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East County | Schools

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
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
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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
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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.
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Oceane Visa, who says she has waited years to walk across the stage for graduation, is congratulated by Head of School Debra Otey.
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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.
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Late rally not enough for Braden River High softball in state semifinals

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