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East County

Travis and Martha Barfield took over what had been a small neighborhood fireworks show in Myakka City and turned it into something thousands could enjoy.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 1, 2026
This July 4 celebration pops in Myakka City

Myakka Skyworks' free show will include a 37-minute fireworks spectacular.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Julia Hill, an 11-year-old utility, was one of 12 players for Manatee Softball 12U All-Stars. The newly-minted Manatee Softball Little League will continue giving players like Hill an opportunity to compete beyond state lines.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • July 1, 2026
Manatee Softball 12U All-Stars make first Little League tournament run

An organizational switch from Miss Florida Softball to Little League Softball set the stage for the team to pursue the Little League World Series.

  • East County
  • Sports
Greg Sander, the new principal at Freedom Elementary School, is ready to build on the existing culture and traditions of the school.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • July 1, 2026
Experienced Manatee County educator to lead Freedom Elementary School

Greg Sander has served in several roles in the School District of Manatee County.

  • East County
  • Schools
Barbara Joseph, Marylee Danahy, Kristin Sciuto, Andrea Burr and Barbara Thornton embrace the motto of fun, friendship and community service through the Lakewood Ranch Women's Club.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • July 1, 2026
Lakewood Ranch Women's Club provides friendship and community service

The Lakewood Ranch Women's Club hosts a variety of opportunities for local women including luncheons, meetings and special interest groups.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Director of Public Safety Jodie Fiske (in the front wearing black) stands with fire district staff from across Manatee County.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 1, 2026
Manatee County task force initiated to strengthen disaster response

Manatee County commissioners approved the reallocation of $500,000 to fund the task force.

  • East County
  • News
Palmetto's Sari Lindroos-Valimaki is running to represent District 1 on the Manatee County Commission.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 1, 2026
Palmetto resident is lone Democrat in Manatee's race for District 1

Sari Lindroos-Valimaki wants Republican voters to give a Democrat a chance in the District 1 race.

  • East County
  • News
Ken Rushing and Noel Ladd are co-owners of Couch LBK.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 1, 2026
Voices of America: In what era of American history would you have liked to have lived?

In our series of questions for Americans in honor of the country's 250th birthday, we explore our favorite periods of history.

  • Spirit of America
This Lake Club home at 17115 Salerno Drive sold for $2.6 million. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,596 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • June 30, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for June 15-19 in Lakewood Ranch

A Lake Club home on Salerno Drive tops the week's sales at $2.6 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Andres Parra has served as The Out-of-Door Academy athletic director since July 2022. He's been through his fair share of busy summers over the years.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • June 30, 2026
For high school athletic directors, summer is no day at the beach

Athletics are out of season, but the work doesn't stop for these behind-the-scenes operators.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Bradenton's JT White believes more focus needs to be put on human interaction rather than high use of technology.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • June 30, 2026
School board candidate wants better tools for students

The son of a principal, JT White wants the district to be fiscally responsible while providing more hands-on support for students.

  • East County
  • Schools
The committee presents its findings to County Administrator Charlie Bishop June 23.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 30, 2026
Manatee government efficiency committee says DOGE report is off base

The committee met with Manatee's administrator and will report to commissioners July 28.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 30, 2026
Voices of America: Who's your American hero, and why?

In our series of questions for Americans in honor of the country's 250th birthday, we dive into respondents' favorite Americans.

  • Spirit of America
Jason Madsen has been hired as the new chief executive officer of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 29, 2026
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center hires new CEO

Universal Health Services picks Jason Madsen to take over its 180-bed facility in the growing community.

  • East County
  • News
Sarasota Tsunami head coach Ira Klein described Jaxon Griffin (above) as a "developing swimmer" six months ago. Now, Griffin is on the rise, qualifying for national-level meets left and right.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • June 29, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Jaxon Griffin

The rising junior at Lakewood Ranch High qualified for both the Speedo Summer and Winter Junior National Championships last month.

  • East County
  • Sports
The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance hosts local legislators at a panel discussion June 24 at the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 29, 2026
Manatee, Sarasota legislators talk infrastructure, property taxes

Local representatives attended the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance's June luncheon to offer a legislative update.

  • East County
  • News
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Latest in East County

1
Partners Animal Hospital Lakewood Ranch hosts a ribbon cutting July 10.
  • July 13, 2026
Partners Animal Hospital opens in Lakewood Ranch
2
Boston's JJ Maguire, 4, Ariel Maguire, 6, and their mom, Kasha Grabowski, wear funky hats while enjoying treats from Jeremiah's Italian Ice at the Farmers' Market at Lakewood Ranch.
  • July 13, 2026
Despite the heat, the Farmers' Market at Lakewood Ranch is still the place to be
3
Brooklyn Cullen's golf career began at Hawaii's Princeville Makai Golf Club when she was 6 years old. It continues now in Florida, where she moved before beginning sixth grade at The Out-of-Door Academy.
  • July 13, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Brooklyn Cullen
4
Jason Starkman, the director of operations for The Original Wolfie's and Rascal House restaurants, shows off a corned beef sandwich. Wolfie's 21 Hand Cut is coming to UTC in late November or early December.
  • July 10, 2026
Wolfie's Hand Cut headed to University Town Center
5
Two killed in two crashes two hours apart on I-75
  • July 10, 2026
Two killed in two crashes two hours apart on I-75

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