Lakewood, FL November 2025

Unexpected Blessings

During this season of giving thanks, we naturally pause to reflect on the blessings that shape our lives. True joy doesn’t come from what we accumulate, but from the love we give and receive, the faith we carry, and the connections we build within our community.

This Thanksgiving is especially meaningful for me. Sean and I are joyfully awaiting the arrival of our baby boy due in early December. While unplanned, this little life has already brought us immense gratitude and perspective. I’m reminded of Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord… It is often in life’s unexpected gifts that we find the greatest blessings.

As we prepare for this new chapter of parenthood, I am deeply grateful for the support of family, friends, and this community that has surrounded me with encouragement. This journey has reminded me that God’s timing is always perfect, even when it doesn’t look like our own.

Our November issue celebrates the spirit of giving thanks, highlighting the ways our neighbors, businesses, and nonprofits come together to serve and uplift others. Each story is a reminder of the power of gratitude in action, and of how our community thrives when generosity leads the way.

To our readers and advertising partners, thank you. Your support allows us to bring these stories to life and deliver them to your doorstep each month. You are an integral part of our mission to share good news and connect this incredible community.

This holiday season, I encourage you to take time each day to recognize and cherish the blessings both big and small that surround you. May we all be reminded that gratitude, when lived out, becomes one of the greatest gifts we can give.

Blessings to you and your family,

JESSI NEITZEL, PUBLISHER @LAKEWOODCITYLIFESTYLE

November 2025

PUBLISHER

Jessi Neitzel | jessi.neitzel@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Michelle Numann | michelle.numann@citylifestyle.com

SALES DIRECTOR

Sean Averso | sean.averso@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Michelle Parnell, Sean Lucas, Tanya Tutcher, Jessi Neitzel

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Nicole Mac Photography, RCC Photography, Bilimama Photography, Four Daughters Farms, Olive Grey Photography

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler Learn

Get her what she really wants this holiday season - a gorgeous custom

Whether she loves shoes, handbags, designer clothes or all of the above she needs a special place to keep her treasures. And ladies - if he can’t be counted on to do the right thing, well why can’t we splurge on ourselves this year?

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Grand Re-opening! We are still celebrating with closet and murphy bed specials for the rest of the year. Stop in and see us when you are in the area. Happy Holidays to our friends and neighbors!

Serving Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte Counties

AWARD-WINNING POOL INSTALLATION & POOL REMODELING SERVICES

Bringing the very best version of your outdoor space to reality. From new pool builds to pool remodeling and pool resurfacing, we’re proud to be Sarasota’s #1 pool builder. Browse our website for inspiration and we will help you design your outdoor space!

FAMILY-OWNED FOR OVER 40 YEARS www.sparklingkleenpools.com 5654 Lawton Dr, Sarasota, FL | 941-927-7133 VB

We are moving locations with a new and improved showroom! 8111 Uzita Dr, Sarasota FL 34240

By Dr. Catherine O’Connell

People want to build strength for all kinds of reasons. Dr. Catherine O’Connell, for example, says she wanted to be able to lift Fuzzy, her 18-pound Maine Coon cat.

But that’s not the only reason she wants to be in good shape. Dr. O’Connell, 68, is a family practitioner in Sarasota. In addition to seeing patients five days a week, she is an avid hiker and cyclist. Staying fit and strong are key to her ability to maintain this active lifestyle.

That lifestyle, however, was threatened several years ago when Dr. O’Connell tore her rotator cuff while working out at the gym. Soon the doctor found herself sidelined and on the receiving end of fitness advice.

Several of her patients, in fact, offered her the same suggestion: try 20 Minutes to Fitness, where she could safely build strength and maintain her fitness with just ONE, 20-minute workout a week.

Among her patients advocating for 20 Minutes to Fitness was an 84-year-old tennis player with arthritis who had gotten stronger AND lost eight pounds while training there. As Dr. O’Connell watched that patient spring off her examination table, she decided to give it a try.

