• 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

Chinese exchange students Jeffrey Qiu, Cheyenne Zhang, Liz Zhuo, Frank Liao and Tina Shibano visited students at the academy's lower school. They are pictured with Claire Maag, Luca Marino and Johnny Robinson, front row.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • February 5, 2014
Chinese students glean lessons from visit

Five teenagers from Beijing contrast the teaching style at ODA with schools back home.

  • East County
  • Schools
Christopher, Luciana and Matthew Silva prepare to eat.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 1, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Tara Principal Breakfast

Tara Elementary School celebrated 96 students who earned straight A's, during a principal's breakfast Jan. 31.

  • East County
  • News
Tyler Shanahan with his mom, Katina, joins Martha Hall and her children, Valeria and Alejandro Marquez.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 1, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Pirate Run

East County residents sported their pirate cheer Feb. 1, during the second annual Pirate 5K/10K Walk Run.

  • East County
  • Sports
Monica, Ty, 7, and Kevin Moore feast on a pancake breakfast at Tara Elementary School. The event awarded Tara's 90 students who earned straight A's. Principal Steve Royce even cooked the pancakes.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 31, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Pancake Prize

PHOTO GALLERY: Pancake Prize

  • East County
  • Schools
Representatives from every public school and charter school in Manatee County will be at the fair to discuss educational programs, academies and opportunities.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • January 27, 2014
Information fair signals start of School Choice

Manatee County Public School District's School Choice enrollment period officially begins Jan. 28, but parents can also sign up their students at a School Information Fair Monday night.

  • East County
  • Schools
Zaid Harakat, 10, shows off his battle skills.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 26, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Tara Winter Carnival

Families at Tara Elementary School enjoyed an evening of food, inflatables and carnival-style games Jan. 24, during the school's winter carnival event. Families even had a chance to play in the snow.

  • East County
  • Schools
Eunice Garcia, a senior at Manatee School for the Arts, enjoys photography as a hobby, but wants to pursue a medical career.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • January 25, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Heart & Soul Gala

The Manatee Education Foundation hosted the seventh annual 2014 Heart & Soul Gala and Live Art Auction Jan. 25 at Polo Grill. Student artists were recognized for their work and received scholarships ranging from $150 to $1,500 and other gifts.

  • East County
  • News
Fourth-grader Lizett Hernandez read under the light.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • January 23, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: BRE Literacy Wonderland

Braden River Elementary School offered a warm reading place at its first Literacy Wonderland event, Jan. 23.

  • East County
  • News
The forums, new this school year, are a way for the district to promote transparency.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • January 22, 2014
District hosts community engagement forum

The Manatee County School District rolls out its second community engagement forum tonight, in a meeting of district staff and the public.

  • East County
  • News
Amanda Sebastiano Nine-year-old Zoey Lipton cares for fruits and vegetables located inside EarthBoxes at B.D. Gullett Elementary School.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • January 22, 2014
Students use green thumbs

Gullett students learn to care for plants using EarthBoxes.

  • East County
  • Schools
District Five Commissioner Vanessa Baugh reads "The Kissing Hand" to Karen Krienen and Debbie Frazzoni's class.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • January 15, 2014
Commissioner leads story time

District Five Commissioner Vanessa Baugh read stories to students Jan. 14 at Kiddie Academy, as part of Celebrate Literacy Week.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • January 15, 2014
Superintendent builds support for leniency

Although the Manatee County School District tops the state's list regarding poor recordkeeping and overspending, district reps received compliments on their fiscal recovery plans.

  • East County
  • News
Lawmakers praised Superintendent Rick Mills for providing a thorough response to state audits and expressed confidence in his ability to move the district forward.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • January 13, 2014
Superintendent gains support in Tallahassee

In a bid to reduce fines owed to the state, Manatee County School District Superintendent Rick Mills impressed legislators with his response to audit findings.

  • East County
  • Schools
The inaugural class of students enrolled in the program will be at the school today for orientation, beginning at 10 a.m.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • January 6, 2014
LECOM unveils distance education program

The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) will officially launch its Masters in Health Services Administration distance education program today when students come on campus for orientation.

  • East County
  • Schools
  • By East County students
  • December 24, 2013
Dear Santa

Students at East County schools have been busy the last few weeks as they prepare their Christmas wish lists for Santa Claus. Here is a sampling of letters students shared with the East County Observer.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
(Front) Nicholas Colacci, Dylan Bennett and Cade Saalmann felt the music.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • December 19, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Braden River Middle School SnowComing

Braden River Middle School held a SnowComing dance Dec. 19. Students danced the night away in the school cafeteria.

  • East County
  • Schools
This year, five school districts of more than 400 applicants were awarded funds.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • December 19, 2013
School district fails to win money for STEM grant

For the second year in a row, the Manatee County School District fell just short to win federal funding for a grant to fund a plan to implement science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) labs in elementary schools.

  • East County
  • News
Calista Hidalgo as Snow White
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • December 18, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Gullett Elementary's 'A Snow White Christmas'

B.D. Gullett Elementary School fifth grade students performed their version of "A Snow White Christmas", Dec. 17. Student actors and actresses performed seven scenes, and choir members sang songs.

