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East County | Schools

Sharon Jefferson, a homegrown Manatee student and 27-year educator, wants to be the voice of District 2 for the School District of Manatee County.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • July 28, 2026
Longtime teacher wants to be the voice of her fellow instructors in District 2

Sharon Jefferson, who grew up attending Manatee schools and has taught within them for 27 years, wants to do more than she can within a classroom.

  • East County
  • Schools
Associate Superintendent Kevin Chapman said the School District of Manatee County is eager to expand their performing arts footprint through a top quality auditorium at the new Rangeland High School.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • July 27, 2026
School district considers opening Rangeland High auditorium for public use

Several regional nonprofits have voiced interest in making use of the planned facility.

  • East County
  • Schools
Mike Mullen, the new principal of Lakewood Ranch High School, is ready to take on the role he applied for in 2019.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • July 19, 2026
Educator returns to area as principal of Lakewood Ranch High

Mike Mullen, who has served as principal at Martha B. King Middle School for the past four years, is eager to return to the school where he previously served as assistant principal.

  • East County
  • Schools
The School District of Manatee County Bus Attendant Rolando Giz and Bus Driver Richard Dymond said community members need to be more mindful of passing buses, especially when the stop sign is out, as it puts the students at risk on busy roads.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • July 17, 2026
Impressive team effort gets the students to school safely each day

While drivers and bus attendants are crucial, there are many more workers behind the scenes for Manatee schools.

  • East County
  • Schools
Lakeview Elementary first graders Emory Snyder, Lenny Collazo-Leon and Cullan Peacock watch in excitement to see whether items float or sink in the Ocean Technology Lab at Mote Sea May 7.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • July 17, 2026
Mote aquarium produces a wave of impact on Manatee, Sarasota students

Mote SEA has hosted over 290 field trips working with 16,500 students since opening in October 2025.

  • East County
  • Schools
Kevin Chapman, the associate superintendent of administration and Todd Richardson, principal of Lake Manatee K-8, welcomed students to the new school for the first time in August 2025.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • July 17, 2026
Local parents have choices to make when a new school opens

Lake Manatee K-8 is open for business, and Rangeland High School is set to open fall of 2027 for Lakewood Ranch-area families.

  • East County
  • Schools
Dustin Dahlquist, who has taught in a variety of roles in Manatee County including a classroom teacher, athletic director, principal and more, is the founding principal of Rangeland High School.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • July 17, 2026
Support starts at the top for new Rangeland High School

Dustin Dahlquist, who has served as principal for Lakewood Ranch High School for seven years, is preparing to lead as the founding principal of Rangeland High School.

  • East County
  • Schools
The construction of Rangeland High School is underway in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 17, 2026
Manatee school district's construction efforts peak in the summer

Three East Manatee schools are under construction this summer.

  • East County
  • Schools
Bradenton's Margi Nanney is running for the District 2 school board seat for the School District of Manatee County.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • July 14, 2026
'Champion for academic excellence' decides to run for Manatee school board

Margi Nanney says she can provide a seasoned perspective of the school system as a mother, a volunteer, a teacher. and an administrator.

  • East County
  • Schools
A sign at Selby Library announces the Sarasota History Day Contest.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • July 2, 2026
US history marches on, as does how it's taught in Manatee, Sarasota schools

Analysis is emphasized in classrooms as teachers follow the lead of state standards to engage students.

  • Spirit of America
Greg Sander, the new principal at Freedom Elementary School, is ready to build on the existing culture and traditions of the school.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • July 1, 2026
Experienced Manatee County educator to lead Freedom Elementary School

Greg Sander has served in several roles in the School District of Manatee County.

  • East County
  • Schools
Bradenton's JT White believes more focus needs to be put on human interaction rather than high use of technology.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • June 30, 2026
School board candidate wants better tools for students

The son of a principal, JT White wants the district to be fiscally responsible while providing more hands-on support for students.

  • East County
  • Schools
Savanna at Lakewood Ranch's Camden Bedinghaus, 23, is running for the District 5 seat on the Manatee County school board to be a "voice for his generation."
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • June 26, 2026
Lakewood Ranch 23-year-old wants to represent Gen Z on Manatee school board

Camden Bedinghaus created a "Cam Plan" to improve common sense academics, accountability and transparency, and mastery of real world skills.

