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News

Restaurants, which have been forced to switch to carry-out and delivery service only while the stay-at-home order has been in effect, will be able to have dine-in service at a limited capacity beginning May 4.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 29, 2020
Gov. Ron DeSantis announces plans for first phase of reopening Florida

Gov. Ron DeSantis announces plans for first phase of reopening Florida

  • Sarasota
  • News
Police Chief Pete Cumming (right) presented Detective Eric Smith with the Officer of the Year Award.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • April 29, 2020
Detective named Longboat's Officer of the Year

Eric Smith has worked in law enforcement for 36 years.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The School District of Manatee County equipped buses with Wi-Fi to send to at least 24 locations throughout the county to assist with e-learning. The Manatee Education Foundation started a relief fund to help with emergency costs.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 29, 2020
Manatee Education Foundation starts COVID-19 relief fund

Manatee Education Foundation starts COVID-19 relief fund

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • April 29, 2020
County events canceled through May 17

Utility fees and service shutoffs are suspended through May 31.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Dustin Dahlquist, principal at Lakewood Ranch High School, looks forward to celebrating the school's seniors' successes at the graduation ceremony July 29. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 29, 2020
Bradenton area seniors can commence making plans

Bradenton area seniors grateful for new graduation dates

  • East County
  • News
Valerie Demino layers her rainbow cake. Demino has delivered cakes to health care workers, teachers and friends.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 29, 2020
Multi-layered generosity in the Bradenton area

Greyhawk Landing resident bakes homemade cakes for people helping with COVID-19

  • East County
  • News
Isabella Juliano earns several awards during the regional Fusion National Dance Competition. She'll dance at the 2020 Fusion Nationals this summer. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 29, 2020
Lakewood Ranch girl goes from tutu to can-do

Lakewood Ranch dancer flutters to national competition

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch 7-year-old Brayden Bishop makes sure to turn off the water while brushing his teeth.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 29, 2020
Water conservation urged in Lakewood Ranch area as Phase 1 Water Shortage declared

Self quarantine due to the coronavirus provides time to check your home's water efficiency.

  • East County
  • News
R. Dan Nolan Middle School yearbook co-advisor Sarah Steckling is dedicated to finishing the school's yearbook even if it means working on it from home. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 29, 2020
Pandemic one for the books in Lakewood Ranch

East County schools are including online learning memories in yearbooks.

  • East County
  • News
Garrett Shinn, president of the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund, said his board has approved $150,000 in grants to nonprofits in a "separate and immediate response as a direct result of COVID-19 in our area."
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 29, 2020
Lakewood Ranch Community Fund, Giving Challenge go forward during tough economic times

Despite tough economic times, Lakewood Ranch Community Fund, Giving Challenge go forward.

  • East County
  • News
Pierre Bosse, a waiter at Paris Bistrot, helps prepare takeout and curbside orders for customers. In the 12 years the restaurant has been open, it has not done curbside pickup and had few takeout orders.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 29, 2020
An order of normalcy at Lakewood Ranch restaurants

Lakewood Ranch restaurants provide sense of normalcy to customers

  • East County
  • News
John Frank, digital photography teacher at Braden River High School, creates videos to show examples and expectations for assignments. Communication is key for him and his students. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 29, 2020
Manatee County teachers hone online skills

Online learning educational for Manatee County teachers too

  • East County
  • News
Samantha North, a third grade teacher at B.D. Gullett Elementary School, writes "Happy birthday Nathaniel" as part of a birthday message for Nathaniel Molinar.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 29, 2020
Chalk up a surprise in Bradenton area

Gullett Elementary teacher surprises students with birthday message

  • East County
  • News
A golfer decided not to play this ball that crept close to the swans. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • April 29, 2020
Longboat Key swans on track for hatching

Of course, the date isn't exact, but the island could see cygnets soon.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • April 29, 2020
Foundation, builder launch hospitality relief fund

Accutech Restoration and Remodeling approached the foundation wanting to help.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
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The Florida scrub-jay is the only species of bird that is endemic to Florida.
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