E A ST COUNTY
Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
ODA senior serves higher calling. SEE PAGE 16A
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
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FREE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016
VOLUME 19, NO. 2
YOUR TOWN
Search lights Is your neighborhood beginning to look a lot like Christmas? If so, we need your help. We’re on the hunt for lights that are both merry and bright to highlight in our map featuring the jolliest decorations around town. We’re making our list and checking it twice, but we need some advice. Send us photos of your favorite holiday lights around town. It could be featured in our Christmas issue. Submit photos by Dec. 14 to jheater@yourobserver.com or post them on Instagram using #lightupthenightLWR. Please include the address.
Berkley Mason
Missed signals FDOT secretary says traffic circle will make intersections safer than signal.
BERKLEY MASON STAFF WRITER
With all the major road projects scheduled for East County, it didn’t take long for Jim Boxold to come around to a topic that always seems to generate the most annoyance. A roundabout. Boxold, the Florida Department of Transportation secretary, was speaking Nov. 28 at Renaissance on 9th in Bradenton, giving information about projects in the area. He was quickly asked to talk about the roundabout project
being considered for Rye Road and State Road 64. Winding River’s Mike Wick represented a common opinion being voiced at the luncheon. “This intersection is such a hassle for me,” Wick said. “I think a traffic signal with a turn lane would have made more sense, so it’ll be interesting to see how (a roundabout) works. I’m mostly concerned about public safety at the Rye Road and SR 64 intersection — it’s almost a death trap to get across SR 64 and go east.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 3A
BIRDS OF A FEATHER RACE TOGETHER
She’s got the chops for job There’s a new star in Braden River High School’s barn, and she came just in the knick of time. Penelope, pictured above, is Braden River’s new Future Farmers of America chapter pig. “We’re glad she’s here, because the Manatee County Fair is right around the corner,” said Megan Welch, the Future Farmers of American adviser at Braden River. “She was super excited to get out of that trailer the other night.”
When it comes to racing, he’s nobody’s pigeon. SEE PAGE 8A
Bowl over hunger with hearty meal
A+E
A VISION REALIZED A local sinologist’s legacy INSIDE
Berkley Mason
Annual Empty Bowls fundraiser to benefit the Manatee Food Bank set for Lakewood Ranch. SEE PAGE 10A
Berkley Mason
Those who pay $25 to benefit the Manatee Food Bank get to keep a ceramic bowl.