Looking for fun events? Top 5 Things to Do This Weekend in Sarasota-Manatee: Jan. 7-9

 Wade TatangelSarasota Herald-Tribune, January 6, 2021

Free and family-friendly outdoor events including a music festival benefit and block parties, plus an R-rated circus and a bubbles festival.

The first weekend of 2022 is filled with another roster of great events across Sarasota and Manatee including a music festival on Sunday to benefit a beloved local musician. Held at one of the area's top breweries, it will feature performances by Southern rock and blues luminaries including longtime members of the Dickey Betts Band and Outlaws.

First, though, you'll want to begin your weekend on Friday night with one of the free block parties taking place in Sarasota and Manatee counties. And starting today, you'll find an R-rated circus show under its very own black and red big top in Palmetto. Plus, there's Bubble Festival on Saturday in Sarasota headlined by a master bubble performer and magician who was on "America's Got Talent."

Let's begin with details on the fundraiser concert featuring a who's who of the region's top rock and blues stars. 

1. Fundraising concert for Richard 'Hombre' Price at Big Top Brewing

Born in Fort Myers and largely raised in Sarasota, Price played bass alongside members of the original Allman Brothers Band lineup in Jacksonville before embarking on a successful session career in Nashville that led to him being heard on Lucinda Williams' Grammy Award-winning 1998 album "Car Wheels on a Gravel Road" and playing in her touring band. Battling cancer now and in need of funds for medical bills, Price will be the beneficiary of a full afternoon and evening of music featuring national blues star and Dickey Betts Band member Damon Fowler and fellow guitar hero Chris Anderson formerly of the Outlaws.  The all-star music lineup also includes Bobby Messano, Dana Lawrence (Kettle of Fish), Tony Tyler, Twinkle, Mike Kach (Dickey Betts Band), Sarasota Slim, Chuck Riley, Mark Serio, Greg Poulos (Kettle of Fish), T.C. Carr, RJ Howson, Richy Kicklighter, Steve Camilleri (Dickey Betts Band) and Justin Headley. Phil Phunn will be the master of ceremonies. 2 p.m. Sunday, Big Top Brewing Company, 975 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota; 941-371-2939, bigtopbrewing.com

2. Fresh Friday in downtown Sarasota

Fresh Fridays, the free and themed monthly series of events in downtown Sarasota that started in November and continues through March, returns with "Dance Under the Stars." Held on Palm Avenue, between the parking garage and Main Street, it will feature dance showcases and instruction in three different styles led by Maks Lototskyy of Dynasty Dance Clubs. 8 to 11 p.m. Friday, Palm Avenue, downtown Sarasota; freshfridayssarasota.com 

3. Music on Main in Lakewood Ranch

The first Friday of the month also means you can enjoy the long-running Lakewood Ranch block party Music on Main, where you'll find the street lined with food vendors and beer trucks as well as rides and activities for the youngins. This week's event will feature a performance by high-energy country-rock act The Derek Lersch Band. 6-9 p.m. Friday, Lakewood Ranch's Main Street, lakewoodranch.com/event/music-main

4. Paranormal Cirque

The Sarasota-based Paranormal Cirque returns for another R-rated show featuring scares and laughs while incorporating elements of circus, theater and cabaret; with all the fun and thrills taking place under their imposing black and red big top tent set up in Palmetto. Today through Jan. 17, Riviera Dunes Marina, 102 Riviera Dunes Way, Palmetto; $10-$50, 941-704-8572, paranormalcirque.com

5. Bubble Festival at The Bazaar

Bubble master and magician Blaise Ryndes, from season 13 of "America's Got Talent," will headline the free-admission Bubble Festival held in the courtyard of The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime. There will also be live music by Tyler Vaden, food from Hamlet’s Eatery, and guest vendors to go with the 40 creators and curators found inside The Bazaar. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime, 821 Apricot Ave., Sarasota; 941-445-1938; facebook.com/BazaarOnApricotAndLime

