11-30-2023.pdf

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ObserverYOU . YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.VOLUME 25, NO. 22 YOUR TOWNCouple likes their day in courtWith the Thanksgiving break in full swing, Mill Creek residents Sarah and Garrett Harp sipped coee and enjoyed a quiet moment under a tree at Summereld Park as their kids took tennis lessons. þ  Normally , the lessons are at the Country Club. þ  The Harp s were both born and raised in Florida, but neither play tennis, so their 7and 11-year-old kids, Owen and Olivia, are learning and teaching them. þ  “I tr y to keep up. I want to be able to hit the ball with them,” Garrett Harp said. “I keep my skill level based on their skill level. When they’re 18, I’ll play like an 18-year-old.” FREE • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023Meeting royaltyTaylor Blatchford (above with student Artem Varshavsky) walked into the orchestra room at The Out-of-Door Academy Nov. 16 with her Miss Nevada crown and sash on. þ  She borr owed a violin and showcased her talent to a group of sixth graders. She played “Millionaire’s Hoedown” before sharing the various opportunities she’s had from being able to play an instrument. Brooke Allen-Bernstein, the associate director of development at ODA, is a co-executive director of the Miss Nevada Scholarship Organization and invited her friend, Blatchford, to visit campus. þ  V arshavsky enjoyed meeting Miss Nevada and hearing her performance. þ  “I didn’ t quite expect the song to be the way it was,” he said. “It was fast and impressive.” Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998EAST COUNTY A+EHoliday horns. INSIDE File photo Superintendent Jason Wysong values the feedback he receives from his principals like Scott Cooper, principal at R. Dan Nolan Middle School.File photo George Kruse George Kruse says he doesn’t mind being the lone dissenting vote on some key issues for Manatee County. SEE PAGE 8A New commissioner formulates future plans after doing 100 days of research in his new post. SEE PAGE 4AManatee schools form budget strategyCommissioner no longer man in the middleLiz Ramos Lesley Dwyer Dog-day morningPAGE 3B Bike safety still major county issueManatee County has had 34 bicycle fatalities since 2018. SEE PAGE 3A

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2A EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 411573-1 LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITERPalm Aire’s Linda Midyett turned on a Christmas movie the day after Thanksgiving and brought out her wrapping paper. Julie Sawyer, also of Palm Aire, and her niece, Sarasota’s Lindsey Blevins, joined Midyett to wrap shoeboxes that contained personal care items, games and more. For the past five years, Midyett has packaged and wrapped at least 15 shoeboxes to donate to Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee’s annual Holiday Shoebox Collection. The nonprofit hopes to collect 1,000 shoeboxes for volunteers and staff to deliver to seniors in need throughout the holidays. For some seniors, the shoebox might be the only gift they receive. “It’s become a tradition,” said Midyett, who is a member of the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch. “It’s something that marks the holidays. We all were fortunate to know our grandparents when they were seniors, and they had family (liv ing near them). It’s difficult to think about elderly people who are maybe alone for the holidays. This is something that makes you feel good.” Midyett’s annual contribution is added to the other boxes the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch collects and donates each year. Sybil Porter, president of the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch, said the club has donated between 60 and 70 boxes each year for at least the past 10 years. “We’re very supportive of Meals on Wheels,” Porter said. “They apply for a grant from us every year, and we do food drives for them. This is our way of giving back to them a little bit.” Members of the Rotary started putting their shoeboxes together in October. “It’s a good holiday tradition and you feel like you’re doing something for people who might not get a whole lot at Christmas,” Porter said. “It’s a feel-good kind of thing we do, and everybody loves doing it.” Porter remembered her first year of participating in the shoebox drive seven years ago. She delivered the Rotary’s boxes and she was amazed to see the number of shoeboxes being collected. “It was neat to see all the shoeboxes lined up and all the people eager to get their boxes,” Porter said. “It was very heartwarming. It was a moment of, ‘Golly, people really care.’ You go through life and you think sometimes people aren’t car ing about other people. Then you see everybody come together on this one Holiday Shoebox Collection. It’s nice to see it in action.” Although the list of items that is acceptable is limited, Midyett said she has fun finding puzzles or games to put in the box. She likes to put in a planner, a puzzle book and fuzzy socks. Midyett hopes to donate 15 boxes as she did last year, but next year, her goal is to donate 20 boxes. “All of us who are capable of doing this sort of thing from a resources standpoint, I think we should try to find something to help with that. It means something to us,” she said. The shoeboxes can come with challenges, particularly when it comes to wrapping. “What limits us is the availability of shoeboxes with detached lids,” she said. “A lot of the shoeboxes now have the lid that’s one piece with the box. Those are impossible to wrap and make look nice. We start collecting our shoeboxes early in the year, and we store them until this time of year.”Packing and wrapping shoeboxes for Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee’s annual Shoebox Collection is a tradition for members.Rotary members nd Shoebox Collection a good tIF YOU GOMeals on Wheels Plus of Manatee’s Holiday Shoebox Collection When: 4-6 p.m. Dec. 2 Where: Lakewood Ranch Elks Lodge, 4602 Lena Road, Bradenton Cost: Free with a wrapped and lled shoebox or a $20 donation to Meals on Wheels Plus Details: The holiday bash includes lite-bites, a cash bar, entertainment and holiday gifts for purchase. More information: MealsOnWheelsPlus.org/ Events/Holiday-ShoeboxCollection FILL AND WRAP A SHOEBOXAre you interested in lling and wrapping a shoebox for Meals on Wheels Plus’ annual Holiday Shoebox Collection? The shoeboxes can be dropped o at the shoebox collection Dec. 2 or between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays before Dec. 8 at 811 23rd Ave. E., Bradenton. How to ll and wrap: Wrap the top and bottom of the box separately Place tissue in the box Typically 10 items are included Close and secure the box with an elastic Attach a male, female or neutral tag to the box under the elastic Examples of what to pack: Chapstick Small ashlight Hand lotion or moisturizer Nonbreakable holiday trinkets Tissues Mechanical pencils Notepads Pens Paperback word puzzles in large print Shampoo Socks Toothbrush Toothpaste Liz RamosSybil Porter, president of the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch, enjoys seeing members of the rotary club come together to donate boxes to Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee’s annual Holiday Shoebox Collection.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 3A LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITERManatee County law enforcement officers, bicycle club members and bicycle safety advocates were not surprised that a study has named Florida the deadliest state for cyclists. But they all say with proper attention to safety measures, Florida could lose that designation. The study comes from a personal injury lawyer out of Ohio, John Fitch, who analyzed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s fatal crash data from 2017 through 2021. Fitch found that 805 out of 9,472 road fatalities in Florida involved cyclists. Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles maintains a crash dashboard on its website. The statistics date back to Jan 1, 2018, and since then, the dashboard shows 814 bicycle crashes in Manatee County that resulted in 752 injuries and 34 fatalities. “Within the last four to five years, the state of Florida has been No. 1 or No. 2 in pedestrian and bicycle fatalities,” said Sgt. Robert Spurlock of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. “The last two years, (Florida has) been No. 1 in bicycle fatalities, but we bounce around from one and two on both of those.”LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATIONWhile Fitch concluded that cyclists are most at risk in states with a higher likelihood of ice and snow, sunny states like Florida, Hawaii and California are heavily impacted by the number of vehicles on the road. In 2018, the NHTSA reported that 79% of road accident fatalities occurred in urban areas. Spurlock said most of the accidents in Manatee County happen on thoroughfares during the day and early evening, which coincides with traffic patterns, and that continued road improvements can lower crash numbers simply by design. For example, 44th Avenue East, when finished, will parallel State Road 70 from east to west. The road will alleviate traffic, but its newer design incorporates bike lanes and safety features that weren’t included when S.R. 70 was built. But having upgraded roads to trav el won’t help if travelers don’t abide by the rules. Most of the crashes that the Sheriff’s Office sees are pedestrianand bicyclist-caused accidents. “They’re going against the flow of traffic and right-of-ways. It’s a bicy clist moving or doing something that the driver wouldn’t think they would do,” Spurlock said. “That’s why our numbers are so high. Use the crosswalks and intersections because that’s where drivers are taught to look for pedestrians and bicyclists.” The Sheriff’s Office has found that riding with a bike club is the safest way to go and that the “in-betweeners” are the most likely to be injured. Novice cyclists will use sidewalks to stay out of traffic, and experienced cyclists are road savvy and often ride in packs. “I believe that one out of every so many motorists just doesn’t see you, and if you’re by yourself, you can blend into the background and they’re looking straight ahead,” said Brad Herrington, a volunteer coor dinator with the Sarasota Manatee Bicycle Club. “It happens sometimes even with a group. I remember being with a group of maybe seven people. This car went by really close, and someone said, ‘She did not even see us.’” It’s not only the number of cars on the roads Florida’s endless summer keeps bikes on the roads year-round. “I’m from Canada,” SMBC member Kelly Borgers said. “I started riding with this club and went, ‘Oh my gosh, I can ride every day.’ November is crappy at home.”SAFETY FIRSTSpurlock has been with the Manatee County’s Sheriff’s traffic unit for 12 years. One cycling fatality, in particular, that happened early on in his career has stuck with him. The cyclist was crossing the intersection of S.R. 70 and U.S. 301 on his way to the movie theater when the motorist violated his right-of-way. “He didn’t do anything wrong. He was in the crosswalk. He was follow ing the cross signs, and he ended up getting hit,” Spurlock said. “Had he had a helmet on, according to the medical examiner’s office, he probably would’ve had a headache, maybe got a concussion, but that would’ve been it.” According to the Florida Department of Transportation, bicyclerelated injuries send more children ages 5-14 to the emergency room than any other sport, and in many cases, they’re being treated for head injuries. FDOT issues grants to community partners all over the state, so they can then distribute free bike lights and helmets. Jay Walsh was leading the pack of SMBC cyclists leaving Lakewood Ranch Town Hall on the morning of Nov. 15. Before heading out, he gave a safety brief, which happens before every ride the club coordinates. The briefs vary from person to person, but they’re mandatory along with helmets and using hand signals. The club also tries to stick with groups of no more than eight riders and stresses the importance of front and back lights along with brightly colored clothing. “Communication is the biggest thing,” Walsh said. “Everyone knows the signals. Everyone points out the debris.” Debris is a major hazard cyclists need to watch for when riding. “The most recent crashes I’m aware of were caused by some construction material in the bike lane,” Richard Garrett, a bike safety advocate, said. “There’s two choices. They go over it and fall, or they ride into the lane where there’s traffic, and that’s an even worse situation.”TIP OF THE ICEBERGGarrett serves on the board of directors for the Florida Bicycle Association. He questions if the data shows the full picture when it’s only coming from police reports. “The statistics that are being provided to the Florida Department of Transportation do not include all of the hospital trauma admissions or bike accidents that get taken directly to the hospital by passenger car or even some EMT services,” Gar rett said. “In my opinion, it could be underreported by 50 to 90%.” Charlotte Jackson, a data scientist in Washington, D.C., listened in on six weeks of local 911 calls this year. She found that, on average, 30% of car crashes involving a cyclist or a pedestrian go unreported. In 2018, the NHTSA reported that a survey of more than 7,000 bicyclists from 17 countries found that, on aver age, only 9% of bicycle crashes were reported to the police. Garrett said county engineers need to work with bike clubs during the design phase more, so both goals of faster moving traffic and safe, comfortable cycling can be achieved. “If you’re going to design it, then you ought to be able to ride it,” Gar rett said. “I’ve asked several engineers to come out and ride their bikes with me through a roundabout or a common ride where the groups go, but everybody refuses.” Garrett said roundabouts, in par ticular, are troublesome for cyclists. Drivers tend to look left entering a roundabout, but cyclists are merging into the roundabout on the right. Longer merge lanes and even simple signs alerting drivers to the bike lane could make roundabouts safer. “Better coordination between the biking community and the engineers can help improve safety,” Garrett said.Sheri’s Oce sergeant says motorists, bike riders must follow rules of the road to reduce crashes.Road upgrades not enough to protect cyclists DEADLY CYCLE Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ bicycle crash data for Manatee County Year þ Cr ashes þ Injuries þ F atalities 2018 þ 132 þ 121 þ 7 2 019 þ 12 0 þ 113 þ 4 2 020 þ 112 þ 1 07 þ 3 2 021 þ 1 43 þ 130 þ 5 2 022 þ 155 þ 1 42 þ 9 2 023 þ 152 þ 1 39 þ 6 File photoThe Village Idiots cycling group assembled May 19, 2021, to raise awareness of cyclists’ rights to public roadways.Lesley DwyerMike Vanderkodde and Steve Burns are wearing brightly colored clothing and rearview mirrors on their glasses for a safe ride with the Sarasota Manatee Bicycle Club on Nov. 15.

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4A EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 411371-1rfnrtbr nnfbrf rfntbf tbbnf f b rfnrtnrbn bnrfnrtnrb brfnrtnrb rfrntnrb nrrrfntnrb ffnrfrntnrb rbbnrfbnfrbntnnrrnnbr rt rtb‘’t “”‘•••b n– r– rr– n– r– rr– You can create a lasting legacy You can create a lasting legacy for generations to come. for generations to come. rffrntb rffr rffr fnrtbrfrfffn fnrtbrfrfffn rrft rrft LIMITED OFFERSpecial promotional savings availableNOW! 410699-1 407385-1 LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITORJason Wysong, superintendent of the School District of Manatee County, said he has been like a sponge. Since taking the helm of the district in July, Wysong has been tour ing schools, meeting with community organizations and leaders, meeting with parents and attending school events. Every interaction he’s had with an administrator, teacher, student, parent or community member has been an opportunity for him to learn something about the school district. With Wysong’s first 100 days on the job behind him, he’s looking to use what he’s learned to focus on what the future holds for the district, including making tough budget decisions.TIME TO EVALUATEThe School District of Manatee County is in the process of evaluat ing programs and its budget. The district needs to factor in the loss of federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds provided to school districts to help support students and address learning loss during the COVID-19 pandemic. The district has received $159.5 million in ESSER grants, which fund 207 positions within the district. The positions include teachers, counselors, classroom substitutes, teacher aides, reading teachers, social work ers and English Speakers of Other Languages resource teachers. The loss of ESSER funds means the district must evaluate those positions to determine whether they should be cut or funded through the district’s general fund. “The question is, what are we going to do without in order to maintain a budget that is fiscally responsible?” Wysong said. “It’s a matter of determining if you’re going to fund ‘x,’ you’re not going to fund ‘y.’ I’m always mindful of scarcity and opportunity cost. There are never enough resources to do everything.” Wysong said the district has to consider “strategic abandonment,” meaning the district would discontinue programs and initiatives that have not had the desired impact or have not met their mission. He said evaluating programs and initiatives is not a quick process. “On the career pathways side, it’s looking at what are the workforce demands now and in the future, and do we have programs that maybe are a little less relevant given the skill sets that kids are going to need in the future?” Wysong said the key to continuing or starting any programs is ensur ing they are sustainable. The district also has to provide the proper resources and continue to evaluate them in case small course corrections are needed. Wysong hopes to start a program to help students build strong problem solving, communication and collaboration skills. “We want to be sure we have advanced academics for kids who want to go to elite colleges and universities and then we want to be sure we have training programs for students who want to go into the workforce,” Wysong said. “Those pathways are equally important. It’s about making sure as we add programs, particularly at elemen tary and middle school, that they’re helping kids build skills so they can go in any direction they want.” The district has a budget of nearly $1.4 billion. With the largest portion of the budget being salary and ben-New superintendent’s challenges include deciding fate of positions paid by federal COVID emergency funds.Schools superintendent faces budget challenges File photosWhile touring schools, Superintendent Jason Wysong is able to hear about the various programs available such as R. Dan Nolan Middle School’s animatronics program.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 5A rfn rrrf rfntnbrnr rffrffntb fffrrnf trttrfb nnnb rfnttnb410999-1 The Home Service Pros Who Care 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. 396363-1 efits for personnel, Wysong said the district already is looking at staffing plans for the 2024-2025 school year. The district also will be evaluating the 1-mill property tax referendum funding voters will need to reapprove in 2024. “The millage framework in Manatee was well thought out by those who created it, but each time you have to go back to the board, the county commission and then the voters for authorization to continue, it’s important to stop and reflect on where we are, what are the benefits and drawbacks of what we’ve done before,” Wysong said. “My team and I are going to take nothing for granted.”100DAY TAKEAWAYSWysong has visited a majority of the district’s 50 schools. He said a highlight of the school visits has been meeting food service employees. “They are very much unsung heroes,” he said. “Our classroom teachers can be at their best when our kids are ready to learn, and that means being well fed and well cared for every day.” Wysong said the principals have been integral to understanding the needs of the district. He has hosted small group meetings with the principals to receive feedback on priorities and needs. He also has asked principals about how district administrators can better serve them. “Our principals are the most important employees in the district from the perspective of moving student achievement as a whole,” he said. Wysong said Manatee County is a generous community that wants to work with and support the school district. “There is a spirit of collaboration and cooperation here that is not commonly found in communities,” Wysong said. “Often in the nonprofit world, there’s competition for donors and resources. Here, there’s a lot of people with big hearts working together to help children and fami lies. It’s exciting to be a part of that effort.” Wysong has been able to see the teachers in action, giving him an idea of their quality. He said he’s been impressed with the number of veteran teachers who have been with the School District of Manatee County for at least 20 years, with many stay ing at the same school for a majority of their careers. “That level of dedication and passion for students and for the local neighborhoods and communities is extraordinary,” Wysong said. “It’s humbling to get to now be the leader of this group of very dedicated employees.” Throughout his school visits, attendance at events, and community interactions, Wysong said people want to see the district’s leadership visible in the community and they want to be heard. He plans to have district leadership attend School Advisory Council meetings to receive feedback and provide district updates. “You can’t lead an organization this size from your office,” Wysong said. “You have to get out and be where the action really is. That’s not in the boardroom. It’s in classrooms, on athletic fields and in our performing arts centers.”FOCUSED ON THE FUTUREWysong said every classroom visit demonstrated to him the district’s focus on literacy. He said teachers must be deliberate each day on having students work on their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. “Our first progress monitoring data looks positive in terms of continuing incremental growth,” he said. “It’s that long term, sustainable, incremental growth that’s going to get Manatee, first of all, to being an A district, but more importantly, positioning our students to take advantage of all the great accelerated academic and career pathways. Those things are much harder to access if your reading skills aren’t solid, and certainly, they’re less accessible if you don’t grow that love for reading.” Wysong said one of the ways the district can increase students’ pro ficiency in reading is ensuring teachers have the time to plan and work collaboratively. “It’s that type of collaboration that sets us up for success in the classroom,” he said. Another factor is ensuring students are coming to class ready to learn by addressing and supporting students’ physical, social, emotional and mental wellbeing. Wysong wants teachers and principals to educate with what he calls a “calm sense of urgency.” “What that means is we’re very aware that every minute matters,” he said. “We want to be sure we’re deliberate about every minute of classroom time, but we’re not panicked. We’re not frantic. We’re not changing course every time we see something that maybe would work better.” The district and the School Board of Manatee County also will be look ing at the district’s strategic plan to be sure staff members are focused on the areas most important to the school board.COMMENTS FROM THE BOARDThe School Board of Manatee County members have positive remarks on Superintendent Jason Wysong’s performance. Chad Choate “You’ve done a fantastic job in getting out there and being present. ... You’re not just up here sitting in this building guring stu out. You’re out there and doing what you said, which was to listen and learn and then come back and reect. I appreciate that.” Mary Foreman “I appreciate how you came in listening and thinking instead of immediately acting out. You’re doing wonderfully. I love going on school tours with you. I learn so much. ... Things that you planned to do, you’ve done.” Cindy Spray “The shifts that you have made with the leadership team have been very positive. I know the community feedback I’ve gotten from teachers, principals and taxpayers is so good. They feel so condent. They’re excited about the change you have been making. They can see the dierence.” Gina Messenger “The word that hits me that I think best describes you best is reective. You take all the information and you really do seem to reect on it and think about it. I appreciate that. I think that’s necessary in this job to make the wisest decisions.” Richard Tatem “You’re an above average leader ... What I mean by that is taking the approach of ‘How can I be helpful to people’ instead of coming in with ‘I have all the answers and people are going to do to what I say.’ ... If you can keep having humble condence and calm urgency, I think you’ll continue to do well.” Superintendent Jason Wysong has loved talking to students like R. Dan Nolan Middle School eighth graders Bryce Newman and Hutch Jeanise.

