East County Observer 9.12.24

EAST COUNTY

Pawsitive progress

Augusta resident Molly Saia (above) enjoyed a walk and talk with a twist and a camera at the Lakewood Ranch Library on Sept. 3.

“I do the walking and the talking. She only does the walking,” Saia said as she gestured toward the well-behaved 13-month-old Labrador retriever by her side.

Saia is a puppy raiser for Dogs Inc., formerly known as Southeastern Guide Dogs.

Ally is one of our program puppies,” said Jenny Scamardo, a puppy raising services advisor. “The walk and talk is an opportunity for us to capture, on camera, different areas that Molly has been working on with Ally over the past year as a progress point.”

Playtime on the playground

Tara Elementary School’s Riley Peyerk and Alyson Morales (above) were having a blast going up and down on the seesaw.

They smiled big as dozens of Tara Elementary students gathered around them for a yearbook picture to capture the fun of the school’s playground playdate Sept. 7 at Summerfield Community Park. After the picture, some students ran off to continue playing on the playground.

Tara Elementary has hosted a playground playdate at a community park every year since the 2021-2022 school year.

“It’s always really popular and a great way for families to come together and make connections,” said Lisa Jobst, a parent and past PTO president.

County explains dam functions for emotional residents impacted by Hurricane Debby. SEE PAGE 3

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2024

quickly

Home Depot won’t pursue Lorraine site

New school song inspires students

Braden River Middle School custodians create a school song to inspire positivity and belief in students, teachers and staff.

LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR

At the end of every school day, the phrase “Panthers believe, Panthers achieve” is bellowed across Braden River Middle School’s campus.

Since Kimberlain Zenon-Richardson became principal of the school in 2019, “Panthers believe, Panthers achieve” has been the vision of the school.  Zenon-Richardson said it serves as a reminder to every student and

teacher that if they believe in the work they’re doing and in themselves, they can achieve anything.

Hearing that phrase every day sparked an idea in night-time custodian Jermaine Keys’ head.

With more than 30 years of experience as a gospel musician, Keys went home and found himself tinkering on the piano and working on a school song.

It only took him a week, with the help of his husband, Craig Keys, who also is a night-time custodian at the school, to write the song that has become Braden River Middle’s first official school song.

When Zenon-Richardson heard the chorus of the song for the first time, she cried.

Every vision Zenon-Richardson saw for the school and the mission the teachers and staff are trying to accomplish were embedded in the song, she said.

But what shocked Zenon-Richardson most of all was when the custodians asked her to sing a solo in the song.

She had grown up singing in a church choir, but she wasn’t one to boast her singing talents at the school. She also saw herself as a background vocalist.

At first, Zenon-Richardson said she told them no, but after Jermaine Keys told her this would give her an opportunity for students to see her in a different light other than as principal, she was convinced.

At the beginning of the school year, the custodians worked with Sarah Troeller, the choir teacher, to teach a group of choir students the song before premiering it on Aug. 21 during the first of three grade-level assemblies.

Each of the performances resulted in an uproar of applause and cheers from students.

“When you see people from all walks — teachers, administrators, custodians — all coming together

to sing, it changed a little bit of the climate here, and I appreciated that,” said Zenon-Richardson, who has been promoting the idea of community to the students this year. “It’s going to change the course of the year. Kids are seeing things a little bit differently. They feel a part of the community.”

Craig Keys and Zenon-Richardson said the seventh graders had the best reaction. After hearing Zenon-Richardson sing, they said the students went crazy.

“I was shaking the whole time; it was so bad I almost couldn’t sing,” Craig Keys said. “It felt good to see kids go crazy about something so positive.”

Jermaine Keys hopes the song can be a positive tune that helps students if they are struggling.

The couple said they have both dealt with depression and drug addiction in the past, and they know what it’s like to lack belief in yourself and what you can accomplish. They didn’t have a song to lift their spirits, which is why they wanted to create this song.

Craig Keys said the song might not mean much to every student today, but he hopes it might bring some light to a student could be struggling in the future.

The song also has given students an opportunity to see school staff

SING ALONG

Here are some of the lyrics to Braden River Middle School’s school song:

I am a Panther, Panthers believe

Because I’m a Panther, I will achieve

I am unstoppable, nothing can stop me but me

Braden River Middle, when you join the team

We’ll bond together, just like family

Together we’ll rise up

No limits to what we can be

shine with their hidden talents.

Craig Keys and Jermaine Keys said it showed students they are “so much more than custodians.”

“Wherever you find yourself in life, you might be the president of the United States or you may find yourself being a custodian, but your job does not dictate your ability or your capability,” Jermaine Keys said.  Harris has recorded two gospel albums. His nickname at the school is Snoop, in reference to rap-

per Snoop Dogg, but Harris said he doesn’t know anything about the popular rapper. So when students heard him sing for the first time, they were in awe.

Jermaine Keys said he was intentional on including a solo for the principal, a teacher and a custodian. He hopes to add to the song to include voices of a student from each grade so they can express what it’s like to be a Panther from their perspectives.

“It was very important to incorporate every area of the school so the kids can see you’re important from the head being Kimberlain (ZenonRichardson) to the sixth grader,” he said. “Everybody has a valued part in being in this middle school and preparing for life.”

Craig Keys said hearing directly from the people having those experiences and perspectives carries more weight and adds more heart to the song. He said the meaning of “Panthers believe, Panthers achieve” is going to be different to a sixth grader than a seventh grader and so on.

Craig Keys said students, teachers and staff are humming to the tune or singing the lyrics.

“It’s mind blowing because music has a way of opening doors for so much and positive thinking,” he said. “If you put the right lyrics to music, it can really uplift somebody and make their day.”

DAM OPERATIONS ARE A BALANCING ACT

With questions lingering since Hurricane Debby, Manatee County gave the media a tour of the dam’s spillways.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

Since 18 billion gallons of water were released from the dam into the Manatee River during Hurricane Debby, residents have questioned if that’s why their homes flooded and if a 57-yearold dam is even safe.

From press conferences immediately after the storm to commission meetings held weeks later, Manatee County staff members have consistently stated that relentless rain caused the flooding of homes and that the dam operated as it should have.

Instead of simply saying it again, the county invited members of the media to hear from key staff members while getting an up-close look at the dam for themselves Sept. 4.

On hand to present “Dam 101” was Deputy County Administrator Evan Pilachowski, Deputy Director of Potable Water Katie Gilmore, Director of Natural Resources Charlie Hunsicker and Utilities Director Patrick Shea.

The message was the same — 17 inches of rain did the damage.

Hunsicker repeated it and used a map of the watersheds to drive home the point that heavy rainfall, not the release of water from the dam into the Manatee River, caused homes in Lakewood Ranch to flood.

He pointed to the map and urged people to “look at the elevations.”

“It’s a matter of math and geography,” he said. “Water always flows downhill.”

Hunsicker has lived in the River Club for 14 years. As a resident and county employee, he’s adamant that the problems in his neighborhood and Summerfield could not have been caused by the water release because watersheds and geological basins don’t intermix. The water flows out to the sea.

He said the Braden River overflowed its banks. It backed up because it was struggling to push so much water through a small channel.

As far as the dam, Shea said it’s in good working order.

“In 2013 and 2014, some significant deficiencies were determined on the dam, and that report created some confusion, I think, in the aftermath of Debby. That work was commissioned and completed by September 2014. We’re in the stages of some of the additional work that was identified in that project in 2014, but they’re noncritical things that you should look at over time.”

FINDING BALANCE

Information Outreach Manager Bill Logan said the plan is to also invite the public to see the dam, but there are logistics to work out. Because the dam is considered “critical infrastructure,” it’s under the authority

received between June and September. The average monthly rainfall drops from about 7.8 inches during the rainy season to about 3 inches during the dry season.

LOOKING AHEAD

Pilachowski said Manatee’s staff members can’t stop the rain, but there are actions they can take to better communicate with residents and to control flooding during future rain events.

The county has a messaging system in place now called Everbridge. Residents have to sign up to receive alerts. Staff is looking at enhanced uses of the Everbridge system to get messages out more effectively, such as storing emergency messages so they’re ready to go at a moment’s notice.

This is the dam’s secondary spillway. If water spills over from Lake Manatee, it gets redirected back into the Manatee River downstream.

“We were not in trouble, but we were very worried about the viability of that water supply being able to carry us through to the next year’s rainy season.”

Charlie

Hunsicker, Director of Natural Resources

of Homeland Security.

The reservoir serves more than 320,000 Manatee County residents and wholesale customers like Tropicana.

Dam 101 was held to offer the public a better understanding of how the dam works and is operated. A major component of decision making comes down to protecting the county’s water supply.

Lake Manatee was lowered to 36 feet in the days leading up to Hurricane Debby; why wasn’t it lowered to 34 feet instead?

“It would make an almost immeasurable difference,” Pilachowski said. “If we did, it’s simply a gamble that would not benefit downstream residents, but it could put us in jeopardy of not having water supply.”

That scenario happened once already in the early 1980s. Hunsicker remembered it. Staff dropped the lake level to between 34 and 35 feet,

but the weather reports were wrong. The county barely got an inch of rain.

“We were left with a reservoir with probably 70% of the capacity,” Hunsicker said. “We were not in trouble, but we were very worried about the viability of that water supply being able to carry us through to the next year’s rainy season.”

There’s almost a full backup of groundwater available under emergency circumstances, but severe water restrictions would be put in place if that needed to be tapped.

“If we had a repeated event with our current population and current water demands, it would be even more difficult for us to get through the dry season,” Pilachowski said. “(The extensive water restrictions) would make an even bigger impact on the community, so it really is a balancing act, trying to make sure that we are providing drinking water and fire protection for our residents.”

Gilmore said it’s not only the quantity of supply that is of concern when the lake levels are lowered.

“Everyone knows about the taste and odor issues we have,” she said. “When the lake is low and it’s more shallow, there’s sunlight penetration and the algae grow a lot easier. So you’re balancing a lot of factors. For the quantity and quality, you cannot go too low in the dry season.”

Typically, the dry season begins in October and lasts through May.

According to the Southwest Florida Water Management District, about 60% of the area’s average rainfall is

A series of watershed management plans, being conducted by a third party, are in process. The plans look at flood control measures and identify improvements that can protect the facilities within each watershed.

Pilachowski said some plans have been implemented, and some are still in the planning phase, but focus has been placed on the Braden River, Mill Creek, Gamble Creek and Pearce Drain/Gap Creek.

But not everything can or will be fixed to avoid flooding again.

When the current stormwater systems were installed, a decision was made based on projections and investments at that time.

Hunsicker used an analogy involving traffic on Manatee Avenue. To keep traffic flowing at all times, it would have to be six or eight lanes wide. That’s too large of an investment for the avenue’s day-to-day traffic.

Highways are designed to the highest standards of stormwater management because that’s major infrastructure, but Hunsicker said some of the residential systems in Manatee County were only built to handle 20-year storms, which is roughly 6 inches of rain.

Debby dropped almost three times that amount.

“This is not a Manatee County issue; this is nationwide,” Pilachowski said. “There’s always going to be an event that goes beyond what the

anticipated.”

Where Your Child Will Thrive

Setting

Longino Ranch in Myakka permanently conserved

The Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast this week announced the permanent conservation of 656 acres at Longino Ranch in Myakka.

According to a release by the Conservation Foundation, the protection brings the total conserved lands protecting the Wild & Scenic Myakka River to over 130,000 acres.

The conservation easement by purchased by Sarasota County’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program, although the lands remain owned and managed by Longino Ranch.

