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East County | News

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
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
  • 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
Thundercloud Ranch is one of two conservation easements Manatee County purchased Jan. 27.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 4, 2026
Manatee County purchases two easements, conserves nearly 1,500 acres

Conservation easements will protect two Manatee County ranches from future development.

  • East County
  • News
Manatee County administrators Corey Stutte, Bryan Parnell, Courtney De Pol and Charlie Bishop speak at a Manatee Chamber of Commerce meeting in December. On Jan. 28, all four spoke to commissioners about a temporary hiring freeze.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 3, 2026
Hiring freeze begins as Manatee County researches effects of tax cuts

County Administrator Charlie Bishop is preparing for possible revenue cuts from the millage and property taxes.

  • East County
  • News
The red outline shows where M/I Homes of Sarasota proposed to build 167 homes.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 2, 2026
Manatee County commissioners deny 167 homes, 99 put on hold

Commissioners, applicants and residents spent nearly nine hours debating the side-by-side projects.

  • East County
  • News
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Latest in East County

1
Dustin Dahlquist, 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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