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East County | Schools

Rangeland High School, previously referred to as AAA High School, is being built near Premiere Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch and is set to open to freshmen and sophomores in August 2027.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 1, 2026
New school in Lakewood Ranch is officially named Rangeland High School

The School District of Manatee County School Board voted unanimously on the school's name, which has been referred to as AAA High School.

  • East County
  • Schools
Elisa Massaro, a senior and battalion commander of the Lakewood Ranch High School Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps, is glad to have had the support of her teachers Richard Roller and William Cassidy.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 29, 2026
Lakewood Ranch High JROTC program loses longtime leaders

Lt. Col. Richard Roller and Master Sgt. William Cassidy, who are retiring, say they prepare students for any career they choose.

  • East County
  • Schools
The Country Club East Park, a place of both community and convenience for Willis Elementary families, will be closed off starting May 29 for nine months to build three youth baseball fields.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 28, 2026
Manatee delays construction at Country Club East Park after parents state concerns

The park, which will have three new youth baseball fields built, is a secondary pick up and drop off spot for students.

  • East County
  • News
Zachary Papper and Dillon O'Callaghan carry Tatiana Moskalenko, who plays Tanya, as she sings "Does Your Mother Know" in The Out-of-Door Academy production of "Mamma Mia!"
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 27, 2026
'Mamma Mia!' graces the stage at The Out-of-Door Academy

The students filled 27 acting roles, nine orchestra assignments and 14 jobs on the crew behind the scenes.

  • East County
  • Schools
Emma Mandzick, a senior at Lakewood Ranch High School, plays Elsa and also choreographed the whole show for "Frozen."
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 26, 2026
'Frozen' a red-hot hit at Lakewood Ranch High School

The students worked countless hours to put on the production.

  • East County
  • Schools
Team Thunderbolts members Kenny Van Slyck, Avery Szuma and Matteo Saviano won a Create Award, which rewards unique approaches to gameplay over the standard design, to qualify for The VEX Robotics World Championship.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 21, 2026
3 east Manatee elementary teams head to worldwide robotics competition

Through trial and error, fourth and fifth graders from Willis and McNeal are gearing up to put their robots to the test.

  • East County
  • Schools
Senior Alexis Huffstutler says she enjoys helping younger students, like freshman Naya Cordero, to come out of their shells and express themselves through acting.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 18, 2026
Braden River High School presents 'Godspell'

With a cast and crew of 22 students, theater and dance director Tabetha Walter directed her first show at Braden River High School.

  • East County
  • Schools
The School District of Manatee County is working on finding the right wording for Policy 3232, which currently states staff will not be allowed to talk to display anything of a political nature.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 18, 2026
Manatee school board, candidates debate politics, social movements in schools

The School District of Manatee County school board will vote on the exact wording of a policy regarding politics at an upcoming board meeting.

  • East County
  • Schools
Rangeland High School, previously referred to as AAA High School, is being built near Premiere Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch and is set to open to freshmen and sophomores in August 2027.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 17, 2026
New high school in Lakewood Ranch is getting closer to being named

Now referred to as AAA High School, the School District of Manatee County has been gathering feedback on what the school should be named.

  • East County
  • Schools
Construction has advanced quickly from Feb. 8 when this aerial photo was taken. The vantage point shows how close the school is from one of the runways at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 8, 2026
Manatee Technical College flying into SRQ with new aviation program

The Aviation Maintenance Technician School is on schedule to open in January 2027.

  • East County
  • Schools
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
Gabriella Martinez Reyes, a junior at Lakewood Ranch High School, has been named president of the Florida Future Business Leaders of America. This makes her the first of Manatee County.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • March 31, 2026
LRHS junior named president for Florida's Future Business Leaders of America

Gabriella Martinez Reyes will lead 11,000 members of Florida Future Business Leaders of America.

  • East County
  • Schools
Ellenton's Rennee Lux, who will serve as the director for KLA Schools of Lakewood Ranch, is eager to welcome children and families into the new space.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • March 25, 2026
KLA Schools prepares to open new early learning center in Lakewood Ranch

Currently in construction, KLA Schools of Lakewood Ranch will serve 200 children between the ages of 3 months and 4 years old.

  • East County
  • Schools
Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School fourth graders Leona Killion and Michael Chmielarski created business cards as a dancer and a soccer player for the Project T.E.A.C.H. activity on March 12.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • March 23, 2026
Project TEACH volunteers work to inspire young minds in Manatee County

Fourth grade classes all over the district were joined by local business people to talk about careers and dreams.

