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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
Scott and Sarah Stevens both graduated with a master's degree in analytics from Georgia Tech University in Atlanta May 7 at Bobby Dodd Stadium.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 26, 2021
River Club of Lakewood Ranch area family masters education

Father/daughter finish off master's degree in analytics in May at Georgia Tech.

  • East County
  • Opinion
The late Richard Albero, who lived in Del Webb, wrote a book about his 1,200-mile walk from Tampa to New York to raise $56,000 for the Wounded Warrior project. He died in 2020 and is being honored at the Tribute to Heroes Concert.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 18, 2021
Tribute to Heroes Concert in Lakewood Ranch a chance to support vets

Tribute to Heroes Concert will be held at the Greenbrook Adventure Park in Lakewood Ranch on May 22.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Lisa Genova will be the guest speaker in the Brain Health Matters series.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 12, 2021
Best-selling author featured in Brain Health Matters lecture in Lakewood Ranch

Lisa Genova will appear via Zoom in a fundraiser to support the Brain Health Scholars program.

  • East County
  • News
A letter writer says vaccines don't meet proper standards.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 14, 2021
Lakewood Ranch-area man says vaccines don't meet the standard

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR — Will Manatee County Commission turmoil lead to needed change?

  • 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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