The Path to Pain-Free Healthy Living Begins at Sarasota Neuropathy Center

Diabetes and Neuropathy Treatment in Bradenton, FL

Living with neuropathy and diabetes is a challenge that millions of Americans face every day. Neuropathy - which comes in several forms and manifests in many ways - can affect any person. In the United States, neuropathy and diabetes often go hand-in-hand, with about 50% of people with diabetes suffering from the condition. In fact, the number of people with neuropathy is only increasing as diabetes becomes more common and the population ages.

People who suffer from these conditions must endure painful and disruptive symptoms, such as:

  • Intense Bouts of Sharp, Burning Pain
  • Numbness, Prickling, or Tingling in the Hands and Feet
  • Decreased Muscle Strength and Paralysis
  • Trouble with Balance and Coordination
  • Unusually High Sensitivity to Touch
  • Digestive and Bladder Control Issues

While some patients are at a greater risk of developing certain types of neuropathy, it doesn't discriminate between sex, race, age, or medical history. Fortunately, neuropathy and diabetes awareness are growing. By proxy, so are new and exciting treatment options that show dramatic improvements in both conditions.

If you've been suffering from the symptoms of diabetes or neuropathy and are in search of a truly effective solution, Sarasota Neuropathy Center can help. Unlike some clinics, our commitment is to offer more than temporary relief. As a diabetic and neuropathy treatment specialist in Bradenton, FL, we aim to rectify the distinct root causes underlying each patient's symptoms.

But to understand how we're able to accomplish that goal, you've got to first understand the nuances of neuropathy and diabetes.

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Neuropathy 101

Neuropathy is a medical condition that arises when the peripheral nerves, which are responsible for transmitting signals between the brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the body, fail to function correctly due to damage or disease. These nerves are essential for detecting sensations such as warmth, cold, and pain, as well as regulating muscle movement and carrying out automatic processes like digestion and heartbeat without our conscious involvement.

What Causes Neuropathy?

When patients speak with a nerve pain doctor for the first time, they have a lot of questions, and rightfully so. At Sarasota Neuropathy Center, one of the most frequently asked questions we hear centers around the factors causing neuropathy. If you're reading this article, chances are you have similar questions. While we can't pinpoint what's causing your neuropathy without proper testing, here are a few of the most common factors that can cause neuropathy to manifest:

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Diabetes

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of diabetes in adults - especially when a person has dealt with high blood sugar levels over long periods of time. When diabetes harms your nerves, it can lead to diabetic neuropathy and create a recurring trigger for this type of nerve damage.

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Lack of Vitamins

Your nerves require certain vitamins, including B1 (thiamine), B12, B6, and vitamin E, to function correctly. Without a balanced diet or supplementation, deficiencies in these vitamins can lead to nerve damage over time.

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Autoimmune Disorders

In certain instances, a person's immune system accidentally attacks its own cells, including nerve tissues. When this happens, neuropathy often follows. Diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome come under this category, where the immune system's misguided attack on nerves causes dysfunction and pain.

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Genetics

Neuropathy can be inherited in some families, meaning it is passed down from one generation to another. When this occurs, peripheral nerves can be affected by genetic forms of the condition, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

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Infections in the Body

There are certain viruses and bacteria that have the ability to attack nerve tissues and also cause conditions that can result in nerve damage. Examples of such infections include Lyme disease, HIV, and hepatitis C. These illnesses have the potential to either initiate or worsen existing neuropathy.

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Physical Trauma

Physical injuries, whether caused by accidents, repetitive movements, or falls, can lead to nerve damage. Such injuries can result in neuropathy, causing loss of function and painful sensations in the affected region of the body.

What are the Different Types of Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that can affect one nerve, a group of related nerves, or multiple nerves in different parts of the body. The symptoms can vary depending on which type of nerve signals are affected. Keep reading for a closer look at the various types of neuropathies and how they affect you. If one of the categories below sounds familiar, make a mental note to discuss it with your diabetic and neuropathy treatment specialist in Bradenton, FL.

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Peripheral Neuropathy:

Nerve Pain in Your Arms and Legs

Of all the different types of neuropathies, this is the kind that you're probably most familiar with, as it's the most common form treated in the U.S.It occurs most often when the nerves responsible for transmitting messages of touch and movement between your brain and your extremities don't function properly.

