High school teacher advances career

+ Next chapter 

After 12 years of building Braden River High School's Technology Student Association team, Braden Woods' Gil Burlew will teach advanced manufacturing and production at Manatee Technical College. 

While Burlew was the lead TSA adviser at Braden River, the team brought home top overall performance at the TSA National Conference six years in a row, including this year. 

"My kids stepped up and made me the proudest adviser in the country," Burlew said. "It has been a beautiful ride."

+ Divine orientation

Lakewood Ranch Baptist Church's new pastor, the Rev. Rick Hardison, said he didn't want to waste time getting to know his new community so he grabbed a copy of the East County Observer his first week on the job.

He shared his first message with congregants July 30, and will greet church members and visitors during a meet-and-greet and End of Summer Party at 6 p.m. Aug. 6 at the church. The celebration will feature food trucks, waterslides and other family fun events.