Longino Ranch has shown its commitment to conservation with similar actions protecting more than 8,400 acres over the past 22 years, according to the release.

“It was our honor to help the Longino family build upon their remarkable conservation legacy,” said Christine Johnson, the president of Conservation Foundation on a release. “We thank the Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners and staff for utilizing the voter-approved Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program to purchase the Longino conservation easement to ensure the permanent protection of this land.”

Blue Butterfly program receives $10,000 grant

Tidewell Foundation announced this week a grant of $10,000 from Suncoast Credit Union Foundation. The funds will be used to support Tidewell’s Blue Butterfly Family Grief Program.

According to the release, the Blue Butterfly Family Grief Program serves children and teens, ages 4-18, who are grieving the death of a special person in their lives through peer support groups led by trained mental health counselors. Blue Butterfly serves families in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties.

“We are grateful for the generosity of the Suncoast Credit Union

Foundation,” said Delesa Morris, President of Tidewell Foundation, in a release. “Children who receive ongoing support, therapeutic interventions and peer-to-peer interactions through Blue Butterfly graduate the program with the ability to discuss and identify their feelings, confidently speak about their grief and know that they are not alone. Grants like this ensure this program is available at no charge to participants.”

Manatee hosts meeting to discuss Comprehensive Plan

Manatee County will be hosting an additional public information meeting to get feedback from citizens about the county’s Comprehensive Plan.

According to a release, work on developing the 2045 policy that sets the framework for future development within the county is continuing with this opportunity for outreach and stakeholder feedback.

Information regarding the Comprehensive Plan, along with the opportunity for public input from citizens on how future development should proceed were included in stakeholder meetings scheduled at public libraries in late August.

The next workshop will be 6-7:30 p.m. Sept. 26, at the Myakka Community Center, 10060 Wauchula Road, Myakka City. For more information, contact Sarahi Castillo Garza, Manatee County Development Services, at 748-4501 x6911.

Mote reports Debby’s damage

Tropical Storm Debby significantly degraded water quality in Sarasota Bay and likely wiped out nearly half of the known sea turtle nests on area beaches, scientists at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium said in a report released this week.

Questions also remain as to whether the immediate impacts over days to weeks will have longer-term ramifications for these ecosystems in the months and years to come.

No go for Home Depot

The big-box retailer was considering a store on the corner of Lorraine Road and Rangeland Parkway.

suit of a store in that location. “This would become a major intersection.”

Mallory Park resident Maryann

The

“It’s

“This

wasn’t

she

was expecting to move into my backyard.”  Harvard and more than 2,000 others signed a petition aimed at stopping Home Depot from building a store near the northwest corner of Lorraine Road and Rangeland Parkway.   Home Depot was scheduled for a pre-application meeting on Sept. 13 with Manatee County, but the meeting has since been canceled.

“The Home Depot is dropping the contract on this specific site due to a number of land development challenges,” Sarah McDonald, the director of Home Depot Public Affairs and Community Investments, wrote in an email.

The proposed site was a combination of three privately owned parcels. None of the parcels was owned by Lakewood Ranch developer Schroeder-Manatee Ranch.

While they can breathe a sigh of relief now, local residents were making it known they were worried about semi-truck traffic they expected a Home Depot to generate.

“We have several kids in our neighborhood, who go to Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy, and they ride their bikes,” said Lorraine Lakes resident Mary Buck before Home Depot announced its decision to drop pur-

Goetsch said a lot of children in her neighborhood attend Gullett Elementary School and Dr. Mona Jain Middle School.

“It’s alarming to me, as a parent, that we’d want that kind of bigbox store with commercial traffic plopped in the middle of a residential neighborhood,” Goetsch said.

Besides starting a petition, within days residents had created a website, opened a Facebook page, bought signs and T-shirts, and launched an email drive with a QR code to protest.

On Sept. 3, Harvard and Esplanade neighbor Dan Creek drove to the corner in a golf cart, set up a chair and took turns waving the one sign the group had at the time. Additional signs were on order.

Creek said about 30 residents had agreed to wave signs on that corner. He was going to schedule people in pairs for two-hour shifts between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Cars honked in support as they drove by Creek and Harvard. One driver stopped and gave them a $20 bill to help the cause.

Manatee County commissioners stayed quiet on the matter.

Commissioner George Kruse explained that there was nothing to actually comment on because commissioners didn’t have all the information yet.

Home Depot didn’t respond to any follow-up questions as to what the specific challenges for development were.

“I think there’s a floodplain behind the property they were going to build on, and they were having some

development concerns,” Creek said.

“But I think that we might have pushed them over the edge. They might have continued had they not seen the community was so adamantly opposed to it.”

Neighbors, who signed the petition, certainly don’t think the group’s efforts were done too soon or in vain. When the Neighbors Against the Home Depot at Lorraine and Rangeland posted a request to Facebook for $433 on Sept. 8 to cover its costs, $275 came in within a day.

The cash and Venmo transfers came with comments thanking the group for its hard work.

Carolyn McDevitt posted, “Once again, there is power in numbers!!! Hopefully, we won’t have to do this again.”

Creek isn’t letting his guard down.

“The team still needs to be diligent and continue to closely monitor the Manatee County Board of Commis-

“It’s alarming to me, as a parent, that we’d want that kind of big-box store with commercial traffic plopped in the middle of a residential neighborhood.”

Maryann Goetsch

sioners agenda items to make sure that this thing doesn’t pop up again in the very near future,” he said.

“We’re still engaged, and we’re still going to monitor this stuff.”

Republican Robert McCann, who won the primary, is running for the District 5 seat on the commission to represent the Lakewood Ranch area. He was one of the recipients of the

email blasts, along with the seated commissioners.

“If (a project) goes to the commission, it’s too late,” McCann said of the protests. “But somebody has to put in a plan to be reviewed, that’s when the timeline starts, so that’s the time to react.”

McCann’s advice is for concerned citizens to go to their district commissioner first to see what they know or can find out about the project when it’s in the pre-application stage. When in the application stage, he said to make sure there are reasons on behalf of public health and safety as to why the project shouldn’t be approved. Then offer alternatives could be offered.

“Through the success of our efforts, we raised significant awareness to this,” Creek said. “Others are beginning to emulate our actions and become engaged politically in the community.”

Scholarship opportunity stems from love for science

Lakewood Ranch High School student among 30 students vying internationally for $250,000 scholarship.

HOW TO VOTE

Want to support Addison Shea’s venture to winning the Breakthrough Junior Challenge?

Watch and like Shea’s video

“Addison, Life Sciences, USA, North America Region: 2024 Breakthrough Junior Challenge Popular Vote” on YouTube.com.

Watch and like Shea’s video on Lakewood Ranch High School’s Facebook page.

Addison Shea woke up in the middle of the night days after taking her Advanced Placement Biology exam during the last school year.  Topics addressed on that exam flooded into her mind and sparked inspiration for a video she wanted to create to enter the Breakthrough Junior Challenge, an annual, global science video competition for high school students.

Now a senior at Lakewood Ranch

High School, Shea had an idea to explain chromatin regulation. She thought she could use the analogy of comparing pasta to DNA strands to explain DNA methylation and histone acetylation.

She said the comparison could be a helpful and accessible analogy to explain the concept.

Contest judges agreed. Shea was one of 2,500 students selected from around the world to participate in the challenge, and she is now among the top 30 in the final stage of the challenge — the popular vote. Whoever receives the most “likes” on their

MEET THE SCHOLARSHIP FINALIST

ADDISON SHEA

School: Lakewood Ranch High School Year in school: Senior Favorite subject: Advanced Placement Environmental Science

Extracurriculars: Cross country, National Honor Society, Girl Up, peer tutoring, NASA summer internship Dream school: Yale University Major: Double major in environmental science and computer science

video wins. The winner will receive a $250,000 scholarship and also will be able to give $50,000 to the teacher of the winner’s choice. The student’s school will receive a $100,000 science lab.

Shea’s video is available on Facebook and YouTube.

The challenge intrigued Shea because it required students to answer the “why” and “how” behind STEM concepts.

It’s the answer to those questions that attracts Shea to the sciences.

She said the beauty of science is being able to find applicable ways to explain concepts, answer why they’re important and show the relevancy. Her comparison of fettuccini pasta to DNA strands is an example.

It’s the “a-ha” moments she has in the classroom that drive her to learn as much as she can, as she sees how everything is interconnected. For example, how biotechnology connects to sustainable agriculture.

Once she had her idea for the video, Shea found the filming process stimulating. She stacked a pile of books and placed her camera on top to film herself.

To bring her pasta analogy to life, she became a chef. Then she incorporated graphics and animation to liven up the video and make it more engaging as well as provide visual explanations.

“It was exciting to see it finally come together,” she said.  Shea said winning the scholarship

“We have kids who come through Lakewood Ranch High School who are bright and hardworking, but Addison is a full-package kid.”

Samantha Biggs, student support specialist at Lakewood Ranch High

would be life-changing.

The scholarship would allow her to receive her undergraduate degree debt free. As a result, she said she would be able to afford to pursue a graduate degree.

Shea’s dream school is Yale University, but she also plans to apply to other Ivy League universities, as well as the University of Michigan. She plans to double major in environmental science and computer science.

She dreams of having a profession in academia and research, focusing mainly on environmental science.

Being able to win a science lab for Lakewood Ranch High School would be an honor, Shea said.

If she wins, she said she would give the $50,000 award to Samantha Biggs, the student support specialist at Lakewood Ranch High who also has taught her.

Shea said it would be incredible to bring home those wins to her high school.

“I could support the school and these teachers who have supported me so much throughout these four years,” she said.

Biggs said Shea is a “once-in-alifetime” student.

“We have kids who come through Lakewood Ranch High School who are bright and hardworking, but Addison is a full-package kid,” Biggs said.

“She’s kind, respectful, inquisitive beyond her peers. She always wants to know the why. It’s inspiring when you sit back and watch a kid who’s working through a problem that nobody else is even thinking of, and they ask those questions that elicit conversation in your classroom that never would have happened if it wasn’t for those gears turning.”

Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, PA

Residency & Chief Residency: Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ

Fellowship:

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX

A legacy of love

‘She did simple, little things that people would cherish’.

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

The enormous success of Willis Smith Construction allowed Lakewood Ranch’s Dave and Amy Sessions to travel the world, exploring nature’s most fascinating and remote environments.

But one place stood above all others when it came to Amy Sessions’ favorite place to be.

Home.

Dave Sessions stood earlier this week at their Lake Club home, pointing through the door of their bedroom closet. He was talking about all the special qualities of Amy, who died Aug. 3 at their Maggie Valley, North Carolina, vacation home after a fall down the stairs. Dave was showing some examples of what made her extraordinary.

In the closet, he opened a cabinet that was stuffed full of many items. Amy had stashed away a collection of gifts, little things just to brighten a person’s day. There was a Yahtzee game, articles of clothing, knickknacks and even a can of corned beef hash — just in case a gag gift was in order.

On the floor was a couple rolls of gift wrap, scissors and tape. It all was at the ready in case someone needed a pick-me-up, or a smile.

“She did simple, little things that people would cherish,” said Dave, his eyes watering. “Little ... loving ... caring ... things.”

“She always knew what gift to get a person,” said her daughter, Haley, who is 32. “She was so good at that. She constantly was thinking about other people. You could hear her voice brighten when she talked about being able to help someone. She was so good with people, even though she didn’t think she was.”

