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East County | Opinion

Readers responded to Jay Heater's column, asking if they enjoy the April Fools' edition. Were you fooled by the story about speed bumps on White Eagle Boulevard?
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 8, 2026
East County Observer readers have last word on April Fools

Most of the readers who responded love the April Fools tradition.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Did our Pig-Away story and photo fool you in our April Fools edition?
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 2, 2026
Is the Observer's April Fools edition foolish or just plain fun?

The East County Observer gets plenty of reactions from the 2026 April Fools edition.

  • East County
  • Opinion
The LECOM Suncoast Classic has averaged about 20,000 fans per year and has given back more than $1 million to the community.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 25, 2026
LECOM Suncoast Classic generates more than $1 million for students and charities

LECOM's Student Scholarship Fund has benefited by more than $700,000 for its Lakewood Ranch campus students.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Ted Lindenberg thanks students from Rogers Garden Elementary for singing a couple songs during the Books for Kids annual luncheon at Lakewood Ranch Country Club March 12.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 18, 2026
Books for Kids' passion runs cover to cover

Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch's reading program spells out success.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Morgan Bettes Angell and Paul Benjamin thought a blues festival in Lakewood Ranch would be sustainable on an annual basis, but after two years, it is out.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 11, 2026
When it comes to the blues festival, we blew it in Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival promoter says he will move the festival to G.T. Bray for 2026.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Gail Cristello will be a featured artist at the Creative Arts Association of Lakewood Ranch's Spring Art Show and Sale March 14 at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 5, 2026
Late start doesn't keep Lakewood Ranch artist from success

Country Club's Gail Cristello will be a featured artist at the Creative Art Association's Spring Art Show and Sale.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Commissioner Bob McCann pulled the proposed ice arena project at Premier off the consent agenda to be discussed by commissioners.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 25, 2026
Does ice arena project melt your heart?

Lakewood Ranch residents might be surprised about Manatee's proposed plan for Premier Sports Campus North.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Declan Waters (left) of the Sarasota Paradise celebrates a goal against New York City FC II on Feb. 13 at Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 18, 2026
Will local soccer fans embrace Paradise in Lakewood Ranch?

The local team tests the professional level in 2026 at Premier Sports Campus.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Neal Shipley was all smiles after winning the 2025 LECOM Suncoast Classic at Lakewood National Golf Club.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 11, 2026
Lakewood Ranch golf fans now asked to support two pro golf tournaments

The LECOM Suncoast Classic has long established itself as a fan favorite, but now the Senior PGA Championship will arrive.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Village Idiots Cycling Club member Patrick Franklin Sr. (center) was killed riding his bicycle Jan. 22 when hit by a truck pulling a trailer on Conquistador Parkway in Bradenton.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 4, 2026
Building safer roads for cyclists worth a discussion in Manatee County

The death of a Village Idiots Cycling Club member leaves the community in shock.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Commissioner George Kruse says adopting a county charter is worth exploring. "Anything we can do to have a say, is a good thing," he says.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 14, 2026
Charter for Manatee County is an interesting prospect

In wake of a $40 million veterans project, residents might want more impact on major financial decisions.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Country Club member Bob Smith, Lifestyle Director Tonya Jansson, and General Manager Ryan Glenn show a check for $102,200 raised through Heritage Cares' Lakewood Ranch Cares — Five Days of Giving initiative.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 24, 2025
Lakewood Ranch comes forward as a community of giving

A lot of good done by area nonprofits and organizations goes unnoticed.

  • East County
  • Opinion
SMR's new coffee table book, "Lakewood Ranch — A Legacy of Living with the Land" is available locally and on Amazon.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 10, 2025
'Lakewood Ranch — A Legacy of Living with the Land' is a fun history lesson

The coffee table book, written by Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, documents the development of a successful, southwest Florida community.

  • East County
  • Opinion
The Athletics and Aquatics Center at Premier Sports Campus North is pictured Oct. 17 under construction. Soon to offer the only long-course pool in Lakewood Ranch, it figures to be the main destination for the area's top swimming talents.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 3, 2025
Hey Santa, how about a finished Premier park for Lakewood Ranch?

The wish is for the long overdue park project to be finished in the next couple years.

  • East County
  • Opinion
The runners all reach for their watches as the 2024 Florida Turkey Trot begins at Nathan Benderson Park.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 24, 2025
Pass the turkey, and the thanks during a special holiday

Lakewood Ranch has so much contributors who make our home a great place to live.

  • East County
  • Opinion
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Latest in East County

1
Country Club's Lilly Chaddha and her daughter, Simi Ranajee, find Shanti Yoga to be a place of peace, relaxation and growth.
  • August 7, 2026
Shanti Yoga sharpens the mind, body and soul
2
Country Club East's Mark Allen Baker shows off his newest book, "Willian A. Brady — The Life of a Boxing and Broadway Impresario."
  • August 5, 2026
Classroom assignment can launch a career
3
The $2.6 million tax refund to the School District of Manatee County was voted by the county commissioners on July 28.
  • August 5, 2026
County sends $2.6 million back to Manatee schools
4
James T. Golden, who previously represented District 5 on the school board from 2018-2022, is now running once again to represent District 2.
  • August 5, 2026
Past school board chair wants to serve Manatee County School District again
5
In Denver, Colorado, Florida Premier FC SWFL played five matches in five days and came up one win short of a national title. It previously won the U.S. Club Soccer Florida Cup in May to qualify.
  • August 5, 2026
Florida Premier finishes as the runner-up in a national soccer tournament

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