East County Observer 6.29.23

YOUR TOWN

First-term leaders rule Commission

PopStroke blessed with sunshine

Bradenton’s Millie Sica (above) placed her ball on the green of hole No. 4 at PopStroke and tried her best to sink a hole-inone. She just missed.

Sica’s grandmother, Von Sica, took her turn, followed by Millie’s mother, Melissa Sica.

The Sica family was at PopStroke on June 24 with Sunshine Kids, a nonprofit dedicated to children with cancer. Millie Sica was diagnosed with a low grade glioma

Day of Bingo lingo on the Ranch

With eight people playing Bingo under the pavilion at Greenbrook Adventure Park, everyone was in on the joke when they heard “skinny legs.”

That’s the funny way to call out “B-11” in Bingo lingo.

Savanna resident Shari Greenberg (above) has been attending Bingo for All from 1011 a.m. on Wednesday mornings for two years.

She comes prepared with multiple Bingo daubers and a snowman holder for her extra cards.

“My husband and I camp all summer, so I got into it playing at the campgrounds,” Greenberg said. “When my husband suggested we play here, I said, ‘Sounds good!’ Today, the air conditioning person is coming, so he’s manning the house.”

New diesel program in high gear

As a former Army mechanic, Paige Godwin thought enrolling in Manatee Technical College’s new diesel systems technician program would allow her to continue to develop her skills.

However, Godwin was nervous about being one of the first students in a new program. Was it going to be worth the time? She wondered if she would have a job when she graduated from the program.

She didn’t have to worry. She began working as a diesel systems technician for Coca-Cola in May, a month before she graduated from the program.

Manatee Technical College received a $430,000 Job Growth Grant from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity to start the diesel systems technician program. The program started in October, producing its first graduates this month.

Ryan Lazarus was one of the first students to enroll in the program after deciding Manatee Technical College’s marine program wasn’t for him.

He said being a part of the first diesel systems technician class has been different. Due to its infancy, the program has made adjustments along the way, has received more equipment, and has developed partnerships with organizations such as Manatee County Search and Rescue.

There were only five students in the program for its first class, but Adam Green, the diesel systems technician program instructor, expects to have at least 15 students when classes start in August.

Green said the program is crucial

to addressing the need for diesel mechanics.

“In the last 20 to 30 years, the focus has been on going to college, getting an office job or something like that,” Green said. “All of the trades, across the board, are being undermanned. The knowledge base is retiring and not being replaced. If one day we run out of diesel mechanics, all of America will cease to move. Every facet of your life is supported by a diesel truck and you don’t even realize it. Without these students, it’ll just stop one day, so it’s important that we maintain these trades.”

The program begins with diesel engine theory and transportation logistics before moving onto the hands-on work with diesel equipment.

Students worked on trucks for Manatee County Search and Rescue, providing them real-life, hands-on experience. For example, students repaired a U.S. Army-made light medium tactical vehicle, dissecting the engine and putting it back together, Green said.

“(The students are) have a unique

opportunity of working on active duty emergency services vehicles just about every day,” Green said. “We get new stuff in from them every day, fix it and send it back out to work. Being able to impact the community in a positive way and watch the students grow into professional diesel mechanics has been pretty awesome.”

Godwin enjoyed working on search and rescue’s Humvee because it’s a vehicle she repaired several times

KEEP ON TRUCKING

About MTC’s diesel systems technician program

Train to be: Diesel engine specialist and bus and truck mechanic

Length of program: Full time, 1,050 hours (approximately 10 months)

Industry certification: ASE-T6 medium and heavy duty

electrical Location: MTC main campus, 6305 State Road 70 E., Bradenton

Start dates: August, January

Time: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays

For more information: 7517900 ext. 46161

“You have to be vigilant,” he said. “You have to care and watch what you do and how you do it. You have to make sure everything’s right.”

Weeks before the students finished the program, each had already received job offers from multiple companies.

“Ever since month one, employers have been here, visiting and talking about what they do and selling their benefits packages, compensation and everything,” Green said. “After awhile, employers began bidding against each other for their services.”

Green said he was amazed to see so many employers recruiting his students. He recalled when he was looking for a job as a mechanic in the early 2000s and struggled to be interviewed.

Once the students completed 75% of the program, they were able to start working full time.

while serving in the military. She could replace the shafts, brakes, rotors, hubs and more in no time.

“It was easy for me,” she said.

“I got it done quick and easy. The Humvee was my baby. That’s literally what the search and rescue guys call it. They’d say, ‘That’s her baby.’”

Lazarus said the experience was cool but also slightly frightening, knowing a mistake fixing a problem with the trucks could result in the loss of life.

Students in the diesel program also saw success at the SkillsUSA competition, where they competed at the state level with only six months of training under their belts. The students walked away with a silver medal.

“We were competing against other schools that have two-year programs and their students have been in their programs for 16 to 18 months,” Green said. “That’s pretty good. It says something about the students and the program we’re developing here.”

Manatee Technical College’s new diesel systems technician program meets an important industry need.

KEY BAUGH MOMENTS

Like any politician, Vanessa Baugh has had her fair share of ups and downs over the years. Here’s a look back on her 11 years serving Manatee County.

2012 Elected to represent District 5 on the Manatee Board of County Commissioners.

2013 Elected First Vice Chairman of the Civic Center Authority.

2014 Elected chairman of the Tourist Development Council, the same year that the Mall at UTC opened with estimates of 100,000 visitors each day.

ON-THE-JOB LEARNING

Following the resignation of Vanessa Baugh from the board, only first-term commissioners remain.

The June 15 resignation of Vanessa Baugh due to family concerns brings up the question of whether the time for three-term Manatee County commissioners has passed. Baugh still had one-and-a-half years left in her third term, and had served 10-and-a-half years.

Whether that length of service is valuable in terms of getting things done or leads to an imbalance of power has been debated both at the local and state levels.

Manatee County commissioners

Mike Rahn and George Kruse pointed to Baugh’s “institutional knowledge” as a huge asset to the board.

Baugh, though, said she believes in term limits and never would have run for a third term if she didn’t believe the county would have been taken in an unfavorable direction if one of those running for her seat in 2020 was elected.

“Change is good,” Baugh said. “You get new ideas.”

But she also acknowledged she gained valuable knowledge over time about how to get things accomplished.

Kruse was adamant he will not run for a third term because he made a campaign promise not to do so. His first term is up in 2024.

“I don’t believe anyone should be in any government position for more than two terms,” Kruse said. “I tried to get Tallahassee to institute term limits on us.”

Rep. Tommy Gregory, Republican, 72nd District, said those in office for more than eight years begin to become “professional politicians” instead of citizens who want to become involved to help the community.

House Bill 477, effective July 1, shortens terms for school board members from 12 years down to eight, but a similar Senate bill that would have limited county commissioners to two four-year terms died before reaching a vote.

Former Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore was running for a fifth term when she was defeated in 2022.

The argument against term limits is that the citizens wanted Whitmore to be in office for 16 years and Baugh for more than a decade.

Should a change be forced if the residents don’t want it?

“Sarasota has term limits after eight years,” Rahn said. “The days of somebody sitting up there for 16 or 20 years are pretty much gone because I think the citizenry likes to see change and new ideas.”

Vanessa Baugh

“Vanessa was instrumental in the MPOAC. That gave us a lot of influence and contacts and the ability to reach out to people for needs we have, so it certainly doesn’t help us to have lost that.”

George Kruse

While Manatee County doesn’t impose limits on commissioners, Sarasota is one of 11 counties in Florida that does.

ONLY FIRST-TERM COMMISSIONERS

The issue won’t come up soon, as Baugh, elected in 2012, was the only long-term commissioner left on the board. James Satcher, Kevin Van Ostenbridge and Kruse were elected in 2020. Rahn, Jason Bearden and Amanda Ballard are the newest members of the board, elected in 2022.

They are all waiting to see who will replace Baugh, a task to be performed by Gov. Ron DeSantis when Baugh’s resignation takes place on July 31.

There’s no set timeline on the appointment, but Sarasota County recently dealt with a similar situation when Commissioner Nancy Detert died in April. It took just over two months for the governor to appoint Neil Rainford.

Interested parties can apply for Baugh’s job online through the governor’s appointment office. Baugh was a Republican, as are the remaining six commissioners.

“We all supported each other during our previous campaigns, so we had a cordial relationship with a similar enough view on many issues, certainly not all,” Kruse said.

“If DeSantis puts somebody in who completely deviates from the ideology or from the personalities of the current board, then it could make things a little more contentious. But even then, when somebody’s brand new, they typically don’t try to rock the boat.”

Kruse would like to see an independent thinker join the board, someone who won’t tow any particular line but will look at things individually and do what’s best for the county in each case.

Rahn said his ideal candidate will have a business mindset.

