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LWR Life

Known by her students as “Miss Maria,” Barringhaus is a Red Cross-certified swimming instructor and the founder of the School of Fish Swimming Lessons.
    By
  • Abby Weingarten
  • November 16, 2023
Swimming instructor boosts accessibility, enjoyment for all children

Maria Barringhaus was born to swim. Now she shares her passion with everyone she can.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The holidays are alive in many Lakewood Ranch venues, including Waterside Place.
    By
  • Marty Fugate, Su Byron
  • November 15, 2023
A complete itinerary to keep you and your guests happy this season

Want to be the host with the most? Fill your guests with holiday cheer with this short list of Lakewood Ranch experiences.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
East County veterinarian Margaux Buchanan with mother-and-daughter leopard Appaloosa horses, Pigpen and Safari.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • November 15, 2023
Veterinarian’s love of polo runs through everything she does

Dr. Margaux Buchanan, an equine veterinarian and polo player, raises Appaloosas on her 12-acre Menagerie Farm.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
As Lakewood Ranch has grown over the last two decades, Albert Myara has had his fingerprints on many business deals, both in real estate and restaurants.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 15, 2023
The secret behind Albert Myara’s success isn’t so secret: It's hard work

Lakewood Ranch’s Albert Myara excels at business, but his No. 1 priority is his family.

  • East County
  • Business
For Carrie Leitzman, co-proprietor, Truman’s is an extension of her home, a bridge to her community, and an expression of family values passed down across the generations.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • August 19, 2023
Spirit of giving sets this Lakewood Ranch family restaurant apart

For the restaurateurs behind Truman’s Tap & Grill, serving great food in a relaxed ambiance starts with family.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
A classic exterior only hints at the splendors inside this 6,600-square-foot home recently renovated by Nick and Nora Berente.
  • By Robert Plunket
  • August 19, 2023
Glitz and glamour dazzle in a Country Club remodel

This freshly renovated home delights with its finely curated luxury design.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
The “Grandma’s Sicilian” pizza is one of Michelangelo’s signature offerings.
    By
  • Marty Fugate, Su Byron
  • August 18, 2023
When you’re craving a slice, these local eateries bake the best pizzas

In Lakewood Ranch, the sky is the limit for pizza possibilities.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
The Sarasota Orchestra plans to build a new music center on the 32-acre parcel at 5701 Fruitville Road.
    By
  • Marty Fugate, Su Byron
  • August 18, 2023
Sarasota Orchestra nears its goals with coming Fruitville concert hall

The Sarasota Orchestra is building a state-of-the-art campus on 32 acres near Lakewood Ranch. CEO Joseph McKenna couldn’t be happier.

  • Arts + Culture
Tara Poulton has the perfect pairing of personality and work ethic for her job.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • August 17, 2023
Putting politics into action locally isn’t easy. Tara Poulton just makes it look that way.

With a cool-under-pressure personality mixed with a get-stuff-done work ethic, Tara Poulton is the right fit as the new district director for Lakewood Ranch’s only U.S. Congressman.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Seeburg’s 1951 Model B (right) was among the first jukeboxes that could play 45 RPM records.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • August 17, 2023
This home collection of jukeboxes is a museum-worthy experience

When a jukebox in a store window caught Vickie Compton’s eye, she had to have it. That led to four decades of collecting and restoring them with her husband, Rodger.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Concession Golf Club will once again receive worldwide attention when it hosts The World Champions Cup in December.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 17, 2023
The Concession will host first World Champions Cup golf event

East Manatee County’s premier golf course, The Concession, will host the most famous players from the Champions Tour in a Ryder Cup-like event.

  • East County
  • Sports
Sights + Sounds debuted in May 2022 with Broadway on the Lake.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 17, 2023
Waterside gets lively with a new performance series

Sights + Sounds at Waterside Place is a monthly series showcasing performances by area arts groups.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Jeanne Dubi and Christine Johnson are longtime friends and allies, and their organizations have regularly partnered over the years. This project is their most consequential undertaking.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • August 17, 2023
Nonprofits pair up to preserve Celery Fields

The Sarasota Audubon Society and the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast have collaborated to rewild the Quad Parcels at the Celery Fields, creating new bird habitats and wildlife viewing.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
As executive director of Meals on Wheels of Sarasota, Rhonda Leiberick has found work that is deeply meaningful.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • August 16, 2023
Get-it-done attitude put to work for Meals on Wheels of Sarasota

Rhonda Leiberick, a Lakewood Ranch resident and the executive director of Meals on Wheels of Sarasota, finds her calling creating meaningful connections.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Don’t miss the vegan heirloom tomato tarts at Owen's Fish Camp.
  • By Emily Leinfuss
  • August 15, 2023
New restaurants await your tastebuds in Lakewood Ranch

The Lakewood Ranch region is attracting a host of new restaurants, including those with popular followings in downtown Sarasota.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
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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.
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Dolores M. Stevens (2025)
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