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6A EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 rf r frfnftfb t rftffr ftfnff rfff ftn ffbftfr tttf nfrntbrfrr 023 Fairview Health Services 10585 License # 13560 nrfff fnbnrfr ffnf rrf tnf nft ntfnftftn rfnft nffnn fff rfrrrfrfnf 414102-1 rfntn941-925-7800bbrb tfrbbf b Pirouette Window Shadings Pirouette Window Shadings *When you purchase Silhouette Sheer Shades or Pirouette Sheer Shades. Must include PowerView Automation. Rebate per shade when you buy 11 or more shades* $100 Rebate per shade when you buy 6-10 shades* $75 Rebate per shade when you buy 1-5 shades* $50 Our Most Innovative Shades—Now with Special Rebates Pirouette Window Shadings *When you purchase Silhouette Sheer Shades or Pirouette Sheer Shades. Must include PowerView Automation. Rebate per shade when you buy 11 or more shades* $100 Rebate per shade when you buy 6-10 shades* $75 Rebate per shade when you buy 1-5 shades* $50 Our Most Innovative Shades—Now with Special Rebates bbbbrfrr brr b‘b’brf“”rbb brfbb‘rbbr’br• –rrb’–r 413660-1 Come Start Your Holiday Season With Us! Lighted floats, carolers, dancers, local high school marching bands, area churches, nonprofits, local businesses, and last, but certainly not least, Santa and Mrs. Claus! Bring the whole family to this treasured community tradition. Arrive early, bring your lawn chairs and get ready for a festive evening. Start: Main St. & Washington Blvd. End: Gulfstream Ave. DON’T MISS THE 25th SILVER ANNIVERSARY OF THE DOWNTOWN SARASOTA HOLIDAY PARADE! DOWNTOWNASSOCIATIONSARASOTA Saturday, Dec. 4 | 7pm Come Start Your Holiday Season With Us! Lighted floats, carolers, dancers, local high school marching bands, area churches, nonprofits, local businesses, and last, but certainly not least, Santa and Mrs. Claus! Bring the whole family to this treasured community tradition. Arrive early, bring your lawn chairs and get ready for a festive evening. Start: Main St. & Washington Blvd. End: Gulfstream Ave. DON’T MISS THE 25th SILVER ANNIVERSARY OF THE DOWNTOWN SARASOTA HOLIDAY PARADE! DOWNTOWNASSOCIATIONSARASOTA Saturday, Dec. 4 | 7pm Don’t Miss the 27th Anniversary of theDOWNTOWN SARASOTATHEME: Happy Holidays Around the World! Saturday, Dec. 2 | 7 P.M. Start:End:Come Start Your Holiday Season With Us! SPONSORS LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITERThe Southwest Florida Water Management District has declared a Modified Phase I Water Shortage, meaning that residents of Manatee County, and all counties in the district, are prohibited from “wasteful and unnecessary” water use from now until July 1, 2024. While some counties in the district have additional restrictions, Manatee County does not. “Currently, Lake Manatee is approximately two feet lower than normal for this time of year,” Deputy Director of Manatee County Utili-Manatee County residents are prohibited from ‘wasteful and unnecessary’ water use from now until July 1, 2024.Minor water restrictions so far in Manatee Courtesy imageLake Manatee provides drinking water to more than 300,000 residents in Manatee and Sarasota counties. It is currently two feet below normal for this time of year. RESTRICTIONSThe water shortage order is in eect from Nov. 21 through July 1, 2024. Restrictions apply to all of Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota and Sumter counties, portions of Charlotte, Highlands and Lake counties, the City of Dunnellon, The Villages in Marion County and the portion of Gasparilla Island in Lee County. Manatee County’s standard water restrictions limit irrigation to twice per week, and it must be done before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. If the house number ends in an even number, residents can water on Thursdays and Sundays, Wednesdays and Saturdays for odd numbers.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 7A 414217-1 Award winning, full service luxury Day Spa & Salon.5234 E SR 64, Bradenton, FL / 941-747-0111 www.bluedoorspa.com www.facebook.com/mybluespa rfrntb tbttntbbbr ttbbtbb ttbtttt btbtttbt tt Introducing Lab Created Diamonds. 415186-1 ties Department Katie Gilmore said in an email. “There remains adequate quantities in the lake and our East County well-field wells to meet demands.” The district, as a whole, received lower than normal rainfall from June to September and has a 9.2-inch rainfall deficit compared to the aver age 12-month total. The last drought conditions to cause a water shortage order were in 2017. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration meteorologists attributed the drought to “low rainfall and record and near-record high temperatures over the winter months.” Gilmore said the timing of the order is the most concerning aspect because lakes, streams and groundwater levels are usually in good shape after the traditional wet season, but predictions for a wetter than usual winter might help get levels closer to normal. As of Dec. 1, Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties will be restricted to a once a week watering schedule. Sarasota County already has a once-per-week landscape watering schedule. Research from the University of Florida found that about 40% of residential drinking water is used for irrigation. “By cutting irrigation down to once per week, the county could save a significant amount of water,” Gilmore said. “Unfortunately, not everyone will comply with restrictions, and enforcement can pose some challenges to staff.” Instead of enforcement, the Manatee County offers incentives. Resi dents can receive rebates for their water-saving investments. In the case of a rain sensor, the rebate is 100% of the documented cost. Under Florida law, all automatic irrigation systems require rain sen sors because they shut off the system when the ground has enough moisture. But things break, so the super intendent of the Utility Department’s compliance division Olga Wolanin recommends pouring water into the sensor when the irrigation system is running to test it. “If the irrigation system doesn’t stop after .75 of an inch of water was applied, it’s time to replace or repair the sensor,” Wolanin said. “Homeowners can install their own device or hire a professional and get reimbursed 100% of the cost up to $150.” If you don’t want to test it yourself, property owners are eligible for free irrigation and landscape evaluations through the Manatee County Extension Service’s Mobile Lab and Water Conservation Program. An irrigation specialist and hor ticulturist assess the irrigation system and landscaping to find ways for homeowners to save water, which translates into a lower water bill, too. To schedule, call 722-4524. MANATEE COUNTY REBATES Eligibility for rebates are limited to customers whose property had an average water use exceeding 8,500 gallons per month for the past two years. This is a brief summary of the rebates and requirements; visit MyManatee. org or email Water.Conservation@ MyManatee.org for more information. Alternative water source: Install pump and equipment to draw irrigation from a lake or other natural storage area, 50% rebate up to $1,000. Irrigation well: Install a new well to be used in place of potable water, 50% rebate up to $2,500. Reclaimed water connection: Requires permanent disconnection from the potable water source, 50% rebate up to $1,000. Soil moisture sensor: Device must aect the entire irrigation system, not just one zone, 100% rebate up to $500. WaterSense smart irrigation controller: Device must be approved by the Extension Service, 50% rebate up to $500. Irrigation system repair or replacement: Irrigation and landscaping requires an evaluation by the Extension Service, 50% rebate up to $1,500. Landscape retrot: Landscape plans must be reviewed and approved by the Extension Service, 50% rebate up to $1,500.

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8A EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 “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.comPublisher 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 Writer / 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; Lexi Huelsman, Lexi@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 / Anna Reich, AReich@YourObserver.com Sales Operations Manager / Susan Leedom, SLeedom@YourObserver.com Sales Coordinator / Account Manager Lori Downey, LDowney@YourObserver.com Advertising/Marketing Coordinator / Caitlin Ellis, CEllis@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 Information Technology Manager / Homer Gallego, HGallego@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 COUNTY Observer Media Group Inc. is locally owned. Publisher of the Longboat Observer, East County Observer, Sarasota/Siesta Key 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 Chairman Emeritus / David Beliles Vice President / Lisa Walsh (1995-2023) 8130 Lakewood Main St., Suite D207 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-755-5357Did you feel you owed anyone after you won in 2020? It’s not that I felt I owed anyone anything. There is a fundamental human instinct that you want to be part of a team. We all campaigned together (Kruse, Baugh, Satcher, Van Ostenbridge). We did fundraisers together. There was a euphoria that we were four people coming to save the world. We were going to change things. And I believe we did a lot of changes that were beneficial to Manatee County. But you did use the “money machine” to get elected? One hundred percent I did. I didn’t come from politics. But I had told people that sometime in the future I would like to run because I enjoyed politics. I got asked to run because of my background. I ran a public equity fund. I ran a hedge fund. Stephen Jonsson was retiring (as commissioner), and he was the president of a bank. They (his backers) thought it would be nice to have somebody with a financial background run, considering we had a $2 billion budget. And I just didn’t know any better. Can anyone get elected in Manatee County without using political consultants and money from developers? Historically, even people who have started going against — for a lack of a better term — the money machine, still used the money machine to get elected. They used the same playbook to run a campaign. They used political consultants and sent out negative ads. Can somebody run a real campaign, using the community, using support from people, using town hall meetings and getting out and knocking on doors? Nobody has done that. But you plan to do that in 2024? One hundred percent I will. In my campaign announcement, I said I am not going to bundle LLC (limited liability company) checks, and I am not going to use PAC (political action committee) money. I am going to try to convince people that you can’t keep doing the same thing over and over, because this is what you get. I am not saying what we get is wrong or right. I vote the same way as the rest of the board 98% of the time. I am very Libertarian in nature. I am very conservative in nature. I made the motion to lower millage the last two years. I made the motion to get rid of the red light cameras. I have voted yes on the majority of development. I am not anti-growth at all. I just feel if you are going to build, build where it should be and pay what it costs. I supported the golf course out in Myakka. I ultimately voted in favor of Taylor Ranch because (Schroeder-Manatee Ranch President and CEO Rex Jensen) made a sensible plan with two-point-something units per acre and no commercial. I am not against (developers). I am just against crazy. I think there are people who look at this board and who want to take advantage of this board. We have a complicit board where people can get away with stuff. We didn’t have any of that my first two years. So have you changed in your first three years as commissioner? I feel like I am doing the same things. I just feel the rest of the voices on the board have pushed to a side where it makes my voice look different. Back in the day, not that I was on their side, but we had the Carols (Whitmore) and Mistys (Servia) and Reggies (Bellamy) on one side and the Vanessas (Baugh), Kevins (Van Ostenbridge) and James (Satcher) on the other. I was the one in the middle. I don’t know my voice has changed so much as the other voices have changed and left me standing there. But don’t you feel you are banging your head against the wall when you are the only dissenting vote? I don’t necessary feel I am beating my head against the wall per se. The frustrating part isn’t that I am on the losing side of votes 6-1. The frustrating part is I walk into it knowing I am on the losing side. You think people who do their homework, listen to their constituents in the case of politics and make those compelling arguments in a debate setting are going to win. The fact I know no matter how much work I do, how many people I listen to, how many petitions I read, it most likely will be 6-1 before I open my mouth. That is the frustrating part. I knew what the vote would be on the wetlands. However, somebody has to at least argue the other side for the good of the community. So that is important for you to do? I wouldn’t call it a dissenting view. I am going to call it a community view. The realty is that where my votes have been, and this is my opinion, my votes have been on the side of the vast majority of Manatee County. I would argue probably correctly that my votes are on the vast majority of the Republican Party as well. It’s not good for Manatee County, not good for the board to have 7-0 votes with nobody talking about it, nobody explaining it, nobody giving any voice to the rest of the community. I don’t feel I am beating my head against the wall. I feel I am serving a community purpose. Honestly, I am enjoying it. My arguments on the other side, win or lose, are opening the eyes of people in the community. I want to make people feel they have a voice. That voice is getting stronger and louder. Some commissioners called those who showed up to protest cutting back on wetland protections the “silent minority.” Do you agree with that? That’s an angle, how politics work. Unless 208,000 people show up at chambers, you always are going to be in the minority. It’s a terrible argument. When you run polls for politics, you don’t call 400,000 people. You call 1,000. You assume they are a sample size that is scientifically relevant. But if 3,000 people sign a petition against something or you have 50 people show up at a meeting and take time off from work to do it, when you get hundreds upon hundreds of emails all on one side and zero on other side, I would argue that is a scientifically significant sample size. I wouldn’t even say (for the wetlands issue) that it was a majority. I would say it was a vast super majority (not to reduce wetland protections). If you don’t have extensive campaign funds, won’t it be tough (to be reelected)? I heard someone say where I was crazy from the standpoint of that I was in a position where I could have had the money machine behind me if I wanted. I could have just walked into another term. But I don’t want to be in politics if that is what politics are, or if that is what I have to do to stay in politics. If 51% of the people want me to walk away, I will happily do so.ONE VOICE New Commissioners George Kruse, Kevin Van Ostenbridge and James Satcher all swept to easy victories along with incumbent Vanessa Baugh, who earlier this year resigned her post. The Republicans often campaigned together and shared similar philosophies. The thought was that if they, indeed, had a conservative bond, they could control the votes on the seven-member commission with their four votes. It would be smooth sailing. It hasn’t turned out that way for Kruse, who often has been stranded on an island alone in 2023 when it came to key votes, such as the commission’s 6-1 vote to cut wetland protections in October; or the 6-1 vote to keep county funds from being used toward Planned Parenthood earlier in November; or the 6-1 vote to declare Manatee County a Second Amendment Sanctuary in March; or the 5-1 vote to rezone property for 5,378 residential homes for a Carlos Beruff development in May. Now headed into the 2024 election year, Kruse has split with his political advisor (Anthony Pedicini of Strategic Image Management of Tampa), who helped to get him elected in 2020 and who represented the other three commissioners who were elected in 2020. He has been vocal about his distaste for the election process in Manatee County, even though he used it himself to get elected. He has gone so far as to say some of his fellow commissioners are pawns of those who donate to their campaigns. Along the way, Kruse landed in serious trouble after he crashed his pickup into a tree near his GreyHawk Landing home in April 2022. State prosecutors charged him with DUI, but eventually dropped the charges in June. Last week, Kruse talked about his run for reelection. Commissioner George Kruse has been on the short end of 6-1 decisions, but says he is oering the ‘community view.’JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITORIt was November of 2020 and the Manatee County Commission was set aer the General Election.Jay HeaterManatee County Commissioner George Kruse says he wants to make sure his votes in the commission represent the community’s voice, even if the eort appears hopeless.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 9A rfnntb ftn fn rfnn rtrb rrfnr tbn rfrnr r 412996-1rfnt bnnnt nnt nn ntntnnt nntntntttt nnnnntn tnnntn nnn nnnnnn tnt rff Scan for Stops and Schedule or Visit:GulfIslandFerry.comHop on, kick back and enjoy a Bradenton Riverwalk, museums, galleries and more. It’s the fun and easy way to get around the beaches and downtown. rfrrntb 414793-1 It will be a party, and all during it, Lakewood Ranch will be under the microscope. The folks who are putting together the World Champions Cup Dec. 7, 8 and 10 at The Concession have decided to host a block party on Friday, Dec. 8 at Waterside Place. All you have to do is show up and have fun. “This is a first for us,” said Brittany Jeanis, who is the World Champions Cup tournament director and who also holds the same position at the PGA Tour’s Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit. “This is very exciting for us partnering with Lakewood Ranch (SchroederManatee Ranch). We can gauge awareness and interest. And we can get the community excited.” The free Community Block Party, which runs from 6-9 p.m., will feature a visit from the three event captains, Ernie Els (Team International), Jim Furyk (Team USA) and Darren Clarke (Team Europe). All are Majors champions. You can get up close with them, snap a photo and get the autographs of bona fide golf legends. The block party, which is open to the public, will include ticket giveaways for Sunday’s final rounds, T-shirt giveaways, interactive games for all ages, live music by the Bay Kings Band and a chance to take a photo with the first World Champions Cup trophy. “The block party is unique,” Jeanis said. “We want to celebrate golf, and we want to be good partners with the community.” This will be the first World Champions Cup and the first time the PGA Tour Champions has put together a Ryder Cup or Presidents Cup type event. Instead of the U.S. against Europe in the Ryder Cup or the U.S. against an international team (minus Europe) at the Presidents Cup, all three teams will be represented. The Intersport-owned event will be covered worldwide on ESPN and ABC. Now, it’s a matter of whether those in the Lakewood Ranch area will embrace the event, which could return again next year if all goes well. Being the inaugural event, fans from around the world might want to see how it all works before they book flights to the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. So local support will allow that to happen in short order, and of course, that means greater economic impact on area businesses. Elliott Falcione, the executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, and a Lakewood Ranch resident, said the World Champions Cup will be a great opportunity to see legends of the game, and to support Manatee County’s effort to present events with international clout in our community. He said The Concession’s hosting of the 2021 World Golf Championships was a major forward step. The World Champions Cup will be another. “The World Golf Championship helped brand us,” Falcione said. “This will be another level of branding for The Concession and the region. Another key is the TV component, where our community will be showcased. Communities of our size don’t often get that chance.” Falcione said local golf fans don’t need to think about any of that. He just said it amounts to a can’t-miss opportunity to see golf’s legends. “You don’t want to miss this opportunity,” he said. While Jeanis didn’t release the numbers, she said the event organizers are pleased with ticket sales. “Ticket sales are going well, both at the corporate level and with fans,” she said. “We are seeing the support. “And we are writing a new chapter in golf.” Jeanis was asked if it was hard getting a commitment from Els, Furyk and Clarke to attend the block party considering it will follow the second day of competition. “We have phenomenal captains,” she said. “They are excited to be here.” She said the tournament will host an opening ceremony before Thursday’s opening tee shot at 9:30 a.m. The first 300 fans inside the gates will receive a free special commemorative T-shirt that only will be available for the opening tee shot ceremony. “This is Year One, and we will be growing the brand,” Jeanis said. “We want to get more eyeballs, and more people, looking at this event. The future is very bright.” On the course during the event, several fan zones are being set up. A Crossroads Fan Zone presented by Skechers Performance will be a gathering place between the short Par 4 third hole and the Par 4 ninth tee box. Five local food trucks will offer a variety of culinary choices and beverages. The Jack and Tony’s Place Fan Zone will be a nod to Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin, who were battling in individual play at the 1969 Ryder’s Cup when Nicklaus conceded Jacklin’s final putt, which left the U.S. and Europe in the first tie in series history. The zone will be to the left of the fifth green and the left of the sixth hole tee box. It will feature three local food trucks. The First Tee Bar and Publix Grab ’N Go will give fans the chance to buy a Publix sub before heading out for the course or the grandstands. A replica of the tournament trophy will be located between the ninth green and the clubhouse for fan photos. Shell, a founding official partner of the event, will be giving away swag through various giveaways during the competition. Parents should note that kids 15 and under get free admission with a ticketed adult (up to four kids per one ticketed adult).Meet golf’s legends at Waterside block party Jay HeaterFormer Florida Senate President Bill Galvano, Concession owner Bruce Cassidy, PGA Tour Champions President Miller Brady, Intersport founder Charles Besser and former PGA Tour star Peter Jacobsen announced the new World Champions Cup in April.SIDE OF RANCH JAY HEATERJay Heater is the managing editor for the East County Observer. Contact him at JHeater@ YourObserver.com. IF YOU GOWorld Champions Cup. The Concession Golf Club, 7700 Lindrick Lane, Bradenton. Dec. 7, 8 and 10. From $46 for one round. Visit WorldChampionsCup.com. Details: Team International, Team Europe, Team USA will battle over three days and 24 matches (eight per day) to determine a winner. The matches will be in team and individual formats. There will be no closeout of a match, meaning points will be awarded for all nine holes played. Each team will have six players. TV coverage for the World Champions Cup will be on ABC and ESPN. Purse: $1.35 million ($100,000 to each player on winning team; $75,000 per player on second-place team; $50,000 per player on third-place team)

