E A ST COUNTY
Health Matters FEBRUARY 2020
Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
EAST COUNTY
Observer
RENOVATE YOUR LIFE Spring cleaning doesn’t need to be just for your house. It’s important to revamp yourself, too. PAGE 2
INSIDE
PRACTICING EVERYDAY SKILLS
SMH upgrades rehab facility.
PAGE 4
TECH USE
Minimize your kids’ screen time for their health.
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PICTURE OF HEALTH
Small changes can make a big difference.
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FREE THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2020
VOLUME 22, NO. 14
YOUR TOWN
44th Avenue project moves forward Construction set to begin on the most expensive segment, which crosses the Braden River. PAGE 3A
Courtesy photo
Principal dons wings of love Love for B.D. Gullett Elementary School’s teachers and staff members was in the air on Valentine’s Day. Todd Richardson (above), the school’s principal, dressed as Cupid complete with wings and a halo and made his way around the school handing out flowers and chocolates to every teacher and staff member. “He was a true sport as he danced around the school doing the ‘Cupid Shuffle,’” said Kristin Pomeroy, the school’s Parent-Teacher Organization president.
CHEERS TO THE VICTOR Ryan Kohn
Andrew Novak relishes his victory while pointing at the beer-filled LECOM Suncoast Classic trophy he won at Lakewood National Golf Club.
Andrew Novak finishes with a rush to win the 2020 LECOM Suncoast Classic. SEE PAGE 17A
Pam Eubanks
Couple clicks with bricks
Puppies have love licked Country Club East resident Melody Arndt (above) was ready for kisses on Valentine’s Day. They came from two puppies from Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue. Arndt ordered herself a Puppy Gram and invited her friend Kathryn Bandstra to come over to share puppy kisses. “There’s nothing better in the world to make you feel good,” Arndt said. “Puppies are the best.” Nate’s delivered 20 Puppy Grams on Feb. 14. A dozen puppies participated in the fundraiser.
Pam Eubanks
Amy and Tyler Clites show off the “newlywed” house — modeled after their Myakka City home — they created for the promotion of the “Lego Masters” TV series.
Myakka City couple competes in Fox’s ‘Lego Masters’ competition. SEE PAGE 8A
BLACK
TIE
Philanthropy spurs this hoedown. INSIDE