• Alternate Text
  • Loading

  • Valentine's Day 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
  • Key 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
  • Key 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
  • Valentine's Day Gift Guide
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

East County | Schools

Zaylon Freeman is proud of the veterans who have fought for this country.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • November 11, 2010
MAN ON THE STREET: Veterans Day

In honor of Veterans Day, The East County Observer headed to Braden River Middle School this week to find out what students think about the holiday and why it's important.

  • East County
  • Schools
One of Aaron Stone's first lessons for his new drama students was to write raps.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • November 10, 2010
Braden River welcomes new drama teacher

Although new to this post, Aaron Stone is not new to the Pirates. He helped Band Director Kendall Carrier build the marching program.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • November 10, 2010
Skype connects author, East County students

'Skeleton Creek' series author Patrick Carman chatted with students at Braden River Middle School Nov. 3.

  • East County
  • Schools
Noah Burg was one of about 80 children to participate in the event. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • November 9, 2010
Special-needs kids take to the waves

About 80 special-needs children ages 3 to 17 headed to Siesta Key Beach Nov. 6 for the Hang 10 for Autism event, which was organized by the Center for Autism Research and Education. Participants were matched with a seasoned surfer and volunteer before heading to the water to learn to surf, skim board or paddle board. The Compound Boardshop was the event's primary sponsor.

  • East County
  • Schools
Veteran John Fiala explained the G.I. bill to students.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • November 9, 2010
CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT: Freedom Elementary

Four local veterans shared their military experiences with students at Freedom Elementary School Nov. 8 as part of "Bring a Vet to School" day, organized through BrightHouse Networks and the History Channel. Veterans also demonstrated how to fold the U.S. flag during the hourlong presentation.

  • East County
  • Schools
Dr. Lora Brown presented information about how prescription and other drugs affect the body.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • November 9, 2010
High school hosts Drug Facts Week event

Lakewood Ranch High School today hosted Dr. Lora Brown, a pain management doctor, as part of a presentation for National Drug Facts Week.

  • East County
  • News
Harrison Keaser, 3, couldn't wait to slide down the slide with his older sister, Grace, 7.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • November 8, 2010
Imagine students enjoy fall fun

Students at The Imagine School at Lakewood Ranch celebrated the change in season with their 3rd annual Fall Festival Nov. 6. Students enjoyed face painting, bounce houses, carnival-style games, music and refreshments, among other activities.

  • East County
  • Schools
Kindergarten teacher Stacy Freeman walked right alongside her students.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • November 8, 2010
Walkin' Wildcats

McNeal Elementary School students braved the chilly weather Nov. 5, as they spent part of the day outside during the school's 3rd annual Walkathon. In addition to raising more than $13,600 for the school, students enjoyed music, refreshments and a catapult launch, among other activities.

  • East County
  • Schools
Lakewood Ranch will perform in exhibition following the competition.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • November 5, 2010
WEEKEND BEST BET: Music in Motion

Lakewood Ranch High School will host its eighth annual Music in Motion Marching Band Field and Competition Show Saturday night.

  • East County
  • Schools
About 70 students at Braden River Middle School were invited to attend a Skype web conference with author Patrick Carman.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • November 4, 2010
CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT: Braden River Middle

What happens when an author combines good old book reading with mini-movies you watch for the next part of the story? - the "Skeleton Creek" book series! The series by Patrick Carman has been a hit with students at Braden River Middle School for the last year. Students in the school's dropout prevention and Exceptional Student Education programs got to speak with the author via Skype Nov. 4.

  • East County
  • Schools
Jillian Koenig and the Pirates mascot handed out goodies to the kids as they arrived.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • November 2, 2010
Pirates share school spirit at BRE

Dancers, cheerleaders and drummers from Braden River High School put on a spirited display Oct. 22 at Braden River Elementary School. The elementary students had a blast watching the high-schoolers perform.

  • East County
  • Schools
Janelle Silva, Hannah Oesincs, Mackenzie Moritz and Cassie Wilson danced the night away.
  • By Gene Venditti
  • November 2, 2010
Imagine School parties at Halloween dance

Middle school students at Imagine School of Lakewood Ranch scared up a good time at a Halloween dance Oct. 22. Students grooved with their glowsticks to classics like Michael Jackson's "Thriller" and also enjoyed parent-provided treats of brownies, cupcakes, nachos and cookies.

