E A ST COUNTY
Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
What’s ‘Sup’ at park?
PAGE 16
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
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FREE THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2019
VOLUME 21, NO. 28
Hurricane guard remains up Despite prediction of below-average hurricane activity, Manatee County increases its preparations for major storms. PAGE 3
YOUR TOWN
Courtesy photo
A special birthday present Most people retire simply when they are ready. Kay DePaolo did it when there was extra reason to celebrate — her birthday. DePaolo retired from her 10-year post as executive assistant at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall on May 6. “We miss her already,” Town Hall Executive Director Anne Ross said.
Patrol with a view Sheriff’s Office wants to make public aware of mounted patrol’s importance. SEE PAGE 8
Jay Heater
Deputy Holly Combee is in charge of the Mounted Patrol Unit at the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch.
A+E
Andrew Atkins
Gators graduate Kindergarten students at B.D. Gullet Elementary school have officially completed their first year of school. McCallen Renneberg, pictured above, was one of the Gullet Gators honored at a celebration of kindergarten achievement on May 24. Her mom, Brittney Renneberg, summed up the feeling of the parents in the packed cafeteria who watched their children walk across the stage with their kindergarten certificates: “I’m so, so proud,” she said.
Positive strokes for San Marco
Sarasota Music Festival is back. INSIDE
Goldfish Swim School will bring more walk-through traffic to plaza. SEE PAGE 4
Pam Eubanks
Although businesses in San Marco Plaza have suffered from a lack of drive-by customers in the past, new restaurants and anchor tenant Goldfish Swim School promise better days ahead.