Month: January 2025

Lakewood Ranch, FL – January 29, 2025 – Schroeder-Manatee Ranch (SMR) has successfully defended its right to extend the vision of Lakewood Ranch, ensuring the continued delivery of high-quality neighborhoods, infrastructure, and amenities that have defined its success for over 30 years. The final ruling by the 2^nd District Court of Appeal clears the way for Lakewood Ranch Southeast (LWRSE) to be seamlessly integrated into the fabric of the #1 multigenerational community in the United States since 2018.

The approval allows for the creation of up to seven distinctive villages, offering a range of price points and lifestyle options while maintaining the quality, design excellence, and sense of place that have made Lakewood Ranch a national leader in community development. As with all areas of Lakewood Ranch, this new addition will feature a comprehensive network of greenways, parks, and trails, along with services that enhance outdoor recreation, fire and emergency services and connectivity.

Demonstrating its continued commitment to responsible planning, SMR is funding over $200 million in master infrastructure improvements to support new development, including:

~ A four-lane arterial roadway extending Bourneside Boulevard to Fruitville Road (4.8 miles)

~ Expansion of University Parkway to four lanes between Lorraine Road and Bourneside Boulevard (2.8 miles)

~ An expanded trail system that will connect seamlessly to the Florida Gulf Coast Trail

“Florida and our region will continue to grow, and that growth must be met with responsible, well-executed planning,” said Rex Jensen, president & CEO of SMR. “Lakewood Ranch has always set the standard for thoughtful, high-quality community development—delivering infrastructure, amenities, and neighborhoods that enhance quality of life while supporting the broader region.

“When our rights and proven approach are unreasonably challenged, we will stand firm in defending our track record, and our commitment to building a community that serves both present and future generations,” Jensen said.

About Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch is the 33,000+-acre award-winning master-planned community in Sarasota and Manatee counties on the West Coast of Florida. Just minutes from the Gulf Coast beaches and cultural assets in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch is already home to more than 72,000 residents and features top-rated schools, the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, the Sarasota Polo Club, the 75-acre Premier Sports Campus, and three town centers that include theaters, shopping and dining. For more information, visit lakewoodranch.com.

WHAT: LWRBA Annual Membership Luncheon

WHEN: Friday, January 24 ∙ 11:30 am-1:15 pm

WHERE: Grove Ballroom ∙ 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch, January 27, 2025 –The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance (LWRBA) kicked off its 20th Anniversary by welcoming the 2025 Board of Directors at its Annual Membership Luncheon on Friday, January 24 at the Grove Ballroom.

The LWRBA started the milestone celebration by reflecting on various accomplishments over the last 20 years  and provided a sneak peek at the new and exciting initiatives on the horizon for 2025. Highlights included welcoming Incoming Chair Julie Fanning with Benderson Development and celebrating the LWRBA’s impact for the last two decades with Immediate Past Chair David Otterness of Willis Smith Construction. “As we look to 2025, we remain committed to advancing our three strategic priorities: Engage, Grow and Impact,” said Julie Fanning, chair of the board and marketing director of Benderson Development. “Together, we will continue to expand our reach across the region, strengthen our vision for the future, and – above all – stay focused on serving the needs of our members.”

Additionally, the LWRBA introduced this year’s Board of Directors, thanked outgoing Board members, and presented the Chairman’s Award to Rex Jensen, the president and CEO of Schroeder-Manatee Ranch (developer of Lakewood Ranch).

“The last 20 years have truly been impactful for the business community,” said  David Otterness, past chairman of the LWRBA and vice president of Willis Smith Construction. “It has been an honor to be a small part of that legacy and I look forward to what the next 20 years brings for Lakewood Ranch and the Business Alliance.”

Members of the 2025 LWRBA Board of Directors are as follows:

