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East County

Manatee County officials urged motorists not to drive into standing water. Here a pickup truck is covered by floodwaters on Upper Manatee River Road. (Photo by Jay Heater)
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 1, 2022
See the impact of Hurricane Ian in Sarasota, Manatee

Heavy rainfall and hurricane-force winds hit Sarasota and Manatee counties Wednesday, causing damage across the region.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A palm tree was seen fallen onto a car at 7:20 p.m. Wednesday in Gulf Gate. (Photo courtesy of Reddit user u/bjbyrne)
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 1, 2022
Hurricane Ian updates, news in Sarasota and Manatee counties

Water and wastewater services were restored to most of Siesta and Casey keys on Saturday morning. A boil water notice is in effect.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Florida Highway Patrol reported a 65-year-old Parrish man died after a medical episode caused him to crash his car in the Public parking lot at State Road 64 and Lakewood Ranch Boulevard.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 1, 2022
I-75 crash near University Parkway exit in Sarasota results in fatality

FHP has yet to identify the man whose Tesla burst into flames after hitting a tree.

  • East County
  • News
The tall tree that hosted bald eagles in the front of Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church fell as Hurricane Ian passed through Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 30, 2022
Hurricane Ian topples host tree for popular bald eagles' nest in Lakewood Ranch

Eagles made the tall tree in front of Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church home for years.

  • East County
  • News
An ATV accident near Myakka City led to the death of a 22-year-old Myakka City woman.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 30, 2022
ATV accident leads to death of 22-year-old Myakka City woman

The accident occurred early Friday morning just off Verna Bethany Road.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 30, 2022
Manatee reports more than $14.9M in damage from Hurricane Ian

All eight floors of Manatee County's administration building suffered water damage.

  • East County
  • News
Manatee County says more than 200 of its lift stations were without power or out of service as of 8 a.m. Friday.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 30, 2022
Manatee County asks residents to limit what they put down the drain

More than 200 lift stations are still without power in Manatee County.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 29, 2022
Lakewood Ranch area digs out after Hurricane Ian

Myakka City suffered the most damage in the East County area with severe flooding.

  • East County
  • News
Sound Snatcher is a fan favorite character of the show, "Sounder & Friends." (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • September 29, 2022
Lakewood Ranch resident co-creates children's program to improve literacy

Heather Kenny's idea for children's program "Sounder & Friends" has come to fruition after 20 years.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Boats harbored in Sarasota Bay remained safely anchored Thursday morning after Hurricane Ian passed through. (Photo by Kat Hughes)
    By
  • Kat Wingert
  • September 29, 2022
Hurricane Ian: 'We dodged a bullet'

From the city of Sarasota to Lakewood Ranch, mainland damage is limited mostly to downed trees and fences.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 29, 2022
East County weather page photo: September 29

Gordon Silver took the photo of these pileated woodpeckers along White Eagle Boulevard in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Construction vehicles in September 2022 navigate the landfill on Lena Road, which is adjacent to the rezoned area.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • September 28, 2022
Manatee clears path to sell its Lena Road property in Bradenton

County Commissioners approved a rezone of 98 acres from agricultural to mixed-use.

  • East County
  • News
Manatee County officials urged all residents to shelter in place on Wednesday morning.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 28, 2022
Manatee officials ask residents to shelter in place as Hurricane Ian arrives

More than 2,500 Manatee County residents have checked into the area's shelters.

  • East County
  • News
Jackson Hodge, a Braden River sophomore, acts as the director for Pirate Nation Sports Network, choosing when to switch cameras on the broadcast among other duties. (Photo by Ryan Kohn.)
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • September 28, 2022
Pirate Nation Sports Network brings Braden River sports to out-of-area fans

The network streams each Pirates football game, plus select games of other sports, to fans via YouTube for no charge.

  • East County
  • Sports
East Manatee Fire Rescue Lt. Chad Gamble (right front) leads a CERT class in April as they prepare for potential disasters. (File photo)
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 27, 2022
Lakewood Ranch CERT ready to help during Hurricane Ian

The volunteer Community Emergency Response Team is ready to take action in the wake of Hurricane Ian.

  • East County
  • News
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Latest in East County

1
It's high school graduation season again in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
  • May 19, 2026
It's high school graduation season again in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
2
Sophia Wiley makes her way down the row to shake hands after she receives her Lakewood Ranch High School diploma at Lecom Park May 18.
  • May 19, 2026
Lakewood Ranch High graduates eager for what's ahead
3
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
4
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
5
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

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