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East County | Neighbors

Myakka resident Delicia Stoltzfus mans the Java Dawg Coffee truck for her parents.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 31, 2023
Dakin Dairy hosts summer market in Myakka City

The market is held outside on the farm from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Eyla Grayce Jackson, Jewel Love Jackson and Skylar Rae Jackson receive prizes for reading books as part of Music Compound's Rock Your Summer Reading program.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 30, 2023
Music Compound encourages reading with summer program

Children can earn prizes based on the number of books they read.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Rich Greenberg, president of the Association of Veterans and Military Supporters at Del Webb, salutes during the Star Spangled Banner.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 29, 2023
Tribute to Heroes Parade draws thousands to Main Street at Lakewood Ranch

The annual event honors veterans but also provided plenty of entertainment for families.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Retired Col. Herman Bell of River Club served in the Army for 22 years with most of that time in Special Forces.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 24, 2023
Colonel's story worthy of Lakewood Ranch parade's tribute

Retired Col. Herman Bell says surviving Vietnam was a combined factor of being blessed and lucky.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch's Joan Novak, Sarasota's Tina Backhus, Lakewood Ranch's Judy Balmer and Salwa Youssef, the manager of the Walmart off State Road 70 near Interstate 75, are excited to support Stillpoint Mission's Backpack Program.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 21, 2023
Lakewood Ranch woman seeks donations for backpack program

Judy Balmer hopes to donate 800 backpacks through Stillpoint Mission to distribute to low-income families.

  • East County
  • Schools
Country Club residents Maria and Marty Fullam are members of Strings Con Brio. They joined the orchestra a few months after moving to Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 19, 2023
Strings Con Brio featured in Waterside Place's Sights and Sounds series

The all-volunteer string orchestra includes Lakewood Ranch residents.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The all-white kitchen is enlivened with a colorful painting to add a cheerful note. A desk adds a secondary workspace.
  • By Robert Plunket
  • May 19, 2023
Country Club East home provides a perfect live/work balance

At Jeff and Katie Goldstein’s home in Country Club East, working from home has never looked — or felt — this good.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Since starting her position as executive director a year ago, Adrienne Bookhamer has added new fundraising events.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • May 18, 2023
Homebuilders give back through nonprofit program

The Lakewood Ranch Community Fund’s Builders Give Back program raises valuable funds and awareness.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • May 18, 2023
Get up close with elephants in one ranch’s conservation mission

Sanctuaries like Myakka Elephant Ranch provide a humane way to mingle with the world’s largest land animals. The experiences are filled with messaging about the plight of the smart, sensitive creatures.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
U.S. Army Retired Colonel Gill Ruderman is the grand marshal of the 2023 Tribute to Heroes parade.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 17, 2023
Retired colonel to lead Tribute to Heroes parade in Lakewood Ranch

In 2021, two-time Purple Heart recipient Gill Ruderman was inducted into the Florida Veterans' Hall of Fame.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Brad Kroenig
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • May 17, 2023
Model Brad Kroenig inspired a fashion icon before becoming a local Realtor

Brad Kroenig's modeling career reached new heights after meeting fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Avian club members are devoted to all feathered creatures
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • May 17, 2023
Avian club members are devoted to all feathered creatures

The Lakewood Ranch Avian Club and Cindy Gordon, its founder and president, come together over their love of birds — no matter where they find them.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Trevor Kelliher no longer feels alone in his struggle with cerebral palsy.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 17, 2023
Everyone needs friends. All Friends Network helps ensure everyone has them.

Trevor Kelliher started All Friends Network to connect people with cerebral palsy, autism and other developmental disabilities.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Unusually large flocks of black skimmers, imperiled due to habitat loss and degradation as result of coastal development, found refuge in Myakka River State Park this winter.
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • May 14, 2023
Native wildlife, plants thrive as result of seasonal low water levels at Myakka

Shorebirds, including imperiled species such as black skimmers, benefit from ongoing efforts to restore natural hydrology in the park.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Temple Emanu-El Mitzvah Day project captain Merryl Koven and Alexandra Marcus laugh together as they play with an adoptable dog at Nate's Honor Animal Rescue.
  • By Elaine Glickman
  • May 13, 2023
Temple Emanu-El celebrates Mitzvah Day at Nate's Honor Animal Rescue

Temple Emanu-El congregants volunteered at at the Lakewood Ranch animal rescue for Mitzvah Day.

  • 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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