E A ST COUNTY
Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
Shelter finds a home
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FREE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2019
VOLUME 22, NO. 3
YOUR TOWN
Understanding the impact In-person surveys, interviews form the base of economic impact formula. PAGE 3A
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A slice of pickleball life Lakewood Ranch area pickleball players have been served. Manatee County opened five new pickleball courts at Lakewood Ranch Park last week. Lakewood Ranch’s Ron Dredge (above) was among the first wave of players to try them out. He made his court debut Nov. 22 with friends Jeff Gurchiek and Owen Harris. “It was a lot of fun,” Dredge said. “[The courts] are in nice shape. I think everyone will enjoy them. It’s great for a public facility with no charge. You can’t complain.”
A cottage industry Local Girl Scouts offer tips on building gingerbread houses. SEE PAGE 8A
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Girl Scouts Mylee Gilbert, 9, and McKinlee Gilbert, 8, show off their gingerbread houses at the annual Gingerbread Festival at the Mall at UTC in 2018. This year’s festival begins Dec. 6 at the Mall at UTC.
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Dinger of a fundraiser When James Wilmeth Jr. stood at the plate during Lakewood Ranch Little League’s first Home Run Derby on Nov. 22, he smacked one out of the park. Wilmeth placed first in the seniors division, which was for ages 13 through 15. Jordan Tremblay (above) was second, and Carter Baker was third. During the open division, 37 adults donated $10 for five swings to hit a home run. The $370 collected will go to equipment repairs. “It was a humbling, fitting end of a fun season of baseball,” said Tim Tremblay, an event organizer.
Philanthropists earn community recognition Barbara and Joe Najmy will be honored for their commitment to philanthropy. SEE PAGE 6A Jay Heater
The Lake Club’s Joe and Barbara Najmy have been named the 2019 Humanitarians of the Year.
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In step with the Funk INSIDE