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East County | Neighbors

Loren Hutchison and student Kayla Mathews. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Berkley Mason
  • December 20, 2017
STEM fair in Lakewood Ranch creates hands-on learning

your town

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Tony Dertouzos and his wife, Amity Hoffman, say the baggage tag inside this ornament originally looked like a cigarette because it was rolled so tightly to fit inside. Over time, it has expanded. Photo by Pam Eubanks.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 20, 2017
Christmas memories hang around the holidays

Holiday ornaments stir emotion, memories in greater Lakewood Ranch area.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Jim, Drew, Brooklyn and Alissa Putnam were blessed by a Charleston, S.C., Target employee's kindness in 2011.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 20, 2017
East County residents share their holiday mishaps and memories

The Christmas holidays are filled with memories — good and quirky. Here are a few of both.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 20, 2017
East County homes let their lights shine

Don't blink when it comes to looking for these holiday light displays.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Santa said he has a magic key that allows him to get through front doors if the home has no chimney.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 20, 2017
Ho(w) much, Ho(w) many, Ho(w) long?

Students filled Santa's bag with questions. As always, St. Nick delivered.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Braden Woods resident Susan Darovec refills seed in one of her bird feeders. The upside-down can below it is to keep squirrels from climbing up to eat the seeds.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 14, 2017
Bird-lovers feed their hobby through laws of attraction

East County residents share tips for attracting wildlife.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 13, 2017
Bayside Community Church hosts first Night of Wonder

More than 4,000 people turned out to the 'streets of Bethlehem.'

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Samuel Lynch. Photo by Berkley Mason.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 13, 2017
Braden River Elementary goes 'NUTs' for PJ's

The Kiwanis Club gave students a memorable day in comfortable digs.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch's Alan Lopez Markov, 5, makes a menorah out of wood and bullet shell casings.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 12, 2017
Lakewood Ranch hosts Chabad’s annual menorah lighting ceremony

Hundreds gather at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch for Hanukkah celebration.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Linzie Hamilton masters her speaking part.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 11, 2017
Freedom students ring in holiday spirit

Sing-a-long show adds Christmas cheer to Bradenton school.

  • East County
  • Schools
Keri Porter rides the parade on golf cart with her Lee Elzey.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 10, 2017
Santa rides into Heritage Harbour

Bradenton community celebrates holiday season.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
September: Scott Veix captured this photo after Hurricane Irma dropped the top of a Cook pine, giving an up-close look at something not normally seen in Braden Woods.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 7, 2017
Scroll through your monthly weather and nature photo contest winners for Fall

See your September through December winners here!

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 6, 2017
Lakewood Ranch women dance night away

Twentieth annual event benefits three local charities.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Masarik family — Luke, Adam, Avrie, Amanda and Tim —have participated in The Tabernacle Church's Living Nativity program for the last 18 years.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 6, 2017
Christmas tradition continues in Sarasota

'Living Nativity' turns 30.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Cypress Potter, 18, and Sydney Graham, 14, collect gifts for seniors at the Shoe Box Reception. They represent Troop 441.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 6, 2017
Lakewood Ranch fundraiser benefits Meals on Wheels Plus

Shoe Box Reception and Holiday Mart collects gifts for homebound seniors.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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Latest in East County

1
Mason Riley is projected to start at left tackle for an offensive line which coach Rob Hollway believes might be the deepest in program history.
  • May 26, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Mason Riley
2
Yolanda Mancha is the foundation's vice president of philanthropy, and Veronica Thames is the CEO.
  • May 26, 2026
Manatee Community Foundation is perpetually giving
3
Ellie Tullidge, 6, is glad to help her grandfather Bob Smith celebrate raising another $114,507 for Stillpoint Mission this year, which makes the 15 year total $633,507.
  • May 26, 2026
Lakewood Ranch effort raises $114,507 for the Stillpoint Mission
4
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
5
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

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