A WORKOUT TAILORED TO HER NEEDS

Dr. O’Connell arranged for a free consultation and introductory workout at 20 Minutes to Fitness’ studio in Downtown Sarasota. There, she met a nationally certified fitness coach who introduced her to slow-cadence training, a safe, medically based exercise method that involves lifting weights using ultra-slow movements on specialized MedX equipment. Originally designed for use in physical therapy, the equipment is calibrated to work specific muscle groups without putting undue stress on joints or ligaments – making it a safe choice for all ages.

Dr. O’Connell’s coach tailored a workout to her fitness level, taking into account the limitations created by her rotator cuff injury, as well as her desire to address some body imbalances she was experiencing.

Per her request, Dr. O’Connell’s full-body workout included special focus on her hamstrings and glutes to improve her gait. Her upper and lower back muscles were targeted to help improve her posture, while her neck and shoulder exercises were designed to address her rotator cuff issues.

Throughout the entire session, her coach remained attentively at her side, checking her posture and technique and providing continuous encouragement. Twenty minutes later, she had progressed through a series of six or seven machines and systematically exhausted each of her major muscle groups.

She went home feeling fatigued, but delighted, and ready for the muscle fibers she had just worked to rebuild and strengthen. A week later, she returned for another session.

Dr. O’Connell is today a regular at 20 Minutes to Fitness and is again pursuing the hiking and cycling adventures she enjoys. Strength-wise, she also notices some differences in her day-to-day life. For example, she no longer needs help carrying the two 40-pound bags of salt she buys for her water purifying system. In fact, she lifts them from the trunk of her car and carries one in each hand before emptying them into the system.

Even her patients have noticed. And so has Fuzzy.

20 Minutes to Fitness: it works for Dr. O’Connell. It may work for you, too. To find out, schedule your first free session today. www.20minutestofitness.com

business monthly

Hensley Law Offices

Compassionate Counsel. Proven Guidance. At Hensley Law Offices, we know legal matters—especially Probate and Estate Planning—can feel overwhelming. Whether you're preparing for the future or navigating the loss of a loved one, we're here with clear guidance and a plan tailored to your needs. Schedule a consultation with Hensley Law Offices today. Together, we'll create a legal strategy that gives you peace of mind and confidence in tomorrow. 941.755.8583

Elite Home Watchers

Elite Home Watchers stand out by delivering unparalleled peace of mind for homeowners. We are set apart by our extensive expertise and deep understanding of property care. We are certified, licensed and insured through the National Home Watch Association and provide meticulous attention to detail and professional service. Whether it’s routine checks or comprehensive oversight, our experienced team ensures your Lakewood Ranch home is protected with the highest standards. Contact Tom & Elizabeth to book: 423-508-5217 or fitz@elitehomewatchers.com

New High School in Lakewood Ranch

The School District of Manatee County is moving forward with plans for a new full-service high school, currently called High School AAA, at Rangeland Parkway and Post Boulevard in Lakewood Ranch. Opening in August 2027 with a $200 million investment, the campus will include two academic buildings plus full sports and arts facilities. Designed to serve 2,000 students at launch—with capacity to expand by 500—it represents a major step in meeting the community’s growth.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

As Thanksgiving approaches, our hearts turn to the place that holds a special spot in all of our lives - home. More than the autumn leaves, the golden hues, or the aroma of roasted turkey and pumpkin pie, there’s something deeply grounding about being home for the holidays. For many, home is where cherished traditions are rooted — where generations gather around the table, share stories, pass down recipes, and express gratitude for one another. It’s a place of warmth, reflection, and connection. Home becomes a haven of comfort and familiarity — a place where memories are not only made, but honored. It’s where the spirit of togetherness thrives, where gratitude is expressed freely, and where kindness flows naturally. Home is where we pause to give thanks — for what we have, for who we have, and for the simple, profound gift of being together. As the season of Thanksgiving reminds us to count our blessings, let’s also celebrate the quiet magic that happens within the walls of our homes. No matter how far life takes us, home is where we return — to give thanks, to feel rooted, and to reconnect with what matters most. And this season, we’re especially grateful for the opportunity to help others find, create, and cherish that sense of home.

H O P E

with YOU

The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?

The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.

Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.

“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”

Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”

Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:

SCAN TO NOMINATE

“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”

“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”

Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:

“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”

Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.

This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.

“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”

Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.

This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.

To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.