Ali H. Johnston, MBA in Real Estate

REALTOR®, Lic. Broker #BK3284964

West Villages Realty LLC

19503 S West Villages Pkwy

Stes A2 (by Appt)

Venice, Florida 34293

Office: 941-460-3179

“For the Love of Arts” celebrates Wellen Park’s dedication to the arts

https://www.wellenparkjournal.com/articles/for-the-love-of-arts-celebrates-wellen-parks-dedication-to-the-arts/

December 15, 2021

Representatives of the arts, partners of Wellen Park, current and future residents gathered at the recent For the Love of Arts reception. COURTESY PHOTOS

Wellen Park recently held the “For the Love of Arts” event in partnership with the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County. This event symbolized the allegiance between this community and the thriving local art scene that is right in Wellen Park’s own backyard.

“We are blessed to be in a vibrant and robust arts and cultural region, which is why it’s so important for us to build upon that access within Wellen Park,” said Wellen Park president, Rick Severance, who kicked off the event.

Current and future residents gathered in the Wellen Park Welcome Center for the reception. The Welcome Center serves as an outward representation of Wellen Park’s commitment to integrating art into everyday life through beautiful custom murals and installations.

The Venice Symphony, Sarasota Opera, The Ringling, Hermitage Artist Retreat, Venice Theatre, Sarasota Art Museum, Asolo Repertory Theatre, and Venice Art Center all sent representatives to speak about their organizations and other upcoming opportunities to experience the arts in Sarasota County.

Check out some of the featured artists and their work that was showcased throughout the event:

Michele Moore of the Bone Boutique creates unique jewelry and is the featured artist from the North Port Arts Center — her work is currently on display at the mobile pop-up cart.

“Blooms” is a vibrant mural of colorful flowers painted on the building’s exterior walls by local artist Laura Pommier.

“Heartfelt Connections” by Sarasota based artist Alexis Fraser, also known as Lipstick Lex, is a piece made of lipstick kisses as an homage to Wellen Park’s heritage tree program.

The For the Love of Arts event was part of Wellen Park’s Countdown to Downtown event series, which is an 18-month-long celebration leading up to the opening of Downtown Wellen, set to be completed in the later months of 2022. 

Ali H. Johnston, MBA in Real Estate

REALTOR®, Lic. Broker #BK3284964

West Villages Realty LLC

19503 S West Villages Pkwy

Stes A2 (by Appt)

Venice, Florida 34293

Office: 941-460-3179

New K-8 and high school coming to Wellen Park

https://www.wellenparkjournal.com/articles/new-k-8-and-high-school-coming-to-wellen-park/

December 15, 2021

BY NANCI THEORET 

Wellen Park Journal Correspondent

 A new high school and kindergarten-to eighth grade school are coming to Wellen Park sooner than planned. Sarasota County Schools is fast-tracking construction to alleviate student counts at Venice High and Taylor Ranch Elementary and a projected increase of nearly 3,400 future students from Wellen Park, one of the top-selling communities in the U.S.

We’re moving everything up a year,” says School Superintendent Brennan Asplen. “There’s been a large influx of new students and a lot of people moving to our area.”

The schools will be built on two adjoining sites at River Road and the future Manasota Beach Road extension, allowing them to share parking lots and bus loops for increased efficiency and cost savings.

Design and construction of the $155-million 425,000-square-foot high school will begin in summer 2022, with completion expected for the 2025-26 academic year. Work on Wellen Park’s K-8 school, which carries an $82-million price tag, will start in 2023. Unexpected growth in south Sarasota County has pushed enrollment at Venice High and Taylor Ranch Elementary over capacity and will continue to increase with the addition of 14,800 housing units planned in Wellen Park, according to Jody Dumas, the district’s assistant superintendent chief operations officer.