  • East County
  • Schools
Braden River and Lakewood Ranch High Schools both received an “A” for the second year in a row.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • December 18, 2013
East County high schools get 'A' grades

Braden River and Lakewood Ranch High Schools earned 'A' grades from the state in the 2013 High School Accountability Grades released today by the Florida Department of Education.

  • East County
  • Schools
After the workshop, Superintendent Rick Mills will post his action plan to the district’s website for public viewing, based on his staff’s findings.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • December 18, 2013
School board to discuss response to audits

The Manatee County School Board will discuss corrective actions related to two state audits from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. today, during a special workshop.

  • East County
  • Schools
Hannah Van Hise plays the part of Mrs. Claus.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 13, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Willis' 'December in Our Town'

Third-grade students at Willis Elementary School welcomed the holiday season with a special musical show, "December in Our Town," Dec. 12 and Dec. 13.

  • East County
  • News
The student, who was allegedly dragged from a classroom by the arm and shoulder, was not injured.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • December 13, 2013
Substitute teacher charged with child abuse

A Nolan Middle School substitute teacher was arrested Thursday for allegedly abusing a 13-year-old student at the school.

  • East County
  • Schools
The $1.9 figure from the new report consists primarily of questioned costs from the 2012-13 year.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • December 12, 2013
Second state audit brings more costs to school district

A second report from the state's Auditor General's Office released this morning - this one on federal, grant-funded programs - revealed the Manatee County School District could see a $1.9 million reduction in its general fund balance.

  • East County
  • Schools
Gabby Alfonso, Alison Volpe, Halee Prater and Kieu Nguyen welcome guests and provide nametags.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 11, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Empty Bowls

Students in Braden River Middle School's Junior National Honor Society program welcomed guests to reflect on poverty, during the organization's annual Empty Bowls event Dec. 12.

  • East County
  • News
At today’s 3 p.m. workshop, 215 Manatee Avenue W., Manatee County School District staff will present the report’s findings to the board.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • December 10, 2013
School board hosts workshop on state audit report

The Manatee County School Board hosts a workshop today to talk about a report from the state's Auditor General's Office that found misuse of funds and lack of controls during the 2012-13 school year.

  • East County
  • News
Marie Tannus, of Pampered Chef, shares about her products with Carolyn Talbot.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 7, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Willis Carnival

Willis Elementary School today hosted a winter carnival for its families and the public.

  • East County
  • News
Principal Selenia Quinones has been on paid administrative leave from Imagine School since Nov. 4.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • December 4, 2013
UPDATED: Imagine School principal on paid leave

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has recommended to the state that Selenia Quinones be charged with failure to report child abuse.

  • East County
  • Schools
The state audit began in March and concluded with the release of the report November 25.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • December 4, 2013
State report threatens school district recovery

The Manatee County School District could see as much as a $7.2 million reduction in its general fund balance as a consequence of a report from the state Auditor General's Office.

  • East County
  • Schools
If the Manatee County School District was awarded the grant, it would fund a plan to implement STEM labs in elementary schools.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • November 25, 2013
School District finalist for grant

The Manatee County School District is a finalist for a 'Race to the Top' grant, the U.S. Department of Education announced Friday.

  • East County
  • News
Kayla Gardner, Donovan Cinilli, Kayten Brinn and Emily Townsend
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • November 20, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Bashaw American Education Week Musical

As part of American Education Week, Bashaw Elementary School third-graders performed a patriotic musical Nov. 19. The show was dedicated to third grade student Alexia Wolf and her father, Sgt. Troy Wood, who is serving the U.S. Army in Afghanistan.

  • East County
  • Schools
Aranibar says her priority is to get the board to set a stronger set of policies and procedures for itself that are transparent and easy to follow.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • November 20, 2013
Aranibar elected school board chair

The Manatee County School Board voted 4-1 to make Julie Aranibar, the district 5 representative, chairwoman.

  • East County
  • Schools
With their parents by their side, Lakewood Ranch High seniors Ramsey Touchberry and Danny Walker make their college choices official during a signing ceremony Nov. 13.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • November 20, 2013
Mustang golf standouts ink college scholarships

Seniors Ramsey Touchberry and Danny Walker both signed national letters of intent Nov. 13.

  • East County
  • Schools
Sam Woolf sang and played a self-written song, “The Same.”
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • November 15, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Braden River's Got Talent

Singers, dancers and performers showed their skills at the Braden River's Got Talent Showcase at Braden River High School Nov. 14.

  • East County
  • Schools
Brian Hersh came out with his family: Lillian, Lauren and Gideon.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • November 9, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: ODA Thunder Fun Day

Families at The Out-of-Door Academy enjoyed a morning of school spirit and fun, as ODA hosted its annual Thunder Fun Day event Nov. 9.

  • East County
  • Schools
Allie Daniel, an eighth grader, played the violin.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • November 8, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Nolan's Got Talent!

Nolan Middle School celebrated its 10-year anniversary with its ninth annual Nolan's Got Talent! show Nov. 7. The talent show's former two-time winner, Daniel Shelvin, returned as a guest judge and performer.

  • East County
  • News
Veterans of all military branches attended the event.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • November 7, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Braden River salutes veterans

Students at Braden River Middle School celebrated U.S. military veterans, during a special courtyard ceremony Nov. 6.

  • East County
  • Schools
« 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 »
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