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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
Lakewood Ranch High School's Sienna Zwizinski shows off her diploma.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 17, 2023
Lakewood Ranch High seniors move onto the next chapter

More than 600 students received their diplomas during graduation.

  • East County
  • Schools
Jason Wysong says he feels "as well prepared as anyone could be to come into a superintendent seat."
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 16, 2023
Jason Wysong named Manatee County schools' next superintendent

If the contract is approved, Wysong will take the helm of the district July 1.

  • East County
  • Schools
Benny Hedgepeth, a senior at Braden River High School, has played baseball since he was 4 years old. He looks forward to continue with his passion for sports at Florida State University.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 16, 2023
Braden River High senior pursues a dream job in sports

Benny Hedgepeth's love for baseball and sports in general inspires him to pursue a career in sports law.

  • East County
  • Schools
Kelli Kennedy with the School District of Manatee County's Adult, Career and Technical Education department cuts the ribbon to Lakewood Ranch High School's upgraded agriculture lab.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 16, 2023
Lakewood Ranch High agriculture program beefs up labs

The school's agriculture lab underwent upgrades that double its beef barn and provide a new swine facility.

  • East County
  • Schools
Tara Elementary School's Loreena Durrance helps chef and kindergartner Francis Lantican serve rice.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 15, 2023
Tara Elementary opens Banana Leaf Restaurant for one night only

Kindergartners took on roles within the restaurant, which served Italian, Peruvian, Thai and Vietnamese food.

  • East County
  • Schools
Ryann Hilyer, a Lakewood Ranch High School senior, shows Mallo, a heifer owned by Todd Henson.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 10, 2023
Lakewood Ranch senior ready to move onto bigger pastures

Ryann Hilyer, a senior at Lakewood Ranch High School, plans to continue to pursuing her love for agriculture and cows in college.

  • East County
  • Schools
Danae Tran, Kalie Martin, Jaden Osborne, Alanna Hutton, Gabriela Sanchez-Gomez, Liv Doura, Mehak Sandhu, Aleksandra Masiulis, Ocean Bruinius, Pailey Riesgo, Samantha Tanelli
    By
  • Sidra Wali
  • May 9, 2023
Pen Women award scholarships to local high schoolers

Eleven local students won art, music and writing awards and showcased their work.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Sheila Waid, the principal at Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School, is excited for Anna Bunyak, a University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee graduate, to join her staff next school year.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 7, 2023
Manatee schools-USF partnership encourages new teachers to stay local

The School District of Manatee County has hired 10 new teachers who graduated from USF Sarasota-Manatee’s education programs.

  • East County
  • Schools
Lakewood Ranch's Maria Shaw, a senior at Out-of-Door Academy, will major in biology at Oxford College of Emory University after graduation with a dream of becoming a surgeon.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 2, 2023
School experiences at ODA launch senior toward promising future

After an internship at Blake Hospital and positive experiences in science classes, Lakewood Ranch's Maria Shaw can't wait to work toward becoming a surgeon.

  • East County
  • Schools
Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School staff, School District of Manatee County officials and Leader in Me representatives celebrate McNeal Elementary becoming a Leader in Me Lighthouse School.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 1, 2023
McNeal Elementary becomes Leader in Me Lighthouse School

Lakewood Ranch's McNeal Elementary is the first traditional school in Manatee County to earn the recognition.

  • East County
  • Schools
Scott Schneider, Jason Wysong and Doug Wagner are the finalists for the next superintendent of the School District of Manatee County.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 1, 2023
Meet the finalists: Manatee school board selects superintendent finalists

Community members will be able to meet the three finalists and submit feedback.

  • East County
  • Schools
Doug Wagner was selected to be one of three candidates vying to be the next superintendent of the School District of Manatee County.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 28, 2023
Manatee School Board names three finalists for superintendent

The three finalists, Doug Wagner, Jason Wysong and Scott Schneider, will be interviewed in-person May 10 -11.

  • East County
  • Schools
Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School's Slap 'N' Slide team consists of third grader Parker Poplaski, fifth graders Noble Pinto and Okhan Ozturk and fourth grader Luna Locke.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 25, 2023
Manatee County to send 13 Vex teams to world championship

Willis, Gene Witt, Willis and McNeal elementary schools will have 10 of the 13 county teams competing on the world stage.

  • East County
  • Schools
Seniors Kaitlyn Harper, Ryan Garrison, Tyler Woodin and Ali Thomas say it feels great to be at prom.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 22, 2023
Lakewood Ranch High seniors enjoy last dance before graduation

Prom was bittersweet for seniors who were able to dance the night away with classmates at the Hyatt Regency in Sarasota.

