LAKEWOOD RANCH AND BEYOND | LIVE LOCAL, LOVE LOCAL
PUBLISHED BY SRQ MEDIA | 2019 FALL EDITION
LIVING LAKEWOOD
TM
LIFE OUT EAST FEATURING RESTAURANTS SHOPPING PRIVATE SCHOOLS EVENTS THE CHRISTINA SANDWICH, GROVE RESTAURANT
2019 Special Edition
Below: Casa Maya Mexican Restaurant spices up dining options with its authentic molcajetes, photo by Wyatt Kosytgan.. Aerial photo, courtesy of Lakewood Ranch.
LIVING LAKEWOOD
TM
Eastward Bound
At the Center of It All
First there was the Florida wilds, home to alligators and birds and the native peoples, then came the whip-cracking, cattle-driving ranchers, who tamed the land and harnessed it to their will. And today, the same endless open greenscape is populated by trundling minivans full of happy families on their way to the next little league game. One marvels at how, in maybe two generations, the wilds have become a burgeoning community. And life on the Ranch still offers the best of both worlds. Open fields and the occasional wandering deer are still part of Ranch Life, as are the romantic feel of Lakewood Ranch Main Street, and the “just far enough away” endless options of University Town Center. Lakewood Ranch is home to tens of thousands of people and in this special section of SRQ magazine we explore, and celebrate, what makes Lakewood Ranch “home”.
Did you know the best-selling multi-generational community in the entire country is located right here in Sarasota? At 50 square miles, Lakewood Ranch offers 16 actively selling villages, each with its own style and amenities. Some have golf courses, others have walkable town centers. All are within minutes of Lakewood Ranch’s A-rated schools, trails and parks, a sports campus, Sarasota Polo Club, a farmers’ market and 365 days worth of activities, arts and entertainment. In fact, there’s so much here that Lakewood Ranch has been voted the best wellness community by IDEAL Living, and even selected as the epicenter for groundbreaking brain health research led by Massachusetts General Hospital, a Harvard Medical School Teaching Hospital and the Academy for Brain Health and Performance. Just 25 minutes from the white-sand beaches of Sarasota and close to all the cultural attractions of Tampa, Lakewood Ranch is by far one of the best places to call home. Learn more at LakewoodRanch.com
WES ROBERTS SRQ MEDIA | Executive Publisher
LAURA COLE Lakewood Ranch, 2019 Partnering Sponsor of Living Lakewood
srq magazine_ LIVING LAKEWOOD live local | 1
Lakewood Ranch remains the fastest growing community in America.
GROWING OUT EAST Written by Jacob Ogles Photography by Wyatt Kostygan
DOCTORS GREET PATIENTS FOR FIRST-TIME VISITS in a medical office that did not stand here six months ago. Smoke rises from a just-opened barbeque restaurant around the corner. Sudden activity can be found at the corner of Lorraine Road and State Road 70, once a fairly docile spot in the perpetually growing Lakewood Ranch. It’s all evidence that, despite being the region’s homebuilding game-changer for now roughly a quarter century, there’s still growth on the horizon east of Interstate-75. In fact, Lakewood Ranch has become one of the most popular places to buy a home, not only in the greater Sarasota area but in the entire United States.
From Farmland to Fast Growth
Above: Go fashion forward at Bows and Arrows Boutique. Below: Nancy’s Bar-B-Q owner Nancy Krohngold recently opened two new locations in Lakewood Ranch to expand on her original Downtown Sarasota location.
