• Alternate Text

  • Loading

  • Sand Bucket List
  • 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
  • Things to Do
  • Galleries
  • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Elections
    • 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
  • Things to Do
  • Galleries
  • More
    • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Elections
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Sand Bucket List
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

East County | Schools

Children were inducted during a special ceremonyApril 26
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • May 5, 2011
Freedom hosts honor society induction

Freedom Elementary School on April 26 inducted students into the National Elementary Honor Society.

  • East County
  • News
Ellie Ohlman is a 2010 graduate of Lakewood Ranch High School.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 4, 2011
Ranch grad crowned DeSoto Queen

Ellie Ohlman was named the 2011 DeSoto Queen at the Desoto Historical Society Ball April 29.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Braden River Elementary music teacher Rob Gorley celebrated the release of his first CD on April 21.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • May 4, 2011
Braden River Elementary teacher releases CD

Teacher Rob Gorley's debut release, "Life," features music inspired by his family and his home in Mill Creek.

  • East County
  • Schools
Braden River High School's TSA team came home as state champions.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • May 2, 2011
Manatee students sweep TSA competition

Braden River High School's Technology Student Association team caputured the championship crown. Lakewood Ranch took third.

  • East County
  • Schools
Lakewood Ranch student Julia Goldman loved reading her group's story to the Bashaw students.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • May 2, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: "Winnie the Pooh and Shakespeare, Too"

Lakewood Ranch High School students shared children's stories they wrote with students at Bashaw Elementary School during the annual "Winnie the Pooh and Shakespeare, Too" event April 29. The high-schoolers also created educational activities to go along with their stories.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The FCAT Fun Day featured a variety of inflatable bounce houses and obstacle courses.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • May 2, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Tara FCAT Fun Day

Tara Elementary School students enjoyed a day of bounce houses and games following the FCAT during the school's annual FCAT Fun Day April 29. The celebration gave all students a chance to relax following the test.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Samara Meshad and Ashtin Frank danced the night away.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • May 1, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: ODA Prom

Juniors and seniors at the Out-of-Door Academy danced the night away April 30 during the school's prom at the Palm Aire Country Club. The event, which featured caricatures and poker, as well as ice cream and dancing, was themed "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

  • East County
  • Schools
Molly Cress counts to five in Spanish during the performance.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 29, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Bashaw Art & Music Festival

The sound of music filled the air April 29 at Bashaw Elementary School as the school celebrated its 25th anniversary and its annual Art & Music Festival.

  • East County
  • Schools
Children made 738 origami cranes.
  • By Kristi Dyer
  • April 25, 2011
Imagine kids help others

Children at Imagine School at Lakewood Ranch participated in Osh Kosh B'Gosh's Cranes for Kids program.

  • East County
  • News
Jasmine Hernandez led her team in the tug-of-war competition.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • April 23, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: BRE Field Day

Braden River Elementary School students hit the school's lawn for a a day of fun and friendly competition at the school's annual Field Day April 21. The event featured a variety of games, including tug-of-war, relay races and more.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Donna Bolton enjoyed spending time with her daughter Hannah, 5, and son Jaden, 1.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 22, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Freedom Elementary Muffins with Mom

Students at Freedom Elementary School spent a special morning with their moms during the school's Muffins with Mom event April 21. Students and their moms enjoyed spending quality time together over doughnuts and juice.

  • East County
  • Schools
Steel Magnolia even performed some new songs for the crowd.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 21, 2011
Steel Magnolia takes stage at Braden River (VIDEO)

Country duo Steel Magnolia performed for students at Braden River High School Wednesday.

  • East County
  • Schools
Thirteen-year-old Ryan Chastain, right, helps Backyard Getaway co-owner Dave Burns build a waterfall near the school's entrance.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 20, 2011
Haile Middle kids complete Learning Takes Flight project

Ninety students at Haile Middle School worked together last week to complete a mural and install a waterfall feature near the school's entrance.

  • East County
  • News
  • By Kent Ringquist
  • April 19, 2011
Lakewood honors faculty

Students at Lakewood Ranch High School recently honored faculty at the school with special awards.

