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East County

Charles Hayes set a new ODA school record in the 100-yard backstroke Sept. 9 with a time of 1 minute, 4.31 seconds. Photo by Jen Blanco
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • October 1, 2014
Back in action

After a debilitating knee injury a year ago, sophomore Charles Hayes returned to competitive swimming last month.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 1, 2014
High Five Moments of the Week

The top five sports moments of the week.

  • East County
  • Sports
Courtesy photo
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 1, 2014
Ashlynn Martin put her "paws" to action

Ashlynn Martin's dance-a-thon fundraiser Sept. 7, at Jump Dance Co., benefitting Nate's Honor Animal Rescue and its Lexi's Paw Pals program, welcomed more than 60 participants.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Petey
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 1, 2014
Honor seeks home for Petey

A 1-year-old hound dog named Petey has been waiting to find a new home for more than 6 months at Nate's Honor Animal Rescue.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Some residents have seen traffic backups at Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club that are backed up almost to Lakewood Ranch Boulevard. Photo by Pam Eubanks
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • October 1, 2014
Gate policies irk residents

Guards at Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club gates are trained to ask questions and record data on those entering. But residents say the practice creates annoying backups.

  • East County
  • News
With two weeks to go until The Mall at University Town Center opens Oct. 16, mall businesses are interviewing prospective employees and going through extensive training. Photos by Amanda Sebastiano
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • October 1, 2014
UTC attracts diverse workforce

The Cheesecake Factory has team members transferring from cities more than a 30-mile radius away to come work at the mall. Others are coming from out of state.

  • East County
  • News
A new solar irrigation pump constructed by maintenance crews waters new trees and shrubbery in spots around the Ranch that aren't close to irrigation wells. Photo by Amanda Sebastiano
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • October 1, 2014
Lakewood Ranch continues green practices

Town Hall utilizes solar technology to irrigate plants and finds creative ways to save the Ranch cash.

  • East County
  • News
Like in the Chicago location, guests who choose to sit at the bar can see into the kitchen through a specially designed linen glass, which allows them to watch chefs in action.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 1, 2014
Saks' restaurant only second in nation

Although it's located inside the store, Sophie's Sarasota is designed to draw in dine-in only customers to the new Saks Fifth Avenue store.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 1, 2014
News Briefs

Mall makes a splash with water-themed amenities; School District sued over security officer decision; Florida Balloon Festival canceled due to weather

  • East County
  • News
Commissioner Vanessa Baugh says some East County residents are upset about the height of The Venue and the proximity of the buildings to Lakewood Ranch Boulevard. Photo by Pam Eubanks
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • October 1, 2014
Venue appearance, location concerns neighbors

The Venue apartment complex already is 15% leased but some residents worry if it fits in with the Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 1, 2014
Ranch man tackles Appalachian Trail

After five months of hiking, Ken Knowles can't believe his 2,183-mile venture is over after hiking the trail for the third time. He finished the route with his brother, Sean.

  • East County
  • News
Jim Hill is interested in serving on the county level to represent Lakewood Ranch on growth matters coming before the Manatee County Planning Commission. Photo by Kurt Schultheis
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • October 1, 2014
Hill sees planning vacancies as opportunity

Jim Hill believes vacancies on a planning board should be an eye opener for residents to help manage growth in the Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • October 1, 2014
Sidelines

Lakewood Ranch gym opens new facility; Cougars suffer first loss; ODA tees off in tri-match; Golfers win championship

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • October 1, 2014
Just the Stats

The week in sports by the numbers.

  • East County
  • Sports
Christian Cotter submitted this photo, taken on an old railroad grade trail east of I-75.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 1, 2014
Weather: East County

Visit YourObserver.com to submit your local weather photos. Each weekly winner will be entered into a monthly drawing for a $25 gift card. One grand prize winner will receive a $5,000 flooring makeover*.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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