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Your Observer | All

Nearly a half dozen new neighborhoods took root across the East County in 2011, as the area saw its most successful residential real estate year in recent memory.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • January 4, 2012
Delve into 12: Real Estate Recovery

With low interest rates, reasonable prices and declining inventory, East County Realtors and builders predict another promising year in East County real estate.

  • East County
  • News
Faith Life Church's building boasts a strong presence in Branson. Courtesy Photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 4, 2012
Delve into 12: Faith Life Church

The Branson, Mo.-based mega church is slated to begin holding services in its new Lakewood Ranch campus starting this month.

  • East County
  • News
Benderson Development Executive Director of Leasing Mark Chait said he has received positive feedback about the retail offerings the company has brought to the area.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 4, 2012
Delve into 12: Benderson Development

Benderson Development already is working on an expansion to its existing University Town Center project and intends to start work on its regional mall by the end of the year, as well.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • January 4, 2012
Delve into 12: Nathan Benderson Aquatic Nature Center

Leaders are working to make the East County rowing venue the first in the United States to be considered a Class A facility by the International Federation of Rowing Association.

  • East County
  • News
What Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance President Brian Volner learned at his first Alliance meeting —and subsequent ones — are the things today that continue to drive Volner’s passion for the Alliance and its vision.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 4, 2012
Delve into 12: Brian Volner

As a the retail sales manager at Community Bank and the new president of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, Volner's work and spare time both are dedicated to helping small businesses improve and succeed.

  • East County
  • News
Ron Lambert will become the new band director for Lakewood Ranch High School in June. As a clinician for Yamaha, REMO Drum Heads, and Innovative Percussion, he has helped keep Lakewood’s band program as innovative as possible over the years.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 4, 2012
Delve into 12: Ron Lambert

Ron Lambert will take the helm of Lakewood Ranch High School's band program after Bob Schaer retires in June.

  • East County
  • News
Courtesy rendering.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • January 4, 2012
Delve into 12: LECOM School of Dental Medicine

The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine will open its School of Dental Medicine in July.

  • East County
  • News
More than 21,000 soccer fans attended the 2011 Development Academy Winter Showcase and Nike International Friendlies tournament in December. File photo.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • January 4, 2012
Delve into 12: Premier Sports Campus

Leaders expect Lakewood Ranch's newest amenity to bring more than $60 million into the East County economy in 2012.

  • East County
  • News
Tara resident Sandy Gilbert leads the Community Affairs Committee, a group that is preparing to fight the Tara Bridge project.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 4, 2012
Delve into 12: Bridge Battle

Although East County residents won't see any construction starting on the Tara Bridge or Fort Hamer Bridge this year, the fate of both bridges will be up for discussion in 2012.

  • East County
  • News
Although she has dabbled in other careers, Rebecca Gutierrez always has returned to polo. She calls it fate.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • January 4, 2012
Delve into 12: Rebecca Gutierrez

The Sarasota Polo Club's polo operations manager has big plans for one of the East County's most beloved pastimes.

  • East County
  • News
Chef Christopher Covelli
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 4, 2012
Delve into 12: Viking Culinary Center

The Viking Culinary Center on Lakewood Ranch Main Street already has garnered local attention. Its new manager, Christopher Covelli, hopes to bring it national attention in 2012, as well.

  • East County
  • News
Lyndsy McDonald and her staff of 10 bake about 200 cupcakes each day in addition to her catering orders.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • January 4, 2012
Delve into 12: Lyndsy McDonald

Pastries by Design owner Lyndsy McDonald, who moved into her new storefront on Main Street in Lakewood Ranch Sept. 1, saw her business nearly triple in 2011.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • January 4, 2012
OBSERVED: Optimism abounds in new year

For the past four years, the East County Observer has begun the new year with special editions highlighting the people and issues we believed would have significant influence in the East County in the following 12 months.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Molly Schechter
    By
  • Molly Schechter
  • January 4, 2012
It's a 'classy' season for Longboat fitness offerings

Residents, snowbirds and visitors have lots of options for staying in shape this season. Public classes are offered at the Longboat Key Education Center and the town's Bayfront Park Recreation Center.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Read this week's Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 4, 2012
Cops Corner: Longboat Key

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
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