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East County | Opinion

A look at where Manatee County plans to build the amenities at Premier Park.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 7, 2023
Manatee County still dragging its feet at Premier Park

Land purchased in 2017 and 2018 is still waiting for the first amenity to open.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Keith Pandeloglou, the owner of UTC Venture Group and President and CEO of Lakewood Ranch Community Activities, won the Best Rancher award at the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance's Sandies event Friday at the Grove.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 23, 2023
Work in background propels Keith Pandeloglou to the forefront

The executive director of Lakewood Ranch Community Activities earns "Mr. Lakewood Ranch" title.

  • East County
  • Opinion
The Grinch, in this case Kingsley Sim, appeared at the Santa's Grand Arrival Parade at UTC. His job, however, was to make people smile.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 16, 2023
Santa's Grand Arrival Parade not without a Grinch or two

Traffic congestion at UTC in Sarasota caused the expected social media firestorm.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Madison Huffman was crowned Miss Sunshine Charity Pageant Jr. Teen Ambassador in September.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 9, 2023
Raising funds for charity looks good to pageant winner

Lakewood Ranch High freshman Madison Huffman will raise funds and awareness for Hope Family Services during her reign as Miss Sunshine Charity Pageant Jr. Teen Ambassador.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Tennis Coach Dickie Herbst and Cornell Professor Emeritus Joe Novak formed a friendship after Herbst read a story about Novak in the East County Observer. Novak died in September.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 2, 2023
It's always story time at the East County Observer

The Lakewood Ranch-area newspaper celebrates 25 years at the Nov. 3 Music on Main.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Leslie Richards and Deb Anderson of Lakewood Ranch say they haven't played a match on hard courts in years. They oppose hard courts being built at Premier Park.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 26, 2023
Will Premier Park tennis courts in Lakewood Ranch be hard on the body?

Lakewood Ranch-area tennis players say Manatee County shouldn't build hard-surface tennis courts.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Dan and Deborah Slottke of Mill Creek enjoy their ride through life with their 1979 Trans Am playing a big part.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 18, 2023
On the road with a couple of Bradenton Bandits

The upcoming car show at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church showcases unrelenting passion.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 13, 2023
Will Manatee County commissioners' wetlands decision impact 2024 election?

One commissioner suggests that it is mostly Democrats who oppose decision to decrease wetland buffers.

  • 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
« 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 »
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Latest in East County

1
Rising senior quarterback Louisen Desinor will start under center for Braden River High football in the fall. This spring was his opportunity to strengthen bonds with the playmakers around him.
  • May 25, 2026
High school coaches defend relevancy of spring football in Florida
2
Though Florida Power & Light employs a variety of advanced technology to avoid power failures, often the basic work of tree trimming goes a long way toward heading off trouble.
  • May 24, 2026
With our deep dependence on power, FPL gears up to keep the lights on
3
A rendering of the 12U baseball/softball fields five-plex that will be built at UMR Sports complex in East County.
  • May 23, 2026
Expansion 'gets real' at UMR Sports of Bradenton
4
Oceane Visa, who says she has waited years to walk across the stage for graduation, is congratulated by Head of School Debra Otey.
  • May 22, 2026
Out-of-Door Academy graduates showed up for the moments that matter most
5
Leighton Paul (right), pictured here during the FHSAA Class 5A-Region 3 final May 14 against Gulf Coast, was Braden River's leadoff hitter this season. She went 0-for-3 in the state semifinals against Niceville.
  • May 22, 2026
Late rally not enough for Braden River High softball in state semifinals

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