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East County

Tara Poulton has the perfect pairing of personality and work ethic for her job.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • August 17, 2023
Putting politics into action locally isn’t easy. Tara Poulton just makes it look that way.

With a cool-under-pressure personality mixed with a get-stuff-done work ethic, Tara Poulton is the right fit as the new district director for Lakewood Ranch’s only U.S. Congressman.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Seeburg’s 1951 Model B (right) was among the first jukeboxes that could play 45 RPM records.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • August 17, 2023
This home collection of jukeboxes is a museum-worthy experience

When a jukebox in a store window caught Vickie Compton’s eye, she had to have it. That led to four decades of collecting and restoring them with her husband, Rodger.

  • 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
  • August 17, 2023
The Concession will host first World Champions Cup golf event

East Manatee County’s premier golf course, The Concession, will host the most famous players from the Champions Tour in a Ryder Cup-like event.

  • East County
  • Sports
Sights + Sounds debuted in May 2022 with Broadway on the Lake.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 17, 2023
Waterside gets lively with a new performance series

Sights + Sounds at Waterside Place is a monthly series showcasing performances by area arts groups.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Jeanne Dubi and Christine Johnson are longtime friends and allies, and their organizations have regularly partnered over the years. This project is their most consequential undertaking.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • August 17, 2023
Nonprofits pair up to preserve Celery Fields

The Sarasota Audubon Society and the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast have collaborated to rewild the Quad Parcels at the Celery Fields, creating new bird habitats and wildlife viewing.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Miami-based cafe is expected to open in the UTC West District in the first quarter of 2024.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 16, 2023
Health-conscious cafe Pura Vida coming to UTC in Sarasota

The Miami-based cafe is expected to open in the UTC West District in the first quarter of 2024.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Lakewood Ranch High alumna Taylor Gould will take over the Lakewood Ranch High softball program from Todd Lee.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • August 16, 2023
Lakewood Ranch High softball makes Gould-en hire

Former Mustangs star Taylor Gould, formerly Taylor Newton, will take over the program from Todd Lee.

  • East County
  • Sports
Tennis Coach Dickie Herbst and Cornell Professor Emeritus Joe Novak formed a friendship after Herbst read a story about Novak in the East County Observer. Novak died in September.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 16, 2023
Former Cornell professor lends education theories to sports training

Lakewood Ranch's Joe Novak, 92, works as a consultant for NXT Athletics Institute for Learning and finds that his learning theories are still in demand.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Alexia, Suzanne and Juliana Mattes perform together for the first time at the Manatee Performing Arts Center.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 16, 2023
'Something Rotten' a family affair for Lakewood Ranch mom, daughters

Suzanne Mattes and her two daughters, Juliana and Alexia, appear in the ensemble cast at the Manatee Performing Arts Center.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
John Breiner's Peculiar Pub on Lakewood Main Street will offer a large selection of draft beers.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 16, 2023
Peculiar Pub set to open on Lakewood Main Street

Former Ed's Tavern owner John Breiner returns to Main Street at Lakewood Ranch with another restaurant/pub.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
As executive director of Meals on Wheels of Sarasota, Rhonda Leiberick has found work that is deeply meaningful.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • August 16, 2023
Get-it-done attitude put to work for Meals on Wheels of Sarasota

Rhonda Leiberick, a Lakewood Ranch resident and the executive director of Meals on Wheels of Sarasota, finds her calling creating meaningful connections.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Morgan Barton.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • August 15, 2023
East County Athlete of the Week: Morgan Barton

The Lakewood Ranch High girls lacrosse player is committed to Berry College.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 15, 2023
7 indicted for meth distributing operation in Manatee County

A multi-agency investigation resulted in seven arrests and the seizure of 1 pound of methamphetamine and other drugs.

  • East County
  • News
This Country Club East home at 16334 Castle Park Terrace sold for $2 million. It has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,163 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • August 15, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for July 31 to Aug. 4 in Lakewood Ranch

A Country Club East home on Castle Park Terrace tops the week's sales at $2 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
A rendering of the future aquatic and racket center at Premier Park. Plans could change as the design is only 30% complete.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 15, 2023
Planning at Premier Park in Lakewood Ranch progresses slowly

Manatee District 5 Commissioner Ray Turner said he would like county staff to "step on the gas" in building the Premier Park aquatics and racket center.

  • East County
  • News
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Latest in East County

1
Hunter Eichhorn watches his approach shot fly on the ninth hole. He already has four top-10 finishes this season on the Korn Ferry Tour, and leads the LECOM Suncoast Classic after round one at nine under par.
  • April 3, 2026
First round of 2026 LECOM Suncoast Classic ended early by weather
2
Colin Montgomery, a two-time winner of the Senior PGA Championship, is in the 135-player field committed to play April 16-19.
  • April 3, 2026
All-star field set for Senior PGA Championship
3
Did our Pig-Away story and photo fool you in our April Fools edition?
  • April 2, 2026
Is the Observer's April Fools edition foolish or just plain fun?
4
Tony Barrett is running for the at-large District 6 commission seat in Manatee County.
  • April 1, 2026
East Manatee fire commissioner enters at-large County Commission race
5
Myakka's Sydney McCullough shows off the first place ribbon and belt buckle she won in January for whip cracking in the senior division at the Manatee County Fair.
  • April 1, 2026
Cracking a whip has been a snap for Myakka teenager

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