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LWR Life

As president of the Village Idiots Cycling Club, Dawn Zielinski lobbies for efforts to make roadways safer for cyclists.
    By
  • Emily Leinfuss
  • November 18, 2024
Village Idiots continue their mission to make roadways safer for cyclists

In a place with plenty of clubs and groups, the Village Idiots Cycling Club of Lakewood Ranch stands out, both in longevity — 15 years — and its core mission of bringing people together through a common passion.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Evan Percoco and Zach Zeller have ambitious plans for restaurants on Lakewood Ranch Main Street.
    By
  • Beth Luberecki
  • November 16, 2024
Restaurateurs build a trifecta on Lakewood Ranch Main Street

Evan Percoco and Zach Zeller have already made a big impact on Lakewood Ranch's original downtown, with lots more good eating to come.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
The Mall at University Town Center's anchors are Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's, Dillard's, and the mall includes more than 125 specialty stores and restaurants.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • November 15, 2024
The Mall at UTC celebrates 10 years

A mall on the Sarasota-Manatee county line once looked like a long shot to be not only successful, but even built. Now it's a landmark economic driver.

  • East County
  • News
The Sarasota Orchestra presents "Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back" in October.
    By
  • Su Byron
  • August 23, 2024
Season is almost here. Save the date for these arts performances and exhibits.

The 2024-2025 arts season is packed with inspiring and captivating performances and exhibits. Here are seven sensational not-to-miss experiences.

  • Arts + Culture
Mike Herley brings extensive restaurant management experience and a zeal for experimentation to Wheat + Water Italian Kitchen.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • August 23, 2024
Italian American cuisine offers the best of both culinary worlds in Wheat + Water

Wheat and water may be all it takes to make pasta, but the making of Mike and Kim Herley's welcoming restaurant took a lot more.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Greg Crawford and Kyle Murphy with M/I Homes say this is Lakewood Ranch’s first Benefit Home. The proceeds of sale of the home will go to Pelotonia, an organization that works to fund cancer research.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 23, 2024
Homebuilder donates house proceeds to cancer research

A competitive spirit combined with a big heart motivates a Lakewood Ranch homebuilder to orchestrate a six-figure cancer charity donation.

  • East County
  • News
Kevin Roy says the mental side of golf is sometimes tougher than playing the actual sport.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • August 23, 2024
Golfer Kevin Roy aims to return to Korn Ferry Tour — and win

Lakewood Ranch resident and golfer Kevin Roy, battling both players and the thoughts in his head, steadfastly sticks to his one big goal in the sport: win a tournament on the PGA tour.

  • East County
  • Sports
McKenzie Hanlon received CJ four years ago from Southeastern Guide Dogs, which in May officially changed its name to Dogs Inc.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • August 23, 2024
Dogs Inc. gives clients more than help. It gives them hope.

Thanks to Dogs Inc., McKenzie Hanlon’s bond with her guide dog, CJ, transformed her life.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Debra Woithe says there is a big sense of urgency in buying land for conservation in Manatee County.
    By
  • Louis Llovio
  • August 22, 2024
Manatee County's land conservation program races to protect special spaces

The push-and-pull of land for conservation versus land for development shines brightly in east Manatee County.

  • East County
  • News
“Music, sound and guided imagery are a powerful combination,” says Zooey “Zen” Seraphine.
    By
  • Marty Fugate, Su Byron
  • August 22, 2024
5 ways to increase your mental, physical and spiritual health

Five Lakewood Ranch practitioners blend traditional, holistic and modern techniques.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Karen Eckert, Nancy Schneider, and Carolyn Lowry-Nation have all played a role in helping grow and sustain the Gardeners Out East Club.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 22, 2024
Garden club digs into strengthening roots

A determined group of gardening gurus overcame a slow start and is now a thriving Lakewood Ranch club. But it’s not all about plants.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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
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Latest News

1
Reclaimed water systems run separately from drinking-water systems.
  • June 24, 2026
Dry weather cuts into Manatee reclaimed-water system's pressure
2
Roadway cameras help identify park-damaging suspect
  • June 24, 2026
Roadway cameras help identify park-damaging suspect
3
This house in Plantation Oaks is advertised on several booking platforms as sleeping up to 32 guests.
  • June 24, 2026
Manatee County commissioners consider regulating vacation rentals
4
Mia Busser's recruitment opened June 15 following the USA Gymnastics Women's Development Program National Championships. There, she placed fourth in the all-around, second on floor and fourth on vault.
  • June 24, 2026
Lakewood Ranch gymnast soars to career-best success
5
A visitor to Sarasota Art Museum takes a photo of David Hockney's "Inside It Opens Up As Well," which collector Stanton Storer loaned to the museum for "Something Borrowed, Something New."
  • June 24, 2026
Collectors lend their treasures to Sarasota Art Museum for blockbuster exhibition

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