EAST COUNTY
Observer
Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
Please Santa, read this.
PAGE 16
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2025
VOLUME 27, NO. 20
YOUR TOWN
Ranch life wishes for Santa Local residents talk about things that could make our home even better. SEE PAGE 3
Lesley Dwyer
Cruising into Christmas With a Santa hat, Christmas pajamas and a mini Lamborghini covered in lights, 4-year-old Winston Huh cruised around Cars and Coffee on Dec. 13 like he was one of Santa’s helpers. Huh’s dad, Jason Huh, has always had a love for cars. His company, Steel Supplements, makes Omni Energy drinks, which is the major sponsor of Cars and Coffee. The event takes place every second Saturday of the month at the Mall at UTC. Winston Huh likes cars, too, but if Santa is reading this, he really loves monster trucks.
Madison Bierl
A couple of smart cookies in Winward For Windward residents Barbara Stevenson and Holly Fisher (above), Dec. 17 was a chance to gather with approximately 100 other women in the spirit of the holiday season. The occasion was a cookie swap. Stevenson hosted the event at her house because she is originally from Pennsylvania, where cookie swaps are common. This is her second year doing the event. “It just makes me feel good,” Stevenson said. “Christmas is family and friends, feeling joy ... and cookies!” Fisher said she is from New York, where many of the doors in her neighborhood always were closed. She appreciates how welcoming Stevenson is when it comes to inviting the entire Windward neighborhood to her home. “You hear neighbors helping neighbors, but this is way beyond that,” Fisher said. “This is neighbors loving neighbors.” This door is always open.”
‘If you want joy, be that joy’ After 50 years as Santa, Lakewood Ranch’s Rich Vannucci isn’t ready to put a wrap on his career. SEE PAGE 8 Jay Heater
Lakewood Ranch’s Rich Vannucci still wears the Santa suit his mother made for him 50 years ago.
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Myakka City’s Diane and Rich Bartoszek display a handmade ceramic nativity scene each year.
Perlman pulls some strings to move camp. PAGE 12
Does your bulb light up when it comes to decorations? It takes a wise man, or woman, to add a personal touch to holiday displays. SEE PAGE 4