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East County | Neighbors

Lakewood Ranch's Richard Pierson, who checks out the cap gun exhibit at his Sarasota Toy Museum, says toys have declined for a while, but he expects a resurgence.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • December 16, 2024
Lakewood Ranch toy aficionado hopes to spread passion to local kids

Richard Pierson has seen a shift in the way toys are appreciated.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Oscar Mayer 'hotdoggers' Kaitlin Goldstein and Cooper Albert drive around the country to spread brand awareness and tease out some smiles.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • December 15, 2024
Oscar Mayer Wienermobile serves smiles to Lakewood Ranch

Nostalgia and photo opportunities were aplenty when the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile arrived in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Guests line up for food trucks at Ranch Nite Wednesday on Dec. 11 at Waterside Place.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • December 13, 2024
Ranch Nite Wednesday has residents coming back for seconds

The temperature dropped, but the food was still warm.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Winners of each age group (8-9, 10-11 and 12-13 years old) received trophies for their performance at the Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks Hoop Shoot at Carlos E. Haile Middle School on Monday, Dec. 9.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • December 11, 2024
Lakewood Ranch Elks Hoop Shoot puts youth basketball in the spotlight

Six Hoop Shoot winners will advance to the district tournament in Sarasota

  • East County
  • Sports
Ian and Amanda Huezo, Jessica Mendez, Executive Director Lynn Rasys and Mendez's friend Erica Molinar attend Farm to Table Tampa Bay in November. The event benefited the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • December 11, 2024
Florida nonprofit eases the financial stress of cancer

The Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation covers the cost of living expenses for patients actively undergoing cancer treatment.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Owen Han is joined by his sister Olimpia Ruzbacki and her children Hawk, Haze and Cypress.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • December 10, 2024
'Sandwich King' Owen Han returns to Out of Door Academy

Han graduated in 2016 and went on to become a culinary influencer.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Dave and Shannon Eakle join Mary and Al McNicola at the River Club's Rockin' Reindeer Ball Dec. 8 at University Park Country Club.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 9, 2024
Rockin' Reindeer Ball brings River Club residents together

The semi-formal event, held this year at University Park Country Club, is a purely social affair.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Naples' Kaata Mrachek and Bradenton's Laurence Lederer dance to the beat during the inaugural Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival Dec. 7 at Waterside Place.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 8, 2024
All smiles after blues festival in Lakewood Ranch

Top talent, perfect weather leaves music fans thrilled at Waterside Place.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Jerry Downs ran his 5K with a Santa hat on during a brisk Saturday morning at The Haven of Sarasota.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • December 8, 2024
Local runners show their holiday spirit at the Jingle Jog 5K in Sarasota

The 27th annual event supports The Haven and is presented by the Manasota Track Club.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Katherine Pike and Rosemarie Tamunday attend the Palm Aire Women's Club luncheon at the Palm Aire Country Club Dec. 5.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • December 6, 2024
Palm Aire club hosts a merry luncheon

Members of the women's club donated toys to Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center and enjoyed a holiday choir performance.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch's Pam Hazelwood shows off her ornament in progress.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 30, 2024
Ornament workshop kicks off the holidays in Lakewood Ranch

Arts A Blaze Studio hosted A Very Merry Ornament Workshop at The Grove.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
  • By Manatee Community Foundation
  • November 30, 2024
Five Things You Didn't Know About Manatee Community Foundation

As we move forward, we hope to closely partner with our donors, fellow foundations, government officials, the business community, and our esteemed nonprofit partners — because philanthropy is a team sport.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Volunteers Terry Dale and Carol Glider, both of Bradenton, stand on either side of Tidewell Foundation President Delesa Morris as they pack meals during the fifth annual Meal Drive Nov. 27.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 29, 2024
Tidewell Foundation volunteers give back during Thanksgiving

More than 500 meals delivered to those in need during the holidays in Manatee, Sarasota, DeSoto and Charlotte counties.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sarasota's Omar Delgado said he was going to "justify the meal" with a Thanksgiving morning run at the Florida Turkey Trot.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 28, 2024
A slice of turkey and a side of love at the Florida Turkey Trot in Sarasota

The beloved event drew 3,693 entries for the 5K and hundreds more for the kids races at Nathan Benderson Park.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Chris Snow, Debbie Snow, Ginger the dog, Lynette and Dennis Castiglia, Knox the dog and Kim and Sally Schoeffel bring the manger scene to life during Peace Presbyterian's Carols, Candles and Living Nativity on the Path in 2023.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 27, 2024
Destruction turns into inspiration for Peace Presbyterian Church's Peaceful Path

Church members use debris from Hurricane Milton to create decorations for the path for the church's living nativity.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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Latest in East County

1
Santa greets visitors from the window of 9605 Governor's Club Place in The River Club.
  • December 20, 2025
Christmas decorating isn't just for kids
2
The Family Church caroling crew from left to right is Melody Johnson, Laurie Houston, Nancy Pilato, Pastor Phil Derstine and Terrial Robinson.
  • December 20, 2025
East Manatee church members will go through bars to spread Christmas joy
3
Charlie Shachat, a co-founder of the Foolishly Festive Christmas Parade, decided to be part of the show for the "Jaws" 50th anniversary.
  • December 19, 2025
Esplanade continues tradition of being 'foolishly festive' for parade
4
Citrus County woman held in shooting death of Manatee man
  • December 18, 2025
Citrus County woman held in shooting death of Manatee man
5
Capri Finan, 7, Madelyn Finan, 9 and Maverick Finan, 3, pose with Santa after telling him what they want for Christmas, which includes a doll house and a trampoline.
  • December 18, 2025
Braden River High transforms into Winter Wonderland

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