January Year in Pictures: East County

The 26 students riding Manatee County School District Bus 560 all escaped a Jan. 5 crash with only minor injuries. Counselors were available at Braden River Middle Jan. 9 to meet with students. Published Jan. 12, 2012.

Lakewood Ranch High School alum and University of South Florida freshman Drew Christianson goes wherever the wind takes him. He hopes to become a professional kiteboarder. Published Jan. 12, 2012.

Opera singers Carol Sparrow and Randy Locke, of Palm-Aire, celebrated the 10th anniversary of their non-profit, OASIS, Opera for Animals: Singing is Saving. Published Jan. 26, 2012.

The Tampa Bay Lightning named Matthew Baar, pictured with his brother Joey, left, a Lightning Community Hero Jan. 15, and donated $50,000 to the charities of his choice. Published Jan. 26, 2012.

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Local polo players and cowboys competed in a variety of rodeo-style contests during the annual SMR Cup Jan. 27-29, at Sarasota Polo Club. Published Feb. 2, 2012.

Students Alana Kutt, Kylee Pavkovich, Abby Mosher and Mariela Cheno enjoyed snow cones as they watched their friends sled at the Tabernacle Christian School's Winter Wonderland celebration Jan. 30. Published Feb. 2, 2012.