Lakewood Ranch's Luke and Ashley Gustafson moved from Texas 6 months ago They say events like the Lakewood Ranch Block Party put them in "magical awe."
Photo by Madison Bierl
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Six months ago, Luke and Ashley Gustafson decided to trade the pine trees of Texas for the palms of Florida. They are still in "magical awe" of the people, environment and everything Lakewood Ranch has to offer.
The Lakewood Ranch Block Party showcased 70 businesses, builders and clubs April 10 on Lakewood Main Street. It was a collaboration between the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, Lakewood Ranch Community Activities and Lakewood Ranch Communities.
Suncoast Credit Union was the presenting sponsor. Dom ViMaio is the vice president of commercial services for Suncoast Credit Union and has been a member of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance for many years.
"I work for a company that is all about community," ViMaio said. "When you look at what we're trying to do as a company and what we do for the people in the community, matching it with the Lakewood Ranch, Business Alliance is perfect."
Nick Feather is the incoming chair of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance.
"This is the strength of the alliance," Feather said. "It's bringing people together, building relationships and creating new ones. It's a party in paradise."
Sarasota's Michelle Plott dances to Jesse Daniels Band at the Lakewood Ranch Block Party April 10.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Parrish’s Lyle Pohlen, along with his Lilac-crowned amazon named Taco, attend the Lakewood Ranch Block Party April 10.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Sarasota's Parker Doak, 4, and her mom Jenny dance together to music performed by Jesse Daniels Band. Jenny says it is a magical experience to do so together.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Lakewood Ranch Titans Kylie McCarthy, Zoey Solis, Jozlyn Olney, Juliet Bautista and Kiera McCarthy perform a cheer at the Lakewood Ranch Block Party April 10.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Twin sisters Adeline and Blakely take a ride on the shoulders of their parents, David and Chelsea Marvel, at the Lakewood Ranch Block Party April 10.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Tara and Amelia Frasure couldn't help but ask to pet Judge, a 9-year-old German shepherd, who frequents Lakewood Ranch events.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Laurie McCracken, owner and executive director of Baby Fox Academy, greets a child while dressed as a fox at the Lakewood Ranch Block Party.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance's Brittany Lamont, Dom ViMaio, Wayne Parrish and Nick Feather are glad to do their part in bringing the people and businesses of Lakewood Ranch together.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Sarasota's Parker Doak, 4, makes a run for it at the Lakewood Ranch Block Party April 10.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Florida Premier SWFL staff members Antonio Saviano, Brandon Moran, Marcus Weekes and Matey Mateev are eager to connect with community members at the Lakewood Ranch Block Party.
Photo by Madison Bierl
SunCourt Sports ZRockstars, led by Yael Campbell, dance with the Lakewood Ranch Titans at the Lakewood Ranch Block Party.
Photo by Madison Bierl
The Lakewood Ranch Jewish Club is ready to answer any questions the public might have about joining the club and future events at the Lakewood Ranch Block Party.
Photo by Madison Bierl
SunCourt Sports ZRockstars Cindy Wajda, Tammy McCallister Frisone, Aimee Bushway, Liz Daley, Stefanny Quevedo and Lisa Calandra dance at the Lakewood Ranch Block Party.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Gene Bohland and Julie Waters play trumpet at the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble booth at the Lakewood Ranch Block Party April 10.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Sarasota's Al and Marcela Pogorelec celebrate the 5 year anniversary of adopting their dog Rosy at the Lakewood Ranch Block Party.
Photo by Madison Bierl
The Jesse Daniels Band entertains the crowd with live music at the Lakewood Ranch Block Party April 10.
Madison Bierl is the education and community reporter for the East County Observer. She grew up in Iowa and studied at the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication at Iowa State University.
