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East County | News

John Morrison takes his Gadsden flag down after receiving two notices from his homeowners association saying the flag violates community deed restrictions.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 18, 2025
Preserve at Tara HOA tells resident to remove his Gadsden flag

The homeowner says the flag fits within the community's guidelines, but he removed it when threatened with fines.

  • East County
  • News
Manatee School District shares redrawn zoning maps, seeks feedback
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • November 17, 2025
Manatee School District shares redrawn zoning maps, seeks feedback

The zones for elementary, middle and K-8 schools will be implemented in the 2026-2027 school year, while high school rezoning begins 2027-2028.

  • East County
  • Schools
Hole 14 is one of two greens that was resodded last year. The rest of the course was sprigged to grow new grass.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 17, 2025
Preserve Golf Club ups its game with new greens, restaurant, fitness studio

The public is invited to attend a soft reopening of the Tara club from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 22.

  • East County
  • News
Laurie Breslin was named superintendent of the School District of Manatee County in August.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • November 16, 2025
Manatee School District welcomes a new leader

The new head of the School District of Manatee County brings a local flavor to the job.

  • East County
  • Schools
An average of 4,500 people attend Music on Main each month.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer, Mark Gordon
  • November 15, 2025
Lakewood Ranch Main Street motors past a milestone

Some tenants have left. Others have been there for 10, or even 20, years. Amid the changes, Main Street at Lakewood Ranch maintains its original calling: a go-to gathering spot.

  • East County
  • News
Accidental drowning confirmed in Manatee disappearance
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • November 14, 2025
Accidental drowning confirmed in Manatee disappearance

A teenager ran from a car traveling along Interstate 75 in August.

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center has 120 beds and is operated by a subsidiary of national health care provider Universal Health Services.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • November 13, 2025
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center scores third A in a row

Leapfrog's top score in twice-a-year schedule is the first under the management of new CEO Robbert Anderson.

  • East County
  • News
During field trips at Mote Marine Laboratory, students are given the opportunity to see sea creatures up close and explore whether or not a career in science is for them.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • November 11, 2025
Freshwater education grants awarded to two East County schools

The Southwest Florida Water Management District presented $3,000 to Lakewood Ranch High School and $2,500 to Bashaw Elementary School.

  • East County
  • Schools
The boathouse and events center planned for Nathan Benderson Park is expected to cost between $60 million and $70 million.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 9, 2025
Fundraising campaign begins for Benderson Park boathouse/events center

With schematics mostly finished, NBP Conservancy looks toward a first quarter of 2028 completion date.

  • East County
  • News
This rendering offers a glimpse of the multi-building concept for the new high school slated for the corner of Rangeland Parkway and Post Boulevard.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 7, 2025
Plans for a second high school in Lakewood Ranch debated due to traffic

Some Manatee County commissioners argued that Lorraine Road should be widened before adding more traffic to the area.

  • East County
  • Schools
Manatee County will expand its pilot program countywide to give ambulances priority at traffic lights.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • November 7, 2025
Emergency traffic-light system expands in Manatee

A successful trial run prompts broader rollout, including Lakewood Ranch intersections.

  • East County
  • News
Orlando Health owns land off State Road 70 at Crossland Trail in Manatee County.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • November 6, 2025
Orlando health care system plans Lakewood Ranch expansion

Orlando Health has acquired property in Manatee County.

  • East County
  • News
Todd Henson, director of maintenance at the School District of Manatee County, said mold testing throughout the Lakewood Ranch High School campus will determine whether areas of concern are mold, dirt, mildew or something else.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • November 5, 2025
Mold concerns grow at Lakewood Ranch High

An industrial hygienist conducts a site visit to collect samples and gather feedback from teachers and students, who say exposure to mold has made them ill.

  • East County
  • Schools
A rendering of Optimal Outcomes' HealthPark II that will be built in Lakewood Ranch with the groundbreaking early in 2026.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 5, 2025
Optimal Outcomes builds a second health park in Lakewood Ranch

The health care real estate development company expects to break ground in early 2026.

  • East County
  • Business
The Lakewood Ranch Community Action Group protests a possible gas station on the corner of 44th Avenue East and White Eagle Boulevard Nov. 1.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 5, 2025
Lakewood Ranch-area residents protest possible gas station

A pre-application was submitted for a 24-hour convenience store and gas station on 44th Avenue and White Eagle Boulevard.

  • East County
  • News
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Latest in East County

1
Seniors Gavin Moore, Abigail Frint and Ryan Johnson were among 12 students at Lakewood Ranch High School to set up and spread the word about the opportunities available at the new College and Career Center.
  • December 9, 2025
Lakewood Ranch High's College and Career Center makes its debut
2
Martha McKlveen, a Nate's Honor Animal Rescue Center volunteer and donor, is eager for Kitty City to be able to support more cats that are in need, just like the over 1,000 she has fostered since 2009.
  • December 9, 2025
Kitty City built at Nate's Honor with $250,000 donation from volunteer
3
A Wild Blue at Waterside home at 1058 Blue Shell Loop sold for $3.25 million. Built in 2025, it has five bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,607 square feet of living area.
  • December 9, 2025
Top residential real estate sales for Nov. 24-28 in Lakewood Ranch
4
Four boys compete for Sarasota Scullers in the Plant High Winter Sprints on Dec. 6 at Nathan Benderson Park. The Scullers, founded in 1991, are hosting a fundraiser on Dec. 13 to build back from damages suffered during past hurricane seasons.
  • December 9, 2025
Sarasota Scullers pursue 1 million meters
5
Miracle League Board President Robyn Graham, Elks Golf Tournament Director Mark Liddell, Elk Sarah Davis and Miracle League Executive Director Chris Cushman celebrate the Elks' $1,500 donation to the league.
  • December 9, 2025
The miracle of caring is celebrated at Longwood Park in Sarasota

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