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East County

Fireworks are the highlight of Fireworks on the Lake at Nathan Benderson Park.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 11, 2024
Lowering the boom on my love of fireworks

The fuse is lit every year on social media regarding the love/hate of fireworks.

  • East County
  • Opinion
LWRBA volunteers Patrick Larivaud, Cooper Hodgson, Ali Marks, Jenna Nelson, Duette Hart and Annemarie Graff work a shift at Meals on Wheels Plus on Oct. 7, 2022.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 10, 2024
Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance gives back year-round

The nonprofit offers a variety of benefits to assist local businesses and nonprofits.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Lakewood Ranch Library offers more than just books, such as puzzles.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 10, 2024
Observer editor spends a day exploring the Lakewood Ranch Library

The new facility offers opportunities for people of all ages to gather and participate in a variety of activities.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Neathan Gibson is the director of coaching for the new Premier Soccer FC SWFL in East County.
  • By Dani Hernandez
  • July 10, 2024
Soccer leagues merge to strengthen opportunities

League officials say unified goals will help the Lakewood Ranch area's youth soccer players.

  • East County
  • Sports
Braden River High rising senior quarterback Lucas Despot received his first offer from Shorter University on June 25.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • July 9, 2024
East County Athlete of the Week: Lucas Despot

The Braden River High quarterback received his first offer from Shorter University on June 25.

  • East County
  • Sports
A protective liner has been installed on top of the south Phosphogypsum stacks at Piney Point. It includes a new stormwater control system, and soil cover and grass to reduce the chance of soil erosion.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • July 9, 2024
Environmentalists, state of Florida settle Piney Point lawsuit

The agreement adds pollution controls and funds for water quality monitoring.

  • East County
  • News
Parrish's Heather Felton is running for the District 1 seat on the School Board of Manatee County.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 9, 2024
Desire to be an advocate inspires Manatee school board candidate

Heather Felton, a former teacher, wants to continue to help students but in a new role.

  • East County
  • Schools
This Lake Club home at 8525 Pavia Way sold for $2.76 million. It has four bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,558 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • July 9, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for June 24-28 in Lakewood Ranch

A Lake Club home on Pavia Way tops the week's sales at $2.76 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
East County's Mark Stanoch is running for the District 1 seat of the School Board of Manatee County.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 9, 2024
Resident wants to give back to the community through school board seat

Mark Stanoch says serving on the Manatee County School Board will be an opportunity to make the district better for his grandchildren and all children.

  • East County
  • Schools
Former Braden River High baseball player Ryan Waldschmidt had a breakout junior season at the University of Kentucky, earning All-American Third Team honors from Baseball America.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • July 8, 2024
Former Pirates baseball star makes national waves at Kentucky

After an All-American season, Ryan Waldschmidt hopes to be a first-round pick in the 2024 MLB Draft.

  • East County
  • Sports
The Braden River Soccer Club practices at Lakewood Ranch Park. County staff wants to add two new turf fields to the park.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 8, 2024
Synthetic soccer fields are coming to East County

Constant use has staff looking toward synthetic turf over grass.

  • East County
  • News
Bar Italia is preparing to open on July 13 in the Center Point plaza on the corner of University Parkway and Lakewood Ranch Boulevard.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 8, 2024
New Italian restaurant set to open in Lakewood Ranch

Bar Italia is scheduled to open on July 13 in the Center Point plaza.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Drone adds another layer to emergency services in Manatee County
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 7, 2024
Drone adds another layer to emergency services in Manatee County

Archer First Response Systems launched a pilot program at the EMS station in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
Merica Ange and Hunter Chrisman are neighbors in Summerfield who are enjoying Fireworks on the Lake.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 4, 2024
Rain can't dampen the fun at Fireworks on the Lake

The pre-July 4 celebration at Nathan Benderson Park drew thousands of spectators.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Construction vehicles in September 2022 navigate the landfill on Lena Road, which is adjacent to the rezoned area.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 4, 2024
638 homes slated for Manatee County's controversial 2020 land purchase

Manatee County's intended uses for the Lena Road property have been moved to other sites.

  • East County
  • News
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Latest in East County

1
Did our Pig-Away story and photo fool you in our April Fools edition?
  • April 2, 2026
Is the Observer's April Fools edition foolish or just plain fun?
2
Tony Barrett is running for the at-large District 6 commission seat in Manatee County.
  • April 1, 2026
East Manatee fire commissioner enters at-large County Commission race
3
Myakka's Sydney McCullough shows off the first place ribbon and belt buckle she won in January for whip cracking in the senior division at the Manatee County Fair.
  • April 1, 2026
Cracking a whip has been a snap for Myakka teenager
4
Manatee County commissioners unanimously approve the purchase of 9000 Town Center Parkway May 6.
  • April 1, 2026
DOGE questions Manatee County's capital expenditures, additional staff
5
John Saputo (left), Denise Saputo (top center), Lorraine Vitale (right) and Dick Vitale (bottom center) at the "March Mayhem" fundraiser and Elite Eight watch party. The Saputos were the hosts March 28 at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing.
  • April 1, 2026
March Mayhem fundraiser in Lakewood Ranch benefits pediatric cancer research

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