EAST COUNTY
Observer
SEASON WINTER 2026
T H E O B S E R V E R ’S G
U I D E TO T H E A R TS
AND SOCIETY
Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
INSIDE MUSIC DANCE ART THEATER BLACK TIE
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2026
VOLUME 27, NO. 21
YOUR TOWN
2025 photos of the year W
hile East County didn’t get hit with a hurricane in 2025, there were plenty of storms in the gov-
ernment arena. County officials struggled to legislate changes that would increase
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Another great Day in East County In May 2023, Lt. Rob Day with East Manatee Fire Rescue (above with Congressman Vern Buchanan) was injured so severely in a boating accident that his return to duty was in question. “He refused to let that moment define his future,” Administrative Officer Stephen Beecher said. “He overcame every obstacle placed before him. His return to duty stands as a testament to his resilience, dedication and the remarkable spirit that continues to inspire those around him.” Buchanan honored Day with the Dedication and Professionalism Award on Dec. 5 at the 16th Congressional District Fire and Rescue and Emergency Medical Services Awards.
wetland buffers, limit urban sprawl and collect more fees from developers, but it all ran into a roadblock from Senate Bill 180. Meanwhile, more special events and celebrations continued to grow, along with the area’s swelling population. Despite restlessness caused by growth, the residents certainly seemed to be having a great time. Here is a photographic look back at 2025 and the events that shape the lives of
File photos
APRIL
BERRY BIG DEAL Agriculture remains a big deal in East County, and Marce Corbett enjoys a part of it by visiting Jennings Road Farm in Myakka City during blueberry season in April. Like many of the farms and ranches in Manatee County, the Jennings Road Farm is a family affair. The husband-wife team of David Payne and Tatiana Pashnina and their two children, 7-year-old Katalina and 3-year-old Shane, work the land.
those who live where we call home.
JULY
— JAY HEATER
SAY AHHHHHH Winnie the Moo will have more room to run, or stick out her tongue, at the Farmhouse Animal and Nature Sanctuary after a $50,000 grant from the Bishop-Parker Foundation that will help pay to complete storm damage repair to the facility, which limited pasture space.
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Women’s club solves problems, gives hope The Lakewood Ranch Women’s Club celebrated the year at the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club on Dec. 10. Proceeds from the event will be split evenly between their three adopted charities — Hope Family Services, Solve Maternity Homes and Children’s Guardian Fund. Diane Kuppler Weaver and Marj Beuc (above) worked as the raffle/silent auction cochair and the treasurer. The board was able to gather 100 gift cards, 22 silent auction baskets, ranging from $100 to $720, and a raffle with 11 items worth $110 to $290. They also had a giving tree that produced more than $9,000.
MARCH
NO RESPITE FROM THE STORM David Shaddock was one of several East County landowners who were left frustrated by constant hurricane damage to his property along with increasing development that he says increases the threat of flooding. After 11 years of business on Waterline Road, he and his wife, Ginny East Shaddock, closed their yoga institute. Manatee County commissioners debated how to help landowners with similar flooding issues.
MAY
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OCTOBER
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CARVING OUT FUN AT THE PUMPKIN FESTIVAL Every season in East County offers something special in terms of celebration, and the Hunsaders’ Pumpkin Festival was back for its 34th annual event in October. Sisters Ariana Swayka, 4, and Alexia Swayka, 6, were dressed for the occasion while getting their faces painted, as well.
A KISS FOR LUCK It’s always an emotional time when East County students graduate from their respective high schools. Lakewood Ranch High’s Daytona Clifton blows a kiss to the crowd as she heads across the LECOM Park field to receive her diploma on May 13. Both Braden River High and Lakewood Ranch High used LECOM Park for the ceremonies.