INSTITUTE

A hub for research, medical education and innovation, the Kolschowsky Institute nurtures next-generation clinicians and attracts top physicians from around the world. It ensures SMH remains at the forefront of medical excellence. Community support is the lifeblood of the Institute.

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a festive pairing

The age-old question, “What wine goes with turkey?” is answered.

ARTICLE BY MARY ABEL

It’s a question heard every year about this time: “What are the best wines to serve with Thanksgiving dinner?” “In my early days in the wine business, the answer was pretty cut and dried because it was all based on the assumption that you had a turkey that came out of the oven that was dry, and so you’re almost guaranteed to need something with a little bit of sweetness to it to help balance that out,” James Lewis says. James is a sommelier who has been in the wine business for more than 26 years. “I’d recommend a sweet or off-dry Riesling or Gewü rztraminer. Something that will help with that dry meat that you’re about to choke down.”

But now, with all the ways people are preparing the big bird, he says that conversation has become a lot more interesting and fun.

“People are frying turkeys, which come out really moist and delicious. They’re smoking turkeys and they’re doing them on the grill,” James says. “Now, when I’m asked that question, I always ask how the turkey is going to be cooked because any given preparation is going to call for something a little bit different.

“If you’re deep frying it, it’s going to come out very moist with a fair bit of fat, so you need something that’s going to cut through that. So you can go with a dry white, you can do a dry Riesling, or you could try a French Chardonnay, which typically doesn’t have that big, rich mouthfeel that California Chardonnay would have. It’s crisper and cleaner with high acidity.”

For those who prefer red wines, James says that a fried or smoked turkey can handle something a bit bolder and full-bodied. “Try something like a Pinot Noir. It’s not at all heavyhanded. When I’m talking about red wines, and

I talk about heavy-handed or big—Cabernet is big and full-bodied. I call it the linebacker of the wine world. Then you’ve got Pinot Noir, which is more about balance and elegance. So, if Cabernet is a linebacker, Pinot Noir would be the ballerina. They’re both athletes, but with different approaches to athletics, so they have different approaches to your palate. Cabernet is big, dry, and highly tannic, so you might serve a Cabernet or Malbec if you’re having a steak for Thanksgiving, but you wouldn’t want to do that with a turkey.

“With a turkey,” James continues, “you want something that’s going to have a little more acidity, less tannins, and medium body; not that big mouth-filling richness. You can do a Beaujolais or an old-world Italian Sangiovese, which tends to be a very food-friendly wine.”

Somewhere in between might be a soft, flirty rosé. And rosé wine seems to be having a moment. “Rosé was always thought of as a summer wine, but people are now drinking it year-round. It’s an excellent choice to go with turkey.”

What about bubbles? “I almost hesitate to answer that because it’s kind of the easy answer. You can drink Champagne or sparkling with anything because of that really bright acidity. Especially if you have a fried bird, a Prosecco or sparkling wine is going to cut right through that fattiness and balance it out really nicely.”

If you’re hosting a tableful of friends and family this year, James says it’s easy to bring together a collection of wines that will please the crowd. “If you do one bottle of sparkling, whether it’s white or rosé, a bottle of dry white, a bottle of rosé, and a bottle of medium-bodied red, you’ve got something to cover just about anybody’s preference.”

“If you do one bottle of sparkling, whether it’s white or rosé, a bottle of dry white, a bottle of rosé, and a bottle of medium-bodied red, you’ve got something to cover just about anybody’s preference.”

What if I’m serving ham this year?

“Lots of people have ham for Thanksgiving, right? It’s very traditional to pair ham and Pinot. But again, you can get creative. You can do a Grenache, you can do a Beaujolais…really, any of those medium-bodied reds will be delicious.”

What about dessert?

How much should I spend on a bottle of wine?

“If you’re having pumpkin pie for dessert, I would go with something like a tawny port. The spiciness of the pie combined with that kind of nuttiness and caramel notes of a tawny port? Lovely. And it would work with an apple pie as well.”

“That’s kind of an impossible question to answer because wine is so incredibly subjective. That said, I’m a firm believer that there is an absolute ocean of delicious wine in that $15–$25 retail price point. If you go to your wine shop and tell them you’re looking for a nice off-dry Riesling for around $20, they should be able to find you something that’ll work really well. There’s no reason to break the bank.”

