sarasota rc sailboat club

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Charting the Small Sea Adventures of the Sarasota Model Yacht Club

By Sarafina Murphy-Gibson March 2, 2020 Published in the March 2020 issue of Sarasota Magazine

Model yachts at Nathan Benderson Park.

Image: Stewart Leith

It was a balmy Sarasota afternoon , with a crisp breeze energizing the 30 sailors racing their pretty boats on calm water. The competition was going smoothly until two ships collided on the final turn towards the finish line. Fortunately, no one was injured, or even got wet, since both helmsmen had their feet planted squarely on dry land. The racers are members of the Sarasota Model Yacht Club (SMYC) and the competition at Nathan Benderson Park (NBP) is one of many during the club's winter series.

The model yacht club was founded in 1996 by friends Milt Thrasher and Dick “Sherm” Sherman, who enjoyed building and sailing boats in the lake behind Thrasher's house. After outgrowing this lake and others, they landed at NBP in 2015, an ideal spot for its lack of wind-blocking trees and its ample parking.

Yacht club members come from around the world.

The club has 110 members from their early 30s up to 95, and they practice three days a week at NBP. “We’re old enough to get along and young enough in spirit to be very competitive,” says member Daniel Harris. Sailors hail from Sarasota, around the nation and even as far as Switzerland. Around 80 percent have experience with “big boat” sailing. While there is currently only one female member, they'd like to change that.

Ranging from 37.6 inches to 41 inches, the sleek vessels are true miniatures of their larger counterparts and are often assembled from kits in members’ garages. Typically made of plastic, the boats are propelled by wind, though remote controls maneuver the rudder and sails. They cost from $300 to over a grand, but for beginners, John “Boatyard” Stryhn, the club's go-to handyman, sells more affordable restored models. 

There are four competitive series a year, spring, summer, fall and winter, each with 72 individual races held over multiple days. Sailors who have participated in at least 50 percent of a series have their placement scores tallied to determine who had the finest sailing of that season. The club also hosts stand-alone regattas for fun or fund raising. While on the water, members adhere to the Corinthian spirit, the sailor's code of sportsmanship, which requires a positive attitude and acknowledging when you've been a “jackwagon” (a loving replacement for a harsher word).

Members practice three days a week to prepare for competitions.

But competition is just part of the attraction of model yacht racing. After each sailing session, members regroup nearby for food and friendship. SMYC also holds luncheons, the annual blessing of the fleet by the Rev. Craig Collemer, a youth summer camp and a mentorship program where senior members assist fledglings. In 2016 members began holding a charity regatta to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. A friendly competition between visiting sailors dubbed the Snowbirds, and locals, the Florida Crackers, raised $4,000 last year alone.

Recently the SMYC became affiliated with the Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates , which manages NBP, and the club hopes to make Sarasota a destination for model yachters.

“There's a feeling of freedom when you’re out on the water and an appreciation for natural beauty that translates into small-boat sailing. Combined with the thrill of competition, it creates quite an exhilarating experience,” says Commodore Will Parry.

For more information, go to sarasotamyc.com .

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RC Sailboats

Sarasota model yacht club.

Club history:  The club got its start in Sarasota in 1995. What Kind of boats do we race?  Soling One Meter(S1M). This is the largest class in the United States. Where do we race?  Nathan Benderson Park North Lake in the fall, winter and spring.  In the summer, in The Meadows, next to their community center (2004 Longmeadow). When do we race?  Tuesday and Thursdays from 1–3 p.m., and 10 a.m.-noon Saturdays. Thursday is our “counting day” for our series races (fall, winter and summer). Do we accept beginners?  We encourage sailors of all skill levels to join us. A mentor program is available for beginners. How can I get a S1M and how much do they cost?  We have a member called “Boat Yard” who has used/refurbished S1Ms for sale. You can also purchase a kit from Victor Model Products and build it yourself. You can also buy a new ready-to-sail boat. Your cost can vary from $250 for a boat needing work to $1,100 for a new, ready-to-sail boat. Do we have dues/fees?  $20/year. Do we belong to a national organization?  American Model Yachting Association (AMYA). They also have many resources for Individual members. Their web site is www.theamya.org   Who is the club’s contact person?  Will Parry, 321-446-8144 mobile

See more at  www.sarasotamyc.com  

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Meadows Sailing Association

by The Meadows | Oct 11, 2021 | 0 comments

• Model Yacht Club  October 18, 2021 - April 27, 2022  1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Sarasota Model Yacht Club Meets every Monday and Wednesday from 1 – 3 PM at the Lake adjacent to the MCA Building.