CHAIR OF THE BOARD

Julie Fanning

Benderson Development

PAST CHAIR

David Otterness

Willis Smith Construction

INCOMING CHAIR

Wayne Parrish

RITE Technology

DEPUTY CHAIR

Kevin Cooper

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

TREASURER

Dianne Kopczynski

Mauldin & Jenkins

SECRETARY

Nick Feather

Capstan Financial Consulting Group

Annemarie Graff | Bank OZK

Ashlyn McCarty | Buffalo Lodging & Associates

Beth Green | Raymond James & Associates

Dr. Brett Kemker | USF Sarasota Manatee

Bryan Boudreaux | The Bank of Tampa

Beth Green | Raymond James & Associates

Chris Williams | Aginto – A Digital Agency

Courtney DePol | Manatee County Government

David Fink | Family Office Services

Erin Watson | Game On Nation

Frank Morgan | Sarasota Memorial Health Care System

Kathy Collums | Gulfside Bank

Keith Pandeloglou | LWR Community Activities

Kent Jimison | Easterseals Happiness House

Lisa Barnott | Schroeder-Manatee Ranch

Lou Marinaccio | Gallagher Affinity

Philip Reber | Lakewood Ranch Medical Center

Rex Jensen | Schroeder-Manatee Ranch

Robert Lewis | Sarasota County Government

Dr. Ryan Hale | State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota

Tieler Gittleman | Northern Trust Company

Toni Perren | Observer Media Group

Zachary Buffington | Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

Zoe Kasper | Sunshine Movers

Sponsors include: The Bank of Tampa, Mauldin & Jenkins, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, Willis Smith Construction, Roofing by Curry, Oh What Fun Party Co, Suncoast Credit Union, PostNet of Lakewood Ranch, Lakewood Ranch Communities, Tone Media Solutions, Icard Merrill Attorneys & Counselors, Palm Printing, Fawley Bryant Architecture, Benderson Development, Observer Media Group, Manatee County Government, Blalock Walters, Carr, Riggs & Ingram, Grapevine Communications, Gulfside Bank, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, Lee Whetherington Homes and Raymond James & Associates.

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About the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance

The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance (LWRBA) is a business organization committed to providing unparalleled access to connections, advocacy and resources to the business community in the Lakewood Ranch region. The LWRBA’s 750+ member businesses reflect a wide variety of small and large businesses across all industries in and around Lakewood Ranch, Florida. www.lwrba.org

Media Contact:

Kristie Calandro, Communications Coordinator

KristieCalandro@lwrba.org

(941) 757-1664 x103

Business Event Announcement

LAKEWOOD RANCH, SARASOTA, BRADENTON

Lakewood Ranch, FL – January 7, 2025 – Lakewood Ranch has once again been named the top-selling multi-generational community in the United States, with 2,210 home sales in 2024, reaffirming its status as America’s Favorite Place to Call Home ^SM.   

For over 30 years, Lakewood Ranch has fostered a vibrant sense of place, belonging, and connection. Its diversity of experiences, access to nature and services, and top-quality schools and healthcare make the community popular with families, young professionals, empty nesters, and retirees alike. 

“Lakewood Ranch’s multi-generational appeal remains its defining strength, while its prime location and thoughtfully planned infrastructure offer reassurance to today’s more cautious homebuyers,” said Laura Cole, senior vice president of Lakewood Ranch. Karl Pischke, principal at RCLCO, also praised the community’s ability to weather challenges during a volatile year, citing its steady performance despite Hurricane Milton and election-related uncertainty.

Strong Sales Across All Market Segments in Lakewood Ranch

• Move-Up/Multi-Gen Villages: Represented 49% of total sales, serving the needs of growing families and multi-generational households.
• Entry-Level Homes: Accounted for 23% of sales, underscoring consistent demand for affordability.
• Retiree/Active Adult Market: Grew to 16% of sales, driven by new inventory and lifestyle-focused amenities.
• Luxury Segment: Contributed 12% of sales, with high demand for exclusive communities like Wild Blue and Shellstone.

Pricing Trends: Balancing Growth and Affordability

The average home price rose 7.4% in 2024 to $734k, driven by demand in the move-up and luxury markets. However, builders strategically offered incentives and balanced affordability by maintaining the average price per square foot at $296. Sales were particularly strong at both ends of the pricing spectrum, with notable activity below $299K and above $3.5M.

Growing Demand for Spacious Living

The average size of a home sold in Lakewood Ranch in 2024 increased by 2% to 2,331 sq. ft., reflecting a shift toward more spacious living options. This trend was particularly evident in Move-Up/Multi-Gen Villages, designed to cater to larger families seeking enhanced comfort and functionality.

2025: A Vision for Continued Growth

Lakewood Ranch is introducing eight new villages, offering a range of lifestyles, from bundled golf communities to age-targeted resort neighborhoods to family-friendly neighborhoods and maintenance-free options.

A hallmark of Lakewood Ranch’s success is its developer, Schroeder-Manatee Ranch (SMR), renowned for its forward-thinking infrastructure and meticulous planning. In 2025, SMR will expand its extensive network of roads and trails, constructing over 15 new miles of roads to complement the existing 42-mile system. This infrastructure includes trails, parks, and over a dozen new roundabouts to enhance mobility and connectivity to new areas.

“Our success lies in our unwavering commitment to creating a community that feels like home to everyone,” said Rex Jensen, president and CEO of SMR. “From thoughtfully designed neighborhoods to exceptional amenities, we continue to set the standard for master-planned living.”

About Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch is the 33,000+-acre award-winning master-planned community in Sarasota and Manatee counties on the West Coast of Florida. Just minutes from the Gulf Coast beaches and cultural assets in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch is already home to more than 72,000 residents and features top-rated schools, the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, the Sarasota Polo Club, the 75-acre Premier Sports Campus, and three town centers that include theaters, shopping and dining. For more information, visit lakewoodranch.com.

Media Contact:
Lisa M. Barnott
Director of Marketing and Communications
(941)757-1542
lisa.barnott@lakewoodranch.com