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LWR Life

McKenzie Hanlon received CJ four years ago from Southeastern Guide Dogs, which in May officially changed its name to Dogs Inc.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • August 23, 2024
Dogs Inc. gives clients more than help. It gives them hope.

Thanks to Dogs Inc., McKenzie Hanlon’s bond with her guide dog, CJ, transformed her life.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Debra Woithe says there is a big sense of urgency in buying land for conservation in Manatee County.
    By
  • Louis Llovio
  • August 22, 2024
Manatee County's land conservation program races to protect special spaces

The push-and-pull of land for conservation versus land for development shines brightly in east Manatee County.

  • East County
  • News
“Music, sound and guided imagery are a powerful combination,” says Zooey “Zen” Seraphine.
    By
  • Marty Fugate, Su Byron
  • August 22, 2024
5 ways to increase your mental, physical and spiritual health

Five Lakewood Ranch practitioners blend traditional, holistic and modern techniques.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Karen Eckert, Nancy Schneider, and Carolyn Lowry-Nation have all played a role in helping grow and sustain the Gardeners Out East Club.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 22, 2024
Garden club digs into strengthening roots

A determined group of gardening gurus overcame a slow start and is now a thriving Lakewood Ranch club. But it’s not all about plants.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Nathan Benderson Park’s dragon boat program is the second largest in the country.
  • By Susan Burns
  • August 22, 2024
Local dragon boat teams dig in for their next competition in waters overseas

Nathan Benderson Park's dragon boat program has become one of the largest and most competitive in the U.S. In September, its athletes are headed to the world competition in Italy.

  • East County
  • Sports
"My wife said the other day that I’ve excelled at everything except retirement," Mark Pentecost says. "I’m really bad at retirement."
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • August 22, 2024
Entrepreneur Mark Pentecost is good at a lot of things. Retiring isn’t one of them.

The charmed life of Mark Pentecost includes nice houses in multiple states, a 10,000-acre East County ranch, tens of millions given away to cancer organizations and even his own private island. Getting to the top required a combination of grit, guts and good old-fashioned hustle.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A rich mix of textures and colors creates an intriguing atmosphere in the living room. The paintings are all by prominent Latin American artists; the coffee table is from Crate and Barrel. Muse believes in mixing mainstream pieces with antiques and one-of-kind finds.
  • By Robert Plunket
  • August 22, 2024
A life well-lived is curated and on display in this dramatic home

In a divergence from the ubiquitous coastal palette, this Country Club home dazzles with perfect taste and subtle artistry.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Paul Caragiulo is part of the winning team that reinvented Owen’s Fish Camp for Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • May 16, 2024
Owen's Fish Camp co-owner shares the secret sauce behind the second location

Who says lightning doesn't strike twice? Paul Caragiulo shares how he and his brothers brought one of Sarasota's favorite restaurants to Lakewood Ranch.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Morgan Bettes Angell co-founded Independent Jones, while Antonio Hernandez is the chief events officer.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 16, 2024
Big plans are afoot to bring the blues to Lakewood Ranch

The thrill is far from gone for a few music lovers determined to bring a rocking blues festival to Lakewood Ranch by the end of 2024.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A team from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission releases a female Florida panther that had been rescued as a kitten in 2011 at the Picayune Strand State Forest in Collier County.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • May 16, 2024
Florida panthers, still a rare sight, are seeking suitable territories to survive

Bill Samuels, founder of the Florida Panther Project, has devoted much of his adult life to the preservation of the endangered feline.

  • East County
  • News
Herndon, Virginia-based Heritage Golf Group plans course improvements at the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club.
    By
  • Beth Luberecki
  • May 16, 2024
Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club's new owners come with a fresh vision

Virginia golf course company Heritage Golf Group believes it picked up a trophy asset in buying the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club. Significant enhancements and improvements are on the docket.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A dramatic mix of colors enlivens the open concept living area, with equally dramatic views of the lake and golf course out past the swimming pool.
  • By Robert Plunket
  • May 16, 2024
The spirit of Shanghai enlivens a home in Lakewood National

Including influences from the years Bill and Cheri Clever's spent in China, this home dazzles with one-of-a-kind flair.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Marty Fugate, Su Byron
  • May 16, 2024
Take in flavors of the world without leaving Lakewood Ranch

Want to avoid the hassles of international travel? This globetrotting itinerary requires no passport.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Amy Kwakye-Amoah has worked with fellow teens on addressing body image, cyberbullying and other common issues.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • May 16, 2024
Already making a mark in her community, this teen is ready for liftoff

Self-motivated Lakewood Ranch high school senior Amy Kwakye-Amoah wraps up the high school phase of her life with a big award. She has no plans to coast into college.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Rich and Susan Lomas have dedicated their lives to caring for their son, Sammy.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • May 16, 2024
Sammy's Run founders take a final lap but remain resolute in their cause

The story of Sammy’s Run is similar to the race’s namesake: a gritty mix of togetherness and toughness. Not to mention the unending love a determined couple has for their son.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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The moon shines between a pair of "Florida Reindeer."
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Shane Rawley poses for a photo on Dec. 2 at Shaner's Pizzeria with his three published books. From left: "A February Thaw: A Peter Cobb Adventure," "January Freeze: A Peter Cobb Adventure" and "Peter Cobb: Three Strikes You're Out."
  • December 4, 2025
Former MLB pitcher and local pizzeria owner is an author

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