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East County | Neighbors

Kevin Roy says the mental side of golf is sometimes tougher than playing the actual sport.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • August 23, 2024
Golfer Kevin Roy aims to return to Korn Ferry Tour — and win

Lakewood Ranch resident and golfer Kevin Roy, battling both players and the thoughts in his head, steadfastly sticks to his one big goal in the sport: win a tournament on the PGA tour.

  • East County
  • Sports
McKenzie Hanlon received CJ four years ago from Southeastern Guide Dogs, which in May officially changed its name to Dogs Inc.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • August 23, 2024
Dogs Inc. gives clients more than help. It gives them hope.

Thanks to Dogs Inc., McKenzie Hanlon’s bond with her guide dog, CJ, transformed her life.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
“Music, sound and guided imagery are a powerful combination,” says Zooey “Zen” Seraphine.
    By
  • Marty Fugate, Su Byron
  • August 22, 2024
5 ways to increase your mental, physical and spiritual health

Five Lakewood Ranch practitioners blend traditional, holistic and modern techniques.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Karen Eckert, Nancy Schneider, and Carolyn Lowry-Nation have all played a role in helping grow and sustain the Gardeners Out East Club.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 22, 2024
Garden club digs into strengthening roots

A determined group of gardening gurus overcame a slow start and is now a thriving Lakewood Ranch club. But it’s not all about plants.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
"My wife said the other day that I’ve excelled at everything except retirement," Mark Pentecost says. "I’m really bad at retirement."
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • August 22, 2024
Entrepreneur Mark Pentecost is good at a lot of things. Retiring isn’t one of them.

The charmed life of Mark Pentecost includes nice houses in multiple states, a 10,000-acre East County ranch, tens of millions given away to cancer organizations and even his own private island. Getting to the top required a combination of grit, guts and good old-fashioned hustle.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A rich mix of textures and colors creates an intriguing atmosphere in the living room. The paintings are all by prominent Latin American artists; the coffee table is from Crate and Barrel. Muse believes in mixing mainstream pieces with antiques and one-of-kind finds.
  • By Robert Plunket
  • August 22, 2024
A life well-lived is curated and on display in this dramatic home

In a divergence from the ubiquitous coastal palette, this Country Club home dazzles with perfect taste and subtle artistry.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Summerfield's Maureen Flaherty receives kisses from Mina, who recognized "Auntie Mo" within five seconds of seeing her. It's been at least two years since Flaherty last saw Mina.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 21, 2024
Doggy siblings reunite in Lakewood Ranch after 10 years apart

The cocker spaniels, now 11, were adopted out and haven't been together since a 1-year anniversary.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
President Sue Ann Miller, librarian Tiffany Mautino and board member Janet Allen attend the ceremony to celebrate the Robinson Family Foundation's book donation.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 19, 2024
The Lakewood Ranch Library has some great friends for support

The Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Library provide supplies and programming beyond what Manatee County can offer.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch resident Keltsey Costner stops to meet Cleopatra at Barks and Brews on Aug. 13.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 17, 2024
Dogs let loose during luau at University Town Center in Sarasota

The monthly event at University Town Center's The Green benefits Nate's Honor Animal Rescue.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
  • By Lakewood Ranch Medical Center
  • August 15, 2024
Patient Finds Relief from the Pain of Spinal Stenosis

Kevin Parks said, "“I will be forever grateful to the staff at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center.”

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Lakewood Ranch Elks Exalted Ruler Kevin Burke and EFELT Executive Director Andrea Hitcho stand in front of bins at the Elks Club used to collect food donations.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 14, 2024
Lakewood Ranch Elks seek storage area for its food donation program

The Elks provide more than 500 children with free meals through its Elks Feeding Empty Little Tummies program.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Braden Woods' Amanda Chandler works with students who have dyslexia and other reading deficiencies through The Re-Reading House, which she started in January.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 14, 2024
East County educator founds The Re-Reading House

Braden Woods' Amanda Chandler works with students with dyslexia and other reading deficiencies.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch's Nathan Russell is working to develop a partnership to have his coffee cart, Traveling Bard Coffee, weekly at Lakewood Ranch Library.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 13, 2024
Traveling Bard Coffee serves Lakewood Ranch and surrounding areas

Owner Nathan Russell makes dream of being a barista a reality with a traveling coffee cart.

  • East County
  • Business
In addition to benefiting native flora and fauna, wetlands within and upstream of urban areas are particularly valuable for flood protection.
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • August 11, 2024
Myakka wetlands reduce downstream flooding

By containing waters, flooding in the park supports natural and human communities.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch resident Willow Reilly shows off her athleticism at the Toddler Olympics at Lakewood Ranch Library on Aug. 9.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 10, 2024
Competition heats up at the Lakewood Ranch Library Toddler Olympics

About 15 area toddlers ran an obstacle course to earn medals.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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Latest in East County

1
Though Florida Power & Light employs a variety of advanced technology to avoid power failures, often the basic work of tree trimming goes a long way toward heading off trouble.
  • May 24, 2026
With our deep dependence on power, FPL gears up to keep the lights on
2
A rendering of the 12U baseball/softball fields five-plex that will be built at UMR Sports complex in East County.
  • May 23, 2026
Expansion 'gets real' at UMR Sports of Bradenton
3
Oceane Visa, who says she has waited years to walk across the stage for graduation, is congratulated by Head of School Debra Otey.
  • May 22, 2026
Out-of-Door Academy graduates showed up for the moments that matter most
4
Leighton Paul (right), pictured here during the FHSAA Class 5A-Region 3 final May 14 against Gulf Coast, was Braden River's leadoff hitter this season. She went 0-for-3 in the state semifinals against Niceville.
  • May 22, 2026
Late rally not enough for Braden River High softball in state semifinals
5
Lakewood Ranch's Bruce Stamm says residents in District 1 are being denied due process because of a lack of representation.
  • May 22, 2026
Felts' Manatee County Commission seat remains empty

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