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10A EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 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 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 Neurologywww.intercoastalmedical.com941-538-0087rfntbrfntb Stacey Gruber, MDfbnrnrnfn rnnn trnrb nn rff nn rbn f btbr WELCOMESrr fbrrn tbrbtbf f 413670-1 rfntr bbb rfntbt b tt r tr t r brr t rrr b r‘t’t “”’“rfb’nt’ f n“nt b bn tf f f‘ ’‘ ttrf’tbr’rf b“n ”“n”n•– —”413679-1 NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHTLESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITERIf you live, work and play in Lakewood Ranch, you’ve probably seen a blue Grace Community Church tent set up somewhere. Maybe it was at a movie night at Waterside Place or next to an inflatable at Music on Main or maybe a member of the church handed you a bottle of cold water on a hot Sunday at the Farmers Market. As a nonprofit, the church’s outreach program sponsors plenty of family friendly activities, but it also supports fellow nonprofits in the area. “We don’t throw money around to just anything,” Outreach Pastor Michael Cason said. “They all raise funds for the work that they’re doing. We have a pretty extensive process (to get a grant from Grace Community Church). It usually comes down to what falls in line with the vision and the mission of our church.” On Nov. 17, the church donated $25,000 to Better Together, a nonprofit that’s on a mission to reduce the number of children who enter foster care. “We connect parents to vetted volunteer parents who can temporarily care for their children to allow parents to get back on their feet or navigate a crisis,” Better Together Southwest Florida Partnership Manager Jessica Braemer said. “We have served over 6,000 children with our Better Families preventative program, and 98% have not required state intervention and have remained out of foster care.” Cason said Better Together’s work with foster families falls in line with what the goal of any local church should be — to reconcile families and see them through trying times. Ellie Casebolt is a Grace Community Church member and host mom for Better Together. While waiting for the check presentation at the church, her daughters Emmaline, 9, and Ana Lise, 14, played with a 20-monthold baby girl that they were caring for temporarily. They’d tickle the baby’s belly, and she’d laugh so hard the ringlets in her hair bounced. The three acted as sisters even though the 20-month-old had only been with them a week and will return to her mother within 90 days. The mother didn’t want the child’s name or photo printed in the newspaper, but she stays in regular contact with the Casebolts. “We’re like family with them,” Casebolt said. “We’re just trying to love them. It’s a way for our family to do ministry. It’s an incredible program because the kids don’t need to go into the system.” As a church, Grace Community Church has no shortage of help for any of its programs and projects. Cason said an average weekend of church services sees about 3,500 people. “It’s safe to say at least 50% of our church (members) serve in some capacity, and that might be in the kids’ ministry or the Music on Main event,” Cason said. “Our church is a very outward focused church. They love to serve. They love to get connected out in the community.” The church offers a variety of options for volunteer work, and each volunteer is background checked. About four times a year, Grace holds project-based service days. Over the summer, about 20 volunteers spruced up the landscaping for residents at Solve Maternity Homes in Bradenton and Selah Freedom in Sarasota. They planted flowers and put down mulch. No two projects are the same because they’re based on current needs. In March, volunteers will be repainting The Resurrection House, a day center for the homeless in Sarasota. The church will cover the costs for that project, too. “I love when we have people reach out as say, ‘I need X, Y and Z,’ and as a church, we get to step in and fill the need right where they’re at,” Cason said. “It’s always an amazing opportunity.” One of the biggest outreach events the church holds is Christmas on Main, which is coming up on Dec. 23. Typically, the event draws about 4,000 residents to Lakewood Ranch Main Street. The church holds a candlelight services and brings inflatables for the kids, so it’s a service and a party. “It’s a very community-driven type of outreach event,” Cason said. “That’s one I look forward to every single year.”Grace Community Church makes its impact felt throughout the community.Outreach the main priority ABOUT THE NONPROFITGrace Community Church, 4080 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. N. Mission statement: To reach the unchurched by being intentional neighbors that reect Christ. We believe people matter to God and that means people matter to us. Get involved: Call 921-5784 or visit GraceSarasota.com. Lesley DwyerGrace’s Bonnie Caulson, Better Together’s Jessica Braemer, Grace’s Ellie Casebolt, and Better Togeether’s Lora Bostick and Shadeed Wright pose with the church’s $25,000 donation check to Better Together on Nov. 17.“We have served over 6,000 children with our Better Families preventative program, and 98% have not required state intervention and have remained out of foster care.”— Jessica Braemer, Southwest Florida Partnership Manager

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 11A rfntbb frfff bfftf‘fff’t“ff” ’tf•t‘f–tfff’t‘t“‘ff— rbnr—rb rf ntbrfntbn r rr 413233-1

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12A EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 397335-1 415266-1 24/24/24National Congress24th Annual National Cardio Sarasota Congress onCARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE PREVENTIONCME accredited program by the Florida Medical AssociationSponsored By The International Society for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention (ISCVDP) and The Cardiovascular Center of Sarasota Foundation for Research & Education Hosted by 24 of the most renowned professors in cardiology including current and past Presidents of the ISCVDP, ASPC, SCCT, ACC, AHA, and World Heart Federation (WHF) CME accredited program.In celebration of our 49th Anniversary in providing quality Cardiovascular Care to Sarasota County residents The Cardiovascular Center of Sarasota and the El Shahawy Family Foundation are pleased to sponsor theSATURDAY AFTERNOON SESSION FREE TO THE PUBLICFor Travel Accommodations, Please Contact: AdmiralTravel.com | 941-951-1801 Must pre-register to guarantee a seat prior to Dec 31, 2023Register Online at: cardiologycenter.net or iscvdp.org or Call 941-366-9800Free for nurses, medical students & residents if registered prior to Dec 31,2023 Nominally discounted registration fees for other Health Care Providers! Must pre-register to guarantee a seat at ISCVDP.ORG Professor M. El Shahawy MD, MS, FACP, FESC, FASH, FASPC, FSCCT, FAHA, FACC President of the International Society for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Program DirectorProfessor J. Cohn MD, FACC, FAHA Vice President of the International Society for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Program Co-DirectorFebruary , 202 Hyatt Regenc y, Sarasota, FLEndorsed by theCardiovascular Health Assessment CenterCARDIOVASCULAR CENTER OF SARASOTAFree for nurses, medical students & residents if registered prior to , 202 Nominally discounted registration fees for other Health Care Providers! Must pre-register to guarantee a seat at ISCVDP .ORG SA TURDA Y AFTERNOON SESSION FREE TO THE PUBLICMust pre-register to guarantee a seat F or T ravel Accommodations, Please Contact: AdmiralT ravel.co |Register Online at: cardiologycente r .net or iscvdp.org Sponsored By The International Society for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention (ISCVDP) and The Cardiovascular Center of Sarasota Foundation for Research & Education In celebration of our n ersary in providing quality Cardiovascular Care to Sarasota County residents The Cardiovascular Center of Sarasota and the El Shahawy Family Foundation are pleased to sponsor the2/2/2National Congress2d Annual National Cardio Sarasota Congress onCARDIOV ASCULAR DISEASE PREVENTIONCME accredited program by the Florida Medical Association Professor M. El Shahawy MD, MS, FACP, FESC, FASH, FASPC, FSCCT, FAHA, FACC President of the International Society for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Program Director Professor J. Cohn MD, FACC, FAHA Vice President of the International Society for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Program Co-DirectorFebruary , 202 Hyatt Regenc y, Sarasota, FLEndorsed by theCardiovascular Health Assessment CenterCARDIOVASCULAR CENTER OF SARASOTAFree for nurses, medical students & residents if registered prior to , 202 Nominally discounted registration fees for other Health Care Providers! Must pre-register to guarantee a seat at ISCVDP .ORG SA TURDA Y AFTERNOON SESSION FREE TO THE PUBLICMust pre-register to guarantee a seat F or T ravel Accommodations, Please Contact: AdmiralT ravel.co |Register Online at: cardiologycente r .net or iscvdp.org Sponsored By The International Society for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention (ISCVDP) and The Cardiovascular Center of Sarasota Foundation for Research & Education In celebration of our n ersary in providing quality Cardiovascular Care to Sarasota County residents The Cardiovascular Center of Sarasota and the El Shahawy Family Foundation are pleased to sponsor the2/2/2National Congress2d Annual National Cardio Sarasota Congress onCARDIOV ASCULAR DISEASE PREVENTIONCME accredited program by the Florida Medical Association Professor J. Cohn MD, FACC, FAHA Vice President of the International Society for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Program Co-DirectorProfessor M. El Shahawy MD, MS, FACP, FESC, FASH, FASPC, FSCCT, FAHA, FACC President of the International Society for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Program Director Lifetime Achievement Award for Practice of Medicine and Cardiology Sarasota, Florida (49 years) Professor M. El Shahawy MD, MS, FACP, FESC, FASH, FASPC, FSCCT, FAHA, FACC President of the International Society for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Program DirectorProfessor J. Cohn MD, FACC, FAHA Vice President of the International Society for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Program Co-Director February , 202 Hyatt Regenc y, Sarasota, FLEndorsed by the Cardiovascular Health Assessment CenterCARDIOVASCULAR CENTER OF SARASOTA Free for nurses, medical students & residents if registered prior to , 202 Nominally discounted registration fees for other Health Care Providers! Must pre-register to guarantee a seat at ISCVDP .ORG SA TURDA Y AFTERNOON SESSION FREE TO THE PUBLICMust pre-register to guarantee a seat F or T ravel Accommodations, Please Contact: AdmiralT ravel.co |Register Online at: cardiologycente r .net or iscvdp.org Sponsored By The International Society for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention (ISCVDP) and The Cardiovascular Center of Sarasota Foundation for Research & Education In celebration of our n ersary in providing quality Cardiovascular Care to Sarasota County residents The Cardiovascular Center of Sarasota and the El Shahawy Family Foundation are pleased to sponsor the2/2/2National Congress2d Annual National Cardio Sarasota Congress onCARDIOV ASCULAR DISEASE PREVENTIONCME accredited program by the Florida Medical Association Endorsed by theFriday & Saturday February 2-3, 2024 Hyatt Regency, Sarasota, FL LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITORTwo years ago, East County 16-year-old Rachel Walmsley was preparing to fly through the air on a zip line to practice for her big moment as a flying angel at the Tabernacle Church’s annual living nativity. She had been waiting years to be the right height and weight to take on the role, which is the dream for almost every girl who participates in the living nativity. Walmsley pushed herself off the 45-foot-tall structure the first time and made her way down the zip line. She remembered screaming the entire way down. “When I went down the second time, I think all the adrenaline helped me out,” Walmsley said. “It was just really fun. It was high up in the air You get to look down at all the people.” Participating in the Tabernacle Church’s living nativity has been a family tradition for the Walmsleys. The family will continue the tradition during this year’s living nativity at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14-17. Michelle Walmsley, Rachel’s mother, has been participating in the nativity since she was in middle school. She remembered one of her first times in the living nativity when a camel bit her friend’s shirt. Now 45, Michelle and her family look forward to the living nativity every holiday season. “It’s a part of our Christmas,” Michelle said. “It wouldn’t be Christmas without having the nativity. It’s a time where we put our focus on the true meaning of Christmas and take a break from the crazy hustle and The Walmsleys embrace their roles in the Tabernacle Church’s annual living nativity.Nativity tradition continues for local family Courtesy imageWhether a parking attendant, Joseph’s angel, a wise man’s attendant, an angel or any other role, the Walmsley family loves coming together to participate in the living nativity each year to share the true meaning of Christmas. Seating is Limited! Seminar Topics AldermanOaks.com 727 Hudson Avenue Sarasota, FL 34236 Friday, December 8 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM 415511-1 r fffrfntbbrf KITCHEN | CABINETRY OUTDOOR PAVERSfntbrtrb 415643-1

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 13A Major Appliance Centers rfntfbff fff rfntbtn nrnb bnnrrrtr GE 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven (JVM6175SKSS) Sensor Microwave Oven (PVM9005SJSS) with No Preheat Air Fry (JS760SPSS) STAR Steam Washer (GFW850SPNRS) 7.8 cu. 397108-1 rfntnrffn 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 407152-1 bustle. I love being a part of it and sharing that with our community. I treasure the time that we spend as a family putting this on.” From their roles to the live animals to drinking hot chocolate together, the family says every aspect of the living nativity puts them in the holiday spirit. Each performance has its own memorable moments, such as Rachel’s debut as a flying angel. Michelle recalled a meteor shower taking place during one of the per formance’s just as baby Jesus was being lifted into the air. Those who attended remember the spotlight on the baby, with shooting stars crossing the sky in the background. Michelle said “it was just beautiful.” The nativity in 2021 was Abigail Walmsley’s debut as a wise man’s attendant, which is a bigger role than any she’s previously played. Abigail, who now is 12, was tasked with walking around the camels and being present with the wise men as they were providing gifts to Jesus. “It was fun doing something other than being an angel,” Abigail said. Michelle tries to stay out of the limelight. She played Mary once before her children were born, and after one performance, she knew it wasn’t for her. “As a young girl growing up in the church, you always dream of having that role, but a lot of times you’re the only one in front of all those people,” Michelle said. “It was really nervewracking. I realized I don’t need to be in the spotlight.” Since then, Michelle has taken on roles that are less high profile. Michelle’s children Benjamin, who is now 20, Nathan, who is now 18, and Rachel, all have played baby Jesus just after they were born. “It’s such an honor,” Michelle said. “It can only happen once, so we really enjoyed that. Seeing our babies in the arms of Mary was great. Someday, maybe my daughters will be Mary and carry baby Jesus.” “Or maybe baby Jesus will be one of our grandchildren,” added Eric Walmsley, Michelle’s husband. Rachel would like to be Mary some day, but Abigail has her eyes set on being a flying angel. This year, Rachel will be not only a flying angel one night but also Joseph’s angel another night while Abigail will be one of the top angels. No matter the role, the living nativity for the Walmsley’s is about sharing the true meaning of Christmas. “We use this opportunity to come together as a family and look for ways to project our faith loudly,” Eric said. “Whether or not it’s baby Jesus, a wise man’s attendant, or even just a parking attendant, it’s something that we want to lift up in the name of Jesus.” IF YOU GOTabernacle Church Living Nativity When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14-17 Where: Tabernacle Church, 4141 DeSoto Road, Sarasota Cost: Free Details: Enjoy a 45-minute outdoor presentation portraying the birth of Jesus with live animals, ying angels and more. More information: Visit TheTabSarasota.org. Evangel Baptist Church DriveThru Bethlehem When: 6-8 p.m. Dec. 1-2 Where: Evangel Baptist Church, 3605 Lorraine Road, Bradenton Cost: Free Details: Drive through Bethlehem as church members dress up and take you back in time to when Jesus was born. More information: Visit EvangelBaptistChurch.com. Peace Presbyterian’s Carols, Candles and Live Nativity on the Path When: 5-7 p.m. Dec. 17 Where: Peace Presbyterian Church, 12705 State Road 64 E., Lakewood Ranch Cost: Free Details: Hear your favorite seasonal songs on bells and bagpipes as you see a living nativity during a walk on the path. More information: PeacePCUSA.com/ ChristmasPath

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14A EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 r fntb bf f 412930-1 397405-1 LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITORMyakka City’s Jerry Dakin is selling his farm, Dakin Dairy Farms. Dakin, who is 55, said he wants to pass his knowledge to the next generation of farmers and look for a buyer who will keep the property in agriculture. “It’s an opportunity to have the next generation come in and take it and move it forward even further than I ever could,” he said. “I’ll do everything in my power to keep it in agriculture. I’m passionate about it, and I love agriculture.” The deaths of his brother, Farren Dakin, two years ago and his brother, Rodney Dakin, a year ago prompted him to start thinking about his future, he said. “I’m doing everything to make sure this (farm) is going to be here in 50 years when I’m passed and gone, that’s my biggest thing,” he said. “What can I do so that the community will have farming in the county?” Dakin, a former Florida Farm Bureau Farmer of the Year, said there is tremendous opportunity for growth on the property, especially with the potential with new technology, supported ecology and advanced nutrition methods. “There’s so much technology out there that is going to be for the next generation,” Dakin said. “They just have a knack for it, and I don’t have that. They’re passionate about it, and they’re good at it.” Dakin said younger farmers are using artificial intelligence and other technology. For example, he said farmers are using automatic calf feeders, while he’s “old fashioned” and feeding calves in a pen by hand. Dakin started the farm, which is located at 30771 Betts Road in Myak ka City, 22 years ago with a couple hundred cows. Now the farm includes 3,100 head of dairy cattle with a processing plant comprising 350 acres. It has six freestall barns, a milking parlor, production areas, commodity storage, silage storage and a milk processing plant capable of processing and packaging all milk produced on site. It will be sold as a working dairy farm.It did not disclose a listing price. Dakin Dairy Farms has been a staple in Manatee County, promoting community, agriculture and agrotourism. The farm struggled after the COVID-19 pandemic followed by the devastation of Hurricane Ian in September 2022 when the farm lost more than 200 cows and had severe damage to its cattle barns and tour barn. Since then, Dakin said the farm has been able to clean up damages and rebuild. “I want to thank the community for all the help and everything they did,” he said. “It was a moment that showed me how much the community loves us and how much Myakka and Manatee County does for us.” Dakin said he is not in a rush to sell, and Dakin Dairy Farms will remain in operation in the meantime.After 22 years, Jerry Dakin is selling his 350-acre farm.Dakin Dairy to sell farm File photoAfter 22 years, the owner of Dakin Dairy Farms, Jerry Dakin, is selling his Myakka City dairy farm.

