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East County

Myakka’s wildlife respond favorably to the habitat restoration zone, which prevents human disturbances and improves their habitats.
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • December 16, 2024
Habitat Restoration zone returns to Myakka

By reducing human disturbances, temporary fencing protects plants and wildlife, while offering visitors superior wildlife viewing opportunities.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Out-of-Door Academy sophomore Maggie Yull scored once in regulation and in penalty kicks to help the Thunder capture the 1A District 10 title over Bradenton Christian Jan. 28. Here, she prepares to receive a corner kick against Braden River High on Dec. 5.
    By
  • Dylan Campbell
  • December 16, 2024
Out-of-Door Academy girls soccer takes the hard road

The Thunder has scheduled tougher opponents to help prepare for the postseason.

  • East County
  • Sports
Lakewood Ranch's Richard Pierson, who checks out the cap gun exhibit at his Sarasota Toy Museum, says toys have declined for a while, but he expects a resurgence.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • December 16, 2024
Lakewood Ranch toy aficionado hopes to spread passion to local kids

Richard Pierson has seen a shift in the way toys are appreciated.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Two killed in head-on crash on State Road 70
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 16, 2024
Two killed in head-on crash on State Road 70

A driver was attempting to pass slower traffic, troopers say.

  • East County
  • News
Oscar Mayer 'hotdoggers' Kaitlin Goldstein and Cooper Albert drive around the country to spread brand awareness and tease out some smiles.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • December 15, 2024
Oscar Mayer Wienermobile serves smiles to Lakewood Ranch

Nostalgia and photo opportunities were aplenty when the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile arrived in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch boys varsity wrestling Head Coach Pat Ancil believes that it is critical that his wrestlers engage in activities that push them out of their comfort zones.
    By
  • Dylan Campbell
  • December 14, 2024
Lakewood Ranch High wrestling goes caroling

The boys and girls wrestling teams performed for the residents of Cypress Springs Gracious Retirement Living.

  • East County
  • Sports
Guests line up for food trucks at Ranch Nite Wednesday on Dec. 11 at Waterside Place.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • December 13, 2024
Ranch Nite Wednesday has residents coming back for seconds

The temperature dropped, but the food was still warm.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Soleta Golf Club held a Grand Opening media day event on Tuesday, Dec. 10 to showcase the brand-new par-72 course in Myakka City.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • December 13, 2024
Soleta Golf Club brings destination golf to Myakka City

The Nick Price-designed golf course officially opened on Tuesday, Dec. 10.

  • East County
  • News
Winners of each age group (8-9, 10-11 and 12-13 years old) received trophies for their performance at the Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks Hoop Shoot at Carlos E. Haile Middle School on Monday, Dec. 9.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • December 11, 2024
Lakewood Ranch Elks Hoop Shoot puts youth basketball in the spotlight

Six Hoop Shoot winners will advance to the district tournament in Sarasota

  • East County
  • Sports
Ian and Amanda Huezo, Jessica Mendez, Executive Director Lynn Rasys and Mendez's friend Erica Molinar attend Farm to Table Tampa Bay in November. The event benefited the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • December 11, 2024
Florida nonprofit eases the financial stress of cancer

The Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation covers the cost of living expenses for patients actively undergoing cancer treatment.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation Executive Director Kate Mulligan (left) and President Mark Clark (right) present Heather Hackett with the C. John A. Clarke Humanitarian of the Year award.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • December 11, 2024
Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation awards 20 grants

At Refreshments and Recognition, the foundation also honored its Humanitarian of the Year.

  • East County
  • News
Fort Hamer road, bridge widening to cost $190.5 million
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • December 11, 2024
Fort Hamer road, bridge widening to cost $190.5 million

Manatee County held a public hearing to share its plans for the corridor from Upper Manatee River Road to U.S. 301.

  • East County
  • News
Owen Han is joined by his sister Olimpia Ruzbacki and her children Hawk, Haze and Cypress.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • December 10, 2024
'Sandwich King' Owen Han returns to Out of Door Academy

Han graduated in 2016 and went on to become a culinary influencer.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Michelle Sanchez, a paraprofessional at William H. Bashaw Elementary School, is able to spend more time with her son Tiago Sanchez now that she works at his school.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • December 10, 2024
Manatee finds success recruiting from within school communities

Parents have been inspired to become paraprofessionals, teachers and administrators.

  • East County
  • Schools
Braden River girls varsity soccer Head Coach Don Engelberger has been leading the program since 2009.
    By
  • Dylan Campbell
  • December 10, 2024
Braden River girls soccer looks like a contender again

The varsity girls soccer team looks to avenge its district championship loss last season to Parrish Community High.

  • East County
  • Sports
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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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