E A ST COUNTY
Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
Pint of puppy goodwill
PAGE 24
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
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FREE THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2019
VOLUME 21, NO. 34
YOUR TOWN
More signals inevitable? Manatee Public Works director expects more traffic lights to be on the way to ease East County traffic. PAGE 3
Eric Garwood
Jeep drives ‘wild’ conversations Charlene Donnelly (above) knew she would draw attention when she started driving her Wildlife Warrior Jeep Wrangler about a year ago. Donnelly, a Lakewood Ranch resident who coordinates education projects for the Longboat Turtle Watch, said people routinely stop her in parking lots to ask about the striking design that features turtles, sharks and whales. Mission accomplished, she said. The $1,500 wrap, performed by Wrap-X of Bradenton, has been a conservation starter. She then educates people about the importance of marinelife conservation. “I like that,” she said.
Her life’s for the birds East County woman dedicates her time to finding quality homes for parrots. PAGE 8
Pam Eubanks
Sweet Tea, a Moluccan cockatoo, loves attention from his owner, Gloria Schroeck. The Moluccan cockatoo is the loudest parrot in the world and can reach 135 decibels when it screeches.
Courtesy photo
Generosity adds up Braden River Middle School math teacher Karen Baten knew all her students didn’t have the financial resources to buy the calculators that are so important in her class. Where did she turn? To Sonic — yes, the fastfood chain. Sonic Drive-in recognized Baten, as part of the Limeades for Learning initiative, a partnership with the nonprofit DonorChoose.org. Baten was awarded $438 for her “Calculators for All” request.
Smoked them in debut Nancy’s BarB-Q opens at Lorraine Corners. PAGE 5
Pam Eubanks
Myakka City resident Ted Comes feasts on a brisket sandwich. He says he loves Nancy’s Bar-B-Q and even had his wife’s 60th birthday catered by Nancy’s.
A+E Can’tmiss humor. INSIDE