“I look at the county like a business. It’s one of the largest businesses you can be a part of,” Rahn said. “I’d like to see a like-minded person who would come in and understand growth and comprehensive plans.”

The commissioners agree that Baugh set the tone in terms of being fiscally conservative.

“Commissioner Baugh’s departure is a loss for our Board of County Commissioners. Her fiscally conservative mindset, as well as her wealth of knowledge of county government will be missed,” Ballard said. “The next District Five commissioner will have big shoes to fill.”

Rahn said Baugh was passionate in pushing her beliefs.

“I think her heart was really in it, being a public servant and serving the citizens of Manatee County. There will be a leadership void that the rest of us will have to pick up and continue on,” Rahn said. “Vanessa helped usher in this new generation of leaders you see.”

THE ROAD FORWARD Commissioners agreed that one of Baugh’s strengths was her tenure. She spent 11 years building relationships the others haven’t yet had time to foster. With those connections, she championed road projects across Manatee County and the state as a whole.

She’s the current chair of the Metropolitan Planning Organization Advisory Council and has been a member of the Sarasota Manatee MPO since 2015. The MPOAC website describes itself as “a statewide transportation planning and policy organization.”

Baugh pushed to get the diverging diamond interchange at Interstate 75 and University Parkway to be built sooner. She supported smaller projects, too, like speed bumps and a four-way stop to calm traffic on Tara Boulevard.

“Vanessa was the biggest help. She walked the streets. She rode (her bicycle) with me,” Tara Preserve Board Chairman Darby Connor said. “There’s no question that what the county has done for us over the past few years has made our section of Tara Boulevard much safer. We have not had an accident or property damage in a year. That’s a record.”

Van Ostenbridge and Rahn also serve on the board of the Sarasota Manatee MPO, but there are three seats. As chair, Van Ostenbridge will have to appoint another commissioner to take Baugh’s place.

“Vanessa was instrumental in the MPOAC. That gave us the ability to reach out to people for needs we have,” Kruse said. “That said, Kevin has been on the MPO since he got on the board, so I think we’re going to have to lean a little bit more on him in the near term.”

2015 Announced her reelection campaign with a focus on smart spending, strategic development and road repairs funded by impact fees.

2016 Elected chairman of the Board of County Commissioners, a role she’d fill again in 2021, 2022 and for less than two days in 2023.

2017 Elected chairman of the Manatee Port Authority, a role she served through 2019.

2018 Entered and dropped out of the race for Florida House District 73 seat, held by Joe Gruters at the time and currently held by Fiona McFarland.

2019 Selected as one of 37 county commissioners to serve on the Florida Association of Counties’ Water Policy Committee.

2020 Elected to serve District 5 for a third time after promising to fight tax hikes and to improve infrastructure and the quality of life for residents.

2021 Scrutinized for selecting two Lakewood Ranch ZIP Codes to selectively receive COVID-19 vaccines at a popup distribution site. Baugh later admitted wrongdoing to the Florida Commission on Ethics and agreed to pay an $8,000 fine.

2022 Reelected chairman of the Sarasota Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization for the second time. She was first elected to the position in 2018.

2023 Resigned from her role as District 5 Commissioner due to family concerns.

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Danee, Lisa and Annie are helpful, friendly and motivating. Thank you for your continued encouragement and motivation.

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Relative success

Sisterhood for

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

Maria MacDonald, the board chair for Sisterhood for Good, said her job was to bring the tissues.

Esplanade’s MacDonald figured there would be plenty of tears June 22 during the Lakewood Ranch nonprofit’s annual grant presentation at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing.

Each nonprofit was going to tell a touching story about why the money was needed upon accepting their check.

“Oh my God, I get emotional,” said Sisterhood for Good founder Angela Massaro-Fain. “I already packed a bag of tissues.”

But before the event began, all the Sisterhood for Good members were smiling. They were presenting 32 grants for a organization record $110,800.

The amount smashed last year’s record of $76,850, which had beat the previous year’s total by $30,000. Those two years combined represent 59% of the $319,241 Sisterhood for Good has awarded since its first year — 2011 — when it presented two $500 grants.

“When you think of $110,800 directly impacting life in the community, it is incredible,” MacDonald said. “When I hear people talk of Sisterhood for Good, I am humbled. And I know the incredible amount of time and effort this small organization puts into this community, without asking for anything in return.”

Massaro-Fain said her nonprofit has been “transformed.”

“We’ve grown so much,” she said. “Our ability to raise funds is different now. Our bigger fundraisers are almost always sold out and we net a bigger profit.

“I had no clue it would get this big, that we would have this kind of support. I thought we would have 20 to 25 women. We have 247. That’s a lot of ladies who want to give back.”

Barbara Braun of Mothers Helping Mothers said her organization’s $5,000 grant would provide 25 car seats and 30 “Pack ’N Plays,” along with funds to help families in crisis.

“This grant makes a huge difference,” Braun said. “These (Sisterhood for Good members) are fabulous.”

Jacqueline Woish collected a $2,350 check for Sarasota’s Operation Warrior Resolution, that was using the funds to provide 10 female

SISTERHOOD IMPACT

What: Sisterhood for Good grant presentation

When: June 22

Where: Gold Coast Eagle Distributing, Lakewood Ranch

Amount of grants: $110,800

Amount of grants in 2022: $76,850

Number of grants presented: 32

Number of grants presented 2022: 25

Amount awarded since 2011: $319,241

Individuals directly effected with the grants since 2011: Approximately 25,000

veterans with brain-based Cortina Method therapy sessions. The method is a holistic approach to healing and easing trauma and PTSD. The grant was underwritten by Grapevine Communications, which is owned by Allison Imre, a Sisterhood for Good member.

“What they are doing is absolutely amazing,” Woish said of Sisterhood for Good members. “They are women who are motivating others. What they do is powerful, and it is a beautiful thing.”

Sisterhood for Good received 95 applications for grants and held an expo in May that was attended by 81 of those nonprofits. The demand is considerable but Sisterhood for Good has been able to greatly increase its reach.

“There is no guarantee that we will continue to grow,” MassaroFain said. “But Sisterhood for Good knows how to throw a heck of a party.”

For more information, go to SFGFlorida.org.

Jacqueline

of Operation Warrior Resolution, receives a $2,350 grant from Sisterhood for Good’s Lorri Kidder.

Good smashes its previous record by presenting $110,800 in grants.

ABOUT THE NONPROFIT

SARASOTA MANATEE ASSOCIATION FOR RIDING

THERAPY Address: 4640 County Road

675

Mission statement: At SMART, we empower lives through the healing power of horses. Through therapeutic horse-related programs and activities, our SMART riders and their families’ quality of life is significantly improved. Get involved: Call 322-2000 or visit SmartRiders.org.

Perfect horse sense at SMART

When Dan Mohl’s equine therapy session nears its finish, instructor

Ilee Finocchiaro places a speaker in the center of the riding ring.

In the background, Bryan Adams goes into the chorus of “Summer of ’69,” as Mohl guides his horse Frieda from a walk to a trot.

Mohl, 63, was a dressage rider before a back injury in 2017 and a

hemorrhagic stroke in 2010. His therapy has led him to the Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy.

SMART has been offering therapeutic horseback riding and equine-assisted learning programs since 1987. In 2011, the nonprofit purchased a 23-acre equestrian center off County Road 675, where it is home to 14 horses.

Due to the stroke, Mohl’s left arm has to be put into a brace, so it won’t hit the saddle as he rides. He’s lifted on top of the saddle with

the help of a device called “SureHands” that hooks underneath his thighs and raises him up and over the horse.

“The way the horse walks is the way people walk,” Mohl said. “I had to learn to walk all over again after my stroke, so the horse really helped.”  Finocchiaro has been with SMART for nearly nine years and is the lead instructor. She says horseback riding helps Mohl with his balance, core strength and muscle tone.

Finocchiaro gently straightens and bends Mohl’s left leg before he rides. He can stretch his right leg on his own. He maintains a daily exercise routine with a physical therapist at The Fountain of Hope in Sarasota, the assisted living facility where he lives.

To Mohl, there’s no better workout for his body or brain. During his 30-minute session, there’s nothing else to think about but Frieda’s next move. No matter the physical limitations of those taking the classes, equine therapy can help patients deal with anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, too.  “We do a huge veterans program out here with a group called Operation Warrior Resolution,” Finocchiaro said. “We do retreats and six-week programs with them.

When you think of disability, it doesn’t have to be something you physically see with your eyes.”

SMART serves cancer patients, victims of sex trafficking and people with attention deficit disorder —any type of physical, emotional or cognitive disability.

Riders are introduced to the horses before they get into the saddle. Those who might have a fear of riding get comfortable by grooming the horse, building a connection. SMART also offers an Equicizer, a wooden horse that moves like a real one.

The nonprofit serves more than 450 participants and their families each year. The cost is $60 an hour for group lessons and $75 per halfhour for private lessons. Riders must be at least 4 years old.

