E A ST COUNTY
Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
Dozen reasons to attend
SEE PAGE 12A
•
FREE THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2017
VOLUME 20, NO. 2
YOUR TOWN
Courtesy photo
Triple threat
New wrinkles
IN TWINKLES
Mall at UTC finds more innovative ways to light up the holidays. SEE PAGE 8A
Lakewood Ranch Running Club member Fernanda Scalera (above) has her sights set on a triple crown. The 48-year-old was the overall female winner Nov. 18 in Tidewell Hospice’s Turkey Trot 5K race, after winning that category in October’s Boo Run. Her next step to the crown is Dec. 22 in the Jingle 5K. “I’m going to give it a shot,” said Scalera, who lives in Greenbrook. “I’m very blessed. Running is a gift.”
Jay Heater
University Town Center offers a magical journey through a wonderland of holiday lights.
Berkley Mason
Cozy on Christmas
East County bald eagle electrocuted
B.D. Gullett Elementary teachers Karin Byrne and Jennifer Santora (above) are making sure children will feel cozy this holiday season with their third annual Pajama Drive. The drive begins Dec. 7 at Gullett’s Holiday Literacy Night. Donated pajamas will go to the Pajama Program, a national nonprofit organization.
BLACK
TIE Pam Eubanks
The Lake Manatee Dam’s auxiliary spillway, pictured here, will be modified to better handle a steady flow of water as the dam’s main spillway is temporarily taken out of operation.
Hot dogs, cool cats. INSIDE
NO HOLDING BACK Manatee County moves forward with $17 million in dam repairs. SEE PAGE 3A
FPL modifies power lines to discourage other birds from landing. SEE PAGE 5A