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East County | Neighbors

Madison Bradley, left, Brittany Pelton, Colin Mgbeaky, Julia Goldman and Anthony Asay
  • By Kelly Pleasant
  • December 29, 2010
Youth group samples cuisines on progressive dinner hay ride

The High School Youth Group from Christ Presbyterian Church enjoyed an old-fashioned hay ride down Lakewood Ranch Main Street Dec. 20.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 22, 2010
McNeal reports snow on campus

Despite the forecast otherwise, McNeal Elementary School reported snow last week.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 22, 2010
Gullett presents holiday program

Gullett Elementary School celebrated the holiday season with a special program.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 22, 2010
Harvest shares holiday cheer

Members of Harvest United Methodist Church brought the Christmas spirit to Falkner Farms during the church's annual Christmas party.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 22, 2010
Wranglers show can-do attitude

Braden River Elementary School's Student Council collected more than 3,000 cans of food through its annual Salvation Army Food Drive.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 22, 2010
Kids R Kids completes drive

Students at Kids R Kids of Lakewood Ranch have ensured 10 more children will have a Merry Christmas this year.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
This home in the Carlyle at the Villages of Palm-Aire features a moving toy train.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 22, 2010
East County homes brighten holidays

In celebration of the holiday season, many East County residents have brightened the night, stringing up lights and other decorations for neighbors to enjoy. Here are a few shots of some of the homes we enjoyed seeing.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Four-year-old Claire Schmalzer asked for a princess for Christmas.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 19, 2010
Santa visits Polo Grill

Dozens of children and their families gathered at the Polo Grill to share their wish lists with Santa Claus one final time during the restaurant's Breakfast with Santa event Dec. 18. Guests enjoyed a hearty breakfast before enjoying some quality time with the Big Guy himself.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Whitney Kitchens (Mary) played Baby Jesus in the Living Nativity performance when she was a baby.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • December 19, 2010
The Savior is Born

An estimated 5,000 people watched the story of Christmas brought to life during the Tabernacle's annual Living Nativity performances Dec. 16-19. The East County church's Christmas tradition featured more than 100 cast members, live animals, flying angels and more.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Steve Turner of Giving Tree Music shows Sofia Mingote, 10, how to control the volume of her classmates' drumming with her arms.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 16, 2010
Tara kids enjoy drum circle

Three Tara Elementary School teachers rewarded their Safety Patrol and TV Production students for a job well done with a special drum circle event presented by Giving Tree Music today.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch residents Frank and Michelle Vitori brought their son, Frankie, 18 months, to see Santa for the first time.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 16, 2010
Holiday traditions sparkle on Main

Lakewood Ranch Main Street continued to celebrate the holiday season with an array of activities Dec. 15. East County residents enjoyed a visit from Santa, the sounds of the Dickens Carolers, carriage rides and holiday pet photos.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch residents Dick and Lorraine Vitale are blessed to be able to spread Christmas cheer to underprivileged children.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 16, 2010
Vitale family spreads Christmas cheer

Lakewood Ranch residents Dick and Lorraine Vitale celebrated the holiday season with eight members of the Boys and Girls Club during their annual Christmas Party Dec. 15. After enjoying sandwiches and snacks and touring the Vitale home, the children gathered together and listened as Dick Vitale spoke about the importance of doing the right thing and following your dreams. Following the speech, the children enjoyed a visit from Santa Claus where they received a plethora of gifts and gift cards for Publix.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Rachel Consiglio, Elinor Sevy and Naomi Burg enjoyed making candles.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 15, 2010
Candle party brightens Chabad

Smells of oil and wax wafted through the air as Chabad Hebrew School held its Chanukah Candle Crafting Workshop at the Chabad Jewish Center in Lakewood Ranch Dec. 5.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 15, 2010
Waterlefe Realtor hosts Toys for Tots bash

More than 100 children will have a Merry Christmas this year thanks to Waterlefe Golf and River Club resident and Realtor Robyn Drourr.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lara Cosgrove had a blast creating a gingerbread house with her daughters, Elise (pictured) and Cecelia.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • December 12, 2010
Families complete holiday homes

Using sugary sweets, frosting and plenty of homemade gingerbread, families constructed a wide variety of edible homes at Pastries By Design's Gingerbread House Workshop Dec. 11. Owner Lyndsy McDonald provided expertise as families crafted their delicious designs.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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Latest in East County

1
The purple piles will carry reclaimed water to Lakewood Ranch Southeast for irrigation.
  • February 11, 2026
New road construction speeds through Lakewood Ranch Southeast
2
Neal Shipley was all smiles after winning the 2025 LECOM Suncoast Classic at Lakewood National Golf Club.
  • February 11, 2026
Lakewood Ranch golf fans now asked to support two pro golf tournaments
3
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
4
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
5
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

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