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East County | Trending

Longboat Key's swan population has had bad luck in increasing its numbers over the past two years.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 31, 2019
2019 Digital Year in Review

The observer stayed busy online in 2019. Here are the top stories of the year from YourObserver.com.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Andy Guz, the CEO of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, said the hospital will expand its services to keep up with the growth of the community it serves.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 30, 2019
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center hopes to expand in the 2020s

CEO Andy Guz predicts hospital will continue to expand in the 2020s to serve rapidly growing Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
Myakka City's Olissio Zoppe brings his Cirque Ma'Ceo to the Ed Smith Stadium complex in Sarasota.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 28, 2019
Cirque Ma'Ceo comes to Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota

Cirque Ma'Ceo comes to Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota

  • East County
  • News
Enjoy our Letters to Santa
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • December 25, 2019
Letters to Santa bring children's Christmas wishes to life in Lakewood Ranch area

Letters to Santa bring children's Christmas wishes to life in Lakewood Ranch area.

  • East County
  • News
Dr. Avantika Mishra says individuals without gluten allergies or sensitivities should not avoid it.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 24, 2019
Debunking the gluten-free mantra: Is gluten-free better?

Debunking the gluten-free mantra: Is gluten-free better?

  • East County
  • News
Twins Connor and Jake Krug committed to Duke for tennis. Photo courtesy Dick Vitale.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 23, 2019
Krug twins commit to Duke for tennis

The juniors had offers from numerous elite programs.

  • East County
  • Sports
Jennifer Santora, a third grade teacher at B.D. Gullett Elementary School, helps Caley Ochoa with a math problem.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • December 20, 2019
Two Bradenton teachers named finalists for 'Educator of the Year' in Manatee County

Two East County teachers named finalists for Educator of the Year

  • East County
  • News
La Estampida/Hillcroft's James Miller (4) tries to connect during the season opener with Scott Doyle right behind him if needed.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 20, 2019
Polo season gallops into action in Lakewood Ranch

Polo back in business in Lakewood Ranch as Sarasota Polo Club season opens.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
David Fazzone has beat the odds after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2003.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 20, 2019
Blessed with another Christmas in Bradenton

A Bradenton man has beaten pancreatic cancer to enjoy another Christmas.

  • East County
  • News
Fireworks will start at 9 .m. Dec. 31. Courtesy image.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 19, 2019
UTC rings in New Year with special celebration in Sarasota

Fireworks and other family-friendly festivities are planned for New Year's Eve.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 19, 2019
East County weather page photo: December 19

Sharon Piotrowski captured this full moon illuminating the sky over Del Webb in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Hope Family Services' Irene Martinez, the Lakewood Ranch Elks' Darrin Simone and Hope's Lynn Lavigne go through toys the Elks collected for the nonprofit.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 19, 2019
Lakewood Ranch Elks' toy drive raises Hope

Lakewood Ranch Elks team with Walgreens to collect almost 800 toys for Hope Family Services.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Pat and Bill Kopcsak still enjoy telling a story of incredible kindness that allowed them to have a wonderful Christmas in 1976.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 18, 2019
Lakewood Ranch couple tells Christmas story of kindness

Hitting a cow and damaged car doesn't stop a wonderful Christmas for Lakewood Ranch couple.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Peggy and Skip Turner, of Riverwalk Grove, always enjoy seeing kids' and parents' faces light up with excitement when they see their holiday display of Whoville.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • December 18, 2019
Seuss in the spotlight in Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch residents transform yard into Whoville every year for Christmas

  • East County
  • News
Debbie Huckaby says an offer has been made to buy the property her refuge calls home and if the sales goes through, she can stay.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • December 18, 2019
East County parrot sanctuary could be rescued

East County's Birds of Paradise Sanctuary and Rescue could be rescued.

  • East County
  • News
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Latest News

1
Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
  • December 21, 2025
Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
2
Sue Wertman has rung the bell outside the Publix on Longboat Key on behalf of the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key since 2013.
  • December 21, 2025
Longest-serving Longboat bellringer attributes motivation to family
3
Sarasota Memorial Hospital's Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute.
  • December 21, 2025
SMH participates in global bladder cancer treatment clinical trial
4
Santa greets visitors from the window of 9605 Governor's Club Place in The River Club.
  • December 20, 2025
Christmas decorating isn't just for kids
5
The Family Church caroling crew from left to right is Melody Johnson, Laurie Houston, Nancy Pilato, Pastor Phil Derstine and Terrial Robinson.
  • December 20, 2025
East Manatee church members will go through bars to spread Christmas joy

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