EAST COUNTY
Santa loves a parade
Observer
PAGE 4B
Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
FREE • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023
VOLUME 25, NO. 23
YOUR TOWN
New ambulances to the rescue
Manatee County keeps its emergency fleet up-to-date by approving the purchase of six new ambulances. SEE PAGE 3A
Liz Ramos
When in Rome, or Del Webb Del Webb’s Kathi Bellafiore, Lucille Messina and Maryanne Lartz (above), who all serve on the board of the Making a Difference Club, went back in time to party like the Romans. They put on togas and joined dozens of other Del Webb residents for Making a Difference Club’s toga party Nov. 29. The party helped the club raise at least $2,700 to purchase a wheelchair for a child through Wheelchairs 4 Kids, a nonprofit that provides wheelchairs, home and vehicle modifications and more for children with physical disabilities. Messina, president of the Making a Difference Club, said the toga party was the club’s biggest event. “We are on cloud nine,” Messina said. “This community is the most generous community.”
Will the cows keep coming home? Residents of Myakka City hope a buyer emerges for Dakin Dairy Farms to keep the land agricultural. SEE PAGE 4A
Liz Ramos
Lakewood Ranch High’s Madyson Flores shows off her heifer with Cameron Dakin Dairy owners Cameron and Sondra Dakin, pictured with their grandson, Reid Dakin, in 2019. Cameron Dakin, whose brother, Jerry, has put his farm up for sale, says dairy farming in the county faces an uncertain future. Lesley Dwyer
Annual jog benefits The Haven Greenbrook resident Linda Cook has collected 15 Jingle & Jog T-shirts since moving to the area in 2007. The annual 5K, which was held Dec. 2, benefits The Haven, which offers programs and services to adults and children with disabilities. Cook’s neighbor has a daughter who lives on the campus. She and her husband, Craig Cook, have become so invested in the nonprofit that she’s served as secretary for the Friends of the Haven since 2019, and their business, HoseAndFittings.com, is one of the event sponsors each year. While Cook and her dog, Margot, walked the course together, Craig was behind the grill cooking hamburgers for the afterparty. “Nobody knows The Haven is here,” Cook said, “And I wish it could get more attention because it’s just so amazing.”
World Champions Cup makes its debut File photo
The Concession General Manager Brian Weimann has the course ready to host legends of the golfing world.
The Concession Golf Club gets another chance to impress the golfing world by hosting the top senior players. SEE PAGES 8A, 19A, 20A
A+E
Small venues: That’s the ticket. INSIDE