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East County | Neighbors

Jennifer Kovatch (left) and Keith Pandeloglou (right) of Lakewood Ranch Community Activities present the Volunteer of the Year Award to Lakewood Ranch's Monaca Onstad.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 12, 2024
LWR Community Activities honors Volunteer of the Year

Former SMR Community Relations Director Monaca Onstad won the coveted award.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The bounce houses shut down due to high winds, but Bradenton resident Brody Pawelkoski, 3, got a quick bounce in beforehand.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 12, 2024
Bounce houses take over Nathan Benderson Park

The Big Bounce America is billed as the "biggest touring inflatable event in the world."

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Melvin Pettis, a Cypress Springs Gracious Retirement Living resident, recalls meeting Martin Luther King Jr. in 1963 and again in 1965.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 11, 2024
Lakewood Ranch resident recalls meeting Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr.'s contributions to fighting for the rights of others continue to inspire 94-year-old Melvin Pettis.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
  • By American Outdoor Cabinets
  • January 11, 2024
Outdoor Cabinets that Stand the Test of Time

One of the most significant assurances American Outdoor Cabinets provides is the lifetime warranty.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
The cast of "Acceptance Pending" performs at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival Aug. 27-28, 2023.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 10, 2024
Musical from Braden River High alum to make local debut

After a successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Gabriel McDerment is bringing his musical, “Acceptance Pending,” on tour in the U.S.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
  • By Goodwill Manasota, Inc.
  • January 10, 2024
New Year, New Look: Elevate Your Wardrobe with Goodwill!

Since 1902, Goodwill’s mission-integrated donated goods business model has contributed to the sustainability of the planet.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
This is just a practice run on Kore Steakhouse. The street lights will be covered with garbage bags during the exhibit to provide a darker background for the projections.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 9, 2024
Visual art display celebrates 30 years of Lakewood Ranch

"Ranch Reflections," a showcase of moving murals, runs from Jan. 14-20 at Waterside Place.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
  • By Lakewood Ranch Medical Center
  • January 8, 2024
Quality Care and a Supportive Birth Plan

“Education about what to include in a birth plan and an understanding of what our hospital offers can alleviate fears,” says Chrissy Coney, RNC, BSN, CLC, Birth Designer at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center.

  • Health
Sponsored Content
Bud and Charlie made their debut Dec. 31 at the Sarasota Polo Club with Alan Freitag holding the reins. Anyone who attends the matches can take a free ride at halftime.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 8, 2024
Belgian draft horses make big impression at Sarasota Polo Club

Bud and Charlie will be pulling a wagon full of fans at halftime of the Sunday polo matches in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Preserve at Tara's Bob Tyo and Gregg Gumta bring their Corvettes to the car show on Main Street at Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 4, 2024
Cars line Lakewood Ranch Main Street for Classic Car Show

Dozens of cars spanning decades shine on Main Street at Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Chloe Quesada, Sofie Quesada and Addison Fierro bring 2-week-old goats to Ranch Nite Wednesday. They're yoga goats.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 4, 2024
Chilly 2024 start for Ranch Nite Wednesdays

The normally packed event left a little elbow room for those in attendance on Jan. 3.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sisterhood for Good is a group of women who have joined together to make philanthropy affordable.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 3, 2024
Sisterhood for Good makes philanthropy affordable

The Lakewood Ranch nonprofit shows how powerful a group of women can be when they combine forces for a cause.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Danielle Dosne says learning about the muscles can help prevent injuries.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 3, 2024
Lakewood Ranch bodybuilder gives tips to those making fitness resolutions

Danielle Dosne began bodybuilding after a scoliosis diagnosis, and it turned into a lifetime of fitness.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Gina Lyons, the owner of A Vine Affair which hosts the new VIP Champagne Lounge at the Sarasota Polo Club, greets guests on opening day Dec. 31.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 1, 2024
Sarasota Polo Club opens 2024 season with new VIP section

A Vine Affair offers a more formal setting for those who want to enjoy polo in style at the Lakewood Ranch club.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Nathan Benderson hosted its annual fireworks display the night before the Fourth of July in 2023.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • December 29, 2023
Put these can't-miss East County events on your calendar for 2024

Save the date of these 15 events that will lead to a memorable 2024 in east Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
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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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