It was a striking dichotomy when considering Amy was a shy, almost reclusive person who mostly just wanted to be surrounded by Haley, Dave, and their son, Doug, who is 31. Yet, she would stop the car to help a homeless person she never had met.

At 10:30 a.m., Sept. 14, a funeral service for Amy Sessions will be held at the Church of St. Patrick in Sarasota. A celebration of life will follow at the church’s Fellowship Hall at noon.

The family is trying to find the best way to describe their love of Amy to those who attend the services. They will have to find the words, through their grief, because Amy’s impact on the world around her — outside of home — was often done in anonymity.

Haley told a story about her mom attending a fundraiser at the Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota. Willis Smith Construction had made donations to the fundraiser and Dave and Amy were attending.

Haley was out that night, but when she arrived home, she found the house cluttered with paintings.

“Some of them were good, some of them were morbid,” Haley said. “She bought all the paintings of the kids who couldn’t sell them at the fundraiser. It was crazy — we had paintings everywhere. She wanted to support everyone.

“I had nine apartments in 11 years, and I had a couple of those paintings,” Haley said with a laugh.

When it came to her children, no task was too hard for Amy.

“She always was there at the drop of a hat,” Doug said of his mother. “I live now in Raleigh (North Carolina). When I moved in, she sent me a big box of little things. In there was an

obscene amount of paper towels ... two years worth. We still joked about it. It always was a challenge to her to find out what you needed, and then to get it.” Doug called his mother “a homebody like me.”

“She always was so supportive. Anything I wanted to do, she was nurturing.

“She loved me, and she was caring. Whenever she would see me over the holidays, she would tear up. I guess that is what moms do.”

He said she embraced being a mom and didn’t have second thoughts about not pursuing her own career.

“She didn’t regret anything,” Doug said.

The love story between Dave and Amy Sessions began at the University of Florida when Amy’s roommate set them up on a date. Dave thought it was more of an outing with several of their friends along. But no one showed up other than the two of them.

Dave proceeded to take Amy to the campus basketball arena — the Stephen C. O’Connell Center — which at the time was being built with an inflatable roof. Dave, the future builder, was intrigued.

“When I first saw Amy, I thought she was cute, adorable,” Dave remembered. “She was very quiet and shy, and I told her we were going to break into a construction site. I was so fascinated by it.

“It was an arena with an inflatable roof and I wanted to figure out how they did it. They had a series of underground tunnels and tubes. The whole building was pressurized.

“Did she have an interest in it? None. We walked over there, and I

“She always was so supportive. Anything I wanted to do, she was nurturing.”

Doug Sessions

was explaining things. We climbed stairs and ladders and scaffolding.”

They got to the top of the arena, 110 feet up, and took a moment to look over the campus and up at the stars. But it didn’t seem to matter. Amy told Dave later that it was her worst date ever.

Even so, when they got back to their dorm (Trusler Hall, men on one side of the dorm, women on the other), and were saying good night, Amy leaned over ... and kissed Dave.

“She said she saw stars,” Dave said. “I did, too.”

He still didn’t think he had much of a chance.

“I was the geeky guy who loved talking about buildings,” Dave said. “But it started to grow into a romance.”

It helped the romance along that Dave cleaned up his act when he went to meet her parents.

“I was long-haired and rebellious,” he said. “I was somebody no parent would want to see. It was a huge change in me. I wanted to be a better person and I wanted to give this woman everything she desired.”

It will be 40 years in November since they were married. They had planned a trip to Europe to celebrate the occasion. It was 1988 when Dave Sessions

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joined Willis Smith Construction as a program manager, and shortly afterward bought the company. Sessions was all-in financially, so things were tight as he and Amy planned to start a family. The company had an entire revenue of $2.9 million his first year.

Amy was eight months pregnant when she gave up her fashion career with Burdines department store, where she was quickly moving up the ranks. She had a goal of being a buyer of merchandise.

With Willis Smith Construction struggling to find its way, it was a tough decision to have just one income in the household.

“I wanted her to have the joy of being a mother,” Dave said.

After giving up her own career, she supported her husband in any way she could.

“In those next 10 years, she helped me with the marketing and the press releases,” Dave said. “She wrote the company newsletter for years.”

At company events, she helped Dave size up possible clients. Haley said her mother had an uncanny ability to size up people in a matter of minutes.

Her intuition paid off for Dave, as

“She had such a different perspective than I did. It helped me in those early days. And there were times that I absolutely should have listened to her. We made a wonderful team.”

Dave Sessions

long as he would listen.

“She had such a different perspective than I did,” Dave said. “It helped me in those early days. And there were times that I absolutely should have listened to her. We made a wonderful team.”

Willis Smith Construction turned into a giant, doing $138 in business in 2022, the last time Dave made company revenues public. Along the way, Amy concentrated more on the kids and the household.

But even if Amy wasn’t hands-on at Willis Smith, Dave said her contribution was invaluable.

“The way you would win a project was through research, desire and passion,” he said. “That takes time. I never would have had that time if she hadn’t been taking care of everything else.”

Despite Dave’s 80-hour work weeks, Any made sure the family traveled together, to national parks, to lakes, to ski slopes, everywhere they could to be close to nature.

As they grew older, she liked attending the company events less and less.

She loved gardening and being around the house. When Dave and Amy bought the vacation home in the Maggie Valley of North Carolina, she found a new slice of heaven with bears, turkeys, raccoons, deer and bobcats on the property.

They were there in the days before she died. Just after midnight on Aug. 3, Dave and Amy were asleep when something woke her up. A bear had been visiting their front porch almost nightly, and Amy loved going downstairs to watch it.

Dave wonders if Amy heard the bear and was making her way downstairs in a slumber. In the past, when Amy had gone to watch the bear, she wouldn’t turn on any lights in the log home so as to not scare it away.

He is left to wonder if Amy didn’t turn on the lights for that reason and took a misstep.

“One misstep, and our lives are changed forever,” he said quietly.

They had begun spending more time there after Dave partially went into retirement last year. His full retirement has been coming as he finishes “paper work” and eases out the door of Willis Smith. She was pushing him to retire soon.

“We were at the stage where we were going to be together, and we could do anything we wanted,” Dave said.

Through his sadness, Dave tries to recreate their most amazing moments in his mind. He most remembers the look on her face after the birth of each of their children.

“The look of exhaustion,” Dave said. “Then that look of instant, instinctive, motherly love.”

“That and I remember looking into her eyes when we got married ... the way she looked at me.”

HONORING AMY

What: Services for Amy Leigh Sessions (March 8, 1961-Aug. 3, 2024)

Where: Church of Saint Patrick, 7900 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota

When: Service begins at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 14, with a luncheon for family and friends following at noon in the Church Fellowship Hall.

About Amy: Born in Cleveland Ohio, she resided in Lakewood Ranch for many years and later enjoyed a mountain home in North Carolina. She was an alumnus of the Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale. Amy had a profound love for animals, wildlife and gardening. Above all, her greatest joy was her family.

Survived by: Her husband, David Sessions; her children, Haley and Douglas Sessions; sisters Nancy (Torma) Policoff, Kathy (Torma) Crognale, Frances (Torma) Bearden; her brother, Thomas Torma; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank S. Torma and Marie Claire Torma.

In lieu of flowers: The family kindly requests donations be made to the Amy Sessions Memorial Fund c/o Gulf Coast Community Foundation at GulfCoastCF.org/Sessions, to continue her legacy of generosity and love for the community.

Manatee County 101

The Citizens Academy offers residents a look at how Manatee County operates.

LESLEY

DWYER STAFF WRITER

Bradenton was originally called Braidentown. Manatee County’s adopted gross budget went up 23.97% from 2023 to 2024. Homes built after March 2012 can withstand winds of up to 150 miles per hour.

Those are just a few of the facts residents have been learning at Manatee County’s Citizens Academy.

The eight-week program, running from Aug. 7 through Sept. 25 at the Lakewood Ranch Library, walks citizens through various county departments and introduces those participating to Manatee County staff members.

The county’s goal for citizens is to inform them about how the county operates with the hope that some of those in attendance can act as informal ambassadors.

“They’ll have a much broader education of the county than your regular person,” said Debbie DeLeon, division manager for the county’s Neighborhood Connections, which is hosting the academy. “If asked questions, they know where to send people. Or they might say, ‘I heard a lesson on code enforcement: Do this or do that.’”

DeLeon said the last Citizens Academy was held “many moons ago,” so this class is a test run.

There are 30 citizens enrolled and another 15 on a waitlist. The county is considering offering the program twice a year.

“The feedback we receive from upper management will determine the future for the program,” said Laura Ruiz, a senior neighborhood services specialist for Manatee County.

Staff members are collecting feedback from residents so they can make improvements for future sessions.

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rah George and Patty McHugh are enjoying the academy, but agree that the course material is too general. McHugh called it “fluff.”

“For me, I would like to learn even more,” George said. “Some people are really good at knowing what’s happening in the county and want to see it in action and experience it, but we haven’t had that chance.”

McHugh would have liked the class to offer tours beyond the library. For instance, she wanted to see the water treatment plant firsthand.

Ruiz said the county will use the feedback. Extending beyond eight weeks, longer classes, day classes and on-site tours of county facilities are all under consideration.

The classes are on Wednesday nights for an hour-and-a-half, which Ruiz said was “relatively short” considering how much material certain departments have to cover.

For this first round, not all 14 departments were represented. Instead, the eight departments that receive the most interest from the public were covered.

Open House Event

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

The 2023-24 season was a big year for milestones among Sarasota’s cultural institutions. Both Florida Studio Theatre and Marie Selby Gardens celebrated their silver anniversaries, marking 50 years since their inception. The institution now known as Sarasota Orchestra turned 75 years old, while the Sarasota Music Festival marked its 60th birthday.

As the 2024-25 season approaches, other notable anniversaries are in the wings. The group founded as The Sarasota Players, which recently reverted back to that monicker, is kicking off its 95th season, while Key Chorale is raising the curtain on its 40th season, its ruby anniversary.

As befitting a cultural institution known for its collaboration with other artistic groups, Key Chorale will kick off its 2024-25 season with a program called “On Our Way” featuring the jazz/gospel quartet The Stephen Lynerd Group.

Joining Key Chorale’s 110 singers on Sept. 21 will be local baritone Jamal Sarikoki, who will also perform with the symphonic chorus two other times during the upcoming season.

“This music speaks to the struggles and triumphs of the entire human condition,” says Caulkins about the gospel/jazz program. “It lifts us all as we strive toward a greater place. While much of the music is Christian based, no matter who or how you worship, you’ll find this music will resonate and fill your soul.”

BIG SHOES TO FILL

Caulkins, who is starting his 18th season at Key Chorale, is only the second artistic director in the group’s history. He took the baton in 2007

AR BY ANNIVERSARY

from Daniel Moe, who served for 21 years. Before joining Key Chorale, Moe was the conductor of the Oberlin College Choir in Ohio and was dubbed the “dean of choral conductors” by The New Yorker magazine. Moe’s wife, Ann StephensonMoe, organist and choirmaster of Church of the Redeemer, and Don B. Ryno, minister of music at St. Boniface Church, founded Key Chorale in 1985. Moe announced his retirement in October 2005, giving the organization plenty of time to find his successor. Caulkins was chosen to lead Key Chorale after a nationwide search. He came to Florida from Illinois, where he was artistic director and conductor of the Bach Chamber Choir in Rockford and directed the St. Procopius Chamber Orchestra and Choirs at Benedictine University in Lisle.

