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East County | Business

James Hugglestone and Kirk Bauer have received promotions to principals at Fawley Bryant Architecture.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 18, 2023
Fawley Bryant Architecture names new principals

Kirk Bauer and James Hugglestone are named principals at the Lakewood Ranch firm.

  • East County
  • Business
Nannette and Mark Cobb spent their lives working for other people, so they decided to go their own way and buy a toy store.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 5, 2023
Learning Express owners squish and slime their way to a new life

The owners of the new toy store in the Shoppes at University Center risked their savings to enter an industry that some view as failing.

  • East County
  • Business
Willis Smith Construction CEO and owner David Sessions looks back on 35 years with the company, and leading it through its significant growth.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 4, 2023
Willis Smith Construction CEO looks back on 35 years of growth

David Sessions has led the Lakewood Ranch-based firm to its status as a giant in the building industry.

  • East County
  • Business
Yard House General Manager Richard Sauceda shows off his restaurant's huge beer cooler. Yard House opens April 2 at UTC.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 30, 2023
Yard House brings 110 beer taps, diverse food menu to Sarasota

The new restaurant at University Town Center will open its doors on Sunday, April 2.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Waterside Place, which hosts a weekly farmers market, has been growing. On Tuesday, the Black Dog store joined the retail lineup.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 28, 2023
Clothing store, Italian restaurant join lineup at Waterside Place

Black Dog and Osteria 500 have been announced to open at the Lakewood Ranch hub.

  • East County
  • Business
OnPlace staff members celebrating the company's one-year anniversary are Erin Steele, community relations, Sandy Friedman, business development, Monaca Onstad, president and CEO, Amanda Arnold, vice president, and Mackenzie Straley, director of community experience.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 21, 2023
Community lifestyle specialist spreads wings with OnPlace

Former SMR community relations director Monaca Onstad uses her Lakewood Ranch experience to enhance communities around the nation.

  • East County
  • Business
The Winn-Dixie grocery store at The Green in Lakewood Ranch lasted just over two years and is closing on April 10.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 16, 2023
Winn-Dixie in Lakewood Ranch to close April 10

Besides the regular grocery store, Winn-Dixie's liquor store also will close at The Green in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Business
Scooter's Coffee will be located at 6625 State Road 70, Bradenton.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 14, 2023
Scooter’s Coffee targets late 2023 opening in Bradenton

The growing specialty coffee chain will open a location on State Road 70 just east of Manatee Technical College.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Lisa Caufield and Rose Braonea serve customers at Panda Express.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 7, 2023
Culver's, Panda Express, Slim Chickens move into Lakewood Ranch

The fast-casual menu grows in Lakewood Ranch with three new fast-food franchises now open.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
The party is on at Rocco's Tacos in Sarasota as owner Rocco Mangel hosted an invitation-only party to celebrate the official opening that will come on March 6.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 1, 2023
The party begins at Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar in Sarasota

Rocco Mangel held an invitation-only party featuring tons of free tequila at the new restaurant at UTC.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Chef Swaran Singh (center) cuts the ribbon during the grand opening of Tandoor Fine Indian Cuisine. Owners Poonam Maini and Shubi Maini are on the left.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 23, 2023
Indian culture, kindness are key ingredients at Tandoor restaurant

Poonam Maini considers all the patrons at Tandoor Fine Indian Cuisine in University Town Center to be her extended family.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Andy Guz leads by shining the light on staff and not on himself.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • February 19, 2023
As Lakewood Ranch Medical Center expands, it has a pro at the helm

Andy Guz, the CEO of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, empowers his staff by providing what they need to do their best.

  • East County
  • Business
James and Misdee Miller continually try to find upgrades for the Sarasota Polo Club.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 15, 2023
Sarasota Polo Club owners share what makes it so special

The game of polo has evolved over 2,500 years. Thanks to James and Misdee Miller, the sport lives on at the Sarasota Polo Club.

  • East County
  • Business
Nate’s Development and Fundraising Director Rob Oglesby with Rory.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • February 15, 2023
Nate’s Animal Honor Rescue puts final touches on expansion

The $12 million project will transform a pet rescue center into a world-class haven for dogs and cats.

  • East County
  • Business
Workers put the finishing touches on Rocco's Tacos and Tequila Bar that opens March 6 at UTC.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 15, 2023
Rocco's Tacos to open March 6 at UTC

Rocco Mangel hopes his travels through Mexico and California have led to an exceptional dining experience as he opens Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar at UTC.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Brian and Valerie McCarthy foresaw pickleball’s boom about five years ago.
  • By Eric Snider
  • February 15, 2023
New pickleball center gains a following

The new state-of-the-art Pickleball Club is the first indoor, pickleball-only club in the Sarasota-Bradenton area.

  • East County
  • Sports
The resort-style pool will be one of the main amenities at Wild Blue at Waterside.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 14, 2023
Wild Blue adds luxury homes to Waterside at Lakewood Ranch

Stock Development emphasizes the natural setting as sales begin this spring in the 500-home village.

  • East County
  • Business
The steak frites features chimichurri Sauce and french fries.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 31, 2023
Post Kitchen and Bar in Sarasota puts a new twist on old favorites

The restaurant at The Shoppes at University Town Center features seafood and craft cocktails.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Outgoing Chair Allison Imre hands over the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance gavel to new Board Chair Erik Hanson.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 30, 2023
Growing Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance names new board chair

Erik Hanson says that the growth of the LWRBA and affordable housing are two priorities for the board in 2023.

