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East County | Schools

Janjay Gehndyu says his education at Lakewood Ranch High School paved the way for his success in life.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 23, 2023
Principal is proof that caring teachers can alter a student's path in life

Once a "troubled" child, Panther Ridge's Janjay Gehndyu leads Visible Men Academy in Bradenton.

  • East County
  • Schools
Brian Lee is looking forward to incorporating his 30 years of manufacturing experience into his classroom during his first year of teaching.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 22, 2023
Engineering teacher to use lessons from Lindt chocolate factory in class

Brian Lee, who spent 30 years in manufacturing, wants to use real life examples in his Carlos E. Haile engineering class.

  • East County
  • Schools
Creative Contractors Inc. and Sweet Sparkman Architecture and Interiors is working with the School District of Manatee County to renovate Tara Elementary School and construct an addition.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 12, 2023
Construction continues at East County schools with students on campus

Tara Elementary and Haile Middle are undergoing campus-wide renovations and additions.

  • East County
  • Schools
Luke Langan, a pre-K student at Gene Witt Elementary School, says another goodbye to his father, Sean Langan.
    By
  • Jay Heater, Liz Ramos
  • August 10, 2023
Students across Manatee County head back to school

The new school year brings new beginnings for teachers, students and their families.

  • East County
  • Schools
Averleigh Cross can't wait to start kindergarten at Freedom Elementary School. She's looking forward to learning how to read better.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 9, 2023
First day of kindergarten can be emotional time for parents

Parents often have a hard time deciding whether to cry or celebrate as they drop off their kindergartner on the first day of school.

  • East County
  • Schools
Sarah Orcutt, a second grade teacher at Freedom Elementary School, loves the book nook she's created in her new classroom. She says the new addition is a fresh start.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 5, 2023
Freedom Elementary teachers move into school's new addition

Teachers in the eight new classrooms begin decorating with a blank slate.

  • East County
  • Schools
Manatee Technical College career counselors Nancy Beltran, Cecilia Navarrete, Rafaela Carrillo Casique and Gwen Smith-Warzyk and case manager Linda Silva can't wait for the adult education building to be constructed.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 2, 2023
MTC plans main campus expansion

Designs are being finalized for a building to house adult education programs on Manatee Technical College's Bradenton campus.

  • East County
  • Schools
Lakewood Ranch High School welcomes John Wilkerson as its new director of bands.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 29, 2023
Lakewood Ranch High welcomes new director of bands

John Wilkerson wants to focus on the little things as he works with his students.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 28, 2023
Back-to-school sales tax holiday continues through Aug. 6

During the holiday, purchases of school essentials are exempt from sales taxes.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Holly Ye recently completed a software engineering bootcamp through the State College of Florida Coding Academy. She is an educator transitioning to a career as a fullstack web developer.
    By
  • James Peter
  • July 21, 2023
The road to higher education for Sarasota and Manatee students has changed

Students face more competitive college admissions, shifting career pathways and increased expectations from employers.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Booker Middle gym teacher Kyle Mason said kids are more likely to want to wear their own clothes during class than when he was in school.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • July 21, 2023
Modern-day gym class focuses on getting kids moving

Gym teachers say they want their students to form a habit of being active.

  • East County
  • Schools
Cheryl Hughes is the Exceptional Student Education Gifted Coordinator while Nicole Cox heads Exceptional Student Education for the School District of Manatee County.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 21, 2023
Gifted student eligibility requires a complete package

IQ, motivation, leadership and more figured into the equation before moving a student into the gifted program.

  • East County
  • Schools
Members of the Riverview High School Mock Trial Club simulate a murder trial at the Sarasota Bar Association's 12th Judicial Circuit High School Mock Trial Competition.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 20, 2023
Extracurricular activities evolve to suit students' interests

With so many differing interests among students, faculty at Sarasota and Manatee county schools are rising to the challenge and introducing new clubs and activities.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Ballet students at Booker High School in Sarasota.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • July 20, 2023
Manatee, Sarasota school districts work to boost arts programs

After arts programs saw lower involvement as a result of the pandemic, schools are boosting their offerings.

  • East County
  • Schools
Tara Elementary School will undergo a renovation and addition.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 20, 2023
Construction projects progress at east Bradenton schools in new school year

Additions or renovations will take place at Freedom and Tara elementary schools, Haile Middle and Lakewood Ranch High.

  • East County
  • Schools
Noah Rueping, a rising senior at Lakewood Ranch High School, volunteers as a camp counselor for the school's FFA summer camp to earn hours toward Bright Futures.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 20, 2023
A guide to the Bright Futures Scholarship program

Every student in Florida can attend can receive a post-secondary education for less money through the Bright Futures Scholarship program.

  • East County
  • Schools
Jason Wysong has been named the next superintendent of the School District of Manatee County.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 20, 2023
Manatee schools' new superintendent ready to impact more students

Throughout his career, Jason Wysong has been looking for the next opportunity to make a bigger impact.

  • East County
  • Schools
Rep. Vern Buchanan nominated Lakewood Ranch's Chase Merriam and Jaden Blank to the U.S. Military Academy.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 11, 2023
Two Lakewood Ranch residents earn their enrollment to West Point

After receiving nominations from U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, Jaden Blank and Chase Merriam have enrolled at the military academy.