Despite the towering legacy of his predecessor, Caulkins has put his unmistakable stamp on Key Chorale, forging creative collaborations with such local arts groups as the Sarasota Ballet, the Circus Arts Conservatory and Westcoast Black TheatreTroupe.

With the help of his board and members, Key Chorale has enriched the community by supporting youth education and bringing music to elderly and disabled music lovers who may not easily attend live con-

certs or perform themselves.

Other feathers in Caulkins’ cap (The avid alpinist has more than one.) are Key Chorale appearances in Washington, D.C., and Europe, as well as innovative programs such as last year’s Bachtoberfest, bringing together the joys of Bach and beer, and Misatango, which combined Argentinian tango with a Latin Mass.

SINGING THE PRAISES OF THE MAESTRO

No one would accuse the gregarious, fun-loving Caulkins of hiding his light under a bushel, but in the interest of modesty, we’ve tapped longtime Key Chorale member Lorraine Murphy to crow about the group’s achievements during its 40-year history.

Murphy moved to Sarasota in 1987, after enjoying singing success in the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, area. She joined Key Chorale, which was then called Gloria Musica, after auditioning. Today, Murphy is the soprano section leader of Key Chorale, which counts 35 sopranos among its ranks.

In addition to fielding questions and taking attendance at rehearsals, Murphy keeps her section updated on personal news such as births, marriages, travel and deaths. She also compares notes with her counterparts — the alto, tenor and bass section leaders.

During Murphy’s long tenure with

Collaboration with other cultural groups has been Key Chorale’s hallmark during its 40-year history.

Key Chorale, the number of singers has remained relatively constant, she says. What has changed is the number of performances, which has risen to 17 this season. “When I first started under Daniel and Ann, there will only about two or three classical masterworks a year,” she said in a telephone interview.

In addition to Caulkins’ penchant for artistic collaboration, Murphy gives him kudos for forming a smaller chamber singer group of about 25 members, who won their positions through auditions. “This allows us to come up with concert-ready material more quickly,” she says. “The

one of

most anticipated events.

chamber singers can also perform on their own.”

USING

TO KEEP EVERYONE IN TUNE

What has really been a game changer, Murphy says, is Caulkins’ willingness to embrace technology to help Key Chorale members prepare for performances. “Joe has upped the communications game with online tools and online videos of the chamber singers doing the music in the summer,” she says. “All of our rehearsals are video. If someone is out of town, they can catch up.”

It’s no secret that awards are prized by many in the arts. Hollywood has the Oscars, Broadway has the Tonys, TV has the Emmys and the music industry has the Grammys.

Community music and choral groups like bringing home their version of Olympic gold, silver and bronze. The Suncoast Concert Band, which celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2023, is quite proud of its Sudler Silver Scroll, awarded in 1993 by the John Philip Sousa Foundation.

At Key Chorale, the trophy case includes the 2020 Chorus America Award for Education and Community Engagement, which was given in honor of the group’s extensive education programs reaching more than 400 students each year, and its commitment to community outreach.

The first chair of educational committee, Murphy helped develop Key Chorale’s student scholar leadership program, now in its seventh year. Through this program, 12 to 15 scholars have the privilege of singing with Key Chorale after auditioning. They also receive complimentary voice lessons, free concert tickets

and can earn scholarship money by performing such duties as running a rehearsal.

At the end of the season, the scholars perform a “soiree,” which Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Artistic Director Nate Jacobs has allowed to take place in recent years on the WBTT stage at the Donelly Theatre.

A MARRIAGE BASED ON MUSIC

For their efforts, Murphy and her husband, Holden, received Key Chorale’s Standing Ovation Award for Leadership in 2021, which she said was a real surprise. Holden has held several administrative positions within the symphonic chorus including board president, board member and director of donor engagement. He is retiring from the latter position to become Key Chorale’s ambassador at large.

In addition to playing up Caulkins’ achievements, Murphy is a cheerleader for her husband’s involvement in Key Chorale. “He was the first nonmusician to become board president,” she notes.

“It was a little rocky at first,” she adds, but the organizational skills Holden honed during a career in the automotive industry paid off for Key Chorale.

Without Caulkins’ ability to forge partnerships, Murphy says, Key Chorale would never have gone to the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in 2017, which celebrated circus arts. Along with Circus Arts Conservatory President and CEO Pedro Reis, Caulkins created the Cirque des Voix in 2011. The marriage of voice, music and thrilling aerial performances has become one of the most popular events of season in Sarasota.

Caulkins has extended Key Chorale’s international reach with foreign tours, a tradition that began under Moe, who took the chorus to Prague, Vienna and Budapest in 2001.

Key Chorale returned to Europe in 2009, when they presented concerts in France and Italy, including one in Asolo, Sarasota’s sister city, and performed at a Mass at the historic San Marco Basilica in Venice. Three years later, Key Chorale toured Ireland and Scotland, including performing in Saint Giles’ Cathedral.

Caulkins was recognized for his tireless artistic efforts in 2019, when he won the Arts Leadership Award for Artistic Achievement from the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County.

Newcomers to Sarasota like myself have to depend on longtimers like Murphy and Holden to put Key Chorale in perspective. It would seem difficult to top last season’s schedule, but Caulkins is pulling out the stops for the Ruby Anniversary.

Instead of Bachtoberfest, this year’s hops-infused celebration will be a Baroquetoberfest, a three-day, four-concert festival that will run from Oct. 18-20.

PIONEER MEMBER OF FIRST LIVING ARTS FESTIVAL

In true trailblazing fashion, Caulkins has brought Key Chorale on board for the city’s first Living Arts Festival, Sarasota Rising, with a youth celebration on Nov. 17. The festival is the creative “baby” of Jeffery Kin, former artistic director of The Players.

Key Chorale’s holiday lineup will include its traditional collaboration with the Sarasota Ballet’s studio

company on Dec. 1, a performance called “Winter’s Glow,” as well as a team effort with the Venice Symphony from Dec. 20-22 called “Home for the Holidays.”

South Florida triplets The Lubben Brothers have decamped to Nashville to pursue their music career there, but the band will be back in Sarasota to perform with Key Chorale in a program called “American Roots: Storytellers” from Jan. 18-19. It wouldn’t be season for circus arts fans without the annual Cirque des Voix, Key Chorale’s evolving partnership with the Circus Arts Conservatory. Mark your calendars for March 21-22. Don’t be surprised if you see some familiar faces in the orchestra accompanying Key Chorale and the aerialists. It’s a circus day for some members of the Sarasota Orchestra. Step right up, folks, for Key Chorale’s 40th season. It promises to be a real gem — a ruby, in fact.

Ghezzi

Jennifer and Roger Holland

Gettin’ crabby with it

In a town full of crabby options, here’s the ultimate guide to crab delicacies.

Growing up, my sister and I begged our parents for an older brother. One of the many things that made me fall in love with my husband was watching him be an older brother. The relationship that Patrick and my sister-in-law, Anna, have is the one that my sister and I dreamed of with our hypothetical brother.

When Anna told us she was pregnant, I immediately pondered, “Can pregnant women eat crab?” Anna is a crab aficionado, and I couldn’t imagine her being crab-less for nine months — but she was.

Our nephew, Elliott, was born in March, and I am still waiting for my sister-in-law to visit. In the meantime, I’ve found claw-some eats for her to try upon her return.

TOASTIQUE 10 S. Lemon Ave., Sarasota; 941312-4099; Toastique.com/Sarasota

Crab-tivating Eats: Step into this modern bistro and feel transported to a trendy spot you thought you’d only see on social media. Ever hear of gourmet toast? Whether you answer “yes” or “no,” it’s here. Snack on the spicy crab toast ($16) made with lump crab, melted Swiss and fontina, siracha aioli, tomato, bibb lettuce, jalapeno, microgreens and lemon twist on rustico toast.

Shell-ebrate Flavor: Searching for summer flavors that aren’t found in a shell? The tomato burrata ($13) makes me forget my fear of tomatoes. Stacked with herbed ricotta, pesto, tomatoes, beautiful burrata, basil, olive oil, balsamic glaze on rustico toast, this gourmet moment will leave you gleeful.

FUEGO COMIDA & TEQUILA LOUNGE 11615 FL-70, Lakewood Ranch; 941751-5252; FuegoTequilaLounge.com

Crab-tivating Eats: On Sunday, brunch is served at this contemporary comida café, and the La Gorda Maria Bloody Mary serves four. Be prepared for the price tag ($200 — split four ways, remember). It includes their famous fuego bloody with chilled prawns, lobster tail, Ahi ceviche and Dungeness crab. Don’t stop the crab tour there! Order the crab Benedict ($26) with lump crab, asparagus, poached eggs, chipotle hollandaise with shaved truffles on a toasted English muffin.

Shell-ebrate Flavor: Please browse your menu, and I will wait for your jaw to drop when you hit Mexico City garlic noodles ($25+). Gracious heaps of garlic butter, fresh lo mein, secret sauce tied together with cotija and scallions. Add whole Dungeness crab (market price) to make it a crab feast frenzy.

BIG WATER FISH MARKET 6639 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key; 941-554-8101; BigWaterFishMarket.com

Crab-tivating Eats: When I was a kid, I was a picky eater. But one thing I always wanted to order was a soft-shell crab sandwich. This Siesta spot supplies me with a sensational crab sandwich ($18): lightly fried soft-shell crab, lettuce, tomato (pass for me) and elite-tasting aioli on a brioche bun.

Shell-ebrate Flavor: Market price, shmarket price: Don’t let that stop you from indulging. Go ahead, treat yourself to the snow crab legs (market price) served with one pound of stupendously scrumptious snow crab, corn and potatoes.

SAMURAI JAPANESE FUSION 1936 Hillview St., Sarasota; 941777-7707; Samurai-FL.com

Crab-tivating Eats: This relatively new sushi and hibachi location dishes out tasty Japanese cuisine crab offerings. I may have to unbutton my pants to finish this plate, but the Out of Control roll ($17.99) with soft-shell crab tempura, cucumber, topped with spicy tuna, avocado and chef’s special sauce is worth every bite (and unbutton).

Shell-ebrate Flavor: The Hillview team took crab rangoon, innovated and elevated it to create the golden cream cheese ($8.95): seasoned crab meat cream cheese wrapped in wonton shell, deep fried and served with special mango sauce.

THE PORCH RESTAURANT ANNA MARIA 9707 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria; 941782-8683; ThePorchAMI.com

Crab-tivating Eats: Now open for three years, this quaint and colorful restaurant cooks everything from scratch, in-house with no additives or preservatives. First order of business? One Cajun shrimp and crab dip ($20) served with naan and crostinis, which makes a bread lover like me one happy camper.

Shell-ebrate Flavor: While I’m here at the Porch, I can’t skip dessert. The burnt basque cheesecake will change your culinary views. Imagine if créme brûlée and cheesecake morphed into one heavenly dessert.

THIS WEEK

THURSDAY

DEAN NAPOLITANO

7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd.

$26 Visit McCurdysComedy.com.

Dean Napolitano’s latest effort is “The Caregiver Comedy Special,” about the four years he spent taking care of his Italian-American father. Runs through Sept. 15.

OPENING RECEPTION: BECK

LANE EXHIBITION

5-7 p.m. at Gaze Gallery at Arcos, 340 Central Ave.

Free Visit CreativeLiberties.net.

Creative Liberties, which curates the gallery, welcomes artist Beck Lane. Runs through Oct. 31.

‘SEUSSICAL’

7:30 p.m. at The Sarasota Players, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1130 $30; $13 for students Visit ThePlayers.org.

