East County’s Sheyla Nunez (above), a volunteer for Mercy Chefs, gathered with dozens at Bayside Community Church to hand out hot meals to people in need in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton.
Throughout Oct. 14-18, the church, in partnership with national relief organization Mercy Chefs, distributed more than 46,000 hot meals to the community.
“Our heart is there for our community to provide aid as much as possible for those in need,” said Matt Moore, the Bayside missions pastor.
Others joined in their own efforts. Grace Community Church partnered with Convoy of Hope to provide essential needs to 513 people, and Lakewood Ranch High School athletes also distributed meals.
Everyone could use some friends
The shelves at the Lakewood Ranch Library still would have books without the Friends of Lakewood Ranch Library, but the collection would be smaller.
“Public funding can only cover so much, and that’s where the Friends step in,” President Sue Ann Miller said in a press release. In recognition of the dedication of Friends groups across Manatee County, the week of Oct. 20-26 was declared National Friends of Libraries Week.
In recognition of its own members, the Friends of Lakewood Ranch Library held an appreciation event on Oct. 18 at the library, where Bookstore Volunteer Coordinator Melissa Hood presented Steve Aldrich (above) with the “Outstanding Volunteer Award.”
has been boon for schools
Jay Heater
Animal rescue volunteers Roger Riehm and Sandy Ulrickson secure an injured gallinule at Lake Uihlein. The gallinule is recovering at the Wildlife Center. Jay Heater
Tara residents quiz candidates
Candidates discuss issues within the Tara community right up to the state level.
LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER
“Whether it be reverse osmosis up at Buffalo Creek or possibly some desalination plants out by the port, we are looking at some solutions to keep this water internal to Manatee County.”
Commissioner George Kruse
into more innovative ways to irrigate. Kruse said the water will be there, but he can’t promise what it will cost.
“Whether it be reverse osmosis up at Buffalo Creek or possibly some desalination plants out by the port, we are looking at some solutions to keep this water internal to Manatee County,” Kruse said. “If we start paying Peace River Water Authority, it’s going to be a lot more expensive.”
In light of recent storms and flooding, stormwater management has been an issue of concern countywide.
McCann said the county needs to clean out stormwater pipes and do more dredging. Di Bartolomeo said the county needs to collect stormwater fees and update its studies.
were used for the Comprehensive Plan,” Di Bartolomeo said. “I would have hydrology studies done in all of the areas that flooded with the tropical storm.”
Statewide, residents complained about the high cost of insurance and wanted to know what Conerly would do about it if elected.
He said homeowners insurance was one of the most mentioned topics he’s encountered on the campaign trail. The litigious nature of the industry contributes to rising rates, and setting limits on those contributing factors could help bring the rates back down.
He used an example of taking a claim to an insurance carrier, and it’s initially denied. In that case, the consumer is forced to take legal action.
“If we had something that was almost like an oversight of the industry, where you can have a better regulation of the policy and the application of the rules associated with the payouts, I think that would be something beneficial,” Conerly said.
Tara Preserve resident Judy Koegel said she reads four newspapers a day and found the evening’s information to be informative.
“I thought everyone drilled down on the questions. They were very knowledgeable,” Koegel said. “I liked how everything was delineated to a point, where people answered the question and didn’t go scripting.” VOTING INFORMATION
Tara resident Barbara Ehnes is one step closer to making her choices for the general election after Candidate Night at the Tara Golf & Country Club on Oct. 18.
While she didn’t reveal them, she said she found a connection with Bill Conerly, who is running for the District 72 seat in the Florida House of Representatives. Conerly is an engineer. Ehnes comes from a family of engineers.
“Engineers are not actors. They’re technical people,” she said. “He knows what he’s talking about. He’s not a showman.”
Conerly’s opponent, Democrat Lesa Miller, wasn’t in attendance, but all the other local candidates
Tara residents can vote for Nov. 5 in the general election gave introductory speeches and participated in a Q&A.
Republican Commissioner George Kruse is running against Democrat Sari Lindroos-Valimaki for the atlarge District 7 seat, and Republican Dr. Bob McCann is running against Joseph Di Bartolomeo (No Party Affiliation) to represent East County in District 5.
Residents wrote questions beforehand. The topics ranged from neighborhood-specific issues to countywide and statewide concerns.
Within the Tara community, residents wanted to know what happens when their water contract with the county runs out in 2040. Groundwater is used to irrigate the golf course. Lindroos-Valimaki said she’d look
“We have 5- to-7-year-old hydrology studies and FEMA maps that
Photos by Lesley Dwyer
Bill Conerly, Joe Di Bartolomeo and Commissioner George Kruse are among the candidates invited to the Tara Golf & Country Club on Oct. 18 for Candidate Night.
Commissioner George Kruse and Tara resident Judy Koegel chat after Candidate Night wraps up.
Doubling down ON EDUCATION
Since the 1-mill property tax referendum was passed in 2018-2019, the funds collected have risen from $37.3 million to $75.5 million.
Manatee County has been growing by leaps and bounds, and so has the revenue from the School District of Manatee County’s 1-mill property tax referendum.
Voters first approved the property tax referendum in 2017. In the 2018-2019 school year, which is the first year the referendum was implemented, the school district collected just over $37.3 million.
Since then, the revenue from the millage has doubled to an adopted budget of just over $75.5 million for the 2024-2025 school year.
Voters will have the opportunity to determine whether the 1-mill property tax referendum will be renewed as it’s on the ballot again Nov. 5.
If renewed, the referendum will continue to support an additional 30 minutes to each school day, salaries for teachers and staff, STEM education, career and technical education and charter schools.
The School Board of Manatee County has decided to add allocations for athletics, early literacy and school safety and security if the referendum is approved Nov. 5.
Richard Tatem, a member of the school board, said there are two main reasons for the revenue doubling since 2018-2019 — property values increasing and new homes being built.
TOTAL REVENUE FROM 1-MILL PROPERTY TAX REFERENDUM
$75,511,751: 2024-2025 adopted budget
$69,287,036: 2023-2024 adopted budget
$58,625,760: 2022-2023 funds collected
$46,065,037: 2021-2022 funds collected
$42,861,376: 2020-2021 funds collected
$40,559,710: 2019-2020 funds collected
$37,310,655: 2018-2019 funds collected
*Includes interest earned
One mill is worth $1 for every $1,000 of assessed value, so for a home worth $400,000, one mill would equal $400 per year or $33 a month.
As of Oct. 21, 28,342 homes have been built in Manatee County since 2018.
As the referendum revenue has increased due to growth, Tatem said the needs of the district has increased to address the growing enrollment.
Since the 2018-2019 school year, the district’s enrollment has increased by more than 7,600 students to a projected enrollment of 56,470 students this school year.
Tatem said the district also is in the process of building five new schools to accommodate growth and alleviate schools that are over capacity.
With more students and schools, Tatem said, comes a need for more teachers, staff, bus drivers, funding to support programs and services and more.
REFERENDUM ALLOCATION PERCENTAGES
The School District of Manatee County historically has divided funding as follows: Allocation
social workers, school nurses, etc.
Bus drivers, bus attendants,
custodians, food service workers, nonbargaining, etc.
Non-bargaining: secretaries,
school clerical staff, bookkeepers, etc. (became its own category in 2022-2024) Paraprofessionals
STEM education, career
and technical education
(arts was added in 2022-2023)
STARTING
SALARY INCREASES
A majority of the 1-mill property tax referendum funding has been allocated for salaries. Here is the impact on teachers, bus drivers, custodians and food service works:
TEACHERS
$38,892: 2017-2018 (school year before millage was implemented)
$57,572: 2023-2024
SUPPLEMENT FOR TEACHERS FROM THE MILLAGE
$4,008: 2018-2019
$8,362: 2023-2024
BY THE NUMBERS
2,785
Approximate number of teachers for 2024-2025 school year
100
Approximate number of bus drivers for 20242025 school year
48,853
Projected enrollment in 20182019 school year, which was the first year the millage was in place
56,470
Projected enrollment in 20242025
7,617
Increase in student enrollment since 2018-2019
28,342
Manatee Homes built since 2018
1,189
Manatee homes built so far in 2024
BUS DRIVERS
$13.39: per hour 2018-2019
per hour 2023-2024
CUSTODIANS
$11.48: per hour 2018-2019 $16.26: per hour 2023-2024
FOOD SERVICE WORKERS
$11.50: per hour 2018-2019
$16.38: per hour 2023-2024
All board members have said the referendum is needed to make salaries, especially for teachers and bus drivers, competitive with surrounding counties.
Since 2018, the school board has continually allocated 51% of the referendum to instructional staff salaries.
School board member Cindy Spray was not in favor of levying a full mill knowing the projected revenue from the referendum was more than $75.5 million.
“As I said in the past, I believe we could maintain our current staffing levels and programs while reducing the tax burden on our tax payers by lowering the mill to .5,” Spray said.
When the board was discussing how much to levy, Spray said she offered to compromise to .75 mill, but the other four members of the board all were in favor of levying the full mill.
Now, it’s up to the voters to decide, but Spray said she will continue to advocate for a reduction in the mill in the coming years, and she will serve as a liaison between the board and the Citizens Financial Oversight Committee. The committee was created to ensure the millage funding was spent according to the referendum.
“We will also have thousands of new homes that are being built out east and on Cortez Road that will (bring) more taxable income for the district, not to mention the complexes that are being built in downtown Bradenton,” Spray said. “I will continue to advocate for a reduction and for tighter oversight efforts. I would encourage community members to read the reports and determine if they would like to serve on the (Citizens Financial Oversight Committee) to see for themselves where the funds are being spent.”
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
File photos
Li Zhong, with Food and Nutrition Services, prepares a salad for Braden River High junior Lorelai Lis. Food service workers are among staff members who receive 6% of funding from the 1-mill property tax referendum.
Carlos E. Haile Middle School students Brayden Berggren, Cord London, Kase Alsum and Levi Rear work on a robot in the new robotics arena. STEM programs will continue to be supported by the referendum if voters pass it in November.
LAKEWOOD RANCH DELI
Door Dash Now Available San Marco Plaza 8225 Natures Way Suite 111, Lakewood Ranch PARKING AVAILABLE OFF
CENTER PARKWAY Work Trucks & Trailers Welcome! BUY ONE GET ONE 50% Sandwich, Sub, or Salad Must Present This Coupon Expires November 15th, 2024
Strength through adversity
After Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy students face school threats and hurricanes, author Anthony Razzano shares his story of overcoming adversity.
