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East County

The current Planning Commission as of Feb. 8: Lorraine Prosser, Cindy Kebba, John DeLesline, Paul Rutledge, Richard Bedford, Jeffrey Eslinger and Monaca Onstad.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 13, 2024
Two East County residents join Manatee Planning Commission

Monaca Onstad and Jeffrey Eslinger were appointed to the board on Feb. 1.

  • East County
  • News
American bumblebees are important pollinators for food crops. Light pollution disrupts their day and night cycle, which affects reproduction.
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • February 13, 2024
Light pollution disrupts lives of plants and animals

Excessive artificial light at night changes wildlife behaviors, alters ecosystems and damages natural communities.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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
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Latest in East County

1
Left: Darrel Drury has lived in the Lakewood Ranch area for nearly eight years. Right: David Sessions has overseen the construction of dozens of buildings in the region in the past 35 years.
  • February 15, 2026
Round and round goes the chatter about roundabouts in Lakewood Ranch
2
Negotiations continue between Manatee County and its two garbage haulers — Waste Management and Waste Pro.
  • February 14, 2026
Bulk garbage pickups likely to return for Manatee County residents
3
Lakewood Ranch's Eugene Khutoryanskiy and Yana Parker are celebrating this Valentine's Day as fiances alongside their dogs Mittens and Jesse at Barks & Brews on Feb. 10.
  • February 13, 2026
A little pet lovin' and squeezin' at University Town Center in Sarasota
4
Lee Wetherington says he can visit with potential buyers and his contractors because CEO Dave Hunihan handles the heavy lifting of his business.
  • February 12, 2026
Acclaimed builder continues to put his stamp on Lakewood Ranch
5
The purple piles will carry reclaimed water to Lakewood Ranch Southeast for irrigation.
  • February 11, 2026
New road construction speeds through Lakewood Ranch Southeast

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