  • East County
  • Schools
Linda Medina and Aliana Donald, second graders at Daughtrey Elementary, are eager to answer any questions Miss Gina might ask about the books she reads.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • March 4, 2026
Books for Kids continues to bring reading passion to elementary students

The Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch program provides reading volunteers to 10 schools in Manatee County.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Jessie King, Jadis Hebdon in the chair and Carlos Fuentes
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • February 19, 2026
MTC barbershop students learn the skills needed to showcase the style

At Manatee Technical College, the next generation of barbers finds skill, confidence and a career with staying power.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Aurora Pena and Theo Light, second graders at Tara Elementary School, appreciate the new and improved classrooms and cafeteria.They are also looking forward to using the new field and playground when they are complete.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • February 18, 2026
Final month of $31.4 million renovation at Tara Elementary

The project began in June 2023 and has included increased security, technology and flexibility of space.

  • East County
  • Schools
Rangeland High School, previously referred to as AAA High School, is being built near Premiere Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch and is set to open to freshmen and sophomores 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
Students in Manatee schools begin learning cursive in third grade. With House Bill 127, that might change to second grade instead. It would also require fifth graders to be evaluated to prove proficiency.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • February 11, 2026
Cursive writing requirements would change if proposed legislation passes

Students currently learn cursive between third and fifth grade. If House Bill 127 becomes law, students will begin learning in second grade and will be tested in fifth.

  • East County
  • Schools
The School District of Manatee County's Superintendent Laurie Breslin, Educator of the Year Clifford Dawson and Deputy Superintendent of Instructional Services Derek Jensen pose for a photo at the Excellence in Education Awards on Feb. 4.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • February 9, 2026
Braden River High band director named Educator of the Year

At the Excellence in Education Awards on Feb. 4, Clifford Dawson walked across the stage to accept the honor of 2026 Educator of the Year.

  • East County
  • Schools
Second graders Jordan Davis, Dominic Michalo and Sloan Middleton wave flags of Puerto Rico, which was the country they were assigned for the Tara Elementary School Olympics.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • February 7, 2026
Tara Elementary hosts its own Winter Olympics

Each class was assigned a country to research before participating in an "olympics-style" competition.

  • East County
  • Schools
Myakka City Elementary first graders Delanee Verly and Emma Kelly check out the wide variety of books for sale during the CommUNITY Night.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • February 1, 2026
Myakka City Elementary hosts Community Night

In honor of Literacy Week, Myakka City Elementary families gathered to play games, paint a mural, and more.

  • East County
  • Schools
The School District of Manatee County Superintendent Laurie Breslin, School Board Chair Cindy Spray, Vice Chair Richard Tatem, and School Board Members Heather Felton and Charlie Kennedy were among the group of people to break ground on AAA High School.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • January 24, 2026
Manatee School District breaks ground for new Lakewood Ranch high school

AAA High School, located at Rangeland Parkway and Post Boulevard in Lakewood Ranch, is set to open to ninth and 10th graders in August 2027.

  • East County
  • Schools
Tara Elementary Principal Laura Campbell tells fifth grader Melany Ojeda that she is a future leader and can do anything she wants to do as long as she goes after it.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • January 21, 2026
Tara Elementary principal reminisces before taking on new adventure

Laura Campbell, who has been principal at Tara Elementary School since 2016, has been chosen to lead the new Veterans Elementary School in Palmetto.

  • East County
  • Schools
Mike Newhams began teaching science at the Out-of-Door Academy in 1997 and was known for helping anyone and everyone with anything they might need. This included staying extra hours to provide academic support and attending clubs and events.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • January 12, 2026
Beloved Out-of-Door Academy teacher dies

Mike Newhams, who began teaching at ODA in 1997, died due to complications from his cancer treatments.

  • East County
  • Schools
Laurie Breslin was officially sworn in as the superintendent for the School District of Manatee County on Sept. 9.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • January 8, 2026
Student safety, mold issues loom for new Manatee schools superintendent

Laurie Breslin cites facility upgrades, academic improvement and higher graduation rates as high priorities for 2026.

