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East County

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
Lakewood Ranch's Morgan Gabrielson fills a stadium with snacks for every Kansas City Chiefs game.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 6, 2024
East Bradenton residents gear up for Super Bowl Sunday

Super Bowl festivities bring families together for good food and fun.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
This Concession home at 8325 Farington Court sold for $2.36 million. It has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,535 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • February 6, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for Jan. 22-26 in Lakewood Ranch

A Concession home on Farington Court tops the week's sales at $2.36 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
A rendering of the playground being built at Tom Bennett Park.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 6, 2024
Upgrades to Bennett Park in Bradenton create destination playground

The ADA-accessible playground in east Manatee County is under construction and planned to open by early May, with a splash pad to follow.

  • East County
  • News
Braden River High senior Zackary Groth (23) leaps for an attempted header against Parrish Community High. The attempt would sail wide of the net and Braden River would lose 1-0.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 6, 2024
Parrish-Braden River match proves a one-goal game can be thrilling

The boys soccer district title game featuring Braden River High (12-2-1) and Parrish Community High (10-8-1) showed the kind of effort teams need to get even one goal.

  • East County
  • Sports
Stray dog is on the run in Lakewood Ranch
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 6, 2024
Stray dog is on the run in Lakewood Ranch

A King Charles spaniel mix nicknamed Rascal was first spotted in early November. He was caught once and is back on the run.

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch High softball senior Grace Shaw-Rockey hit .345 with 21 RBIs in 2023.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 5, 2024
East County Athlete of the Week: Grace Shaw-Rockey

The Lakewood Ranch High senior will be a leader on the school’s softball team.

  • East County
  • Sports
The Lake Manatee Water Treatment Plant is now the largest ultrafiltration plant in Florida.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 5, 2024
Manatee promises improved water quality after treatment plant upgrades

Manatee County spent $53 million to retrofit the Lake Manatee Water Treatment Plant with ultrafiltration membranes.

  • East County
  • News
Conductor Joe Martinez guides the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble through the National Anthem to begin the "Song and Dance" concert Feb. 4 at Peace Presbyterian Church in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 5, 2024
Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble concert packs Peace Presbyterian

The band plays its final local concert of the season on May 5 in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Out-of-door students and staff wear bell bottoms, head bands and John Lennon's signature sunglasses to stay on theme with the 1960s music.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 3, 2024
Out-of-Door Academy raises money for Manasota BUDS

The orchestra played a 1960s-themed concert at Woodland Community Church in East County on Feb. 2.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch 6-year-old Aurlyn Esler holds on as tight as she can to see how long she can last on the bull.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 3, 2024
Music on Main provides entertainment for all ages in Lakewood Ranch

Whether it's riding a bull, petting a mini horse or dancing to Kettle of Fish, Music on Main was fun for all.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Michael Hager, a water conservation compliance officer with Manatee County Utilites, takes fifth graders through an interactive watershed model to help students understand the importance of water conservation.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 3, 2024
Tara Elementary students learn about water conservation

Manatee County Utilities put on presentation about the importance of water conservation.

  • East County
  • Schools
Lakewood Ranch's Jodi and Ron O'Toole, and Craig and Susan Belesi have formed a bond as the husbands fight Parkinson's disease.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 1, 2024
Lakewood Ranch couples bond to face Parkinson’s

Parkinson Place Center of Sarasota is key to their sustaining their quality of life.

  • East County
  • Opinion
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Latest in East County

1
School Board Member Heather Felton took off her blazer during the May 5 workshop to show her sleeveless shirt is appropriate for students in the Florida heat.
  • May 18, 2026
Manatee Schools to re-evaluate dress code guidelines
2
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
3
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
4
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
5
The Sarasota Orchestra bought a site on Fruitville Road for its Music Center in 2023.
  • May 16, 2026
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