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East County | Neighbors

The party is on at Rocco's Tacos in Sarasota as owner Rocco Mangel hosted an invitation-only party to celebrate the official opening that will come on March 6.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 1, 2023
The party begins at Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar in Sarasota

Rocco Mangel held an invitation-only party featuring tons of free tequila at the new restaurant at UTC.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Top nature photos from around Sarasota, Longboat Key, East County in 2023-24
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 1, 2023
Top nature photos from around Sarasota, Longboat Key, East County in 2023-24

Readers from across the region submit their photos to the Observer's 2023-24 Weather and Nature Photo Contest.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Marina Proskurina, a digital design and photography instructor at Manatee Technical College, is one of 24 people to earn a Master Artist degree from Professional Photographers of America.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 1, 2023
MTC instructor earns prestigious degree from photography nonprofit

Marina Proskurina is one of 24 people to earn the Master Artist degree from Professional Photographers of America in 2023.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Trumpeter Vincent DiMartino has more than 160 cornets and trumpets in his collection.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 1, 2023
Renowned trumpeter takes center stage in Lakewood Ranch

Vincent DiMartino is the featured soloist during the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble's Spring Concert at Peach Presbyterian.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Daytona's Jo Stevens and Kathy Gately play along with Tyler Austenfeld at the first Aloha UkeFest on Feb. 25, 2023.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 27, 2023
Ukulele Festival in Lakewood Ranch brings together talent

Renowned musician Tyler “Ten Thumbs” Austenfeld highlighted the first Aloha UkeFest, held by the Lakewood Ranch Communities Activities Club Aloha Ukulele.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Eleven-year-old Liam Pacheco (No. 12 on his shirt) roasts a marshmallow during the Community Campout.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 26, 2023
Lakewood Ranch's Community Campout fires up interest

Lakewood Ranch Community Activities had to expand from 50 to 80 campsites to accommodate families for the annual event.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lincoln Marine built this home on the banks of the Braden River in 1920 and it still stands today.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 21, 2023
Heritage Days runs through March in Manatee County

Jiggs Landing offers special boat tours of historical spots during the annual monthlong celebration of Manatee's history.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Boca Raton's Sammy Zaparegos sends the flames roaring.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 19, 2023
Patrons love tweaks in St. Barbara Greek Festival

The 39th annual festival is the first since the death of Father Frank Kirlangitis, the first full-time priest at the church.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Volunteer Melissa Newton accompanies Lakewood Ranch's 15-year-old Sophie Barry, as does volunteer Sarah Cripe.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 19, 2023
Special Olympics equestrian competition puts riders’ skills on display

The event brought together competitors and families from Sarasota, Manatee and Lee counties.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
DJ Jose Ramirez, Chuck Sidlow and Event Chair Annemarie Neubecker entertain the crowd during the after-party.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 18, 2023
Mardi Gras run raises funds for nonprofits in Lakewood Ranch

The Lakewood Ranch Community Fund event attracted almost 300 participants for its inaugural Run for the Beads.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch's Christy Carey, Angie Graham, Judy Heuerman and Valerie Esposito go all out for the Gatsby theme. "You have to do the fringe," Carey says.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 18, 2023
Gatsby Speakeasy Soirée raises more than $70,000 for nonprofits

The Sisterhood for Good event drew more than 300 guests who revisited the Roaring '20s.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
In early 2001, Sarasota Audubon began conducting bird surveys at the Celery Fields. To date, 246 species have been recorded.
  • By Emily Leinfuss
  • February 17, 2023
Need a break? Here are some Lakewood Ranch spots for a quick respite

Hurrying through life is a great way to miss it. Lakewood Ranch is packed with beautiful reasons to slow down.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sue Ann Miller grew up in Philadelphia and recalls her mother taking her and her sister to the historic Chestnut Hill Library.
  • By Eric Snider
  • February 16, 2023
Nonprofit races to meet goal to fund collections for new Lakewood Ranch library

The Friends of Lakewood Ranch Library, with Sue Ann Miller at the helm, moves forward in its fundraising efforts to fill the shelves of the new Lakewood Ranch Library.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Robins are one of several migratory birds that rely on resources locally during their winter journeys.
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • February 16, 2023
Local nature key in hospitality for real-life snowbirds

In both public and private lands, native plants are critical for supporting these important winter visitors.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Paintings by Carolann Garafola on display include "Lobster Pots on Cortez Island."
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 15, 2023
Palm Aire’s annual Art Show unveils hidden talent

Carolann Garafola's painting skills were on display for the first time.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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Latest in East County

1
Did our Pig-Away story and photo fool you in our April Fools edition?
  • April 2, 2026
Is the Observer's April Fools edition foolish or just plain fun?
2
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
3
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
4
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
5
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

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