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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
Lakewood Ranch's Phil Thibodeau takes his wife, Nicole, 7-year-old son Lochlan, 5-year-old daughter Zolana and 4-year-old son Dexon camping at the Adventure Park.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 25, 2024
Lakewood Ranch campout becomes a neighborly adventure

Dozens of families pitched their tents at Adventure Park to introduce their children to camping.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Co-chairs of this year's fashion show are Ann King and Sherry Kenny.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 24, 2024
Palm Aire Women's Club struts for scholarships

The East County club held its annual fashion show to raise money for local students and charities.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Kambrie Rowell, a Ballard Elementary kindergartner in 2022, loves working with her literacy mentor, Esplanade's Barbara Liodice, who volunteers for the Books for Kids Kindergarten program.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 19, 2024
Lakewood Ranch Rotary needs volunteers to expand Books for Kids

Manatee County principals say the Books for Kids programs spark a love for reading in students and that they want more classes involved.

  • East County
  • Schools
Ezequiel Rodriguez-Guadalupe and Sol Castro will move into a smart home provided by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 19, 2024
Knights of Columbus hosts Patriotic Ball at Tara Country Club

The annual event was held to support the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Zack Kallis uses brandy to light up the saganaki as Renee Amoratis looks on.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 17, 2024
Opa, St. Barbara Greek Festival is back in Sarasota

The annual Greek Glendi is in its 40th year and runs through Sunday at the St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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Latest in East County

1
Tony Barrett is running for the at-large District 6 commission seat in Manatee County.
  • April 1, 2026
East Manatee fire commissioner enters at-large County Commission race
2
Myakka's Sydney McCullough shows off the first place ribbon and belt buckle she won in January for whip cracking in the senior division at the Manatee County Fair.
  • April 1, 2026
Cracking a whip has been a snap for Myakka teenager
3
Manatee County commissioners unanimously approve the purchase of 9000 Town Center Parkway May 6.
  • April 1, 2026
DOGE questions Manatee County's capital expenditures, additional staff
4
John Saputo (left), Denise Saputo (top center), Lorraine Vitale (right) and Dick Vitale (bottom center) at the "March Mayhem" fundraiser and Elite Eight watch party. The Saputos were the hosts March 28 at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing.
  • April 1, 2026
March Mayhem fundraiser in Lakewood Ranch benefits pediatric cancer research
5
Lakewood Ranch Little League plays at Lakewood Ranch Park March 25.
  • April 1, 2026
Lakewood Ranch Little League expands to improve accessibility

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