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
Lakewood Ranch’s Anthony Razzano compared Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy middle school students to America’s “greatest generation.”
The “greatest generation” refers to people born between 1901 and 1924 who faced considerable challenges. They grew up during a pandemic, the Spanish flu, and tough economic times, the Great Depression. They grew up during World War I and fought in World War II.
Razzano, a motivational speaker, author of “Against All Odds” and Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy parent, said children today have been through the COVID-19 pandemic and rough economic times, along with having to deal with cyberbullying, school threats and natural disasters.
Two Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy students were arrested Sept. 18 for making written threats about a school shooting.
Hurricane Helene then hit the area Sept. 26, followed by Hurricane Milton on Oct. 9-10.
“In adversity, we become stronger, and we call on that at other times in our lives,” he said. “It’s preparing us for a future unknown.”
As a guest speaker at Lakewood Ranch Prep middle school Oct. 15, Razzano encouraged students to overcome adversity with positivity.
“Diamonds are created in pressure, and we have a bunch of diamonds here today,” Razzano said.
Razzano talked about persevering through his own adversities.
At 12 years old living in New Cas-
tle, Pennsylvania, Razzano said he ran into a group of 14- to-16-yearolds huffing (inhaling) gasoline fumes. He said although he knew it was a bad idea, he tried huffing gasoline when the older teens told him he should.
Razzano said he and his friend wanted to re-create the feeling at his house. While laying down next to the lawn mower, his friend flipped a match at him, and he caught on fire. He was burned all across his body.
He was sent to the burn unit in Pittsburgh, and his family was told he wasn’t going to make it. Doctors had to amputate all the fingers on his left hand. With faith and prayer, Razzano beat the odds and survived.
After 134 blood transfusions, 43 surgeries and months of recovery, Razzano returned to school, but his reality was different. He said his popularity diminished as he was now the student with a disability.
Even so, he became the starting linebacker for the New Castle High Red Hurricanes.
Razzano went on to earn a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree. He became a CPA, a motivational speaker, a licensed sports agent and an NFL contract advisor.
He told the students they likely are going to need courage, perseverance, grit and endurance to overcome their own challenges.
“Your generation, like the ‘greatest generation,’ is going to change the world and save the world so that we have freedom, hope and dreams,” Razzano said to the students.
Liz Ramos
Anthony Razzano, a motivational speaker, author and Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy parent, talks to students about overcoming adversity.
UMR Sports expansion approved
The 52-acre expansion will include ball fields, a pickleball barn, a miniature golf course and up to 232 apartments.
LESLEY
ork is underway to expand Upper Manatee River Road to four lanes, but 53-year-old Ryan Moore remembered when he could run sprints up and down the road and not see a car. Moore’s father, Duane Moore, was just 19 years old when he bought 200 acres and 75 cows to start Moore’s Dairy.
Since then, the family business has changed with the landscape. It used to be dairy, and now, it’s sports.
After gaining unanimous approval Oct. 17 from Manatee County’s commissioners to expand its complex by another 52 acres, UMR Sports will be adding 12U baseball fields, a pickleball barn, a miniature golf course, a food truck area and up to 232 apartments.
“My mother passed away a couple years ago,” Moore said. “She would have been pleased that we’re turning her old farm into a playground.”
Moore said his mother, Mary Margaret Moore, never missed one of his baseball games growing up. He’s building a facility where families can play together.
The miniature golf course area will incorporate a Tiki bar and cornhole boards, and Moore said the course will engage both kids and their parents.
Right now, the complex consists of four sand volleyball courts, six pickleball courts and a cage for baseball and softball training. Moore called the expansion “a 6-year-old dream” that has undergone a few tweaks.
Additional pickleball courts weren’t part of the original plans, but being that the community is so eager for more, five will be inside the pickleball barn, along with a fitness
center. Pickleball is the only activity that involves a membership, which costs $70 a month for unlimited play.
UMR Sports will continue to host private events and tournaments, but lessons, camps and special events are open to the public.
UMR often hosts “Friday Night Lights.” For $10 a person, anyone can participate in open play pickleball. Moore is also taking RSVPs from Nov. 4 to Dec. 5 to see if there’s enough interest to get an adult Wiffle ball league started.
The State College of Florida, along with Lakewood Ranch, Parrish, Southeast and Palmetto high schools, already use the complex to train in both volleyball and softball. Moore said the new fields will open up opportunities for youth leagues, as well.
Once “Food Truck Row” is open, residents will be welcome to drive in and drive out for dinner anytime they would like.
“This is a very affordable attraction for every person in Manatee County,” Moore said.
The apartments will be split between “stay and play” units and yearly leases. The goal is to open in phases, with the entirety of the project being completed in mid-2026.
Lesley Dwyer Husband and wife Ryan and Chandra Moore own UMR Sports off Upper Manatee River Road.
Commission favors conservation over mitigation at UTC
Benderson Development requested the release of 14 easements that add up to about 54 acres to solve flooding issues.
Manatee County commissioners denied a request by Benderson Development to release 14 conservation easements on Oct. 17, but the issue isn’t settled just yet. Director of Development Todd Mathes said the company’s “window is short” before the next hurricane season, so Benderson will be making a request for the board’s reconsideration “within days.”
“We consider this the most urgent, pressing priority we have as a company,” Mathes said.
The easements add up to 54.22 acres. Three are located within University Park Center, and 11 are within the Cooper Creek area.
The easements protect wetlands, wetland buffers, wetland mitigation areas and upland preservation areas. However, Benderson contends that the easements are making it difficult to solve flooding issues in the surrounding area.
Had the request been approved, part of the developer’s plan was to mechanically engineer a portion of the wetlands into a stormwater pond and transform some of the forested wetlands into herbaceous wetlands that can better handle water fluctuations.
“The flooding that we’re seeing is because we’re not designed for 12 and 14 inches (of rain) in 24 hours,” said Clint Cuffle, engineer of record for University Town Center, Nathan Benderson Park and the Cooper Creek area.
“The way to be more resilient is to allow us some engineering solutions that could affect the hydrology
in some of these wetlands, but we can’t affect the hydrology without getting the conservation easements released. That’s the first step.”
Kara Koenig, Environmental Planning Section manager for Manatee County, told commissioners her main issue was with the “wide breadth of the request.”
The county’s Land Development Code was amended in January 2021 on advice from the county attorney’s office. Koenig said the language wasn’t “consistent with court decisions,” so from that point on, the county was only allowed to require easements over wetland mitigation areas, not wetlands and buffers.
Mitigation areas are wetlands that were restored, enhanced or created to compensate for wetlands that were impacted by development someplace else.
Koenig said several release requests have been approved since the code was changed, but to her knowledge, Benderson’s request was the largest to date.
After Hurricane Ian, and with the guidance and approval of county and SWFWMD staff, Benderson was able to clear those easements of overgrowth and obstructions. Releasing the easements would allow the areas to be cleared on a regular basis and also allow for engineering solutions, such as a stormwater pump that can handle a lot more water than a natural wetland.
“Water is not moving as it should be through this area and through this corridor,” Mathes said. “It’s important to move this forward.”
He said Benderson was willing to pay $12 million to the county’s mitigation bank to compensate for the wetland impacts, but also said that a “limited development” in the future could help Benderson recoup some of that cost.
Commissioners Kevin Van Ostenbridge and Ray Turner cast the two votes in favor of releasing the easements.
•
Cortisone/Gel Injections
Van Ostenbridge thought it was an “easy” decision to release the easements, so engineers could solve the flooding problem now. Then, the board could vote against any development proposals in the future.
“Every two years, this board changes,” Commissioner George Kruse said. “It depends on who’s sitting in your seat right now and how somebody gets in that seat, whether or not it gets declined.” Kruse was adamant that Benderson could find other ways to perform flood mitigation without “opening up the can of worms” of a future development.
“I don’t think we should be giving up conservation easements,” he said. “We should be getting more conservation land, especially in light of some of the damage from overbuilding and over paving in areas. (The easements are) protecting UTC right now.”
Benderson Development needs approval from both commissioners and the Southwest Florida Water Management District for the easements to be released. A conceptual plan for multifamily housing on the largest easement was submitted as part of Benderson’s request to SWFWMD.
“There’s a possibility that we would ask to develop that 43 acres, but we’ll just take that off the table for right now,” Mathes said regarding the upcoming request for reconsideration. “That (conceptual drawing) was developed before the June rainstorm and Tropical Storm Debby (in August). We view this like a whole new world.”
The original request was submitted in 2023 after Hurricane Ian caused over $3 million in damages at Nathan Benderson Park in September 2022.
Mathes said post-Ian mitigation efforts didn’t work. The recent string of hurricanes exacerbated the flooding in such an “extraordinary way” that the problem has to be solved because of the repetitive damage that’s occurring throughout the UTC area.
He said the severity of the property damage might have been lost in the discussion after the possibility of future development was brought up.
“I think the wheels fell off because we were taking a sort of broad brush to what we view as a piece of paper that’s standing in the way of a solution,” Mathes said. “So we’re going to go back and be more specific about our request.”
A BROKEN WING ... AND A PRAYER
Volunteers and overwhelmed Wildlife Center cope with surge in injuries to wild animals following hurricanes.
HOW TO HELP
SUPPORT FOR THE WILDLIFE CENTER OF SOUTHWEST
FLORIDA Website: WildlifeSWFL.org
Needs: List of needed items on the website. Volunteer application also is on the website.
More information: Email to PamelaD@ WildlifeSWFL.org. Phone 484-9650 or 484-9657.
JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR
Lake Club’s Roger Riehm loves saving animals, but he also knows there is a price to pay after some rescues.
Such was the case a few days after Hurricane Milton took its toll on the region’s wildlife. The price?
A stinky car.
Riehm, a volunteer who rescues animals and then takes them to the Wildlife Center of Southwest Florida in Venice, was called to an area in the Polo Club, where four baby skunks had been orphaned and flooded out of their nest.
“It was unfortunate, because there were five and one of them already had passed,” Riehm said. “They were too little to take care of themselves. Skunks have to stay with their mom at that age. They never leave the nest when they are that young.”
