E A ST COUNTY
Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
Strumming up career? PAGE 13
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
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FREE THURSDAY, AUGUST 2, 2018
VOLUME 20, NO. 37
YOUR TOWN
ARMED FOR STUDENTS District’s Guardian Program attracts retired police and military. PAGE 3
Pam Eubanks
It’s a sweet celebration Lakewood Ranch Baptist Church could have celebrated its fifth birthday with cake. But before Sunday services July 29, Tampabased Craving Donuts pulled up in its doughnutfilled food truck ready to serve members with a special celebratory treat. Thirteen-year-old Ella Bertrand (above) chose a caramel-glazed doughnut topped with crisp bits of bacon while her father, Stephen, ordered a French toast-flavored one. “It’s really good,” Ella said. “It’s super crunchy, but soft on the inside.”
Living and love in LWR Lakewood Ranch’s first baby is set to be married. SEE PAGE 8 Jay Heater
Above: Trevor Lovett, Kirsten, Charlene and Bob Schmitt at the Schmitt’s home in Summerfield Right: A 15-month-old Kirsten waits for dinner in 1997. Courtesy photo
Amelia Hanks
A+E
Free rides for everyone Country Club at Lakewood Ranch resident Patty Riddile has a new ride. She was one of the first volunteers to drive Lakewood Ranch Medical Center’s new courtesy shuttle, which transports guests from their cars to the hospital. The program was announced July 26. “I just helped a woman who was trying to go to a hip replacement class find her way because this campus can be so confusing,” Riddile said. “She gave me a hug at the end of it, and that makes this worth it to me.” The free shuttle runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Starting Fresh. INSIDE
Courtesy photo
Water School participants took off July 27 from Fort Hamer Park to tour the Manatee River.
Waves of learning Program touts value in water conservation, planning. SEE PAGE 4