Email Fleet Captain Curt Kasten at [email protected] for more information.

Venue:    The Meadows Community Association Parking Lot and Grounds

The Meadows Community Association Parking Lot located at 2004 Longmeadow Sarasota, Florida 34235

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An AMA chartered RC flying club with a 600 x 100 foot asphalt runway. Our well-equipped facility has ample shaded pavillions, tables, seating, and stunning views from one of Sarasota's highest points.

Visitors are welcome when club members are present

  Jon Hay, President

Last Website update: 6/12/2024 Flight Line, Rule 6: All flight over the runway must be north of the centerline except when performing a touch and go, take off, or landing. If the pilot is the only one flying, they may use the entire runway.  For more information please see  . Changes are highlighted. Please note that the Board of Directors has officially created a Safety Commission under the leadership of Mike Fanberg, Vice President and Safety Officer. Any safety official has the right to temporarily ground an aircraft or pilot for control issues or safety concerns. For a list of current Safety Officials, : The board of directors has acknowledged that "drones" are allowed at Sarasota RC Squadron. They must follow the same rules as other aircraft and adhere to a moving traffic pattern when sharing the sky with fixed wing aircraft. VTOL pilots should follow common courtesy and take turns with fixed wing pilots unless the fixed wing pilots agree to fly with the VTOL aircraft. Rock will assist the officers of the club with checking AMA memberships and updating the website member list. He may help with other web content tasks as delegated by Mike Thompson. Please call, text, or email if you have any questions, or to schedule your initial training or skill check to obtain solo flight clearance. We require all new members, regardless of their skill level, to meet with an instructor and demonstrate their understanding of club rules and ability to safely control their aircraft before flying without instructor supervision. This is a friendly, easy process which is meant to help you identify areas for improvement and ensure everyone's safety. For more information please see This site is actively maintained. If your account isn't working or you see something that needs fixing, please email Mike Thompson at [email protected]. Please email [email protected] with any plane pics or other club-relevant photos. Please make the photos viewable in an extra wide format, meaning stand back and get plenty of extra background on the sides. The site banner is wide and short. CONTACT INFO: [email protected] (Mike Thompson, Webmaster and Secretary) [email protected] (Mike Pass, Membership Committee Chairman)

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Event cards, our flying field, sarasota rc squadron.

8730 Bee Ridge Rd Box #3 Sarasota, FL 34241

Hours Of Operation Monday thru Saturday: 7:30 am to dusk Sunday:  8:00 am to dusk.

The flying field is located in the Rothenbach Park at the East end of Bee Ridge Road. The flying field opened May 20, 2000. It is a complete facility with a blacktop 100 x 600 foot runway, taxiways, a large pit area with pilot parking close to the pits, four permanent shade buildings, an operations building, a storage building and a portable toilet. If you are arriving from outside the local area take I-75 Exit 207 Bee Ridge Road East about four miles to the entrance of Rothenbach Park. Be advised that while Rothenbach Park is open to the public, the flying field, which is located at the top of the hill, is a Restricted Area, therefore, as required by our lease with the County, the entrance gate is locked at all times. If you plan to visit, prior arrangements are highly recommended. Waiting at the gate for a random visit by a member can be a frustrating experience. We welcome visitors, if you plan to do so, a call ahead to one of our OFFICERS  is recommended.

