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East County | Neighbors

Nicholas Ortega, 4, spun the wheel for a prize.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 26, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: McNeal Carnival

Families of McNeal Elementary School gathered Feb. 25 in the school's courtyard for a school carnival. Guests enjoyed carnival-style games, a dunk tank, inflatables, food, prizes and more.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
George Bassa had a blast fishing with his grandchildren, Tyler Perkins, Cooper Ryan and Emily Perkins.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 25, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Youth Fishing Tournament

About 100 aspiring fishermen and their families gathered around Summerfield Lake Feb. 25 for the Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club Youth Fishing Tournament.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Bill Family: Tessa, Scott, Morgan and Deborah.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 24, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Honoring Navy SEAL Brian Bill and His Fellow SEALS: A Benefit for the Navy SEAL Foundation

East County residents paid tribute to the life of U.S. Navy SEAL Brian Bill and his fellow U.S. Navy SEAL Team 6 team during Honoring Navy SEAL Brian Bill and His Fellow SEALS: A Benefit for the Navy SEAL Foundation Feb. 24 at the Lakewood Ranch Cinemas. Bill was among those killed after the Taliban fired a rocket-propelled grenade into their helicopter during a mission in the Maidan Wardak province of Afghanistan. During the fundraiser, guests enjoyed a mid-morning reception followed by a private screening of the film 'Act of Valor,' a film inspired by true events and starring active-duty Navy SEALs.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Allison Tibor and Brianna Riehl danced the night away.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 24, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Divas and Daddies Dance

Fathers and daughters at Freedom Elementary School danced the night away tonight during the school's Divas and Daddies Dance.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Braden River Elementary cafeteria staff put together a special rock star menu for the event.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 23, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Braden River Elementary School Cafeteria Rock Star Day

Students at Braden River Elementary School let the good times roll during the school's Cafeteria Rock Star Day Feb. 23. During their lunch periods, students enjoyed a special rock star menu and listened to rock and roll hits played by the Guitar Center's Stephen Miller and Jimi Gee. The event celebrated BRE's Learning Rocks school theme.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Rick Obeid, of New Panel Homes, today caulks one of five new dog cottage at Honor Animal Rescue's Ranch on Lorraine Road. Volunteers from T.J. Maxx painted the structures Wednesday.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 23, 2012
PHOTO OF THE DAY: Building homes

Rick Obeid, of New Panel Homes, today caulks one of five new dog cottage at Honor Animal Rescue's Ranch on Lorraine Road. Volunteers from T.J. Maxx painted the structures Wednesday.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Dietrich family was recognized for its contribution. Pictured are students Tyler and Alexsa, with their parents, Sandi and Billy, and grandparents, Sandy and Bill.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 23, 2012
ODA opens new baseball facilities

The Out-of-Door Academy on Feb. 21 celebrated the grand opening of its new Thunder Baseball Concession Building and Scorer's Booth.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Patrick Kopfle, Kayla Moore and Bob Kirscher of the Broken Egg
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 22, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance MemberFest

Members of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance enjoyed an evening of fun and games during the organization's MemberFest 2012 block party Feb. 22 on Main Street in Lakewood Ranch. Those in attendance enjoyed playing games, sampling food from local restaurants, a wacky member awards presentation, prizes, networking and socializing with other members.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 22, 2012
FIVE THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT: Bill Mixon

83-year-old Bill Mixon is one of Manatee County's most famous farmers. Read more about this local icon in our candid Q&A.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Ann Schumer was among the lucky raffle winners. Photo by Be-Be Hansen.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 22, 2012
Palm-Aire goes all in at card party

About 200 women tried their luck during the Palm-Aire Women's Club's Game & Card Party at Palm-Aire Country Club.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Courtesy photos
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 22, 2012
Ovations: Congratulations are in order

Do you know someone who has cause for celebration? The East County Observer wants to celebrate with you! Submit your Ovations news to Michael Eng, [email protected].

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Read this week's Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 22, 2012
Cops Corner: East County

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Although he technically is retired, Bill Mixon still works most days at Mixon Fruit Farms. “It’s my life; I enjoy being a farmer,” he says.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 22, 2012
Neighbors: Bill Mixon

At 83 years old, one of the East County's most famous farmers has published his memoirs in 'Believers in Action: Mixon Fruit Farms.'

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Javier Huanay took this sunset photo at Jiggs Landing.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 22, 2012
Cool Today Weather Photo Contest Winner

Javier Huanay took this sunset photo at Jiggs Landing.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Professional golfer Abbie Valentine brushed up on his putting before teeing off.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 20, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Junior Achievement Golf Tournament

Nearly 150 professional and amateur golfers hit the course for the 10th Annual Junior Achievement Manatee/Sarasota Professional-Amateur Golf Tournament Feb. 20 at The Ritz-Carlton Member's Club in Lakewood Ranch. Every team was paired with a professional golfer; including 15-year-old East County golf pro Domenico Geminiani. Following the tournament, players enjoyed dinner and a silent auction. Proceeds from the event will benefit Junior Achievement Manatee/Sarasota.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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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.
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