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East County

Deputy Damon Ackerman. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 20, 2020
Stadium lights honor Manatee County high school seniors

High school seniors in Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch honored with shining of stadium lights.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
KB Belton is the new head football coach at The Out-of-Door Academy. Photo courtesy ODA.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 20, 2020
New ODA football coach wants to continue recent success

K.B. Belton moves up from offensive coordinator to replace Chris Kempton.

  • East County
  • Sports
Pre-kindergartners like Brayden Hackman, a pre-kindergartner at Gene Witt Elementary School, could be a part of the VPK summer program, which will be done online this year. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 20, 2020
Summer school attendance could drop in Manatee County

District could see fewer students in summer programs as result of move to online learning.

  • East County
  • News
East County's Arne Hansen told stories of his time as a bombardier during WWII.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 20, 2020
Bradenton man shares stories of life and death aboard a B-17 in WWII

WWII bombardier from Bradenton talks about his days aboard a B-17.

  • East County
  • News
Suncoast Blood Centers' blood product numbers are at a "urgent" need level. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • May 20, 2020
Blood donations in high demand in Lakewood Ranch area

With so many blood drives having been cancelled, blood donation centers ask the community for help in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

  • East County
  • News
Fitz and Kim Fitzpatrick run their business, Illuminate Landscape Designs, out of their Mill Creek home. The couple try to not only shed light on people's homes but also in people's lives.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 19, 2020
Perseverance comes in handy in east Bradenton

Illuminate Landscape Designs owners Fitz and Kim Fitzpatrick navigate struggles of COVID-19 impacts.

  • East County
  • News
Vacation rentals like this one in East County currently are not allowed for short-term rentals. File photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • May 19, 2020
Manatee County advances plan to reopen vacation rentals

The plan must be reviewed by state the Department of Business and Professional Regulation and the governor's office.

  • East County
  • News
This Harbour Walk home at 557 Fore Drive sold for $1.16 million. It has six bedrooms, five-and-two-half baths, a pool and 4,691 square feet of living area. Photo courtesy of listing agent Jonnie Buffaline.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • May 18, 2020
Residential Real Estate Transactions May 4-8

Lake Club home tops sales at $1.55 million

  • East County
  • Real Estate
  • By Freya Robbins, CDFA™
  • May 18, 2020
Time To Trade In Or Restore?

Time To Trade In Or Restore?

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 17, 2020
Lakewood Ranch church's parade uplifting for members

Oasis Church of Lakewood Ranch hosts small parade to share messages of love and hope.

  • East County
  • News
Although gyms were excluded from the state's initial reopening plans, they will be allowed to open as long as the businesses maintain social distancing and follow other health guidelines. File photo.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 15, 2020
DeSantis expands reopening to include gyms, more

Beginning Monday, restaurants, stores, museums and libraries will be allowed to open at 50% capacity.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 14, 2020
East County weather page photo: May 14

Bill Turnbull captured these eagles on White Eagle Boulevard.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Tidewell Hospice Music Therapist Michael Russo plays outside a patient’s window at Brookdale of Punta Gorda. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • May 13, 2020
New challenges for end-of-life care in Sarasota, Manatee

Tidewell Hospice adapts with less hands-on support allowed during COVID-19 pandemic.

  • East County
  • News
Beth Stager and Hope Carey work with more than 175 volunteers to make masks for healthcare workers.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 13, 2020
Volunteers have healthcare workers covered in Manatee and Sarasota counties

More than 31,000 masks have been distributed to hospitals, assisted living centers and others.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 13, 2020
Sign of appreciation in Lakewood Ranch

Families and students find new ways to show appreciation during Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week

  • East County
  • News
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Latest in East County

1
Santa greets visitors from the window of 9605 Governor's Club Place in The River Club.
  • December 20, 2025
Christmas decorating isn't just for kids
2
The Family Church caroling crew from left to right is Melody Johnson, Laurie Houston, Nancy Pilato, Pastor Phil Derstine and Terrial Robinson.
  • December 20, 2025
East Manatee church members will go through bars to spread Christmas joy
3
Charlie Shachat, a co-founder of the Foolishly Festive Christmas Parade, decided to be part of the show for the "Jaws" 50th anniversary.
  • December 19, 2025
Esplanade continues tradition of being 'foolishly festive' for parade
4
Citrus County woman held in shooting death of Manatee man
  • December 18, 2025
Citrus County woman held in shooting death of Manatee man
5
Capri Finan, 7, Madelyn Finan, 9 and Maverick Finan, 3, pose with Santa after telling him what they want for Christmas, which includes a doll house and a trampoline.
  • December 18, 2025
Braden River High transforms into Winter Wonderland

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