Lakewood Ranch's Jeri Schleicher, Todd Schleicher, Nadine Berchen, 2-year-old Carson Bercher and Matt Bercher celebrate Father's Day by Daren Puppa, who played for the Tampa Bay Lightning from 1993 to 2000.
Photo by Liz Ramos
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Lakewood Ranch's Brian Stoner was first in line with his family to meet Dexter Jackson, a former Tampa Bay Buccaneers player, during the Dad's Day Block Party June 15 at the Mall at University Town Center.Â
He and his 8-year-old son, Mason Stoner, love watching Buccaneers games together.Â
Brian Stoner said he was excited for his children, 2-year-old Savanna Stoner, Mason Stoner and 6-year-old Emma Stoner, to have their Buccaneers helmets, flags and more signed.
But Jackson wasn't the only former pro at the event.
Sarasota's Andre Bouchane was starstruck to see former Tampa Bay Lightning player Daren Puppa. Bouchane patiently waited with his wife, Rosie Bouchane and 7-year-old son Abraham Bouchane, to meet Puppa.Â
"It's a dream come true," Bouchane said of meeting Puppa. "I missed him (during Dad's Day Block Party) last year, so my wife made sure I was here for it this year. It was absolutely well worth the wait. I can't believe they do this every year."
Lakewood Ranch 2-year-old Savanna Stoner waits in line to meet former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tampa Bay Lightning players with her dad, Brian Stoner, 8-year-old brother, Mason Stoner, 6-year-old sister, Emma Stoner, and mother, Casaundra Stoner.
Photo by Liz Ramos
Dexter Jackson, a former safety for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, signs autographs at Dad's Day Block Party.
Photo by Liz Ramos
North Port's Anthony Saponara celebrates his first Father's Day with 8-month-old Julien Saponara and Stephanie Saponara.
Photo by Liz Ramos
Daren Puppa, who played for the Tampa Bay Lightning from 1993 to 2000, is ready to sign autographs at Dad's Day Block Party.
Photo by Liz Ramos
Dexter Jackson, a former Tampa Bay Buccaneers player, signs autographs for Buccaneers fans Savanna Stoner, Brian Stoner, Emma Stoner, Mason Stoner and Casaundra Stoner.
Photo by Liz Ramos
Families get in line to meet former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tampa Bay Lightning players.
Photo by Liz Ramos
Former Tampa Bay Lightning player Daren Puppa signs gear for Sarasota 7-year-old Abraham Bouchane and his parents, Rosie Bouchane and Andre Bouchane. "It's a dream come true," Andre Bouchane says.
Photo by Liz Ramos
Dexter Jackson, who played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, adds his signature to a football filled with other players' signatures for North Port's Anthony Saponara.
Photo by Liz Ramos
Sarasota 4-year-old Emberley Allen has fun playing mini golf.
Photo by Liz Ramos
Lakewood Ranch's Jeri Schleicher, Todd Schleicher, Nadine Berchen, 2-year-old Carson Bercher and Matt Bercher celebrate Father's Day by Daren Puppa, who played for the Tampa Bay Lightning from 1993 to 2000.
Photo by Liz Ramos
There are several activities for fathers to do with their families during Dad's Day Block Party.
Photo by Liz Ramos
Sarasota's Frank Jenkins and 5-year-old Makinley Jenkins play mini golf together. "It's good to spend time with her like always," Frank Jenkins says.
Managing Editor Liz Ramos previously covered education and community for the East County Observer. Before moving to Florida, Liz was an education reporter for the Lynchburg News & Advance in Virginia for two years after graduating from the Missouri School of Journalism.
