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Neighbors

Lakewood Ranch's Tom and Kristine Scott attended All That Jazz: Cabaret for a Cause Feb. 21 at the Hyatt Regency in Sarasota to support Sisterhood for Good.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 22, 2025
Sisterhood for Good's All That Jazz proves a smashing success for charity

The Sarasota event, that featured the Suncoast Swing Band and Lady Z and Jonathan Cortez, raises funds for nonprofits.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Zach Kalles fires up the light brandy as he makes saganaki, a dish consisting of melted goat cheese and brandy, served on grilled pita, at the St. Barbara Greek Festival.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • February 21, 2025
Opa! St. Barbara Greek Festival is a feast

The 41st annual event continues through Sunday at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lee Whitehurst was named chief of the East Manatee Fire Rescue District in 2017.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • February 21, 2025
Fire chief prepares to pass the torch of public safety

Lee Whitehurst's passion to become a firefighter was kindled as a teenager. Five decades later, with retirement looming, he remains devoted to the craft.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Mike and Katie Emmons founded the Taylor Emmons Scholarship fund in 2010.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • February 21, 2025
Taylor Emmons' legacy lives on through Out-of-Door Academy scholarship

Grieving parents turned their son’s tragic death into a sustainable charitable endeavor that has paid for more than a dozen teenagers to attend a private high school.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Bagpipe players lead the dogs in the Lucky Dog Parade at the 2024 Irish Celtic Festival.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 21, 2025
The best things to do in Lakewood Ranch this spring

From live music to classic cars, the Lakewood Ranch area has events for everyone.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Jaydyn Boucher has been fishing since she could hold a fishing rod.
    By
  • Emily Leinfuss
  • February 20, 2025
To find the best fishing holes, you have to ask the locals

With its many lakes, Lakewood Ranch offers prime fishing spots that invite anglers to cast a line amid serene surroundings, whether they're seeking a quiet escape or the thrill of reeling in the catch of the day.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The National Basketball Association named Rick Barry one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • February 20, 2025
Has age softened NBA star Rick Barry? Ask his pickleball opponents.

This part-time Lakewood Ranch resident was one of the most prolific scorers and accurate free throw shooters in basketball’s history.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Stacey Lipton's captivating watercolor paintings capture the beauty and essence of nature.
    By
  • Su Byron
  • February 20, 2025
The Creative Arts Association of Lakewood Ranch shows off its multitude of talent

Members of the Creative Arts Association of Lakewood Ranch unite to inspire each other and create community awareness.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
In the living room, shades of crème and blue create a soothing, seaside-inspired mood. The painting above the fireplace was created by the homeowner, Mary Ann Steinbock.
  • By Robert Plunket
  • February 20, 2025
A home in the Country Club proves that a classic look never goes out of style

This showplace in the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club proves a house doesn't have to be new to be desirable. It just has to be unique.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sarasota's Clayton Lambert, 6, tries on a fire helmet with the help of his mother Megan Lambert.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 19, 2025
Fire department open house showcases special operations division

The Sarasota County Fire Department held an open house for Station 8 at 840 Apex Road, part of a series of events held one Saturday of each month.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Phillip Mockler, director of community engagement with Operation Warrior Resolution, has worked closely with Lakewood Ranch resident Phil Orapallo to create the Operation Warrior Resolution Golf Classic to benefit veterans.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • February 19, 2025
Lakewood Ranch resident starts veteran benefit golf classic

Phil Orapallo wants other veterans to avoid the struggles he faced after serving.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Chef Greg Campbell says few restaurants cook from scratch with real ingredients such as vanilla bean when making dishes such as crème brûlée.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 19, 2025
Grove will serve up a Campbell's scoop in Lakewood Ranch

"Cooking with Campbell" looks to entertain, feed, and educate those who attend about best cooking practices.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Ella Walker, 17, Abby Duplissey, 19, Patty Foley and Lauren Taylor Nock perform with the ballet team.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 18, 2025
Sarasota Ski-A-Rees host first show since hurricanes

Although waters were rough, the waterskiing nonprofit still braved the conditions to offer its first performance since hurricanes Helene and Milton.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
At the 2024 gala, friends Erica Molinar and Jessica Mendez cheers to Mendez's good health and the much needed financial support she received from the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2022.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 18, 2025
Lakewood Ranch foundation to host murder mystery gala

The Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation is hosting Mystery Under the Stars on March 1 at The Ora in Sarasota.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Susan Goldfarb, program director at The Education Center, speaks with attendees at a recent showing of works by the Highwaymen Artists.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • February 18, 2025
The Education Center plans music, education and fun spring events

Program Director Susan Goldfarb encourages everyone to mark their calendars for their concerts and lectures coming up in March.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
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Latest News

1
Herb Methodology co-owner Tryla Brown Larson celebrates the launch of her line of locally made products at Longboat Key's Design 2000 Salon on Jan. 29.
  • February 4, 2026
Herb Methodology launches at Design 2000
2
Davin Davidson reeled in 20 offers from NCAA Division I FBS programs from Jan. 20 through 31.
  • February 4, 2026
Cardinal Mooney quarterback's recruitment takes off
3
Golf pro Stephen Arnold succeeded in his goal of playing 100 holes of golf in a single day to benefit families involved with First 1,000 Days Suncoast.
  • February 4, 2026
Golfing feat makes a difference for area families
4
The Lakewood Ranch Garden Club Butterfly Symposium will take place at 9 a.m. on Feb. 7 at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.
  • February 4, 2026
Butterfly symposium lands at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall
5
Chamber launches summertime internship program
  • February 4, 2026
Chamber launches summertime internship program

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