The skunks were babies, so Riehm didn’t have any trouble getting them into the car for the ride to the Wildlife Center of Southwest Florida. But they weren’t too young to react to a
said of the gallinule pecking at her hands. “Anhingas will go for your eyes.”
Like the Riehms, Ulrickson has been going non-stop in terms of rescues following the storms.
She is dealing with baby squirrels, rabbits and raccoons that have been abandoned or flooded out. She gets calls because animals have found a door that most likely was blown open by the storm, and the animals have made a new home inside.
“First and foremost, if you see a sick, injured or orphaned animal, call the center (484-9650, 4849657). You see a lot of people posting that they will take care of an injured or orphaned animal. That never is a good idea.”
Pam Defouw, the executive director
Ulrickson wanted people to know that the Wildlife Center of Southwest Florida is in need of funds, supplies and volunteers because it is being overwhelmed with injured animals. Wildlife Inc. of Bradenton Beach, Save Our Seabirds of Sarasota and the Peace River Wildlife Center of Punta Gorda have temporarily been unable to accept animals because of storm damage. Injured animals that might normally go to those rescues are being sent to Venice.
That’s a lot of work. Take, for example, the baby skunks. They have to be fed by hand.
Pam Defouw, the executive director of the Wildlife Center of Southwest Florida, said they have dealt with a high volume of injured animals.
“The workload definitely has increased,” Defouw said. “We always have had an active presence in Lakewood Ranch (with volunteers such as Ulrickson and the Riehms), but we are servicing a lot more counties right now. They all have sustained a lot of damage.”
too,” he said. “She would have done the same thing.”
They are doing the same thing a lot more often than usual due to the recent hurricanes.
“We are inundated with five or six rescues each every day,” Roger Riehm said. “We have squirrels falling out of trees, rabbits’ nests flooding, so many bird wings battered.”
Roger Riehm currently was trying to rescue a gallinule with a broken leg that was resting on the bank of Lake Uihlein at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch. As Riehm approached the bird, the gallinule hopped back into the water and swam away from the shore.
“Sometimes you have to make a decision about what is best for the animal,” Riehm said. “If they can fly, that is a good thing because they can get away. We can come back another day.”
But this particular gallinule had a badly broken leg and was in need of attention.
Eventually, the bird came back to the bank, and with help from fellow rescue volunteer Sandy Ulrickson, Riehm managed to get a net over the bird.
Ulrickson threw out some bird food to attract the gallinule.
“When they get injured, they get very cautious,” said Ulrickson, who lives in Panther Ridge. “But these birds are getting fed every morning so they are used to it. We don’t like to feed them to get them out (in the open), because that is creating bad habits. So it’s a matter of how bad the injury is.”
After Riehm threw the net over the bird, both he and Ulrickson grabbed it. Riehm, who said Ulrickson taught him everything he knows about rescuing animals, said they have special gloves to wear, both neither wore them in this case.
“These aren’t so bad,” Ulrickson
“If
Defouw said Hurricane Ian in 2022 did leave injured birds in its wake, but she has seen increased trauma in birds following Helene and Milton.
“Gulls, terns, warblers, grosbeaks,” she said. “Almost every one we have seen with major fractures. They were trying to fly away. This has been a lot more intense.”
It’s not just the birds.
“Tortoises have lost their burrows on the beach,” she said. “They have been covered in mountains of sand.”
She said she was encouraged that the four baby skunks delivered by Riehm would survive.
“That is great because they are a species of concern,” she said of skunks. “Skunks are awesome and I love raising them. They are very important environmentally but their numbers are declining rapidly. It is so cute to watch them grow. They grow on you.”
Like Riehm, Defouw said she has paid a price working with skunks.
“Yes, I have gotten sprayed when I was ready to release them,” she said. “I did smell for days.”
“We do as minimal of touch and contact as possible here,” she said. “We put them in an environment where they feel secure.”
She was asked how people can help the wildlife center.
“First and foremost, if you see a sick, injured or orphaned animal, call the center (484-9650, 484-9657). You see a lot of people posting that they will take care of an injured or orphaned animal. That never is a good idea. At this time, we have people here around the clock. Of course, we always need volunteers on-site. If you can give, we have a wish list on our site (WildlifeSWFL.org).
Defouw said the center had been taking in 45 to 50 animals a day immediately following the storm, although that number has decreased to about 20 to 25 now. She said the center is beginning to release animals back to the wild, such as the four egrets they just turned loose or the Eastern cottontails they put back near where they picked them up.
“The ones with physical trauma will be with us longer,” she said. “Generally, it depends where a fracture is. Bird bones heal quickly, probably in four to five weeks.”
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Day at the beach? It’s time once again
Elliott Falcione and his team at the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau have their hands full trying to change perception.
In this case, it’s somewhat of a tightrope to walk, because Falcione and company are trying to convince people that it’s safe to go back into the water, or at least to the side of it.
He isn’t trying to sugarcoat the fact that Manatee County’s beach communities took an enormous hit from Hurricanes Milton and Helene. He is, however, letting people know that Manatee County’s prime vacation spots are back open for business after an impressive all-hands-on-deck effort from the county and state.
“The national media has painted a worst-case scenario,” Falcione said. “But we are back open for business.” Falcione, who lives in Lakewood Ranch, said by the end of this week, both Manatee and Coquina beaches would be open.
“We still have some timber down in some of the parking lots and in some of the parks,” he said. “That needs some work, but it is being picked up.
“The beaches are in great shape.”
He said several restaurants are open along Bridge Street and around Anna Maria Island. Manatee County currently is working on a landing page where people can go to see what businesses are open on Anna Maria Island and along other county beaches.
Those who live in Manatee County are likely to discover that the green light is back on when it comes to a day at the beach, but that’s a tougher sell throughout the rest of the country.
“The optics are that this is a catastrophe that leveled our communities,” Falcione said. “We are working with videographers who are using drones. We are making
everything from 15- to one-minute videos.”
Those videos will be loaded up on county websites along with running on various platforms around the country. In 2004, Manatee County had established an emergency marketing fund of $1 million for exactly this kind of effort, and about half that fund is likely to be used in the current effort.
Falcione understands that those who canceled their vacation plans to Manatee beaches in the immediate future probably “have moved on” to other options. He is hoping to stop “knee-jerk” reactions by people who have reservations in the new year and beyond.
The northeast and cities such as New York, Philadelphia, Boston,
Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Detroit will be targeted followed by the Midwest.
He also said he hopes those who live in the region support the hospitality industry to get the primary markets rolling. Falcione anticipates the county’s ferry system from downtown Bradenton to the beaches will be back in service for the public in about a month.
NOT THE ONLY BUMP IN THE ROAD
While tourism in Manatee County took a severe hit from the hurricanes, the industry suffered another setback Oct. 21, this time in East County, when organizer Intersport announced the cancellation of the 2024 World Champions Cup at
“I had no idea my teeth would look this good!”
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partners and fans. We are pleased that the Bradenton area sustained minimal damage, but given the timing of the tournament in relation to the recent storms, we believe that focusing our efforts in the future is in the best interests of everyone involved.”
The release said therefore the tournament, which was sanctioned by the PGA Tour and which was broadcast on ESPN and ABC, would return to The Concession in 2025. Area golf fans have to be hoping that is true, for the tournament offered a great opportunity to get up close with golfing legends. However, before a severe storm ever hit the area in 2024, there already was some question whether the second World Champions Cup would happen in December.
The Concession Golf Club that was scheduled for Dec. 4-7.
The inaugural event at the Concession in 2023 produced a stirring competition that was won by the U.S. by a narrow margin over Team International. The three-team competition also included Team Europe.
Among the legends participating were Ernie Els, Justin Leonard, Colin Montgomerie and Bernhard Langer. It seemed like a can’t-miss event that would be contested in similar fashion to a Ryder Cup, only with three international teams instead of two.
The release about the cancellation said, “Our goal with the World Champions Cup is to provide a first-class experience for all our
While the debut of the event in 2023 was preceded by a bevy of releases and press conferences and lots of information about potential participants, all was quiet in 2024 until the Oct. 21 release. The World Champions Cup website had almost no information about this year’s event. It makes sense that tournament organizers are considering whether the event is a good fit for the PGA Tour, considering it is held at the height of the NFL season. Here’s hoping they do come back and it will become another marquee event in East County, and it is great exposure both for the community and The Concession.
Jay Heater is the managing editor for the East County Observer. Contact him at JHeater@ YourObserver.com.
BRINGING JOY BY CREATING SMILES
Roy S. SMILE MAKEOVER PATIENT
Jeffrey Martins, DDS DENTIST AND OWNER
Carter Weinhofer
The Miss Anna Maria and Downtown Duchess ferries docked at the city of Bradenton Dry Dock. The ferries, which provide transportation to Anna Maria Island, will be back in service to the public in about a month.
Observer recommends ... OPINION / OUR VIEW
With the general election almost upon us on Nov. 5, the Observer Media Group recommends you consider these choices.
FEDERAL OFFICES
President — Donald Trump
U.S. Senator — Rick Scott
U.S. Congress, District 16 — Vern Buchanan
U.S. Congress, District 17 — Greg Steube
STATE OFFICES
Representative, District 71 — Will
Robinson Representative, District 72 — William “Bill” Conerly Representative, District 73 — Fiona McFarland
■ Continue school ad valorem tax: Continue 1-mill ad valorem tax from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029; June for school safety and security; recruiting and retaining teachers and staff; student achievement through more instructional time and supports; early literacy programs; career and technical education; STEM, visual and performing arts, athletics; and public charter schools; with oversight by an independent citizen committee to ensure proper use of funds. Yes
Second District Court of Appeal — Anthony Black, Edward C. LaRose, Susan H. Rothstein-Youakim. Yes
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
Amendment 1: Partisan school board elections — Yes
Amendment 2: Right to fish and hunt — Yes
Amendment 3: Adult personal use of marijuana — No
Amendment 4: Limit government interference with abortion — No
Amendment 5: Annual adjustments to the value of certain homestead exemptions — No
Amendment 6: Repeal of public campaign financing — Yes
MANATEE
COUNTY
Supervisor of Elections — Scott Farrington County Commission, District 1 — Carol Ann Felts
County Commission, District 3 — Tal Siddique
County Commission, District 5 — Joseph Di Bartolomeo
County Commission, District 7 AtLarge — George Kruse
■ Tourist development tax: Shall Manatee County Ordinance No. 2449 be approved authorizing Manatee County to levy an additional 1% Tourist Development Tax from all short-term rentals of all lodging or accommodations to provide additional revenue to fund the improvements and operation of the county’s convention center, sports stadiums, aquariums, beaches, for the promotion of tourism and all other permissible uses as described under the county’s tourist development plan? Yes
SARASOTA COUNTY
Tax Collector — Barbara Ford-Coates
Charter Review Board, District 1 — Jay Riley
Charter Review Board, District 3 — Tom DeSane Charter Review Board, District 4 — Greg “Tex” Bukowski Charter Review Board, District 5 — Jose Jimenez
Hospital Board, At-Large Seat 3 — Pam Beitlich Hospital Board, Central District Seat 1 — Sarah Lodge
SARASOTA CITY COMMISSION
District 1 — Kyle Scott Battie District 2 — Liz Alpert District 3 — Erik Arroyo
BooFest induces tunnel vision
New to BooFest this year is a haunted tunnel and additional offerings in its stage performances.
