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East County | News

Sarasota, Manatee sandbag centers open in anticipation of heavy rains
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • July 1, 2025
Sarasota, Manatee sandbag centers open in anticipation of heavy rains

With a potential round of heavy rain possible this week, Sarasota County will open its sandbag-distribution sites from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 2.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Crane Park sits on the Myakka River, which makes it prone to flooding.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 30, 2025
Manatee County purchases two more properties for conservation

The properties will expand Rye Preserve and Crane Park.

  • East County
  • News
The socialized cats have indoor and outdoor access, so Luna is relaxing on the "catio."
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 29, 2025
Manatee County kittens need foster and permanent homes

The need is more urgent since an outbreak of feline distemper at the Bishop Animal Center.

  • East County
  • News
Brasfield and Gorrie's Bill McCartha and Kevin Lorie watch as the beam goes skyward.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 23, 2025
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center expansion hits key milestone

Brasfield and Gorrie complete the LWRMC tower's structural framework as the $120 million project heads into its homestretch.

  • East County
  • News
As commissioners, George Kruse and Bob McCann are required by state statute to remain unbiased when voting on quasi judicial matters.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 19, 2025
How much is too much communication between commissioners and residents?

Manatee County Commissioner Bob McCann's quasi judicial conduct is questioned by fellow commissioners.

  • East County
  • News
The last day the Mote Aquarium on City Island will be open to visitors will be July 6th. Mote is planning to open its new facility soon near Benderson Park.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • June 18, 2025
Mote Marine begins its process of moving aquarium

July 6 will be the last day the public can visit the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium facility on City Island.

  • Sarasota
  • News
East Manatee Firefighter Larry Haymore practices cutting with a torch during his Technician Level for Structural Collapse training.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 18, 2025
East Manatee firefighters get the spark to train for disaster situations

The firefighters from East Manatee Fire Rescue went through two weeks of intense drills to earn their Rescue Specialist Certification.

  • East County
  • News
The county's plan is to widen Lorraine Road from two lanes to four from State Road 64 to 59th Avenue East. The project would also include improvements, such as lighting and bike lanes.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 18, 2025
Lakewood Ranch Library upgrades, Lorraine Road prioritized for 2026

Manatee County commissioners started the budget process, but the final budget won't be approved until September.

  • East County
  • News
Manatee seeks applicants interested in DOGE-style committee
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • June 17, 2025
Manatee seeks applicants interested in DOGE-style committee

The five-member group would work with statewide effort.

  • East County
  • News
The Lund family relocated from Wisconsin so they could more easily play in pickleball tournaments and for Matt, the new CEO, to take on running The Pickleball Club at Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • June 17, 2025
The Pickleball Club at Lakewood Ranch reopens under new leadership

Matt Lund, who had worked under the previous ownership, says the business model has it right this time.

  • East County
  • Business
Drivers on Lakewood Ranch Boulevard will continue to experience delays through at least October.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 17, 2025
Lakewood Ranch Boulevard inches toward improvements

The road is anticipated to be rebuilt by October, depending on the weather.

  • East County
  • News
Jordan Arcari, 33, is the owner, operator and chef of Eatalia Market at Waterside. The products are imported from Italy and they offer fresh grab and go meals. Customers can also purchase other products such as wine, cheese and meats to cook authentic Italian cuisine themselves.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • June 14, 2025
Eatalia Market offers goods imported from Italy in Lakewood Ranch

Owner Jordan Arcari wanted to bring Italian culture to Waterside Place.

  • East County
  • Business
Jeff Toale took over as president of the board of the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation June 1.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 11, 2025
New leader takes over at Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation

Jeff Toale becomes president of the board June 1.

  • East County
  • News
Manatee school board fires teacher accused of sexting student
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • June 10, 2025
Manatee school board fires teacher accused of sexting student

Oliver Fell was charged with lewd conduct against a student by an authority figure and transmission of harmful material to a minor.

  • East County
  • News
Vehicle operations training is underway at the new training center in Myakka City June 3.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 10, 2025
Law enforcement training center offers everything in one place: Myakka City

Cadets and officers no longer need to travel outside of Manatee County to train.

  • East County
  • News
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Latest in East County

1
The idea for Moo-Jitsu was a collaboration between 9-year-old Olivia Whitman and her father Brandon Whitman in October of last year. They launched the business in August.
  • December 8, 2025
Love of cows adds spice to Lakewood Ranch business
2
Francesca Bisordi poses for a photo on Dec. 4 during a Lakewood Ranch wrestling practice. Currently competing in the 155-pound weight class, she formerly wrestled at 170 in both 2024 and 2023.
  • December 8, 2025
East County Athlete of the Week: Francesca Bisordi
3
The Lake Manatee EMS station is due for a replacement. EMS moved into the space in 1982.
  • December 8, 2025
Site for a new Lake Manatee EMS station is under fire
4
Capacity of the new operation is up to 18 million gallons a day from 12 million, and the system reduced harmful nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus released into the reclaimed-water irrigation.
  • December 7, 2025
Expanded, improved wastewater plant officially opens
5
St. Petersburg's Ella Brown and Sarasota's Mike Chambers take full advantage of the live music to show off their best dance moves at the Lakewood Ranch Blues Fest Dec. 6.
  • December 7, 2025
Lakewood Ranch music fans aren't crying the blues after festival

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