Author: Taylor Riffle

SARASOTA, FL, June 11, 2025 – Forestar Group Inc. (“Forestar”), one of the largest residential community developers in the nation,  announces the grand opening of The Palm Bar, a new restaurant nestled in the resort campus of Star Farms at Lakewood Ranch. With multiple entertainment spaces, including a relaxing outdoor atmosphere with alfresco dining, this location offers the best of Florida-style living. Menu items include tasty foods served hot off the grill and freshly prepared salads paired with frozen and fruity beverages. The grand opening festivities of The Palm Bar were held June 5-7, serving nearly 800 residents and invited guests.

“We are thrilled to open our newest dining experience, The Palm Bar, on our resort campus,” Tony Squitieri, Forestar Region Vice President and West Florida Region Division President. “We have created another resort getaway for our residents and guests to enjoy the fresh air and relaxing dining atmosphere.”

The Palm Bar is located in The Resort Club, the social hub of Star Farms at Lakewood Ranch. The Resort Club is an innovative, amenity-rich campus, including a hospitality-staffed facility, where members explore interests, stay active and connect with friends. The initial phase showcases a resort-style pool and spa, poolside cabanas and beach areas, a pet park, Trade Route Coffee Shop, Star Fit Wellness Complex – Fitness and Performance Centers, community lawn, courtyard and golf cart parking, The Palm Bar, and outdoor activities. The Terrace – Chef’s Patio, events center, and a mail kiosk are planned for future phases.

Surrounded by the natural beauty of Southwest Florida, Star Farms at Lakewood Ranch is a multigenerational lifestyle community that offers a unique experience tailored to residents. The thoughtfully designed, 1,300-acre, gated village is a resort ranch hometown featuring 2,800 single-family homes, paired villa retreats and townhomes with a variety of amenities, clubs and hospitality services. The featured homebuilders in Star Farms showcase numerous floorplans to choose from, ranging from approximately 1,500 to over 5,000 square feet with luxury, custom options available. Positioned as the largest master-planned community within the award-winning Lakewood Ranch, Star Farms is minutes from dining, shopping and cultural activities as well as top-rated beaches.

“Star Farms is a vibrant multigenerational village that offers a diverse range of amenities, designed to enrich the lifestyle of all who call it home,” said Sandy Shahinian, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Lakewood Ranch Communities. “The Palm Bar is yet another example of their unique amenities. It exemplifies our commitment to offer dynamic communities where residents of all ages can thrive.”

Whether exploring new adventures, discovering new passions, meeting new neighbors or finding new ways to connect with nature, Star Farms is an extraordinary place to call home.

Visit www.starfarmslwr.com and join the VIP Club for the latest information.

About Lakewood Ranch

Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Lakewood Ranch is a 55-square-mile, award-winning master-planned community three decades in the making. A family legacy project, the Ranch is known for its innovative design, diverse neighborhoods, and enduring sense of place. It also serves as a major job center for the Sarasota-Manatee region, with thriving business parks, medical hubs, and a growing base of employers. With top-rated schools, miles of trails, expansive parks, and vibrant town centers, Lakewood Ranch offers a dynamic and connected lifestyle for all ages—and has held the distinction of being the nation’s best-selling multigenerational community for seven consecutive years. For more information visit www.lakewoodranch.com.

About Forestar Group Inc.

Forestar Group Inc. is a residential lot development company with operations in 65 markets and 24 states. Based in Arlington, Texas, the Company delivered more than 14,300 residential lots during the twelve-month period ended March 31, 2025. Forestar is a majority-owned subsidiary of D.R. Horton, the largest homebuilder by volume in the United States since 2002. For more information, visit www.forestar.com.

Community pricing, features, terms, availability and amenities are subject to change at any time without notice or obligation. 

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Contact:

Katy Walker

Walker Group

kwalker@wgcmarketing.com

(770) 880-3189

Sarasota, FL — May 22, 2025 – John Cannon Homes, the premier luxury custom home builder of Southwest Florida, is proud to announce that acclaimed architect and designer Wayne Visbeen, AIA, IIDA, has officially partnered with the John Cannon Homes team.

Wayne Visbeen, founder of Visbeen Architects, is renowned nationally for his timeless, innovative designs that seamlessly blend beauty, function, and livability. His addition marks a new era of creativity and architectural excellence for John Cannon Homes, enhancing our ability to deliver inspired custom homes that exceed client expectations.

“For nearly four decades, John Cannon Homes has been synonymous with craftsmanship, innovation, and client-focused service,” said John Cannon, CEO and President of John Cannon Homes. “Wayne’s extraordinary vision and award-winning designs align perfectly with our commitment to building legacies for generations to come. We’re excited about the future we will create together.”

Wayne Visbeen brings with him a portfolio of nationally recognized work across luxury residential, resort, and commercial projects. His design philosophy emphasizes highly livable, smart, and beautifully detailed spaces — characteristics that align with John Cannon Homes’ tradition of creating residences that feel distinctly personal yet timeless.

“I am thrilled to collaborate with John Cannon Homes, a company that shares my passion for delivering exceptional living experiences,” said Wayne Visbeen. “Together, we’ll continue to push the boundaries of custom home design, blending classic elegance with fresh, contemporary ideas for today’s families.”

Wayne will play a key role in shaping upcoming custom home projects and model designs, bringing new dimensions to John Cannon Homes’ already celebrated portfolio.

For more information, please visit johncannonhomes.com or contact Amy Brown, Marketing Manager, abrown@johncannonhomes.com | 941.924.5935.

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Wayne Visbeen, AIA, IIDA – Founder of Visbeen Architects and partner on select John Cannon Homes projects.

Photo courtesy of Visbeen Architects.

About John Cannon Homes

John Cannon Homes is Southwest Florida’s premier custom home builder, with nearly four decades of experience designing and building award-winning luxury residences. Since 1987, the company has constructed more than 2,500 custom homes throughout the region’s most prestigious neighborhoods, earning a reputation for timeless design, impeccable craftsmanship, and personalized service. With a portfolio that spans waterfront estates, golf course homes, and expansive countryside retreats, John Cannon Homes has received more than 450 industry awards and has been honored as the Herald-Tribune’s Community Choice Award winner for Best Builder for 34 consecutive years. From concept to completion, John Cannon Homes is committed to making every client’s vision a lasting legacy.