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East County | News

Manatee County extends its burn ban until further notice to protect residents and animals from wildfires. This photo was taken by the East Manatee Fire Rescue in June 2024 when over 100 acres burned at Lake Manatee State Park.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 20, 2026
Manatee County extends burn ban as drought worsens

East Manatee Fire Rescue is urging residents to abide by the burn ban to protect their neighbors.

  • East County
  • News
The Lakewood Ranch High School hockey team huddles together at the Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex in December. The team could call Lakewood Ranch home if an ice rink is built at Premier Sports Campus North.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 18, 2026
First step taken for ice rink to glide into Lakewood Ranch's Premier Sports Campus

Manatee County has entered into a public-private development contract with Icemann Development Manatee LLC.

  • East County
  • News
Aurora Pena and Theo Light, second graders at Tara Elementary School, appreciate the new and improved classrooms and cafeteria.They are also looking forward to using the new field and playground when they are complete.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • February 18, 2026
Final month of $31.4 million renovation at Tara Elementary

The project began in June 2023 and has included increased security, technology and flexibility of space.

  • East County
  • Schools
The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners wants to reduce the millage again in 2027, but is facing the uncertainty of whether or not the state will eliminate property taxes for homeowners.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 18, 2026
Manatee County seeks public input on 2027 budget

Commissioners want to cut the millage, and the state wants to cut property taxes. So what can residents live without?

  • East County
  • News
AAA High School, which is located near Premiere Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch, is set to open to ninth and tenth graders in August 2027.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • February 17, 2026
Manatee school district seeks feedback on new LWR high school's name

Currently named AAA High School, the new school broke ground at Rangeland Parkway and Post Boulevard in Lakewood Ranch on Jan. 21.

  • East County
  • Schools
Amenities at  Emerson Lakes will include a fitness center, swimming pool, dog park, walking trails and multiple on-campus dining options.
    By
  • Beth Luberecki
  • February 17, 2026
A new community provides a place to age in place

An in-demand national senior living developer — it rejects more sites than it buys — is all in on building a large community in the heart of Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
Anthony Sciullo is Manatee County's newest planning commissioner. He was appointed to the role Feb. 12.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 17, 2026
County commissioners question if Manatee Planning Commission needs rehaul

Complaints are rising about poor attendance and members pushing their agenda.

  • East County
  • News
The only access point to Bradenton Estates II is proposed from 18th Avenue East.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 16, 2026
Manatee County commissioners approve 80 homes on 18th Avenue East

The vote was 4-3 in favor of the project after the planning commission unanimously recommended denial.

  • East County
  • News
Manatee County Library Services Manager Tammy Parrott and Sue Ann Miller, president of the Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Library, believe the second floor of the facility will be put to good use.
    By
  • Emily Leinfuss
  • February 16, 2026
Lakewood Ranch Library is about to reach new heights

The Lakewood Ranch Library, a major community success already, is looking to do more by looking up — to another floor.

  • East County
  • News
Left: Darrel Drury has lived in the Lakewood Ranch area for nearly eight years. Right: David Sessions has overseen the construction of dozens of buildings in the region in the past 35 years.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • February 15, 2026
Round and round goes the chatter about roundabouts in Lakewood Ranch

If you drive in Lakewood Ranch, then you have driven into, and out of, a roundabout. Some like them more than others.

  • East County
  • News
Negotiations continue between Manatee County and its two garbage haulers — Waste Management and Waste Pro.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 14, 2026
Bulk garbage pickups likely to return for Manatee County residents

Commission Chair Tal Siddique said adding back curbside bulk pickup was the cheapest and easiest solution available to assuage the public's unrest over recent collection changes.

  • East County
  • News
The purple piles will carry reclaimed water to Lakewood Ranch Southeast for irrigation.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 11, 2026
New road construction speeds through Lakewood Ranch Southeast

Lakewood Ranch Southeast's infrastructure won't be featured on any posters, but it will be a major part of the new community's success.

  • East County
  • News
Students in Manatee schools begin learning cursive in third grade. With House Bill 127, that might change to second grade instead. It would also require fifth graders to be evaluated to prove proficiency.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • February 11, 2026
Cursive writing requirements would change if proposed legislation passes

Students currently learn cursive between third and fifth grade. If House Bill 127 becomes law, students will begin learning in second grade and will be tested in fifth.

  • East County
  • Schools
District 5 Commissioner Bob McCann holds a town hall meeting Feb. 2 at the Lakewood Ranch Library.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 10, 2026
Garbage collection a hot topic at town hall meeting in Lakewood Ranch

One constituent requested new residents be tested for their skills in negotiating roundabouts.

  • East County
  • News
Valor Commons in Manatee County is designed to include a resource center, memorials, walking trails and public event spaces.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • February 9, 2026
Federal cash streams in for Manatee, Sarasota projects

Local line items are a part of the massive $1.2 trillion spending package.

  • East County
  • News
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Latest in East County

1
Amanda Parrish is serving as the EDC's interim CEO, and Elizabeth Cordes is the director of business recruitment and expansion.
  • April 10, 2026
Manatee County Commission changes course on Bradenton EDC
2
Angelina Goesch and her mom, Ana Goesch, founder of Dogs of Lakewood Ranch, pose with Ana's 4-year-old Golden retriever, Maple.
  • April 8, 2026
The Dogs of Lakewood Ranch club allows canine lovers to network
3
Manatee County's District 1 commission seat was left vacant after Carol Felts died suddenly Feb. 24.
  • April 8, 2026
Manatee County District 1 commission seat open for applications
4
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.
  • April 8, 2026
Manatee Technical College flying into SRQ with new aviation program
5
Five more hotels are in the works for Lakewood Ranch.
  • April 8, 2026
Five new hotels slated for Lakewood Ranch

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