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East County | Schools

Austin Chen, a Robert E. Willis Elementary School fourth grader, and Superintendent Jason Wysong are fully engaged on a group discussion about careers relating to science.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 19, 2024
Support system key to 'best first day' in Manatee schools

Jason Wysong says he wants to sustain the momentum he established leading the district.

  • East County
  • Schools
Cristina Campbell and Kevin Campbell have mixed feelings about sending their daughter Charlotte Campbell to kindergarten, but they're comforted that her brother, Bryson Campbell, is across the hall in first grade.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 12, 2024
5 things to know as Manatee County students return to school

There are some new initiatives and programs starting this school year after students returned Aug. 12.

  • East County
  • Schools
Averleigh Cross couldn't wait to start kindergarten at Freedom Elementary School in 2023. The School District of Manatee County is encouraging all families ensure their kindergartners are present on the first day.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 7, 2024
Are you ready to go back to school?

Students and parents should make sure to check these off their back-to-school prep list.

  • East County
  • Schools
Lakewood Ranch's Zachary Keshish spends 20 to 40 minutes creating each of his works of art. Some, like "Need 4 Speed" start with an idea such as the saying "need for speed" while others are simply what comes to his mind at the moment.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 24, 2024
Lakewood Ranch teen wins Congressional Art Competition

For 16-year-old Zachary Keshish, 20 minutes of expressing himself will lead to having his art displayed in Washington, D.C.

  • East County
  • Schools
Christian Garzia pushes off defenders during a Sarasota Surge rugby match. Garzia is an advocate of his brother, Rocco, who has Prater-Willi syndrome.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • July 18, 2024
Sports mean more than on-field results to these local athletes

Leadership and self-confidence are skills they will use for the rest of their lives.

  • East County
  • Schools
STEM programs can lead to opportunities to participate in world competitions. Robert E. Willis Elementary's Kaitlyn McIntrye, Aly Martinez, Jelena Konatar and Izzy Nunez partiicpated in the world VEX competition.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 18, 2024
STEM programs open world of opportunities in Manatee schools

The school district adjusts to to meet students' interest in STEM programs.

  • East County
  • Schools
Stacy Copeland, a rising third grader at Braden River Elementary School, shows off the page she wrote in Spanish about manatees.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 18, 2024
Dual language programs on the rise in Manatee County

Five elementary schools have dual language programs, and the district hopes to expand to middle school.

  • East County
  • Schools
Lakewood Ranch High School's Kennedy Hoeper, Emma Syfert and Kendall Huerta say the future of agriculture is bright. They each plan to have careers in some facet of agriculture.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 18, 2024
Future of agriculture grows strong in Manatee County

Students say they are ready to enter the industry despite any challenges.

  • East County
  • Schools
Parents wait in their cars for dismissal at Braden River Elementary School.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 18, 2024
How to have a successful car line

The car line doesn't have to be something you dread. Check out these tips on how to get through the car line safely while having fun.

  • East County
  • Schools
Progress continues on the renovation of Carlos E. Haile Middle School. The project is estimated to be complete in December.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 18, 2024
Manatee schools continues construction on east Bradenton projects

Some East County schools will see new classrooms in the 2024-2025 school year.

  • East County
  • Schools
Patricia Heffner, the head custodian at Freedom Elementary School, has been with the School District of Manatee County for 26 years.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 18, 2024
Freedom Elementary custodian takes pride in 26 years with Manatee schools

Patricia Heffner's love for cleanliness shows in her work.

  • East County
  • Schools
  • By State College of Florida Advanced Technology Center
  • July 18, 2024
Youth+Innovation STEM Programs at the State College of Florida Advanced Technology Center

SCF offers a dynamic range of pre-college workshops, camps, homeschool classes, and after-school activities designed to give students a head start in STEM fields.

  • East County
  • Schools
Sponsored Content
Alec Henderson, a recent graduate of the diesel systems program at Manatee Technical College, looks over a truck engine. He's already had been offered a job at Ring Power, a local construction machinery dealer.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • July 17, 2024
Dual enrollment programs give students a head start on promising careers

East County options can suit a variety of career paths.

  • East County
  • Schools
Lauren Macri and her husband, Tim Macri, the owners of Beef 'O' Brady's Braden River, love seeing the community support through the restaurants Christmas in July partnership with Tara Elementary School.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 15, 2024
Tara Elementary partners with Beef 'O' Brady's for Christmas in July

Restaurant patrons fulfill teachers' wishes before a back-to-school luncheon at Beef 'O' Brady's.

  • East County
  • Schools
Parrish's Heather Felton is running for the District 1 seat on the School Board of Manatee County.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 9, 2024
Desire to be an advocate inspires Manatee school board candidate

Heather Felton, a former teacher, wants to continue to help students but in a new role.

  • East County
  • Schools
East County's Mark Stanoch is running for the District 1 seat of the School Board of Manatee County.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 9, 2024
Resident wants to give back to the community through school board seat

Mark Stanoch says serving on the Manatee County School Board will be an opportunity to make the district better for his grandchildren and all children.

  • East County
  • Schools
Lakewood Ranch's Richard Tatem was elected to the School Board of Manatee County in August 2022.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 1, 2024
Questions arise over Manatee school board seat vacancy

A former school board member has filed a lawsuit against the Manatee County supervisor of elections over the soon-to-be vacant school board seat.

