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East County | Business

A Food Bank of Manatee volunteer helps provide Thanksgiving items from Meals on Wheels on Nov. 23.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 2, 2022
Meals on Wheels Plus Manatee sees record donations but needs volunteers

So much food has come into Meals on Wheels Plus that the nonprofit says that more volunteers are needed to sort and deliver it.

  • East County
  • News
Naked Farmer offers a variety of regionally sourced produce.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 2, 2022
Naked Farmer restaurant to join UTC in mid 2023

The restaurant promises an ever-changing menu and focuses on regionally sourced produce.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Fat Point Brewing is targeted for an early 2023 opening at UTC in Sarasota.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 25, 2022
Fat Point Brewing to join UTC lineup in Sarasota by early 2023

The Punta Gorda-based brewery is opening a new location at University Town Center.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 18, 2022
Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance delivers its annual Sandies Award

Benderson Development's Julie Fanning earns the Volunteer of the Year award.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Nancy Krohngold developed a cult following with her famous popups before she opened Nancy’s Bar-B-Q in Lakewood Ranch. (Photo by Lori Sax)
    By
  • Abby Weingarten
  • November 18, 2022
Nancy Krohngold dishes out secret behind her mouth-watering BBQ

The signature barbecue at Nancy’s continues to win the hearts of regulars and the raves of reviewers. Her famed barbecue recipe was first born on her backyard Weber grill.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Neirda Thompson-Pemberton wants to make education fun.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • November 17, 2022
Nonprofit engages kids by believing learning is anything but boring

Neirda Thompson-Pemberton started FUNducation to make S.T.E.A.M. education more accessible to school-age children.

  • East County
  • Business
Lifestream Family Medicine's Saska Sookra Winslow gives a presentation. (Photo by Ian Swaby)
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 16, 2022
Lakewood Ranch clinic gives fat-burning demonstration during open house

Lifestream Family Medicine showcases its new service, which it says reduces body fat and builds muscle mass.

  • East County
  • Business
Chris McComas, Cecilia Torres and Kelly Harmon have fun with cornhole. (Photo by Lori Sax)
    By
  • Abby Weingarten
  • November 16, 2022
New app connects Ranchers to their favorite sports and each other

Chris and Jessi McComas of MVP Sports and Social are launching a new app connecting Lakewood Ranchers to all things sports and social.

  • East County
  • Sports
A makeshift nursery uses poles that were formerly part of the ceiling as supports at Jessica's Organic Farm. (Photo by Ian Swaby)
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 15, 2022
Organic farm struggles to survive in the wake of Hurricane Ian

Among the significant losses at Jessica’s Organic Farm in Sarasota were two nurseries that were ripped apart and the loss of trees and crops.

  • East County
  • Business
RVs fill the campground at Linger Lodge RV Park only weeks after it suffered major damage from Hurricane Ian. The park has reopened after a two-year renovation only three days before the hurricane. (Photo by Liz Ramos)
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 14, 2022
Renovated Linger Lodge RV Park reopens in east Bradenton

Linger Lodge RV Park weathered Hurricane Ian and is back open after repairs and improvements.

  • East County
  • Business
It's a giant tower of meat served in its own juices, and Grove's pork osso buco is a meal for all seasons. (Photo by Spencer Fordin)
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • November 14, 2022
Grove's pork Osso Buco is an eye-catching vertical standing meat shank

You can call it a dinosaur bone or a turkey leg. But Grove's pork osso buco is drawing attention whenever you order it.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
"Believe in Hope," a 60-second animated short produced by Southeastern Guide Dogs, was released on Wednesday in Lakewood Ranch. (Photo by Jay Heater)
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 2, 2022
Southeastern Guide Dogs showcases how dogs spread hope in animated short

The 60-second commercial "Believe in Hope" shows the difference made by guide dogs in the lives of veterans and people with disabilities.

  • East County
  • News
Rob Oglesby, Nate's Honor Animal Rescue's development director, says panels from the cottages that were wrecked by Hurricane Ian are salvageable. (Photo by Liz Ramos)
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 3, 2022
Hurricane Ian causes limited damage at Lakewood Ranch pet rescues

Nate's Honor Animal Rescue and Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch make it through Hurricane Ian with limited damage.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 2, 2022
Equine therapy nonprofit SMART hit hard by Hurricane Ian

Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy is in need of funds and volunteers to repair damages from Hurricane Ian.

  • East County
  • News
Tour manager Courtney Dakin stands in front of the framework of one of the barns that was damaged by Hurricane Ian. (Photo by Ian Swaby)
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 1, 2022
Approximately 200 cows at Myakka's Dakin Dairy Farms die in Hurricane Ian

Owner Jerry Dakin said he isn't sure that rebuilding the longtime dairy farm is feasible.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • September 25, 2022
The UPS Store in Lakewood Ranch celebrates grand opening

The UPS Store on Lorraine Road and State Road 70 completed its opening Sept. 24 with puppies from Nate's Honor Animal Rescue greeting customers.

  • East County
  • Business
A screenshot of the planned area for the Tesla facility in Sarasota. (Image via Sarasota County)
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 21, 2022
Sarasota officials to consider a Tesla expansion

The new facility will be located at Interstate 75 and University Parkway.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • September 12, 2022
Pineapple Kitchen of Bradenton hosts sweet charity event

Sisterhood for Good benefits from a special fundraiser at the charcuterie and catering company.