Program fees only account for 11% of SMART’s total revenues. It maintain a scholarship fund that supports riders who wouldn’t be able to afford the therapy otherwise. Individuals and local organizations like the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund and Manasota BUDS contribute.

“It’s so hard to get grants that allow us to put the money toward the participants. That’s why we rely so heavily on donations,” Finocchiaro said.

SMART’s annual budget is about $400,000, of which about $40,000 goes to bales of hay alone. One bale costs $24, and the horses eat 35 of them every week.

But SMART volunteers said a price can’t be put on something like a mother hearing her child audibly communicate for the first time. A volunteer with SMART for 15 years, John Moore shared a story he never will forget.

“Years ago, I was leading the horse,” Moore said. “We had a young boy, probably 9 years old, who was nonverbal. And for the horse to go, you have to say ‘Walk on.’ Obviously, this kid didn’t say anything. Then, after a couple weeks, we got an ‘Aaaah.’”

With that, Moore shouted, “Close enough, off we go!”

He said about a month later, the “Aaaah” turned into “Aaaah on.”

“The mother was almost in tears,” Moore said. “That’s one of the neat things that happen out here.”

The Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy offers therapeutic horseback riding and equine-assisted learning programs.

Nancy’s B-B-Q leaves Lakewood Ranch

The restaurant is returning to downtown Sarasota after not being able to extend its lease at Lorraine Corners.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

After four years, Nancy’s BarB-Q is packing up its location at 14475 State Road 70 and moving back to downtown Sarasota.

“I’m not leaving by choice,” owner Nancy Krohngold said. “Lakewood Ranch Commercial would not make an agreement with me to extend my lease.”

Lakewood Ranch Commercial is selling the property on the northwest corner of Lorraine Road and State Road 70 to Casto, a real estate development firm headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, with an office in Lakewood Ranch.

“We’re going to put some money into the shopping center (Lorraine Corners) and update the exterior,” said Michael Chadwick, the managing director of southeast development. “It’s such a great intersection that’s obviously changed since SchroederManatee Ranch built it 15 or 20 years ago, so we’re looking to update it and bring an exciting new restaurant to the area.”

Casto won’t close on the property until August, so no leases have been signed. There is a lot of interest in the space, and Chadwick said by midSeptember, Casto should have a lease agreement in place.

“Any tenant that goes in there, most likely, is going to gut the interior,” he said. “To do that, they’re going to need permits and a build out. They probably won’t be open until May of next year.”

For now, the last day to eat at Nancy’s in Lakewood Ranch is June 30. Krohngold said it will take a few

weeks to set up the new restaurant, but she hopes to open in the Rosemary District on July 15.

“We started in Lakewood Ranch with much less of a following than we had downtown. We were brand new to lots of people when we opened here on Lorraine Road, but we won over a wonderful customer base.” Krohngold said. “We regret that we can’t stay here and serve the Lakewood Ranch community.”

Before opening in Lorraine Corners, the restaurant had a smaller space on Lakewood Main Street in Lakewood Ranch.

The move to downtown Sarasota is a homecoming. Krohngold lives downtown and opened her first brick and mortar restaurant there in 2011. But for six years prior, Nancy’s was a catering business, a service that’s still offered.

With a $295 minimum order, Krohngold said she will deliver to Lakewood Ranch. Otherwise, it will require travel for Lakewood Ranch residents to go to her restaurant.

The new restaurant is located at 1525 Fourth St.

Walk on the WILD SIDE

From parks to preserves to farms, East County has plenty of places to enjoy the outdoors.

LIZ RAMOS | SENIOR EDITOR

Florida is filled with natural beauty, and East County is no exception.

Yes, it’s hot in the summer, but don’t let the heat get in the way of enjoying all that nature has to offer.

At Jiggs Landing Outpost last week, a group of people found respite from the heat, sitting under the trees as they listened to live music provided by Donnie Bostic.

As the wind picked up, the boats along the dock swayed in the water of the Evers Reservoir, providing a rhythmic and scenic background to the small stage where Bostic was performing.

Jiggs Landing isn’t alone. Here are seven places to go in East County this summer to enjoy nature’s beauty.

MYAKKA RIVER STATE PARK

Location: 13208 State Road 72, Sarasota

Hours: 8 a.m. to sunset

Cost: $6 per vehicle; bike rentals $15-$40 for single-person bikes and $30-$80 for tandem bikes; boating $20 for first hour and $5 for each additional hour; boat tours $20 plus tax for adults, $12 plus tax for children 3-12 and free for children 2 and younger Zoom through the seven miles of paved road on a bike or take a leisure hike down the Myakka Trail, which is a 38.9-mile hiking loop trail. Grab your horse and trot down the 12 miles of designated horse trails. Enjoy fishing, horseback riding and geocaching.

Boat tours are available at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.

No reservations are required, and tickets are sold on a first-come, firstserved basis.

More information: FloridaStateParks.org/Parks-And-Trails/MyakkaRiver-State-Park

MIXON FRUIT FARMS

Location: 2525 27th St. E., Bradenton

Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays

Cost: Tram tours $12 for adults, $6 for children ages 3-12, free for children ages 2 and younger; Amazing Play Place $5 With Mixon Fruit Farms closing its doors July 29, the days to hitch a ride on Mixon’s Orange Blossom Express are numbered.

Take a tram tour to learn about the world of citrus. Have fun in the Amazing Play Place that includes a 20-foot slide, tetherball, a putting green and more. Visit the Wildlife Inc. Rescue to enjoy an interactive, educational show with rescue Florida animals, reptiles and birds.

More information: Mixon.com

JIGGS LANDING OUTPOST

Location: 6106 63rd St. E., Bradenton

Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays to Sundays

Cost: Kayak and canoe rentals $15$85; boat rentals $35-$75 per hour; boat and kayak tours $20-$55 Jiggs Landing Outpost offers a peaceful view or a ride on the

Upcoming dates include June 29, July 4, and July 6.

Braden River. Whether it’s grabbing a bite to eat before listening to live music that’s available on certain nights, boarding a boat for a tour or fishing off the dock, Jiggs Landing Outpost and its scenic beauty provides plenty of fun.

More information: JiggsLanding. com

LAKE MANATEE STATE PARK

Location: 20007 State Road 64 E., Bradenton

Hours: 8 a.m. to sunset

Cost: $5 per vehicle; canoe or kayak rental $15-$20 per half-day and $5 for each additional hour; bike rental $3 per hour, $9 per half day, $15 per day; boat ramp $4

Take in Lake Manatee State Park as you ride your bike on the park’s 2.5mile paved interior road, or if you’re feeling more adventurous, there’s 2.34 miles available for off-road cycling.

If you’d rather enjoy the park on foot, there’s 4.5 miles of trails for hiking.

Explore the 2,400-acre Lake Manatee by taking your boat out on the lake, but keep in mind the Manatee County ordinance that restricts the use of boat motors to 20 horsepower or less.

If a boat is not your speed, explore the shores of the lake in your canoe or kayak.

Make it an overnight trip by camping in the 60-site camping area that’s within walking distance of the beach and fishing areas. Make reservations at Reserve.FloridaStateParks.org.

More information: FloridaStateParks.org/Parks-And-Trails/LakeManatee-State-Park

RYE

PRESERVE

Location: 905 Rye Wilderness Trail, Parrish

Hours: Sunrise to sunset

Cost: Free

See what wildlife you can find as you explore the 530-acre property. The preserve’s trail system goes through four ecosystems in-

cluding the river community, sand pine scrub, oak hammocks and xeric oak scrub.

There are designated trails for biking and horseback riding. You can also float along the Manatee River in your canoe or kayak or fish from the shoreline.

More information: MyManatee.org/

Parks

CONSERVATORY

PARK

Location: 8027 Conservatory Drive, Sarasota

Hours: Sunrise to sunset Cost: Free Walk along the paved trail and get your heart pumping with the exercise machines that are available along the trail. The 55-acre park also includes a playground and a fishing and wildlife viewing dock.

More information: MyManatee.org/

Parks

DAKIN DAIRY

Location: 30771 Betts Road, Myakka

City

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturdays; closed Sundays

Cost: Tours $8 per person, free for children under 2 years old

After working to recover from the impact of Hurricane Ian, Dakin Dairy has brought back its farm tours. Learn where milk comes from and how milk gets from a cow to a bottle during the tour, which gives an opportunity to see the cows, the milk parlor and milking stations.

During the tour, you’ll also taste Dakin Dairy’s chocolate and whole milk and make your own butter. Tours are at 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. You can also grab a bite to eat at Pete’s Place at Dakin Dairy or shop the market.

Every Saturday, Dakin Dairy Farms hosts a farmers market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

More information: DakinDairyFarms.com

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

Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944

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A slice of New York

LIZ

When Ermanno Morrone and his wife, Albana, came to visit the Sarasota area last November, they wanted to take a peak at houses.

