E A ST COUNTY
Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
Service lessons delivered. PAGE 10
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
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FREE THURSDAY, JULY 19, 2018
VOLUME 20, NO. 35
YOUR TOWN
Main Street shift
Courtesy photo
Runner-up dog
Tax revenue come up short Administrator says projected $4 million shortfall won’t have major impact.
An East County dog will be showered with new toys and treats, courtesy of Neal Communities. Brody, a 1-year-old Labrador retriever and blue cur mix, dog-piled 6,000 Instagram followers during the “I Love My Dog Competition” hosted in May by Neal Communities. Brody (above) placed second after losing by a whisker to Venice dog Miss Goosie. Brody’s owners, Alyssa and Brad Acquaviva of the Ridge at Crossing Creek, collected $250 to buy him toys and treats. “He has more followers on social media than me,” Alyssa Acquaviva said.
PAM EUBANKS SENIOR EDITOR
Property tax revenue for the 201819 fiscal year may come in about $4 million less than anticipated by Manatee County Administrator Ed Hunzeker, but the potential shortfall will have no impact on plans to construct a government services complex on property north of Premier Sports Campus. Manatee County collected $216,749,671 in property tax revenue in 2018, and it anticipated $237 million in 2019. That projected amount now has been adjusted to $233 million because of slower than expected growth. SEE PAGE 4
Jay Heater
A+E
Owner Hugh Miller and General Manager and Executive Chef Greg Campbell say the Grove will bring a unique dining experience to Main Street at Lakewood Ranch.
Courtesy photo
Demand for supplies Summer campers at Kiddie Academy of Lakewood Ranch are finding ways to give back to the community. They are holding a school supply drive through July 20. They have been collecting pencils, pens, rulers, erasers, glue sticks, markers, colored pencils and index cards. “I am excited to donate to other students who need it,” said 7-year-old camper Linzie Hamilton (above). Those who want to donate items can bring them to Kiddie Academy, 4225 Concept Court, Lakewood Ranch.
Pier 22 owner brings the Grove restaurant to Lakewood Ranch, replacing the landmark Polo Grill. SEE PAGE 3
Fantastic ‘Fortnite’ Amelia Hanks
Greenbrook’s Jacob Jones, 12, shows his prize for winning at a Stoneybrook tourney.
Stoneybrook attracts video game wizards to a ‘Battle Royale.’ SEE PAGE 8
Ballet the Cuban way. INSIDE