Manatee County Sheriff's Office deputies raised an American flag as part of the ceremony.
Retired New York City firefighters put out flowers.
Manatee County Commissioner Donna Hayes spoke at the 9/11 event.
Tim Hyden, training officer for East Manatee Fire Rescue, spoke about how the attacks united the country.
Jaden Jungers shared here essay from the East County Observer's essay contest.
Members of Braden River High School's Key Club volunteered at the event.
Camryn Kolbe, 2, plays with an American flag.
Miley Newman, 3, plays with a VFW Buddy Poppy before the ceremony starts.
Amber Falkner, of St. Stephen's Episcopal School, handed out American flags.
Lakewood Ranch residents Lenny and Jeannette DeRasmo were in New York at the time of the attacks. "It still brings chills; I still see it," Jeannette DeRasmo said. "It was a terrible day."
Rae Andrews, 16, of Lakewood Ranch High School, got a front row seat.
The Lakewood Ranch High School band played several patriotic songs.
Lakewood Ranch resident and business owner Dan Barion, a retired New York City police officer, shared about his experience on Sept. 11, 2001.
Marissa Boccarossa, Lucy Crank and Amanda Boccarossa came out with their families.
U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, left, and Manatee County Commissioner Donna Hayes, center, greeted residents.
Toby Chinwuba, of St. Stephen's Episcopal School, handed out American flags.
A Color Guard presented the colors.
Zach Correa of Lakewood Ranch High School played taps.
Lakewood Ranch student Natalie Novak reads her winning essay.