Symptoms can include:

  • Sensations of Pins and Needles
  • Numbness
  • Soreness
  • Cramping
  • Shooting Pains

As the condition progresses, muscle weakness can occur, making it difficult to perform precise movements and walk without assistance. Balance problems are also common.

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Focal Neuropathy:

Nerve Pain in a Specific Area

Focal neuropathy can sometimes result in damage to a single nerve or a cluster of nerves in a particular region, leading to localized pain or weakness. For instance, carpal tunnel syndrome can affect the wrist, causing numbness or weakness in the hand. Similarly, Bell's palsy can impact the face, resulting in droopiness or stiffness on one side of the face.

Other symptoms can include:

  • Muscles Don't Work Correctly
  • Sharp Pains
  • Localized Pain and Weakness
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Autonomic Neuropathy:

Nerve Pain That Controls Automatic Body Functions

This type of neuropathy affects the nerves that control involuntary bodily functions, such as heartbeat, digestion, and bladder control. When these nerves are damaged

You may experience symptoms such as:

  • Dizziness When Standing Quickly
  • Issues with Sexual Intercourse
  • Constipation
  • Issues Regulating Body Temperature
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Compression Neuropathy:

Nerve Pain from Your Nerves Being Squeezed

This type of neuropathy happens when a nerve is pinched or squeezed. It happens most often when you are injured or have to repeat actions over and over again for work or sports purposes. Some examples include Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and sciatica. Symptoms can include:

Symptoms can include:

  • Sharp Shooting Pain
  • Weakness in the Affected Body Part
  • Numbness

Whether you or someone you love are trying to live with neuropathy, you know that it can significantly alter lifestyles, making it difficult to perform day-to-day activities, work, or engage in hobbies. That's why it's so important to understand the underlying causes of your nerve pain, so that you can receive appropriate treatment and improve your quality of life. Taking care of the root problem, as well as managing the pain and other symptoms, is key to helping you stay active and comfortable. That's where working with a diabetic and neuropathy treatment specialist in Bradenton, FL, becomes crucial.

Addressing the Root Causes of Your Neuropathy

Sarasota Neuropathy Center is a nerve pain clinic that provides patients with a comprehensive, rewarding journey toward healing. It begins with a thorough evaluation that involves in-depth laboratory tests and analyses. This introductory step helps us identify the specific factors that contribute to your peripheral neuropathy. Our team of neuropathy treatment specialists then creates a personalized treatment plan tailored exclusively to your body and symptoms.

By providing you with a wide range of strategies aimed at addressing the root causes of your condition, you can achieve lasting relief and may even be able to reverse the effects of peripheral neuropathy.

Our advanced therapeutic options include:

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 Neuropathy Treatment Center Bradenton, FL

Nerve Regeneration Equipment

We use cutting-edge machinery like laser light therapy and electromagnetic impulses to stimulate your nerves, encourage repair, and foster nerve tissue regeneration.

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Vaso-Pulse Technology

This FDA-approved treatment sends signals through your feet and around your spine, which helps us highlight and rectify areas where nerve and vascular damage are present.

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Antioxidants

By incorporating antioxidants into your treatment plan, we can better mitigate nerve damage and counteract oxidative stress.

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Anti-Inflammatory Treatments

Inflammation exacerbates nerve damage and pain. Our neuropathy specialists use anti-inflammatory agents to help alleviate your symptoms

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Minerals and Vitamins

Nutritional deficiencies impact nerve health. We supplement those deficiencies with vitamins and minerals to help nerve repair.

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Immunomodulators

For neuropathies linked to autoimmune disorders, we employ immunomodulators that help regulate the immune system's activity to prevent it from attacking the body's own nerve tissues.

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Lifestyle and Diet Changes

Changing your diet and incorporating exercise into your daily routine are two of the best ways to support nerve health.

Through a personalized, natural, and comprehensive treatment plan from Sarasota Neuropathy Center, reclaiming your life doesn't have to be a dream - it can be a true possibility.

Diabetes 101

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated levels of sugar in the blood. This happens when the body is unable to produce or use insulin effectively. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood glucose levels by facilitating its absorption into cells for energy or storage.

There are several types of diabetes of which you should be aware:

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes is a condition in which the immune system attacks and destroys the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, resulting in little to no insulin production. This condition usually develops in childhood or adolescence but can occur at any age. Patients who suffer from Type 1 Diabetes have to depend on daily insulin administration to manage their blood sugar levels.

