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Schools

Fifth graders Amilia Dragovoy, Betsi Branscomb and Raegan Standifer are able to work at their own pace on state standards through the Ethos AI Experiential Academy at Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • September 2, 2026
Lakewood Ranch Prep embraces personalized AI academy

Twenty-seven fourth and fifth grade students are working at their own pace with Ethos AI Experiential Academy on projects and have an impact on the community.

  • East County
  • Schools
The School District of Manatee County is led by School Board Member Chad Choate, Superintendent Laurie Breslin, Chair Cindy Spray, Vice Chair Richard Tatem, School Board Member Heather Felton and School Board Member Charlie Kennedy.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • September 1, 2026
Manatee schools shift into a higher gear with three-year strategic plan

The strategic plan for the School District of Manatee County, which was worked on by staff, families, students and more, consists of goals and priorities for 2026-2029.

  • East County
  • Schools
Sophia Wiley makes her way down the row to shake hands after she receives her Lakewood Ranch High School diploma at Lecom Park May 18.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • August 25, 2026
Manatee schools reach new heights when it comes to graduation

The district set a record with a 90% graduation rate in 2026 but has higher goals in the near future.

  • East County
  • Schools
Josie Nemeth, who graduated from Lakewood Ranch High School in 2020, is now working alongside her social studies teachers who inspired her as a student.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • August 21, 2026
Lakewood Ranch High teacher loves history but looks to the future

A former Mustang student, Josie Nemeth is now teaching alongside her former teachers.

  • East County
  • Schools
Cassie Jewell (left), a parent who became an activist after attending school board meetings, speaks with Beth Mayberry (center) and Megan Tennimon (right) at Tamiami Tap.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 18, 2026
Primary leads to new school board majority; District 1 race to be decided in November

Megan Tennimon and Beth Mayberry claimed the District 4 and 5 seats, while Jimmy Glover will compete against Heidi Brandt in a November runoff election for the District 1 seat.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Bridgewater's Jonathan Mullis, a business owner and charter school parent, placed first in the primary election for the District 5 school board seat for Manatee County.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • August 18, 2026
Manatee School Board races head to runoffs

Jonathan Mullis and Camden Bedinghaus, who have a 26-year age gap, will face each other again in November for the District 5 school board seat.

  • East County
  • Schools
Commissioner Amanda Ballard and Government Relations Manager Brent Anderson are eager to work with Manatee County students to close the gaps between local, state and national government through the new Model Manatee program.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • August 12, 2026
New program 'Model Manatee' to give students real world government insight

Model Manatee will give students the opportunity to attend commission and school board meetings, do a mock trial, and more.

  • East County
  • Schools
The School District of Manatee County Chair Cindy Spray has “passion with a purpose” as she runs for reelection.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • August 12, 2026
School board incumbent hopes 'passion with a purpose' gets her reelected

Cindy Spray is proud of what the board has accomplished during her Manatee County School Board term thus far and doesn't want to stop now.

  • East County
  • Schools
Fifth graders Eloise Vahn and Hannah Marco are the morning news anchors for the whole first week of school on the Wildcat News Network.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • August 10, 2026
Joy and jitters fill first day of school at McNeal Elementary

The new school year kicked off Aug. 10 for students in the School District of Manatee County, including those who attend Gilbert W McNeal Elementary School.

  • East County
  • Schools
Official kindergartner 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.
    By
  • Dana Kampa, Ian Swaby
  • August 10, 2026
Families look forward to the future as kids return to school

The Observer checked in at local elementary schools as Sarasota County Schools kicked off a new year.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Sarasota Military Academy is at 801 N. Orange Ave. in Sarasota.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • August 5, 2026
Sarasota Military Academy's downtown campus listed for sale

The nearly 5-acre property at 801 N. Orange Ave. is being marketed as a downtown development opportunity.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
The $2.6 million tax refund to the School District of Manatee County was voted by the county commissioners on July 28.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • August 5, 2026
County sends $2.6 million back to Manatee schools

The Manatee County Commission paid the fee from 2018 until 2023, and the charges to the school district in 2024 and 2025 came as a surprise.

  • East County
  • Schools
Kids arrive by bus at Southside Elementary. School begins Monday in Sarasota County.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 5, 2026
School zones will be active as kids return to school on Monday

Sarasota County students return to school on Monday, leading to shifting traffic patterns with buses, cyclists and school zones.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
James T. Golden, who previously represented District 5 on the school board from 2018-2022, is now running once again to represent District 2.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • August 5, 2026
Past school board chair wants to serve Manatee County School District again

James T. Golden, who was on the school board from 2018-2022 and represented District 5, is now running to represent District 2.

  • East County
  • Schools
Connie Dixon, Carol Ricks, Sheila Waid and Natalie Jadid are among the principals in East County who are eager to start the 2026-2027 school year on the right foot.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • August 4, 2026
Manatee principals, teacher of the year eager to begin new school year

Students return to school Monday, August 10 for the School District of Manatee County 2026-2027 school year.

  • East County
  • Schools
1 2 3 4 5 »
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1
The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce and town of Longboat Key joined forces to organize the first Let’s Talk Longboat business roundtable June 17 at Christ Church of Longboat Key.
  • September 4, 2026
Registration open for local business forum
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  • September 4, 2026
Now Stopping at Coquina Beach — Skip the Bridge and Take the Gulf Islands Ferry
3
Planning, Zoning and Building Director Allen Parsons, Public Works Director Charlie Mopps and Town Manager Howard Tipton speak to residents at a Let’s Talk Longboat meeting, a monthly get-together given the moniker “Tip Talks.”
  • September 3, 2026
LBK community meetings scheduled in September
4
Patti Johnston had a career entertaining children and adults alike at Walt Disney World Resort before eventually becoming a substitute teacher locally.
  • September 3, 2026
Sarasota resident recounts a career as Minnie Mouse
5
The home at 2451 Arlington St. in Sarasota sold for $1.25 million. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,365 square feet of living area.
  • September 3, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for Aug.17-21 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

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