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Results for:

Vinny Mercadante tosses a lacrosse ball and holds his stick at Summerfield Community Park in Lakewood Ranch. He played for Cardinal Mooney in 2016-18, Marian University in 2018-19 and Florida State in 2021-23 but has since committed to coaching.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • November 24, 2025
Cardinal Mooney grad builds his own lacrosse training school

At just 25, Vinny Mercadante is quickly becoming a premier private lacrosse coach, one of the few in the state.

  • East County
  • Sports
Sue McGregor
  • By Ian Swaby |
  • October 9, 2025
Local octogenarian prepares for Athens marathon

Sue McGregor has been running for about 30 years and has competed in races around the globe. Now she sets her sights on Greece.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch's Herman Martinez shows off medals he earned with the U.S. Army while serving in Vietnam. Martinez said if asked to serve today, he would go.
  • By Jay Heater |
  • November 5, 2025
Despite Agent Orange exposure, Vietnam veteran says, 'I would still serve today'

Lakewood Ranch's Herman Martinez says his love of America and veterans still burns bright.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A Stoneybrook at Heritage Harbour home at 7538 Camden Harbour Drive sold for $950,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,838 square feet of living area.
  • By Adam Hughes |
  • November 4, 2025
Top residential real estate sales for Oct. 20-24 in Lakewood Ranch

A home in Stoneybrook at Heritage Harbour on Camden Harbour Drive tops the week's sales at $950,000.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Director of Government Relations Stephanie Garrison leads the work session Dec. 3.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • December 10, 2025
Changing millage review process a top priority among Manatee commissioners

Finding a way to cut taxes is a top priority, but finishing improvements on Lorraine Road is not.

  • East County
  • News
Shane Rawley poses for a photo on Dec. 2 at Shaner's Pizzeria with his three published books. From left: "A February Thaw: A Peter Cobb Adventure," "January Freeze: A Peter Cobb Adventure" and "Peter Cobb: Three Strikes You're Out."
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • December 4, 2025
Former MLB pitcher and local pizzeria owner is an author

Shane Rawley, the owner of Shaner's Pizzeria since 1991, has published three fiction novels in his "Peter Cobb" series.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ryan Neuzil started all 17 games at center for the Atlanta Falcons this season. The 2016 Braden River High graduate was ranked No. 7 out of 40 graded centers by Pro Football Focus.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • January 13, 2026
Ryan Neuzil's success is a case study in hard work

The Atlanta Falcons center and Braden River High graduate earned the right to be a full-time NFL starter — and proved he belongs.

  • East County
  • Sports
Florida Statute 1001.42(4)(f)2 will require high schools, including Braden River High (pictured) and Lakewood Ranch High, to start no earlier than 8:30 a.m. unless the district submits paperwork and gets accepted to keep the current start times.
  • By Madison Bierl |
  • April 7, 2026
Manatee County School District might fight starting time mandate

A 2025 Florida Statute states high schools cannot start before 8:30 a.m. unless the district submits paperwork to prove such a change causes disruption.

  • East County
  • Schools
Carol Ann Felts' sons Kiel and Nicholas Felts unveil the new sign at David J. Crane Park.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • April 21, 2026
Manatee County remembers Carol Ann Felts at Crane Park memorial

The late commissioner had a Myakka City preserve named in her honor.

  • East County
  • News
FLC Director of Field Advocacy & Federal Affairs Scott Dudley, Holmes Beach Commissioner Terry Schaefer, Commissioner BJ Bishop, North Port Commissioner Debbie McDowell, FLC President Jolien Carraballo, Sarasota Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch, Venice Mayor Nick Pachota
  • By Lauren Tronstad |
  • May 14, 2023
Mayor Schneier, Commissioner Bishop win awards for advocacy efforts

The Longboat Key town government officials received Home Rule Hero awards from the Florida League of Cities.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A rendering of the second-floor outdoor seating area at the planned Ocean Prime in The Quay.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • June 30, 2023
Ocean Prime's upscale dining will be alongside retail, condos at The Quay

High-end seafood and steak restaurant Ocean Prime will feature marina views and two levels of dining at the Sarasota development.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
A rendering of exterior renovations at Payne Park Auditorium proposed by The Players Centre for Performing Arts.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • May 23, 2023
The Players finds a home at Payne Park Auditorium

Sarasota city commissioners authorize staff to craft a lease agreement with The Players Centre for Performing Arts, which hasn't had a permanent home for seven years.

  • Sarasota
  • News
"Divas Three" will ends its run at FST's Court Cabaret on Sept. 17.
  • By Observer Staff |
  • September 5, 2023
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Sept. 7-13

Don't miss these arts and entertainment events around Sarasota and Manatee counties this week.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Palmetto High School's Principal Carl Auckerman will take the lead of Braden River High School next year.
  • By Liz Ramos |
  • May 19, 2021
History buff Braden River High's future

Carl Auckerman wants to establish relationships before taking over as principal at Braden River High in east Bradenton.

  • East County
  • News
Historical Resources Manager Rob Bendus said it's important to preserve the county's history to add to quality of life.
  • By Brynn Mechem |
  • May 20, 2021
Historical resources department protects Sarasota County's history

As they celebrate the centennial year, historical resources employees reflect on the past and look toward the future.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Barry Gaines has seen enough film festivals to know what he likes and what he wants to leave out of GainesCon.
  • By Nat Kaemmerer |
  • May 31, 2021
Longboat Key IT specialist Barry Gaines launching sci-fi and fantasy film festival

Gaines hopes to give small sci-fi filmmakers and actors a chance to show themselves with GainesCon in November.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Jack Zimmerman is attempting to recruit more Lakewood Ranch seniors to his Sarasota Senior Softball Association leagues.
  • By Jay Heater |
  • July 9, 2021
Lakewood Ranch senior softball players forced to travel to compete

Sarasota Senior Softball Association gives Lakewood Ranch players an option.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Patricia and Ward Maxson at a Longboat Key event in 2016.
  • By Mark Bergin |
  • January 11, 2021
Circle of life: Hospice nurse cares for doctor who delivered her

Kelly McFarland was born prematurely at 2 pounds, 4 ounces. Four decades later, she provided care to the doctor who delivered her.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Boat captain Denise Kleiner said the $25 sunset tours at Jiggs Landing offer incredible sights.
  • By Jay Heater |
  • January 13, 2021
Jiggs Landing concession in Bradenton fights to survive pandemic

Did you know Jiggs Landing of Bradenton offers live music, food and beer along the waterside?

  • East County
  • News
County staff will explore the option of adding a second floor to the proposed medical examiner facility.
  • By Brynn Mechem |
  • January 20, 2021
Medical examiner facility to be built off Fruitville Road

Sarasota County will build an autopsy and office building for the District 12 Medical Examiner.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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