleportation. I don’t like traveling, so that would be useful. þ What is the be st advice you have received? Stay patient. The game of golf is up and down. I don’t try to rush the process. Even when I’m studying for a test or something, it’s good advice. Let time do it’s thing. þ What is y our favorite school subject? I like science. I like learning things about the world and how it works. There’s a reason for everything that happens. þ Finish this s entence: “Jordan Brown is †Optimistic. I try to look at the bright side of things. I don’t get down on myself after a round. Jordan Brown, 15, is a Lakewood Ranch resident and a rising sophomore boys golfer at IMG Academy. Brown has three top-ve nishes in Florida Junior Tour events in 2023, including a third-place nish (7069—139) at the Royal Palm Open, held May 6-7 at the Royal Palm Golf Club in Naples. þ When did y ou start playing golf? My dad (Jerome Brown) has played golf for a long time. He introduced my brother (Jaxon Brown) and I to the game when I was 5. I didn’t start playing seriously until I was 8. That was when we moved to Florida from Cleveland. þ What is the appe al to you? Golf is a diverse game. You have to be good at putting, hitting, chipping and driving and practice those things. What is your best skill? My chipping. I have a good feel when I’m around the green. I have been working hard on trying new shots instead of a basic chip shot and it has been going well. þ What ha ve you been trying to improve? My putting. I’m not a good putter. I’m trying to break down all the dierent parts of putting and slowly work on each part What is your favorite golf memory? From ages 9-12, I played in the U.S. Kids Golf World Championships every year. I got to play some great courses in the Pinehurst area of North Carolina, and I had my dad caddying for me. Those events are fun to look back on now. þ What ar e your future plans? I’m playing in the Florida State Golf Association’s Boys Junior Championship on July 6-8 (at Mayacoo Lakes Country Club and PGA National ReJordan Brown If you would like to make a recommendation for the East County Observer’s Athlete of the Week feature, send it to Ryan Kohn at RKohn@ YourObserver.com. ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
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14B EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 YourObserver.com rfn ntbtbfnn nf rf nrt rf ntbrb f bfr ffbrf b nfb f fbfbnb bbb bfb bfff ffbf fff bfb fb ‘ ’“â€â€â€ ’ ’fb•–f ’ ’—ff ’ frf nrb ’tbb •rbnbr ‘bf bbbr b bffb bb —f fb bfrrf bbrfr ’fbbff b brbb rbfb f fb ’f bfbbf rnfbt bbb ff ‘b rffb b bfbrr fb —fb ’f rb fbf bf n—f ff bb b b ff ff ’fnâ€â€â€ bbb bb rbrff ff nbfb fb ’nrb ff ‘rr f•f ffbbbb b nb ’bbbb b ff ff f nff nf f– ‘fb brr ’rbnf bnrb ‘fbb tb ffbf bb b–f rbbbf ’tbb•f rbr fb fffr b•b ’’ffb ’ ’r ’bb ’n‘tr b bfrf ’rb bf b f nffbrâ€â€â€ –f nrb frf fb nrf ’nbf‘rf bff frfbff tbffb b rff ’tbf brf rbf fb ‘b fb br ff nfff b brfb bb nbrâ€â€â€ nrb ’‘fbf ffrb fbb fb rf bb bfb tf brbf rrbfb ‘b ff f ‘bb f ’f f fff b bbf b r‘b— br fb ’fn ff b fbf n •rrffnt rff nrnn fnfnnrf nttrffb trtftr ftnnt rrr rtttrtb rrtt btrtrtbr rt rnrnrnn ntrrr nt rrn 2023 NEA, Inc. rf ntb6-15-23 402030-1 rfntbbnftrfnfnfrrfnfrtnff r r frr r ntrnat MANASOTA FLOORING INC KITCHEN | CABINETRY OUTDOOR PAVERS 399481-1 THURSDAY, JUNE 15High: 86 Low: 81 Chance of rain: 15%FRIDAY, JUNE 16High: 87 Low: 80 Chance of rain: 15%SATURDAY, JUNE 17High: 86 Low: 79 Chance of rain: 54%SUNDAY, JUNE 18High: 87 Low: 79 Chance of rain: 47%FORECAST NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH RAINFALL SUNRISE / SUNSET MOON PHASES*Rainfall totals from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport WEATHER YEAR TO DATE: 2023 þ 8 .20 in. 2022 þ 12. 61 in. MONTH TO DATE: 2023 þ 0 .54 in. 2022 þ 2. 72 in. Gordon Silver captured this once-a-year bloom of a tabebuia tree at University Parkway and Bourneside Boulevard in Lakewood Ranch. June 17 New June 26 First July 3 Full July 9 Last Monday, June 5 þ 0 T uesday, June 6 þ 0 .03 Wednesday, June 7 þ 0 Thur sday, June 18 þ 0 F riday, June 9 þ 0 .01 Saturday, June 10 þ 0 Sunda y, June 11 þ 0 þ Sunris e þ Sunset Thursday, June 15 þ 6:35a þ 8:26p Friday, June 16 þ 6:35a þ 8:27p Saturday, June 17 þ 6:35a þ 8:27p Sunday, June 18 þ 6:35a þ 8:27p Monday, June 19 þ 6:35a þ 8:28p Tuesday, June 20 þ 6:35a þ 8:28p Wednesday, June 21 þ 6:36a þ 8:28p Submit your photos at YourObserver.com/contests. All submissions will be entered for the 2023-24 Weather and Nature photo contest. In February 2024, you will vote for your favorite photo, and the submission with the most votes will win a $500 gift card.