The exact cause of this autoimmune reaction is not fully understood, although it is believed that genetic and environmental factors may contribute to it. Contact your diabetic and neuropathy treatment specialist in Bradenton, FL to learn more about this disease.

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Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and is mainly caused by lifestyle factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, and poor diet. In this condition, the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or the cells don't use insulin effectively, leading to high blood sugar levels. Unlike Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes can sometimes be managed or reversed with lifestyle changes, although some people may still need medications or insulin therapy.

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Gestational Diabetes

Gestational Diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy and typically goes away after giving birth. However, it can give an indication of a woman's future risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The condition is caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy that make the body's cells more resistant to insulin. It's important to manage Gestational Diabetes to prevent complications for both mother and baby.

Other types of diabetes can include:

  • Monogenic Diabetes
  • Cystic Fibrosis-Related Diabetes
  • Secondary Diabetes
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 Diabetes Treatment Clinic Bradenton, FL

Four Ways You Can Develop Diabetes

probably heard of people getting diabetes from poor diet choices. While that is true, you can get diabetes from several factors, such as:

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Genetics

You can have genetic links to both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. These links make you predisposed to the condition.

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Lifestyle

Poor diet, lack of exercise, and obesity all contribute to insulin resistance, which causes diabetes

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Autoimmune

Your immune system mistakenly targets and eliminates insulin-producing beta cells in your pancreas, leading to insufficient insulin production and Type 1 Diabetes.

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Insulin Resistance

The most prevalent type of diabetes - Type 2 Diabetes - arises when cells resist insulin's effect, causing a spike in blood sugar levels.

What Are the Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes?

Many patients who speak with a diabetic and neuropathy treatment specialist in Bradenton, FL assume they have Type 2 Diabetes, but aren't 100% sure. At Sarasota Neuropathy Center, we would need to conduct tests to verify whether you have the disease. With that said, the following symptoms often manifest when you have Type 2 Diabetes.

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Neuropathy

Type 2 Diabetes can cause nerve damage, which in turn causes tingling and numbness, especially in your feet and hands.

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Tiredness

Chronic fatigue happens when your body can't utilize glucose for energy in the right way.

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Excessive Urination and Thirst

When you have high blood sugar, your body's natural response is to eliminate excess fluids. This can cause you to urinate frequently and can also cause you to feel very thirsty.

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Slow-Healing Wounds

High blood sugar impairs your body's ability to heal itself and resist infection.

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Vision Changes

When your blood sugar spikes, it can cause visual disturbances that can blur your vision.

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Unexplained Weight Loss

In uncontrolled Type 1 Diabetes, the body may begin to break down muscle and fat for energy, leading to unexplained weight loss.

If you believe you may have Type 2 Diabetes, it's important to get checked out ASAP. Regular health screenings and glucose monitoring are important for early detection and effective management of Type 2 Diabetes, as symptoms may not be apparent in the initial stages.

The Sarasota Neuropathy Approach to Diabetes Care

As a diabetic and neuropathy treatment specialist in Bradenton, FL, we are committed to offering a groundbreaking approach for Type 2 Diabetes, which focuses on reversing the condition by addressing the root causes rather than just managing the symptoms. Our innovative strategy goes beyond conventional treatment paradigms and delves into the underlying factors that contribute to Type 2 Diabetes.

We use a holistic methodology that includes comprehensive lifestyle interventions, nutritional counseling, and personalized medical oversight. This approach has consistently demonstrated remarkable efficacy in significantly reducing blood glucose levels among our patients.

Key highlights of our diabetes treatment include:

We aim to address the root causes of Type 2 Diabetes, including insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction, to help the body regulate blood sugar levels naturally and effectively. This approach has led to significant reductions in medication dependency or even complete discontinuation of medication for many patients.

Patients who receive treatment at Sarasota Diabetes & Neuropathy Center often report experiencing an improvement in their glycemic control, as well as an overall enhancement in their well-being. This includes increased energy levels, sustainable weight loss, and a greater sense of vitality, which all contribute to a significantly improved quality of life.

Our expert medical team provides vigilant care to our patients and creates individualized treatment plans that cater to their specific needs. We support these plans with thorough laboratory testing and analysis to ensure precise identification of any imbalances and deficiencies. Based on the results, we develop personalized supplementation strategies that aim to correct these deficiencies and optimize metabolic health.

