• Alternate Text

  • Loading

  • Valentine's Day Gift Guide
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App
  • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • Key Life
  • Galleries
  • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Longboat
    • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • Key Life
  • Galleries
  • More
    • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Valentine's Day Gift Guide
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

East County | Schools

    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 15, 2022
Crowning moment as Braden River High's prom returns in style

Hyatt Regency in Sarasota hosts Braden River High's 2022 prom.

  • East County
  • Schools
Elise Brownell, a middle school student, works on a lesson in class.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 12, 2022
Woodland Community Academy adds middle school facility to campus

The Lakewood Ranch school now serves infants through seventh grade with plans to add eighth grade next school year.

  • East County
  • Schools
(Back row) Madison Kelley, Leah Buehler, Cristal Trejo, Kelisa Morgan, Julianna Chupp, Aurora Skuba, Rachel Walmsley, (front) Ashley Beck, Adanna Wharton, Elayna Andrews and Haylee Hogan place first in female platoon exhibition.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 12, 2022
Braden River High School JROTC drill team passes down keys to success

Drill team leaders prepare underclassmen to continue legacy of success after winning more state championships.

  • East County
  • Schools
Braden River High School's Gabriel Cortez strikes a pose while performing a song from "Chicago."
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 11, 2022
East Bradenton students return to the stage for theater performances

After two years of not having in-person performances, Lakewood Ranch and Braden River high school students are thrilled to perform live.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 9, 2022
Lakewood Ranch High School students hit the dance floor once again

Juniors and seniors flood the dance floor for "Puttin' on the Ritz" prom.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 9, 2022
Sarasota and Manatee have 25 National Merit finalists

The national program rewards students with high achievement scores on the PSAT and other criteria.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Aaron Watkins, a coach for the Circus Arts Conservatory, helps junior Emily Peterson understand how she can juggle multiple balls at once.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 7, 2022
ODA high schoolers learn hands-on physics from circus performers

Sarasota Circus Arts Conservatory performers teach Out of Door Academy students how physics applies in the real world.

  • East County
  • Schools
Jayden O'Neal and Sarah Dipasquale, who are seniors at Braden River High School, look forward to going to prom together after the school not being able to host a prom for the past two years due to the pandemic. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 5, 2022
East Bradenton high schoolers excited to be hosting proms once again

Lakewood Ranch High and Braden River High students are thrilled a traditional prom is back.

  • East County
  • Schools
Ricardo Acevedo, a college and career counselor, addresses seniors who received a $10,000 scholarship. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 2, 2022
Nine Lakewood Ranch students get a boost with $10,000 scholarships

Picerne Family Foundation presents grants to Lakewood Ranch High School seniors.

  • East County
  • Schools
Lakewood Ranch's Jacob and Grace Lopez will be part of the inaugural class at Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 1, 2022
Families excited about new opportunities at Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy

The K-12 charter school, which opens in August, already has a waitlist for every grade it offers.

  • East County
  • Schools
Lakewood Ranch High School junior Abby Newton plays in unison with others in the Indoor Percussion Ensemble.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 29, 2022
Manatee Arts Education Council hosts Arts Alive in Lakewood Ranch

Arts Alive showcases students' talent at Grove in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Schools
Samantha Sokolis, an Advanced Manufacturing student, adjusts a robot. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 24, 2022
MTC receives state funding to fast-track students into the workforce

Manatee Technical College will continue its rapid credentialing project that places graduates into high-demand jobs.

  • East County
  • Schools
Kinley McCaw, a sixth grader at Dr. Mona Jain Middle School, studies the phenotype of fruit flies to see the dominant and recessive genes. Photo by Liz Ramos.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 23, 2022
East Bradenton students qualify for state Science and Engineering Fair

Mona Jain, Nolan and Braden River middle school students create experiments that lead to the state fair.

  • East County
  • Schools
Melanie Stern, a director of human resources for logistics for Bealls, shares information about herself to show the importance of first impressions.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 15, 2022
Project TEACH teaches east Bradenton fourth graders to dream big

Freedom Elementary students learn about new careers and think about their futures during Project TEACH.

  • East County
  • Schools
Cynthia Saunders, the superintendent of the School District of Manatee County, reaches a settlement agreement with the Education Practices Commission. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 11, 2022
Manatee schools superintendent settles with Education Practices Commission

School District of Manatee County Superintendent Cynthia Saunders is fined for alleged graduation rate inflation scandal.

