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East County

    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 29, 2026
Voices of America: What's your favorite American invention?

In our series of questions for Americans in honor of the country's 250th birthday, we reflect on what was Made in the U.S.A.

  • Spirit of America
Jetson Grimes
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 28, 2026
Voices of America: What's your favorite American tradition?

In our series of questions for Americans in honor of the country's 250th birthday, we explore how we celebrate.

  • Spirit of America
Kristin Hokanson, co-owner of Fiorelli Winery and mom of Jackson and Madison, says the Red, White and Blueberry Celebration is bigger and better every year and is great way to come together as a community.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • June 27, 2026
Fiorelli Winery hosts foot-stomping music

The sixth annual Red, White and Blueberry Celebration included two live bands.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Arlene Merriman
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 27, 2026
Voices of America: What do you think you have in common with someone living in this country 250 years ago?

In our series of questions for Americans in honor of the country's 250th birthday, we explore how we compare to those before us.

  • Spirit of America
Sisterhood for Good's Glo Reber presents Harbor58's Ari Gibbons and Annie Wilson a grant for $7,500 to go towards a mentoring program for foster kids.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • June 26, 2026
Another monster year for Sisterhood for Good, which awards 29 grants worth $150,095

The Lakewood Ranch nonprofit has awarded $772,522 in grants since 2011.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Savanna at Lakewood Ranch's Camden Bedinghaus, 23, is running for the District 5 seat on the Manatee County school board to be a "voice for his generation."
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • June 26, 2026
Lakewood Ranch 23-year-old wants to represent Gen Z on Manatee school board

Camden Bedinghaus created a "Cam Plan" to improve common sense academics, accountability and transparency, and mastery of real world skills.

  • East County
  • Schools
MJ Price
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 26, 2026
Voices of America: How do you reflect your patriotism?

In our series of questions for Americans in honor of our country's 250th birthday, we explore the idea of modern-day patriotism.

  • Spirit of America
Bill Schey is a Marine Corps veteran and a board member for the Folds of Honor Southwest Florida and Chicago chapters (with his wife, Connie Schey).
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 25, 2026
Voices of America: What is a patriot today?

In our series of questions for Americans in honor of the country's 250th birthday, we explore the idea of modern-day patriotism.

  • Spirit of America
Myakka City's Mike Harrison is running for the District 1 seat on the Manatee County Commission.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 24, 2026
Myakka City resident throws his cowboy hat into Manatee County Commission race

Mike Harrison is vying for the Republican nomination in District 1; he's up against five other candidates.

  • East County
  • News
Reclaimed water systems run separately from drinking-water systems.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • June 24, 2026
Dry weather cuts into Manatee reclaimed-water system's pressure

County officials stress drinking-water system is not affected.

  • East County
  • News
This house in Plantation Oaks is advertised on several booking platforms as sleeping up to 32 guests.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 24, 2026
Manatee County commissioners consider regulating vacation rentals

Plantation Oaks rental causing major annoyance with noise at all hours, cars parked up and down the road, and excessive garbage along the street.

  • East County
  • News
Mia Busser's recruitment opened June 15 following the USA Gymnastics Women's Development Program National Championships. There, she placed fourth in the all-around, second on floor and fourth on vault.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • June 24, 2026
Lakewood Ranch gymnast soars to career-best success

Mia Busser, a 16-year-old Level 10 gymnast, has her eyes on college following a podium-worthy performance on the national stage.

  • East County
  • Sports
Dan Bue, a U.S. Navy veteran, is both a client and a team member at Operation Warrior Resolution.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 24, 2026
Manatee nonprofit shortens path to wellness for veterans

Operation Warrior Resolution offers brain-based healing to help veterans deal with past trauma.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sparklers are among the items not allowed under Manatee County's burn-ban rules.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • June 23, 2026
Manatee County sets burn ban as dry conditions persist

Rainfall is well below levels seen in 2025.

  • East County
  • News
Scarlett and Amelia Evancic express art through various mediums, including pencil, paint, photography, digital art, cardboard and more.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • June 23, 2026
When it comes to art, these sisters know where to draw the line

Scarlett and Amelia Evancic share a common passion for art but what role it plays in their future has yet to be decided.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
« 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 »
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Latest in East County

1
Partners Animal Hospital Lakewood Ranch hosts a ribbon cutting July 10.
  • July 13, 2026
Partners Animal Hospital opens in Lakewood Ranch
2
Boston's JJ Maguire, 4, Ariel Maguire, 6, and their mom, Kasha Grabowski, wear funky hats while enjoying treats from Jeremiah's Italian Ice at the Farmers' Market at Lakewood Ranch.
  • July 13, 2026
Despite the heat, the Farmers' Market at Lakewood Ranch is still the place to be
3
Brooklyn Cullen's golf career began at Hawaii's Princeville Makai Golf Club when she was 6 years old. It continues now in Florida, where she moved before beginning sixth grade at The Out-of-Door Academy.
  • July 13, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Brooklyn Cullen
4
Jason Starkman, the director of operations for The Original Wolfie's and Rascal House restaurants, shows off a corned beef sandwich. Wolfie's 21 Hand Cut is coming to UTC in late November or early December.
  • July 10, 2026
Wolfie's Hand Cut headed to University Town Center
5
Two killed in two crashes two hours apart on I-75
  • July 10, 2026
Two killed in two crashes two hours apart on I-75

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