E A ST COUNTY
Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
Conversation with David Marquet PAGE 10
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 17, NO. 40
FREE
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015
THE RACE FOR FUNDING As the clock ticks down to hosting the World Rowing Championships in 2017, Nathan Benderson Park needs $22 million to add needed features. With $5.3 million raised so far, can it make it to the finish line in time? SEE PAGE 3 FINDING FUNDING The Nathan Benderson Community Park Foundation is tasked with raising $22 million to build out the park through corporate sponsorships and private philanthropy. To date, the organization has raised $5.3 million. Costs for major infrastructure projects include:
$5.3 million Amount raised to-date
$5.5 million Finish tower
$3.5 million Grandstands
$3.5 million — Hardscape and landscape, including jumbotrons, amphitheater and children’s playground
BACK TO SCHOOL
$9.5 million Boat house
YOUR TOWN
Courtesy photo
RANCH WELCOMES NEW RESIDENTS
Jessica Salmond
Kristi Dyer gives her daughter, Ella, 4, a kiss before she leaves for class. Dyer teaches third grade at McNeal Elementary, which welcomed back students Monday. SEE MORE PHOTOS AT YOUROBSERVER.COM.
Fire Rescue awaits station rebuild With plans in the works to demolish Station 2, East Manatee Fire Rescue searches for a temporary home. PAGE 5
A five-member limpkin family is nesting in Lakewood Ranch. Ranch resident Maria Barringhaus first spotted the three chicks and their parents nearly a month ago. The animal enthusiast hasn’t seen other limpkin chicks in the area before. The birds, which feature long, slender bodies similar to sandhill cranes, are known for their distinctive cry. Barringhaus named the parents Mamma Lucille and Daddy Desi, and calls the babies O, D and A, because the family built its home on the Out-of-Door Academy’s fields, adjacent to the intersection of University Parkway. So far the birds haven’t ruffled the feathers of the Ranch’s mascot, because they mostly snack on apple snails rather than plants and small reptiles, which are the crane’s favorite snacks. SEE PAGE 14
Jessica Salmond