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East County

Samantha Albano (left) and Gabriella Moss (right) are young entrepreneurs who are both driven to succeed.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 16, 2023
Two high school classmates reunite through their businesses

Samantha Albano and Gabriella Moss met in high school. But they reignited their friendship 10 years later through their businesses in San Marco Plaza.

  • East County
  • Business
Kailee Looman and Andrea Evans, LPN students at Manatee Technical College, practice taking each other’s blood pressure.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 16, 2023
Local colleges combat Florida's nursing shortage

Nurses are a critical part of our health care system. But studies show there will be a significant shortage of nurses in Florida by 2035. Here’s how some regional schools are addressing it.

  • East County
  • Schools
Mark Hiser believes in the healing power of horses.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 16, 2023
New executive director brings fresh ideas for SMART growth

As the new executive director of Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy, Mark Hiser has plans to make the organization even more visible.

  • East County
  • Business
The Grinch, in this case Kingsley Sim, appeared at the Santa's Grand Arrival Parade at UTC. His job, however, was to make people smile.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 16, 2023
Santa's Grand Arrival Parade not without a Grinch or two

Traffic congestion at UTC in Sarasota caused the expected social media firestorm.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Jennifer Alokeh and Barbara Najmy lead The Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle with passion and compassion.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • November 16, 2023
Women’s Giving Circle raises valuable funds for regional nonprofits

The Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle has started a legacy that continues to blossom and benefit the community.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Known by her students as “Miss Maria,” Barringhaus is a Red Cross-certified swimming instructor and the founder of the School of Fish Swimming Lessons.
    By
  • Abby Weingarten
  • November 16, 2023
Swimming instructor boosts accessibility, enjoyment for all children

Maria Barringhaus was born to swim. Now she shares her passion with everyone she can.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Concession Golf Club will once again receive worldwide attention when it hosts The World Champions Cup in December.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 15, 2023
Field finalized for World Champions Cup at The Concession

Ten of the top 11 players in the Charles Schwab Cup standings have agreed to play.

  • East County
  • Sports
The holidays are alive in many Lakewood Ranch venues, including Waterside Place.
    By
  • Marty Fugate, Su Byron
  • November 15, 2023
A complete itinerary to keep you and your guests happy this season

Want to be the host with the most? Fill your guests with holiday cheer with this short list of Lakewood Ranch experiences.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
East County veterinarian Margaux Buchanan with mother-and-daughter leopard Appaloosa horses, Pigpen and Safari.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • November 15, 2023
Veterinarian’s love of polo runs through everything she does

Dr. Margaux Buchanan, an equine veterinarian and polo player, raises Appaloosas on her 12-acre Menagerie Farm.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
As Lakewood Ranch has grown over the last two decades, Albert Myara has had his fingerprints on many business deals, both in real estate and restaurants.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 15, 2023
The secret behind Albert Myara’s success isn’t so secret: It's hard work

Lakewood Ranch’s Albert Myara excels at business, but his No. 1 priority is his family.

  • East County
  • Business
Zoe Sommers only works the evening shift at Forked.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 15, 2023
Forked at Night expands into a nightclub at Waterside Place

The popular breakfast eatery is now a nightclub on Friday and Saturday nights.

  • East County
  • News
Greg Para cares for 72 parrots of all different varieties through his nonprofit, the Sarasota Parrot Conservatory.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 15, 2023
Myakka City conservatory is for the birds and veterans

Greg Para started the Sarasota Parrot Conservatory after returning from Afghanistan in 2013.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers is one of a dozen commercial and residential projects being developed along State Road 64 East.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 15, 2023
Restaurants, apartments and more planned for State Road 64 East

Publix, Seasons 52 and Wendy's are among the retailers planning to open in the once-barren S.R. 64 corridor east of I-75.

  • East County
  • News
Rick Schuknecht said a sander from the 1930s actually works better than the new brands.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 15, 2023
Panther Ridge woodworker carves out his niche

The Fall Art Show and Sale on Nov. 18 at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall is Rick Schuknecht's next stop.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Braden River High Marching Band of Pirates finished fifth at the Florida Marching Band Championships on Nov. 11.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 14, 2023
Parrish, Braden River High marching bands place high at state championships

Pride of Parrish Marching Band finished third while Marching Band of Pirates earned the fifth-place trophy.

  • East County
  • Schools
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Latest in East County

1
Left: Darrel Drury has lived in the Lakewood Ranch area for nearly eight years. Right: David Sessions has overseen the construction of dozens of buildings in the region in the past 35 years.
  • February 15, 2026
Round and round goes the chatter about roundabouts in Lakewood Ranch
2
Negotiations continue between Manatee County and its two garbage haulers — Waste Management and Waste Pro.
  • February 14, 2026
Bulk garbage pickups likely to return for Manatee County residents
3
Lakewood Ranch's Eugene Khutoryanskiy and Yana Parker are celebrating this Valentine's Day as fiances alongside their dogs Mittens and Jesse at Barks & Brews on Feb. 10.
  • February 13, 2026
A little pet lovin' and squeezin' at University Town Center in Sarasota
4
Lee Wetherington says he can visit with potential buyers and his contractors because CEO Dave Hunihan handles the heavy lifting of his business.
  • February 12, 2026
Acclaimed builder continues to put his stamp on Lakewood Ranch
5
The purple piles will carry reclaimed water to Lakewood Ranch Southeast for irrigation.
  • February 11, 2026
New road construction speeds through Lakewood Ranch Southeast

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