Students at Art Planet Studio learn different techniques and genres of art. They can also profit from their lessons.
Lakewood Ranch’s Alesia Fogoros (pictured above with her teacher and the studio’s owner Natalya Irlin) created “Viking Ship” using oil pastels on black paper.
The 8-year-old artist’s work is on public display at the ComCenter on Town Center Parkway through Nov. 17. She didn’t want to part with the piece, so it’s marked “private collection, not for sale.”
However, several of the other works of art are for sale, and some already have sold. The prices range from $40 to $55. Autumn Murray’s drawing of koi fish earned the 10-year-old $50.
From a classroom to the art show
Kaytlyn Fleming (above) beamed with pride.
A third grader at Freedom Elementary School, her artwork (bottom right corner) was among dozens of other elementary school, middle school and Waterlefe community members’ artwork at the Manatee River Artists Guild art show and craft sale Nov. 9. Her piece was created focusing on color theory and specific color families.
The proceeds from the art show and craft sale will benefit Freedom Elementary School, Carlos E. Haile Middle School and other programs in the community.
cleanup effort
Jay Heater
Lakewood Ranch 3-year-old Adrianna Rivas is having a great time at the Santa’s Grand Arrival Parade on the shoulders of her dad, William Rivas.
Island Kids Child Care Center to open
Owner Ann MacClellan seeks to put her passion for education into caring for children.
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
At 19 years old, Lakewood Ranch’s Ann MacClellan was taking classes for her associate’s degree at Niagara County Community College in New York.
But before heading to class, she would drop off her son, Ian MacClellan, at day care.
Seeing how much her son loved going to day care inspired a passion for education, and MacClellan decided to become a teacher.
Now, MacClellan is opening Island Kids Child Care Center in Lakewood Ranch tentatively on Nov. 18. The center will provide child care services and preschool programming for children from 6 weeks to 12 years old. Registration will be open through the end of the month.
MacClellan said it’s surreal that she and her husband, Jason MacClellan, have created a successful business with three locations.
“I was a single mom for so long, and I just kept persevering and no matter what, I didn’t give up,” she said. “I knew that I had to make it for my son, and I knew there was no choice for me except to say, ‘Yep, I’m going to make it.’ It’s been a long road, but it’s been worth it.”
MacClellan opened her first Island Kids in 2013 in Grand Island, New York, after spending 10 years as a special education teacher.
In 2012, she had just received her School Building Leader Certificate with her second master’s degree and was planning to be a school principal, but then she found out she was pregnant.
When her daughter, Hannah, was born, she and Jason MacClellan
ISLAND KIDS CHILD CARE CENTER
Owner: Ann MacClellan Where: 6230 Lake Osprey
Drive, Lakewood Ranch
Tentative opening: Nov. 18
Ages served: 6 weeks to 12 years old
Services: Preschool and pre-K programs, child care and afterschool care.
More information: Call 241-3003 or email Info@ IslandKidsFL.com
Deck_Print.
Owner Ann MacClellan seeks to put her passion for education into caring for children.
considered starting an at-home day care. Instead, they decided to open a facility and named it Island Kids.
They expanded the facility in 2016 and opened a second location in 2018.
“We’re a big part of our community there, and that’s what we’re looking to do here in Lakewood Ranch because we live here now,” MacClellan said.
MacClellan said it’s important to her to be an involved, hands-on owner. She said communication with parents and families is key to ensuring they feel confident in sending their children to Island Kids. To ensure open communication, MacClellan said she’s always available by phone, even during the weekends.
With Island Kids providing services for children up to 12 years old, MacClellan said watching them grow and develop makes any challenges
she might face worthwhile. She said she’s had children who have grown up and eventually worked at Island Kids or families who have another baby years later and return because they wanted to be a part of the Island Kids community.
MacClellan said Jason MacClellan has been called “Uncle Jason” by students and her mother, Ricki Harper, who has a library in the center, has been called “grandma.”
She said it’s a family environment that caters to the families individually based on space and need as the center can accommodate small and large class sizes as well as individual instruction.
Island Kids will be able to accommodate approximately 135 children, and 24 families already are registered.
MacClellan said unlike some day care centers, Island Kids will be open as much as possible in the case of a hurricane or severe weather so parents have a space to send their children. She said as long as it’s safe for staff and families to get to the center and the center is in working condition, it will be open. The center also will be open on Saturday on an asneeded basis.
At Island Kids, Ricki Harper has a
“We’re a big part of our community there, and that’s what we’re looking to do here in Lakewood Ranch because we live here now.”
Ann MacClellan
library in the center. MacClellan said she works with the kids every day, does crafts with them and teaches them how to use the library. Kids ages 3 to 5 receive a library card and are able to check out books from the library so they know how to use a library card in the future.
Unlike the Island Kids in New York, the Lakewood Ranch Island Kids has an art room, MacClellan said. The center also has a gross motor room, which is a room that helps children engage their senses.
The center also will host events, including a fall festival and holiday festivities, for its families.
Liz Ramos
Ann MacClellan will open her third Island Kids Child Care Center. She has two locations in Grand Island, New York, and will tentatively open her third location Nov. 18 in Lakewood Ranch.
County cleanup will last into next hurricane season
More than 700 downed trees must be removed and 18,000 road signs will be repaired.
LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER
Manatee County will still be cleaning up from this year’s hurricane season when next year’s season begins June 1.
The Stormwater Division is dealing with more than 700 downed trees, and the Traffic Operations Division has some 18,000 road signs to either repair or replace.
“It took us nine months to clean up after Hurricane Ian,” said Zach Custer, a supervisor in the Stormwater Division. “This one’s going to far exceed it.”
On Nov. 7, a stormwater crew was clearing three downed trees from a canal in The Concession. That was one of 375 work orders the department is still contending with since Hurricane Milton, the last in a chain of three hurricanes, that touched down on Oct. 9.
STORMWATER
Some jobs are easier than others. If a canal is accessible, a grapple truck can extend its claw down and pluck up to 16,000 pounds of debris out of a canal with no trouble at all.
In The Concession, a grapple truck was too large to reach the remote area where a group of fallen pine trees was blocking a canal.
County employees also had to work around private property to reach the trees. If the equipment leaves ruts in the grass, the county has to pay to replace it. So the crew of four men drove two ATVs down a horse path into the woods, getting as close to the downed trees as possible.
But they had to leave that path and clear a new one. Technician Orlando Buexcuda cut up a fallen tree with a chain saw, while the rest of the crew moved the stumps out of the ATVs’ path.
In the first couple weeks following Hurricane Milton, Chapman and Custer said the crew was working anywhere from 12 to 16 hours a day. The work orders peaked at 398. The employees are still working overtime, but for the most part, it’s settled into a 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. schedule that also includes weekends.
When they reached the canal, the crew repeated that same exercise three times over, except this time, the ATVs had to be used to hoist the pine trees out of the canal. The winch attached to the ATVs can pull up to 1,000 pounds. If used with a pulley, it can pull up to 2,000 pounds.
After the men attached a pulley to a pine tree that was still standing on the edge of the canal, the massive logs were dragged to the banks, where they will remain.
Field Maintenance Superintendent Scott Chapman said the Southwest Florida Water Management District dictates how the debris is handled. In this case, the order was to remove the blockage and leave the debris on the banks.
The stormwater division has 61 workers, divided into five crews that cover the entire county. On an average month, they receive anywhere from 50 to 100 work orders.
The crew is naturally busier during the rainy season, but before and after a hurricane, they’re in overdrive. The division handles sandbag operations before a hurricane hits, and the crews are first on the streets after it passes.
“We have our first-in teams that actually open the roads up for the first responders,” Chapman said.
In the first couple weeks following Hurricane Milton, Chapman and Custer said the crew was work-
REPAIR ESTIMATES
ing anywhere from 12 to 16 hours a day. The work orders peaked at 398. The employees are still working overtime, but for the most part, it’s settled into a 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. schedule that also includes weekends.
While most of the water blockages in East County are due to downed trees, trees are not the only items being removed from canals around the county.
A crew removed a 12-foot-by-12foot shed from a canal near the coast last week. The shed was still intact, but had been blown 20 feet away from where it originally stood.
TRAFFIC OPERATIONS
Traffic Operations crews finished repairs on nearly 3,000 stop signs last week. Manatee County has an inventory of about 60,000 road signs in total.
The staff is 95% complete with county repairs, but that doesn’t include anything owned by the Florida Department of Transportation. Traffic Operations Division Manager Aaron Burkett said FDOT repairs are just beginning.
Similarly to the Stormwater Division, Traffic Operations are among the first crews back on the streets after a hurricane.
Burkett said the “first sweep” is to ensure that all major intersections are safe. If a traffic signal isn’t working, the crews put up stop signs. They also remove any traffic lights or signs that are obstructing the roads.
After that’s done, the staff of 30 assesses and prioritizes all the roads. Burkett said Hurricane Helene gave the team two weeks’ worth of work.
After Hurricane Milton hit, the assessment alone took a full week.
At first glance, the intersection at State Road 64 where Lakewood Ranch Boulevard meets Upper Manatee River Road seems to be in good working order. The traffic lights are all in a row and changing with the traffic flow. Plus, the green street signs are still intact.
As Burkett walked toward the intersection, he pointed out an illuminated street sign that was smashed in the grass and quite a few other problems that the average passerby might not notice so easily.
After looking at the way the traffic lights were hanging, Burkett said there was damage to the top span wire, a spreader bar was broken and all the weight of the signals was being placed on the bottom messenger cable.
He said that one intersection alone will take two teams of two a full day to repair, and over 745 street lights across the county were damaged.
Burkett expects the work on county-owned traffic signs and signals to be wrapped up by the end of this week, but he estimates that FDOT repairs will continue into mid December. Street signs are on the bottom of the priority list. The bulk of those won’t be repaired or replaced until the middle of next year.
