Lakewood Ranch has kept the promise to protect the land we were entrusted with and take care of the people who live, work and play here. Over 100 years later, through generations of careful planning and dedicated building, that same family is still guiding the community. Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, our parent company, has guided and supported those efforts.
Community Facts
Schroeder-Manatee Ranch (SMR) is the parent company of Lakewood Ranch, a 33,000+ acre master-planned community located in Manatee and Sarasota Counties in Southwest Florida. Since the early 1900s, the Uihlein family, one of the original owners of the Schlitz Brewery, has owned the property. Ranch activities have included cattle ranching and citrus, tree and turf farming, and aggregate mining.
SMR transitioned into community development in February of 1994 and today Lakewood Ranch is home to nearly 60,000 residents and 1,841 jobs. The community features vibrant town centers, top-rated schools, the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club, Premier Sports Campus, and Sarasota Polo Club. SMR has preserved over 40% of the land for conservation and parks.
By protecting the land and creating a great place to live, work and grow, our legacy pays tribute to the hardworking families that came before us.
For the last century, we have protected and preserved our land. As a result, we are now the largest green master-planned community in the nation.
Instilled by our ranching heritage, we are committed to providing a healthy, environmentally responsible place for good people to live better lives.