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East County | Schools

Kaylen Rivers and Reece Whatmore, sophomores at Out-of-Door Academy, created a storybook about cells using adaptive technology.
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • April 3, 2019
Out-of-Door Academy students' novel idea honored

When you think about a children’s storybook, you might not think of adaptive features that make the learning accessible to everyone.

  • East County
  • Schools
Aiden Torres said one day he hopes to make a cure for brain cancer.
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • April 3, 2019
Small code, big dreams at SCF Lakewood Ranch

Local children — some as young as first graders, but most are fourth graders — attended a spring break coding camp the from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 25-29 at the State College of Florida’s Lakewood Ranch campus.

  • East County
  • Schools
Cast members poured all the emotion they could muster into their last rehearsal before the actual performance.
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • April 3, 2019
Curtain call: seniors and director finish their time at Out-of-Door Academy

When student actors took the stage on Friday, March 29, at Out-of-Door Academy, it wasn’t just the last opening night for departing seniors in their drama department. It was the last performance for director and Associate Head of School for Academics L’Ta

  • East County
  • Schools
William Thomas completed the firefighter's combat challenge in three minutes and 25 seconds.
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • March 27, 2019
Future firefighters honored at Manatee Technical College

MTC honors six students during its Fire Academy graduation

  • East County
  • Schools
Cat Kaiser looks at some of the artwork she's created.
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • March 20, 2019
Student finds 'comic' relief in art at Lakewood Ranch High School

“Visually, it’s stunning...I love when a painting tells a story.”

  • East County
  • Schools
MTC HVAC student explains to Braden River Highschool freshman Justin Hilts how to cut a length of pipe.
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • March 20, 2019
'Rodeo' steers students to construction at Manatee Technical College

Christopher Emigdio, a junior at Lakewood Ranch High, was impressed with what he saw.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 17, 2019
Spring Fling Carnival in Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch High students enjoy their annual Spring Fling Carnival.

  • East County
  • News
Educator of the Year winner Debra Hartline stands with Support Employee of the Year winner Amanda Keeney.
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • March 13, 2019
Top of the class at Braden River High and Myakka City Elementary in Manatee County

Braden River High teacher earns Educator of Year Award for the School District of Manatee County.

  • East County
  • News
Madelaine Verbeek, a museum educator with the South Florida Museum, educates students on fossils.
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • March 13, 2019
Full STEAM ahead at Gullett Elementary in Manatee County

Gullett Elementary students explore science at annual education event in Lakewood Ranch

  • East County
  • Schools
Leah Kessler, from Covered Bridge in Ellenton, is a student in the Advanced Manufacturing course. She holds her "catch" — a fish she cut out of metal using a plasma cutter.
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • March 7, 2019
MTC course sets the bar to hirer

In six short months, students in the advanced manufacturing course at Manatee Technical College find their lives transformed and a world of opportunities before them.

  • East County
  • News
Principal Bill Stenger is known for his caring attitude, attention to details and high expectations.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 6, 2019
Willis Elemetary leader had great principles

After 14 years, Principal Bill Stenger will retire.

  • East County
  • News
Hayley Rio. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • March 1, 2019
East County schools land new principals in Bradenton

Josh Bennett takes over at Braden River Elementary as School District of Manatee County swaps principals.

  • East County
  • Schools
Hilda Hamrick embraces her great grandson, Daniel Meiler, at William H. Bashaw elementary on Thursday, Feb. 21.
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • February 27, 2019
'Volunteer Extraordinaire' at Bashaw Elementary in Bradenton

“Reserved Parking for Ms. Hilda. Bashaw Volunteer Extraordinaire.”  Now, who is Ms. Hilda?

  • East County
  • News
Robert E. Willis Elementary School fifth-grader Jaxon Lemus, left, is stumped momentarily by a math problem, but quickly solves it.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 27, 2019
Math is the star of brain games in Lakewood Ranch

LWR Savvy hosts Math24 tournament to promote academic competition.

  • East County
  • News
Rifka Glatz, a holocaust survivor, speaks to a crowd of students at Braden River Middle School.
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • February 20, 2019
Braden River students hear somber lessons of Holocaust

The story Rifka Glatz shared with students at Braden River Middle School recently was deeply personal and moving. She shared how she survived the Holocaust.

