• Alternate Text

  • Loading

  • Valentine's Day Gift Guide
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App
  • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • Key Life
  • Galleries
  • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Longboat
    • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • Key Life
  • Galleries
  • More
    • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Valentine's Day Gift Guide
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

East County | Neighbors

Olivia Escorcia, 7, and Marco Escorcia, 5, meet the Easter Bunny at Eggstravaganza.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • September 12, 2024
Community Activities makes connections by focusing on smaller gatherings

Quality and intentional connections are key to the nonprofit's successful growth.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Faculty and staff spell out "ODA" to celebrate the groundbreaking of The Out-of-Door Academy's upper school in 1995 in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • September 12, 2024
The Out-of-Door Academy expands with Lakewood Ranch

From dirt roads to school expansion, ODA's "crazy" idea to open its upper school in Lakewood Ranch continues to pay off 28 years later.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The runners sprint away at the start of the Run for the Beads 5K at Waterside Place. Funds for the race support area nonprofits through the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 12, 2024
Nonprofits play key role in Lakewood Ranch's growth

A small-town feel prompts newcomers to immerse themselves in the community.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lake Club residents rally together to participate in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in 2023.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • September 11, 2024
LWR-area communities unite to raise money for breast cancer research

Residents in University Park, Lake Club, Rosedale and others strive to raise thousands for cancer research.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Take Stock in Children crew includes Scott Atkins and Heather Clark with Bank of America, along with Executive Director Lisa Bechtold and the incoming chair Brittany Lamont.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 5, 2024
Bank of America celebrates Sarasota-Manatee nonprofits

The bank awarded over $450,000 in grants in the past year.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
  • By Kirkplan Kitchen & Bath
  • September 5, 2024
Helping the Community: Kirkplan Kitchen & Bath Crafts amongst the floods

Hard times reveal the true strength of a community, reminding us that we need to lean on each other and work together to restore the place we call home.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Lakewood Ranch's Mike O'Donnell has launched a virtual biographer that will help people preserve their life memories and defining moments.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 4, 2024
Lakewood Ranch businessman uses AI to capture lasting memories

Through the Leaves Legacy Project, Mike O'Donnell preserves and produces life stories that includes a virtual biographer.

  • East County
  • Business
Bobby Burnett (left) and his family go to the beach with his brother Josh Burnett (right) and his family, who were visiting from Nicaragua. Bobby Burnett says his brother and his family have been tremendous support since his daughter Grace Burnett suffered from a brain aneurysm suddenly.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • September 4, 2024
12-year-old's aneurysm leaves her family living in a 'nightmare'

Grace Burnett remains in intensive care since Aug. 4, and her parents hope to spread awareness about brain aneurysms.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
CEO Lou Barreda gives Susie a drink from the hose when her bath is finished.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 4, 2024
Myakka Elephant Ranch puts guests to work, not elephants

With three elephants retired from the entertainment industry living on the compound, Myakka Elephant Ranch provides engaging experience while promoting elephant conservation.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Natalya Demina, the co-owner of AAA Pet Resort, takes Charlotte, a 6-month-old corgi, through an agility obstacle that benefits the dog's physical and mental health.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 30, 2024
AAA Pet Resort owner uses circus experience to train dogs

Natalya Demina and her family use similar training for the Pompeyo Family and the Amazing Rescue Dogs for their clients.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
  • By JL Bainbridge Family Wealth Advisors
  • August 29, 2024
7 Steps to Successful Financial Planning for Retirement

How to work effectively with your financial advisor.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Lakewood Ranch residents Marilyn and Marty Munce are regulars at Waterside Place.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 28, 2024
Manatee Community Concert Band rocks Waterside Place

The band played classics including "Moon River" for the August installment of Sights and Sounds.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Bill Curphey was honored by The Florida Bar in June in Orlando for his 50 years as an attorney.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 28, 2024
Attorney isn't ready to rest his case

Mill Creek's Bill Curphey is still active after 50 years as an attorney.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch's David Perkowski will co-host two events and participate in Men Wear Pink to support the American Cancer Society.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 28, 2024
Love, advocacy inspire Lakewood Ranch resident to join Men Wear Pink

David Perkowski will hit the runway to support American Cancer Society in honor of family members who have survived cancer,

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Debbie Shaffer, a member of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, is excited to see the drone in action.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 25, 2024
Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance hits the road

The alliance hosted an "Innovations in Healthcare Training" road show for its members.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
« 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 »
The best of Your Observer, delivered directly to your inbox

Get the latest in news, sports, schools, arts and things to do in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key and East County.

Sign Up

Latest in East County

1
Three comedians including Bradenton's Tim Boyd will perform at the “Hearts of Hope: A Valentine’s Comedy Night” fundraiser to benefit Harbor 58, Foster the Family, and Bring on the Ministry on Feb. 13.
  • February 6, 2026
Nonprofits to host Valentine's comedy fundraiser in Lakewood Ranch
2
The Lakewood Ranch Garden Club Butterfly Symposium will take place at 9 a.m. on Feb. 7 at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.
  • February 4, 2026
Butterfly symposium lands at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall
3
Braden River boys basketball has clinched its first 20-win season since 2011-12, and won eight games in a row to close out the regular season.
  • February 4, 2026
Braden River High boys basketball team turns the tides with teamwork
4
Sisterhood for Good members Nikki Pelier-Simon, Samina Morrow and Allison Adams show off some fashions that will be in the spotlight at Tropical Escape July 27 at the Sarasota Polo Club.
  • February 4, 2026
Lakewood Ranch fundraiser is a hula for moolah
5
Thundercloud Ranch is one of two conservation easements Manatee County purchased Jan. 27.
  • February 4, 2026
Manatee County purchases two easements, conserves nearly 1,500 acres

App

Download the Your Observer app

Stay in the know with the latest local news. Any device, anytime, anywhere.

DOWNLOAD NOW

Contact

  • 1970 Main St.
  • Third Floor
  • Sarasota, FL 34236
  • Phone: 941-366-3468
  • FPN Verified

Extra, Extra!

  • Newsletters
  • App
  • Crossword
  • Contests

more

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Classifieds
  • Advertise
  • Rack Locations
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Options

sister sites

  • Business Observer
  • Jax Daily Record
  • Orange Observer
  • Accessibility Options
  • Copyright © 2026 Observer Media Group Inc., All Rights Reserved
Sign Up for Daily Headlines

A daily dose of news from Longboat Key, East County, Sarasota and Siesta Key.

Sign Up for In Case You Missed It

A Saturday dose of the week's top stories from Sarasota, Longboat Key and East County.

The Your Observer App is Here!

Get local news you can trust — now on your phone, tablet or laptop. Fast. Free. Easy to Use.
Stay informed, wherever you are.

Download Now