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East County

Lakewood Ranch's Carol Edwards serves soup during the 2022 Empty Bowls fundraiser that benefits Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 2, 2023
Meals on Wheels prepares for 2023 after seeing increased demand in 2022

The nonprofit says community support has been crucial to meeting the increased demand for food and services.

  • East County
  • News
The party is on at Rocco's Tacos in Sarasota as owner Rocco Mangel hosted an invitation-only party to celebrate the official opening that will come on March 6.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 1, 2023
The party begins at Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar in Sarasota

Rocco Mangel held an invitation-only party featuring tons of free tequila at the new restaurant at UTC.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Top nature photos from around Sarasota, Longboat Key, East County in 2023-24
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 1, 2023
Top nature photos from around Sarasota, Longboat Key, East County in 2023-24

Readers from across the region submit their photos to the Observer's 2023-24 Weather and Nature Photo Contest.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Marina Proskurina, a digital design and photography instructor at Manatee Technical College, is one of 24 people to earn a Master Artist degree from Professional Photographers of America.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 1, 2023
MTC instructor earns prestigious degree from photography nonprofit

Marina Proskurina is one of 24 people to earn the Master Artist degree from Professional Photographers of America in 2023.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Trumpeter Vincent DiMartino has more than 160 cornets and trumpets in his collection.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 1, 2023
Renowned trumpeter takes center stage in Lakewood Ranch

Vincent DiMartino is the featured soloist during the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble's Spring Concert at Peach Presbyterian.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Don Janezic, president of the Manatee Library Foundation; Tammy Parrott, the Manatee County library services services manager; and Sue Ann Miller, president of the Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Library, hold a $200,000 check that was presented to library services.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 1, 2023
Nonprofits fill the shelves of the Lakewood Ranch Library

Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Library and the Manatee Library Foundation presented $200,000 toward books.

  • East County
  • News
9. Lucas Anthony had 91 points for the Lakewood Ranch boys lacrosse team in 2023.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 28, 2023
East County Athlete of the Week: Lucas Anthony

The Lakewood Ranch High boys lacrosse star has 21 goals through four games.

  • East County
  • Sports
This Lake Club home at 16904 Verona Place sold for $1.9 million. It has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,429 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • February 28, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for Feb. 13-17 in Lakewood Ranch

A Lake Club home on Verona Place tops the week's sales at $1.9 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Commissioners discussed processes for vetting, categorizing, and selecting library books.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 28, 2023
Manatee commissioners discuss a closer examination of library materials

Some residents say the commissioners should leave the evaluation of materials to the professionals they hired to run the system.

  • East County
  • News
Joe Ostrowski (right) said his approach is to tailor his advice to each individual client instead of using a "cookie-cutter" approach.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 28, 2023
Concession golf instructor named a 'best young teacher' by Golf Digest

Joe Ostrowski previously received the honor from 2018-2022.

  • East County
  • Sports
Lakewood Ranch sophomore Olivia Shephard rounds the bases after hitting her first varsity home run.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 27, 2023
Defending state champion Mustangs off to fast start

Despite heavy graduation losses, the Lakewood Ranch High girls softball team is going for their third consecutive softball state title.

  • East County
  • Sports
Daytona's Jo Stevens and Kathy Gately play along with Tyler Austenfeld at the first Aloha UkeFest on Feb. 25, 2023.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 27, 2023
Ukulele Festival in Lakewood Ranch brings together talent

Renowned musician Tyler “Ten Thumbs” Austenfeld highlighted the first Aloha UkeFest, held by the Lakewood Ranch Communities Activities Club Aloha Ukulele.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Eleven-year-old Liam Pacheco (No. 12 on his shirt) roasts a marshmallow during the Community Campout.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 26, 2023
Lakewood Ranch's Community Campout fires up interest

Lakewood Ranch Community Activities had to expand from 50 to 80 campsites to accommodate families for the annual event.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Manatee County is considering the purchase of Mixon Fruit Farms, which went on the market in February 2023 for $15.8 million.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 24, 2023
Mixon Fruit Farms in Bradenton goes on market for $15.8 million

Janet and Dean Mixon had announced their plan to sell their business in October.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Manatee County has been operating the Bishop Animal Shelter since March 2022.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 24, 2023
Manatee commissioners draw hard line on animal shelter spending

Presented with a $17 million plan, commissioners told county staff to come back with a more frugal $8 million plan for the Bishop Animal Shelter addition.

  • East County
  • News
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Latest in East County

1
Sophia Wiley makes her way down the row to shake hands after she receives her Lakewood Ranch High School diploma at Lecom Park May 18.
  • May 19, 2026
Lakewood Ranch High graduates eager for what's ahead
2
Reece McCabe concluded his high school weightlifting career with success on the state level in both Traditional and Olympic style.
  • May 19, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Reece McCabe
3
A camper explores hands-on marine science during Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium’s Mote SEA STEM Camp.
  • May 19, 2026
Let the kids blossom creatively this summer at one of these art camps
4
Cady Jones (left), Sarai Castro (center) and Kaydence Evans (right) celebrate Braden River High softball's first state semifinals berth since 2016. The Pirates are now two wins away from their first state title.
  • May 19, 2026
Tremendous turnaround for Braden River High softball
5
Judge Hillary Ellis is a new addition to the Manatee County Court.
  • May 19, 2026
Lakewood Ranch attorney appointed to Manatee County Court

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