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East County | Neighbors

Florida Representative Tommy Gregory presents Rebecca, Katie, Robert, and Dan Powers with a plaque, alongside Andy Orrell of the FDOT.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 18, 2022
SR 64 roundabout named for students who died in an accident at the site

The families of Chase Coyner and Matthew Powers receive memorials from State Rep. Tommy Gregory.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Michael Taaffe, the chair of the Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy, sees great potential in the park. (Photo by Liz Ramos)
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 17, 2022
Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy chair shares bright future for the park

Michael Taaffe, the chair of the Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy, shares his dreams to make Benderson Park a thriving gathering spot for the surrounding community.

  • LWR Life
JoAnn Shakon and Jim Wingert of the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch join with Mike Hornyak of The UPS Store to show off donated books.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 17, 2022
UPS Store in Lakewood Ranch donates 1,707 books to the Rotary's Books for Kids program

The Books for Kids program distributes more than 30,000 books a year now and has given away more than 100,000 books since 2013.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Stephen Moody works with the stylists at Yellow Strawberry.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 16, 2022
Lakewood Ranch hair stylists get lessons from a legend

Stephen Moody, a noted educator of stylists, teaches his craft at Yellow Strawberry Salon.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch resident Cynthia Friedman pets a mini Aussie, Willow.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 15, 2022
Barks and Brews event in Sarasota benefits Nate's Honor Animal Rescue

The event at The Green at UTC featured adoptable dogs, craft brews and live music.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 12, 2022
East County weather page photo: May 12

Gordon Silver snapped this polka dot wasp moth on lantana in Del Webb at Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Kindergartner Emmet Johnson checks people out after purchasing their food. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 12, 2022
Restaurant event serves lessons to Tara Elementary kindergartners

Josephine Johnson's students run a one-night restaurant to test their math, science and social skills.

  • East County
  • Schools
In a remarkable adaptation, a fawn's spotted coat blends in with the dappled pattern of sunlight on the forest floor, helping conceal them from predators. (Photo courtesy of Miri Hardy)
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • May 10, 2022
White-tail deer were nearly hunted to extinction

One of Myakka State Park's earliest managers helped relocate and breed the species that now thrives.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Braden River High School's Ricardo Robinson-Shinall is Florida Studio Theatre’s Write a Play educator of the year.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 10, 2022
Braden River High teacher and students earn Florida Studio Theatre's Write a Play awards

Braden River students' story of snack envy leads to Write a Play award.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Dave Daily of Braden River VFW Post 12055 was the grand marshal in 2019, the last time the Tribute to Heroes Parade was held. (File photo)
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 9, 2022
Tribute to Heroes parade to return to Lakewood Ranch

After a two-year layoff due to the pandemic, more than 75 groups are expected to march in the parade at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Dewitt Scott and Joan Scott of Lakewood Ranch are energized by the music.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 7, 2022
Silent Disco Cinco de Mayo offers a different spin in Sarasota

The UTC event uses headphones to allow participants to be in the moment.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sara Byers, who is visiting from Atlanta, dances with her sister Leisa Frye, who lives in Lakewood Ranch, at Music on Main.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 7, 2022
Music on Main in Lakewood Ranch keeps the Wheels turning

Meals on Wheels Plus benefit from the monthly concert series in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 5, 2022
East County weather page photo: May 5

Gordon Silver captured this narcissistic heron admiring itself in Del Webb of Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lucille Messina said her husband, Karl, has always been her rock. Here they celebrate a birthday with Jacklyn.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 5, 2022
Lakewood Ranch author tells of painful but loving journey with disabled daughter

Lucille Messina says that every day is special to hear "Momma."

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Central Park's Skyler Vargas will graduate from Florida Gulf Coast University at 18 years old after finishing high school at 16 years old.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 4, 2022
Lakewood Ranch student graduates college at 18

Central Park's Skyler Vargas is way ahead of the curve as she graduates college at 18.

  • 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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