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East County

Jen Blanco, Associate Editor
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 28, 2011
COMMENT: East County athletes impressive in 2011

It seems like only yesterday that I saw the Lakewood Ranch boys soccer team make school history, hopped in my car and drove halfway across the state to cover the softball state semifinals and watched another group of seniors bid farewell to their coaches and teammates.

  • East County
  • Sports
The Braden River High boys basketball team defeated rival Lakewood Ranch 38-37 in overtime of the Class 4A-District 10 championship Feb. 11 to capture the program’s first district title.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 28, 2011
YEAR IN SPORTS: A Look Back

The year 2011 was one of the most eventful in recent history for East County sports. In the past 12 months, we've celebrated local teams capturing district, regional and state championships. We've seen our talented athletes and teams make school history. And we've watched them overcome unexpected coaching changes.

  • East County
  • Sports
Saturated Sky: John Nesbitt took this sunset photo last fall from his back yard in Sabal Harbour.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 28, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: 2011 Weather Winners

Naming a weekly winner became increasingly more difficult throughout the year, and it seemed each new submission was more beautiful than the last. We hope you enjoy this look at some of our favorite submissions from 2011. We'd also like to thank all of our contestants so far and invite you to continue submitting in the new year.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Students at Rosaire's Riding Academy saddled up for a day full of horseback riding fun July 11. Published July 21, 2011.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 28, 2011
YEAR IN PICTURES: July, 2011

Take a look back at photos from this year in The East County Observer.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
For the last two years, business owner Mark Manges had his eyes set on a space in Lakewood Ranch's San Marco Plaza.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 28, 2011
TOP STORY, JULY: San Marco Plaza

With banks finally foreclosing on units in San Marco Plaza, business owners began snatching up spaces at reduced prices and increasing traffic to the plaza.

  • East County
  • News
"I do believe in leading by example, showing respect and building relationships," Lakewood Ranch Town Hall's Executive Director Eva Rey said. "There isn't anything I would ask my employee to do that I wouldn't do myself."
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 27, 2011
TOP STORY, JUNE: Eva Rey

The Villages' Eva Rey was chosen as Lakewood Ranch Town Hall's new executive director.

  • East County
  • News
Braden River High School students hit the dance floor early for Prom May 13. Published May 19, 2011.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 26, 2011
YEAR IN PICTURES: May, 2011

Take a look back at photos from this year in The East County Observer.

  • East County
  • News
Bob Hendel of the anti-incorporation group, the Friends of Lakewood Ranch, said incorporation would take away local control.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 26, 2011
TOP STORY, MAY: Lakewood Ranch Incorporation Debate

Pro- and anti-incorporation groups faced off Monday for the first Lakewood Ranch Incorporation Debate hosted by the East County Observer.

  • East County
  • News
Eight-graders Tatum Young, Isabelle Basden and Julia Nordhausen walked with Nolan Middle School’s National Junior Honor Society team Lakewood Ranch Relay for Life event at Lakewood Ranch High School April 9-10. Published April 14, 2011.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 25, 2011
YEAR IN PICTURES: April, 2011

Take a look back at photos from this year in The East County Observer.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Leonardo Leal-Geurrero will visit Harvard this weekend. "Even when I didn’t have a house to live (in) or have a home, education was where I got my strength from," Leonardo says. "It was my motivator."
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 25, 2011
TOP STORY, APRIL: Tale of Triumph

When Leonardo Leal-Guerrero immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico in 2005, he knew no English. He then bounced from home to home - sometimes staying with neighbors when he had nowhere else to go. By the end of his high school career, the Braden River senior had two choices for college - Harvard or Stanford.

  • East County
  • News
Cate Eschmann, 12, didn't mind getting wet in the dunk tank at McNeal Elementary's Winter Carnival. Published March 3, 2011.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 24, 2011
YEAR IN PICTURES: March, 2011

Take a look back at photos from this year in The East County Observer.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • December 24, 2011
TOP STORY, MARCH: Premier Sports Complex

In March, Schroeder-Manatee Ranch announced the name of its newest amenity as Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
Following in his mother's footsteps, Clayton Rosaire has taken over the traveling portion of the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary. Published Feb. 3, 2011.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 23, 2011
YEAR IN PICTURES: February, 2011

Take a look back at photos from this year in The East County Observer.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Ivette and Anthony Littlejohn surround their son, Adrian, with positive energy as he undergoes chemotherapy.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • December 23, 2011
TOP STORY, FEB.: Adrian Littlejohn

Adrian Littlejohn, 1, son of Lakewood Ranch coach Anthony Littlejohn and his wife, Ivette, was diagnosed with AT/RT, a rare pediatric cancer.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 22, 2011
SCORES: Mustangs post impressive showing at Southside Duals

The Lakewood Ranch High varsity wrestling team finished 6-1 at the Southside Duals Dec. 16-17 at Dixie Hollins High.

  • East County
  • Sports
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