Neighbors | East County | Your Observer

East County | Neighbors

Eric Snider
August 21, 2025

Life for Dick Vitale is pretty great. But a stinging failure set up his shot for success.

From national fame to personal travails, famed ESPN sportscaster Dick Vitale talks resilience, reinvention and what keeps him going.

East County
Neighbors

Su Byron
August 21, 2025

Myakka City is known for its rural nature — and its salt-of-the-earth people

In a place where cowboy hats outnumber stoplights, three locals live by the rhythm of the land.

East County
Neighbors

By Robert Plunket
August 21, 2025

A dramatic update brings a Country Club home into the future

A well-loved family home gets a stylish refresh — proving that smart updates and staging can make all the difference for resale.

East County
Neighbors

Jay Heater
August 20, 2025

Chalk up a life saved for Lakewood Ranch Medical Center

Parrish's Mark Latcheran tells a feel-good story about the hospital's staff.

East County
Opinion

Mark Gordon
August 20, 2025

Camp is a dream come true for individuals with disabilities

With some help from (lots of) friends, an east Manatee County organization aims to grow its unique camp that supports individuals with special needs and their families.

East County
Neighbors

Marty Fugate
August 20, 2025

Linger Lodge serves up a heaping portion of Old Florida

Rita Lewis shares the magic behind one of Florida's most storied and beloved riverfront restaurants.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Emily Leinfuss
August 20, 2025

These conservationists of a threatened species may just surprise you

The Heritage Ranch Gopher Tortoise Preserve offers a long-term refuge for slow movers with a big ecological role.

East County
Neighbors

Mark Gordon
August 19, 2025

This Publix bakery staple has been creating confectionary delights for 20 years

Sara Stone is nearing her 20-year anniversary of doing some edible, yet mostly behind the scenes, work: creating and baking some of Lakewood Ranch's tastiest cakes.