E A ST COUNTY
Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
Locals flip over dog Frisbee. PAGE 17
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FREE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2018
VOLUME 21, NO. 4
YOUR TOWN
More shops, less tranquility Lighthouse Cove residents concerned plaza traffic threatens their lifestyle. PAGE 3
Courtesy photo
Flowering achievement University Park Country Club residents Joan Gushiken and Polly Curran (above), longtime students of ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, can add “teacher” to their titles. Curran has earned her teaching degree for Wafu School, a more natural style of ikebana, and Gushiken for Sogetsu School, a more “high fashion” style of ikebana. “Reaching the point was my personal goal,” said Curran, who started learning ikebana in 1983. The women are members of Ikebana International Sarasota Chapter 115.
Just read it, baby! Dick Vitale’s newest book raises funds for the fight against pediatric cancer. PAGE 8 File photo
School District of Manatee County Interim Superintendent Cynthia Saunders has been accused of submitting fraudulent information by the Commissioner of Education.
Under attack Interim school district head accused of filing false forms. SEE PAGE 4
Courtesy photo
Faith-building project East County faith leaders helped complete the Manatee County Habitat for Humanity’s first “Interfaith Build” home. John Joly, a Knights of Columbus member at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church, Harvest United Methodist Church’s the Rev. Michael Pestel and Faith United Church of Christ’s the Rev. Brian Bagley-Bonner (above with volunteer Jennifer Hargis), spoke at a dedication ceremony Nov. 17 at 624 11th Ave., E., Bradenton, representing 10 faith organizations that helped with the project. Bagley-Bonner said the Kendall family, for whom the home was built, worked alongside volunteers.
BLACK
TIE
Fashion show with heart. INSIDE
Jay Heater
Lakewood Ranch’s Dick Vitale has a new book, “Dick Vitale’s Mount Rushmores of College Basketball.” All his proceeds from the book will go to The V Foundation.