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Schools

JROTC instructor Alexander Figueroa says his 13 years with Braden River High School has been a blessing.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 11, 2023
Braden River JROTC instructor to retire after building up the program

Alexander Figueroa will lead the Bradenton school's team into one more state tournament before retiring.

  • East County
  • Schools
Freedom Elementary School's eight-classroom addition is expected to be complete in July.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 10, 2023
Freedom Elementary addition on schedule for July completion

The $4 million, eight-classroom addition at the school is on time and on budget.

  • East County
  • Schools
Juniors Lourdes Capote-Dishaw and Chase Dougal and seniors Ethan McKay and Morgan Sowards are excited to be at prom. "It's 18 years in the making," McKay says.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 6, 2023
Braden River High students enjoy their 'Gatsby' prom

Many students dressed to the "Gatsby" theme in the event held at the Hyatt Regency in Sarasota.

  • East County
  • Schools
Scarlett Lewis, the founder of the Choose Love Movement, will be at Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy to share skills and tools that can be used to promote emotional well-being.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 5, 2023
Brain Health Initiative teaches emotional wellness with Choose Love Movement

Scarlett Lewis, the founder of the Choose Love Movement, will help Lakewood Ranch community members learn social-emotional skills.

  • East County
  • News
Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School's Noble Pinto, Julian LaBranche, Jaxon Grew and Chloe Kenya pinky promise to go out and play in honor of Justin Darr, who was a physical education teacher.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 4, 2023
McNeal Elementary celebrates life of beloved physical education teacher

In honor of Justin Darr's philosophy to "go out and play," students, staff and Darr's family played sports during the dedication.

  • East County
  • Schools
Kate Barlaug has been named the principal of Dr. Mona Jain Middle School. Irene Nikitopoulos has been named the principal of Carlos E. Haile Middle School.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 4, 2023
Two east Bradenton schools to have new principals

Haile and Mona Jain middle schools will have new leaders for the 2023-2024 school year.

  • East County
  • Schools
Graduates of the CareerEdge construction training program sponsored by Selby Gardens.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 31, 2023
Selby Gardens program graduates class of 10 electricians

Partnership with CareerEdge provides free training in construction trades with many students hired before completing the program.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Allison Coleman, a second grader at Myakka City Elementary School, snuggles with Ruby Sue, the school's future therapy dog, while reading to her.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 28, 2023
Therapy dogs gain popularity in East County schools

Myakka City, McNeal and Tara elementary schools see benefits of having therapy dogs on campus.

  • East County
  • Schools
Ricardo Robinson-Shinall, the theater director at Braden River High School, presents Roxane Caravan, the theater director at Lakewood Ranch High School, with the Dr. Sherry Lawrence Theatre Education Award.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 27, 2023
Manatee Arts Education Council celebrates the arts at annual Arts Alive

School District of Manatee County students showcased talents, and two east Bradenton fine arts teachers were recognized for their dedication.

  • East County
  • Schools
Gwendolyn Smith, a client at Daybreak Adult Day Center, feels like a teacher again when she's reading to Braden River Elementary School first graders.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 27, 2023
Elementary students make grand-friends at Daybreak Adult Day Center

The Braden River first graders write letters, visit, and learn about aging at the Lakewood Ranch facility.

  • East County
  • Schools
Valorant team member Ana "POWER" Payro, Super Smash Bros. team super captain Hanz “RawSauce” Ago, Recreation & Wellness Coordinator E Ramey, Super Smash Bros team member Jaehee “AsianShack” Kim, Overwatch team member Bennett “BlitzStorm” Hanus, and Super Smash Bros. team member Viktor “Tachio” Niksdorf.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 23, 2023
Ringling College embraces growth of esports

The Ringling Rollers esports team will receive a dedicated gaming arena.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Executive Director Sherika Evans drives the Suncoast School for Innovative Studies school bus every day.
    By
  • Dariela Delgado
  • March 18, 2023
School leader goes extra mile to ensure student success

Sherika Evans believes giving kids a better life doesn't end with them — it involves the whole family.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
The School District of Manatee County is renovating Tara Elementary School after the Florida Department of Education did not approve a replacement of the school.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 16, 2023
To renovate or replace? Manatee County School District handcuffed by state

Even though Tara Elementary School could be replaced cheaper, the state says that renovation is the only option.

  • East County
  • Schools
Junior Adanna Wharton and sophomore Madison Kelley report in for their duel exhibition. Wharton and Kelley enjoy being able to create their own routine.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 15, 2023
Braden River High JROTC students put own spin on drill routines

JROTC drill team duel exhibitionists are able to develop their own routines to meet their abilities.

  • East County
  • Schools
Sixth graders Jaliyh Tartt, Sara Downs and Lily Bertrand love getting colors all over them.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 9, 2023
Nolan Middle School raises funds for its students with Color Run

Students at the Lakewood Ranch school don't mind getting a little messy for a good cause.

  • East County
  • Schools
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Former Sarasota City Attorney Robert Fournier has drafted an updated noise ordinance for the city, which was approved by the City Commission on first reading.
  • December 11, 2025
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2
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Many holiday events took place the first weekend of December, but there are still plenty of opportunities for festive fun to have on the keys.
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A Kwanzaa display rests on the table during the event.
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5
Sarasota city commissioners adopted an ordinance in 2021 to register and regulate vacation rentals in coastal communities.
  • December 11, 2025
Are complaints worth additional vacation rental oversight?

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