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East County | Opinion

Sandy Ulrickson, a volunteer for the Wildlife Center of Southwest Florida, holds a rescued baby rabbit.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 28, 2023
Wildlife, flag-raising events should pique interest in Bradenton

Two unique events top the calendar and offer educational opportunities.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Lorraine Road/Players Drive roundabout makes no sense
  • By Rex E. Jensen
  • September 27, 2023
Lorraine Road/Players Drive roundabout makes no sense

SMR's Rex Jensen gives his view of the Manatee County roundabout project scheduled for Lorraine Road and Players Drive.

  • East County
  • Opinion
General Manager Steve Dietz shows off the pristine conditions at Waterlefe Golf & River Club.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 21, 2023
The grass is greener after $5M renovation at Waterlefe Golf & River Club

The Bradenton upscale community is improving the golf course and expanding its clubhouse.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Waterside of Lakewood Ranch's Bob Smith was honored as Humanitarian of the Year by the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund in 2022.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 14, 2023
Lakewood Ranch Community Fund's Humanitarian of the Year nominations due

A new Junior Humanitarian of the Year will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship.

  • East County
  • Opinion
The playground at the Greenbrook Adventure Park in Lakewood Ranch is designed to flood during huge weather events, but Hurricane Idalia left only puddles.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 6, 2023
I shudder to think of the consequences of not putting up shutters

Residents of Lakewood Ranch area mostly were confident of not having to put up shutters for Hurricane Idalia.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Our Lady of the Angels' Pat Martino joins Catholic Charities' Gloria Romero and Eddie Gloria as they collect items for the Boots and Bandanas' silent auction.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 31, 2023
Our Lady of the Angels event brings out the best in the community

Lakewood Ranch's generosity is on display as Catholic Charities' Boots and Bandanas event approaches.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Manatee County Commissioners Raymond Turner, James Satcher, Kevin Van Ostenbridge, Jason Bearden and George Kruse celebrated the opening of the 44th Avenue Bridge over the Braden River on Aug. 7. Commissioners Amanda Ballard and Mike Rahn were not in attendance.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 24, 2023
Manatee County commissioners record new highs and lows

The decision to cut wetland protections sparks anger while the 44th Avenue extension generates joy.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Lakewood Ranch's Adrian Olivo brings his canoe to shore after competing in the Men's Masters B 200 meters of the ACA Sprint Canoe National Championships at Nathan Benderson Park. He finished third in 57.911.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 13, 2023
Nathan Benderson Park exec says local rowing/paddling talent will surface

The Sarasota park will continue to host world class events with a new staff in place.

  • East County
  • Opinion
LJ Govoni, president of Fat Point Brewing Co., offers up a Keywaydin Island blonde ale at the grand opening July 28 at UTC.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 30, 2023
Fat Point Brewing offers pint-sized satisfaction at UTC

Sarasota's newest craft beer pub opened at a small, intimate setting on Cattlemen Road.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Lakewood Ranch Little Free Library founder Elizabeth Henderson and Neel Menon dedicate the new library in Bob Gardner Park to Jai Menon, Neel's brother who died in 2016.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 27, 2023
Little Free Libraries continue to grow in the Lakewood Ranch area

The smallish libraries have a great impact to the communities they serve.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Lakewood Ranch's Janice Wagner says singing is an uplifting experience for those of any age.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 19, 2023
Magic of Manatee singing group names new director

Lakewood Ranch's Janice Wagner will head the Sweet Adeline's group.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Sgt. Steve Gaskins, the public affairs officer for the Florida Highway Patrol, uses a vehicle rollover simulator to demonstrate the dangers of driving aggressively during an FDOT seminar.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 3, 2023
Aggressive drivers on the road to disaster in East County

State Road 70 continues to be a dangerous highway due to crazy driving habits.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Lakewood Ranch Communities' Morgan Bettes-Angell and Nicole Hackel are urging people to vote for The Market at Lakewood Ranch in the American Farmers Market Celebration. Vote at VoteLWR.com.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 29, 2023
Love the Market at Lakewood Ranch? Cast your vote

The America's Farmers Market Celebration competition is running nationwide through Sept. 19.

  • East County
  • Opinion
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 29, 2023
Opportunities for all

The American dream is alive and well in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Board member Annemarie Neubecker is seeking volunteers for the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 22, 2023
Want to volunteer? The time is right in Lakewood Ranch.

Lakewood Ranch Community Fund is beginning a drive to find volunteers.

  • East County
  • Opinion
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Latest in East County

1
Myakka's Sydney McCullough shows off the first place ribbon and belt buckle she won in January for whip cracking in the senior division at the Manatee County Fair.
  • April 1, 2026
Cracking a whip has been a snap for Myakka teenager
2
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
3
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
4
Lakewood Ranch Little League plays at Lakewood Ranch Park March 25.
  • April 1, 2026
Lakewood Ranch Little League expands to improve accessibility
5
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

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