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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
Follow the law when it comes to pickups in driveways
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • January 8, 2025
Follow the law when it comes to pickups in driveways

Nightclub noise will have negative impact in Lakewood Ranch, readers say.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Bonnie Staley and Shannon Ford donate their time to collect funds for The Salvation Army outside the Publix at Lorraine Road and University Parkway.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 18, 2024
Ranch ringers know how to sweeten the Salvation Army pot

Collections rise past $15,000 from one spot in front of a Lakewood Ranch Publix.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Blues artist Dylan Triplett gets into his work during his set at the Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival at Waterside Place.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 9, 2024
Should Lakewood Ranch music fans be singing the blues?

side of ranch

  • East County
  • Opinion
Poor phone etiquette at medical offices is preventing patients from connecting with the necessary medical care they deserve.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 4, 2024
Please answer the call for better doctor's office support

Trying to reach the talent and technology of the health care system can be infuriating.

  • East County
  • Opinion
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Latest in East County

1
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
2
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
3
Lakewood Ranch Little League plays at Lakewood Ranch Park March 25.
  • April 1, 2026
Lakewood Ranch Little League expands to improve accessibility
4
Gabriella Martinez Reyes, a junior at Lakewood Ranch High School, has been named president of the Florida Future Business Leaders of America. This makes her the first of Manatee County.
  • March 31, 2026
LRHS junior named president for Florida's Future Business Leaders of America
5
Late Commissioner Carol Ann Felts will be honored April 18 at Crane Park.
  • March 31, 2026
Manatee County names Myakka preserve after late commissioner Carol Felts

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