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East County

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
Lakewood Ranch freshman Olivia Hadad laughs as she is picked up off the grass by sophomore Sophie Lemus. Hadad scored a goal in the Mustangs' 4-0 win against Plant City High.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 2, 2022
Prose and Kohn: Mustangs girls soccer gallops into postseason

Lakewood Ranch believes it has the talent and heart to make a deep run

  • East County
  • Sports
Students pay attention as Jennifer Dowling, a math teacher, finishes a lesson in her new classroom. The classroom is a part of the six-classroom addition that was completed in November. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 2, 2022
Renovations almost complete at Braden River Middle

BRMS teachers are thrilled with the $26 million addition and renovations project.

  • East County
  • Schools
Mote Ranch residents Susan Byron and Lorelei Lindenaux-Balazs are concerned a planned roundabout in the Mote Ranch community will be dangerous and will affect the aesthetics of their community. (Photo by Jay Heater)
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 1, 2022
Manatee roundabout project goes forward at Mote Ranch despite neighborhood concerns

Manatee County officials say a roundabout is essential at Honore Avenue and Old Farm Road.

  • East County
  • News
Brain Health Initiative founder Stephanie Peabody
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 31, 2022
Led by Brain Health Initiative, the industry builds information bridges

Lakewood Ranch's Brain Health Initiative among groups pushing for preventative action to reduce risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

  • East County
  • News
Albert Castiglia, a blues guitarist, will be a headliner at Giving Hunger the Blues. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 31, 2022
Giving Hunger the Blues concert returns to Nathan Benderson Park

The Jazz Club of Sarasota presents the 24th annual Giving Hunger the Blues at Nathan Benderson Park.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Rocco Mangel is set to open Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar at University Town Center by December. It will be his ninth location in Florida. (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Scott Lockwood
  • January 30, 2022
Rocco's Tacos owner aims for Dec. 1 opening at UTC

University Town Center in Sarasota will be Rocco's Tacos and Tequila Bar's ninth location in Florida.

  • East County
  • News
Wes, Will and Parks Robinson stand by one of five mile markers dedicated Jan. 29 to their late dad, Bill Robinson, on the Bill Robinson Lakeside Loop at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 29, 2022
Nathan Benderson Park dedicates trail to the late Bill Robinson

Big Bill Foundation 5K raises money at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota for childhood cancer survivors.

  • East County
  • News
    In Memoriam |
  • January 28, 2022
James Soda

James “Jim” Soda, 73, of Lakewood Ranch, FL, passed away peacefully with his family by his side after a long battle with cancer.

  • East County
  • Tributes & Obituaries
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 27, 2022
East County weather page photo: January 27

Ron Anderson captured this photo in Lakewood Ranch’s Central Park.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Kindergartener Eliana Gabriel sings and counts numbers in Spanish.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 27, 2022
Braden River Elementary dual-language programs sees success in first year in east Bradenton

The dual-language program has been successful at Braden River Elementary in east Bradenton area.

  • East County
  • Schools
Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy is expected to be built by mid-July to allow time for teachers and staff to move in and prepare for the first day of school in August. Rendering courtesy of Red Apple Development.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 27, 2022
Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy projected to be built by mid-July

Red Apple Development and Ryan Cos. speed forward to meet July deadline for the new Lakewood Ranch charter school.

  • East County
  • Schools
East County's Emma and Mike Quindazzi say they have racing in their blood.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 26, 2022
Racing couple will provide thrills in the Bradenton Area River Regatta

East Manatee County husband-wife team prepare for Bradenton Area River Regatta.

  • East County
  • News
Hayden Buckley won the 2021 LECOM Suncoast Classic. LECOM announced it was extending its sponsorship of the Lakewood Ranch event through 2026.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 25, 2022
LECOM agrees to sponsor the Suncoast Classic in Lakewood Ranch through 2026

LECOM signs 3-year contract extension to sponsor Korn Ferry Tour event in Lakewood Ranch through 2026.

  • East County
  • Sports
Jim Soda was one of the leading Realtors in Lakewood Ranch for years.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 25, 2022
Top Lakewood Ranch Realtor dies at 73

Jim Soda, who died at 73, had been one of the leading Realtors in Lakewood Ranch for two decades.

  • East County
  • News
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Latest in East County

1
Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
  • December 21, 2025
Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
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Santa greets visitors from the window of 9605 Governor's Club Place in The River Club.
  • December 20, 2025
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The Family Church caroling crew from left to right is Melody Johnson, Laurie Houston, Nancy Pilato, Pastor Phil Derstine and Terrial Robinson.
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Charlie Shachat, a co-founder of the Foolishly Festive Christmas Parade, decided to be part of the show for the "Jaws" 50th anniversary.
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