The New Yorkers wanted to move to Florida, but they thought that was still a few years off.

Their real estate agent took them to Lakewood Ranch, and the Morrones fell in love with the slice of paradise.  Ermanno Morrone, who owns and operates Morrone’s Pastry Shop and Cafe on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, New York, told his real estate agent he was curious about available business spaces in the area.

When he walked through the door of a small business space on 53rd Avenue East and Caruso Road in Bradenton, he immediately knew it would become the new Morrone’s Italian restaurant and deli.

“He was like, ‘I don’t care how long it takes, I want this place,’” Albana Morrone said of her husband.

In February, Albana Morrone moved to Lakewood Ranch with their daughters, Mia and Gianna, followed by Ermanno Morrone in April. They went to work right away, preparing to open.  Morrone’s of Arthur Ave. opened June 10.

“That was the scariest thing to do for me, leave New York City,” Albana Morrone said. “We had a successful business, a beautiful home. To leave all that and come to another place we know nothing about, it was very stressful as a mother. I’ll never forget I was driving to work and thinking, ‘Oh my goodness, what if nobody’s there?’ My anxiety was through the roof. But then I see cars and people lined up at the door.”

Albana Morrone describes her husband as a perfectionist who only wants the best for his family and his customers.

After seeing the overwhelming response to the news of Morrone’s opening, Ermanno Morrone decided to limit the new restaurant and deli’s

IF YOU GO

MORRONE’S OF ARTHUR

AVE.

Where: 5913 53rd Ave. E.,

Bradenton

Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays; open Sundays (dinner service will be added as a full staff is hired)

Owners: Ermanno and Albana

Morrone

More information: MorronesOfArtherAve.com

hours so he could focus on hiring a staff that could handle the influx of customers.

“He wants everything from customer service to dining to be 100%,” Albana Morrone said. “He would rather close. He doesn’t care about losing money. He would rather make sure everything is 100%.”

Born and raised on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, Ermanno Morrone started working at a bakery at 9 years old as a dishwasher. The job would inspire his passion for food and launch his desire to open his own bakery.

“My husband uses old-school recipes handed down from generations in his family,” Albana Morrone said. “You can’t even find these types of recipes on the internet because a lot of people don’t do these things anymore.”

Liz Ramos

Ermanno Morrone has opened Morrone’s of Arthur Ave., an Italian restaurant and deli, in east Bradenton.

< REVOLUTIONARY IMPROV: FST stages a onenight show in honor of our nation’s birthday. 15

EATING WITH EMMA: The best lobster rolls in Sarasota and Manatee counties. 13 >

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT HONOR THY FATHER

Ringling College curator creates a tribute to his Episcopal priest dad.

Tim Jaeger is the chief curator of galleries and exhibitions at Ringling College of Art and Design. He’s also an accomplished artist in his own right. As a painter he’s, well, painterly. His approach is gestural, with lots of multilayered impasto and loose, energetic brushwork. Coloring inside the lines is not Jaeger’s style. But a recent passion project took him out of his comfort zone.

Late in 2021, Jaeger accepted a commission to design and create 41 windows for a chapel in Tampa’s Berkeley Preparatory School. His art would comprise Biblical vignettes and nods to other faiths. It would speak to the hearts of students. It would also have a deep, personal meaning to the artist.

“Berkeley Prep is affiliated with the Episcopal Church,” Jaeger says.

“I’m the son of an Episcopal priest. Receiving this commission was very humbling for me.”

As a child, Jaeger grew up listening to his father’s sermons in the Grace Episcopal Church in Paducah, Ken tucky. A well-behaved kid, he sat without fidgeting in a church pew. He listened intently, while simulta neously drawing on church bulletins. His father’s lessons took hold in his heart. But the training of his hand and eye would ultimately lead to his life’s work as an artist.

“I always knew I wanted to be an artist,” Jaeger says. “Following in my father’s footsteps just wasn’t my path. This commission is a magical way to honor his path. It’s not my usual medium — and I really wanted to do it right!”

The artist received the commis sion thanks to a drawing of St. Francis ministering to a flock of birds by the river. He showed it to Brandon Peete, the school chaplain. Jaeger explained that it would be one of many gentle religious scenes, including the bap tism of Jesus and Jacob’s dream of a ladder to heaven.

Tapping a master glass artist for assistance, “I explained that the vignettes would be religious,” Jaeger recalls. “But I also wanted to give the students a sense of freedom and creative expression, whatever their belief system.”

Peete evidently liked the way the artist thought. Jaeger got the com mission. Gentle scenes or not, it was an incredibly ambitious project — on a scale the artist had never before attempted.

To create the images he’d envi sioned, Jaeger reached out to the master glass artists of our region. Jim Piercey was his first choice.

“These windows are also my way of honoring my father’s legacy”

“Jim had the only studio space around equipped to do this project,” he says. “Jim taught me a lot of the technique and installed everything we created. This will be the first chapel in the United States with fused glass windows.”

What’s the difference between fused glass and stained glass?

According to Jaeger, it’s a big difference. “Stained glass art is like making a mosaic,” he says. “You create the image with different pieces of colored glass. You assemble the pieces and then solder them together with melted lead. With fused glass, you’re melting different transparent layers of glass together. You can get more of a painterly effect within the glass itself. I even painted directly on many of the pieces.”

Fused glass gives windows a painterly effect Jaeger adds that this painterly quality is the reason he chose the

fused glass process. That said, it’s a far cry from painting on canvas.

“Fused glass is a constructive medium,” he explains. “In painting, I can be spontaneous. With fused glass, it’s all planning — there’s no intuition involved. I have to design everything first. So, I’ll build a drawing in Photoshop. I create outlines of figures divided into segments — then plan out exactly what colors go where.”

Big job, needless to say. Jaeger didn’t try to do it alone. While working side by side with Piercey, Jaeger also collaborated with Kathleen Bromley and her team of glass artists at KatGlass Studio in Clearwater. Everyone involved pushed their artistry to the limit — and loved every minute of it.

“Working on this project has been very rewarding,” says Piercey. “Fused glass takes us all out of our comfort zone, and that’s always a learning experience. I’ve learned a great deal from Tim, and I think he’s learned

quite a lot about glass as well. It boils down to telling the story the chaplain wanted to tell — and that’s been a fairly painless process.”

After the chaplain approved the mock-up for a specific window, Jaeger gave Piercey the design along with a general idea of the colors he wanted. “He leaves it up to me to interpret his color palette, and that’s pretty much it,” says Piercey. “Everyone involved has been super accommodating. Window by window, it’s all gone smoothly.”

“The fused glass art we created for this chapel was revolutionary — as far as I know, it’s never been done on this scale before,” adds Bromley.

“Old-school leaded glass can be heavy-handed. Here, entire windows are made of fused glass with no divisions. When the sun hits just right, it’s like he’s painting with light.”

Bottom line? Jaeger had help. But it was still a lot of hard work. How hard?

“Looking back, this was two years in the making. Over 7,000 miles back and forth from Sarasota to Orlando. Two flat tires, one shattered windshield. Nearly 300 panes of glass. Countless drawings and emails. 41 windows. One chapel.”

Jaeger smiles with satisfaction. And notes that Berkeley Chapel was consecrated on April 15.

During the time that Jaeger created the stained glass windows, his father lived in a nursing home.

“He wasn’t in a good shape,” Jaeger recalls. “I did this for my father, on many levels. He passed away before I finished. I wish he could’ve seen it — but I did send him drawings and photos, and they really meant a lot to him. This art speaks to the hearts and minds of the students. But these windows are also my way of honoring my father’s legacy. I’m confident that they’ll shine for a long, long time.”

“The fused glass art we created for this chapel was revolutionary — as far as I know, it’s never been done on this scale before.”

— Kathleen Bromley

Get crackin’ on the best local lobster rolls

In honor of my lobsterloving sister, here are some local dishes that remind me of home sweet home.

EMMA JOLLY CONTRIBUTOR

As a native New Englander, during this time of year, I start really missing the place I will forever call home. I yearn for northern summer weather (sans humidity and afternoon tsunamis), chasing fireflies even in my 30s and eating the nation’s best lobster rolls with my sister.

My younger sister, Maddie, is a lobster enthusiast — to put it mildly. She rates the buns, lobster meat and overall experience on her Instagram page, called Ladies Who Lobster.

In honor of Maddie’s upcoming birthday, I put on my thinking cap and eating bib and turned into a lady who lunches on lobster. I found the best luxurious summer seafood sandwiches in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Let’s get crackin’.

LAKEWOOD RANCH LOBSTER

POUND SEAFOOD BISTRO AND FISH MARKET

8740 State Road 70 E., Lakewood Ranch; 941-755-3474; LWRLobsterPound.com

Owned by Jim and Kelly Pierzga, this market and bistro serves up seafood with staff hailing from Long Island, New England and Lancaster, Pennsylvania. I was immediately transported back to Connecticut in a way that, no lie, brought a tear to my eye. Order up to 30 minutes before closing time (6:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Friday through Saturday).