“This was the first year we had to put up portables at Taylor Ranch,” he says. “We have the infrastructure for 10 more and think of the new school in Wellen Park as relieving that need.”

Sarasota County Schools is reviewing high school prototypes from other districts that it could potentially repurpose for Wellen Park. The district will model Wellen Park’s K-8 school after a design borrowed from Lee County to the south.

“Instead of reinventing the wheel, we talk to other districts about what works for students, what works for the system and makes sense,” says Dr. Asplen. “It saves costs and time.”

Dr. Asplen says the K-8 concept, combining traditional elementary and middle schools under one roof, provides two different administrations, lunchrooms and other separate facilities while improving the transition from elementary school to middle school. “Our research shows it helps academically,” he says.

Wellen Park, ranked No. 5 on real estate consulting firm RCLCO’s 2021 list of fastest selling communities, is expected to add 3,372 K-12 students as construction of new homes continues. Those projections include 2,334 more K-8 students and another 1,038 high school students.

“We haven’t addressed growth in a number of years,” Mr. Dumas recently told school board members in presenting proposed revisions to the district’s five-year capital budget. The budget includes an extra $30 million to cover escalating construction costs to build the Wellen Park schools and a third school down the road.

Ali H. Johnston, MBA in Real Estate

REALTOR®, Lic. Broker #BK3284964

West Villages Realty LLC

19503 S West Villages Pkwy

Stes A2 (by Appt)

Venice, Florida 34293

Office: 941-460-3179

Poinsettia Parade & Festival

https://www.cityofnorthport.com/government/city-services/parks-recreation/special-events/poinsettia-events

Kick off your holiday with the annual Poinsettia Parade & Festival! This annual North Port tradition will be held on Saturday, December 4, 2021  from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the City Center Campus (4970 City Hall Blvd). 

Prefer to watch from home? We've partnered with our friends at WKDW 97.5 FM to livestream the Poinsettia Parade. You can tune in to 97.5 FM for entertainment and event updates throughout the evening. If you will be attending in person and would like to opt in to receive safety messages about this event, text Parade2021 to 888-777.

About the Poinsettia Festival

Presented by Achieva Credit Union, the Festival will take place throughout the grounds of the City Center Campus, including on the Front Green and inside City Hall. This fun-filled holiday festival will feature a tree lighting ceremony, food vendors, entertainment, performances by local school choruses, attractions, vendors, and so much more.

About the Poinsettia Parade

Presented by Quality TV, the Poinsettia Parade will march south down Sumter Boulevard starting from Sylvania Avenue through the City Center Campus, ending at the Festival (a prime location to catch the parade). The theme this year is "Retro Rockin' Holidays". An esteemed judging panel will select the winners of the various parade awards, 

Route Description

Floats adorned with poinsettias, decorated vehicles, and walking groups will start at Sylvania Avenue and follow the one-mile route south on Sumter Boulevard. The route will turn east onto City Hall Boulevard, before making its way along the Front Green. Escorted by North Port Fire Rescue, jolly St. Nick will make a special appearance in the parade.

The parade will end at the annual Poinsettia Festival, presented by Achieva Credit Union. The Festival will include a tree lighting ceremony.

Entertainment Schedule 

4:00 p.m.- Poinsettia Festival Begins

4:15 p.m. - 60 West Band

5:00 p.m. - Poinsettia Parade Begins

5:15 p.m. - The Rock Box

6:20 p.m. - Imagine School of Young Marines Presentation of Colors accompanied by Linda Zick Performing the National Anthem

6:25 p.m. - North Port City Commissioners and Mayor Opening Remarks and Holiday Message

6:35 p.m. - Tree Lighting

6:40 p.m. - Announcement of Gingerbread House Winners

6:50 p.m. - Announcement of Parade Winners

7:00 p.m. - Universal Dance Academy

7:15 p.m. - North Port High School Theatre

7:45 p.m. - 60 West Band

8:30 p.m. - Poinsettia Festival Ends

Ali H. Johnston, MBA in Real Estate

REALTOR®, Lic. Broker #BK3284964

West Villages Realty LLC

19503 S West Villages Pkwy

Stes A2 (by Appt)

