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East County | 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
Julie Fanning holds the ceremonial gavel in taking over as the 2025 chair of the board for the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 29, 2025
Maintaining a positive direction is key to new LWRBA chair

Julie Fanning will guide the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance through its 20th anniversary year.

  • East County
  • Business
Navigator Sierra Inabnett balances the carriage in a turn as driver Amy Cross, a 2024 national champion in Single Pony, works through a water hazard during the Combined Driving at TerraNova event Saturday in Myakka City.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 26, 2025
TerraNova hosts its first Combined Driving event in Myakka City

World champion driver Misdee Wrigley Miller of Lakewood Ranch was among the competitors.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Those who hire Myakka City's Casey Kantenwein to shoe their horses say his creativity sets him apart from other farriers.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 22, 2025
When it comes to TerraNova's horses, this farrier nails it

If the shoe fits, it's probably Casey Kantenwein doing the work.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Former polo pro Bob Brosious gives some quick instruction to Raymond Dweck, and Lisa and Mark Friedman during Polo with the Pros at the Sarasota Polo Club Jan. 19.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 21, 2025
Lakewood Ranch Community Fund kicks off 2025 with polo event

Polo with the Pros packed the pavilion despite a storm that canceled the actual polo match.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Claw was one of the most popular rides at the Manatee County Fair Saturday.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • January 19, 2025
Manatee County Fair begins with nonstop entertainment

The fair continues its run in Palmetto through Jan. 26.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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Latest in East County

1
Students in Manatee schools begin learning cursive in third grade. With House Bill 127, that might change to second grade instead. It would also require fifth graders to be evaluated to prove proficiency.
  • February 11, 2026
Cursive writing requirements would change if proposed legislation passes
2
Taylore Lantz and Christine Sullivan walk at Waterside Place on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. as members of Run the Ranch.
  • February 11, 2026
Club gives runners opportunity to Run the Ranch
3
The Lakewood Ranch Mustangs changed their name from the Manatee Admirals after 12 seasons and promptly won the Lightning High School Hockey League championship.
  • February 11, 2026
LRHS claims third Lightning Cup ice hockey title in program history
4
Conference Chair Katherine De Young shows off a winning image. She created the photo using mannequin heads. It was featured in the 2019 "Embracing our Differences" exhibit in Sarasota.
  • February 11, 2026
Manatee Technical College to host photography conference
5
Vito Bavaro underwent knee surgery in December 2025, but despite months of pain and physical limitations, has made his signature impact on the Mustangs' stellar season.
  • February 10, 2026
Knee replacement can't keep Lakewood Ranch High coach from his job

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