EAST COUNTY
Observer
Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
Campers grin and bear it.
PAGE 4B
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
FREE • THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2022
VOLUME 24, NO. 30
YOUR TOWN
Paramedic priorities examined Workshop’s hot topic involves staffing East Manatee Fire Rescue with paramedics. SEE PAGE 4-5A
File photo
Graduate receives financial liftoff Liam Wilford, who graduated from Braden River High School in May, has received a National Merit Scholarship to the University of Florida. The scholarship automatically qualifies him for the Benacquisto Scholarship Program, a merit scholarship for in-state high school graduates who are National Merit scholars. The program will cover the full cost of tuition at the University of Florida, where Wildford plans to study aerospace engineering. Wildford said he is grateful for the scholarship opportunities, appreciates all of the teachers who helped him along and looks forward to studying mechanical and aerospace engineering. Wilford is one of three students in the School District of Manatee County to be a National Merit scholar. The other students are Carol Bell, who graduated from Palmetto High School, and Alexander AldamaApodaca, who graduated from Southeast High School.
PUPPY PARADISE PROGRESSES Construction continues on Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue expansion in Lakewood Ranch. SEE PAGE 3A Liz Ramos
Ian Swaby
Jennifer Gluvna, a kennel technician, and Rob Oglesby, the development director, help care for animals at Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue as the rescue’s expansion project heads into its final stages. The project originally was an $8 million expansion, but with costs rising, the fundraising goal is now $10 million.
Beautiful learning day in the neighborhood Gregg Behr, the founder of Remake Learning, has sought to bring kindness and innovation to education in the style of his idol, Fred “Mister” Rogers. He was sharing that goal during the Suncoast Learning Brunch June 10 at The Grove in Lakewood Ranch. “Fred Rogers created a neighborhood,” Behr said. “It wasn’t Mister Rogers’ school. He took us around to factories, Museum Go Rounds, gardens, Baker Aker’s Bakery. We went all sorts of places, learning along the way, provoking our curiosity.” Sheila Halpin, coordinator of the campaign for grade-level reading in Manatee County schools, praised Remake Learning for its collaboration with the school district and with her mission to help impoverished children. “We are inspired to be part of such a wonderful event that empowers families and provides an opportunity for vulnerable children,” she said.
Popular chef opens Sofia’s on Main
A+E
Mediterranean dining comes to Main Street at Lakewood Ranch. SEE PAGE 8A Jay Heater
Angelo DiFiore stands in front of the future home of Sofia’s at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch.
Music festival heats up. SEE PAGE 12A