E A ST COUNTY
Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
Hobby takes flight.
SEE PAGE 1B
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
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FREE THURSDAY, JULY 13, 2017
VOLUME 19, NO. 34
SMR sells polo club Polo enthusiast in process of buying the 160-acre property. SEE PAGE 4A
MAIN MEASURES Unsupervised children under 16 banned from Lakewood Main Street after 6 p.m.
YOUR TOWN
Pam Eubanks
Helping paws During the July 7 Music on Main, Bradenton’s Trisha Robinson-Antonelli was doing volunteer work for the animal-assisted therapy nonprofit Hand in Paw when she received a boost while selling raffle tickets. Her dog, Phoenix, didn’t want to relinquish his perch on Robinson-Antonelli’s back. It actually gave her quite the boost in sales as Phoenix attracted lots of attention. Hand in Paw was the beneficiary of proceeds from the event.
PAM EUBANKS SENIOR EDITOR
M
ike and Debbie Driscoll know a change in policy may hurt their Lakewood Ranch business, The Fish Hole Miniature Golf. But they are OK with it. After juveniles reportedly set fire to couches at the Starbucks at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch July 1, the plaza’s property manager implemented a new “Parent on Site” policy requiring parents to accompany youths under age 16 after 6 p.m. when at Main Street. “It’s unfortunate the actions of a few affect everyone,” Mike Driscoll said. “We know from the kids we get here, the super-majority are great kids, so as merchants, SEE MAIN, PAGE 3A Jay Heater
Under a new policy, children under 16 years of age won’t be able to stroll alone in Lakewood Ranch Main Street after 6 p.m.
Slow motion Berkley Mason
The Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary will welcome Stella, its first sloth, after building her habitat.
Stella the sloth finds a temporary home in East County while waiting for her permanent habitat. SEE PAGE 8A
A+E
Berkley Mason
Clam to open
Dynamics of ancient China. INSIDE
Speaks Clam Bar plans to open in the next week at 8764 E. State Road 70 (the former Crispers location), in East County, offering Mediterranean fare. Operations Manager Susan Masterson (above) said her staff is working to get the doors open. The restaurant will seat about 200 people. “I’m excited, but I’m tired, too,” Masterson said.