Turbine Operation

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Click here to visit the Florida Forest Service KBDI website

Regatta Detail

Must Register By:    900 N Flamingo Rd Pembroke Pines FL 33028  277      Phone: 786 647-5757

Boat Class	Chevrons	ID	Entry Fee	Si	Nor	Register
		10161

--> --> --> --> --> --> --> --> --> --> --> --> --> --> --> --> --> --> --> --> --> --> --> --> --> --> --> --> --> --> --> --> --> --> --> --> -->

	747	Coral Springs	FL	SOUTH FLORIDA MODEL SAILING CLUB
	246	Colchester	Essex	SOUTH FLORIDA MODEL SAILING CLUB
	222	Palm Bch Garden	FL	Palm Beach Gardens Model Yacht Squadron
	175	Lighthouse Point	FL	SABAL PINES MYC
	81	Orange Park	FL	JACKSONVILLE MODEL YACHT CLUB
	316	Boca Raton	FL	SOUTH FLORIDA MODEL SAILING CLUB
	1165	Clementon	NJ	Marbleheaders of Spring Lake
	665	Cary	NC	SABAL PINES MYC
	865	Ft. Lauderdale	FL
	9	Hollywood	FL	SOUTH FLORIDA MODEL SAILING CLUB
	91	Sarasota	FL	SARASOTA MODEL YACHT CLUB
	77	The Villages	FL	THE VILLAGES MODEL YACHT SQUADRON
	15	Harsens Island	MI	SARASOTA MODEL YACHT CLUB
	42	Harrison Township	MI	SARASOTA MODEL YACHT CLUB
	606	Vero Beach	FL	INDIAN RIVER MODEL SAILING CLUB
	4	West Palm Beach	FL	SABAL PINES MYC
	538	West Palm Beach	FL	SABAL PINES MYC
	51	Hollywood	FL	NAPLES MODEL YACHT CLUB
	75	University Park	FL	SARASOTA MODEL YACHT CLUB
	298	Davie	FL	SOUTH FLORIDA MODEL SAILING CLUB
	377	Ocala	FL
	545	Jupiter	FL	HOBE SOUND RADIO SAILING CLUB
	55	Fort Myers	FL
	61	Boca Raton	FL	SABAL PINES MYC
	178	Apopka	FL
	21	Vero Beach	FL	INDIAN RIVER MODEL SAILING CLUB
	125	The Villages	FL	THE VILLAGES MODEL YACHT SQUADRON
	930	Sarasota	FL	SARASOTA MODEL YACHT CLUB
	60	Boca Raton	FL	SABAL PINES MYC
	57	Miami	FL	SOUTH FLORIDA MODEL SAILING CLUB
	171	Hallandale	FL	SOUTH FLORIDA MODEL SAILING CLUB
	250	Naples	FL	NAPLES MODEL YACHT CLUB
	90	Delray Beach	FL	SABAL PINES MYC
	287	Margate	FL	SABAL PINES MYC
	880	Estero	FL	NAPLES MODEL YACHT CLUB
	466	Melbourne	FL	SPACE COAST MODEL SAILING CLUB
Count:

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Sarasota Model Yacht Club

Welcome - About Us

The Sarasota Model Yacht Club got its start in Sarasota in 1996.  Our club sails the American Model Yachting Association-sanctioned one-design Soling One Meter R/C , RC Laser, DF65, DF95 and (during the winter only) IOM model yachts. The club meets six (seven times a week when the IOM sail) times per week for practice and racing. We sail at the  Nathan Benderson Park at  the West Lake on Athletes Drive.   The West Lake is off of Honore at Athletes Drive. 

    The Soling 1-Meter kit-based model is a pleasure to sail. As a one-design, it is an ideal introduction to model yachting, yet it provides a  competitive boat for the best of veterans as well and is available from  “ Boatyard John ” (our club builder). 

    The RCLaser is factory-built ready to sail and available at  intensitysails.com  

We also sail the Dragon Force (DF) DF65 and the DF95 RC boats. 

The DF 65 is one of the fastest growing class of RC sailboats in the U.S. The boat has earned this distinction by being a great one-design sailing boat while being the least expensive ready-to-sail boat on the market. At around $350 for a boat with radio and receiver and about 3 hours of assembly and you're on the water.    

