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East County

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
Braden River High School's Jake Whiddon is a 2020 National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winner.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 13, 2020
Braden River High School senior named National Merit Scholarship winner

Jake Whiddon one of two School District of Manatee County seniors to be named a Merit Scholar.

  • East County
  • Schools
Lakewood Ranch's Robert Wentzell announced May 4 that Bradenton Insurance has become Guided Insurance Solutions.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 13, 2020
Bradenton-based insurance company has new policy for doing business

Bradenton-based insurance company has new policy for doing business

  • East County
  • Business
Naughty Monk Brewery co-owner Joe Eibler he worries what will happen if his business is not allowed to reopen soon.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • May 13, 2020
Bartenders' only tip: Hang tough in Lakewood Ranch

Manatee County bars, gyms wait while other businesses bring in revenue.

  • East County
  • News
James Miller said despite having bad luck with the weather and COVID-19 during the past two seasons, he will continue improvements at the Sarasota Polo Club.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 13, 2020
Virus cuts out chunk of season at the Sarasota Polo Club

Sarasota polo club members committed to improvements despite lost revenue from COVID-19.

  • East County
  • News
Manatee County 12th Judicial Circuit Judge Lon Arend hears from attorneys in the Lake Lincoln dispute Feb. 9, 2018.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • May 13, 2020
Manatee County faces another Tara lawsuit

Lake Lincoln attorney says lawsuit would cover damages related to land use restrictions.

  • East County
  • News
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Latest in East County

1
James Satcher, a former Manatee County commissioner and Supervisor of Elections, is now running for Congress.
  • June 9, 2026
Former Manatee County commissioner, supervisor of elections runs for Congress
2
All four wheels of the Ford F-150 penetrated the inside of the Palm Aire home.
  • June 9, 2026
Truck crashes into Palm Aire home
3
Evan Rowe (right), pictured here at the FHSAA Class 2A wrestling individual state championships from March 5-7, turned in an exceptional senior season for Braden River.
  • June 9, 2026
Best of the Best: East County's top high school athletes of 2025-26
4
Bridgewater's Jonathan Mullis, a local dad and business owner, wants to bring his experience and connections to benefit the School District of Manatee County school board.
  • June 9, 2026
Bridgewater dad says his connections make him a valuable candidate
5
Voters stream in and out of Lakewood Ranch Town Hall during the 2024 general election. However, many Manatee County races are won or lost during the primary election.
  • June 9, 2026
Forums introduce Manatee candidates ahead of primary elections

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