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East County

    By
  • Michael Eng
  • December 30, 2009
10 to Contend: Dr. Dwight Fitch

As one of the leading radiation specialists with 21st Century Oncology, Dr. Dwight Fitch is using his talents -- quite literally -- to save lives in Lakewood Ranch. Fitch is leading some of the country's most advanced experimental treatments to great success.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 30, 2009
10 to Contend: Lori Basilone

As the Community Activities Director for Lakewood Ranch, Lori Basilone organizes nearly a dozen events throughout the year. She's the woman behind all the fun in the East County community.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • December 30, 2009
10 to Contend: Jaden Hair

Lakewood Ranch's Jaden Hair is one of the East County's most endearing people - and certainly the community's most famous chef. Since releasing her first cookbook, "The Steamy Kitchen Cookbook," last fall, Hair's fame has grown nationwide with appearances on 'The Today Show' and 'The CBS Early Show.'

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 30, 2009
10 to Contend: Dr. Bob McCann

As a candidate for the District 67 state representative seat, River Club resident Dr. Bob McCann is the only candidate with experience in both law and medicine. His philosophy should appeal to conservatives: less government coupled with more personal responsibility equals more progress.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 30, 2009
10 to Contend: Greg Steube

At 31 years old, Greg Steube is the youngest candidate vying for State Rep. Ron Reagan's District 67 seat. The Bradenton native also is the only candidate to have a background in agriculture and law and experience working directly with the Legislature.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 30, 2009
10 to Contend: Brett Timmons

Four years ago, The Out-of-Door Academy football coach Brett Timmons was handed a group of players who knew almost nothing about football. In 2009, Timmons saw the first of his goals come to fruition when the Thunder captured their first district title and advanced to the Class 1B state semifinals.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 30, 2009
10 to Contend: Paul Chetlain

Paul Chetlain is responsible for the maintenance of Lakewood Ranch's ponds and landscaping. The Bradenton native is working to use innovative and green technologies to reduce or eliminate the battle between a pleasing landscape and a healthy one.

  • East County
  • News
    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
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Latest in East County

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