The DF95 is the fastest growing class in the USA and is near Ready-to-Sail in a kit form from  Radiosailing.net  or from “Boatyard John”. 

    All skill levels are welcome, from neophytes to crusty old salts! You will find that our members can be very helpful in getting you involved with this great hobby. Come on out to watch the hard-fought races or join us for practice and racing.  

The Soling One Meter (S1M) :  This S1M the largest class in the U.S. and Florida. We sail Solings Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Race Captains rotate throughout the year. Craig Collemer is the Race Captain.

The RC Laser :  This is the largest RC class in the world. We sail Lasers on Friday. Steve Lippincott is the Race Captain.

The DF65 and the DF95 :  These are the newest and fastest-growing restricted one-design class in both Florida and the U.S.  

We sail DF95's on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Bill Hendrickson is the Race Captain. The DF65 fleet sails Monday and Wednesday.  Rob Wucki is the Race Captain. 

IOM The IOM Class is considered a Development Class by the AMYA. 

The International One Metre class is the fastest-growing class in the world. This class is distinct and different in purpose from the US One Meter class, and complements the International Marblehead Class as a simpler, less expensive boat. The International class has a one-design rig, and has minimum weights on the keel and overall, and restricts the hull material. The net effect of these differences is that the typical cost spiral of lighter weight, and more expensive materials and manufacturing processes, is arrested. This allows amateur designers and builders a chance to design and build with little concern that they are building in a disadvantage due to weight. This is a feature not found in any existing AMYA class and is one of the reasons that the class is so popular around the world.  We sail IOM's on Sundays in season.  John Stryhn " Boatyard" is the Race Captain.

Where and when do we race?

 The club races at Benderson Park on the West Lake.  The West Lake is located at the intersection of Honore and Athletes Drive, Sarasota Fl. 

GPS Address:    5700 Athletes Drive, Sarasota FL 34235

Summer Racing Hours* - Starts May 14th :

Monday & Wednesday :    DF65 Fleet                              10am - Noon

Tuesday :                            DF95 Fleet & Soling Fleets   10am - Noon 

Thursday :                           Soling Fleets                          10am - Noon 

Friday :                                RC Laser                                 10am - Noon

Saturday :                           DF95 Fleet & Soling Fleet     10am - Noon

Selected Sundays:             IOM Fleet                                 Noon - 3pm                     

Fall, Winter and Spring Racing Hours* - Starts Nov 1st :

Tuesday & Thursday :        DF95 Fleet & Soling Fleets    1 pm - 3pm

Selected Sundays:             IOM Fleet                                 Noon - 3pm

* RC Sailing is a very weather dependent sport. Daily sailing maybe cancelled at any time.

More About Us

Do we accept beginners.

    YES. We encourage sailors of all skill levels to join us. A Mentor Program is available for beginners. 

How can I get a S1M, RC Laser DF65 or DF95?

    Soling 1M:   We have a member called “Boat Yard” who has used/refurbished S1Ms’ for sale. You can also buy a new ready-to-sail boat from John. John's email [email protected] . 

     RC Laser:   A new RC Laser is available at intensitysails.com  at a cost of less than $600 with 3 complete rigs.

     DF95:  A new DF95 can be purchased from Radiosailing.net in kit form for $345, up to $610, which includes a transmitter and receiver, B rig, B sails, LiPo battery, custom stand and sail numbers for A and B sails.  The boat can also be purchased and assembled by club member  “Boatyard” .  The assembly takes 3-4 hours. 

   DF65:  The Fleet at SMYC is unique in that it caters to those unable to walk long distances while racing due to shorter courses then the other classes. The boat is available at http://radiosailing.net/. The boat can also be purchased and assembled by club member  “Boatyard”

Do we have dues/fees?

Dues are $75/year and a signed liability Waiver for SANCA is required.   SMYC is also a member of the American Model Yachting Association (AMYA).  The AMYA has many resources for Individual members. Their web site is www.theamya.org.

The club's primary contact is Commodore Bill Schmeising,            ( 631) 944-1077 or email [email protected]

For questions regarding this website, please contact Bill Schmeising.