Venice, Florida 34293

Office: 941-460-3179

2 DEC Venice Christmas Walk

 https://www.google.com/search/venice main street

Thu, Dec 2, 5 – 8 PM

Historic Downtown Venice, FL

101 W Venice Ave #23, Venice, FL

Annual Christmas Walk downtown Venice along the avenues. Live entertainment and light refreshments served in stores. 

Atlanta Braves News : Baseball Reigns Supreme in Atlanta

https://tomahawktake.com/2021/11/03/atlanta-braves-news-baseball-reigns-supreme-atlanta/

by Brandon Brosch, October 3, 2021

 Braves are World Series Champions for the first time since 1995, defeating the Astros 7-0 in game 6 in Houston.

The 2020 season ended in heartbreak for the Atlanta Braves, falling just one game short of a trip to the World Series to the Dodger.  Expectations were high before the 2021 season started, but the Braves lost key pieces and could not even break through the .500 mark for most of the campaign.

Losing players like Acuna, Ozuna, and Soroka had many in Braves country wondering what the rest of the season would look like, but against all odds, the Braves turned it around in late August and stayed hot all throughout the postseason.

Even so, nobody gave the Atlanta Braves a chance in the World Series against the Astros:  after all, Houston had been to three finals in the last five years, but the Atlanta bullpen — probably the strongest point of the Braves — held the dangerous Astros at bay throughout the series.

Game one saw the Braves ace of the season Charlie Morton exit early after suffering a fractured right fibula, which had everyone in Braves Country wondering what else could go wrong this season, but exceptional showings from Ian Anderson, Max Fried and Tyler Matzek showed just how resilient this team is.

Max Fried took the mound in game 6. Fried got off to a shaky start through little fault of his own, which included a big scare at first base when Michael Brantley stepped on his ankle during an awkward play.  For a few moments, we all feared Max had suffered a Charlie Morton repeat.

Fried seemed to actually get angry after that, quickly found his form, and was locked in for the remainder of his night, allowing no walks and striking out 6 through six full innings.

Matzek came in and continued his postseason dominance before Will Smith came in and slammed the door on the Astros.

This was the Braves first World Series appearance since 1999 and their first World Series championship since 1999.

Soak it all in, Braves Country! All the heartbreak throughout the years and the “almost had ’em’s” is what makes this victory so sweet.  Baseball is once again supreme in Atlanta.

Ali H. Johnston, MBA in Real Estate

REALTOR®, Lic. Broker #BK3284964

West Villages Realty LLC

19503 S West Villages Pkwy

Stes A2 (by Appt)

Venice, Florida 34293

Office: 941-460-3179

The Atlanta Braves Win the NLDS over the Milwaukee Brewers

https://tomahawktake.com/

by Trent Dickeson,   Oct 13, 2021

The Atlanta Braves defeat the Milwaukee Brewers 5-4 and advance to the NLCS for the second straight season.

The Atlanta Braves elected to start Charlie Morton on short rest for game 4. Morton gave the Braves a solid 3.1 innings allowing 2 runs on 4 hits, 1 walk, and striking out 5.

Maybe Morton went an inning too long, but regardless, he gave the Braves a solid start in a pivotal game. Morton on short rest is better than most options, and there was always Max Fried on regular rest in game 5 if necessary.

Jesse Chavez came in for Morton after the starter yielded one run, though one of his inherited runners scored to give the Brewers a 2-0 lead.

In the bottom half of the 4th inning, the Braves tied up the game thanks to a pinch-hit two-run single from Eddie Rosario to score Austin Riley and Travis d’Arnaud.

