EAST COUNTY
Observer
Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
Spotted on Main Street
PAGE 4B
FREE • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024
VOLUME 25, NO. 34
Tape grass threatens Braden River Invasive species could dominate submersed plants and damage wildlife. SEE PAGE 3A YOUR TOWN
Courtesy image
Lightning strikes Myakka City Elementary Jaycee Myers, a second grader at Myakka City Elementary School, was all smiles as he ran around the covered gym area with a hockey stick in hand. Myers (above) had a chance to feel like a part of the Tampa Bay Lightning Feb. 12. Representatives from the Tampa Bay Lightning spent the morning teaching students, like Myers, hockey techniques and how to play street hockey. The students ran drills and played a game of hockey against their classmates.
Keep on trucking Although Mixon Fruit Farms closed, life with the Mixons continues on a food truck. SEE PAGE 1B Lesley Dwyer
Longtime Mixon Fruit Farm employees Anita Stanley, Marie Lovy and Kaliah Muck now work for Dean and Janet Mixon on their food truck. Lesley Dwyer
Customer appreciation Since moving from New Jersey to Lakewood Ranch 16 years ago, Kathy Waer (above) and her husband, John, have been faithful patrons of Ed’s Tavern. So much so that she made T-shirts that read, “Founding Member.” The tavern has been on Lakewood Ranch Main Street since the couple moved, but changed ownership 10 years ago and has since opened a second location on State Road 64. “We went to the new one when they opened up and said, ‘We helped you build this,’” Kathy Waer said with a laugh. On Feb. 17, Ed’s Tavern owners Bob Bender. Adam Myara and Albert Myara hosted a block party to celebrate 10 years of ownership. Beer prices were rolled back to 2014, and customers were treated to Jenga, axe throwing, face painting, corn hole and the Kona Ice truck.
A+E
Smile, you’re on a schoolzone camera Manatee commissioners approve cameras to ticket speeders at many of the county’s school zones. SEE PAGE 6A Lesley Dwyer
Those caught on camera driving more than 10 mph over a school zone limit will receive a ticket.
Art lovers dash to dotted line. INSIDE