E A ST COUNTY
Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
Race for the ages. PAGE 17
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FREE THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2018
VOLUME 20, NO. 43
YOUR TOWN
Any more room? Hotel growth along Interstate 75 continues to build. PAGE 3
Puppy love unleashed
Pam Eubanks
Charity blooms for veterans Members of the Gardeners Out East club presented Marine veteran Bryan Jacobs (above) a $2,300 donation Sept. 10 to put toward his nonprofit, Vets2Success. The donation, raised during the club’s 2017 charity golf tournament, was presented in front of the Blue Star Memorial at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall. “This changes lives,” Jacobs said. “It allows us to impact those who signed a blank check with their lives.” Vets2Success is dedicated to helping veterans transition back to civilian life. The money will go toward helping veterans learn about careers in hydroponic and aquaponic farming.
Nate’s volunteers have therapy program licked. SEE PAGE 8
Pam Eubanks
The Windsor of Lakewood Ranch resident Erna Munsell enjoys a kiss from Elvis, a puppy who is part of the Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue’s Puppies with a Purpose program. Volunteers bring puppies to visit the elderly in assisted living and memory-care facilities.
Premier becomes spin city
Courtesy photo
A possible turning point When Summerfield resident Cheryl Hedger (above) heard clients of Turning Points were having trouble getting to the nonprofit, which provides support for the homeless and unemployed, or to a job, she organized a drive to collect bicycles. “I posted my address on Nextdoor, and people responded right away,” she said. “We got 11 bikes in great shape. All they needed was more air in the tires. I was impressed with the way the community responded.”
County seeks temporary fix for parking lot. SEE PAGE 4 Pam Eubanks
County officials say they will put shell in problematic parking areas at Premier to absorb moisture and make those areas usable during the rainy season.
A+E The family that plays together INSIDE