The Sarasota Players presents “Seussical,” a musical based on the many children’s books by Dr. Seuss. Runs through Sept. 22.

FRIDAY

’THE MOUSETRAP’

7:30 p.m. at the Pinkerton Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice $35 Visit VeniceTheatre.org.

DON’T MISS

GALLOWAY’S FURNITURE SHOWROOM

When: Runs through Oct. 27

Where: Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail Tickets: Free with $15 admission Info: Visit SarasotaArtMuseum.org.

Opened in 1959, Galloway’s Furniture Showroom became an instant local landmark with a circular design by Victor Lundy, a leading figure of the Sarasota School of Architecture. In the 1980s, renovation concealed the building’s original structure and windows. This exhibition, curated by Architecture Sarasota President Morris Hylton, explores the building’s architectural significance and reimagines new designs and uses for the former furniture store.

Scott Keys directs the Venice Theatre’s production of Agatha Christie’s murder mystery. Runs through Sept. 15.

CLASSIC MOVIES AT THE OPERA HOUSE: ‘A FISTFUL OF DOLLARS’

7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 63 N. Pineapple Ave.

$12

Visit SarasotaOpera.org.

Come see the 1964 film starring Clint Eastwood and directed by Sergio Leone that kicked off the “spaghetti Western” genre.

SATURDAY

COMEDY LOTTERY

7:30 p.m. at FST’s Bowne’s Lab, 1265 First St. $15-$18

Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Everyone’s a winner in this FST Improv show, where audience members select the night’s lineup of games, replete with scenes, sketches and songs. Runs Saturdays through Sept. 28.

OUR PICK

JAZZ THURSDAY Jazz Club of Sarasota presents Hot Tonic Orchestra on the Marcy & Michael Klein Plaza. The evening features extended hours in the galleries, bistro and shop.

IF YOU GO

When: 5:30 p.m. Sept. 12

Where: Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail Tickets: Free to $25 Info: Visit SarasotaArtMuseum.org.

Season 29 | Talent Unveiled ArtistSeriesConcerts.org 941-306-1202

September Serenade

Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt, viola; Bharat Chandra, clarinet; Natalie Nedvetsky, piano

September 22, 4:00 pm • First Presbyterian Church

A founding member of the Dover String Quartet, Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt received two Grammy nominations and was awarded first prize in multiple chamber music competitions. Sarasota Orchestra principal clarinetist Bharat Chandra has performed in concerts throughout the world, including at the Sydney Opera House, Lincoln Center, and the Ravinia Festival. Natalie Nedvetsky is a laureate of several international piano competitions. This program includes trios by Mozart, Bruch, and Robert Schumann, and an arrangement of Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet for viola and piano.

French Connection

Arnaud Sussmann, violin and Michael Stephen Brown, piano

October 8, 7:30 pm • Church of the Palms

CHILDREN FIRST FALL EVENTS

Over the past decade, Children First’s fall events have collectively provided more than $1.1 million in support to our community’s most vulnerable children and families. Hosted annually on the last Wednesday of October and the first Saturday of November, the Flip Flops & Fashion Luncheon and Rockin’ Lobster Beach Party are more than just fundraisers—they showcase family empowerment. As the exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services for Sarasota County, this critical funding provides at-risk children and families with the resources they need to achieve self-sufficiency and long-term success.

At Flip Flops & Fashion, presented by Bealls Inc., guests experience a unique blend of philanthropy and fashion. Dining on delicious fare from Sharky’s on the Pier, attendees watch as friends and colleagues showcase the latest styles against the stunning backdrop of the Gulf. The event is not just a fashion fête; it’s a celebration of community impact. Leah Jones, a 2023 parent speaker, shared how Children First has empowered her as both a parent and a community leader, highlighting the transformative power of this support.

Rockin’ Lobster, presented by JPMorgan Chase & Co. — Chase Bank offers a relaxed, seaside experience with live music and mouthwatering lobster dishes. Set against the beautiful Venice Fishing Pier, this event is a testament to the power of community coming together for a cause. For Renee Sensenbrenner, another past parent speaker, Children First provided her daughter with essential services that she could not have found elsewhere, underscoring the organization’s commitment to inclusivity.

While these events create memorable experiences, they are chiefly critical to the ongoing mission of Children First. With every dollar raised, more children and families gain access to the resources they need to break the cycle of poverty and achieve lasting success.

Be a part of these impactful events and help make a difference by purchasing tickets online now. Your attendance at Flip Flops & Fashion or Rockin’ Lobster not only promises a fun and memorable experience, but also directly supports Children First’s mission of empowering children and families in our community. Visit childrenfirst. net to secure your tickets and join us in creating a brighter future for those who need it most!

French-born violinist Arnaud Sussmann and pianist Michael Stephen Brown have been heard in recitals and with major orchestras across Europe, Israel, and the United States, and have been featured on PBS Live broadcasts as Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center artists. Their program of French music includes sonatas by Debussy and Saint-Saëns.

Art Center Sarasota Executive Director Kinsey Robb is stepping down

Robb is leaving to pursue a nonprofit visual arts role in New York City.

MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Kinsey Robb, who guided Art Center Sarasota through the pandemic and elevated the profile of the 98-year-old cultural institution, is departing after three years as executive director.

Robb is leaving to pursue a nonprofit visual arts role in New York City, where she lived before moving to Sarasota in 2021.

A graduate of Syracuse University’s Visual and Performing Arts program, Robb worked at such high-powered art galleries as Gagosian, Lehmann Maupin and Perrotin.

Reflecting on her tenure, Robb called her three years at Art Center Sarasota “immensely rewarding.”

She added, “I am constantly inspired by the talent, enthusiasm and dedication of our artists and the Sarasota community. As I look ahead, I am excited about Art Center Sarasota’s growth and evolution.”

Although it is Sarasota’s oldest artistic institution, Art Center Sarasota is frequently misunderstood. It isn’t a museum and doesn’t charge an admission fee. The nonprofit gallery holds regional juried shows and solo exhibitions that allow artists to sell their works. It also offers art education, including summer camps for children.

Located at 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Art Center Sarasota now finds itself within the confines of The Bay, Sarasota’s two-year-old public park.

During her tenure, Robb improved the physical plant of Art Center Sarasota, hired professional installers and streamlined the submission process, working together with Christina Baril, curator and director of exhibitions.

Art Center Sarasota’s opening receptions have become mustattend events for arts patrons in Sarasota as have its talks with artists and jurors for its themed regional shows.

“On behalf of the entire board of directors, we extend our deepest gratitude to Kinsey for her exceptional leadership and dedication over the past years,” said Ramsey Frangie, Art Center Sarasota board president, in a statement. “Her inspirational guidance through unprecedented times has been instrumental in our growth and success.”

Frangie added that the organization will launch a search for a new executive director soon.

Like other Florida cultural institutions, Art Center Sarasota lost funding in June when Gov. Ron DeSantis unexpectedly vetoed $32 million earmarked for state cultural grants in fiscal 2025. In fiscal 2024, Art Center Sarasota received $45,297 from the state grant. Robb was one of the first arts administrators in Sarasota to speak out publicly about the unprecedented cuts in state arts funding.

Art Center Sarasota will honor Robb with a reception on Tuesday, Sept. 17, from 5 to 7 p.m. Those who plan to attend are asked to RSVP. For more information, visit ArtCenterSarasota.org.

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Putting the fun in fundraising

Residents in University Park, Lake Club, Rosedale and others strive to raise thousands for breast cancer research.

LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR

Lake Club’s Fran Berg came home after being told she had cancer in 2001, then continued on her day as normal.

She still had work to do, children to care for and dinner to put on the table.

“It never occurred to me that I could get cancer,” Berg said. “I had three small children, I worked, I was busy, I was in great shape and I was healthy. It just almost didn’t feel real.”

It wasn’t until her family was sound asleep that the realization of her breast cancer and thyroid cancer diagnoses hit.

She asked herself, “Could I really die?”

Berg said she made a pact with God that night. She wanted to see her children graduate from high school.

She did.

Then she wanted to see them graduate college.  She did.

Now, she’s hoping to see her children get married.

“I feel like I’ve survived a long time, and I’ve been very lucky,” Berg said.

Since then, Berg has worked to give back to the American Cancer Society, which provided resources, a support group and more.

Berg, along with Lake Club’s Maureen Cozzi, hope their Making Strides Against Breast Cancer team, The Lake Club United for a Cure team, will be able to raise $50,000 for the American Cancer Society this year.

And they’re not alone.

Residents in University Park, Rosedale and other communities are working together to raise money for breast cancer research.

This year, The Lake Club United for a Cure team increased its goal from $25,000 to $50,000 because it has continued to surpass expectations. The organization already has raised more than $37,000 for the American Cancer Society. The team raised $18,000 last year.

“I am excited to see that everybody else sees how important this is,” Cozzi said.

This year, The Lake Club United for a Cure team is hosting a luncheon followed by its first Hand, Knee and Foot Tournament on Sept. 26. The lunch and silent auction are open to the public, but the tournament already has been filled.

As breast cancer survivors, Berg, Rosedale’s Linda Kern-Kolquist and University Park’s Ronni Loundy, all said they felt they had to pay it forward. The fundraising efforts, for them, are personal.

“It’s sort of the responsibility I feel because I have been given 23 years, and that’s a gift,” Berg said.  Loundy was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018 and had a mastectomy. She felt alone until she participated in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk at Nathan Benderson Park that fall. The walk inspired her to form her own team and has since been raising money to support the

HOW TO DONATE

Rosedale: PlayForPink.org/Rosedale. Click on donate. Under P4P chapter, write Rosedale. Lake Club: Main.ACSEvents.org/Goto/TheLakeClub University Park: AnswerToCancerSRQ.com

American Cancer Society.

Loundy and University Park’s Eileen Cantarella’s team, Answer to Cancer SRQ, is working to raise $100,000 for a second year in a row to fund a research grant that explores the relationship between aging and metastatic breast cancer. The grant is a four-year commitment to support Dr. Ana Gomes at Moffitt Cancer Center.

“On one side, it’s daunting. It’s a lot of money,” Loundy said. “But on the other hand, it’s very rewarding to know maybe we can do some miracle, that we could have one itsy bitsy little sliver in the process of curing cancer.”

Loundy and Cantarella met with Gomes at the Moffitt Cancer Center last fall and were able to see her work firsthand. Loundy said Gomes’ team is making progress.

“We left there feeling gratified these people were willing to devote their time and effort to doing this research,” Loundy said. “It’s one thing to raise money for cancer, but to know that every dollar we raise goes directly to her project and to know that at the end of four years, when she’s done, we will have completed something is gratifying.”

University Park is hosting its annual Pink Week, which is a week in October consisting of various activities to engage the community in fundraising efforts. From Oct. 21 to Oct. 26, residents will play golf, tennis, pickleball, croquet and more as part of Pink Week.

The Meadows Country Club, Tara Golf and Country Club and Temple Emanu-El all are working in partnership with Cantarella and Loundy to support their efforts.

Kern-Kolquist also is grateful for

the efforts of her Rosedale community.

In 2012, Kern-Kolquist felt a lump in her breast while taking a shower four months after a mammogram. She had it checked a week later and received the heartbreaking news that she had invasive carcinoma.

The diagnosis shocked her. She didn’t have any genetic mutations known for breast cancer.

“It’s just a very freak thing that I am triple negative,” Kern-Kolquist said. “You go through that fear of the unknown.”

As a snowbird, she decided to tackle her treatment in Florida rather than Minnesota, working with doctors at Sarasota Memorial Hospital.

