E A ST COUNTY
Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
One step short of title.
SEE PAGE 15
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FREE THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2018
VOLUME 20, NO. 28
Perseverance leads to preserve Friends of Keep Woods make conservation a reality with its relentless effort. SEE PAGE 8
YOUR TOWN
UNDER COVER Benderson Park plans to provide shade for its playground. SEE PAGE 3
Amelia Hanks
That’s a wrap
Keegan Danahy, a kindergartner at Robert Willis Elementary, was sticking to his task. Keegan (above) was using duct tape May 25 to affix Assistant Principal Billie-Jo Fintel to a wall at the school. Being able to tape principals to the wall was a reward to students who raised money for various school programs. Keegan raised $1,200.
Courtesy photo
Above the law
R. Dan Nolan Middle School seventh-grader Matthew Iacobelli (above) was honored May 15 as the winner of the Manatee County Bar Association’s Law Day Essay Contest. Seventh-graders were invited to submit essays on the topic “Separation of Powers: Framework for Freedom.” The contest was judged by retired Circuit Judge Janette Dunnigan; Mary R. Hawk, a partner with the law firm of Porges, Hamlin, Knowles & Hawk P.A. in Bradenton; and Jamie Serino, executive director of Take Stock in Children of Manatee County.
Jay Heater
Zalan Guilbert, 8, climbs on a rope structure at the Nathan Benderson Park playground. His mother, Agnes Guilbert, said they don’t use the playground often because it is exposed to the sun. Now, though, the playground will be covered by a shade structure.
‘Tis the season Storm preparations take on new attitude after Irma. File photo
SEE PAGE 10
A+E Better together INSIDE