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East County | Neighbors

Oats McGoats is adjusting to his new home at the Farmhouse Animal and Nature Sanctuary in Myakka City.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 12, 2024
Stray goat finds home in Myakka City

A stray goat that was found wandering the streets of Jacksonville was taken in by the Farmhouse Animal and Nature Sanctuary.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Liam Middleton, 6, does a backflip on the bungee trampoline.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 9, 2024
Irish Celtic Festival draws hundreds to Lakewood Ranch

The Irish Celtic Festival featured Irish food and music, along with games and a dog parade.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Mark Wandall Foundation offers an annual sleepaway camp in partnership with nonprofit Comfort Zone Camp.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 8, 2024
Mark Wandall Foundation supports, connects youth navigating grief

After the death of her husband, Melissa Wandall started The Mark Wandall Foundation to help children cope with the loss of a family member.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Panther sightings in Manatee have increased.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 7, 2024
Local expert to lead presentation on Florida panthers, increased sightings

Florida Panther Project founder Bill Samuels will talk about the past and future of the Florida Panther.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Marci Weisgold's sculpture "Rhythmic Gold" was Best in Show at the 2023 Art in the Park.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 6, 2024
Anatomy expertise led sculptor to molding masterpieces

Event co-founder Marci Weisgold, a renowned sculptor, heads more than 160 artists who will display their work at the 24th annual Art in the Park.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Bella, a 14-week-old puppy, seems excited about making new friends at the Suncoast Walkathon. "She's having a great time," says her owner, Palmetto's Robert Wildt."
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 3, 2024
Suncoast Walkathon a paws-itive fundraiser

More than 100 people and their dogs walk around Nathan Benderson Park to support Southeastern Guide Dogs.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
  • By JL Bainbridge Family Wealth Advisors
  • February 29, 2024
Will Medicare Missteps Affect Your Retirement?

While the general process for your Medicare plans and options may seem straightforward, it is essential to carefully consider your options.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Top nature photos from around Sarasota, Longboat Key, East County in 2024-25
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 28, 2024
Top nature photos from around Sarasota, Longboat Key, East County in 2024-25

Readers from across the region submit their photos to the Observer's 2024-25 Weather and Nature Photo Contest.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Out-of-Door Academy junior Celia Rayman, math teacher Michael Saxton and senior Joe Clarke get ready for their performance at Waterside Place on Feb. 27.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 28, 2024
Sights and Sounds hosts The-Out-of-Door Academy band

The theme for the evening in Waterside Place was Jazz Under the Stars.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sandy Baptist Church stands strong on Clay Gully Road. The church incorporated in 1904.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 28, 2024
Sandy Baptist Church retains Old-Florida charm in Myakka City

The congregation has worked to keep the doors open after Hurricane Ian tore through the 120-year-old church.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Dave Otterness says his wife Jennifer's support allows him to give back to the community through the LWRBA.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 28, 2024
Willis Smith exec takes over as LWRBA chair

Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance Chair David Otterness says he will put new vision and mission statements into action and increase the nonprofit's advocacy in 2024.

  • East County
  • Business
The Suncoast Walk-a-thon has become Southeastern Guide Dogs' biggest walk-a-thon that also raises the most amount for the nonprofit.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 27, 2024
Southeastern Guide Dogs gears up for annual Suncoast Walkathon

Local puppy raisers play key role in preparing the dogs to help their future clients.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Making An Impact resource guides make finding help easier for organizations and individuals.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 27, 2024
Lakewood Ranch nonprofit curates community resources

Making An Impact’s Community Connections Resource Guide contains information on more than 300 local organizations that provide assistance to residents.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Chabad of Bradenton to host first Kosher Food Festival
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 26, 2024
Chabad of Bradenton to host first Kosher Food Festival

The Kosher Food Festival will provide various offerings to educate people on kosher foods while meeting the needs of the community.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
MVP Sports and Social members go all-out for the pirate costume contest. Photos of the members were posted on social media so members at home could vote for best costume.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 25, 2024
Lakewood Ranch's MVP Sports and Social hits the high seas

Local residents board a cruise with the area's sports and social organization.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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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

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