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East County

Former Lakewood Ranch High throws athlete Riley Simmons finished seventh (47 feet, 3.7 inches) in the girls shot put at the 2021 Nike Outdoor National Championships in Oregon. Photo courtesy Riley Simmons.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • July 1, 2021
Prose and Kohn: Former Lakewood Ranch shot put star finishes top-10 at Nike Outdoor Nationals

Riley Simmons' final throw as a high school-level athlete was a personal record, and one that she guaranteed.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 1, 2021
East County weather page photo: July 1

John Egnot captured this young bald eagle hanging on a tree limb on White Eagle Boulevard in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 30, 2021
Hundred Oaks Farm's Mini Horse/Mini Donkey Camp leads to big fun in Myakka City

Campers care for mini horses, mini cows, donkeys and puppies at Maureen Hudson's ranch in Myakka City.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Ryan Kohn interviewed Carlos Palma and a variety of others, asking them questions from the real U.S. citizenship test. Photo by Brynn Mechem.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • June 30, 2021
U.S. citizenship test is no easy A

Passersby at St. Armands Circle were given the quiz and got mixed results.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Liz and Steve Rinehart. Photo by Brendan Lavell.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • June 30, 2021
Lightning fans from east Bradenton say team will win Stanley Cup

Liz and Steve Rinehart have been Tampa Bay Lightning fans since 1998.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch's Sutton Burnstein, 5; Elliott Knight, 8; Ethan Burnstein, 9; and Bob Wayman, 10, have a little fun at a Bradenton Marauders game at LECOM Park.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 30, 2021
What a catch! We love baseball's beauty.

Stars shine in America's pastime, but the burning love begins in our back yards.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Tsunami Sushi and Hibachi Grill Owner Sam Ray and General Manager Jeffrey Karasawa hope to open their restaurant at the heart of The Green by the end of 2021.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • June 30, 2021
Tsunami Sushi fills important role at The Green in Lakewood Ranch

Business owners at The Green hope two new restaurants located at the heart of the plaza will bring more shoppers.

  • East County
  • News
Mason Amyx and Cayla Fulkerson use the groceries they bought to make their lunches.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 30, 2021
Beyond the Spectrum expands facility in Sarasota

The nonprofit will add 2,500 square feet of space to address its growing waitlist of students. AND Beyond the Spectrum adds space to handle demand..

  • East County
  • Schools
Save Our Seabirds Operations Manager Jocelyn Shearer said this baby blue jay, rescued by Greenbrook's Lisa Laufenberg on May 28, could be ready to be released in the wild in July. (Courtesy of Save Our Seabirds)
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • June 30, 2021
Sarasota's Save Our Seabirds explains how to help an injured bird

A Lakewood Ranch woman called for help to save an injured baby blue jay. The bird is now thriving.

  • East County
  • News
Connor and Owen Fitzpatrick show off the fish they caught. It's a Fitzpatrick family tradition to try to catch a fish to make for dinner on the Fourth of July. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 30, 2021
Food a big part of holiday traditions

Families share their delicious Fourth of July favorites.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
POWER President T.J. Meneely and Secretary Alicia Fretz stand by a sign in 2022 opposed to high-density development east of the Future Development Area Boundary line.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • June 30, 2021
Myakka City nonprofit works to discuss development sprawl

Protect Our Wildlife Environment and Resources aims to give voice to Myakkans and other rural and agricultural communities.

  • East County
  • News
Sky King Fireworks Managing Partner Dustin Luer said East County residents shouldn't wait until the last minute to buy their fireworks this year because of a supply shortage.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • June 29, 2021
Lakewood Ranch residents plan Fourth filled with fireworks, fun

However, an industry shortage could lower the boom in East County.

  • East County
  • News
Musician Jim Hill and Conductor Joe Miller talk about their upcoming July 4 concert with the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 29, 2021
Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble makes notable return

Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble is back after pandemic subsides to play July 4 concert at Sarasota Opera House.

  • East County
  • News
The Manatee County Sheriff's Office said Commissioner Vanessa Baugh did not commit any crimes in relation to a pop-up vaccination event in February at Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 28, 2021
Manatee County Sheriff's Office says no crimes committed in relation to vaccination clinic in Lakewood Ranch

Manatee County Commissioner Vanessa Baugh will not be charged with any crimes in relation to the pop-up vaccination clinic in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
The Florida Highway Patrol is seeking information about a hit-and-run accident Sunday morning in Sarasota on Cattlemen Road.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 27, 2021
Bicyclist critical after hit-and-run in Sarasota on Cattlemen Road

Florida Highway Patrol seeks information about a hit-and-run accident in Sarasota that left a Bradenton man in critical condition.

  • East County
  • News
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Latest in East County

1
Leading a wave of new additions to the Mustangs' program, Tristan Sheffield has dominated in his weight class as a freshman.
  • February 17, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Tristan Sheffield
2
AAA High School, which is located near Premiere Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch, is set to open to ninth and tenth graders in August 2027.
  • February 17, 2026
Manatee school district seeks feedback on new LWR high school's name
3
Amenities at  Emerson Lakes will include a fitness center, swimming pool, dog park, walking trails and multiple on-campus dining options.
  • February 17, 2026
A new community provides a place to age in place
4
Kamala Martinez, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, leads the regional nonprofit’s efforts to connect young people with life-changing mentors.
  • February 17, 2026
With Big Brothers Big Sisters, mentors change the story
5
This Country Club Village home at 13635 Legends Walk Terrace sold for $1.75 million. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,581 square feet of living area.
  • February 17, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for Feb. 2-6 in Lakewood Ranch

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