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East County | Opinion

    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • June 29, 2022
What is liberty?

Americans want to be happy about their country on the Fourth of July. This year, it’s hard to cheer.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Stephanie Peabody's Brain Health Initiative has launched a collaborative program with the School District of Manatee County. (File photo)
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 21, 2022
Lakewood Ranch schools chosen to implement Brain Health Initiative collaboration

The School District of Manatee County will work with Brain Health Initiative to create a better learning environment.

  • East County
  • News
This mongoose lemur was born in May at the Lemur Conservation Foundation in Myakka City.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 16, 2022
Myakka 'safety net' provides hope for lemurs

The Lemur Conservation Foundation needs donations to help keep lemurs from going extinct. But don't feel slighted if they don't invite you in. Humans have been the enemy for the past 2,000 years.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Many businesses, such as Wawa, have racks inside with the East County Observer.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 9, 2022
Racking our brains to deliver the paper in Lakewood Ranch area

The East County Observer seeks more outlets, and better online service to make the newspaper available.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Manatee County Administrator Scott Hopes has become the target of some county employees who don't like the direction the county is going.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 3, 2022
Voting only way to reverse county's squabbling

Manatee County Administrator Scott Hopes has become the target of some county employees who don’t like the direction the county is going.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Betsy Benac
    By
  • Guest Author
  • June 1, 2022
Betsy Benac says Manatee County administrator, commission throw ethics out window

Former commissioner says mismanagement driving away talented Manatee County employees.

  • East County
  • Opinion
The late Craig Boots of the Country Club was a former Navy pilot who flew planes off aircraft carriers.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 26, 2022
Lakewood Ranch woman talks of Tidewell Hospice's impact

Miriam Boots says her husband's final days were made more peaceful by the hospice's care and kindness.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Commissioner Vanessa Baugh says change can be difficult even if it takes Manatee County in a positive direction.
  • By Vanessa Baugh, Manatee County Commissioner | Guest
  • May 25, 2022
Commissioner Vanessa Baugh hopes Manatee County residents embrace change

District 5 commissioner says facts show Manatee County is moving in the right direction.

  • East County
  • Opinion
When a driver on the road is driving recklessly, law enforcement often turns to a helicopter so it's mobile units can back off.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 12, 2022
Fatal crash illustrates pursuit's difficulty

This particular accident was quite different in nature.

  • East County
  • Opinion
ODA graduate Kaylen Rivers was a Brain Health Scholar who served as a program ambassador while she was a student at ODA.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 6, 2022
Becoming a Brain Health Initiative scholar is a no-brainer

No matter what eventually comes out of the Brain Health Initiative, the scholar program should be known as its first stroke of genius.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Nicole Ryskamp takes over as president of the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund June 1.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 28, 2022
Big changes for Lakewood Ranch Community Fund

Along with dedicating funds to pay a full-time employee, the board is moving toward a bigger schedule of events.

  • East County
  • Opinion
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 23, 2022
Lakewood Ranch Community Activities hosts concert at Greenbrook Adventure Park

Residents listen to Jah Movement, a Sarasota reggae band, perform during the Concert in the Park.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Keith Gelder, president of Stock Luxury Apartment Living and vice president of land, said Stock originally was just interested in building apartments in what became Fruitville Commons.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 21, 2022
Fruitville Commons a beautiful regional project but not really a walkable community

The layout of Fruitville Commons might be a bit strange, but it's stocked with regional draws.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Clark Park works at Korê Steakhouse in Waterside Place of Lakewood Ranch, so he won't be getting any tips. (File photo)
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 13, 2022
New Lakewood Ranch restaurant doesn't accept tips

Korê Steakhouse, which opened April 10, brings a no-tipping policy to Waterside Place.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Matthew Good has take over this month as the managing broker for Premier Sotheby's International Realty in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 8, 2022
Longtime Realtor still values human element

Matthew Good is taking over this month as the managing broker for Premier Sotheby's International Realty in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Opinion
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Latest in East County

1
Tony Barrett is running for the at-large District 6 commission seat in Manatee County.
  • April 1, 2026
East Manatee fire commissioner enters at-large County Commission race
2
Myakka's Sydney McCullough shows off the first place ribbon and belt buckle she won in January for whip cracking in the senior division at the Manatee County Fair.
  • April 1, 2026
Cracking a whip has been a snap for Myakka teenager
3
Manatee County commissioners unanimously approve the purchase of 9000 Town Center Parkway May 6.
  • April 1, 2026
DOGE questions Manatee County's capital expenditures, additional staff
4
John Saputo (left), Denise Saputo (top center), Lorraine Vitale (right) and Dick Vitale (bottom center) at the "March Mayhem" fundraiser and Elite Eight watch party. The Saputos were the hosts March 28 at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing.
  • April 1, 2026
March Mayhem fundraiser in Lakewood Ranch benefits pediatric cancer research
5
Lakewood Ranch Little League plays at Lakewood Ranch Park March 25.
  • April 1, 2026
Lakewood Ranch Little League expands to improve accessibility

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