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East County

Cooper Pote has already been a shortstop, center fielder, third baseman and pitcher this season for the Thunder. At the plate, his contributions have been second-to-none among his teammates.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • March 2, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Cooper Pote

The sophomore has been busy in the batter's box for The Out-of-Door Academy.

  • East County
  • Sports
Suncoast Stars Community's Jenny Audet, Julie Audet and Laurel Audet are grateful for the program that provides a wide array of activities including dance, music, fitness and nutrition, knitting, Bible study, crafts, and more.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • March 1, 2026
Suncoast Stars Community shines bright during fundraising event

The Sarasota nonprofit benefits adults with cognitive, physical and social disabilities.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
University Park's Marilyn Kern reacts after making the winning bid during the live auction for a Hawaiian vacation at Sisterhood for Good's Tropical Escape Feb. 27 at the Sarasota Polo Club.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • February 28, 2026
Sisterhood for Good of Lakewood Ranch hosts Tropical Escape fundraiser

The nonprofit has raised over $622,427 since it was founded 15 years ago, and not counting the Feb. 27 event.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Woman, two children identified in Lakewood Ranch death investigation
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 27, 2026
Woman, two children identified in Lakewood Ranch death investigation

Manatee County deputies were called to a residence on Friday night.

  • East County
  • News
Sarasota Paradise owner Marcus Walfridson says he expects his team to be competitive immediately in USL League One because "we don't do this to lose games."
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 27, 2026
Will pro soccer find paradise in Lakewood Ranch?

Owner Marcus Walfridson says a pro soccer team is just what the region needs to bring everyone together.

  • East County
  • News
Commissioner Bob McCann pulled the proposed ice arena project at Premier off the consent agenda to be discussed by commissioners.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 25, 2026
Does ice arena project melt your heart?

Lakewood Ranch residents might be surprised about Manatee's proposed plan for Premier Sports Campus North.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Elizabeth Henderson, the founder and president of the Little Free Library Club in Lakewood Ranch, began the group in 2023.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • February 25, 2026
Little Free Library Club works to keep reading accessible in Lakewood Ranch

Since 2023, the club has built five libraries in local parks. In order to expand, volunteers and books are needed.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Junior guard Anthony Bailey (center) was one of several players who couldn't find their offensive groove in Braden River's season-ending loss Feb. 20 to St. Petersburg.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • February 25, 2026
Season ends for Braden River boys basketball in regional semifinals

With 23 victories, the Pirates had their winningest season since 2011-12.

  • East County
  • Sports
Manatee County Day is celebrated in Tallahassee Feb. 5.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 25, 2026
Local legislators and businesses come together on Manatee County Day

The inaugural event welcomed over 80 attendees and 24 businesses and nonprofits.

  • East County
  • News
East Manatee Fire Rescue Chief Lee Whitehurst says future chief Paul Wren has proven his leadership through his years of service with the department.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 25, 2026
East Manatee Board of Fire Commissioners approves new chief

Commissioners select in-house, choosing Deputy Chief Paul Wren to replace Lee Whitehurst in January 2027.

  • East County
  • News
Myakka City's Carol Felts gets emotional as she's sworn in as the District 1 commissioner on Nov. 19.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 24, 2026
Manatee County Commissioner Carol Felts dies at 68

The commissioner was found at her Myakka City home Tuesday afternoon by her aide.

  • East County
  • News
Joe Thayer, Bob Moffitt and Al Garcia play at Remy's on Main in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 24, 2026
Lakewood Ranch's Bob Moffitt let his music do the talking

Friends say Bob Moffitt, who died at age 78, had two loves: music and family.

  • East County
  • News
Logan Pike was crowned the FHSAA Class 2A-District 9 champion Feb. 19 in the 190-pound weight class, marking a major milestone in his injury-riddled career.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • February 24, 2026
Braden River High junior embodies the will to wrestle

The Braden River High junior has endured multiple major injuries, but he just keeps going.

  • East County
  • Sports
This Wild Blue at Waterside home at 508 Blue Shell Loop sold for $2.4 million. Built in 2024, it has three bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,028 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • February 24, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for Feb. 9-13 in Lakewood Ranch

A Wild Blue at Waterside home on Blue Shell Loop tops the week's sales at $2.4 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Sanddy Marchena owns Kiddie Academy of Lakewood Ranch with his wife Melodie Marchena (not pictured). Michelle Frease is the academy's director.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 24, 2026
Lakewood Ranch's Waterside Place gains a Kiddie Academy

Kiddie Academy of Sarasota opens its child care and preschool business March 2.

  • East County
  • Business
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Latest in East County

1
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
2
Brittany Lamont and Nicole Hackel congratulate Jacob Kinsel of the Manatee Education 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
3
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.
4
Manatee County opens applications for Tourist Development Board
  • May 15, 2026
Manatee County opens applications for Tourist Development Board
5
Amanda Parrish was named interim CEO of the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp. in January.
  • May 15, 2026
Manatee County economic development evolves

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