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East County

Lola Johnson dances with the Braden River Dance Company during the second ensemble performance. The dance company danced to a remix version of "Into the Unknown." (File photo)
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • September 20, 2022
Lakewood Ranch schools receive funding for visual, performing arts

The 1-mill property tax referendum is providing $2.5 million for visual and performing arts programs, offering more opportunities for students.

  • East County
  • Schools
Waterside of Lakewood Ranch's Bob Smith was honored as Humanitarian of the Year by the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund in 2022.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 19, 2022
Altruism leads to major award from Lakewood Ranch Community Fund

His daughter's nomination letter presents Lakewood Ranch's Bob Smith with one of the most cherished moments of his life.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • September 18, 2022
Halfway to St. Patricks Day offers a full set of festivities in Lakewood Ranch

The event included everything from bagpipes to Irish step dancing on Lakewood Main Street.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
T.J. Goelz is stepping down from the Lakewood Ranch High softball program after five seasons. Goelz led the Mustangs to two state championships.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • September 18, 2022
Lakewood Ranch softball coach leaves behind a diamond-solid legacy

T.J. Goelz and the Mustangs won two state championships in five seasons, the first championships in program history. 

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • September 17, 2022
Tara Golf and Country Club brings back San Gennaro Festival

Residents learned more about Italy through food, trivia and music.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
High school football roundup: Week four. (File photo.)
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • September 17, 2022
High school football roundup: Week four

A key week sees six area teams come down with big wins.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 15, 2022
East County weather page photo: September 15

Robert Rempert captured this Sandhill Crane with her colt in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • September 14, 2022
Children's musician performs for Tara Elementary students

Tara Elementary students sing and dance along to dozens of Jack Hartmann songs.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 14, 2022
East Lakewood Ranch home highlights Sotheby's first live real estate auction

Just off State Road 70 near Myakka City, the 41.9-acre ranch is expected to soar high above its current $2.01 million bid.

  • East County
  • News
The Mustangs defense could not stop Braden River junior Trayvon Pinder (7), who ran for 197 yards and three touchdowns thanks to holes like this one opened by the Pirates offensive line. (Photo by Ryan Kohn.)
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • September 14, 2022
Braden River retains its superiority over Lakewood Ranch

Pirates running back Trayvon Pinder runs over Mustangs with 197 yards rushing and three touchdowns.

  • East County
  • Sports
Rep. Sam Graves and Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge converse before their flight. (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • September 14, 2022
US transportation committee member gets overview of Manatee roadways

Manatee County officials hope U.S. Rep. Sam Graves, who is on the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, sees the need for federal funds to expand Fort Hamer Bridge.

  • East County
  • News
Bruno the Bear is doing well in the America's Favorite Pet Contest for owner Monica Welde of Myakka City. (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 14, 2022
Myakka City bear named Bruno chases America's Favorite Pet crown

Monica Welde's 750-pound Syrian brown bear at Bearadise Ranch currently stands third in the contest rankings.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Myakka City's Station 11 will be torn down once a new station is built on the same lot. (Photo by Ian Swaby)
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • September 13, 2022
New fire station construction in Myakka City delayed

A tight budget leads East Manatee Fire Rescue commissioners to slow down construction on the station.

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch High boys golf Head Coach Dave Frantz says the Lakewood Ranch Invitational on Sept. 17 is the only scramble event he's aware of on the high school calendar. (File photo)
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • September 13, 2022
Lakewood Ranch Invitational gives prep golfers a shot at fun format

Postponed by lightning, the scramble event will be held Sept. 17 at Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club.

  • East County
  • Sports
Trayvon Pinder. (Photo by Ryan Kohn)
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • September 13, 2022
East County Athlete of the Week: Trayvon Pinder

The Braden River junior running back had 197 yards and three touchdowns Sept. 9 in the Pirates' 33-14 win over Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Sports
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Latest in East County

1
Allen Clark set records at The Out-of-Door Academy. Now, his focus has shifted to his future, and what college he'll compete for.
  • February 16, 2026
Out-of-Door Academy football star navigates recruiting chaos
2
The only access point to Bradenton Estates II is proposed from 18th Avenue East.
  • February 16, 2026
Manatee County commissioners approve 80 homes on 18th Avenue East
3
Manatee County Library Services Manager Tammy Parrott and Sue Ann Miller, president of the Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Library, believe the second floor of the facility will be put to good use.
  • February 16, 2026
Lakewood Ranch Library is about to reach new heights
4
Kelly Gilliland grew up in Sarasota and has now lived in Lakewood Ranch for 25 years.
  • February 16, 2026
Resident's long-lasting heart for Lakewood Ranch stems from a mother's love
5
Left: Darrel Drury has lived in the Lakewood Ranch area for nearly eight years. Right: David Sessions has overseen the construction of dozens of buildings in the region in the past 35 years.
  • February 15, 2026
Round and round goes the chatter about roundabouts in Lakewood Ranch

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