Students at McNeal Elementary School and their families gathered in the school's cafeteria Oct. 8 for a costume ball. Guests enjoyed pizza, dancing and a costume contest, among other festivities.

Girls at Imagine School at Lakewood Ranch dressed like royalty for the school's Princess Ball Oct. 8. Attendees enjoyed dinner, dancing and photos.

Volunteers with the Braden River Historical Society and Keep Manatee Beautiful headed out to Jiggs Landing Oct. 2 to clear the Braden River of trash and other debris.

Lakewood Ranch High School held its Lakewood's Got Talent show Wednesday in the auditorium. The show featured 15 different acts and was well attended by students, parents and faculty.

Lakewood Ranch Community Activities and Lakewood Ranch Medical Center offered education and fun at the Embrace a Life of Health and Wellness Expo Oct. 2. Attendees were able to participate in a variety of health-related screenings and peruse booths from local practices. Children flocked to the special Kids Zone, which featured a bounce house, face painting and more.

The Lakewood Ranch Arts Council, in partnership with the American Ideals Foundation, made its public debut Oct. 1 with the "October Romance" concert at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing. American Ideals founder and pianist/composer Robert Moffa played for the crowd, while also introducing other artists and showing off their work.

Lakewood Ranch couldn't keep up with the nationally ranked Manatee Hurricanes Friday night, falling 34-7 to the local powerhouse. The loss puts the Mustangs at 3-2 on the season.

Business professionals headed to the greens at The Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club Oct. 1 for the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce's 2010 Chamber Membership Classic. Participants enjoyed lunch and a silent auction before heading to the golf course for an 18-hole game.

Florida gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott made a stop in the East County for a special fundraising reception at The Fête Ballroom at The Polo Grill and Bar Wednesday. Event organizers included Sen. John and Michelle McKay, Bob and Jane Waechter and Lee Wetherington.

From Egypt and China to Italy and Mexico, students at Primrose School of Lakewood Ranch took a trip around the world for the school's sixth Celebrating Cultures event Sept. 24. Each class studied a different culture, created costumes and enjoyed authentic cuisine.

Families from Gullett Elementary School headed to the University Park Country Club Sept. 25 for the school's annual Neal Communities Golf Challenge. Participants enjoyed an afternoon of golf before a buffet-style dinner and silent auction.

Students and families at Gene Witt Elementary School twisted the night away at the school's 11th annual Welcome Back Sock Hop. Guests enjoyed pizza and other refreshments, dancing and hula-hoop and other contests.