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East County | Neighbors

Kamala Martinez, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, leads the regional nonprofit’s efforts to connect young people with life-changing mentors.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • February 17, 2026
With Big Brothers Big Sisters, mentors change the story

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast pairs caring adults with kids who need guidance, stability and someone in their corner.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Kelly Gilliland grew up in Sarasota and has now lived in Lakewood Ranch for 25 years.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • February 16, 2026
Resident's long-lasting heart for Lakewood Ranch stems from a mother's love

Kelly Gilliland wears many hats, but giving back to those in need is the one that fits her best.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Passion for Fashion show, the Palm Aire Women's Club's biggest fundraiser of the year, took place Feb. 13 at the Palm Aire Country Club. Katherine Pike, Susan Romine and Kay Kwenski's last looks from Darci's boutique are cocktail attire.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • February 14, 2026
Palm Aire Women's Club raises funds for charity with Passion for Fashion

Members gathered to raise funds for student scholarships along with local charities.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch's Eugene Khutoryanskiy and Yana Parker are celebrating this Valentine's Day as fiances alongside their dogs Mittens and Jesse at Barks & Brews on Feb. 10.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • February 13, 2026
A little pet lovin' and squeezin' at University Town Center in Sarasota

Barks and Brews gives pet owners an opportunity to show their animals a little love at UTC.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lee Wetherington says he can visit with potential buyers and his contractors because CEO Dave Hunihan handles the heavy lifting of his business.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 12, 2026
Acclaimed builder continues to put his stamp on Lakewood Ranch

Lee Wetherington still loves putting his personal touch on exclusive homes.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
  • By Al Piemonte Lincoln
  • February 12, 2026
A Better Way to Buy a Car - Right Here in Our Community

How one leader changed the car-buying experience.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Taylore Lantz and Christine Sullivan walk at Waterside Place on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. as members of Run the Ranch.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • February 11, 2026
Club gives runners opportunity to Run the Ranch

The club was founded by Felipe Rojas and Alex Wordsworth, who wanted members to have social opportunities along with workouts.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Conference Chair Katherine De Young shows off a winning image. She created the photo using mannequin heads. It was featured in the 2019 "Embracing our Differences" exhibit in Sarasota.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 11, 2026
Manatee Technical College to host photography conference

The conference will feature 30 award-winning photographers and the latest photography equipment.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Tom Bergerat (center) was presented with a $3,500 scholarship at Polo with the Pros after being named the Junior Humanitarian of the year while Waterside's Audrey Luke (left), a junior at The Out-of-Door Academy, and Parrish's Mia Polseno (right), a senior at Parrish Community High, each received $750 scholarships.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 10, 2026
Junior humanitarian honored by the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation

The Out-of-Door Academy junior Tom Bergerat stood tall when it came to giving back to his community.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakehouse Cove's 16-month-old Hunter Colon shows his excitement to be inside a fire truck at the Celebrate Our First Responders event Feb. 7 at the Greenbrook Adventure Park.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • February 7, 2026
Lakewood Ranch CERT hosts the Celebrate Our First Responders event

Greenbrook Adventure Park is filled with emergency vehicles, first responders and CERT volunteers.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • February 6, 2026
Nonprofits to host Valentine's comedy fundraiser in Lakewood Ranch

Three local comedians will perform stand-up comedy to raise funds for Harbor58, Foster the Family and Bring on the Ministry.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Lakewood Ranch Garden Club Butterfly Symposium will take place at 9 a.m. on Feb. 7 at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • February 4, 2026
Butterfly symposium lands at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall

The Lakewood Ranch Garden Club will host the free event Feb. 7 and will feature butterfly enthusiasts Gilbert Daigneau and Joyce Samsel.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 4, 2026
Lakewood Ranch fundraiser is a hula for moolah

Sisterhood for Good's Tropical Escape presents the ultimate luau at the Sarasota Polo Club.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch's Mary Glass and Zoe Lander have been chosen as the honorees for the “Leadership Spirit Award” and “Young Spirit Award” from the Manatee Community Foundation.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • February 3, 2026
Two Lakewood Ranch residents honored with Spirit of Manatee awards

Zoe Lander and Mary Glass will be honored at the Spirit of Manatee — The Celebration of Philanthropy event on March 25.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, Vivienne Pietrunti's porch is a dropoff location for The Lake Club Giving Circle's donation drive.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 3, 2026
Lakewood Ranch neighborhood recycles old items into community grants

The Lake Club Women's Giving Circle partnered with a nonprofit consignment store to fundraise.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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Latest in East County

1
Inglemoor High School rowers Krista Alyakin and Karlie Vince made a splash by winning the Women's Youth 2- class at the USRowing Junior National Championships on Sunday at Nathan Benderson Park.
  • June 14, 2026
Emotions flow on USRowing Youth Nationals' final day in Sarasota
2
Peculiar Pub takes the place of Twisted Pit BBQ on Main Street at Lakewood Ranch.
  • June 12, 2026
Peculiar Pub crawls across Main Street in Lakewood Ranch
3
Sarasota Crew's Gabrielle DeLeo heads to the finish of the Women's Youth 1x Thursday at the USRowing Youth National Championships at Nathan Benderson Park. She qualified for Friday's semifinal by placing eighth in 7:54.36.
  • June 11, 2026
USRowing National Championships opens in Sarasota
4
East County residents wait in line before 7 a.m. on June 11 to start shopping at the new Publix at 16642 State Road 64 East.
  • June 11, 2026
Publix opens at corner of SR 64 and Uihlein Road in Lakewood Ranch
5
Though homesteaded residents would gain property tax savings if Florida's overhaul proposal gains 60% of support in the November elections, even non-homesteaded property owners would see new protections from sharply rising property assessments.
  • June 11, 2026
Property tax overhaul: What you should know

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