Category: Press Releases

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 (New tenant coming but still a business in LWR) – 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.

Esplanade at Cammaray will feature 1,200 homes and resort amenities

Sarasota, Fla., Dec. 16, 2025—America’s Most Trusted® Home Builder Taylor Morrison closed on a land acquisition with plans to expand its successful resort lifestyle brand Esplanade in the Sarasota area and bring 1,200 new homes to Lakewood Ranch with Esplanade at Cammaray. Sales are anticipated to begin in early 2027.

“Bringing a third Esplanade community to Lakewood Ranch is really special. This is where Esplanade began, and the lifestyle we have created here, rooted in holistic wellness, has proven to be desirable,” said Cammie Longenecker, Taylor Morrison’s President of Resort Lifestyle Brand. “It’s inspiring to reflect on the origin that our original Esplanade Golf & Country Club at Lakewood Ranch community started, and now we have more than 30+ Esplanade communities nationally and growing. These communities reimagine residential living through the lens of hospitality, wellness, and concierge-level services, and Esplanade at Cammaray will be a place to enjoy it all.”

Esplanade at Cammaray is planned to be a gated community which will feature approximately 1,200 single-family homes, condos, and twin villas. Planned amenities include a resort-style pool and spa with towel service and poolside cabanas; Culinary Center with multiple dining experiences; Wellness Center; state-of-the-art fitness center; tennis, pickleball, and bocce ball courts; signature spa services; Bahama Bar; event lawn, and more. Throughout the community residents will be able to take advantage of a multi-use trail system in and around wetlands, which will connect to the existing trail system in the surrounding area. Another Taylor Morrison community with approximately 200 townhomes will also be located outside the gates on an adjacent land parcel.

Located in Lakewood Ranch, the #1 multi-generational/all ages master planned community in the U.S., and just miles southeast of Taylor Morrison’s Esplanade at Azario community, Esplanade at Cammaray will offer close proximity to Lakewood Ranch’s newest boutique entertainment district Waterside Place, along with University Town Center, Center Point, Downtown Sarasota, Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, local beaches, employment corridors, schools, and medical centers.

“The Esplanade brand has been embraced by the Sarasota community, and we’re excited to build on that success with Esplanade at Cammaray,” said Andrew Sorensen, Taylor Morrison’s Sarasota Division President. “With a prime location in the final phase of Lakewood Ranch, residents can look forward to thoughtfully designed homes, exciting resort-style amenities, and curated wellness experiences that make every day feel like a vacation. Amenities will be similar to our Esplanade at Azario community, minus golf.”

“With Esplanade at Cammaray, Taylor Morrison continues to build on their concept that began here—innovating with each community and reinforcing a partnership that has played a key role in Lakewood Ranch’s success,” said Laura Cole, Senior Vice President of Lakewood Ranch Communities.

Taylor Morrison’s Esplanade brand has more than 30 communities across the country and plans for continued growth, most recently launching in markets including Las Vegas, Nevada; Charlotte, North Carolina; St Marys, Georgia; Temecula, California; and Sacramento, California.

For more information about Taylor Morrison and Esplanade, and to receive the latest updates on upcoming communities, please visit www.taylormorrison.com.

About Taylor Morrison

Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Taylor Morrison is one of the nation’s leading homebuilders and developers. We serve a wide array of consumers from coast to coast, including first-time, move-up, luxury and resort lifestyle homebuyers and renters under our family of brands—including Taylor Morrison, Esplanade and Yardly. From 2016-2025, Taylor Morrison has been recognized as America’s Most Trusted® Builder by Lifestory Research. Our strong commitment to sustainability, our communities and our team is highlighted in our latest annual Sustainability and Belonging Report. 

For more information about Taylor Morrison, please visit www.taylormorrison.com.

CONTACT: Erin Kristick

(480) 840-8108

ekristick@taylormorrison.com  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Kaitlyn Perez

press@lakewoodranch.com | 941.229.0879

A Century in the Making: New Book Chronicles the History and Transformation of Florida’s Schroeder-Manatee Ranch into the Thriving Community of Lakewood Ranch

A Legacy of Living with the Land explores how generations of vision, stewardship, and entrepreneurial spirit shaped one of America’s most successful communities.