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Metrostudy, a leading research and consulting firm studying U.S. residential markets, released a report in July that showed Lakewood Ranch leading the nation in housing starts for the second consecutive quarter. That means more people are building homes in Lakewood Ranch than in The Villages, a Central Florida retirement community that long stood as the nation’s biggest single-site development. Indeed, Lakewood Ranch has held that title throughout 2019. “Lakewood Ranch became the ‘Most Active Community’ in the United States for new housing starts,” writes Tony Polito, director of the Tampa/Central Florida region of Metrostudy. Some of that remains assets Southwest Florida boasted for years. Notably, West Villages in North Port comes in at No. 6 on the Metrostudy report. But the real estate professionals that see success in the region also say the community itself has hit a particular and important stride. “Lakewood Ranch’s sales– and subsequent starts success– is a result of its exceptional location, multi-generational approach and diversity of neighborhoods, as well as an ever-growing list of daily conveniences and social engagement opportunities,” says Laura Cole, LWR Communities senior vice president. Like many a Florida subdivision, what’s now known as Lakewood Ranch began more than 100 years ago as farmland. The property was first settled by John Schroeder in 1905 as a Florida ranch, and purchased later by the Uihlein family. Transportation officials briefly considered the property in the 1970s for an airport located conveniently off Interstate-75. But ultimately, owners saw bounty in selling
the land for housing. The Schroeder-Manatee Ranch company, led to this day by the Uihlein family, in 1990 brought on Rex Jensen, a developer with a reputation in Michigan for lining up government support for major projects. Come 1994, plans for a two-county community on the expansive, contiguous ranch properties were announced and moving. With the opening of Summerfield in 1995, doors opened on the first homes in modern day Lakewood Ranch. Since then, the Schroeder-Manatee Ranch company continued to build up the community, with growth speeding and slowing as booms and recessions spun in and out of Florida with the force of an economic hurricane. Along the way, plans grew more refined and the community won approvals for master-planned efforts that included property in both Manatee and Sarasota counties. Unlike projects such as The Villages, there would be a host of developers that worked on communities within Lakewood Ranch. But the vision was clear, what once was sprawling ranchland would become Southwest Florida’s newest city. But the growth did not occur without a plan. Dom DiMaio, president and CEO of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, says some communities in Florida may have a bad reputation for allowing speculative growth to turn them into planning messes, but Lakewood Ranch is not one of them. “SMR set aside both commercial and residential growth areas and they have blended them pretty well,” he says. “There was meaningful purpose with how they did it.” By keeping in mind the need for commercial areas to support residential development, growth has sped and slowed with booms and busts in the economy. It also
has meant there are no failed strip malls littering the major corridors in the community. Most recently, the community has opened two new community parks (Bob Gardner Park and Patton Park) and shopping centers (The Green at CORE and Publix Shopping Center on Lorraine and University) and 1.1 million new square feet of commercial property. The community serves as home to Robert Willis Elementary and Lakewood Ranch High, and Dr. Mona Jain Middle will open with the new school year. And notably, two of the region’s most reputable private schools, St Stephens Episcopal and Outof-Door Academy, now have major campuses in the community. And things appear to just be getting started. Ribbon-Cuttings and Ribs
Above: Healthy eating from SoFresh, Below: INfluence brings cosmopolitan style to the former ranchland with modern accessories, clothing and jewelry.