She had a lumpectomy, but the doctors said they didn’t have clear enough margins, so she had another lumpectomy. She had extensive chemotherapy and radiation.

The following three years were filled with fear that her cancer would return as the first three years is when it is most probable for reoccurrence. Each visit every six months was daunting, but it never came back.

Kern-Kolquist wants to give back, especially knowing one in every eight women encounter breast cancer in their life.

Rosedale is hosting its annual Play for Pink, which includes a fashion show, golf tournament, silent auction and tennis tournament. Last year, the community raised $35,000 for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

“You can cry about it, you can swear about it, you can pray about it, but what Play for Pink does is gives us an opportunity to work together, having fun and raising dollars for the organization to fight it.”

A grand celebration

Eleanor Rea, a Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School kindergartner, jumped out of her seat when she saw the school’s wildcat mascot come into the cafeteria.

She and her grandmother, Jessica Williams, were sure to get a photo with the mascot to add another memory to their first Grandparents Night on Sept. 6 at the school.

Williams said Grandparents Night was amazing, and she’s proud to see what her granddaughter has been doing at school.

“There’s a great sense of community here,” Williams said. Besides getting a photo with the mascot, Williams and Rea, along with dozens of other students and their grandparents, ate dinner, browsed a book fair and completed a craft together.

— LIZ RAMOS

Beyond First Class™

YOUR CALENDAR

COMMUNITY

THURSDAY, SEPT. 12

UKULELE FOR BEGINNERS

Begins at 10 a.m. at the Lakewood Ranch Library, 16410 Rangeland Parkway, Lakewood Ranch. If you want to learn to play the ukulele, a representative from Aloha Ukulele is teaching basics of the instrument during a one-hour class. The class is geared for adults 18 and older. Those participating are asked to register at ManateeLibrary.Libcal.com/ Event/12723415.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 13

LEARN TO PLAY GOLF

Begins at 10 a.m. at the Braden River Library, 4915 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton. Ever wanted to learn some basics about golf but were worried about the cost? The Braden River Library hosts a free class for adults 18 and older. The library is supplying a golf pro for the free program. Those who would like to participate are asked to register at ManateeLibrary. Libcal.com/Event/12737428.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 13 AND SATURDAY, SEPT. 14

MUSIC AT THE PLAZA

Runs 6-9 p.m. at Waterside Place, 1560 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch. Acoustic musician/singer Mike Williams will entertain those walking around Waterside Place on Friday night, while singer/songwriter Doug Burns performs on Saturday. For more information, go to WatersidePlace.com.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 13 THROUGH SUNDAY, SEPT. 15

LIVE MUSIC AT JIGGS LANDING

BEST BET

FRIDAY, SEPT. 13

MOVIE IN THE PARK

Runs from 7-10 p.m. at Waterside Park, 7301 Island Cove Terrace, Lakewood Ranch. The feature of the free monthly movie series is “Inside Out.” The family friendly movie begins at sunset. The event is sponsored by Grace Community Church, which provides one Carousels ice cream for the first 300 attendees. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs. Concessions are provided by We B’ Poppin Popcorn and Kettle Corn. Inflatables for the kids will be available from 7-8:30 p.m.

receive eGiftCards or OneBlood gift rewards. For more information, go to NathanBendersonPark.org.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 15

Hop on, kick back and enjoy a scenic cruise. Then hop off to relax on beautiful beaches or explore the Bradenton Riverwalk, museums, galleries and more. It’s the fun and easy way to get around the beaches and downtown.

Scan for Stops and Schedule or Visit: GulfIslandFerry.com

Runs from 5-8 p.m. each day at Jiggs Landing, 6106 63rd St. E., Bradenton. The live music lineup at Jiggs Landing includes Santiago (Friday), Blue Grass Pirates (Saturday) and Zooey (Sunday). All the concerts are free. For more information, go to JiggsLanding.com.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 14

BLOOD DRIVE

Runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. Help save lives by donating blood during the One Blood drive at Nathan Benderson Park. Those who give blood

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, which was just voted as the top farmers market in Florida for the second year in a row, 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.

The right touch for business

The new Elements massage studio offers online booking and month-to-month memberships.

Jason and Irene Brown were just trying to get away.

The couple owns 10 Jersey Mike’s Subs franchises in Denver, Colorado, but their shared and longtime dream was to buy a second home by the water.

The Browns found a home 15 minutes from Siesta Key Beach, but when they went to use their Elements Massage membership, they said the studio was booked.

There’s no rest for entrepreneurs who see an underserved market.

Two years after buying a vacation home, the pair launched another

new business. In partnership with Irene Brown’s sister, Espie Torres, the Browns opened an Elements Massage on Aug. 24 at the Shoppes at UTC.

It’s been quite a change from the hustle and bustle of lunch time at Jersey Mike’s.

“I want to be stressed out (from the bustle of a new business), but I can’t,” Jason Brown whispered inside the quiet studio. “As busy as we’ve been and as stressful as it’s been to open two businesses, it’s so weird because when you’re in the studio, there’s the music, you talk in a soft voice and your stress level just melts.”

The Browns are reviving the Ele-

IF YOU GO Elements Massage, 8241 Cooper Creek Blvd. Hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit ElementsMassage. com/University-Park.

ments franchise in the Shoppes plaza.

The first Elements studio was next to Trader Joe’s, where Norman Love Confections is now.

The owner retired just a little too soon for the Browns to snag that location, so Benderson Development found them a space across the plaza.

The Browns also are opening a

“I had no idea my teeth would look this good!”

“Dr. Jeffrey Martins and the team at Paradise Dental make you feel like you have known them your whole life. They are such warm and caring people.

My teeth were such a mess when I started going. It’s one of those things where life gets busy and you just don’t take care of your teeth as much. I’m 71 and I still work, but I realized I had bad teeth. I had a chip or two, and the teeth in the front were half the size that they are now. They were a mess! So getting them fixed was a major transformation, no question about it!

I chose Paradise Dental because I heard of Dr. Jeffrey Martins’ work and his passion for reconstructive dentistry - and that’s what I experienced. The result was like night and day! I had no idea my teeth would look this good!

Dr. Martins definitely knows what he is doing. He is incredibly knowledgeable, experienced, and friendly. Plus, his whole team is so warm and caring. They make you feel like you are the only one in the room. They are always smiling and making sure you’re doing ok. The whole process was smooth and pain-free.

I never recommend anyone if I don’t truly believe in them. Dr. Martins and his team are what I call HTP - Highly Trained Professionals. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.”

second franchise in another Benderson plaza on Cortez Road in Bradenton.

“Benderson does such a nice job with their centers, and they keep them up so well,” Jason Brown said.

“They’re a landlord that really cares about the aesthetics of the center. They do a great job with the landscaping and decorating for Christmas. It really drew us in. It was an easy decision.”

Buying into Elements was another easy decision. The Browns had already been members for seven years, so when they saw a need in their new community, the couple jumped at the opportunity.

Torres lives in Parrish full time, so she runs the operations.   As members, the Browns were impressed by the spa-like atmosphere, customized massages, professional staff and convenience of online booking.

Jason Brown said the flexibility and discount that comes with the membership is another reason they were loyal customers. Depending on the length of the massage, a membership saves between $30 and $60 on each session.

Contracts run month to month, so there’s no long term obligation.

Unused hours roll into the next month, or the hours can be shared.

The Browns each had their own membership because they didn’t want to share, but it’s an option. Memberships are good at all 250 plus studios nationwide.

The studio at University Town Center took a little longer to open than anticipated.

“I thought we’d be open by the end of last year,” Jason Brown said. “I’m used to Colorado. We usually get permits in two to three weeks. Our permits took seven months.”

The buildout took four months, but the studio is now open and serving clients.

Irene Brown said once the sign went up, members who frequented the last Elements in the Shoppes started calling to ask when the new studio would be open.

At 2,200 square feet, the space is the same size as the previous Elements studio, which allows for eight massage tables. From Swedish to prenatal, there are seven different massage techniques to choose from and five add-on services, such as an herbal ritual and cupping therapy.

Irene Brown’s new therapy has been found in a dream fulfilled.

“I got up early today. It was still dark,” she said. “I got my flip flops on and headed to the beach to see the sun come up.”

But her husband still has one dream left in the tank. He started his restaurant career bussing tables at a Mexican restaurant.

“At some point, I’m going to open my own little Mexican restaurant. I already have a menu and recipes,” he said. “Then, I’ll have come full circle.”

BRINGING JOY BY CREATING SMILES

Banking on nonprofits

Bank of America awarded more than $450,000 in grants last year.

LESLEY

DWYER STAFF WRITER

Brittany Lamont, president of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, also is a member of the board and a program alumnus of Take Stock in Children.

“I came from a single mom, and my mom had a cancer diagnosis, so college was a dream without a way to necessarily pay for it,” Lamont said. “I was a freshman at Bayshore High School when I got the Take Stock scholarship.”

The scholarship paid for Lamont to attend the State College of Florida and then the University of South Florida.

Lamont and about 75 others attended a grantee celebration at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing on Sept. 4. Bank of America hosted the event for its 18 nonprofit partners in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

The bank issued more than $450,000 in grants to the nonprofits over the past year.

“One of the things, when I moved down here in 2016, that was immediately apparent to me, is how connected our nonprofits were with one another and how committed they were to collaborating to make this place better for all of us,” said Erik Vatter, president of Bank of America Sarasota/Manatee.

Lesley Dwyer

The Take Stock in Children crew includes Scott Atkins and Heather Clark, along with Executive Director Lisa Bechtold and incoming Chair Brittany Lamont.

NONPROFIT PARTNERS

Bank of America Sarasota/Manatee awarded more than $450,000 worth of grants to these 18 charities over the past year:

■ Academy at Bradenton

■ All Faiths Food Bank

■ Boys and Girls Club of Manatee

■ Easterseals Southwest Florida

■ Education Foundation of Sarasota

■ Gamma Xi Boule Foundation

■ Healthy Teens

■ Habitat for Humanity of Sarasota

■ Habitat for Humanity of South Sarasota

■ Manatee County Habitat for Humanity

■ Mote Marine Laboratory

■ Pace Center for Girls

■ One Stop Housing Cares

■ State College of Florida Foundation

■ Take Stock in Children of Manatee

In that vein, each guest was given a “passport” to get signed by members of other nonprofits as a fun way to network with one another.  Vatter said the bank only donates to proven nonprofits that are making an impact. The charitable focus is on basic needs and postsecondary education.   Take Stock in Children supports middle and high school students from low-income families. The students are provided mentors, college success coaches and scholarships.   Lamont is living proof the program works.

■ Take Stock in Children of Sarasota

■ UnidosNow ■ Women’s Resource Center

“Her leadership has helped us grow,” Take Stock Executive Director Lisa Bechtold said. “We were in the trenches, doing the work and we would forget to lift our heads to tell people what we were doing. Then, Brittany came in with her marketing background.”

Riverdale Revised home tops sales at

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

Ahome in Riverdale Revised topped all transactions in this week’s real estate. Palmer Oaks LC sold the home at 609 Regatta Way to Errin Tribble, of Bradenton, for $2,525,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,554 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,145,000 in 2022.

RIVER CLUB SOUTH

James and Erin Devriendt, of Bradenton, sold their home at 7646 Tralee Way to Bryan and Samantha Dwyer, of Bradenton, for $1.35 million. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,730 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,237,500 in 2022.

