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East County

Bonnie Staley and Shannon Ford donate their time to collect funds for The Salvation Army outside the Publix at Lorraine Road and University Parkway.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 18, 2024
Ranch ringers know how to sweeten the Salvation Army pot

Collections rise past $15,000 from one spot in front of a Lakewood Ranch Publix.

  • East County
  • Opinion
This giant Santa is new to the University Town Center's holiday display.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • December 17, 2024
University Town Center holiday lights get bigger and brighter

A 25-foot Santa and 15-foot snowman, imported from Italy, are new to this year's display.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A laser light show will cap New Year's Eve festivities at Waterside Place.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • December 17, 2024
Biggest Lakewood Ranch holiday events ready to kick off

Everything you need to know about the upcoming Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year's celebrations this season in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Junior Ava Collins was one of the leaders for the Lakewood Ranch High volleyball team, which finished the season with a 15-9 record. Collins, an outside hitter, led Lakewood Ranch in kills with 228.
    By
  • Dylan Campbell
  • December 17, 2024
East County Athlete of the Week: Ava Collins

The junior outside hitter was a force on the Lakewood Ranch indoor volleyball team this season.

  • East County
  • Sports
This Country Club home at 6935 Westchester Circle sold for $2,225,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,081 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • December 17, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for Dec. 2-6 in Lakewood Ranch

A Country Club home on Westchester Circle and a Country Club East home on Kendleshire Terrace top the week's sales at $2,225,000.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
East County first graders write letters to Santa
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 16, 2024
East County first graders write letters to Santa

With Santa soon on the way, East County children are sending off their letters to the North Pole in the hope that a wish or two is granted.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Myakka’s wildlife respond favorably to the habitat restoration zone, which prevents human disturbances and improves their habitats.
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • December 16, 2024
Habitat Restoration zone returns to Myakka

By reducing human disturbances, temporary fencing protects plants and wildlife, while offering visitors superior wildlife viewing opportunities.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Out-of-Door Academy sophomore Maggie Yull scored once in regulation and in penalty kicks to help the Thunder capture the 1A District 10 title over Bradenton Christian Jan. 28. Here, she prepares to receive a corner kick against Braden River High on Dec. 5.
    By
  • Dylan Campbell
  • December 16, 2024
Out-of-Door Academy girls soccer takes the hard road

The Thunder has scheduled tougher opponents to help prepare for the postseason.

  • East County
  • Sports
Lakewood Ranch's Richard Pierson, who checks out the cap gun exhibit at his Sarasota Toy Museum, says toys have declined for a while, but he expects a resurgence.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • December 16, 2024
Lakewood Ranch toy aficionado hopes to spread passion to local kids

Richard Pierson has seen a shift in the way toys are appreciated.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Two killed in head-on crash on State Road 70
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 16, 2024
Two killed in head-on crash on State Road 70

A driver was attempting to pass slower traffic, troopers say.

  • East County
  • News
Oscar Mayer 'hotdoggers' Kaitlin Goldstein and Cooper Albert drive around the country to spread brand awareness and tease out some smiles.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • December 15, 2024
Oscar Mayer Wienermobile serves smiles to Lakewood Ranch

Nostalgia and photo opportunities were aplenty when the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile arrived in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch boys varsity wrestling Head Coach Pat Ancil believes that it is critical that his wrestlers engage in activities that push them out of their comfort zones.
    By
  • Dylan Campbell
  • December 14, 2024
Lakewood Ranch High wrestling goes caroling

The boys and girls wrestling teams performed for the residents of Cypress Springs Gracious Retirement Living.

  • East County
  • Sports
Guests line up for food trucks at Ranch Nite Wednesday on Dec. 11 at Waterside Place.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • December 13, 2024
Ranch Nite Wednesday has residents coming back for seconds

The temperature dropped, but the food was still warm.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Soleta Golf Club held a Grand Opening media day event on Tuesday, Dec. 10 to showcase the brand-new par-72 course in Myakka City.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • December 13, 2024
Soleta Golf Club brings destination golf to Myakka City

The Nick Price-designed golf course officially opened on Tuesday, Dec. 10.

  • East County
  • News
Winners of each age group (8-9, 10-11 and 12-13 years old) received trophies for their performance at the Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks Hoop Shoot at Carlos E. Haile Middle School on Monday, Dec. 9.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • December 11, 2024
Lakewood Ranch Elks Hoop Shoot puts youth basketball in the spotlight

Six Hoop Shoot winners will advance to the district tournament in Sarasota

  • East County
  • Sports
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Latest in East County

1
Jeff Toale stands inside the Robert Toale & Sons Celebration of Life Center in Lakewood Ranch, where light-filled spaces and a contemporary design reflect a shift toward more personalized, meaningful memorial experiences.
  • May 17, 2026
Jeff Toale looks to deepen and double impact at helm of the LWRCF
2
Brittany Lamont and Nicole Hackel congratulate Jacob Kinsel of the Manatee Education Foundation as he is announced as the winner of the "Next Gen" award at University Park Country Club May 13.
  • May 16, 2026
Young Leaders Alliance presents its top award in Lakewood Ranch
3
The Sarasota Orchestra bought a site on Fruitville Road for its Music Center in 2023.
  • May 16, 2026
Want to be where the people are? You have to go east.
4
Manatee County opens applications for Tourist Development Board
  • May 15, 2026
Manatee County opens applications for Tourist Development Board
5
Amanda Parrish was named interim CEO of the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp. in January.
  • May 15, 2026
Manatee County economic development evolves

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