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On a hot morning in July, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System CEO David Verinder stands outside a Lakewood Ranch office building with over-sized scissors in his hands. He’s here for what these days feels like a daily event in Lakewood Ranch, a ribbon-cutting. But this one holds particular weight with the community. The doors for SMH Health Care Center First Physicians Group Pediatrics open, bringing a major medical presence in the community as the public hospital made its biggest push east in history. “This new healthcare center will help ensure that people of all ages in this community have convenient access to primary care,” Verinder tells a gathered crowd. Tours soon begin of the new medical facility at Lorraine Corners, a quickly growing area just off University Parkway on the Sarasota side of Lakewood Ranch. Doctors greet curious members of the community excited to have SMH facilities in town. The expansion comes amid growing demand, SMH officials said, for
the hospital’s services in all corners of Sarasota County. “There’s been a growing demand throughout the community for Sarasota Memorial’s high level of care,” Verinder says. “In 2018, the hospital and First Physicians Group had more than 82,000 visits from patients from the Lakewood Ranch area—an increase of over 50 percent from the prior year. That’s no surprise, as this is one of the fastest-growing master planned communities in the nation.” Of course, this isn’t the first major health care center to serve the community. Lakewood Ranch Regional Medical Center opened there in 2004. The arrival of SMH facilities show partly the hospital’s ambitions— the hospital broke ground last year on a new hospital in the Venice area—but also the rapidly growing demand in a multi-generational community. Another arrival at Lorraine Corners? The newest location for Nancy’s Bar-B-Q. Nancy Krohngold operated a popular pit-style barbeque place in Downtown Sarasota since 2011, and she opened a storefront on Main Street Lakewood Ranch in late 2015. With the new store, where Krohngold now keeps her office, there’s now a second smoker location, ending the 30-minute shuttling of ribs and pulled pork from the original Nancy’s. Of course, it’s more than convenience driving Krohngold to locate two out of three locations in her growing restaurant chain in Lakewood Ranch. This affluent community needs a place to devour proper North Carolina beef brisket, and Krohngold is happy to sell it to them. “There’s not enough places to eat here,” she says. “There’s some fast casual places if you drive out on State Road 70, but I’m finding there’s a lot of interest in Lorraine Corners because people don’t want to drive that
Above: Crunch down on a chicken, portobello and onion flatbread from Grove Restaurant, Patio and Ballroom. Below: Snag locally made paintings or make your own at Let’s Create Art.
far to eat.” Thus, there’s sudden rush in commercial development in Lakewood Ranch. Some 222 businesses have opened in Lakewood Ranch in the past year, according to LWR Communities, an in-house real estate arm for SMR. The new construction and opening of new businesses led to creation of more than 2,600 new jobs. It’s also a good place to do business. The average income in Lakewood Ranch sits around $124,000 a year. Homes run in the neighborhood of $180,000 to over $1 million, so there’s disposable income to go around. At last official count, there were 14,731 existing households in Lakewood Ranch and 1,571 businesses. With about 80 percent of residents holding college degrees and the average age of residents sitting around 47 years old, the community is both younger and better educated than most of Southwest Florida. And Krohngold says, as a business owner, she’s found a great place to practice commerce in part because the master-planned community has a plan for growth but no particular interest in tightly reining in business owners. That’s different than working with downtown landlords and municipal codes. A Place to Call Home Another distinguishing part of growth in Lakewood Ranch comes from the fact multiple homebuilders operate in the 31,000-acre community. Neal Communities, one of Southwest Florida’s most prominent builders, has five communities under construction within Lakewood Ranch. Founder Pat Neal says it’s a different arrangement than can be found in other master-planned developments. “You have a developer and outside builders who self-build their
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parcels with internal infrastructure,” Neal says. And in recent years, publicly owned national developers like Taylor Morrison and Lennar have also been part of the game, as have DiVosta and D.R. Horton. That requires builders to compete and offer a range of product to set themselves apart, but that’s all been beneficial to the market as a whole, Neal says. “It’s our most desirable location anywhere from Tampa to Naples,” Neal says. “Above all, there is trusted management and a continuity of management. I don’t want to name names but there are developers who do not live up to expectations. But we have always trusted both the integrity and judgment of the management team at Lakewood Ranch.” There are plenty of regional assets that fuel interest in Lakewood Ranch as well. It’s close to the interstate and down the road from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, not to mention being 44 miles from Tampa International Airport. And over nearly 25 years of operation, the community has continued to evolve. The new Waterside development, with a lakefront town center commercial area and bike paths through nature preserves, bears little resemblance to Summerfield. And Neal notes the Lakewood Ranch project isn’t something easy to replicate. He’s been trying to pull together a massive North River Ranch master plan in the Parrish area for the past seven years, and ground on the first building just broke in February. That’s for a community of roughly 6,000 acres. Meanwhile, the Uihlein family has held onto a massive chunk of land for roughly a century, resisting selling large parcels off to other developers, and subsequently has assembled land the envy of any planner.