  • East County
  • Schools
Karen Nikla’s fourth-grade class members at Robert E. Willis Elementary School explored their creativity.
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • February 20, 2019
A place for poetry

Fourth-grade teacher Karen Nikla spent a month of class time exploring poetry, reading the likes of Shel Silverstein and Jack Prelutsky and teaching her students the magic of weaving words.

  • East County
  • News
Cynthia Saunders was hired as superintendent of the School District of Manatee County Tuesday night.
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • February 12, 2019
School Board of Manatee County hires Saunders

In a 3-2 vote, the board approved a contract for interim superintendent Cynthia Saunders.

  • East County
  • News
Educators pose with William H. Bashaw, in front. He served as Manatee County Schools Superintendent for from 1970 to 1983. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 11, 2019
Bradenton school namesake dies

Former Manatee Schools Superintendent William H. Bashaw leaves legacy.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 8, 2019
It's time for sweethearts at Willis Elementary in Lakewood Ranch

Valentine's ball features music, dancing and doughnuts.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 1, 2019
Lakewood Ranch area school fans flames of fun

Braden River Elementary hosts annual bonfire fundraiser.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Mustangs senior forward Josh Young barrels into a Pirates defender on a drive to the basket.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 16, 2019
Mustangs extend culture of winning — and fun

The Lakewood Ranch High boys basketball program has had a consistent culture despite the typical turnover of high school rosters.

  • East County
  • Sports
Fifth-grader Kiran Kalia plays the xylophone.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 18, 2018
Witt Orffestra rings in holiday season

Children sing of snowmen and holidays in Lakewood Ranch area.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 13, 2018
'Snowcoming' dance brightens scene at Braden River Middle

Middle-schoolers dance night away with friends.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • November 13, 2018
Students celebrate Veterans Day

Annual ceremony celebrates military, first responders at Freedom Elementary.

  • East County
  • Schools
Tara Elementary School third-grade teacher Katelyn Fulghum got to snuggle with her 5-year-old daughter Ella, a kindergartner, during the show.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • November 9, 2018
Tara Elementary celebrates veterans, first responders

Fourth-graders give patriotic performance in honor of Veterans Day.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 10, 2018
Students walk in wonder

Braden River Elementary families participate in Walk and Bike to School Day.

  • East County
  • Schools
Knowledge McDaniel is now eligible to play in the Pirates' final six regular season games.Â
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • September 20, 2018
Braden River wide receiver ruled eligible for rest of regular season

The senior will still be ineligible for the postseason should Braden River qualify

  • East County
  • Sports
Cindy Rhategan uses her elbow to smash a board during her fifth-degree dan physical test. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • June 27, 2018
Lakewood Ranch woman officially a taekwondo 'master'

Lakewood Ranch resident Cindy Rhategan received her fifth-degree dan (black belt) at a ceremony at Lakewood Ranch Taekwondo on June 21.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • June 21, 2018
Campers are feelin' peachy in Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch acting camp serves James his giant peach.

  • East County
  • Schools
Haile TSA students Reese Jones, Ryan Gustafson, Sidney Buice, Isabella Pasquale, Grace Kelley and Justin Tong hope their project will help the environment.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • June 20, 2018
Manatee County students to compete in national TSA competition

Haile TSA students promote environment with construction project.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • June 15, 2018
Woodland camp offers fantastical fun

Woodland Fine Arts Academy campers present 'Alice in Wonderland Jr."

  • East County
  • News
MTC Board of Governors member Dr. Richard Conard, Priscilla Haflich's son Rick Farmer and Manatee County School's Executive Director of Adult, Career and Technical Education Doug Wagner unveil a portrait of Haflich.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • June 14, 2018
MTC dedicates auditorium for late administrator

MTC East in Lakewood Ranch now has the Priscilla Haflich Auditorium.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • June 14, 2018
Lakewood Ranch area students explore healthcare careers at camp

LECOM students teach science camp.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 10, 2018
Land swap a go in Lakewood Ranch

School District, SMR move forward with deal.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 6, 2018
Manatee schools offer open enrollment

School choice for elementary schools runs through March 16.

  • East County
  • News
Rendering of the new middle school.
    By
  • Amelia Hanks
  • March 2, 2018
Nominees announced for Lakewood Ranch middle school name

The School District of Manatee County school board will decide on the name March 13.

  • East County
  • News
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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

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