How We Roll:  New England or Connecticut style? If we’re offered chunks of lobster poached in butter, drizzled with lemon on a New England roll — the Burke girls are sold on Connecticut-style ($23.99). Jim and his chef pack on nearly a pound of fresh lobster.

You Butter Believe It: The Toss Up roll ($33.99) allows foodies to feast on both styles so you don’t have to choose. Want to see what a real storm looks like? Let’s try our best to nosh on the Nor’easter with sultry stacks of lobster on double buns — then we can roll into a nap time. Also, the clam chowder ($6.99) had my tastebuds doing cartwheels, so we can’t leave without that.

THE MAINE LINE FOOD TRUCK

Locations updated weekly on website; 941-246-9090; TheMaineLine.net

Owner Kurt Turner was heavily disappointed in the lack of homecooking vibes when he and his wife, Brenda, moved to town — so they brought the Pine Tree State to the Sunshine State in a scrumptious way. This gourmet food truck serves

up some of Maine’s finest offerings. We’re lining up for the lobstah extravaganza.

How We Roll: The classic lobster roll with warm butter, lemon, coleslaw and chips ($22.95) takes me right back to New England. With each bite of lobster, the air gets less humid, and I feel like I’m home sweet home.

You Butter Believe It:  Lobster tacos with cilantro lime sauce,

lobster quesadillas, lobster grilled cheese, lobster mac and cheese and a crabster roll (crab meat and lobster) are offered to those who skip the classic. The next time you’re in town, Maddie, I can’t wait to munch on the Maine maniac mega lobster roll with 1 pound of lobster on a 12-inch roll, coleslaw, chowdah, chips and a bib ($64.95) with you.

DETWILER’S FARM MARKET 2881 Clark Road, Sarasota; 6100 N. Lockwood Ridge Road., Sarasota;

6000 Palmer Blvd., Sarasota; 1800 U.S. 301, Palmetto; 1250 U.S. 41 BYP, Venice; 941-378-2727, Detwiler Market.com

When I was starting my new job in Sarasota, I noticed my mentor’s Boston accent within moments of meeting her. I noticed myself becoming distracted in my training session. I just wanted to ask her where to get a more than decent lobster roll. Where she sent me to “pahk the cah” surprised me in the best of ways.

How We Roll: The colossal chunks of lovely lobster salad nestle within a traditional New England roll for an unbeatable, unbelievable price of $15.99. The surplus of shellfish in this cold-rendition roll is just as generous as it is delicious.

You Butter Believe It: While you’re at the sub shop, be sure to order a lobster bisque (12 oz. for $4.99 and 16 oz. for $5.99) or clam chowder for the same price. We can also head to the seriously splendid seafood counter and continue our lobster explorations in three more delicious ways — lobster-stuffed flounder, lobsterstuffed mushrooms and lobster cakes are available for purchase too.

KELLY’S ROAST BEEF

5407 University Parkway, Bradenton; 941-263-1911; KellysRoastBeef.com

Did you know that this chain has been in business since 1951? Kelly’s has come a long way from Revere Beach in Boston to the Gulf Shores of Bradenton but still holds true to its New England roots by serving up seafood that will have you salivating.

How We Roll: We’re rolling with the succulent North Atlantic lobster mixed with the correct volume of celery and accurate amount of mayonnaise. This lobster roll ($24.95 and up) is served with an overwhelming selection of fantastic sides, including French fries, onion rings and a side of Kelly’s own tangy tartar sauce.

You Butter Believe It: Let’s take a short break from the lobster lifestyle and snack on the clam or scallop roll ($25.95 each) and treat ourselves to some cheese fries ($5.95) because we can. The seasoned fries are topped with melted cheddar cheese sauce with real bacon.

RIVERHOUSE WATERFRONT

RESTAURANT

995 Riverside Drive, Palmetto; 941729-0616; RiverhouseFL.com

Yes, there are three options for waterfront dining with a mouthwatering lobster roll moments away from my front door. I’m ab-shelllutely ready for this last stop on the lobster tour.

How We Roll:  Order up a New England-style lobster roll (market price). It’s offered at both the Reef & Grill, the ground level with indoor and outdoor dining, as well as on the Second Floor. Chopped cold-water lobster, mayo, celery and onion are all positioned perfectly on a New England style roll.

You Butter Believe It:  Maddie, I have three words to end here — lobster pot pie ($18). Three more? I love you. I can’t wait to bite into the blend of lobster, whitefish, shallots and more tucked under a baked puff pastry with you. Or we could get a big lump of lobster and a big lump of knobs. The lobster corn chowder ($18) is defined as a house favorite.

THIS WEEK

THURSDAY SUMMER CIRCUS SPECTACULAR

2 p.m. at Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road $15-20 Visit CircusArts.org.

Circus fans of all ages can experience the best of the circus arts at affordable prices thanks to the ongoing partnership of The Circus Arts Academy and The Ringling. Master of Ceremonies Heidi Herriott, a third-generation American circus artist, presides over performances by hand balancers, clowns, jugglers and aerial rope artists, to name just a few genres. Runs through Aug. 12.

‘THAT MUST BE THE ENTRANCE TO HEAVEN’

7:30 p.m. at Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second St. $39 Visit UrbaniteTheatre.com.

DON’T MISS THE SURFER BOYS

From the group that brought you The Jersey Tenors comes a rousing tribute to the band that took America on a “Surfin’ Safari” in the early 1960s. Four Broadway veterans bring The Beach Boys’ biggest hits to life with classics like “California Girls,” “Good Vibrations,” “Barbara Ann” and many more. Runs through Aug. 13.

IF YOU GO

When: June 29, Runs through Aug. 13.

Where: FST’s Goldstein Cabaret, 1265 First St. Tickets: $18 Info: FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

In this world premiere by Franky D. Gonzalez, four Latino boxers all chase a world title to achieve their personal versions of heaven. But are the sacrifices required to win the championship belt worth it? Runs through July 9.

‘SHEAR MADNESS’

8 p.m. at FST’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St. $25 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

There’s been a murder in a local

OUR PICK

FST IMPROV PRESENTS ‘FREEDOM!’

Feeling patriotic and looking for a laugh? FST Improv promises “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Laughter” in this one-night-only performance that reveals the secret history of the American Revolution.

IF YOU GO

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, July 1

Where: FST’s Bowne’s Lab, 1265 First St.

Tickets: $15

Info: Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

hair salon, and it’s up to Sarasota audiences to outwit the suspects and catch the killer in this interactive comedy whodunit. Runs through July 16.

‘BLACK PEARL SINGS!’ Florida Studio Theatre

8 p.m. at FST’s Keating Theatre, 1265 First St. From $25 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

“Black Pearl Sings” tells the story of an unlikely friendship forged during the Depression between Susannah, a Library of Congress musicologist who wants to record undocumented slave-era music, and an African American prisoner, Pearl, who has the knowledge and memories that Susannah needs for her project. Runs through July 30.

FRIDAY

DISNEY’S ‘FROZEN’ KIDS SHOW

7 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton $11.50-$20 Visit ManateePerformingArtsCenter. com.

Beat the heat with this stage adaptation of the popular Disney film “Frozen,” featuring favorite songs from the film such as “Love is an Open Door,” “Do You Want to Build a Snowman” and “Let It Go.”

This For KIDS By KIDS Production also includes new songs from the Broadway production.

‘FINDING NEMO JR.’

7 p.m. at The Players Centre, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail

$17 Visit ThePlayers.org.

This stage adaptation of the popular Pixar film “Finding Nemo” features

new music by Kristen Andersen. What’s more, it’s only 60 minutes long, so it’s perfect for kids who get fidgety during long shows. Runs through July 2.

WEDNESDAY

STEVE WHITE

7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre

$25

Visit McCurdysComedy.com.

Steve White got his first break from hometown buddy Eddie Murphy when he was cast in “Coming to America.” White has also been a mainstay of Spike Lee films, with roles in “Do the Right Thing,” “Clockers” and “Malcolm X,” to name a few. Runs through July 9.

NEIGHBORS

Cooking with class in Lakewood Ranch

The main recipe for the “Cooking Queens” event held at the Lakewood Ranch home of Angela Massaro-Fain on June 23 went as follows.

Eleven cups of camaraderie, a dash of laughter, a pinch of silliness and a sprinkling of love.

Massaro-Fain, who wrote her “Bacio Di Cucina” cookbook to benefit the Sisterhood for Good nonprofit she founded, hosts the class as a social event as well as a chance to pass down her family’s traditions.

The 10 women who attended all said they are pretty good cooks themselves but that the class is a can’t-miss social event, along with a chance to learn new recipes.