Above: Get your kit from Village Bikes and hit the road in safety and style. Find bikes built for speed as well as ones suited for a more leisurely pace. Below: Indulge coastal vibes with home decor and wardrobe from Wish on Main.
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The recent growth in Lakewood Ranch comes as the region as a whole enjoys a boom. Total home sales in Sarasota and Manatee counties jumped more than 11 percent in May, compared to the prior year, and that was with both median sales prices climbing to nearly $320,000 for single-family homes and total housing inventory remaining a seller’s market. “May is now showing the highest number of closed sales in each market in 2019,” says Amy Worth, chair of the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee. “Given that mortgage rates will stay where they are, and overall prices will start stabilizing, we can expect moderate growth in this market over the next few months.” But Lakewood Ranch consistently has shown itself to be one of the most desirable places for people to buy a home this year. Through the end of June, LWR Communities reported some 824 new home sales had closed this year. “Lakewood Ranch has enjoyed sustained growth by maintaining its vision and providing complementary services and amenities in support—and oftentimes in advance--of the growing number of rooftops in the community,” says Cole. DiMaio says the fact there wasn’t speculative commercial development before residential areas started to come online means there’s a certain amount of catch-up to do. But he sees the commercial core areas for Lakewood Ranch, along with land at the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport and near Port Manatee, as some of the most valuable land in the region. He points to research-focused development and health care-focused commerce as a solid sign for a bright business future. “They have been able to get more value out of their land by holding it than they would have if they sold it all out early,” DiMaio says. Of course, that brings certain economic pressures.
Realtor Jim Soda, who specializes in selling in Lakewood Ranch, says the summer has provided gangbuster sales in Lakewood Ranch. But much of the interest comes with the construction of new homes in developing neighborhoods. Soda says even homes built as recently as 2007 often need upgrades in order to compete. “They are great homes but are not up on today’s features and architecture,” he says. “We see that especially in Lakewood Ranch.” New developments like Polo Run have new homes filling the market with Coastal Contemporary architecture and in the same price range as some decade-old homes. ”Every seller thinks they have the best house, but when they are up against new construction with a new look, that’s really the competition,” Soda says. With so much growth, buyers often will find similar homes, as far as bedroom and bathroom count, sell for roughly the same price. But if one home has a garage door and porch lights that open and close with the punch of a smartphone app, that gives the new property an edge no matter what. Combine that with the fact nobody wants to undergo a renovation when could just enter a move-in ready home, and it gives an even greater marketplace advantage to new construction. But established neighborhoods these days offer their benefits, whether its proximity to existing commercial development or already constructed amenities like pools and playgrounds. And the region as a whole benefits from having all A-rated schools in both counties. Still, the region continues to diversify and amplify amenities. Efforts like the Brain Health Initiative will create prestigious industry, while the transplant of The Players Centre for Performing Arts to a new multi-stage performing arts center increase the community’s culture. This may just be Lakewood Ranch’s opening act. LL
GET YOUR GRUB ON
DINING Another Broken Egg Café
A neighborhood favorite, Another Broken Egg offers breakfast and lunch. Get the Very French Toast topped with bananas, berries, walnuts, cinnamon and whipped cream for a sweet morning, throw in a mango mimosa to make it even sweeter. Broken Egg offers two-forone specials on domestic beers and house wines on Friday afternoons. Breakfast and lunch. 6115 Exchange Way, Lakewood Ranch, 941-388-6898.
Casa Maya Mexican Restaurant
Find authentic south-of-the-border flavors with a genuine Mayan emphasis at this casual dining locale. A Guadalajara favorite, signature molcajetes serve up steak, chicken, shrimp, scallops or fish in a heated volcanic stone, mixed with grilled onions, peppers and homemade salsa, served with fresh tortillas. Other specials include Mayan Fajitas, taco salads and enchiladas from the family recipe. 8126 Lakewood Main St., Lakewood Ranch, 941-907-9449.