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
BooFest is stepping up its fear factor. New to the annual Halloween festival that draws approximately 4,000 people to Main Street at Lakewood Ranch is a haunted tunnel.
Danielle Bugel, marketing manager for Lakewood Ranch Community Activities, said the haunted tunnel will be in the breezeway next to the Lakewood Ranch Info Center and will be appropriate for people of all ages.
“It’s going to be on the spooky side,” Bugel said. “We’re still developing a theme for it because we want to make that a surprise.”
Don’t worry, though, it won’t be too scary, Bugel said. She said there won’t be any “jump scares” in the tunnel.
IF YOU GO
BooFest When: 6-9 p.m. Oct. 25
Where: Main Street at Lakewood Ranch
Cost: Free
Details: Enjoy trick-or-treating, live music, food vendors, performances, a kids corner and a haunted tunnel. More information: LWRCA.org
BooFest is among the numerous Lakewood Ranch Community Activities and Lakewood Ranch parks and recreation programs and events that will continue as normal after Lakewood Ranch was mostly spared severe damage from Hurricane Milton. Lakewood Ranch and Lakewood Ranch Community Activities is collecting donations to support hurricane relief. Lakewood Ranch Community Activities will collect donations at its booth during BooFest.
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• Direct admission
Lakewood
Medical Center or arranged transfer to a hospital of your choice, if needed
Laboratory
• 24/7 for medical emergencies
Imaging, including X-ray and CT services
• 24/7 for medical emergencies
Outpatient laboratory and imaging services available.
• Call for more information.
Lesley Dwyer
Ashley Taylor and McKenna White hand out candy for Arts A Blaze Studio.
Lakewood Ranch is accepting donations at the Lakewood Ranch Info Center and at Waterside Place.
“We understand that many people and families in the community and outside of the community are having a difficult and long journey as they work toward recovering things,” Bugel said. “Fortunately, Lakewood Ranch was lucky to avoid the worst impacts of the storm. Not only do we feel (BooFest) will be a muchneeded opportunity for the community to come together and uplift one another but we thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to help support relief efforts.
At BooFest, the Lakewood Ranch Community Activities will be collecting donations in partnership with Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee to support people impacted by the hurricane. Suggested donations include bottled water, cleaning supplies, wheelbarrows, toilet paper, nonperishable foods, pet food and trash bags.
“We know people lost a lot so really anything people want to donate that they would feel would be helpful to families will be accepted,” Bugel said.
Bugel said all parks and recreation programs are continuing, except for Tennis for Adults as of Oct. 17. Lakewood Ranch Community Activities is waiting for Summerfield Community Park to be opened after it sustained some damage from debris, she said.
Nicole Hackel, the events and
resident experience manager for Lakewood Ranch, said although the pavilion at Waterside Place sustained some damage to its columns, Lakewood Ranch will continue events with small changes.
Two Sights and Sounds performances are being rescheduled, but dates have yet to be announced as Lakewood Ranch waits to ensure it is safe to perform under the pavilion.
In the meantime, Hackel said bands performing during events such as Ranch Nite Wednesday and live music at the plaza will play outside the pavilion.
All other Lakewood Ranch events and activities will continue as scheduled.
Lakewood Ranch also is collecting donations for hurricane relief efforts at Waterside and at the Lakewood Ranch Info Center.
BooFest will be the biggest event to occur since Hurricane Milton.
The festival will include trick-ortreating, live music, food vendors, a kids corner and a loaded schedule of performances.
Bugel said the stage performances will have some variety this year, which includes dance performances and martial arts demonstrations.
Students with Sarasota Cuban Ballet, CapoKids, Music Compound, Arthur Murray Lakewood Ranch, among others, will perform.
DONATE TO HURRICANE RELIEF
Lakewood Ranch and Lakewood Ranch Community Activities is collecting donations to support hurricane relief.
Lakewood Ranch Community Activities will collect donations at its booth during BooFest.
Lakewood Ranch is accepting donations at the Lakewood Ranch Info Center and at Waterside Place.
Donated items include:
Jack Franklin Richardson, D.M.D., a husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully on October 2, 2024, at the age of 84.
Born April 6, 1940, to his parents Frank and Mary, Jack grew up in Mayfield, KY. Jack has two brothers, William (Bill) Richardson of Bradenton and Terry Joe (TJ) Richardson of Sarasota. Jack attended Mayfield High School where he was a member of the National Honor Society and lettered in basketball, football, and golf. After high school, he attended the University of Kentucky and Murry State University. Jack was a member of the Phi Kappa Alpha Social Fraternity and Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society. After his undergraduate work, he attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry.
During his time in Louisville, he met his wife of 59 years, Patricia Alice Kotheimer. After graduating with a dental degree, Jack joined the U.S. Army as a Captain and served as a dentist in South Korea and Red Stone Arsenal, Alabama. After having their first son Jack (Jay) Franklin Richardson II, they moved to Bradenton, Florida in 1968. Their second son Thomas (Toby) Richardson was born in 1970.
SERVICE: A private celebration will be held in the Florida Keys later this year. Jack Franklin
Jack operated a dental practice in West Bradenton for over 39 years before retirement. He is a past President and Chairman of the Board for Manatee County Dentistry Association. Jack was a past “Boss of the Year” by the Manatee – Sarasota Dental Assistants Association.
Jack was an avid golfer, fisherman, diver, and hunter. He was a longtime member of the Bradenton Country Club and Bradenton Yacht Club. Jack was also longterm member of the Bradenton Sertoma Club. He was a past Chairman of the Board and Sertoman of the Year in 2012. He also volunteered as a driver for Meal on Wheels. Jack was commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel in 1979.
Jack spent most of his free time outdoors, spending time with his family, hunting in South Carolina and fishing/diving in the keys. Many of his former friends and patients remember him for his humor, wit, and generosity. He was always willing to help someone in need.
Jack leaves behind his wife Pat Richardson, son Jay Richardson, son Toby (Sarah) Richardson and grandson Remington, and brother TJ (Susan) Richardson.
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Enlightened Monkey Arts will provide a haunted tunnel at BooFest. The theme of the tunnel has yet to
ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
real creatures cavorting on swings suspended over the stage might sound schmaltzy, right up there with Thomas Kincade paintings and garden gnomes.
But anyone who makes that assumption can’t be familiar with Lang, a former dancer for Twyla Tharp’s traveling company who has choreographed for American Ballet Theatre, Alvin Ailey and Birmingham Royal Ballet.
A VARIED BODY OF WORK
“Some choreographers have a style,” says Iain Webb, director of the Sarasota Ballet. “Jessica’s got the ability to create these incredible works that are very different (from) each other. For the audience, it’s going to be tremendous.”
CALLING ON ANGELS
Choreographer Jessica Lang found celestial inspiration for her Sarasota Ballet world premiere ‘A Time of Beauty.’
IF YOU GO
SARASOTA BALLET’S PROGRAM ONE: ‘RELATIVE WORKS’
When: Oct. 25-27
Where: FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail. Tickets: $35-$125 Visit SarasotaBallet.org.
MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
Do you believe in angels?
Choreographer Jessica Lang does — at least as the source of inspiration for “A Time of Beauty,” her ballet making its world premiere at Sarasota Ballet on Oct. 25-27.
Lang, whose official title at Sarasota Ballet is the Virginia B. Toulmin & Muriel O’Neil Artist in Residence, got the idea for “A Time of Beauty” a few years ago. She was in London near St. Paul’s Cathedral when she discovered an installation called “Lunch Break.”
The piece by architects KHBT in collaboration with artist Ottmar Hörl featured 40 golden angels resting on swings.
Even guardian angels need a break every now and then. They’ve since flown away — the installation ran from June 2019 to March 2020 — but their celestial cousins will grace Lang’s second ballet choreographed exclusively for Sarasota Ballet.
To some, a ballet featuring ethe-
In addition to the angelic sculptures in London, Lang drew on the music of George Frideric Handel for “A Time of Beauty.”
“I wanted to do something ... with classical music, but I wanted to go a step forward to include voice,” Lang said in a joint interview with Webb in the Sarasota Ballet’s offices.
“I do a lot for opera and a lot for oratorio music,” she says. “This is Handel’s first oratorio that he ever wrote. He wrote it at 19, and he revisited it three times throughout his career.”
According to Lang, Handel first called the music “Triumph of Time and Dissolution.” He came back again with “Triumph of Time and Beauty” and then “Time and Truth.”
Lang says she is quite fond of a particular aria that Handel borrowed from himself for his opera “Rinaldo,” which she says is one of her favorites.
A SERIES OF LIFE-ALTERING ENCOUNTERS
Lang, who divides her time between New York City and Sarasota, says Handel’s oratorio could be used to accompany a full-length ballet if she used all hour-and-a-half of the composition. Instead, she picked six selections of music to help her embody the battle between time and beauty. Spoiler alert: Time wins. “It always does in the end,” notes Lang. Speaking to Lang about her life as her 50th birthday approaches, one can’t quite decide whether the random encounters that have helped shape her career are fated or serendipitous. For Sarasota ballet fans, they are certainly fortuitous, since they have brought one of the world’s leading choreographers to town.
After dancing for two years for Twyla Tharp’s “Tharp!” company, Lang had her own eponymous dance company from 2011-2019. During this time, both Jessica Lang Dance and the Sarasota Ballet were part of the Fall for Dance program at New York City Center in 2016.