  • East County
  • Schools
East County's Irene Nikitopoulos is thrilled to become the leader of Carlos E. Haile Middle School.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 19, 2023
Haile Middle to welcome new principal for 2023-24

East County's Irene Nikitopoulos is thrilled to be principal of her community's middle school.

  • East County
  • Schools
School Board of Manatee County members Richard Tatem, Mary Foreman, Chad Choate, Cindy Spray and Gina Messenger have selected 12 semi finalists in the search for the next superintendent.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 14, 2023
Manatee School Board selects semifinalists in superintendent search

The board will move forward with 12 applicants in the search for the next leader of the School District of Manatee County.

  • East County
  • Schools
Eighth grader Hope Li finds comfort in the crash pad.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 13, 2023
Nolan Middle sensory room provides solace for disabled students

The new sensory room, funded by the school's parent-teacher organization, helps relieve students' anxiety and provides a calming environment.

  • East County
  • Schools
JROTC instructor Alexander Figueroa says his 13 years with Braden River High School has been a blessing.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 11, 2023
Braden River JROTC instructor to retire after building up the program

Alexander Figueroa will lead the Bradenton school's team into one more state tournament before retiring.

  • East County
  • Schools
Freedom Elementary School's eight-classroom addition is expected to be complete in July.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 10, 2023
Freedom Elementary addition on schedule for July completion

The $4 million, eight-classroom addition at the school is on time and on budget.

  • East County
  • Schools
Juniors Lourdes Capote-Dishaw and Chase Dougal and seniors Ethan McKay and Morgan Sowards are excited to be at prom. "It's 18 years in the making," McKay says.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 6, 2023
Braden River High students enjoy their 'Gatsby' prom

Many students dressed to the "Gatsby" theme in the event held at the Hyatt Regency in Sarasota.

  • East County
  • Schools
Scarlett Lewis, the founder of the Choose Love Movement, will be at Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy to share skills and tools that can be used to promote emotional well-being.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 5, 2023
Brain Health Initiative teaches emotional wellness with Choose Love Movement

Scarlett Lewis, the founder of the Choose Love Movement, will help Lakewood Ranch community members learn social-emotional skills.

  • East County
  • News
Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School's Noble Pinto, Julian LaBranche, Jaxon Grew and Chloe Kenya pinky promise to go out and play in honor of Justin Darr, who was a physical education teacher.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 4, 2023
McNeal Elementary celebrates life of beloved physical education teacher

In honor of Justin Darr's philosophy to "go out and play," students, staff and Darr's family played sports during the dedication.

  • East County
  • Schools
Kate Barlaug has been named the principal of Dr. Mona Jain Middle School. Irene Nikitopoulos has been named the principal of Carlos E. Haile Middle School.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 4, 2023
Two east Bradenton schools to have new principals

Haile and Mona Jain middle schools will have new leaders for the 2023-2024 school year.

  • East County
  • Schools
Allison Coleman, a second grader at Myakka City Elementary School, snuggles with Ruby Sue, the school's future therapy dog, while reading to her.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 28, 2023
Therapy dogs gain popularity in East County schools

Myakka City, McNeal and Tara elementary schools see benefits of having therapy dogs on campus.

  • East County
  • Schools
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Latest in East County

1
Danielle Dube of Lakewood Ranch girls basketball, as of Jan. 5, stood less than 50 points away from 1,000 in her high school career.
  • January 12, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Danielle Dube
2
St. Petersburg's Bob Boguslaw has been in the music business for 50 years with 22 of them being an active member of the “President’s Own” United States Marine Band. He said muscle memory comes into play and it brings back an array of memories.
  • January 12, 2026
Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble hosts 2026 debut concert
3
Crooked River Ranch sits along the Manatee River and is the first property that was recommended by ELMAC and also purchased by the county.
  • January 12, 2026
Conservation, parks referendum could return to Manatee County ballot in 2026
4
Sarasota's Hasan Tezduyar gives a pat of appreciation to Rachel Apple, a wellness associate with Qualliv, at the Health and Wellness Expo at The Mall at University Town Center.
  • January 10, 2026
New Year, New You expo provides health resources at The Mall at UTC
5
The Manatee County commissioners from left to right are Tal Siddique, Carol Felts, George Kruse, Mike Rahn, Amanda Ballard, Jason Bearden and Dr. Robert McCann. Siddique, Felts and McCann were newly elected in 2024. Kruse was re-elected.
  • January 8, 2026
'Lectern guy' files to run for Manatee County Commission

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