  • East County
  • Schools
Vittoria Ferrisi Alvarez, Gracie Nichols and Sawyer Nowicki, all seventh graders at Dr. Mona Jain Middle School, created the book called "Snowball's Iceberg Incident" to compete in the Children's Stories event for Technology Student Association.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • June 10, 2026
Local students prepare for national TSA competition

With a variety of different events and themes, Lakewood Ranch-area Technology Student Association members test their skills and creativity.

  • East County
  • Schools
Bridgewater's Jonathan Mullis, a local dad and business owner, wants to bring his experience and connections to benefit the School District of Manatee County school board.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • June 9, 2026
Bridgewater dad says his connections make him a valuable candidate

Bridgewater's Jonathan Mullis wants to strengthen the relationship between the Manatee school district, the county and nonprofits if he is elected for the District 5 school board seat.

  • East County
  • Schools
Panther Ridge's Chantal Wilford wants to provide further support to families in Manatee County through becoming the District 5 school board member.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • June 3, 2026
Panther Ridge mom hopes to make connections in District 5 school board seat

Chantal Wilford is attempting for the second time to be a member of School Board of Manatee County.

  • East County
  • Schools
U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan's appointments to U.S. service academies for the fall include (from left) Micah Pubillones, Lakewood Ranch High graduate Jack Crosbie, Caine Cokkinias, Hunter Wilk, Dax Morgan, Caitlin Nguyen, and John Wheaton.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 29, 2026
Lakewood Ranch grads named to service academies

Congressman nominates 16 seniors from his district.

  • East County
  • Schools
Novalee Roberts, a third grader at Myakka City Elementary, is eager to participate in the Tape the Principal (Carol Ricks) event.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 28, 2026
Myakka City Elementary celebrates test achievements with 'Jump a Bucket'

Carol Ricks, the principal at Myakka City Elementary, wanted to recognize her students for their achievements.

  • East County
  • Schools
New College was founded in 1960.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • May 27, 2026
Finalized deal shifts USF Sarasota-Manatee to New College

Vote to send the state's budget to governor is expected on Friday.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Oceane Visa, who says she has waited years to walk across the stage for graduation, is congratulated by Head of School Debra Otey.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 22, 2026
Out-of-Door Academy graduates showed up for the moments that matter most

Seventy-nine graduates from the Out-of-Door Academy walked the stage at Grace Community Church to receive their diplomas May 22.

  • East County
  • Schools
Molly Reichenbach, Caio Menegardo and Brian Scanlon cheer for their classmates as they receive their diplomas from Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy May 20.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 21, 2026
First class of seniors ready to soar from Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy

In the inaugural commencement ceremony, 66 seniors from Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy walk the stage at The Ora in Sarasota.

  • East County
  • Schools
Dustin Dahlquist, the current principal at Lakewood Ranch High School, will be the founding principal of Rangeland High School.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 20, 2026
Lakewood Ranch High principal named Rangeland High's first leader

Dustin Dahlquist, who is the current principal at Lakewood Ranch High School, will be the founding principal of the newest high school under construction.

  • East County
  • Schools
Jazmin Ortega, Alora Parcells and Suri Bui reminisce on their time at Braden River High School prior to the commencement ceremony at LECOM Park May 19.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 20, 2026
Braden River High grads know there is 'a lot to be discovered'

Four-hundred and twenty graduates receive diplomas and now will chase their dreams.

  • East County
  • Schools
It's high school graduation season again in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 19, 2026
It's high school graduation season again in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Hundreds of former seniors walk the stage to accept their diplomas.

  • East County
  • Schools
Sophia Wiley makes her way down the row to shake hands after she receives her Lakewood Ranch High School diploma at Lecom Park May 18.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 19, 2026
Lakewood Ranch High graduates eager for what's ahead

LRHS graduation

  • East County
  • Schools
School Board Member Heather Felton took off her blazer during the May 5 workshop to show her sleeveless shirt is appropriate for students in the Florida heat.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 18, 2026
Manatee Schools to re-evaluate dress code guidelines

School board members and school community members debate what the dress code should be and whether school uniforms are an option.

