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East County

The chambers are standing room only on August 10 for the Manatee County Planning Commission meeting.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 14, 2023
Manatee to consider development plan changes that will affect wetlands

Manatee County's planning commissioners voted 4-2 against making changes that would lower wetland protections to align with state standards.

  • East County
  • News
Almost all Florida manatees have propeller scars from past collisions with boats. Complying with “Idle Speed No Wake” speed limits for boats helps protect manatees from harm.
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • August 14, 2023
Florida manatees find food and shelter at Myakka

Efforts to protect these imperiled mammals at the state park include removing dams that can leave them stranded and increasing awareness about boat speed limits.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch's Adrian Olivo brings his canoe to shore after competing in the Men's Masters B 200 meters of the ACA Sprint Canoe National Championships at Nathan Benderson Park. He finished third in 57.911.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 13, 2023
Nathan Benderson Park exec says local rowing/paddling talent will surface

The Sarasota park will continue to host world class events with a new staff in place.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Creative Contractors Inc. and Sweet Sparkman Architecture and Interiors is working with the School District of Manatee County to renovate Tara Elementary School and construct an addition.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 12, 2023
Construction continues at East County schools with students on campus

Tara Elementary and Haile Middle are undergoing campus-wide renovations and additions.

  • East County
  • Schools
Shawna Hicks-Cranston, the owner of PostNet, says Mentor Connect benefits both the mentors and mentees that participate.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 10, 2023
Young professionals, mentors connect through LWR Business Alliance

Mentor Connect, an LWRBA Young Leaders Alliance program, brings mentorship opportunities that benefit anyone in the business community.

  • East County
  • Business
Luke Langan, a pre-K student at Gene Witt Elementary School, says another goodbye to his father, Sean Langan.
    By
  • Jay Heater, Liz Ramos
  • August 10, 2023
Students across Manatee County head back to school

The new school year brings new beginnings for teachers, students and their families.

  • East County
  • Schools
Charlie Bishop was named as Manatee County's interim administrator on Aug. 3. A new county administrator is expected to be named by Aug. 22.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 9, 2023
Manatee commissioners to meet with final four administrator candidates

Selection of the new Manatee County administrator will be made Aug. 18 or Aug. 22.

  • East County
  • News
Averleigh Cross can't wait to start kindergarten at Freedom Elementary School. She's looking forward to learning how to read better.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 9, 2023
First day of kindergarten can be emotional time for parents

Parents often have a hard time deciding whether to cry or celebrate as they drop off their kindergartner on the first day of school.

  • East County
  • Schools
Mateo has had enough of pictures and is ready for his walk. He's accompanied by Shelter Director Dani Ziegler and Board and Executive Committee Member Cheryl Johnson.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 9, 2023
Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch volunteers go above and beyond

The Myakka City nonprofit uses care and love to prepare pets for adoption.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
GreyHawk Landing's Raymond Turner took over as District 5 commissioner on Aug. 1, 2023
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 9, 2023
New commissioner wants to help Manatee be prepared for inevitable growth

Raymond Turner says proper planning can both prepare for growth and protect the environment.

  • East County
  • News
Henry Burbee.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • August 8, 2023
East County Athlete of the Week: Henry Burbee

The Lakewood Ranch High boys golfer is primed for a big 2023 season.

  • East County
  • Sports
This Lake Club home at 17110 Verona Place sold for $1.85 million. It has four bedrooms, four-and-two-half baths, a pool and 3,767 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • August 8, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for Aug. 24-28 in Lakewood Ranch

A Lake Club home on Clearlake Avenue tops the week's sales at $3.3 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Lakewood Ranch High School junior Byron Simon, who launched Southernly Simon Apparel, hopes people like Parrish Community High's Makayla Chenard relate to his clothing brand.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 8, 2023
Lakewood Ranch high schooler launches clothing brand

Southernly Simon Apparel encourages mental health awareness and addresses other topics.

  • East County
  • Business
Braden River tight end Cody Kawcak and linebacker Micah Fedd are two players Coach Curt Bradley is designating as senior leaders.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • August 8, 2023
Braden River High football team has big holes to fill on offense

The Pirates' starting quarterback and running back both transferred, but coaches are high on the team's overall talent.

  • East County
  • Sports
Commissioners Jason Bearden and Kevin Van Ostenbridge spoke to the crowd about the importance of the 44th Avenue Extension project on Aug. 7 as the bridge over the Braden River opened.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 7, 2023
Manatee County opens 44th Avenue Bridge over Braden River

Commissioners and dignitaries gathered to celebrate the 44th Avenue Extension project's penultimate phase.

  • East County
  • News
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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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