- February 17, 2026
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Lorraine Lakes resident Nicol Hotaling has three children — current eighth grader Peter, fourth-grader Athena and 4-year-old Keira — who all are zoned to eventually attend the new high school in Lakewood Ranch that has yet to be named.
Hotaling hopes the School District of Manatee County puts serious thought into picking out a name for the new school, which is expected to open in August, 2027.
She said the name should be a reflection of innovation and a strong sense of identity rather than something overly simple. Hotaling wants the name itself to encourage the students and their families to be proud of the new school.
"Names like Solara High School with a Phoenix or Firehawk mascot, Nova High School with Comets or Titans, or Evercrest High School with Lions or Eagles all feel creative, distinctive, and symbolic of growth and achievement," Hotaling said. "A bold name paired with a unique mascot could help establish a strong culture and sense of community from day one."
With the population growth of the county the past 10 years, the school district has faced several openings with the task of coming up with just the right name. The district makes sure public input is considered before a decision is made.
Nominations for the new high school in Lakewood Ranch are currently being accepted via the School District of Manatee County website (ManateeSchools.net) until April 10. The school board will discuss the options during an April 14 workshop, with the final decision planned for the first or second school board meeting in May.
According to a press release from the school district, it will be the first high school in the county to build and utilize collegiate-style lecture halls. Other features will include a turf athletic field, rubberized track, an auditorium, and a gymnasium.
School Board Member Chad Choate said he is not in favor of naming the school after an individual.
"It is never easy for us to choose between great teachers or administrators," Choate said. "It puts us in the spot of how to choose between people who have done great things for our district."
School Board Chair Cindy Spray said she does not want to name the high school after a person, either. Currently, the other seven high schools are all named based on the region in which they are located. However, many of the middle and elementary schools are named after former teachers or administrators.
Choate said he would prefer the public not submit any individual's names so they district wouldn't have to filter through them.
However, all name suggestions will be accepted.
"We don't think you should prohibit people from what they want to suggest to the board," said Stephen Dye, the school district's school board attorney. "You can make a statement that you don't favor naming after individuals or something like that, but I don't think you should try to bracket it or say that they can't even submit something that you don't like."
Students from Dr. Mona Jain Middle School and Dan R. Nolan Middle School are zoned for the new high school, and a large number will come after graduating from Lake Manatee K-8.
"With Lake Manatee K-8 being the primary feeder (of students to the new school), I don't know why we couldn't extend that to Lake Manatee High," Spray said. "That would be my No. 1 choice because it gives that feel you're actually going from a K-8 to a K-12."
Laurie Breslin, the superintendent, said naming the new high school is a step toward defining its legacy.
“We are excited and thankful for the community to contribute naming nominations and look forward to receiving ideas that reflect the surrounding geographic area, while also honoring our School District’s long-standing tradition of excellence,” Breslin said.
