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East County | News

Commissioner Amanda Ballard attends the Under One Roof ribbon cutting ceremony Oct. 1. She's up for reelection in District 2.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 7, 2026
Manatee County Commission's power structure could be altered by 2026 election

Three seats are up for grabs with incumbents Mike Rahn and Amanda Ballard defending and Jason Bearden bowing out.

  • East County
  • News
Builder John Cannon says he didn't build the Oulina in Waterside to sell, but rather to use as an "idea home."
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 7, 2026
John Cannon fires unique shot in LWR residential home market

The Oulina model in Waterside is the result of an collaboration between a builder, architects and artists.

  • East County
  • News
With five main tabs on the home page, the website is intended to be easier to navigate.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 6, 2026
Website, technology updated to help Manatee run smooth 2026 elections

Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Scott Farrington says the new website will be easier for the residents to navigate.

  • East County
  • News
Jamara Clark, director of student enrollment for the School District of Manatee County, presents information on school choice to members of the school board on Dec. 9.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • January 6, 2026
School choice selections now open in Manatee County schools

Families can apply for their children to attend an out-of-zone school through Jan. 31.

  • East County
  • Schools
The pool in Taylor Morrison's Esplanade at Azario development in Sarasota's Lakewood Ranch community.
    By
  • Anastasia Dawson
  • December 26, 2025
Builder to bring 1,200-home community to Lakewood Ranch

Homebuilder Taylor Morrison acquired land to build its new Esplanade at Cammaray community of 1,200 homes and condos.

  • East County
  • News
Manatee County commissioners approve reducing speed limits throughout the county.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • December 22, 2025
Speed limits reduced on nine roads in Manatee County

Manatee commissioners voted to reduce speeds due to safety concerns.

  • East County
  • News
Citrus County woman held in shooting death of Manatee man
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • December 18, 2025
Citrus County woman held in shooting death of Manatee man

The local victim was the woman's ex-husband, but a second ex-husband also was found dead in Tampa.

  • East County
  • News
Renovations and construction of new concessions in Concourse B at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport are nearly complete.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • December 18, 2025
Airport's growth in 2025 sets the stage for 2026 planning

After spending some $200 million on expansion, Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport sets its sights on more improvements, including a parking deck and new baggage claim system.

  • Sarasota
  • News
At a Junior Achievement "Discovery Center'' in Tampa, elementary-aged students run a mock city.Two similar facilities are proposed to be set up at Emma Booker Elementary and Booker Middle schools in Sarasota.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • December 17, 2025
Rejections sent to Manatee, Sarasota Schools of Hope requesters

Manatee and Sarasota counties say no to a pair of companies seeking campus space. But that might not be the end of it.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Wild pigs look for food near Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • December 17, 2025
Manatee County's River Club has a pig problem

Neighbors and the homeowners association have hired trappers to reduce the number of wild hogs.

  • East County
  • News
Manatee County administrators address the Manatee Chamber of Commerce Dec. 8. From left to right: Deputy county administrators Corey Stutte, Bryan Parnell, Courtney De Pol and County Administrator Charlie Bishop.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • December 17, 2025
Convention Center expansion tops 'state of Manatee County' presentation

County administrators spoke to the Manatee Chamber of Commerce at its December luncheon.

  • East County
  • News
Braden River Library is one of seven locations in the Manatee County Public Library System.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • December 17, 2025
Library Advisory Board needs 2 new members

Manatee County is accepting applications for the board until Monday, Jan. 5.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Pator Caleb Free's daughter JoJo Free attends Risen Savior Academy.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • December 16, 2025
Lutheran church brings more Christian education to Lakewood Ranch

Risen Savior Lutheran Church begins its expansion toward being a K-8 school in January.

  • East County
  • Schools
Residents line up behind the podium to object to a proposal for Altman Rye Townhomes.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • December 15, 2025
Planning commission reviews three projects in east Manatee County

The combined projects would add nearly 400 housing units to the area.

  • East County
  • News
Director of Government Relations Stephanie Garrison leads the work session Dec. 3.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • December 10, 2025
Changing millage review process a top priority among Manatee commissioners

Finding a way to cut taxes is a top priority, but finishing improvements on Lorraine Road is not.

  • 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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