Lakewood Ranch, FL – December 8, 2025 — Long before it became home to one of the nation’s most admired master-planned communities, the place known today as Lakewood Ranch supported a tapestry of Florida enterprise—from timber and cattle, agriculture, shell mining, and water management to recreation. This new book, Lakewood Ranch: A Legacy of Living with the Land, is a nod to Florida’s pioneering history, uncovering how American innovation and perseverance fostered intentional and careful growth, honoring what came before while building for the future.

The story begins in 1846, when the Uihlein family emigrated from Germany to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to establish a brewery that would later become part of America’s brewing heritage. Their journey eventually led them to Florida’s Suncoast, where the land that now encompasses Lakewood Ranch supported thriving timber, agricultural, and shell mining operations. Faced with threats of uninvited uses, including a new airport and landfill site, the family responded with foresight—developing a deliberate, long-term plan to transform the property into the nation’s leading multigenerational community.

Drawing from extensive archives, personal recollections, and behind-the-scenes insights from the owners, developer, and community leaders, the book offers a front-row seat to how vision, resilience, and respect for the land culminated in a modern-day success story. Through political challenges, market change, and early skepticism, Lakewood Ranch not only endured—it thrived.

“Lakewood Ranch represents a winning collaboration of the family, a very talented and dedicated team, and a series of creative public/private partnerships, as well as a great number of business partners and the residents themselves,” comments Rex Jensen, President and CEO of Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, in the book’s foreword. “Each of these key players has placed their own brushstrokes on the broad canvas that now depicts one of the best-in-class master-planned communities in the United States.”

Lakewood Ranch: A Legacy of Living with the Land, written in partnership with Advantage Books, is a limited-edition coffee table book that will appeal to anyone interested in Florida’s history, community building, and the enduring relationship between people and place. To learn more or to purchase a copy, visit the Lakewood Ranch Information Center on Main Street. The book can also be preordered on Amazon. 

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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT:

Kaitlyn Perez | press@lakewoodranch.com

Lakewood Ranch President and CEO Rex Jensen Named Community Humanitarian of the Year

LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL, November 14, 2025 – Lakewood Ranch President and CEO Rex Jensen has been named recipient of the C. John A. Clarke Community Humanitarian of the Year Award, presented by the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation.

The award, announced Thursday evening during the Foundation’s Soirée at the Ranch at the Lakewood Ranch Country Club, is given annually to an individual whose leadership has made a lasting impact on the community.

Named for C. John A. Clarke, whose foresight and values helped shape the early vision of Lakewood Ranch, the award honors individuals who exemplify integrity, service, and a deep commitment to community. For Jensen, the honor represents more than personal achievement; it reflects the shared dedication of the people and organizations that have helped make Lakewood Ranch one of the nation’s most livable and connected multigenerational communities.

“Lakewood Ranch created a rising tide that has lifted a lot of boats. This community has helped families, businesses, and the greater region in countless ways,” commented Jensen during Thursday evening’s reception. “While I am deeply grateful for this recognition, none of this would exist without the extraordinary team that brings the vision to life every single day. They are truly the hardest working group of people I have ever known.”

Jensen joined Schroeder-Manatee Ranch (SMR) in 1990 as Vice President of Planning and went on to serve as President and CEO, shaping the evolution of Lakewood Ranch from working farmland into a vibrant, nationally recognized community. His leadership has extended across multiple SMR enterprises, including SMR Farms, SMR Aggregates, and SMR Commercial, demonstrating both vision and versatility. Under his direction, Lakewood Ranch grew deliberately and sustainably, guided by principles of stewardship, innovation, and long-term value.

Through his forward-thinking leadership, Jensen helped embed stewardship into Lakewood Ranch’s culture, including the establishment of the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation. His approach has always balanced progress with purpose, aligning environmental care, infrastructure planning, and philanthropy to ensure the Ranch remains true to its guiding principle: creating a place where people belong.

“Rex Jensen and his team have created a historic legacy,” commented Matt Walsh, CEO and founder of Observer Media Group, during the reception. “What was once a canvas of 30,000 acres of cattle pastureland, citrus groves, sod, mining, scrub land, wetlands and wildlife is now a national shining star–a prosperous, thriving, environmentally preserved, multigenerational, safe, and loved ‘community’ of 77,000 people who are darn proud to call Lakewood Ranch their home, their place of work, and their place to play.”

