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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
Jim and Jackie Sleter stand in front of their newly installed roof. (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 17, 2022
Veteran in River Isles gifted a free roof

East County veteran receives support from local business and the VFW to get a new roof.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
East County's Meghan Rumbaugh participates in a group exercise class in May 2020.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • February 17, 2022
Working It Out

The struggling Manatee Family YMCA is now under the umbrella of the larger YMCA of Southwest Florida.

  • LWR Life
Board member Bryan Boudreaux and board President David Finkare part of the team that facilitates the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund’s philanthropic giving. (Photos by Lori Sax)
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • February 17, 2022
Charity Snapshot: Two Decades of Giving

The Lakewood Ranch Community Fund, founded by John Clarke in the community’s early days, enters a new chapter.

  • LWR Life
Lakewood Ranch resident Liz Cole has been immersed in arts and art education throughout her career. (Photo by Lori Sax )
    By
  • Guest Author
  • February 17, 2022
Class Act: Sharing the Joy of Learning in the Arts

A talented artist developed an early childhood program for the Toledo Museum of Art, which remains a cornerstone of the museum’s education division.

  • LWR Life
    By
  • Su Byron
  • February 17, 2022
Digital Photography Club members capture the world frame by frame

The art of photography is still worth mastering. And the Lakewood Ranch Digital Photography Club can help you do just that.

  • LWR Life
Ringling College student Zaine Lodhi visits one of his preferred hangouts in downtown Sarasoata, Project Coffee
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 14, 2022
Ringling College student describes his journey toward major illustrators award

According to Ringling College student Zaine Lodhi, the secret in his success is imagination, talent, and just plain hard work.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
International circus star Bello Nock performs a daredevil stunt in the Wheel of Destiny.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 12, 2022
Circus Sarasota returns to Nathan Benderson Park

People pack the big top to watch Circus Sarasota at Nathan Benderson Park.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 12, 2022
Willis Elementary fathers and daughters have a magical night in Lakewood Ranch

Enchanted Ball in Lakewood Ranch provides magical moments for fathers and daughters.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Craig Pittman signs books for the crowd at the Waterlefe Golf & River Club.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 10, 2022
Literary Society of Waterlefe's annual luncheon helps open a new chapter in literacy education

The Literacy Society of Waterlefe hosted its 13th annual luncheon with guest speaker Craig Pittman.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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Latest in East County

1
Rising senior quarterback Louisen Desinor will start under center for Braden River High football in the fall. This spring was his opportunity to strengthen bonds with the playmakers around him.
  • May 25, 2026
High school coaches defend relevancy of spring football in Florida
2
Though Florida Power & Light employs a variety of advanced technology to avoid power failures, often the basic work of tree trimming goes a long way toward heading off trouble.
  • May 24, 2026
With our deep dependence on power, FPL gears up to keep the lights on
3
A rendering of the 12U baseball/softball fields five-plex that will be built at UMR Sports complex in East County.
  • May 23, 2026
Expansion 'gets real' at UMR Sports of Bradenton
4
Oceane Visa, who says she has waited years to walk across the stage for graduation, is congratulated by Head of School Debra Otey.
  • May 22, 2026
Out-of-Door Academy graduates showed up for the moments that matter most
5
Leighton Paul (right), pictured here during the FHSAA Class 5A-Region 3 final May 14 against Gulf Coast, was Braden River's leadoff hitter this season. She went 0-for-3 in the state semifinals against Niceville.
  • May 22, 2026
Late rally not enough for Braden River High softball in state semifinals

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