EAST COUNTY
SEASON WINTER 2024
Observer
T H E O B S E R V E R ’S G
U I D E TO T H E A R TS
AND SOCIETY
Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
INSIDE MUSIC DANCE ART THEATER BLACK TIE
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
FREE • THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2024
VOLUME 25, NO. 27
YOUR TOWN
New chapter begins in Lakewood Ranch Grand opening for Lakewood Ranch Library set for Jan. 12. SEE PAGE 6A
Liz Ramos
Capitol creativity
Camille McCluggage, an eighth grader at Dr. Mona Jain Middle School in Lakewood Ranch, has tried various types and styles of art. But this year, she has decided to focus on realism. She chose to create a turtle for her love of the animal as well as how she could demonstrate the beauty of their shells through various colors. Little did she know, her art was submitted for the School District of Manatee County’s annual Art in the Capitol competition. When she found out she was selected out of 60 submissions, she said she was shocked. She said it’s heartwarming to hear the positive comments on her work, but she can’t help but see the flaws. McCluggage’s artwork will be displayed in the Florida Capitol building in Tallahassee during the next legislative session.
THINK TANK IN ’24
Construction speeds forward on Mote Science Education Aquarium with completion expected by Thanksgiving. SEE PAGE 3A
Jay Heater
Willis Smith Superintendent Geran Harris, Project Manager Brian Saunders and Project Executive Dave Otterness keep the Mote Science Education Aquarium moving toward its finish, expected around Thanksgiving. Lesley Dwyer
ODA students band together for concert Windward resident Joe Clarke is new to the baritone saxophone, but not to the band. A senior at the Out-of-Door Academy, Clarke has been in the concert band for eight years and the jazz band for five. In January, he made the switch from an alto saxophone to the “Barry.” “I really like the Barry because it’s big and loud,” Clarke said. Clarke was performing with his classmates at Sights and Sounds at Waterside Place on Dec. 15 for the holiday installment of the performance series. Clarke is looking forward to earning an engineering degree after he graduates. He’s still waiting to hear back from his first choice of colleges, Georgia Tech, but no matter where he’s accepted, he plans to keep playing in the band.
A+E Eight great dates. INSIDE
More road improvements planned for 2024 Courtesy image
The Florida Department of Transportation offered this photo as an example of the temporary delineators.
Commissioner says improving roads will be the top priority in the coming year. SEE PAGE 5A