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rfntbnnbnnn nfnbbnnbbbnnbnfnrfnttfbfff tfn rfn tbrbbrbbb bbbbbb bbbbbbbrb bbb bb brbbbbrb brbbbbbbbrb bbbnbbrb bbbnnnnnbffrfnbnf rfntb rf ntbbt bbtr r rrf nfrn rfnrntbnrfbrt nrbnrnbrn rrnrnrrfn bfbbrrfrf rn frfnrnnrn nnrftnbnfn rnnrbt Items Under $200 ADVERTISE YO UR MERCHANDISE with the total va lue of all items $200 or less in this section for FREE! Limit 1 ad per month,15 word s or less. Price must be included next to each item. No commercial advertising. Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observe r. Call 941-955-4888 Or Email ad to : classified@you ro bserve r. com (Please prov ide your name and address) Or Online at: www.youro bserve r. com Or mail to : The Observer Group 1970 Main St. 3rd Floor Sarasota, Fl 34236 F O R S ALE2 Antique bears that are in a child's antique rocker$185 for all. 941-378-3837 L OC K B O X, rfntb bbfn rrr S IDE TABLE S BR O WN W / GLASS TOPS & ROUND 2/$25 (941) 920-2494 T OS HIBA P O RT ABLE air conditioner. 8000 btu’s and covers 250 sq.ft. $199 OBO. (941)371-3513 TRU C K WRE C KED Tires For Sale: 265 70 R16. Good tread $145.00. (Set of 4) 941 536 5075 Merchandise Wanted S ENI O R L OO KIN G to purchase precious metals, diamonds, time pieces, coins, jewelry, antique and estate jewelry, and some collectors plates. Personal and confidential. Please call Marc: 941-321-0707 Sporting Goods BEACH’ N RIDES rf frn tb bn r tr tr r r n n r r brrr fr Autos W anted CA SH FOR Y Y O O U U R R C C A A R R We come to you! Ho Ho Buys cars. 941-270-4400. Autos W anted DESPERATELY NEEDED Low mileage, cars and trucks. Also rare or unusual vehicles. Larry 941-350-7993 ST OR AG E FA CILITY Boat / RV / Tr ailer. Secure facility, low monthly rentals, Clark Rd area. 941-809-3660, 941-809-3662. WE BUY c c a a r r s s . . t t o o p p $ $ $ $ p p a a i i d d f f o o r r y y o o u u r r v v e e h h i i c c l l e e s s . . C C a a l l l l H H a a w w l l e e y y M M o o t t o o r r s s : : 9 9 4 4 1 1 9 9 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 2 2 1 1 . . real esta te V acation/ Seasonal Rentals 1BR/1BA 1350 rrf ntrbrn nrfrfn fb frn nrfnb fn ffff rr frnff ff rfrfnrtbrf rfnft b hom e serv ice s Adul t Care Services PER SO NAL C ARE G IVERPrivate care: Meal preparation, errands, shopping, and more. Affordable hourly rates, available weekdays, weekends, and holidays. Minimal shift 5 hours can also provide overnight care. Temporary or long term care. Over 10+ years experience. References available. No new faces, one consistent caregiver. COVID Negative. Call Kati: 941-536-7706. Auto Transport SHIP YO UR car, truck or S UV anywhere in the United States. Great rates, fast quotes. Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421. Cleaning BRAZILIAN CLEANING S ervice by Maria. Residential. Meticulous Cleaning. Excellent References. Free Estimates. Reliable. Lic./Ins. 941-400-3342.www.braziliancleaningbymk.com Cleaning EUROPEAN HOUSEKEEPING r frntbb nn Home Services HOME INSPECTIONS by Buddy Thompson 4-point mitigations and wind mitigations. 941-704-0072 Painting CARLO DA TTILO Painting Licensed & insured. Interior/ Exterior painting including drywall re pair and retexturing. Wallpaper installation & re moval, pressure washing. Residential & commercial, condos. Honest & reliable. Free estimates. 941-744-1020. 35+ years experience. Transportation AIRPORT TRANSPOR TATION to SRQ, TPA, Clearwater, & Punta Gorda. Call Buddy Thompson for rates. 941-704-0072 tfn rfntb rb r r r tb tn ftr f