The 5th inning was just as eventful, as Huascar Ynoa allowed a two-run home run to Rowdy Tellez to push the Brewers lead back to two. However, a Joc Pederson RBI fielder’s choice and d’Arnaud RBI single tied the game up again at four apiece.

The Braves bullpen slammed the door on the Brewers at this point. A.J. Minter, Luke Jackson, and Tyler Matzek combined for 3 perfect innings with 5 total strikeouts.  One could feel the momentum shift thanks to these efforts.

But the game was still tied.

The Face that Runs the Place Comes Through

The Brewers elected to go to their lockdown closer Josh Hader in the 8th inning in an effort to shut down the Braves offense.

On the season, Hader had a 1.23 ERA, 2.18 xERA, 1.69 FIP, 2.35 xFIP, and a 2.6 fWAR. He struck out 45.5% of the batters he faced during the year… including his first 2 hitters tonight.

What he hadn’t done this season was execute a multi-inning save.  In 60 regular season appearances, he had never even been called upon for even a 4-out save… much less 6 outs.

Nonetheless, Hader has a strong case to win NL Reliever of the Year and manager Craig Counsell had every reason to be confident in his guy to shut down the Braves offense.

There was only one problem: Freddie Freeman.

It only took one pitch.  Freeman gave the Braves a 5-4 lead with his 8th inning Home Run off of Hader… who still has not pitched a multi-inning save.

Freeman did what superstars do. He pulled through in the clutch when it was needed most, something he has done time and time again for the Braves.

Will Smith then entered in the 9th with a chance to save the game and send his club to the NLCS.

After a leadoff single from Eduardo Escobar, and a pop-out bunt attempt from Kolton Wong, Willy Adames and Christian Yelich both struck out to end the game.

The Atlanta Braves are back in the National League Championship Series and will face either the Dodgers or Giants.

In a season where the team did not get over .500 until game 109 on August 5th, they will now play for a shot to get to the World Series. What a year, what a team.

Ali H. Johnston, MBA in Real Estate

REALTOR®, Lic. Broker #BK3284964

West Villages Realty LLC

19503 S West Villages Pkwy

Stes A2 (by Appt)

Venice, Florida 34293

Office: 941-460-3179

Venice Challenger Baseball returns to action on new ‘Field of Dreams’

https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/2021/09/20/venice-challenger-baseball-returns-action-honors-rich-carroll/8315613002/

Earl Kimel, Sarasota Herald Tribune, Sept 20, 2021

 VENICE – Almost three dozen Venice Challenger Baseball athletes got their introduction to the fall baseball season via Les McCurdy Saturday afternoon at the new Challenger Field of Dreams baseball complex. 

“Challenger baseball at its best,” McCurdy said, shortly after thanking the Venice High School Chorus for singing the National Anthem. “Who cares about NCAA football, we’ve got Challenger baseball. That’s right, we’ve got the players right here ready to go and you’re going to get to meet each and every one of them!” 

McCurdy, owner of McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre – where he hosts the Special O’Laughics – and a huge proponent of both Challenger baseball and the Special Olympics, went on to introduce every player, complete with a little background that covered their favorite food and hobbies and offered them a chance to say something to the audience. 

One of McCurdy’s Special O’Laughics vets, Jonathan “J.C.” Chace, was ready for his turn at the mic and made the most of it. 

“I want to give a big shout-out to my buddies David Jones and Meredith Michaels at 107.9 WSRZ and a big shout-out to everybody at iHeart Media in Sarasota and Tampa,” said Chace, who is visually impaired but often opts to use the traditional Challenger ball instead of a special beep ball mode. “And I’m going to hit a home run tonight that will knock the radio towers out of the county.” 

