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East County

Bob Whitford is leaving his position as operations and facilities director at Nathan Benderson Park.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 3, 2020
SANCA executive hits finish line after enriching Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota

Bob Whitford gives up post at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota after building North America's top rowing facility.

  • East County
  • News
This Eagle Trace home at 1930 Crystal Lake Trail sold for $278,000. It has two bedrooms, two baths and is 1,452 square feet.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • June 3, 2020
Residential real estate transactions May 18-22

Weekly list of homes sales in the Lakewood Ranch and Bradenton areas.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Central Park's Miryam Ballard, 2, enters the playground at Bob Gardner Park in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 3, 2020
Can't slide on responsibilities at Lakewood Ranch and Bradenton playgrounds

Officials hope those who use Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton playgrounds take responsibility for social distancing, sanitary measures.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 2, 2020
Teachers, staff surprise graduating Pirates with celebration

Braden River High School congratulate seniors picking up caps and gowns.

  • East County
  • Schools
    A time to celebrate |
  • May 29, 2020
Trevor Clark

Congratulations, Trevor!

  • East County
  • Celebrations
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 28, 2020
East County students enjoy a special goodbye at Rowlett Middle Academy

Rowlett Middle Academy celebrates eighth graders with "Driving On" parade.

  • East County
  • News
The Farnese model at Esplanade at The Heights has been greeted with fanfare.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • May 28, 2020
Taylor Morrison unveils its Esplanade at the Heights in Bradenton

Esplanade brand and location near Ward Lake in Bradenton have stimulated strong interest in the new community.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Hurricane Irma in 2017 forced East County residents to seek shelter.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 28, 2020
COVID-19 leads to reduced hurricane shelter space in Manatee County

Less shelter space will be available this hurricane season in Manatee County due to COVID-19.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 28, 2020
East County weather page photo: May 28

Richard Bottorff captured this group of cormorants in a pond at Rye Wilderness.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch High senior softball player Avery Goelz has made history.Â
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 28, 2020
Lakewood Ranch softball player named Gatorade Florida Player of the Year

Avery Goelz is the first Mustang to receive the award.

  • East County
  • News
This Florida softshell turtle found itself crossing traffic on White Eagle Boulevard in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 27, 2020
Turtle tries the fast lane in Lakewood Ranch

Florida softshell turtle survives trip in the Lakewood Ranch fast lane.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Manatee County YMCA Interim CEO Frank Frey says he is planning for the "worst case scenario" to make sure the YMCA remains viable.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • May 27, 2020
Pandemic puts Manatee County YMCA at risk

After the Manatee County YMCA was making financial gains, COVID-19 cut the Y's membership in half.

  • East County
  • News
Maj. Aaron Traver flies a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 27, 2020
Lakewood Ranch resident OK working in obscurity as an Air Force major

Major Aaron Traver comes home to Lakewood Ranch after his 11th deployment.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center nurse Danielle Ford accepts a cake from MTC. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 27, 2020
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center nurses receive sweet gift

MTC shows its appreciation for Lakewood Ranch Medical Center nurses with a sweet gift.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Manatee County Director of Redevelopment and Economic Opportunity Geri Lopez said she expects the county to have multiple phases of business assistance, but the first will focus on reopening under COVID-19 related restrictions.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • May 27, 2020
Manatee County researches ways it can help local businesses after pandemic

Manatee County researches ways it can help local businesses after pandemic

  • 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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