Trash talk continues in Manatee County

The county is trying to work within its current contracts to make residents happier with the garbage collection.

Many Manatee County residents don't want to deliver large items to the landfill themselves. They want bulk pickup service to return.
The Lakewood Ranch Garden Club Butterfly Symposium will take place at 9 a.m. on Feb. 7 at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.
  • February 4, 2026
Butterfly symposium lands at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall
Sisterhood for Good members Nikki Pelier-Simon, Samina Morrow and Allison Adams show off some fashions that will be in the spotlight at Tropical Escape July 27 at the Sarasota Polo Club.
  • February 4, 2026
Lakewood Ranch fundraiser is a hula for moolah
Lakewood Ranch's Mary Glass and Zoe Lander have been chosen as the honorees for the “Leadership Spirit Award” and “Young Spirit Award” from the Manatee Community Foundation.
  • February 3, 2026
Two Lakewood Ranch residents honored with Spirit of Manatee awards
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, Vivienne Pietrunti's porch is a dropoff location for The Lake Club Giving Circle's donation drive.
  • February 3, 2026
Lakewood Ranch neighborhood recycles old items into community grants

Business

Karen Medford has moved up the ladder with her Sirius Day Spa, Salon and Med Spa business by opening a location in Waterside. The new location will include a boutique.
  • January 27, 2026
Sirius Day Spa opens new location in Lakewood Ranch entertainment hub
Yahaira and Adam Shimer operate Crust N' Crumb out of their Heritage Harbour home.
  • January 27, 2026
Baking hobby turns into a hot business for Manatee County couple
Jaynie Peterson, Tony Pinho, Brady Jo Trombetta and Madison Chuchla all teach dance classes at Fly Dance Fitness in Lakewood Ranch.
  • January 20, 2026
Dance fitness studio opens new Lakewood Ranch location
Bradenton Area EDC names interim CEO
  • January 17, 2026
Bradenton Area EDC names interim CEO
Sarasota's Alyssa Freniere, Beate “Mama G” Goldstein and Blair Sellers are the people behind the new Mama G's location at University Town Center.
  • January 13, 2026
New German bakery, coffeehouse rises at University Town Center
The idea for Moo-Jitsu was a collaboration between 9-year-old Olivia Whitman and her father Brandon Whitman in October of last year. They launched the business in August.
  • December 8, 2025
Love of cows adds spice to Lakewood Ranch business
Myakka City Elementary first graders Delanee Verly and Emma Kelly check out the wide variety of books for sale during the CommUNITY Night.
  • February 1, 2026
Myakka City Elementary hosts Community Night
Dillon Desiderato and daughter Nora Desiderato share a smile during the Miles for the Miles Family Cozy Cocoa Dash fundraiser at All God's Children Preschool on Jan. 31.
  • January 31, 2026
All God's Children Preschool raises $7,000 to support family after loss to cancer
Bella Grace, a 3-year-old Weimaraner, is a German hunting dog who works for Manatee County Search & Rescue. Kevin Vreeland, her owner and K-9 handler, described her as a "scent monster."
  • January 25, 2026
Search and rescue dogs attract a crowd at free Lakewood Ranch presentation
Navigator Gary Yeager balances the cart as driver Kami Landy goes into a turn during the Combined Driving at TerraNova marathon event Jan. 24.
  • January 25, 2026
World champ among competitors at TerraNova's Combined Driving event
Lakewood Ranch's Douglas Grierson said he is amazed by how talented the artists, including painter Thomas Legault, are at the Lakewood Ranch Fine Art Festival.
  • January 24, 2026
Artists showcase their talent during Lakewood Ranch Fine Arts Festival
Lakewood Ranch's Rhonda Leiberick and Roscelyn Guenther snag a selfie together in between the running and yoga portions of the triathlon. They alternated between walking and running every two minutes.
  • January 18, 2026
Triathlon brings mindfulness to Lakewood Ranch's Waterside Place
The crew from Station 1 walk across the parking lot to grab some lunch. From left to right: Battalion Chief Craig Madsen and firefighters Adam Stem, Evan Berggren and Tyler Schuele.
  • January 16, 2026
Braden River VFW dishes out thanks to East Manatee firefighters
Bradenton's Harley Busch, 3, is eager to ride the carousel alongside her father John Busch at the Manatee County Fair. She also rode a camel moments before.
  • January 16, 2026
Manatee County Fair, a tradition since 1916, is now open
Heidi Scott, Bob Simons and Laura Cole make up the panel Jan. 9 during a launch party for the new book, "Lakewood Ranch: A Legacy of Living with the Land."
  • January 13, 2026
Lakewood Ranch hosts a launch party for book on local history
Sarasota's Hasan Tezduyar gives a pat of appreciation to Rachel Apple, a wellness associate with Qualliv, at the Health and Wellness Expo at The Mall at University Town Center.
  • January 10, 2026
New Year, New You expo provides health resources at The Mall at UTC
The first farmers market of 2026 at Waterside Place draws a large crowd.
  • January 5, 2026
Lakewood Ranch farmers market is a family affair
Southside Polo's Mason Wroe talks to fans about the basics of his sport in a short clinic before the Jan. 4 match.
  • January 4, 2026
New seating option a hit at the Sarasota Polo Club
Jessie O Brien is visiting from Ireland and chose to celebrate the new year alongside Lakewood Ranch's Ciara Daly at Waterside Place.
  • January 1, 2026
Crowd rings in the new year at Waterside Place
Santa greets visitors from the window of 9605 Governor's Club Place in The River Club.
  • December 20, 2025
Christmas decorating isn't just for kids