E A ST COUNTY
Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
Scout out a fun event. PAGE 16
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FREE THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2018
VOLUME 20, NO. 44
YOUR TOWN
More homes coming Two large Lakewood Ranch development projects advance. PAGE 6
Ryan Kohn
Mustang royalty Lakewood Ranch homecoming king Travis Freeman and homecoming queen Madi Grogan (above) were honored at halftime of the Mustangs’ game Sept. 14 against defending state champion Venice, which won 65-0. Also in the court were freshman prince Tobias Davis, freshman princess Sophie Joslyn, sophomore prince Jakob Deglman, sophomore princess Lindsey Limbach, junior prince Richie Fallacaro, junior princess Haylie Humphrey, senior prince Ata Akar and senior princess Bella Selmer.
Community mourns Crash on State Road 64 claims two Lakewood Ranch High students. SEE PAGE 5 Pam Eubanks
On Sept. 18, Lakewood Ranch High School students place flowers at the crash site where a memorial has been erected. Courtesy photo
Celebrity catch Nine-year-old Gene Witt Elementary School student Declan Arnold spends nearly all his free time with a fishing pole in hand. So when his mom, Brenda Arnold, saw world-renowned artist and marine conservationist Guy Harvey (above with Declan) would be part of Dick’s Sporting Goods grand opening week celebration Sept. 15, she took Declan and his siblings, Delaney and Davin. “He has so many (of Harvey’s) shirts,” Brenda Arnold said. “Now, it’s about making the connection for him.” Declan said it was “cool” meeting the celebrity.
Total security Pam Eubanks
New guardians Justin Willis, an Army veteran, and Leonard Gutman, a retired policeman, are ready to serve local schools.
All district elementary schools now covered by guardians. SEE PAGE 3
A+E
New challenges await. INSIDE