  • East County
  • Schools
Eighth-grader Naidya Rupan painted a butterfly on sixth-grader Kaylee Burke's face.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 17, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Braden River Middle Family Fun Night

Braden River Middle School students and their families enjoyed an evening of fun and games during the school's Family Fun Night April 15. Students enjoyed playing flag football, volleyball and basketball, a dunk tank, face painting and more.

  • East County
  • Schools
Gullett Elementary Principal Kathy Hayes, right, grins after smooching a 10-week-old pig for the students.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 15, 2011
Principal's pig smooch satisfies students (VIDEO)

As a reward to students for raising more than $10,000 at a recent walk-a-thon, Gullett Elementary School Principal Kathy Hayes today puckered up and kissed a 10-week-old pig.

  • East County
  • Schools
LECOM student Katie Rorer helps Delaney Dowdell, 11, get seeds ready to dry.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 14, 2011
Learning garden springs to life (VIDEO)

Students from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine are joining the efforts of Center Montessori School to educate children about food.

  • East County
  • News
Cardinal Mooney students hold a banner they created for their Arbor Day celebration.
  • By Linnet Berna
  • April 14, 2011
PHOTO OF THE DAY: A new tree

Cardinal Mooney students gathered to celebrate Arbor Day.

  • East County
  • Schools
Jane Pfeilsticker demonstrates "Lab in a Box" used to conduct experiments.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 14, 2011
SCF earns biotechnology grant

The National Science Foundation has awarded about $187,000 to a new program by the State College of Florida.

  • East County
  • Schools
Leanna Flores
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 8, 2011
CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT: Braden River Middle (VIDEO)

Braden River Middle School students launched homemade rockets during the 11th Annual Night Under the Stars event hosted by the school's science department April 7.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 8, 2011
District offers FCAT breakfast

The Manatee County School District will spend $15,000 feeding students for FCAT.

  • East County
  • News
Hannaiz Nater, 6, checked out a bat with her parents Luis and Tanya.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 8, 2011
GALLERY: Night Under the Stars

Braden River Middle School students and their families enjoyed the 11th annual "Night Under the Stars" thanks to the school's science department. Attendees enjoyed a Star Lab Planetarium, visits from the Florida Aquarium and Lowry Park Zoo, and more, while raising funds for various school organizations.

  • East County
  • News
The chorus sings the overture, "Stone Soup."
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 7, 2011
GALLERY: McNeal presents 'Stone Soup'

Kindergarten students at McNeal Elementary School sang a lesson in sharing during their production of "Stone Soup, A Rock Opera" April 5. The musical featured a special appearance by several pre-kindergarten students as well.

  • East County
  • News
Rodolfo Estraea, 8, went as fast as he could through the tunnel.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 7, 2011
GALLERY: Tara Math-tacle

Thanks to a $1,000 Toshiba math and science grant, children at Tara Elementary school this week are making their way through a special Math-tacle course. During their physical education class time, students work their way through nearly a dozen obstacles, pausing before each one to solve math problems.

  • East County
  • News
Bridget Lanier
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 6, 2011
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Bridget Lanier

Braden River sophomore Bridget Lanier won the long jump and the high jump helping lead the Lady Pirates to a first-place victory at the Palmetto Relays April 1.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Mollie Rainwater and Brooke Troyer demonstrate their 'soil swifter' tool.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 5, 2011
Nolan FFA students advance

Nolan Middle School students Mollie Rainwater and Brooke Troyer will compete in a state level FFA Association competition later this month.

  • East County
  • Schools
Fifth-grade students demonstrated tricks during Bashaw Elementary's Jump for Fun event March 30.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • March 31, 2011
GALLERY: Bashaw Elementary Jump for Fun

Students at Bashaw Elementary School showed off their jump-roping skills during the school's annual Jump for Fun event March 30. Fifth-grade students demonstrated a variety of jump-roping tricks before the rest of the school joined in on the fun.

  • East County
  • Schools
Primrose School kindergartner Cameron Phayre and his father, Scott, celebrated after learning their family had won third-prize in the Family Dance-off video contest.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • March 30, 2011
GALLERY: Phayre Family Celebration

Kindergarten students at Primrose School at Lakewood Ranch Town danced their hearts out in celebration after fellow classmate Cameron Phayre and his family were named the third-prize winners of the Family Dance-off March 30. In honor of the Phayre family's victory, Primrose presented a $15,000 check to All Children's Hospital. The Phayre family also received a check for $1,500.

