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East County | Schools

Ryder Wahlsmith, a rising senior at Lakewood Ranch High School and a Manatee Technical College student, wipes down the plane as he continues to work on it. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 23, 2021
MTC students have plane fun in east Bradenton

MTC automotive technology students on board for new challenge.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 16, 2021
Big lessons for little ranchers in Lakewood Ranch

Eleven children participate in Lakewood Ranch High Future Farmers of America's first summer camp.

  • East County
  • Schools
Braden River Elementary School first grader Jordan McCarte listens intently as her reading buddy, Gia Giangrante, who is a fifth grader, reads "The Invisible Boy." Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 16, 2021
Manatee County schools' millage special election set for November

The School District of Manatee County will use after-school care fees to fund the special election.

  • East County
  • Schools
From left; Michael Taylor Shaklik, Katherine Ward, Congressman Buchanan, Elizabeth Jendrysik, and Andrew Fischer.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 7, 2021
Four Sarasota-area students appointed to U.S. service academies

Sarasota-area graduates among 11 put forward by Buchanan and Steube.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Seniors Hailee Toepel and Sabiné Timol are ready to graduate. "I've been here since third grade so it's sad to see everyone go but exciting to see where they go in life," Timol says.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 5, 2021
ODA graduates say bittersweet farewell in Lakewood Ranch

Seventy-one seniors celebrate graduation in ODA of Lakewood Ranch's stadium.

  • East County
  • Schools
Eileen Parker with the School District of Manatee County's Food and Nutrition Services hands out lunches during the summer food program. Students will be able to pick up meals at Carlos E. Haile Middle School. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 3, 2021
Free summer meals for Manatee County students

School District of Manatee County families with children 18 and younger can pick meals up at Haile Middle.

  • East County
  • News
School District of Manatee County families and Manatee County residents protest the school district's mask mandate before the School Board of Manatee County's meeting.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 2, 2021
School District of Manatee County drops mask mandate

School District of Manatee County drops mask mandate

  • East County
  • News
Faust DeLazzer, a science teacher at Lakewood Ranch High School, asks his students if they're prepared for their exam.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 2, 2021
The final bell for Lakewood Ranch High couple

Two Lakewood Ranch High teachers retire from education after 46 years.

  • East County
  • Schools
Kaylen Rivers, a senior at The Out-of-Door Academy, is Harvard bound.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 2, 2021
ODA grad bound for Ivy League

Taylor Emmons Scholarship recipient headed to Harvard after ODA career.

  • East County
  • News
First grader Jordan McCarte listens intently as her reading buddy, Gia Giangrante, who is a fifth grader, reads "The Invisible Boy." Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 2, 2021
Manatee County Commissioners irked by proposed school property tax referendum

School Board of Manatee County and Manatee County Commissioners disagree on election date for 1-mill property tax vote.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 1, 2021
Last days of school a circus in Myakka

Myakka City Elementary School fifth graders celebrate graduation with circus performance.

  • East County
  • News
The School Board of Manatee County unanimously voted to remove the School District of Manatee County's mask mandate.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 28, 2021
School Board of Manatee County removes mask mandate

School District of Manatee County students and staff no longer will have to wear masks.

  • East County
  • News
Although Justin Alderman, a senior at Braden River High School, had his doubts about graduating high school, he will receive his diploma June 2.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 26, 2021
Degree of resolve for east Bradenton senior

Braden River High senior doesn't let challenges keep him from graduating.

  • East County
  • News
Ava Olivero, a kindergartner at Tara Elementary School, picks strawberries. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 26, 2021
Gardens sprout at east Bradenton schools

Freedom and Tara elementary schools receive grant to develop gardens in east Bradenton.

  • East County
  • News
Fifth graders Judah Casal and Colt Smith share the class' leadership project board they made to explain their project.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 26, 2021
A project with honor in Lakewood Ranch

McNeal Elementary fifth graders raise more than $3,000 to donate to Honor Flight.

  • East County
  • News
School District of Manatee County families protest to have the mask mandate removed.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 25, 2021
School Board of Manatee County expected to remove mask mandate

The School Board of Manatee County, which voiced unanimous support to remove the mask policty, will vote Friday to make its decision official.xt school year.

  • East County
  • News
Three administrators from Braden River and Lakewood Ranch high schools will be moving onto other Manatee County schools.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 25, 2021
Braden River and Lakewood Ranch high schools to see administrative changes

Three administrators from Braden River and Lakewood Ranch high schools will be moving onto other Manatee County schools.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 24, 2021
Ranchers put pop into lesson in east Bradenton

Gene Witt Elementary students learn from Myakka City ranchers about life on the ranch.

  • East County
  • News
Palmetto High School's Principal Carl Auckerman will take the lead of Braden River High School next year.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 19, 2021
History buff Braden River High's future

Carl Auckerman wants to establish relationships before taking over as principal at Braden River High in east Bradenton.

  • East County
  • News
Jennifer Campos, a senior at Lakewood Ranch High School, wants to set an example for her brothers and nephews as she becomes the first in her family to graduate high school.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 18, 2021
New horizons for Lakewood Ranch student

Lakewood Ranch High's Jennifer Campos becomes the first in her migrant family to graduate.