Fast N Fresh
For casual dining and on-the-go eats that won’t leave one feeling guilty, a menu full of salads, wraps and grain bowls fits the bill. Try the meaty Baja Chicken salad or the Spicy Thai Kale, grab a Flower Child bowl made with brown rice, kale, carrots, chickpeas, avocados and house-made tahini or go Mediterranean with spinach, feta, olives and onions in the bowl. And for sandwich-lovers, the panini press is open. 8138 Lakewood Main St, Lakewood Ranch, 941-462-2650.
Grove Restaurant
This latest offshoot from the restaurateurs behind the famed Pier 22 offers a wide variety of cuisine—all with a focus on locally sourced and fresh ingredients. Seafood lovers will find their fill amongst Shrimp N Grits, Stuffed Lobster and Scallop Benedict, while those craving red meat can’t go wrong with the Roast Duckling, New Zealand Rack of Lamb or the Wild Game of the Day. Save room for dessert or an after-dinner coffee or cocktail. 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch, 941-893-4321.
Hana Sushi Lounge
Lakewood Main St., N103, Lakewood Ranch, 941-822-8131.
Roll up expecting an artful mix of raw and refined traditional Asian cuisine—and don’t leave disappointed. Say “Aloha” (shrimp, tempura, cream cheese, mango and coconut) to “Godzilla” (spicy tuna, asparagus, eel and avocado) and “King Kong” (shrimp tempura, kani, cream cheese, scallions, spicy tuna, eel and avocado) and leave feeling “Soul Good” (shrimp, cream cheese, avocado, asparagus, salmon and garlic). For those thinking outside the roll, check out the poke bowl selection and bento box specials.
Ed’s Tavern
8126 Lakewood Main St., Lakewood Ranch, 941-907-1290.
Craft Growlers Tasting Room
Check out the first craft beer and growler pub in Sarasota/Manatee. It is both a spot to purchase and fill 64and 32-ounce growlers from 45 taps to take home with you, and a casual place to hang out and down a pint or a flight. Its craft taps are filled with a wide array of brews, ranging from Belgian-style ales to ciders, IPAs and a big selection of Florida beers. 8141
The friendly, neighborhood sports bar—complete with a full menu and right next door to the movie theater. Enjoy finger foods and classic bar bites with friends while watching the game, or take a date to the cinema and follow it up with everything from burgers and flatbreads to wings, chili and entrees like the Smoked Pulled Pork Platter, Jumbo Shrimp and House Smoked Ribs. Don’t forget to explore the rotating taps. 10719 Rodeo Dr., Lakewood Ranch, 941-907-0400.
Inkawasi Peruvian
Homestyle cooking in the Peruvian style brings ceviches, empanadas and yucca to the menu, as well as chifa, a culinary tradition fusing Cantonese Chinese with classic Peruvian. The Tallarin Saltado unites wok-prepared Peruvian flame noodles with green onions, snow peas, peppers and cabbage, complete with chicken, beef or seafood. 10667 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch, 941-360-1110.
Li’l Nancy’s at the Ranch
The casual and friendly BBQ joint of Downtown Sarasota recently 16 | srq magazine_ LIVING LAKEWOOD 2019 live local
opened it second location, with the same North Carolina-inspired barbeque recipes. From the signature sweet and spicy pulled pork to the slow smoked baked beans and shredded beef brisket, this is roadside carnivore dining at its messiest.. 8141 Lakewood Main St. #104, Lakewood Ranch, 941-362-2833.
MacAllisters Grill & Tavern
The area’s first historical Scottish Golf-themed restaurant has become the neighborhood hangout. Stop by to sample specialties like the Steak Pie or the Haggis and Tatties—bits of haggis meat wrapped in puff pastry and served with tomato and onion dip. If haggis doesn’t appeal to your taste buds, search the extensive menu for familiar favorites or house specialities like the house-cut sizzling steaks, Scottish Egg, Sheperd’s Pie and Bangers and Mash. 8110 Lakewood Main St., Lakewood Ranch, 941-359-2424.
