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East County | News

The School District of Manatee County proceeds with the full high school option with two academic buildings instead of one, which provides 2,000 student stations.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • August 18, 2025
New high school will be built in Lakewood Ranch

High School AAA is estimated to cost $200 million with the goal of opening in August 2027.

  • East County
  • Schools
The 96-gallon bins were delivered and in full use by the end of September.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 13, 2025
Big trash bins cause concerns for Manatee County residents

The county is planning Community Cleanup Days to help residents dispose of larger items that won't fit in the new garbage bins.

  • East County
  • News
Manatee detectives investigate shooting, stabbing incident in Silver Lake
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 12, 2025
Manatee detectives investigate shooting, stabbing incident in Silver Lake

A 23-year-old woman was stabbed multiple times while a 21-year-old male was shot twice.

  • East County
  • News
Laurie Breslin of the School District of Manatee County and Misty Mathis of Nassau County School District have been selected as finalists in the superintendent search.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • August 12, 2025
Manatee School Board selects two finalists for superintendent position

Laurie Breslin and Misty Mathis will meet the public Aug. 18 at Manatee Technical College.

  • East County
  • Schools
Allegiant is one of the top airlines at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 12, 2025
Allegiant adds new route from Sarasota to Rochester

Allegiant Air's new route between Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport and Rochester, New York, begins Feb. 13, 2026.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lakewood Ranch's Peter and Athena Hotaling enjoy using their phones to connect with friends and family, play games, use social media and more. With the new phone restrictions, they will have to save those things for after school hours.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • August 11, 2025
New phone policy will be 'learning curve' for Manatee students

Per House Bill 1105, elementary and middle school students will be required to turn off and stow away electronic devices during school.

  • East County
  • Schools
No positive ID on body found in SR 70 pond near I-75
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 10, 2025
No positive ID on body found in SR 70 pond near I-75

Detectives believe the body to be 18-year-old Giovanni Pelletier, who was reported missing from Charlotte County last week.

  • East County
  • News
Peppercorns Steak and Seafood opens on State Road 70
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • August 9, 2025
Peppercorns Steak and Seafood opens on State Road 70

Owner Justin Boudreau is eager to perfect the menu at the Bradenton restaurant.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Schroeder-Manatee Ranch has a contract with Manatee County to build a roundabout on University Parkway where Legacy Boulevard meets Deer Drive.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 8, 2025
Planned University Parkway roundabout sparks debate but no action

Technical issues stop the Manatee County Commission from ending the debate and any attempts to stop the roundabout.

  • East County
  • News
Manatee County commissioners approve the purchase of Mixon Fruit Farms for $13.5 million July 29, exactly two years after the farm's last day of business.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 6, 2025
Manatee County moves forward with Mixon Fruit Farms purchase

The property will be purchased for $13.5 million and be developed into a living museum, a library and other public uses.

  • East County
  • News
The final leg of the 44th Avenue East extension project will open to drivers on Aug. 9.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 6, 2025
44th Avenue East extension into Lakewood Ranch welcomes drivers Aug. 9

The project that took over $268 million and over 50 years to come to fruition is complete.

  • East County
  • News
Commissioners George Kruse, Bob McCann and Amanda Ballard debate the merits of a curfew for residents under the age of 17 at the Aug. 5 commission meeting.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 5, 2025
Kids 16 and under in Manatee County face possible curfew

Commissioners directed the county attorney to draft an ordinance to establish a curfew in unincorporated Manatee County.

  • East County
  • News
The second option for High School AAA, with a $107,000,000 budget, would provide 1,000 student stations and 139,000 square feet of space. Later additions might include an auditorium, gymnasium and other athletic fields.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • August 5, 2025
School board to decide fate of new high school in Lakewood Ranch

Two options being studied for a high school at Rangeland Parkway and Post Boulevard, along with a possible expansion at Braden River High.

  • East County
  • Schools
Manatee County CFO Sheila McLean presents a new budget proposal July 31.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 5, 2025
Manatee property values decelerate, but tentative millage stays steady

Countywide property values were anticipated to grow by 10% but only grew by 7.09%.

  • East County
  • News
The electric dirt bike seen here is a Talaria XXX Pro that retails for about $3,000. The manufacturer states that it was designed for off-road use by riders 16 years of age or older.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 4, 2025
Electric bicycle use regulated in unincorporated Manatee County

The ordinance prohibits kids under 16 from using Class 3 electric bikes on shared-use paths and roadways.

  • East County
  • News
« 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 »
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Latest in East County

1
CEO Mike Bisaha says the new equipment will at least triple Big Top Brewing Co.'s beer production.
  • December 3, 2025
Big Top to open expanded brew house at Sarasota's Fruitville Commons
2
Mill Creek's Ilana Simone, who performs as Ilana Armida, has returned to her roots after living in Los Angeles to pursue her musical career.
  • December 3, 2025
Mill Creek musical artist continues to search for her audience
3
Lakewood Ranch High School graduate Jason Huh has founded a few different companies, including Sodi Pop. Sodi Pop is now available in a healthy vending machine at the school for staff and students to enjoy.
  • December 3, 2025
Sodi Pop, billed as a healthier product, comes to Lakewood Ranch High
4
Marine Corps veteran Dale Cole lives in Greenfield Plantation and is a regular user of Manatee Moves.
  • December 3, 2025
Ride service for Manatee County veterans is on the move
5
Commissioners George Kruse and Bob McCann are on opposite sides of the AAA High School vote. Kruse voted in favor of approving the site plan, and McCann voted to deny the site plan.
  • December 3, 2025
Manatee commissioners have final say about new school but no real power

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