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East County | News

Carol Ann Felts' sons Kiel and Nicholas Felts unveil the new sign at David J. Crane Park.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 21, 2026
Manatee County remembers Carol Ann Felts at Crane Park memorial

The late commissioner had a Myakka City preserve named in her honor.

  • East County
  • News
Truck driver killed in Interstate 75 wreck
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 20, 2026
Truck driver killed in Interstate 75 wreck

Troopers are looking for the black Mustang that drove away after the crash near State Road 64.

  • East County
  • News
Glen Gibellina stands at the entrance of a tiny house he built using a shipping container.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 20, 2026
Affordable housing advocate builds campaign for Manatee commission

Glen Gibellina is challenging incumbent Mike Rahn for the District 4 seat.

  • East County
  • News
Tara Poulton and Ed Ference are two of the four candidates vying for the Republican nomination in District 6.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 19, 2026
Manatee commission candidates face off in Lakewood Ranch

District 6 candidates spoke their minds about roundabouts, campaign contributions and more.

  • East County
  • News
The School District of Manatee County is working on finding the right wording for Policy 3232, which currently states staff will not be allowed to talk to display anything of a political nature.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 18, 2026
Manatee school board, candidates debate politics, social movements in schools

The School District of Manatee County school board will vote on the exact wording of a policy regarding politics at an upcoming board meeting.

  • East County
  • Schools
The boathouse and events center planned for Nathan Benderson Park is expected to cost between $60 million and $70 million.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 17, 2026
Contractor sought for Benderson boathouse project

The request for proposals calls for completion of the $60 million addition in time for the summer 2028 World Rowing Championships.

  • East County
  • News
Rangeland High School, previously referred to as AAA High School, is being built near Premiere Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch and is set to open to freshmen and sophomores in August 2027.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 17, 2026
New high school in Lakewood Ranch is getting closer to being named

Now referred to as AAA High School, the School District of Manatee County has been gathering feedback on what the school should be named.

  • East County
  • Schools
Manatee County has renegotiated its contracts with Waste Pro and Waste Management to bring back limited bulk trash pickup for one year.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 15, 2026
Manatee County launches $3M pilot program for bulk garbage pickup

Regular bulk pickup was eliminated when the "Big Bin Advantage" was introduced in October.

  • East County
  • News
Dick Vitale, 86, has been with ESPN since the 1979-80 season and has called over 1,000 games for the network. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 14, 2026
Vitale reveals a new cancer diagnosis

The 86-year-old Lakewood Ranch resident and sports announcer says treatment begins next week.

  • East County
  • News
Government protections remain important in keeping the Myakka River healthy and pristine.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 13, 2026
Some residents say Manatee pulled 'bait and switch' on Myakka River monitoring

Two technicians were supposed to monitor the Myakka River, but they were hired to cover all of Manatee County instead.

  • East County
  • News
County Administrator Charlie Bishop is typically seated at the dais with commissioners during meetings, but he was absent during the discussion about his contract April 7.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 12, 2026
Manatee County Administrator Charlie Bishop's contract up for renewal

Commissioners reviewed Bishop's contract but opted to make changes before renewing it.

  • East County
  • News
The Ikea franchise system includes 58 retail locations in the United States. There are 412 Ikea stores worldwide in 32 countries.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • April 11, 2026
Ikea to open at UTC in Sarasota

The store will span 48,000 square feet off Cattlemen Road.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Amanda Parrish is serving as the EDC's interim CEO, and Elizabeth Cordes is the director of business recruitment and expansion.
    By
  • Elizabeth King, Lesley Dwyer
  • April 10, 2026
Manatee County Commission changes course on Bradenton EDC

Commissioners chose to partner with the EDC and approved a $292,450 annual contract.

  • East County
  • News
Manatee County's District 1 commission seat was left vacant after Carol Felts died suddenly Feb. 24.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 8, 2026
Manatee County District 1 commission seat open for applications

Gov. Ron DeSantis has the option to appoint someone to fill the remaining seven months left before the general election.

  • East County
  • News
Construction has advanced quickly from Feb. 8 when this aerial photo was taken. The vantage point shows how close the school is from one of the runways at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 8, 2026
Manatee Technical College flying into SRQ with new aviation program

The Aviation Maintenance Technician School is on schedule to open in January 2027.

  • East County
  • Schools
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Latest in East County

1
Dustin Dalquist, the current principal at Lakewood Ranch High School, will be the founding principal of Rangeland High School.
  • May 20, 2026
Lakewood Ranch High principal named Rangeland High's first leader
2
  • May 20, 2026
Take a long look at contributions
3
Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Michelson Fleurant places a rose on a plaque at the Manatee County Law Enforcement Memorial Service May 14 in Bradenton.
  • May 20, 2026
Law enforcement officers' calling demands our attention
4
Jazmin Ortega, Alora Parcells and Suri Bui reminisce on their time at Braden River High School prior to the commencement ceremony at LECOM Park May 19.
  • May 20, 2026
Braden River High grads know there is 'a lot to be discovered'
5
A colorful spread of kebabs, house-made sauces and sides showcases the restaurant’s bold, cross-cultural approach to Mediterranean cuisine.
  • May 20, 2026
Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant gets its passion from surprising its customers

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