Our clinic specializing in diabetes and neuropathy offers comprehensive assistance for lifestyle adjustments, which includes custom diets, exercise routines, stress management practices, and education on the management of Type 2 Diabetes. These modifications are essential in reversing Type 2 Diabetes and are designed according to each patient's individual lifestyle and preferences.

We understand that reversing Type 2 Diabetes is a constantly evolving process, and we are dedicated to providing ongoing monitoring and support to our patients. Regular follow-up consultations enable us to make any necessary adjustments to treatment plans and tackle any new obstacles that may arise, resulting in consistent progress towards reversing Type 2 Diabetes.

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The Path to Relief Starts with a Diabetic and Neuropathy Treatment Specialist in Bradenton, FL

At Sarasota Diabetes & Neuropathy Center, our mission is to empower you to overcome neuropathy, Type 2 Diabetes, or both by embarking on a transformative journey to wellness. By integrating advanced medical care with comprehensive lifestyle interventions, we help you achieve better health outcomes and a renewed sense of hope and control over your journey to a healthy life.

Latest News in Bradenton, FL

East Bradenton students named winners in playwright program

Aaron Gordon, a Braden River High School sophomore, wrote a six-page script in approximately 30 minutes.The Florida Studio Theatre obviously knows he is not short on talent.His comedic play, which was entered in FST's Write a Play program, was an expanded version of a scene from a longer play he was creating in his spare time.“When I finished writing it, I thought, ‘This is a lot funnier to me than to anyone else,’” Gordon said.He didn’t have the chance to get feedback about his play ...

Aaron Gordon, a Braden River High School sophomore, wrote a six-page script in approximately 30 minutes.

The Florida Studio Theatre obviously knows he is not short on talent.

His comedic play, which was entered in FST's Write a Play program, was an expanded version of a scene from a longer play he was creating in his spare time.

“When I finished writing it, I thought, ‘This is a lot funnier to me than to anyone else,’” Gordon said.

He didn’t have the chance to get feedback about his play from his classmates as he was sick during the days students shared their plays in class and only shared it with his parents, Mark and Elyse Gordon. With only the positive comments from his parents, Gordon had no expectations when submitting his play for not only his theater class but also the Write a Play program.

He was shocked to find out he was one of 8,000 students chosen as a winner in the program.

Gordon’s play, along with Braden River High freshman Valerie Rettig’s play and Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary third grader Bryce Wilkinson’s play, will be performed at Florida Studio Theatre’s Young Playwrights Festival on May 18.

The event is not open to the public.

Inspiration came from various places for the playwrights.

Wilkinson drew inspiration from his life when he lost a video game controller and he had to do chores to earn enough money to buy another controller.

Rettig’s play was inspired by the song “Bird Song” by Juniper Vale. Her play revolved around a songstress who loses her voice and must recuperate before the festival celebrating the songbirds’ gift of music.

Gordon used a scene in a longer play he was working on for his play about two writers who work for Disney who had to write a hit story in an hour.

The three playwrights said as excited as they are to see their plays performed at the festival, they’re nervous to see if it’ll be executed as they envisioned.

“It’s a surreal feeling,” Gordon said. “I wrote something they’re going to read and then memorize and perform. I’m curious how they make certain jokes because I think comedy is something where every joke can be taken 100 different ways.”

Rettig said she hopes the message of understanding your self-worth and your “life isn’t determined by the world around you but by how you react to the world around you.”

Gordon, Rettig and Wilkinson all said they were not only excited to see their plays performed but also the 17 other winning plays.

Wilkinson said he was nervous but excited to see actors from Florida Studio Theatre perform his play at McNeal Elementary. He said it was cool to see something he had written being performed on stage.

The Shaelyn Band at Birdrock Taco Shack

The Shaelyn Band is a Florida based band capable of shifting from classic soul blues and funk to rock. They are fronted by Shaelyn (aka Shae) Mulberry, a singer and poet who can wail like Joyce Kennedy, charm like Aretha Franklin, and soliloquize like Erykah Badu. With their highly energized live show, The Shaelyn Band is poised to take on the music industry.The band formed in 2020, after drummer and music director, Tim Mulberry met lead guitar player Erik Gue...

The Shaelyn Band is a Florida based band capable of shifting from classic soul blues and funk to rock. They are fronted by Shaelyn (aka Shae) Mulberry, a singer and poet who can wail like Joyce Kennedy, charm like Aretha Franklin, and soliloquize like Erykah Badu. With their highly energized live show, The Shaelyn Band is poised to take on the music industry.