  • East County
  • Business
The vegan Gypsy roll is pictured alongside the Cucumber roll. (Photo by Ian Swaby)
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • September 12, 2022
Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi set to open in Lakewood Ranch after construction delays

The highly anticipated restaurant at The Green in Lakewood Ranch was delayed by supply chain issues and worker shortages.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • September 3, 2022
Fiorelli Winery and Vineyard in Bradenton celebrates reopening

Labor Day weekend celebration provides opportunity to see additions to East County winery.

  • East County
  • Business
30-year-old Palmetto resident Michael Manuel, pictured with Valentino, participates for help with PTSD, and to learn a new skill. (Photo by Ian Swaby)
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • September 3, 2022
Equine therapy delivered with heart in Bradenton

East County's Hooves with HEART survives with donations and volunteers to benefit the community.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Craft Growlers To Go & Tasting Room (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • August 31, 2022
Craft beer is picking up in Lakewood Ranch

Craft beer aficionados don't have to travel far to quench their thirst. Lakewood Ranch has become a go-to destination for craft beer enthusiasts and entrepreneurs.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Tara's Bill Kaser (back) and Lakewood Ranch's Don Deibert do all the dispatching from their homes but eventually would like to get an office for the nonprofit. (Photo by Jay Heater)
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 31, 2022
Sarasota, Manatee seniors can tap into nonprofit ride service

Two Lakewood Ranch men started a senior ride service after nonprofit ride-provider ITN Suncoast closed.

  • East County
  • Business
Instructors Ilee Finocchiaro, Lisa Morningstar and Terri Arnold are equine specialists in mental health and learning. (File photo)
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 29, 2022
Equine therapy nonprofit adds more horsepower to its Myakka facility

With news horses on the way, Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy can make a greater impact providing equine therapy to the community.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A business logo greeted visitors at the front entrance. (Photo by Ian Swaby)
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 25, 2022
The Wellness Way invites the public into its new home in Lakewood Ranch

The national health clinic brand's new location adds additional space and offers aesthetic improvements.

  • East County
  • Business
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 22, 2022
McDonald's franchise opens Sept. 7 in Lakewood Ranch

Longtime McDonald's workers and franchise owners are set to open their 10th McDonald's in the region.

  • East County
  • Business
Dr. Abdel H. Elhoushy is the lead physician at Comprehensive Pain Solutions. (Photo by Ian Swaby)
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 19, 2022
Pain management physician seeks going beyond the symptoms

Comprehensive Pain Solutions at Center Point Medical Center grows with the new development.

  • East County
  • Business
    By
  • Guest Author
  • August 18, 2022
Add some flair to your footwear with these fabulous styles

Upgrade your kicks with these fashionable shoe options for men and women from Lakewood Ranch businesses.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Ted Lindenberg launched the Books for Kids initiative as part of the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch. (Photo by Lori Sax)
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • August 16, 2022
Lakewood Ranch Rotarians ensure every kid gets the chance to love reading

A retired educator who moved to Lakewood Ranch in 2010, Ted Lindenberg is a fervent advocator for childhood literacy — one book and one child at a time.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 14, 2022
Car enthusiasts pack Luxe Dream Garage groundbreaking in Lakewood Ranch

Sixty-five garage condos due in 2023 with another 64 in 2024.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 14, 2022
Sofia's opens as Mediterranean-themed restaurant in Lakewood Ranch

Invitation-only event Aug. 13 preps Chef Angelo DiFiore's business for Aug. 16 opening to general public.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Part of the Old Florida style at Linger Lodge Restaurant is the taxidermy. (Photo by Liz Ramos)
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 12, 2022
Old Florida charm back in business at Bradenton's Linger Lodge

Owner Rita Lewis says the restaurant reopening feels like a homecoming on Braden River.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Origin has additional locations in Southside Village, UTC and Palmer Ranch. (File photo)
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • August 12, 2022
New restaurants offering pizza, coffee and more open in Sarasota, Waterside Place

Four of the Sarasota area's newest places to grab a bite are now ready for you.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 11, 2022
Windward at Lakewood Ranch launches latest salvo in amenities race

The Neal Communities property shows how middle- to upper-middle-class families are living the country club lifestyle.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Slim Chickens features a range of chicken sandwiches. The restaurant offers baskets featuring chicken strips and wings. (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 1, 2022
Slim Chickens plans Lakewood Ranch opening

The fast-casual restaurant’s menu centers on a range of fried chicken items.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
The Twig's Lindsey May, left, and Katelyn Egolf, right, join Julie Swan of the Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle at the event. (Photo by Ian Swaby)
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 24, 2022
The Twig of Bradenton displays the compassion of area nonprofits

The Twig and The Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle combine to benefit foster children.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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Latest in East County

1
CEO Mike Bisaha says the new equipment will at least triple Big Top Brewing Co.'s beer production.
  • December 3, 2025
Big Top to open expanded brew house at Sarasota's Fruitville Commons
2
Mill Creek's Ilana Simone, who performs as Ilana Armida, has returned to her roots after living in Los Angeles to pursue her musical career.
  • December 3, 2025
Mill Creek musical artist continues to search for her audience
3
Lakewood Ranch High School graduate Jason Huh has founded a few different companies, including Sodi Pop. Sodi Pop is now available in a healthy vending machine at the school for staff and students to enjoy.
  • December 3, 2025
Sodi Pop, billed as a healthier product, comes to Lakewood Ranch High
4
Marine Corps veteran Dale Cole lives in Greenfield Plantation and is a regular user of Manatee Moves.
  • December 3, 2025
Ride service for Manatee County veterans is on the move
5
Commissioners George Kruse and Bob McCann are on opposite sides of the AAA High School vote. Kruse voted in favor of approving the site plan, and McCann voted to deny the site plan.
  • December 3, 2025
Manatee commissioners have final say about new school but no real power

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