Graem Cornel Yates, Melanie Giarratana and Allyson Hogan sold their home at 10142 Glenmore Ave. to Graham Ledger, of Bradenton, for $457,500. Built in 1997, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,694 square feet of living area.

Daniel and Kimberly Weidlich, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 15008 Castle Park Terrace to LWR Castle Park LLC for $1,275,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,758 square feet of living area.

DEVONSHIRE PLACE

Martha Marsh, trustee, of Denver, sold the home at 7905 Wyndham Court to Gino Caliendo and Kyla Kowal-Caliendo, of Bradenton, for $1,267,500. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,100 square feet of living area. It sold for $560,000 in 2012.

RIVERDALE REVISED

Deborah and James Clemons, of Port Charlotte, sold their home at 4739 Pinnacle Drive to Dionne Richard Knight and Richard Knight, of Covington, Louisiana, for $1,225,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,219 square feet of living area. It sold for $600,000 in 2019.

COUNTRY CLUB

Nicole Penland-Creed, of Lakewood Ranch, sold her home at 13606 Montclair Place to Joshua and Jacklyn Shrock, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1,165,000. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,481 square feet of living area. It sold for $900,000 in 2006.

Morgan and Diandra Wood sold their home at 12334 Thornhill Court to Linda and Michael Salmon, of Rockford, Illinois, for $730,000. Built in 2010, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,558 square feet of living area. It sold for $825,000 in 2022.

CYPRESS CREEK ESTATES

Ricardo Gonzalez and Leslie Lynette Nevarez Gonzalez, of Tampa, sold their home at 6169 Ninth Ave. Circle N.E. to Aby Mathew and Suja Aby Mathew, of Airmont, New York, for $950,000. Built in 1992, it has five bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 3,301 square feet of living area. It sold for $565,000 in 2018.

OAK RUN

Kenneth and Karen Wall, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the home at 4733 Oak Run Drive to Andrew and Arianna Mead, of Bradenton, for $825,000. Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,788 square feet of living area.

PARK EAST AT AZARIO

Daniel Rodriguez and Carmen Soto-Rodriguez, of Bradenton, sold their home at 16319 Mount Holly Drive to Jaret Jones, of Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, for

$2,525,000

$785,000. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,702 square feet of living area. It sold for $727,800 in 2023.

BROADMOOR PINES

Helga & Heinz Verhaegh LLC sold the home at 7821 Broadmoor Pines Blvd. to Craig Halberstadt and Merrilyn Robinson, of Sarasota, for $730,000. Built in 1987, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,857 square feet of living area. It sold for $576,000 in 2021.

POLO RUN

Shawn Michael Pollard, of Ponte Vedra, and Jennifer Pollard, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 17418 Polo Trail to Damon and Lisa Zaleski, of Bradenton, for $690,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,374 square feet of living area. It sold for $485,800 in 2021.

RIVER PLACE

Adrienne Bookhamer and Charles Douglas Bookhamer, of Punta Gorda, sold their home at 7126 68th Drive E. to Randall and Karen Blan, of Minooka, Illinois, for $650,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,764 square feet of living area. It sold for $485,000 in 2020.

RIVA TRACE

Jacqueline Young, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the home at 7530 Rio Bella Place to Steven Austin Rivers and Staci Rivers, of Bradenton, for $635,000. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,092 square feet of living area. It sold for $495,000 in 2014.

OLD GROVE AT GREENFIELD

PLANTATION

Young Son, of Bradenton, sold his home at 416 Country Lane to Solveg Darlene Bulger, of Bradenton, for $632,000. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,338 square feet of living area. It sold for $368,000 in 2005.

WATERLEFE

SFR Borrower 2021-2 LLC sold the home at 9623 Discovery Terrace to Bradley Wright, of Bradenton, for $627,100. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,777 square feet of living area. It sold for $385,000 in 2015.

CHAPARRAL

Robert Duncan sold his home at 5909 Sandstone Ave. to Eugene and Anna Ivanov, of Sarasota, for $590,000. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,095 square feet of living area. It sold for $350,000 in 2016.

Angela Aldana, of Bradenton, sold her home at 6020 Anvil Ave. to Dustin Nguyen and Kim Huong Nguyen, of Vandalia, Ohio, for $486,000. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,631 square feet of living area. It sold for $210,500 in 2012.

CENTRAL PARK

James and Deborah Fitzgerald, of Bradenton, sold their home at 12141 Forest Park Circle to Tyler Farwell Satnick and Lauren Corinne Satnick, of Bradenton, for $583,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,744 square feet of living area. It sold for $531,000 in 2021.

Deborah Suzewits and Sherri Powell, of Bradenton, sold their home at 4610 Claremont Park Drive to Nataliia Derkach and Viktor Savchuk, of Bradenton, for $523,500. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,164 square feet of living area. It sold for $363,000 in 2019.

Towhead LLC sold the home at 4914 Mission Park Lane to Mitchell and Sedelia Maday, of Bradenton, for $517,500. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,125 square feet of living area. It sold for $500,000 in 2023.

ROSEDALE GOLF AND TENNIS Linda Coddington, trustee, of Bradenton, sold the home at 8728 53rd Terrace E. to Debra Chaffee Rose and William Rawlings Rose and Jennifer Rodriguez, of Bradenton, for $540,000. Built in 1994, it has

two bedrooms, two baths and 1,899 square feet of living area. It sold for $342,500 in 2017.

CARLYLE AT THE VILLAGES OF PALM AIRE

Douglas and Kimberly Carlberg, of Des Moines, Iowa, sold their home at 5147 Creekside Trail to Burkhart Lindahl, of Sarasota, for $512,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,742 square feet of living area. It sold for $190,000 in 2002.

VERANDA AT LAKEWOOD NATIONAL

Geri Hayes and George Edward Hayes, of Naperville, Illinois, sold their Unit 2712 condominium at

5685 Palmer Circle to David Robidoux and Lynn Simpson, trustee, of San Marcos, California, for $510,000. Built in 2022, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,329 square feet of living area. It sold for $365,200 in 2022.

COUNTRY OAKS

Ceiliah Epner, trustee, of Miami, sold the home at 4912 80th Ave. Circle E. to Obeta Osolu and Amanda Claire Osolu, of Sarasota, for $499,900. Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,768 square feet of living area. It sold for $243,000 in 2014.

Stephanie Ann Damiano, of Philadelphia, sold her home at 4959 80th Ave. Circle E. to Tamara Hoover, of Sarasota, for $495,000. Built in 1987, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,742 square feet of living area. It sold for $28,000 in 1987.

Cyrus and Kelsey Scott, of Haymarket, Virginia, sold their home at 5023 81st Ave. Terrace E. to Annette Lazzarotti, of Sarasota, for $405,000. Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,282 square feet of living area. It sold for $283,000 in 2021.

SUMMERFIELD

Gwendolyn and Michael Dombrowski sold their home at 12512 Tall Pines Way to Michael Brooks and Patricia Brooks, trustees, of Lakewood Ranch, for $475,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,929 square feet of living area. It sold for $151,700 in 1999.

Michael and Amanda Busko, of Sarasota, sold their home at 12705 Tall Pines Way to Jason Scofield, of Lakewood Ranch, for $445,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,733 square feet of living area. It sold for $310,000 in 2019.

DEL WEBB

G. Joanne Blades and Frederick Hargrove Jackson, of Bradenton, sold their home at 6735 Haverhill Court to Robert Elmore Jr. and Tina Arrico, of Blue Ash, Ohio, for $420,000. Built in 2017, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,348 square feet of living area. It sold for $253,900 in 2017.

PINE TRACE

McKenzie and Madison Yerks, of Parrish, sold their Unit 9 condominium at 7841 Pine Trace Drive to Maria Patterson, of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, for $415,000. Built in 1988, it has two bedrooms, two

baths and 1,605 square feet of living area. It sold for $430,000 in 2023.

TERRACE AT LAKEWOOD

NATIONAL

Ralph Richard Lange, of Lakewood Ranch, sold his Unit 1218 condominium at 17724 Gawthrop Drive to Nicholas and Jennifer Dean, of Columbus, Ohio, for $407,500. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,286 square feet of living area. It sold for $217,000 in 2020.

GREENBROOK

Jon Lyons, trustee, of Escondido, California, sold the home at 15210 Blue Fish Circle to Damon Bell and Nicholas Bell, trustees, of Lakewood Ranch, for $403,500. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,073 square feet of living area. It sold for $440,000 in 2021.

BRADEN RIVER LAKES

Opendoor Property Trust I sold the home at 4305 14th Ave. E. to Emma Peery an Jacob Dominick, of Bradenton, for $395,000. Built in 1991, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,598 square feet of living area. It sold for $357,000 in June.

HARMONY Woodbridge Opportunity Fund Inc. sold the home at 12157 Trailhead Drive to Stefano Chisesi, trustee, and Matias Carbone, of Bradenton, for $390,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,726 square feet of living area. It sold for $390,000 in June.

LIGHTHOUSE COVE AT HERITAGE

HARBOUR

Jeffery Polivchak sold the home at 7080 Chatum Light Run to Taylor Townson and Alex Schroeder, of Bradenton, for $380,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,757 square feet of living area. It sold for $320,000 in 2005.

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SPORTS

Fast Break

The Lakewood Ranch High boys golf team won the 2024 Mooney Match Play event held Sept. 7 at The Founders Golf Club in Sarasota. The event features nine holes of stroke play followed by two nines of match play to determine a winner between the top-two public schools and the top-two private schools. The Mustangs (11 under par) finished first in the stroke play portion of the event, then defeated Sarasota High and Cardinal Mooney High in match play to win the championship.

The Lakewood Ranch High boys and girls cross-country teams took first place at the 2024 Green Devil Invitational, held Sept. 7 at St. Petersburg High. Senior Derek Robinson (16:21.5) was the Mustangs’ top boys finisher and was second overall to Indian Rocks Christian senior Blake Young (16:03.7). Senior Kyleigh Halloran (21:00.8) was the Mustangs’ top girls finisher and was second overall to Indian Rocks Christian eighth grader Adelyn Lubke (20:46.8).

The Braden River High baseball team is holding a golf fundraiser at Heritage Harbour Golf Club on Sept. 14. The 18hole event is an 8 a.m. shotgun start and will feature a putting contest, an awards lunch, a silent auction and a raffle. Individual spots are $150 and foursomes are $500. To register or for more information, visit GulfCoastPerformance. RegFox.com/Info.

Lakewood Ranch High indoor volleyball junior Kora Yanes had 17 kills, four blocks and a serving ace in the Mustangs’ 3-0 win over The Out-ofDoor Academy on Sept. 4. Braden River High junior girls golfer Taryn Nguyen and Parrish Community High sophomore girls golfer Natalie Angelo (38) finished tied for medalist honors in a Sept. 3 match between Braden River, Parrish and Manatee High held at Manatee County Golf Course. Parrish (158) won the match as a team.

“With my height (5-foot-10), it makes it easy and more fun to be a good hitter.”

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GRANT MCCRAY’S JOURNEY TO THE MAJORS

Major League Mustang

Lakewood Ranch High grad Grant McCray has made an impact with the San Francisco Giants.

Lakewood Ranch High graduate Grant McCray woke up Aug. 14 expecting to play a game with the AAA-level Sacramento River Cats, a San Francisco Giants affiliate.  That night, McCray would play a baseball game, but not in Sacramento.

Instead, he was in San Francisco, at Oracle Park, with the Giants. They were playing the Atlanta Braves.

