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East County

    By
  • Michael Eng
  • April 1, 2011
GOTCHA!

Welcome to our the East County Observer's 2011 April Fools' issue!

  • East County
  • Opinion
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • April 1, 2011
Meet the new Lakewood Ranch

APRIL FOOLS' DAY - After watching the incorporation debate rage in their neighboring community to the south, leaders in Heritage Harbour, GreyHawk Landing, Greenfield Plantation and Mill Creek have organized to petition for incorporation.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • April 1, 2011
Meet the new Lakewood Ranch

APRIL FOOLS' DAY - After watching the incorporation debate rage in their neighboring community to the south, leaders in Heritage Harbour, GreyHawk Landing, Greenfield Plantation and Mill Creek have organized to petition for incorporation.

  • East County
  • News
General Manager Darrin Foil, founder Bill Shumate and Vice President of Operations Bill Milner represented Square 1 Burgers, which opened in the East County March 1.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 31, 2011
GALLERY: EDC Hob Nob

Severe thunderstorms and a last-minute venue change didn't keep business professionals away from an annual Hob Nob barbecue event hosted by the Manatee Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Council. Hundreds of guests enjoyed an evening of food and drink, live entertainment and networking March 31 at the Manatee Civic Center.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • March 31, 2011
Lady Pirates swing past Lady Rams

The Braden River High softball team defeated Riverview 4-1 March 29.

  • East County
  • Sports
Fifth-grade students demonstrated tricks during Bashaw Elementary's Jump for Fun event March 30.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • March 31, 2011
GALLERY: Bashaw Elementary Jump for Fun

Students at Bashaw Elementary School showed off their jump-roping skills during the school's annual Jump for Fun event March 30. Fifth-grade students demonstrated a variety of jump-roping tricks before the rest of the school joined in on the fun.

  • East County
  • Schools
Diane Block had her eye on a Godiva chocolate gift basket.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 31, 2011
GALLERY: Elegantly Fresh

Ladies in the Lakewood Ranch Women's Club gathered March 30 at the Polo Grill and Bar's Fete Ballroom for the club's fifth annual luncheon and fashion show, which this year was themed "Elegantly Fresh."

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Primrose School kindergartner Cameron Phayre and his father, Scott, celebrated after learning their family had won third-prize in the Family Dance-off video contest.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • March 30, 2011
GALLERY: Phayre Family Celebration

Kindergarten students at Primrose School at Lakewood Ranch Town danced their hearts out in celebration after fellow classmate Cameron Phayre and his family were named the third-prize winners of the Family Dance-off March 30. In honor of the Phayre family's victory, Primrose presented a $15,000 check to All Children's Hospital. The Phayre family also received a check for $1,500.

  • East County
  • Schools
CEO Craig Johnson is excited to take on his new role.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • March 30, 2011
Meet FCCI's new CEO

One of the largest insurance firms on the Gulf Coast has a new leader for the first time since 1999. Expectations are high.

  • East County
  • News
"God's love for us is a million times more," Fr. Dan Smith said. "I want to help (families) feel that love and get that love to the kids."
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 30, 2011
Our Lady of the Angels welcomes new priest

Fr. Dan Smith now will lead the congregation at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Community.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 30, 2011
News Briefs 03.31.11

The Lakewood Ranch Mom's Group recently donated new toys, crafts and baby items to be used by patients at All Children's Hospital.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 30, 2011
Cops Corner 03.31.11

The complainant reported he had lost a $9,050 check made out to a client after he placed it on his desk.

  • East County
  • Cops Corner
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 30, 2011
OUR VIEW: Manatee is open for business

What happens when a county building department begins acting like a business and focusing on customer service and cost controls? You get Manatee County and an environment that is prepared for economic recovery.

  • East County
  • Opinion
  • By Rod Thomson
  • March 30, 2011
MY VIEW: Needed: Barbarian with a pen

The mask of journalism falls when a Herald-Tribune job posting reveals the type of investigative reporter the newspaper wants - 'reporters of questionable hygiene.'

  • East County
  • Opinion
Anissa Murgo said she's most excited to meet the other top spellers from across the nation.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 30, 2011
McNeal fourth-grader wins local spelling bee finals

McNeal student Anissa Murgo spelled correctly 'pitchblende' to win the Scripps National Spelling Bee Local Finals. She will compete in the national competition June 1-2 in Washington, D.C.

  • East County
  • News
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