Aaron Burkett is the Traffic Operations Division manager for Manatee County.
Photos by Lesley Dwyer
Orlando Buexcuda and Nick Waldron set up a pulley system around a pine tree in
The Concession. Using the pulley, the ATV can pull 2,000 pounds.
Courtesy image
An entire shed is pulled out of a canal on Nov. 6 by Manatee County’s Stormwater Division.
Manatee hosts Special Flood Hazard Areas
outreach
Manatee County will host a community outreach session 10 a.m. Nov. 20 at the New Hope Baptist Church, 9422 Old Tampa Road, Parrish, for those living in Special Flood Hazard Areas.
A county release says, “Residents living in Special Flood Hazard Areas whose homes sustained any type of storm damage (wind, water, storm surge, etc.) should be aware of additional requirements to repair or rebuild. It is crucial to ensure contractors are licensed and knowledgeable about the National Flood Insurance Program, Florida Building Code, and our current Floodplain Ordinance.”
The county release said that of critical concern “is the 50% rule ― a minimum requirement of the National Flood Insurance Program that prohibits improvements to a structure, built to outdated standards, that exceeds 50% or more of its market value, unless the structure is brought into full compliance with current floodplain regulations, Florida building code and NFIP requirements.”
To find out more information on the topic, go to MyManatee.org/ B4URebuild. The county asks that those who anticipate going to the session first familiarize themselves with all floodplain requirements that can be found at the site just noted. Residents should not begin repairs without proper authorization, oversight, permits or records.
Last call for applications to become a planning commissioner
Manatee County is accepting applications for two seats on its planning commission.
The seven-person citizen’s advisory committee makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners on land use items.
The commissioners appoint members to four-year terms. A county release said no particular expertise is required but persons with experience or training in planning, engineering, environmental science and the development industry will be
considered. The commission meets on the second Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Manatee County Administrative Building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
Applications are due Nov. 22, and forms can be found online at MyManatee.org.
The county also is seeking applicants for two seats on its Historic Preservation Board, which is a citizen’s advisory committee that makes decisions on “Historic Certificates of Appropriateness.” The term is four years and the board consists of five members. People with experience or training in historic preservation are urged to apply. Historic Preservation Board members can’t be employed by the county or serve as a member of another land development-related advisory board serving unincorporated Manatee County.
Applications are due Nov. 22, and applications can be found online at MyManatee.org.
Free document shredding scheduled for Nov. 16
The Manatee County Clerk’s Office is hosting a free Community Shred Day 9-11 a.m. Nov. 16 at Manatee Technical College, 6305 S.R. 70 E., Bradenton.
A county release said, “Manatee County residents can bring up to two standard-sized banker boxes of personal documents to be shredded on-site. Accepted items include documents of any color or type of paper, plastic credit cards and IDs. Paper clips, staples, rubber bands, labels and file tabs do not need to be removed from documents. The event does not accept binders, junk mail, magazines, newspapers, wet/damp paper or previously wet paper and electronics.” Community Shred Day is a drive-up event and Clerk’s Office volunteers will be on hand to remove items from vehicles and bring them to the shredding truck. The event also includes hard drive destruction services. Residents must remove their hard drive from their personal computer or laptop before arriving at the event.
This coffee break is over
After winning the election, former elections office Chief of Staff Scott Farrington will return in January as its supervisor.
Former Chief of Staff Scott Farrington returns to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections office Jan. 7. This time, Farrington will be in charge, following his victory over current SOE James Satcher in the primary and write-in candidate Thomas Dell in the general election.
Farrington was recommended for the position by former SOE Mike Bennett before he retired in March. However, Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed former District 1 Commissioner James Satcher instead. Satcher took office on April 12. Since then, he increased the budget by $841,340, hired and fired employees, made major software and equipment purchases, repainted the office and made plans to open two new satellite offices.
Farrington, who resigned when Satcher was appointed, could only sit on the sidelines and watch.
“Elections are what I’ve known pretty much my whole career,” Farrington said. “In some ways (not being involved after his resignation) has been harder than being in the office, to sit out and feel like I’m
twiddling my thumbs.”
Farrington was asked if he will undo everything Satcher did.
“It’s not quite that simple,” he said.
Because Farrington has been out of the office, he’s not privy to what contracts Satcher has signed.
Until he sits down at his desk, Farrington won’t know what can be undone and what can’t be.
“I know (Satcher) bought some stuff, some of it being software, that I don’t think can be returned,” Farrington said. “He had originally intended to open a remote office in Lakewood Ranch. He obviously didn’t do it, but how far he got down that road, I don’t know.”
As for the four employees that Satcher fired following the primaries, Farrington said that anyone who wishes to return is welcome, but two
SATCHER’S FIRST SIX MONTHS
Current SOE James Satcher will remain in office through the end of the year because the statute states that constitutional officers are sworn in on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in January. Satcher’s first six months in office were a whirlwind of activity. Here are the highlights:
■ Increased the budget by 26%
■ Spent $190,000 on audit machines
■ Hired David Ballard, Commissioner Amanda Ballard’s husband, as his chief of staff
■ Added an IT position at $153,000 a year
■ Fired four employees following the primary election
of the workers were seasonal, so they wouldn’t be needed until the next election cycle.
The two full-time employees were Mark Darnell and Chris Palmer. Darnell is moving out of state, and Palmer now works as an accounts payable clerk at the courthouse.
Palmer said she is happy with her new job. She’s not thinking ahead to January at this point, but she does have some bigger concerns about the office in general.
“I think (Farrington) is going to walk into a mess,” she said. “I’m more concerned that he can fix whatever is broken. That’s the most important thing.”
Palmer said she has been in touch with current employees who have said they’re working until midnight and later, which Palmer called “unusual.”
Even if she doesn’t return to the office, she’s “ecstatic” that Farrington was elected to the position.
“I was concerned about having an honest person with a lot of integrity in office,” she said. “And I believe we got that (with Farrington).”
Satcher also hired two new employees to fill the chief of staff and IT positions, which had both been filled by Farrington when he worked
for Bennett. Farrington doesn’t know if that will remain two separate positions, but he does know that he will not be able to perform as many duties as he did in the past.
“I would be lying if I said I hadn’t thought about it, but I also would be lying if I said I completely figured that out, too,” he said.
During elections, the SOE has to sit on the canvassing board. So Farrington can’t just up and leave every time there’s an issue as he could as the No. 2 under Bennett.
Satcher’s equipment purchase is a much easier issue because Farrington said the prior tabulating machines were nearing the end of their life.
He would have held off on buying the audit machines because the version Satcher purchased had only been certified in June 2023, but he said a large purchase request for equipment would’ve gone before the commission within the next year anyway.
However, it most likely wouldn’t have been all within one request. But since it’s already been approved, Farrington sees an “opportunity” to spend it over the next few years.
“I would be shocked if we weren’t going to give some money back because there’s no way, with what (Satcher) intended to do with it, he could’ve spent it all,” Farrington said. “But at the same time, I have no idea how much or what that’s going to look like.”
If funds are leftover at the end of the fiscal year, which is Sept. 30 in Manatee County, constitutional offices are required to return the leftover money to the county.
Bennett was known for running a fiscally tight ship, and Farrington said he has the same mindset. He said he has no intention of “blowing up the budget” just because he could get away with it.
He’s also gained a new perspective having been a candidate.
“I was out at a lot of different precincts and saw and heard some things that gave me some education and reason to evaluate some of our precincts,” Farrington said. “There were lines in some places. I have some ideas, but I’ll be looking at what caused those lines.”
Lesley Dwyer
Amy Farrington, Mike Bennett, Scott Farrington and Jacob Farrington celebrate Scott Farrington’s Supervisor of Elections win in the primary. He later beat write-in candidate Thomas Dell in the general election.
Greek treat for charity
St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church’s Autumn Fest to
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
hile St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church’s Philoptochos Society members feed community members during the church’s annual Autumn Fest, the members at the same time are focused on Feeding Empty Little Tummies.
Feeding Empty Little Tummies of Manatee County will receive a portion of the proceeds from the festival, which runs Nov. 15-16, among other nonprofits.
After seeing the damage Feeding Empty Little Tummies’ facilities in Palmetto sustained during the hurricanes, the Ladies Philoptochos Society decided to donate a portion of the proceeds from Autumn Fest to the nonprofit. This year’s Autumn Fest will bring back popular food items for dine-in or takeout. Food options include gyros, spanakopita, lamb shanks and pastitsio.
Craft tables with homemade items are returning to the festival this year.
Janet Rantis, president of the society, said every penny the society raises “goes out the door” to various
IF YOU GO
nonprofits.
“That’s why we’re all here in the organization in the first place, because our hearts are to give,” said Connie Gorzelany, the chapter’s record secretary. “This is what the Philoptochos (Society) is all about. It’s for caring for the poor, caring for anyone who’s less fortunate. That’s pretty much the heart of all of us. We are here for the same purpose.”
Members of the chapter said they choose nonprofits and charities in which they know every dollar will directly impact those the organization is serving.
“It’s God’s work,” said Preggy Doukas, the chapter’s treasurer. “You have to help your fellow neighbor. We have to roll up our sleeves and do whatever it is we can do in whatever way we’re able to do it.”
St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Philoptochos members (back) Betty Karras, Pat Trempelas, Peggy Doukas, Connie Gorzelany, (front) Janet Rantis, Marilyn Blazakis, Connie Chalkis and Diane Kontonickas work to make
successful fundraiser for local nonprofits.
Beating the odds
Lakewood Ranch family hosts first Seany’s Shuffle to support epilepsy research.
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
When Sapphire Point’s Sean Rabus was born, he was considered “unremarkable” in medical terms. He was like any other child. But at 7 months old, things changed.
Sean began having spasms.
