E A ST COUNTY
Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
VOLUME 17, NO. 52
YOUR TOWN
Bird’s eye view Freddy Falcon swooped in Nov. 11 on the St. Stephen’s Episcopal School’s firstgrade and kindergarten students. The school’s mascot made the surprise appearance at the school’s East County location, on Covenant Way. Freddy talked and played games during his short visit. “We try to involve the kids as much as we can in what’s happening on the main campus,” said David Glaser, director of communications for St. Stephen’s.
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015
Tuba players are more than the muscle of a marching band. They’re also the foundation of the music you hear. PAGE 5A Lakewood Ranch student Austin Parrish follows a different beat.
Chili concoctions
BLACK
PAGE 12A
TUBA
Shawn Harlacher accepts PGT Industries’ award.
Aromas of seasoned beef, and spices were in the air. The Gulf Coast Builder’s Exchange hosted a chili cookoff Oct. 29 at Conley Buick GMC in Bradenton. The East County nonprofit served up its third annual event, which featured 18 teams competing for prizes and bragging rights, and had more than 100 attendees. Satterfield & Pontikes Construction won the People’s Choice award; PGT Industries’ chili won Most Unique; Sutter Roofing won the Showmanship award; and Delta Engineers & Inspection brought home the Judges’ Choice award.
Benderson’s landscaper is not bush league.
Amanda Sebastiano
School Board: ‘Yes’ to new impact fees Board says funds are needed to build future schools in the area. AMANDA SEBASTIANO
TIE
STAFF WRITER EAST COUNTY — Concerned about
Wine, women and shoes INSIDE
Benderson Park paddles toward expanded uses. PAGE 8A
a boom in population growth, the Manatee County School Board voted to reinstate school impact fees so it has the funds to build new schools or additions. That was the case from 2002 through 2009, the last year impact fees were collected by the Manatee County School District. During that period, $60 million was collected according to the district’s Capital Projects SEE IMPACT FEES, PAGE 3A