E A ST COUNTY
Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
Her mom’s day story.
PAGE 7A
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FREE THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2019
VOLUME 21, NO. 25
YOUR TOWN
Price of stray pets rises County officials say $8 million animal shelter is needed to address overcrowding. PAGE 3A
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Paw-fully helpful Some dogs can sniff out more than the treat you’re hiding. LECOM hosted beagles from BioScentDX April 23 as a way to introduce students and faculty to research about dogs and cancer detection. Beagles have thousands more scent receptors than other kinds of dogs, and they’re particularly wellsuited for sensory recall. LECOM student Travis Ballard (above) enjoys working with one of BioScentDX’s basset hounds. BioScentDX, based in Myakka City, and LECOM received national media attention for their partnership and leadership in early cancer detection using canines.
Boatload of lessons Students learn some designs sink, some soar in Cardboard Boat Regatta. SEE PAGE 1B
Jay Heater
Tara third grader Drake Trombetta is all smiles as he swims away from his capsized boat during the Cardboard Boat Regatta in Lakewood Ranch.
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Educator shout-outs Haile Middle School Special Education Teacher Chris King (above right with Haile Principal Kate Barlaug) has earned accolades from U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan. King, who teaches sixth through ninth grades, earned a Congressional Teacher Award, established in 2014 to recognize teachers in the 16th Congressional District for their outstanding achievements on behalf of students. Myakka City Elementary’s Elizabeth Harris, an interventionist, also was recognized.
Golden future Gold Star Labrador fills void for local family. SEE PAGE 8A Pam Eubanks
Eight-year-old Central Park resident Kiley Nowaczyk loves her Gold Star dog, Stashu.
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Forks & Corks shines INSIDE