Maureen Flood Rabus and her husband, Charles “Chip” Rabus, took their son to a pediatrician, but doctors kept saying he was fine and would grow out of it.
Something didn’t feel right, though.
Maureen and Chip decided to take Sean to a neurologist. Within 10 minutes of an electroencephalogram, the neurologist brought in a team to talk to Maureen and Chip. Sean was admitted for further testing.
On July 3, 2019, Sean was diagnosed with infantile spasms, which is one of the most severe forms of pediatric epilepsy. Doctors discovered the underlying cause for Sean’s epilepsy was Menkes disease, a fatal neurodegenerative disorder of infancy.
In the U.S., the incidence of a male being born with Menkes disease is one in 100,000 or greater, according to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
The odds of a child living to 3 years old is less than 5%.
Sean is beating the odds.
He will turn 6 years old Nov. 19.
To help celebrate as well as raise money for awareness and to help find a cure for epilepsy, the Rabus family is hosting the first Seany’s Shuffle in Lakewood Ranch on Nov. 17. The event, which will start at the Sapphire Point Amenity Center, 5970 Bluestar Court, will be a 2.6-mile fun run and a one-mile walk to represent the one in 26 people who will develop epilepsy in their lifetime.
Although Sean has epilepsy, he’s unique. Maureen said Sean is one in a million who will spontaneously have a mutation on the gene that causes Menkes disease. The disease is typically genetically inherited.
“I’m most proud of how hard this kid works and how hard he fights. He works tirelessly every day in therapy. He has had long and short stints in hospitals, and he rarely complains. ”
Maureen Flood Rabus
IF YOU GO
SEANY’S SHUFFLE
When: 10 a.m. Nov. 17
Where: Sapphire Point Amenity Center, 5970 Bluestar Court, Lakewood Ranch Cost: $25
Details: Seany’s Shuffle is a 2.6-mile fun run and a one-mile walk to represent the one in 26 people who will develop epilepsy in their lifetime. Proceeds will be donated to Cure Epilepsy, a nonprofit funding research to find a cure for epilepsy. More information: Visit Give.CureEpilepsy.org.
A LONG JOURNEY
To see their son go from having a typical childhood to no longer being able to sit up, hold things in his hand, play with toys and eat solid food was devastating, but they’ve never given up hope.
“The hardest thing probably was his smile. When he was undergoing treatment, the first thing I noticed was that he stopped smiling. This is a kid who smiles all the time. It was devastating as a parent to see,” Maureen said.
After Sean’s diagnosis, he started a rigorous course of hormone steroid treatment, which included copper histidine injections multiple times per day. Sean had acute pancreatitis 18 months ago that resulted in half his pancreas being removed after a three-month stint in the hospital. He’s had numerous ear, nose and throat surgeries.
No matter how many injections, treatments or hospital visits, Maureen said the journey has encouraged them to learn to have grace and humility. They celebrate every little milestone, like Sean being able to hold a crayon in his hand for three seconds, as though he’s won a gold medal at the Olympics.
“I’m most proud of how hard this kid works and how hard he fights,” Maureen said. “He works tirelessly every day in therapy. He has had long and short stints in hospitals, and he rarely complains. Most of the time, he just laughs at the doctors.”
Sean hasn’t had a seizure in three years, and his last EEG showed normal brain patterns for a child of his age.
“He is truly amazing, and we feel very lucky we’ve been able to control his seizures,” Maureen said. “We’ve been able to control his epilepsy, and that’s what has allowed him to continue to develop. But the reality is we don’t know what the future holds for Sean. We don’t know whether his epilepsy will return in a different form for him.”
Dr. Stephen Kaler, considered a renowned expert on Menkes disease, recommends children stop the copper histidine injections after three years because the risk of damage to renal function becomes too great.
With Sean being the only documented case of his mutation, Maureen said it’s been challenging to find treatments as there is limited research on next steps for a child like Sean.
“It’s frustrating and infuriating sometimes when you ask the world’s expert on Menkes, ‘What is the path for Sean?’ and he says, ‘Sean will tell us,’” Maureen said. “I just want a road map, but Sean will tell us, and Sean continues to tell us. He continues to be a superhero warrior.” Sean is nonambulatory, nonverbal
and communicates using a device that allows him to control a mouse on a device with his eyes.
“There is no cure for Menkes. The ability to control his epilepsy is really what has allowed him to continue to develop,” Maureen said.
The Rabus family moved to Florida 15 months ago from Chicago. The winters were too much. One winter, Maureen said every time he had a cold, it was a visit to the pediatric intensive care unit. Florida offered warmth and sunshine to allow Sean to be outdoors more.
Sean’s journey has inspired Maureen and Charles to serve on boards of nonprofits that have helped Sean.
Maureen is on the board of directors for Cure Epilepsy, which is the organization that will benefit from Seany’s Shuffle. Cure Epilepsy funds epilepsy research with the goal of finding a cure.
Charles serves on the board at The Haven, which is a Sarasota nonprofit where Sean goes for his speech, eating, physical, occupation and aqua therapies.
“We wanted a place for Sean where he could grow and thrive, where he could feel included and not different,” Maureen said. “The last yearand-a-half, he’s been around other kids who are in chairs, other kids who use eye gaze to communicate. It has been an amazing community.”
Seeing how much Sean has developed makes Maureen emotional.
“This is a kid who, until he was 6 months old, could sit independently. Then until about six weeks ago, he couldn’t do that. Now he can. It’s 10, 15 seconds at a time, but those little things are huge milestones for him,” Maureen said. “We’re just incredibly grateful that the medication he takes to control his epilepsy continues to work and allows him to grow and thrive.”
Maureen said she and Charles have trusted their instincts, and any time something hasn’t felt right, they advocate for Sean because his life depends on it.
“Sometimes you have to yell and scream from the rooftops to get them what they need and advocate for them, especially when you have a nonverbal child who cannot tell you what hurts,” she said.
HE CAN DO ANYTHING
Maureen said the family’s motto is Sean can do anything, and it’s their job to enable him.
They live every day like it could be Sean’s last because with the uncertainty of Menkes disease, it could be. They try to give Sean every experience they can.
The family takes trips and goes to every live Paw Patrol and Daniel Tiger show. They’ve been to sporting events, including University of Notre Dame and Chicago Cubs games.
The family went to Disney World in October, and Sean rode Seven Dwarfs Mine Train for the first time. Three years ago, Maureen said she never imagined allowing Sean to go on rides, but he’s built up his strength enough to allow him to ride, despite her fears. While she was panicking on the ride, Sean was having the time of his life.
“Your heart explodes,” Maureen said. “My heart is half like, ‘Oh my gosh, is this a terrible idea? Am I the worst mom in the universe for letting him try this?’ The other part is just so ecstatic for how happy he is and the pride he has in himself.”
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Sapphire Point’s Charles Rabus, his wife, Maureen Flood Rabus, and their children, 5-year-old Sean Rabus and 4-yearold Danny Rabus, make the most of every day.
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Courtesy images
Sean Rabus attends a Chicago Cubs game. The Rabus family gives every experience they can to Sean, who lives with Menkes disease, a fatal neurodegenerative disorder of infancy.
Election lessons learned on the Ranch
Not having a party affiliation means doom these days when it comes to votes.
Now that the 2024 general election is in the bank, we can consider what lessons we have learned from the process.
1 — MAKE A CHOICE WHEN IT COMES TO A PARTY.
I’m not talking about beers at Ed’s Tavern. I am referring to Republicans and Democrats.
When we think of grassroots efforts, Republican Carol Felts would seem to be the poster girl.
This was, indeed, a rags to riches story, about a candidate who was running simply because she was passionate and because she cared about her hometown.
Those who follow the political scene know Felts ran twice before for a commission seat (in 2020 and 2022) and was simply taking up space on a ballot. Of course, she felt she was doing something more, because her effort gave her a platform in which to educate others about the plight of rural residents who live in the face of intrusive development, and about the importance of being involved and informed.
Her run in 2024 appeared to be more of the same. Her candidacy allowed her to scream about the things she holds dear, and not be led out of any gatherings by security guards.
Grassroots or not, Felts set herself up for success with one very important decision. She continued to align herself with the Republican party. Before her 2022 run, Felts said in an interview with the East County Observer that she viewed herself as an Independent but was a registered Republican.
So everything came together for her in 2024. In the primary, Felts was up against the Manatee County Republican political machine and its candidate, Steve Metallo, who raised four times more campaign funds than she did.
In the primary, though, voters rebelled against anyone associated with political advisor Anthony Pedicini, and that was Metallo. Felts scored the unexpected upset.
Republicans had to think about their selection in the primary. They couldn’t just check an “R” because everyone had an “R” next to their name.
It was an emotionally charged primary, so those voting were more likely to be informed. The voters knew what they didn’t want.
The general election was a different story. Felts and Jen Hamey were similar in their platforms and therefore ran very friendly campaigns void of personal attacks. But there was a key distinction. Felts was listed as a Republican and Hamey had NPA (no party affiliation) next to her name.
Unlike the emotionally charged primary, all the air had escaped from the election balloon.
It became a Donald Trump coattails election where, after checking Trump’s box, the Manatee County voters checked the “Rs” right down the ballot.
It’s interesting because Hamey seemed to be a very qualified candidate with her law background. Yet, she had only 5,288 votes to Felts’ 35,960.
It’s logical to think Hamey would have stood a much better chance in the primary as a Republican-lite candidate.
It all led to Felts giving us the quote of the election, as told to East County Observer reporter Lesley Dwyer, “Honestly, I’m as nervous as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs (often attributed to Tennessee Ernie Ford). Now, people expect things from me. It’s easier to be an activist.”
