Like most of you, I've spent the past few weeks wrapping more Christmas presents than I can count, making more trips to the post office than some people probably make in a lifetime and hitting the shops in hopes of finding those last-minute Christmas gifts.
For me, the Winter Olympics couldn’t have come at a more perfect time.
Three words quickly come to mind when thinking about the Lady Mustangs soccer team — driven, dominant and unstoppable.
Freshmen Kristin Zarrella, Olivia Ortiz, Ashley Platt and Natalie Novak, sophomore Devin McDermott and junior leader Emily Wray combine to form one of the most talented girls cross country teams in Lakewood Ranch history.
The Lady Pirates begin their quest for their first district title tonight in the semifinals of the Class 4A-District 10 Tournament.
Ryan Fischer spent two weeks under center for Braden River when his older broker, starting QB Stephen Fischer, was out because of illness.
At 2-2, Lakewood has shown both its strengths and its weaknesses on the gridiron this season.
Lakewood Ranch's new quarterback coach played in one of the best bowl games in college football history. And I was there.
This Friday has been circled on my calendar for months. And now after enduring countless hours of summer workouts and fall practices, Aug. 28 — the day I’ve been waiting for — is merely two days away.
For the first time in more than a month, I don’t have to work a single night this week. I’m not quite sure what to do with myself.
About Jen Blanco
My passion for sports developed while growing up in northeast Ohio. As a child I spent many winter afternoons curled up on the couch with my family watching football and basketball while trying to escape the cold. But as a lot of you already know, the Cleveland area isn’t exactly bursting with championships. It wasn’t until my freshman year at Ohio State University that I finally experienced the thrill of a national championship; and as I reveled in the moment, I realized that those were the experiences I wanted to be a part of. I graduated from OSU in 2006 with a degree in journalism. Shortly thereafter, I moved to Florida after receiving a job offer with the Observer Group. I live in Lakewood Ranch with my husband, Brian, and my 2-year-old cocker spaniel, Allie. When I’m not busy working, I enjoy reading, going to the beach, working out and cheering on the Buckeyes.
Other YO Blogs
Single In Sarasota
Town Talk
Budget Babe
Life in Writing
Why So Moody?
Dora The Explorer
Scene & Heard
Black Tie & Tales
Le Bell Canto
Living Whole
Fishing Report
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PHOTO GALLERY: Father/Daughter Dance
02/10/12
Fathers and daughters at Braden River Elementary School danced the night away Feb. 10 during the school's Father/Daughter Dance. -
Pirates win back-to-back district titles
02/10/12
The Braden River High boys basketball team captured its second-consecutive district title with a 68-56 victory over Venice in the Class 7A-District 11 championship Feb. 10. -
PHOTO GALLERY:Freedom Grandparents Breakfast
02/10/12
Students at Freedom Elementary School spent a special morning with their grandparents during the school’s Grandparents Breakfast Feb. 10. Following breakfast, students made sure to stop by the book fair with their grandparents before heading off to class. -
FEB. 10: Daily Headlines Video
02/10/12
Join us as we observe and report today's stories from Longboat Key, East County, Sarasota, and Siesta Key.
- Feb
11 'Lessons from Little Rock'
6:00 am - Feb
11 The Big Cheese Event
8:00 am - 1:00 pm - Feb
11 Medicine Buddha Empowerment
9:00 am - 6:00 pm - Feb
11 Southwest Florida Heritage Festival
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