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TITLES THE NEXT GOAL PAGE 16A SPORTSNOVEMBER 30, 2023 “I like the speed of the game, and I love scoring goals. That’s the best part for sure.”— Pirates soccer player Brandin Galloway SEE PAGE 17AFormer Braden River High girls basketball guard O’Mariah Gordon, a junior at Florida State University, had 14 points and three assists Nov. 22 in the Seminoles’ 90-52 win over Northwestern University. Through six games, Gordon leads the team with 3.8 assists per game and 29.9 minutes per game and is second on the team with 16.3 points per game. The Seminoles are 5-1 and ranked No. 15 in the country. þ  Former Braden River High football oensive lineman Brendan Bengtsson, a senior at NCAA Division II program Ferris State University, was named to the All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Confer ence First Team. Bengtsson’s play helped Ferris State to an 8-3 record and a spot in the DII playos, where the Bulldogs lost 21-14 to Grand Valley State University on Nov. 18. þ  The Out-of-Door Academy boys soccer junior Josey Rubinstein had two goals and ve steals Nov. 14 in the Thunder’s 3-1 home win over Bayshore High. The win improved the team’s record to 2-1. þ  The Florida VIBE professional softball team will hold a tryout for its 2024 prospect team (14-16U) at 10 a.m. Dec. 16 at UMR Sports. The event will consist of a combine mixed with scrimmage games. Interested players can register for the tryout at UMRSports.com for $99. þ  Parrish Community High boys basketball senior Dylan Higgins, who lives in East County, scored 18 points Nov. 22 in the Bulls’ 55-47 road win over Lemon Bay High. Higgins transferred to the Bulls from Cardinal Mooney High during the oseason. Fast Break Courtesy imageFormer Braden River High girls basketball player O’Mariah Gordon is a junior guard at Florida State. RYAN KOHN SPORTS EDITORIce hockey is not a sport sanc tioned by either the Florida High School Athletic Association or the Sunshine State Athletic Conference. A lack of rinks and a small, though growing, number of youth hockey players means the sport hasn’t been adopted by state high school organizations. According to USA Hockey data, there were approximately 9,000 Florida hockey players aged 18 and younger registered with the organization in the 2022-2023 year. In 2002-03, there were approximately 5,000 youth players in the state. Certain regions of Florida, like Manatee County, have more players in others, thanks in part to the success of the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning, which won the Stanley Cup in 2004, 2020, and 2021, and reached the Finals in 2015 and 2022. That generated lots of interest and is why a regional league can exist on the Gulf Coast. Called the Lightning High School Hockey League, or the LHSHL, it is made up of 20 teams, most of them representing a single high school. But in some cases, an interested high school will not have enough players to fill out an entire roster, so two high schools will band together to create a new team. The Manatee Admirals are one such team, combining players from Lakewood Ranch and Parrish Community high schools. In 2023, the combination has worked. The Admirals, who play home games at Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex, are 12-2-0 (24 points) as of Nov. 25, leading the Lecavalier Division by four points over Palmetto High (9-4-2, 20 points). Lakewood Ranch senior Nicholas Kelly leads the Admirals with 35 points (15 goals, 20 assists), while Parrish Community junior Weston Hermann is second with 26 points (15 goals, 11 assists). The majority of players in the LHSHL, including Kelly and Her mann, also play travel hockey, but the Admirals — who are celebrating their 10th season as a LHSHL club — give players a chance to experience something akin to traditional high school sports, where teammates get to see each other and talk about their games in between classes. “We’re all good friends off the ice,” Kelly said. “We stay connected. We’re like a family. That’s helping us on the ice. Because we’re so connected, we’re able to move the puck well and find shots where we could not before. That’s giving us more opportunities to score.” Hermann said his favorite memories from the Admirals are not ones people would typically expect, like winning big games. Instead, Her mann’s favorite times have been par ticipating in the traditional hockey ecosystem, where younger players complete tasks for older players as a sign of respect. Hermann said that as a freshman, he enjoyed doing things like taping up senior Manatee play ers’ sticks, because it made it feel like he was part of a real team. “That’s something that I probably won’t ever get to do again,” Hermann said. “It carries on the tradition. And next year, I’ll be a senior and on the other side of it.” Kelly and Hermann like being on the ice, too. Both players said the pace of play in the LHSHL feels a tick slower than their respective travel leagues, which they view as a positive. It allows them to see more of the ice on rushes and think about what to do next, as opposed to simply reacting. Kelly said being a part of the Admirals has helped him learn how to be a leader. He said he is naturally quiet, but has developed the confidence to speak up when the team needs a spark. In other cases, he said, he lets his play do the talking. “I want to show them the right way to do things,” Kelly said. “I feel like I can teach that to others. But I’ve also learned how to bring others up if they’re feeling down.” For a sport that isn’t offered through traditional high school avenues, the Manatee Admirals hock ey club provides its players with a chance to experience the same things football and basketball players experience in school sports, such as per sonal growth and leadership oppor tunities. Winning doesn’t hurt, either. “It’s a special group,” Hermann said. “I don’t get to see some of these guys a lot. This team helps keep those friendships going.”Florida high schools don’t oer ice hockey, so local players turn to the Manatee Admirals for competition.Prep hockey on ice IF YOU GOWhat: Manatee Admirals hockey (12-2-0) vs. Seminole Sharks (6-6-1) When: 8:15 p.m. Dec. 1 Where: Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex Why: The Admirals, whose roster includes players from Lakewood Ranch High and Parrish Community High, are leading the Lecavalier division and have scored 94 goals this season, second-most in the LHSHL behind Land O’ Lakes High (101). Former Admirals assistant captain Johnny May poses with current Admirals captain Nicholas Kelly. May now plays club hockey at the University of Central Florida.Courtesy imagesThe Manatee Admirals hockey team combines players from Lakewood Ranch High and Parrish Community High.

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16A EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 412967-1 r rfrntfbtr ttttt•fntbnt rbt t PROSE AND KOHN RYAN KOHNPirates are known for plunder ing and always wanting more. Like their namesake, the Braden River High Pirates boys basketball players want more, too. In this case, wins in the 2023-24 season. Braden River had a breakout season in 2022-23, going 16-9 under first-year head coach Dwight Gilmer. It came a season after they went 7-18. The Pirates have struggled as a program for years, not having won a district title since 2012. Last season was a good start to the turnaround, Gilmer said, but it is not even close to where the program wants to be. They want more. This year, the team’s goals begin with a district title. The Pirates were upset by Parrish Community High (14-11) 55-49 in last year’s district tournament, and that early exit still bothers Gilmer and his players. After taking two-and-a-half weeks off after the loss to decompress and reset, the players were back on the court. Gilmer said they were going to practice as much as possible to make sure the 2023-2024 season goes longer than last season. The Pirates believe they have a chance to be better in large part because they return their top two scorers. Seniors Marcus Schade (16.5 points per game) and Isaac Heaven (10.1 points per game) both can carry the team offensively if needed. Schade is a 6-foot-3 guard who made 32% of his three-point attempts last season while playing tight, aggressive defense on both guards and wings. He averaged 6.7 rebounds and 2.7 steals per game in addition to his scoring. Heaven, who is also 6-foot-3, is as athletic as anyone in the area and proved it by playing wide receiver for the school’s football team this season, catching 22 passes for 397 yards (a team-leading 18 yards per reception) and two touchdowns. He also played defensive back. On the basketball court, Heaven led the Pirates with 3.4 assists per game and added 4.9 rebounds per game. Gilmer said he expects both players to make an even bigger impact this year — not only on the stat sheet but as leaders in the locker room. “You have guys who have an understanding of the culture and the expectations, how we want to go about things and handle our business,” Gilmer said. “(Through them) that has been able to funnel down to our younger guys. It is tremendously helpful.” The Pirates will seek tertiary scoring from senior guard Jacobi Murray, who was a mainstay in the team’s starting lineup a season ago. Murray, who is 6-foot-1, averaged just 3.7 points per game last season, but Gilmer said he has taken a leap forward over the offseason. A sign of his progress is that he scored a team-high 16 points in a fall league game against Wiregrass Ranch High on Aug. 29, which Braden River won 44-35 in Tampa. Gilmer said that Murray, who followed Gilmer from Bayshore High to Braden River before last season, has expanded his game each season. “He’s understanding where he can get a shot,” Gilmer said. “With us, that starts with defense. If we can be active defensively, we can get turnovers, and there will be opportunities (for him) in transition. He’s grown a lot. He’s matured a lot. We need him to be consistent for us in order for us to be the team I think we can be.” In Gilmer’s eyes, that means a team that competes not only for a district title, but for a regional title and beyond. He wants more. It won’t be easy. The Pirates play in a difficult district in Class 5A. Last year’s district champion, St. Petersburg High (23-7), went on to reach the state Final Four before losing 43-38 to Mainland High. Gilmer knows that progress is not completely linear and that there will likely be challenges and tough lessons learned at some point during the year. That’s why he wants his team focused only on the game in front of them — something easier said than done. “It’s difficult, especially with this group,” Gilmer said. “They are still understanding and learning how to win. When you’re coming from a background of not having as much success as you want to have and then you have a decent year with 16 wins, it’s hard for these guys not to get ahead of themselves. We have to understand that success comes from daily habits. But they have bought into getting better and the work aspect of it. “We believe that if we do the work and prepare and keep our mental focus, we’re headed in the right direction.” The Pirates will hold their first home game of the 2023-2024 season at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1 against Palmetto High. Ryan Kohn is the sports editor for the East County Observer. Contact him at RKohn@ YourObserver.com. Winning not enough: Pirates want titles Photos by Ryan Kohn Braden River junior Marcus Schade shoots over Lakewood Ranch senior Trey Holweger (24). Braden River’s Isaac Heaven (2) wins the opening tip over Lakewood Ranch’s Isaac Ashley (11) in a 2022-23 game. Heaven, now a senior, will be one of the Pirates’ go-to scorers this season.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 17A r f ntntb t ‘’“”•–‘“ — 412259-1 ”r BUSY BEE TUTORING rfntf bbbnfn rf ntfb rfrrnf tbn rfntf tfffbfntf SWIMMING LESSONS 415122-1 n WHEN YOU THINK FANS THINK DAN’S! DC Motor Fans Available Design Your Own Fan Parts & Services Available Titan IIDC Motor WiFi Enabled Damp Rated 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 LARGEST SELECTION OF FANS ANYWHERE! 411642-1 What is your favorite food? I like chicken wraps a lot. þ  What is y our favorite school subject? If I have to pick one, I’ll say history. I like learning about what happened in the past. þ  What ar e your hobbies? I kicked for the junior varsity football team this year. That was fun. It has become my favorite hobby. It’s an adrenaline rush. þ  What is the be st advice you have received? You can do all things through Christ. That’s from the Bible. It helps me realize you can do anything you put your mind to doing. þ  Finish this s entence: “Brandin Galloway is ” Energizing. That’s what I hope to be on the eld. Brandin Galloway is a freshman boys soccer player at Braden River High. As of Nov. 27, Galloway has a team-high three goals and seven points for the 3-0 Pirates. þ  When did y ou start playing soccer? I started when I was 2. My family got me into the game. We would kick the ball around in our backyard. I’ve played ever since. þ  What is the appe al to you? I like the speed of the game, and I love scoring goals. That’s the best part for sure. þ  What is y our best skill? It’s probably scoring goals. That is something I have always been able to do, just nding a way to score. I also like using ‘through balls,’ passing and getting an assist. þ  What ha ve you been working to improve? My rst touch can be a bit o sometimes. I have been trying to work on that, so it is more under control. þ  What is y our favorite memory? When I was 9 years old, I think, I scored a double hat trick (six goals) in a game with Braden River Soccer Club. I don’t remember too much about it, but I remember it being fun. That’s still the most goals I have scored in one game. þ  What has been the k ey to Braden River’s 3-0 start? Our speed of play has been good, and our nishing has been good. That’s a good combination. We just have to keep it up. þ  What ar e your personal goals for the season? I want to get my overall tness better. The more t I am, the longer I can stay on the eld, which is important. þ  Brandin Galloway 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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18A EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 rfrnnn fntb rf nntbbnnbbnt Elevating rfntbfnrfbnf nnffnnfrffnbn nrnfrnffnnrnn btnfnrn nrnnfn nrnbrnfrnnfnrnb nfnrnrnbnbnfnf 413714-1 rf rnrnnn nbbtt n rnnn tb tb trnnrnnn

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411674-1 LIZ RAMOSSENIOR EDITORLakewood Ranch’s Joaquin Garcia Argibay recalled driving during a family trip through Buenos Aires in Argentina at 7 years old and seeing dozens of people living on the street. At the time, Garcia Argibay said he didn’t understand the depth of what he was seeing. He said his mother, Silvana Perego, gave a “sheltered response” by saying “things are unwell.” Now as a senior at The Out-ofDoor Academy, he knows the people he saw were homeless. Garcia Argibay has a deep love and appreciation for Argentina, where his parents, Silvana Perego and Agustine Garcia Argibay, were born. “It’s bittersweet to be Argentinian at this moment because they have so many great things, but the resources they have are not being used. It’s very saddening,” Garcia Argibay said. After a spirited discussion with his father about what Argentina can do to improve its economy and help its citizens, Garcia Argibay said he felt the need to do something. “Unfortunately, in the past couple of decades, there’s been a steep educational decline (in Argentina),” he said. “It was affecting not only every Argentinian in the country but my family as well.” He knew the state of education in Argentina was dismal after seeing his 17-year-old cousin Santiago Perego’s homework. He said Perego, who would be a high school junior in the U.S., was completing assignments at an eighth grade level. “In the U.S., sometimes we under value the education we have because when you’re living in a country where standards are followed by basically every school, you get used to education being at a certain level,” Garcia Argibay said. “In Argentina, it depends on the school you’re in, the province you’re in and so many factors that are out of your control. It can feel pretty helpless.” To Garcia Argibay, education is the key to a successful future, so he began the Sister School Project at ODA this past school year. “If we’re going to break these chains of poverty in Argentina, we need to start by educating its people and showing them there’s a world of opportunities out there, and they’re there for the taking,” he said. He organized a dress down day at ODA in which students paid to wear clothing other than the school uniform and raised $2,500. He used that money to work with the Grand Chaco Foundation, a nonprofit in Argentina, to support E.E.P. N 714, a school that serves kindergarten through middle school students in Chaco, Argentina. Chaco is the poorest province in Argentina, with more than 60% of the children in the province living in poverty. “You have people not knowing when they’re going to eat next,” Gar cia Argibay said. “They’re only getting one meal a day sometimes.” The money helped the school pay for internet access and school supplies for 100 students. Garcia Argibay said students had been erasing their notes in a notebook so they could reuse the paper. Garcia Argibay was able to meet with a director at the school last summer and hear about the impact the organization has had on the students. He said it was an emotional experience. “I put in so many hours to this project, but when you’re able to not only see because we have pictures of (the students) but hear firsthand from one of the people that saw this change, it makes it so much more real and tangible,” he said. During the visit, Garcia Argibay watched videos of the students try ing to speak English, which he said brought him to the verge of tears. “They’re enthusiastic and they have so much hope in us as a community of what we’ve been able to provide them and hopefully will continue to provide them,” he said. Garcia Argibay said there is so much more he wants to do. “There’s so much opportunity out there,” he said. “I know this is a perfectionist mentality, but when it comes to things like this, you kind of have to have one. I’m not going to stop for the rest of my life. I love how far we’ve come already, but there are dozens of mountains in the mountain ranges that I’m following right now that need to be climbed and conquered.” This year, Garcia Argibay is work ing with four other students in the Spanish Club to continue to raise money as well as teach the Argentinian students English. They also want to provide resources teachers need. Although Garcia Argibay will graduate in May, he plans to continue to be involved in the Sister School Project. He hopes ODA can start an exchange program with the school in Argentina in the future. Student brings sister school into ODA’s familyODA senior Joaquin Garcia Argibay spearheads sister school project to help students in Chaco, Argentina. YOUR NEIGHBORSNOVEMBER 30, 2023 Classieds 15B Games 10B Real Estate 7B Weather 10B HOW TO GET INVOLVEDThe Out-of-Door Academy senior Joaquin Garcia Argibay started the Sister School Project in September 2022. He raises money to purchase various supplies for a school in Chaco, Argentina. To get involved, contact Garcia Argibay by email at JGarciaArgibay@ODAThunder.org.Liz RamosJoaquin Garcia Argibay, a senior at The Out-of-Door Academy, raises money through the Sister School Project to support a school in Argentina. Students at E.E.P. N 714, school in Chaco, Argentina, celebrate receiving new school supplies provided by donations from the Sister School Project at The Out-of-Door Academy.Courtesy image “I put in so many hours to this project, but when you’re able to not only see because we have pictures of (the students) but hear rsthand from one of the people that saw this change, it makes it so much more real and tangible.” — Joaquin Garcia Argibay