Hamey wasn’t the only one hurt by her lack of a party affiliation. So, too, was Joseph Di Bartolomeo, who had just 28% of the vote in his loss to Bob McCann. While McCann was the clear favorite, his “R” led to a landslide victory. So candidates in the future should consider putting that “R” next to their name, even if they only have a few Republican values. The “I’m going to vote for the best candidate no matter the affiliation” just doesn’t work.
2 — RAISE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR WRITE-IN CANDIDATES.
We have to find a way to close the loophole which locks nonparty members from voting in a primary that essentially decides an office.
We received a shining example in the Supervisor of Elections race when a write-in candidate, Thomas Dell, signed up to run for that office.
Dell’s inclusion meant that non-Republicans were locked out of the primary race between Scott Farrington and James Satcher. If Dell hadn’t joined the race, then all registered voters would have been allowed to pick between Farrington and Satcher.
I am a proponent of not allowing nonparty members to vote in a primary unless there are only one party’s candidates to decide the
post. But these supposed candidates are so far-fetched that it is ridiculous. In the general election, Farrington earned 176,517 votes to Dell’s 5,824.
When it came to listing campaign funds raised, Dell had raised 0. I’m not sure of a solution to all this, but certainly, we have leaned that the topic needs discussion at the state level.
3 — WE CAN FORGIVE AND FORGET.
The District 7 Commission race cemented George Kruse as one of the most popular commissioners of the past 10 years.
Kruse crushed Democrat Sari Lindroos-Valimaki 144,683-72,758, despite some personal missteps that seemed to take him out of local politics forever.
Following an accident in April 2022, Kruse was charged with DUI, a charge that eventually was dropped. Even so, his political career appeared to be over.
But Kruse forged ahead, not shying away from questions about his scrape with the law, or anything else. He launched into a commonsense approach to his votes that bucked his Republican cohorts, and spoke openly about commission votes that did not reflect the citizens’ wants and desires.
The more his fellow commissioners disliked him, the more he won public favor.
Jay Heater is the managing editor for the East County Observer. Contact him at JHeater@ YourObserver.com.
Lesley Dwyer
Carol Felts wins the District 1 race and is congratulated by friend and campaign volunteer Marnie Matarese.
Can’t stop the beat
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
After hurricanes forced school closures earlier this year, many students might have been happy to get some unscheduled breaks.
For Braden River High School Marching Band of Pirates members, the hurricanes meant a loss of precious rehearsal time.
Manatee schools closed for three days due to Hurricane Helene in September and five days due to Hurricane Milton in October.
For the band, that resulted in the loss of at least three rehearsals, which total 10 hours of rehearsal time. It also caused the loss of instrument sectionals time, where those who play a specific instrument meet to concentrate on that instrument.
The Pirates are trying their best not let the disruptions keep them from preparing for the Florida Marching Band Championships on Nov. 16 in Palm Beach.
Braden River High will compete against nine other bands, including Parrish Community High School, in the 2A division. Lakewood Ranch High School will compete against 12 other bands in the 3A division.
The Pirates placed fifth overall in the 3A division this past year, while Parrish was third overall in 2A.
IF YOU GO
FLORIDA MARCHING BAND
CHAMPIONSHIPS
When: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Nov. 16
Where: 2A prelims at John I. Leonard High School stadium, 4701 10th Ave. N., Greenacres; 3A prelims at Dr. Joaquin Garcia High School stadium, 4906 Lyons Road, Lake Worth Corridor; Finals at Jupiter High School, 500 Military Trail, Jupiter Cost: $5 for parking; $25 for standard seating tickets
Details: Parrish Community High School will perform prelims at 12:40 p.m.; Braden River High School will perform prelims at 1:08 p.m.; Lakewood Ranch High School will perform at 12:26 p.m.; and gates open for finals at 3:15 p.m., with performances beginning at 4 p.m.
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Local marching bands have had a history of success. Braden River has had three state titles since 2016 while Lakewood Ranch has 12 finals appearances since 2002.
Braden River students said they will do whatever is necessary to get back to the top. Senior Emma Hubley and junior Jared Rodriguez said their band has done well keeping its energy high throughout the season and persevering through challenges.
“They used to call us the band killer (because of their success in the finals), so I think we could achieve that once more if we just keep pushing on through these tough hurdles and anything that keeps blocking our path,” Rodriguez said.
More information: Visit FMBCState.com/ Championships
Coming back after the stress of the hurricanes, many of the band members had serious issues to deal with, such as a loss of power or damage to their homes, Hubley said they leaned on their band friends for support. Hubley was without power for a week after Hurricane Milton, and she said her friends offered to have her come to their homes to take showers, access internet and care for her pet.
Courtesy image
Braden River High School’s Jonathan Pavone performs a solo.
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Another soup-er fundraiser
Parrish’s Tina Fisher has a cupboard full of bowls because she believes in feeding the hungry.
Not only does she attend the Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee’s Empty Bowls event each year, she also attends an Empty Bowls event in Yancey County, North Carolina, each year where, she spends the summers.
For every ticket purchased, one bowl is received.
“I have a lot of bowls,” she said while holding another new one in her hand.
Empty Bowls is a sold-out event each year at Main Street on Lakewood Ranch, but it’s a national movement that was started in 1990 by John Hartom, an art teacher in Michigan.
Maribeth Philips, CEO of Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee, said the event raises funds but it also raises awareness of the Food Bank of Manatee, which is even more crucial to the community this year following the hurricane season.
“When something catastrophic happens, the outpouring of support is just heartwarming,” Phillips said. — LESLEY DWYER
Lakewood Ranch’s Angela and Delbert Gist are attending Empty Bowls for the first time this year.
Photos by Lesley Dwyer
Rita Lewis, owner of Linger Lodge, and Gretchen Nasman serve gumbo.
Take stock in this effort
TAKE STOCK IN EAST COUNTY
LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER
When Lake Club’s Jim Gallogly, a former healthcare executive, met his first mentee through Take Stock in Children Manatee, the two had so little in common that Gallogly described the first few meetings as “painful.”
“I was 71, and he was 11,” Gallogly said. “Sixty years difference is a huge mountain.”
Every dollar raised by Take Stock in Children Manatee will go directly toward college scholarships. ABOUT THE NONPROFIT
When his mentee said he likes to read graphic novels, Gallogly hadn’t a clue what graphic novels were until he called them “comic books.” Gallogly tried talking about sports, but the shy sixth grader had no interest in sports.
The two were meeting virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the first few meetings, the only one talking was Gallogly.
Then, Gallogly tried playing a game called “Would you rather?”
The question was “Would you rather work at Chick-fil-A or a high-end restaurant as a waiter?”
His mentee chose Chick-fil-A because employees get Sundays off, and Gallogly chose the highend restaurant because he’d make more money. The two talked about minimizing work effort versus maximizing income.
Gallogly said introducing the game was a “grand slam.”
The mentee is now 15 years old. Take Stock would not release the names of mentees for this story.
Over the last couple summers, the mentee said he’s been reading books like “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill and “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” by Robert T. Kiyosaki
The program works with public and charter schools across Manatee County. There are currently 80 children in the program. The numbers below show where students are being served in East County.
■ Braden River Middle School: 6
■ Carlos E. Haile Middle School: 1
■ Dr. Mona Jain Middle School: 1
■ R. Dan Nolan Middle School: 9
■ Lakewood Ranch
Preparatory Academy: 1
■ Lakewood Ranch High School: 6
■ Braden River High School: 12
and Sharon Lechter.
When Gallogly asked why he chose those books, he said he wanted to end the cycle of poverty in his family.
Signing up for Take Stock in Children Manatee was the mentee’s first step toward achieving that goal. Not only are the students provided with mentors, staff also helps them apply for grants and scholarships.
Take Stock is an income-based program, so a single mother with one child has to show a total income of $36,814 or less on her 1040 tax return. For a family of five, the income limit is $67,673.
Take Stock reports that fewer than half of the students growing up in poverty will graduate high school. Only half of those who graduate will attend college, and fewer than one in five of those students will complete their degrees. November is National Scholar-
ship Month. Take Stock Manatee’s goal is to raise $100,000 during the month, all of which will directly support scholarships.
To help meet the goal, Take Stock will receive up to $25,000 in matching funds from individual donors. If donors go through the Louis and Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust Match Program, up to $3,000 will be matched.
Community Outreach Specialist Ryan Steward said Take Stock’s overall goal for the fiscal year is about $400,000.
The program accepts students in sixth grade up through 11th grade. The program covers any gaps in grant and scholarship funding, including books and board.
Steward said Take Stock tries to make mentoring as accessible as possible, and it’s not as time consuming as some other volunteer commitments, but it is a long-term commitment.
Gallogly still mentors the now 11th grader for a half-hour each week. His other mentee technically aged out of the program when he
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It’s amazing to watch someone’s life change.”
Roland V.
Askins,
went to college, but they still speak weekly, too. Since Gallogly started mentoring during the COVID lockdown, he’s continued to meet with his mentees virtually through Take Stock’s app, but mentors can also meet with students in person.
When his older mentee was accepted into the National Honor Society, he called Gallogly because he said his mom doesn’t “get this stuff,” so he had no one else to call. Gallogly takes no credit for that mentee. He said he would’ve gotten straight A’s if the devil was his mentor.
Prior to Take Stock, Gallogly sat on the board of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation for nine years.
“We helped the homeless,” Gallogly said. “We did so many projects at the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, putting $20 million a year into Sarasota County, but the actual mentoring is more rewarding.”
Take Stock in Children Manatee. Visit ManateeTakeStock. org.
Mission statement: Take Stock in Children – Manatee endeavors to offer deserving students scholarships, mentorship, and a beacon of hope, enabling them to realize success throughout their college journey and in all aspects of their lives.
