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East County

    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 30, 2009
10 to Contend: Paul Blackketter

Benderson Development Property Manager Paul Blackketter is the man behind a future world-class rowing facility off University Parkway. If all goes as planned, the facility will be responsible for making the East County one of the premier destinations for the sport in the nation.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 30, 2009
TOP STORY, JULY: River Club in fighting form

The community's Homeowner's Association budgeted nearly $40,000 to fight a proposed cell tower.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • December 29, 2009
TOP STORY, JUNE: Wilder leaves Lakewood

Lakewood Ranch High School Principal Mike Wilder accepted a position at the district level.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 28, 2009
TOP STORY, MAY: Main gets new anchor

Good Earth Natural Food Store announced plans to move into the Lakewood Ranch Main Street space claimed by Morton's Gourmet Market.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 27, 2009
TOP STORY, APRIL: Hostage shares story

Keith Stansell will signed copies of 'Out of Captivity: Surviving 1,967 Days in the Colombian Jungle,' at Lakewood Ranch Booksellers.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 27, 2009
THE YEAR IN PICTURES 2009

The East County Observer takes a look back at our most memorable photos of the year. Click inside to see our recap of 2009 and to see which images made the cut.

  • East County
  • News
  • By Pam Eubanks and Jen Blanco
  • December 26, 2009
TOP STORY, MARCH: BRHS coach dies

Defensive line coach Doug Garrity died after a single-vehicle accident March 21.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • December 25, 2009
TOP STORY, FEBRUARY: Springing into Action

Johan Kriek, Gregory Cilek and Tim Morris are the masterminds behind Springbok Sports Club and Academy.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 24, 2009
Sharing the Spirit

This Christmas Eve marks Christian Retreat Pastor Phil Derstine's 25th year leading carolers on a tour of local bars.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 24, 2009
TOP STORY, JANUARY: Clinging to a Dream

DVA Arena owner Sal Diaz-Verson submits reorganization plan and looks toward the future of his stalled arena project.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 23, 2009
Law firm adds new team member

Najmy Thompson P.L. recently hired Elizabeth C. Pennewill as an associate.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 23, 2009
County offices to close for holidays

Manatee County government offices will be closed Dec. 24-25 and on Jan. 1.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 23, 2009
Guild features Braden River artist

Work from Braden River High School student artist Katelyn Moran currently is on display at The Artists Guild of Anna Maria Island gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 23, 2009
Lakewood CDDs start 2011 budget discussions

Ranch officials hope to have the 2011 budget nearly finalized by June to avoid confusion.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 23, 2009
Ave Maria assists students with special needs

Parents wishing to use the McKay Scholarship to have their child with learning disabilities start at Ave Maria in January must complete paperwork by Jan. 3.

  • East County
  • Schools
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Latest in East County

1
Andrew Carrillo poses for a photo on Dec. 16 at Out-of-Door Academy. He's been the go-to guy on attack for the Thunder throughout their 2025-26 season.
  • December 22, 2025
East County Athlete of the Week: Andrew Carrillo
2
Manatee County commissioners approve reducing speed limits throughout the county.
  • December 22, 2025
Speed limits reduced on nine roads in Manatee County
3
Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
  • December 21, 2025
Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
4
Santa greets visitors from the window of 9605 Governor's Club Place in The River Club.
  • December 20, 2025
Christmas decorating isn't just for kids
5
The Family Church caroling crew from left to right is Melody Johnson, Laurie Houston, Nancy Pilato, Pastor Phil Derstine and Terrial Robinson.
  • December 20, 2025
East Manatee church members will go through bars to spread Christmas joy

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