• Alternate Text

  • Loading

  • Holiday Gift Guide
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App
  • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • LWR Life
  • Galleries
  • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Longboat
    • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • LWR Life
  • Galleries
  • More
    • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Holiday Gift Guide
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

East County

Faith Life Church's building boasts a strong presence in Branson. Courtesy Photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 4, 2012
Delve into 12: Faith Life Church

The Branson, Mo.-based mega church is slated to begin holding services in its new Lakewood Ranch campus starting this month.

  • East County
  • News
Benderson Development Executive Director of Leasing Mark Chait said he has received positive feedback about the retail offerings the company has brought to the area.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 4, 2012
Delve into 12: Benderson Development

Benderson Development already is working on an expansion to its existing University Town Center project and intends to start work on its regional mall by the end of the year, as well.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • January 4, 2012
Delve into 12: Nathan Benderson Aquatic Nature Center

Leaders are working to make the East County rowing venue the first in the United States to be considered a Class A facility by the International Federation of Rowing Association.

  • East County
  • News
What Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance President Brian Volner learned at his first Alliance meeting —and subsequent ones — are the things today that continue to drive Volner’s passion for the Alliance and its vision.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 4, 2012
Delve into 12: Brian Volner

As a the retail sales manager at Community Bank and the new president of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, Volner's work and spare time both are dedicated to helping small businesses improve and succeed.

  • East County
  • News
Ron Lambert will become the new band director for Lakewood Ranch High School in June. As a clinician for Yamaha, REMO Drum Heads, and Innovative Percussion, he has helped keep Lakewood’s band program as innovative as possible over the years.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 4, 2012
Delve into 12: Ron Lambert

Ron Lambert will take the helm of Lakewood Ranch High School's band program after Bob Schaer retires in June.

  • East County
  • News
Courtesy rendering.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • January 4, 2012
Delve into 12: LECOM School of Dental Medicine

The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine will open its School of Dental Medicine in July.

  • East County
  • News
More than 21,000 soccer fans attended the 2011 Development Academy Winter Showcase and Nike International Friendlies tournament in December. File photo.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • January 4, 2012
Delve into 12: Premier Sports Campus

Leaders expect Lakewood Ranch's newest amenity to bring more than $60 million into the East County economy in 2012.

  • East County
  • News
Tara resident Sandy Gilbert leads the Community Affairs Committee, a group that is preparing to fight the Tara Bridge project.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 4, 2012
Delve into 12: Bridge Battle

Although East County residents won't see any construction starting on the Tara Bridge or Fort Hamer Bridge this year, the fate of both bridges will be up for discussion in 2012.

  • East County
  • News
Although she has dabbled in other careers, Rebecca Gutierrez always has returned to polo. She calls it fate.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • January 4, 2012
Delve into 12: Rebecca Gutierrez

The Sarasota Polo Club's polo operations manager has big plans for one of the East County's most beloved pastimes.

  • East County
  • News
Chef Christopher Covelli
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 4, 2012
Delve into 12: Viking Culinary Center

The Viking Culinary Center on Lakewood Ranch Main Street already has garnered local attention. Its new manager, Christopher Covelli, hopes to bring it national attention in 2012, as well.

  • East County
  • News
Lyndsy McDonald and her staff of 10 bake about 200 cupcakes each day in addition to her catering orders.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • January 4, 2012
Delve into 12: Lyndsy McDonald

Pastries by Design owner Lyndsy McDonald, who moved into her new storefront on Main Street in Lakewood Ranch Sept. 1, saw her business nearly triple in 2011.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • January 4, 2012
OBSERVED: Optimism abounds in new year

For the past four years, the East County Observer has begun the new year with special editions highlighting the people and issues we believed would have significant influence in the East County in the following 12 months.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Kiera and Ben are Anchin Pavilion’s newest animal residents.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 4, 2012
Poodles brighten Anchin Pavilion Assisted Living Community

Ben and Kiera, two miniature poodles, recently found a home at Anchin Pavilion Assisted Living Community, where they provide joy and support for residents.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Joshua Rogers and Brett Wagner were close friends for most of their lives. Courtesy photos.
  • By Pam Eubanks and Jen Blanco
  • January 4, 2012
IN MEMORY: Lakewood Ranch remembers crash victims

Lakewood Ranch High School seniors Brett Wagner and Joshua Rogers died from injuries sustained in an accident Dec. 25.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch resident Jim Longhitano took this sunset photo last summer.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 4, 2012
Cool Today Weather Photo Contest Winner

Lakewood Ranch resident Jim Longhitano took this sunset photo last summer.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
« 1254 1255 1256 1257 1258 1259 1260 1261 1262 1263 »
The best of Your Observer, delivered directly to your inbox

Get the latest in news, sports, schools, arts and things to do in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key and East County.

Sign Up

Latest in East County

1
Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
  • December 21, 2025
Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
2
Santa greets visitors from the window of 9605 Governor's Club Place in The River Club.
  • December 20, 2025
Christmas decorating isn't just for kids
3
The Family Church caroling crew from left to right is Melody Johnson, Laurie Houston, Nancy Pilato, Pastor Phil Derstine and Terrial Robinson.
  • December 20, 2025
East Manatee church members will go through bars to spread Christmas joy
4
Charlie Shachat, a co-founder of the Foolishly Festive Christmas Parade, decided to be part of the show for the "Jaws" 50th anniversary.
  • December 19, 2025
Esplanade continues tradition of being 'foolishly festive' for parade
5
Citrus County woman held in shooting death of Manatee man
  • December 18, 2025
Citrus County woman held in shooting death of Manatee man

App

Download the Your Observer app

Stay in the know with the latest local news. Any device, anytime, anywhere.

DOWNLOAD NOW

Contact

  • 1970 Main St.
  • Third Floor
  • Sarasota, FL 34236
  • Phone: 941-366-3468
  • FPN Verified

Extra, Extra!

  • Newsletters
  • App
  • Crossword
  • Contests

more

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Classifieds
  • Advertise
  • Rack Locations
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Options

sister sites

  • Business Observer
  • Jax Daily Record
  • Orange Observer
  • Accessibility Options
  • Copyright © 2025 Observer Media Group Inc., All Rights Reserved
Sign Up for Daily Headlines

A daily dose of news from Longboat Key, East County, Sarasota and Siesta Key.

Sign Up for In Case You Missed It

A Saturday dose of the week's top stories from Sarasota, Longboat Key and East County.

The Your Observer App is Here!

Get local news you can trust — now on your phone, tablet or laptop. Fast. Free. Easy to Use.
Stay informed, wherever you are.

Download Now