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East County

Brittany Lamont and Nicole Hackel congratulate Jacob Kinsel of the Manatee Education Foundation as he is announced as the winner of the "Next Gen" award at University Park Country Club May 13.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 16, 2026
Young Leaders Alliance presents its top award in Lakewood Ranch

The top "Next Gen" award goes to Jacob Kinsel, who was honored for his commitment to the Manatee Education Foundation and the community.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Sarasota Orchestra bought a site on Fruitville Road for its Music Center in 2023.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • May 16, 2026
Want to be where the people are? You have to go east.

The out-east story keeps adding new chapters, from county office buildings to a globally known furniture store.

  • East County
  • News
Manatee County opens applications for Tourist Development Board
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 15, 2026
Manatee County opens applications for Tourist Development Board

Two seats will become available when citizen slots expire at the end of June.

  • East County
  • News
Amanda Parrish was named interim CEO of the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp. in January.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • May 15, 2026
Manatee County economic development evolves

An organization dedicated to boosting the local economy was in a pickle late last year. Lakewood Ranch executive Amanda Parrish was the right person, at the right time, to make things right.

  • East County
  • News
Entering this season, Braden River softball hadn't won a district title in seven years. The squad is now two wins away from a state championship.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • May 14, 2026
Braden River High softball advances to state semifinals

With a wire-to-wire effort from Kaydence Evans, the Pirates are FHSAA Class 5A-3 regional champions.

  • East County
  • Sports
Holiday House SRQ's Megan Micale, executive director, and Sepi Ackerman, co-founder and executive president, say a grant would allow for 350 Title I students to receive school uniforms, shoes and a holiday experience.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 14, 2026
Sisterhood for Good hosts annual Grant Expo in Lakewood Ranch

Of the 129 applicants who applied for grants this year, 23 were represented at the Grant Expo May 11.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Richard Frank Wokoun
    In Memoriam |
  • May 14, 2026
Richard Frank Wokoun

Richard Frank Wokoun, age 69, of Lakewood Ranch, Florida, passed away on April 26, 2026.

  • East County
  • Tributes & Obituaries
A rendering of BayCare HealthHub on Moccasin Wallow Road.
    By
  • Louis Llovio
  • May 14, 2026
Health care expands in the area in a big way

Health care systems are expanding in and around Lakewood Ranch — for both the short- and long-term.

  • East County
  • News
Seniors Eliana Yeboah, Suzan Ikele, Jeffrey Crabtree and Sara Johnson are among the first class of graduating seniors to complete all four years at Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 13, 2026
East Manatee seniors prepare for final assignment: A graduation speech

The chosen speakers for the various Manatee County commencement ceremonies are eager to connect with their peers.

  • East County
  • Schools
Sophie Bell had never rowed until middle school. From May 16-17, she'll return to the place where her career started, now a sophomore competing at the NCAA Division I level.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • May 13, 2026
Local rower-turned-Division I athlete returns to area for Big 12 Championships

Old Dominion's Sophie Bell, a Lakewood Ranch High graduate, will be competing at Nathan Benderson Park.

  • East County
  • Sports
Commissioner George Kruse stops to greet Chula, a 2-year-old mastiff mix, during a walk-through of the Bishop Animal Shelter May 9.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 13, 2026
Animal activists continue complaints despite efforts to improve Bishop shelter

The Manatee County expansion project is up to $12 million, but some residents say it's not enough.

  • East County
  • News
The main building at the Bishop Animal Shelter has 52 dog kennels. The expansion adds 120 more kennels.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 13, 2026
Dog tired of spending money on Manatee County's animal shelters

After $12 million of improvements at the Bishop Animal Shelter, some county residents aren't satisfied with the conditions.

  • East County
  • Opinion
My-Lien Truong and Dwight Fitch, the radiation oncologists at Advocate Radiation Oncology in Lakewood Ranch, both studied chemical engineering before pursuing radiation oncology.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 12, 2026
Radiation, oncology center opens Lakewood Ranch office

Advocate Radiation Oncology has opened at 8946 77th Terrace E., to go with its previous location on S.R. 64 in Bradenton.

  • East County
  • Business
Rick Farmer carries plenty of experience calling plays on defense, but his new role leading the Pirates represents his first head-coaching appointment in high school football.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • May 12, 2026
No time to waste for new Braden River High football coach

Rick Farmer, the team's former defensive coordinator, was hired on the first day of spring practice.

  • East County
  • Sports
This Country Club Village home at 6963 Westchester Circle sold for $3,025,000. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 5,897 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • May 12, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for April 27-May 1 in Lakewood Ranch

A Wild Blue home on Blue Shell Loop tops the week's sales at $3.68 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
1 2 3 4 5 »
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Latest in East County

1
Brittany Lamont and Nicole Hackel congratulate Jacob Kinsel of the Manatee Education Foundation as he is announced as the winner of the "Next Gen" award at University Park Country Club May 13.
  • May 16, 2026
Young Leaders Alliance presents its top award in Lakewood Ranch
2
The Sarasota Orchestra bought a site on Fruitville Road for its Music Center in 2023.
  • May 16, 2026
Want to be where the people are? You have to go east.
3
Manatee County opens applications for Tourist Development Board
  • May 15, 2026
Manatee County opens applications for Tourist Development Board
4
Amanda Parrish was named interim CEO of the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp. in January.
  • May 15, 2026
Manatee County economic development evolves
5
Entering this season, Braden River softball hadn't won a district title in seven years. The squad is now two wins away from a state championship.
  • May 14, 2026
Braden River High softball advances to state semifinals

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