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Schools

Jimmy Glover, Teresa DeWitt, Heidi Brandt speak at the forum, beside moderator Kevin Cooper.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • June 15, 2026
School Board District 1 candidates share their plans at Tiger Bay Club forum

Heidi Brandt, Teresa DeWitt and Jimmy Glover are contending for the District 1 seat currently held by Bridget Ziegler.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Vittoria Ferrisi Alvarez, Gracie Nichols and Sawyer Nowicki, all seventh graders at Dr. Mona Jain Middle School, created the book called "Snowball's Iceberg Incident" to compete in the Children's Stories event for Technology Student Association.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • June 10, 2026
Local students prepare for national TSA competition

With a variety of different events and themes, Lakewood Ranch-area Technology Student Association members test their skills and creativity.

  • East County
  • Schools
Bridgewater's Jonathan Mullis, a local dad and business owner, wants to bring his experience and connections to benefit the School District of Manatee County school board.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • June 9, 2026
Bridgewater dad says his connections make him a valuable candidate

Bridgewater's Jonathan Mullis wants to strengthen the relationship between the Manatee school district, the county and nonprofits if he is elected for the District 5 school board seat.

  • East County
  • Schools
Panther Ridge's Chantal Wilford wants to provide further support to families in Manatee County through becoming the District 5 school board member.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • June 3, 2026
Panther Ridge mom hopes to make connections in District 5 school board seat

Chantal Wilford is attempting for the second time to be a member of School Board of Manatee County.

  • East County
  • Schools
U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan's appointments to U.S. service academies for the fall include (from left) Micah Pubillones, Lakewood Ranch High graduate Jack Crosbie, Caine Cokkinias, Hunter Wilk, Dax Morgan, Caitlin Nguyen, and John Wheaton.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 29, 2026
Lakewood Ranch grads named to service academies

Congressman nominates 16 seniors from his district.

  • East County
  • Schools
Novalee Roberts, a third grader at Myakka City Elementary, is eager to participate in the Tape the Principal (Carol Ricks) event.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 28, 2026
Myakka City Elementary celebrates test achievements with 'Jump a Bucket'

Carol Ricks, the principal at Myakka City Elementary, wanted to recognize her students for their achievements.

  • East County
  • Schools
New College was founded in 1960.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • May 27, 2026
Finalized deal shifts USF Sarasota-Manatee to New College

Vote to send the state's budget to governor is expected on Friday.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Stacy Lenz, a teacher at Gulf Gate Elementary, was surprised by the honor during a ceremony at school, alongside principal Michelle Miller, who nominated her.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 27, 2026
Six Sarasota teachers honored for making a difference

Barancik Foundation's Ripple Awards aim to make note of those who leave 'a lasting mark.'

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Emerson Lepper greets Principal Ben Hopper.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 23, 2026
Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School celebrates graduates' new horizons

The private school hosted its graduation ceremony at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on May 22.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Oceane Visa, who says she has waited years to walk across the stage for graduation, is congratulated by Head of School Debra Otey.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 22, 2026
Out-of-Door Academy graduates showed up for the moments that matter most

Seventy-nine graduates from the Out-of-Door Academy walked the stage at Grace Community Church to receive their diplomas May 22.

  • East County
  • Schools
School safety patrol supervisor Justine Holcomb, Noah Moise and Principal Patti Folino stand together.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 22, 2026
Tuttle Elementary fifth grader named AAA School Safety Patroller of the Year

Noah Moise was recognized for his work as safety patrol captain, believed to be the first student in the district to receive the honor.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Molly Reichenbach, Caio Menegardo and Brian Scanlon cheer for their classmates as they receive their diplomas from Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy May 20.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 21, 2026
First class of seniors ready to soar from Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy

In the inaugural commencement ceremony, 66 seniors from Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy walk the stage at The Ora in Sarasota.

  • East County
  • Schools
Dustin Dahlquist, the current principal at Lakewood Ranch High School, will be the founding principal of Rangeland High School.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 20, 2026
Lakewood Ranch High principal named Rangeland High's first leader

Dustin Dahlquist, who is the current principal at Lakewood Ranch High School, will be the founding principal of the newest high school under construction.

  • East County
  • Schools
Jazmin Ortega, Alora Parcells and Suri Bui reminisce on their time at Braden River High School prior to the commencement ceremony at LECOM Park May 19.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 20, 2026
Braden River High grads know there is 'a lot to be discovered'

Four-hundred and twenty graduates receive diplomas and now will chase their dreams.

  • East County
  • Schools
It's high school graduation season again in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 19, 2026
It's high school graduation season again in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Hundreds of former seniors walk the stage to accept their diplomas.

  • East County
  • Schools
1 2 3 4 5 »
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1
Diane DelloRusso, who has worked in the jewelry business for 36 years and been a longtime manager at Jewelry by Cole, said she believes customers will appreciate the new St. Armands Jewelry store with its blend of classic and contemporary styles. She came out of retirement to assist with the transition and can't wait for longtime patrons to see the boutique's new look.
  • June 16, 2026
Two new shops coming to St. Armands Circle
2
Jolanta Bremer received the award of the 2026 Queen Helen.
  • June 16, 2026
Attendees get into costume as Mrs. Roper at The Bazaar on Apricot and Lime
3
JP Soars and the Red Hots will perform a free Father's Day concert at The Bay on Sunday, June 21.
  • June 16, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for June 18-24
4
The pickleball courts and basketball courts at Longboat Key’s Bayfront Park will be renovated over the summer.
  • June 16, 2026
Pickleball courts closed for major renovations
5
Elliott Mathes grew up watching his older brother, Will Mathes, compete for Sarasota Crew at the USRowing Youth National Championships. From June 11-14, he himself rowed with a junior national title on the line.
  • June 16, 2026
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Elliott Mathes

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