Lang’s company was performing her work, “Tesseracts of Time,” while Sarasota Ballet was on the bill with Sir Frederick Ashton’s “Marguerite and Armand” featuring dancers Johann Kobborg and Alina Cojocaru.
Jessica Lang rehearses with Sarasota Ballet’s Macarena Gimenez and Maximiliano Iglesias for the world premiere of “A Time of Beauty.”
Some of the angels at a 2019 art installation in London that inspired Jessica Lang.
Images courtesy of Mikenna Bowers Sarasota Ballet dancers rehearse for the world premiere of Jessica Lang’s “A Time of Beauty.”
Courtesy image Choreographer Jessica Lang
During the 2016 Fall for Dance gala and dinners, Lang and Webb met for the first time and talked informally about collaborating. The two were aware of each other because Lang had choreographed dances for the Birmingham Royal Ballet under Artistic Director Sir David Bintley, beginning in 2012 with “Lyric Pieces.”
ALL ROADS IN ENGLISH BALLET
LEAD TO ASHTON
Webb knows Bintley from their days dancing together at Sadler’s Wells, where Bintley was also choreographer before becoming artistic director of Birmingham Royal, as Sadler’s Wells is now known.
“We danced together, and I danced in his ballets before he became artistic director. I was already gone by then, but we go back a long time,” Webb says.
With name changes like Sadler’s Well Royal Ballet becoming Birmingham Royal Ballet in 1990, tracing the provenance of English ballet can get confusing.
It’s helpful to remember that all roads lead to Ashton, whose legacy has been preserved by Sarasota Ballet under the leadership of Webb and his wife, Margaret Barbieri, assistant director, both former dancers with Sadler’s Wells.
Lang calls receiving her first commission from Bintley for the Birmingham Royal a “Cinderella” moment. “My husband, Kanji (Segawa), went to the mailbox and came back with a thin letter with a big gold royal seal. ‘Look what you got!’ he said. I was afraid because the envelope was so thin. I assumed it was a polite rejection.”
When she opened up the letter and read it, Lang was “flabbergasted,” she says. “It was a beautiful letter from David articulating how he had watched my work and how much he loved it. It said he was commissioning me for a new work and asked whether I would come over next year,” Lang recalls.
Lang’s potential collaboration with the Sarasota Ballet got a boost when her parents decided to relocate from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, where Lang was raised. She gave Webb a call when her parents were house hunting in Sarasota, renewing their acquaintanceship and the possibility of working together.
But the idea began to take form after a dinner with Lang, her parents, Webb and Barbieri in a restaurant where Roxie Jerde, head of the Community Foundation of Sarasota, happened to be sitting at the next table.
“Roxie said, ‘If you can sign Jessica up, we want to be involved straight away,’” Webb recalled.
A SMALL TOWN WITH STRONG CULTURAL CONNECTIONS
After relaying the anecdote, Webb exults that he loves “the creative energy of Sarasota, where everything is connected, like having dinner and Roxie being on the next table.”
That chance restaurant meeting led to the Community Foundation’s support of Lang’s artist-in-residence position, which also received backing from the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Fast forward to Monday, Oct. 7, 2024. As Hurricane Milton approached, the Sarasota Ballet canceled rehearsals for Program One, “Relative Beauty,” which will feature Lang’s world premiere.
During the storm, Lang sheltered with her parents at their home in The Meadows. She said they experienced some minor damage, but were spared the brunt of Milton, which made landfall on Siesta Key on Wednesday, Oct. 9. Meanwhile, the clock was ticking
down toward Lang’s world premiere on Oct. 25.
“We lost four-and-a-half days of rehearsal, but the show must go on,” Webb says.
A TIME FOR HEALING
Originally, “A Time of Beauty” was to be the first ballet in Program One, followed by Ricardo Graziano’s romantic “Amorosa” and wrapping up with Kobborg’s production of “Napoli Act III,” which continues the legacy of Danish choreographer August Bournonville.
But after Hurricane Milton, Webb and Lang decided the audience should leave on a note of angelic healing. They tweaked the lineup so “Napoli” is the opener and “A Time of Beauty” is the closing performance of Program One.
Now, about those swings. How do they work? “Sarasota’s a circus town, so we went to the Wallenda family to get their help,” Lang says.
Asked specifically which Wallenda lent their aerial expertise to the ballet, Webb demurred. “The people in the IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees) union know the right people to call,” he says. “They have the contacts.”
As a choreographer, Lang has been able to bring to life the kinds of dance-fueled tales she had glimmerings of as a child. Even then, she says,
“... As a choreographer, I need dancers who love to perform and go deeper into the role.”
Choreographer Jessica Lang
“I was dreaming about ideas, movement and stories. But at that age, I don’t think you’re mature enough to know what your vision is.”
Lang spent years preparing for her career as a dancer, but when she finally achieved her dream, she discovered it wasn’t what she wanted after all.
“When I went to Juilliard, I assumed I would dance forever,” she says. “I loved it. Then I got into Twyla’s company and we started touring. The job was very different from the education. I didn’t enjoy it. I didn’t like the repetition.”
Lang adds, “Some people love to perform, and that’s a good thing. As a choreographer, I need dancers who love to perform and go deeper into the role. They have to be willing to try again and get enjoyment out of the repetition. I just didn’t have that.” Webb interjects, “George Balanchine was known for saying, ‘I don’t want people who want to dance. I want people who have to dance.’”
But that’s not enough. Choreographers like Balanchine and Lang don’t exist in a vacuum. They need audiences who want to see their dances. Sarasota’s got them, come hell or high water.
Hurricane Milton shaved four-and-ahalf days from Jessica Lang’s rehearsals with Sarasota Ballet dancers.
Image courtesy of Mikenna Bowers
ADOPT DON’T SHOP
29 |
Yamazalde Trio
Sandy Yamamoto, violin; Matthew Zalkind, cello; Julio Elizalde, piano
November 2, 4:00 pm • Church of the Palms Yamamoto has dazzled audiences in concert performances around the globe as a soloist and as a member of the award-winning Miró Quartet. Zalkind is a top-prize winner in multiple international competitions, and Elizalde is one of the most sought-after recital partners in the country. This program includes music by Haydn, Mendelssohn, and Paul Schoenfeld.
Winner’s Circle
Yance Zheng, Le Phuong Pham, and Quang Vo, piano
November 7, 11:00 am performance followed by lunch Sarasota Yacht Club
The top three prize winners of the Artist Series Concerts 2024 Statewide Piano Competition come together for an extraordinary program of music by Schubert, Ravel, Prokofiev, Chopin, and Florence Price.
A SLICE OF HEAVEN
A savory slice from one of these restaurants is guaranteed to steal a pizza your heart.
My favorite part of the week hits exactly at 5:01 p.m. on Friday. At that magical moment, I know the dreaded “What’s for dinner?” dilemma will dissolve into deliciousness. My husband and I will embrace our cheesy tradition: Friday night pizza! With a Friday night pie in hand, we know exactly what’s on the menu. Trust me, there’s no better plan than that. Here are my favorite slices of heaven in Sarasota and Manatee counties, just in time for National Pizza Month.
Pizza My Heart: Capo’s Sicilian MVP ($28) will make you question why it’s taken you so long to snag a slice (or three) of this sensational pie. It’s made with marinara, pesto, fresh mozzarella and pecorino Romana cheese.
In Crust We Trust: Capo has my best interest at heart with their wide selection of white pizzas. Get the Frank white ($17 and up) with ricotta, mozzarella, caramelized onion and a sesame seed crust.
Pizza My Heart: My dad would salivate over the Clemenza ($18) with spicy Calabrese salami, sweet Italian sausage, garlic confit, Calabrian chili, goat cheese, maple syrup (stay with me here) and arugula.
In Crust We Trust: The Fugetaboutit ($20), made with meatballs, sweet Italian sausage and ricotta, is the right way to end your workweek.
IL PANIFICIO PIZZERIA 1703 Main St., Sarasota; 941-3665570; 215 Avenida Madera, Siesta Key; 941-800-5570; PanificioUSA.com
Pizza My Heart: My dad loved Connecticut-style pizza best, and Il Panificio’s Margherita ($22) landed the superlative “best pie in town.” It’s made with mozzarella, red sauce, fresh tomatoes and basil leaves.
In Crust We Trust: My Connecticut roots would unplant themselves if I didn’t mention the clam pizza ($28) with mozzarella, fresh basil, buttery clams and red sauce.
Pizza My Heart: Tuesday through Saturday from 5-8 p.m., grab a personal-sized savory sourdough pizza. Don’t miss the mini curled pepperoni ($17).
In Crust We Trust: There are rotating feature pies (like the broccoli rabe, fennel sausage, black pepper and cured egg yolk one I scarfed up a few days ago) that you must try. But the Gucci ($19) is gooooooood: prosciutto, heirloom tomatoes, arugula, fresh mozzarella and that Gucci house tomato sauce.
Pizza My Heart: Look no further for the best GF pizza in town. You can order any pie with a cauliflower crust or gluten-free for $5. If you love rich ricotta, the Siesta sands white pizza ($17 and up) is calling your name: olive oil garlic base, spinach, ricotta, broccoli, choice of prosciutto or turkey sausage.
In Crust We Trust: The 1837 Chicken ($18 and up) comes with either sweet-with-heat BBQ or the house-made trifecta sauce base and drizzle. (Watch out for the heat!)
Courtesy image
Atria Cafe is a bakery by day and pizzeria by evening.
THIS WEEK
THURSDAY
‘OFF THE CHARTS’
7:30 p.m. at FST’s Court Cabaret, 1265 First St.
$18-$42
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
The creative team behind Florida Studio Theatre’s popular cabaret series is at again with “Off the Charts.” Richard and Rebecca Hopkins and Sarah Durham take the audience on a tour of 20th-century pop music, with arrangements by Jim Prosser. Stroll down memory lane with hits that ruled the Billboard Top 100 ranking, which debuted in 1958. Runs through Feb. 9.
‘SOUL CROONERS:
SOLID GOLD EDITION’
7:30 p.m. at Westcoast Black
DON’T MISS
‘SKYWAY’ ART EXHIBITION
The triennial contemporary Florida art exhibition encompasses five museums in the Tampa Bay area this year. Even if you don’t have time to visit all five “Skyway” museums, check out The Ringling Museum of Art and the Sarasota Art Museum. The Ringling features the multimedia works of 13 artists, running the gamut from Caitlin Albritton’s whimsical jewelry to Kiko Kotani’s breathtaking crocheted installations. SAM’s juxtapositions of multimedia works speak
Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave. $22-$52 Visit WestcoastBlackTheatre.org.
