Business Observer 04.15.10

+ Ranch reports strong first quarter
Recent activity in Lakewood Ranch is further confirmation of the continued recovery of the real estate market. 

During the first quarter of 2010, Lakewood Ranch builders reported 31 sales and reservations with 85 homes currently under construction.

“The construction activity is incredible,” said Milt Flinn, president of LWR Communities. “It’s refreshing to drive down the street in the La Cantera neighborhood in the Lakewood Ranch Country Club and see construction activity booming and bustling, reminiscent of what it was like back in 2005.” 

Flinn said LWR Communities also is looking toward the future with the selection process for builders in two new neighborhoods north of State Road 70.

“We are currently selecting builders for an age-targeted community and a workforce housing community,” he said. “Our process is almost complete, and we should have an announcement very soon.”     

Construction activity also is booming in Country Club East, with the completion of the first community pool in the Hazeltine neighborhood.  The pool is scheduled to open at the end of April.

Lakewood also is experiencing growth in commercial real estate this quarter as well. Pizza Mia, a pizza delivery restaurant is set to open at Lorraine Corners at the end of April, and a new Italian restaurant is coming to Main Street. The restaurant will be an open kitchen, brick oven-style eatery and is slated to open this summer.

+ RE/MAX icon to float over Ranch
RE/MAX’s signature hot-air balloon will take flight over Lakewood Ranch this year.

RE/MAX Alliance Group will fly the balloon over the first Big Brothers Big Sisters Big Blast Outdoor Community Festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., April 17, at Lakewood Ranch Park, 5350 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Tethered rides (weather permitting) will be offered in the 70-foot-tall balloon for a donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast.

For more information, contact Sherry Richardson, 758-7777 or [email protected].

+ Cegnar Team earns top awards
The Cegnar Team led by Angela Cegnar of Keller Williams Realty Lakewood Ranch has earned the honor of Top Listing and Sales Team again for February.

The awards included Top Listing Volume for a Group, Top Listing Units for a Group, Top Closed Sales for a Group in Volume, Top Closed Sales for a Group in Units, Top Written Sales for a Group in Volume and Top Written Sales for a Group in Units.

For more, call Keller Williams Realty Lakewood Ranch, 556-0500.

+ Assisted Home Care opens East County location
After serving Desoto County for three years, Assisted Home Care has expanded to the Manatee and Sarasota markets with a new East County location.

The business, located at 5103 Lena Road, Suite 107, offers homemaker services including light housekeeping, meal preparation, medication reminders and assistance with daily activities.

For more, call 752-3434 or visit www.assistedhome1.com.