Author: Taylor Riffle

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 3, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT

Nyda Bittmann-Neville, Nyda@TNBGroup.com, 828.246.4525

LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (Feb. 3, 2026) – The Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation (LWRCF) announces Tom Bergerat, a student at Out-of-Door Academy in Lakewood Ranch, has been named the 2026 Junior Humanitarian of the Year. Bergerat will be honored during the Polo with the Pros event, hosted by the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation at the Sarasota Polo Club, on February 8.   

The Junior Humanitarian of the Year award was established in 2023. In the tradition of the prestigious C. John A. Clarke Humanitarian of the Year award, the Junior Humanitarian award was created to honor youths who embody the spirt of philanthropy in their daily lives.

Bergerat was born in France and moved to the United States in 2017 from Canada. Despite learning English as a second language, Bergerat is a standout student who is taking all honors and AP courses. He studied piano for over 10 years and has played on the DME soccer team for four years. He has received multiple district and state accolades as an actor, musician, and theater director. Bergerat is hoping to study at Princeton University.

Bergerat is co-leader of the Out-of-Door Academy (ODA) Advanced Chamber Orchestra, and he performed at the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation’s 25th anniversary celebration grand finale event in November 2025. Bergerat volunteers on the ODA campus and is a camp counselor in training and a student ambassador. Off campus, he volunteers with Mothers Helping Mothers and Sarasota Manatee Association Riding Therapy (SMART).

Bergerat stated, “Giving back to your community does not have to be something huge like curing cancer, but small things that make someone else happy at the end of their day can go a very long way. To me, giving back to your community is genuinely being there to help anyone who needs it.”

Bergerat will be honored at the Polo with the Pros event, hosted by the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation at the Sarasota Polo Club, on February 8 beginning at noon. Tickets ($75) are available at www.LWRCF.org.

For more information about LWRCF, visit LWRCF.org, email info@LWRCF.org, or call 941-208-6799.    

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The Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit devoted to enhancing the quality of life in and near the Lakewood Ranch, Florida community by responding to needs, granting funds, and building lasting relationships. Since its founding in 2000, the fund has granted over $1.75 million to more than 140 nonprofit organizations to directly improve the lives of Lakewood Ranch residents. Let us “Open the Door.”

Lakewood Ranch Nominees:

Waterside Place:

· KORE Steakhouse – Best Local Korean

· Deep Lagoon – Best Local Outdoor Dinning

· Good Liquid Brewing Co – Best Local Brewery

· Florida Provisions Co – Best Local…

• – Wine Bar
• – Wine + Spirits Shop

· Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch – Best Local Farmers’ Market

· ManCave for Men – Best Local Barber

· Sirius Day Spa – Best Local…

• – Aesthetician
• – Hair Salon
• – Massage
• – Day Spa
• – Mani/Pedi
• – Medical Aesthetics
• – Eyebrows/Eyelashes
• – Nurse Practitioner
• – Anti-Aging Clinic
• – Weight-Loss Clinic
• – Women-Owned Business

· Modish – Best Local Hair Salon

· PAINT Nail Bar – Best Local Mani/Pedi

· The Wellness Space – Best Local…

• – Mental Health Services
• – Business in 2025

· SHACK Yoga + Fitness – Best Local Yoga Studio

· BodyBar Pilates Lakewood Ranch – Best Local Pilates Studio

Main Street:

· KURO Sushi – Best New Local Restaurant

· Vanessa Fine Jewelry – Best Local Jeweler

· Circle Chiropractic – Best Local Chiropractor

· Charlene Neal Purestyle – Best Local Interior Design/Designer

· Waterscapes Pools and Spas – Best Local Pool Contractor

Lakewood Ranch:

· ATRIA Cafe – Best Local…

• – Pizza
• – Breakfast
• – Brunch
• – Salad
• – Coffee Shop
• – Sandwich
• – Caterer
• – Tea
• – Bread
• – Pastries
• – Cookies
• – Avocado Toast
• – Family-Owned Business

· Owen’s FIsh Camp – Best Local…

• – Seafood Restaurants
• – Oysters
• – Fish Market
• – Outdoor Dinning
• – Local Music Venue

· Speaks Clam Bar – Best Local Handmade Pizza

· Rose Dental at Lakewood Ranch – Best Local…

• – Dentist
• – Cosmetic Dentistry

· Lakewood Ranch Family & Cosmetic Dentistry – Best Local Cosmetic Dentistry

· The Roots Health Centers – Best Local Chiropractor

· Lakewood Ranch Med Spa – Best Local…

• – Aesthetician
• – Massage
• – Day Spa
• – Medical Aesthetics
• – IV Wellness
• – Nurse Practitioner
• – Anti-Aging Clinic
• – Weight-Loss Clinic