Created and directed by Nate Jacobs, “The Soul Crooners” returns to Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s main stage for the first time since its 2009 premiere. The opening show of WBTT’s 25th anniversary season celebrates the soul music of the 1970s. Runs through Nov. 17.
‘NINETEEN’
7:30 p.m. at Tree Fort Productions, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail $40 Visit TreeFortProductionsProjects. com.
Move over, “Suffs.” Sarasota’s got its own musical about the struggle for women’s suffrage. With her musical “Nineteen,” the multitalented Katherine Michelle Tanner celebrates the sacrifices and victories of suffragists on their long road to winning passage of the 19th amendment, ratified in 1920. Runs through Oct. 27.
‘JENNIFER, WHO IS LEAVING’
7:30 p.m. at Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second St.
$5-$33 Visit UrbaniteTheatre.com.
Directed by Asolo Repertory Theatre Associate Artistic Director Celine Rosenthal, “Jennifer Who is Leaving” is a comedy set in a Massachusetts donut shop about three overworked women. Runs through Dec. 1.
to the important contributions of Florida immigrants including Havana native Tatiana Mesa Paján, Sue Havens, originally from Rochester, New York, and Kirk Ke Wong, who was born in Shanghai. Runs through Jan. 25 at The Ringling and Oct. 27 at SAM.
IF YOU GO When: 10 a.m. at The Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bayshore Road, and Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail Tickets: $30 at The Ringling; $15 at Sarasota Art Museum Info: Visit SkywayTampaBay.com.
‘THE LIGHTNING THIEF’
7:30 p.m. at 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1105
$25-$35 Visit RiseAboveArts.com.
Rise Above Performing Arts presents the tale of a half-blood son of a Greek god who is accused of stealing Zeus’ master lightning bolt. Adapted from the best-selling book of the same name, “The Lightning Thief” stars local students and features a pulsating rock score. Runs through Oct. 27.
FRIDAY
‘9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL’
7:30 p.m. at the Venice Theatre’s Raymond Center, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice
$15-$37 Visit VeniceTheatre.org.
This toe-tapping musical is based on “9 to 5,” a 1980 film about sexism in the office that featured the hit song of the same name by Dolly Parton, who also starred in the film with Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda and Dabney Coleman. The Venice Theatre production is one of the community theater’s many revivals during its 75th anniversary season. Runs through Nov. 24.
SATURDAY
‘JUNIE B. JONES: THE MUSICAL’ Noon at FST’s Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave.
$12
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
There’s plenty of song and dance for kids at Florida Studio Theatre. FST’s new production, “Junie B. Jones: The Musical,” was adapted from the young adult books by Barbara Park. Join the heroine as she embarks upon a new school year, recording all her adventures in her Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal.
SUNDAY
‘PURPLE! THE 2024 ORCHID SHOW’
10 a.m. at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St. $28 Visit Selby.org.
image
It’s the most wonderful time of year — when Marie Selby Botanical Gardens unveils its latest orchid show. The theme of this year’s show, presented by Better Gro, is “Purple!” Don’t be a shrinking violet; come see an astonishing display of purple orchids in the Tropical Conservatory, along with an exhibition of books, prints, photographs and other materials in the Museum of Botany & The Arts. Runs through Dec. 5.
WEDNESDAY
FORBIDDEN MUSIC IN PRE-NAZI GERMANY
10:30 a.m. at Selby Library, 1331 First St. Free with registration Visit SarasotaMusicArchive.org.
Sarasota Music Archive presents a lecture by Robert Vodnoy, music director of the Chamber Orchestra of Sarasota, exploring the evolution of German music in the early 20th century.
OUR PICK
‘THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW’ It wouldn’t be the spooky season without the Sarasota Players’ annual production of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” based on the Washington Irving story that follows schoolmaster Ichabod Crane as he battles his rival Brom Bones for the heart of Katrina. A costume contest will take place each night before the show. Bring your own chairs or blankets for seating.
IF YOU GO When: 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24 through Saturday Oct. 26
Where: Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane
Tickets: $10-$25 Info: Visit ThePlayers. org.
Courtesy
The Sarasota Players’ “The Legend of Sleeping Hollow” runs Oct. 24-26 at the Sarasota Polo Club.
YOUR NEIGHBORS
MANAGING EDITOR
akefront Drive at Waterside Place was lined with hundreds of players Oct. 16, a cornhole bag in one hand and a drink in the other.
Along with those cornhole bags, laughter also filled the air as Ranch Nite Wednesdays proved to be the best party in town.
There was no hint of the anguish caused by Hurricane
“This is incredibly important,” said MVP Sports and Social’s Chris McComas, who organizes the combination sports and social league.
“You get to see some friends and to
LAKEWOOD RANCH GIVES BACK
The Lakewood Ranch food and supplies drive continues through Thanksgiving. If you would like to donate nonperishable food or other items, you can drop them off at the Lakewood Ranch Information office at 8131 Lakewood Main St. Here is an example of needed items: Nonperishable unused, unopened food items, bottled water, shop vacs, push brooms, squeegees, bleach, mold remover, shovels, wheelbarrows, trash bags, plastic storage bins, toilet paper, paper towels, towels, gloves, fans, dehumidifiers, other cleaning supplies.
laugh. Life is OK. This reminds you of what matters.”
MVP Sports and Social added a hurricane relief chat room to its website. “We keep a good pulse of the community,” McComas said.
While the Lakewood Ranch area had to withstand its share of hardships through the recent storms, it hasn’t been the type of devastation suffered by the beach communities.
With that in mind, Lakewood Ranch developer Schroeder-Manatee Ranch wanted to find ways to help.
“We felt fortunate so we wanted to find ways to give back,” said Sandy
Shahinian, vice president of sales and marketing for Lakewood Ranch Communities.
Shahinian said first responders and linemen received a free meal from any of the food trucks at Ranch Nite Wednesday. They only needed to show a work ID and SMR would reimburse them for the meal.
SMR also was collecting food and supplies for those in need because of the hurricane. The items collected at Ranch Nite Wednesday would be distributed by Meals on Wheels Plus.
Another collection was scheduled for Oct. 20 at the Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch. The items collected at the farmers market will be distributed through Friendly City Foundation of Bradenton.
Friendly City Foundation will distribute food to Feeding Empty Little Tummies, that serves food insecure children; cleaning supplies that will go to organizations that support rebuilding local small businesses; the Center of Anna Maria Island; the Bradenton Beach Merchant Association; and others.
Anyone who would like to contribute items can drop them off at the Lakewood Ranch Information Center at 8131 Lakewood Main St. through Thanksgiving.
Those taking advantage of Ranch Nite Wednesday said they were having a great time.
Myakka City’s Kent Cooper, who teams up with his son, Branden, for cornhole, said the cornhole league provides a little bit competition and the chance to visit with friends. He said the hurricane couldn’t prevent everyone from having a good time.
“I’ve been through a lot (in terms of storms over the years),” he said. “It is something you have to deal with. But without a doubt, it’s good to get out here and have fun.”
As a lifelong resident of Florida, Braden Cooper said he knows that you need to move forward after storms. “You get used to it,” he said. “Welcome to Florida.”
While the event was going on, people were making their way to the Lakewood Ranch bus to drop off donated items.
“Hurricanes are stressful,” Sarasota’s Susan Hong said as she dropped off bags full of items. “I just wanted to do something because I am grateful.”
If staying active is a way of relieving stress, McComas said people are fortunate as the activities he plans for Lakewood Ranch are back in full swing.
East County’s Branden Cooper takes dead aim during cornhole league play on Wednesday at Ranch Nite Wednesdays.
Taylor Opie’s band, including bass player Andrew Glasgow in the background, provides live entertainment at Ranch Nite Wednesdays.
Photos by Jay Heater
The Schroeder-Manatee Ranch crew was collecting items to help Hurricane Milton victims at Ranch Nite Wednesdays. Donations can still be brought to the Lakewood Ranch Information Center on Lakewood Main Street.
Morgan Bettes Angell carries donations to help those affected by Hurricane Milton to the Lakewood Ranch bus during Ranch Nite Wednesdays at Waterside Place.
IT’S READ EVERYWHERE
Headed
Dan Adragna, Cathy Adragna, Rick Wellinger and Jill Wellinger with
ONE PARK SARASOTA CONDO CELEBRATES GROUNDBREAKING AT THE QUAY
Downtown Sarasota’s waterfront district buzzed with excitement on October 1st as One Park Sarasota broke ground on its 18-story luxury tower. This 86-residence condominium, offering over 40,000 square feet of amenities, is a joint development by PMG and MoneyShow in The Quay’s bayside community. Coldwell Banker Realty’s Chelsa Vahtomin and Robert Robinson exclusively lead the sales team for One Park Sarasota.
“One Park Sarasota embodies our longstanding commitment to redefining luxury in Downtown Sarasota’s Waterfront District,” said Kevin Maloney, founder and CEO of PMG. “We are thrilled to officially break ground on this project and move forward with delivering a truly premier residential destination to The Quay. We are confident it will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of elevated living along Florida’s Gulf Coast.”
Alongside the groundbreaking marked by a traditional shovel
turn, buyers and local dignitaries gathered to celebrate the occasion with light bites, mimosas, and live music. The event also featured brief remarks from leaders of the One Park Sarasota development team.
“Reaching One Park Sarasota’s groundbreaking marks an exciting milestone for the city of Sarasota and its residents,” said Kim Githler, chair and CEO of MoneyShow. “With beautiful design, one-of-a-kind amenities, and an unbeatable location, this project will undoubtedly enrich our community’s residential landscape for years to come. We are proud to partner with PMG and contribute this signature project to Sarasota’s skyline.”
Designed by Sarasota-based Hoyt Architects, One Park Sarasota will offer 86 fully finished threebedroom residences, each with stunning views of Sarasota Bay, the city skyline, and its neighbor The Bay. The residences feature contemporary lighting packages, built-out closets, fully integrated
kitchens, and high-end Italian cabinetry in both kitchens and bathrooms. Designer-curated flooring options include porcelain, marble, or wood throughout.
