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East County | Trending

Katherine Benoit started making masks before she realized isolation gowns would be more prudent.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 21, 2020
Class Act: Threads of Hope

When Katherine Benoit saw a need for PPE in the community, she jumped into action — and brought others along with her.

  • LWR Life
Meals on Wheels Plus staff member Terri Hill stacks cans of tomatoes. The organization is asking for all types of foods as donations, but especially nonperishables.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 21, 2020
Charity Snapshot: More Than a Meal

As Meals on Wheels Plus continues its services amid a pandemic, it relies on efficiency and the generosity of the community.

  • LWR Life
Alexander enjoys helping make buckeyes, peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate, though he oddly enough doesn’t eat them when they’re done.
    By
  • Columnist .
  • May 21, 2020
The Jolly Rancher: Happy Making Pies

Ranch Dad gives us insight into his passion for making pies with his son and his dream of owning a pie shop in retirement.

  • LWR Life
    By
  • Su Byron
  • May 21, 2020
Art and About: Binging on Books

Give your brain a break from screens by reading. Whether you want to travel the world from your living room or learn about history or cooking, there’s a book for you.

  • LWR Life
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 21, 2020
Haven: On Display

Modern-day custom closets shift from a place of storage to a living space.

  • LWR Life
All ages can delight in the hunt for shark teeth and fossils. Find spots that offer a loose graveling bottom,
    By
  • Randi Donahue
  • May 21, 2020
Paddling in Peace

Think Gulf Coast beaches are your only waterfront respite? Think again. Take a quick drive east for a trip back in time, and experience the unspoiled Florida wilderness along the waters of Peace River.

  • LWR Life
Stacey Gadeken and Alison Denboggende cheer for seniors as they drive by the school to pick up their caps and gowns. Their sons, Andrew Denboggende and Brandon Gadeken, are graduating this year.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 21, 2020
Cheers for Lakewood Ranch graduates

Parents, teachers and staff members celebrate seniors as they pick up caps and gowns for July graduation

  • East County
  • News
Hickory Hollow
    By
  • Shellie Terry
  • May 21, 2020
Smokin' Summer Spots

LWR Life contributor Shellie Terry shares the secrets to finding the best barbecue in town.

  • LWR Life
Center Point in Lakewood Ranch includes a medical office building, a 30,000-square-foot specialty grocer, a four-story hotel, four to five restaurants and 250,000 square feet of retail space.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • May 21, 2020
Point Made

A 50-acre, $50 million project is primed to turn what was only office and industrial space into a retail and restaurant destination.

  • LWR Life
As birth designer, Chrissy Coney (center) has helped more than 130 women navigate the process of childbirth, including (left to right) Kyra and Jace Perry, Darcy and Kylo Jasper, Ally and Athena Sager and Katiria and Rocko Ocanas..
    By
  • Randi Donahue
  • May 21, 2020
Baby Blueprint

Moving into its second year, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center’s Birth Designer Program proves successful in preparing patients for a positive childbirth experience.

  • LWR Life
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 21, 2020
Changing Times

Business leaders discuss their strategies to survive the COVID-19 shutdown and their outlook for the recovery.

  • LWR Life
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 21, 2020
East County weather page photo: May 21

Gordon Silver captured this alligator along the shoreline of a pond in Del Webb.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Andrew Arbanas, center, is happy to be able to interact with his family after a month of intensive care for COVID-19 patients. Jaxson, Tiffany, Jude and Aryella are thrilled to be able to hug him.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • May 20, 2020
Not so safe at home for Lakewood Ranch area nurses

Healthcare worker isolates himself from his family to protect them.

  • East County
  • News
Jacquie McLaurin, a fifth grade teacher at Robert E. Willis Elementary, is disappointed her career ends with e-learning as she retires this year, but she has enjoyed the time with her students.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 20, 2020
New lesson in retirement for Lakewood Ranch-area teachers

Retiring teachers and staff members disappointed with the ending but happy for the memories.

  • East County
  • News
Sheila Milazzo, Anita and Ed Hagen and Jo Fava enter Our Lady of the Angels for the first in-person Mass in two months.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 20, 2020
Cautious reopening for Lakewood Ranch-area churches

East County churches excited but cautious with reopening

  • East County
  • News
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Latest News

1
Cindy Ritchell, Ann Quackenbush, Brenda Korthauer, Beverly Sutton and Kit Torchia all lend a helping hand in packing seeds to send internationally to farmers who need them. Quackenbush is a driving force behind Hope Seeds, a charitable ministry through Christ Church of Longboat Key.
  • December 22, 2025
Longboat's Hope Seeds nears 10 years of giving back
2
Andrew Carrillo poses for a photo on Dec. 16 at Out-of-Door Academy. He's been the go-to guy on attack for the Thunder throughout their 2025-26 season.
  • December 22, 2025
East County Athlete of the Week: Andrew Carrillo
3
Manatee County commissioners approve reducing speed limits throughout the county.
  • December 22, 2025
Speed limits reduced on nine roads in Manatee County
4
The library will be constructed on the light green area depicted on this map within Longboat Key's Town Center Green. The entire library would be around 11,230 square feet with the possible enhancements.
  • December 22, 2025
Buchanan's $1 million donation formally accepted for library
5
Sarasota students share Christmas wishes in letters to Santa
  • December 22, 2025
Sarasota students share Christmas wishes in letters to Santa

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