The band formed in 2020, after drummer and music director, Tim Mulberry met lead guitar player Erik Guess in Jacksonville, Florida. The lineup quickly began to take shape by adding bass player, Curtis Harris and background vocalist, Mark Barner.

On September 9th, 2022, The Shaelyn Band released their self titled album “The Shaelyn Band”. The album delivers an array of emotions with its various songs of experience like, “Good Time”, “Always You”, “Stay Home Love” and “Just Can’t Leave” to name a few. Listeners are able to dance their cares away, reclaim their lives and destiny, as well as receive encouragement and take a moment to simply reflect on the joys of love and life.

Now with the new release of their second album, Juke Joint, The Shaelyn Band is continuing to move and groove the hearts of the music lovers with detailed lyrics, dynamic intros and smooth harmonies. The rising band is making their name grand in the blues industry and look to continue to grace large stages across the US and soon, Internationally.

On October 18th, 2023, The Shaelyn Band released their second album titled “Juke Joint!” The new album really takes you back to the good ole' juke joint days of backwoods energy. Songs like "Fake Love", "Saturday" and "Blues Storm" really bring the grooving vibes of the South to the world through passionate growls and raspy vocals, as well as synchronized harmonies.

Cover $15

About the venue:

Located in Bradenton Florida's Village of the Arts, Birdrock Taco Shack is not your average taco joint, but a unique funky-fun taco spot and live music venue. Owner and chef David Shiplett (who also owns the popular Cottonmouth South Soul Kitchen) doesn't serve up just any tacos. Dave has worked as a Chef in San Francisco, San Diego, Sarasota, and now Bradenton. Dine inside the eclectic artsy shack or outdoors on the porch and back patio. Great food, cool people... and TACOS! 1213 13th Avenue West, Bradenton.

El Toro High Was Start For Skene’s Celebrity

Getting Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes’ attention wasn’t too difficult. Let me tell you how to do it.The hype matched the moment. This past Saturday at Pittsburgh’s PNC Park, it was unofficially Skenes Day. The 21-year-old was making his MLB debut against the Chicago Cubs. Although the overall top pick of the 2023 MLB Draft didn’t figure in the decision, a Pirates’ 10-9 victory, he did dazzle Chicago hitters.Darting curveballs, fastballs, splinkers, and changeups, Skenes struck out 7 batters in four-plus...