Giving Thanks for a New Smile

Shaping Smiles, Sharing Knowledge

Dr. Austin Lyman hosts educational surgery event to demonstrate advanced surgical techniques that benefit his patient and the local medical community.

When he first established Lakewood Ranch Oral and Facial Surgery, Dr. Austin Lyman did so with the desire to provide the community with a practice that includes the most up-to-date, state-of-the-art equipment without making people depend on a corporate dental model. As a part-time faculty member at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine - School of Dental Medicine, he also wanted his practice to be a hub for educational opportunities.

Recently, when a patient consulted Dr. Lyman about the problems she was having with ill-fitting and bothersome dentures, he began to contemplate different options to address her situation in a financially feasible way.

“There is an international epidemic where people don't have necessarily dental insurance to cover big reconstruction cases, and medical insurance isn't covering it either,” he explains. “So people who are low on funds unfortunately continue to suffer with their self-esteem, struggle to maintain good nutrition with their diet and health, and it all compounds.”

As he brainstormed potential solutions, it occurred to Dr. Lyman that this scenario had the potential to serve as an educational moment for the medical and dental communities.

“This level of surgery and dental reconstructive care is not being taught at the dental school, so I thought that this would be an opportunity to help everybody,” he says. “I proposed the idea to the patient, thinking that I could create a continuing education event where doctors would come and learn about this surgery and help educate our community on the level of care that is available.”

Dr. Lyman reached out to the companies he works with and, with their support, created an event to offer the surgery at no cost to the patient while providing an educational opportunity. Over thirty doctors, dental students/residents, ENT, and ER physicians attended the weekend event, which included an academic discussion on the surgery and prosthetic reconstructive care to introduce the attendees to what would be involved in the surgery as well as the surgery itself.

ARTICLE BY MICHELLE PARNELL PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICOLE MAC PHOTOGRAPHY

One of the points Dr. Lyman emphasized during the event is that these types of surgeries can be done with minimal anxiety and discomfort for the patient. “We have a culture where people fear the dentist because even in 2025, many dentists try to do surgery by just numbing people versus in medicine, we put people to sleep for their surgeries,” he explains. “We are in a world now with the resources so we can use full anesthesia to put people to sleep, and they don't have to be awake for dental procedures. We can provide patients with rehabilitation and return to a normal quality of life in an anxiety-free environment.”

At the end of the surgery, the patient had a new, beautiful smile and the community gained valuable insight into the benefits, importance, and advancements of oral surgery.

“Dentists play an important role, but they are not surgeons. Just like you wouldn’t go to your primary care physician for knee replacement, you shouldn’t look to your dentist for dental surgery,” he shares. “An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is the same as other surgeons, like orthopedic and cardiothoracic surgeons, because we trained in a hospital for general surgery. Some dentists offer sedation, but it isn’t necessarily safer, nor does it guarantee the anxiety and pain relief you would get with a maxillofacial surgeon who's also trained as an anesthesiologist.”

Dr. Lyman, encouraged by the event’s success for both the patient and community, looks forward to hosting additional educational events. For more information and to explore the possibilities of oral and maxillofacial surgery, visit lakewoodranchofs.com

Daily Gratitude Journal Prompts

ARTICLE BY DELIA JO RAMSEY

The art of gratitude can be healing. It’s a great time of year to get in the true mindset of gratefulness. To aid in your endeavors, check out these 30 daily gratitude journal prompts and stick to them until it feels natural.

1. Five things that make you happy instantly:

2. Did you get any pleasant surprises today?

3. Did you do any acts of kindness today?

4. What's something big or small you can do for those less fortunate than yourself?

5. Five personality traits you're grateful for:

6. Favorite song and how does it make you feel?

7. One small step you can take toward overcoming a challenge you currently face:

8. List something good that caught your attention today.

9. What nice thing did another person do for you this week?

10. What's something you did for another person this week?

11. Three things you own that make your life easier:

12. How can you turn something that makes you angry into something more pleasant?

13. Think of five people who irritate you or you have trouble getting along with. Name three positive qualities about them.