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2B EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 413518-1 rfnnft9114 Town Center Parkway, Ste 101, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 Tuesday & Thursday 8am-5pm Friday 8am-3pm rfbfn 1217 Jacaranda Blvd., Venice, FL 34292 Monday-Thursday 8am-5pm Friday 8am-3pmt t rffrt19790 Wellen Park Blvd., Ste 201B Venice, FL 34293 Monday & Wednesday: 9am-5pmrfrfrf nntffbnnfttttt ttttttrbfff fnbrfbr rr nnn tttttttt ttttttt ttttt nffn fbnf frbfbr rrff nrfbbrrbf nnnbn nbnt‘’t“t”•ttt–tt” rfnnf LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITERHow many ways can an angel orna ment be crafted? Tough question, but the Peace and Justice Committee at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church gets a little closer to answering it each holiday season. “They were just little paper angels, but we thought we would raise more (funds) if they were actually something people could utilize,” member Marie Rizzi of Lorraine Lakes said. On Nov. 20, Rizzi hosted five members of the committee at her home for a cram crafting session. The ladies pumped out about 700 angels. The other members couldn’t attend, but they’ve made hundreds of ornaments, too. Angels made from spoons, toilet paper rolls, clothespins and other everyday items can have an extraor dinary impact in farmworker communities through the annual Christ mas Angel Tree Drive. Last year alone, the ornaments raised $35,000. The church puts up three large Christmas trees to display them. This year, about 1,500 angels will hang from the branches. The cost per angel is a donation, which can be $10 or multiples of $25. The money goes to buy Walmart gift cards. The recipient organizations change, but the mission stays the same. Past recipients include the Casa San Juan Bosco Housing in Arcadia and seasonal workers at Faulkner Farms in Myakka City. “All of the children go to Nolan (Middle School) and McNeil (Elementary School) from Faulkner Farms,” Rizzi said. “They’re seasonal. Like after our crop, they’ll go to Michigan together and on and on.” Art students at Nolan have contributed to the effort for the past four years. Rizzi joked that all the ladies in the room have arthritis, but the kids don’t, so they took on the most tedious task. Their agile, little fingers assembled 2,000 tags. They also braided strings to make 100 sets of angel hair to top some of the ornaments. Last year and this year, the gift cards benefit St. Michael Catholic Church in Wauchula. The church operates an outreach center, thrift store and food bank and serves about 600 families. Only a small portion of the cards will buy Christmas gifts because the basic needs in the community are so great. “They’re used wherever there is a need, so they can have dignity and start again,” said Sister Nikopoia Klobe, the director of religious education. This past year, most of the cards helped families start again after losing everything to Hurricane Ian. Klobe said many families had to stay in shelters. Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church parishioners raised $35,000 last year by making and selling Christmas ornaments.Crafting kindness Photos by Lesley DwyerBack: Volunteers Theresa Phillips, Jane Cyran and Janet Rebhan; Front: Elizabeth Densmore and Patricia Dundulis These angels are made from magnolia seed pods. After spraying them for bugs, committee member Vicki Carvelli applies several coats of varnish to preserve the pods.Jay HeaterMother Nikopoia Klobe and Sister Regina Apostolorum Zambrano Borja put the angels on a tree at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church in Lakewood Ranch on Nov. 25.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 3B rfntfbf fbfft bftbntnt bbfff bbtffn rtfft ff fbftft bbf rfrnntbnbrfrn tbrf nfbbb bbbb t b ‘ ’b rrr“ff bt 413943-1 Reserve your home site today! rfntbrfrnr tan Age-Quali ed Community | 101 Amsterdam Avenue | Ellenton, FL 34222 EQUAL HOUSINGOPPORTUNITY rrrAct now to secure your new home in this r esort-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 411605-1 r fntbr b THE PROMISETHE DIFFERENCE IS nnfr f‘’frr“” 411910-1 There’s an exclusive club at the Greenbrook Adventure Park. You need a fob, a four-legged pet and a human with a great sense of humor to join. þ  “W e’re here every day,” Darrel Jacobs said. “We solve all the world’s problems.” þ  O ne of them being unfriendly and unruly dogs. Those are weeded out of the mix fairly quickly. “We le for divorce,” Bill Musgrave said. þ  The da y before Thanksgiving, a dozen humans and their pets gathered. “The two things she lives for is going to get the paper in the morning and the dog park,” Jim Fogo said of his 9-year-old Chesapeake Bay retriever , Maddie. “She’ll be in my grill all morning until I bring her down here.” þ  The people look f orward to the trip to the dog park as much as the dogs. “You get to know all the people that come out here, and that’s part of the fun,” Bruce Baldwin said.— LESLEY DWYERFriends fur-ever Tony Quirke gets teased as he’s leaving the dog park for being “a handsome Englishman.” The dogs play hard and get thirsty at the Greenbrook Adventure Dog Park.Photos by Lesley DwyerDarrel Jacobs, Buddy, Jim Fogo and Bud Hagy are part of the crew that meets at 9 a.m. daily.

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4B EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 rfnnntbrfntbfr trfnbnnb ffrffrntbrt nnrrrrrftrrt nnrftrnnrrtfnrtnrtt rtrnnrffnrf nffbnrnr rfrnnn tbr fnntbnrn frffntbnfr nntffbftfnfbnntftbt tttfr 392772-1 2542 17th St., Sarasota, FL 34234 | www.catdepot.org | 941.366.2404CAT DEPOT SUPPLY & GIFT STORE www.catdepot.org/shop#1 PLACE TO SHOP FOR CATS & CAT LOVERSNOW OPEN411585-1 r406720-1 fntb n fn rf ntb tr tnb r LESLEY DWYERSTAFF WRITERJon Astore said his architect father handed him a building block before a baby bottle. “I love designing good things for the world,” he said. “We’re innovating a new concept in Luxe Flex Garage.” Astore has been a resident of Manatee County for more than 20 years and is the managing partner at Luxe Dream Garage. The new Flex storage garage will be built across the street from the original on Systems Court in Lakewood Ranch. Plans have passed preliminary reviews with Sarasota County, but Astore said they won’t be handing out keys for another two years. With a $5,000 refundable deposit, prospective owners can reserve a space now. Luxe Dream and Luxe Flex share the same concept of owning and customizing your own garage versus renting a space, but Flex is a slightly paired down version of the original. “We had a lot of feedback where the price points were not obtainable for much of the population, which was understandable, The Luxe Dream garages range in the $300,000s to $680,000,” Astore said. “So we started to conceptualize this other concept.” While Luxe Dream had no problem selling out, Luxe Flex will have a lounge instead of a clubhouse and smaller units to appeal to a wider range of budgets. Astore became involved in the business after he wanted to add a garage onto his home, but knew he wouldn’t be able to get his money out of the investment. He estimates sev en out of 10 homeowners in suburbia are just like him and in need of more space because the garage is filled with everything other than cars. EYE ON BUSINESSLuxe Flex Garage is a more budget-friendly version of the original Luxe Dream Garage in Lakewood Ranch.Car condo idea exes muscles Lesley DwyerManaging Partner Jon Astore and Founding Partner David Slone announce the opening of Luxe Flex Garage at Cars and Coee at UTC on Nov. 11. LUXE FLEX GARAGELocation: 4850 Systems Court Available units: 44 Unit size: 17-by-25 feet Cost: Prospective buyers can make a fully refundable $5,000 deposit to reserve a unit now, but prices won’t be released until January. Features: Gated and secure facility with climate controlled, customizable units, along with a communal lounge area. More infomation: Go to LuxeDreamGarage.com

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 5B 415273-1 NOW OFFERINGPEPTIDESemaglutide (weight loss injections)$75PER WEEK• Add B-12 injections for just $10/week! • Your initial consultation for Slimming Peptide is FREE9114 Town Center Pkwy., Suite 102, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941866 8989 rf ntbbftf rf ntbbtBACH 414568-1tfttbnt Flex offers buyers more storage and a real estate investment. Luxe owners chose to keep the dream garage “car-centric.” Flex garages can be used and customized for things beyond cars but with a lift. Each garage can hold three cars. Astore gave as an example that a pottery hobbiest could have all the machinery on the first floor and pottery storage on the second floor. Astore could name every make and model of car by the time he was 10 years old, which he said was many decades ago. By 15, he’d saved enough money from delivering newspapers to buy a 1968 Opel Kadett Rallye. “I wish I had it today,” he said. “I paid $400, which was a lot of money back then.” By 23, he’d already opened a classic car dealership. Having grown up in Maryland, just outside of Washington, D.C., his dream was to make his mark on the National Mall. “My vision of life for me at that time was to build a really good reputation and then eventually be able to influence those of importance on the hill and build a car museum on the mall,” Astore said. “The car is one of the most influential things in building this country.” After five years, Astore decided his passion for cars wasn’t enough to keep him in the business of cars. He describes himself as a “serial entrepreneur.” He’s an architect by means of education, but that, too, was more of a love than a career. With Luxe, Astore’s passion for cars, building and real estate have collided. He’s a partner, but he’s also the typical owner. His Sundays are spent working on cars. His latest paramour is a cinnamon red 1977 Vega GT hatchback named Lucy. “She’s named after Lucille Ball because she is hot and spicy and always gets in trouble,” Astore said. “She’s sitting with 465 horsepower Dyno tested to the rear wheels.” A Dyno test determines horsepower by measuring the engine’s revolutions per minute, but that’s something owners and prospective owners at Luxe would already know. MULTIPURPOSE ROOMBelow are some examples of how the Luxe Flex garages can be customized. One-car garage and family storage Commercial vehicle and storage Two-car garage with mezzanine Business storage“My vision of life for me at that time was to build a really good reputation and then eventually be able to inuence those of importance on the hill and build a car museum on the mall. The car is one of the most inuential things in building this country.”— Jon Astore

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6B EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 r frfntbb f f frn rrntbb nr ff fff rrntbb nr ff f fr fr rntbb r ff f rrntbb r f ff n frfrntbb f ff rrntbb ‘’r f f “ rfrntbb ” fff f rr r rntbb n ffff ff f frrntbb r ff f f’r‘ rrffntbb f frr‘ rrntbb f f • rrfntbb –‘ f f f fr frfntbb ff f ‘‘ rrfntbb fff ‘r rrntbb — f ff “’’ frrntbb r•”’‘ f ff ‘ rrntbb –““ f f fr rntbb ”“ ff ff “ frrntbb ‘ ff ff n rrfntbb r ff ff f frrntbb r•”’‘ f ff rrntbb ‘ ff ff frr‘ fr frntbb ” ff ff r‘ rrntbb f rf rrntbb f ff ‘‘ frrfntbb f “’ rrffntbb fff r 411762-1

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 7B rf ntbtb rffrnntbbtbbr r rfrffrnntbbtbbrf fntfbftf fffftb ftfb t tft ff Licensed Real Estate Broker Prices as of December 2022 411738-1 Lavender Loop to Philip Jacob Reber and Amanda Lee Reber, of Bradenton, for $515,000. Built in 2011, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,847 square feet of living area. It sold for $345,000 in 2017.STONEYBROOK AT HERITAGE HARBOURTiany Smith, of Palmetto, sold her home at 9082 Willowbrook Circle to Kimberly Donahue, of Bradenton, for $660,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,624 square feet of living area. It sold for $292,000 in 2014.DEL TIERRACarlos and Dorothy Santiago, of Parrish, sold their home at 14979 Flowing Gold Drive to Patrick Desmond Bennett and Chelsea Bennett, of Bradenton, for $625,000. Built in 2018, it has ve bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,607 square feet of living area. It sold for $330,000 in 2020.INDIGOMichael and Tami Johnston, of Philmont, New York sold their home at 12619 Deep Blue Place to Debra Barber, of Tampa, for $620,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,769 square feet of living area. It sold for $380,000 in 2018.LAKE CLUBDerek and Susan Langone, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 8485 Pavia Way to Gilbert and Nereyda Vega, of Bradenton, for $2.8 million. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, ve-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,558 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,790,900 in April. Ted Fredric Thomsen and Amber Kay Thomsen, trustees, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the home at 7826 Bowspirit Way to Wyoming Trust Co., trustee, for $2.5 million. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,734 square feet of living area. It sold for $2.13 million in 2022.COUNTRY CLUB EASTEric and Judy Fox, of Sarasota, sold their home at 16707 Berwick Terrace to Sameer and Dannette merchant, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1,425,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,738 square feet of living area. It sold for $850,000 in 2021. Mark and Susan Stergio, trustees, of Palmetto, sold the home at 14722 Leopard Creek Place to Noreen and Aedan Dowling, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1,225,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,570 square feet of living area. It sold for $620,000 in 2017. Nicholas and Megan Zabikow, of Bradenton, sold their home at 15623 Leven Links Place to Duncan Mitchell, trustee, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1.06 million. Built in 2011, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,573 square feet of living area. It sold for $515,000 in 2021.WINDWARDNeal Communities of Southwest Florida LLC sold the home at 2645 Buttery Jasmine Trail to Laxmanrao Venigalla and Madhavi Venigalla, trustees, of Sarasota, for $1,315,300. Built in 2023, it has ve bedrooms, four baths and 3,711 square feet of living area.RIVERDALE REVISEDMichael and Jennifer Rotondo, of Atlanta, sold their home at 4532 Barracuda Drive to Darrin Gonchar and Kelly Flannery-Gonchar, of Brick Township, New Jersey, for $1.3 million. Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,101 square feet of living area. It sold for $963,000 in 2022. Donald Schultz, trustee, and Stacy Boglione, of Bradenton, sold the home at 4520 Barracuda Drive to Stephen and Michele White, of Bradenton, for $1,125,000. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, oneand-two-half baths, a pool and 2,064 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,125,000 in 2022.UNIVERSITY PARKGerald and Eve Pollock, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 6337 Thorndon Circle to Richard Abbott, of University Park, for $1,089,900. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,131 square feet of living area. It sold for $625,000 in 2014.WATERCRESTSteven and Roberta Bordes, of Ashburn, Virginia, sold their Unit 202 condominium at 6422 Watercrest Way to Catherine Lane, trustee, of Coronado, California, for $890,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,376 square feet of living area. It sold for $480,000 in 2018.CLUBSIDE AT COUNTRY CLUB EASTDuncan Mitchell, trustee, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the Unit 4-D condominium at 7508 Divot Loop to David Quattropani and Virginia Lanz Quattropani, of Bradenton, for $835,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,332 square feet of living area. It sold for $459,000 in 2021.ESPLANADERonald Altman and Susan Altman, trustees, of Roswell, Georgia, sold the home at 12750 Del Corso Loop to Kathy and Dennis Arentz, of Lakewood Ranch, for $815,000. Built in 2014, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,087 square feet of living area. It sold for $475,000 in 2017. James Wingert, trustee, and JoAnn Shakon, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the home at 4511 Terrazza Court to Rajasekar Thangavelsamy, of Bradenton, for $815,000. Built in 2018, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,868 square feet of living area. It sold for $495,000 in 2021.MILL CREEKGregory Gerard Wright and Pamela Rae Wright, of Mountain City, Tennessee, sold their home at 14415 22nd Place E. to 3 Wishes Real Estate Holdings LLC for $809,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,613 square feet of living area. It sold for $471,500 in 2020. Michael Scott Crider, of Bradenton, sold his home at 305 Woodview Way to Shane and Lindie Fabry, of Bradenton, for $646,300. Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 2,089 square feet of living area. It sold for $339,000 in 2004.GREYHAWK LANDING WESTDavid and Janice McWain, of Venice, sold their home at 629 Honeyower Loop to Kevin Shaughnessy and Judith Shaughnessy, trustees, of Bradenton, for $785,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,721 square feet of living area. It sold for $485,000 in 2019.PALMBROOKE AT RIVER CLUB NORTHBeth Ann Meder, of Coatesville, Pennsylvania, sold the home at 10302 Palmbrooke Terrace to Carlos Mauricio Jose Posada Rodriguez and Ana Maria Susana Merida Peralta, of Bradenton, for $720,000. Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,390 square feet of living area. It sold for $277,500 in 2002.COUNTRY CLUBBarbara Ball, trustee, of Cincinnati, sold the home at 7709 U.S. Open Loop to Lawrence Joseph Vavrek and Cynthia Ann Vavrek, of Lakewood Ranch, for $700,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,117 square feet of living area. It sold for $269,100 in 2001.GREYHAWK LANDINGConnie Marrs and James Weir, of Eatonton, Georgia, sold their home at 1314 Brambling Court to Collin and Tara Tyler, of Bradenton, for $700,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,462 square feet of living area. It sold for $619,000 in February. Kolby Watt and Jessica Watt, of Bradenton, sold their home at 323 Salvia Court to Trisha and Robert Guarnieri, of Bradenton, for $645,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,676 square feet of living area. It sold for $445,000 in 2017. Nathan and Maidie Baker, of Bradenton, sold their home at 12330 REAL ESTATEADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITORA home in Lake Club topped all transactions in this week’s real estate. SD TLC Holdings LLC sold the home at 8477 Pavia Way to Adam and Emily Pierce, of Lakewood Ranch, for $3,044,600. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, veand-a-half baths, a pool and 3,545 square feet of living area. Lake Club home tops sales at $3,044,600 RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS NOV. 13-17Liz Ramos This Windward home at 2645 Buttery Jasmine Trail sold for $1,315,300. It has ve bedrooms, four baths and 3,711 square feet of living area. ONLINESee more transactions at YourObserver.com

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8B EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 408660-1 The Bayfront Group at Morgan Stanley 2 North Tamiami Trail, Ste 1100 Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-364-7402 advisor.morganstanley.com/the-bayfront-group thebayfrontgroup@morganstanley.com Ryan Johnson CRPC Jared Hermann CRPC, CRPS Lyn Breda Jackie Rindner Named one of Forbes’ Best-In-State Wealth Management TeamsL-R Standing: Ryan P. Johnson, Jared Hermann L-R Seated: Jackie Rindner, Lyn Breda Thank you for the work you do each day and for carrying forward rfntrbnnfrbnrrbrrtrrrtbftrfrrrnfnnft‘nbnrr’t“n” 2DEC FREETO ATTEND Christmas Craft Market rfrntb r•n’ft nn COMMUNITYTHURSDAY, NOV. 30ELKS HOOP SHOOT Begins at 7:30 p.m. at Carlos E. Haile Middle School, 9501 E. S.R. 64, Bradenton. The Elks Hoop Shoot is a free throw competition for boys and girls 8-13 (based on their age as of April 1, 2024). There will be three boys’ and three girls’ divisions. Winners receive trophies and advance to district competition with state, regional and national competitions to follow. For information, call Hoop Shoot Director Randy Volkart at 266-1355.THURSDAY, NOV. 30 THROUGH SUNDAY, DEC. 3LIVE MUSIC AT JIGGS LANDING Runs from 3-6 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Sunday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3-7 p.m. Saturday at Jiggs Landing, 6106 63rd St. E., Bradenton. The live music lineup at Jiggs Landing includes Steve Arvey (Thursday), Deadwood Dick and the Drifters (Friday), Holiday Howie (Saturday 11 a.m.) the Divebombers (Saturday 3 p.m.), and Bluegrass Pirates (Sunday). The Saturday entertainment includes the Jiggs Landing Holiday Boat parade, which begins at sunset. For more information, go to JiggsLanding.com.FRIDAY, DEC. 1 AND SATURDAY, DEC. 2MOVIES UNDER THE STARS Begins at 7 p.m. each day at the West District at UTC in the lot near Ford’s Garage. The Mall at UTC’s Holiday Movies Under the Stars runs Friday with “Home Alone” and Saturday with “Home Alone 2” presented by TD Bank. Bring chairs and blankets. For more information, go to MallatUTC.com. MUSIC AT THE PLAZA Runs 6-9 p.m. at 1560 Lakefront Drive, Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch. Singer-songwriter Dean Johanesen entertains the crowd strolling through Waterside Place on Friday, while on Saturday, Mylon Shamble performs. For more information, go to WatersidePlace.com.SUNDAY, DEC. 3FARMERS 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.WEDNESDAY, DEC. 6RANCH NIGHT WEDNESDAYS Runs from 6-9 p.m. at 1561 Lakefront Drive, Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch. The weekly event includes good trucks, live music, a night market, a vintage mobile bar, and a recreational cornhole league. No outside food or beverage is allowed. For more information, go to Events@LakewoodRanch.com.THURSDAY, DEC. 7, FRIDAY DEC. 8 AND SUNDAY, DEC. 10WORLD CHAMPIONS CUP Runs at 9:35 a.m. (morning wave) and 12:45 p.m. (afternoon wave) Thursday and Friday, and 9:35 a.m. and 1:10 p.m. on Sunday at The Concession Golf Club, 7700 Lindrick Lane, Bradenton. Team International, Team Europe and Team USA will battle over three days and 24 matches (eight per day) to determine a winner in the inaugural World Champions Cup that features many of the game’s greatest players. Tickets begin at $46 for a round, with other packages available at WorldChampionsCup.com. BEST BETFRIDAY, DEC. 1MUSIC ON MAIN Runs from 5:30-9 p.m. at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch. Join the crowd at Main Street at 5:30 p.m. for the tree lighting before Music on Main begins at 6 p.m. Shell and the Crabs will entertain the crowd with the classics and the event benets the Children First nonprot. The free concert series and block party features food and beverage vendors, sponsor booths, live music and lots of activities for the kids.YOUR CALENDAR On my way to dance class...Adult dance Tap Jazz Hula Hip-Hop Bellydancing Studio862 62nd St. Cir. E. #103 Bradenton, FL (941) 201-5608Register Today! 414629-1