Getting Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes’ attention wasn’t too difficult. Let me tell you how to do it.The hype matched the moment. This past Saturday at Pittsburgh’s PNC Park, it was unofficially Skenes Day. The 21-year-old was making his MLB debut against the Chicago Cubs. Although the overall top pick of the 2023 MLB Draft didn’t figure in the decision, a Pirates’ 10-9 victory, he did dazzle Chicago hitters.Darting curveballs, fastballs, splinkers, and changeups, Skenes struck out 7 batters in four-plus innings of work. 17 of his pitches reached 100 mph. The nearly 35,000 fans on hand witnessing one of the most exciting and memorable games in recent Pirates’ history showed their unwavering support for Skenes, often standing when Cubs hitters had two strikes on them.Athletes like Skenes are always in demand for sound bites by electronic media and quotes for scribes with pads and pens. Most of the time, questions are predictable and overused. Getting Skenes’ attention and keeping it is a result of a well-thought-out plan.When watching last Saturday’s game live on MLB.TV, I thought back to when Skenes first reported to Pirate City this past February when attending his first spring training. Heading into the second week of workouts and before exhibition games began in the Grapefruit League, I wanted five minutes of time to speak with the hard-throwing right-handed hurler from California.But, what to ask?In listening to several reporters speaking with Skenes in front of his clubhouse stall, most of what he was to respond to seemed repetitive. Thoughts of his leading his alma mater, LSU, to the 2023 Men’s College World Series championship, his time enrolled at the United States Air Force Academy, and, of course, being the Pirates’ top draft selection were what was asked of him.I had to have original material to gain and maintain Skenes’ attention. While pulling on his uniform and focusing on getting out on the field for morning drills, my time with the game’s newest celebrity was extremely limited. My goal was to get Skenes to agree to my questioning without disrupting his rhythm of dressing and not causing him to be delayed in beginning his work. Most importantly, coming up with a unique topic, at least heading into the second week of spring training, was paramount.The night before, I decided that tomorrow would be the day, early in the morning, that I would approach Skenes. Four other beat writers in Pirate City had pretty much quizzed Skenes on every aspect of his budding career – except for one.The night before my five-minute meeting with Skenes, I decided that my questions would center around his baseball days at El Toro High in Orange County, California. As far as I gathered, all coverage and conversations with Skenes were about his college days. I hadn’t seen anything about reporters asking about his days with the El Toro Chargers.I knew there was a story waiting to dive into about El Toro’s uber-successful baseball program in Lake Forest, CA. Boy, was I right.After concluding an interview with a reporter from AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh, I budged my way up to Skenes and took a long, deep breath, well-prepared to speak high school baseball.Skenes isn’t the first El Toro standout to make it to “The Show.” St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado, San Francisco Giants Matt Chapman, and former MLB catcher Austin Romine all came from coach Mike Gonzales’ program. Mentioning Gonzales’ name, I knew I struck gold with Skenes. Breaking a smile as our talk began, it was clear that his former high school days remained vivid and important.Long before signing a reported $9.2 million bonus to join the Pirates, Skenes’ three years of playing varsity ball for Gonzales at El Toro High meant the world to him – and still does.Playing third base, catcher, and pitcher, Skenes registered a mind-blowing 0.33 ERA in his senior season. But I wanted to know more about why Gonzales has remained with the program for more than twenty years.According to Skenes, Gonzales loves developing talent. Although he has received offers from other baseball programs, he remains at El Toro High by choice.Skenes paints a picture of his time playing for Gonzales as one where he learned to be a better ball player and an even better man. He remembers sweeping out the dugouts and doing other "odd jobs” asked by Gonzales, who Skenes labels an “amazing resource.”Vowing his continued full support of the El Toro baseball program, Skenes tells of meeting with Gonzales at the Chargers’ home field and lunch with his former coach when returning home to Lake Forest.Gonzales was at Skenes’ draft party, at his home, when the announcement was made that he was the overall top pick of the draft.Going forward with his promising MLB days as a Pirates’ pitcher, there is ample space in Skenes’ heart for his humble beginnings at El Toro. Throughout his career, it’s a sure bet that Skenes will listen to many coaches and perhaps as many managers on what to do and when while on the field. However, coach Mike Gonzales will always have his place at the front of the line for those who will influence Skenes’ decisions.

Taverna Toscana restaurant opens in downtown Bradenton. It comes from a celebrity chef

Celebrity chef Fabio Viviani plans to be in Bradenton on Monday and Tuesday for the grand opening of Taverna Toscana, 1301 Sixth Ave. W.“I’ll be shaking hands and kissing babies,” said the jovial Viviani in a phone interview with the Bradenton Herald.Taverna Toscana is an upscale Italian steakhouse and seafood restaurant, developed in partnership with Bradenton entrepreneur Steve Herrig and BABB Hospital...

Celebrity chef Fabio Viviani plans to be in Bradenton on Monday and Tuesday for the grand opening of Taverna Toscana, 1301 Sixth Ave. W.

“I’ll be shaking hands and kissing babies,” said the jovial Viviani in a phone interview with the Bradenton Herald.

Taverna Toscana is an upscale Italian steakhouse and seafood restaurant, developed in partnership with Bradenton entrepreneur Steve Herrig and BABB Hospitality.

Viviani stirred a lot of interest a year ago when he confirmed plans for a 220-seat restaurant on the north side of the SUNZ Insurance building in downtown Bradenton.

In preparation for the grand opening, Taverna Toscana has quietly been previewing some of its food offerings to guests who signed up by text for a VIP list.

Viviani came to fame on two seasons of Bravo’s “Top Chef,” where he earned the title of “fan favorite.”

He has made several visits to Bradenton to monitor progress on the new restaurant and gets video updates daily, he said.

“It looks beautiful. I love it,” Viviani said.

Viviani, based in Chicago, now has more than 30 restaurants in his portfolio.

“I am delighted to be bringing Taverna Toscana to Bradenton,” he said. “I love the feel of the Bradenton area.”

Initially, Taverna Toscana will be open at 4 p.m. Monday through Sunday for dinner, according to the restaurant’s website. Eventually, hours and offerings are expected to expand.

“We want to be part of the community, the place you go for special celebrations as well as several times a week. Taverna is priced well enough we can pay for the quality that we are serving and you can have a pasta and beer and walk away for $35. You can also pay a lot more. There is something for everybody,” he said.