  • East County
  • Schools
Seniors Eliana Yeboah, Suzan Ikele, Jeffrey Crabtree and Sara Johnson are among the first class of graduating seniors to complete all four years at Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 13, 2026
East Manatee seniors prepare for final assignment: A graduation speech

The chosen speakers for the various Manatee County commencement ceremonies are eager to connect with their peers.

  • East County
  • Schools
Caroline Bartlomiejczuk, Sage Alcorn and Sofia Ortega are members of the orchestra at Lakewood Ranch High School.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 6, 2026
Lakewood Ranch High music department earns national recognition

The Best Communities for Music Education Award recognizes 127 schools across the country and Lakewood Ranch High is one.

  • East County
  • Schools
Rangeland High School, previously referred to as AAA High School, is being built near Premiere Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch and is set to open to freshmen and sophomores in August 2027.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 1, 2026
New school in Lakewood Ranch is officially named Rangeland High School

The School District of Manatee County School Board voted unanimously on the school's name, which has been referred to as AAA High School.

  • East County
  • Schools
Elisa Massaro, a senior and battalion commander of the Lakewood Ranch High School Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps, is glad to have had the support of her teachers Richard Roller and William Cassidy.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 29, 2026
Lakewood Ranch High JROTC program loses longtime leaders

Lt. Col. Richard Roller and Master Sgt. William Cassidy, who are retiring, say they prepare students for any career they choose.

  • East County
  • Schools
The Country Club East Park, a place of both community and convenience for Willis Elementary families, will be closed off starting May 29 for nine months to build three youth baseball fields.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 28, 2026
Manatee delays construction at Country Club East Park after parents state concerns

The park, which will have three new youth baseball fields built, is a secondary pick up and drop off spot for students.

  • East County
  • News
Zachary Papper and Dillon O'Callaghan carry Tatiana Moskalenko, who plays Tanya, as she sings "Does Your Mother Know" in The Out-of-Door Academy production of "Mamma Mia!"
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 27, 2026
'Mamma Mia!' graces the stage at The Out-of-Door Academy

The students filled 27 acting roles, nine orchestra assignments and 14 jobs on the crew behind the scenes.

  • East County
  • Schools
Emma Mandzick, a senior at Lakewood Ranch High School, plays Elsa and also choreographed the whole show for "Frozen."
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 26, 2026
'Frozen' a red-hot hit at Lakewood Ranch High School

The students worked countless hours to put on the production.

  • East County
  • Schools
The Out-of-Door Academy's Chase Smith, Hays Wilson, Zachary Papper and Mason Chase are all National Merit Finalists after earning high test scores and going through the application process.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 26, 2026
Five Lakewood Ranch-area students earn National Merit Finalist status

Four students from the Out-of-Door Academy and one from Braden River High School have the opportunity to earn exclusive scholarships.

  • East County
  • Schools
Team Thunderbolts members Kenny Van Slyck, Avery Szuma and Matteo Saviano won a Create Award, which rewards unique approaches to gameplay over the standard design, to qualify for The VEX Robotics World Championship.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 21, 2026
Three east Manatee elementary teams head to worldwide robotics competition

Through trial and error, fourth and fifth graders from Willis and McNeal are gearing up to put their robots to the test.

  • East County
  • Schools
Senior Alexis Huffstutler says she enjoys helping younger students, like freshman Naya Cordero, to come out of their shells and express themselves through acting.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 18, 2026
Braden River High School presents 'Godspell'

With a cast and crew of 22 students, theater and dance director Tabetha Walter directed her first show at Braden River High School.

  • East County
  • Schools
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1
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  • August 2, 2026
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2
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  • July 31, 2026
Sarasota Paradise's 'language' brings kids together
3
Stock Custom Homes Vice President Sam Canham says that the Sophia IV's sale for $6,775,000 in April was more confirmation that there is a demand for elite homes in Lakewood Ranch.
  • July 30, 2026
Lakewood Ranch remains No. 1 in sales in mid-year survey
4
Guadalupe Barajas, an ICU nurse at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, meets new CEO Jason Madsen for the first time in the new tower's ICU wing.
  • July 30, 2026
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center begins to plan its future with a new CEO
5
Conductor Joe Martinez leads the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble with Waterside Place in the background. Could the ensemble be playing at the new Rangeland High theater?
  • July 30, 2026
Manatee County should take a starring role with theater project

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