  • East County
  • Schools
Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy staff members and school partners tour the new upper school.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 3, 2023
Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy's upper school takes shape

The building is expected to be complete in time for the first day of school Aug. 10.

  • East County
  • Schools
Jason Wysong says he feels "as well prepared as anyone could be to come into a superintendent seat."
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 3, 2023
School superintendent Jason Wysong talks about his priorities in Manatee County

Jason Wysong shares his vision for the School District of Manatee County.

  • East County
  • Schools
Karen Holbrook, the regional chancellor of the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, and Cynthia Saunders, the superintendent of the School District of Manatee County, can't wait to see the completed Aviation Maintenance Technician School.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 1, 2023
Aviation Maintenance Technician School ready for takeoff at SRQ

Manatee Technical College and Suncoast Technical College, among other partners, celebrate the groundbreaking of the new aviation school that will offer hands-on opportunities for students.

  • East County
  • Schools
Shelbie Ricks looks forward to educating future generations on the agriculture industry while building on her family's legacy.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 28, 2023
College degree leads to new opportunities for first-generation graduate

Bradenton's Shelbie Ricks will pass on her family's agriculture knowledge and legacy as a teacher at Lakewood Ranch High School.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Adam Green, the instructor of Manatee Technical College's new diesel systems technician program, works with Ryan Lazarus, LJ Grover, Cade Cannon, David Ruiz-Martinez and Paige Godwin.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 28, 2023
Manatee Technical College's new diesel program is in high gear

Students received several offers from prospective employers even before finishing the class.

  • East County
  • Schools
LTC. Jay Bradin celebrates his retirement from Braden River High with his wife, Regina Bradin.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 12, 2023
Braden River High JROTC instructor retires after 18 years of teaching

More than 100 former students surprised Lt. Col. Jay Bradin with a retirement party.

  • East County
  • Schools
Hezekiah Coblentz, a Braden River Middle School sixth grader, says he likes all the teachers at band camp.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 9, 2023
Visual and performing arts camp a high note for Manatee students

Students participating in the School District of Manatee County's art and band camps develop their artistic talents.

  • East County
  • Schools
Cynthia Medina, a rising senior at Braden River High School, has made several friends at Disney Dreamers Academy including Makayla Joaquin.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 8, 2023
Braden River High student follows dreams through Disney Dreamers Academy

Cynthia Medina hopes to enter the biomedical field to help people across the world using the skills she learned and connections she made at Dreamers Academy.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A K-8 school is planned for 40 acres south of Academic Avenue and a quarter-mile east of Uihlein Road.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 7, 2023
Three new schools planned for East County

An elementary school, a K-8 school and a high school are planned to help alleviate over-capacity schools and address growth in eastern Manatee.

  • East County
  • Schools
Dan Goodman, a Lakewood Ranch High School physics teacher, died May 14.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 28, 2023
Lakewood Ranch High mourns death of physics teacher

Dan Goodman is remembered for his NASA career and dedication to his students and family.

  • East County
  • Schools
Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy's Nicole Durbal signs freshman Sara Johnson's T-shirt.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 26, 2023
Lakewood Ranch Prep freshmen celebrate end of school year

The inaugural upper school class looks forward to moving onto the next school year.

  • East County
  • Schools
Myakka City Elementary School second grader Marshyll Scott has the chance to show her teacher, Jackie Blue, her rodeo skills.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 25, 2023
Myakka City Elementary students end the school year with a rodeo

More than 40 students show their skills in barrel-racing, goat-tying, pole-bending and bull-riding.

  • East County
  • Schools
Daniel Bradshaw will serve as Parrish Community High School's interim principal beginning July 1.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 22, 2023
Parrish Community High names new interim principal

Daniel Bradshaw will begin serving as principal July 1 as Craig Little assumes an administrative position with the district.

  • East County
  • Schools
Lakewood Ranch's Joan Novak, Sarasota's Tina Backhus, Lakewood Ranch's Judy Balmer and Salwa Youssef, the manager of the Walmart off State Road 70 near Interstate 75, are excited to support Stillpoint Mission's Backpack Program.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 21, 2023
Lakewood Ranch woman seeks donations for backpack program

Judy Balmer hopes to donate 800 backpacks through Stillpoint Mission to distribute to low-income families.

  • East County
  • Schools
Braden River High School's Cesar Valera and Erika Vargas are excited for graduation.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 20, 2023
Braden River High graduates look to the future

Braden River High School celebrates the graduation of 385 students.

  • East County
  • Schools
Mini Mustangs' Amir Phillips, Lakewood Ranch High School seniors Britlee Yant and Grace Kelly and Mini Mustangs' Savannah Cato celebrate as both the Mini Mustangs and the seniors are graduating on the same day.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 19, 2023
Mini Mustangs graduation a big moment for Lakewood Ranch High seniors

The pre-K graduation was held on the same day the seniors, who helped teach the Mini Mustangs, received their diplomas.

  • East County
  • Schools
Out-of-Door Academy's Rhegan Duncombe smiles as she accepts her diploma from Deb Otey, the head of school.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 19, 2023
Out-of-Door Academy graduates say goodbye to their 'home'

The 2023 graduates are ready to turn their tassels and take on next adventure.

  • East County
  • Schools
Wesley Hoben, a Gene Witt Elementary School fourth grader, practices with a lasso.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 18, 2023
Gene Witt Elementary hosts Florida Field and Farm Days

Students received agriculture and history during the special event.

  • 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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