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East County | Neighbors

Florida Studio Theatre's Harry Shaull loves the Motown songs. "I feel like they have the highest energy and are the most fun to do," Shaull says.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 10, 2022
Florida Studio Theatre's 'Off the Charts!' hits Lakewood Ranch

Waterside Place crowd enjoys theater group's performance.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 7, 2022
East County weather page photo: July 7

Darlene Edelman took this photo while kayaking on the Braden River.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Ed Kelly said he likes to compete against himself while bowling — and he would likely do it more often with a bowling facility in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • July 6, 2022
Lakewood Ranch residents get their bowling fix despite no easy-access lanes

MVP Sports and Social provides an outlet for bowling fans despite the long drive to Bradenton's Bowlero center.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 4, 2022
Another Fireworks on the Lake in Sarasota keeps them wanting more

Live music and a fun run add to the joy of the annual fireworks event at Nathan Benderson Park.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Ashton Banik practices swimming in aquatics camp. He went down the pool practicing his breathing.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 1, 2022
Pool just a part of YMCA's summer draw in Lakewood Ranch

The Lakewood Ranch YMCA is hosting camps that include arts and crafts, flag football, aquatics and more.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 30, 2022
East County weather page photo: June 30

Gordon Silver photographed this cow along Masters Avenue in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • June 29, 2022
Former city commissioner plays taps at area events to honor veterans

From wreath laying to taps ceremonies, our traditions ensure we never forget to thank those who sacrificed for our country.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
From planning to design and setting up, hundreds of hours are put into making Nathan Benderson Park's Fireworks on the Lake a reality. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 29, 2022
Fireworks company adds spark to Benderson Park's annual Fourth of July show

Pyrotecnico puts in hundreds of hours to create Nathan Benderson Park's Fireworks on the Lake.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch's Sanddy Marchena and his wife, Melodie Marchena, love living in Florida with their daughters, Camila and Sophia Marchena. Sanddy Marchena says immigrating to the U.S. changed the trajectory of his life. (Courtesy p)
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 29, 2022
US citizenship opens a world of opportunities for Lakewood Ranch man

Sanddy Marchena says his mother's decision to immigrate to the U.S. changed the trajectory of his life.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Kat Wingert
  • June 29, 2022
America: We have a lot in common

Don’t let the noise fool you. As Americans, we agree on more things than you might think.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 29, 2022
50 songs to get you in the Fourth of July spirit

Celebrate your American pride with these patriotic songs.

  • Arts + Culture
Lakewood Ranch's Sabine Kvenberg, who also is a teacher at the Music Compound, takes Lakewood Ranch's Jasleen Kaur through a singing lesson. Both have sung the national anthem before polo matches at the Sarasota Polo Club.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 29, 2022
Sarasota singers share what it takes to do the national anthem justice

Three local singers approach the national anthem in different ways that fit their voice, abilities and emotions.

  • Arts + Culture
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • June 29, 2022
Sarasotans bond over their love of cars

A Cars and Coffee gathering can be quick confirmation that we are an auto-maniac nation.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Each of Der Dutchman's pies has about three pounds of pie filler and feeds six people.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • June 29, 2022
The keys to the perfect apple pie, from a Sarasota expert

Der Dutchman staff get into what it takes to make some great apple pie.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Arturo Sandoval brought the house down at the Sarasota Jazz Festival in March. (File photo)
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • June 29, 2022
Jazz Club has grown from fascination to institution

Steady hands have helped the Jazz Club of Sarasota grow by leaps and bounds over decades.

  • Arts + Culture
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Latest in East County

1
Two killed in two crashes two hours apart on I-75
  • July 10, 2026
Two killed in two crashes two hours apart on I-75
2
Keith Pandeloglou took over as the president of the board of the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation in June.
  • July 10, 2026
New leader set to guide the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation
3
Work has either started or will begin soon on four roundabouts on University Parkway, east of Lakewood Ranch Boulevard. University Parkway also is being widened from Lorraine Road to Bourneside Boulevard.
  • July 8, 2026
Necessary construction will snarl University Parkway in Lakewood Ranch
4
FoodTrukt, a new app, aims to bring together food truck owners and customers through making locations, schedules and menus more accessible.
  • July 8, 2026
Find nearby food trucks with new app
5
Deborah Callahan-Stratton, Joy Stone, Barbara Najmy and Jennifer Alokeh are collecting sneakers for the fifth annual Sneakin Back to School Sneaker Drive to benefit The Twig.
  • July 8, 2026
The Lake Club Women's Giving Circle transitions to a nonprofit

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