  • East County
  • Schools
This year's Primrose parade featured a plethora of different costumes.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • October 31, 2010
Costumed kids parade at Primrose

Buzz Lightyear, Batman and even Nintendo's Super Mario made an appearance at Primrose School of Lakewood Ranch's Parade of Costumes Oct. 29. Following the parade, the costumed kids returned to their classrooms for a Halloween party.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Skylar Makal, 9, knew every word to "Hoedown, Throwdown."
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 29, 2010
Freedom families flock to 'Hollywood'

Children at Freedom Elementary School donned their red carpet best for the school's Freedom Goes to Hollywood-themed dance Oct. 29. Guests enjoyed dancing, as well as popcorn and other snacks.

  • East County
  • Schools
Natalie Stennes tried out her Halloween costume a few days early.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • October 29, 2010
Braden River boogies at Halloween dance

Ghosts, superheroes and plenty of bumblebees flocked to Braden River Middle School for its Halloween dance Oct. 28. Participating students signed a pledge to remain drug free prior to hitting the dance floor.

  • East County
  • Schools
The Nolan boys were ready to hit the dance floor.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • October 29, 2010
Nolan students party at fall dance

Nolan Middle School turned its cafeteria into a dance hall for the school's fall dance Oct. 28. The dance featured plenty of tunes as well as a haunted house for Halloween.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Olivia Benson and Connor White were eager to get started.
  • By Sarah Barker
  • October 25, 2010
Willis' walk raises funds for school

Willis Elementary completed its annual Walkathon Oct. 22. More than 600 children walked and ran laps on the outdoor course in hopes of raising $40,000 for the school through the Parent-Teacher Organization-sponsored event. Students will continue to bring in donations through mid-November.

  • East County
  • Schools
Nolan Middle School's Green Team will host the school's Naturalist Night Out Oct. 26.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 22, 2010
Green Team hosts workshop for community

Master Gardner and Master Naturalist Bob Egolf will speak on Florida native plants and invasive species during a presentation Oct. 26.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 22, 2010
School district to host 'Post-Secondary Night'

More than 100 universities and colleges will be represented at the Oct. 25 event.

  • East County
  • Schools
Conner Lapek, Tucker Pope and Leroy Sebourn had a blast at the Fall Frolic.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 21, 2010
Families enjoy fall fun at Gullett frolic

Children and their families gathered at Gullett Elementary School the evening of for the school's Fall Frolic Oct. 20. Attendees enjoyed pizza and snacks, dancing and other festivities.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Ayden Kirk was all smiles as he tried on a firefighter's helmet.
  • By Dianne Trask
  • October 19, 2010
Lakewood Goddard School enjoys firefighting experience

Children at The Goddard School in Lakewood Ranch enjoyed the sights and sounds of a real fire engine when the school hosted a fire truck visit from Pierce Manufacturing Oct. 8. Children experienced holding and spraying water from a hose and trying on a firefighter's hat, among other activities.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 18, 2010
District celebrates School Bus Safety Week

The bus safety awareness campaign runs Oct. 18-22.

  • East County
  • Schools
Seventeen-year-old Sarah McCoi, center, had a blast dancing with her friends.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 16, 2010
Pirates go 'vintage Hollywood'

Students at Braden River High School celebrated the end of Homecoming week with a special "vintage Hollywood" themed dance Saturday night.

  • East County
  • Schools
Kindergarten student Julia Craig, left, yelled "Go Sharks!" as loudly as she could.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 15, 2010
Imagine Sharks show school pep

Children at Imagine School at Lakewood Ranch rallied behind the school's athletic teams at the school's first official pep rally Oct. 14. Festivities included competitions between the classes, performances by the school's cheerleading and dance teams and more.

  • East County
  • News
Hayley Thomas, center, played on a team of juniors.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 15, 2010
BRHS HOMECOMING: Clash of Classes

Students at Braden River High School took their Homecoming spirit to the battlefield with classes competing against one another in Family Feud and other competitions during the Clash of the Classes event Oct. 13.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 13, 2010
District considers policy change

The proposed policy would prevent Manatee teachers from posting negative comments about the district, students or employees on social-networking sites.

