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East County

Francesca Bisordi is the first girls wrestler from Lakewood Ranch to advance to the state championships.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • March 4, 2025
Mustangs sophomore shows sanctioning girls wrestling was overdue

Francesca Bisordi will be the first Lakewood Ranch High girl to wrestle at the state championships.

  • East County
  • Sports
Manatee County is considering the purchase of Mixon Fruit Farms, which went on the market in February 2023 for $15.8 million.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 4, 2025
Manatee County reconsiders buying Mixon Fruit Farms

The property could become a county complex that includes a library, park and community center.

  • East County
  • News
Barbara Najmy and Nancy Lepain sit on the board for The Lake Club Women's Giving Circle.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 4, 2025
The Lake Club Women's Giving Circle celebrates women, philanthropy and community

The Lake Club Women's Giving Circle brought sponsors and recipients together to look back on 2024.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The home at 15515 Derna Terrace has three bedrooms and is 3,022 square feet.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • March 4, 2025
Top residential real estate sales for Feb. 17-21 in Lakewood Ranch

An Azario Esplanade home on Derna Terrace tops the week's sales at $1.45 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Lakewood Ranch High senior Jonathan Leatt currently ranks ninth in the 800-meter run in 4A Region 3 after posting a 2:01.09 on Feb. 28.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • March 4, 2025
East County Athlete of the Week: Jonathan Leatt

Leatt helped the Mustangs win the Lakewood Ranch Invitational with three top-three finishes.

  • East County
  • Sports
Local college presidents, from left, Michele Morgan of Keiser University, Brett Kemker, of the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, Dr. Larry Thompson of Ringling College of Art & Design, Tommy Gregory of State College of Florida, and moderator Mark Gordon spoke Feb. 25 at a lunch hosted by the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • March 3, 2025
Local college administrators tackle issues with the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance

Administrators say partnerships with local businesses strengthen the economy.

  • East County
  • Business
Chad Day loved fishing. His memory is now honored through the Chad Day Memorial Fishing Tournament.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • March 3, 2025
Chad Day Memorial fishing tournament raises funds for Tidewell Hospice

The event has nearly raised $100,000 over its seven years to benefit terminally ill patients.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sarasota's Bob and Carol Carter dressed the part for Tropical Nights. Carol is the event chair.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 2, 2025
When it comes to Lakewood Ranch fundraisers, that's amore

Tropical Nights Under Paris Light sizzles at the Grove.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Leo Eineker, left and Susan Groover practice CPR on mannequins during a short class Feb. 25 at the Tara Golf and Country Club.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • February 28, 2025
Tara residents armed with life-saving knowledge

Residents got hands-on training in CPR and in using an automated external defibrillator.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
After years of working with the military and law enforcement with explosives, Lakewood Ranch's John Scomillio found his best partner was a dog. He now works part-time at Dogs Inc.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 27, 2025
Former explosives expert gets a charge out of helping dogs

Lakewood Ranch's John Scomillio has made a home for himself at Dogs Inc.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Gabe Moberly hits a jump during an Aker Sunday Session in September before the new track was installed. The cattle are fenced off from the track.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 26, 2025
BMX track draws amateur and pro riders to Myakka City

Aker Brand Farms is a 15-acre BMX training facility and a dream come true for owners Jeremy Smith and Will Grant.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Ellen Lehman took fifth place in the 119-pound weight class in the 2A Olympic category at the girls weightlifting state championships on Feb. 14.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • February 26, 2025
Braden River weightlifter becomes first freshman to medal in school history

Ellen Lehman wrapped up a record-breaking year with a fifth-place finish at states.

  • East County
  • Sports
Blaze of Hope's Meghan Houlihan and Christine Dodge man a table at the North Port Farmers market. Hayli Bhatia just happened to be there with her daughters Scarlett and Juliette.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 26, 2025
East County nonprofit is a 'Blaze of Hope' for families in need

Blaze of Hope provides financial assistance to families when a child is hospitalized due to a life-threatening illness.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Chuck and Phyllis Stolteben have been entertaining crowds at the Lakewood Ranch Elks Club for more than 25 years.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 26, 2025
25 years of spinning tunes for the Elks

Chuck and Phyllis Stolteben celebrate the last quarter century while raising funds for the Elks' Harry Anna fund.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Amy Bradley is a clarinetist with the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble and a retired music teacher. You can see her perform March 2 at Peace Presbyterian Church.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • February 26, 2025
Love of music leads former teacher to local ensemble group

Amy Bradley will perform during the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble's March Melodies.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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Latest in East County

1
Santa greets visitors from the window of 9605 Governor's Club Place in The River Club.
  • December 20, 2025
Christmas decorating isn't just for kids
2
The Family Church caroling crew from left to right is Melody Johnson, Laurie Houston, Nancy Pilato, Pastor Phil Derstine and Terrial Robinson.
  • December 20, 2025
East Manatee church members will go through bars to spread Christmas joy
3
Charlie Shachat, a co-founder of the Foolishly Festive Christmas Parade, decided to be part of the show for the "Jaws" 50th anniversary.
  • December 19, 2025
Esplanade continues tradition of being 'foolishly festive' for parade
4
Citrus County woman held in shooting death of Manatee man
  • December 18, 2025
Citrus County woman held in shooting death of Manatee man
5
Capri Finan, 7, Madelyn Finan, 9 and Maverick Finan, 3, pose with Santa after telling him what they want for Christmas, which includes a doll house and a trampoline.
  • December 18, 2025
Braden River High transforms into Winter Wonderland

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