E A ST COUNTY
SEASON SUMMER
Observer
2020
IDE R V E R ’S G U THE OBSE ENT R E N J OY M TO S U M M E
Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
INSIDE
GET OUT! y Four ways to enjo summer — right . in your backyard 24 E PAG
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
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FREE THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020
VOLUME 22, NO. 30
YOUR TOWN
Shelter space blown away Pandemic restrictions cut hurricane shelter space by two-thirds. PAGE 2A
Liz Ramos
Special farewell East County’s Autymn Prater (above), an eighth grader at Rowlett Middle Academy, stood out of the sun roof of her car while surrounded by balloons. She smiled and waved as she passed dozens of teachers and staff members May 28 during the school’s “Driving On” celebration. Teachers and staff held up handmade signs and cheered, and some even played drums to celebrate the students’ achievements in the wake of the pandemic.
Decade of dedication SANCA facilities director leaves after shaping Nathan Benderson Park. JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR
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ob Whitford stood on the fourth floor of Nathan Benderson Park’s 90-foot tall finish tower, looking at the west bank of his personal Rose Bowl as he talked about his decade of service to the park. It was in 2010 when Benderson Development’s Shaun Benderson and Paul Blackketter flew to Sacramento, Calif., in an attempt to persuade Whitford to guide the construction of Nathan Benderson SEE SANCA, PAGE 8A
Courtesy photo
Challenge accepted Maggie Sharrer, a physical education teacher at Lakewood Ranch High School and WellYou health program ambassador for the school, challenged teachers and staff members to 30 days of running, biking, swimming or walking 3 miles per day from April 6 to May 5. Her challenge prompted Carol Lidey (above), Laura Anderson, Kristine Dittman, Tim Frasier, Raquel Klammer, Terri McAllister and Donna Thomas, all teachers at the school, to join Sharrer’s program. Sharrer said the challenge was not only a way to exercise during the COVID-19 pandemic but also an opportunity for the teachers and staff members to bond over something outside of school.
Jay Heater
Bob Whitford is leaving his position as facilities director at Nathan Benderson Park.
Waterside hubbub builds Jay Heater
SMR’s Kirk Boylston and Tom Johnson stand outside the future event center at Waterside Place.
Entertainment hub heads toward April 2021 opening. SEE PAGE 3A
NEIGHBORS Hail to Pirates. Page 1B