 Gianna Falbo and Jonathan Chace run to first base after hitting during a Venice Challenger baseball game Saturday afternoon in Venice.  DAN WAGNER,SARASOTA-HERALD TRIBUNE

Chace went on give a shout-out to his buddy, Coach Rich – Rich Carroll, the founder and driving force behind Venice Challenger Baseball and its mission to serve all athletes, as well as its quest for the two-field complex, which is at 920 Gulf Coast Boulevard, tucked in behind the Robert and Joan Lee Boys & Girls Club.

Carroll died in July at age 72 but did get to see a livestreamed practice game of athletes playing at the complex, which features a specialized rubber field that’s better for wheelchair athletes. 

Chace went on to talk about his favorite foods, which are carrot cake, barbecue ribs and chicken wings, as well has his favorite part about Challenger baseball. 

“My favorite part about Challenger Baseball is getting a pretty girl to help me around the bases,” Chace quipped. 

At that McCurdy shot back, “The only thing is, there’s no pretty girls to help you run the bases – I have to do it. 

“Sorry J.C.” McCurdy continued, then added, “OK, we’ll find a pretty girl.”

Chace actually had at least one and sometimes two young ladies buddy up with him for his time on the base paths. 

Nancy Carroll threw out the ceremonial first pitch. 

“And I think Rich would want you to throw a curve-sinker,” McCurdy coached. 

Nancy Carroll threw an easy strike to catcher/coach Tony Spahn. 

“My pitch, it was right on, that’s what they said,” she said afterwards. 

Saturday marked the first time that athletes for Venice Challenger Baseball were able to take the field since the March 2020 COVID-19 pandemic shutdown cut short their season, when the league was still playing on Chuck Reiter Field in Venice. 

“We couldn’t have played at Chuck Reiter, we’d have been rained out, it would have been muddy,” Price noted. Typically, the players would have been split into more teams, with the older players using the traditional field with a clay infield. 

Instead, partly because of the recent rains, all of the athletes used the clay field.

Izabella Lupia challenges the pitcher during a Venice Challenger baseball game Saturday afternoon in Venice. DAN WAGNER, Sarasota -Herald Tribune

Friday night, at a special thank-you ceremony for Venice Challenger sponsors who helped either through financial or in-kind contributions to build the new complex, incoming Venice Challenger President Mike Beaumier said the league had to be especially cautious because many of the athletes were in high-risk categories for contracting COVID-19. 

In historical terms, Mia Affeldt, representing the west dugout team, got the first hit on the new field – a sharp single past pitcher/coach Steve Price – and later came around to score on the next hit.

That happens a lot in Challenger baseball, along with aggressive baserunning and inside-the-park home runs – accompanied by buddies for added safety – laughs and cheers. 

The Sunset Chevrolet scoreboard had the west dugout team doubling the run production of the north dugout team, with an edge of 32-16. But the north team never got another turn at-bat because the hamburger and hot dog feast prepared by volunteers from One Christ Won City was ready. 

Nancy Carroll was heartened by the turnout. 

“Incredible how many kids have showed up, so many kids – new kids,” she said. “Unbelievable; Richard would be proud.” 

Jonathan Clark, 22, one of those new athletes, signed up Saturday after seeing the league in the newspaper, his mother Ruth Morgan said. 

“He loves it,” she said. “We actually live up near Bradenton and our in-laws live here in Venice. 

They were taking part in the Venice Presbyterian Church “Buddy Break” when they learned about the local Challenger Division, but he had also played in leagues in North Carolina and Michigan. 

The Venice Challenger Division operates under the auspices and insurance of Venice Little League, as other Challenger Division programs do under their parent Little Leagues.

After the game Price, who will succeed Carroll as coach and also serves as the program’s chaplain, gathered the athletes together for a post-game prayer, team-led pep talks and a final cheer that after a one-two-three countdown is usually “Challenger.” 

They changed it Saturday; on the suggestion of the players, it was changed to “Coach Rich.” 

So, on the count of three, they all cheered “Coach Rich!” 

“That was pretty good,” Price said. “One time was good enough.” 