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 9B CALL TODAY FOR YOUR FREE CONSULTATION & XRAYS$2395 Implant, Post, & Crown. Offer expires 12/31/2023LOCATED OFF STICKNEY POINT (941) 260712 410143-1 withMusica Sacra & First Presbyterian Church 2050 Oak Street, Sarasota 2050 Oak Street, Sarasota Info at MusicaSacraSarasota.org (941)374-0940 Info at MusicaSacraSarasota.org (941)374-0940 Featuring: Featuring: The Lubben Brothers Band The Lubben Brothers Band 50-voice choir 50-voice choir Riverview Highland Dancers Riverview Highland Dancers Kevin Weigand Piper Kevin Weigand Piper Steven Phillips Director Steven Phillips Director withMusica Sacra & First Presbyterian Church 2050 Oak Street, Sarasota 2050 Oak Street, Sarasota Info at MusicaSacraSarasota.org (941)374-0940 Info at MusicaSacraSarasota.org (941)374-0940 Featuring: Featuring: The Lubben Brothers Band The Lubben Brothers Band 50-voice choir 50-voice choir Riverview Highland Dancers Riverview Highland Dancers Kevin Weigand Piper Kevin Weigand Piper Steven Phillips Director Steven Phillips Director 412986-1 DAVID AHRENS, REALTOR, SRS RE/MAX Platinum Realty, Brokerage Direct: 941-822-8362 | Cell: 650-288-7661 Email: davidahrens100@gmail.com Web: www.davidahrens.com 415503-1PERFECT LAKEWOOD RANCH TOWNHOME AT HARMONY! 11713 Brookside Drive | Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211 | MLS #: A4589438Welcome to this stunning townhouse located in the desirable Harmony at Lakewood Ranch community! This modern and spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom townhome, built in 2018, oers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience. Oce/den, loft, screened lanai, double car garage, community amenities++ List Price: $439,900 LWR Women’s Club fundraising strategy is bazaar þ  Those in the Lakewood Ranch Women’s Club continued their fundraising endeavors with a Holiday Market Nov. 15 at Palm Aire Country Club that raised over $7,500. The club’s Monika Templeman said the event drew more than 200 women (no count on men attendees). Templeman said “shopping was a delight.” The funds will go to Hope Family Services, Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy, Solve Maternity Homes, and Children’s Guardian Fund. The Holiday Market co-chairs were Diane Laybourn and Linda Stone. East County residents miss boat with new ferry serviceManatee County has announced the Gulf Islands Ferry Service begins Dec. 8, so you might be asking that usual East County question. “What about us?” The ferry, marketed by the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and operated by Gulf Coast Water Taxi, will shuttle patrons from downtown Bradenton to Anna Maria Island — and nothing from East County. However, the service is billed as a “rst step in providing multimodal transportation throughout the county.” Word is that the county is looking at service from Fort Hamer Park to Anna Maria, which would be a bonanza for East County residents. Commissioner George Kruse said not to book your Manatee River cruise yet, though, as he said the open-air catamarans that have debuted in the service are too slow for a trip from Fort Hamer to the islands. But at least they’re thinking about it. If you want to see it happen, call your commissioners. For information about the ferry service, go to BradentonGulfIslands.com/Gulf-Islands-Ferry.Pandas multiply in East CountyA Panda Express sighting was on this week’s Manatee County Completeness Review Project List. If permitting goes through, it would nd a home at the Lakewood Publix Centre at State Road 64 and Pope Road. It would be the second Panda Express, joining one at State Road 70 and Lorraine Road. Only matter of thyme before Lake Club Turkey Trot becomes traditionThe fourth annual Lake Club Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day raised more than $12,000 for the Food Bank of Manatee, while local residents also lled up food and toy barrels to donate to Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee. The race drew a record 256 participants, and race directors were David Ahrens, Je Waddle and Liz Waddle. They lined up 12 sponsors for the event, along with title sponsors RE/MAX Platinum Realty, and David Ahrens, Realtor. A check will be presented to Amy Towery, the Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee vice president of development, on Dec. 13. Ahrens said Lake Club residents have embraced the event, which he said has fast become a tradition in the community.Golf tourney drives charity eortThe Commercial Real Estate Alliance of the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee raised $12,000 from its annual golf tour nament Oct. 23 to present to Manatee County Habitat for Humanity.Waterlefe community gives back in fashionWith its fashion show on Nov. 18, the Waterlefe community raised $10,100 to benet the Our Daily Bread Food Pantry in Bradenton. Models for the fashion show were Amber Browne, Trudy Shrum, Tina Steey, Dyana Young, Pauline Dickson, Connie Carkonen and Eileen Azzopardi. The show featured fashions by PJ’s Boutique. Besides the money raised, the residents also donated food to the pantry.Courtesy imagesThe Holiday Market committee members for the Lakewood Ranch Women’s Club are Ann Sledz, Linda Stone, Helene Levin, MaryLee Danahy, Diane Laybourn and Cheryl Breining. NEIGHBORS NOTES Waterlefe resident Trudy Shrum was a runway model during her neighborhood’s fashion show Nov. 18 that raised $10,100 for the Our Daily Bread Food Pantry.

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10B EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 rfn ntbtbfnn nf rf nrt þ rf ntb tt nt f ttn f tt t t t t f ‘n t ’tt tn “ ”t t • tt ’ttt–n rnb —tn –t tn —rbt tt n •t — —•”tt —t —— —tnt —’tt tn n —trt tb ’ tt t rb ”t —n ft ftt —f– t ” t rt tbtr ftb t —‘t n ’tn t —tt tt t n —tt –ttt ntn –tt • •t ftttn ‘nn ’ —tt –‘”t ’tt ttt • nt t ’tt — t t ”t — t nt ft• fttnt —tt ftt t nttt —tn ttt ’ t “f •t r‘tb —’nt — — rbrtb ——t — —’ttn rnb ft ’tt t ” rb n f ” t fttt t ftt ftt‘t ‘tn ’tt ”tt t ftn n t t fn r’b ttt t • nttn nt ft • ’t trfnttb rfff nrnn fnfnnrffn tbnrb f rtn rtnrnrttnnn nnf nt rf bnnn f 2023 NEA, Inc. rf ntb11-30-23 rfntbbnftrfnfnfrrfnfrtnff rffntnbat MANASOTA FLOORING INC KITCHEN | CABINETRY OUTDOOR PAVERS 399844-1 THURSDAY, NOV. 30High: 77 Low: 59 Chance of rain: 3%FRIDAY, DEC. 1High: 83 Low: 66 Chance of rain: 15%SATURDAY, DEC. 2High: 84 Low: 69 Chance of rain: 18%SUNDAY, DEC. 3High: 82 Low: 68 Chance of rain: 24%FORECAST NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH RAINFALL SUNRISE / SUNSET MOON PHASES*Rainfall totals from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport WEATHER YEAR TO DATE: 2023 þ 2 3.51 in. 2022 þ 51. 65 in. MONTH TO DATE: 2023 þ 0 .67 in. 2022 þ 2. 63 in. Gordon Silver took this photo of two otters on the lake bank behind a home in Del Webb. 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. Monday, Nov. 20 þ 0 T uesday, Nov. 21 þ 0 W ednesday, Nov. 22 þ 0 Thur sday, Nov. 23 þ 0 .23 Friday, Nov. 24 þ 0 S aturday, Nov. 25 þ 0 Sunda y, Nov. 26 þ 0 þ Sunris e þ Sunset Thursday, Nov. 30 þ 7 :01a þ 5:34p Friday, Dec. 1 þ 7 :02a þ 5:34p Saturday, Dec. 2 þ 7 :02a þ 5:34p Sunday, Dec. 3 þ 7 :03a þ 5:34p Monday, Dec. 4 þ 7 :04a þ 5:34p Tuesday, Dec. 5 þ 7 :05a þ 5:34p Wednesday, Dec. 6 þ 7 :05a þ 5:35p Dec. 4 Last Dec. 12 New Dec. 19 First Dec. 26 Full

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 11B Rediscover the sounds of the season with our FREE 2-WEEK TRIAL!* W e can t a ilor a pa ymen t plan t hat wor ks for you! Also, ask us about your $ 100 G IFT C ARD f or c ompleting y our FREE 2WEEK TRIAL! Choose from a wide variety of vendors! TRIAL BONUS! EXTRA SAVINGS! E X T R A S A V A V A I NGS ! TRIA L B O NUS ! *Cer tain t ypes of h ear ing loss may r equire a heari ng in strument model that is n ot appr opriate for the Two W eek Fr ee Trial. H ear ing ev alua tion r equired. S ee clinic for details. Only av ailable for select ed hear ing instruments. 1Pa tient will receive $100 gift card u pon c ompletion of h eari ng instr ument tr ial. N ot all m odels are su itable for a fr ee tr ial (e.g ., cust om-tt ed models such as CIC, IIC, and Virto B lack). H eari ng ev aluation r equired. Mu st have a t est ed hearing loss. O pen to adults 18+ y ears and older. O ne gift card per cust omer, per y ear. N ot v alid with managed care or state insur an ce plans. No c ash alternative. Must prov ide a v alid email addr ess for gift card r edem ption. Please allow 2-4 w eeks for delivery of the gift card. 2Rec eive up to $800 disc ount towar ds a pair of Phon ak L umity hear ing aids lev el 70 or 90 t echn ology. T his l imit ed-ti me o er may not be used in conjunc tion with any other o er or pr omotion. N ew or ders only. Pri vate pay only (not com binable with i nsur ance or netw ork).3On in-store purch ases of $200+ in with the CareCr edit cr edit card thr ough the end of the mon th. I nter est will be char ged to y our SL-AT231120_094842 C *Cer tain t ypes of h select ed hear ing CIC, IIC, and Virto or state insur ance towar ds a pair of pay only (not co Oers expire 12/8/23. 415225-1

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12B EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 rfntrfbtrfrtrftftfbtftftf fffnntfffnntffrffrtffrff r rfr f n Lum ityby tt‘‘t’“ ‘‘ “ tt ‘”r t t t ‘•– —” f r ‘‘ ‘‘– ‘ ntb‘ t ‘‘ rf rf ntbtfff ntb t ntb L L L L L u m m it y b y L m y b y it y y m m m m L L m it L u L L u L m m m m m L L L L L L L L L L u L u u L u L u u L rfntrfbtrfrtrftftfbtftftf rf rf rf rf rf b bnb bb nrbbn rbbbbnb 415226-1

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 13B rr ffr nt bn t rfn tfn r tbr rrr f r b f r b ntbb b r b ntbb b r frfr rfb frbrrbrn Lumity trffr fntbn L u m i t L L u m i t rr n t bn t t rf rf rf n n r br rrr rr bn bn r br rrr br y y y y r fntbtb 415227-1

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14B EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 r rff rfntrfbtrfrtrftftfbtftftf fffnntfffnntffrffrtffrff frntfbfftftft of erica r rffff Lum yby rf rf rf rf rf L u m y b r r L r r r r r rfntbttrfntbtt nttb Rated Elite Hearing Centersof Am erica r nttb Elite Hearing Centers r nnbnnf r rff ntb rff nn rff t rff rfntbtt t ttr ttt rfrrnnrtbrt trrt r rfrr t rttr rfrrrr rtr rtfb nrrt 415228-1

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rr fntbnnbnnn nfnbbnnbbbnnbnfnrfnttfbfff tfn rfn tbrbbrbbb bbbbbb bbbbbbbrb bbb bb brbbbbrb brbbbbbbbrb bbbnbbrb bbbnnnnnbff‘f‘n’b‘n‘f r rfnfnn rf ntrtrbn rr bbrr rrr r rff bbfb nbr rtrb rbb ‘n tbbfnf“f‘frfnrttnfbbb 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 C HRI S TMA S TREE 6 1 / 2' pre-lit Christmas tree from LuxArt $125 (941) 373-6312 DMI R O LLIN G shower chair, commode, transport chair, rolling bathroom wheelchair, new, assembled, never used. $75, 410-507-4447 Announcements C HRI S TMA S C RAFT S H O W H H o o r r s s e e s s h h o o e e C C o o v v e e R R V V R R e e s s o o r r t t C C l l u u b b h h o o u u s s e e 5 5 1 1 0 0 0 0 6 6 0 0 t t h h S S t t . . E E . . B B r r a a d d e e n n t t o o n n S S a a t t u u r r d d a a y y , , D D e e c c . . 2 2 n n d d 9 9 a a . . m m . . N N o o o o n n Ga rage / Moving/ Esta te Sales M O VIN G/G ARA G E S ALE. Fri. Dec 1st. 9 a.m. 2 p.m. & Sat. Dec 2nd. 9 a.m. 1 p.m. Household, furniture, clothing, tradesperson tools. Please NO earlybirds. 2118 147th Ct. E. Bradenton, 34212 General Merchandise BEAUTIFUL 2022 Tr ek FX 2 Disc BicycleSmall Adult This bicycle is in excellent condition and hardly ever used. This would be excellent for an adult on a smaller size or a child looking for a larger bike. I bought the bike in 2022 and paid $799 at a local Tr ek Bike Store. I am selling it for $650.00, including a kickstand, water bottle holder, and Bondage small helmet which I paid extra. $650 (954) 895-5989 Merchandise Wanted GO LD , S ILVER BUYIN G w / CA SH. RETIRED INVES TO R rfn t t b b n rrn 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 Motor Homes/ RV s WANTED: RV’S AND BOATS. Paying cash, will come to you to see it. Local. 941-301-9946 Sporting Goods BEACH’ N RIDES rf frn tb bn r tr tr r r n n r r brrr fr Autos for Sal e 1993 MER C EDE S rfnt bnttt 20 14 A UDI A5 Red C onvertible. Mint condition. New tires. 53,000 mi. 20,000 mi. warranty. $22,500 Call 330-206-8448 C LEAN TITLE, O ne O wner Pre-owned 2017 Ford F-150 XL T, 175,089 miles. RICH @ 702-577-6777 St Pete 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. 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 Homes for Sale G REAT O PP O RTUNITY rf fntbb fb fn n n ‘ ‘ ’ ’ n n “ “ V acation/ Seasonal Rentals FOR RENT rfr nttr b rnnr t rr SEASONAL RENTALS rff nntff ftbfff f f fbt ttb ff hom e serv ice s 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 General Contr actors ALLEN CO NTRA C TIN G LL C RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL Complete remodeling services, new construction, construction management, design services...building on the Rock! CBC1267050 (941) 303-9601 Landscaping/ La wn Services LAND SC APIN G , LAND SC APE clean up, pruning & weeding. Flowers, palms, & container gardening. Call 941-302-3933 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. Pools $20 OFF YOUR FIRST POOL SERVICE CALL US NOW! Pressur e Cleaning UBA PRESSURE WA SHING AND SEALER (941) 320-6172 www.ubapressurewashing.com rr fr nr fn tfbn rfrnrtb bnrfrnrtb tbrr r T rave l SRQCRUISES.COM YOUR local luxury and small ship cruise expert! Experienced agent providing personalized service without any fees or pressure. 30+ years cruise experience. Call, text or email 7 days a week. (941) 271-1539 SRQcruises.com r rfntb rfntrb fntrb

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16B EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 Aluminum 941.650.9790 YoderAluminum.com Dustin YoderOwner / Operator Insured “Specializing in 6” Seamless Gutters” 414763 941.650.9790 YoderAluminum.com Dustin YoderOwner / Operator Insured “Specializing in 6” Seamless Gutters” At torney rrfrfnntbrfr nn414055ntbnbn bfrtfrf rbbbbbbn rbnt trrn rrr nntbnrn rrrrbbbbnbfb Auto Service 413903 SELL YOUR CAR! FAST • EASY • SAFE WE COME TO YOU941.270.4400HoHoBuysCars.com 5-Star Rated Cleaning 413752 MC Organize Vange Solutions LLCPROFESSIONAL ORGANIZERDECLUTTERING • HOUSE CLEANING and More!NO JOB TOO SMALL OR TOO BIGCall Today for a FREE Estimate(941) 527-8930 Computer 413907Computer 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 19 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! 414765 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 REPLACE”413902 Furniture Repair 414760 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 rfntb b rf nrtbffrr ffntb ff 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? 414761 Home Services rf nftr b rrrffrrrtrfrrrrtfrrrfrfrrfrfttrtr 414493 415498 • House Cleaning • Deep Cleaning • Frame Sweeps • Backend Cleaning • Pressure Washing rfrntbnnr ntbnnrrfntbt OFF rrffnnntb OFFrOFF CASH & CARRYfntbnbbbntfbnftfnb fntbnbbbntfbnftfnb 414353 Home Wa tch FIRST RESPONDER OWNED & OPERATED (941)544-0475dan@shorelockhomewatch.com www.shorelockhomewatch.com413901 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 414492 Handyman 415115 Handyman Services30 YEARS EXPERIENCErfntbftnrrnn nnfbbfbf bnrtb

