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East County

The Christian Retreat welcomes all denominations to stay and worship.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 17, 2024
The Family Church at Christian Retreat welcomes all denominations

The retreat was founded in 1968 and sits on 110 acres overlooking the Manatee River.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Lakewood Ranch High boys cross country team is aiming for its first state meet appearance since 2016. Back row: Derek Robinson, Jonathan Leatt, Joe Barr, Dylan Johnson, Colton Prater, Kenny DeStefano and Vayle Johnson. Front row: Michael Wagner, Vicente Rivera, Zachariah Kersey, Jacob Gomez and Jacob Smith.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • September 17, 2024
Lakewood Ranch cross country runners say seniority will rule

The experienced Mustangs looks like a state meet contender for the first time since 2016.

  • East County
  • Sports
This Country Club home at 12523 Highfield Circle sold for $3.7 million. It has three bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, a pool and 6,111 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • September 17, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for Sept. 2-6 in Lakewood Ranch

A Country Club home on Highfield Circle tops the week's sales at $3.7 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Rob Oglesby, the development director for Nate's Honor Animal Rescue, shows the apartment above the welcome and adoption center where veterinary externs will be staying.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • September 16, 2024
Nate's Honor Animal Rescue on a roll with its expansion

After nearly five years, the nonprofit is nearing the finish line with expected completion in January.

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch seniors Jamarrion Roden (19) and Cullen McRae II (2) celebrate after McRae's second touchdown of the game against Braden River.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • September 16, 2024
High school football takeaways for East County teams

As the season nears the halfway point, here's how the area's teams stand.

  • East County
  • Sports
Wetlands provide essential wildlife habitat, buffers for excess rain and filter impurities that would otherwise degrade our waterways.
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • September 16, 2024
Myakka wetlands showcase a filtration system at work

By removing impurities, filtration by wetlands improves downstream water quality.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Penler is proposing 125-foot setbacks on the western and southern boundaries of the property where it abuts Eagle Trace.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 14, 2024
Eagle Trace residents say flood risk should be considered for SR 64 proposal

The proposed project in East County will be a mixed-use development.

  • East County
  • News
High school football roundup.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • September 14, 2024
High school football roundup: Sept. 13

Six Sarasota and East County teams were victorious Friday night.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
CFO Sheila McLean presents the tentative budget and millage to commissioners on Sept. 12.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 13, 2024
Commissioners propose tax cut for Manatee County residents

If the proposal is approved at the Sept. 24 Commission meeting, the millage will be reduced by .15 mills.

  • East County
  • News
Ninth grader arrested after Manatee schools shooting threat
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • September 13, 2024
Ninth grader arrested after Manatee schools shooting threat

Manatee County Sheriff's Office reports threats were found on social media.

  • East County
  • News
Upgrades to the pickleball courts at Lakewood Ranch Park cost approximately $250,000.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 13, 2024
Pickleball courts upgraded at Lakewood Ranch Park

Upgrades include a hitting wall, shade structure and lighting.

  • East County
  • News
Third graders Ryan Burchett, Addison Delazzer and Eliana Gabriel show the progress of an oyster rag pot. It starts as a spike with a wooden square covered by a white rag. Then it is covered in cement and placed at the bottom of a river. Oysters attach to the pot and begin filtering water.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • September 12, 2024
Braden River Elementary students celebrate Everglades Week

Students make oyster rag pots for Oyster River Ecology Inc to help the environment.

  • East County
  • Schools
Glenn Pearson
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 12, 2024
Manatee County Commission District 1: Glenn Pearson

Meet the candidate.

  • Elections
Jennifer Hamey
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 12, 2024
Manatee County Commission District 1: Jennifer Hamey

Meet the candidate.

  • Elections
Real estate experts say Lakewood Ranch's lifestyle aspect have kept it more of a sellers market as compared to the rest of Sarasota and Manatee counties.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 12, 2024
Sunset Volleyball keeps sand between their toes at Waterside Place

MVP Sports organizes pickup league games every Wednesday night at Waterside in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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Latest in East County

1
The Manatee River Youth Sailing Program serves kids ages 6 to 16.
  • May 18, 2026
Kids learn lessons on and off the water at Manatee River Youth Sailing Program
2
Jeff Toale stands inside the Robert Toale & Sons Celebration of Life Center in Lakewood Ranch, where light-filled spaces and a contemporary design reflect a shift toward more personalized, meaningful memorial experiences.
  • May 17, 2026
Jeff Toale looks to deepen and double impact at helm of the LWRCF
3
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
4
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.
5
Manatee County opens applications for Tourist Development Board
  • May 15, 2026
Manatee County opens applications for Tourist Development Board

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