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East County

Country Club's Lilly Chaddha and her daughter, Simi Ranajee, find Shanti Yoga to be a place of peace, relaxation and growth.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • August 7, 2026
Shanti Yoga sharpens the mind, body and soul

Shanti Yoga, a club started nine years ago in Lakewood Ranch, provides a weekly opportunity for community members to gather and work on their health and mindfulness.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Country Club East's Mark Allen Baker shows off his newest book, "Willian A. Brady — The Life of a Boxing and Broadway Impresario."
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 5, 2026
Classroom assignment can launch a career

Lakewood Ranch's Mark Allen Baker says one teacher's assignment launched his successful writing career.

  • East County
  • Opinion
The $2.6 million tax refund to the School District of Manatee County was voted by the county commissioners on July 28.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • August 5, 2026
County sends $2.6 million back to Manatee schools

The Manatee County Commission paid the fee from 2018 until 2023, and the charges to the school district in 2024 and 2025 came as a surprise.

  • East County
  • Schools
James T. Golden, who previously represented District 5 on the school board from 2018-2022, is now running once again to represent District 2.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • August 5, 2026
Past school board chair wants to serve Manatee County School District again

James T. Golden, who was on the school board from 2018-2022 and represented District 5, is now running to represent District 2.

  • East County
  • Schools
In Denver, Colorado, Florida Premier FC SWFL played five matches in five days and came up one win short of a national title. It previously won the U.S. Club Soccer Florida Cup in May to qualify.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • August 5, 2026
Florida Premier finishes as the runner-up in a national soccer tournament

Florida Premier FC SWFL's U13 girls soccer team ultimately lost to FC Tampa Rangers in the U.S. Club Soccer National Cup.

  • East County
  • Sports
Survivors In Sync is a dragon boat team made up of breast cancer survivors.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 5, 2026
Dragon boating offers healing to cancer survivors, veterans

The paddling program at Nathan Benderson Park has grown to about 150 members.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Connie Dixon, Carol Ricks, Sheila Waid and Natalie Jadid are among the principals in East County who are eager to start the 2026-2027 school year on the right foot.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • August 4, 2026
Manatee principals, teacher of the year eager to begin new school year

Students return to school Monday, August 10 for the School District of Manatee County 2026-2027 school year.

  • East County
  • Schools
Jeremy Keller has started Prestige Auto Experiences in Lakewood Ranch with the idea that many potential club members would love to get behind the wheel of a classic or exotic car.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 4, 2026
Country club for car enthusiasts to open in Lakewood Ranch

Jeremy Keller wants to share his love of cars with club members who are like-minded.

  • East County
  • Business
Molly Lynch, a rising sophomore outside/middle hitter, is one of a few talents returning for Braden River girls volleyball this fall. Last year's team was senior-heavy en route to the FHSAA Class 5A-Region 3 final.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • August 4, 2026
Braden River girls volleyball has to pick up the pieces

The road ahead will be rocky for the Pirates with so much lost production from last season.

  • East County
  • Sports
This Country Club Village home at 13718 Matanzas Place sold for $2.6 million. Built in 2010, it has four bedrooms, four- and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,894 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • August 4, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for July 20-24 in Lakewood Ranch

A home on Matanzas Place tops the week's sales at $2.6 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Harold Kobakof, Luzette Socash, Greg Dunbar, Howard Sosnik and Jim Toolen are not done fighting the high-density project slated to be built adjacent to their Lakewood Ranch neighborhood.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 4, 2026
Lakewood Ranch residents face challenges of Live Local Act

Residents say they're unwilling to back down: "If not us, who will fight for responsible development?"

  • East County
  • News
Post Commander Dave Daily and Michael Massmann, the senior army instructor at Braden River High School, are glad the students have veterans to inspire them to be patriotic members of the community.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • August 3, 2026
VFW Braden River Post 12055 works to inspire future generations

Through scholarships, essay contests, volunteer opportunities and more, members of the local VFW are glad to serve students and their community.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
District 72 Rep. Bill Conerly and his challenger, John Phillips, attend a candidate forum at the Lakewood Ranch Library Aug. 1.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 3, 2026
District 72 House candidates speak to Lakewood Ranch Republican Club

Rep. Bill Conerly and John Phillips discussed legislation Aug. 1 at the Lakewood Ranch Library.

  • East County
  • News
Avarie Tholl and the Mustangs were 6-0 in FHSAA Class 6A-District 11 play last season en route to the district title.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • August 3, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Avarie Tholl

The rising senior middle blocker is returning after a 51-block season in 2025 for Lakewood Ranch High girls volleyball.

  • East County
  • Sports
Manatee County resident Julie Madison addresses commissioners at the July 28 meeting. The black t-shirt Madison is wearing was also worn by several other residents.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 3, 2026
Voters to decide additional Manatee environmental lands millage

The idea to fund an animal shelter through a dedicated millage was shot down by commissioners and residents.

  • East County
  • News
1 2 3 4 5 »
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Latest in East County

1
Country Club's Lilly Chaddha and her daughter, Simi Ranajee, find Shanti Yoga to be a place of peace, relaxation and growth.
  • August 7, 2026
Shanti Yoga sharpens the mind, body and soul
2
Country Club East's Mark Allen Baker shows off his newest book, "Willian A. Brady — The Life of a Boxing and Broadway Impresario."
  • August 5, 2026
Classroom assignment can launch a career
3
The $2.6 million tax refund to the School District of Manatee County was voted by the county commissioners on July 28.
  • August 5, 2026
County sends $2.6 million back to Manatee schools
4
James T. Golden, who previously represented District 5 on the school board from 2018-2022, is now running once again to represent District 2.
  • August 5, 2026
Past school board chair wants to serve Manatee County School District again
5
In Denver, Colorado, Florida Premier FC SWFL played five matches in five days and came up one win short of a national title. It previously won the U.S. Club Soccer Florida Cup in May to qualify.
  • August 5, 2026
Florida Premier finishes as the runner-up in a national soccer tournament

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