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East County

Tim Hornung stands by the Polo Ranches' gate at Deer Drive and Cow Camp Lane on Thursday before it went live. Hornung is the president of the Polo Ranches HOA.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • September 23, 2020
New gates installed at Sarasota Polo Ranches in Lakewood Ranch

The five gates at Sarasota Polo Ranches were installed mostly for the safety of residents and their horses.

  • East County
  • News
(From left)Gene Gelpke, Harry Benas, RC Bartley and Brian Biery discuss Central Park's e-voting system at an outdoor pavilion in the community. Bartley and Biery are board directors. Gelpke and Benas are subcommittee volunteers.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • September 23, 2020
Central Park HOA in Lakewood Ranch switches to e-voting

An HOA in Lakewood Ranch finds that 45% of households have opted in to e-voting, higher than any previous rate of voter participation

  • East County
  • News
Guests will have fun trying to find their way through the maze. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • September 23, 2020
Pumpkin Festival will be held in East County

Hunsader Farms will host its 29th annual Pumpkin Festival with COVID-19 precautions in place.

  • East County
  • News
Amy Jones, a senior at Lakewood Ranch High School, is a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • September 23, 2020
Lakewood Ranch High senior earns academic award

Amy Jones is one of three School District of Manatee County students to be named a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist.

  • East County
  • News
Carson Goda catches a first-drive touchdown pass from Shawqi Itraish.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • September 23, 2020
Prose and Kohn: Football's back, and it just feels right

Being on the gridiron acts as a balm for the soul.

  • East County
  • Sports
Lavontae Youmans rolls through a Charlotte tackle attempt.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • September 23, 2020
Pirates football still finding its way

Braden River lost its first game, but there's reasons not to panic.

  • East County
  • Sports
Andrea Dietz.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • September 23, 2020
East County Athlete of the Week: Andrea Dietz

The Lakewood Ranch sophomore talks starting in volleyball and overcoming mental blocks.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 23, 2020
Florida Senate District 23: Robert Kaplan

Meet the candidate.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Manatee County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to an armed robbery at the S.R. 64 Walmart Tuesday night.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 23, 2020
Bradenton Walmart manager shot while defying two armed robbers

Armed robbery in Bradenton leads to shooting of Walmart manager.

  • East County
  • News
Jeanne Klein and Sue Seuell, residents of Cypress Springs Gracious Retirement Living, laugh while talking to each other. "I'm happy I can be outside and get fresh air," Klein says.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • September 23, 2020
East County seniors say hello again

Lakewood Ranch-area seniors embrace fewer restrictions in assisted living facilities and retirement homes.

  • East County
  • News
Fans will have plenty of space at Lakewood National, but the bleachers behind No. 18 likely won't be used in 2021.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 22, 2020
LECOM Suncoast Classic director optimistic fans will be allowed to 2021 Lakewood Ranch event.

LECOM Suncoast Classic hopes pandemic eases to allow fans back into Korn Ferry event in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
Manatee County passed its $740 million budget on Monday night.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • September 22, 2020
Manatee County approves 2020-21 budget

The $740 million budget decreased 2.2% over last year's because of losses projected from the effects of COVID-19

  • East County
  • News
The Mustangs (1-0) went on the road Monday and defeated North Port High (0-3) 23-6.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • September 21, 2020
Lakewood Ranch High football wins opener

The Mustangs went on the road to defeat North Port High 23-6 on Monday.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • September 18, 2020
Braden River football falls in season opener

The Pirates lost 35-21 to Charlotte High.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 17, 2020
East County weather page photo: September 17

Stuart Schwartz came to the rescue of this hummingbird stuck on his lanai in River Club.

  • 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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