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Neighbors

Chip Bennett, lead pastor of Grace Community Church in Lakewood Ranch, says his church sees 4,000 worshippers on a typical Sunday during season.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • September 12, 2024
Churches mirror huge growth in Lakewood Ranch

Faith communities say rapid expansion is a blessing and a challenge

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Britta Rhode, Jimmy Rhode, Karissa Rhode and Ellerie Rhode believe Lakewood Ranch is their forever home.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • September 12, 2024
Families grow with Lakewood Ranch: The Rhodes

Jimmy and Karisa Rhode moved to the area from snowy Minnesota and never looked back.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Derek and Stephanie Schmitt, Kirsten (Schmitt) and Trevor Lovett, and Bob and Charleen Schmitt stand in front of Bob and Charleen's Summerfield home.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 12, 2024
Families grow with Lakewood Ranch: The Schmitts

From first baby to larger families, the Schmitt family has grown on the Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Karen and Malcolm Ronney have operated The Granary since August 2015.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • September 12, 2024
The Granary remains a Lakewood Ranch breakfast and lunch staple

Karen and Malcolm Ronney found Lakewood Ranch to be the perfect place to host their business ventures.

  • East County
  • Business
Chief Nursing Officer Judy Young, surgeon Samuel Yelverton, CEO Andy Guz and Director of Quality and Accreditation Malou Kaseta enjoy working at the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center together.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 12, 2024
LWR Medical Center maintains small-town feel, offers advanced care

The Lakewood Ranch Medical Center opened 10 years after Schroeder-Manatee Ranch started building Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Division Chief Bob Mikulski, Administrative Officer Stephen Beecher and Chief Lee Whitehurst work out of Station 1 on Lakewood Ranch Boulevard.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 12, 2024
SMR ignited trust for fire district growth

In 1994, there was only one fire station. Now, East Manatee Fire Rescue has 10 stations and a training tower.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Olivia Escorcia, 7, and Marco Escorcia, 5, meet the Easter Bunny at Eggstravaganza.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • September 12, 2024
Community Activities makes connections by focusing on smaller gatherings

Quality and intentional connections are key to the nonprofit's successful growth.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Faculty and staff spell out "ODA" to celebrate the groundbreaking of The Out-of-Door Academy's upper school in 1995 in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • September 12, 2024
The Out-of-Door Academy expands with Lakewood Ranch

From dirt roads to school expansion, ODA's "crazy" idea to open its upper school in Lakewood Ranch continues to pay off 28 years later.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The runners sprint away at the start of the Run for the Beads 5K at Waterside Place. Funds for the race support area nonprofits through the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 12, 2024
Nonprofits play key role in Lakewood Ranch's growth

A small-town feel prompts newcomers to immerse themselves in the community.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The color guard, including Cpl. Christopher Short and Cpl. Antonio Martinez (pictured) march in the ceremony.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • September 11, 2024
University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee remembers Sept. 11, 2001

The country's unity following the events of 9/11 was the theme of the ceremony.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sara Mackey and Sheila Monaghan at Le Macron French Pastries on the St. Armands Breakfast Tour.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • September 11, 2024
Walking tour company provides tasteful experience at St. Armands Circle

Key Culinary Tours educates patrons about Sarasota's cuisine and rich history.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Lake Club residents rally together to participate in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in 2023.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • September 11, 2024
LWR-area communities unite to raise money for breast cancer research

Residents in University Park, Lake Club, Rosedale and others strive to raise thousands for cancer research.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lucy Tobias walks in her garden.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • September 11, 2024
Author Lucy Tobias describes the joys of exploring nature at a slow pace

Tobias just released "Floating in Florida," which takes her enjoyment of Florida into its waters.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Eight employees of the Longboat Key Public Works Department lined up American flags along Gulf of Mexico Drive in honor of Sept. 11.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • September 10, 2024
Longboat Key lines up flags along Gulf of Mexico Drive for Sept. 11

In preparation for Sept. 11, Longboat Key Public Works employees plant American flags along Gulf of Mexico Drive to remember the lives lost.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Trey Hamer, 11, works with other youth soccer players at the new indoor facility, The Fitballer.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • September 10, 2024
New Sarasota facility brings soccer training indoors

The Fitballer offers professional training for kids and adults.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
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1
Work will soon begin on replacing anbd raising 1,500 linear feet of seawall at the Bayfront Park marina.
  • May 7, 2026
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  • May 7, 2026
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A rendering of the street level of 1260 North Palm Residences.
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