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News

"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was ending, he turned into a butterfly." — Chinese philosopher Zhuang Zhou
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 8, 2020
Inspiration at a butterfly garden in Lakewood Ranch during COVID-19

Stroll in Lakewood Ranch butterfly garden provides inspiration to fight off COVID-19 blues.

  • East County
  • News
File Photo
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • April 8, 2020
Sarasota Ministerial Association to host virtual Good Friday event

The online event will stream throughout the day April 10.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lakewood Ranch's Annya Hernandez picks up lunch for her children, Arianna and Alessandro, last week. Cafeteria worker Debby Shiebler hands them lunches containing corndogs, cucumbers and apples.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 8, 2020
Manatee School District provides meals to families

Provisions being made for long weekend.

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch homebuilders said they have not had trouble finding subcontractors, like John Coleman, a plumber with Danny Via Plumbing, who was installing pipes for water and sewer for a new home under construction.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 8, 2020
Lakewood Ranch builders brace for COVID-19 impact

Sales fall, but builders are confident it's a short-term impact in Manatee and Sarasota counties.

  • East County
  • News
Dr. Elizabeth Callahan, the founder of SkinSmart Dermatology in Sarasota, has taken appointments online.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 8, 2020
This Sarasota doctor's in ... online

Dr. Elizabeth Callahan's SkinSmart Dermatology in Sarasota moves ahead with online appointments during COVID-19 threat.

  • East County
  • News
The School District of Manatee County has wired buses with WiFi to send out to community centers and churches throughout the county to provide internet access to students.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 8, 2020
Buses bring hotspots to students in Manatee County

School District of Manatee County buses to provide WiFi for students

  • East County
  • News
Beach Fishing Adventures proprietor Steven Herich (left) communicates with former client, now-friend Steve Nicolai while fishing Saturday on Longboat Key.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • April 8, 2020
Outdoors-focused tourism operators struggle

Perfect weather in the height of the season can't help business, they say.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Pastor Caleb Free preaches to an empty room at Risen Savior Lutheran Church as he records a Sunday service.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 8, 2020
Prayer becomes a virtual reality in Lakewood Ranch area

East County church leaders and members adjust to online church services

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch's Jennifer Brigham had time to donate platelets, which takes about two hours. She came on opening day of the new facility.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 8, 2020
Blood bank opens new facility in Lakewood Ranch

SunCoast Blood Centers hopes to double its donor base in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
Grove General Manager Austin Harlow said cold items are stored in a trailer outside to help ensure quick delivery times to customers.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 8, 2020
Survival in the bag for Lakewood Ranch restaurant

Grove in Lakewood Ranch offers market to support customers, sustain employees.

  • East County
  • News
University Place's Rebecca Blitz, with Gallagher, grew up riding horses and has spent her career working with nonprofits. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 8, 2020
Huge challenges for new SMART director in Manatee County

Rebecca Blitz takes over SMART during difficult financial times.

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch High School horticulture students Paytton Yancey, Hannah Yancey and Madison Hartwig work on an assignment. Agriculture teacher Janyel Taylor will have her students work with plants at home. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 8, 2020
East County teachers note e-learning challenges

East County teachers find ways to engage their students through hands-on online learning

  • East County
  • News
Mike Holderness placed fences along his property keep groups from gathering on the beach. Photo courtesy
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • April 7, 2020
Siesta property owner places fence on beach

A Siesta Key property owner placed a chain link fence near Siesta Key Beach Access 2, but county staff says it's not allowed.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Sarasota Memorial Hospital has tested more than 840 individuals for COVID-19. Photo by Harry Sayer.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 7, 2020
Two COVID-19 patients die at Sarasota Memorial Hospital

Seven people who tested positive for the disease have died at the facility, and 32 patients remain hospitalized.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Manatee County libraries have added a tutoring program to its online offerings. Stock image.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 7, 2020
Manatee County libraries launch online tutoring

Tutor.com will offer live tutoring to Manatee County students.

  • East County
  • News
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1
The Florida scrub-jay is the only species of bird that is endemic to Florida.
  • August 10, 2026
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Official kindergartener Avalyn Chavez, 5, hugs Ruby Chavez at the gate of Alta Vista Elementary School on Aug. 10. In an interview, Avalyn said she was excited to meet her teacher and wear her new sparkling shoes for the first day of school.
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The Denny's property at 3701 Bee Ridge Road in Sarasota has sold.
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'Good stuff' coming to site of Bee Ridge Denny's, broker says

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