Chester, an umbrella cockatoo, loves talking to people like Lakewood Ranch's Jana Marra and Sarasota's Lethe Kazeh-Anfo.
Photo by Liz Ramos
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Del Webb's Sheree Parke stood with other members of the Lakewood Ranch Community Emergency Response Team handing out hurricane guides.
The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance's Block Party and Club Day April 12 gave Lakewood Ranch CERT an opportunity to meet new residents or people considering a move to the area. They educated them not only about CERT but how to be prepared for hurricane season.
"We're all about educating our neighbors to make our communities safer," said Lorraine Lakes' Gary Cockfield, who also is a CERT board member.
It wasn't all serious business as the block party lived up to its billing. The band Hangtime entertained those who attended and plenty of activities were available for both kids and adults.
The Block Party and Club Day filled Main Street at Lakewood Ranch with dozens of local businesses and clubs to give people a glimpse at what is available in Lakewood Ranch.
Chester, an umbrella cockatoo, loves talking to people like Lakewood Ranch's Jana Marra and Sarasota's Lethe Kazeh-Anfo.
Photo by Liz Ramos
Hangtime Sarasota gets people up and dancing.
Photo by Liz Ramos
Ilonka Sharell says it was awesome to hold Freckles, a bunny with Happy Hooves Mobile Ranch.
Photo by Liz Ramos
Baby Fox Academy infant teacher Katie Evans, voluntary pre-K teacher Jana Tardiff and preschool teacher Debbie Mottad provide activities for children while dressed as foxes.
Photo by Liz Ramos
Charlie Meserve looks at the moon through a big telescope.
Photo by Liz Ramos
Lakewood Ranch Digital Photography Club members Katheryn De Young, David Kursten, Dick Foster, Susan Beausang, Joseph Heil and Judy Ramlow showcase their work while recruiting new members.
Photo by Liz Ramos
Marty the Marauder makes his way around Main Street at Lakewood Ranch giving people fist bumps.
Photo by Liz Ramos
Petunia, a pig with Happy Hooves Mobile Ranch, loves meeting new people, especially if there's a chance she'll be fed blueberries.
Photo by Liz Ramos
Jaclyn Pearson, the owner of Happy Hooves Mobile Ranch, allows people to interact with Freckles, a bunny out on its first outing after being born a few weeks ago.
Photo by Liz Ramos
Arbor Grande's Donna Marino promotes the Little Free Library Club, which builds little free libraries and installs them at parks throughout Lakewood Ranch.
Photo by Liz Ramos
Lakewood Ranch Women's Club Eileen Buzzard, Cheryl Breining and Linda Stone love the community and friendship of their club. "Also the sense of humor, our members are hysterical," Buzzard says.
Photo by Liz Ramos
Lakewood Ranch Community Emergency Response Team members Lorraine Lakes' Gary Cockfield and Del Webb's Sheree Parke want people to be prepared for hurricane season, so they are handing out hurricane guides.
Photo by Liz Ramos
Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch members Ted Lindenberg, Ryan Brems, Sybil Porter, Govind Singh, Christi Womack Villalobos, Marie Thompson and Jim McFarland share the club's various projects. Porter, who is the president, says it's a lot of fun talking to the community and promoting the club.
Photo by Liz Ramos
The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance Block Party and Club Day packs Main Street at Lakewood Ranch with dozens of businesses and clubs.
Photo by Liz Ramos
Stefanie Guido and Kathy Ditting man the Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee booth, sharing the nonprofit's mission and various programs.
Managing Editor Liz Ramos previously covered education and community for the East County Observer. Before moving to Florida, Liz was an education reporter for the Lynchburg News & Advance in Virginia for two years after graduating from the Missouri School of Journalism.
