E A ST COUNTY
Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
The Market wraps up another year. PAGE 5A
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FREE THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019
VOLUME 21, NO. 24
YOUR TOWN
Library turns a page County expands library funding in Lakewood Ranch. PAGE 2A
Andrew Atkins
Lady Leaders Two third graders at Braden River Elementary School got a taste of what it’s like to be at the top. Savannah Hoffman and Ryelynn Brunner, above, served as “assistant principals of the day” April 23. They handled deliveries, observed classrooms, filled mailboxes and enjoyed Chick-fil-A for lunch as a reward for raising more than $400 each for the school’s walk-a-thon fundraiser. Savannah said it was fun to see the different classrooms. Both Savannah and Ryelynn said they’d like to be school principals when they grow up.
Walls rising FDOT details sound barrier wall plans. SEE PAGE 3A
Pam Eubanks
Florida Department of Transportation Interstate Construction Project Manager Marléna Gore said sound barrier walls are just one piece of the larger $80.8 million construction project to widen Interstate 75 and reconfigure its intersection with State Road 70. Work is 25% complete.
Courtesy photo
Child’s play
Fashion forward Greenbrook’s Carey Sanders, above, has landed her dream job. On April 24, she made her debut on the Home Shopping Network as a brand ambassador for Nina Leonard Fashions. Sanders, who has been a stay-at-home mom for five years, has a background in sales and acting. “This was my first real time live on screen,” Sanders said. “To be live on national television is a dream come true for me. I love improv. I’m not playing a part. I’m truly being myself.”
Literary lessons motivate Bashaw, LRHS students. SEE PAGE 7A Pam Eubanks
William H. Bashaw Elemenary School’s Ellaina Davis says learning from high schoolers made her smarter.
A+E Music, advocacy unite. INSIDE