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East County | Neighbors

Martina Long, Maicy Powell, Brandon Wardell perform alongside Hermitage fellow Zoe Sarnak at Benderson Park.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 14, 2023
Nathan Benderson Park hosts Hermitage Sunsets

The three-part series will run through March and offers audiences a sneak peek of works in progress.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Upcoming wayfinding improvements will enhance accessibility to Myakka River State Park's backcountry.
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • November 13, 2023
Improved backcountry access coming soon to Myakka

Trailhead kiosks and markers will enhance safety and accessibility thanks to a Two for the Trails grant.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Nik Wallenda puts a charge into the crowd as well as the 50-foot Christmas Tree at University Town Center by crossing Cattlemen Road on the high wire Nov. 11, 2023.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 12, 2023
Santa's Grand Arrival Parade thrills thousands in Sarasota

A bevy of floats entertained the crowd at UTC and raised awareness on issues.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Alison Cossetti Clough and Allison Boccaccio are seated in the VIP area.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 11, 2023
Suncoast Food & Wine Fest sizzles at Premier Park

The 21st annual Rotary Club fundraiser was another hit in Lakewood Ranch

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Abbey Steele, a producer of "The Jayar Show" on The Joy FM, collects donations as cars drive through the T-shirts for Turkeys event at Woodland Community Church on Nov. 9.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 10, 2023
Manatee residents pay it forward for Thanksgiving

Woodland Community Church hosts a food collection drive-thru on Nov. 9.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Ted Lindenberg (second from left) celebrates his 2023 C. John A. Clarke Humanitarian Award with his daughter, Michele Olson, wife Susan, and grandson Ryan Olson.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 10, 2023
Lakewood Ranch Community Fund takes it to higher level

The nonprofit's Soirée at the Ranch, its main fundraiser of the year, was a sellout.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Members of St. Barbara Philoptochos Society gather to make dolmades, which are stuffed grape leaves, for Autumn Fest.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 10, 2023
St. Barbara Philoptochos Society prepares for Autumn Fest

The group of women spends hours baking and cooking homemade dishes and pastries to sell at the annual Autumn Fest, which will be held Nov. 17-18.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Owner Bruce Cassidy has turned The Concession Golf Club into a major player on the world stage.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 9, 2023
The man putting The Concession Golf Club on the elite level

Bruce Cassidy has used his coal industry work ethic to bring major golf events to the Lakewood Ranch area.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Austria photo wins Observer's It's Read Everywhere contest
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 8, 2023
Austria photo wins Observer's It's Read Everywhere contest

Pam and Russell Hyatt have won the It's Read Everywhere contest for 2023 and will be going on a seven-day Celebrity Cruise to be booked by Marc Bokoff of Cruise Planners.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
MaryAnn McWilliams waves to friends as she goes down the runway
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 7, 2023
Tara fashion show raises funds for Pace Center for Girls

Tara residents raise $1,200 for statewide nonprofit through annual fall fashion show.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Bob and Michele Bowermaster live along the Braden River in East County. Bob Bowermaster earned two Purple Hearts for his service with the U.S. Marines in Vietnam.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 7, 2023
Vietnam battles still take a toll on East County veteran

U.S. Marine Bob Bowermaster tells of the Nông Sơn Mountain attack that left him with two bullet wounds and shrapnel injuries.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Ruth Harenchar, Sharon Mitchell, Mike Mitchell, Theresa Phillips and Emmy Treston (not pictured) are members of the Peace and Justice Ministry who organized the Prayer Service for Victims of Gun Violence.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 6, 2023
Church prayer service held for victims of gun violence

Our Lady of the Angels in Lakewood Ranch tries to organize the community to demand stricter control on assault weapons.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The School of Rock is open in Lakewood Ranch. The soft opening was on Sept. 11, and the grand opening was on Oct. 29.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 6, 2023
Bradenton couple brings personal experience to School of Rock

Gary and Kelley Falcon, who opened the new Lakewood Ranch music education school, have spent more than 30 years in the music business.

  • East County
  • Business
Gene Kennedy, the owner of Bandit Movie Cars, brought a replica of the 1969 Charger used in the movie "Dukes of Hazzard."
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 5, 2023
Burt Reynolds still the Boss Hogg at Lakewood Ranch Car Show

The Knights of Columbus event expects to raise $10,000 for St. Jude Children's Hospital.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sarasota's Mark Dietz dresses for the occasion with his 10-year-old daughter Livia Dietz, 8-year-old son Marek Dietz and wife, Erin Dietz. Livia Dietz says she loves the human chess matches at the fair.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 5, 2023
Sarasota Medieval Fair begins its run in Myakka City

Attendees dress for a day of jousting, human chess matches, live music and more.

  • 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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