Cory Kapral knew it had been eight months too long in dealing with ongoing pain that left him unable to enjoy his usual routine. With discomfort in his legs and feet, it wasn’t until his visit with orthopedic surgeon, Roland V. Askins, III, MD, that he realized his hip was to blame. When asked why he chose Lakewood Ranch Medical Center for his surgery, Kapral praises the level of patient care. “I’ve had surgery at Lakewood Ranch in the past. They were awesome in treating and caring for me both pre- and postoperatively,” says Kapral.
After a consultation with Dr. Askins, he finally felt heard. “I could not ask for a better doctor. He explained everything in a way to make sure I understood what procedure I would be undergoing,” he recalls. “He made me feel confident in his skills and has great bedside manner.”
Dr. Askins knew from meeting Kapral that he was in a great deal of pain. “He told me he couldn’t move his knees well; it even affected his feet. His hip pain greatly
III, MD Orthopedic
Surgeon
HIP REPLACEMENT GIVES PATIENT NEW LEASE ON LIFE
reduced his mobility, leading to so much discomfort that he was having issues sleeping,” he explains. “When it comes to joint pain, there are typically a few treatment methods we like to explore first, such as anti-inflammatory medications or injections. If those don’t provide relief, that’s when we may consider joint replacement surgery,” says Dr. Askins.
In the months leading up to his procedure, Kapral focused on a high-protein diet and stretched plenty. Having prior experience in bodybuilding and powerlifting, he had no issues preparing himself. “Dr. Askins explained that having less tissue around the joint could possibly improve my outcome and recovery,” he states.
From start to finish, the day of surgery went smoothly. “I showed up early, I was just ready to be pain-free,” he shares. “The entire team made me feel welcome and at ease. One of my nurses went above and beyond, always popping in to check on me and chat. It was like having a friend while I recovered – I really appreciated that.”
Kapral is joined in his relief by Dr. Askins, who details how glad he is that the surgery was a success. “Seeing him get back to living has been great. I’m so happy to see him happy,” he smiles.
Courtesy image
Lake Club’s Jim Gallogly celebrates his Take Stock in Children mentee’s high school graduation.
Elementary appreciation
Lakewood Ranch High’s band and color guard help McNeal students pay tribute to veterans.
During the Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School’s Veterans Day parade Nov. 8, the word of the day was “appreciation.”
It was a theme repeated over and over as the students waved the banners and signs they made and applauded as approximately 30 veterans drove past the front of the school in a parade line.
“This is about having a greater respect and appreciation for living in the U.S. and our rights and freedoms,” said third grade teacher Christina Mulligan, who helped organize the event with first grade teacher Angela Salas Gulbrandsen. “We have spent a week and a half integrating those lessons into the curriculum.”
The lessons obviously hit home as the students were at a fever pitch throughout the event.
“Today has brought the community together,” Salas Gulbrandsen said.
Army Sgt. Matthew Neitzel, whose son, Parker, is a third grader at McNeal, was hoping it was impactful.
“Maybe the students will have a little more appreciation and realization of what it takes to get to the title of ‘veteran,’” Neitzel said. “It does take us down a different path.”
Army Staff Sgt. Samuel Mateer agreed. “I hope the students get an appreciation for people who kept their country free,” he said. “People who stepped up when asked.”
The Lakewood Ranch High JROTC program supplied the color guard of senior Ben Hammond, freshman Jake Fellin, freshman Abigail Flanigan and freshman Ashon McBride for the event.
Army Master Sgt. William Cassidy, a JROTC instructor at Lakewood Ranch High, said he hoped the elementary students would gain a better understanding and respect for the flag from the ceremony.
“I do think they understand the soldiers’ sacrifice,” he said of the McNeal students. “I also want them to understand the family sacrifice.”
The Marching Mustangs added energy to the program.
Gilbert McNeal first grader Alec Adams made a sign for the parade that was close to his heart.
Jay Heater
Fast Break
It appears that Braden River High graduate Carson Goda will go bowling this season. That’s bowling in terms of collegiate football as his University of Illinois team already is bowl qualified at 6-3 going into its Nov. 16 game at home against Michigan State.
Goda played three seasons at Saint Anselm University, a NCAA Division II school in Goffstown, New Hampshire, before transferring to Illinois. He has played in seven games, caught four passes and scored one touchdown.
... Parrish Community High School rolled into the playoffs with a 44-7 victory over host Gateway High on Nov. 8. The Bulls, 9-1, will play J.W. Mitchell High School in New Port Richey in the regional quarterfinals of the 6A FHSAA Football Championship next week.
Both the Lakewood Ranch and Braden River High football teams finished their seasons with losses on Nov. 8. The Mustangs were shut out 38-0 by Palmetto, while the Pirates lost 49-13 to Pinellas Park. Lakewood Ranch continues to make strides with its football program, finishing the season 6-4. Braden River had a transition season under new head coach Jason Grain and finished 2-7. ... Now for something completely different? From Nov. 1517, fans of horses can get their fill at the TerraNova Equestrian Center in Myakka City. The competition will match some of the world’s top riders in the Event at TerraNova, which is a sort of triathlon that matches the athletes in dressage, crosscountry and show jumping. Best thing, the Event at TerraNova is free.
Bev Kennedy Betsy Timm Maureen Hicks and Kim Huebner teamed to win the nine-hole LGA scramble at University Park Country Club Oct. 31. The team of Jessica Bethoney Kelly Ingalls Connie Blair and Joann Snedeker was second.
Thunder rolls out another great season
The Out-of-Door Academy football team finishes 8-1 and looks toward continued success in 2025.
DYLAN CAMPBELL SPORTS REPORTER
The Out-of-Door Academy’s Marvin Palominos sat alone on a long metal bench fighting back tears.
The senior offensive lineman, a captain of the football team, had played his last snap for the Thunder. But the season wasn’t supposed to end this way. Not in a 29-26 loss Nov. 8 in the Sunshine State Athletic Association 5A Championship semifinal game to Jupiter Christian School.
An undefeated season was gone, and instead, Palominos was listening to the raucous cheers of the opposing team as he sat on Thunder’s now empty sideline.
Even in defeat, the 6-foot-3 senior remained grateful for his time with the team, which finished 8-1.
“This being my last season, it just meant the most to me,” said Palominos. “It’s the last time I’ll be playing with my brothers. We had a heck of a run, but sometimes we don’t go all
the way. They will grow from it and I expect great things for them in the future.”
While ODA will be losing some of its top players — Palominos, cornerback/wide receiver Frankie Clark, cornerback/wide receiver Carson Fisher and do-it-all wide receiver/ defensive back Coby Rosenthal are among the 12 graduating seniors — the coaching staff believes the future is bright.
Offensively, the Thunder will look to replicate their success on the ground, where they dominated opposing defenses, averaging 216.3 rushing yards a game. An 85% run team, ODA was carried offensively by star running back Allen Clark, who behind the blocking of Palominos broke the school rushing record with 1,533 yards and 23 touchdowns on the year. A junior, Clark has cemented himself as one of the top backs in the conference, decimating defenses with his powerful sledge hammer style of running.
TALENT IN THE BACKFIELD
Joining Clark in the backfield in the 2025 season will be rising sophomore Michael Garzia, a quick-twitch running back/wide receiver with the ability to stretch the field. Garzia saw valuable playing time as a freshman, racking up 156 yards on 15 carries through nine games. A former Middle School Athlete of the year, Garzia has been hailed as “the future” by head coach Rob Hollway and is sure to see an expanded role in the offense as the “lightning” to Clark’s “thunder.”
“With Allen, I think opponents will expect that we’re going to hammer it up the middle, and Michael could be a change-up guy,” Hollway said. “At the end of the season, we had a package we called Raider where Allen was at quarterback and if we can have Michael and Allen in the backfield at the same time, it’ll be a unique combination.”
Filling Palominos’ role will be the 6-foot-2, 245-pound Trevor Kovatch, who saw time on both sides of the ball this season. Hollway will also look to Brady Cleveland and Kingston Kokoefer, who will be sophomores next season and who both play running back, wide receiver and defensive back to replace Frankie Clark, Fisher and Rosenthal.
While ODA has and will likely continue to operate as a run-first offense, the Thunder could open up
FINAL SEASON
Twelve ODA seniors played their final game against Jupiter Christian.
■ Frankie Clark WR/CB
■ Coby Rosenthal WR/CB
■ Josey Rubinstein QB/free safety
■ Carson Fisher CB/WR
■ Ira Jenkins WR/CB
■ Cahan Raymond DE
■ Chase McInerney RB/DE
■ Marvin Palominos OG/DT
■ Cavan Mann DT
■ Christian Frias-Imbert DT
■ Jack Feeney OG/DT
■ Thomas Perez DE/OT
the passing game in 2025. In 2024, the personnel lent itself to such a scheme — Walker had the best season of his career and all-area soccer and lacrosse star Josey Rubinstein, the starting quarterback, was playing his first year of high school football.
The emergence of two young quarterbacks, however, could bring an increased passing attack. Gage Fisher, who will be a sophomore next season, and Bodie Strawn, an IMG Academy transfer who took snaps this year on varsity as a seventh grader, both show promise.
ADAPT TO PERSONNEL
“We’re going to adapt to the personnel we have. We feel good about our quarterbacks, but we also have Allen Clark in the backfield and a big offensive line. I think the personnel dictated an 85% run ratio,” said Hollway. “The great thing about our staff is that we’re not an old bunch going
‘This is what we do and this is what we’ve always done.’”
Defensively, ODA will look to improve a unit that excelled against the rush. The departure of defensive backs Frankie Clark, Carson Fisher and Coby Rosenthal will hurt. Waiting in the wings, however, is rising senior Dylan Walker, a dynamic threat in all three phases of the game.
“Dylan Walker is going to be our Carson Fisher next year,” Hollway said.
“He will never leave the field. Dylan is a team captain for us and made the two biggest plays in our two biggest games,” said Hollway. “He had a pick six against Seffner Christian to seal the game and blocked a punt against Oxbridge Academy to take the lead in the playoff quarterfinal game.”