  • East County
  • Schools
Waterside of Lakewood Ranch might have to wait longer for Sarasota County Schools to build an elementary school there.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • January 7, 2026
Sarasota County reevaluates need for new schools to serve Waterside

Jody Dumas, the executive director of facility services for Sarasota County Schools, said their two properties in Lakewood Ranch might sit empty for longer than anticipated.

  • East County
  • Schools
Anthony Sizemore, a Braden River High freshman, is eager to show his FFA chapter's chapter pig at the Manatee County Fair.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • January 7, 2026
Braden River High FFA students hope to make the grade at Manatee County Fair

After sacrificing much of their free time to care for farm animals, many of the students will be rewarded.

  • East County
  • Schools
Jamara Clark, director of student enrollment for the School District of Manatee County, presents information on school choice to members of the school board on Dec. 9.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • January 6, 2026
School choice selections now open in Manatee County schools

Families can apply for their children to attend an out-of-zone school through Jan. 31.

  • East County
  • Schools
Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • December 21, 2025
Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love

From Barbies and dogs to roller skates and cyber trucks, elementary students in the Lakewood Ranch area make sure Santa knows what they want.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Capri Finan, 7, Madelyn Finan, 9 and Maverick Finan, 3, pose with Santa after telling him what they want for Christmas, which includes a doll house and a trampoline.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • December 18, 2025
Braden River High transforms into Winter Wonderland

The annual event was organized by the school's Student Government Association.

  • East County
  • Schools
At a Junior Achievement "Discovery Center'' in Tampa, elementary-aged students run a mock city.Two similar facilities are proposed to be set up at Emma Booker Elementary and Booker Middle schools in Sarasota.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • December 17, 2025
Rejections sent to Manatee, Sarasota Schools of Hope requesters

Manatee and Sarasota counties say no to a pair of companies seeking campus space. But that might not be the end of it.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Pator Caleb Free's daughter JoJo Free attends Risen Savior Academy.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • December 16, 2025
Lutheran church brings more Christian education to Lakewood Ranch

Risen Savior Lutheran Church begins its expansion toward being a K-8 school in January.

  • East County
  • Schools
Braden River High School junior Mystique Quinones shakes hands with Dave Daily, post commander for VFW Post 12055, as she receives her $100 reward for her essay which answered the question “How are you showing patriotism and support for our country?”
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • December 16, 2025
Essay contest winners named by VFW Post 12055 Braden River

Of the seven winners for this year's Voice of Democracy essay contest, six of them are Braden River High School students, and five are part of JROTC.

  • East County
  • Schools
Nicholas Savarese, a teacher who has a background in chemical engineering, judges junior Lillian Pevzner-Downer's project on the comparison of conventionally grown crops with chemicals and pesticides versus organically grown crops at the Lakewood Ranch High School Science Fair.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • December 12, 2025
Lakewood Ranch High revives its science fair

Chemistry and Environmental Science Teacher Alexandra Wilcoxson put together an event that showcased the school's brightest minds.

  • East County
  • Schools
Carrie Walden, the Project Edge classroom instructor, is teaching 10 students including Mia Pardella and Justin Torres in the Project Edge program at MTC East.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • December 10, 2025
MTC program teaches students with disabilities skills to enter workforce

At Manatee Technical College, Project Edge is transitional program for students with intellectual disabilities to learn foundational skills.

  • East County
  • Schools
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Latest in East County

1
Commissioners George Kruse and Mike Rahn supported the project from the start.
  • May 4, 2026
Compromise gives Lakewood Ranch-area development another shot
2
Kelly Kirschner is the son of the late Kerry Kirschner, who led the Argus Foundation and also was mayor of Sarasota.
  • May 3, 2026
Sarasota's youngest mayor joins race to fill Buchanan's Congressional seat
3
Carissa Smentowski, who played a big part in creating the Peaceful Path, receives a hug from the Peaceful Path Director Jamie Reagan during the World Labryrinth Day program.
  • May 2, 2026
Peaceful Path in Lakewood Ranch offers a stroll on World Labyrinth Day
4
Ed Catalane of the Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club does his part to teach children, including Lakewood Ranch's Hayes Cochran, further their fishing skills at the Youth & Teen Fishing Seminar May 2.
  • May 2, 2026
Expert cast teaches fishing lessons in Lakewood Ranch
5
Rangeland High School, previously referred to as AAA High School, is being built near Premiere Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch and is set to open to freshmen and sophomores in August 2027.
  • May 1, 2026
New school in Lakewood Ranch is officially named Rangeland High School

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