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East County | Opinion

Manatee County commissioners unanimously approve the purchase of 9000 Town Center Parkway May 6.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 7, 2025
Manatee's proposed $23.5 million purchase raises transparency issues

While buying a Lakewood Ranch building appears to be positive for East County, residents had little chance to offer input.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Stillpoint Mission's Marge Slepica, Gene Tischer, Linda Burman, Gary Scott and Jim Keiner and Annual Appeal fundraisers Bob Smith, Diane Brune, Judy Balmer and Bob Keehn celebrate the record $84,017 raised.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 30, 2025
Stillpoint Mission Appeal sets another record for Bob Smith and friends

Time to celebrate charity, and to get some swim lessons, in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Opinion
LWRCF's Mark Clark and Kate Mulligan stand with former humanitarians of the year Philip Reber (representing Lakewood Ranch Medical Center's selection in 2021), Bob Smith (2022) and Heather Hackett (2024) in front of the now up-to-date plaque.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 16, 2025
LWR Community Foundation makes a statement by taking care of little problem

Its plaque to honor the humanitarian of the year is once again up-to-date.

  • East County
  • Opinion
George Foreman
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 24, 2025
A huge interview with Big George Foreman

The heavyweight champion taught us all about the benefits of having a little compassion.

  • East County
  • Opinion
You can now watch airplanes come and go from the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport's Aircraft Observation Area.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 19, 2025
Just an observation: I love airplanes

Manatee County and the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport open their new Aircraft Observation Area.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Lakewood Ranch's Bob Krieg and Sarah Burt are excited about his new book, "Ocean Speed."
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 13, 2025
Lakewood Ranch author tells his sailing adventures in 'Ocean Speed'

Bob Krieg describes his 3.5-year sail around the world, but the book also gives tips and advice on long-distance sailing.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Justin Kristich, Juan Gutierrez, Kay Scholten, and Mike Hope are recruiting volunteers for the LECOM Suncoast Classic golf tournament at Lakewood National.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 6, 2025
Help wanted: It's LECOM Suncoast Classic Tournament time

The Korn Ferry event returns to Lakewood Ranch and needs another 200 volunteers.

  • East County
  • Opinion
After years of working with the military and law enforcement with explosives, Lakewood Ranch's John Scomillio found his best partner was a dog. He now works part-time at Dogs Inc.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 27, 2025
Former explosives expert gets a charge out of helping dogs

Lakewood Ranch's John Scomillio has made a home for himself at Dogs Inc.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Jim Keiner, Gene Tischer, Marge Slepica, Bob Keehn, Bob Smith and Diane Brune celebrate the 2024 donation to Stillpoint Mission.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 19, 2025
Stillpoint Appeal remains simple, and effective, in Lakewood Ranch

Bob Smith and his golf and poker buddies continue to have a heart of gold.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Commissioner's thoughts on moratoriums are misguided
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • February 18, 2025
Commissioner's thoughts on moratoriums are misguided

Please use caution when Sandhill cranes are present, a reader says.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Blues artist Dylan Triplett gets up close and personal with the fans during the Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 12, 2025
Local promoter plans next Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival

Morgan Bettes Angell is considering tweaks to better serve the community.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Implementation of moratoriums are crucial to District 5
  • By Robert McCann
  • February 11, 2025
Implementation of moratoriums are crucial to District 5

Manatee County Commissioner Robert McCann explains his views on moratoriums.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Moratorium madness
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • February 5, 2025
Moratorium madness

‘Overdevelopment’ is not the problem in Manatee, and a moratorium is certainly not the answer.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Stock Development Sales Associate Dominick Giallombardo stands in front of the final new home to sell in the Lake Club at 15315 Anchorage Place. It sold for $6,295,000.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 29, 2025
Lakewood Ranch's elite home market continues to grow

Stock Development closes out Lake Club with a $6.3 million sale.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Blues artist Dylan Triplett ventures into the crowd to perform at the Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 8, 2025
Readers sound off about Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival

The price, length of concert and name recognition were all concerns noted by the residents.

  • 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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