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East County

Lakewood Ranch’s Ian Harding says improvement in the housing market is one of the indicators on which he based his decision to relocate his family to the area and start a new business here.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 2, 2013
Looking ahead: Economic Outlook

A veteran of the utilities industry, Ian Harding had a burning desire to own a business. However, what to do as a new career and when to begin was another story.

  • East County
  • News
New board Chairman Larry Bustle says Betsy Benac and Vanessa Baugh, both elected in November, have brought less bickering and political plays and more harmonious cooperation between commissioners.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • January 2, 2013
Looking ahead: Government

It might take a simple smile to address complex issues such as economic growth, diversifying the tax base and distributing the budget in a county starving for new revenues.

  • East County
  • News
At less than two years old, Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch is making a name for itself in the sporting industry, attracting the 2012 Nike International Friendlies and other large tournament play, since opening in mid-2011.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 2, 2013
Looking ahead: Sports Tourism

Joe Pickett, who heads up the Braden Area Sports Commission, says he expects lacrosse to be the area's fastest-growing sport, with the area becoming a 'hub' for the sport within the next five years.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • January 2, 2013
Looking ahead: Real Estate

Sales, prices and new listings all are up in Lakewood Ranch and the Bradenton/Sarasota area, but are there enough homes to go around?

  • East County
  • News
Interim Superintendent David Gayler and the school board heard new academic plans from Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Bob Gagnon in a December workshop.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • January 2, 2013
Looking ahead: Schools

Last year's budget disaster weighs on the minds of school board members and administration as they prepare to hire a new superintendent in 2013.

  • East County
  • Schools
Photos by Mark Wemple
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • January 2, 2013
Through the Trees

A bold couple seeks success with a new entry in an old industry: Florida amusement and recreation. It's a good thing they aren't afraid of heights.

  • East County
  • News
The school’s lobby will be its main feature, serving as a reception area, a 350-seat dining hall, a multi-purpose room and even
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 2, 2013
Sneak peek into new MTI

Manatee Technical Institute's new East County campus, with 210,000 square feet, opens Jan. 7. The school will celebrate the official grand opening Valentine's Day.

  • East County
  • News
The online coupon company Gerrid Smith co-founded, Save1, takes a percentage of the commission it makes from retail partners, like Target, and donates it to charitable groups. The charities focus on feeding children worldwide. Lori Sax.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • January 2, 2013
Coupon Clipper: Gerrid Smith

An ultra-crowded industry didn't scare off Gerrid Smith. Now he aims to translate bravery - and a charitable-focused business model - into success.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • January 2, 2013
U.S. Air Force photographer comes home early for Christmas

Technical Sgt. Donald Allen returned from a seven-month stay in Africa to surprise his children at school.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
  • By Bob Swiatek
  • January 2, 2013
The 'tail' of Patches

Born in late November 2010 in a litter of puppies from an unknown mother and father was a little, white mixed-breed male.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 2, 2013
BUSINESS OBSERVER

WCI Communities introduces two new neighborhoods; The Founders Golf and Social Club sees record membership; RE/MAX Platinum Realty opens in Lakewood Ranch; Manatee Glens Hospital unveils redesign

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 2, 2013
Our View: The word for 2013: freedom

We have a tradition. Each year on New Year's Eve, we announce at a family gathering our word for the year - the one word that describes how we are going to focus our lives during the New Year.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
East Manatee Fire Rescue Chief Byron Teates
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 2, 2013
Year in review: December 2012, 'District buys land for future stations'

East Manatee Fire Rescue closed on two parcels of land Dec. 14.

  • East County
  • News
The facility's executive chef and facilities manager, Chris Covelli, who had hoped to bring national attention to the cooking center in the coming years, learned of the closure from his staff while he was teaching cooking classes in Italy.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 1, 2013
Year in review: November 2012, 'Paradise Homes files for bankruptcy'

The bankruptcy court trustee has 90 days to sell off assets of the Viking Culinary School, as well as Paradise Homes' other assets, or potentially have someone purchase the business.

  • East County
  • News
Sadie Fletcher, of Lakewood Ranch, gets a good view from the shoulders of her dad, Don, during Light the Night Nov. 3. Published Nov. 8, 2012.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 1, 2013
November Year in Pictures: East County

Enjoy some of our picks for best pictures of November 2012.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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Latest in East County

1
Rev. Phil Woods stands in the newly renovated 10,000-square-foot sanctuary.
  • March 2, 2026
Lakewood Ranch church wraps up $7.7 million expansion
2
Cooper Pote has already been a shortstop, center fielder, third baseman and pitcher this season for the Thunder. At the plate, his contributions have been second-to-none among his teammates.
  • March 2, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Cooper Pote
3
Suncoast Stars Community's Jenny Audet, Julie Audet and Laurel Audet are grateful for the program that provides a wide array of activities including dance, music, fitness and nutrition, knitting, Bible study, crafts, and more.
  • March 1, 2026
Suncoast Stars Community shines bright during fundraising event
4
University Park's Marilyn Kern reacts after making the winning bid during the live auction for a Hawaiian vacation at Sisterhood for Good's Tropical Escape Feb. 27 at the Sarasota Polo Club.
  • February 28, 2026
Sisterhood for Good of Lakewood Ranch hosts Tropical Escape fundraiser
5
Woman, two children identified in Lakewood Ranch death investigation
  • February 27, 2026
Woman, two children identified in Lakewood Ranch death investigation

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