E A ST COUNTY
Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
2019’s top sports moments PAGE 16
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FREE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019
VOLUME 22, NO. 6
YOUR TOWN
Courtesy photo
Paying it forward
Willis Smith Construction is a regular presence at nonprofit events, hosting a booth where cigars and bloody marys are given out. When patrons gave tips to those working the Willis Smith booth, those tips ($400) went to purchase toys for the Sarasota County Sheriff’s toy drive. “We thought it would be a good idea to give back to kids and families who need it more than we do,” said Peggy Kronus (above), Willis Smith’s community business development manager.
2019
YEAR IN PHOTOS East County residents closed out the decade with a year filled with accomplishments, triumphs and milestones. See it all in our snapshot review. PAGES 2-14
ARTISTS IN THE MAKING Liz Ramos
Charity on menu
Mona Jain Middle School students who sometimes wonder where their next meals are coming from when they aren’t in school got a boost this holiday season. Mona Jain (above), the namesake of the school, pulled up to the school Dec. 16 with about 14 grocery bags full of nonperishable food items to donate.
BLACK
TIE
AUGUST — Parrish’s Ariely Hillesheim was among the kids having a ball at Let’s Create Art in Lakewood Ranch during the Toddler Time program. The weekly event allows parents to let their children engage in some messy activities that someone else has to clean up.
A SOLDIER’S RETURN
OCTOBER — R. Dan Nolan Middle School seventh grader Marisa Easto cries as she hugs her dad, Capt. Josh Easto, who surprised her at school during lunch upon his return from active duty in Iraq. Nolan Principal Scot Boice made the announcement in front of a packed lunchroom of students, and it took Marisa a few moments to understand Boice was talking about her father being there.
STRIKE UP THE BANDS
NOVEMBER — Natalie Valentine of the Braden River High School’s Marching Band of Pirates smiles while performing during the Pirates’ third consecutive 3A division title Nov. 23 at the Florida Marching Band Competition’s state championship at Daytona Stadium. Lakewood Ranch High School’s Marching Mustangs placed third in the 4A division.
Black tie’s best 2019 moments INSIDE File photos