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East County | Neighbors

Seventy-three-year-old John Grey has carved hundreds of creations from the garage of his Palm-Aire home.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • March 20, 2013
Your Neighbor: John Grey

It didn't take much for John Grey to become a carver. In 1999, he drove past a sign highlighting the World Carving Headquarters in Parkersburg, W.Va. Grey exited the roadway, bought $850 worth of tools, and the 73-year-old retired State Farm worker has been carving ever since.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Diane Bartoszek of Myakka City submitted this photo of the sunrise prior to the Take Stock in Children 5K race March 3, near Lakewood Ranch Main Street.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 20, 2013
Weather Photo: RISING TO THE OCCASION

Diane Bartoszek of Myakka City submitted this photo of the sunrise prior to the Take Stock in Children 5K race March 3, near Lakewood Ranch Main Street.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Payton Aaron couldn’t contain his enthusiasm has he raced down the first base line.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • March 19, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Miracle League of Manasota Opening Day

More than 100 children and adults hit the field for the Miracle League of Manasota's Opening Day March 16.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Mike Awalt created this copper turtle.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 16, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Art at the Ranch

Art enthusiasts flocked March 16 to Lakewood Ranch Main Street for the annual Art at the Ranch event. The festival continues from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 17.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Spaghetti the Clown, also known as Marcelo Perez, entertained the children.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 16, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Kids Day at the Farmers Market

Families gathered at San Marco Plaza's weekly Farmers Market March 15, as it hosted a special Kids Day event.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch Community Activities Co. will host the Irish Celtic Festival and Lucky Dog Parade from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 16, at Central Park in Lakewood Ranch. File photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 15, 2013
Weekend Best Bet: Irish Celtic Festival

Organizers have been hard at work, eager to bring the luck of the Irish to the East County this weekend.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Cardinal Mooney midfielder Rocky Cartaya brings the ball up the field during the Lady Cougars 11-2 victory over ODA March 13.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • March 15, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: ODA vs. Cardinal Mooney Girls LAX

The Cardinal Mooney High girls lacrosse team improved to 7-0 with an 11-2 victory over The Out-of-Door Academy March 13.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
East Manatee Rescue fireman Joe Griffith's before and after photos.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 13, 2013
Local firefighter finalist in weight-loss contest

Lakewood Ranch Business owner and East Manatee Rescue fireman Joe Griffith has dropped 50 pounds in 90 days.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 13, 2013
McNeal students launch toward success

Students from McNeal Elementary School took home bragging rights during a county-wide Technology Student Association catapult competition.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 13, 2013
Take Stock race attracts 1,200 runners to Main Street

Take Stock in Children hosted its fourth annual Take Stock 5K and 10K runs Sunday, March 3, attracting more than 1,200 participants to Lakewood Ranch Main Street.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 13, 2013
Ranch photo club highlights talents

The Lakewood Ranch Digital Photography Club will be exhibiting more than 70 photographs taken by its members March 15 through April 24, at the Sarasota Senior Friendship Center.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Cheeno arrives at the South Florida Museum from Lowry Park Zoo. Photo courtesy of the South Florida Museum.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 13, 2013
Recovering manatees join Snooty

Two male manatees have joined Manatee County's famed manatee, Snooty, at the South Florida Museum.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
With 17 events, including wine dinners, a charity auction and hot-air balloon rides, a first glance at the itinerary can be overwhelming. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • March 13, 2013
Vino with a View: Florida Winefest and Auction

In its 23 years of existence, the Florida Winefest and Auction has carved its niche as the place to be to discover new wines from around the world, dine on gourmet dishes and help benefit children's charities in Sarasota.

  • East County
  • News
Courtesy photo
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • March 13, 2013
Meister of the skies

Balloon meister Bill Whidden is taking this year's Florida Wine and Balloon Festival to unparalleled heights.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch resident John Hanlon will showcase Gaelic football and hurling during this year’s Irish Celtic Festival.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 13, 2013
Lakewood Ranch ready to honor Irish culture

This year's Irish Celtic Festival will feature Gaelic football and hurling demonstrations, in addition to other festivities.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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Latest in East County

1
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
2
This Shoreview home at 7889 Mainsail Lane sold for $1,525,000. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,857 square feet of living area.
  • February 10, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for Jan. 26-30 in Lakewood Ranch
3
Tom Bergerat (center) was presented with a $3,500 scholarship at Polo with the Pros after being named the Junior Humanitarian of the year while Waterside's Audrey Luke (left), a junior at The Out-of-Door Academy, and Parrish's Mia Polseno (right), a senior at Parrish Community High, each received $750 scholarships.
  • February 10, 2026
Junior humanitarian honored by the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation
4
District 5 Commissioner Bob McCann holds a town hall meeting Feb. 2 at the Lakewood Ranch Library.
  • February 10, 2026
Garbage collection a hot topic at town hall meeting in Lakewood Ranch
5
The School District of Manatee County's Superintendent Laurie Breslin, Educator of the Year Clifford Dawson and Deputy Superintendent of Instructional Services Derek Jensen pose for a photo at the Excellence in Education Awards on Feb. 4.
  • February 9, 2026
Braden River High band director named Educator of the Year

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