E A ST COUNTY
Health Matters OCTOBER 2020
Observer
EAST COUNTY
Observer
Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
The Faces of
COVID-19 INSIDE Locals recall their experiences with the virus, as well as what they learned to help them recover. SEE INSIDE SLOW PROGRESS
Antibody tests not yet proof of immunity.
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IN FOR 6, OUT FOR 8
Breathing exercises help lung health.
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FIRST STEP
If COVID-19 has worsened your mental health, you’re not alone.
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FREE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2020
VOLUME 22, NO. 49
School project savings proposed School District of Manatee County wants to take advantage of lower interest rates. PAGE 3
YOUR TOWN
100-YEAR SALUTE
Courtesy photo
Haircut for a cause After two-and-a-half years of letting her hair grow, Greenbrook’s Kenna McSherry, 4, decided to go have the second haircut of her life with her 6-year-old sister, Scarlett. But she didn’t go to have it cut just because it was long. The sisters (shown above) decided to donate their hair to Locks of Love and Wigs for Kids to show support for those affected by cancer. “It was awesome being able to help other people,” Scarlett McSherry said.
Liz Ramos
Lakewood Ranch’s Roger Quisenberry, front, walks to the street with his wife, Margaret, and daughters, Jan Wright and Joy Bragg, so he can watch a parade to celebrate his 100th birthday.
Surprise parade marks the 100th birthday of a Lakewood Ranch veteran. SEE PAGE 18
Courtesy photo
Taste of home Hector Bracho, a third grader at William H. Bashaw Elementary School, wanted to share with his classmates a piece of his Venezuelan culture as part of the school’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. So he decided to make arepas, which is a Venezuelan bread made with corn. Bracho has had plenty of practice as he helps make the mixture with his mother, Maria Rodriguez. “We make it every day,” he said.
A+E
Decision time: Deal or no dealer? Commissioners will decide if an East County auto dealership can be built on SR 64. SEE PAGE 5
Selby blooms for women. SEE PAGE 12
File photo
GreyHawk Landing’s Jack Ranalli waves a sign to oppose a proposal for a car dealership at the corner of 117th Street East and State Road 64.