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Schools

Actors perform in FST’s production of The Velveteen Rabbit in 2016. Photo courtesy Matthew Holler.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • November 4, 2020
Sarasota theaters partner to bring arts education to students

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and Florida Studio Theatre are bringing free arts programming to Sarasota County School students.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Aubrey Bakar, an eighth grader at Carlos E. Haile Middle School, is excited to show at the Manatee County Fair for a second year. This year she's showing her pig, Gunner.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 4, 2020
This little piggy heads to the Manatee County Fair

East Bradenton FFA members thankful they can still show their livestock at the Manatee County Fair.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 4, 2020
Final performance for Braden River High band

Members of Braden River's Marching Band of Pirates reflect on unusual season.

  • East County
  • News
Tara Elementary School's Maya Taggert works on an assignment during class. Students and staff will see upgraded buildings with the renovation planned at Tara Elementary School.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 4, 2020
Haile Middle, Tara Elementary projects moved up

School Board of Manatee County approves resolution to borrow up to $100 million to accelerate capital projects.

  • East County
  • News
Olivia D'Orazio, a member of Lakewood Leaders, wraps a Barbie and other gifts for Magic of Mittens.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 4, 2020
Volunteer hours hard for east Bradenton students to find

Lakewood Ranch-area students search for chances to volunteer in midst of the pandemic.

  • East County
  • News
Robert E. Willis Elementary School second graders Aubri Darpino and Ella Baas wear masks while at their desks.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 3, 2020
Manatee school district creates poll on face masks

School District of Manatee County wants to hear from parents and employees about the mask policy.

  • East County
  • News
Parents line up in front of school board chambers to show disdain of the district's mask policy. Harry Sayer
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • November 2, 2020
Parents file lawsuit against district's face mask policy

The lawsuit invokes the Florida Constitution and Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka as reasons why the policy should be stopped.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Gene Witt Elementary School third grader Camryn Killingsworth makes her way across the monkey bars. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 28, 2020
School playgrounds no longer barred in Manatee County

School District of Manatee County allows elementary students to use playground equipment again.

  • East County
  • News
Ethan Spasciani, a senior at Lakewood Ranch High School, volunteers at South West Florida Therapy Animals during an event through the Student Government Association. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 28, 2020
East Bradenton students receive humanitarian award

One Braden River High senior and one from Lakewood Ranch High named Anne Frank Humanitarian Award recipients.

  • East County
  • News
The School Board of Manatee County unanimously approves a resolution to issue Certificates of Participation to accelerate capital projects within the district.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 27, 2020
School Board of Manatee County approves funding for capital projects

The School District of Manatee County can now borrow up to $100 million to accelerate capital projects, including two in east Bradenton.

  • East County
  • News
VPA Director Rebecca Abrahamson and VPA Theatre Chairman Scott Keys stand where a new lobby could be added.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • October 27, 2020
Booker VPA to see $22.5 million in renovations

The upgrades include more seating capacity, additional classrooms, a new lobby and a blackbox theater.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
East County football roundup: 10.23.20
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • October 23, 2020
East County football roundup: 10.23.20

East County football roundup: 10.23.20

  • East County
  • Sports
Manatee Technical College will host a virtual open house of the Main Campus in Bradenton on Nov. 5.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 23, 2020
Manatee Technical College to host virtual open houses in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch

Open houses will give potential students an opportunity to see its campuses.

  • East County
  • News
Christine Gregory and Michael Riccio wear white as a sign of peace. Harry Sayer
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • October 21, 2020
Amid protests, school board extends face mask requirement

The policy will sunset June 30 unless the board votes to end it earlier.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Robert E. Willis Elementary School second graders Aubri Darpino and Ella Baas are socially distant while working on assignments. More students will be on campus after families were able to switch learning modalities.Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 21, 2020
More parents sending kids back to campus in Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch-area elementary and middle schools will no longer offer hybrid option as more students return full time.

  • East County
  • News
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A Goodwill bookstore and donation center will occupy the new outparcel building at 3160 Gulf of Mexico Drive by the end of the year.
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