Asked about his success in the United States, Viviani said he did not come from money — far from it.

“I’ve learned to be successful you don’t make the same mistakes, at least not twice,” he said.

Humble beginnings helped provide motivation and see possibilities for a better life. He quickly understood that serving quality food with warm hospitality was essential in the restaurant business.

Viviani moved from Italy to the United States in 2005.

“I have a very long history with very good restaurants,” he said.

Vivani praised Steve Herrig, owner of SUNZ Insurance, a national worker compensation insurance company, as a powerhouse in the Bradenton business world.

In addition to the SUNZ high-rise building, Herrig also bought two acres adjacent, , ensuring plenty of parking for the new restaurant.

Valet parking will also be available.

Viviani is a recurring guest on national television shows such as Good Morning America, The Rachael Ray Show, and numerous Food Network Shows, such as Cutthroat Kitchen: All-Star Tournament, which he won, according to his web page.

“Off-screen, Fabio is a regular headliner at global food events, and he has authored four successful cookbooks: Café Firenze Cookbook, New York Times Best-Seller Fabio’s Italian Kitchen, Fabio’s American Home Kitchen, and most recently Fabio’s 30-Minute Italian,” his web page says

“Fabio’s online presence draws millions of viewers yearly with his own cooking show, Fabio’s Kitchen, now in Season 5,” the web page says.

Name: Taverna Toscana

Address: 1301 Sixth Ave. W., Bradenton

Hours and days: 4-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 4-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Closed Sunday

Online: www.TavernaToscana.com

Phone: (941) 357-7772

This story was originally published May 13, 2024, 5:50 AM.

Safe Children Coalition’s Youth Shelter campaign boosted by donation

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Business & TechRoberta Leventhal Sudakoff Foundation provides $1.5 million in financial support, including $500,000 challenge matchCommunity ContributorAs Safe Children Coalition continues its campaign to fund and build a new Youth Shelter for homeless teens in Florida’s Circuit 12 (Sarasota, DeSoto and Manatee counties...

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Business & Tech

Roberta Leventhal Sudakoff Foundation provides $1.5 million in financial support, including $500,000 challenge match

Community Contributor

As Safe Children Coalition continues its campaign to fund and build a new Youth Shelter for homeless teens in Florida’s Circuit 12 (Sarasota, DeSoto and Manatee counties), its efforts have been boosted by a leadership gift of $1.5 million from the Roberta Leventhal Sudakoff Foundation. The gift includes a $500,000 challenge match to inspire greater giving from the community.

The Youth Shelter is the only facility designated for homeless teens in Sarasota and DeSoto counties; it serves youths from Manatee County as well. Many of the teens served enter the shelter because of a mental health crisis and/or a parent’s inability to cope with a youth’s behavioral issues. In recent years, the SCC Youth Shelter has been first or second in facility utilization out of the 16 shelters in the Florida network, exceeding contracted bed days.

Currently, the shelter is at a smaller, temporary location until the new facility can be built, which has limited the number of teens that can be helped. There are more than 2,000 teens who are homeless in the 12th Judicial Circuit at any given time.

The new Youth Shelter will be located on Sawyer Road in north Sarasota, sitting on two acres of land. The nearly 9,000-square-foot building will provide safe temporary emergency housing for youths ages 10-17, providing nearly 3,000 safe shelter bed-nights a year and serving up to 200 youth annually for many years to come.

The Youth Shelter campaign has raised nearly 75% of what SCC leaders expect the facility to cost; additional community support will be crucial to getting the effort over the goal line. It is hoped that the Sudakoff Foundation’s $500,000 challenge match will inspire that giving and assist Safe Children Coalition in raising the funds it needs for the project.

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For more about Safe Children Coalition, or to inquire about how you can support the Youth Shelter campaign, contact Jacqueline House at [email protected] or call 941-371-4799, ext. 1127, or visit sccyouthshelter.org.

About Safe Children Coalition, Inc.Safe Children Coalition, Inc. (SCC) serves as the lead agency for community-based care for Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties. SCC is a collaboration between local community agencies who provide services to children and families in need. SCC is committed to protecting children, strengthening families, and building community. The core functions provided by SCC include child welfare case management, foster care, adoption, independent living, prevention, diversion, quality management, and support services. Visit sccfl.org or call 941-371-4799.

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