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East County

The Lakewood Ranch High girls golf team and Coach Mick Koczersut. The Mustangs are confident in how they are playing.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • October 21, 2020
Lakewood Ranch girls golf is trying to top itself

The Mustangs want a high finish at states.

  • East County
  • Sports
Lakewood Ranch residents Vaughna Wells, Kaija Thoyre, 16 months, and Sam Thoyre dress as sharks during BooFest on Oct. 21, 2019. In 2020, the event will be moved to Premier Sports Campus with a capacity of 250 people.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • October 21, 2020
Will Halloween be sweet in East County?

Lakewood Ranch, east Bradenton decide if Halloween events to go on

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Manatee County struggled to buy a 32.9-acre parcel to form Johnson Preserve until the Conservation Foundation raised $1.03 million for the effort in 2018. The county is seeking dedicated funds for similar purchases.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 21, 2020
Manatee County voters consider whether to establish fund to buy environmentally significant lands

Manatee County fund, if approved by voters, would command up to $50 million in spending to preserve lands.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • October 21, 2020
Liberty or enslavement

If you’re still undecided, forget the candidates’ personalities. It’s the philosophies that matter.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Lou Jacob, CEO of Myakka Elephant Ranch, cares for one of the elephants. Jacob started the ranch after learning more about elephant conservation at a symposium in South Africa and interning at a zoo in Germany. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 21, 2020
Ranch provides un-herd of experience in east Bradenton

Myakka Elephant Ranch opens to the public so it can expand its conservation efforts.

  • East County
  • News
Robert E. Willis Elementary School second graders Aubri Darpino and Ella Baas are socially distant while working on assignments. More students will be on campus after families were able to switch learning modalities.Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 21, 2020
More parents sending kids back to campus in Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch-area elementary and middle schools will no longer offer hybrid option as more students return full time.

  • East County
  • News
The webinar, which covers topics such as active shooters and domestic violence, will be held at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 23.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • October 21, 2020
Manatee County Sheriff's Office offers active shooter webinar

Manatee County Sheriff's office webinar offers advice on violent confrontations

  • East County
  • News
Twinkle will rock My Hometown Fest.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 20, 2020
Concert at Premier could be glimpse of future in Lakewood Ranch

Reverend Barry and the Funk joins Twinkle to rock the Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch on Halloween night.

  • East County
  • News
People can enjoy classic fair foods at Manatee County Fair's Flavor of Our Fairs Oct. 23-25. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 20, 2020
Get a taste of the Manatee County Fair

Manatee County Fair hosts Flavors of Our Fair to support vendors during the pandemic.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 20, 2020
The Observer's 2020 general election recommendations

Here are some insights and opinions to consider on the region’s candidates.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
(From left) Fernando Bravo, Jane White, Theresa Sanders and Charlie Sanders wait in line to vote at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall on Monday. The line snaked around the building and through the back door.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • October 19, 2020
Early voting begins at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall

Line of voters stretched around Lakewood Ranch Town Hall on first day of early voting.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 19, 2020
2020 General Election Candidates

Meet the candidates.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A 78-year-old Lakewood Ranch man is in critical condition after being hit by a SUV while walking in Lakewood Ranch's Country Club.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 17, 2020
Pedestrian critical after being hit by an SUV in Lakewood Ranch

The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the accident that sent the 78-year-old Lakewood Ranch man to Sarasota Memorial Hospital.

  • East County
  • News
East County football roundup: 10.16.20
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • October 16, 2020
East County football roundup: 10.16.20

East County football roundup: 10.16.20

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 15, 2020
East County weather page photo: October 15

Bill Marrone captured this Del Webb sunset in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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Latest in East County

1
Lakewood Ranch girls soccer defeated East Lake in sudden-death penalty kicks Feb. 17 to win the FHSAA Class 6A-Region 3 title.
  • February 18, 2026
Lakewood Ranch girls soccer advances to state semifinals
2
The Lakewood Ranch High School hockey team huddles together at the Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex in December. The team could call Lakewood Ranch home if an ice rink is built at Premier Sports Campus North.
  • February 18, 2026
First step taken for ice rink to glide into Lakewood Ranch's Premier Sports Campus
3
Ability to Include's Grace Murby and Chris Collins are thrilled with a $10,000 grant that was presented to them by Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation Executive Director Kate Mulligan to help build a universal soccer pitch.
  • February 18, 2026
Nonprofit makes its pitch for a new soccer field in Lakewood Ranch
4
Aurora Pena and Theo Light, second graders at Tara Elementary School, appreciate the new and improved classrooms and cafeteria.They are also looking forward to using the new field and playground when they are complete.
  • February 18, 2026
Final month of $31.4 million renovation at Tara Elementary
5
Braden River girls weightlifting brought home the FHSAA Class 2A state championship in Olympic style Feb. 12 at Lakeland's RP Funding Center. It marks the first in program history.
  • February 18, 2026
Braden River High raises the bar at girls weightlifting state championships

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