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East County

Triple Oak Preserve in Myakka City is one of the purchases Manatee County made using funds collected from the 2020 referendum.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 12, 2026
Environmental lands referendum one step closer to 2026 ballot

Manatee County commissioners were presented with four funding options to acquire additional lands and development rights.

  • East County
  • News
Bradenton's Trey Johnson finishes his swing during the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation Golf Tournament, which raises funds for local nonprofits.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 11, 2026
Lakewood Ranch rallies to support golf tournament fundraiser

Eighty-three golfers entered the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation Golf Tournament at Colusa Country Club.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Brooks Bartram improved his fastball velocity from 84 miles per hour in September 2025 to 94 mph by February. Now, he'll play NCAA Division II baseball in the fall.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • May 11, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Brooks Bartram

After one season with Braden River, the senior right-hander has signed with Eckerd College.

  • East County
  • Sports
Waterside’s Victoria Ortiz, 24, said her 7-month-old son, Flynn, has changed her life for the better.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 10, 2026
Mothers discuss their journeys before their special day

Lakewood Ranch mothers share how motherhood has helped them grow through both happy moments and hardship.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Parker Hippich, 12 months, gets a lift from mom, Tessa Hippich, during Petals and Poses on Saturday at Waterside Place.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 10, 2026
All about the mothers at special event in Lakewood Ranch

Petals and Poses honored the area's moms while raising funds for the Mothers Helping Mothers nonprofit.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Saucy! is expanding on the Gulf Coast, with a Lakewood Ranch and Trinity location opening May 4 and 5, respectively.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 7, 2026
Saucy new chicken spot opens in Lakewood Ranch

As the name of the KFC spinoff suggests, dipping sauces are front and center in the restaurant on Lena Road.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Manatee County commissioners approve an over $50,000 a month contract for a backup generator for the administration building at 9000 Town Center Parkway.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 6, 2026
$12.48M generator request causes concern over Manatee County 'money pit'

Commissioner Bob McCann said the Lakewood Ranch administration building is becoming a "money pit."

  • East County
  • News
(Milton and Stephanie Kruk)
    A time to celebrate |
  • May 6, 2026
Milton and Stephanie Kruk 70th Wedding Anniversary

70th Wedding Anniversary

  • Longboat Key
  • Celebrations
Commissioner George Kruse proved you can govern without letting special interests influence your decisions after substantial campaign donations.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 6, 2026
Don't judge Manatee County candidates solely on campaign contributions

Developers and builders have every right to contribute to candidates that represent their best interests.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Caroline Bartlomiejczuk, Sage Alcorn and Sofia Ortega are members of the orchestra at Lakewood Ranch High School.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 6, 2026
Lakewood Ranch High music department earns national recognition

The Best Communities for Music Education Award recognizes 127 schools across the country and Lakewood Ranch High is one.

  • East County
  • Schools
Alannis Peterson of Prism Artistry "eats" fire at Agave Bandido for its Cinco de Mayo Celebration May 5.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 6, 2026
Agave Bandido hosts Cinco de Mayo party in Waterside of Lakewood Ranch

Live music, a fire performer, stilt walkers, drinks and Mexican food made for a memorable event.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
This fall will be Scott Paravicini's fourth season as the Lakewood Ranch football coach. He's posted a 14-17 record since taking over the program.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • May 6, 2026
Despite cancer, Lakewood Ranch High coach remains committed to his players

Scott Paravicini wouldn't agree, but his devotion to his team deserves our admiration.

  • East County
  • Sports
Janet and Dean Mixon are retiring. The couple sold their food truck to Polk Sheriff Charities, Inc.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 6, 2026
Mixon Swirl food truck finds a new home in Polk County

Dean and Janet Mixon sell their iconic food truck to Polk Sheriff Charities Inc.

  • East County
  • Business
Deputy Sarah Brown works for the Manatee County Sheriff's Office in the traffic unit.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 6, 2026
Ride-along offers insight into the job of a Manatee County deputy

With more than 400,000 residents in Manatee County, only 24 Sheriff's Office deputies comprise the traffic unit.

  • East County
  • News
Sarai Castro gave up on softball in 2023. Now, she's the Pirates' leading hitter in her first season at the high school level.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • May 5, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Sarai Castro

The freshman center fielder/left fielder led Braden River High softball to a district championship.

  • East County
  • Sports
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Latest in East County

1
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
2
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.
3
Manatee County opens applications for Tourist Development Board
  • May 15, 2026
Manatee County opens applications for Tourist Development Board
4
Amanda Parrish was named interim CEO of the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp. in January.
  • May 15, 2026
Manatee County economic development evolves
5
Entering this season, Braden River softball hadn't won a district title in seven years. The squad is now two wins away from a state championship.
  • May 14, 2026
Braden River High softball advances to state semifinals

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