Also returning are linebackers
Devin Erdei, Beau Tack and captain Heath Derusso. Derusso, a rising senior, was the heartbeat of the defense this season, leading the team in tackles per game with 6.8. The 6-foot-1 Erdei, a rising junior, wasn’t far behind, averaging 5.5 tackles per game to go along with two interceptions and four fumble recoveries on the year.
For ODA, the playoff loss to Jupiter Christian marks the end of a chapter, but not its story. “The health of this program is stronger than it’s ever been and I’m excited for some of the young guys,” said Hollway.
“Now it’s their turn to step up.”
Photo courtesy Illinois Football
Former Braden River High tight end
Carson Goda is enjoying a successful season with the University of Illinois.
Courtesy image
ODA will lose its top lineman, Marvin Palominos (middle), who will graduate in 2025.
Ryan Kohn
ODA running back Allen Clark, who set a team season rushing record of 1,533 yards in 2024, will be back in 2025.
New Observer sports writer eager to tell impactful stories
There’s a faded friendship bracelet that lives on my right wrist. It has two tiny, blue
bells on either side, connected in the middle by a set of blocks that read P-H-I-L-L-Y.
I got it last October at Game 2 of the National League Championship Series, where I stood in the nosebleeds of Citizens Bank Park with my father and brother and watched my hometown Philadelphia Phillies beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 10-0.
I still get chills thinking about that night.
The emotion I feel when thinking of that game is a large part of why I’m writing this column today, introducing myself as your new sports reporter. It’s hard to describe what that feeling is exactly, but I know it’s significant. I also know that all other sports fans have felt it, too.
It’s an example of the place that sports can hold in people’s hearts, and proof that, yes, sports are more than just a game. There is a real, emotional value for those who watch.
As a writer, those are the kind of stories that I wish to tell — the stories that make people feel something bubble up from deep inside, like I do when I think about that Phillies game.
As a child growing up in innercity Philadelphia, you quickly learn just how much sports teams can mean to a community. In the City of Brotherly Love, sports is the universal language we all speak. The fanaticism we have for the Eagles, Phillies, Flyers and 76ers is what unites the city. When shoulder to shoulder in the nosebleeds, we are all the same.
My hometown is also where I saw firsthand what a sports team can
do for a community. Never have I seen a city alight with passion in the way that I have during the Eagles’ 2017 Super Bowl run or the Phillies’ 2022 World Series appearance. It is from this fandom that I’ve been able to see how sports can be a great connector, a rallying cry for a community.
When I was young, I loved sports because I idolized the athletes. I grew up wanting to hit fastballs like Chase Utley and throw spirals like Donavan McNabb. I wanted to handle a basketball like Allen Iverson, have speed like Desean Jackson, and possess the heart of Rocky Balboa. I wanted to be everything that they were, these mythic figures
on my television screen and in the newspaper that sat on my dining room table every morning.
As I’ve gotten older, however, I’ve begun to love sports for different reasons. I love them because I have an appreciation for the mechanics of the game. I’m fascinated by the schematic warfare of football, how basketball coaches draw up open looks and how baseball coaches manage the game. I love them for the joy they bring me and the community I’ve found, watching them while surrounded by my friends and family.
As a writer, I’m drawn to sports for the types of stories I can tell. I didn’t enter this business just
because I like football and I like to write. I did it because I believe stories that arise out of sports are some of the most raw, powerful and emotionally captivating stories to tell.
Sports, much like life, can be hard. As a former athlete, I understand that first hand. I spent the majority of my life, from age 4 to 20, striving to be the best baseball player that I could be. For 10 months out of the year, my parents drove me up and down the East Coast to countless tournaments, clinics and showcases. Summers were spent crisscrossing the South and winters in AstroTurf-lined facilities, catching bullpens and taking
batting practice. Like the majority of athletes, my career never panned out the way I wanted it to, and I quit the sport after two seasons of a lackluster collegiate career. What those 16 years of playing baseball granted me, however, was the perspective needed to do this job. So no, I’ve never dunked a basketball or thrown a touchdown pass — but, I have sprinted from the bullpen to the infield after a walk-off win. I have sat alone on the bench after my final high school game, looking out onto the field I once called home. And I have waited, glassy-eyed, in the exam room of a hospital for a doctor to tell me that the MRI on my elbow revealed I needed season-ending surgery. So to the athletes and your families, I get it.
I get that sports are so much more than a stat sheet or a box score. That what we see on the field or the court or the track doesn’t necessarily reflect the hours upon hours of training and commitment it takes just to show up.
I get that sports can be deeply, innately human and that to cover them isn’t just to cover the schools or the teams of a community, but the people as well. That every win and loss is a milestone, a way in which we track our lives. I understand that for these athletes, their play on the field is an expression of who they are.
I hope to tell those stories, with truth and integrity, because I, too, understand just how important it can be.
Dylan Campbell is the sports reporter for the East County Observer. Contact him at DCampbell@ YourObserver.com.
Liz Ramos
New Observer sports writer Dylan Campbell loves writing about the emotions generated by sports.
YOUR NEIGHBORS
OBSERVER
ONLINE IN ITALY:
Dan Adragna, Cathy Adragna, Rick Wellinger and Jill Wellinger with their apps of the East County Observer in LaSpezia, Italy.
Four Lakewood Ranch residents win the It’s Read Everywhere prize by holding digital versions of the East County Observer on a hot Italian night. WINNER
NOW THAT’S AMORE!
JAY HEATER
MANAGING EDITOR
It was another trip, this time to Italy, along with a Croatian cruise, and Jill Wellinger was going to be ready.
Her bags weren’t going to be completely packed, though, until she picked up several East County Observers
“I always take my Observers with me,” she said. “It’s my entertainment on the airplane.”
She also had another reason to include the Observer among the items she packed in her luggage. For years, when Jill and her husband, Rick Wellinger, go on a trip, they take a photo at one of their favorite destinations, holding up a copy of the East County Observer, to enter in the It’s
Read Everywhere contest.
They also have included their good friends, Dan and Cathy Adragna, on their trips and in the photos. After two of their trips, one to Bora Bora and another while on an Alaskan cruise, their photo appeared in the East County Observer
Although Rick said he gets “some grief” from his golf buddies when his photo appears, it has become a fun moment for them during their trips. So now, Jill makes sure the issues are packed.
Only this trip was different. Rick told Jill that he had never seen anyone holding up a digital copy of the East County Observer on the It’s Read Everywhere page. Why not be the first?
“Technically (the contest) just says to show the Observer,” Rick said.
Well, yeah.
The group hesitated a bit, but then decided to go for it. They all had brought iPads, so Rick’s idea was to pick one East County Observer cover to display on all four iPads.
But which one?
It didn’t take the Wellingers long to decide. They have been longtime friends with Lakewood Ranch’s JoAnn Moore, a cancer survivor who was featured in the July 4 issue for her work in bringing a premier dragon boat event to Nathan Benderson Park along with her passion for the sport.
So in Cinque Terre, a coastal area in northwest Italy, they decided it was the right time.
“We were kind of dressed up that night and we were going to the oldest restaurant in that area. Its name was All’Inferno (in LaSpezia), which seemed right because it was hot as heck,” Jill said.
So all dressed up, on a hot night in Italy, the Wellingers and the Adragnas carried along their iPads for a very special It’s Read Everywhere.
TO ENTER Snap a photo of you on vacation holding your Observer, then submit your photo online at YourObserver.com/ ItsReadEverywhere. Stay tuned for this year’s prize, and happy travels!
DUTCH TREAT: Wendy Peck and Karin Zoons with the Longboat Observer outside of Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam
At the restaurant, they all called up the issue with Moore’s photo on the cover from the YourObserver e-newspaper app — and click — history was made. It’s Read Everywhere now includes photos of the digital version.
And not just any photo. It was the winner of the It’s Read Everywhere contest, voted on by the public, and therefore Rick Wellinger will receive a $500 credit to the airline of his choice, a prize he will split with the Adragnas.
On the next trip, Jill said she will again pack an Observer, or perhaps the iPad, to take an It’s Read Everywhere photo.
“I guess you could say it’s a thing for us,” she said. “We’re always very excited to do it.”
Will you be the next to win the It’s Read Everywhere contest? Whether it’s the Longboat Observer, the Sarasota Observer or the East County Observer, the paper (or a digital copy) has been to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, to Antarctica, to the Great Wall of China, and all over America.
Where will you take us next?
END OF THE EARTH: Megan Collins took the Sarasota Observer on board the Seabourn Venture to Antarctica
BEST BET
FRIDAY, NOV. 15 THROUGH
SUNDAY, NOV. 17
THE EVENT AT TERRANOVA
Begins each day at 8 a.m. at the TerraNova Equestrian Center, 31625 Clay Gully Road, Myakka City. TerraNova showcases the Olympic sport of eventing. Riders compete in dressage, cross-country and show jumping over three days of competition. Admission is free, but VIP tickets are available. Go to TerraNovaEquestrian.com for more information or to purchase VIP tickets.
THURSDAY, NOV. 14 THROUGH
SUNDAY, NOV. 17
LIVE MUSIC AT JIGGS LANDING
Runs from 3-6 p.m. each day at Jiggs Landing, 6106 63rd St. E., Bradenton. The live music lineup at Jiggs Landing includes Steve Arvey (Thursday), L’Attitude Adjustment (Friday), Pedro Y Zooey (Saturday) and Nax Steel (Sunday). The Friday and Saturday concerts are $5; the others are free. For more information, go to JiggsLanding.com.
SATURDAY, NOV. 16
CREATIVE ARTS SHOW
Runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. The Creative Arts Association of Lakewood Ranch will
host its 22nd Fall Art Show and Sale. See original works by local artists and artisans in various mediums such as watercolor, jewelry, pottery, ceramics, wood turning, and more. Admission is free. For more information, go to CAALR.com.
