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East County

Katie Bagley, a third grade academy teacher at Prine Elementary; Joadie Durfee, a fifth grade teacher at Barbara A. Harvey Elementary; Debra McCarthy, a language arts teacher at Lakewood Ranch High; and Jessica Spence, a first grade teacher at Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary, wait in anticipation to find out the winner of Educator of the Year.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 12, 2024
Four east Bradenton educators honored to be among county's best

Two teachers and two support employees were honored as finalists for Educator and Support Employee of the Year.

  • East County
  • Schools
Braden River sophomore Payton Mangay-Ayam said she misses sweets like Jeremiah's Italian Ice during the weightlifting season, but the sacrifices are worth the results she sees.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 12, 2024
Braden River High's weightlifters raise the bar

The Pirates' girls team will compete Feb. 17 at the state championship meet in Lakeland.

  • East County
  • Sports
Vanessa Baugh, a Manatee County commissioner for more than 10 years representing District 5, retired in 2023.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 11, 2024
State won't pursue Sunshine Law charges against Vanessa Baugh, Mike Rahn

The State Attorney's Office found no evidence to pursue charges against Vanessa Baugh, the former Manatee County District 5 commissioner, and Mike Rahn, the current District 4 commissioner.

  • East County
  • News
Vice Principal Robin Hamilton and Principal John Hettler run the Sea of Strengths Academy.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 11, 2024
Lakewood Ranch school emphasizes joy of learning

Sea of Strengths Academy, which serves third through 12th graders with learning disabilities, instills confidence in its students alongside its highly structured approach to academics.

  • East County
  • Schools
Lakewood Ranch's Steve and Laura Saladino finish the Run for the Beads together. Steve says Laura, who married him 31 years ago, "is still trying to get away," but she can't run fast enough.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 10, 2024
Run for the Beads returns to Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch

The Mardi Gras-themed event produced a fun atmosphere while generating serious funds for community nonprofits.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Anna and Elsa walk their fans over to a better photo spot. The sisters were mobbed with hugs the minute they arrived.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 10, 2024
Movie in the Park at Waterside Place attracts 'Frozen' super fans

It was a special night in Lakewood Ranch to stay up late and dress like your favorite princess.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Summit offers residents chance to quiz Manatee representatives
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 10, 2024
Summit offers residents chance to quiz Manatee representatives

The summit is scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Feb. 23 at the Lakewood Ranch Library.

  • East County
  • News
Ed's Tavern was founded in Lakewood Ranch in 2008.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 9, 2024
Ed's Tavern to host block party at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch

Co-owners Bob Bender and Albert Myara wanted to celebrate their 10 years of ownership.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
County Administrator Scott Hopes served as Manatee County administrator for 22 months.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 8, 2024
Former Manatee administrator faces three felony charges

The State Attorney's Office will pursue three third-degree felony charges against Scott Hopes.

  • East County
  • News
University Park's Bart Schubert lip-synchs to Robert Palmer's "Simply Irresistible" while Dancing Queens, a dance group from University Park, dances in the background.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 8, 2024
Dancers, models take center stage at University Park Fashion Show

Proceeds from the University Park Women's Club event benefit area charities.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Keith Green is making a run for the District 7 at-large Manatee County Commission seat.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 8, 2024
District 7 candidate hits Lakewood Ranch streets

Keith Green explains why he hopes to unseat incumbent George Kruse.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Bradenton's Pam Page, Joanne Telesco, Valerie Lipscomb and David Daniels stand outside the School District of Manatee County's School Support Center to express their disapproval of the district's policy on reviewing books and materials.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 7, 2024
Manatee County School District finalizes book review procedure

Despite concerns from a board member and some residents, the district approved a procedure for parents and residents to object to the use of a book in the classroom.

  • East County
  • Schools
Michelle Sechser (left) will participate at the 2024 Winter Speed Order at Nathan Benderson Park. She previously teamed with Molly Reckford in the women's lightweight doubles at the U.S. Olympic Rowing Trials held at Benderson Park in 2021.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 7, 2024
Olympic rowing camps and trials come to Benderson Park

A USRowing Speed Order camp is the first of three events, held Feb. 15-18 in Sarasota.

  • East County
  • Sports
Becky Calevro competes in the Florida State Western Dressage Championships with the help of Mark Hiser, the executive director of Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy. She is the first exceptional rider to represent SMART in a competition.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 7, 2024
SMART provides competitive opportunities for exceptional riders

Riders with physical, social or emotional disabilities representing Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy compete at western dressage shows, which give a confidence boost while also providing therapy.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Waterside Place is a 36-acre lakefront town center in east Sarasota County.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 7, 2024
Waterside Place almost sold out as gastropub plans fall opening

With six restaurants expected to open by late 2024, only one space remains in the Lakewood Ranch business and entertainment hub.

  • East County
  • News
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1
Santa greets visitors from the window of 9605 Governor's Club Place in The River Club.
  • December 20, 2025
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The Family Church caroling crew from left to right is Melody Johnson, Laurie Houston, Nancy Pilato, Pastor Phil Derstine and Terrial Robinson.
  • December 20, 2025
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3
Charlie Shachat, a co-founder of the Foolishly Festive Christmas Parade, decided to be part of the show for the "Jaws" 50th anniversary.
  • December 19, 2025
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  • December 18, 2025
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5
Capri Finan, 7, Madelyn Finan, 9 and Maverick Finan, 3, pose with Santa after telling him what they want for Christmas, which includes a doll house and a trampoline.
  • December 18, 2025
Braden River High transforms into Winter Wonderland

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