E A ST COUNTY
Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 17, NO. 47
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Something’s new... INSIDE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2015
IDA makes its choice Resident Anne Ross fills Town Hall executive director role. PAM EUBANKS SENIOR EDITOR LAKEWOOD RANCH — When Pan-
ther Ridge resident Anne Ross met with Lakewood Ranch residents Oct. 7 during a candidate meet-and-greet, she placed herself in the center of the room at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall and staked her claim to its executive director post. It was obvious Ross considered herself the best candidate, and that confidence was rewarded. On Oct. 8, members of the Lakewood Ranch Inter-District Authority board unanimously agreed to hire Ross, the assistant town manager for the town of Longboat Key, following interviews with her and Highlands County Assistant County Administrator Randy Vosburg. Pending successful contract negotiations, Anne (pronounced Annie) Ross will replace Eva Rey, who completes her last day with Town Hall Oct. 15. IDA superSEE MORE ON PAGE 4A
YOUR TOWN
Photos by Pam Eubanks
Hundreds of students gathered Oct. 11 for a candlelight vigil at the scene of the accident.
Shattering tragedy Students and community remember two teens claimed by fatal car crash.
L Fore!
Eugene O’Brien started his first week of retirement with a stroke of luck. While visiting friends John and Sue More, of Rosedale, he sank his first hole-in-one Oct. 8 at the Rosedale Golf and Country Club. “I should have retired earlier,” he said. “My game has already improved.”
AKEWOOD RANCH — When 17-year-old Brendan Shreve returned home and greeted his family Friday night, he caught a glimpse of his aunt, Pam Palmer, visiting from Land O’Lakes and sitting on the lanai with a plateful of food in her lap. He approached with a smile. Normally, the occasion would warrant an embrace, but Brendan told her not to worry about getting up. So when she put her hand to her mouth and blew him a kiss, Brendan reached out and pulled it from her outstretched palm. “She said, ‘Don’t just put it there. Rub it in,’” his mother, Crystal Shreve said. “And he rubbed it (into his cheek).” Just hours later, Brendan and his friend, Jared Duran, 15, died in a one-vehicle car crash in the median of Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, less than a mile from Shreve’s Summerfield home. A Florida Highway Patrol report stated the 2012 Mercedes that
Shreve was driving crashed into a tree, separating the vehicle into two pieces, after it hit the curb and jumped the median shortly after 5 a.m. Oct. 10, just north of Clubhouse Drive. They were pronounced dead at the scene. By Saturday afternoon, the crash site had become a memorial for the boys with bouquets of flowers piled at the base of the tree and their photograph attached to its trunk. “It’s the biggest loss you could ever have,” said Brendan’s father, Bernie Shreve. Crystal added, “It’s devastating. I don’t even know a word to describe what we feel about (the Duran’s) loss as well.” Both Brendan and Jared, students at Lakewood Ranch High School, were known for their easy-going personalities, approachability and humor. “It was just fun being around them,” said friend Michael Silver, SEE MORE ON PAGE 7A
Courtesy photo
Brendan Shreve loved his community and planned to return after college.
Courtesy photo
Friends said Jared Duran was a good listener with a great sense of humor.
SPECIAL SERVICES A Celebration of Life Service for Brendan Shreve will be held at 6 p.m. Oct. 15, at Woodland Community Church, 9607 State Road 70 E., Bradenton. A Celebration of Life Service for Jared Duran will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 16, at the Lake Vista Clubhouse, 7702 Lake Vista Court, Lakewood Ranch, with a memorial Mass following at 1 p.m. Oct. 17, at Incarnation Catholic Church, 2901 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota. Friends have set up memorial funds for both boys to help cover funeral expenses. To make a donation for Brendan, visit gofundme.com/shreve. To make a donation for Jared, visit gofundme.com/xk65fgr2.