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East County

Volunteer Melissa Newton accompanies Lakewood Ranch's 15-year-old Sophie Barry, as does volunteer Sarah Cripe.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 19, 2023
Special Olympics equestrian competition puts riders’ skills on display

The event brought together competitors and families from Sarasota, Manatee and Lee counties.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The home faces a tiny bay in one of the lakes that give The Lake Club its name.
  • By Robert Plunket
  • February 19, 2023
Graceful estate in The Lake Club embraces the natural world just beyond

The Zabels’ home is a tranquil waterfront retreat in The Lake Club. Even the ceilings of this custom home make a good impression.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
DJ Jose Ramirez, Chuck Sidlow and Event Chair Annemarie Neubecker entertain the crowd during the after-party.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 18, 2023
Mardi Gras run raises funds for nonprofits in Lakewood Ranch

The Lakewood Ranch Community Fund event attracted almost 300 participants for its inaugural Run for the Beads.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch's Christy Carey, Angie Graham, Judy Heuerman and Valerie Esposito go all out for the Gatsby theme. "You have to do the fringe," Carey says.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 18, 2023
Gatsby Speakeasy Soirée raises more than $70,000 for nonprofits

The Sisterhood for Good event drew more than 300 guests who revisited the Roaring '20s.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
In early 2001, Sarasota Audubon began conducting bird surveys at the Celery Fields. To date, 246 species have been recorded.
  • By Emily Leinfuss
  • February 17, 2023
Need a break? Here are some Lakewood Ranch spots for a quick respite

Hurrying through life is a great way to miss it. Lakewood Ranch is packed with beautiful reasons to slow down.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Bruce Patneaude, who served the previous 12 years as vice president of operations at IMG Academy in Bradenton, said he looks forward to being the Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy's COO.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 16, 2023
Building events center piqued interest of Benderson Park's new COO

Former IMG executive Bruce Patneaude wants to put his stamp on Nathan Benderson Park.

  • East County
  • News
Sandy Humenik understands that enriching experiences in early childhood are vital for a child’s healthy development.
  • By Amy Bentley
  • February 16, 2023
Only took one tour to hook Sandy Humenik on Florida Center for Early Childhood

Sandy Humenik’s life’s journey had a great beginning. She now helps Florida Center for Early Childhood offer the same opportunities to area children and their families.

  • East County
  • Schools
Sue Ann Miller grew up in Philadelphia and recalls her mother taking her and her sister to the historic Chestnut Hill Library.
  • By Eric Snider
  • February 16, 2023
Nonprofit races to meet goal to fund collections for new Lakewood Ranch library

The Friends of Lakewood Ranch Library, with Sue Ann Miller at the helm, moves forward in its fundraising efforts to fill the shelves of the new Lakewood Ranch Library.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Gospel Crusade parcel is located across the river from Christian Retreat.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 16, 2023
Manatee gives green light to buy environmentally significant properties

Two properties along the Manatee River are among three environmentally significant parcels that ELMAC is attempting to purchase for the county with funding from the Parks Projects Referendum.

  • East County
  • News
Robins are one of several migratory birds that rely on resources locally during their winter journeys.
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • February 16, 2023
Local nature key in hospitality for real-life snowbirds

In both public and private lands, native plants are critical for supporting these important winter visitors.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
James and Misdee Miller continually try to find upgrades for the Sarasota Polo Club.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 15, 2023
Sarasota Polo Club owners share what makes it so special

The game of polo has evolved over 2,500 years. Thanks to James and Misdee Miller, the sport lives on at the Sarasota Polo Club.

  • East County
  • Business
Paintings by Carolann Garafola on display include "Lobster Pots on Cortez Island."
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 15, 2023
Palm Aire’s annual Art Show unveils hidden talent

Carolann Garafola's painting skills were on display for the first time.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Nate’s Development and Fundraising Director Rob Oglesby with Rory.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • February 15, 2023
Nate’s Animal Honor Rescue puts final touches on expansion

The $12 million project will transform a pet rescue center into a world-class haven for dogs and cats.

  • East County
  • Business
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 15, 2023
Lakewood Ranch girls soccer falls in regional finals

The Mustangs lost 2-1 to Palm Harbor University High in a game that went to penalty kicks.

  • East County
  • Sports
Lee Washington has taken the role of interim Manatee County administrator.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 15, 2023
Has calm come to Manatee County government with new interim administrator?

The choice of former U.S. Marine Lee Washington should provide a respite from the madness.

  • East County
  • Opinion
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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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