Video Links

Here is a recent Video from the Soling Region 7 Regatta:

https://youtu.be/l0ndNOH5RKE

A link to the Sarasota Magazine Article about SMYC https://www.sarasotamagazine.com/news-and-profiles/2020/03/sarasota-model-yacht-club

In the Sky's video link

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HaXamACM1I

ABC Channel 7 Video with Linda Carlson:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlZpwkrYIj4

Introductory Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cau3RuLsgxg

2024 -2025 SMYC Calendar

Contact smyc, drop us a line.

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American Model Yachting Association

SMYC is a member of the AMYA, the national governing association for RC sailing in the US.

SMYC is club # 204 - Region #7

SMYC members are encouraged to be individual AMYA members.

SMYC sails at:

Nathan benderson park.

Nathan Benderson Park is a nearly 600-acre paradise nestled in the heart of Florida, featuring a 400-acre lake surrounded by breathtaking scenery. This ultimate recreational destination offers a wide range of activities, including world-class rowing events, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, and more.

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To have your fleet featured here, send a short story about your fleet, all fleet members names, and a few current action photos of where your fleet sails to RC Laser Class Secretary, Nick Mortgu at [email protected] .

Central and Midwest Canada Region

• Willowbrook, IL – Lake Hinsdale Village Yacht Club
• Frankfort, MI – Crystal Lake Yacht Club

Northeast & Eastern Canada Region

• Collingwood, Canada – Collingwood Ontario Laser Fleet
• Canandaigua, NY – Canandaigua RC Laser Fleet
• Darien, CT – Noroton Yacht Club RC Laser Fleet
• Plainville, CT – Paderewski Model Yacht Club
• North Kingstown, RI – Wickford Harbor Mudheads
• Watch Hill, RI – Watch Hill RC Laser Fleet
• Stafford, NH – Bow Lake Sailing MYC

Mid-Atlantic Region

• Ocean City, NJ – South Jersey Model Yacht Club
• Perth Amboy, NJ – Raritan Yacht Club RC Laser Fleet
• Spring Lake, NJ – Spring Lake Marbleheaders MYC
• Oxford, MD – Oxford RC Laser Fleet
• Pocono Pines, PA – Lake Naomi Club
• Virginia Beach, VA – Tidewater RC Laser Fleet
• Williamsburg, VA – Kingsmill Model Yachting Association

Southeast Region

• Raleigh, NC – Triangle Model Yacht Club
• Mt. Juliet, TN – Lake Providence RC Club
• Charleston, SC – Charleston Model Yacht Club
• Bonita Springs, FL – Model Sailing Club of Village Walk
• Coral Springs, FL – Sabal Pines MYC
• Marco Island, FL – Marco Island RC Laser Fleet
• Punta Gorda, FL – Sun Coast Model Sailing Club
• Sarasota, FL – Sarasota Model Yacht Club
• St. Petersburg, FL – Golden Triangle Club
• Abaco, Bahamas – Marsh Harbor RC Laser Fleet

South Central Region

• Mandeville, LA – Mandeville Bay Racing Club
• Corpus Christi, TX – Coastal Bend Model Yacht Club
• San Antonio, TX – Woodlawn Sailing Club

Western & Western Canada Region

• Vancouver Island, Canada – Nanaimo RC Laser Fleet
• Astoria, OR – Astoria Yacht Club
• Crestline, CA – Lake Gregory Yacht Club
• Penn Valley, CA – Lake Wildwood Lasers
• Redwood City, CA – Redwood City RC Laser Fleet

Shooter who killed 5 at a Colorado LGBTQ+ club set to plead guilty to federal hate crimes

DENVER (AP) — Anderson Lee Aldrich, who  killed five people  and injured 19 others at an LGBTQ+ nightclub in Colorado Springs, is prepared to plead guilty to federal hate crime charges as well as gun charges Tuesday following new evidence of anti-gay slurs and weapons purchases before the mass shooting.

Aldrich, now 24, is already serving life in prison after  pleading guilty  to state charges last year. Aldrich also pleaded no contest to hate crimes in that case. Federal prosecutors have focused on proving that the attack at Club Q —  a sanctuary  for LGBTQ+ people in the  mostly conservative city  — was premeditated and fueled by bias.

