E A ST COUNTY
Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
Her shot at fame
SEE PAGE 2B
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
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FREE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017
VOLUME 20, NO. 3
SANCA CEO welcomes scrutiny Speaker of the House takes a close look at Nathan Benderson Park’s progression. SEE PAGE 3A
YOUR TOWN
Pam Eubanks
A lesson from ‘Peanuts’ Braden Woods resident Mike Wilder (above) has a Charlie Brown view of Christmas. Quite literally. All the Peanuts characters are living in his front yard. Each year, Wilder displays scenes from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and by Dec. 18, he will even set up lawn chairs so those passing can sit a spell. If you want to see the display, Wilder lives at 9220 65th Ave. E., Bradenton.
Pam Eubanks
Manatee County Visitors and Convention Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione, Manatee Parks and Natural Resources Director Charlie Hunsicker and Premier Sports Campus Director of Sports Antonio Saviano talk about Manatee County’s possible purchase of Premier.
Berkley Mason
Bashaw family Christmas On Nov. 1, William H. Bashaw Elementary kicked off its Bashaw Family Christmas, an annual event designed to raise money for a Bashaw family in need. Student Lilly Johnson (above), says a donation jug will remain in the front office until Dec. 14. Students, parents and staff members fill the jug with loose change. Gifts are purchased by the Bashaw staff and delivered shortly before schools close for the holidays.
County nears Premier purchase Manatee County’s deal with SMR could be approved at a Dec. 7 land use meeting. SEE PAGE 4A A+E
‘Echoes’ of patriarchy INSIDE
Riverside renovation
Historic restaurant reopens with less clutter. PAGE 8A Pam Eubanks