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East County | Neighbors

Dan Bue, a U.S. Navy veteran, is both a client and a team member at Operation Warrior Resolution.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 24, 2026
Manatee nonprofit shortens path to wellness for veterans

Operation Warrior Resolution offers brain-based healing to help veterans deal with past trauma.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sydney McCullough takes mom, Belle, and 2-week-old foal, Nezuko, for a walk Wednesday at Herrmann's Royal Lipizzan Stallions in Myakka City.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 23, 2026
New foal brings joy to Herrmann's Royal Lipizzan Stallions

"Nezuko" joins the all-star lineup in Myakka City.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sienna Linn, a rising first grader at Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy, says she has no pets at home but has had a blast with her dog, Mia, at the Little Vet School camp.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • June 20, 2026
Little Vet School teaches skills at The Out-of-Door Academy's summer camp

The program, one of Little Medical School Suncoast's camps, teaches students how to safely care for dogs and cats.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Eadon Foster, a rising fourth grader at Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary, and Zion Stenzler, a rising fifth grader at Rowlett Elementary Academy, each use microscopes to look at a goldfish scale, dandelion fuzz, pollen, and more.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • June 19, 2026
Mad Scientist Adventures Camp presents students with scientific challenges

The summer camp at Braden River Middle School is run by teachers with themed activities.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Attendees were impressed by the fireworks across Sarasota Bay.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 19, 2026
Fourth of July 2026 events in Sarasota, Longboat Key and Lakewood Ranch

From parades to the classic fireworks, check out these events to help you celebrate Independence Day right.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Audubon Society members say doves aren't the smartest birds when it comes to choosing a place to build a nest.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 17, 2026
Couple hatches plan to protect doves that nested in front door wreath

A River Club couple will keep people away from their front door so a dove family can raise babies.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Jim Emanuelson is the president of Lakewood Ranch CERT, and John McInally is the responder liaison.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 10, 2026
Lakewood Ranch nonprofit quick to respond in an emergency

CERT members aren't first responders, but they can offer valuable aid before help arrives.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Isabella Cz, a rising sixth grader at Dr. Mona Jain Middle School, and Skylar Flandreau, a rising sixth grader at Martha B. King Middle School, take turns playing the ukulele during the Manatee Arts Education Council smARTen Up Camp.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • June 4, 2026
Smarten Up Camp gives Manatee County students advanced arts opportunities

Over four days, the Manatee Arts Education Council hosted students who are gifted in the arts.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Gabrielle Finnegan, chapter president of the Lakewood Ranch High School Future Farmers of America, checks out Lucy the cow with 7-year-old camper Luca Bellantonio.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • June 3, 2026
Camp churns out important agricultural lessons in Lakewood Ranch

Future Farmers of America members teach campers about animal and plant science and environmental leadership.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Blair "Chip" Kunka and Jan Kunka of the Bradenton Lions Club didn't previously have a young contact to start a Leo Club. When Tyler LaPlaca reached out, they were all in.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • June 3, 2026
Teen founds Lakewood Ranch Leo Club to provide community service

When Tyler LaPlaca realized there wasn't a Leo Club to encourage young people to be involved in community service, he took matters into his own hands.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch's Cole Mule and Bodie Hogan, both 3 years old, explore the bee-themed magnet activity.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 31, 2026
Literacy lessons a hot summer topic at Lakewood Ranch Library

The Summer Learning Kickoff Party provided activities May 30 and marked the start of several programs.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
For the final Ranch Nite Wednesdays of the season, Randy Bordon and Bri Rivera of the Bri Rivera Band perform for the crowd.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 30, 2026
Crowd jams final Ranch Nite Wednesdays of the season

The weekly event runs October through May at Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
James Bacigalupi and Trevor Garofalo give Harry Noordzy a lift, just as they did five years ago at Station 12.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 28, 2026
Myakka's Station 12 remains a part of Harry's world

Now 5, the firehouse baby returned to visit the firefighters who helped deliver him.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Heather Hackett, the founder of Local Relief, Inc., earned the 2024 C. John A. Clarke Humanitarian Award for her work with her nonprofit.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 27, 2026
Don't sleep on hurricane season because 2025 was slow

Side of Ranch March 28

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Yolanda Mancha is the foundation's vice president of philanthropy, and Veronica Thames is the CEO.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 26, 2026
Manatee Community Foundation is perpetually giving

The advantage of donating to MCF is that a donation today can quadruple over time.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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Latest in East County

1
Reclaimed water systems run separately from drinking-water systems.
  • June 24, 2026
Dry weather cuts into Manatee reclaimed-water system's pressure
2
This house in Plantation Oaks is advertised on several booking platforms as sleeping up to 32 guests.
  • June 24, 2026
Manatee County commissioners consider regulating vacation rentals
3
Mia Busser's recruitment opened June 15 following the USA Gymnastics Women's Development Program National Championships. There, she placed fourth in the all-around, second on floor and fourth on vault.
  • June 24, 2026
Lakewood Ranch gymnast soars to career-best success
4
Dan Bue, a U.S. Navy veteran, is both a client and a team member at Operation Warrior Resolution.
  • June 24, 2026
Manatee nonprofit shortens path to wellness for veterans
5
Sparklers are among the items not allowed under Manatee County's burn-ban rules.
  • June 23, 2026
Manatee County sets burn ban as dry conditions persist

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