E A ST COUNTY
Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
Chabad expands.
SEE PAGE 12
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
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FREE THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2018
VOLUME 20, NO. 8
Winds of change Manatee County tries to be more prepared for next major hurricane. SEE PAGE 4
YOUR TOWN O
UDDERLY OBSESSED When it comes to cows, Lakewood Ranch senior is just showing off. SEE PAGE 8
Pam Eubanks
In the spotlight Wherever Reef (above) goes, he becomes the center of attention. The 175-pound Great Dane’s owners, East County residents Missy and Marc Brodeur and their 1-year-old daughter, Mia, have grown accustomed to the attention at Lakewood Ranch events. They regularly bring Reef and their other large dog, Pepe, a English shepherdpoodle mix, on public outings, including to the Jan. 5 Music on Main. “Reef should have his own Facebook page he’s been in so many pictures,” Missy Brodeur said.
Pam Eubanks
Caitlin Sollazzo, a senior at Lakewood Ranch High, loves her Brown Swiss dairy cow, Dallas, whom she will show in the Manatee County Fair.
BLACK
TIE
Courtesy rendering
Ryan Kohn
New perspective on Polo opener Opening day at the Sarasota Polo Club Jan. 7 in Lakewood Ranch didn’t fail to captivate the spectators, including 6-year-old Rudy Sundberg (above). Sundberg watched from an area near the goalposts, but he wanted to be closer. “They (the horses) won’t come over here,” Sundberg said. “I don’t know why.” Maybe next time.
Boathouse dream still afloat Showcasing young musicians. INSIDE
Nathan Benderson Park Foundation hopes a boathouse can become a reality in two years. PAGE 3