  • East County
  • Schools
Izzy Tapia, a cosmetology student at Manatee Technical College, loves seeing people's reactions when she's done working on their hair or makeup.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 7, 2022
Manatee Technical College students advance to SkillsUSA state competition

MTC cosmetology students among medal winners in SkillsUSA competition in Bradenton.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 4, 2022
Myakka City Elementary School hosts Literacy Night

Myakka City Elementary students have fun participating in various reading activities at Literacy Night.

  • East County
  • Schools
Fifth graders Finley Hendricks, Alisa Sabodash, Noah Johnson and Danica Hall are excited to compete at the VEX Robotics World Competition after placing fourth at the regional competition.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 2, 2022
Lakewood Ranch elementary robotics team advances to world competition

Robert E. Willis Elementary fifth graders of Lakewood Ranch secure a spot at the VEX Robotics World Competition in May.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 23, 2022
Lakewood Ranch's B. D. Gullett Elementary hosts annual walkathon

B.D. Gullett Elementary School students have fun running in the walkathon and sliming the principal.

  • East County
  • Schools
Stokely Browne, a fourth grader at Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School, talks to Doug Wagner, the deputy superintendent of operations for the School District of Manatee County, about becoming a neurosurgeon. File photo
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 22, 2022
Manatee chamber and school district partner for Project TEACH

School District of Manatee County fourth graders learn the importance of first impressions while exploring different careers.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 21, 2022
Manatee School Board plans to sell property in east Bradenton

The school district sells 17-acres to offset the cost of 30-acres in Parrish for a new middle school.

  • East County
  • Schools
Allen Dickson, a bus driver for the School District of Manatee County, says being a bus driver gives him a purpose and allows him to give back to the community.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 20, 2022
Manatee School District works to address bus driver shortage

Bus driver shortage causes challenges for Manatee County schools.

  • East County
  • Schools
Cynthia Saunders, the superintendent of the School District of Manatee County, congratulates Kari Keech-Babcock, a guidance clerk at Lakewood Ranch High School, for winning the district's Support Employee of the Year.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 16, 2022
Lakewood Ranch High guidance clerk named School District of Manatee County's Support Employee of the Year

Lakewood Ranch High School's Kari Keech-Babcock named Support Employee of the Year for her positive attitude, hard work and dedication.

  • East County
  • Schools
Congressman Vern Buchanan nominates Brett Brustad, a Braden River High School senior in JROTC, to either the U.S. Air Force Academy or U.S. Naval Academy.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 13, 2022
Braden River High senior nominated to military academies by Rep. Vern Buchanan

Rep. Vern Buchanan nominates a Braden River High senior to the U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Naval Academy.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 12, 2022
Willis Elementary fathers and daughters have a magical night in Lakewood Ranch

Enchanted Ball in Lakewood Ranch provides magical moments for fathers and daughters.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Heather Manley, the co-founder of World of Wonder Academy, engages with children during story time.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 11, 2022
World of Wonder Academy provides home-school enrichment

The new academy in Lakewood Ranch supplements home-school education.

  • East County
  • Schools
Khushi Talluru, a freshman at Lakewood Ranch High School, can't wait to learn from medical workshops and screenwriting workshops at Disney Dreamers Academy.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 7, 2022
Lakewood Ranch High student accepted in Disney Dreamers Academy

Khushi Talluru, a freshman, will pursue her dream of becoming a doctor with the help of Disney Dreamers Academy.

  • East County
  • Schools
Trenton Huffman, a student at R. Dan Nolan Middle School, works on a tablet while sitting at one of the tables in the media center.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 4, 2022
Manatee modernizes school media centers

The School District of Manatee County is well into a library transformation project in all its schools.

  • East County
  • Schools
Junior John Sirignano says caring for his sock baby, Oswald, has made him excited to become a real parent in the future. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 3, 2022
High schoolers learn parental lessons by caring for sock babies

With sock baby assignment, Lakewood Ranch High students learn while walking in parents' shoes.

  • East County
  • Schools
Although it won't look exactly the same, Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy's learning villages will look similar to this kindergarten through third grade model. (Rendering courtesy of Charter Schools USA)
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 2, 2022
Lakewood Ranch Prep will take different approach on education, principals say

The new Lakewood Ranch K-12 charter school's WISH model focuses on wellness, innovation, science and health.