· Lavender Moon Aesthetics – Best Local…

• – Aesthetician
• – Day Spa

· The Salt Caves & Spa at Lakewood Ranch – Best Local Salt Therapy

· Jazzercise Lakewood Ranch – Best Local Group Fitness

· F45 Training Lakewood Ranch East/South – Best Local Group Fitness

· Lakewood National Golf Club – Best Local Private Golf Course

· The Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club – Best Local Private Club

· Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue Center – Best Local…

• – Nonprofit
• – Animal Nonprofit

· Out of Door Academy – Best Local Private School

· School of Rock Lakewood Ranch – Best Local Music School

· Sarasota Polo – Best Local Equestrian Center

· Fawley Bryant Architecture – Best Local Architect

· John Cannon Homes – Best Local…

• – Contractor, Residential Homes
• – Home Builder
• – Place to Work
• – Contractor, Commercial
• – Family-Owned Business

· Neal Communities – Best Local…

• – Home Builder
• – Place to Work

· Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance – Best Local…

• – Networking Group
• – Chamber

· Kingfisher Estates – Best Local New Home Community

· Lakewood Ranch Medical Center – Best Local Hospital

· Grace Community Church Lakewood Ranch – Best Local Faith Leader

Vendors We Work With:

· La Mucca Ballerina (RNW Vendor) – Best Local Handmade Pizza

· Cornerstone & Co (RNW Vendor) – Best Local…

• – Food Truck
• – Cocktails
• – Caterer

· Purple Bol (RNW Vendor) – Best Local Acai Bowl

· Bread Bandits (Farmers’ Market Vendor) – Best Local…

• – Bread
• – Pastries

· Camelot Breads (Farmers’ Market Vendor) – Best Local Bread

· Sarasota Honey Co (Farmers’ Market Vendor) – Best Local Farmers Market Booth

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

press@lakewoodranch.com

LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. — January 9, 2026 — Lakewood Ranch has been ranked the No. 1 multigenerational master-planned community in the United States for the eighth consecutive year based on new home sales, according to independent research from RCLCO and Zonda. The ranking reflects continued homebuyer demand as new home sales have slowed in many U.S. markets.

Since first reaching the top position, Lakewood Ranch has averaged more than 2,000 new home sales annually, maintaining its lead across multiple housing cycles.

“The consistency is what’s most meaningful,” said Laura Cole, senior vice president of Lakewood Ranch. “Year after year, buyers continue to choose Lakewood Ranch because it was designed to support people across different stages of life and interests. It’s built through careful planning, high standards, and a long-term focus on what residents truly desire and need.”

Industry analysts point to shifting buyer priorities as a key factor influencing performance among leading master-planned communities.

“In an analysis of the past 10 years of RCLCO data, one of the most consistent themes we’ve seen across top-performing master-planned communities is the emphasis on amenities, placemaking, and lifestyle,” added Gregg Logan, managing director of RCLCO. “Homebuyers today are thinking beyond the next move and are seeking communities that provide open space, walkability, daily conveniences, and long-term flexibility. That alignment helps explain why Lakewood Ranch continues to perform well, even amid softness in the broader housing market.”

Now in its 32nd year, Lakewood Ranch is home to more than 77,000 residents and features established schools, healthcare facilities, employment centers, and retail services that meet daily needs within the community. Homes range from the high $200,000s to more than $1 million.

The eighth consecutive No. 1 ranking underscores the role of long-term planning and consistency in shaping housing decisions as market conditions continue to evolve.

ABOUT LAKEWOOD RANCH 

Developed by Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, Lakewood Ranch is the 55-square-mile, award-winning master-planned community located in Sarasota and Manatee counties on Florida’s west coast. Just a few miles from the region’s white-sand beaches and offering a robust mix of cultural assets, Lakewood Ranch is home to more than 77,000 residents. It has ranked as the nation’s top-selling multigenerational master-planned community for seven consecutive years and serves as a major economic engine for the region, with more than 22,000 people employed across a growing mix of businesses, healthcare facilities, and commercial centers. The community also features top-rated schools, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, the 75-acre Premier Sports Campus, Sarasota Polo Club, and three vibrant town centers with shopping, dining, and entertainment. Lakewood Ranch is a place where individuals and families can put down roots, build careers, and find community. For more information, visit lakewoodranch.com.