14. What are you most thankful for in your life?

15. Name three of your significant accomplishments.

16. Most stunning place you’ve ever visited:

17. Think about the personalities and unique qualities of someone you admire. Which qualities of them do you want to see in yourself, too?

18. What's your favorite holiday and why?

19. What friends are you most grateful for having in your life?

20. What basic daily necessities are you thankful for today?

21. What are you grateful for in your career?

22. Focus on your five senses and write down how you can make them more active.

23. Three elements of nature you're most grateful for:

24. Three things you love about your town:

25. List three struggles you experienced and overcame in your life. What did you do to overcome them, and who helped you through them?

26. What meals do you enjoy most?

27. Something you saw this week that melted your heart:

28. A time when someone went out of their way to support you:

29. A happy memory from childhood:

30. Make a list of five places you'd like to visit and consider visiting at least one very soon.

ON THE GREEN FOR THE RED

Every time the alarm rings, firefighters answer the call— running toward danger while the rest of us run away. They protect our homes, families, and community, often at great personal risk. But when these heroes face injury, illness, or hardship, who protects them?

ARTICLE BY SEAN LUCAS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

That’s where the Benevolent Fund steps in. More than financial assistance, it’s a lifeline of hope that ensures

“When we show gratitude to our heroes, the whole community grows stronger.”

firefighters and their families are never left to face life’s toughest battles alone.

The fund helps cover unexpected medical costs, supports families after a line-of-duty death, and offers aid during natural disasters or emergencies. It reminds us that even heroes need help, and that their sacrifices are valued by the community they protect. By standing behind our firefighters, we strengthen the foundation of our hometown.

Supporting your local fire department through the Benevolent Fund is more than a donation—it’s a statement that we value those who risk everything for our safety. It boosts morale, fosters unity, and ensures our local heroes are never alone.

When the fire department is strong, the community is stronger. Your support keeps this connection alive,

creating a legacy of gratitude and resilience for generations to come.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

One of the best ways to support is by joining the Manatee County Chiefs Cup Charity Golf Scramble, a fun tournament series benefiting the Benevolent Funds for Cedar Hammock, Southern Manatee, and Longboat Key Fire Departments. This competition spans three tournaments each September, October, and November, with teams earning points toward the prestigious Chiefs Cup. Not a golfer? Every contribution, whether through play, sponsorship, or giving, helps ensure our firefighters and their families have the support they need.

Support your community. Support your firefighters. Support the Benevolent Fund.

FEEDING empty little TUMMIES

As the season of gratitude approaches, many of us pause to reflect on the blessings in our lives, family, health, community, and the comfort of knowing there will be food on our tables. Yet in Manatee County, hunger often hides in plain sight. For too many children, the end of the school day signals the beginning of uncertainty: where will the next meal come from?

This is where Feeding Empty Little Tummies (F.E.L.T.), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, steps in with a mission rooted in compassion and service: to feed our community’s most vulnerable youth, homeless and food-insecure students, one backpack at a time.

Every child in the F.E.L.T. backpack program is pre-qualified as either homeless, at risk of becoming homeless, or living in a food-insecure household. Many lack stable housing altogether, staying in motels, campgrounds, or doubled up with extended family. Amid this uncertainty, the gift of a weekend’s worth of food tucked

Giving Thanks Through Service

ARTICLE BY JESSI NEITZEL

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RCC PHOTOGRAPHY

into a backpack is more than nourishment, it’s a reminder that their community sees them, values them, and cares for them.

Each Friday, volunteers gather at the F.E.L.T. warehouse in Palmetto to take part in what has become a beloved tradition: “Backpack Day.” From 9:30 to 11:30 am during the school year, individuals of all ages roll up their sleeves to pack backpacks filled with nutritious meals. For those who prefer to serve behind the wheel, delivery drivers are always needed to ensure these backpacks reach the children who need them most.

The time commitment may be small, just two hours, but the impact is immeasurable. Each filled backpack represents one child who will be able to focus on learning instead of worrying about hunger. Each delivery is a tangible expression of care and hope. And each act of service is a reminder that giving thanks isn’t just about words, it’s about action.

