E A ST COUNTY
Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
Dragon boats roar
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FREE THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019
VOLUME 21, NO. 26
YOUR TOWN
Manatee flexes financial muscles Report from 2018 fiscal year shows gains continue in key categories. PAGE 3A
Pam Eubanks
Tea time for mom Lakewood Ranch 2-year-old Avery Erickson brought her love of teddy bears and tea to the Braden River Library May 10. She and her mother, Sarah (above with Avery), enjoyed scones, tea and snacks with Avery’s three bears — Care Bear, Christmas Bear and Purple Bear — during the Teddy Bear Tea Mother’s Day event. Friends of the Braden River Library provided the handmade treats, and even supplied floppy hats and white gloves. The library provided a craft with children making books from brown paper bags. “It’s a nice little event,” Sarah Erickson said. “Avery loves teddy bears and she loves tea parties.”
GRAND MARSHAL
SOLDIER’S HONOR Dave Daily rides in the Tribute to Heroes Parade to honor all veterans. SEE PAGE 8A
Jay Heater
Retired Army Sgt. Dave Daily of Mill Creek is the 2019 Tribute To Heroes Parade grand marshal.
Andrew Atkins
Her high degree of faith
Moms pampered with class Gene Witt Elementary kindergarten students in Amanda Houston’s class took the time to pamper their mothers May 9. Hudson Drake gave his mom, Amanda Drake (pictured above), a manicure as part of their Mother’s Day spa. Lucky moms — or aunts or grandmas — enjoyed a sugar hand scrub, hair extensions and a soothing spa-like atmosphere and pampering delivered by their kindergartners. “It’s all about making it special,” Houston said.
Courtesy photo
Olivia Karow said she is guided by her faith and family.
Lakewood Ranch senior is ready for graduation day, and her future. SEE PAGE 6A
A+E Summer shows sizzle at FST. INSIDE