E A ST COUNTY
Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
Pomp at LECOM park
PAGE 24
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
•
FREE THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2020
VOLUME 22, NO. 39
YOUR TOWN
SURPRISE FOR CHARLOTTE
Merger to the rescue? Referendum will decide if financially strapped Myakka City Fire Control will merge with East Manatee. PAGE 3
Liz Ramos
Back-to-school supplies needed You name it, Woodland Community Church’s food pantry needs it all — pencils, pens, paper, markers, glue — for its school supplies and clothing drive. The drive will end Aug. 13, and supplies will be distributed at the church to those in need Aug. 14. “If getting new supplies helps ease anxiety and also helps ease a financial burden for the families, it’s a winwin,” said Michelle Lingle, the drive coordinator. Donations can be dropped off at Woodland Community Church from 9-11 a.m. Aug. 6 and 13.
Panther Ridge 6-year-old surprised by parade to celebrate end of her chemotherapy. SEE PAGE 18 Pam Eubanks Liz Ramos
Matt and Charlotte Wells wave to family and friends as they pass in their cars to celebrate Charlotte’s final day of chemotherapy.
Courtesy photo
Chalk talk spreads kindness Every morning since quarantining began, Greenbrook’s Betsy Hall has been delivering a message of encouragement to her neighbors. She draws a picture or writes a message in chalk, such as “Spread kindness, not germs” or “Create your own sunshine” in her driveway. She said it’s her way of spreading hope during a time when people might feel downtrodden.
More money for land?
New man for park plan SANCA hopes new CEO/president will take Nathan Benderson Park to the next level. SEE PAGE 2
Myakka City Fire Control District Chief Danny Cacchiotti says most Myakka residents will achieve tax savings if the proposed merger is passed.
Jay Heater
Tomás Herrera-Mishler will steer Nathan Benderson Park into the future as its CEO and president.
County voters will decide in a referendum whether to create a land conservation fund. SEE PAGE 5