East County Observer

3 days ago | yourobserver.com | Ian Swaby

After graduating Riverview High School, 19-year-old Branson Rudeen couldn't find a field in college he felt comfortable entering. Yet his grandfather owned a clothing store and retail business, while his father Brad Rudeen entered the business of homebuilding directly out of high school and has started several small businesses. “I don't work for other people, very few of those jobs, so he's seen that growing up, and he wants to take that opportunity himself,” Brad said.

4 days ago | yourobserver.com | Ian Swaby

Although the weather was stormy the morning of June 2, with a pool closure at the Sarasota City YMCA branch, there was still a sweet spot as summer camp began. The branch launched its traditional camp and aquatics summer camps with a pancake breakfast for families, which preceded a schedule of activities revised to suit the weather. Andrew Frazier, who manages the summer camps, said it was the first time for the breakfast to kick off camp.

4 days ago | yourobserver.com | Monica Gagnier

Circus Arts Conservatory co-founder Pedro Reis stepped down from management of the circus nonprofit last November, but as production strategist, he still is responsible for producing the CAC’s tentpole events, like the Summer Circus Spectacular. Bringing star performers from all over the globe to Sarasota is getting harder, with longer waits for U.S. visas, and increased scrutiny at border crossings and airports. For the CAC’s Circus Sarasota, held this year from Feb.

4 days ago | yourobserver.com | Ian Swaby

During her time at Booker High School, Marisa Von Bender was involved in numerous programs. Among them are College for Every Student, the Technology Student Association, the National Honor Society and the student government association, and she has been captain of her volleyball team and team manager for the school's wrestling program. "All I can say really, is join every program there, you never know the connections you'll make," she said.

5 days ago | yourobserver.com | Ian Swaby

Principal Erin Haughey told graduates of Riverview High School that she learned about purpose from her grandfather, a third-generation American who served in World War II. She recounted delivering meals on wheels, serving in soup kitchens, and organizing donations to the Salvation Army, stating her grandfather would even attend funerals of strangers who had no family.