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East County | Trending

Junior John Sirignano says caring for his sock baby, Oswald, has made him excited to become a real parent in the future. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 3, 2022
High schoolers learn parental lessons by caring for sock babies

With sock baby assignment, Lakewood Ranch High students learn while walking in parents' shoes.

  • East County
  • Schools
    In Memoriam |
  • February 3, 2022
Robert James Wollard

Robert James Wollard went to be with his Lord on January 24, 2022.

  • East County
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Although it won't look exactly the same, Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy's learning villages will look similar to this kindergarten through third grade model. (Rendering courtesy of Charter Schools USA)
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 2, 2022
Lakewood Ranch Prep will take different approach on education, principals say

The new Lakewood Ranch K-12 charter school's WISH model focuses on wellness, innovation, science and health.

  • East County
  • Schools
Riverview senior Alef Pezan (19) goes up against the Venice defense for a header.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 2, 2022
Riverview soccer's offense finds its footing

The Rams scored four goals in a district tournament victory over Venice High

  • East County
  • Sports
Lakewood Ranch freshman Olivia Hadad laughs as she is picked up off the grass by sophomore Sophie Lemus. Hadad scored a goal in the Mustangs' 4-0 win against Plant City High.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 2, 2022
Prose and Kohn: Mustangs girls soccer gallops into postseason

Lakewood Ranch believes it has the talent and heart to make a deep run

  • East County
  • Sports
Students pay attention as Jennifer Dowling, a math teacher, finishes a lesson in her new classroom. The classroom is a part of the six-classroom addition that was completed in November. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 2, 2022
Renovations almost complete at Braden River Middle

BRMS teachers are thrilled with the $26 million addition and renovations project.

  • East County
  • Schools
Mote Ranch residents Susan Byron and Lorelei Lindenaux-Balazs are concerned a planned roundabout in the Mote Ranch community will be dangerous and will affect the aesthetics of their community. (Photo by Jay Heater)
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 1, 2022
Manatee roundabout project goes forward at Mote Ranch despite neighborhood concerns

Manatee County officials say a roundabout is essential at Honore Avenue and Old Farm Road.

  • East County
  • News
Brain Health Initiative founder Stephanie Peabody
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 31, 2022
Led by Brain Health Initiative, the industry builds information bridges

Lakewood Ranch's Brain Health Initiative among groups pushing for preventative action to reduce risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

  • East County
  • News
Albert Castiglia, a blues guitarist, will be a headliner at Giving Hunger the Blues. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 31, 2022
Giving Hunger the Blues concert returns to Nathan Benderson Park

The Jazz Club of Sarasota presents the 24th annual Giving Hunger the Blues at Nathan Benderson Park.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Rocco Mangel is set to open Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar at University Town Center by December. It will be his ninth location in Florida. (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Scott Lockwood
  • January 30, 2022
Rocco's Tacos owner aims for Dec. 1 opening at UTC

University Town Center in Sarasota will be Rocco's Tacos and Tequila Bar's ninth location in Florida.

  • East County
  • News
Wes, Will and Parks Robinson stand by one of five mile markers dedicated Jan. 29 to their late dad, Bill Robinson, on the Bill Robinson Lakeside Loop at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 29, 2022
Nathan Benderson Park dedicates trail to the late Bill Robinson

Big Bill Foundation 5K raises money at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota for childhood cancer survivors.

  • East County
  • News
    In Memoriam |
  • January 28, 2022
James Soda

James “Jim” Soda, 73, of Lakewood Ranch, FL, passed away peacefully with his family by his side after a long battle with cancer.

  • East County
  • Tributes & Obituaries
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 27, 2022
East County weather page photo: January 27

Ron Anderson captured this photo in Lakewood Ranch’s Central Park.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Kindergartener Eliana Gabriel sings and counts numbers in Spanish.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 27, 2022
Braden River Elementary dual-language programs sees success in first year in east Bradenton

The dual-language program has been successful at Braden River Elementary in east Bradenton area.

  • East County
  • Schools
Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy is expected to be built by mid-July to allow time for teachers and staff to move in and prepare for the first day of school in August. Rendering courtesy of Red Apple Development.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 27, 2022
Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy projected to be built by mid-July

Red Apple Development and Ryan Cos. speed forward to meet July deadline for the new Lakewood Ranch charter school.

  • East County
  • Schools
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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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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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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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