• Alternate Text

  • Loading

  • Holiday 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
  • LWR 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
  • LWR 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
  • Holiday Gift Guide
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

East County | Schools

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
Students from Cypress Ridge Elementary School talk with Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School students at the regional competition. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 21, 2021
Robotics on rise in Lakewood Ranch

Five Lakewood Ranch elementary school teams compete at regional VEX robotics competition.

  • East County
  • News
New principals will be coming to Braden River High School and William H. Bashaw Elementary School.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 14, 2021
Two East County schools — Braden River High and Bashaw Elementary — have new principals

The School District of Manatee County names its new administrators.

  • East County
  • News
Pirates Coach Stephanie Smith, Braden River senior O'Mariah Gordon and Lakewood Ranch High boys basketball Coach Jeremy Schiller celebrate Gordon's overall 3-point contest win. Gordon made 13 shots in one minute in the finals.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • April 14, 2021
One final encore for Braden River's Gordon

Prose and Kohn: Ryan Kohn

  • East County
  • Sports
Brianna Schepers, a sophomore in the Braden River High School JV winter guard, uses a rifle during the guard's "Little Sparrow" performance. Courtesy photo by Chris Stratford.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 14, 2021
Winter guards earn medals in east Bradenton

Lakewood Ranch and Braden River high schools win awards at Federation of Colorguards Circuit State Championships.

  • East County
  • News
Members of the Braden River High School Pirate Battalion Drill Team celebrate winning their fifth district championship in a row. The team will now move onto state. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 7, 2021
Braden River High School knows its drill

Braden River High School Pirate Battalion Drill Team wins district championship for fifth year in a row and heads to state.

  • East County
  • News
Cheryl Bulfin, a third grade teacher, guides her students through a lesson. All teachers receive a $5,201 supplement from the millage. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 7, 2021
School District of Manatee County officials — 1 mill made huge difference

School District of Manatee County says 2018 1-mill property tax referendum was crucial.

  • East County
  • News
Senior Kora Turner and junior Matthew Boudreau celebrate the orienteering's first state championship. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 7, 2021
Run to victory for Lakewood Ranch High

Lakewood Ranch High School JROTC's orienteering team takes home its first state championship.

  • East County
  • News
Dave Miner, a former member of the School Board of Manatee County, and Scott Hopes, a member of the board, celebrate the opening of Dr. Mona Jain Middle School. Hopes says part of a school member's job is attending school events.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 7, 2021
What's next for School Board of Manatee County?

Gov. Ron DeSantis will appoint a Manatee County resident to replace Scott Hopes, the District 4 representative for the School Board of Manatee County.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 7, 2021
Spirits rise at ODA

The Out-of-Door Academy celebrates school spirit through a day of competitions.

  • East County
  • News
David Mahler, the head of school at the Out-of-Door Academy, will resign after 17 years with the school. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 1, 2021
ODA head of school, who oversees Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota campuses, resigns

David Mahler, the head of school at the Out-of-Door-Academy, announces resignation.

  • East County
  • News
Suzanne Aguirre, a Lakewood Ranch High senior, conducts diabetic testing on Alexis McClintock, a Braden River High senior. The seniors appreciate getting a head start on their nursing courses through MTC's dual enrollment program.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 31, 2021
Ahead of the game in Manatee County

MTC dual enrollment programs offer high school students advanced opportunities.

  • East County
  • News
Charter Schools USA is working with Southwest Charter Foundation to potentially open Lakewood Ranch Charter Academy in August 2022 if the School Board of Manatee County approves the application.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 31, 2021
New charter school proposed in Lakewood Ranch

If approved, Lakewood Ranch Charter Academy could open in August 2022.

  • East County
  • News
Principal Todd Richardson volunteers to kiss a pig to help the school raise more than $30,000. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 31, 2021
Kid at heart in Lakewood Ranch

Gullett Elementary principal hogs the attention while engaging his students and staff.

  • East County
  • News
Shamar Beatty points to his family in the stands while walking across the field with his diploma. His sash and mask has photos of memories from his time at Lakewood Ranch High School. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 17, 2021
Venue change alters graduation dates for Lakewood Ranch and Braden River high schools

School District of Manatee County high schools push back graduation dates after switch to LECOM Park.

