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East County

The University Park Recreation District has issued a second series of bonds for $21 million to upgrade the country club's amenities.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 8, 2024
Bond issue returns in University Park

Some University Park residents express concerns over the debt issued to enhance the country club's amenities.

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch High School senior Jared Mohr plays piano at Arts Alive. It was his first public performance after starting to learn how to play piano two years ago.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 8, 2024
Visual and performing arts key to student education

Participating in arts and music classes can open doors to new opportunities for students.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Manatee Search and Rescue staff members T.J. Olsen and Jared Leggett rescue a woman trapped in her Myakka City home on Singletary Road by rising waters during Hurricane Ian.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • May 8, 2024
East Bradenton emergency teams urge hurricane preparation

Lakewood Ranch Community Emergency Response Team members and Manatee officials gear up for a hurricane season that's predicted to see dozens of storms.

  • East County
  • News
Jeremiah Gonzalez, a senior at Braden River High School, went from a shy, quiet freshman in Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps to serving as the program's battalion commander this year.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 8, 2024
Braden River High senior's key to graduating: Keep moving forward

Jeremiah Gonzalez overcomes mental health challenges and focuses on focuses on positivity to get to graduation.

  • East County
  • Schools
Braden River High then-junior quarterback Lucas Despot threw a touchdown pass to Yahshua Edwards against Lakewood Ranch High in 2023. New Pirates Head Coach Eric Sanders wants Despot to lead more in 2024.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 7, 2024
East Bradenton football programs spring forward

As the spring practice season begins, here is what fans of Braden River High, Lakewood Ranch High and ODA should watch.

  • East County
  • Sports
The home at 720 Crosswind Ave. has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,508 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • May 7, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for April 22-26 in Lakewood Ranch

A Lakehouse Cove at Waterside on Crosswind Avenue tops the week's sales at $2.75 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
The owner of the Swim Gym of Lakewood Ranch, Anita Pope, is a certified Infant Swimming Resource instructor.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 7, 2024
Lakewood Ranch swim schools encourage water safety at young age

With International Water Safety Day on May 15, pool safety is at the forefront of a fun, safe summer.

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch High pitcher Lexi Meneely, pictured last season, held Parrish Community to two runs in the district championship on May 1.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 7, 2024
East County Athlete of the Week: Lexi Meneely

The Lakewood Ranch High softball junior helped her team to a district championship May 2 with her pitching and hitting..

  • East County
  • Sports
ESPN host Kevin Negandhi, Former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly, Former New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, Dick Vitale, NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon, University of Tennessee men's basketball coach Rick Barnes and V Foundation CEO Shane Jacobson pose before the Dick Vitale Gala.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 6, 2024
Dick Vitale Gala remains a night of hope

The annual event, held May 3 at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, was a reminder of what is important.

  • East County
  • Sports
Ginger Collins, the principal of Southeast High School, is thrilled to be adding Korissa Erdman, a University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee graduate, to her staff. Erdman will teach math.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 6, 2024
USF, Manatee schools partner to address teacher shortage

Eight University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee students will start their careers with the School District of Manatee County.

  • East County
  • Schools
Julie Peters hosts her first pop-up event at The Green at University Town Center on April 13.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 6, 2024
Nurse-turned-florist finds roots with Posies Flower Truck

Julie Peters's budding business will be making the rounds at special events in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Business
James Livingston, Lauren Cross, Lyn Swann and Judy Young are registered nurses working at the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 5, 2024
National Nurses Week shines light on local nurses

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center nurses share their passion for their careers.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Mill Creek's Debbie Snow's loves painting bees because Debbie means "little bee" in Hebrew.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 4, 2024
Peace Presbyterian Church hosts Artists on the Path

Local artists showcase their work along the church's Peaceful Path.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Grand Living at Lakewood Ranch resident Bea Gardner celebrates her second place victory with her horse Charlie.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 2, 2024
Grand Living hosts first charity event with a Kentucky Derby

Residents raised $3,195 for Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation for the neonatal intensive care unit.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
East Bradenton small business owner to run for Florida House seat
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • May 2, 2024
East Bradenton small business owner to run for Florida House seat

Alyssa Gay is throwing her hat in the ring for the Florida House of Representatives seat being vacated by Rep. Tommy Gregory.

  • East County
  • News
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Latest in East County

1
The Manatee River Youth Sailing Program serves kids ages 6 to 16.
  • May 18, 2026
Kids learn lessons on and off the water at Manatee River Youth Sailing Program
2
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.
  • May 17, 2026
Jeff Toale looks to deepen and double impact at helm of the LWRCF
3
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.
  • May 16, 2026
Young Leaders Alliance presents its top award in Lakewood Ranch
4
The Sarasota Orchestra bought a site on Fruitville Road for its Music Center in 2023.
  • May 16, 2026
Want to be where the people are? You have to go east.
5
Manatee County opens applications for Tourist Development Board
  • May 15, 2026
Manatee County opens applications for Tourist Development Board

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