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East County | Opinion

Premier Sports Campus is one of many Manatee County amenities that the tourist development tax helps fund.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 18, 2024
Do your research on Manatee's tourist tax

The 1% increase makes sense to keep our attractions pristine.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Lifestyle investments by SMR brought entertainers such as Sheri Nadelman to Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch to make life just a little brighter.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 12, 2024
SMR takes harder path toward Lakewood Ranch success

Investments in lifestyle and conservation pay off in the long run for SMR.

  • East County
  • Opinion
SMR Senior Vice President Laura Cole talks about Lakewood Ranch's accomplishments over 30 years.
  • By Laura Cole
  • September 12, 2024
Celebrating 30 years

Lakewood Ranch represents our legacy of vision and community building.

  • East County
  • Opinion
This is the latest rendering that shows the aquatics and pickleball complex (top right), the library, a parking garage and a Sheriff's Office substation at Premier Park. Could a events center be next?
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 4, 2024
Hopefully, Manatee County is about to rain transparency

Whether it comes to road projects or an indoor facility, the residents need to be better informed.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Janet Reardon was at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall Aug. 20 to show support for Scott Farrington and George Kruse.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 28, 2024
Angry Manatee taxpayers release their wrath by voting

The new commission must embrace smart growth and bring environmental issues to forefront.

  • East County
  • Opinion
George Kruse is the right choice
  • By Letters to the editor
  • August 16, 2024
George Kruse is the right choice

East County Observer's letters to the editor

  • East County
  • Opinion
Manatee County needs to study reasons for Lakewood Ranch flooding
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 14, 2024
Manatee County needs to study reasons for Lakewood Ranch flooding

Summerfield residents say the release of extra water at the Lake Manatee Dam could be responsible.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Correcting your mischaracterization of Manatee County District 5 candidates
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • July 26, 2024
Correcting your mischaracterization of Manatee County District 5 candidates

District 5 candidate Robert McCann sets the record straight.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Source of Manatee's strife
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • July 24, 2024
Source of Manatee's strife

The Manatee County Commission primary races are not elections between liberal and conservative. They are about whether to eliminate antagonizing behavior.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Fireworks are the highlight of Fireworks on the Lake at Nathan Benderson Park.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 11, 2024
Lowering the boom on my love of fireworks

The fuse is lit every year on social media regarding the love/hate of fireworks.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Is a little fear of technology app-propriate?
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 3, 2024
Is a little fear of technology app-propriate?

Columnist tries to overcome anxiety to try two new apps that will benefit Lakewood Ranch community.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Lakewood Ranch's JoAnne and John Lawler bring attention to Flag Day on Lakewood Ranch Boulevard.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 20, 2024
Did you notice Old Glory on Flag Day?

June 14 is always a good time to salute our flag's history.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Observer recommends
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • June 19, 2024
Observer recommends

2024 primary election recommendations from Observer Media Group CEO and Founder Matt Walsh.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
George Kruse
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 12, 2024
Local political races would pump up the ratings

Manatee County races should raise voter interest.

  • East County
  • Opinion
The fencing along the Tribute to Heroes Parade route did seem too constrictive.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 5, 2024
Kudos to Lakewood Ranch for another stirring parade

Veterans and first responders share the spotlight during the annual event

  • East County
  • Opinion
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Latest in East County

1
Fifth graders Amilia Dragovoy, Betsi Branscomb and Raegan Standifer are able to work at their own pace on state standards through the Ethos AI Experiential Academy at Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy.
  • September 2, 2026
Lakewood Ranch Prep embraces personalized AI academy
2
Dr. Samuel Yelverton is proud Universal Health Services is purchasing the most advanced technology for Lakewood Ranch Medical Center.
  • September 2, 2026
Da Vinci 5: A robotic masterpiece at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center
3
Owen Gellatly, pictured here in 2025, is one of two seniors for Lakewood Ranch boys golf this season alongside Donovan Plakyda. Both of them were on last year's team which reached the state championship.
  • September 2, 2026
After 12th-place state finish in 2025, LRHS boys golf team aims higher
4
For security reasons, Commissioner Jason Bearden is wary of giving a private company so much data on Manatee County. He wants to "push the brakes" on AI.
  • September 2, 2026
AI pilot program says it can save Manatee County up to $110 million
5
Del Webb's Paul Roy and Sheila Fritts show off the spirit of Del Webb's Cancer Walk. Participants have fun while giving back.
  • September 2, 2026
Del Webb Lakewood Ranch has fun fundraising for cancer research

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