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East County | Neighbors

Zach Zeller co-owns three restaurants in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • May 22, 2026
A high-flying spirit has led Lakewood Rancher to adventure, in business and life

Lakewood Ranch restaurant owner Zach Zeller, be it on the ground or in the sky, emphasizes hard work — and helping others.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
From left: Katelyn Diaz serves up smiles at Sip n Brew, the coffee trailer she launched with her parents shortly after graduating from Lakewood Ranch High. Partners Scott Wacha, left, and Brandon Whitman hold their Moo-Jitsu spice blends, a backyard-idea-turned-growing-business rooted in family, flavor and a bit of humor. Jason Huh, founder of STEEL Supplements, showcases Sodi Pop and Omni — two of the company’s expanding beverage lines aimed at a broader audience.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • May 22, 2026
These entrepreneurial families launched their new ventures right here at home

In Lakewood Ranch, ideas sparked at kitchen tables and backyard gatherings are taking root — and growing into something more.

  • East County
  • Business
A visitor points in wonder inside Mote SEA’s expansive habitat, where sharks, rays and reef life glide through a luminous underwater world.
    By
  • Su Byron
  • May 22, 2026
Summer's hot. Here's a list of activities that don't require SPF.

Lakewood Ranch and its surroundings offer plenty of ways to step inside, cool down and make the most of the season.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The home’s exterior is a carefully balanced geometric composition.
  • By Robert Plunket
  • May 22, 2026
The Florida lifestyle is glorified in a lavish new home in Waterside

A showstopping model home in Waterside marks a milestone: Modern has arrived at The Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Nevriye Yesil, the founder of the Lakewood Ranch Happiness Circle, is glad to share her wisdom with friends and strangers alike, including Lisa Lieberman-Wang.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 21, 2026
Happiness Circle helps find light at the end of the tunnel

The newly formed club is led by Nevriye Yesil, who has a Master's degree in happiness studies. It is meant to help members embrace what life has to offer every day.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Manatee River Youth Sailing Program serves kids ages 6 to 16.
    By
  • Emily Leinfuss
  • May 18, 2026
Kids learn lessons on and off the water at Manatee River Youth Sailing Program

The Manatee River Youth Sailing Program is rebuilding — focused on access, community and the future of youth sailing.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • May 17, 2026
Jeff Toale looks to deepen and double impact at helm of the LWRCF

Jeff Toale carries forward a family legacy while helping shape a more connected, compassionate Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Brittany Lamont and Nicole Hackel congratulate Jacob Kinsel of the Manatee Community Foundation as he is announced as the winner of the "Next Gen" award at University Park Country Club May 13.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 16, 2026
Young Leaders Alliance presents its top award in Lakewood Ranch

The top "Next Gen" award goes to Jacob Kinsel, who was honored for his commitment to the Manatee Community Foundation and the community.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Holiday House SRQ's Megan Micale, executive director, and Sepi Ackerman, co-founder and executive president, say a grant would allow for 350 Title I students to receive school uniforms, shoes and a holiday experience.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 14, 2026
Sisterhood for Good hosts annual Grant Expo in Lakewood Ranch

Of the 129 applicants who applied for grants this year, 23 were represented at the Grant Expo May 11.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Bradenton's Trey Johnson finishes his swing during the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation Golf Tournament, which raises funds for local nonprofits.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 11, 2026
Lakewood Ranch rallies to support golf tournament fundraiser

Eighty-three golfers entered the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation Golf Tournament at Colusa Country Club.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Waterside’s Victoria Ortiz, 24, said her 7-month-old son, Flynn, has changed her life for the better.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 10, 2026
Mothers discuss their journeys before their special day

Lakewood Ranch mothers share how motherhood has helped them grow through both happy moments and hardship.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Parker Hippich, 12 months, gets a lift from mom, Tessa Hippich, during Petals and Poses on Saturday at Waterside Place.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 10, 2026
All about the mothers at special event in Lakewood Ranch

Petals and Poses honored the area's moms while raising funds for the Mothers Helping Mothers nonprofit.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Alannis Peterson of Prism Artistry "eats" fire at Agave Bandido for its Cinco de Mayo Celebration May 5.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 6, 2026
Agave Bandido hosts Cinco de Mayo party in Waterside of Lakewood Ranch

Live music, a fire performer, stilt walkers, drinks and Mexican food made for a memorable event.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Janet and Dean Mixon are retiring. The couple sold their food truck to Polk Sheriff Charities, Inc.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 6, 2026
Mixon Swirl food truck finds a new home in Polk County

Dean and Janet Mixon sell their iconic food truck to Polk Sheriff Charities Inc.

  • East County
  • Business
The Sourdough Society of Lakewood Ranch members Camille Piccininni, Erica Calka and David Wiegand each created a loaf of sourdough with different ingredients to make each unique.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 5, 2026
Sourdough Society of Lakewood Ranch rises by sharing ideas

These members don't loaf around when it comes to making delicious bread.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
1 2 3 4 5 »
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Latest in East County

1
Rising senior quarterback Louisen Desinor will start under center for Braden River High football in the fall. This spring was his opportunity to strengthen bonds with the playmakers around him.
  • May 25, 2026
High school coaches defend relevancy of spring football in Florida
2
Though Florida Power & Light employs a variety of advanced technology to avoid power failures, often the basic work of tree trimming goes a long way toward heading off trouble.
  • May 24, 2026
With our deep dependence on power, FPL gears up to keep the lights on
3
A rendering of the 12U baseball/softball fields five-plex that will be built at UMR Sports complex in East County.
  • May 23, 2026
Expansion 'gets real' at UMR Sports of Bradenton
4
Oceane Visa, who says she has waited years to walk across the stage for graduation, is congratulated by Head of School Debra Otey.
  • May 22, 2026
Out-of-Door Academy graduates showed up for the moments that matter most
5
Leighton Paul (right), pictured here during the FHSAA Class 5A-Region 3 final May 14 against Gulf Coast, was Braden River's leadoff hitter this season. She went 0-for-3 in the state semifinals against Niceville.
  • May 22, 2026
Late rally not enough for Braden River High softball in state semifinals

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