This November, as we gather around our own tables in gratitude, let’s also remember those who go without. F.E.L.T. offers our community a powerful opportunity to turn thanksgiving into thanks-living and transforming gratitude into service and ensuring that every child has the nourishment they need to thrive.

If you’re passionate about improving the lives of children and helping to end food insecurity in Manatee County, F.E.L.T. invites you to join the mission. Together, we can ensure that gratitude is more than a feeling, it’s a gift we pass forward.

Visit us in person:

901 8th Ave W, Palmetto, FL 34221 Call: 941-896-7870

“Because when a child doesn’t have to wonder where dinner will come from, they’re free to dream bigger, learn deeper, and thrive.”

GIVING THANKS BY LIFTING OTHERS UP

TEAM TONY: RIDING TOGETHER, STANDING STRONG

In a season when gratitude takes center stage, Team Tony reminds us that giving thanks is not only about what we hold close, but also about how we extend hope to others. For the past 15 years, the Team Tony Cancer Foundation has lived out this truth by pairing cancer fighters with survivors, easing financial burdens, and building a community of encouragement so that no one has to face cancer alone.

TONY’S STORY

The roots of this mission go back to 2002, when Sarasota resident Tony McEachern competed in the Raid Gauloises in Vietnam, a grueling 621-mile endurance race. Just a year later, in the midst of peak health, Tony was diagnosed with a Grade III Anaplastic Astrocytoma and given two years to live.

The years that followed tested him beyond any race. Tony endured five neurosurgeries, two years of radiation, four years of chemotherapy, and several experimental treatments. He lost hair and peripheral vision but never his resolve. And while extraordinary doctors played a central role in his survival, Tony credits much of his endurance to the people outside the medical field, his family, friends, and fellow survivors who stood by him.

Still, Tony longed to connect with someone his age who had walked the same path and truly understood. Out of that longing came a vision: to ensure no one would ever feel isolated in their fight. In 2010, Tony partnered with fellow survivor Lori Kayser to launch the Team Tony Cancer Foundation. Their mission was simple: connect cancer fighters with survivors who understand the journey, offering mentorship, encouragement, and community.

SMALL GESTURES, LASTING IMPACT

Today, Team Tony serves families across Florida’s Suncoast through its peer-to-peer mentorship program and medical

assistance grants. Survivors step forward to guide others with compassion and reassurance.

The foundation provides grants of up to $2,000 annually for those in the program. While the amount may sound modest, the impact is profound. Recently, a newly diagnosed woman needed a PET scan before doctors could begin treatment. The imaging center required payment upfront; thousands she didn’t have. Team Tony stepped in, covering the cost and removing the barrier between her and care.

Another patient, a young woman with a brain tumor, travels multiple times a week to Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa. With fuel and tolls adding up, she struggled to afford the trips. Through Team Tony, she now receives gas cards, a small but vital gesture that relieves her worry.

The foundation also helps breast cancer patients access cold cap therapy to preserve their hair during chemotherapy. For many women, maintaining this part of their identity makes a tremendous difference in morale and dignity.

These may seem like “little things,” but for someone living with cancer, they are everything. Covering a scan, providing a gas card, or funding a second opinion; each act eases burdens and opens doors when people feel most overwhelmed.

A COMMUNITY THAT SHOWS UP

Team Tony’s work is fueled by donors, volunteers, and survivors themselves. As Executive Director Kelly Dream explains, “Team Tony is an organization built by our community, for our community. Donors, volunteers, and cancer survivors who use their experience to inspire others — we couldn’t do this without them.”

That generosity comes alive through signature events. On Sunday, November 23, 2025, cyclists of all levels will gather at the Florida Farm Bureau Pavilion for the 8th Annual Gran Fondo Sarasota. Riders can choose from four scenic routes — 5, 33, 62, or 100 miles — before celebrating at the Epic Finish Line Party with live music, catered food, and local vendors. Designed to be family-friendly, the event includes a cruiser ride for parents and kids, Junior SWAT activities from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, and a festive atmosphere for all.

Then, on Saturday, March 7, 2026, supporters will trade helmets for denim at the 9th Annual Jackets & Jeans Fundraiser at Michael’s on East. Known as one of Sarasota’s most stylish evenings, the night will feature entertainment by The Boomers: Live the Sixties Guests can expect a lively celebration that blends fashion, fun, and philanthropy — all while fueling Team Tony’s mission.

