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East County

River Club resident Misty Pope sells custom made diaper cakes through her business Ladybug Bakeries.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 1, 2011
STORE AROUND THE CORNER: Ladybug Bakeries

River Club resident Misty Pope began selling custom made diaper cakes in January.

  • East County
  • News
"Each spring, the U.S. House of Representatives sponsors an art competition for high school students," U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan said.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 1, 2011
Buchanan promotes youth art

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan is encouraging local high school students to participate in the 30th Annual Congressional Student Arts Competition.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 1, 2011
River Landings home burglarized

Burglar(s) stole about $20,000 in jewelry and electronics from a home in River Landings Thursday afternoon.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 1, 2011
Polo players go medieval!

APRIL FOOLS' DAY - The Sarasota Polo Club already is home to the Sport of Kings. Soon, it will become the home to the Sport of Knights as well.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 1, 2011
Creature spotted at Benderson Park

APRIL FOOLS' DAY - They're calling her Benderson Bessie.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch may be forced to stop using its name because of a provision contained in the property's original land grant.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 1, 2011
JEOPARDY

APRIL FOOLS' DAY - Because of original land grants from the Spanish government, Lakewood Ranch may be forced to pay a $5 billion 'territorial payment' or change its name.

  • East County
  • News
Derricks such as these will dot the Summerfield community.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 1, 2011
Ranch CDD considers oil drilling

APRIL FOOLS' DAY - At least one Lakewood Ranch CDD 1 official hopes the option of oil drilling on CDD property could help reduce assessments for residents.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • April 1, 2011
Ranch Friends challenge incorporation group to sumo

APRIL FOOLS' DAY - Friends of Lakewood Ranch leaders want to settle the debate regarding incorporation through ancient Japanese wrestling.

  • East County
  • News
The new mascot for the combined Lakewood Ranch/Braden River team will be a live horse wearing a pirate hat.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • April 1, 2011
District to combine Braden River, Lakewood teams

APRIL FOOLS' DAY - To help balance both schools' budgets, the Lakewood Ranch Mustangs and Braden River Pirates will become one team beginning next fall.

  • East County
  • News
The Jensen statue will be similar to the famous Rocky statue in Philadelphia, Pa.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • April 1, 2011
SMR to build Jensen statue

APRIL FOOLS' DAY -- Just two weeks after Schroeder-Manatee Ranch unveiled the name and logo of its new sports complex off State Road 70, officials have decided to change both.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • April 1, 2011
Ranch changes signature color

APRIL FOOLS' DAY - One year after changing its signature color, Lakewood Ranch is again swapping swatches.

  • East County
  • News
    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
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Latest in East County

1
Leighton Paul holds team-high marks for batting average, runs and hits through the first six games of the Pirates' 2026 season.
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Bradenton's Madison Hokanson, 5, and Jaxson Hokanson, 2, came dressed for the occasion to the Irish Celtic Festival at Greenbrook Adventure Park on March 7.
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