E A ST COUNTY
Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
Say ‘ahoy’ to a new mascot. PAGE 14
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
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FREE THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2016
VOLUME 18, NO. 42
Event’s run reaches finish line Suncoast Half Marathon hits the bricks in Lakewood Ranch. SEE PAGE 4
YOUR TOWN
NEW CEO Courtesy photo
The chosen few Braden River High student Abigail Whitman was one of 22 high school students in the state chosen to spend a week at the University of Florida’s Florida Youth Institute. Those students studied issues related to agriculture, natural resources and food security. The program was sponsored by the university’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
ROCKS
THE PARK Nathan Benderson Park puts former promoter on center stage. SEE PAGE 3
When barriers fall, degrees rise Courtesy Photo
A grand celebration About 50 grandparents turned out for a “Goodies with Grandparents” celebration Sept. 8 at Kiddie Academy of Lakewood Ranch. The special event included breakfast and homemade crafts in honor of Grandparents Day Sept. 11.
To podiums and peaks INSIDE
Goodwill teams with Ave Maria Prep to provide a second chance at education. SEE PAGE 8
Berkley Mason
Irma Orona is taking advantage of the Workforce Education Program.
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