GRATITUDE IN ACTION

At its heart, Team Tony is a living legacy of resilience and gratitude. What began as one man’s determination not just to survive, but to help others thrive, has blossomed into a community-wide movement. The foundation embodies what it means to give thanks: to recognize the blessings we’ve been given and use them to lift others up.

This November, as we gather with loved ones, may we also reflect on the countless neighbors navigating cancer. And may we ask ourselves: How can I help? By riding, attending, volunteering, or donating, we can each turn gratitude into action. Together, we can honor Tony’s vision and ensure that hope, support, and community are always within reach.

HARVEST SEASON:

EXPLORING SARASOTA’S LOCAL FARMS

FARMS THAT NOURISH OUR COMMUNITY

There’s something about fall in Florida that feels a little different than anywhere else. While the rest of the country is pulling out sweaters and sipping hot cider, we’re still basking in sunny skies and warm evenings. But even here, there’s one unmistakable sign of the season: the farms. From fresh eggs to pasture-raised meats to jars of golden honey, our local farms remind us that harvest season is alive and thriving right in our own backyard. When I first moved to Sarasota, I didn’t realize just how many small farms existed within driving distance. Over time, I’ve discovered that visiting them isn’t just about shopping for food, it’s about slowing down and reconnecting with the people who care for the land and animals that sustain us. These farms aren’t faceless operations; they’re family-owned, built on traditions

and values that give new meaning to the phrase farm-to-table.

As someone who loves exploring local spots, I’ve found that farms add a unique dimension to our community. You can meet the farmers, walk the land, and see firsthand how your food is raised. And when you bring that food home, it doesn’t just taste fresher,  it feels more meaningful.

This year, I had the opportunity to visit two very different but equally special farms. One is rooted in raising animals with integrity, producing some of the most flavorful meats I’ve ever tasted. The other is dedicated to growing vibrant produce and specialty goods that brighten kitchens across Sarasota and beyond. Together, they showcase the variety, care, and community spirit that make our local farms worth celebrating.

“THIS THANKSGIVING, LET US GIVE THANKS NOT ONLY AT THE TABLE BUT ALSO FOR THE HANDS AND HEARTS THAT BRING THE HARVEST HOME.”

ARTICLE BY TANYA TUTCHER

FOUR DAUGHTERS FARMS, PARRISH, FL

Tucked away in Parrish, Florida, Four Daughters Farms is more than just a working farm, it’s a family legacy rooted in care, transparency, and a deep love for animals. Named after the owners’ four daughters, the farm began with one simple intention: to know exactly where their food came from and how it was raised. Today, that mission has grown into a thriving local destination where families can experience the difference of pasture-raised meats and locally sourced feed.

The farm specializes in Cornish Cross chickens, Broad Breasted turkeys, Pekin ducks, Berkshire pigs, and more. Every animal is raised with space to roam. Pigs are in shaded wooded pastures and birds are moved to fresh ground daily. They’re fed with Non-GMO grains from Resaca Sun Feeds, the very same line of feed the farm offers for preorder to the community each month. Protecting this land and its animals are six beloved Great Pyrenees dogs, who stand guard as gentle but fierce protectors of the farm.

What makes Four Daughters Farms remarkable is not just their commitment to humane, sustainable practices, but also the quality it produces. Berkshire pork, often called the “Wagyu of pork”  is celebrated for its marbling and flavor. Every cut reflects the farm’s belief that quality begins with healthy, well-cared-for parents and continues with each new generation born on the property.

On my first visit, I placed an order online, brought my kids along in the car, and set off to pick up my very first farm-fresh meats. The experience was seamless, but what really amazed me came later in the kitchen. From the smoky, rich bacon to chicken with a flavor that felt almost elevated compared to the grocery store, I was blown away. It’s the kind of food that makes you pause, savor, and realize just how different “farm-to-table” tastes when it’s truly local.