Expansive glass walls, private terraces, midnight bars in primary bedrooms, and PMG’s advanced smart home technology ensure an unprecedented level of comfort and efficiency. The tower also includes top-floor penthouses and ground-level townhomes, each
with private rooftops, summer kitchens, and plunge pools.
Beyond its meticulously designed residences, One Park will feature an elevated amenity level brimming with resort-style features. The highlight is a pool area featuring two plunge pools, plenty of lounge chairs, and inviting social spaces. A state-of-the-art Fitness Studio will be equipped with the latest equipment, dedicated rooms for Pilates and spin, and an outdoor yoga/ fitness lawn.
The One Park Wellness Spa offers a tranquil retreat complete with a Hammam Spa and separate saunas for men and women. Entertainment options include a private theater room, a golf room, a wine and piano lounge, an owner’s lounge, and a hospitality suite.
Additional premium services provided by the dedicated concierge staff encompass valet parking, package delivery, and dog walking.
ARTIST CONCEPTUAL RENDERING
YOUR CALENDAR
COMMUNITY
THURSDAY, OCT. 24 THROUGH
SUNDAY, OCT. 27
LIVE MUSIC AT JIGGS LANDING
Runs from 4-7 p.m. each day at Jiggs Landing, 6106 63rd St. E., Bradenton. The live music lineup at Jiggs Landing includes Steve Arvey (Thursday), Blue Grass Pirates (Friday), Gator Ridge Ramblers (Saturday) Zack Pomerleau (Sunday). The Friday and Saturday concerts are $5; the others are free. For more information, go to JiggsLanding.com.
FRIDAY, OCT. 25 AND SATURDAY, OCT. 26
MUSIC AT THE PLAZA
Runs 6-9 p.m. at Waterside Place, 1560 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch. Singer/songwriter Doug Burns will entertain those strolling through Waterside Place on Friday night while singer/songwriter Sara Nelms will perform on Saturday. For more information about the free music series, go to WatersidePlace. com.
SATURDAY, OCT. 26 AND SUNDAY, OCT. 27
PUMPKIN FESTIVAL
Runs Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Hunsader Farms, 5500 C.R. 675, Bradenton. Get ready for the final two days of the 33rd annual Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival. The festival features craft shows, live music, pumpkins, hayrides, pony rides, scarecrows, food and drinks, jugglers and fresh produce. Admission is $15; kids 10 and younger admitted free (cash only). Parking is $5.
LINGER LODGE MUSIC
Runs Saturday from 6-9 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. at Linger Lodge Restaurant, 7205 85th St. Court. E., Bradenton. Live, free music at Linger Lodge restaurant includes the Divebombers on Saturday and Steve Cherubino on Sunday. For more information, call 755-2757
SUNDAY, OCT. 27
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 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.
YOGA IN THE PARK
Runs 9-10 a.m. at Waterside Park, 7301 Island Cove Terrace, Sarasota. Start the morning off with gentle yoga with lake views. For more information, go to LakewoodRanch.com.
BEST BET
THURSDAY OCT. 24 THROUGH SATURDAY OCT. 26
SLEEPY HOLLOW
Begins at 6 p.m. each day at the Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Lakewood Ranch. The Sarasota Players’ annual presentation of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow returns for the eighth time. The event offers laughs, frights, costume contests and fun for the whole family. Wear a costume to participate in the contest each evening before the show. Bring chairs and blankets for seating at the outdoor event. Go to ThePlayers.org for tickets, which are $25 for adults and $10 for those younger than 18.
TUESDAY, OCT. 29
TRICK OR TREAT ON THE LAKE
Runs from 5:30-8 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. Sponsored by Oak and Stone, Trick or Treat on the Lake offers trick-or-treating fun for the entire family. Come dressed in your spookiest, silliest costumes and enjoy the themed booths and a candy trail that will include interactive play, storytelling, live music and a Halloween movie. The event is free, but parking is $10. For more information, go to NathanBendersonPark.org.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 30
BINGO Begins at 10 a.m. at James Patton Park, 7525 White Eagle Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. Weekly Bingo under the pavilion is hosted by Lakewood Ranch Community Activities. For more information, go to LakewoodRanch.com.
RANCH NITE WEDNESDAY Runs from 6-9 p.m. at Waterside Place. Ranch Nite Wednesday features food trucks, dessert trucks, live music, weekly programing, outdoor bars and a recreational cornhole league. Please do not bring coolers or bring outside food or beverages. Go to Waterside.com for more information.
Dog show creates a Buzz
Sarasota’s Teagan Nickols put on her red cowgirl hat and yellow dress in an attempt to look like Jessie from Disney Pixar’s “Toy Story.”
She was ready for an adventure at Barks and Boos on Oct. 15.
She brought her dogs, Mushu and Emmett, who were dressed as Buzz Lightyear and Woody, respectively.
Nickols and her dogs walked the runway at The Green at UTC to compete in the dog costume contest.
Nickols said every year she makes the costumes for her dogs. In the past, they have been Tigger and Pooh from “Winnie the Pooh,” mice from Cinderella and Mike and Sully from “Monsters Inc.”
Nickols won first place in the “cutest” category.
Bradenton’s Scott and Eryn Skage had their dogs, Rye and Whiskey, dress as a witch and a chicken, respectively.
Scott Skage said Whiskey loves chasing chickens, so it only made sense for him to be a chicken for Halloween. To add to the costume, Scott Skage dressed as a farmer.
— LIZ RAMOS
Photos by Liz Ramos Sarasota’s Teagan Nickols dresses as Jessie from “Toy Story” to go on adventures with her dogs Mushu, dresses as Buzz Lightyear, and Emmett who was dressed as Woody, for the night. Nickols says she makes costumes for her and her dogs each year.
Proceeds from the pumpkin patch at The Green at University Town Center will go to Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue. The patch will be open until Oct. 27.
Bradenton’s Eryn Skage dresses as a witch to match their dog, Rye, while Scott Skage dresses as a farmer to go with their dog, Whiskey, who is dressed as a chicken.
Lulu the lobster is ready to be boiled for the costume contest. When Sarasota’s Connor Myers was searching for a costume for her dog, Layla, she says she saw the Beetlejuice costume and thought, “I’ve never seen a dog in a wig before” and decided to give it a try.
A Message to Our Community
Together, we rise
For nearly 50 years, this region has been more than just a place we do business—it’s where we call home. As we face the challenges brought by recent storms, we are reminded of the incredible resilience and unity that define our community. While there is much to rebuild and restore, these moments also offer opportunities to reimagine the future of this vibrant place we share.
As part of that commitment, the below offices are open to serve as community hubs—providing free WiFi, water, and a welcoming space where you’ll always find a friendly face. Whether you need a place to recharge, connect, or simply take a moment to breathe, we are here for you.
Downtown Sarasota | 1605 Main Street
Lakewood Ranch | 8325 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard
Bradenton | 4400 Manatee Avenue W
Palmer Ranch | 8660 S Tamiami Trail
Siesta Key | 5100 Ocean Boulevard
Longboat Key | 440 Gulf of Mexico Drive
Plantation | 490 Rockley Boulevard
Venice | 110 Nokomis Avenue N
Punta Gorda | 101 Taylor Street
Nowhere but here.
Classic muscle
Tom Rokosz’s classic Impala SS is just one of many to be showcased at the Knights of Columbus Car Show and Cookout.
JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR
Tom Rokosz and his wife, Gloria, had a tough decision to make.
It was 2020, and Tom decided he wanted to follow his passion to find a car like he drove in college, a 1964 Chevrolet Impala Super Sport.
Gloria was indifferent about antique cars, but she didn’t want to give up her storage area. They had a three-car garage and their two cars occupied two of the spaces. Since a 1964 Impala would have to be stored in a garage in order to be insured adequately, the “junk” as Tom called it, would have to leave the garage.
“We had a big fight on that one,” Tom said with a laugh. “My wife was not as sentimental as I was.”
But Gloria did know what it meant to her husband, so the search was on. Tom found and made his special purchase in 2022, and Gloria was able to watch him head out for his joyful rides around the neighborhood in the candy apple red car. He has never taken the car on a trip farther than Sarasota.
One of the reasons the car was special to him was because that was the model car he had early in his relationship with Gloria. When Tom, who now is 75, was an underclassman at Western New England College in Springfield, Mass., he met his future wife. She was two years younger and not a college student at the time, but she went to a party at Tom’s fraternity.
Part of getting to know Tom included his car rules — no eating in the car, no playing with any of the knobs — like his father before him,
IF YOU GO
What: Knights of Columbus Car Show and Cookout
Where: Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church, 12905 S.R. 70, Lakewood Ranch
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 2
Benefits: St. Jude Children’s
Hospital Cost: $20 to show a car; free for spectators More information: Call 516512-1193 or email MWing1@ outlook.com. Preregister cars: Go to Knights13341.org.
he was meticulous when it came to his Impala.
As he says, he was proud of that car.
On Nov. 2, Tom’s current Impala will be on display at the Knights of Columbus Car Show and Cookout at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church. As Tom, who is a Knight, says, the best part of the show is listening to all the stories about the cars and what they mean to their owners.
Unfortunately, Tom will be without Gloria, who died last December. It is the story he never wanted to tell. He drove Gloria’s ashes to the church in the Impala. He haltingly talks about that ride, chokes up, and then composes himself to finish the story.
Tom said Gloria loved their Country Club East home and their church family. Tom said the Knights of Columbus members have been like brothers to him.
He said that bond makes the car show special.
“We get a lot of families,” he said of the show. “We have shaded areas, the Knights are cooking and we have a DJ.”
Tom also loves that all the proceeds from the event go to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
He began to develop a love for cars
and a respect for maintaining them when he was a kid, watching as his father, Edward, saved money in 1957 for a Pontiac Catalina station wagon.
“He kept that car forever,” he said.
His father gave Tom his first car, a Willys Jeep, a war model.
“I was happy to drive anything at that age,” he said.
When he bought the 1964 Impala, he did, like most drivers of that era, put an 8-track player in it.
“I had them stolen twice,” he said of the 8-track players. “And one of the times they took the wheels, too.”
That didn’t stop him from loving his high profile “muscle” car, which had a 327 engine.
“It was just a classic car with a lot of chrome,” he said. “I always had wanted to get one again.”
He eventually found a guy in Pasco County who had one for sale. He said the car was immaculate.
