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East County

The band Funky Bonez brings a "Neon New Year Party" to the Green at UTC on Jan 2.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 3, 2025
Neon dance party packs The Green at University Town Center

Funky Bonez performed at 2025's first installment of UTC Live on the Green in Sarasota on Jan. 2.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • January 3, 2025
Lakewood Ranch real estate experts expect a steady sales year in 2025

Apprehension over storms, politics is fading, they say, while East County has many sales options.

  • East County
  • News
Sarasota Tsunami swimmer Ava DiPasquale steadies herself before competing in the 2024 Gator Holiday Classic Dec. 6-8 in Ocala. DiPasquale, who turned 13 in December, broke Florida Swimming records in the 100-yard and 200-yard individual medley.
    By
  • Dylan Campbell
  • January 2, 2025
East County swimmer in a lane of her own

Ava DiPasquale, a 13-year-old swimmer from Mill Creek, has established herself as one of the nation's top swimmers.

  • East County
  • Sports
With the elementary portion of Lake Manatee K-8, right, opening in August 2025, and the middle school portion, being constructed on the left, opening in August 2026, the School District of Manatee County needs to redistrict in 2025.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 2, 2025
Redistricting among issues Manatee schools will face in 2025

With five new schools opening by 2027, the School Board of Manatee County will have to approve new school zones.

  • East County
  • Schools
SCF student LaShawn'te Lee, MTC students Emma Ramirez and Krystal Camacho, Scholarship Committee Chair Peg Buck and SCF Foundation Chair Chris Romine pose for a photo during the Palm Aire Women's Club Scholarship Luncheon.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 1, 2025
East County women's club aims to make a difference

The Palm Aire Women's Club raises money for charity and scholarships.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Construction is well underway on the 44th Avenue overpass.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 1, 2025
East County road projects to watch in 2025

The 44th Avenue East extension project will be wrapping up as work on Lakewood Ranch Boulevard begins.

  • East County
  • News
McNeal Elementary third-grade teacher Stacy Freeman is one of four finalists for the 2025 School District of Manatee County Educator of the Year award.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • January 1, 2025
McNeal Elementary teacher named a finalist for Educator of the Year

Through her 18 years of teaching, Stacy Freeman's work goes beyond the classroom

  • East County
  • Schools
  • By None
  • January 1, 2025
Make Space for Good

As you reflect on your resolutions, take a moment to go through closets, storage bins, and those forgotten corners of your home.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
This Country Club home at 7258 Lake Forest Glen sold for $875,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,496 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • December 31, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for Dec. 9-12 in Lakewood Ranch

A Lake Club home on Portlight Court tops the week's sales at $2.35 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Lakewood Ranch High sophomore Brett Traver (middle) emerged as the team's third best golfer in 2024. Sophomore Owen Gellaty and senior Luke Wilson work alongside Traver on their bunker play in preparation for the 2024 state tournament.
    By
  • Dylan Campbell
  • December 30, 2024
The top 10 East County athletes to watch in 2025

These 10 athletes are poised to have big seasons in the new year.

  • East County
  • Sports
Nate's Honor Animal Rescue Center is on track to finish its current expansion project by the spring of 2025.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • December 29, 2024
Nate's Honor expansion will be wrapped up in spring

The $16.5 million Journey Home Capital Campaign for Nate's Honor Animal Rescue Center is expected to be finished by spring.

  • East County
  • News
Commissioner Jason Bearden sits in his office at the Manatee County Administration Building.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • December 28, 2024
Jason Bearden says he is taking a stand against unsupported development

The Manatee County at-large commissioner says he wants roads built first.

  • East County
  • News
Rachel Walmsley lines up a shot during shooting practice at Braden River High School on Thursday, Dec. 12.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • December 27, 2024
Braden River senior helps JROTC team have a shot at air rifle tournament

Rachel Walmsley is floating on air after winning her region's air rifle match.

  • East County
  • Schools
Friends Laura Salata and Melissa Monoki are preparing to open a brand-new BODYBAR Pilates studio in Lakewood Ranch on Jan. 20.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • December 26, 2024
New Year's resolution leads to new Lakewood Ranch Pilates studio

Two friends mix community and exercise with new Bodybar Pilates location.

  • East County
  • Business
The Elks' Faith Frost joins Prodigal Daughters' Denise Gattuso and Ruth Perez-Hernandez and the Elks' Darrin Simone in distributing toys to kids in need during the Elks Toy Drive.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 24, 2024
Elks show their heart in Lakewood Ranch with toys for children in need

More than 7,500 toys were collected during the Elks Toy Drive with help from Walgreens.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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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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