  • East County
  • Schools
East County’s Evan Bouthillier receives hands-on experience in Manatee Technical College's diesel systems technician program by working on Manatee County Search and Rescue vehicles. Bouthillier hopes to become a master mechanic.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 24, 2024
MTC student says his education gives him power in the job market

East County's Evan Bouthillier is graduating from the diesel system technician program with plans to continue learning.

  • East County
  • Schools
Eagle Trace's Susan Cueto has published a children's book to help pre-K students overcome their fears of starting school.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 10, 2024
Lakewood Ranch educator covers pre-K jitters in her first book

Susan Cueto hopes her book can help pre-K students overcome their fear of starting school.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 7, 2024
Manatee County schools will spend $1.4 million on weapon detection screeners

Firearms detection systems will be placed at each high school and randomly at middle schools starting on the first day of school.

  • East County
  • Schools
Todd Richardson has been named the principal of the new K-8 school in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 6, 2024
Gullett Elementary principal chosen to lead new K-8 school in Lakewood Ranch

The School District of Manatee County's first K-8 school will open in August 2025.

  • East County
  • Schools
Wendell Butler
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 4, 2024
Braden River High to welcome new principal

Wendell Butler wants to create the opportunity for students to become the best version of themselves.

  • East County
  • Schools
Braden River Elementary to welcome new principal
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 29, 2024
Braden River Elementary to welcome new principal

Mary Oliva is ready to be a hands-on principal, engaging in all that Braden River Elementary has to offer.

  • East County
  • Schools
Ryan Abernathy is the first to accept a diploma for the Class of 2024 from Head of School Deb Otey.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 24, 2024
The Out-of-Door Academy students say farewell to high school

The school's largest graduating class looks forward to their next chapter.

  • East County
  • Schools
The School District of Manatee County is making progress on its new K-8 school being built in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 22, 2024
More additions, renovations planned for East County schools

The future of a new high school in Lakewood Ranch is uncertain.

  • East County
  • Schools
Lakewood Ranch's Nolan and Trey Naese are graduating from The Out-of-Door Academy.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 21, 2024
Lakewood Ranch twins set different paths after graduation from ODA

Trey Naese is headed to Notre Dame, while Nolan Naese is going to Towson.

  • East County
  • Schools
Fourth grader Annabelle Wendell loves showing off her skills to her teacher, Jackie Blue, and her classmates.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 17, 2024
Myakka City Elementary students don't horse around with academics

Students achieved three of four quarterly goals in order to attend or participate in a rodeo.

  • East County
  • Schools
Dustin Dahlquist, the principal at Lakewood Ranch High School, congratulates Karina Lee.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 17, 2024
Lakewood Ranch High School graduates look to the future

After four years of making memories in high school, graduates are ready for the next chapter.

  • East County
  • Schools
Freedom, Braden River elementary schools to have new principals
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 16, 2024
Freedom, Braden River elementary schools to have new principals

The current principals are taking on new positions within the School District of Manatee County.

  • East County
  • Schools
Amy Kwakye-Amoah has worked with fellow teens on addressing body image, cyberbullying and other common issues.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • May 16, 2024
Already making a mark in her community, this teen is ready for liftoff

Self-motivated Lakewood Ranch high school senior Amy Kwakye-Amoah wraps up the high school phase of her life with a big award. She has no plans to coast into college.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Braden River High graduate Adanna Wharton hugs Principal Carl Auckerman. Wharton will go to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 15, 2024
Braden River High graduates say farewell to high school

The road to graduation wasn't always easy, but 395 students celebrated receiving their diplomas.

  • East County
  • Schools
East Bradenton students named winners in playwright program
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 15, 2024
East Bradenton students named winners in playwright program

The three students' plays will be performed at the Florida Studio Theatre's Young Playwrights Festival.

  • East County
  • Schools
Cristal Aguillon, a senior at Lakewood Ranch High School, will be the second in her family to graduate high school and the first to go to college.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 15, 2024
After family tragedy, LRHS senior refocuses to graduate

Cristal Aguillon doesn't let hardships stop her from becoming the first in her family to attend college.

  • East County
  • Schools
Fifth grader Alex Kulyk tries his best to get as much water in fifth grader Benjamin Rodriguez's bucket while fifth grader Alina Matevosova waits her turn.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 10, 2024
Willis Elementary hosts annual field day

Students were soaked after friendly competitions at the Lakewood Ranch school.

  • East County
  • Schools
Jeremiah Gonzalez, a senior at Braden River High School, went from a shy, quiet freshman in Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps to serving as the program's battalion commander this year.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 8, 2024
Braden River High senior's key to graduating: Keep moving forward

Jeremiah Gonzalez overcomes mental health challenges and focuses on focuses on positivity to get to graduation.

  • East County
  • Schools
Ginger Collins, the principal of Southeast High School, is thrilled to be adding Korissa Erdman, a University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee graduate, to her staff. Erdman will teach math.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 6, 2024
USF, Manatee schools partner to address teacher shortage

Eight University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee students will start their careers with the School District of Manatee County.

  • East County
  • Schools
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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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