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East County

Ballet students at Booker High School in Sarasota.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • July 20, 2023
Manatee, Sarasota school districts work to boost arts programs

After arts programs saw lower involvement as a result of the pandemic, schools are boosting their offerings.

  • East County
  • Schools
Tara Elementary School will undergo a renovation and addition.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 20, 2023
Construction projects progress at east Bradenton schools in new school year

Additions or renovations will take place at Freedom and Tara elementary schools, Haile Middle and Lakewood Ranch High.

  • East County
  • Schools
Noah Rueping, a rising senior at Lakewood Ranch High School, volunteers as a camp counselor for the school's FFA summer camp to earn hours toward Bright Futures.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 20, 2023
A guide to the Bright Futures Scholarship program

Every student in Florida can attend can receive a post-secondary education for less money through the Bright Futures Scholarship program.

  • East County
  • Schools
Jason Wysong has been named the next superintendent of the School District of Manatee County.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 20, 2023
Manatee schools' new superintendent ready to impact more students

Throughout his career, Jason Wysong has been looking for the next opportunity to make a bigger impact.

  • East County
  • Schools
Mixon Fruit Farms has been a staple in Manatee County for decades.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 20, 2023
Mixon Fruit Farms leaves a legacy of making memories in Bradenton

Mixon Fruit Farms prepares to close July 29 after 84 years in operation.

  • East County
  • News
The chickens line up for a dust bath in a restaurant bus tub.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 19, 2023
Sentinel chickens used to monitor Manatee County mosquitos

Flocks of chickens across the county keep tabs on three mosquito-borne viruses.

  • East County
  • News
White-tailed deer often travel in groups. If you see a deer crossing a road or on a road's shoulder, please slow down as more deer are bound to follow.
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • July 19, 2023
Even in protected habitats, roads put wildlife at risk

Help protect wildlife by slowing down and being attentive, especially when passing yellow animal-crossing signs, which indicate you're driving through wildlife habitats.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch's Janice Wagner says singing is an uplifting experience for those of any age.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 19, 2023
Magic of Manatee singing group names new director

Lakewood Ranch's Janice Wagner will head the Sweet Adeline's group.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Colton Gordon had Tommy John surgery in 2021, two months before he was drafted by the Houston Astros.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • July 19, 2023
Former Lakewood Ranch baseball pitcher a star in Houston Astros' system

Colton Gordon is the Astros' No. 8 overall prospect and the No. 1 pitching prospect, according to MLB.com.

  • East County
  • Sports
Soleta's Charles Duff and World Golf Hall of Fame player Nick Price talk about the design of the course at the site in Myakka City.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 19, 2023
Plans emerge for luxury golf community in Myakka City

After the Manatee County Commission's approval in June, builders plan to begin work on a Nick Price-designed course this fall.

  • East County
  • News
This Lakehouse Cove at Waterside home at 8269 Grande Shores Drive for $1.5 million. It has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,718 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • July 18, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for July 3-7 in Lakewood Ranch

A Pomelo Park home on 65th Avenue East tops the week's sales at $2.1 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Cleeland Browns center Austein Reiter, a Lakewood Ranch High alumnus, is in town for offseason workouts.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • July 18, 2023
A look at the 5 East County high graduates who reached the NFL

The Lakewood Ranch High and Braden River High alums have had varying levels of success in pro football.

  • East County
  • Sports
London's Jadie Metcalf grew up at Jiggs Landing on the Manatee River. He says his trip to Jiggs Landing the second week of July will probably be the last of his life.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 18, 2023
One final trip to Jiggs Landing in Manatee County

The 88-year-old nephew of founder Al "Jiggs" Metcalf visits the Braden River fishing camp one last time.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Gwyn Ingham, the owner of For the Love of Reading, uses Orton-Gillingham methods during her private reading instruction with Scarlett Samson.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 18, 2023
Lakewood Ranch educator tries to make reading fun through new business

Summerfield's Gwyn Ingham uses her passion for reading and books to start For the Love of Reading.

  • East County
  • Business
Jan Ricard, a volunteer at Woodland Community Church's food bank, goes through fruits as they prepare for food distribution.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 17, 2023
East Manatee food pantries see consistent, growing demand

A Woodland Community Church food bank representative says that more grandparents raising children have been relying on the donations.

  • 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
Want to be where the people are? You have to go east.

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