E A ST COUNTY
Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
Big check for Humane Society PAGE 18A
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FREE THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2019
VOLUME 21, NO. 21
YOUR TOWN
THE
SEARCH Pam Eubanks
Don’t mess with mom Samantha Kayne had the upper hand on her sons, second-grader Alaric and fourth-grader Amideus, during the Mother-Son Kickball Game April 5 at Braden River Elementary School. After sliding safely into third base as her teammate moms cheered, Samantha (pictured above with Amideus) looked over at the team made up of students. “I’m going to win this year,” she shouted. She scored on the next kick and the moms went ahead to win, 25-20.
FOR RED TIDE
SOLUTIONS
Think tankers East Manatee Fire Rescue adds two new trucks to its fleet. SEE PAGE 3A
2018’s outbreak spurred scientists and policymakers into action. PAGE 13-16A
Pam Eubanks
East Manatee Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Kyle Taylor is excited the new tanker trucks will improve response times and help guarantee tankers are available during emergencies.
BLACK
Fairytale Ball puts Children First. INSIDE
File photo
Beanie bonanza River Club 16-year-old Mira Khazanchi (above), who knits and sells beanie hats for dogs, has been busy. On March 16, she donated $2,000 in proceeds from beanie sales to the Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch. That figure is double what Mira donated in February 2018, six months after starting her nonprofit, Barkin Beanies. In fall 2018, Mira was named an honorary junior board member for Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch. She is a junior at The Out-ofDoor Academy.
TIE
Let’s dance! Lakewood Ranch area high schools celebrate their proms. SEE PAGES 1-2B Pam Eubanks
Braden River High junior Nicolas Wigington dances to “Wobble” during his prom at the Grove in Lakewood Ranch.