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16B EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 YourObserver.com Aluminum 941.650.9790 YoderAluminum.com Dustin YoderOwner / Operator Insured “Specializing in 6†Seamless Gutters†404969 941.650.9790 YoderAluminum.com Dustin YoderOwner / Operator Insured “Specializing in 6†Seamless Gutters†At torney rrfrfnntbrfr nn 404288ntbnbn bfrtfrf rbbbbbbn rbnt trrn rrr nntbnrn rrrrbbbbnbfb Auto Service 404176 SELL YOUR CAR! FAST • EASY • SAFE WE COME TO YOU941.270.4400HoHoBuysCars.com 5-Star Rated Autos W anted 404782 DESPERATELY NEEDED Low Mileage, Cars & Trucks. Also Rare or Unusual Vehicles. UNIQUE SPORT & IMPORTS 941-350-7993 rf Computer 404515Computer Repair & Service Virus & Malware Removal / Protection New System Set Up / Data Transfer Networking: Wired/Wireless Installation Data Recovery / Remote Support One-On-One Tutoring / Training Is Your Computer Feeling Sick? Let Us Fix It!Call A GeekCOMPUTER SERVICES (941) 351-7260call-a-geek.netOver 18 yrs serving Manatee/Sarasota Counties Hardware Repair Virus / Malware Cleanup Software & Printer Install New Computer Setups New Purchase Consults Seniors & Beginners Learn Computer Basics Phones/Tablet Help Apple & Microsoft Problems Solved On Site and Off Much More! Call Today! 404377 Doors Sliding Glass Door Repair New Deluxe Rollers Will Make Your Doors Roll Better Than Ever Call Mark 928-2263proslidingglassdoorrepair.com “FIX IT DON’T REPLACEâ€404177 Furniture Repair 404970 Patio Furniture Repairs.com Patio Furniture Repairs.com rfrntbf 941-504-0903 941-504-0903 FREE PICKUP FREE PICKUP / / DELIVERY DELIVERY • • FREE ONSITE QUOTES FREE ONSITE QUOTES r fntrb Health Board Certied in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompressionGive Us a Call We Can HelpFREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224 Recognized Among the Best Recognized Among the Best Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Physicians in America Physicians in America Midtown Medical Park 1215 S. East Ave. Suite 210 Sarasota, FL 34239www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.comThe Only Thing You Have To Lose ... Is The Pain!! Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain? Do You Want To Avoid Surgery? 404379 Home Services Are You Having Dryer Difficulties? Residential 941-705-5468 Commercial • Dryer hot but clothes still wet after (1) drying cycle?• Dryer gets hot to the touch or doesn’t heat up at all?Take a simple test to see if your vent is clogged. Unhook your dryer vent & compare drying time. 404380 404180 Roof Cleaning Pressure Washing Window Cleaning Paver Sealing ZIPPYZ 941-416-0811 • 941-536-7691zippyzexteriorcleaning@gmail.com Home Wa tch Pinnacle Home Watch.comDave and Connie Grundy Stop Worrying Stop Worrying About Your Home About Your Home While Away While AwayCALL PINNACLE TODAY! 941-306-1999404191 FIRST RESPONDER OWNED & OPERATED (941)544-0475dan@shorelockhomewatch.com www.shorelockhomewatch.com404181 404971 Call us today! 941.628.8579www.ezslider.com DON’T DON’T let your let your PATIO DOORS PATIO DOORS be a be a DRAG or your DRAG or your WINDOWS WINDOWS be a be a PANE!! PANE!!Window Repairs • Sliding Glass Door Repairs Sliding Glass Door Deadbolts FREE IN-HOME ESTIMATES 404378
