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East County | Opinion

Christine Johnson, president of the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, hopes Manatee County voters understand what's involved when they vote on a referendum to create a fund to buy environmentally significant land.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 4, 2020
Manatee County has some explaining to do in terms of hefty reserves

Columnist Jay Heater writes about the probably Manatee County will get questions about tax reserves as elections approach.

  • East County
  • Opinion
  • By The Observer
  • July 29, 2020
The Observer's 2020 primary election recommendations

With absentee ballots sent out and early voting starting Aug. 8, here are some insights and opinions to consider on the region’s candidates.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Ron Turner
  • By Ron Turner
  • July 27, 2020
Vote-by-mail is not ‘all-mail voting’

Absentee voting — or voting by mail — has been a part of Florida’s election process since 2002. Every signature is checked for security.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center CEO Andy Guz said the hospital isn't near capacity yet due to COVID-19.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 22, 2020
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center busy, but not maxed out

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center busy, but not maxed out because of COVID-19

  • East County
  • Opinion
The memorial at State Road 64 and Pope Road was moved to begin construction of a roundabout.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 13, 2020
Fortitude prevails after Lakewood Ranch tragedy

Road work to build a roundabout begins at the site of fatal Lakewood Ranch accident.

  • East County
  • Opinion
AltMed MUV Director of Corporate Affairs Todd Beckwith discusses the new store in East County.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 30, 2020
New joint in Bradenton signifies how our society adapts to change

AltMed MUV comes to Bradenton to fill a market need for medical cannabis.

  • East County
  • Opinion
The FDOT Operations Center on State Road 64 near Lakewood Ranch will operate as an early voting site.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 24, 2020
Lots of wonders for those living in Lakewood Ranch

Things to wonder about if you live in Lakewood Ranch

  • East County
  • Opinion
Pat Neal says low interest rates and new virtual strategies will lead to a strong sales year for Neal Communities.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 10, 2020
Homes sales in Lakewood Ranch and region could insulate area from recession

Lakewood Ranch's Neal Communities posts strong May despite nation's economic slump.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Maj. Aaron Traver flies a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 27, 2020
Lakewood Ranch resident OK working in obscurity as an Air Force major

Major Aaron Traver comes home to Lakewood Ranch after his 11th deployment.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Bob Rosinsky, the CEO and president of Goodwill Industries Manasota, had to furlough 600 workers.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 5, 2020
Goodwill's reopening a small dose of normalcy for Lakewood Ranch area

Treasure hunt in Lakewood Ranch begins again as Goodwill reopens.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Meditation expert Trish Hart leads the online Keep Calm and Carry On social offering by SMR in conjunction with the Brain Health Initiative.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 23, 2020
Schroeder-Manatee Ranch offers a 'time to breathe' in Lakewood Ranch

The Lakewood Ranch lifestyle remains alive with opportunities despite COVID-19 crisis.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • April 8, 2020
What about the 99%?

One-size-fits-all shutdowns don’t make sense. Public officials should shift their focus to reopening the economy.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Stephanie Peabody
    By
  • Guest Author
  • March 25, 2020
Letter to the editor: Take positive action during COVID-19 threat

Brain Health Initiative founder gives important advice to heed during coronavirus threat.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Being kind can mean painting a rainbow, such as this one on a sidewalk in Greenbrook, to make people smile. Courtesy photo
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 25, 2020
Under lockdown in the Lakewood Ranch area, we can still be kind

Time to give back to a Lakewood Ranch business

  • East County
  • Opinion
  • By Matt Walsh and Joel Schleicher
  • March 22, 2020
Gov. DeSantis: We need economic hope

This is now a two-front war. Unless there is decisive action, Florida’s economy is facing an epic catastrophe.

  • Longboat Key
  • 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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