  • East County
  • News
Olivya Johns, Jacsyn Hockenbury and Emily Garcia kick off the start of "Little Shop of Horrors."
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 17, 2021
Little shop of funding horrors in east Bradenton

Braden River and Lakewood Ranch high school theater programs struggle to stay afloat financially during pandemic.

  • East County
  • News
Registered Nurse Debbie Bottiger prepares a COVID-19 vaccine for a School District of Manatee County employee. The district has worked with community partners to provide more than 5,000 vaccines to its more than 6,000 employees.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 17, 2021
Vaccines a relief for Manatee County educators

The School District of Manatee County works with community partners to get its employees vaccinated.

  • East County
  • News
R. Dan Nolan Middle School TSA members Emma Hubley, Callum Wilford and Virginia Frisbie celebrate their first place win for Leadership Strategies. Courtesy of Nadine Anderson.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 17, 2021
TSA effort A-OK in east Bradenton

East Bradenton schools' TSA teams see success at state conference despite challenges due to COVID-19.

  • East County
  • News
The School District of Manatee County's Food and Nutrition Services Department will provide free meals for children during spring break.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 11, 2021
School District of Manatee County offers free meals during spring break

Manatee County children can pickup meals at Freedom Elementary and Haile Middle during spring break.

  • East County
  • News
Layden Kraut, Sophia Marzonie and Isabella Moncion, first graders at B.D. Gullett Elementary School are all used to using laptops. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 10, 2021
A year of COVID-19: Schools adapt in east Bradenton

Parents, teachers say the School District of Manatee County has navigated the pandemic well.

  • East County
  • News
Braden River High School graduate Chloe Carnegie walks across the field with her diploma during the school's graduation ceremony at LECOM Park in 2020.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 9, 2021
School Board of Manatee County approves graduation date changes

Manatee County high school graduations will take place in the first week of June.

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch High School theater students will perform in a virtual cabaret March 5.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 4, 2021
Ready to dazzle virtually in Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch High School theater students host virtual cabaret show.

  • East County
  • News
Cynthia Saunders, the superintendent of the School District of Manatee County, works with Ted Lindenberg, the director of Books for Kids, to find ways for the program to continue to support students in the district. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 3, 2021
Books for Kids adds new chapter in Manatee County

The Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch's Books for Kids program adds mentoring program to help students.

  • East County
  • News
Madelyn Hall and Patrick Danielcak, first graders at B.D. Gullett Elementary School use laptops to learn how to access digital books from the public library. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 3, 2021
A Chromebook on every desk in Manatee County

The School District of Manatee County begins a 5-year plan to assure its students have the technology to succeed.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 1, 2021
School District of Manatee County celebrates Champions of Education

The School District of Manatee County kicks off a two-week celebration to show appreciation for its more than 6,000 employees.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 27, 2021
Pressure builds as WGC-Workday Championship at The Concession enters final round

Colin Morikawa holds a two-stroke lead heading into Sunday.

  • East County
  • Sports
Medical Assisting students Esbeydi Penaloza and Jackie Pizano go through how to teach someone how to use a walker.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 24, 2021
Healthcare workers on the way in Manatee County

Manatee Technical College goes to hybrid programs to meet increasing healthcare industry needs.

  • East County
  • News
« 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 »
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
CEO Mike Bisaha says the new equipment will at least triple Big Top Brewing Co.'s beer production.
  • December 3, 2025
Big Top to open expanded brew house at Sarasota's Fruitville Commons
2
Mill Creek's Ilana Simone, who performs as Ilana Armida, has returned to her roots after living in Los Angeles to pursue her musical career.
  • December 3, 2025
Mill Creek musical artist continues to search for her audience
3
Lakewood Ranch High School graduate Jason Huh has founded a few different companies, including Sodi Pop. Sodi Pop is now available in a healthy vending machine at the school for staff and students to enjoy.
  • December 3, 2025
Sodi Pop, billed as a healthier product, comes to Lakewood Ranch High
4
Marine Corps veteran Dale Cole lives in Greenfield Plantation and is a regular user of Manatee Moves.
  • December 3, 2025
Ride service for Manatee County veterans is on the move
5
Commissioners George Kruse and Bob McCann are on opposite sides of the AAA High School vote. Kruse voted in favor of approving the site plan, and McCann voted to deny the site plan.
  • December 3, 2025
Manatee commissioners have final say about new school but no real power

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 © 2025 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