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East County | Neighbors

Nathan Benderson hosts its annual fireworks display the night before the Fourth of July.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 4, 2023
Fireworks at Nathan Benderson Park cap another holiday event

Fireworks on the Lake on July 3 once again draws thousands to the park and the surrounding area.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A one-hour playdate takes place every fourth Wednesday of the month at the Green at UTC.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 29, 2023
Toddlers take over the Green at UTC of Sarasota

Every fourth Wednesday of the month, UTC hosts the Kids Club for a game day.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Sarasota Ballet is just one of the region’s fine arts groups.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 29, 2023
Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch indeed lands of opportunity

While Sarasota built its arts reputation to separate from other beach communities, Lakewood Ranch carved paradise out of the wild.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Irene and Lewis Colson; John Schroeder; Bertha Palmer
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • June 29, 2023
Three pioneers who changed the face of Sarasota and Manatee counties

Lewis Colson, John Schroeder and Bertha Palmer were trailblazers in frontier Florida.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch Communities' Morgan Bettes-Angell and Nicole Hackel are urging people to vote for The Market at Lakewood Ranch in the American Farmers Market Celebration. Vote at VoteLWR.com.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 29, 2023
Love the Market at Lakewood Ranch? Cast your vote

The America's Farmers Market Celebration competition is running nationwide through Sept. 19.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Shelbie Ricks looks forward to educating future generations on the agriculture industry while building on her family's legacy.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 28, 2023
College degree leads to new opportunities for first-generation graduate

Bradenton's Shelbie Ricks will pass on her family's agriculture knowledge and legacy as a teacher at Lakewood Ranch High School.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Bridget Ipjian, a rising junior, laughs as a chicken rests on her back.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 27, 2023
Junior Ranchers program introduces campers to life in agriculture

Kids get a firsthand look at chickens, pigs and cows at the Lakewood Ranch High School camp.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Harvest House CEO Erin Minor embraces a Freedom client after she receives her graduation certificate.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • June 27, 2023
Sarasota, Manatee nonprofits push their clients' lives forward

Support for clients comes in the form of financial assistance, education, creative outlets and more.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Myakka River State Park gives people an opportunity to see a variety of wildlife while exploring its trails, boating, fishing, birding, horseback riding, paddling and more.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 27, 2023
Seven places to take in Manatee County's natural beauty this summer

From parks to preserves to farms, East County has plenty of spots to enjoy the outdoors.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
While it was a cooking class, all the women who participated in "Cooking Queens" say they are cooks. It's just a great social event and a chance to try recipes.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 25, 2023
'Cooking queens' enjoy camaraderie while trying new recipes

Angela Massaro-Fain hosted a social gathering at her Lakewood Ranch home to teach recipes from her "Bacio Di Cucina" cookbook.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Dan Mohl says horseback riding benefits him as much mentally as it does physically.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 25, 2023
Therapy in the saddle makes perfect horse sense at SMART

The Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy offers therapeutic horseback riding and equine-assisted learning programs.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Hermitage presents "Songs from the Sand: A Hermitage Cabaret" on Friday night at Waterside Place.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 24, 2023
Waterside Place hosts another sight to see in Lakewood Ranch

Hermitage Artist Retreat is latest to perform in the Sights and Sounds series.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Maria MacDonald and Angela Massaro-Fain of Sisterhood for Good get ready to give out $110,800 in grants at the nonprofit's annual grant presentation.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 23, 2023
Sisterhood for Good presents $110,800 in grants

The Lakewood Ranch nonprofit smashed its previous record of $76,850 set a year ago.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Hadley Chadwick, Mia Wolcott and Betsy Rohel make frozen treats for their four-legged friends.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 19, 2023
Nate's Honor Animal Rescue hosts kids camp

Campers love getting to know and train the Lakewood Ranch nonproft's dogs.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Summerfield residents Nick, Alessandro and Annya Hernandez pose with Super Bowl XXXVII MVP Dexter Jackson, who let Alessandro try on his Super Bowl ring.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 18, 2023
Dad's Day Block Party returns to University Town Center

The annual block party hosted former players for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Tampa Bay Lightning.

  • 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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