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East County | News

Dr. Samuel Yelverton is proud Universal Health Services is purchasing the most advanced technology for Lakewood Ranch Medical Center.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 2, 2026
Da Vinci 5: A robotic masterpiece at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center

The robotic surgical system impresses surgeons at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, which shows its commitment to the latest robotic technology.

  • East County
  • News
For security reasons, Commissioner Jason Bearden is wary of giving a private company so much data on Manatee County. He wants to "push the brakes" on AI.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 2, 2026
AI pilot program says it can save Manatee County up to $110 million

Commissioners spent $4,900 to have the AI program analyze its spending over the past five years.

  • East County
  • News
Gordie Zimmermann, CEO of Icemann Development LLC, stands out among a sea of residents in red shirts. The residents in red are opposed to Zimmermann building a 190,000-square-foot ice rink at Premier Sports Campus North.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 1, 2026
Plans for ice rink in Lakewood Ranch melt

Manatee County commissioners voted unanimously to end negotiations for an iceplex on Premier Sports Campus North.

  • East County
  • News
The School District of Manatee County is led by School Board Member Chad Choate, Superintendent Laurie Breslin, Chair Cindy Spray, Vice Chair Richard Tatem, School Board Member Heather Felton and School Board Member Charlie Kennedy.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • September 1, 2026
Manatee schools shift into a higher gear with three-year strategic plan

The strategic plan for the School District of Manatee County, which was worked on by staff, families, students and more, consists of goals and priorities for 2026-2029.

  • East County
  • Schools
The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has 79 brand-specific, Flock automated license plate readers installed around Manatee County, but the office uses a total of 134 license plate readers.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 31, 2026
Future of Flock cameras limited in Manatee County

Manatee County commissioners took the first step to stop future installations of license plate readers.

  • East County
  • News
Jpan Sushi & Grill is moving out of its spot at 229 N. Cattlemen Road.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • August 27, 2026
UTC restaurant closing but 'not leaving' after 10 years, owner says

Jpan Sushi and Grill is searching for its next location in the University Town Center area.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Liz Arnold, who won the Manatee County Commission District 1 primary, is still smiling despite negative attacks on her during the campaign.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 26, 2026
Political newcomers say they are tough enough for Manatee commission

Liz Arnold and Tara Poulton survive negative campaign attacks and head toward the general election with confidence.

  • East County
  • News
Sophia Wiley makes her way down the row to shake hands after she receives her Lakewood Ranch High School diploma at Lecom Park May 18.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • August 25, 2026
Manatee schools reach new heights when it comes to graduation

The district set a record with a 90% graduation rate in 2026 but has higher goals in the near future.

  • East County
  • Schools
Just Salad offers salads, bowls, wraps, soups, market plates and smoothies.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • August 23, 2026
New restaurant opens at University Town Center

Just Salad opened recently, while another healthy option is coming soon nearby.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Carolann Garafola, vice president of the Lakewood Ranch Republican Club, emcees the club's Aug. 19 luncheon at the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club. Commissioner George Kruse is the guest speaker.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 23, 2026
Manatee County commissioner talks Amendment 3

George Kruse addresses the ramifications of Amendment 3 passing with Lakewood Ranch Republic Club members.

  • East County
  • News
A Flock camera scans license plates on University Parkway in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 20, 2026
Manatee County Sheriff's Office gives a clear picture about Flock cameras

Sheriff Rick Wells says his office is battling a multitude of misconceptions over the license plate readers.

  • East County
  • News
Bridgewater's Jonathan Mullis, a business owner and charter school parent, placed first in the primary election for the District 5 school board seat for Manatee County.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • August 18, 2026
Manatee School Board races head to runoffs

Jonathan Mullis and Camden Bedinghaus, who have a 26-year age gap, will face each other again in November for the District 5 school board seat.

  • East County
  • Schools
Commissioner Mike Rahn celebrates as the final results show he's the winner in the District 4 race.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 18, 2026
Incumbents dominate 2026 primary in Manatee County

After a grassroots sweep in 2024, commission incumbents Amanda Ballard and Mike Rahn, along with Rep. Bill Conerly dominated this year.

  • East County
  • News
Manatee County is introducing agricultural programming at Mixon Farms. A fruit tree tour is held Aug. 15.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 19, 2026
Manatee County sows seeds for agricultural programming at Mixon Farms

Plenty of ideas are being considered, but commissioners and their ability to fund the project will ultimately decide the project.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 18, 2026
Manatee County Primary Election Results 2026

The 2026 primary election was held Aug. 18. The general election is Nov. 3.

  • East County
  • News
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Latest in East County

1
Junior running back Antonio Jackson (center) of Braden River finds a gap in Lakewood Ranch's defense. The Pirates won this year's rivalry game.
  • September 5, 2026
High school football results from Week 3
2
Fifth graders Amilia Dragovoy, Betsi Branscomb and Raegan Standifer are able to work at their own pace on state standards through the Ethos AI Experiential Academy at Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy.
  • September 2, 2026
Lakewood Ranch Prep embraces personalized AI academy
3
Dr. Samuel Yelverton is proud Universal Health Services is purchasing the most advanced technology for Lakewood Ranch Medical Center.
  • September 2, 2026
Da Vinci 5: A robotic masterpiece at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center
4
Owen Gellatly, pictured here in 2025, is one of two seniors for Lakewood Ranch boys golf this season alongside Donovan Plakyda. Both of them were on last year's team which reached the state championship.
  • September 2, 2026
After 12th-place state finish in 2025, LRHS boys golf team aims higher
5
For security reasons, Commissioner Jason Bearden is wary of giving a private company so much data on Manatee County. He wants to "push the brakes" on AI.
  • September 2, 2026
AI pilot program says it can save Manatee County up to $110 million

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