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East County

Braulio Vizcaino pulls a Margherita pie out of Osteria 500's trademark red Fiat pizza oven.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • November 16, 2023
Osteria 500 serves Italian food with Italian soul

The restaurant’s co-owner is grounded in Italy’s culinary past. He’s equally grounded in Italy’s inventive, creative commitment to the future.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
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
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Latest in East County

1
School Board Member Heather Felton took off her blazer during the May 5 workshop to show her sleeveless shirt is appropriate for students in the Florida heat.
  • May 18, 2026
Manatee Schools to re-evaluate dress code guidelines
2
The Manatee River Youth Sailing Program serves kids ages 6 to 16.
  • May 18, 2026
Kids learn lessons on and off the water at Manatee River Youth Sailing Program
3
Jeff Toale stands inside the Robert Toale & Sons Celebration of Life Center in Lakewood Ranch, where light-filled spaces and a contemporary design reflect a shift toward more personalized, meaningful memorial experiences.
  • May 17, 2026
Jeff Toale looks to deepen and double impact at helm of the LWRCF
4
Brittany Lamont and Nicole Hackel congratulate Jacob Kinsel of the Manatee Community Foundation as he is announced as the winner of the "Next Gen" award at University Park Country Club May 13.
  • May 16, 2026
Young Leaders Alliance presents its top award in Lakewood Ranch
5
The Sarasota Orchestra bought a site on Fruitville Road for its Music Center in 2023.
  • May 16, 2026
Want to be where the people are? You have to go east.

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