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 17B 414766 rf Irrigation ED’S RAIN MAKER IRRIGATIONIRRIGATION REPAIR MAINTENANCE (941) 725-8100 edsrainmakerirrigation@gmail.com Insured Servicing LWR, Parrish and NE Bradenton414749 Kitchen/Bath Remodeling rfntbb414494 941.966.0333 COMPLETE INSTALLATION PACKAGE$235INCLUDES 2 MOEN STAINLESS STEEL ANTI SLIP CONCEALED SCREW GRAB BARS (16” & 24”)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 414496 414495 GLENN KROECKER954-1878 (cell) 780-3346Licensed & InsuredTHE GRAB BAR GUY 413910 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 414497 Landscaping & La wn lawn & pest control, llc.Family Owned and Operated• Commercial & Residential • Fungicide • Fertilizing • Weed Control • Tree & Shrub Treatment • Insecticide www.FGLAWN.com | 941-404-6601 $10 off Any Treatment Dry Or LiquidNew Customers Only FreeWeed & Crab grass ControlNew Customers Only You Get Protection!NOWTicks, Fleas, Fire Ants, Chinch Bugs, Mole Crickets, Grubs, Sod Worms and more. PLUS Fungus & Weeds and Premium Fertilizer. *For average size lawn of 5000 sq. ft. Larger lawns slightly more.$52PER MONTH* NO MORE TICKS, FLEAS OR WEEDS! We Make YouPROUD!Licensed & Insured 415151 Painting 413912 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 Service414750Small plumbing repairs. Replace toilets, faucets, water lters, water softeners and repair leaks.RELIABLE • INSURED941-920-8221 P ower Wa shing Clean Bay LLC Window Washing 941-685-5597413941 Roong 413898 • 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 rfntb r nf Screening 414751 Transportation 410036 BLACK LABEL CAR SERVICELuxury for LessAirports, Concerts, Dinners & Cruises www.towncarservicebradenton.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% off 941-248-4734 413899 Windo ws 414767 Sunset Window & Pressure CleaningFormerly known as Sunrise Windows Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES 941284 5880PURIFIED WATER WINDOW CLEANING AVAILABLE!!$150 UP UP TO TO 25 25 STANDARD STANDARD WINDOWS WINDOWS INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS SPECIAL$500www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com senior citizen discount. Formerly known as Sunrise WindowsRes. | Com. | Lic. | Ins. r Home Wa tch rfn rtfn

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18B EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 413814-1 941.702.0437 | ShanahanLuxuryGroup@CBrealty.com | ShanahanLuxuryGroup.comTyler Shanahan, PLLC941.961.8205 Tyler.Shanahan@CBRealty.comKatina Shanahan, PLLC941.702.0437 Katina.Shanahan@CBRealty.comKenneth Shanahan, PLLC941.702.0443 Kenneth.Shanahan@CBRealty.comOur Experience is Your Best AssetContact Us Today to Discuss Your Real Estate Goals 720 Crosswind | Waterside Lakehouse Cove 3331 Founders Club Drive | Founders Club 16809 Verona Place | The Lake Club$1,725,000 | 2,431 Square Feet | 3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | Lakewood Ranch Golf Membership Available 7509 Mizner Reserve Court | Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club Under Contract Tyler Shanahan, PLLC941.961.8205Katina Shanahan, PLLC941.702.0437Kenneth Shanahan, PLLC941.702.0443Top-Selling Lakewood Ranch RealtorsOur Experience is Your Best Asset

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The award-winning Canadian Brass quintet has strong Sarasota ties.IT’S ALL ABOUT THE BRASSMONICA ROMAN GAGNIER ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT EDITORWhat? You’ve never heard of Canadian Brass? That’s OK with Chuck Daellenbach, the sole remaining founding member of the award-winning ensemble formed in Toronto in 1970. You’re still invited to the band’s holiday concert Dec. 4 at Sarasota Opera House.In fact, you’re exactly the kind of person Daellenbach, who comes from a long line of German and Swiss musicians, wants at his concert. One of the reasons Canadian Brass has attracted a cult following during its half-century in existence is that it happily talks with the audience and makes jokes during its concerts. With a Ph.D. from Rochester’s Eastman School of Music, Daellenbach could have easily ended up in a conservatory teaching music. Instead, he and his fellow band members travel the world educating and entertaining audiences about brass. Daellenbach recalls how at one of the band’s early concerts, one member of Canadian Brass came out on stage carrying a piccolo trumpet, which is roughly half the size of the standard instrument. “You could hear everyone in the audience think ing, ‘What is that?’ They didn’t have to wonder for very long because we explained it to them,” he says. When Canadian Brass was first starting out, it was criticized in some quarters for engaging in banter about brass with the audience. Fifty years on, the band’s official bio notes that it takes “pride in seeing the entire concert world embracing engagement as a fundamental element of performance.” The Sarasota concert of Canadian Brass will be a homecoming of sorts. The band’s roots here go back at least four decades, and former member Ronald Romm lives here, Daellenbach says. Another former band member’s parents used to live here, he recalls. Daellenbach was on the road during his telephone interview and the connection wasn’t always good, so it was hard to pin down all the ties the band has to the area. Suffice it to say that even if all roads don’t lead to Sarasota, a few of them do for Canadian Brass. The first time the band came to Florida’s “Cultural Coast” was around the time it first played Carnegie Hall, which was back in 1980. “Our horn player’s parents had a place in Sarasota, and we thought it would be good to go down there,” Daellenbach says. But spending time in Sarasota wasn’t the only thing that happened to the band after it played Carnegie Hall. “We basically got the music world’s seal of approval by playing there,” Daellenbach says. In a 45-minute phone call that was interrupted and then resumed a couple of hours later, the word “luck” was mentioned by the Canadian Brass stalwart at least five times.SEE BRASS, PAGE 2 YOUROBSERVER.COMNOVEMBER 30, 2023 ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT BLACK TIEINSIDE: A+E INSIDE: IF YOU GOCanadian Brass Holiday Concert When: 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 4 Where: Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. þ  Tick ets: $35-$85 Info: Visit SCASarasota.org. Courtesy imageThe award-winning Canadian Brass quintet returns to Sarasota with a holiday concert Dec. 4 at Sarasota Opera House.

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2 ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 Case in point: The band was lucky to be put on the air by the Canadian Broadcasting Co. early in its career because “it allowed us to reach the whole country.” Another lucky break was being featured on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson in the U.S., another sign of acceptance into mainstream entertainment in the days when there were only three commercial TV networks and no cable or internet. “You can’t predict luck, but you can prepare for it,” Daellenbach muses when asked for the secret of the band’s success. One way that Canadian Brass prepared for long-term survival was by commissioning more than 100 works by Luther Henderson, a man Daellenbach refers to as “Duke Ellington’s showstopper.” Even in a brief interview, Daellenbach deftly teaches a reporter about the history of brass and jazz without making her feel like an idiot. The reason Canadian Brass turned to Henderson for all those compositions is that the repertoire was lim ited for brass quintets, which trace their roots to the late 1940s in Chicago, according to Daellenbach. “At the same time we were play ing Bach and Handel, we were commissioning new pieces from Luther so we had more to play in concert,” he says. Along the way, Canadian Brass adopted some signature tunes. For instance, the band always opens its concerts with “A Closer Walk With Thee,” which was the traditional closing number of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band in New Orleans. The opening number played by Canadian Brass is an arrangement written by Henderson before he died six years ago that weaves in “When the Saints Going Marching In,” the Christian hymn that became a jazz standard after Louis Armstrong and his band recorded it in the late 1930s. The last time Canadian Brass played a gig in Sarasota was 2018, when it performed at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Asked where the band will be playing this time around, Daellenbach responded, “You tell me. I don’t have to think about that yet.” Daellenbach doesn’t have to think about it because after 50 years, Canadian Brass is a fine-tuned operation and has people who worry about things like scheduling and venues. That frees up Daellenbach to focus on issues like personnel and programming. These days, Canadian Brass consists of Joe Burgstaller and Ashley Hall-Tighe on trumpets, Jeff Nelsen on horn, Achilles Liarmakopoulos on trombone and Daellenbach on tuba. “We only want lucky members,” Daellenbach says as an aside. Because of the timing of its Sarasota performance, the Canadian Brass show will include holiday favorites, from “Carol of the Bells” to “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” in addition to swing tunes from Glenn Miller and more. The performance is sponsored by the Sarasota Concert Association. Reflecting on his musical career and the history of Canadian Brass, Daellenbach says one of the things that he’s most proud of is winning the Echo Award, Germany’s answer to a Grammy, for a recording of Bach’s Goldberg Variations. “To be honored in Germany for German music was a real achievement,” he says. In total, there have been 24 nominations for Grammy and Juno (Canada’s Grammy) awards for Canadian Brass over the years. Despite its awards for recordings, the lifeblood of Canadian Brass is touring and interacting with its audiences. That’s why the pandemic shutdowns hit the band particularly hard, Daellenbach says. How did they make it through? By going into the studio. The Brass, as members refer to the band, recorded “Canadiana,” an award-winning album that features unique arrangements of such Canadian superstars as Joni Mitchell, k.d. lang, Bruce Cockburn, Drake and DeadMau5. Daellenbach may tell you all about the album during the Sarasota concert.In any event, you’ll leave smarter than when you arrived. 412107-1 Intimate musical experiences.This project is supported in part by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County; Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council of Arts and Culture and the State of Florida (Section 286.25 Florida Statutes); The Exchange; Gulf Coast Community Foundation; National Endowment for the Arts; the Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax Revenues; and the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. 941-306-1202 ArtistSeriesConcerts.org Direct from Windsor Castle!The Queen’s SixDecember 17 • 2 pm • First Presbyterian Church~ Featured on “CBS Sunday Morning” ~ Sang at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ArtistSeriesConcerts.org 941-306-1202 Season 28|Stars Ascending 408004-1 410901-1 ~ ANNUAL ~ CERAMIC SHOW & MASTER POTTERat the Artist’s Home/Studio rfntbn rfntbn rfrfntbnPayment Options: Cash, Checks, Venmo, Zelle5015 Mink Rd., Sarasota, FL 34235for information, call or text(941)735-8800younghuh83@gmail.com • masterpotterhuh.com415414-1 BrassFROM PAGE 1

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ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 3 BOX OFFICE: Mon-Fri 10-6 • Sat 10-4 (941) 263-6799 • VanWezel.org rf rfrf ntb nrf 414597-1 Twyla Tharp’s In the Upper Room | Photography by Matthew Holler941.359.0099 | SarasotaBallet.orgDecember 15 16 | Sarasota Opera House Accompanied by the Sarasota OrchestraGeorge Balanchine’s Theme and Variations Twyla Tharp’s In the Upper Room Program Media Sponsor 408445-1 MARTY FUGATE CONTRIBUTORDialogue, movement, music, dance. With these four simple tools, Denis Jones built the crazy world of “Crazy for You,” Asolo Repertory Theatre’s latest production. Here’s how he did it. The love-happy madness of Ken Ludwig’s Broadway smash is now on the Asolo Rep stage. It’s a musical comedy about reviving a defunct theater by staging a musical comedy. It’s a perennial hit, especially in the theater community. It’s one of director/choreographer Denis Jones’ favorite musicals, for obvious reasons. Jones is currently helming the Asolo Rep production right now, having stepped in after Director Josh Rhodes left to make his Broadway debut with a revival of “Spamalot.” Building worlds on the stage for “Crazy For You” draws on Jones’s full range of talents. In the following edited Q&A, he shares how he put the worlds of this and other musicals together. And why he really loves his job. To quote Lao Tzu, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” What was your first step on “Crazy for You” and its creative journey? The script. That’s my starting point with any musical. I begin with a deep dive into the text. Who are these characters? What’s their journey in this musical? What’s their story? How do I tell it? As you’re both a director and choreographer, I assume dance is one way you tell it. Absolutely. Because “Crazy for You” is set in the past, that informs my choreographic choices. It’s not historically realistic — not by a long shot. Even so, I still needed to familiarize myself with the dance styles of the 1930s. Why? For this kind of musical, dance is an essential storytelling element. Dance is in service of the musical’s text. It has to be character-driven. Narrative-driven. How characters tell their stories through movement exists in the context of a specific time and place. So the characters in a 1930s’ musical wouldn’t be breakdancing. You need to find out the dances they’d be doing. Hence the historical research. Exactly. Regardless of time period, a musical’s characters shouldn’t randomly start dancing for no reason. Dance should never distract the audience from the musical’s story. Dance helps tell that story, with the language of movement. Again, I don’t consider the choreography for “Crazy For You” to be an historic document, but it should be consistent with the writer’s intent and not just exist for its own sake. You’ve got lots of storytelling tools. As both a director and choreographer, your toolbox includes the kinesthetic language of dance; the spatial language of blocking; the verbal language of the script; even body language that’s not officially dance. They’re all useful tools in musical storytelling. But they all need to feel of a piece, not disjointed. Each approach should flow seamlessly with the others. Going from a dialogue scene into a song and then into a dance the transitions should never feel jarring. A musical’s story should feel like one story. What’s the heart of the “Crazy for You” story? The Gershwin brothers’ amazing songs. They’re the beating heart of this musical. Their songs captured universal human experiences. The lyrics are so witty, heartfelt and stylish — and beautifully suited to storytelling. The Gershwins wrote these songs for characters to express their thoughts and longings. Everything in “Crazy for You” flows from those springs — its narrative, its characters, its outlook on life. The Gershwins’ music is at the center of the beautiful story Ken Ludwig has told. Speaking of story, the adaptation history of “Crazy for You” is not a straight line. The musical’s story and characters keep mutating. In the “Girl Crazy” stage musical, the hero’s a playboy who’s trying to save a dude ranch. In the Andy Rooney and Judy Garland movie, he’s trying to save a college. And he’s also a casual racist. No kidding? It’s been years since I’ve seen that movie. “Crazy For You” takes very little from that screenplay. What did Ludwig keep? Ludwig took some of the characters and a great deal of the music. But “Girl Crazy” is just his jumping-off place. “Crazy for You” is very much its own thing. It tells its own story. How would you summarize that? Bobby Child is the central character. He’s a young, wealthy New York playboy who dreams of musical theater stardom. Singing and dancing is all he wants to do with his life. His mother would strongly prefer that he enter the family business, which is banking. Bobby winds up in Dead Rock, Nevada, a depressed small town. He meets Polly Baker, who runs a long defunct theater. To win her heart, Bobby decides to put on a show and save that theater. All manner of antics ensue. The story’s really about how Bobby finds himself — and finds a community in the process. An artistic community? Yes. But the whole community, really. The townsfolk gather together to create this show. That brings new life, new spirit and a heightened sense of solidarity to their small town. This being a musical, Bobby also finds love. But he’s not alone. Love is in the air, and a number of couples find each other across different worlds — and celebrate their love in the glorious ending. That sounds like Shakespeare with tap dancing. The ending does have a Shakespearean vibe. And yes, there is plenty of tap dancing. Ludwig’s adaptation could’ve easily told the story of Bobby’s personal redemption. But Ludwig made it the story of an entire community’s redemption. He expanded the original story. That’s a really sharp insight. Maybe genius. Absolutely. Bobby does find himself. The woman he falls in love with, Polly Baker, finds herself, too. She’s learning who she really is — and the theatrical talent passed down from her mother. Most of the people in town also find themselves. And then they find each other and form common cause. And it’s all through the power of music, dance and theater. It’s a beautiful story. I find it quite moving. What’s your favorite Gershwin song in Ludwig’s musical? Please don’t ask me that. That like asking, “Who’s your favorite child?” If I had to pick a favorite, “Embraceable You” is incredible. During our first preview, the cast started singing it and the audience spontaneously joined in. They were standing in the aisles, just singing along — unprompted. It was moving. So, if had to choose, that song is one of my personal favorites. But I don’t want to choose. IF YOU GOWhat: “Crazy for You” When: Through Jan. 4, 2024 Where: FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Tickets: $35-$95 Info: Visit AsoloRep.org.Chorus girls meet cowboys as Jones brings 1930s Broadway and the Wild West to the Asolo Rep stage.‘Crazy for You’ director Denis Jones uses history to create fantasy Courtesy image“Crazy For You” Director/Choreographer Denis Jones stepped in after Josh Rhodes departed to make his Broadway debut.

