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East County

Willis Smith Construction CEO David Sessions receives the Rick Fawley Economic Development Award of Distinction on Oct. 27.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 31, 2023
Willis Smith CEO receives major economic award

David Sessions was honored with the Rick Fawley Economic Development Award of Distinction.

  • East County
  • News
Angelina Van Slyck learns the rules of the road at McNeal Elementary School on Oct. 28 during Manatee County's Mobility Week.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • October 31, 2023
Manatee County promotes safe transportation for Mobility Week

A special event at McNeal Elementary School presented information on various transportation topics.

  • East County
  • News
ODA sophomore running back Allen Clark (17) runs through an attempted tackle by All Saints' Academy sophomore Jaelen Randall (6).
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • October 30, 2023
The Out-of-Door Academy makes big push in football playoffs

The Thunder used a touchdown run by a lineman to beat All Saints' Academy on Oct. 27.

  • East County
  • Sports
Lakewood Ranch's Carol Edwards serves soup during the 2022 Empty Bowls fundraiser that benefits Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 30, 2023
Empty Bowls fundraiser takes a bite out of hunger

Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee's annual event, which will be held Nov. 3, provides funds for The Food Bank of Manatee.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Laurie Fevrier, an eighth grader at Carlos E. Haile Middle School, can't wait to show her artwork for the first time at the Manatee River Artists Guild at Waterlefe Art and Craft Show and Sale.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 30, 2023
Local students to display artwork at Manatee River Artists Guild show

Freedom Elementary and Haile Middle students will present their work in the annual art show for the first time.

  • East County
  • Schools
The Boo Run is invaded by zombie cheerleaders Morgan Ross and McKenna White of Lakewood Ranch. While the both were set to run, Ross said, "It doesn't mean I'm good at it."
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 28, 2023
Twentieth Boo Run in Lakewood Ranch continues to make a difference

The annual race raises funds for the Another Day for Gray Foundation and the Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Headless Horseman haunts the Sarasota Polo Club grounds.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 28, 2023
'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' returns to Sarasota Polo Club

The Headless Horseman rides again in Lakewood Ranch to get people in the Halloween spirit.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Lakewood Ranch Garden Club planted and maintains a garden behind Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • October 28, 2023
Lakewood Ranch Garden Club emphasizes uniqueness of Florida

Club President Anita Machlin says the club's programming is meant to educate and entertain.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Mike and Tara Warmuth and Terry and Madeleine Eagle dress up as characters from "The Addams Family." The foursome attended BooFest dressed as Teletubbies last year.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • October 28, 2023
BooFest lowers the boom for fun at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch

Thousands attended the annual fright night on Lakewood Ranch Main Street.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • October 28, 2023
High school football roundup: Week 10

Five area teams get key wins as the end of the FHSAA regular season approaches — and the SSAA playoffs begin.

  • East County
  • Sports
ODA sophomore running back Allen Clark (17) runs through an attempted tackle by All Saints' Academy sophomore Jaelen Randall (6).
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • October 28, 2023
ODA football downs All Saints' Academy in SSAA quarterfinals

After weeks of struggles, the Thunder found its offense in a 42-28 win.

  • East County
  • Sports
The new K-8 school will have a two-story elementary building, a one-story middle school building and a capacity of approximately 1,620 students.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 27, 2023
Design unveiled for new K-8 school in Lakewood Ranch

The Manatee County school will include a two-story elementary building, a one-story middle school building and agriculture facilities.

  • East County
  • Schools
Police chase following discharged firearm ends in Lakewood Ranch
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 26, 2023
Police chase following discharged firearm ends in Lakewood Ranch

The suspect fired a weapon in a Walmart parking lot in Punta Gorda and then fled until being captured just off State Road 64.

  • East County
  • News
Trader Joe's held a grand opening Oct. 26 in The Shoppes at University Town Center.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • October 26, 2023
Trader Joe's opens at University Town Center

The popular grocery store chain held a grand opening Oct. 26 in The Shoppes at University Town Center.

  • East County
  • Business
Leslie Richards and Deb Anderson of Lakewood Ranch say they haven't played a match on hard courts in years. They oppose hard courts being built at Premier Park.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 26, 2023
Will Premier Park tennis courts in Lakewood Ranch be hard on the body?

Lakewood Ranch-area tennis players say Manatee County shouldn't build hard-surface tennis courts.

  • 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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