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East County

Leading a wave of new additions to the Mustangs' program, Tristan Sheffield has dominated in his weight class as a freshman.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • February 17, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Tristan Sheffield

The freshman has piled up wins since joining Lakewood Ranch High boys wrestling.

  • East County
  • Sports
AAA High School, which is located near Premiere Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch, is set to open to ninth and tenth graders in August 2027.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • February 17, 2026
Manatee school district seeks feedback on new LWR high school's name

Currently named AAA High School, the new school broke ground at Rangeland Parkway and Post Boulevard in Lakewood Ranch on Jan. 21.

  • East County
  • Schools
Amenities at  Emerson Lakes will include a fitness center, swimming pool, dog park, walking trails and multiple on-campus dining options.
    By
  • Beth Luberecki
  • February 17, 2026
A new community provides a place to age in place

An in-demand national senior living developer — it rejects more sites than it buys — is all in on building a large community in the heart of Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
Kamala Martinez, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, leads the regional nonprofit’s efforts to connect young people with life-changing mentors.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • February 17, 2026
With Big Brothers Big Sisters, mentors change the story

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast pairs caring adults with kids who need guidance, stability and someone in their corner.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
This Country Club Village home at 13635 Legends Walk Terrace sold for $1.75 million. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,581 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • February 17, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for Feb. 2-6 in Lakewood Ranch

A Wild Blue at Waterside home on Blue Shell Loop topped the week’s sales at $2.23 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Anthony Sciullo is Manatee County's newest planning commissioner. He was appointed to the role Feb. 12.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 17, 2026
County commissioners question if Manatee Planning Commission needs rehaul

Complaints are rising about poor attendance and members pushing their agenda.

  • East County
  • News
  • By Michael Saunders & Company
  • February 16, 2026
For Sale: 12705 Stone Ridge Place, Lakewood Ranch

From the moment you step in through the updated designer front door, you will marvel at the host of exceptional upgrades that embellish the living spaces.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Sponsored Content
Allen Clark set records at The Out-of-Door Academy. Now, his focus has shifted to his future, and what college he'll compete for.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • February 16, 2026
Out-of-Door Academy football star navigates recruiting chaos

Allen Clark, the Thunder's record-setting running back/linebacker has 20-plus offers to play at the next level.

  • East County
  • Sports
The only access point to Bradenton Estates II is proposed from 18th Avenue East.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 16, 2026
Manatee County commissioners approve 80 homes on 18th Avenue East

The vote was 4-3 in favor of the project after the planning commission unanimously recommended denial.

  • East County
  • News
Manatee County Library Services Manager Tammy Parrott and Sue Ann Miller, president of the Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Library, believe the second floor of the facility will be put to good use.
    By
  • Emily Leinfuss
  • February 16, 2026
Lakewood Ranch Library is about to reach new heights

The Lakewood Ranch Library, a major community success already, is looking to do more by looking up — to another floor.

  • East County
  • News
Kelly Gilliland grew up in Sarasota and has now lived in Lakewood Ranch for 25 years.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • February 16, 2026
Resident's long-lasting heart for Lakewood Ranch stems from a mother's love

Kelly Gilliland wears many hats, but giving back to those in need is the one that fits her best.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Left: Darrel Drury has lived in the Lakewood Ranch area for nearly eight years. Right: David Sessions has overseen the construction of dozens of buildings in the region in the past 35 years.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • February 15, 2026
Round and round goes the chatter about roundabouts in Lakewood Ranch

If you drive in Lakewood Ranch, then you have driven into, and out of, a roundabout. Some like them more than others.

  • East County
  • News
The Passion for Fashion show, the Palm Aire Women's Club's biggest fundraiser of the year, took place Feb. 13 at the Palm Aire Country Club. Katherine Pike, Susan Romine and Kay Kwenski's last looks from Darci's boutique are cocktail attire.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • February 14, 2026
Palm Aire Women's Club raises funds for charity with Passion for Fashion

Members gathered to raise funds for student scholarships along with local charities.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Negotiations continue between Manatee County and its two garbage haulers — Waste Management and Waste Pro.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 14, 2026
Bulk garbage pickups likely to return for Manatee County residents

Commission Chair Tal Siddique said adding back curbside bulk pickup was the cheapest and easiest solution available to assuage the public's unrest over recent collection changes.

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch's Eugene Khutoryanskiy and Yana Parker are celebrating this Valentine's Day as fiances alongside their dogs Mittens and Jesse at Barks & Brews on Feb. 10.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • February 13, 2026
A little pet lovin' and squeezin' at University Town Center in Sarasota

Barks and Brews gives pet owners an opportunity to show their animals a little love at UTC.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
1 2 3 4 5 »
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Latest in East County

1
Leading a wave of new additions to the Mustangs' program, Tristan Sheffield has dominated in his weight class as a freshman.
  • February 17, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Tristan Sheffield
2
AAA High School, which is located near Premiere Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch, is set to open to ninth and tenth graders in August 2027.
  • February 17, 2026
Manatee school district seeks feedback on new LWR high school's name
3
Amenities at  Emerson Lakes will include a fitness center, swimming pool, dog park, walking trails and multiple on-campus dining options.
  • February 17, 2026
A new community provides a place to age in place
4
Kamala Martinez, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, leads the regional nonprofit’s efforts to connect young people with life-changing mentors.
  • February 17, 2026
With Big Brothers Big Sisters, mentors change the story
5
This Country Club Village home at 13635 Legends Walk Terrace sold for $1.75 million. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,581 square feet of living area.
  • February 17, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for Feb. 2-6 in Lakewood Ranch

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