E A ST COUNTY
Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
Veg out at the market
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FREE THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019
VOLUME 21, NO. 51
YOUR TOWN
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
A 2017 study showed that, for households earning $39,330 or less per year, the SarasotaManatee region needed
Liz Ramos
Star on the rise When Braden River High School sophomore Jayden Green (above) sang her original song “I Won’t Leave You Alone,” she channeled her feelings from moving from Texas four months ago. “My whole life, I’ve been writing songs, but this song I felt really would equate to what I’m going through and how amazing God has been to my family and to me as we first came here,” Green said. Green won first place at Braden River Idol on Oct. 28 with her original song and performance of “Rise Up” by Andra day.
11,607 affordable units to meet demand.
The question remains: How do we address a regional shortage of affordable housing? PAGES 14-15A
Pam Eubanks
Lakewood Ranch gets cellular upgrades Cellphone service providers begin adding small-cell technology at various East County sites. PAGE 3A
VETERANS DAY, NOV. 11 Courtesy photo
Engaging lesson R. Dan Nolan Middle School Spanish teacher Kerry Fernandez (above) could have shown her students pictures of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), which is celebrated in Mexico from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2. Instead, she became a living example of the holiday by painting her face and donning the appropriate costume Oct. 31. “It’s bringing an authentic activity,” Fernandez said of why she did it. “It’s one thing to see it in a book. It’s another for them to experience it.” Fernandez grew up celebrating the holiday as a native of the Dominican Republic.
Career soldier adjusts to new life Marine Corps veteran makes his home in Lakewood Ranch after 21 years of service. SEE PAGE 2A Courtesy photo
Jacob Inopiquez dresses in a Marine Corps uniform just like his father, Denver, who served in the Marine Corps for 21 years. He retired in 2017.
A+E Water and wine: a perfect mix INSIDE