“A friend and business partner for nearly 35 years, I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this honor than Rex,” commented Al Maio, former Sarasota County Commissioner. “He has led this community with vision and foresight, always thinking ten steps ahead and never compromising the integrity of the land or the legacy behind it. Rex is a true champion for our region.”

Today, Lakewood Ranch is home to more than 74,000 residents across 30 villages. It has become a thriving community where strong schools, local businesses, healthcare, and recreation are woven into daily life. Since its founding in 2000, the Foundation has awarded more than $1.5 million in grants to over 140 nonprofit organizations, strengthening the very region that helped shape its success.

For more information, visit LakewoodRanch.com.

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 74,000 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.

The new restaurant’s owner also operates a Japanese eatery in Sarasota and University Town Center, and a Korean barbecue spot in Lakewood Ranch.

A new restaurant serving sushi, skewers and small plates — sharing the same owner as three other popular Sarasota area Asian eateries — is debuting on Lakewood Ranch’s Main Street.

Kuro Sushi will officially open to the public Nov. 1, following a dinner hours and reservation-only soft opening through Saturday, Oct. 25 and a Forty Carrots Family Center fundraiser on Tuesday, Oct. 28. The new restaurant is at 8126 Lakewood Main St. #102 in the former space of Hana Sushi Lounge.

Daniel Dokko owns Kuro Sushi, along with JPAN Sushi & Grill in Sarasota’s Shops at Siesta Row and University Town Center and Korean barbecue spot Korê Steakhouse in Lakewood Ranch’s Waterside Place, all under Umami Hospitality Group. Dokko said the restaurant will offer a variety of flavors, both due to the team’s different backgrounds — Dokko is Korean, chef Brian Briones is Filipino, and partner Anderyas Putranto is Indonesian — and by spotlighting shareable small dishes.

What kind of food and drink will Kuro Sushi serve?

“You and a guest, instead of ordering one appetizer, two entrées, here you can order six different dishes and try things,” Dokko said.

Menu item examples Dokko offered include a pork spring roll (from Briones’ grandmother’s recipe), crudos, sushi, sashimi and nigiri. Skewer dishes will be a big focus, including Korean soy garlic beef rib, Thai chicken, and pork belly skewers.

Kuro will also have a full-liquor drink menu, with Pangea Alchemy Lab founder Brad Coburn serving as a bar consultant. Cocktails will include a take on an espresso martini also called “Kuro,” which is Japanese for “black.”

The restaurant, designed by David Morrison, will seat around 120, with tables both inside and outside and a bar that seats about 12 people. Starting Nov. 24, Dokko said the restaurant also plans to offer omakase (Japanese for “I’ll leave it up to you,” as in the customer leaving their order up to the chef) at a seven-seat sushi bar.

If you go

Kuro Sushi is at 8126 Lakewood Main St. #102, Bradenton. Starting Nov. 1, hours will be 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. for lunch and 4:30-9:30 p.m. for dinner Monday through Saturday, with plans to later open on Sunday, Dokko said. For more information, call 941-422-5876 or visit kurosushi.bar.

Email entertainment reporter Jimmy Geurts at jimmy.geurts@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.

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Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport ranked among the best in the nation in a recent USA TODAY poll.

Vacation begins at the airport. That’s why Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport was voted the best resort airport by USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards. 

With less than 20 gates and a number of bars, restaurants and shops, it’s no surprise SRQ was a top choice among those searching for the pristine beaches, incredible sunsets and the clear blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

If travelers need a pre-security snack or drink, Dunkin’ is there for service, or if they’re looking for something a bit stronger, Suncoast Trading & Bar. After security, vacationers can choose from Beach Market Cafe, Dunkin’ Express, Jimmy Johns, Tap & Pour, Liquid Provisions, Salt & Tide and Starbucks.  

What makes Sarasota airport special?

Travelers can also shop. The airport offers Gulf Coast Travelmart, where they can buy snacks, drinks, the local Sarasota Herald-Tribune newspaper, books or Florida apparel. CNBC Sarasota Bradenton, located after the security checkpoint, carries a similar selection of goods to meet the needs of every traveler. SRQ also has a PGA Tour Shop, if any visitors need a last-minute golf setup or a random beach necessity.

SRQ’s origins date back to the 1930s, with commercial services beginning as early as the 1940s. It wasn’t until 1961 that Eastern Airlines began commercial services out of SRQ.  

