E A ST COUNTY
Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
Just horsing around.
SEE PAGE 20
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
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FREE THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2017
VOLUME 19, NO. 8
ROARING SUCCESS
YOUR TOWN
Suncoast Charities for Children says it has found a long-term home for Thunder by the Bay. SEE PAGE 3
Courtesy photo
Tara on target The Tara Golf and Country Club is shooting under par. The Golf Range Association of America recognized the club’s practice facilities and teaching professionals by naming it one of the top 50 private facilities in the nation in the December issue of Golf Range Magazine. PGA Golf Professional Melissa “Missy” Williams heads to the 2017 PGA Merchandise Show later this month in Orlando to receive the award.
Jay Heater
Those who rode their motorcycles to Thunder by the Bay at the Premier Sports Campus said they loved the abundant parking.
Pam Eubanks
Buzz words: Pet panic
Bird’s the word A retention pond off Old Grove Circle, in Greenfield Plantation, has its own icon — a roseate spoonbill. The bird was injured and has stayed close to the pond’s bank for the past year. “He is there every day,” resident Dennis Niemeyer said.
Fireworks used for vulture abatement hound area dogs. SEE PAGE 8
A+E Pam Eubanks
Pebbles Barton loves spending time with her rabbit, Smokey, whom she will show at this year’s Manatee County Fair.
Every bunny loves this competition Best bunnies decided Jan. 13 at Manatee County Fair. SEE PAGE 4
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