Year in Photos 2015

Manatee County employee Sia Mollanazar answers questions about the configuration of future Upper Manatee River Road during a public meeting at Haile Middle School.

Madisyn Opstal, 13, attempts to gently toss an egg to her partner during The Out-of-Door Academy’s Spirit Day.

Alaina Kimsey, as Happy, and Abbey Walsh, as Sneezy, dance joyfully in the Russian School of Ballet’s performance of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.”

Sonya Stratton and the Straight South performs, including Doug Row on lead guitar, Sonya Stratton on bass and Jeff Folger on the banjo at Linger Lodge Restaurant’s Bluegrass Festival and Gumbo Cook-off.

Volunteer Jenna Durst, 16, propped up her hair with a water bottle during River Life Church’s “Crazy Hair Day.

Braden River and Lakewood Ranch High School football teams compete on the gridiron.

Trainer Nick Johnson knows what it takes to convert race horses into polo athletes. He had his horses ready for the polo season opener on Dec. 13.

The holiday season, as always, featured lots of school plays and concerts. Reese Swanson and Khushi Talluru played Mr. and Mrs. Mayor in Willis Elementary’s “Christmas at the OK Corral.”

File photos Pajama factory workers hold a rally during Lakewood Ranch High School’s production of “The Pajama Game.”

Randy Bezet, right, competes in the dress-up-your-dad contest with his daughter, Emily, during Gene Witt Elementary’s father/daughter dance.

Malcolm Thornton chats with friends over appetizers, during the Art Association of Palm Aire Country Club’s artists’ reception.

Left: Dennis Bowsher sails over a jump with his horse while competing in the Modern Pentathlon World Cup No. 1.

East County resident Alisha Erozer returned to school for her senior year at United World College of Mostar, in Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovinia. This photo was taken on top of an old bank that was destroyed by war. The orange building in the background is Ero

Lucy Briggs and Devin Pontow get wet kisses from a new friend at the Manatee County Fair.

Carrie Wick demonstrates pushups and other exercises that would be part of her Surfset classes at the Lakewood Ranch YMCA.

Evan Branson and Madison McCaffery race to knock over a pin at Risen Savior Lutheran Church’s Vacation Bible School.

Diana Greene took over as superintendent of the Manatee County School District. She has 28 years of experience in education and began her career as an elementary school teacher.

Lakewood Ranch developer Schroeder-Manatee Ranch and Major League Football officials announce the league’s decision to come to Lakewood Ranch.

Marsha Panuce made her Donte’s Den animal shelter become a reality in Bradenton.

The Rev. Steve Price, right, takes a selfie with Harvest United Methodist Vacation Bible School attendees.

Bella Guzman and Lentz Laurent dance the night away at Lakewood Ranch High’s prom

Basia Kuehn plays in the Nolan Middle School’s chamber orchestra during Nolan Night on Main Street.

File photos Cycling continued to be a major event in Lakewood Ranch. Wendy Abner leads a group of riders down Main Street as she finishes the 200-mile Team Tony Cycle for Life event.

Jordan Blanton’s shotgun shell flies after he shoots a clay during the Harvest Moon Classic.

Edgewater resident Don O’Leary shares memories of the early days of the community’s development as Lakewood Ranch celebrates its 20th birthday.

Dave Chaloupka was all smiles after buying the Rosa Fiorelli Winery and Vineyard in East County.