Health care expands in the area in a big way

Health care systems are expanding in and around Lakewood Ranch — for both the short- and long-term.

A rendering of BayCare HealthHub on Moccasin Wallow Road.
Robyn Modly, sponsor of the USS Cleveland, takes in the Navy band’s performance of the “Star Spangled Banner” aside Bruce Hallet, left, commander of the USS Cleveland, and Hung Cao, acting secretary of the Navy.
  • May 20, 2026
Forging a legacy with the Navy's newest ship
Karen and Gregg Sweeney, Chris and Cathy Goglia, and Debbie McPeak socialize at the Longboat Key Club's farewell lawn party on May 15.
  • May 20, 2026
Longboaters jam with Big Z Band to close out season
In a room packed with family members — adjacent to another room with several times as many additional friends — longtime Longboat Key resident Harold Goldstein celebrated his 100th birthday on May 11 at Rosemary and Thyme.
  • May 19, 2026
100 years young takes on new meaning for mold-breaker Harold Goldstein
Photographer Rick Waid looks on as curator Anita Pihl affixes a blue ribbon to his piece, "Wild Mare with Foal," at the May 12 reception for a gallery by local photographers up now at Plymouth Harbor.
  • May 18, 2026
Local photographers get exposure at new Plymouth Harbor showcase

