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East County | Neighbors

William Hatt of Élan Manatee visits with a zebra for the first time at Rye Road Giraffes in East County.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 10, 2022
Navy veteran fulfills bucket list by visiting with a zebra at Rye Road Giraffes

An East County 98-year-old veteran finally sees a zebra up close at the Bradenton farm.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 9, 2022
Lakewood Ranch crafter brings gnome fad to local art show

Lakewood Ranch has become gnome central as lifetime crafter prepares for art show.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Art at the Park offers a wide variety of art styles.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 6, 2022
Art in the Park provides window into the talents of University Park residents of Sarasota

Annual juried art show finishes run at University Park of Sarasota

  • East County
  • Neighbors
As predators in the food web, Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes help maintain healthy ecosystems by keeping prey populations, such as rodents, in balance. (Photo by Miri Hardy)
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • March 4, 2022
Rattlesnakes best appreciated from afar

Although not naturally aggressive towards humans, these ecologically important snakes will defend themselves when threatened.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 3, 2022
East County weather page photo: March 3

Becky Young captured this pair of bald eagles on a dirt mound in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Suzy Wilford, the outreach and recruitment ambassador for Southeastern Guide Dogs, says dogs like her dog, Carson, can change someone's life. People can see how the nonprofit benefits people during the walkathon. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 3, 2022
Southeastern Guide Dogs will host annual walkathon at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota

The Southeastern Guide Dogs Walkathon returns as an in-person event at Nathan Benderson Park.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sarasota's Samaya Leger, who is 7 years old, feeds a miniature Sicilian donkey.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 26, 2022
Hunsader Farms hosts Strawberry Fields Shabbat in east Bradenton

Sarasota's Temple Emanu-El members hold Strawberry Fields Shabbat at Hunsader Farms in east Manatee County.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 26, 2022
Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club hosts annual youth fishing tournament

Annual youth fishing tournament a first for many Lakewood Ranch residents.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Cynthia Saunders, the superintendent of the School District of Manatee County, thanks Ted Lindenberg, the director of the Books for Kids program, for all he's done to support Manatee County students.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 25, 2022
Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch's Books for Kids program hopes to expand

Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch's Books for Kids program nears 100,000 books distributed.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Bob Smith, Stillpoint treasurer James Keiner, and Stillpoint president Gene Tischer​ celebrate another successful fundraiser by Bob Smith in 2021. (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 24, 2022
Lakewood Ranch man continues to be a driving force behind fundraiser

Lakewood Ranch's Bob Smith aims to raise more than $40,000 for Bradenton's Stillpoint Mission this year.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Heritage Harbor's Rhegan Duncombe, who is a junior at Out-of-Door Academy, started Gymnast to Gymnast to donate gymnastics clothing and new equipment to gymnasts in the Bahamas.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 23, 2022
East Bradenton student creates nonprofit to support gymnasts in the Bahamas

ODA junior Rhegan Duncombe founds Gymnast to Gymnast to benefit athletes in the Bahamas.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
As the coolness of a February night sets in, the campfire becomes the centerpiece of the evening.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 20, 2022
Lakewood Ranch Community Campout helps neighbors bond

Neighbors connect during the annual Lakewood Ranch Community Campout.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lauren Lambeth finishes up grooming Rocco before moving to the next Clydesdale. The team is made up of 10 horses with two sitting out each event because an eight-horse team is needed to pull the wagon.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 19, 2022
Budweiser Clydesdales finish stay at the Sarasota Polo Club

Budweiser Clydesdales finish their stay at the Sarasota Polo Club.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Patricia Hanly complements her display with the Swarovski crystal jewelry she is wearing.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 19, 2022
Palm Aire artists showcase their talents in Sarasota

Palm Aire Art Association hosts its 39th annual show at the country club in Sarasota.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Myakka City's Susan Comes and Tara's Becky Emmett commemorate their time at the Greek Glendi.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 18, 2022
St. Barbara Greek Orthodox hosts annual Greek Glendi in Sarasota

Greek Glendi attendees look forward to music, food, dancing and a market.

  • 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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