E A ST COUNTY
Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
Club’s impressive growth
PAGE 3B
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FREE THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2019
VOLUME 21, NO. 43
Risk rises during interstate rescues
YOUR TOWN
Pam Eubanks
All-star models raise funds
Fire chief says responses on I-75 can be ‘treacherous’ for firefighters. PAGE 3A
Lakewood Ranch 6-year-old Grace Luther said she loves to wear her soccer cleats, but she was just as excited when she learned she could keep the white Converse All Stars she wore during the Fashion Funds the Cure fundraiser Sept. 7 at The Mall at UTC. She and other pediatric cancer survivors showed off fashion styles, along with real runway models, to raise funds for the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. Luther dressed as a soccer player and walked with Don Jackson and Alex Silva from the Sarasota Metropolis.
STOOL DAYS Wobble stools, exercise balls and couches are flexible seating options for today’s students. PAGE 8A
Courtesy photo
Help in the wake of Dorian The Family Church at Christian Retreat is collecting financial donations and items, such as nonperishable food, hygiene products, blankets and first-aid supplies, to distribute to victims of Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas. “We have affiliated churches and pastors there, so these are trusted people on the ground,” Rev. Phil Derstine (above) said. “We are able to wire funds and already have, so they can buy needed supplies in Nassau.” Derstine said there’s a designated spot in the church lobby, 1200 Glory Way Blvd., Bradenton, and there is no deadline for donations.
Pam Eubanks
Liz Ramos
Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School fifth grader Ava Bell works on an essay while sitting on a wobble stool.
Luxury home could become record sale Courtesy photo
Realtor Stacy Haas of Michael Saunders Real Estate lists this East County mansion.
The sale would be the county’s highest ever at $12 million. SEE PAGE 10A
East Manatee Fire Rescue District Capt. Paul Wren says the district has been proactive in ensuring the safety of firefighters and other drivers on the road around firetrucks.
A+E
Art with a purpose INSIDE