E A ST COUNTY
Summer Fun Observer
Observer
2019 Guide
Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
Your guide tomps er ca summ atee in Man sota ra and Sa ties. coun
Your guide to summer camps
INSIDE Photo courtesy of
SURFit USA
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
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FREE THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2019
VOLUME 21, NO. 20
THE SCIENCE OF RED TIDE As effects from the recent bloom fade, we ask: What do we really know about red tide? PAGE 13-16A
YOUR TOWN
Jay Heater
Surge in concern
Andrew Atkins
Electrified learning Tong Houser was babysitting her granddaughter, 5-year-old Country Meadow resident Harper Houser, when the pair stumbled into the Sidewalk Science Center at Summerfield Community Park March 29. There, Harper — and Tong, too — learned all about gravity, magnets, electricity and more. Sidewalk Science Center is the outreach arm of science-fiction author and educator Alex Martin’s organization, Experience Daliona. He occasionally sets up a stand in parks and teaches kids about science using materials like paper cups, rubber bands electronic microscopes. Martin said the point is to “get people engaged with science education in their own lives.”
Manatee County EMS hopes better use of 911 will lessen strain on ambulances. SEE PAGE 3A
Jay Heater
Lakewood Ranch’s June and Stan Schuer have enjoyed life despite June’s battle with Parkinson’s disease. “We really do,” Stan said.
Disease can’t steal her good days Lakewood Ranch couple navigates the challenges of Parkinson’s disease. SEE PAGE 8A
A+E Sarasota Film Festival features several films shot locally. INSIDE