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East County | Neighbors

Third-grader Samantha Pondillo, front, had fun dancing with friends.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 12, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: BRE rocks at Sock Hop

Students at Braden River Elementary School on Sept. 23 celebrated their positive behavior with a "Rockin' Sock Hop" at the school. The event was meant to encourage students to continue working hard, show respect, engage in learning and show self control. Submitted by Kathy Keebler.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Audrey Krieg, Karen Peltz and Rita Verge of the Lakewood Ranch Garden Club were eager to chat with guests.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 10, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Club Day

Lakewood Ranch residents looking for social groups to join gathered Oct. 8 at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall for Lakewood Ranch Community Activities Corp.'s Club Day event. Attendees were able to speak with representatives of more than 30 Lakewood Ranch clubs.

  • East County
  • News
Summerfield resident Michelle Clinton, with her daughter, Ava, stands next to the bra she made out of recycled Tab and strawberry Sunkist.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 8, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: High Heel-A-Thon

East County residents rallied against breast cancer Oct. 8 during the Hornback Chiropractic High Heel-A-Thon event in the parking lot of Crowder's Gifts & Gadgets.

  • East County
  • News
Willis A. Smith Construction President David Sessions receives a finalist award from The Observer Group Editor and CEO Matt Walsh.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 6, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: The Sandies Awards

The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance and The Observer Group recognized outstanding Lakewood Ranch businesses and individuals during the first Sandies Awards event Oct. 5 at the Polo Grill & Bar's Fete Ballroom.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 5, 2011
Tara enjoys Italian festival

Tara Golf and Country Club residents on Sept. 17 enjoyed an authentic Italian feast during the San Gennaro Dinner Festival.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Levi signed the national anthem before the contest. And — even better — he got a high-five from Rays Manager Joe Maddon.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 5, 2011
Rays request Waxler's support

After their incredible ride into the postseason, the Tampa Bay Rays asked for East County sign-language guru Levi Waxler's services at the team's playoff game against the Texas Rangers Oct. 3.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Agriculture students from the school’s Science and Health Academy, among others, attended the event.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 5, 2011
Rodeo legend visits BRHS

East County cowboy and legend Hub Hubbell, 93, on Sept. 30 visited Braden River High School, where he talked about his life as a cowboy and gave a lasso demonstration.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A class photo of Lakewood Ranch High School's 2001 graduating class.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 5, 2011
Lakewood Ranch High School's first graduating class celebrates 10 years

Lakewood Ranch High School's 2001 yearbook was titled 'The Final Piece' -- to honor its first graduates as the last puzzle piece needed to complete the high school. This week, that pioneering class celebrates its 10-year reunion.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Holly Wright’s Forever Frogs is the latest venture for the Payton Wright Foundation.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 5, 2011
Payton's memory inspires business

Lakewood Ranch resident Holly Wright, co-founder of the Payton Wright Foundation, is launching a new business, Forever Frogs.

  • East County
  • News
Charlie James Gurski
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 5, 2011
Birth Announcements

Congratulations to the East County parents who celebrated recent births.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Tara resident Larry Francis took this sunset photo of Sarasota Bay Sept. 11, from City Island Park.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 5, 2011
Weekly Winner: Sails at Sunset

Tara resident Larry Francis took this sunset photo of Sarasota Bay Sept. 11, from City Island Park.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Jim and Denise Gross brought their dogs, Nico and Bella, for the first time.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 3, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Blessing of the Animals

East County residents on Oct. 1 brought out their beloved pets to Living Lord Lutheran Church for its annual Blessing of the Animals event.

  • East County
  • News
Matt Martin and Peter Carrier
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 1, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: McNeal Golf Outing

Parents and friends of McNeal Elementary hit the green for the school's annual golf tournament Oct. 1 at the Ritz-Carlton Members Club.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Penny Gillson gets her blood pressure taken by LECOM student Connie Pham.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 1, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Health & Wellness Expo

Hundreds of East County residents today flocked to Lakewood Ranch Medical Center for the seventh annual "Embrace a Life of Health & Wellness" Expo, hosted by Lakewood Ranch Community Activities Corp.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Austin Bruce and Jed Baran wore Asian-inspired costumes.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • October 1, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Primrose School Celebrating Cultures Day

Children at Primrose School of Lakewood Ranch brought some of the world's cultures to the East County during the annual Celebrating Cultures event Sept. 30. Each class studied a different culture, created authentic costumes and sang "It's a Small World" - much to the delight of parents and family members.

  • 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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