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East County

A colorful spread of kebabs, house-made sauces and sides showcases the restaurant’s bold, cross-cultural approach to Mediterranean cuisine.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • May 20, 2026
Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant gets its passion from surprising its customers

Florence & the Spice Boys Chef Collin Blakeman explains why Middle Eastern cuisine is the spice of life.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Each townhome features a two-car garage and a rooftop terrace.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 20, 2026
Lakewood Ranch development under construction after 20 years of setbacks

Frank Dagostino bought the property in 2020 and vows to see the project through to the end.

  • East County
  • News
It's high school graduation season again in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 19, 2026
It's high school graduation season again in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Hundreds of former seniors walk the stage to accept their diplomas.

  • East County
  • Schools
Sophia Wiley makes her way down the row to shake hands after she receives her Lakewood Ranch High School diploma at Lecom Park May 18.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 19, 2026
Lakewood Ranch High graduates eager for what's ahead

LRHS graduation

  • East County
  • Schools
Reece McCabe concluded his high school weightlifting career with success on the state level in both Traditional and Olympic style.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • May 19, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Reece McCabe

The Lakewood Ranch High senior brought home a pair of medals from the FHSAA Class 3A boys weightlifting state championship.

  • East County
  • Sports
Cady Jones (left), Sarai Castro (center) and Kaydence Evans (right) celebrate Braden River High softball's first state semifinals berth since 2016. The Pirates are now two wins away from their first state title.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • May 19, 2026
Tremendous turnaround for Braden River High softball

The Pirates struggled mightily in 2025, but this season has been a much different story.

  • East County
  • Sports
Judge Hillary Ellis is a new addition to the Manatee County Court.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 19, 2026
Lakewood Ranch attorney appointed to Manatee County Court

Hillary Ellis will fill a seat created by Senate Bill 2508.

  • East County
  • News
School Board Member Heather Felton took off her blazer during the May 5 workshop to show her sleeveless shirt is appropriate for students in the Florida heat.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 18, 2026
Manatee Schools to re-evaluate dress code guidelines

School board members and school community members debate what the dress code should be and whether school uniforms are an option.

  • East County
  • Schools
The Manatee River Youth Sailing Program serves kids ages 6 to 16.
    By
  • Emily Leinfuss
  • May 18, 2026
Kids learn lessons on and off the water at Manatee River Youth Sailing Program

The Manatee River Youth Sailing Program is rebuilding — focused on access, community and the future of youth sailing.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
This Lake Club home at 8217 Pavia Way sold for $1.65 million. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,427 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • May 17, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for May 4-8 in Lakewood Ranch

A Lake Club home on Pavia Way tops the week's sales at $1.65 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
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.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • May 17, 2026
Jeff Toale looks to deepen and double impact at helm of the LWRCF

Jeff Toale carries forward a family legacy while helping shape a more connected, compassionate Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Brittany Lamont and Nicole Hackel congratulate Jacob Kinsel of the Manatee Community 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 Community 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
« 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 »
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Latest in East County

1
Partners Animal Hospital Lakewood Ranch hosts a ribbon cutting July 10.
  • July 13, 2026
Partners Animal Hospital opens in Lakewood Ranch
2
Boston's JJ Maguire, 4, Ariel Maguire, 6, and their mom, Kasha Grabowski, wear funky hats while enjoying treats from Jeremiah's Italian Ice at the Farmers' Market at Lakewood Ranch.
  • July 13, 2026
Despite the heat, the Farmers' Market at Lakewood Ranch is still the place to be
3
Brooklyn Cullen's golf career began at Hawaii's Princeville Makai Golf Club when she was 6 years old. It continues now in Florida, where she moved before beginning sixth grade at The Out-of-Door Academy.
  • July 13, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Brooklyn Cullen
4
Jason Starkman, the director of operations for The Original Wolfie's and Rascal House restaurants, shows off a corned beef sandwich. Wolfie's 21 Hand Cut is coming to UTC in late November or early December.
  • July 10, 2026
Wolfie's Hand Cut headed to University Town Center
5
Two killed in two crashes two hours apart on I-75
  • July 10, 2026
Two killed in two crashes two hours apart on I-75

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