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East County | Trending

Sarasota Paradise owner Marcus Walfridson says he expects his team to be competitive immediately in USL League One because "we don't do this to lose games."
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 27, 2026
Will pro soccer find paradise in Lakewood Ranch?

Owner Marcus Walfridson says a pro soccer team is just what the region needs to bring everyone together.

  • East County
  • News
Commissioner Bob McCann pulled the proposed ice arena project at Premier off the consent agenda to be discussed by commissioners.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 25, 2026
Does ice arena project melt your heart?

Lakewood Ranch residents might be surprised about Manatee's proposed plan for Premier Sports Campus North.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Elizabeth Henderson, the founder and president of the Little Free Library Club in Lakewood Ranch, began the group in 2023.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • February 25, 2026
Little Free Library Club works to keep reading accessible in Lakewood Ranch

Since 2023, the club has built five libraries in local parks. In order to expand, volunteers and books are needed.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Junior guard Anthony Bailey (center) was one of several players who couldn't find their offensive groove in Braden River's season-ending loss Feb. 20 to St. Petersburg.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • February 25, 2026
Season ends for Braden River boys basketball in regional semifinals

With 23 victories, the Pirates had their winningest season since 2011-12.

  • East County
  • Sports
Manatee County Day is celebrated in Tallahassee Feb. 5.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 25, 2026
Local legislators and businesses come together on Manatee County Day

The inaugural event welcomed over 80 attendees and 24 businesses and nonprofits.

  • East County
  • News
East Manatee Fire Rescue Chief Lee Whitehurst says future chief Paul Wren has proven his leadership through his years of service with the department.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 25, 2026
East Manatee Board of Fire Commissioners approves new chief

Commissioners select in-house, choosing Deputy Chief Paul Wren to replace Lee Whitehurst in January 2027.

  • East County
  • News
Myakka City's Carol Felts gets emotional as she's sworn in as the District 1 commissioner on Nov. 19.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 24, 2026
Manatee County Commissioner Carol Felts dies at 68

The commissioner was found at her Myakka City home Tuesday afternoon by her aide.

  • East County
  • News
Joe Thayer, Bob Moffitt and Al Garcia play at Remy's on Main in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 24, 2026
Lakewood Ranch's Bob Moffitt let his music do the talking

Friends say Bob Moffitt, who died at age 78, had two loves: music and family.

  • East County
  • News
Logan Pike was crowned the FHSAA Class 2A-District 9 champion Feb. 19 in the 190-pound weight class, marking a major milestone in his injury-riddled career.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • February 24, 2026
Braden River High junior embodies the will to wrestle

The Braden River High junior has endured multiple major injuries, but he just keeps going.

  • East County
  • Sports
This Wild Blue at Waterside home at 508 Blue Shell Loop sold for $2.4 million. Built in 2024, it has three bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,028 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • February 24, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for Feb. 9-13 in Lakewood Ranch

A Wild Blue at Waterside home on Blue Shell Loop tops the week's sales at $2.4 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Sanddy Marchena owns Kiddie Academy of Lakewood Ranch with his wife Melodie Marchena (not pictured). Michelle Frease is the academy's director.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 24, 2026
Lakewood Ranch's Waterside Place gains a Kiddie Academy

Kiddie Academy of Sarasota opens its child care and preschool business March 2.

  • East County
  • Business
Senior forward/defender Rheanne Fleming looks for a pass during the FHSAA Class 6A-Region 3 championship Feb. 17 between Lakewood Ranch and East Lake. It proved to be the Mustangs' final win of 2025-26.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • February 23, 2026
Lakewood Ranch girls soccer falls short of state final

Facing the nation's No. 5-ranked team, the Mustangs were shut out for the first time all season.

  • East County
  • Sports
After allowing four goals in regulation, Avary Shirley held her own in penalty kicks, helping the Mustangs become back-to-back regional champions.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • February 23, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Avary Shirley

The junior goalkeeper made the save that sent Lakewood Ranch girls soccer to the state semifinals.

  • East County
  • Sports
Two dead in Lakewood Ranch shooting
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 22, 2026
Two dead in Lakewood Ranch shooting

A second person has died in what the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office described as a domestic incident.

  • East County
  • News
Nicholas Quintero, Conner King, Greyson Alexander and Lucas Matallana are campout ready with snacks, a lantern and even a headlamp.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • February 22, 2026
Lakewood Ranch Community Campout lights a fire for families and friends

Approximately 150 people attended the Lakewood Ranch Community Activities event.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
« 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 »
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  • May 5, 2026
Summer Wine Walk
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Traffic was rerouted around a water-main repair site on Tuttle Avenue.
  • May 5, 2026
Water advisory posted after Sarasota pipe break
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Damages on Longboat Key after Hurricane Ian.
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Seminar scheduled for disaster preparedness
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Sarai Castro gave up on softball in 2023. Now, she's the Pirates' leading hitter in her first season at the high school level.
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East County Athlete of the Week: Sarai Castro
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At the Women's Golf Association season farewell on April 28 at the Longboat Key Club, players enjoyed perfect golfing conditions. Pictured, Brenda Baril, Donna Newton, Jennifer Cahill, Regina Repenning, Michelle Swartz, Katie Moulton, Louise Berg and Joyce Welch.
  • May 5, 2026
Women's Golf Association scrambles to close out season

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