Although most of the women in attendance were Sisterhood for Good members, the class is open to anyone who wants to learn the finer art of Italian cooking along with spending time enjoying the process with friends, both old and new.

The attendees each threw in $11 to buy the ingredients, and any leftover money went to Sisterhood for Good.

Lakewood Ranch’s Julie Benjamin said she is a good cook but that Massaro-Fain “takes it to another level.”

She also noted that while it was fun learning to make manicotti from scratch, she probably would continue to buy store-bought pasta.

“I have three kids,” she said of her

lack of time to make recipes from scratch.

Kathy Osterberg said she enjoys the class because it is “a team effort.”

However, she also won’t hesitate to make any of the recipes at home.

“Angela makes it simplistic,” she said. The June 23 menu included spinach salad with strawberries and candied sliced almonds, homemade manicotti with meatballs and sausage, and blueberry and lemon tart.

Anyone who is interested in a future class can reach Massaro-Fain at Info@ SFGFlorida.org.

— JAY HEATER

Lakewood Ranch’s Kathleen Osterberg is about to try out the group’s cooking talent.

BEST BET

MONDAY, JULY 3

FIREWORKS ON THE LAKE

Begins at 5 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. This year’s NBP Fireworks on the Lake event will feature live music by Kettle of Fish, a kids entertainment zone, various food trucks and a 5K run, among other activities. The fireworks will begin approximately 9 p.m. The event is free, however, Regatta Island parking is $30, and South Island parking is $20 for cars and $50 for RVs. VIP Viewing Experience tickets are $75 per person. For more information, visit NathanBendersonPark.org.

COMMUNITY

THURSDAY, JUNE 29, FRIDAY, JUNE 30, TUESDAY JULY 4

LIVE MUSIC AT JIGGS LANDING

Runs from 5-8 p.m. at Jiggs Landing, 6106 63rd St. E., Bradenton. The live music lineup at Jiggs Landing includes Donnie Bostic (Thursday), Al Fuller’s Moonlight Movers (Friday), and Donnie Bostic (Tuesday). All shows are free except the Friday show, which has a $5 cover. For more information, go to JiggsLanding.com.

FRIDAY, JUNE 30

MUSIC AT THE PLAZA

Runs from 6-9 p.m. at Waterside Place, 1561 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch. Singer Sara Nelms will entertain those who stroll through Waterside Place’s selection of restaurants and businesses. The entertainment is free. For more information, go to WatersidePlace.com.

SATURDAY, JULY 1 THROUGH

MONDAY, JULY 3 FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL

Runs from 2-7 p.m. on July 1, noon to 6 p.m. July 2 and 3-9 p.m. July 3 in Parking Lot 4, east side of the Mall at UTC, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota. More than 70 food trucks will participate in the Suncoast’s Largest Food Truck Festival. A $5 Entry benefits the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida Inc., Breast Cancer Foundation of Central Florida and Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy. For information, call 727-674-1464.

SUNDAY, JULY 2

FARMERS 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 offering seafood, eggs, meats, dairy products, pastas, bakery goods, jams and pickles, among other items. Other features are children’s activities and live music. For more information, visit MyLWR.com.

YOGA IN THE PARK

Begins at 9 a.m. at Waterside Place Park, 7500 Island Cove Terrace, Lakewood Ranch. Lakewood Ranch Community Activities offers yoga that is free to residents; $10 for nonresidents. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

TUESDAY, JULY 4

PICKLEBALL AND FIREWORKS

Begins at 8:30 a.m. at UMR Sports, 131 Upper Manatee River Road, Bradenton. Celebrate July 4 with this doubles pickleball tournament, which will hold women’s matches starting at 8:30 a.m. and men’s matches starting at 5 p.m. Registration is $70 per team. Spots are limited to eight teams in each division. To RSVP, call 737-0362.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 5

BINGO FOR ALL

Begins at 10 a.m. at Greenbrook Adventure Park, 13010 Adventure Place, Lakewood Ranch. Lakewood Ranch Community Activities hosts Bingo. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

LARGEST SELECTION OF FANS ANYWHERE!

Another sight to see

It was another busy Friday night at Waterside Place thanks to the popular Sights and Sounds music series.

The Hermitage Artist Retreat entertained the crowd with “Songs from the Sand: A Hermitage Cabaret.”

The Hermitage artists perform about 50 shows a year, usually at the beach on Manasota Key, where the retreat is located. This was the first time they’ve brought a program to Lakewood Ranch, which was the original goal of Sights and Sounds, to attract such talent.

“Having these organizations perform here at Waterside Place means that our residents don’t have

to travel far to enjoy and support arts and culture,” said Nicole Hackel, the LWR Communities’ Events and Resident Experience manager.

The program was comprised of songs written by Hermitage alumni fellows, including Jeanine Tesori. Tesori wrote four Tony-nominated scores for Broadway and won two for “Kimberly Akimbo,” and “Fun Home.” “Fun Home” was also a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize.

The next Sights and Sounds is scheduled from 6-9 p.m. July 28, when Easter Seals and Everyone Rocks will “Rock the Spectrum.”

Lake Club home tops sales at $2.8 million

Ahome in Lake Club topped all transactions in this week’s real estate. Allen and Shelley Wolff, trustees, sold the home at 16921 Clearlake Ave. to Lawrence and Lucinda Krouk, of Lakewood Ranch, for $2.8 million. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,596 square feet of living area

COUNTRY CLUB

John and Deborah Ayres, of Sarasota, sold their home at 13706 Matanzas Place to Steve and Patricia Whinery, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1.76 million. Built in 2011, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,660 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.1 million in 2014.

COUNTRY CLUB EAST

Beverly Barr, of Maineville, Ohio, sold her home at 7630 Windy Hill Cove to Carolyn Jones Van Helden, trustee, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1.15 million. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,911 square feet of living area. It sold for $640,000 in 2019.

John and Linda Measel, trustees, of Brighton, Michigan, sold the home at 14520 Whitemoss Lane to Kathleen Susan Hunt, trustee, of Rancho Cucamonga, of California, for $745,000. Built in 2012, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,872 square feet of living area.

PRESERVE AT PANTHER RIDGE

Richard Ray Epps and Kelli Mock Epps, of Bradenton, sold their home at 22535 Morning Glory Circle to Jason and Kelli Lerner, of Bradenton, for $1,125,000. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,871 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,216,100 in 2020.

Jayme Verman and Jenna Baverman, of Knoxville, Tennessee, sold their home at 23319 Red Robin Place to Thomas Magnowski and Richard Popiela, of Kildeer, Illinois, for $990,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,188 square feet of living area. It sold for $720,000 in 2021.

ESPLANADE

Donald Keith Remling and Amy Crosby Remling, of Jasper, Georgia, sold their home at 13235 Sorrento Way to Michael Hanson and Wendi Lynn Hanson, of Ontario, Canada, for $975,000. Built in 2018, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,087 square feet of living area. It sold for $492,200 in 2018.

Craig Brinda, of Lakewood Ranch, sold his home at 12650 Fontana Loop to Fenner and Susan Brownell, of Bradenton, for $899,900. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,247 square feet of living area. It sold for $530,000 in 2020.

Lisa and Jeffrey Martin, of Flower Mound, Texas, sold their home at 5202 Napoli Run to Melanie Traveler, of Tierra Verde, for $780,000. Built in 2015, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,920 square feet of living area. It sold for $830,000 in 2022.

BRIDGEWATER

Bobbi Hopkins and Ramzy Medaa, trustees, sold the home at 13611 Swiftwater Way to Joshua Adam Greenspoon and Sevasti Eleni Greenspoon, of Bradenton, for $950,000. Built in 2016, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,861 square feet of living area. It sold for $632,200 in 2016.

Robert Norman Anderson and Amy Beth Anderson, of Selma, North Carolina, sold their home at 5514

Goodpasture Glen to Mark and Nina Krzysko, of Bradenton, for $725,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,221 square feet of living area. It sold for $455,000 in 2020.

MILL CREEK

John Mancini, of Parrish, sold his home at 1606 145th St. E. to Dariusz and Beata Bziuk, of Spotswood, New Jersey, for $885,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, a pool and 3,409 square feet of living area. It sold for $399,000 in 2013.

BATP Properties LLC sold the home at 509 Woodview Way to Douglas and Georgia Klepp, of Bradenton, for $715,000. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,614 square feet of living area.

MALLORY PARK

Roman and Petra Pistanek, of Bradenton, sold their home at 3430 Chestertown Loop to Mark and Tara Ward, of Bradenton, for $845,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,859 square feet of living area. It sold for $422,500 in 2021.

EDGEWATER

Fusheng Jiang and Yanling Zhang and Zhijie Jiang, of Upland, California, sold their home at 6634 Windjammer Place to Legacy Life Foundation Inc. for $840,000. Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,855 square feet of living area. It sold for $750,000 in 2014.

