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East County

    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 7, 2011
CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT: Gullett Elementary

With the holiday break behind them, fifth-grade students at Gullett Elementary School already are busy focusing on their schoolwork. The East County Observer caught up with a few students in Melissa Raynor's class to find out about their academic goals for the upcoming semester.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 6, 2011
Manatee schools 'Race to the Top'

The Manatee County School District on Monday became one of 11 districts statewide to receive additional state funding through the 'Race to the Top' grant program.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 6, 2011
Sheriff's office conducts drug drop-off program

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office this week began its Citizen Medication Collection Program to provide a safe disposal location for unused prescription medications.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 6, 2011
Ranch predicts increased home sales

Lakewood Ranch is leading the market in commercial real estate with its 11% vacancy rate compared to the 13% in downtown Sarasota and 22% in the remainder of the local market.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Stephen Ross scored 12 points in Braden River's 55-49 overtime victory over Lakewood Ranch Jan. 4.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • January 5, 2011
Pirates top Mustangs in OT

The Braden River High boys basketball team defeated rival Lakewood Ranch 55-49 in overtime of a Class 4A-District 10 contest Jan. 4.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 5, 2011
Humane Society to host adoption event

Members of the new Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch will have plenty of furry friends with them at the Lakewood Ranch Farmers Market this weekend.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Bob Mitchell, president of The Miracle League of Manasota, and Mike Gowan, Gecko's Grill & Pub
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 5, 2011
Gecko's event raises $3,000

Gecko's Grill & Pub, in partnership with ABC 7, helped raise $3,000 for The Miracle League of Manasota during its monthlong Burgers and Buddies for Baseball promotion in December.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • January 5, 2011
SEVEN in 11: New year, new leadership

From the political arena and local business to religion and even the movie industry, these seven leaders will impact all facets of East County life in the new year.

  • East County
  • News
"I'm looking forward to getting a chance to build an installation that will be a statement," Bob Whitford says. "You can consider this the Rose Bowl of rowing."
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • January 5, 2011
SEVEN in 11: Bob Whitford

After spending 22 years as the rowing coordinator and facilities manager for the California State University Aquatics Center, Bob Whitford is bringing his expertise to the East County as Sarasota County's new park manager, where he will oversee the implementation of a new world-class rowing facility at Nathan Benderson Park.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • January 5, 2011
SEVEN in 11: Randy Bezet

In March 2010, Bayside Community Church Pastor Randy Bezet welcomed the East County community to his church's new home - a 54,000-square-foot behemoth on State Road 64. Despite its size, Bayside already has reached capacity. Rather than launch another campaign to expand, Bezet and his Bayside team are planning to open a campus in West Bradenton in February. In doing so, Bayside will become the first East County-based church to expand into another area.

  • East County
  • News
"It's a very important time, and we need strong leadership, and most importantly, the people in Manatee County need to be listened to by their commissioners," Vanessa Baugh says. "People feel like they're not being heard."
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 5, 2011
SEVEN in 11: Vanessa Baugh

If Vanessa Baugh runs for the District 5 Manatee County Commission seat - a decision she says she will make by February - she may be the first person with enough connections and grassroots momentum to seriously challenge incumbent Donna Hayes since she was elected in 2004.

  • East County
  • News
"Anything we're allocating money to, we need to look at," says Julie Aranibar
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 5, 2011
SEVEN in 11: Julie Aranibar

Lakewood Ranch resident Julie Aranibar has more than a decade of volunteer work with Manatee County Public Schools. Now, she'll use that experience to affect policy as a member of the Manatee County School Board.

  • East County
  • News
"I think Sarasota-Bradenton is one of the few communities in the area that embraces and supports the arts, theater and film," says Ken Sanborn. "This area is more arts friendly than anywhere in Florida."
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • January 5, 2011
SEVEN in 11: Ken Sanborn

In September 2010, Longboat Key resident Ken Sanborn formally unveiled plans for Miami 24/7 - a movie-studio project intended for Lakewood Ranch. In mid-May, Sanborn Studios LLC will begin filming the first 13 episodes of its first TV series, "Miami 24/7."

  • East County
  • News
"It's been great to be able to transition into what you are campaigning for," says Greg Steube. "It's truly an honor to be one of the few people in the state to represent somebody."
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 5, 2011
SEVEN in 11: Greg Steube

After more than two years of campaigning, 32-year-old Greg Steube finally can put his ideas into action as the District 67 representative in the Florida House of Representatives.

  • East County
  • News
"(Knowing) your involvement directly impacts something bigger than we are is exciting," Bobbi Larson says of her work at the American Red Cross.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • January 5, 2011
SEVEN in 11: Bobbi Larson

Four years ago, Bobbi Larson joined the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance as a way to bring recognition to the American Red Cross-Manatee Chapter. This month, the ARC CEO will begin serving her third year on the alliance's board of directors - this time as chairman.

  • East County
  • News
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