Arts + Culture

Andrii Padkovskyi plays the titular role in Asolo Rep's "Fiddler on the Roof," which runs through May 24.
  • May 20, 2026
A Ukrainian fiddler finds his roof in Sarasota
The annual Memorial Day parade kicks off on Main Street in Sarasota at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 25. Rebecca Souders, 10, Jessica Wilhelm and Beth Duranceau watch the parade in 2023.
  • May 19, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for May 21-27
A camper explores hands-on marine science during Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium’s Mote SEA STEM Camp.
  • May 19, 2026
Let the kids blossom creatively this summer at one of these art camps
Samantha Bennett and George Nickson are the co-founders and co-artistic directors of ensembleNewSRQ.
  • May 13, 2026
Two Sarasota arts groups team up to present an opera for our times
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.
  • May 20, 2026
Braden River High grads know there is 'a lot to be discovered'
Karen and Gregg Sweeney, Chris and Cathy Goglia, and Debbie McPeak socialize at the Longboat Key Club's farewell lawn party on May 15.
  • May 20, 2026
Longboaters jam with Big Z Band to close out season
In a room packed with family members — adjacent to another room with several times as many additional friends — longtime Longboat Key resident Harold Goldstein celebrated his 100th birthday on May 11 at Rosemary and Thyme.
  • May 19, 2026
100 years young takes on new meaning for mold-breaker Harold Goldstein
Sophia Wiley makes her way down the row to shake hands after she receives her Lakewood Ranch High School diploma at Lecom Park May 18.
  • May 19, 2026
Lakewood Ranch High graduates eager for what's ahead
Daniel Sanchez, Christopher Schrum and Griffin Shay head onto the field.
  • May 19, 2026
Another record graduation rate at Sarasota High School
Students toss their caps as the status of graduation is conferred.
  • May 19, 2026
Riverview High School students take the next step
Anesha Green (center) celebrates with her mother, Shemere Green, and father, Cedric Green.
  • May 19, 2026
Booker High School celebrates hundreds of seniors
Photographer Rick Waid looks on as curator Anita Pihl affixes a blue ribbon to his piece, "Wild Mare with Foal," at the May 12 reception for a gallery by local photographers up now at Plymouth Harbor.
  • May 18, 2026
Local photographers get exposure at new Plymouth Harbor showcase
Brittany Lamont and Nicole Hackel congratulate Jacob Kinsel of the Manatee Community Foundation as he is announced as the winner of the "Next Gen" award at University Park Country Club May 13.
  • May 16, 2026
Young Leaders Alliance presents its top award in Lakewood Ranch
Holiday House SRQ's Megan Micale, executive director, and Sepi Ackerman, co-founder and executive president, say a grant would allow for 350 Title I students to receive school uniforms, shoes and a holiday experience.
  • May 14, 2026
Sisterhood for Good hosts annual Grant Expo in Lakewood Ranch
Bradenton's Trey Johnson finishes his swing during the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation Golf Tournament, which raises funds for local nonprofits.
  • May 11, 2026
Lakewood Ranch rallies to support golf tournament fundraiser
Michael Garey, owner of the Lazy Lobster restaurant, greets a table full of attendees on their second stop for the first Longboat Key Turtle Crawl fundraiser on May 7. The foodie fundraiser benefits sea turtle research being done this nesting season by Longboat Key Turtle Watch and Mote Marine.
  • May 11, 2026
Debut Turtle Crawl fundraiser sees strong turnout
William Gensmer and Zaeta, of The Tilt, perform on stage.
  • May 10, 2026
Be Fabulous Music & Arts Pride Fest held at Selby Five Points Park
Joseph Sprouse created costumes based on "Tron" that he and his sister Isabel Sprouse wore to the event.
  • May 10, 2026
SiestaCon continues to bring a comic con experience to Sarasota
Parker Hippich, 12 months, gets a lift from mom, Tessa Hippich, during Petals and Poses on Saturday at Waterside Place.
  • May 10, 2026
All about the mothers at special event in Lakewood Ranch
Alannis Peterson of Prism Artistry "eats" fire at Agave Bandido for its Cinco de Mayo Celebration May 5.
  • May 6, 2026
Agave Bandido hosts Cinco de Mayo party in Waterside of Lakewood Ranch
Don Schultz of Windward Bay celebrates as his top pick, Golden Tempo, crosses the finish line first at the Kentucky Derby. Schultz was the only person at the watch party to pick the long-shot horse.
  • May 5, 2026
Birthday boy beats derby odds
At the Women's Golf Association season farewell on April 28 at the Longboat Key Club, players enjoyed perfect golfing conditions. Pictured, Brenda Baril, Donna Newton, Jennifer Cahill, Regina Repenning, Michelle Swartz, Katie Moulton, Louise Berg and Joyce Welch.
  • May 5, 2026
Women's Golf Association scrambles to close out season
At his first time participating in Corevettes on the Circle, newcomer Bob Hanstra took home the award for Best in Show. Car enthusiasts brought 150 Corvettes of all sorts of years, models and colors for the May 2 car show on St. Armands Circle.
  • May 4, 2026
Corvettes on the Circle welcomes 150 vehicles to showcase
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
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
Katie Kephart and Shawn Tritschler get into the 80's spirit.
  • May 2, 2026
Downtown Sarasota takes a turn back to the '80s
Longboaters met some of the current residents at the Humane Society of Longboat Key headquarters for the latest Off the Clock social on April 29, including Light. Light is a member of the "Hidden Gem Club" and promises to light up a room for his future adoptive family.
  • May 1, 2026
Chamber members see behind the scenes at Humane Society social
Martha Jepsky and Rebel Jackson say The Lake Club Women's Giving Circle is a great place to build community and support a great cause.
  • May 1, 2026
Lake Club Women's Giving Circle wine event raises funds with taste
Outgoing board members for the St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church Women's Guild passed the torch to new leaders at the April 14 installation service. The outgoing board includes President Kay Kochenderfer, Vice President Lyn Kennelly, Treasurer Marilyn Davol, Recording Secretary Susan Gilmore Clarke and Corresponding Secretary Mary del Pup. The new board is President Barb Sikora, Vice President Mary McGinn, Treasurer Susan Hartrick, Recording Secretary Carol Basi and Corresponding Secretary Paula Sharp.
  • April 29, 2026
Longboat Women's Guild welcomes new board
Jodene Moneuse shares a smile with Longboat Key Police Sergeant Lee Smith while Hagan Lyssy looks on at the first "Cops, Cars & Coffee" social event on April 25 at Whitney Plaza.
  • April 28, 2026
Officers, community connect over coffee at new social event
Swan parents Donald and Lydia shepherd their six cygnets, pictured only about 72 hours after hatching.
  • April 28, 2026
Swan's cygnets hatch on Longboat Key