SATURDAY, NOV. 16 AND SUNDAY, NOV. 17
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 Schmitz Brothers on Saturday and Dave Burks on Sunday. For more information, call 755-2757
SATURDAY, NOV. 16 THROUGH SUNDAY, NOV. 17
MEDIEVAL FAIR
Runs 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Woods of Mallaranny, 29847 S.R. 70, Myakka City. The Sarasota Medieval Fair continues its 2024 run, which continues every Saturday and Sunday in November. A wide range of family friendly activities include jousting and human chess performances, fun food (including the classic turkey legs), a children’s realm area, local artisans and craft demonstrations, rides and games, and vendors. Tickets are available online at SarasotaMedievalFair.com.
SUNDAY, NOV. 17
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.
YOUR CALENDAR
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Jay Heater
Canada’s Lisa Marie Fergusson placed 12th aboard Honor Me at the 2023 Event at TerraNova in Myakka City.
ADOPT A SENIOR PET MONTH
Seniors for Seniors
A positive note for the community
The Manatee Community Concert Band is open to all ages and skill levels, but members must read sheet music.
Listening to a band is a great way to spend an evening, but musicians say that being part of a band is an unforgettable, immersive experience.
“I can’t tell you how powerful it is,” Del Webb’s Patrick Dolan said. “You get 70 people playing something like the 1812 Overture, and you’re part of that, it’s just consuming and exciting.”
Dolan plays trombone in the Manatee Community Concert Band, which kicked off a new season on Nov. 2 with a Veteran’s Day concert.
UPCOMING CONCERTS
Performances are held at 3 p.m. at the Neel Performing Arts Center at the State College of Florida. Visit ManateeConcertBand.org for more information on attending a concert or joining the band.
Dec. 14: Jingle All the Way Feb. 8: Music from the Heart March 8: Shall We Dance? April 5: That’s Entertainment
The band rehearses on Tuesday evenings at the State College of Florida. As a child, Dolan tried several instruments — piano, French horn, trumpet and kettledrums. By college, he’d settled on the trumpet and enrolled at Western Michigan
Photos by Lesley Dwyer
Conductor Lynn Cleary leads the Manatee Community Concert Band at Waterside Place on Aug. 27.
University to study music.
A drunken driver changed his plans. While he and his wife, Christine Dolan, survived the crash without any major injuries, Dolan’s injuries were life altering because a muscle in his lip was severed.
He no longer had the muscle movement required to play the trumpet, so he returned to the piano.
Dolan never fully recovered from his injury, so his range on the trombone is limited. He said he’s not good enough to play a solo, but he can play the accompanying parts. And the upside of being in a band is that he can “finger through” the parts he hasn’t mastered yet.
“The guy who sits next to me plays bass trombone,” Dolan said. “His sound is just unbelievable. When he hits a note at the lower end of the instrument, it resonates throughout the entire auditorium. He can play softly, or he can fill the place. If there’s something I can’t play, he covers it.”
The only skill required to join the band is being able to read music, Conductor Lynn Cleary said. If you can’t read music, you can’t play along with the songs. All ages are welcome to join. Dolan is an 85-year-old retiree, while other members still attend middle school.
After college, Dolan said he had to step away from the piano and find a job that paid “real money,” so he spent 40 years working for the Michigan Education Association, which is a teachers union.
Dolan didn’t pick up a trombone until he was 60. A sailing friend persuaded him to join the New Horizons Band in East Lansing, Michigan. When he and his wife started wintering in Naples, he joined a New Horizons Band in Bonita Springs.
When they moved to Del Webb in 2018, Dolan immediately signed up for the Manatee Community Concert Band. Since then, he’s enlisted a few neighbors.
One of those neighbors is Jim Donathen, who now serves as president for the nonprofit. Dolan found out that Donathen played trombone for the Notre Dame marching band. Even better, Donathen still had his instrument.
The band also performs at Del Webb around Christmas. The per-
formance schedule consists of five
big shows at SCF’s performing arts center, but they use smaller concerts in between as dress rehearsals. Dolan said they pack the house at Del Webb every year.
Band members are from all walks of life. Dolan sits between a lawyer and a Vietnam veteran who also worked in the aerospace industry.
As far as musical skills, Dolan said the band can basically be divided into three groups: Those who always wanted to learn to play an instrument, those who used to play an instrument and those who never stopped playing their instruments.
As a whole, Dolan said it’s a highquality band. The sheet music they’re reading from is Level 3 (intermediate) or above. The songs have tempo changes that offer a challenge.
Even with 70 members, the band could use a few more musicians. It’s missing a bassoon player and needs one more bass clarinet.
“It’s not a full percussion section unless you have seven people back there, and right now, we have four,”
Cleary said. “I wouldn’t take violins or cellos, but I’d probably take a string bass.”
Cleary loves the low sound of a bass, but most strings are out because it’s a band, not an orchestra. For anyone looking to join, play for Cleary and she’ll find a place for you.
“Do the best you can,” Dolan said.
“What they ask in these community bands is that you commit to learning your part and practicing it.”
Del Webb resident Patrick Dolan plays tenor trombone in the Manatee Community Concert Band.
March 2025. Residents living in unincorporated Sarasota County may select their preferred size garbage cart between Nov. 11-Dec. 31. For
and FAQs, visit scgov.net/freshstartwithacart.
Sisterhood calls the winning number
Lakewood Ranch’s Dianne Kopczynski took a closer look at the designer purses hanging on the stage.
She was taking notes on which bags she wanted to dedicate her Bingo cards to during Sisterhood for Good’s annual Designer Bag Bingo on Nov. 7. But Kopczynski had a lot of competition.
Approximately 230 women attended Designer Bag Bingo at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota.
Sisterhood for Good moved the event to the hotel to accommodate more people to raise more money for nonprofits in the region.
Sisterhood for Good Finance Chair Kathy Collums said the event is “bigger and better” than ever before with more room for the players, more auction items, more food and drink and additional extras.
Emerson Lakes,℠ the distinctive new retirement community by Erickson Senior Living,® is now accepting reservations!
Our first phase of construction is now underway. It includes the beautiful Coral Ridge Clubhouse and three residence buildings: Sandhill Point, anticipated to open in the fall of 2026, followed by Laguna Springs and Mangrove Run, opening in the first half of 2027.
Here are just a few resort-style amenities you can expect when you live at Emerson Lakes:
• Multiple dining venues
• An outdoor pool with a walk-up bar
• A state-of-the-art fitness center
• Pickleball and bocce ball courts
• Outdoor fitness center with meditation garden
• Fire pits
Photos by Liz Ramos
Parrish’s Diane Fogo-Harter shows off the Valentino Loco Rose purse she won. “It’s a beautiful bag,” she says.
Sisterhood for Good members walk the runway to model the bags available to win.
Medical School: Universidad Central Del Este College of Medicine San Pedro De Macoris,
Residency: Internal Medicine, Florida State University College of Medicine, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, Sarasota,
Cardio-Oncology Fellowship Rotation, University of Pennsylvania Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
Certification: Board Certified, American Board of Internal Medicine
Hospital Affiliations: Sarasota Memorial Hospital; Lakewood Ranch Medical Center
Magic
Venice’s Marilyn Hodory, Sarasota’s Gail Hargaden and Venice’s Maureen Villarreal attend their first Designer Bag Bingo.
Kathy Collums and Tracy Wolfe are pleased to have Designer Bag Bingo at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota to allow more people to participate.
Lakewood Ranch’s Karen Medford models one of the nine designer bags available as prizes during Designer Bag Bingo.
Floating into the holidays
With the whirl of helicopter blades adding to an already stiff breeze, aerialist Erendira Wallenda hung hundreds of feet over the Mall at UTC Dec. 9, providing thrills to the thousands below.
And as she hung upside down from a metal ring, more than a few hearts had to be beating faster, hoping for a safe landing in the lead-up to the Santa’s Grand Arrival Parade at the Mall at UTC on Nov. 9 in Sarasota.
With Wallenda safely inside, and her husband, Nik Wallenda, waving from the door of the helicopter, the 50-foot Christmas tree on Cattlemen Drive was lit, and the holiday season had officially begun.
A parade followed, with floats, musicians and dancers lighting up the faces of children in attendance. The parade was capped by a fireworks show and a concert from pop and country singer Cassadee Pope. — JAY HEATER
Photos by Jay Heater
Venice’s Christine and Robert Stesney prove that it’s not just kids who love a parade as they visit with the Grinch.
Photos by Jay Heater
What would the Santa’s Grand Arrival Parade be without Mr. and Mrs. Claus arriving at the Mall at University Town Center?
Lake Club home tops sales at
ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR
Ahome in Lake Club topped all transactions in this week’s real estate. Adrian and Marjorie Teel, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 8024 Bowspirit Way to Wayne and Cynthia Streibich, of Lakewood Ranch, for $3,275,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,938 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.75 million in 2019.
ISLES
Toll FL XIII Ltd. Partnership sold the home at 17974 Palmiste Drive to Gregory and Dakota Gottfried, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1.7 million. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,803 square feet of living area.
Toll FL XIII Ltd. Partnership sold the home at 8239 Nevis Run to David Alan Jarrard, of Lakewood Ranch, for $900,000. Built in 2024, it has three bedrooms, three-anda-half baths and 2,890 square feet of living area.
AZARIO ESPLANADE
Scott and Janice Wilson, of Englewood, sold their home at 15517 Derna Terrace to Stephen and Hazel Pankhurst, of Bradenton, for $1,525,000. Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,101 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.65 million in March.
Heather and Christopher Monroe, trustees, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the home at 4733 Sarca Court to Dylan Rochon, of Bradenton, for $1.21 million. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,536 square feet of living area. It sold for $724,600 in 2021.