McCray, a center fielder, stepped to the same plate where Giants legends like Barry Bonds and Buster Posey once took their swings. He patrolled the Giants’ outfield wearing the same uniform Willie Mays once wore.

“When I first got to the outfield, I turned around and took in the whole stadium,” McCray said. “It was cool.”

McCray was selected out of high school by the Giants in the third round of the 2019 MLB Draft, pick No. 87 overall. His speed and defense impressed the organization and scouts alike. As of Sept. 5, McCray is ranked as the No. 10 prospect in the Giants’ system by MLB.com.

McCray said that, in the days

SPRING 2019: Senior year at Lakewood Ranch High, hit .477 with three home runs, eight doubles, 10 triples and 35 RBIs in 28 games.

JUNE 2019: Drafted in the third round by the San Francisco Giants, No. 87 overall.

SUMMER 2019: Rookie-level Arizona League, hit .270 with one home run, five doubles, two triples and 11 RBIs in 48 games.

2020: Minor League Baseball canceled its season (COVID-19)

2021: Played in rookie-level Arizona League and for A-level San Jose Giants, hit .274 with three home runs, five doubles, three triples and 18 RBIs in 45 games.

2022: Played for A-level San Jose Giants and A+-level Eugene Emeralds, hit .289 with 23 home runs, 23 doubles, nine triples and 79 RBIs in 120 games.

2023: Played for A+-level Eugene Emeralds, hit .255 with 14 home runs, 26 doubles, six triples and 66 RBIs in 127 games.

2024: Played for AA-level Richmond Flying Squirrels and AAA-level Sacramento River Cats, hit .242 with 12 home runs, 26 doubles, seven triples and 53 RBIs.

AUG. 14, 2024: Promoted to San Francisco Giants

from Sacramento manager Dave Brundage, asking McCray to get to the park early for long toss. But not Sacramento’s park, Brundage clarified. Oracle Park. After the initial shock of the moment, McCray was thrilled — but he could only process the situation for so long. He had to get to San Francisco.

“I was thinking, ‘This is what you have been waiting for, all your life,’” McCray said. “‘You have to make the most of your opportunities.’”  If early results mean anything, McCray appears capable of outplaying scouts’ expectations of him, adding some solid hitting to his speed and defense. His first game was not his best as he went 0-4 and said he “blacked out” from nerves and excitement. He quickly rebounded. Through 16 games (55 at-bats) as of Sept. 4, McCray is hitting .236 with

three home runs, three doubles, a triple and four RBIs, plus three walks and two stolen bases. McCray’s OPS — on-base percentage plus slugging percentage — is .767; the mark would tie McCray for 52nd on the MLB leaderboard if he had enough at-bats to qualify.

His first home run came in his second game, against the Braves and pitcher Jesse Chavez. It was a shot to center field, traveling 404 feet. McCray clapped his hands as he rounded third base. It was a moment he had been anticipating for a long time, he said.

McCray’s family was in attendance. McCray is the son of Rodney McCray, a former MLB outfielder himself, best known for crashing through the outfield wall to make a catch in 1991, at the time a Chicago White Sox minor leaguer.

During his first home run trot, Grant McCray felt like he had arrived.

“It was eye-opening for me,” McCray said. “It made me feel like I belong on this team. I can help this team win.”

McCray said the Giants have been welcoming, but starting pitcher Logan Webb has been an especially helpful resource. McCray said Webb, who finished second in the National League in Cy Young Award voting in 2023 and was an All-Star this season, gave him advice after a three-game hitless streak.

“I had shown a little frustration, and he (Webb) said, ‘You’re putting too much pressure on yourself,’” McCray said of Webb. “‘Just go out there and have fun. We all know you can play, just go out and do it.’ I felt like that was able to cool me down a bit, knowing I have the veterans on my side.”

In the weeks since his debut, McCray said, he has received hundreds of text messages of congratulations. Some of those have been from Lakewood Ranch, like Ryan Kennedy, who coached McCray at Lakewood Ranch High and is now the head coach at Parrish Community High. McCray said it is nice knowing that people from the area care about him enough to continue following his career.

He knows that this is just the beginning of a new journey. Making the majors is one thing, staying is another. McCray said he still has work to do at the plate. As of Sept. 4, McCray has struck out 26 times, a higher number than he would like. McCray said he is working on being in a good position to make sure he “puts the barrel on the ball” more often.

That work will continue into the offseason, whether that offseason starts in October or later. As of Sept. 6, the Giants are 69-72 and sit sevenand-a-half games out of a Wild Card playoff spot.

“I want to come back stronger (next year),” McCray said. “Hopefully, I can put up some good numbers and put Lakewood Ranch back on the map.”

PROSE AND KOHN RYAN KOHN

Lakewood Ranch’s football program showcases growth

The Mustangs beat rival Braden River on Sept. 6 for the first time since 2013. The program is trending upward under head coach Scott Paravicini.

As the Lakewood Ranch High band finished its victory song Sept. 6, the student section began to shout.

“We sunk the ship! We sunk the ship!”

It’s a phrase the crowd had not been able to shout at a football game since 2013, the last time the Mustangs football team beat local rival Braden River High.

Since then, the Pirates have been one of the top programs in Manatee County, even reaching the state final four in 2015 before falling 27-10 to St. Thomas Aquinas High.

Meanwhile, the Mustangs have been mired in mediocrity. Even when the program finished a season with a winning record, it had not recorded a win over the rival Pirates.

Until Sept. 6.

This year, Lakewood Ranch (2-1) defeated Braden River (0-3) in dominant fashion. The Mustangs took early control of the game and never relented in a 41-3 win, triggering a running clock in the fourth quarter. The win snapped an eight-game Braden River winning streak in the rivalry. The teams did not play in 2019 or 2020.)

The result was not unexpected.

Lakewood Ranch looked improved in its opening-game 42-18 win over Lemon Bay High (1-1) — a program that won 10 games a season ago — while Braden River is rebuilding under first-year head coach Jason Grain. If high school football games had betting lines, Lakewood Ranch would have been the favorite.  The Mustangs winning by 38

points, however, was statementmaking.

Under second-year head coach Scott Paravicini, Lakewood Ranch has a new attitude. The Mustangs believe they can match any team they play in effort and execution. There will be games where Lakewood Ranch does not have the athleticism of an opponent, but in that area, too, the program has improved. Just look at what the Mustangs did to the Pirates on the ground. Lakewood Ranch ran for six touchdowns against Braden River, and while a few were of the hardnosed, goal-line variety, others were long sprints. Lakewood Ranch opened the scoring with a 76-yard touchdown run by sophomore receiver Trenton Huffman on an option pitch from junior quarterback Liam Fernandez. Junior running back Colton Dempsey would later add a 43-yard touchdown run.  Fernandez did not throw or run for a touchdown, but he made good

decisions with the football and helped the offense move down the field. In the second quarter, the Mustangs faced a fourth down with three yards to go from the Pirates’ 12-yard line. Fernandez threw a five-yard completion to junior tight end Cooper Orzel to keep the drive alive. Lakewood Ranch would score on the next play.

Mustangs senior Cullen McRae II, who had two touchdowns against Braden River, said he had the game highlighted on his calendar for months.

“I have been here for four years waiting for a result like this,” McRae said. “I’m glad I got to do it with these boys.”  McRae and his teammates will remember this game. After the final whistle, the two teams shook hands, then the Mustangs quickly sprinted to their band and the student section of their crowd.

They stood shoulder to shoulder, helmets raised, as the band played

Lakewood Ranch High head coach Scott Paravicini talks with his team following a 41-3 win over Braden River High. It was the Mustangs’ first win over the Pirates since 2013.

its victory song. Then they sprinted to midfield, where Paravicini told his players how proud he was of their effort. Then, the Mustangs sprinted to the stadium’s northern end zone, where they took a team picture.

McRae said the Mustangs took motivation from the local football community doubting their ability. That doubt, McRae said, has led to Lakewood Ranch developing a new attitude. Forget everyone else, McRae said; the only thing that matters to the Mustangs is that they believe in themselves.

A few more performances like this, and the community at-large will also believe.

Paravicini said the win is a reflection of the work his players have been doing in practice. Lakewood Ranch has always been a program full of hard-working kids, he said. That has not changed. Paravicini said these players in particular have stayed true to who they are and fought through all challenges put in front of them.

He is proud of them, he said, but he also has an eye what his team could accomplish in the coming weeks.

“I told the guys, ‘Enjoy it. You have done something that has not been done here in a long time,’” Paravicini said. “But on Monday, we have to be ready to work. The most important game on the schedule is always the next one.”

The Mustangs will play Southeast High (2-1) on the road at 7 p.m. on Sept. 13, in a matchup against former Braden River High head coach Curt Bradley.

For Braden River, it was the thirdstraight week its offense struggled. Pirates senior quarterback Lucas Despot often had to escape the pocket to have time to throw, and the Pirates’ running backs were unable to break any big gains on the ground. Unlike last week against Sarasota High, the Pirates’ defense was unable to keep the team in the game.

On the positive side, junior receiver Finn Deleo did showcase the ability to make plays, catching a 27-yard pass down the left sideline to set up Braden River’s lone field goal and breaking two kicks returns of 40 or more yards.

After the game, Grain complimented Lakewood Ranch on a well-played game, but he also was disappointed in the Pirates’ effort. Asked what the team needs to improve going forward, Grain gave a one-word answer: everything.

“We’re just trying to get better (every day),” Grain said.

Braden River will have a chance to break into the win column next week. The Pirates will host Bayshore High (0-3) at 7 p.m. on Sept. 13.

Ryan Kohn is the sports editor for the East County Observer. Contact him at RKohn@ YourObserver.com.

Kora Yanes

Kora Yanes is a junior on the Lakewood Ranch High volleyball team. As of Sept. 9, Yanes leads the Mustangs with 127 kills and 203 digs and is tied with junior Ava Collins for the team lead in solo blocks (10). The Mustangs are 9-6 and will play at Braden River High (2-7) at 7 p.m. Sept. 12.

When did you start playing volleyball?

I started in fifth grade. All of my friends played on a recreational team, so I joined them. I didn’t want to start playing, honestly, but it was something to do on the weekends with my friends. I ended up loving it, and I moved onto club volleyball in seventh grade.

What is the appeal to you?

The environment. You get to know all these different types of girls who you don’t get a chance to talk to during school. It’s the same with club volleyball. You make a strong bond over your love of the sport.

What is your best skill?

My hitting. With my height (5-foot10), it makes it easy and more fun to be a good hitter.

What have you been working to improve?

Well, I play both indoor and beach volleyball, and during the summer, I played a lot of beach. Doing that actually helps with indoor volleyball, too, because it’s a faster and diffi cult game. It helped with my vertical, too.

What is your favorite memory?

During my freshman year, I was on varsity and I got a chance to play in our district tournament game (against Sumner High). We were up 2-1, and in the fourth set, I hit a ball into the net to give the other team a 24-21 lead. But I then I kept hitting aces, and we won the set 26-24 to take the match.

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.

What is your favorite food? Right now, I have to say sushi.

What is your favorite school subject?

I like my ceramics and art classes. I like getting to be hands-on with activities. You can play with clay and make pots and cool statues.

What is your favorite TV show? I like the ‘Reacher’ series a lot.

What is the best advice you have received?

If you mess up, you need to have the memory of a goldfish and move past it. Remembering your mistakes can hold you back. It will leave you with the fear that you will mess up the next point. After the game, you can think back to them and improve from them.

Finish this sentence: “Kora Yanes is … ” … Straightforward. I don’t sugarcoat things when people ask me questions.

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