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East County | News

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
Sarasota County has issued a burn ban to help prevent wildfire.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • November 4, 2025
Manatee bans burning until next week at earliest

Similar restrictions are already in place for Sarasota.

  • East County
  • News
Sgt. John Skeen, who died Oct. 21, was honored at the Elks Lodge in Lakewood Ranch May 8 on Victory in Europe Day.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 4, 2025
World War II hero dies at 107 years old

Bradenton's John Skeen reluctantly told stories about fighting with the U.S. Army's 70th Infantry Division.

  • East County
  • News
A new Outback Steakhouse opens Nov. 11 on the corner of State Road 70 and Crossland Trail.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 1, 2025
Outback Steakhouse opens in Lakewood Ranch on Nov. 11

The popular Australian-themed restaurant will open on the corner of State Road 70 and Crossland Trail on Nov. 11.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
A silver Volkswagen SUV was reported leaving the Town Square University Parkway with several leafy plants strapped to a roof cargo rack.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • October 29, 2025
Burglar makes off with Manatee senior center's therapeutic garden

Town Square University Parkway hopes donors now can help replace what was stolen.

  • East County
  • News
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Latest in East County

1
CEO Mike Bisaha says the new equipment will at least triple Big Top Brewing Co.'s beer production.
  • December 3, 2025
Big Top to open expanded brew house at Sarasota's Fruitville Commons
2
Mill Creek's Ilana Simone, who performs as Ilana Armida, has returned to her roots after living in Los Angeles to pursue her musical career.
  • December 3, 2025
Mill Creek musical artist continues to search for her audience
3
Lakewood Ranch High School graduate Jason Huh has founded a few different companies, including Sodi Pop. Sodi Pop is now available in a healthy vending machine at the school for staff and students to enjoy.
  • December 3, 2025
Sodi Pop, billed as a healthier product, comes to Lakewood Ranch High
4
Marine Corps veteran Dale Cole lives in Greenfield Plantation and is a regular user of Manatee Moves.
  • December 3, 2025
Ride service for Manatee County veterans is on the move
5
Commissioners George Kruse and Bob McCann are on opposite sides of the AAA High School vote. Kruse voted in favor of approving the site plan, and McCann voted to deny the site plan.
  • December 3, 2025
Manatee commissioners have final say about new school but no real power

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