  • East County
  • Schools
Students pay attention as Jennifer Dowling, a math teacher, finishes a lesson in her new classroom. The classroom is a part of the six-classroom addition that was completed in November. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 2, 2022
Renovations almost complete at Braden River Middle

BRMS teachers are thrilled with the $26 million addition and renovations project.

  • East County
  • Schools
Kindergartener Eliana Gabriel sings and counts numbers in Spanish.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 27, 2022
Braden River Elementary dual-language programs sees success in first year in east Bradenton

The dual-language program has been successful at Braden River Elementary in east Bradenton area.

  • East County
  • Schools
Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy is expected to be built by mid-July to allow time for teachers and staff to move in and prepare for the first day of school in August. Rendering courtesy of Red Apple Development.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 27, 2022
Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy projected to be built by mid-July

Red Apple Development and Ryan Cos. speed forward to meet July deadline for the new Lakewood Ranch charter school.

  • East County
  • Schools
The School District of Manatee County is considering the addition of electric buses to its fleet of regular buses, such as this one.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 22, 2022
Manatee School District plans to test electric buses late this year.

The School District of Manatee County will purchase 3-5 electric buses if the program is approved by the board this spring.

  • East County
  • Schools
Maureen Geary, a third grade teacher at Myakka City Elementary School, teachers a vocabulary lesson to Katherine Millan-Pureco and America Carranza-Vazquez. Schools have changed COVID-19 protocols. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 20, 2022
School District of Manatee County updates its quarantine protocols

School District of Manatee County is dealing with more positive COVID-19 cases.

  • East County
  • Schools
The new addition will connect to Building 5, which will allow for a new courtyard to be created for students to gather. Rendering courtesy of Hepner Architects and the School District of Manatee County.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 12, 2022
Lakewood Ranch High addition back on track for 2023

The School Board of Manatee County is viewing designs for the addition at Lakewood Ranch High School, with construction expected to begin in May.

  • East County
  • Schools
« 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 »
The best of Your Observer, delivered directly to your inbox

Get the latest in news, sports, schools, arts and things to do in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key and East County.

Sign Up

Latest in East County

1
The Lakewood Ranch Garden Club Butterfly Symposium will take place at 9 a.m. on Feb. 7 at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.
  • February 4, 2026
Butterfly symposium lands at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall
2
Braden River boys basketball has clinched its first 20-win season since 2011-12, and won eight games in a row to close out the regular season.
  • February 4, 2026
Braden River High boys basketball team turns the tides with teamwork
3
Sisterhood for Good members Nikki Pelier-Simon, Samina Morrow and Allison Adams show off some fashions that will be in the spotlight at Tropical Escape July 27 at the Sarasota Polo Club.
  • February 4, 2026
Lakewood Ranch fundraiser is a hula for moolah
4
Thundercloud Ranch is one of two conservation easements Manatee County purchased Jan. 27.
  • February 4, 2026
Manatee County purchases two easements, conserves nearly 1,500 acres
5
Village Idiots Cycling Club member Patrick Franklin Sr. (center) was killed riding his bicycle Jan. 22 when hit by a truck pulling a trailer on Conquistador Parkway in Bradenton.
  • February 4, 2026
Building safer roads for cyclists worth a discussion in Manatee County

App

Download the Your Observer app

Stay in the know with the latest local news. Any device, anytime, anywhere.

DOWNLOAD NOW

Contact

  • 1970 Main St.
  • Third Floor
  • Sarasota, FL 34236
  • Phone: 941-366-3468
  • FPN Verified

Extra, Extra!

  • Newsletters
  • App
  • Crossword
  • Contests

more

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Classifieds
  • Advertise
  • Rack Locations
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Options

sister sites

  • Business Observer
  • Jax Daily Record
  • Orange Observer
  • Accessibility Options
  • Copyright © 2026 Observer Media Group Inc., All Rights Reserved
Sign Up for Daily Headlines

A daily dose of news from Longboat Key, East County, Sarasota and Siesta Key.

Sign Up for In Case You Missed It

A Saturday dose of the week's top stories from Sarasota, Longboat Key and East County.

The Your Observer App is Here!

Get local news you can trust — now on your phone, tablet or laptop. Fast. Free. Easy to Use.
Stay informed, wherever you are.

Download Now