  • East County
  • News
Palm View K-8 School Principal Kaththea Johnson gives a tablet to a student alongside Assistant Principal James Dougherty. Dougherty says it's important for schools to celebrate student successes. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 18, 2021
Learning Bashaw first priority for new east Bradenton principal

James Dougherty now meeting with teachers, staff and families to prepare for new school year in east Bradenton.

  • East County
  • News
A student from Blanche H. Daughtrey Elementary School reads a book in Spanish. When students are in Spanish class, they will do everything in Spanish. When in English class, they'll read, speak and write in English. Courtesy photo
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 18, 2021
Twice the learning in Lakewood Ranch

Braden River Elementary School adds a dual language program in Manatee County.

  • East County
  • News
Roberto Ortega and Margo Valenzuela give their daughter Athzira Ortega flowers and balloons to celebrate her graduation from Lakewood Ranch High School last year. More guests will be allowed to attend this year's ceremonies.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 17, 2021
Attendance expands for Manatee County high school graduations

School District of Manatee County doubles attendance for graduation ceremonies at LECOM Park.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 17, 2021
Prom prevails for Lakewood Ranch seniors

After the Lakewood Ranch High prom was cancelled, a private one was organized to replace it.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The School Board of Manatee County will start meeting at 10 a.m. for its first meeting of the month and at 5 p.m. for its second meeting of the month.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 12, 2021
School Board of Manatee County changes meeting times

The School Board of Manatee County has changed its meeting times in hopes of accommodating district staff and the community.

  • East County
  • News
Jackie Llamas, a parent of a Lakewood Ranch High School senior, is happy she's able to coordinate a prom for seniors like Nick Lenchinsky with his mother, Angie Lenchinsky Scarpa.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 5, 2021
Private prom excites Lakewood Ranch High students

Lakewood Ranch High School seniors ready to have prom memories.

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch Charter Academy is expected to have about 740 students enrolled if the school opens in August 2022. Within five years, the school is projected to have an enrollment of 1,965 students. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 5, 2021
Traditional vs. charter: The differences

Lakewood Ranch Charter Academy will provide a new option for East County parents.

  • East County
  • News
Dawn Zielinski, president of the Village Idiots Cycling Club, and Tom Williams, outreach director for the club, donates bike helmets to Megan Podolan, a fifth grade teacher at Willis Elementary School, to give to students.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 5, 2021
Safer rides in Lakewood Ranch

Village Idiots Cycling Club donates helmets to east Bradenton schools.

  • East County
  • News
Steven Zickafoose, an assistant principal at Dr. Mona Jain Middle School, and Angela Lindsey, principal of the school, wear masks while on campus. The administrators might not have to wear masks next year. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 5, 2021
School District of Manatee County considers letting masks down

School Board of Manatee County considers a voluntary mask policy for summer school and the 2021-22 school year.

  • East County
  • News
Braden River and Lakewood Ranch high school seniors can now bring four guests to graduation. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 29, 2021
Manatee County high school graduates get more tickets for the celebration

School District of Manatee County announces high school seniors will get four tickets for graduation.

  • East County
  • News
The School Board of Manatee County has approved the application for Lakewood Ranch Charter Academy. Charter Schools USA is working with Southwest Charter Foundation to open the school. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 28, 2021
School Board of Manatee County approves new charter school in Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch Charter Academy will now negotiate a contract with the School District of Manatee County.

  • East County
  • News
Paige Royce and Emma Curry, first graders at Braden River Elementary School, sit quietly while reading. The school district says changes to the calendar next year will help address the learning gap in reading. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 28, 2021
Manatee County students will log more time in classroom

School District of Manatee County makes changes to 2021-2022 academic calendar in response to pandemic.

  • East County
  • News
Registered Nurse Debbie Bottiger prepares a vaccine for a School District of Manatee County employee. Students who are at least 16 can get a vaccine through a partnership between the school district and MCR Health. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 27, 2021
School District of Manatee County offers vaccine to students

School District of Manatee County students who are 16 and older can book an appointment for Thursday.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 27, 2021
Picnic honors Lakewood Ranch High Mustang band seniors

Lakewood Ranch High Marching Mustangs honor seniors and welcome incoming freshmen.

  • East County
  • News
Braden River Middle School eighth grader Stephen Althoff pours water to be filtered as Griffin Hart holds the flask. Middle school students have an opportunity for credit recovery in core classes like science. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 21, 2021
In-person summer school returns

School District of Manatee County will offer summer programs June 7-July 15.

  • East County
  • News
Registered Nurse Debbie Bottiger prepares a vaccine for a School District of Manatee County employee. Although people ages 16 and older are eligible, some high schoolers have mixed feelings about getting vaccinated. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 21, 2021
Some east Bradenton students not in rush to be vaccinated

Lakewood Ranch-area students have mixed feelings about being vaccinated.

  • East County
  • News
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1
Tony Barrett is running for the at-large District 6 commission seat in Manatee County.
  • April 1, 2026
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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
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3
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
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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
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Lakewood Ranch Little League plays at Lakewood Ranch Park March 25.
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