Before he died, Rich Carroll requested that the field not be named in his honor but, as McCurdy noted in his opening talk, he will forever be intertwined with the ballpark. 

“His legacy lives on every time one of these kids hit this field,” McCurdy said. “And that’s going to be happening for 100 years.”

Ali H. Johnston, MBA in Real Estate

REALTOR®, Lic. Broker #BK3284964

West Villages Realty LLC

19503 S West Villages Pkwy

Stes A2 (by Appt)

Venice, Florida 34293

Office: 941-460-3179

9/11 Memorials Honor Victims, 20th Anniversary In Sarasota County

 https://patch.com/florida/sarasota/9-11-memorial-events-honor-victims-20th-anniversary-attacks

Tiffany Razzano, Patch Staff     Tue, Sep 7, 2021 

Events throughout Sarasota County will honor the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and mark the 20th anniversary of the tragedy. (Shutterstock)

SARASOTA COUNTY, FL — Saturday marks the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. More than 3,000 people died on 9/11 and memorial services organized throughout Sarasota County honor the victims of these terrorist attacks.

Sarasota National Cemetery

A 20th anniversary commemoration will take place Saturday, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72 in Sarasota. The commemoration continues the tradition that began Sept. 11, 2001, when the Sarasota Ministerial Association first held a prayer vigil at J.D. Hamel Park.

The names of each person who died during the 9/11 attacks will be read during the ceremony. Those attending Saturday have the option of standing for specific individuals who died during the Sarasota Fire Department's Tolling of the Bell and when the bagpipers play "Amazing Grace."

Congressman Greg Steube, Bishop Frank J. Dewane of the Venice Diocese, Bishop Dabney Tylor Smith of the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida, NAACP President Trevor Harvey, Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt Hoffman, and local police and fire chiefs, mayors, and commissioners will participate in the event.

A 70-plus community chorus will also perform during the commemoration.

Special commemorative coins have been minted to mark the occasion, and will be presented to Sarasota's first responders, veterans, active-duty military, Sarasota Elks Lodge members and 9/11 survivors in attendance. A procession of all clergy and distinguished presenters will begin the service.

The first 500 attendees arriving at the commemoration will be given red and white and blue flowers to be placed in a mesh that will eventually become the American flag located in front of the stage.

City of North Port virtual service and Remember the Fallen Memorial 5K Run

North Port Fire Rescue will host a virtual event Saturday at 9 a.m. on the city of North Port's Facebook page. The memorial service will include a flag raising, ringing of the bell and a few speakers. It can be viewed online here.

The city's annual Remember the Fallen Memorial 5K Run will be held virtually this year as well because of the spike in COVID-19 cases. 

University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee

USF Sarasota-Manatee will mark the 20th anniversary of 9/11 Friday at 8:15 a.m. with a flag-raising event before shifting to the campus courtyard for guest speakers, patriotic music, and the participation of local first responders and representatives of the Armed Forces. Light refreshments will be served afterward in the Selby auditorium.

Among the speakers will be USF Sarasota-Manatee campus Regional Chancellor Karen A. Holbrook and retired New York City firefighter Garrett C. Lindgren.

A member of Rescue Company 3, Lindgren was among the first responders at the World Trade Center immediately following the collapse of the north tower. He was later among the rescuers at ground zero from Sept. 11 to Dec. 15, 200 and suffered career-ending injuries while searching through rubble.

City of Venice 9/11 memorial service

The city of Venice will host a 9/11 memorial service Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to noon, at Patriots Park, 800 Venetia Bay Blvd.

The event will feature guest speakers and patriotic music. Attendees are asked to bring lawn chairs and social distance. Cold water will be provided.

