E A ST COUNTY
Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
Can’t mask their devotion. PAGE 12
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FREE THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2020
VOLUME 22, NO. 28
YOUR TOWN
File photo
DVA Arena originally envisioned a hockey arena, construction of which began in 2005, on the site. It was demolished in 2009 by Schroeder-Manatee Ranch and now is vacant land. Courtesy photo
New fate for proposed rink site
Shine on seniors For the first time in months, the stadium lights at Braden River High School were shining bright May 14. The lights turned on at 8:20 p.m., which is 20:20 in military time, to honor the 2020 graduating class that has to wait until July for its graduation ceremony. Damon Ackerman (above), the school resource officer at the high school, came out to support the seniors.
TALL ORDER Circus family opens Rye Road property to show off exotic animals. SEE PAGE 17 Pam Eubanks
Crystal Landkas-Coronas feeds carrots to Melman and Twiggs. The Rye Road Giraffes has opened weekends to the public during the pandemic because its touring dates have been canceled.
SMR works on plan for 70-acre site in Lakewood Ranch. SEE PAGE 3
Liz Ramos
Weight off their shoulders Bradenton’s Sophie Chesed and Lakewood Ranch’s Elizabeth Ganim (above) were working out at East County’s Crunch Fitness every day before gyms closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, they were working out at home but had lost momentum. When gyms reopened May 18, they were back at Crunch Fitness. “I loved it,” Ganim said. “I’m so glad to be back. The atmosphere [at the gym] has been really great, and it’s so clean.”
Life and death on a B-17 Jay Heater
East County’s Arne Hansen told stories of his time as a B-17 bombardier during WWII.
As Memorial Day approaches, Stone River veteran shares memories. SEE PAGE 8
Urgent plea calls for blood donations LWR blood centers face severe shortage. SEE PAGE 2