RIVER CLUB NORTH

Martin and Karen Hafer, trustees, of Tenino, Washington, sold the home at 6465 Shoal Creek St. Circle to Thomas and Allison Kautzer, of Bradenton, for $715,000. Built in 1991, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,406 square feet living area. It sold for $330,000 in 2005.

WILTON CRESCENT

Howard and Rona Simon, of Sarasota, sold their home at 7889 Wilton Crescent Circle to Robert David Young and Victoria Garon Young, of University Park, for $700,000. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,109 square of feet living area. It sold for $339,900 in 2003.

COACH HOMES AT LAKEWOOD

NATIONAL

James Garland Bowman II and Robin Kay Bowman sold their Unit 3522 condominium at 17713 Gawthrop Drive to James and Susan Floyd, of Bradenton, for $690,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,108 square feet of living area. It sold for $360,000 in 2020.

WATCH AT WATERLEFE Manage People LLC sold the Unit 32-D condominium at 9415 Discovery Terrace to Lisa and Richard Brakefield, of Holmes Beach, for $650,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,156 square feet of living area. It sold for $254,900 in 2017.

Alexander and Audrey McLauchlin, of Ellenton, sold their Unit 28-C condominium at 9435 Discovery Terrace to John LaForge II, of Bradenton, for $520,000. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,156 square feet of living area. It sold for $280,000 in 2018.

Dorothy Ketterer sold her Unit 11-B condominium at 9623 Sea Turtle Terrace to William Kelly Burgess and Christine Mansfield Burgess, of Bradenton, for $440,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,666 square feet of living area. It sold for $265,000 in 2020.

WOODBROOK

Victoria Van Patten, of Westerly, Rhode Island, sold her home at 6476 Autumn Woods Way to Ralph and Carolyn Basler, of Sarasota, for $650,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,253 square feet of living area. It sold for $418,000 in 2013.

WATER OAK

Braden and Maggie Sharrer, of Nokomis, sold their home at 6750

Sullivan, of Denton, Maryland, for $647,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,148 square feet of living area. It sold for $318,000 in 2017.

GREENBROOK

Jerome Joseph Ciaravino, of Largo, sold his home at 15254 Blue Fish Circle to Amir Aryaan, of Lakewood Ranch, for $635,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three-anda-half baths, a pool and 2,572 square feet of living area. It sold for $577,600 in 2022.

Marsha Failor, trustee, of Westlake, sold the home at 14126 Cattle Egret Place to Charles and Yuchin Robb, of Lakewood Ranch, for $579,500.

Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,034 square feet of living area. It sold for $337,500 in 2015.

ROSEDALE Patrick and Susan Keefe, of Conover, North Carolina, sold their home at 8730 49th Terrace E. to Patricia Elaine Devine and Mervyn James Devine, of St. George, Utah, for $617,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,844 square feet of living area. It sold for $357,000 in 2018.

SEE REAL ESTATE, PAGE 20

RIVERWALK VILLAGE CYPRESS

BANKS

William and Deborah Baggott sold their home at 7240 Spoonflower Court to Elias Montoya and Lorena Zuniga Kirlis, of Lakewood Ranch, for $600,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,903 square feet of living area. It sold for $306,200 in 2018.

TARA

Joanne Weaver, Cara Gorman and Mark Weaver sold their home at 6811 Drewrys Bluff to Jeffrey Dean Tackeberry and Melanie Blair Tackeberry, of Bradenton, for $598,000. Built in 1992, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,517 square feet of living area. It sold for $316,000 in 2016.

Christa Ursini and Gina Marie Ursini and Mark Anthony Ursini, of S. Salem, New York, sold their home at 6123 Aviary Court to Michael Joseph Kloss, of Bradenton, for $533,000. Built in 2001, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,761 square feet of living area. It sold for $203,200 in 2014.

STONEYBROOK AT HERITAGE

HARBOUR

9056-1721 Quebec Inc. sold the home at 8009 Haven Harbour Way to James Truong and Yahui Ching, of Bradenton, for $597,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,190 square feet of living area. It sold for $300,000 in 2019.

CENTRAL PARK

Maria Karp, of Nesconset, New York, sold her home at 4626 Claremont Park Drive to James and Kimberly Cascio, of Bradenton, for $595,000. Built in 2015, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,844 square feet of living area. It sold for $279,600 in 2015.

HARMONY

Christine Helmsoth Mansfield Burgess and William Kelly Burgess sold their home at 5318 Bentgrass Way

to Thomas Charles Grimme and Bea Wen Grimme, of Bradenton, for $595,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,555 square feet of living area. It sold for $376,000 in 2016.

RIVER POINT OF MANATEE

William and Kathleen Bernethy, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the home at 155 41st Circle E. to Joseph and Rita Obeid, of Bradenton, for $585,000. Built in 1995, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,957 square feet of living area. It sold for $550,000 in 2022.

Kathleen Grim, of Bradenton, sold her home at 4017 Third Ave. E. to Kelly Hendricks, of Bradenton, for $465,000. Built in 1995, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,529 square feet of living area. It sold for $205,900 in 2003.

THE MOORINGS AT EDGEWATER

David and Susan Baldauf sold their Unit 201 condominium at 6556 Moorings Point Circle to Deborah Stickel, of Lakewood Ranch, for $585,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,344 square feet of living area. It sold for $330,500 in 2004.

HERITAGE HARBOUR

Timothy and Erica Abrams, of Chesapeake, Virginia, sold their home at 6866 Willowshire Way to Guy Henry and Amy Frances Henry, of Oakdale, Connecticut, for $553,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,006 square feet living area. It sold for $307,500 in 2018.

AVALON AT THE VILLAGES OF PALM AIRE Mary Lacey, of Sarasota, sold the home at 4911 Lakescene Place to Thomas Thanas and Theodora Thanas, trustees, of Sarasota, for $547,000. Built in 2001, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,909 square feet of living area.

SPORTS

Fast Break

Former Lakewood Ranch

High baseball star Grant McCray went 3-5 with an RBI and a stolen base June 25 in the A-level Eugene Emeralds (San Francisco Giants) 6-4 win over the Vancouver Canadians (Toronto Blue Jays). McCray now has 29 stolen bases on the season, which ranks second in the Northwest League, one behind leader Joe Stewart of the TriCity Dust Devils (Los Angeles Angels).

...Braden River High rising sophomore Ronin Dangler finished second in the Age Group 14-15, 81 kilograms division of the 2023 USA

Weightlifting National Youth Championships on June 25 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Dangler had a score of 191 kilograms (81 kilograms in the snatch and 110 kilograms in the clean and jerk).

Former Lakewood Ranch

High football star and NFL veteran Dominique RodgersCromartie signed with the Tampa Nightcrawlers of the American 7s Football League in May. Rodgers-Cromartie, 37, is playing defensive back and wide receiver for the Nightcrawlers in the 7-on-7 league. The Nightcrawlers will play the Baltimore Watchmen in the Eastern Conference Championship at 1 p.m. July 9 in Cincinnati. The game can be streamed on DAZN.com.

Parrish Community High is looking for a varsity wide receivers coach for the 2023 season, as well as several junior varsity coaching positions. Interested candidates can email their coaching resumes to head coach Dylan Clark at Clark2R@ManateeSchools. net.

The Braden River Little League’s Senior All-Star team won the District 26 championship on June 22.

Ian Gilbertson Carole Gilbertson Don Hicks and Maureen Hicks (59) won the “9, Wine and Dine” event (best ball shamble format) held June 25 at University Park Country Club.

George Piccirilli sank a hole-in-one June 25 on the No. 2 hole at Lakewood Ranch Country Club’s Cypress Links course. Piccirilli used a 6-hybrid on the 140-yard hole.

Prep for the future

The school has built a football field even though it will not field a team for several seasons.

The Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy’s football field is an eye-catching sight off White Eagle Boulevard and Crossland Trail.

While the area around the field is still under construction, with Ryan Construction handling the duties, the complex is expected to be ready by the time the 2023-24 school year begins in August.

Cheryl Cendan, Upper school principal, said the field features AstroTurf and cost approximately $1.4 million.

The cost is high but not unusual for a school that wants to have a competitive football program.

What is unusual is that Lakewood Ranch Prep does not have a football program.

At least, it doesn’t have one yet, and won’t for another two to three years, according to athletic director Racquel Standifer. Though the school’s community is excited about the prospect of fielding a team, Standifer said, the school does not want to rush things.

“We have a lot of interest in football, but we’re taking it slow,” Standifer said. “It’s just about getting everything together. I think if you go too fast (when putting a program together), you tend to have to backtrack later and fix things. So we’re starting slow and adding a few steps here and there. With the field, we’re making the foundation.”

A football program requires more than just a field and willing players, Standifer said. The school will need funds to raise money for things like equipment and travel. It can get sponsors to help with that, Standifer said, but when the school is already having to pay for uniforms — which can cost approximately $4,000 per sport — and equipment for its other sports, which include basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis, volleyball, golf, cross country and flag football, adding football now would be an expensive headache.

