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East County | Neighbors

Lakewood Ranch's John Rapp and Susan Rapp drop off 249 shoeboxes the Acts of Kindness Group at Grace Community Church made. The group more than doubled its donations compared to last year.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • December 3, 2023
Community rallies to help seniors in need with Shoebox Collection

Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee received hundreds of donated shoeboxes from community members and businesses.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Tara's Dennis and Lisa Pyeatt are all aboard the Jiggs Express.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • December 3, 2023
Jiggs Landing shines bright with annual boat parade in east Bradenton

The Holiday Boat Parade is more than a celebration of the holidays to a Tara couple.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Karen MacDougall and her granddaughter Sloane Johnson love Music on Main, especially in December. Sloane is dressed as an Elf on the Shelf.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • December 2, 2023
Lakewood Ranch's Music on Main hosts its holiday celebration

A long line of families waited patiently as Santa set up shop under the big Christmas tree.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
  • By Safe Children Coalition
  • November 30, 2023
Help Our Community’s Children Dream, Believe, Achieve

SCC – a community-based care agency - is a public/private partnership that worked with nearly 10,000 children across Sarasota, DeSoto and Manatee counties last year.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Whether a parking attendant, Joseph's angel, a wise man's attendant, an angel or any other role, the Walmsley family loves coming together to participate in the living nativity each year.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 29, 2023
Nativity tradition continues for East County family

Participating in the Tabernacle Church's annual living nativity is a tradition for the Walmsley family.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
These angels are made from magnolia seed pods. After spraying them for bugs, committee member Vicki Carvelli applies several coats of varnish to preserve the pods.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 29, 2023
Lakewood Ranch angel tree raises thousands for those in need

Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church parishioners raised $35,000 last year by making and selling Christmas ornaments.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Bonnie Caulson, Jessica Braemer, Ellie Casebolt, Lora Bostick and Shadeed Wright are at Grace Community Church on Nov. 17. The church made a $25,000 donation to Better Together.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 29, 2023
Grace Community Church focuses on outreach

The Lakewood Ranch church has a hand in many community events and supports several local nonprofits.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Former Florida Senate President Bill Galvano, Concession owner Bruce Cassidy, PGA Tour Champions President Miller Brady, Intersport founder Charles Besser and former PGA Tour star Peter Jacobsen announced the new World Champions Cup in April.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 28, 2023
World Champions Cup to throw block party in Lakewood Ranch

The inaugural PGA Tour Champions event is going all out to thank The Concession and the region.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Nearly 500 donated shoeboxes fill one of two vans at the Holiday Shoebox Drive at the Lakewood Ranch Elks on Dec. 4, 2021.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 27, 2023
Meals on Wheels Plus prepares for annual Shoebox Collection

Helping out Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee with shoeboxes has become a tradition for Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch members.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A new art installation at Resilient Retreat was donated by East Sarasota resident Alan Yaruss.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 25, 2023
Art installation causes a double take at Resilient Retreat

East Sarasota resident Alan Yaruss donated his artwork to the Sarasota nonprofit.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Neighbors meet daily at the Greenbrook Adventure Dog Park.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 24, 2023
Greenbrook residents have a ball at dog park

A group of Lakewood Ranch residents meet every morning at the park, and it's not just for the dogs.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Venice's Adam Pennell celebrates like a pilgrim at the finish line of the Florida Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning at Nathan Benderson Park. Pennell, who weighs 215 pounds, says he is thankful he has lost 175 pounds.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 23, 2023
Participants give thanks for Florida Turkey Trot

The Thanksgiving morning event at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota drew a record 4,000 runners.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Jenny Caras of Cartersville, Georgia, gives her horse Trendy Fernhill a hug after winning The Event at TerraNova Nov. 19 in Myakka City.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 19, 2023
Georgia rider claims title at The Event at TerraNova

Jenny Caras and Trendy Fernhill narrowly win the Myakka City equestrian competition.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Waylon Roberts of Canada rides Fernhill Salt Lake as they change speeds while approaching a jump during the Event at TerraNova Saturday in Myakka.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 18, 2023
The Event at TerraNova in Myakka goes into final day Sunday

World-class show jumping and the Empty Bowls fundraiser highlight the final day of competition.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch's Susan Melgaard participates in her first Creative Arts Association of Lakewood Ranch Fall Art Show and Sale. "It's great to work with all the different artists and see all the different creativity everyone has," she says.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 18, 2023
Creative Arts Association of Lakewood Ranch showcases local talent

From jewelry to fused glass to oil paintings, artists display quality work.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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Latest in East County

1
CEO Mike Bisaha says the new equipment will at least triple Big Top Brewing Co.'s beer production.
  • December 3, 2025
Big Top to open expanded brew house at Sarasota's Fruitville Commons
2
Mill Creek's Ilana Simone, who performs as Ilana Armida, has returned to her roots after living in Los Angeles to pursue her musical career.
  • December 3, 2025
Mill Creek musical artist continues to search for her audience
3
Lakewood Ranch High School graduate Jason Huh has founded a few different companies, including Sodi Pop. Sodi Pop is now available in a healthy vending machine at the school for staff and students to enjoy.
  • December 3, 2025
Sodi Pop, billed as a healthier product, comes to Lakewood Ranch High
4
Marine Corps veteran Dale Cole lives in Greenfield Plantation and is a regular user of Manatee Moves.
  • December 3, 2025
Ride service for Manatee County veterans is on the move
5
Commissioners George Kruse and Bob McCann are on opposite sides of the AAA High School vote. Kruse voted in favor of approving the site plan, and McCann voted to deny the site plan.
  • December 3, 2025
Manatee commissioners have final say about new school but no real power

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