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East County | Neighbors

John Skeen, once a World War II U.S. Army infantry soldier, visits with Anne Lancelle, an Honorary Consul representing France, during a veterans meeting July 27 at Bob Evans restaurant in East County.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 2, 2023
Painful but historic memories recounted by WWII infantry soldier

At 104, former infantry soldier John Skeen of Bradenton says our nation can't forget those who fought in World War II.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Rachel Scharbo, the teen librarian at Braden River Library, goes over opening a checking account and savings account during an Adulting 101 session.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 31, 2023
Braden River Library offers classes on 'adulting'

Adulting 101 teaches teens about finances, budgeting, nutrition, time management and more to help prepare them for their futures.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch's Jacqueline Darby shares memories of going to Mixon Fruit Farms with Janet Mixon. Darby has been going to Mixon Fruit Farms for 40 years.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 29, 2023
Mixon Fruit Farms closes its doors in Bradenton

Patrons said goodbye to Mixon Fruit Farms after 84 years of memories.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A Coast Guard helicopter flies over Nathan Benderson Park on July 26 for the Spirit of America camp week.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 27, 2023
Coast Guard teaches boating safety at Nathan Benderson Park

Campers, ages 10 to 14, enjoyed fun, adventure and safety during Spirit of America week at the park.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
To the campers, it's all fun and games at Dream Oaks Camp, but goals are set by parents and staff members ahead of their arrival.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 27, 2023
Dream Oaks camp is a dream come true for campers and parents

Foundation for Dreams and its camp offer horseback riding, canoeing and swimming for kids and a respite for their parents.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lindsey May, Julie Swann, Kathy Hall and Jennifer Alokeh show off their favorite donated shoes to The Twig.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 26, 2023
Sneaker Drive the right fit for the Lake Club Women's Giving Circle

The nonprofit hopes to donate 400 pairs of sneakers to The Twig to benefit foster children.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Ronald and Marcia Owens say they do most things together, but they especially have fun delivering meals together.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 23, 2023
Meals on Wheels Plus Manatee volunteers add extra care into delivery

Lakewood Ranch residents Ronald and Marcia Owens have been delivering meals for the nonprofit for over 13 years.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
John Mcclain tours PGT Innovations, a custom windows and doors manufacturer. Students are learning about the manufacturing process, safety protocols and available jobs through The Haven's vocational summer camp.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 22, 2023
The Haven's camp works at getting jobs for those in need

A four-week camp in Sarasota introduced students to job opportunities with local manufacturers.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Kaytlyn Fleming, who is 7, makes the most of her time in the YMCA pool. Fleming says swimming is her favorite activity at camp.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 20, 2023
Swimming, reading just two activities offered at the YMCA summer camp

The Lakewood Ranch YMCA provides plenty of activities to keep children entertained during the summer.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
White-tailed deer often travel in groups. If you see a deer crossing a road or on a road's shoulder, please slow down as more deer are bound to follow.
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • July 19, 2023
Even in protected habitats, roads put wildlife at risk

Help protect wildlife by slowing down and being attentive, especially when passing yellow animal-crossing signs, which indicate you're driving through wildlife habitats.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
London's Jadie Metcalf grew up at Jiggs Landing on the Manatee River. He says his trip to Jiggs Landing the second week of July will probably be the last of his life.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 18, 2023
One final trip to Jiggs Landing in Manatee County

The 88-year-old nephew of founder Al "Jiggs" Metcalf visits the Braden River fishing camp one last time.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Nancy Schneider, the publicity chair for Gardeners Out East, meets former HGTV host John Gidding in person. Schneider used to watch Gidding on Curb Appeal for the show's dramatic before and afters.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 17, 2023
Former HGTV star John Gidding offers gardening advice in Lakewood Ranch

About 125 people showed up to meet the former host of "Curb Appeal" at the Robert Toale and Sons Celebration of Life Center.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Bradentucky Bombers play Saturday nights at the Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 17, 2023
Lakewood Ranch resident transforms into a roller derby robot

Bradentucky Bomber Jane Martin says she and her teammates try not to show the pain of the sport, like a robot.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Jackie Tamminga listens to tips before her first lesson from Ashlie Osburg at the Sarasota Polo Club.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 16, 2023
New Sirius Day Spa director saddles up for polo lesson

A lesson at the Sarasota Polo Club welcomes Jackie Tamminga to the community.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Representatives from PulteGroup’s Built to Honor program and Building Homes for Heroes welcomes the Gaytan family to their new home in Sapphire Point of Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 16, 2023
Army veteran is welcomed to new home in Lakewood Ranch

Veteran Lucio Gaytan and his family are ready to move into their new home provided by Pulte, Building Homes for Heroes, and SMR.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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Latest in East County

1
Rising senior quarterback Louisen Desinor will start under center for Braden River High football in the fall. This spring was his opportunity to strengthen bonds with the playmakers around him.
  • May 25, 2026
High school coaches defend relevancy of spring football in Florida
2
Though Florida Power & Light employs a variety of advanced technology to avoid power failures, often the basic work of tree trimming goes a long way toward heading off trouble.
  • May 24, 2026
With our deep dependence on power, FPL gears up to keep the lights on
3
A rendering of the 12U baseball/softball fields five-plex that will be built at UMR Sports complex in East County.
  • May 23, 2026
Expansion 'gets real' at UMR Sports of Bradenton
4
Oceane Visa, who says she has waited years to walk across the stage for graduation, is congratulated by Head of School Debra Otey.
  • May 22, 2026
Out-of-Door Academy graduates showed up for the moments that matter most
5
Leighton Paul (right), pictured here during the FHSAA Class 5A-Region 3 final May 14 against Gulf Coast, was Braden River's leadoff hitter this season. She went 0-for-3 in the state semifinals against Niceville.
  • May 22, 2026
Late rally not enough for Braden River High softball in state semifinals

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