  • East County
  • Schools
Anissa Murgo said she's most excited to meet the other top spellers from across the nation.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 30, 2011
McNeal fourth-grader wins local spelling bee finals

McNeal student Anissa Murgo spelled correctly 'pitchblende' to win the Scripps National Spelling Bee Local Finals. She will compete in the national competition June 1-2 in Washington, D.C.

  • East County
  • News
Anay Patel has been studying for the state geography bee every night since he learned he would be competing.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 30, 2011
Nolan student navigates way to Florida Geo Bee

Eighth-grader Anay Patel will compete in the 2011 Florida Geographic Bee at Jacksonville University.

  • East County
  • News
About 10,000 baseball fans saw Julia Gennocro perform.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 29, 2011
BRE student sings national anthem (VIDEO)

Braden River Elementary School student Julia Gennocro sang the national anthem before the Pittsburgh Pirates spring training game March 23 at McKechnie Field.

  • East County
  • News
Joseph Grosso, Katherine Kaspar, Carlotta Murri and Melina Cuffaro are all part of Lakewood's drama department.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • March 28, 2011
GALLERY: Lakewood Ranch Renaissance

Lakewood Ranch High School students enjoyed an afternoon of art and entertainment as part of the school's Renaissance program March 25. The school's jazz band, theater students and Silver Stars dance team performed.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Anissa Murgo correctly spelled 'pitchblende' to win the local competition.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • March 25, 2011
Can you spell, C-H-A-M-P?

McNeal Elementary School fourth-grader Anissa Murgo won the Scripps National Spelling Bee Local Finals March 24 at St. Joseph Catholic School. Now, she'll represent the county at the national bee June 1-2 in Washington, D.C.

  • East County
  • Schools
Eight-year-old Bianca Lowery was rewarded with a crown for her knowledge of the NED acronym.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • March 25, 2011
GALLERY: Braden River Elementary NED Assembly

Students at Braden River Elementary School learned about becoming champions at school and in life during a special NED Show Assembly March 24. NED stresses the importance of never giving up, encouraging others and doing your best.

  • East County
  • Schools
This Moroccan uromastyx was one of four different animals that visited Love Comes First Preschool this morning.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • March 24, 2011
GALLERY: Reptiles visit Love Comes First Preschool

Reptiles from Sarasota Jungle Gardens slithered into the East County's Love Comes First Preschool March 24 -- much to the delight of the students. Special guests included a Burmese python, a Moroccan uromastyx, a green iguana and an American alligator.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Eight-year-old Jordyn Berger couldn't wait to hit the dance floor with her father, Jason.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • March 21, 2011
GALLERY: Gene Witt Elementary Father-Daughter Dance

Dressed in their Sunday best, dozens of girls at Gene Witt Elementary School enjoyed an evening with the special men in their lives during the school's annual Father-Daughter Dance March 18. The girls danced the night away with their dads, got their pictures taken and enjoyed ice cream sundaes and other tasty treats.

  • East County
  • Schools
« 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 »
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
Ellie Tullidge, 6, is glad to help her grandfather Bob Smith celebrate raising another $114,507 for Stillpoint Mission this year, which makes the 15 year total $633,507.
  • May 26, 2026
Lakewood Ranch effort raises $114,507 for the Stillpoint Mission
2
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
High school coaches defend relevancy of spring football in Florida
3
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.
  • May 24, 2026
With our deep dependence on power, FPL gears up to keep the lights on
4
A rendering of the 12U baseball/softball fields five-plex that will be built at UMR Sports complex in East County.
  • May 23, 2026
Expansion 'gets real' at UMR Sports of Bradenton
5
Oceane Visa, who says she has waited years to walk across the stage for graduation, is congratulated by Head of School Debra Otey.
  • May 22, 2026
Out-of-Door Academy graduates showed up for the moments that matter most

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 © 2026 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.

Anytime. Anywhere. Observer.

From in-depth local reporting to real-time breaking news, stay connected to the stories shaping our community with the Your Observer app.

Download Now for Free