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East County | Opinion

Justin Kristich, Juan Gutierrez, Kay Scholten, and Mike Hope are recruiting volunteers for the LECOM Suncoast Classic golf tournament at Lakewood National.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 6, 2025
Help wanted: It's LECOM Suncoast Classic Tournament time

The Korn Ferry event returns to Lakewood Ranch and needs another 200 volunteers.

  • East County
  • Opinion
After years of working with the military and law enforcement with explosives, Lakewood Ranch's John Scomillio found his best partner was a dog. He now works part-time at Dogs Inc.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 27, 2025
Former explosives expert gets a charge out of helping dogs

Lakewood Ranch's John Scomillio has made a home for himself at Dogs Inc.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Jim Keiner, Gene Tischer, Marge Slepica, Bob Keehn, Bob Smith and Diane Brune celebrate the 2024 donation to Stillpoint Mission.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 19, 2025
Stillpoint Appeal remains simple, and effective, in Lakewood Ranch

Bob Smith and his golf and poker buddies continue to have a heart of gold.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Commissioner's thoughts on moratoriums are misguided
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • February 18, 2025
Commissioner's thoughts on moratoriums are misguided

Please use caution when Sandhill cranes are present, a reader says.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Blues artist Dylan Triplett gets up close and personal with the fans during the Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 12, 2025
Local promoter plans next Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival

Morgan Bettes Angell is considering tweaks to better serve the community.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Implementation of moratoriums are crucial to District 5
  • By Robert McCann
  • February 11, 2025
Implementation of moratoriums are crucial to District 5

Manatee County Commissioner Robert McCann explains his views on moratoriums.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Moratorium madness
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • February 5, 2025
Moratorium madness

‘Overdevelopment’ is not the problem in Manatee, and a moratorium is certainly not the answer.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Stock Development Sales Associate Dominick Giallombardo stands in front of the final new home to sell in the Lake Club at 15315 Anchorage Place. It sold for $6,295,000.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 29, 2025
Lakewood Ranch's elite home market continues to grow

Stock Development closes out Lake Club with a $6.3 million sale.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Blues artist Dylan Triplett ventures into the crowd to perform at the Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 8, 2025
Readers sound off about Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival

The price, length of concert and name recognition were all concerns noted by the residents.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Follow the law when it comes to pickups in driveways
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • January 8, 2025
Follow the law when it comes to pickups in driveways

Nightclub noise will have negative impact in Lakewood Ranch, readers say.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Bonnie Staley and Shannon Ford donate their time to collect funds for The Salvation Army outside the Publix at Lorraine Road and University Parkway.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 18, 2024
Ranch ringers know how to sweeten the Salvation Army pot

Collections rise past $15,000 from one spot in front of a Lakewood Ranch Publix.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Blues artist Dylan Triplett gets into his work during his set at the Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival at Waterside Place.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 9, 2024
Should Lakewood Ranch music fans be singing the blues?

side of ranch

  • East County
  • Opinion
Poor phone etiquette at medical offices is preventing patients from connecting with the necessary medical care they deserve.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 4, 2024
Please answer the call for better doctor's office support

Trying to reach the talent and technology of the health care system can be infuriating.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Polo Club's Tim Hornung has followed a blueprint for success his entire career.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 21, 2024
Polo Club resident sets example for the ages

Tim Hornung has connected with all age groups through a career filled with success.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Carol Felts wins the District 1 race and is congratulated by friend and campaign volunteer Marnie Matarese.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 13, 2024
Lessons learned on the Ranch during the election cycle

Not having a party affiliation means doom these days when it comes to votes.

  • East County
  • Opinion
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Latest in East County

1
Hysen Muhametaj, Jamison Eige, Ron Major and Sydney Bartlett of Direct Window & Door celebrate Eige's win at the Suncoast Builders Association Chili Cook Off.
  • March 14, 2026
Spicy showdown at the Suncoast Builders Association Chili Cook Off
2
"Paradise Runway" fashion show models Judie Jacobson, Patti Wrobel, Cheryl Gross, Janet Nash and Regina Napoli wait to show off their second outfits for the Lakewood Ranch Women's Club fundraiser.
  • March 13, 2026
Paradise Runway fundraiser hosted by the Lakewood Ranch Women's Club
3
A bird box for purple martins sits on the golf course at the Ritz-Carlton Members Club of Lakewood Ranch.
  • March 13, 2026
Wildlife checks into the Ritz in Lakewood Ranch
4
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center COO Philip Reber, who has overseen the $120 million tower expansion, has been named the hospital's interim CEO.
  • March 12, 2026
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center CEO resigns
5
Art in the Park will take place on March 14-15 at the University Park Country Club. It will feature different mediums of art from 50 artists including Michael Parkinson, a co-chair for Art in the Park.
  • March 12, 2026
University Park's Art in the Park to showcase 50 local artists

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