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East County

Nannette and Mark Cobb spent their lives working for other people, so they decided to go their own way and buy a toy store.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 5, 2023
Learning Express owners squish and slime their way to a new life

The owners of the new toy store in the Shoppes at University Center risked their savings to enter an industry that some view as failing.

  • East County
  • Business
The Sarasota downtown and bay front luxury condo market remains robust among second home buyers.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 5, 2023
Sarasota region among the nation's hottest second home markets

At more than 35% of all mortgages written for second residences, the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton metro area ranks 17th nationally.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Firefighters from East Manatee Fire and Rescue and Southern Manatee Fire and Rescue work together to take the roof off a car to extricate a patient.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 5, 2023
EMS Field Day unites emergency organizations to learn new skills

EMS providers offer hands-on opportunities to learn new skills to use in the field.

  • East County
  • News
Scarlett Lewis, the founder of the Choose Love Movement, will be at Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy to share skills and tools that can be used to promote emotional well-being.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 5, 2023
Brain Health Initiative teaches emotional wellness with Choose Love Movement

Scarlett Lewis, the founder of the Choose Love Movement, will help Lakewood Ranch community members learn social-emotional skills.

  • East County
  • News
Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School's Noble Pinto, Julian LaBranche, Jaxon Grew and Chloe Kenya pinky promise to go out and play in honor of Justin Darr, who was a physical education teacher.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 4, 2023
McNeal Elementary celebrates life of beloved physical education teacher

In honor of Justin Darr's philosophy to "go out and play," students, staff and Darr's family played sports during the dedication.

  • East County
  • Schools
Willis Smith Construction CEO and owner David Sessions looks back on 35 years with the company, and leading it through its significant growth.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 4, 2023
Willis Smith Construction CEO looks back on 35 years of growth

David Sessions has led the Lakewood Ranch-based firm to its status as a giant in the building industry.

  • East County
  • Business
This Lake View Estates at Lake Club home at 14770 Como Circle sold for $2.7 million. It has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,821 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • April 4, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for March 20-24 in Lakewood Ranch

A Lake View Estates at Lake Club home on Como Circle tops the week's sales at $2.7 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Kate Barlaug has been named the principal of Dr. Mona Jain Middle School. Irene Nikitopoulos has been named the principal of Carlos E. Haile Middle School.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 4, 2023
Two east Bradenton schools to have new principals

Haile and Mona Jain middle schools will have new leaders for the 2023-2024 school year.

  • East County
  • Schools
The Braden River sideline erupts after big plays.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • April 3, 2023
Braden River flag football showcases super team talent

The Pirates flag football team hasn't lost a regular-season game since April 2021.

  • East County
  • Sports
LaDazhia Williams said the draw of playing for Coach Kim Mulkey was a factor in her decision to transfer to LSU.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • April 2, 2023
Former Mustang helps LSU win women's basketball national title

LaDazhia Williams had 20 points and five rebounds in the Tigers' 102-85 championship win over the University of Iowa.

  • East County
  • Sports
Canada's Colleen Loach wanted to make a big splash in the event but failed to finish in the top three with Golden Eye.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 1, 2023
TerraNova Equestrian Center hosts top cross country field in eventing

The new equestrian center in Myakka hosts its Spring Event featuring cross country on Saturday.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Myakka City's Riley Smith, who is 5, runs as fast as he can to collect eggs April 1, 2023, at EGGstravaganza.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 1, 2023
Families enjoy annual EGGstravaganza at Waterside Park in Lakewood Ranch

Children have different strategies when it comes to trying to collect the most eggs in the annual Lakewood Ranch egg hunt.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch's Jill Wellinger works the packed crowd at the Lakewood Ranch Country Club during the Humane Society of Lakewood Ranch's Divas and Dogs fundraiser March 31.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 1, 2023
Lakewood Ranch Country Club hosts fashionable fundraiser

Divas and Dogs packed the house and raised funds for the Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The University Town Center-Waterside connector awaits federal approval, which is expected by June, and will cross I-75 near the Sarasota water tower.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 1, 2023
Overpass connecting Lakewood Ranch, UTC awaits state approval

The Interstate 75 overpass bridging Lakewood Ranch and Cattleman Road has an anticipated construction start in 2025 with completion in 2027.

  • East County
  • News
Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells rides in a Ferrari during the 2023 Exotic Car Show on Main Street at Lakewood Ranch March 25. Legendary circus performer Bello Nock follows in the next car.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 31, 2023
Main Street at Lakewood Ranch is still the place to be

The Waterside Place hub is spectacular, but crowds continue to flock to Lakewood Ranch's original hub.

  • East County
  • Opinion
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Latest in East County

1
Reece McCabe concluded his high school weightlifting career with success on the state level in both Traditional and Olympic style.
  • May 19, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Reece McCabe
2
A camper explores hands-on marine science during Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium’s Mote SEA STEM Camp.
  • May 19, 2026
Let the kids blossom creatively this summer at one of these art camps
3
Cady Jones (left), Sarai Castro (center) and Kaydence Evans (right) celebrate Braden River High softball's first state semifinals berth since 2016. The Pirates are now two wins away from their first state title.
  • May 19, 2026
Tremendous turnaround for Braden River High softball
4
Judge Hillary Ellis is a new addition to the Manatee County Court.
  • May 19, 2026
Lakewood Ranch attorney appointed to Manatee County Court
5
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

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