Members of Christ Church and residents of Spanish Main had a fish fry Saturday, July 16 at Spanish Main.

This week's Friday Fest was all about peace and love Friday, July 15 at the Van Wezel. The musical guest this week was Yesterdayze, a '60s cover band.

The famous cotton plant at Casa del Mar had its annual height measuring event Friday, July 15 by the tennis courts at Casa del Mar where the plant is located. The cotton plant's new height is 32 feet.

Dozens of East County residents sipped on cocktails during the Charity Bartending Night July 14 at The Polo Grill and Bar. Former NBA referee and Lakewood Ranch resident Bob Delaney, State Rep. Greg Steube, Sen. Mike Bennett, Manatee County Commission candidate Vanessa Baugh and SMR Director of Sports Tim Mulqueen poured drinks for tips to benefit Lakewood Ranch Community Activities Corporation's LWR Remembers 9-11 Flagpole Dedication and Memorial. The event, which is scheduled for Sept. 10 at the Premier Sports Complex, will commemorate the 10th anniversary of the 9-11 attacks.

Pint-sized dancers took the stage for the Summer Dance Camp Recital July 15 at Gullett Elementary School in Lakewood Ranch. The dancers performed a variety of routines they perfected throughout the summer camp.

The 2011 James "MAC" McCarthy Southeast Regional Lifeguard Competition started Thursday, July 14 out at Siesta Key Beach. The three-day event features professional lifeguards with Florida's junior lifeguards being featured on the final day. Lifeguards run, swim, paddle and row - testing their lifesaving skills among their peers in 13 different events.

Sarasota chamber members enjoyed an evening of mingling, meeting and munching Wednesday, July 13 during the Sarasota Prime Time event presented by The University of South Florida - Sarasota Manatee at the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida.

With all the animals at Mote someone has to feed them, right? Take a look at this Mote intern feeding the stringrays yesterday.

Students at Rosaire's Riding Academy saddled up for a day full of horseback riding fun July 11. Campers started the morning by retrieving horses and ponies from the academy pasture. Then, once back at the riding arena, they honed their riding skills with the help of Ellian Rosaire and her staff.

Riders at Westport Equestrian Club concluded Pony Camp with a fun-filled show July 8. Each camper showed off a variety of riding skills - much to the delight of family members and friends.

Dozens of aspiring basketball players hit the court for Braden River High School's 7th annual Summer Basketball Camp July 5-8. Students participated in skill stations, competitions and team games while learning the basic fundamentals of the game. Camper of the Day, Hustle and Best Attitude awards were handed out at the end of each day of camp.

The Siesta Key Gulf Open, part of the Dig the Beach volleyball series, took place Saturday, July 9 and Sunday, July 10 on Siesta Key Public Beach. The weekend had 325 teams sign up to play in all of the different divisions including Open, AAA, AA, A, BB, B, co-ed and juniors.