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East County | News

Bradenton residents get sandbags at the Public Works Annex, 1411 Ninth St. W. Forecasts for heavy rain next week are prompting Manatee County to urge residents to prepare.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 4, 2024
Manatee issues new state of emergency ahead of heavy rain forecast

Rainfall totals could rival amount received during Hurricane Debby, officials say.

  • East County
  • News
Summerfield Bluffs' Angela Abrams and her 13-year-old daughter Leah Abrams sift through belongings following Hurricane Debby. Although they came through Hurricane Helene unscathed, they have had to deal with the heightened stress.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • October 1, 2024
Back-to-back hurricanes heighten stress for Manatee County residents

Lakewood Ranch psychiatrist Stacy Greeter said Post-traumatic stress disorder gets activated from past negative storm experiences.

  • East County
  • News
A 30,000-gallon water tower sits towards the back of the station. It supplies water for the station's emergency sprinkler system.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 30, 2024
East Manatee Fire Rescue prepares to unveil new Myakka City station

A grand opening celebration will be held on Oct. 19 at 10215 Wauchula Road.

  • East County
  • News
A flooded street on Siesta Key.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 24, 2024
Hurricane Helene news, updates in Sarasota, Manatee

Cleanup begins across the region following Hurricane Helene's landfall Thursday night as a Category 4 storm.

  • Hurricane Season
Tony Olivero of Main Street at Lakewood Ranch cleans up fallen palm fronds, tree limbs and other debris following Hurricane Helene on Sept. 27.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 27, 2024
All quiet on the eastern Manatee front following Hurricane Helene

While west Manatee beaches took a "devastating" hit, Lakewood Ranch-area residents were dealing with minor cleanup.

  • East County
  • News
Guardians John Bartley and Joe Hodge man the security screeners at Braden River High School's football game Sept. 20.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • September 25, 2024
School Board of Manatee County adds safety and security to tax referendum

If renewed, the 1-mill property tax referendum will support providing security at after-school events and funding security enhancements.

  • East County
  • Schools
Manatee County acknowledges not being in compliance with Florida's Public Records Act.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 25, 2024
Manatee County settles public records lawsuit for $75,000

The county acknowledged that it was not in compliance with the law.

  • East County
  • News
The final budget hearing is on Sept. 24 at 5:30 p.m. at the Manatee County Administration Building.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 24, 2024
Manatee County adopts $3.2 billion budget

Commissioners also adopted a $5.1 billion Capital Improvement Plan and a reduced millage rate.

  • East County
  • News
The trailer and specialized equipment inside cost the East Manatee Fire Rescue approximately $380,000.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 24, 2024
East Manatee Fire Rescue expands specialized services

The fire district purchased a trailer stocked full of specialty equipment meant to handle the most complicated calls.

  • East County
  • News
The National Hurricane Center says a tropical system heading into the Gulf of Mexico is forecast to become a hurricane on Wednesday and continue strengthening as it moves across the eastern Gulf of Mexico.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • September 23, 2024
Manatee County readies as tropical system approaches

Lake Manatee Dam work is complete, and sandbag stations are open.

  • East County
  • News
Kevin Morris is deputy director of utilities for Manatee County.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 23, 2024
Manatee County Utilities receives another blow amid hurricane season

The utilities department works to fill the gap left after two deputy directors with a combined nearly 23 years of experience tender their resignations.

  • East County
  • News
This is a rendering of the outdoor patio for the proposed Backyard Social off of Professional Parkway in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 20, 2024
Mixed reviews for proposed dining, entertainment spot in Lakewood Ranch

A revised application for Backyard Social will be reviewed by the Sarasota Planning Commission on Oct. 3.

  • East County
  • News
A threat was made on social media against Braden River High School Sept. 19, the Manatee County School District confirmed.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • September 19, 2024
New shooting threat made against Braden River High School

A new Snapchat message is the latest in a series of recent threats.

  • East County
  • News
2 Lakewood Ranch Preparatory students arrested for making written threats
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • September 18, 2024
2 Lakewood Ranch Preparatory students arrested for making written threats

The 14-year-old students were charged with written/electronic threats to kill.

  • East County
  • News
Rob Oglesby, the development director for Nate's Honor Animal Rescue, shows the apartment above the welcome and adoption center where veterinary externs will be staying.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • September 16, 2024
Nate's Honor Animal Rescue on a roll with its expansion

After nearly five years, the nonprofit is nearing the finish line with expected completion in January.

  • East County
  • News
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Latest in East County

1
Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
  • December 21, 2025
Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
2
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
3
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
4
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
5
Citrus County woman held in shooting death of Manatee man
  • December 18, 2025
Citrus County woman held in shooting death of Manatee man

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