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LWR Life

Nathan Benderson Park’s dragon boat program is the second largest in the country.
  • By Susan Burns
  • August 22, 2024
Local dragon boat teams dig in for their next competition in waters overseas

Nathan Benderson Park's dragon boat program has become one of the largest and most competitive in the U.S. In September, its athletes are headed to the world competition in Italy.

  • East County
  • Sports
"My wife said the other day that I’ve excelled at everything except retirement," Mark Pentecost says. "I’m really bad at retirement."
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • August 22, 2024
Entrepreneur Mark Pentecost is good at a lot of things. Retiring isn’t one of them.

The charmed life of Mark Pentecost includes nice houses in multiple states, a 10,000-acre East County ranch, tens of millions given away to cancer organizations and even his own private island. Getting to the top required a combination of grit, guts and good old-fashioned hustle.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A rich mix of textures and colors creates an intriguing atmosphere in the living room. The paintings are all by prominent Latin American artists; the coffee table is from Crate and Barrel. Muse believes in mixing mainstream pieces with antiques and one-of-kind finds.
  • By Robert Plunket
  • August 22, 2024
A life well-lived is curated and on display in this dramatic home

In a divergence from the ubiquitous coastal palette, this Country Club home dazzles with perfect taste and subtle artistry.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Paul Caragiulo is part of the winning team that reinvented Owen’s Fish Camp for Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • May 16, 2024
Owen's Fish Camp co-owner shares the secret sauce behind the second location

Who says lightning doesn't strike twice? Paul Caragiulo shares how he and his brothers brought one of Sarasota's favorite restaurants to Lakewood Ranch.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Morgan Bettes Angell co-founded Independent Jones, while Antonio Hernandez is the chief events officer.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 16, 2024
Big plans are afoot to bring the blues to Lakewood Ranch

The thrill is far from gone for a few music lovers determined to bring a rocking blues festival to Lakewood Ranch by the end of 2024.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A team from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission releases a female Florida panther that had been rescued as a kitten in 2011 at the Picayune Strand State Forest in Collier County.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • May 16, 2024
Florida panthers, still a rare sight, are seeking suitable territories to survive

Bill Samuels, founder of the Florida Panther Project, has devoted much of his adult life to the preservation of the endangered feline.

  • East County
  • News
Herndon, Virginia-based Heritage Golf Group plans course improvements at the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club.
    By
  • Beth Luberecki
  • May 16, 2024
Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club's new owners come with a fresh vision

Virginia golf course company Heritage Golf Group believes it picked up a trophy asset in buying the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club. Significant enhancements and improvements are on the docket.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A dramatic mix of colors enlivens the open concept living area, with equally dramatic views of the lake and golf course out past the swimming pool.
  • By Robert Plunket
  • May 16, 2024
The spirit of Shanghai enlivens a home in Lakewood National

Including influences from the years Bill and Cheri Clever's spent in China, this home dazzles with one-of-a-kind flair.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Marty Fugate, Su Byron
  • May 16, 2024
Take in flavors of the world without leaving Lakewood Ranch

Want to avoid the hassles of international travel? This globetrotting itinerary requires no passport.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Amy Kwakye-Amoah has worked with fellow teens on addressing body image, cyberbullying and other common issues.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • May 16, 2024
Already making a mark in her community, this teen is ready for liftoff

Self-motivated Lakewood Ranch high school senior Amy Kwakye-Amoah wraps up the high school phase of her life with a big award. She has no plans to coast into college.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Rich and Susan Lomas have dedicated their lives to caring for their son, Sammy.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • May 16, 2024
Sammy's Run founders take a final lap but remain resolute in their cause

The story of Sammy’s Run is similar to the race’s namesake: a gritty mix of togetherness and toughness. Not to mention the unending love a determined couple has for their son.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
“Mom How Do I Work These Wings”
  • By Emily Leinfuss
  • May 15, 2024
Photography club lends snapshots of local life to Lakewood Ranch Library

A collaborative partnership between the Lakewood Ranch Digital Photography Club and the new Lakewood Ranch Library fosters engagement, education and artistic expression.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
David Otterness has been on the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance board since 2021.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • May 15, 2024
Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance thrives as it turns 20

As the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance readies to shed itself of its teenage years, a leader with a steady hand helps guide the organization on some big goals and aspirations.

  • East County
  • Business
The Sarasota Polo Club mascot for 2020, Mason Chukker, gets a belly rub from Alex Jeanroy, the Lakewood Ranch co-area coordinator for Southeastern Guide Dogs.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 23, 2024
The best things to do this spring in Lakewood Ranch

The don’t-miss events during March, April and May 2024 in and around Lakewood Ranch.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Peculiar Pub aims to surprise guests with outstanding beverages in a friendly environment.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • February 16, 2024
Peculiar Pub pushes boundaries of flavor with unique beers and bites

Reinvention is on tap and on the menu at Peculiar Pub in Lakewood Ranch.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
« 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 »
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Latest News

1
Katherine Ceaser, Lydia Chapdelain and Jessica Armstrong
  • March 22, 2026
Art Center Sarasota brings Beaux Arts Ball back to celebrate centennial
2
Sarasota Crew's championship-winning Women's U16 Eight boat races past opponents at Nathan Benderson Park in June 2025. The USRowing Youth National Championships are one of the biggest events on the local sports calendar for 2026.
  • March 20, 2026
Watersports events line up at Benderson Park in April
3
  • March 20, 2026
Longboat Key's Cops, Cars & Coffee rescheduled
4
City parking scheme schemes hurting our tourism
  • March 20, 2026
City parking scheme schemes hurting our tourism
5
Dolores M. Stevens (2025)
  • March 19, 2026
Dolores M. Stevens

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