 Ali H. Johnston, MBA in Real Estate

REALTOR®, Lic. Broker #BK3284964

West Villages Realty LLC

19503 S West Villages Pkwy

Stes A2 (by Appt)

Venice, Florida 34293

Office: 941-460-3179

Braves Path to the 2021 Postseason is in Their Hands

https://tomahawktake.com/2021/08/23/woodbridge-wines-video-contest-adam-jones/

by Jake Mastroianni Sept 3, 2021

With all the turmoil the Atlanta Braves have had in 2021 they still have all their goals within their grasp as they enter the final month of the season. 

It’s honestly crazy to even write that headline with where this Atlanta Braves team was even a month ago when they were third in the NL East.

Since then they’ve held as much as a 5.5 game lead in the division before seeing that dwindle down to two games.

Still, entering the final month of the season and the last 29 games, their path to the postseason is pretty clear — win and you’re in.

And while the road ahead isn’t easy, it’s also not that difficult.

They just got done playing the hardest teams left on their schedule in the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers. And while they lost all five of those games, there is some solace in knowing three of those games were one-run games and they weren’t overmatched in any of them.

This team is capable of competing with the best teams in baseball.

Braves remaining schedule

They’re in the middle of a four-game series in Colorado where the Rockies have been one of the best teams in baseball. But the Braves got off to a good start with a comeback win on Thursday.

Braves remaining schedule

They’re in the middle of a four-game series in Colorado where the Rockies have been one of the best teams in baseball. But the Braves got off to a good start with a comeback win on Thursday.

If they can win two of the next three they’ll be in good shape coming home where they face a terrible Nationals team, the Marlins, and the Rockies.

Then they have to go back out West to face the Giants, Diamondbacks, and Padres.

The Giants are coming back down to Earth a little and are beatable. The Padres are crumbling, and the Diamondbacks are one of the worst teams in the league.

Finally, the Braves finish up at home with a huge series against the Phillies and end with the Mets.

Certainly not the easiest schedule down the stretch, but with the way this team has played since the trade deadline I feel like they’re more than capable of winning all of those series.

Braves’ Math for Holding Off the Phillies

And the Braves essentially have to win every series the rest of the way in order to stay ahead of the Phillies who have the easiest schedule down the stretch.

After some tough games against the Marlins and Brewers, they play the Rockies, Cubs, Mets, Orioles, Pirates, Braves, and Marlins.

Let’s do a little math and see how many games the Braves need to win.

The best month the Phillies have had this year was in August when they went 17-11. They’ve had double-digit losses in each month.

I could realistically see them going 19-10 or even 20-9 the rest of the way.  That’s likely the best-case scenario for the Phillies, but also really possible with their schedule.

That would put their overall record at 88-74.

And I honestly think the Braves could go 19-10 the rest of the way with their schedule, and that’s predicting a series loss to the Giants and a four-game split with the Padres.

That’s also predicting a series win at home over the Phillies, which will be a big series.

The best month the Braves have had this year also came in August when they went 18-8.

As I said earlier, I definitely believe this team is capable of going on a similar run in September to clinch the division.

If they can win two of the next three they’ll be in good shape coming home where they face a terrible Nationals team, the Marlins, and the Rockies.

Then they have to go back out West to face the Giants, Diamondbacks, and Padres.

The Giants are coming back down to Earth a little and are beatable. The Padres are crumbling, and the Diamondbacks are one of the worst teams in the league.

Finally, the Braves finish up at home with a huge series against the Phillies and end with the Mets.

Certainly not the easiest schedule down the stretch, but with the way this team has played since the trade deadline I feel like they’re more than capable of winning all of those series.

The path for them is clear, just take care of business and win the series that you should and perhaps sweep a series or two. Either way, I hope fans enjoy this final month of the regular season and what this team has had to overcome to put themselves in a position to win the division a fourth straight year.

 Ali H. Johnston, MBA in Real Estate

REALTOR®, Lic. Broker #BK3284964

West Villages Realty LLC

19503 S West Villages Pkwy

Stes A2 (by Appt)

Venice, Florida 34293

Office: 941-460-3179