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East County | Neighbors

Deborah Callahan-Stratton, Joy Stone, Barbara Najmy and Jennifer Alokeh are collecting sneakers for the fifth annual Sneakin Back to School Sneaker Drive to benefit The Twig.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 8, 2026
The Lake Club Women's Giving Circle transitions to a nonprofit

The official name now for the Lakewood Ranch group is The Lake Club Women's Charitable Foundation.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch's Harper Fraser, 7, Jack Fraser, 5, and their mom, Melissa Fraser, test out the Royally Cosmic photo booth at the Star-Spangled Spectacular at Waterside Place.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • July 5, 2026
Star-Spangled Spectacular lights up Lakewood Ranch

The Waterside Place event attracted thousands to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Pops Orchestra of Sarasota and Bradenton performs on the second stage.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 4, 2026
Nathan Benderson Park goes big for Fireworks on the Lake

The lineup included a band, a pops concert, a waterskiing show and an apple pie eating contest.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Emersyn Baker, 3, woke up Thursday morning eager to ride in the bike parade at the Kiddie Academy.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • July 3, 2026
Kiddie Academy of Lakewood Ranch kicks off Independence Day weekend

Children created hats, decorated bikes and rode in style to celebrate the country's 250th anniversary.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 3, 2026
Voices of America: What will America look like in another 250 years?

In our series of questions for Americans in honor of the country's 250th birthday, we explore the future of the U.S.

  • Spirit of America
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • July 2, 2026
So, you want to be a citizen?

Thousands of people are naturalized as Americans every year. But how?

  • Spirit of America
Kids share their perspectives on the Fourth of July
    By
  • Ian Swaby, Madison Bierl
  • July 2, 2026
Kids share their perspectives on the Fourth of July

Kids say the darndest things — especially when you ask them about Independence Day, U.S. History and what it means to be a good citizen.

  • Spirit of America
Sarasota History Center Manager Josh Goodman is an avid historian who loves checking out maps of the region in the 1700s.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 2, 2026
The land almost no one wanted

Historians say few braved the brutal Sarasota environment when our forefathers were signing the Declaration of Independence.

  • Spirit of America
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 2, 2026
Voices of America: What do you like best about America?

In our series of questions for Americans in honor of the country's 250th birthday, we ask respondents what they like best about America.

  • Spirit of America
“I thought he was trying to die on us. But then they stopped the bleeding and I felt hopeful again.” - Linda Stelle, Wife of patient Roger Stelle
  • By Lakewood Ranch Medical Center
  • July 2, 2026
Critical Patient Is Saved by Quick Efforts of Hospital Teams

When Roger Stelle collapsed at home, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center was there to help.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Travis and Martha Barfield took over what had been a small neighborhood fireworks show in Myakka City and turned it into something thousands could enjoy.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 1, 2026
This July 4 celebration pops in Myakka City

Myakka Skyworks' free show will include a 37-minute fireworks spectacular.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Barbara Joseph, Marylee Danahy, Kristin Sciuto, Andrea Burr and Barbara Thornton embrace the motto of fun, friendship and community service through the Lakewood Ranch Women's Club.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • July 1, 2026
Lakewood Ranch Women's Club provides friendship and community service

The Lakewood Ranch Women's Club hosts a variety of opportunities for local women including luncheons, meetings and special interest groups.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Ken Rushing and Noel Ladd are co-owners of Couch LBK.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 1, 2026
Voices of America: In what era of American history would you have liked to have lived?

In our series of questions for Americans in honor of the country's 250th birthday, we explore our favorite periods of history.

  • Spirit of America
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 30, 2026
Voices of America: Who's your American hero, and why?

In our series of questions for Americans in honor of the country's 250th birthday, we dive into respondents' favorite Americans.

  • Spirit of America
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 29, 2026
Voices of America: What's your favorite American invention?

In our series of questions for Americans in honor of the country's 250th birthday, we reflect on what was Made in the U.S.A.

  • Spirit of America
1 2 3 4 5 »
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Latest in East County

1
Work has either started or will begin soon on four roundabouts on University Parkway, east of Lakewood Ranch Boulevard. University Parkway also is being widened from Lorraine Road to Bourneside Boulevard.
  • July 8, 2026
Necessary construction will snarl University Parkway in Lakewood Ranch
2
FoodTrukt, a new app, aims to bring together food truck owners and customers through making locations, schedules and menus more accessible.
  • July 8, 2026
Find nearby food trucks with new app
3
Deborah Callahan-Stratton, Joy Stone, Barbara Najmy and Jennifer Alokeh are collecting sneakers for the fifth annual Sneakin Back to School Sneaker Drive to benefit The Twig.
  • July 8, 2026
The Lake Club Women's Giving Circle transitions to a nonprofit
4
Avery Banfill (left) and Phoenix Scanlan (right) grew up on the same junior golf circuit. Their respective journeys converged at Parrish Community High and will converge once again at Memphis next fall.
  • July 8, 2026
Stars align for local golfers who are headed for the University of Memphis
5
The Manatee County Property Appraiser is located at 915 4th Ave. W. in downtown Bradenton.
  • July 8, 2026
How your home is appraised in Manatee County

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