E A ST COUNTY
EAST COUNTY
Obser ver
ers Health Matt AUGUST 2018
Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
BEST
INSIDE
BUDS ager Andros gives teen hy healt an avenue to a life. PAGE 2 SUPER SNOUTS
Beagles being trained r. to find cance
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
PAGE 6
Katie Johns
FLEXIBLE FRIENDS
Cats, dogs and yoga? It’s a thing.
PAGE 7
OFFICER IN TRAINING
g
Ron is gettin in shape for the job.
PAGE 11
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FREE THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2018
VOLUME 20, NO. 39
YOUR TOWN
Howard withdraws
Lakewood Ranch’s candidate pulls out of Florida House race. PAGE 4
HERE COMES KINDERGARTEN
Pam Eubanks
Community play is growing Bob Haskin, president of the Lakewood Ranch Pickleball Club, said the sport’s popularity continues to soar in the area. Haskin said he expects to have enough players for a 10-team fall league while the LWR Pickleball Club also is hosting a one-day tournament Oct. 20. Haskin and his wife, Donna, (above) are competing in the club’s summer league. He said the final week of competition begins Sept. 8. Teams from Lakewood National, Indigo, River Strand, Esplanade and Del Webb are included among those competing.
Amelia Hanks
Kinga Porter hugs her two daughters, Sophia, 5, and Paige, 3, as Sophia heads toward her first day of kindergarten at B.D. Gullett Elementary.
Emotional send-off on first day of school for Manatee schools. SEE PAGE 6
Nice ring to this story
Amelia Hanks
Welcome to the family In June, Michael Harsch took over as the new family pastor at Lakewood Ranch Baptist Church. Michael and his wife, Summer, (above) will work together at the church. “What we really loved about the community of Lakewood Ranch is the people,” Michael Harsch said. “They have welcomed us with open arms.”
Pam Eubanks
Susan and Jim Eicken could not believe Lou Deeter found Jim’s wedding band on Lorraine Road. Deeter was thrilled to find the ring’s owner.
Wedding band goes through interesting cycle in Lakewood Ranch. SEE PAGE 15
A+E Playwright finds second act after retirement. INSIDE