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4 ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 407090-1 www.manasotaonline.comOUR SHOWROOMS ARE OPEN 1734 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 THURSDAYCHRISTINE KIM, OBOE, AND SANG YOON KIM, CLARINET 11 a.m. at Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Blvd. $68 Visit ArtistSeriesConcerts.org. Artist Series Concerts presents “woodwind power couple” Sang Yoon Kim, principal clarinet of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and Christine Kim, principal oboe of the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, accompanied by Joseph Holt on piano. The program includes trios and sonatas. SCD + WBTT 7 p.m. at Cook Theater at FSU Center for Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail $20-$55 Visit SarasotaContemporaryDance. org. Sarasota Contemporary Dance and Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe join forces for a memorable collaboration bringing together dance and song. Runs through Dec. 3. ‘A TUNA CHRISTMAS’ þ  7 :30 p.m. at The Players, The Crossings at Siesta Key $30 Visit ThePlayers.org. The Sarasota Players present a holiday tale set in third-smallest town in Texas, which happens to be named Tuna. It’s a place where the radio covers the annual lawn-display contest, and the local production of “A Christmas Carol” is threatened by unpaid electric bills. Directed by Kathy Junkins. Runs through Dec. 17. ‘TAKE IT TO THE LIMIT’ 7:30 p.m. at FST’s Goldstein Cabaret, 1239 N. Palm Ave. $18-$39 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org. The prolic team of Rebecca Hopkins, Richard Hopkins and Sarah Durham come together for a new musical revue saluting the artists and songs of the 1970s folk rock era. You’re guaranteed to get a peaceful easy feeling. Arrangements by Jim Prosser. Runs through April 7. ‘JOYFUL! JOYFUL!’ 7:30 p.m. at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave. $50; students and active military with valid ID $25 Visit WestcoastBlackTheatre.org. Created, adapted and directed by WBTT founder/Artistic Director Nate Jacobs in 2021, “Joyful, Joyful” features twists on traditional holiday songs, gospel-infused classics and pop favorites. Runs through Dec. 30. ‘LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS’ 8 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St. $39 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org. An unsuspecting ower shop assistant is manipulated by an outof-this-world plant he dubs “Audrey II” for his co-worker crush. He soon falls prey to its plans for world domination and its appetite for human blood. Runs through Jan. 7.FRIDAY JAZZ AT TWO EDDIE TOBIN 2 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church, 3975 Fruitville Road $15-$20 Visit JazzClubSarasota.org. Aectionately dubbed a “lounge lizard,” Eddie Tobin plays jazz classics, pop favorites, music from the American Songbook and a little Ray Charles. ‘A BRAVE NEW WONDERLAND’ FEATURING NIK WALLENDA 7 p.m. under the Big Top, East of University Town Center $30 and up Visit WonderlandCircus.com. Sarasota hometown hero Nik Wallenda and the Circus Arts Conservatory present “A Brave New Wonderland,” þ  an immersive holiday spectacular of circus acts, aerial performances and storytelling. Runs Thursdays through Saturdays through Dec. 31. ‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’ 7:30 p.m. at Raymond Center, Venice $26 Visit VeniceTheatre.org. Venice Theatre presents the musical based on Charles Dickens’ classic tale of Scrooge, Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim and how nocturnal visits by ghosts transform a miserly misanthrope into a kind-hearted philanthropist. Runs through Dec. 20. ‘THE NUTCRACKER’ 7 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. $30-$50 Visit SrqCubanBallet.org. The Christmas tale set to Tchaikovsky’s score warms the hearts of a new generation with sugarplum fairies, dueling mice and the Waltz of the Flowers. The Sarasota Cuban Ballet School is rst out of the gate with its rendition of the holiday favorite.SATURDAYWINTERGREEN WEEKEND 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Historic Spanish Point, Osprey $18 Visit RingSarasota.org. Ring Sarasota, the area’s premier handbell ensemble, performs Christmas carols and hymns at Selby Gardens’ Historic Spanish Point. MASTERWORKS: THE SCOTTISH þ  7 :30 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail $39 and up Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org. The Sarasota Orchestra kicks o the program with John Corigliano’s playful “Stomp.” Violinist Randall Goosby joins Johannes Debus and the orchestra on Mozart’s “Violin Concerto No. 3.” Mendelssohn’s “Symphony No. 3” nishes the show, evoking the beauty of the Scottish countryside and providing the theme for the program. Through Dec. 3. þ  ‘DE CK THE HALLS’ 10 a.m. at FST’s Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave. $5-$10 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org. Celebrate the holidays with a spanking new version of everything that makes Christmas and Hanukkah in Sarasota special. With new songs and sketches, “Deck the Halls” gets audiences excited for palm trees with decorations, sand snowmen and more. Runs weekends through Dec. 24.SUNDAY‘BOWLS OF HOPE’ All Faiths Food Bank 11 a.m. at Ed Smith Stadium, 2700 12th St. $35 Visit AllFaithsFoodBank.org. At this annual fundraiser for All Faiths Food Bank, guests ll handcrafted bowls donated by local artists with a choice of soup from 40 local restaurants. Bread, desserts and other goodies are also on the menu. Patience is advised as this event serves more than 1,500 patrons. ‘BY REQUEST’ Suncoast Concert Band 3 p.m. at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 3131 61st St. $5 SuncoastConcertBand.org. Due to the enduring popularity of the Suncoast Concert Band, now in its 91st season, and the aordability of its tickets, it is highly recommended to call 907-4123 to reserve your seat. This program includes some of the band’s personal favorites, including “That Old Hound Dog Rag,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Jurassic Park,” “Saints’ Hallelujah” and more.THIS WEEK Courtesy images Sarasota Contemporary Dance and West Coast Black Theatre Troupe team up for SCD + WBTT, a program of dance and song, from Nov. 30 through Dec. 3. OUR PICKFLORIDA STORIES WITH CARL HIAASEN Long before “Florida Man” became a social media meme, Carl Hiaasen was making the antics of Sunshine State residents both famous and infamous with newspaper columns, books and talks. As any reader of his novels knows, Hiaasen is a tireless crusader against those who would pave over Florida’s marshes and line its beaches with condos. He comes to Sarasota as part of a serious Eco-summit, but there’s bound to be laughter during Hiaasen’s Van Wezel appearance. IF YOU GO When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5 Where: at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Hall Tickets: $45 Info: Visit Eco-Summit.org.

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ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 5 BOX OFFICE: Mon-Fri 10-6 • Sat 10-4 (941) 263-6799 • VanWezel.org rf rf rn t NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. US & Canada legal residents (excl. PR, & Quebec), 18+. Full rules, incl alt entry method, call/visit the box oce. 2023 Califon Productions, Inc. 414596-1 rffnntbbbb rfntbrrt rfrn btbrnbtntr tnb 408480-1 TRAD MUSIC JAM SERIES 1:30 p.m. at Fogartyville, 525 Kumquat Court Free Visit WSLR.org. Fogartyville inaugurates its Trad Music Jam, a free series that takes place on First Sundays through May. The three-hour session begins with a Slow Jam to get participants loosened up, followed by more advanced playing. All acoustic instruments are welcome. þ  MONDAY‘SWEET CAROLINE TOUR: A NEIL DIAMOND CHRISTMAS’ 7:30 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail $30-$67 Visit VanWezel.org. Good times never seemed so good as they will during this holiday performance by Jay White, considered by many to be the world’s leading Neil Diamond tribute artist. þ  TUESDAYHOLIDAY GEMS: THE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA OF SARASOTA 7:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St. $30-$39 Visit ChamberOrchestraSarasota. org. The Chamber Orchestra of Sarasota opens its 2023-24 season with its annual holiday program conducted by Music Director Robert Vodnoy. “Holiday Gems” will include music by Debussy, Vivaldi, Mahler and Tchaikovsky, plus holiday favorites. Featured soloists include harpist Giuseppina Ciarla and mandolinist Rafael Ramirez. The group is one of the few professional chamber orchestras in Florida.WEDNESDAYROBERT VODNOY LECTURE: ‘A SEASON OF CLASSICAL MUSIC ANNIVERSARIES’ 10:30 a.m. at Selby Library, 1331 First St. Free with reservation Visit SarasotaMusicArchive.org. Sarasota Music Archive presents a lecture by Chamber Music of Sarasota Music Director Robert Vodnoy, who has nearly 50 years of experience conducting music. Vodnoy made his professional debut as a conductor in 1975 with the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra, which he led for 30 years. GREAT ESCAPES: HOLIDAY PARTY 5:30 p.m. at Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail $47 and up Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org. Conductor Kelly Corcoran makes her Sarasota debut with Hanukkah tunes, selections from Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” and favorite holiday songs including “White Christmas” and “Greensleeves.” Runs through Dec. 10. DON’T MISS‘THE SOUND INSIDE’ Adam Rapp’s “The Sound Inside” revolves around the private lessons a writing professor gives her student. What do their words become? Directed by Kristin Clippard. IF YOU GO When: Runs through Dec. 3 Where: Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second St. Tickets: $5-$42 Info: Visit UrbaniteTheatre.com.

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6 ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 rf rfnnt rfr b rf f rrf nntnntb 412108-1 rfntbbrr rr rrrrfr rrrfr rrrr rrrr rrrr frrrr rrr‘r r’‘rr THE TRUE STORY OF EVE 408050-1 EATING WITH EMMAEMMA BURKE JOLLYCONTRIBUTOROne of my favorite dates in American history is Dec. 5, 1933 — the day Prohibition was repealed. Not that I personally was in attendance for the vote on the 21st Amendment, but I can imagine the tipsy aftermath and how my Irish ancestors would have celebrated the intoxicating turn of events. The abolition of the 18th Amendment, which banned the creation, sale and transportation of anything that allowed yourself to pour a stiff one, didn’t happen overnight. But why not toast the day where everything came together for a national party featuring adult beverages? I definitely enjoyed researching my topic, and I hope that you have a fantastic time reading about — and drinking — what I’ve found. My boozy besties, here are some of the perfect Prohibition-influenced cocktails you can sip in the area.BAR HANA1289 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota; 941536-9717; BarHana.com. Fantasy Space for Happy Hour Fanatics:A dreamscape for any bar-loving-foodie, this downtown bar with boldly flavored eats, like the Crispy Lava Wings with pineapple-habanero glaze ($14), surrounds you in a botanical bounty that makes it easy to say, “OK, one more round.” Mai Mai Mai: This Mai Tai is poured into a glass nestled in a toy hippo’s mouth and called the Hip-Hop Anonymous ($42). The description on the menu? “Will make you crawl out of the jungle to serve you and your friends topped with passion foam.” That sounds like a fun deal to me.CAF L’EUROPE431 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota; 941-388-4415;CafeLEurope.net. Staple Sarasota Spot:Serving Sarasotans for more than 38 years, this caf brings European living to St. Armands Circle. Hang out at the bar and choose from 16 plates, including my personal pick, costa brava ceviche ($16) with cobia, tropical fruit and more to scoop up with coconut glazed chips. Like One of Your French Girls:The French 3 ($14), not as most would know as the , is named in honor of the year in which the restaurant and bar opened. Ketel One Botanical vodka, Champagne and St. Germain come together in a pretty pour for you to appreciate.DIVE WINE & SPIRITS2881 Clark Road, Sarasota; 941888-0382;DiveLiquors.com. Speak-easy Secret is Out:This speak easy-style hideaway, located in the back of a supreme selection of spirits, is one of Sarasota’s bestkept secrets. It offers a plethora of events, such as dining pop-ups, classes and dinners. Follow them on Facebook, and you’ll be amazed at what you are missing out on. This Won’t Be Your Last:Crafted with equal parts gin, maraschino, green chartreuse and lime, the infamous Prohibition-era cocktail Last Word ($15) was first seen in Detroit in the 1920s. It is now being served up here in Sarasota at the Dive, and it is as beautiful as it is tasty.PANGEA ALCHEMY LAB1564 Main St., Sarasota; 941-8705555;PangeaAlchemyLab.com. I’ll Take One of Everything Sir:Every single time we have visitors, this is the first boozy stop on our must-see-and-sip tour. While the vanilla lavender crme brle is beautiful, I can’t skip over the “Grown Ass Kids” section featuring boozy cereal bowls, including my favorite Frosted Flakes with white chocolate and espresso liqueurs. Sippin’ on Sazerac:Made with Earl Grey-infused bourbon, absinthe rinse, demerara syrup, orange bitters and topped off with a maple syrup cube, this Prohibitioninspired cocktail goes down more quickly than I’d like to share. The Sir Sazerac ($12.75) is sweet, stiff and smooth.GEORGIE’S UTC RESTAURANT AND BAR229 N. Cattlemen Road, Unit 69, Sarasota; 941-952-5001;GeorgiesGardenCafe.com. Happenin’ Happy Hour:You won’t want to miss this happy hour, daily from 3-6:30 p.m. Enjoy $5 house wines, $5 cocktails and $8 bar bites, like mini arepas prepared with pulled chicken in adobo, shaved cabbage, red onion, cilantro lime tartar and queso fresco. Mesmerized by Manhattan:The Upper East Sider ($12) is made with Bulleit rye, Amaro Averna and black walnut bitters. It’s topped with a cherry and orange twist, making you feel like a real-life Rockefeller.VERONICA FISH AND OYSTER1830 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota; 941366-1342;VeronicaFishAndOyster. com Local Love in Hillview:Serving up a fantastic happy hour and delicious dinner, Veronica’s gives an essence of the past with an updated take. Don’t leave without getting the roasted gulf oysters with chorizo stuffing and saffron aioli ($26). Straight Up:This modern oyster bar in Southside Village makes a mean martini. I asked a connoisseur of the craft cocktail, my boss, for the best in town and she named this speak-easy-feeling spot as the one.OSTERIA 5001580 Lakefront Drive, Sarasota; 941-866-8962;Osteria500.com. New Kid on the Block:Newly added to Lakewood Ranch’s Waterside Place, this Italian restaurant with full bar crafts cocktails that bring you back in time. Bite into the Fiore di Zucca con Ricotta ($17.95) — fried zucchini flower! (Insert chef’s kiss here.) Clever Twist on a Classic:Clementine Side Car ($17). This classic sour cocktail is closely related to older brandy drinks and can differ from restaurant to restaurant. Osteria 500’s addition of clementine flavor makes it my local favorite. Made with Remy Martin VSOP, Cointreau, fresh clementines and lemon juice.DRY DOCK WATERFRONT GRILL412 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key; 941-383-0102; DryDockWaterfrontGrill.com. We Live Where You Vacation:Dry Dock provides a serene spot that makes you say, “I can’t believe I live here.” The must-get while drinking dockside? Prince Edward Islands Mussels ($19) served with a citrus butter sauce. Call Me Old Fashioned: Per the Dry Dock staff, you can ask for any bourbon when ordering their Maple Cinnamon Old Fashioned ($15). However, they use Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon perfectly mixed with maple cinnamon simple syrup, topped with one cinnamon stick and two filthy cherries. Here’s to the 21st Amendment! And cheers to all of you and your loved ones this holiday season.Toast to the 90th anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition at these bars in Sarasota, St. Armands Circle and Waterside Place.Here’s to the best Prohibition-style cocktails in town Courtesy imageThe Sir Sazerac ($12.75) from Pangea Alchemy Lab is sweet, sti and smooth.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 YOUROBSERVER.COM TIE BLACKWINE, WOMEN & SHOESNov. 17 at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Beneting Forty Carrots Family CenterAt 10 a.m. Nov. 17, The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota was ready. With about 30 valet attendants ready to park hundreds of vehicles, Ritz sta members were braced for more than 500 guests coming to enjoy one of the biggest events of the year: Wine, Women & Shoes. þ  And the gue sts did not disappoint. Donning their ashiest footwear, they sipped, shopped and donated generously at the annual luncheon and fashion show that benets Forty Carrots Family Center, which serves more than 5,858 Sarasota and Manatee families annually. The group that orchestrated the event — including Co-chairs Allison Imre and Renee Phinney, event coordinator Minta Getzen and their committees — put its best foot forward with a dazzling show centered around fashion presented by Harmoni Kruising’s downtown specialty boutique, Lotus, with shoes and accessories from Dillard’s. Nuovo Salon made sure all the models were gorgeous and coied with its hair and makeup services. Before the show began, guests enjoyed wine tastings and pop-up shopping. For six weeks, Stacey Marks and the Fly Fitness team worked with the “Solemen,” a group of sharply dressed men wearing sparkling pink bow ties who oered items for sale on silver platters before lunch and performed a choreographed dance routine to the guests’ delight. Howie D from the Backstreet Boys was part of the grand nale, and he sang at the afterparty. Hometown entertainment included Twinkle and Sheri Nadelman. þ  The mis sion of Forty Carrots is to nurture healthy child and family development through research-based, relationship-focused education and mental health services.— JANET COMBS Photo by Peter AckerChrissy Albice won the Best Shoe of the Day award. Photos by Lori SaxChrissy Albice and her award-winning shoes Bob Bermudez, Erin Fay and Oday Marogi Elisabeth Waters, Michelle Kapreilian, Jaclyn Bruckhorst and Tricia Lord Photo by Peter AckerCo-chairs Renee Phinney and Allison Imre open the show. “Soleman” Wayne Evan with Cari Visbeen

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8 BLACK TIE | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 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 may 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 may see all day. It brings hope. It brings health. It brings the nutrition and care to help them remain independent. A knock from Meals on Wheels can even save a life.THE POWER OF A KNOCK TRANSFORMS LIVES. DONATE 413691-1 rfntb 399180-1 www.thePopsOrchestra.org 941-926-POPS (7677) rfntb f br rbr 410194-1 415510-1 Nov. 12 at Michael’s On East | Beneting All Star Children’s FoundationIt was a big day for the All Star Children’s Foundation on Nov. 14, for it was the nonprot’s inaugural Twinkle Ball. The hundreds of guests at Michael’s On East did more than make history. They helped raise funds to transform foster care for kids and the families that care for them. Terri Klauber, Lisa Jackson and Autumn McConnell co-chaired the event, which turned the ballroom into a sparkling delight. In addition to a dinner, guests enjoyed a live auction, paddle raise and vacation rae. An added bonus: It was the birthday of Graci McGillicuddy, the nonprot’s co-founder.— OBSERVER STAFFTwinkle Ball Sheila Miller and CEO Denise Marzullo Clara Reynardus de Villaneuva and Donna Koman Allan Kesten and Pamela Johnson Photos by Lori SaxCo-chairs Autumn McConnell and Terri Klauber, co-founder Graci McGillicuddy and Cochair Lisa Jackson

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BLACK TIE | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 9 live Support a truly local force for good. Tidewell has served our ve-county community for 40+ years. We’ve expanded beyond worldclass hospice care to offer a range of innovative, evidence-based programs – from music and pet therapy, to grief counseling for children who’ve lost a loved one. Through the generosity of neighbors like you, we can continue to provide compassionate full-life care to all. Let’s brighten lives together. TidewellFoundation.org Alltrust INSURANCE rfnrtbnnntn bttbnrf 415365-1 rf rfntbb 410177-1 Nov. 16 at Michael’s On East Beneting AJC West Coast of FloridaThe ballroom was packed Nov. 16 at Michael’s On East to celebrate Larry Thompson, president of the Ringling College of Art and Design, as he received the American Jewish Committee West Coast of Florida’s National Legacy of Leadership Award. þ  Thomp son, who was recognized for his professional and personal accomplishments, has been a longtime supporter of AJC. þ  Gala att endees also heard from keynote speaker Laura Shaw Frank, director of AJC’s William Petschek Contemporary Jewish Life Department. Drs. Joel and Gail Morganroth, Deb Kabino and Michael and Marcy Klein chaired the dinner honoring Thompson. þ  AJC is an int ernational advocacy organization for Jewish people that engages in education, policymaking and community building across the world.—OBSERVER STAFFNational Legacy of Leadership Awards Dinner AJC Regional Director Brian Lipton, award recipient Larry Thompson and AJC Regional President Ann Virag Photos by Lori Sax Drs. Joel and Gail Morganroth and Deb Kabino, event chairs, award recipient Larry Thompson, and Marcy and Michael Klein, event chairs Barbara Simon and Richard Enstein Steve Miles, Hillary and Jay Seigel and Kathy Killion

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10 ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 AWARD-WINNING | INTERIOR DESIGN | FINE FURNISHINGS | THE BOUTIQUESARASOTA, FL3055 FRUITVILLE COMMONS BLVD. | 941.900.HOME (4663) Florida’s own award-winning Clive Daniel Home is now open in Sarasota! Beautiful Styles In-Stock Chic Gift Boutique Exclusive Collections Outdoor Furniture One-of-a-Kind Rugs Immediate Delivery and so much more! Floor to ceiling. Fine furnishings to designer styles. There’s no better place to discover exciting decor, one-of-a-kind rugs and exquisite holiday gifts than Florida’s own Clive Daniel Home – now open in Fort Myers with a stunning new showroom full of fresh style, expert design and superior service. Inspiration Starts Here!“Financing is now available. MON –SAT – 10AM PM SUNDAY – 12PM PMSARASOTA, FL3055 FRUITVILLE COMMONS BLVD. | 941.900.HOME (4663) www.clivedaniel.com SARASOTA • FORT MYERS • NAPLES • BOCA RATON, FLIB26001785 410724-1


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