Main Street Trattoria
Find classic, Italian fine dining with an eye to artful presentation at this central hotspot. With a bar serving Margherita Flatbread and Fried Ravioli, save room for casual favorites like the Meatball Sub and MST Burger, or go full italiano and order up the Pollo Milanese, Salmon Piccata, MST Gnocchi or Fruitti Di Mare. 8131 Lakewood Main St., Lakewood Ranch, 941-907-1518.
Paris Bistrot
This family owned and operated bistro serves traditional, French cuisine, directly from “Grandma’s recipes books.” Signature menu staples remain the authentic French Onion Soup, Nicoise Salad, Foie Gras, and the vast variety of quiches and dessert crepes, with many chocolate, fruit and ice cream accoutrements. 8131 Lakewood Main St., Lakewood Ranch, 941-388-0564.
Pinchers Crab Shack
Vibrant hand-painted signs and tropical parrots abound within this down-to-earth seafood shack. Decide between a boatload of mussels or addictive crab and cheese dip with a kick to start off your meal. Load up on shrimp scampi with secret family spices or jumbo lump crab cakes before topping your meal off with homemade Key lime pie or a dreamy chocolate cake ice cream shake. 10707 Rodeo Dr., Lakewood Ranch, 941-922-1515.
GET YOUR SHOP ON
SoFresh
The fast growing Florida franchise is on a mission to bring fresh, whole foods, rooted in real ingredients. With a trendy fast-casual approach, the modern hangout is a go-to for a healthful lunch of salads, wraps, bowls and cold pressed juices. SoFresh is also a great option for diet-specific preferences, including vegan, vegetarian, keto, paleo and gluten-free. 11569 FL-70 #106, Bradenton, 941-769-9550.
Station 400
This is the third location of this beloved brunch spot and inspired by the quaint railroad depot building of the downtown “flagship” location. With a modern feel and the same chef-inspired cuisine, find the Station 400 locomotive circling above diners, along with its extensive menu of mainstay sandwiches, salads, pancakes, cereals and grains, omelettes, baked goods and speciality mimosas. 8215 Lakewood Main St., Suite P103, Lakewood Ranch, 941-907-0648.
SHOPPING Arts A Blaze
Stop in anytime the artistic mood strikes and try your hand at a pottery project or even sign up for a workshop. This all-inclusive open studio has the space and resources for pottery painting, glass fusing and even To-Go kits for doing pottery at home. 8111 Main St. #107, Lakewood Ranch, 941-306-5840.
Bows and Arrows Boutique
From everyday fashion rooted in southern style to college “game day” attire and accessories, this womens boutique has an avid following of young trendsetters and local fashionistas of Florida state colleges and universities. 5275 University Pkwy., Suite #133, Bradenton, 941-210-7158.
Fashion Trade Bo-Tique
A trendy resale boutique specializing in both new and gently-used, “preloved” clothing, shoes, handbags and accessories. This new one-stop consignment shop is great for favorited brand name labels, discounted up to 70% off their original mall retail prices. 8734 East State Rd. 70, Bradenton, 941-216-3660.
Fine Wine & Tastings on Main
Different from large chain liquor stores, this boutique wine shop offers a selection of “hard to get” international and domestic wines by the glass, as well as a huge inventory of over 450 wines from more than 15 countries, with a focus on small and limited production wineries. 8111 Lakewood Main St., Unit J105, Lakewood Ranch, 941-355-4718.
Healthy Living Organic & Natural Market Led by a group of experts in the organic and health field, the market encompasses a diversified product range of vitamins, nutrition supplements, homeopathic medicines/remedies, raw groceries, health and beauty products, oils and herbs. 10671 Boardwalk Loop,
Lakewood Ranch, 941-907-6865.
ers like Kabana, S. Kashi & Sons, Frederic Sage, Breuning, Elma Gil, Denny Wong, MarahLago and Yanni B. Their on-site repair shop can also handle all of your jewelry and watch repair needs. 8131 Lakewood Main St., Lakewood Ranch, 941-373-6311.