The sentencing agreement between the prosecution and defense would allow Aldrich to avoid the death penalty in exchange for pleading guilty to 50 hate crime as well as gun charges, and instead get multiple life sentences in addition to a 190-year sentence. U.S. District Judge Charlotte Sweeney, the first openly gay federal judge in Colorado, will decide whether to accept it.

Less than a month before the shooting, Aldrich coordinated a spam email campaign against a former work supervisor who is gay, according to recent court filings by prosecutors. They also accuse Aldrich of disseminating someone else’s manifesto, which included racist and antisemitic statements and falsely claimed being transgender is a mental illness.

Aldrich spent over $9,000 on weapons-related purchases from at least 56 vendors between September 2020 and the attack on Nov. 19, 2022, according to new evidence cited by prosecutors.

Investigators found a hand drawn map of Club Q with an entry and exit point marked was found inside Aldrich’s apartment, evidence that was also presented in state court. There was also a black binder of training material entitled “How to handle an active shooter.”

Defense attorneys in the state case, who said their client is  nonbinary  and uses they/them pronouns, argued that Aldrich was drugged up on cocaine and medication at the time.

In a series of phone calls from jail with The Associated Press last year, Aldrich didn’t answer directly when asked whether the attack was motivated by hate, saying only, that’s “completely off base.” Aldrich did not reveal a motivation to the AP or in state court and declined to speak during that sentencing.

That Aldrich is nonbinary is a claim rejected by some of the victims as well as the district attorney who prosecuted Aldrich in state court, who called it an effort to avoid hate crime charges.

They include Ashtin Gamblin, who worked the front door that night and remains in physical therapy after being shot nine times. A true member of the LGBTQ+ community would know about the discrimination and the mental health challenges they face and wouldn’t attack its members in such a sanctuary, she said.

“To come into the one safe place to do that, you’re not part of the community. You just wanted the community gone,” Gamblin said. She’s among the survivors expected to speak during the hearing about how the attack still affects their lives.

Aldrich visited the club at least eight times before the attack, including stopping by an hour and a half before the shooting, according to prosecutors. Just before midnight, Aldrich returned wearing a tactical vest with ballistic plates and carrying an AR-15 style rifle and started firing immediately. Aldrich killed the first person in the entryway, shot at bartenders and customers at the bar and then moved onto the dance floor, pausing to reload the rifle’s magazine.

The shooting was stopped by a Navy officer who grabbed the barrel of the suspect’s rifle, burning his hand, and an Army veteran who helped subdue Aldrich until police arrived, authorities have said.

There had been a chance to prevent such violence: Aldrich was arrested in June 2021, accused of threatening their grandparents and  vowing to become “the next mass killer  ″ while stockpiling weapons, body armor and bomb-making materials. But Aldrich’s mother and grandparents  refused to cooperate , and prosecutors failed to serve subpoenas to family members that could have kept the case alive, so  the charges were eventually dismissed .

A felony conviction in the case would have prevented Aldrich from legally buying more firearms. But District Attorney Michael Allen pointed out that most of the gun components used in the shooting were untraceable ghost gun parts that did not require Aldrich to pass a background check to acquire. Two guns seized from Aldrich in the 2021 case were still held by the sheriff’s office at the time of the Club Q shooting, he said.

Justifying the proposed sentence, prosecutors wrote: “The horrors that the victims and survivors experienced at the hands of the defendant cannot be overstated. The victims and survivors, who were celebrating Transgender Day of Remembrance, were attacked when they least suspected it by someone who had stood in their presence mere hours before.”

Aldrich, who will be returned to state prison after the hearing, is being sentenced federally under the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which expanded federal law in 2009 to include crimes motivated by sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

Gamblin wanted the death penalty as an acknowledgement of how many people’s lives have been harmed. She said some friends don’t want to go out to events anymore and others struggle to keep jobs that involve working with the public.

“We want nothing more to go back to normal, but we know it’s not going to happen,” she said.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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