E A ST COUNTY
Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
Preserved for nature PAGE 8
•
FREE THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016
VOLUME 18, NO. 44
CLEAR VISION OF
INSPIRATION Greenbrook woman wages marathon struggle against Usher syndrome. SEE PAGE 3
Love of dogs fosters a novel idea
YOUR TOWN
Pam Eubanks
Cat jaws Larry Hickman is about to have a new exhibit in his marine biology class at Lakewood Ranch High School, a banded cat shark. A translucent egg about 4 inches long is expected to hatch in late November, producing a shark that received its name because the barbels near its mouth look like cat whiskers. “It’s a good way to show development and adaption,” Hickman said of the egg. “You can see inside it.”
Summerfield author writes guide to fostering pooches. PAM EUBANKS SENIOR EDITOR
M
aureen Flaherty lowered herself on the blanket where her two new Chihuahua puppies gnawed on the toes of some of her friends. Her friends had stopped by Flaherty’s Summerfield home for an impromptu social hour and the two puppies, who are being fostered by Flaherty until they find a new home, were getting all the attention. After just one full day at Flaherty’s home, and with significant snuggling, the pups were eager to explore and interact with
Pam Eubanks Courtesy Photo
Howie explores the great outdoors on just his second day staying with Maureen Flaherty.
SEE PAGE 10
Time for debate Gold Coast Eagle CEO and President John Saputo attended the first presidential debate on Monday night at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y. Saputo watched the political sparring with Anheuser-Busch executives such as North American Zone President João Castro Neves (above).
A+E Capturing the essence of Old Florida.
INSIDE
Can commissioners sell the half-cent sales tax? Officials schedule workshops to share rationale behind the sales-tax referendum. SEE PAGE 6