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East County

Members of the Braden River High School Pirate Battalion Drill Team celebrate winning their fifth district championship in a row. The team will now move onto state. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 7, 2021
Braden River High School knows its drill

Braden River High School Pirate Battalion Drill Team wins district championship for fifth year in a row and heads to state.

  • East County
  • News
Elijah Weaver talks to his team after an April 1 practice. Weaver said his hope is for flag football to be taken as seriously as other sports at Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • April 7, 2021
Flagship program at Lakewood Ranch High

Prose and Kohn: Ryan Kohn

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • April 7, 2021
Flick of the wrist at Lakewood Ranch disc golf

Lakewood Ranch residents learn disc golf basics at Bob Gardner Community Park

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Cheryl Bulfin, a third grade teacher, guides her students through a lesson. All teachers receive a $5,201 supplement from the millage. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 7, 2021
School District of Manatee County officials — 1 mill made huge difference

School District of Manatee County says 2018 1-mill property tax referendum was crucial.

  • East County
  • News
Senior Miles Stephens (right) completes the final stretch of the boys 4x100 race. The Pirates would win the race and set a new school record (43.23).
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • April 7, 2021
Pirates have record day on new rubber track

Braden River High hosted its first-ever track and field meet last week.

  • East County
  • Sports
Senior Kora Turner and junior Matthew Boudreau celebrate the orienteering's first state championship. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 7, 2021
Run to victory for Lakewood Ranch High

Lakewood Ranch High School JROTC's orienteering team takes home its first state championship.

  • East County
  • News
Dave Miner, a former member of the School Board of Manatee County, and Scott Hopes, a member of the board, celebrate the opening of Dr. Mona Jain Middle School. Hopes says part of a school member's job is attending school events.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 7, 2021
What's next for School Board of Manatee County?

Gov. Ron DeSantis will appoint a Manatee County resident to replace Scott Hopes, the District 4 representative for the School Board of Manatee County.

  • East County
  • News
Manatee County School Board member Scott Hopes was selected as interim administrator April 1. Commissioners say the county needs some stability before searching for a permanent administrator.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • April 7, 2021
Piney Point spills into Manatee County administrator search

Commissioners say Manatee County needs stability before searching for permanent administrator

  • East County
  • News
Pynelopee Redmond, who is 1 year old, snatches an egg to add to her collection.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 7, 2021
Easter egg scramble in Lakewood Ranch

Kiddie Academy of Lakewood Ranch celebrates Easter with a visit from the Easter bunny and an egg hunt.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • April 7, 2021
Mixon Fruit Farms a crafty pick

Regular customers and out-of-state visitors enjoy Mixon Fruit Farms Orange Blossom Arts & Crafts Fair

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 7, 2021
Spirits rise at ODA

The Out-of-Door Academy celebrates school spirit through a day of competitions.

  • East County
  • News
David Mahler, the head of school at the Out-of-Door Academy, will resign after 17 years with the school. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 1, 2021
ODA head of school, who oversees Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota campuses, resigns

David Mahler, the head of school at the Out-of-Door-Academy, announces resignation.

  • East County
  • News
Scott Hopes was appointed Manatee County Administrator on an interim basis Thursday. He will remain on the Manatee County School Board until a replacement is found.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • April 1, 2021
Manatee County Commissioners appoint Hopes as interim administrator

Scott Hopes will remain on the Manatee County School Board until a replacement is found

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 1, 2021
East County weather page photo: April 1

Gordon Silver captures this bald eagle with a fresh catch along White Eagle Boulevard.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
David Drake, who is 5 years old, has collected nearly a dozen rocks during his rock hunt at Kids R Kids Learning Academy.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 1, 2021
APRIL FOOLS — No eggs? Simply rock on in Lakewood Ranch

APRIL FOOLS — Lakewood Ranch moms hosts rock hunt to replace cancelled egg hunt events.

  • April Fools
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Latest in East County

1
Sarasota's Harlyn Voyles, 7, holds on for dear life during the mutton busting at Dakin Dairy Farms' Bull Bash April 4.
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Jeremy Gandon kisses the LECOM Suncoast Classic trophy. He shot six under par in the final round to win the title at 22 under par overall, defeating Mitchell Meissner and Jay Card III by one stroke.
  • April 5, 2026
Jeremy Gandon wins 2026 LECOM Suncoast Classic
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Under Southwest Florida Water Management District's Phase III restrictions, water fountains can only run four hours per day.
  • April 5, 2026
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4
Jeremy Gandon tees off on the first hole of the Commander Course at Lakewood National Golf Club. The 29-year-old Frenchman carded six under par in the third round.
  • April 4, 2026
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5
Lakewood Ranch's Jerry and Marilyn Schneider, who have been married for 63 years, enjoy the live music at Music on Main April 3.
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Dancers show off their moves at Music on Main in Lakewood Ranch

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