E A ST COUNTY
Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
Polo in the spotlight
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YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
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FREE THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2020
VOLUME 22, NO. 17
Extension vision finally realized
YOUR TOWN
Lakewood Ranch Boulevard extension opens for connectivity between Manatee and Sarasota counties. PAGE 3A
Liz Ramos
Time for tutus Ledger Newton and Brooklyn McCutchan (above), seventh graders at R. Dan Nolan Middle School, caught the attention of several students as they walked around school wearing purple tutus. Eight students, staff and administrators were wearing tutus at school Feb. 11 as part of the Future Business Leaders of America’s fundraiser for Relay for Life. Anyone could donate $10 for someone or themselves to wear a tutu. “I think it’s for a good cause, and it’s just fun,” McCutchan said.
Snitch tells all
Pam Eubanks
Termite-sniffing pooch is a local pest company’s secret weapon. SEE PAGE 8A
Sarasota County commissioners Alan Maio and Christian Ziegler stand on both sides of Schroeder-Manatee Ranch President and CEO Rex Jensen, who cuts the ribbon to open the Lakewood Ranch Boulevard extension Monday. Pam Eubanks
All American Pest Services Owner Ron Freedman, with Sgt. Snitch, says his termite-hunting beagle is full of energy and eager to work for his food.
BLACK Pam Eubanks
Wildlife wonders As soon as 5-year-old Emma Curry (above) saw a baby alligator in the hands of wildlife rehabilitator Justin Matthews, of Justin Matthews Wildlife Rescue, she said, “I’m definitely holding that.” After all, it was science night Feb. 27 at Braden River Elementary School, and Curry loves reptiles. “It feels wet and bumpy,” she said of holding the gator, Irwin. Holding the red-tailed boa constrictor was more intimidating, but Curry said she would do that again too.
A rung higher on the ladder East Manatee honors its top firefighters. SEE PAGE 2A Jay Heater
Matt Talaska, a captain for East Manatee Fire Rescue, keeps a close eye on his team during a training drill Feb. 29 in Lakewood Ranch.
Humane way to raise funds. INSIDE
TIE