Standifer said the school hopes that its incoming freshman class will have the chance to play football as seniors.

The wait is not a problem for Lakewood Ranch Prep, Cendan said. The school, a member of Charter Schools USA, will be ready to host a program when the time comes, and in the meantime, the field can be used for

soccer as well as certain gym class activities.

Since the field was in the original plans for the school, the expense was not a surprise and was in the budget. It will be one of several athletic facilities on the 18-acre campus once construction on the upper school is complete, including a gym and tennis courts. The other facilities will be put to their intended use right away — but not the football field.

Some schools do not allow other sports to practice on their football fields out of fear of the playing surface being muddled, but that will not be the case at Lakewood Ranch Prep. Cendan said the reason the school invested in AstroTurf is because it is built to last.

The turf’s density will ensure the field is still pristine once the football program arrives, even with other sports and classes using it. In the meantime, Lakewood Ranch Prep athletes interested in football are welcome to elect to play for a school that does have a program, as is customary at others schools without football programs, like the Sarasota Military Academy — though Standi-

READY, SET, GO

LWR Prep athletic programs ready for 2023-24

MIDDLE SCHOOL:

n Baseball

n Basketball

n Cheerleading

n Cross country

n Flag football

n Golf (coed)

n Soccer (coed)

n Tennis

n Volleyball (girls)

HIGH SCHOOL (JUNIOR VARSITY):

n Baseball

n Boys basketball

n Cheerleading

n Cross country

n Girls basketball

n Girls flag football

n Golf

n Soccer

n Tennis

n Volleyball

fer said she hopes they return once the Eagles themselves take the field.

The football field is an example of Lakewood Ranch Prep’s ethos when it comes to athletics: patience. The Eagles have big goals, Standifer said, and hope to compete for state titles in many sports someday, but that day will has to remain on the horizon for now. The school has received provisional approval from the Florida High School Athletic Association to compete in FHSAA events as a Class 2A school. That status will remain for three years; during that time, the Eagles can play in FHSAA contests, but cannot compete for district, regional or state titles.

The school is also in the process of getting its courses recognized by the NCAA so that its high-level athletes can obtain scholarships from NCAA member schools. Since the school uses standard Florida course codes, the school is confident it will get approval, but it is a process that takes time nonetheless.

Despite these restrictions, the school will field its other programs this upcoming season, at both the middle school and high school levels, with the high school teams competing as junior varsity teams. Even though the teams cannot compete for the playoffs, Standifer said, she expects everyone who represents the Eagles to have a great athletic experience. That could include placing high-level middle school athletes on junior varsity teams to better prepare them for varsity athletics in a few years, as The Out-of-Door Academy and other private schools have done. But every decision the school makes athletically will be to serve its students’ best interest.

Right now, that means easing into the competitive side of sports and putting an emphasis on enjoyment.

“I want to make sure our teams get good schedules,” Standifer said. “I don’t want anyone to get overwhelmed.”

“Don’t always try to swing for the fences. Hitting a line drive is OK. ”

— Lakewood Ranch Little League’s Mario Martinez Reyes SEE PAGE 23

PROSE AND KOHN RYAN KOHN

East County paddler earns spot in U.S. boat

Adecade ago, Mandy Boyers was trying dragon boat racing for the first time during a community festival in Burlington, Vermont.

She didn’t consider herself to be an athlete and was at the festival to be social, but she decided to give it her best shot.

Never could she have guessed where that decision would lead her.

On June 20, Nathan Benderson Park announced that Boyers, a 52-year-old East County resident, will be one of 10 athletes from the park representing Team USA on its senior team at the 2023 International Dragon Boat Federation World Dragon Boat Racing Championships, scheduled for Aug. 7-13 in Pattaya, Thailand.

Joining Boyers on Team USA will be Benderson Park paddlers Doreen Clyne, Don Bickel, Brian Long, Dana Trimble, Duneska Grant and Joni Carone, plus steerer Angela Long and drummer Paula Murray.

The past 10 years have led Boyers to this moment, and she’s not taking any of it for granted.

“I tear up when I think about putting that uniform on,” Boyers said. “It is humbling. It is an honor to represent our country and compete against the best in the world.”

Boyers said she was immediately hooked on dragon boat after trying it at the Vermont festival.  She said it was the sense of team-building and community within the sport that she noticed first. Over the course of the day, she began to notice things within herself, like a fire to out-pace other boats. She wanted more, so she joined Dragonheart Vermont, a local club.

Over the years, she and her husband, Jayson Boyers, moved around the country, with stops in Michigan and Pennsylvania. Mandy Boyers joined dragon boat clubs at each location. It wasn’t enough, as the more Boyers competed, the more she wanted to improve her game.

In Vermont, she had teammates who talked about making Team USA and competing at the world championships, and she decided she wanted to take that challenge on herself. Boyers said she researched the best places to train in dragon boat and found Benderson Park.

Boyers began visiting the park each winter, and she fell in love not just with the park, but with the entire region. In October 2021, she and her husband moved to the area full time. In that sense, dragon boat not only brought Boyers new friends and new lessons about herself, but a new home.

“The sport completely changed my life,” Boyers said. “I would not be here without it.”

It changed more than just her location. Boyers said she never knew how competitive she was before trying the sport, and she’s proud of how driven to improve she has become. Boyers said she was a “study nerd” growing up. Before dragon boat racing, she said, she was out of shape. Getting into the

sport helped Boyers turn her overall fitness around, and led to her losing 30 pounds.

“It’s possible for other people, too,” Boyers said. “I never thought I could compete at this level, but I have. It is amazing to see it happen.”  Boyers almost lived out her dream two years ago, when she was named to the Team USA roster for the 2021 championships, but that event, which would have been held in Hong Kong, was canceled because of COVID-19 restrictions. Boyers never got to wear the red, white and blue, but she has stayed prepared over the past two years, hoping she would receive another chance.  Now that she has, the emotions are flowing.

“It’s overwhelming,” Boyers said. “I worked hard for this. It feels incredibly satisfying that this goal that I have had for years has finally come true.”

Boyers said Benderson Park’s facilities give its paddlers an advantage in training. Not only can local paddlers practice year-round,

unlike in northern states where the water gets too cold in the winter, but the park offers the chance to train in single-person outrigger canoes. Boyers said spots on her Team USA Senior A/B Women’s boat were decided by time trials conducted in those canoes. Unless a person has their own canoe, access to them can be tough to find, and Boyers said the canoes can cost thousands of dollars depending on the manufacturer.

Boyers has also been working with personal trainers to improve her strength, she said, something she has not done previously. She said her motivation levels are as high as they have ever been, and she does not see them dropping any time soon.

“You can continue to do this sport as you age because it is age bracketed,” Boyers said. “You don’t

have to go against 20-year-olds. I can go against people my age, which is awesome.”

A trip to Thailand is Boyers’ reward for putting in the work. It will be an emotional trip at times, she said, but she’s ready to compete for a medal, and equally excited to experience a part of the world she’s never seen — even if she’s dreading the plane ride there.

If that’s the cost of making her dreams become reality, Boyers will take the deal every time.

Mario Martinez Reyes

Mario Martinez Reyes is a baseball player with Lakewood Ranch Little League. Martinez Reyes hit .571 with a home run and six RBIs over three winning games in the league’s 11U All-Star team’s district tournament, held June 17-18.

When did you start playing baseball?

I started when I was 5. I think I was just looking for a sport to play, so I tried it and I loved it. I play soccer and basketball as well.

What is the appeal to you?

I like being part of a team, and I like that you can play a lot of positions. I usually play third base, catcher or pitcher, and they all feel different. Plus, you get to hit.

What is your best skill?

I’m a good hitter. I try to hit for contact more than I try to hit home runs. I like line drives.

What is your favorite memory?

In 2022, I was playing for a club team called Pinnacle, and we won our league championship. We didn’t expect to make it to the championship game, which made it even better when it happened.

What is so fun about All-Star baseball?

There’s more competition, which makes it more fun. And it is cool that we can go to the state level or the regional level if we keep winning. I think we can go far if we keep hitting and fielding well.

Which professional players do you like to watch?

I like Mike Trout. He’s a great hitter and he always gives full effort when fielding.

What is your favorite food?

I like sushi a lot.

What are your hobbies?

I like to play video games. I have been playing MLB: The

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.

Show 23 and Gran Turismo 7.

Which superpower would you pick?

Invincibility. No one could hurt me.

What is your favorite school subject?

Either science or history. I can remember stuff from those classes easily. They’re interesting.

What is the best advice you have received?

Don’t always try to swing for the fences. Hitting a line drive is OK.

Finish this sentence: “Mario Martinez Reyes is …” … Competitive. I always play to win.

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