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East County

Braden River sophomore Molly Horalek (16), sophomore Mia McGuire (7), senior Riley Hinkle (9), junior Morgan Beane (13) and junior Baylee Hinkle (15) celebrate a win over ODA.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • October 16, 2023
Braden River High volleyball has its eyes on third-straight district title

The Pirates overcame the loss of a senior leader to finish the regular season 18-6.

  • East County
  • Sports
Help protect imperiled plants like pine lilies, as well as their sensitive ecosystems, by leaving blooms in place, and minimizing our direct and indirect impact on their habitats.
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • October 16, 2023
Pine lilies thrive thanks to fire

These imperiled flowers are important indicators of health for Florida habitats.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Crowned king and queen, Mason Kramer and Emily D'Agostino lead the 2022 Buddy Walk.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • October 16, 2023
Manasota BUDS to host 21st Buddy Walk

The Buddy Walk takes place on Oct. 28 at Bayside Community Church’s Lakewood Ranch campus.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
With so many things to do at the Pumpkin Festival, almost 2-year-old Jameela Williams plays with a flag. Her family was traveling from Tampa back to Sunrise, so they made a pit stop at Hunsader Farms.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • October 15, 2023
Hunsader Pumpkin Festival opens for its 32nd year

The pumpkin festival runs every weekend through the end of the month in east Bradenton.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Braden Woods' Kathy Varsalona participates in Braden River Library's rock painting class. She's been painting rocks at home to hide in her neighborhood for the past year.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 15, 2023
Braden River Library hosts rock painting class for adults

Participants spread joy to others through messages and images on painted rocks.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
University Park's Ronni Loundy and Eileen Cantarella, the co-chairs of Answer to Cancer SRQ, are raising $100,000 this year for research that is exploring the relationship with aging and metastatic breast cancer.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 15, 2023
University Park duo works to raise money for American Cancer Society

Ronni Loundy and Eileen Cantarella's team, Answer to Cancer SRQ, is working to raise $100,000 this year for cancer research.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Seychelle Webster (4) has been competing in SUP races since 2014, of both the sprint and distance variety.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • October 15, 2023
Stand-up paddler celebrates the sport at Benderson Park

Seychelle Webster, a Guinness World Record holder, won sprint and distance events at the 2023 ICF World Cup.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • October 14, 2023
High school football roundup: Week eight

As programs prepare for the regular season's final stretch, area teams head in different directions.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 13, 2023
Will Manatee County commissioners' wetlands decision impact 2024 election?

One commissioner suggests that it is mostly Democrats who oppose decision to decrease wetland buffers.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Lynn Meder is the owner of Uniquely Yours in Myakka City.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • October 13, 2023
Jewelry store Uniquely Yours opens in Myakka City

The shop sells handcrafted jewelry, hats, bird feeders and anything owner Lynn Meder is inspired to create.

  • East County
  • Business
How they vote will influence how we vote, Bradenton residents Bob and Pam Luersen said.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • October 12, 2023
Some Manatee County voters say they won't forget wetlands decision

The Manatee County Commission voted 5-1 to cut additional wetland protections out of the Comprehensive Plan.

  • East County
  • News
Country Club's Diane Sosnosky says Albert, an alligator she found and nicknamed, was in her backyard on the 17th green of Legacy Golf Course in 2011.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 12, 2023
How should you handle wildlife encounters in Lakewood Ranch?

Representatives from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Manatee County Sheriff's Office share information on local wildlife.

  • East County
  • News
Molly Garrett and Thea Pham sing "A Distant Shore." They are among 55 students in Haile Middle School's new choir program.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 12, 2023
Haile Middle School in east Bradenton begins new choir program

Students are preparing for their first concert in December.

  • East County
  • Schools
Tampa's Madi Sparks won the Most Creative division of the costume contest at Barks and Boos with 13-year-old Daisy, who seemed to enjoy her perch in a popcorn machine.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 11, 2023
UTC event at The Green features dogs in costume

Barks and Boos drew hundreds of dog-friendly patrons and vendors.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The cast and crew of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" rehearse on Oct. 8. The show opens on Oct. 19.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • October 11, 2023
Lakewood Ranch couple takes on 'The Rocky Horror Show'

The show opens at the Manatee Performing Arts Center on Oct. 19 and runs through Nov. 5.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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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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