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Schools

Sarah Orcutt, a second grade teacher at Freedom Elementary School, prepares for the new school year in August 2023. Teachers receive a salary supplement through the 1-mill property tax referendum.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 10, 2024
Teacher salary support again big part of school tax vote

With the 1-mill property tax referendum on the ballot in November, Manatee County School Board members consider their options.

  • East County
  • Schools
Students are ready to represent Sabal house after the completion of the sorting ceremony.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 10, 2024
ODA implements house system to promote positive culture

The house system creates a welcoming culture, positive connections and leadership opportunities at The Out-of-Door Academy.

  • East County
  • Schools
The Gulf Coast Community Foundation's Sarasota Philanthropy Center is on State Street in downtown.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 10, 2024
Community foundation opens scholarship applications for Sarasota sutdents

Students may apply for higher education financial aid through April 3.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Carlos E. Haile Middle School is undergoing a campuswide renovation and will have a new 10-classroom addition.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 5, 2024
Haile Middle to offer new opportunities with 10-classroom addition

The addition, expected to be complete in the spring, will expand the school's robotics and agriscience programs.

  • East County
  • Schools
Isabelle Monroe, a senior at Lakewood Ranch High School, loves showing cows at the Manatee County Fair. She names each of her cows after a car part of maker.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 2, 2024
Students pick the perfect name for their Manatee County Fair animals

Whether it's for laughs, a reference to a favorite food or a tradition, students put thought into picking an animal's name.

  • East County
  • Schools
East Bradenton students share Christmas wishes in letters to Santa
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • December 22, 2023
East Bradenton students share Christmas wishes in letters to Santa

These Gullett, Willis and Gene Witt elementary students can't wait to see what's under their tree Christmas day.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Gene Witt Elementary School kindergartner Jace Sparks makes his way around the shop to see all his options before deciding what to buy.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • December 20, 2023
Students use school holiday shops to surprise loved ones

The holiday shops allow students to buy gifts for family, friends and others without the help of their parents.

  • East County
  • Schools
Aviana Ritchey, Kayden Joseph, Nahla White, instructor Alicia Richardson, Jaylon Phelps, Kyrie Smith, Taniyah Sloan, Camila Juan Lopez and Giovanna Mosca
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 19, 2023
Suncoast School for Innovative Studies students write letters to Santa

The second and third graders told Santa what they hoped to receive and what they were thankful for.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Lian Guerra Lopez, Luis Posso and Ember Aberegg are first graders at Myakka City Elementary School. The Myakka Co-op partnered with the school on a Christmas card fundraiser.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • December 18, 2023
Myakka students decorate Wallace the Warthog cards to raise funds

The Myakka City Elementary students embellished more than 300 Wallace the Warthog holiday cards to raise money for their school.

  • East County
  • Schools
Riverview High mourns loss of longtime principal Edward Brown Jr.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • December 14, 2023
Riverview High mourns loss of longtime principal Edward Brown Jr.

One retired teacher called Brown Jr. "The founding father of Riverview High School."

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Sarasota County Schools Superintendent Terry Connor with 2024 Sarasota County Teacher of the Year Ronnique Major.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 14, 2023
Booker Elementary teacher named Sarasota's Teacher of the Year

Fifth grade teacher Ronnique Major was honored with the annual award by the Education Foundation of Sarasota County.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Protesters hold signs during the rally.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 13, 2023
School board calls for Bridget Ziegler's resignation

Sarasota County School Board member Bridget Ziegler has been embattled by controversy but gave no indication that she would resign from her position.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 12, 2023
Sarasota County Schools earns 'A' grade from Department of Education

The district maintains the rating for the 20th consecutive year.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Sarasota School Board member Bridget Ziegler speaks to the Republican Club of Longboat Key on April 12, 2022.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 11, 2023
Sarasota School Board to request resignation of Bridget Ziegler

The Dec. 12 Sarasota County School Board meeting follows accusations of hypocrisy against Ziegler for the admission of a tryst with her husband and another woman.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Joshua Bennett, the principal at Braden River Elementary School, listens as fourth grader Raelynn Wilson explains her assignment.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • December 11, 2023
Braden River Elementary principal supports students and teachers

Recently named School District of Manatee County’s Principal of the Year, Joshua Bennett makes his mark by transforming schools and supporting students and teachers.

  • East County
  • Schools
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1
Sarasota Crew's championship-winning Women's U16 Eight boat races past opponents at Nathan Benderson Park in June 2025. The USRowing Youth National Championships are one of the biggest events on the local sports calendar for 2026.
  • March 20, 2026
Watersports events line up at Benderson Park in April
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Longboat Key's Cops, Cars & Coffee rescheduled
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City parking scheme schemes hurting our tourism
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Zachary Keller and Helen Krushinski star in "Water for Elephants," which comes to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Feb. 12-14, 2027.
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'Water for Elephants,' 'Six' and 'Hell's Kitchen' lead Van Wezel's 2026-27 lineup

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