Village Bikes
This is the second location of the family-owned Sarasota bicycle and repair shop. Find a full assortment of bicycles and cycling accessories, including bike helmets, saddles/ seatposts, pedals and shoes, cycle clothing, lights, computers, bicycle cleaning and repair equipment. They carry quality brands such as Specialized, Kask, SRAM, Hincape, Shimano, Cateye, Garmin, and other top manufacturers of bike equipment. 8111 Lakewood Main St., Lakewood Ranch, 941-388-0550.
Influence Style
This is the second location for the well-renowned St Armands Circle modern clothing boutique. Find the same upscale, fashion-forward trends and basic wardrobe essentials with high quality threads and coveted brand names. 8141 Lakewood Main St. Unit N-102, Lakewood Ranch, 941-351-9218. od Ranch, 941-907-8335.
Knot Awl Beads
This full-service bead shop is your source for everything bead related. Featuring Swarovski® crystals, semi-precious gemstones, pearls, natural elements, Czech glass, sterling silver, Bali silver, PMC (Precious Metal Clay) and sterling silver sheet and wire in most gauges. It also carries findings, beading wire, leather, silversmithing tools and unique jewelry. 8111 Lakewood Main St., Lakewood Ranch, 941-907-8335.
Naples Soap Co.
Stop into this natural bath and body product haven to find organic products safe for your face, body and hair, sans any harsh commercial chemicals. From body butters to sea salt scrubs, mud soaps and lip balms, Naples Soap is dermatologist recommended and noticeably treats skin sensitivities like eczema and psoriasis. 8130 Lakewood Main St., Suite #101, Lakewood Ranch, 941-907-0870.
Vanessa Fine Jewelry
Specializing in custom-designed and one-of-a-kind pieces, this fine jewelry showroom features world-renowned designs from manufactur-
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Wish on Main
A boutique shop offering women’s fashion, accessories, home decor and unique gifts with delightful service. From quirky finds to stylish brands, this shopping gem can help you find the perfect wardrobe piece or gift for any occasion. 8141 Lakewood Main St. Unit N-106, Lakewood Ranch, 941-907-9125.
PRIVATE SCHOOLS NewGate School
An independent, nonprofit, international, college-preparatory Montessori school, NewGate seeks to nurture intelligence, curiosity and imagination while supporting and developing each student’s individual talents. The school teaches universal values and instills a global perspective, responsible citizenship and encourages an entrepreneurial spirit, aiming to graduate young people who are life-long learners, critical thinkers, and active leaders. Also an International Baccalaureate World-School. Grades 7–12. 5481 Communications Pkwy., Lakewood Ranch, 941-922-4949.
Out-of-Door Academy
One of the top private schools in the region, this college preparatory institution serves children and students from Pre-K to 12th Grade, with the upper school campus located in Lakewood Ranch. Athletic opportu-
GET YOUR EVENTS ON
nities abound, including standards like baseball, basketball, soccer and swimming, and even sailing, lacrosse and golf. Recognized as a Cum Laude Society School, this distinction is reserved for the top 1% of all secondary schools in the United States. 5950 Deer Dr., Sarasota, 941554-5950.
The Pinnacle Academy
Established in 2001, The Pinnacle Academy is dedicated to understanding and educating students who have learning differences. In small classes, learning differences are accepted and individually supported. However, it is their strengths, interests, and talents that are at the forefront of a Pinnacle education. Today, the school offers a private education to over 100 students and continues to grow and change with each passing year, providing students with the instruction, inspiration and opportunity to learn and achieve at their highest potential. 6215 Lorraine Rd., Bradenton, 941-7551400.
Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School
Situated on a fully gated, 35-acre campus, St. Stephens ranks among the top independent, college preparatory schools in the nation, providing education for students in grades Pre-K3 through 12. Students are nurtured in small classes, with faculty who help them navigate a balanced curriculum of academic rigor and character development. A wide variety of customized curricular and extracurricular experiences are offered, as well as a strong college counseling program. A state-of-theart athletic complex hosts sporting events including football, soccer, track and field, lacrosse, baseball, softball and tennis.315 41st St. W, Bradenton, 941-746-2121.
THINGS TO DO Classic Car Show
Join us on Main Street the first Wednesday of each month for the Classics. A celebration of “The Classics,” bring your car, truck, or anything on wheels. All are welcome to participate for just $10 per vehicle, and there are no restrictions on year, make or model. Food, music, prizes
and the thunderous roar of engines are all part of the fun. 8131 Lakewood
benefit Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee. Santa will stroll and take photos at the Christmas Tree. 315
Main Street Lakewood Ranch, 941-371-1061.
41st St. W, Bradenton, 941-746-2121.
Community Bike Ride
The Fish Hole Miniature Golf
3rd Saturday, each month (October – March), 8 am Join your Lakewood Ranch Ambassador, Greg Spring, for a 10-mile, 1-hour casual bike ride through Lakewood Ranch. We will meet at the fountains on Main Street. This is a great way to see the Ranch. Don’t forget to bring your helmet. 8131 Lakewood Main Street Lakewood Ranch, 941-907-6000.
Music on Main
Join us on Lakewood Ranch Main Street from 6 – 9 pm for Music on Main, a free concert series and block party for the public! This event is hosted on the first Friday of each month and will supply lots of family fun. The street is lined with food vendors, beer trucks, and sponsor booths, as well as rides and activities for the kids presented by Grace Community Church. Proceeds from the event will benefit a local non-profit organization each event. Guests are welcome to bring chairs, but please leave coolers at home. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a short leash. 8110 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Lakewood Ranch, 941907-9243.
September: GoodbyEddie band will fill the air with Classic Rock music and the deejay will keep you dancing with today’s Top 100 hits; the event will benefit The Lakewood Ranch YMCA. October: The HeadTones, St. Petersburg’s Funk and Soul Sextet, will fill the air with Funk & Soul music and the deejay will keep you dancing with today’s Top 100 hits; the event will benefit the Healthy Start Coalition of Sarasota County. November: The Eric Von Band will fill the air with Classic and Pop-Country music and the deejay will keep you dancing with today’s Top 100 hits; the event will benefit the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund. December: Sugar & Spice Revue band will fill the air with Blues, R&B, Soul & Southern Soul music and the deejay will keep you dancing with today’s Top 100 hits; the event will
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The Fish Hole is a miniature golf course with 2 beautiful locations in Bradenton Beach and Lakewood Ranch. Both courses are unique with such attractions as misters to keep you cool, a 30,000 gallon pond filled with koi of all sizes and colors, and native Florida plants.Take advantage of party packages, coupons, and seasonal promotions. 10725 Rodeo Drive, Lakewood Ranch, 941-306-5891.
The Market at Lakewood Ranch
The Market at Lakewood Ranch will be held at the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, in the heart of Lakewood Ranch, across from Main Street. Far from the typical farmers’ market, this is a curated gathering of the best flavors in the region, cooking demonstrations, morning yoga and more. Offering organic produce, meat, poultry, eggs, breads, pasta, juices, and prepared foods from over 40 vendors. Every Sunday from 10am-2pm, November through April. 8330 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Lakewood Ranch.
BUSINESS CHAMBER
Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance Since 2005, the Lakewood
Ranch Business Alliance has served the Lakewood Ranch business community as the go-to membership organization for companies to network and gain professional and personal growth. Their tagline, “The Power of Connection,” comes across in everything they do. From connecting you and your business to potential clients, to connecting you with the tools and resources you need to grow your business. Today, the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance works with over 650 member businesses and 2,500 business professionals across a diverse range of industries, across Manatee and Sarasota Counties, and beyond. 8330 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Lakewood Ranch.