  • East County
  • News
A previously released school calendar was incorrect.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 12, 2010
Manatee schools on normal schedule Wednesday

A previous school calendar said Oct. 13 would not be an early-out day, but it is.

  • East County
  • Schools
Matt Sevarino, Mike McLauchlan and Paul Brown
  • By Dean Consiglio
  • October 12, 2010
McNeal PTO swings into action

The Parent-Teacher Organization at McNeal Elementary school hosted the 2010 McNeal Elementary Golf Tournament Oct. 9 at the Lakewood Ranch Country Club East's Royal Lakes golf course. Proceeds from the event benefited the PTO and its support of the Accelerated Reader program at McNeal.

  • East County
  • News
Sarah Funaro and Katelyn Lange
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • October 9, 2010
RANCH HOMECOMING: The Dance

The students at Lakewood Ranch High School celebrated in style during the school's Homecoming dance Oct. 9. The gymnasium and lobby were both decorated with the overall dance theme in mind, "Dance like an Egyptian."

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch High students decked out in black and green to support their team.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • October 8, 2010
RANCH HOMECOMING: The Game

Lakewood Ranch High students had plenty to celebrate Oct. 8 as the Mustangs defeated Port Charlotte 42-21 in the school's Homecoming Game.

  • East County
  • Schools
Ariana Ortega and Rose Higginbotham, both 10, couldn’t stop dancing.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 8, 2010
McNeal kids showcase costumes at dance

Students at McNeal Elementary School and their families gathered in the school's cafeteria Oct. 8 for a costume ball. Guests enjoyed pizza, dancing and a costume contest, among other festivities.

  • East County
  • Schools
Kayla Fisher and her dad Chris stopped for a picture-perfect moment.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 8, 2010
Imagine hosts Princess Ball

Girls at Imagine School at Lakewood Ranch dressed like royalty for the school's Princess Ball Oct. 8. Attendees enjoyed dinner, dancing and photos.

  • East County
  • News
Judges Ms. Becky Austerman, Mr. Ben Hall and Dr. Tom Zellers.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • October 6, 2010
Lakewood showcases student talent

Lakewood Ranch High School held its Lakewood's Got Talent show Wednesday in the auditorium. The show featured 15 different acts and was well attended by students, parents and faculty.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Alex Call and her class represented the outback and Australia.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • September 28, 2010
Primrose celebrates world's cultures

From Egypt and China to Italy and Mexico, students at Primrose School of Lakewood Ranch took a trip around the world for the school's sixth Celebrating Cultures event Sept. 24. Each class studied a different culture, created costumes and enjoyed authentic cuisine.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • September 27, 2010
LECOM to increase class size

Staring in the fall of 2011, the East County medical school will have more than 30 additional medical student spots available.

  • East County
  • News
Brian Williams and Rich Lutley enjoyed the day on the golf course.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • September 27, 2010
Gullett families spend day on the green

Families from Gullett Elementary School headed to the University Park Country Club Sept. 25 for the school's annual Neal Communities Golf Challenge. Participants enjoyed an afternoon of golf before a buffet-style dinner and silent auction.

  • East County
  • News
« 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 »
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
Three comedians including Bradenton's Tim Boyd will perform at the “Hearts of Hope: A Valentine’s Comedy Night” fundraiser to benefit Harbor 58, Foster the Family, and Bring on the Ministry on Feb. 13.
  • February 6, 2026
Nonprofits to host Valentine's comedy fundraiser in Lakewood Ranch
2
The Lakewood Ranch Garden Club Butterfly Symposium will take place at 9 a.m. on Feb. 7 at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.
  • February 4, 2026
Butterfly symposium lands at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall
3
Braden River boys basketball has clinched its first 20-win season since 2011-12, and won eight games in a row to close out the regular season.
  • February 4, 2026
Braden River High boys basketball team turns the tides with teamwork
4
Sisterhood for Good members Nikki Pelier-Simon, Samina Morrow and Allison Adams show off some fashions that will be in the spotlight at Tropical Escape July 27 at the Sarasota Polo Club.
  • February 4, 2026
Lakewood Ranch fundraiser is a hula for moolah
5
Thundercloud Ranch is one of two conservation easements Manatee County purchased Jan. 27.
  • February 4, 2026
Manatee County purchases two easements, conserves nearly 1,500 acres

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.


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