  • East County
  • Business
Lakewood Ranch veterinary hospital undergoes expansion
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 26, 2023
Lakewood Ranch veterinary hospital undergoes expansion

Dr. Wendy Ellis says the 11,790-square-foot expansion serves a need in the area by bringing together different area specialists.

  • East County
  • Business
Owen's Fish Camp is expected to open at Center Point in Lakewood Ranch in March.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 6, 2023
Owen’s Fish Camp plans March opening in Lakewood Ranch

Supply shortages have delayed the opening of the Old Florida seafood restaurant, which will be an anchor of the Center Point development.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Jerry Dakin, the owner of Dakin Dairy, says the farm still needs new roofs and repairs to its cooling system.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • December 29, 2022
Dakin Dairy owner says farm will be challenged to survive after Ian

The Myakka dairy farm prepares for an uphill climb in 2023 as it tries to increase its herd and repair damages from the hurricane.

  • East County
  • Business
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center announced on Wednesday that it would build a $120 million, five-story tower on its Lakewood Ranch campus to expand services.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 21, 2022
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center announces expansion

The hospital will build a $120 million, five-story, 60-bed tower on its Lakewood Ranch campus.

  • East County
  • News
Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi's new location is at 11627 E. State Road 70, Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 19, 2022
Tsunami Sushi targets late January opening in Lakewood Ranch

Construction delays resulted in the postponement of the restaurant's planned October opening on State Road 70.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
The store provides for the needs of children in the foster care system.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 8, 2022
The Twig of Bradenton offers extra holiday gifts to foster children

The nonprofit gives the children extra regular shopping items, along with games and a gift card.

  • East County
  • Business
A Food Bank of Manatee volunteer helps provide Thanksgiving items from Meals on Wheels on Nov. 23.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 2, 2022
Meals on Wheels Plus Manatee sees record donations but needs volunteers

So much food has come into Meals on Wheels Plus that the nonprofit says that more volunteers are needed to sort and deliver it.

  • East County
  • News
Naked Farmer offers a variety of regionally sourced produce.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 2, 2022
Naked Farmer restaurant to join UTC in mid 2023

The restaurant promises an ever-changing menu and focuses on regionally sourced produce.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Fat Point Brewing is targeted for an early 2023 opening at UTC in Sarasota.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 25, 2022
Fat Point Brewing to join UTC lineup in Sarasota by early 2023

The Punta Gorda-based brewery is opening a new location at University Town Center.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 18, 2022
Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance delivers its annual Sandies Award

Benderson Development's Julie Fanning earns the Volunteer of the Year award.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Nancy Krohngold developed a cult following with her famous popups before she opened Nancy’s Bar-B-Q in Lakewood Ranch. (Photo by Lori Sax)
    By
  • Abby Weingarten
  • November 18, 2022
Nancy Krohngold dishes out secret behind her mouth-watering BBQ

The signature barbecue at Nancy’s continues to win the hearts of regulars and the raves of reviewers. Her famed barbecue recipe was first born on her backyard Weber grill.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Neirda Thompson-Pemberton wants to make education fun.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • November 17, 2022
Nonprofit engages kids by believing learning is anything but boring

Neirda Thompson-Pemberton started FUNducation to make S.T.E.A.M. education more accessible to school-age children.

  • East County
  • Business
Lifestream Family Medicine's Saska Sookra Winslow gives a presentation. (Photo by Ian Swaby)
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 16, 2022
Lakewood Ranch clinic gives fat-burning demonstration during open house

Lifestream Family Medicine showcases its new service, which it says reduces body fat and builds muscle mass.

  • East County
  • Business
Chris McComas, Cecilia Torres and Kelly Harmon have fun with cornhole. (Photo by Lori Sax)
    By
  • Abby Weingarten
  • November 16, 2022
New app connects Ranchers to their favorite sports and each other

Chris and Jessi McComas of MVP Sports and Social are launching a new app connecting Lakewood Ranchers to all things sports and social.

  • East County
  • Sports
A makeshift nursery uses poles that were formerly part of the ceiling as supports at Jessica's Organic Farm. (Photo by Ian Swaby)
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 15, 2022
Organic farm struggles to survive in the wake of Hurricane Ian

Among the significant losses at Jessica’s Organic Farm in Sarasota were two nurseries that were ripped apart and the loss of trees and crops.

  • East County
  • Business
RVs fill the campground at Linger Lodge RV Park only weeks after it suffered major damage from Hurricane Ian. The park has reopened after a two-year renovation only three days before the hurricane. (Photo by Liz Ramos)
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 14, 2022
Renovated Linger Lodge RV Park reopens in east Bradenton

Linger Lodge RV Park weathered Hurricane Ian and is back open after repairs and improvements.

  • East County
  • Business
It's a giant tower of meat served in its own juices, and Grove's pork osso buco is a meal for all seasons. (Photo by Spencer Fordin)
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • November 14, 2022
Grove's pork Osso Buco is an eye-catching vertical standing meat shank

You can call it a dinosaur bone or a turkey leg. But Grove's pork osso buco is drawing attention whenever you order it.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
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