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East County | Opinion

Brittany Lamont has been hired as the new CEO and president of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 5, 2021
Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance hires new CEO and president

Brittany Lamont will head Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance after 11 years at the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Manatee County's Palmetto animal shelter has been run down and overcrowded for years.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 29, 2021
Manatee County commissioners should show patience before junking Palmetto animal shelter

Palmetto animal shelter renovation could save Manatee County money.

  • East County
  • Opinion
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 14, 2021
Manatee County Commissioners approve $6 million for animal shelter, $14.9 million for Lakewood Ranch library

Manatee County Commissioners note they can change their mind down the road if the funding seems inappropriate.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Air Force veteran Eugene Vaadi, who flew missions in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, died Aug. 28 at the age of 100.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 31, 2021
Sarasota war hero dies at age 100

Sarasota's Gene Vaadi, who died Aug. 28, flew missions in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Paul Amato, Trevor Kelliher and Greg Kelliher, all of Lakewood National, are hoping All Friends Network can make a difference in the lives of those who have developmental disabilities.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 24, 2021
Lakewood Ranch man with cerebral palsy makes All Friends Network a reality

All Friends Network gives those with cerebral palsy, autism and developmental disabilities a place to build relationships.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Overcrowding at Lakewood Ranch High might have paved way for a new charter school in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 20, 2021
Viability of Lakewood Ranch charter school pondered

Manatee school board approves a charter school that hopes to open in Lakewood Ranch in 2022

  • East County
  • Opinion
With Nate's Honor Animal Rescue expanding in Lakewood Ranch, would the county be smart to try to establish a public-private partnership with the nonprofit?
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 5, 2021
Letter writer says Manatee County needs new animal shelter

As Manatee County considers building a new animal shelter in East County, some letter writers back public-private partnerships.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Drivers should be aware as the School District of Manatee County opens its new school year Aug. 10.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 5, 2021
Beware perilous intersections in Lakewood Ranch area as school opens

As school opens in Lakewood Ranch, east Bradenton area, watch out for construction, dangerous intersections.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Deanna Murchie and Susan Giroux show the new dog kennels they have added to their Humane Society of Lakewood Ranch site in Myakka City. Could the county benefit from a public-private partnership with the nonprofit?
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 30, 2021
Manatee County should slow down on building new animal shelter

If Bishop Animal Shelter donation comes to fruition in Bradenton, Manatee County might not need to build a new shelter.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Dom DiMaio has stepped down after two years as president and CEO of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 28, 2021
Search for Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance leader begins again

Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance would covet a leader who would stay longterm.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Mark, Elyse and Aaron Gordon on the first day of Kindergarten at Willis Elementary School in August, 2013
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • July 23, 2021
Bus(ted) the first day

The first day of school is full of joyous rituals and anxieties — for parents, of course.

  • East County
  • Schools
Jack Zimmerman is attempting to recruit more Lakewood Ranch seniors to his Sarasota Senior Softball Association leagues.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 9, 2021
Lakewood Ranch senior softball players forced to travel to compete

Sarasota Senior Softball Association gives Lakewood Ranch players an option.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Bill and Tina Gardner (center) celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with their children, Jennifer Shimkonis, Doug Gardner, Julie Warren and Billy Gardner.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 8, 2021
Lakewood Ranch couple celebrates 60th anniversary at the Country Club

Lakewood Ranch octogenarians celebrate their 60-year marriage at the Country Club.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Cynthia Saunders, the superintendent of the School District of Manatee County, thanks the community for its support during a difficult school year.
    By
  • Guest Author
  • June 9, 2021
School District of Manatee County Superintendent gives thanks to community for support

School District of Manatee County Superintendent Cynthia Saunders applauds teachers, students, staff members and the community for a successful school year.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Sarasota Polo Club owner James Miller says the community support he has received has energized him for the future.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 2, 2021
Community Support energizes Sarasota Polo Club owners

James Miller says he can't wait for the 2021-22 Sarasota Polo Club season

  • East County
  • Opinion
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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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