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East County

Braden River's Natalie Valentine smiles while performing at the state competition. Braden River's Marching Band of Pirates hopes to defend its state title, but it depends on whether school will reopen fully in the fall. File photo
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 17, 2020
East Bradenton marching bands play waiting game

Until decisions are made about reopening school, local bands are planning for different scenarios.

  • East County
  • News
Manatee Technical College students, like former student William Kennedy, have been learning remotely since March 30. MTC is receiving federal funding to provide students who have been impacted by COVID-19 financial aid. File photo
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 17, 2020
MTC receives $1 million in government aid

Funding will provide financial aid to at least 508 students and cover costs of moving to remote learning.

  • East County
  • News
This map shows the location of the proposed 7-Eleven.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • June 17, 2020
S.R. 64 corridor near Lakewood Ranch gets more business

Convenience store comes to S.R. 64/Lorraine Road intersection with more development on the way.

  • East County
  • News
1. Braden River's O'Mariah Gordon repeated as the Gatorade Florida Girls Basketball Player of the Year.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • June 17, 2020
A year of triumph: The top-10 moments of the East County high school sports season

Multiple aea athletes got national and state recognition for their accomplishments this season.

  • East County
  • Sports
East County's Virginia Bell has been reunited with Spanky.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 17, 2020
Chip helps Spanky return to Bradenton home after six years

Shih tzu returned to Bradenton home after being most for six years.

  • East County
  • News
Lt. Rob Guerra is surprised by seeing his daughters Raelyn and Camila and his wife Kayla on Jimmy Kimmel Live From His House. Guerra was sent to New York to help with COVID-19.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 17, 2020
Celebrity donation was no joke for Lakewood Ranch Medical Center nurse

Late night show gives nurse a new truck and PPE for being a health care hero.

  • East County
  • News
Scott Cooper, the new principal at R. Dan Nolan Middle School, settles into his new office. He hopes to expand the performing arts and career and technical education programs at the school in the future.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 17, 2020
New principal thrilled to lead Nolan Middle

Scott Cooper, the new principal of R. Dan Nolan Middle School, is confident he'll transition smoothly to his new role.

  • East County
  • News
Panther Ridge's Olga Ways, on Phillipe, rides through a trail. She and other equestrians can ride more than 14 miles of continuous trails. "We definitely moved here because of the equestrian trains and the length of the trails," s
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • June 17, 2020
Proposed homes draw criticism in eastern Manatee County

Compatibility with surrounding neighborhood creates concern for Concession project.

  • East County
  • News
Eric Holt, a seventh grader at Braden River Middle School, participates in an experiment. Students like Holt could be back in the classroom come fall or at home with virtual learning or both. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 17, 2020
School District of Manatee County seeks reopening input

Share your thoughts on reopening schools during a June 25 School Board of Manatee County workshop.

  • East County
  • News
Nathan Benderson Park's Fireworks on the Lake will be a drive-in celebration with limited parking to abide by social distancing. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 16, 2020
Nathan Benderson Park's fireworks show in Sarasota to be held with restrictions

Tickets to the Nathan Benderson Park fireworks show will be sold starting June 24.

  • East County
  • News
Thomas Desmond, a music teacher at Braden River High School, has been selected for a Congressional Teacher Award.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 16, 2020
Braden River High School teacher receives Congressional Teacher Award

East County teacher is one of eight in Manatee, Sarasota and Hillsborough counties to receive the award from Congressman Vern Buchanan.

  • East County
  • News
This River Club home at 6808 Pinehurst Place soldfor $900,000. It has five bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, a pool and 6,105 square feet of living area. Photo courtesy of listing agent Nicole Ryskamp.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • June 16, 2020
Lakewood Ranch area residential real estate June 1-5

River Club home tops sales at $900,000.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
The meeting will be held at the Bradenton Area Convention Center to allow for social distancing.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • June 15, 2020
Manatee County commissioners to discuss business recovery plan

Compression braking might be banned in section of Lakewood Ranch

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch 8-year-old Bella Bassett capped her art project with this message to her dad, Tony Bassett.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 15, 2020
Glad for dad in Lakewood Ranch

Kids honor dads with project at Lakewood Ranch's Let's Create Art.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Clayton Rosaire says Big Cat Habitat added several improvements to its facility during its down time.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 13, 2020
Big Cat Habitat open again in Sarasota

Exotic animals on display again as Big Cat Habitat in Sarasota reopens.

  • East County
  • News
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Latest in East County

1
Florida Statute 1001.42(4)(f)2 will require high schools, including Braden River High (pictured) and Lakewood Ranch High, to start no earlier than 8:30 a.m. unless the district submits paperwork and gets accepted to keep the current start times.
  • April 7, 2026
Manatee County School District might fight starting time mandate
2
Greenbrook's Tara Poulton is running for Manatee County's District 6 commission seat.
  • April 7, 2026
Lakewood Ranch resident brings government experience to District 6 race
3
A Lake Club home at 17014 Clearlake Ave. sold for $3.9 million. Built in 2023, it has five bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,160 square feet of living area.
  • April 7, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for March 23-27 in Lakewood Ranch
4
John Atanassov and Joel King, co-owners of Blu Kouzina, are eager to serve and get to know new customers at their new location at University Town Center.
  • April 6, 2026
Blu Kouzina adds its Greek flavor at University Town Center
5
Bella Toscano is one of two Mustangs, as of April 3, hitting over .450, but also boasts the lowest ERA among her teammates.
  • April 6, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Bella Toscano

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