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East County

Christopher and Emmy Treston and Janice and Michael Novello look forward to the new parish activity center and rectory.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 14, 2024
Our Lady of the Angels begins another expansion

Bucking nationwide church attendance trends, Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church embarks on its second expansion in six years.

  • East County
  • News
This Esplanade home at 5222 Benito Court sold for $1,775,000. It has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 3,665 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • February 13, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for Jan. 29 to Feb. 2 in Lakewood Ranch

An Esplanade home on Benito Court tops the week's sales at $1.78 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Eric Guimond and Paulina Whyte offer dance with the St. Barbara Hellenic Dancers in 2023. Whyte is following in the footsteps of her mother, Tina Whyte, who performed in the first Greek Glendi 40 years ago.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 13, 2024
St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church prepares for 40th annual festival

Volunteers who have been there since the Greek Glendi's inception celebrate 40 years of tradition.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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
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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
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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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