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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 17B YourObserver.com Irrigation ED’S RAIN MAKER IRRIGATIONIRRIGATION REPAIR MAINTENANCE (941) 725-8100 edsrainmakerirrigation@gmail.com Insured Servicing LWR, Parrish and NE Bradenton404784 Kitchen/Bath Remodeling rfntbb404382 941.966.0333 COMPLETE INSTALLATION PACKAGE$235INCLUDES 2 MOEN STAINLESS STEEL ANTI SLIP CONCEALED SCREW GRAB BARS (16†& 24â€)LIFETIME GUARANTEE • LICENSED • BONDED • INSUREDCOVERAGE AREA: LAKEWOOD RANCH TO S. VENICE CALL BEFORE YOU FALL GRAB BARSDRGRABBARS.COM 364556 CALL BEFORE YOU FALL$235 $249* GRAB BARS INCLUDES 2 MOEN STAINLESS STEEL PEEN ANTI SLIP CONCEALED SCREW GRAB BARS 16†& 24†*DRILLING CHARGES MAY APPLY FOR MARBLE, GRANITE OR PORCELAIN. COUPON REQUIRED. COVERAGE AREA: PARRISH TO NORTHPORT 404383 404974 rf nt bt rfnnfttbn 404381 GLENN KROECKER954-1878 (cell) 780-3346Licensed & InsuredTHE GRAB BAR GUY Kitchen/Bath Remodeling 404182 SHOWER & BATH MAKEOVERSwww.showerandbathsarasota.com Cleaned Regrouted Caulked SealedCall John 941.377.2940Free Estimates • Sarasota Resident Since 1974 Landscaping & La wn No Job is Too Small!Design • Garden Beds • Landscape • Courtyards Clean-Up • Makeovers • Weeds • TrimmingAllison J. Abizaid Personal Gardening Services | Designer941-400-0431 • gbyallison@yahoo.com • gardensbyallison.com GARDENS 404384 Painting Faulkner’s Faulkner’s Driveways Deck Staining Roof CleaningPainting & Pressure Cleaning Free Estimate941-922-3996 941-822-4270404785 rf rf rf nttbn rff rff 404786 404183 UNIQUE PAINTING & PRESSURE WASHING SERVICESCell 619-405-7650 Home/Ofce 941-758-4840Complete Interior & Exterior PaintingHomes Driveways Sidewalks Tile & Shingle Roofs Pool Cages & DecksFREE ESTIMATES Call Joel, Owner 30 Years Exp. Pl umbing Mark’s Plumbing Service404787Small plumbing repairs. Replace toilets, faucets, water lters, water softeners and repair leaks.RELIABLE • INSURED941-920-8221 Rescreening & Repairs Eldridge Re-Screen941-270-1561 “No Job Too Smallâ€Licensed Insured 404975 Roong 404186 • Aluminum, Vinyl, & Wood Soft & Fascia Repair & Installation • Roong Repair & Installation • Metal Roong & Tile Roof Repair Specialists Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.941-626-3194Licensed & Insured CCC 058059 CBC 1253936 Screening 404976 Transportation 404187 BLACK LABEL CAR SERVICELuxury for LessBooked Referral Program Next Ride with Booked Referral All Airports, Hourly & Tours www.blacklabelcarservice.com 1/10/23, 10:25 AM chrome_qrcode_1671726737617.png https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?tab=rm&ogbl#search/royaltreasurecasino%40yahoo.com?projector=1 1/1 10% off941-248-4734 Windo ws Res./Com. Lic./Ins. Sunset Window & Pressure CleaningFormerly known as Sunrise Windows Serving Longboat Key Since 2005 Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941284 5880rfnftfbb$150 UP UP TO TO 25 25 STANDARD STANDARD WINDOWS WINDOWS INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS SPECIAL$500 www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com senior citizen discount. rffntbffr rfntb rf ntbt tttr
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18B EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 YourObserver.com rrfntb ttrrrfntb bbtbbfntb Our Experience is Your Best Asset Contact us Today to Discuss Your 2023 Homeownership Goals rfntbbbt P.S. e Key to Your Real Estate Success 401667-1 rrb UNDER CONTRACT n UNDER CONTRACT nf‘’’ JUST SOLD nf“â€â€˜â€¢n– UNDER CONTRACT
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