E A ST COUNTY
Modern Pentathalon comes to Benderson Park
Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
PAGE 16
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
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FREE THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2016
VOLUME 18, NO. 24
Smooth waters YOUR TOWN
Shell savior An unnamed heroine saved the life of a large turtle as it tried, precariously, to cross University Parkway. A woman driving a white Nissan Ultima singlehandedly stopped two lanes of east-bound traffic on the I-75 off-ramp at approximately 8:30 a.m. April 28, to rescue the rather befuddled tortoise. He initially seemed indignant, but he scuttled away safely.
Despite losing two top executives, SANCA board chairman says Benderson Park remains on course. SEE PAGE 6
Opening Act
Players Theatre plans to become Lakewood Ranch’s first arts venue. SEE PAGE 3
Pam Eubanks
Tree huggers Members of the Gardeners Out East Club started their Friday morning with work April 29. In celebration of Arbor Day, about a dozen ladies gathered to plant a dahoon holly tree at Summerfield Park. “It’s a pretty little thing,” gardener Norma Kisida, above, said.
Jessica Tasetano in the Players’ production of “The Drowsy Chaperone” in January.
Courtesy photo
BLACK
Courtesy
Jarryd Lee, an MTI Barbering student, took first place in the college division of the Men’s Haircutting competition.
Skills savvy Manatee Technical College students brought home the gold this week after competing in the 2016 Florida SkillsUSA Conference, held in Lakeland April 25, 26 and 27. MTC students won 45 gold, 23 silver and 18 bronze medals.
HALF-CENT
SOLUTION Since 2007, population growth has outpaced property tax revenues. Can a new sales tax help the county keep up? SEE PAGE 8
TIE
FIREFLY GALA: Guests rock out for a good cause. INSIDE