ESPLANADE
Craig and Lee Ann Reich sold their home at 4714 Benito Court to Winifred and Troy Ryan, of Bradenton, for $1,475,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,869 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,175,000 in 2021.
Randall Wayne Lewis and Andrea Lewis, trustees, sold the home at 5142 Napoli Run to Thomas Hoppenjans, of Bradenton, for $1,006,000. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,332 square feet of living area. It sold for $536,200 in 2014.
RIVER CLUB SOUTH
Harry Paul Schrank and Mary Schrank, of Bradenton, sold their home at 7415 Pine Valley St. to Akihide and Kanae Inoue, of Bradenton, for $1.45 million. Built in 1998, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,831 square feet of living area. It sold for $830,000 in 2005.
LAKEWOOD NATIONAL
Helen Gee Chan and Gary Chan, trustees, of Longboat Key, sold the home at 5732 Mulligan Way to James and Julie Hoag, of Bradenton, for $1.3 million. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,776 square feet of living area. It sold for $770,400 in 2021.
Joseph and Lindsey Gallo, of Monmouth Beach, New Jersey, sold their home at 5638 Cheech Glen to Neuch Properties LLC for $995,000. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,248 square feet of living area. It sold for $900,000 in 2022.
BROADMOOR PINES
BEH NO2 LLC sold the home at 7908 Broadmoor Pines Blvd. to Jeffrey Douglass Smith and Jill Lynette Smith, of Nicholasville, Kentucky, for $1,275,000. Built in 1985, it has three bedrooms, four baths, a pool
$3,275,000
and 5,094 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.42 million in 2022.
WINDWARD
Janelle and Michael Hazen, of Sarasota, sold their home at 2553
Paradise Plum Drive to Brandi Maxine Marie Johnson and Ryan Patrick O’Connell, of Sarasota, for $1,275,000. Built in 2023, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,711 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,168,200 in 2023.
Neal Communities Southwest Florida LLC sold the home at 2485 Paradise Plum Drive to Lucas William Miller and Elyse Nicole Destefano, of Sarasota, for $1,131,900. Built in 2024, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,861 square feet of living area.
Neal Communities Southwest Florida LLC sold the home at 2544 Star Apple Way to Jacob Pham, of Salem, Virginia, for $770,000. Built in 2024, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,116 square feet of living area.
PRESERVE AT PANTHER RIDGE Dirk and Laura Taylor, of Bradenton, sold their home at 22620 Morning Glory Circle to Matthew and Tara Capron, of St. Petersburg, for $1.17 million. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three-anda-half baths, a pool and 4,241 square feet of living area. It sold for $915,000 in 2021.
GREENBROOK
Joel and Paula Chrostowski, of Fombell, Pennsylvania, sold their home at 15106 Sundial Place to Mathew and Lindsay Quinn, of Lakewood Ranch, for $962,500. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 3,622 square feet of living area. It sold for $541,500 in 2013.
TIDEWATER PRESERVE
David McCabe and Virginia McCabe, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the home at 5412 Tidewater Preserve Blvd. to Mary Ann Papp and James Papp, of Dublin, Ireland, for $935,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,456 square feet of living area. It sold for $499,300 in 2016.
LAKEHOUSE COVE AT WATERSIDE
HBT at Waterside LLC sold the home at 8087 Slipway Drive to Robin Quinn Malone and John Daniel Malone, trustees, of Sarasota, for $931,800. Built in 2024, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,268 square feet of living area.
MILL CREEK
Steven Nichols and Krystal Cook, trustees, of Parrish, sold the home at 14111 22nd Terrace E. to Floyd Baker III and Alanna Kim Baker, of Bradenton, for $900,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,552 square feet of living area. It sold for $500,000 in 2017.
DEL WEBB
Gary and Pamela Young, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 18123 Harwich Place to Wayne Thomas Jones Jr. and Brenda Louise Jones, of Lakewood Ranch, for $815,200. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,084 square feet of living area. It sold for $765,500 in 2022.
Thomas and Mary Noon, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 16654 Blackwater Terrace to Peter Floros, trustee, of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, for $610,000. Built in 2017, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,348 square feet of living area. It sold for $342,000 in 2019.
STONEYBROOK AT HERITAGE
HARBOUR
John and Linda Hogan, of Lebanon, Ohio, sold their home at 8807 Brookfield Terrace to Elizabeth and Christopher Stevens, of Bradenton, for $725,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,986 square feet of living area. It sold for $375,000 in 2016.
Barbara Femc sold the home at 7641 Camden Harbour Drive to Michael and Juliette Tierney, of Bradenton,
RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS OCT. 28-NOV. 1
for $700,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,030 square feet of living area. It sold for $410,000 in 2010.
Julie Greene, of Sarasota, sold her home at 7726 Camden Harbour Drive to Karan Charisse-Piercy and Keith Aaron Piercy, of Bradenton, for $650,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,523 square feet of living area. It sold for $366,000 in 2018.
HERITAGE HARBOUR
William and Anette Capresecco, of Bradenton, sold their home at 6889 Willowshire Way to James and Noreen Loiselle, of Saratoga Springs,
New York, for $687,500. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,006 square feet of living area. It sold for $378,500 in 2014.
Robert Dienes and R. Maxwell Weiss, of Venice, sold their home at 116 Winding River Trail to Randy Eugene Dumm, of Bradenton, for $560,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,840 square feet of living area. It sold for $330,000 in 2018.
Courtesy image
This Lake Club home at 8024 Bowspirit Way sold for $3,275,000. It has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,938 square feet of living area.
INDIGO
Unsure what to do with the extra items you pick up at the store each week during the Buy One Get One Free promotions? We’ve got a solution for that… BUY One GIVE One! The Food Bank of Manatee, a PLUS program of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, is a great place to donate any non-perishable food items. So, when you shop the BOGO’s just remember that when you BUY One and GIVE One to those in need, you are helping to #FeedManatee!
CRITICALLY NEEDED ITEMS
⧠ 100% FRUIT JUICES
⧠ BREAKFAST BARS
⧠ OATMEAL
⧠ POWDERED MILK
⧠ APPLESAUCE
⧠ DRIED BEANS
RICE
⧠ BOXED PASTA
⧠ CANNED SOUPS
⧠ CANNED MEAT
⧠ TRAIL MIX
Drop off your non-perishable food items at all Manatee County Goodwill locations, Manatee County Public Library locations, the Manatee Chamber of Commerce Lakewood Ranch Office, or anywhere you see yellow Food Bank of Manatee donation barrels. Donations can also be dropped off at Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee located at 811 23rd Ave. East, Bradenton, FL 34208 between the hours of 8:30am -5:00pm Monday through Friday. Limited operations on holidays.
www. MealsOnWheelsPLUS.org
The Food Bank of Manatee is a PLUS program of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee
Diane Marie Spacek, of Parrish, sold her home at 13613 Deep Blue Place to Debbie and Thomas Peterson, of Bradenton, for $679,000. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,305 square feet of living area. It sold for $511,900 in 2021.
ELWOOD PARK
Mariano Munoz and Christine Carpenter, of Bradenton, sold their home at 4902 26th Ave. E. to Brandon Benoit, of Bradenton, for $635,000. Built in 1950, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 3,558 square feet of living area. It sold for $205,000 in 2016.
MALLORY PARK
Ronn Alan Lozner and Denise Lazor Lozner, of Land O’Lakes, sold their home at 12007 Seabrook Ave. to Adam White, of Bradenton, for $634,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,989 square feet of living area. It sold for $415,000 in 2020.
MOTE RANCH
Jack and Marsha Feldstein, of Sarasota, sold their home at 6410 Westward Place to Diana Carelli, Elizabeth Carelli and Christina Michelle Carelli, of University Park, for $627,000. Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,778 square feet of living area. It sold for $460,000 in 2006.
COUNTRY CLUB EAST
Rick David Schofield and Lisa Slough Schofield, of Bradenton, sold their home at 7147 Westhill Court to Greggery Wilhelm and Stacey Hann, of Mason, Alaska, for $610,000. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 1,792 square feet of living area. It sold for $500,000 in 2021.
CREEKWOOD
Brian and Christine Seibert sold their home at 4816 77th St. E. to Jeffery Lee Vincent and Dar-
lene Vincent, of Bradenton, for $600,000. Built in 1996, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,304 square feet of living area. It sold for $595,000 in 2023.
WATERLEFE GOLF AND RIVER CLUB
Craig Berson and Dana Irene
Camacho-Berson, of Bradenton, sold their home at 9612 Portside Terrace to Mark Bayram and Jennifer Hatton, of Bradenton, for $590,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,765 square feet of living area. It sold for $575,000 in 2021.
PALISADES
Brian and Sandra Leonard, of Manhattan, Illinois, sold their home at 13811 Woodbridge Terrace to John Haskin, of Bradenton, for $550,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,047 square feet of living area. It sold for $492,500 in 2021.
BRADEN WOODS
Evelyn Surless, trustee, sold the home at 9712 64th Ave. E. to David Alan Taecker and Teresa Taecker, of Bradenton, for $520,000. Built in 1983, it has 3 bedrooms, two baths, a pool and is 1,653 square feet.
RIVER LANDINGS BLUFF
Michelle Pondillo, trustee, of Parrish, sold the home at 5611 61st St. E. to Jeffrey Krienke and Betsy Arvelo, of Bradenton, for $515,000. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,138 square feet of living area. It sold for $186,500 in 1999.
DESOTO LAKES COUNTRY CLUB James Capen and Jennifer Capen sold their home at 5209 Palm Aire Drive to Mario Toma, of Sarasota, for $500,000. Built in 1981, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,318 square feet of living area. It
NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH
CRAWLING BACK by Adam Simpson, edited by Jeff Chen
By Luis Campos
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