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East County | Neighbors

Mike Harrison and Amish, one of several horses of his on the Florida Cracker Trail Association’s Annual Cross-State Ride, a trek from Bradenton to Fort Pierce.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • February 18, 2025
Cracker Trail lures riders to a vanishing Old Florida

The Cracker Trail Ride "either gets on you or in you."

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Rich and Blakely Williams are camping with their four children: 4-year-old Blake, 3-year-old Briley, 9-year-old Brayden and 7-year-old Blaine.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 16, 2025
Have S'more fun at Lakewood Ranch Community Campout

About 130 people pitched tents in Greenbrook Adventure Park for the annual campout.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
This year is the 25th year for Art in the Park, set for March 14-16 at the University Park Country Club.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • February 16, 2025
Art in the Park set to celebrate 25 years of community talent

The 25th annual juried show showcases creativity within University Park.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Jon Mast’s Buck Shot Chili gets a stir at the Suncoast Builder’s Association’s third annual Chili Cook-off Feb. 13.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • February 14, 2025
Spicy showdown at Suncoast Builders Association Chili Cook-off

The annual event in Lakewood Ranch is increasing in popularity with more entries.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Top nature photos from around Sarasota, Longboat Key, East County in 2025-26
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 13, 2025
Top nature photos from around Sarasota, Longboat Key, East County in 2025-26

Readers from across the region submit their photos to the Observer's 2025-26 Weather and Nature Photo Contest.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
From left to right, these are the newly installed leaders of the Women's Club: Kathy Matheson, Joanne Byrne, Sue Pace, Stefanie Fine, Shirley Driskill, Susan Braunstein, Kathy Stewart and Susan Francisco.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 12, 2025
Women's club mixes fun with philanthropy

The Women's Club at Cascades of Sarasota fosters camaraderie by raising money for local nonprofits.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Scott Antritt can't help but smile after missing a tricky putt at Calusa Country Club during the first Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation Charity Golf Scramble Monday.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • February 11, 2025
Calusa hosts first Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation Charity Golf Scramble

Lennar donates 100% of proceeds back to the community foundation.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Celebration of Life to honor former Bradenton vice mayor
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 11, 2025
Celebration of Life to honor former Bradenton vice mayor

Saundra Rahn served the community for more than 20 years as an elected official.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sisterhood for Good founder Angela Massaro-Fain says many who attend the nonprofit's All That Jazz, Cabaret for a Cause Feb. 21 will dress to the jazz age of Chicago during Prohibition.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 10, 2025
When it comes to philanthropy, Sisterhood for Good can dress the part

All That Jazz: Cabaret for a Cause will raise thousands for Lakewood Ranch-area nonprofits.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Parrish resident Billy Gallagher used to live in Lakewood Ranch. Now, he visits monthly for the car show.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 7, 2025
Car show drives business to Lakewood Ranch Main Street

Ed's Tavern hosts the Classic Car Show on the first Wednesday of each month from 5-8 p.m.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Casey Cares hosted its second annual 'Serve Up Smiles Pickleball Tournament' on Feb. 1 at Country Club East in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • February 5, 2025
Pickleball players raise funds for critically ill children

Casey Cares, a nonprofit that aids more than 1,600 critically ill children and families, hosted its second annual pickleball tournament in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Kelsey Armstrong first sold jewelry to her Lakewood Ranch High classmates. Now she operates a store in Brooklyn and sells jewelry to celebrities.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • February 4, 2025
Popular jewelry brand traces roots back to Lakewood Ranch

Kelsey Armstrong says her inspiration for Haricot Vert back goes back to her time at Lakewood Ranch High.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Chris Pereira, director of land planning and entitlement at Pulte Homes, has to shuttle guests back and forth from their cars because the parking lot is full.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 1, 2025
Hundreds attend Del Webb Catalina grand opening

Visitors from Lakewood Ranch and beyond toured seven model homes in the new 55+ community.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Dr. Devon Diaz of Veterinary Medical Center at Lakewood Ranch demonstrates how to check a dog for a pulse during a pet first aid presentation at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall on the morning of Jan. 25.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • January 30, 2025
Lakewood Ranch CERT hosts pet-preparedness clinic

Preparing pets for disaster isn't as simple as some might think.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sara and Danny Abercrombie show support for their daughter Allyson by wearing marching band T-shirts and volunteering for the Boosters.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 29, 2025
Braden River High band boosters do more than fundraise

The high school's band director says the parent-led nonprofit is "crucial" to the program's success.

  • 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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