E A ST COUNTY
Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
The next chapter
SEE PAGE 6
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FREE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017
VOLUME 20, NO. 4
POOL OF OPPORTUNITY EXPANDS
Sports campus purchase paves way for future East County aquatics complex. SEE PAGE 3
It’s still Bearadise
YOUR TOWN
Animal trainer’s widow and son plan to keep Myakka ranch running. SEE PAGE 8
Pam Eubanks
Nuts about PJs On Dec. 8, Braden River Elementary School gave students a break from their normal routine. For $1, students were allowed to wear their pajamas to NUT (No Uniform Today) Day. Funds raised went to help families in need purchase holiday gifts. Fourth-grader Samuel Lynch (above) said it was different. “It is weird wearing them in class because they are a little small on me,” Lynch said. “It feels like I am wearing a costume.”
Berkley Mason
Monica Welde plays with one of Bearadise Ranch’s stars during “Brunch with the Bears.”
BLACK Fashion for a cause. INSIDE
Historic grant
TIE
Jay Heater
Marilyn Coker started the push to restore the school 25 years ago.
Pam Eubanks
Selby Foundation helps Myakka City Historic School House begin its restoration. JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR
Myakka City’s Marilyn Coker sliced open the envelope Dec. 2 and looked at the number on the check. “I’ve never seen a check with so many zeroes,” she said. After 25 years of perseverance, the Myakka City Historic School House is going to be renovated and reopened to the public. SEE PAGE 4
Whistle stop Lakewood Ranch’s Lee Frank (above) wasn’t about to miss a close-up look at the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile when it made a twohour stop Dec. 5 at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch Main Street. When co-driver Dominic Ricci opened its doors for an impromptu tour of the inside, Frank climbed inside and earned herself a weenie whistle. “I’m thrilled,” she said as she took it out of its packaging.