“Every nut and bolt had been replaced,” he said. “He had rebuilt the original motor and the transmission. When you look at the candy apple red paint, you can see gold specks.”
He still drives the car about once a week, but he said he never has driven it in the rain.
“I just like going around the neighborhood, making a couple loops,” he said. “I see people and they give me a thumbs up.”
In showing the car, he opens the hood and stands in front of the spotless engine, and smiles.
“Wait until you see the trunk.”
It was also spotless.
The car has an air suspension system that lifts or lowers the front or back end, because it is a popular model for those who like to jack up their car.
“This one does not bounce,” he said.
ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR
Ahome in Polo Run topped all transactions in this week’s real estate. Brian James Short-Ohana and Luis Alberto Banzer Cueba, of Sarasota, sold their home at 17421 Polo Trail to Shane and Amanda Eckels, of Bradenton, for $1.1 million. Built in 2021, it has five bedrooms, four-anda-half baths, a pool and 4,008 square feet of living area. It sold for $669,200 in 2021.
COUNTRY CLUB EAST
Alfred and Elise Galgano sold their home at 14639 Newtonmore Lane to Robert Weller and Donna Sindlinger, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1,035,000. Built in 2011, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,447 square feet of living area. It sold for $645,000 in 2021.
DEL TIERRA
Donald Neill Vollmer and Diane Elaine Vollmer, of Bradenton, sold their home at 15204 Las Olas Place to Zachary and Alexis Luci, of Bradenton, for $662,500. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, a pool and 2,560 square feet of living area. It sold for $367,800 in 2018.
7-11
RIVER CLUB SOUTH
James Donohue and Johnna White, of Salem, Massachusetts, sold their home at 10030 Cherry Hills Ave. Circle to Adam and Lauren Rimer, of Bradenton, for $630,000. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,384 square feet of living area. It sold for $280,000 in 2009.
ROSEDALE ADDITION
James Scott Masters, of Bradenton, sold his home at 10228 Loch Lomond Drive to Ronald and Nancy Leins, of Bradenton, for $615,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,481 square feet of living area. It sold for $489,900 in 2021.
Siddall Holdings LLC sold the home at 10016 Carnoustie Place to Sharon Olsen, trustee, of Bradenton, for $555,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,016 square feet of living area. It sold for $340,000 in 2018.
While Tom Rokosz originally owned a black 1964 Chevrolet Impala Super Sport, he loved the candy apple red version of the one he found.
Photos by Jay Heater
Tom Rokosz says he drives his 1964 Chevrolet Impala Super Sport about once a week.
SPORTS
Fast Break
The Lakewood Ranch High girls cross-country team finished second as a team in the Manatee County Championship of the Tri-County XC Championship on Oct. 19 in North Port. The Mustangs had five girls finish in the top 20 and three in the top 10. Senior Kyleigh Halloran set a new personal record in winning the county title at 20:32. Sophomore Julia Mulligan was second at 20:38, also a new personal record. Senior Addison Shea was fourth at 21:02, sophomore Ariana Pressimone was 19th at 23:08, and Junior Gianna Weldon was 21st overall at 23:13. Among the overall results for all three counties, Lakewood Ranch was seventh out of 21 teams. The Mustangs vie for the 4A District 6 Championship 8 a.m. Oct. 30 at the Ed Radice Sports Complex in Tampa.
... Sarasota continues to land big rowing events as USRowing announced last week it will conduct a series of important events at Nathan Benderson Park and at South Lido Key Beach. Nathan Benderson Park will host the 2025 Youth National Championships, which draws more than 4,000 athletes and 1,000 coaches, on June 12-18, 2025, followed by the U19 National Team Trials for single sculls, pair and double sculls from June 16-17. From June 16-18, South Lido Key Beach hosts the first USRowing Youth Beach Sprints National Championships. Following those championships, South Lido Key Beach will host the 2025 Beach Sprint Trials Qualification on June 20-22. Beach Sprints combine running and rowing and is included in the 2028 Olympics.
... Lakewood Ranch High’s football team moved to 5-2 with a 37-22 victory over Gateway on Oct. 18. The Mustangs have a showdown at Parrish Community 7 p.m. Oct. 25. Parrish, 6-1, is coming off a 34-3 romp over Lennard on Oct. 19 ... The Out-of-Door Academy football team remained unbeaten at 6-0 with a 36-14 win over Seffner Christian on Oct. 18. The Thunder hosts Windermere Prep 7 p.m. Oct. 25. Jayne Thompson had a hole-in-one Oct. 4 on the No. 4 hole at the Royal Lakes course at Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club. She aced the hole with a 9-wood on the 106yard hole. Her playing partner was Laura Barnhart Ted Crowe also picked up an ace, this one on Oct. 3 on the same hold at Royal Lakes. Crowe used a 7-iron on the 146-yard hole. His playing partners were Charlie Trafton Sean Ward and Kenny Tyler
Referendum’s millage would benefit athletics
School Board of Manatee County incorporates allocations for athletics into 1-mill property tax referendum if renewed in November.
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
Football draws thousands of people every Friday in the fall to high school stadiums across Manatee County. At the same time, high school volleyball teams could be competing in their home gymnasiums or traveling to an away site to play.
The next day, cross-country runners could be racing through G.T. Bray Park, while swimmers are racing through area pools.
That’s just one season in which hundreds of high school students participate in athletics, and the School Board of Manatee County wants to provide additional funding to support them.
Athletics has been added to the School District of Manatee County’s 1-mill property tax referendum, which is on the ballot Nov. 5.
The millage on the referendum has a budget of just more than $75.5 million in the 2024-25 school year and supports teacher and staff salaries, STEM programs, career and technical education and charter schools.
If renewed by voters Nov. 5, the school board has decided to add allocations for athletics, early literacy and school safety and security.
Sharon Scarbrough, executive director of secondary education, said the funding from the 1-mill property tax referendum will go toward pro-
viding additional support for athletics.
Each school receives equitable funding from the district, and the schools determine how the funding is spent based on needs and interest in programs.
But increased costs have made it more difficult for the district to cover the total cost of its sports programs.
“The cost of equipment for safety, transportation ... all of those things ... has well exceeded anything we could do adequately to make sure we’re providing the best opportunity for our students to compete,” Scarbrough said.
Scarbrough said some equipment, such as football helmets, has to be replaced on a rotating basis to ensure safety. According to DicksSportingGoods.com, football helmets can cost between $180 and $500 each.
“The cost is quite expensive, but it is worth it, because we want to make sure that our students are safe,” she said.
Matt Nesser, athletic director at Braden River High School, said uniforms are a big-ticket expense. He said a set of 16 basketball uniforms cost $2,281 ($142.56 apiece), while it could cost $164 per athlete for football pants and a jersey.
“You can get less expensive stuff as well, but with coaches raising money, they like to get quality products that will last longer,” Nesser said.
Depending on use and the quality of equipment, uniforms and more, Nesser estimated it could be four to five years before a team will have to replace those items.
There’s a cost to the individual student as well.
To participate in athletics in the district, each student must pay a mandatory athletic fee for each sport. The fee is $75 for football, $50 for all other sports and $25 for spring football and spring cheerleading.
The fee covers students for unlimited tryouts, participation in open facilities and strength training and participation in the sport if the student makes the team.
The fee goes toward providing insurance, which is one of the major costs of athletic participation.
Besides the cost of equipment, the district also pays for transportation, officials and athletic trainers.
Nesser said officials for games can cost hundreds of dollars. For the district volleyball game Oct. 16 at Braden River High, it cost $298 for officials. Officials for junior varsity and varsity football games can cost upwards of $400 per event.
Scarbrough said there are athletic trainers at each of the schools, but often with multiple sports happening at one time on a campus, an athletic trainer needs to split time among the sports.
COST OF EQUIPMENT
Part of the cost to athletics is the cost of equipment. Here are some examples of what it takes to put teams on the field:
Football helmet: $180-$500 A basketball: $30-$60
Volleyball net: $42-$142
Shotput of varying sizes: $40-55
Starting blocks: $165
Adjustable training hurdle: $81
10-foot-by-10-foot wrestling mat: $680-$795 Swim cap: $15-$60 *All prices according to DicksSportingGoods. com.
ADDITIONAL COSTS
Officials for a district volleyball game: $298 16 basketball uniforms: $2,281
Football shorts: $68
Football jersey: $66
*Provided by Matt Nesser, athletic director at Braden River High
For the health and safety of students, Scarbrough said the district might need to contract additional athletic trainers, which funding from the referendum could go toward.
Nesser said many coaches and parents raise funds.
Money from admission to athletic events can go toward financially supporting a team as well, he said.
“We try to fundraise through different means. Everybody is getting a little more creative with it,” Nesser said. “Some coaches do multiple fundraisers, some do single fundraisers and that money goes to benefit the student athletes.”
With so many teams and other school organizations trying to fundraise and obtain business sponsorships, Nesser said it can be difficult to raise money.
If approved, additional funding for athletics could help ensure the district is providing students “the stage for the competitiveness with the rest of our communities,” Scarbrough said.
“We want to look at the whole child and how we can not only educate them but expose them to opportunities, whether it’s the arts or athletics,” she said.
At Braden River High, Nesser said between 500 and 600 students participate in a sport.
Scarbrough said for many students, school athletics is the only chance they have to compete because travel teams or club teams can be too costly.
She said some schools want to be able to expand their athletics programs or offer new sports, but there are costs associated with that.
Sometimes, athletics also can lead to opportunities for post-secondary education when athletes receive scholarships.
Nesser said participating in athletics teaches skills that will prepare students for a future outside of sports. That includes teamwork, building camaraderie and overcoming adversity.
Scarbrough said the district has seen many former Manatee County athletes return to the area to work on schools’ coaching staff.
Scarbrough said if voters approve the renewal of the referendum in November, the funding for athletics could be distributed in various ways.
Courtesy photo
Julia Mulligan, Ariana Pressimone, Kyleigh Halloran (county champ), and Addison Shea won medals for Lakewood Ranch High at the Tri-County XC Championship.
Braden River’s Jayden Moore (21) fights through the Lakewood Ranch front seven. It can cost about $164 for a football jersey and pants. A football helmet can range from $180 to $500.
Braden River High’s Nicolas Dieter plays for the junior varsity soccer team in December 2023 against Lakewood Ranch High. Soccer teams will benefit from funding from the 1-mill property tax referendum if approved in November.
