E A ST COUNTY
Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
Fun chapter for readers
PAGE 22
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
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FREE THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2019
VOLUME 21, NO. 38
Commercial construction rises East County has plenty of new construction about to be completed. PAGE 3 YOUR TOWN
No push required Myakka City 3-year-old overcomes obstacles after tragic accident. SEE PAGE 19
Courtesy photo
Overdue photo finally clicks Lakewood Ranch 16-yearold Grayson Tullio met Robert Downey Jr. on Dec. 15, 2017, but he had no way to prove it. Grayson, who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, received his wish from Make-A-Wish Foundation to meet Downey at the set for “Avengers: Endgame.” On the set, no cameras were allowed. On July 17, Grayson finally got the group picture of himself with 15 other MakeA-Wish kids and the cast. Pam Eubanks
Colton Lawson, 3, says he loves the swing in his backyard. He prefers to ride it without his prosthetic legs. His parents, April Costello and Chris Lawson, and sister, Taylor Lawson, watch Colton swing.
Now who’s the man?
Pam Eubanks
Hobby of note Bill Shepherd sold commercial insurance for decades, but after retiring in May 2018, he found a new pitch. On July 29 sitting on Lakewood Main Street, he played guitar and sang Vince Gil’s “Go Rest High on the Mountain” and other songs to passersby at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch. “It’s a great way to practice, and it brings smiles to people’s faces,” he said.
Jay Heater
James Palmer has earned the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award by Marquis Who’s Who.
Country Club East resident earns special award from Marquis Who’s Who. SEE PAGE 8
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