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Sports

Rick Farmer carries plenty of experience calling plays on defense, but his new role leading the Pirates represents his first head-coaching appointment in high school football.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • May 12, 2026
No time to waste for new Braden River High football coach

Rick Farmer, the team's former defensive coordinator, was hired on the first day of spring practice.

  • East County
  • Sports
Brooks Bartram improved his fastball velocity from 84 miles per hour in September 2025 to 94 mph by February. Now, he'll play NCAA Division II baseball in the fall.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • May 11, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Brooks Bartram

After one season with Braden River, the senior right-hander has signed with Eckerd College.

  • East County
  • Sports
Ben Milliken is the all-time leading passer in program history for Sarasota Christian football. Now, he's the first Blazer headed to an NCAA Division I program.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • May 7, 2026
Sarasota Christian quarterback caps legacy with history-making commitment

Ben Milliken, who originally signed with Southeastern University, flipped to Furman and became the Blazers' first Division I commit.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Dick Vitale, even amid his battle with melanoma, kept the focus of his 21st annual gala in Sarasota on helping kids fight — and beat — cancer.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • May 6, 2026
Dick Vitale reminds us, once more, pediatric cancer research matters

The $21 million raised at the 21st annual Dick Vitale Gala represents a major victory for an ever-important cause.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
This fall will be Scott Paravicini's fourth season as the Lakewood Ranch football coach. He's posted a 14-17 record since taking over the program.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • May 6, 2026
Despite cancer, Lakewood Ranch High coach remains committed to his players

Scott Paravicini wouldn't agree, but his devotion to his team deserves our admiration.

  • East County
  • Sports
Noelle Tenaglia is headed to the FHSAA Class 4A track and field state championship May 9 at Jacksonville's Hodges Stadium alongside relay teammates Kenna Borras, Ella Dabringhaus and Madison Muller.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • May 5, 2026
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Noelle Tenaglia

The senior led Riverview's 3,200-meter relay team to victory at the FHSAA Class 4A-Region 3 championship.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Sarai Castro gave up on softball in 2023. Now, she's the Pirates' leading hitter in her first season at the high school level.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • May 5, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Sarai Castro

The freshman center fielder/left fielder led Braden River High softball to a district championship.

  • East County
  • Sports
A beaming Dick Vitale with his All-Courageous Kids at the 21st annual Dick Vitale Gala held on May 1 at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • May 4, 2026
Dick Vitale Gala raises $21 million for pediatric cancer research

In its 21st year, the gala nearly doubled last year's $12 million total, with Vitale currently battling cancer for the fifth time.

  • East County
  • Sports
Sarasota baseball players watch from their dugout during the FHSAA Class 7A-Region 2 quarterfinal April 24 against Plant City. Despite holding the No. 2 seed, the Sailors went one-and-done in the regional tournament.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • April 30, 2026
Winning season comes to an early end for Sarasota High baseball

Bats go quiet as the Sailors exit in the first round of regional tournament.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Coach Jared Clark shows off his 2023 (left) and 2025 (right) state championship rings. He's guided Cardinal Mooney to a 52-22 record since taking over ahead of the 2020 season.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • April 29, 2026
New bling signals new beginning for Cardinal Mooney football

The Cougars received their state championship rings ahead of spring ball.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Tom Izzo has helmed the Spartans since 1995. His tutelage has taken the team to the 2000 national championship, eight Final Fours, six Big Ten tournament titles and 11 Big Ten regular-season titles.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • April 29, 2026
Legendary Michigan State coach tops lineup at Dick Vitale Gala

Tom Izzo will receive the Dick Vitale Spirit Award at the annual pediatric cancer fundraiser at The Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota.

  • East County
  • Sports
Cale Zeltwanger has been with the Blazers' boys volleyball program since its inception ahead of the 2024 season.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • April 28, 2026
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Cale Zeltwanger

The junior for Sarasota Christian boys volleyball has stuffed the stats sheet this season.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Forward Jonathan Bolanos (right) dribbles with a defender on his tail during the Sarasota Paradise's match vs. Corpus Christi FC on April 22. It was the team's first win this month, and second in seven games played.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • April 28, 2026
Sarasota Paradise learn some professional lessons

The Lakewood Ranch-based soccer club has struggled early with its move to USL League One.

  • East County
  • Sports
Paxton Hermann, who specializes in the pole vault, has been a standout sophomore for the Thunder.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • April 27, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Paxon Hermann

The Out-of-Door Academy track and field sophomore placed top-three in four events at the FHSAA Class 1A-District 11 meet.

  • East County
  • Sports
Zach Johnson hits a sand shot during the Senior PGA Championship, which last week, became the first senior major golf tournament contested in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • April 23, 2026
Pro golf has disappeared from Sarasota

Despite the PGA's strong presence in Lakewood Ranch, this area hasn't hosted a tournament since 2017.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
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1
Sarasota Military Academy is at 801 N. Orange Ave. in Sarasota.
  • August 5, 2026
Sarasota Military Academy's downtown campus listed for sale
2
Country Club East's Mark Allen Baker shows off his newest book, "Willian A. Brady — The Life of a Boxing and Broadway Impresario."
  • August 5, 2026
Classroom assignment can launch a career
3
The $2.6 million tax refund to the School District of Manatee County was voted by the county commissioners on July 28.
  • August 5, 2026
County sends $2.6 million back to Manatee schools
4
The Hermitage Artist Retreat programming includes free sunset concerts on the beach at its Manasota Key campus.
  • August 5, 2026
Arts incubator receives $450,000 in grants
5
Kids arrive by bus at Southside Elementary. School begins Monday in Sarasota County.
  • August 5, 2026
School zones will be active as kids return to school on Monday

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