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East County

McKenzie Hanlon received CJ four years ago from Southeastern Guide Dogs, which in May officially changed its name to Dogs Inc.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • August 23, 2024
Dogs Inc. gives clients more than help. It gives them hope.

Thanks to Dogs Inc., McKenzie Hanlon’s bond with her guide dog, CJ, transformed her life.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
An aerial view of the Lake Manatee Dam shows water being released.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 22, 2024
Questions linger over Lake Manatee Dam release

East County residents question why more water wasn't released from Lake Manatee ahead of Tropical Storm Debby.

  • East County
  • News
Debra Woithe says there is a big sense of urgency in buying land for conservation in Manatee County.
    By
  • Louis Llovio
  • August 22, 2024
Manatee County's land conservation program races to protect special spaces

The push-and-pull of land for conservation versus land for development shines brightly in east Manatee County.

  • East County
  • News
“Music, sound and guided imagery are a powerful combination,” says Zooey “Zen” Seraphine.
    By
  • Marty Fugate, Su Byron
  • August 22, 2024
5 ways to increase your mental, physical and spiritual health

Five Lakewood Ranch practitioners blend traditional, holistic and modern techniques.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Karen Eckert, Nancy Schneider, and Carolyn Lowry-Nation have all played a role in helping grow and sustain the Gardeners Out East Club.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 22, 2024
Garden club digs into strengthening roots

A determined group of gardening gurus overcame a slow start and is now a thriving Lakewood Ranch club. But it’s not all about plants.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Nathan Benderson Park’s dragon boat program is the second largest in the country.
  • By Susan Burns
  • August 22, 2024
Local dragon boat teams dig in for their next competition in waters overseas

Nathan Benderson Park's dragon boat program has become one of the largest and most competitive in the U.S. In September, its athletes are headed to the world competition in Italy.

  • East County
  • Sports
"My wife said the other day that I’ve excelled at everything except retirement," Mark Pentecost says. "I’m really bad at retirement."
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • August 22, 2024
Entrepreneur Mark Pentecost is good at a lot of things. Retiring isn’t one of them.

The charmed life of Mark Pentecost includes nice houses in multiple states, a 10,000-acre East County ranch, tens of millions given away to cancer organizations and even his own private island. Getting to the top required a combination of grit, guts and good old-fashioned hustle.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A rich mix of textures and colors creates an intriguing atmosphere in the living room. The paintings are all by prominent Latin American artists; the coffee table is from Crate and Barrel. Muse believes in mixing mainstream pieces with antiques and one-of-kind finds.
  • By Robert Plunket
  • August 22, 2024
A life well-lived is curated and on display in this dramatic home

In a divergence from the ubiquitous coastal palette, this Country Club home dazzles with perfect taste and subtle artistry.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Steve Spurrier spoke about his coaching career at Grove restaurant in Lakewood Ranch on Aug. 17.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • August 21, 2024
The 'Head Ball Coach' shares his wisdom in Lakewood Ranch

Former University of Florida Head Coach Steve Spurrier provides words of wisdom in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Sports
Summerfield's Maureen Flaherty receives kisses from Mina, who recognized "Auntie Mo" within five seconds of seeing her. It's been at least two years since Flaherty last saw Mina.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 21, 2024
Doggy siblings reunite in Lakewood Ranch after 10 years apart

The cocker spaniels, now 11, were adopted out and haven't been together since a 1-year anniversary.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch High School's Maya Gilkison, Maya Kopija, Isaiah Schulz and Ryniah Milner work in the blood lab at SunCoast Blood Centers.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 21, 2024
SunCoast Blood Centers give Lakewood Ranch students glimpse at medical field

The students started as volunteers and were hired to work in the blood lab.

  • East County
  • Schools
George Kruse celebrates with family, friends and constituents his win of the republican nomination for the District 7 seat on the Manatee County Commission.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer, Liz Ramos
  • August 20, 2024
Grassroots candidates dominate Manatee County's primary election

Bob McCann upsets incumbent Ray Turner in District 5 Commission race while Carol Felts wins in District 1.

  • East County
  • News
Manatee County Primary election results
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 20, 2024
Manatee County Primary election results

George Kruse, Bob McCann, Carol Felts big winners in Commission races

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch High girls sophomore golfer Phoenix Scanlan.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • August 20, 2024
East County Athlete of the Week: Phoenix Scanlan

The Lakewood Ranch High sophomore girls golfer wants to get the Mustangs back to the state tournament.

  • East County
  • Sports
Senior quarterback Lucas Despot will act as a stabilizing force for Braden River High in 2024.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • August 20, 2024
Braden River High football hits the reset button in 2024

A new coaching staff will lead a group of inexperienced players.

  • East County
  • Sports
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Latest in East County

1
Edward Bailey, Jr., a 22-year-old former District 5 commissioner's aide, is now vying for a seat on the dais.
  • July 15, 2026
Young candidates vie for Manatee County Commission, school board
2
Linda Matte, Theresa Langston and Rosemary Cummings of Stitchers welcome people of all skill levels to join the group on Mondays and learn about sewing, quilting and more.
  • July 15, 2026
Neighbors create threads of friendship with Lakewood Ranch club
3
Official renderings for the multiplex will be completed after the site plan is finalized, but this rendering offers a glimpse of what the facility at Premier Sports Campus North could look like.
  • July 15, 2026
Lakewood Ranch-area residents divided on proposed ice rink for Premier
4
Bradenton's Margi Nanney is running for the District 2 school board seat for the School District of Manatee County.
  • July 14, 2026
'Champion for academic excellence' decides to run for Manatee school board
5
When she isn't overseas, Sky Commissar spends most of her time with Southwest Florida Premier FC at the club level. With them, she competes in the girls' regional league of the Elite Clubs National League.
  • July 14, 2026
Lakewood Ranch High soccer player gets international exposure

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