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East County

Lakewood Ranch's Mike Fetchko has been the driving force behind the Bradenton Area River Regatta, Manatee County's biggest one-day event.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 9, 2022
Lakewood Ranch man helps make the Bradenton Area River Regatta the area's premier event

Lakewood Ranch's Mike Fetchko is the driving force behind the Bradenton Area River Regatta.

  • East County
  • News
Rep. Tommy Gregory, District 73, says he is moving to the Lakewood Ranch area to run for the new District 72 seat.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 8, 2022
Rep. Tommy Gregory moving to Lakewood Ranch to run for new state House seat

The Florida representative avoids District 74 showdown with James Buchanan by announcing he will move to the Lakewood Ranch area.

  • East County
  • News
Monica Schwalbach.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 7, 2022
East County Athlete of the Week: Monique Schwalbach

The Braden River girls basketball guard talks her love of the game — and of hot chips

  • East County
  • Sports
Khushi Talluru, a freshman at Lakewood Ranch High School, can't wait to learn from medical workshops and screenwriting workshops at Disney Dreamers Academy.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 7, 2022
Lakewood Ranch High student accepted in Disney Dreamers Academy

Khushi Talluru, a freshman, will pursue her dream of becoming a doctor with the help of Disney Dreamers Academy.

  • East County
  • Schools
Palm Aire Women's Club member Lesa Hartigan walks the runaway during the Mission Possible fashion show.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 6, 2022
Fashion mission accomplished at Palm Aire Country Club in Sarasota

The Palm Aire Women's Club of Sarasota shows its style with fashion fundraiser.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Bello Nick brings a combination of comedy and stunts to his act. Photo courtesy of Circus Arts Conservatory.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 6, 2022
Circus Sarasota returns to Nathan Benderson Park for live performances

Nine international circus acts will perform under the Big Top at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota.

  • East County
  • News
Hayden Buckley earned his PGA Tour card in part because of his win at the 2021 LECOM Suncoast Classic. Buckley said he still watches video of the winning putt each time he gets on a plane.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 5, 2022
Hayden Buckley reflects on journey from Suncoast Classic win in Lakewood Ranch to PGA Tour

Hayden Buckley was a late qualifier for the 2021 LECOM Suncoast Classic in Lakewood Ranch, but his win propelled him to the PGA Tour.

  • East County
  • Sports
Father John Bociu stands in front of the icons at the entrance to the altar at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 5, 2022
Greek Festival in Sarasota puts Byzantine-style art on display with church tour

Festival offers chance to view Byzantine-style with a tour of the St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church of Sarasota.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Trenton Huffman, a student at R. Dan Nolan Middle School, works on a tablet while sitting at one of the tables in the media center.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 4, 2022
Manatee modernizes school media centers

The School District of Manatee County is well into a library transformation project in all its schools.

  • East County
  • Schools
American alligators have a crucial role in keeping wetland habitats healthy, and alter habitats in ways that benefit other species. (Photo by Miri Hardy)
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • February 4, 2022
American alligators keep Myakka's wetlands healthy

Deep Hole at Myakka's Wilderness Preserve is an important dry season refuge.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 3, 2022
East County weather page photo: February 3

Steve Gordon took this photo of sandhill crane parents taking their colt out for a snack in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Junior John Sirignano says caring for his sock baby, Oswald, has made him excited to become a real parent in the future. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 3, 2022
High schoolers learn parental lessons by caring for sock babies

With sock baby assignment, Lakewood Ranch High students learn while walking in parents' shoes.

  • East County
  • Schools
    In Memoriam |
  • February 3, 2022
Robert James Wollard

Robert James Wollard went to be with his Lord on January 24, 2022.

  • East County
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Although it won't look exactly the same, Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy's learning villages will look similar to this kindergarten through third grade model. (Rendering courtesy of Charter Schools USA)
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 2, 2022
Lakewood Ranch Prep will take different approach on education, principals say

The new Lakewood Ranch K-12 charter school's WISH model focuses on wellness, innovation, science and health.

  • East County
  • Schools
Riverview senior Alef Pezan (19) goes up against the Venice defense for a header.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 2, 2022
Riverview soccer's offense finds its footing

The Rams scored four goals in a district tournament victory over Venice High

  • East County
  • Sports
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Latest in East County

1
Santa greets visitors from the window of 9605 Governor's Club Place in The River Club.
  • December 20, 2025
Christmas decorating isn't just for kids
2
The Family Church caroling crew from left to right is Melody Johnson, Laurie Houston, Nancy Pilato, Pastor Phil Derstine and Terrial Robinson.
  • December 20, 2025
East Manatee church members will go through bars to spread Christmas joy
3
Charlie Shachat, a co-founder of the Foolishly Festive Christmas Parade, decided to be part of the show for the "Jaws" 50th anniversary.
  • December 19, 2025
Esplanade continues tradition of being 'foolishly festive' for parade
4
Citrus County woman held in shooting death of Manatee man
  • December 18, 2025
Citrus County woman held in shooting death of Manatee man
5
Capri Finan, 7, Madelyn Finan, 9 and Maverick Finan, 3, pose with Santa after telling him what they want for Christmas, which includes a doll house and a trampoline.
  • December 18, 2025
Braden River High transforms into Winter Wonderland

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