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East County | Neighbors

Brittany Lamont and Nicole Hackel congratulate Jacob Kinsel of the Manatee Community Foundation as he is announced as the winner of the "Next Gen" award at University Park Country Club May 13.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 16, 2026
Young Leaders Alliance presents its top award in Lakewood Ranch

The top "Next Gen" award goes to Jacob Kinsel, who was honored for his commitment to the Manatee Community Foundation and the community.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Holiday House SRQ's Megan Micale, executive director, and Sepi Ackerman, co-founder and executive president, say a grant would allow for 350 Title I students to receive school uniforms, shoes and a holiday experience.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 14, 2026
Sisterhood for Good hosts annual Grant Expo in Lakewood Ranch

Of the 129 applicants who applied for grants this year, 23 were represented at the Grant Expo May 11.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Bradenton's Trey Johnson finishes his swing during the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation Golf Tournament, which raises funds for local nonprofits.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 11, 2026
Lakewood Ranch rallies to support golf tournament fundraiser

Eighty-three golfers entered the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation Golf Tournament at Colusa Country Club.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Waterside’s Victoria Ortiz, 24, said her 7-month-old son, Flynn, has changed her life for the better.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 10, 2026
Mothers discuss their journeys before their special day

Lakewood Ranch mothers share how motherhood has helped them grow through both happy moments and hardship.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Parker Hippich, 12 months, gets a lift from mom, Tessa Hippich, during Petals and Poses on Saturday at Waterside Place.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 10, 2026
All about the mothers at special event in Lakewood Ranch

Petals and Poses honored the area's moms while raising funds for the Mothers Helping Mothers nonprofit.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Alannis Peterson of Prism Artistry "eats" fire at Agave Bandido for its Cinco de Mayo Celebration May 5.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 6, 2026
Agave Bandido hosts Cinco de Mayo party in Waterside of Lakewood Ranch

Live music, a fire performer, stilt walkers, drinks and Mexican food made for a memorable event.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Janet and Dean Mixon are retiring. The couple sold their food truck to Polk Sheriff Charities, Inc.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 6, 2026
Mixon Swirl food truck finds a new home in Polk County

Dean and Janet Mixon sell their iconic food truck to Polk Sheriff Charities Inc.

  • East County
  • Business
The Sourdough Society of Lakewood Ranch members Camille Piccininni, Erica Calka and David Wiegand each created a loaf of sourdough with different ingredients to make each unique.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 5, 2026
Sourdough Society of Lakewood Ranch rises by sharing ideas

These members don't loaf around when it comes to making delicious bread.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A beaming Dick Vitale with his All-Courageous Kids at the 21st annual Dick Vitale Gala held on May 1 at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • May 4, 2026
Dick Vitale Gala raises $21 million for pediatric cancer research

In its 21st year, the gala nearly doubled last year's $12 million total, with Vitale currently battling cancer for the fifth time.

  • East County
  • Sports
Carissa Smentowski, who played a big part in creating the Peaceful Path, receives a hug from the Peaceful Path Director Jamie Reagan during the World Labryrinth Day program.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 2, 2026
Peaceful Path in Lakewood Ranch offers a stroll on World Labyrinth Day

Peace Presbyterian has joined the worldwide effort to "create a rolling wave of peace."

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Ed Catalane of the Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club does his part to teach children, including Lakewood Ranch's Hayes Cochran, further their fishing skills at the Youth & Teen Fishing Seminar May 2.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 2, 2026
Expert cast teaches fishing lessons in Lakewood Ranch

One hundred and forty kids attended the Youth and Teen Fishing Seminar by the Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club to learn the basics of fishing.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Martha Jepsky and Rebel Jackson say The Lake Club Women's Giving Circle is a great place to build community and support a great cause.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 1, 2026
Lake Club Women's Giving Circle wine event raises funds with taste

Uncorked and On the Rocks fuels the group's charity given, which totaled more than $100,000 in 2025.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Skyler Betts is the CEO of All 4 the Members, a nonprofit that serves residents, 65 and older, living in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 29, 2026
Nonprofit supports seniors and caregivers in Sarasota, Manatee counties

All 4 the Members offers resources and financial support to residents who are 65 and older.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
River Strand's Bonnie and Manoj Mathew stand between two of the crew members. John Pallasch is on the left and Joe Leach is on the right.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 29, 2026
River Strand couple hosts fundraiser for nonprofit Foar the Brave

Two veterans and two civilians are preparing to row 2,800 miles across the Pacific Ocean in June.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
James Kleiner, who is working at Jiggs Landing for his grandmother, concession owner Denise Kleiner, made fast friends with Shiloh, the lost pet parrot.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 28, 2026
After a flight to Jiggs Landing, dancing pet parrot reunited with distraught owner

Bradenton teen James Kleiner cares for Shiloh, a sun conure who had been missing for almost a month.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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Latest in East County

1
Work has either started or will begin soon on four roundabouts on University Parkway, east of Lakewood Ranch Boulevard. University Parkway also is being widened from Lorraine Road to Bourneside Boulevard.
  • July 8, 2026
Necessary construction will snarl University Parkway in Lakewood Ranch
2
FoodTrukt, a new app, aims to bring together food truck owners and customers through making locations, schedules and menus more accessible.
  • July 8, 2026
Find nearby food trucks with new app
3
Deborah Callahan-Stratton, Joy Stone, Barbara Najmy and Jennifer Alokeh are collecting sneakers for the fifth annual Sneakin Back to School Sneaker Drive to benefit The Twig.
  • July 8, 2026
The Lake Club Women's Giving Circle transitions to a nonprofit
4
Avery Banfill (left) and Phoenix Scanlan (right) grew up on the same junior golf circuit. Their respective journeys converged at Parrish Community High and will converge once again at Memphis next fall.
  • July 8, 2026
Stars align for local golfers who are headed for the University of Memphis
5
The Manatee County Property Appraiser is located at 915 4th Ave. W. in downtown Bradenton.
  • July 8, 2026
How your home is appraised in Manatee County

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