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East County | Neighbors

Myakka River State Park is just one of many wide-open spaces bordering Sarasota. (Photo: Spencer Fordin)
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • June 29, 2022
3 short drives from Sarasota where Old Florida has been preserved in an oasis

Sarasota's metro area is cut out of a forest that covers much of the Gulf Coast, with every inch packed of wildlife to enjoy.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Bald eagles often frequent the area in Lakewood Ranch aptly named White Eagle Boulevard. (Photo by Jay Heater)
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 29, 2022
Florida aviary enthusiasts flock to photograph the nation's emblem

As anyone who has seen one of these beauties in person can attest, it’s hard to imagine a better symbol of strength and freedom than the bald eagle.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 28, 2022
Fourth of July 2022 events in Sarasota, Longboat Key and Lakewood Ranch

From races to the classic fireworks, check out these events to help you celebrate Independence Day right.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Chris McComas, the co-founder of MVP Sports  and Social, hopes he can get a hole-in-one while using the putter as a pool stick. (Photo by Liz Ramos)
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 24, 2022
MVP Sports and Social starts mini golf league in Lakewood Ranch

The new mini golf league at The Fish Hole in Lakewood Ranch offers unique challenges.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Ellianna Rogers, who is 14, brings Tilly out of her stall so they can head to the arena. The SMART camp is the first time Rogers has been able to ride a horse.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 24, 2022
SMART campers get back in the saddle in east Bradenton

Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy's summer camp gives campers a chance to improve their riding skills.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 23, 2022
East County weather page photo: June 23

Gordon Silver captured this brave white ibis walking past an alligator near the Lake Club in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
One of the biggest tips Woodleaf Hammock's Gayle Sweda and her husband, Rich Sweda, have learned is to get low. It allows the perspective of the photo to change.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 20, 2022
Lakewood Ranch residents learn better phone photography in a snap

The unique phone camera class at James Patton Community Park was offered by Lakewood Ranch Community Activities.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 18, 2022
Dad's Day Block Party at the Mall at UTC in Sarasota brings early Father's Day gifts

Former Buc Alex Smith and former Lightning player Ruslan Fendotenko thrill fans at Dad's Day Block Party.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Meals on Wheels Plus-Manatee's Amy Towery and Maribeth Phillips pick up a cool $5,000 from Sisterhood for Good's Lorri Kidder, the grants committee chair.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 17, 2022
Sisterhood for Good of Lakewood Ranch presents $76,850 in grants

Twenty-five nonprofits benefit from the generosity of the Lakewood Ranch women's group.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 16, 2022
East County weather page photo: June 16

Jack Kelley took this photo of a hibiscus in bloom in Del Webb of Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The author would like you to know that no people were given food poisoning from his cooking. (Photo: Jim Hendry)
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • June 15, 2022
Writing is easy, but cooking is hard

How does a journalist with very few cooking skills get by when he's dropped into a Publix cooking class? He burns the bread.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Tidewell Hospice employees Tami Caruso, Maria Paliotta and Kristen Franke, chat over barbecue during the open house.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • June 10, 2022
Robert Toale & Sons opens Celebration of Life Center in Lakewood Ranch with a bash

The Celebration of Life Center opened with a ribbon-cutting June 8.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Myakka City's Kimberley Barr is honored at the Young Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony May 15 at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center in Punta Gorda. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 10, 2022
Myakka City Girl Scout earns gold with Project Prom Dress

Kimberley Barr earns Girl Scouts Gold Award by making prom attire available to students.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 9, 2022
Bearadise Ranch hosts first Kamp Kodiak in Myakka City

Children learn about bears and participate in activities including sack races, karaoke and arts and crafts.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 9, 2022
East County weather page photo: June 9

Bruce Silverman took this photo of a pineapple plant in Rosedale in East County.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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Latest in East County

1
CEO Mike Bisaha says the new equipment will at least triple Big Top Brewing Co.'s beer production.
  • December 3, 2025
Big Top to open expanded brew house at Sarasota's Fruitville Commons
2
Mill Creek's Ilana Simone, who performs as Ilana Armida, has returned to her roots after living in Los Angeles to pursue her musical career.
  • December 3, 2025
Mill Creek musical artist continues to search for her audience
3
Lakewood Ranch High School graduate Jason Huh has founded a few different companies, including Sodi Pop. Sodi Pop is now available in a healthy vending machine at the school for staff and students to enjoy.
  • December 3, 2025
Sodi Pop, billed as a healthier product, comes to Lakewood Ranch High
4
Marine Corps veteran Dale Cole lives in Greenfield Plantation and is a regular user of Manatee Moves.
  • December 3, 2025
Ride service for Manatee County veterans is on the move
5
Commissioners George Kruse and Bob McCann are on opposite sides of the AAA High School vote. Kruse voted in favor of approving the site plan, and McCann voted to deny the site plan.
  • December 3, 2025
Manatee commissioners have final say about new school but no real power

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