E A ST COUNTY
Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
Your guide to summer camps
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YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
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FREE THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2018
VOLUME 20, NO. 20
YOUR TOWN
Safe at home? Will Manatee’s parks plan bring more opportunities to play sports in Lakewood Ranch? SEE PAGE 3A
Amelia Hanks
Their art makes a difference Five Braden River Elementary fifth-graders, including Isabel Diehl (above), created a painting, “The Loss of a Friend,” with pride. The work depicts a young girl giving a sympathy card after her friend’s dog died. The students, Diehl, Noah Ferlazzo, Niley Molina, Lily Irelan and Izik Rodriguez, submitted the work for the Embracing Our Differences’ art exhibit in Sarasota’s Island Park. “The Loss of a Friend” was one of 45 works selected out of the 8,325 entries from 98 countries that were submitted. They will be displayed April 4 to May 31.
Local politician has ‘more to do’ Commissioner Vanessa Baugh announces intention to run for the Florida House. SEE PAGE 4A
Pam Eubanks
Lakewood Ranch resident and Manatee County Commissioner Vanessa Baugh announces she will run for the Florida House. Pam Eubanks
Food for thought Chris Camphire (above) helped Peace Presbyterian Church celebrate Holy Week with a special reflection on the Easter story, told through a March 29 “Living Last Supper” presentation. He portrayed Doubting Thomas. “People always remember Thomas for his doubt, but Thomas was not just a doubter,” Camphire said. “He dared to ask the questions that all of us have.” Inspired from Leonardo Da Vinci’s “Last Supper” painting, the event was a dramatization of the Passover dinner that Jesus shared with his followers just before he was arrested, tried and crucified.
BLACK Paws on the catwalk. INSIDE
TIE
On his way to West Point Braden River senior Kyle Krage will attend the U.S. Military Academy. SEE PAGE 6A
Jay Heater