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JESSICA’S ORGANIC FARM, SARASOTA, FL

Just a few miles from UTC, Jessica’s Organic Farm has become one of Sarasota’s hidden treasures. For decades, it’s been a go-to for locals seeking produce that isn’t just fresh, but truly organic and thoughtfully grown. The farm’s philosophy is simple yet powerful: food should be grown without genetically modified organisms, pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or hormones. That commitment shows in every bin of colorful vegetables, crates of crisp greens, and jars of wholesome products lining their farm stand.

Walking through Jessica’s Organic Farm is an experience in itself. During harvest season, produce is picked continuously throughout market days — Friday through Sunday — and placed on display within minutes or hours of leaving the field. That’s why their vegetables often last up to two weeks in the fridge: there’s no middleman, no long-haul trucks, just farm-to-table in its purest form.

Beyond the produce, Jessica’s also offers unique finds you won’t stumble upon in traditional grocery aisles. Local, grass-fed raw milk (sold as pet food, per Florida regulations) and small-batch yogurts have become staples for many

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tanya Kara Tutcher is a Sarasota-based influencer, writer, and founder of Influence PRX. Through her brand @tanyainsarasota, she highlights local restaurants, family-friendly experiences, and small businesses across Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch. Originally from Southern California, Tanya brings a fresh perspective to Florida living, blending her passion for storytelling, food, and community connection.

health-conscious families. Eggs from Amish pasture-raised hens, organic pantry items, and seasonal specialties round out the market, making it a true one-stop shop for anyone looking to embrace organic living.

As someone who moved to Sarasota from Southern California, discovering Jessica’s has been eye-opening. Back home, finding organic produce often meant navigating crowded stores with limited local options. Here, I can drive a few miles and buy vegetables harvested right before my eyes. It feels personal, connected, like I’m not just buying groceries, but supporting a legacy of organic farming in our community.

This fall, I’ve made a commitment to shop more often at Jessica’s instead of relying on grocery store chains. It’s a small shift, but one that feels impactful for my family’s health, for the farmers who work tirelessly to grow real food, and for the community that thrives when we choose local first.

A SAMPLE OF RECENTLY SOLD PROPERTIES IN LAKEWOOD

events

NOVEMBER 1ST

15th

Annual Ferrari Car Show

St. Armands Circle | 9:00 AM

A Sarasota tradition, the event is more than just a car show, thanks to the ongoing support of Sage Auto Studios and the local community, it’s a celebration with purpose. All proceeds benefit Flight to the North Pole, a heartfelt local charity dedicated to creating unforgettable holiday experiences for children with terminal illnesses and their families.

NOVEMBER 8TH

Lakewood Ranch YMCA Charity Golf Classic

The River Club | 7:30 AM

Play for a Cause! Funds raised at this event are dedicated to providing financial assistance and expanding YMCA programming and services for everyone in the Lakewood Ranch community.

NOVEMBER 14TH

Movie in the Park

Waterside Park | 6:00 PM

Join us at Waterside Park every 2nd Friday of the month for a free, outdoor, family-friendly movie! Showtimes begin at sunset. This event is graciously sponsored by Grace Community Church.

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NOVEMBER 14TH

19th Annual Wine Women & Shoes

The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota | 10:00 AM "Wine Women & Shoes is an extraordinary celebration of community coming together to invest in families," says Michelle Kapreilian, CEO of Forty Carrots Family Center. "The generosity this event inspires fuels essential parenting, mental health, and early childhood education programs—meeting families where they are and giving every child the strongest possible start."

NOVEMBER 23RD

8th Annual Gran Fondo

Sarasota at the Florida FL Farm Bureau Pavilion | 6:00 AM

Sign up to celebrate those who fight! Sign up to honor those who have been touched by this disease! Sign up to raise funds to support our mission to provide Free Peer-to-Peer support and resources to cancer fighters, survivors, and caregivers so no one on Florida’s Suncoast faces cancer alone! Visit teamtony.org

NOVEMBER 28TH

One Night of Queen by Gary Mullens and The Works

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall 7:00 PM

For more than 20 years Gary Mullen and The Works have been performing their world-renowned One Night of Queen live concert. The band pays tribute to the stage theatrics, showmanship, and music of arguably the greatest rock band of all time: Queen. Tickets can be purchased at  VanWezel.org, or visiting the Veteran Air Box Office at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

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