The airport got its “international” badge in 1992 when United States Customs Service granted it “Port of Entry” status. Today, the airport has one seasonal flight to Toronto, Canada – it’s only international destination, according to its website. 

The airport has 69 nonstop destinations connected to the Northeast, Midwest, Southeast and Texas through budget airlines like Breeze Airways, Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines, Sun Country Airlines and Avelo Airlines. The airport also runs flights with major carriers like Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, United Airlines and Air Canada.  

SRQ also offers nine rental car companies, making the transition from the airport to the beach easy and smooth. President and CEO Rick Piccolo tried to make the area convenient and easy to get in and out of so visitors can enjoy Sarasota’s amenities, he said.

“We are very pleased that people think the airport – because they voted on it – is wonderful,” Piccolo said. “We do our best to make it as clean, wonderful and beautiful as the area is.”

Piccolo is predicting SRQ will bring in around 4.5 million passengers in 2025, with more growth coming in the future as the airports expands. He thinks growth will be an outcome of the airport generating billions of dollars of economic benefits for the local community, as well as thousands of jobs, he said.

Tampa International Airport also awarded

A little further up the road, Tampa International Airport won quite a few awards of its own through the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards.  

Those awards include best airport for art, with Tampa’s iconic giant flamingo statue; best airport for dining, with Bavaro’s Pizza and Napoletana & Pastaria coming in at seventh for best grab-and-go food and Cigar City Brewing named No.5 for best airport sit down restaurant.  

Tampa also took home the trophy for the best large airport, beating out two home state competitors: Orlando International Airport at No. 4 and Miami International Airport at No. 9.  

Ella Thompson covers growth and development for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Contact her atethompson@gannett.com. Support local journalism by subscribing today.  

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M/I Homes Raises $141,000 for Cancer Research Through Sweetwater at Lakewood Ranch Benefit Home

SARASOTA, FL — In a powerful demonstration of community collaboration and corporate philanthropy, M/I Homes has announced a $141,000 donation to Pelotonia, a nonprofit organization committed to funding life-saving cancer research. The funds were raised through the sale of a specially designated Benefit Home in the Sweetwater at Lakewood Ranch community.

This year’s initiative brought together builders, vendors, and developers in a shared mission to support groundbreaking cancer research. A key contributor was Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, Inc., developer of Lakewood Ranch, which donated more than $15,000 toward the effort.

“We’re honored to be part of a cause that touches so many lives,” said Sandy Shahinian Levins, VP of Marketing for Schroeder-Manatee Ranch. “Cancer research is a cause close to our hearts, and we’re proud to join M/I Homes in making a difference.”

The donation was formally presented at a recognition event held on October 6, where Erika Walker, Pelotonia’s Philanthropy & Stewardship Manager, 

accepted the check on behalf of the organization. “This generous contribution from M/I Homes and its partners continues to fuel our mission to end cancer,” said Walker. “Their commitment not only provides critical funding but also raises awareness and inspires others to get involved.”

Greg Crawford, president of M/I Homes Sarasota division, emphasized the collective nature of the achievement: “This donation represents the heart of our community. It’s the result of countless hours, generous contributions, and a shared belief that together, we can make a difference.”

The benefit home program is part of M/I Homes’ broader national partnership with Pelotonia, reinforcing the company’s dedication to causes that improve lives and strengthen communities.

To learn more about M/I Homes’ partnership with Pelotonia, visit www.mihomes.com/pelotonia/overview.

LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (September 22, 2025) – The Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation (LWRCF) recently held its Builders Give Back program annual meeting, sponsored by Williams Parker-Waterside and hosted by Good Liquid Brewing in Waterside. The program, which has raised $118,800 for LWRCF since its inception in 2023, is an initiative of LWRCF, Lakewood Ranch Communities, and 11 of the community’s premier builders.  

For every new home closing, the participating builders – Anchor Builders, AR Homes, Homes by Towne, John Cannon Homes, Lee Wetherington Homes, Lennar, M/I Homes, Neal Communities, Neal Signature Homes, Pulte Homes, and Stock – make a donation to LWRCF in the new homeowner’s name. Lakewood Ranch Communities, the developer of Lakewood Ranch, matches each contribution.

With a “live here, give here” approach, the work of LWRCF is to support the nonprofits making an impact in Lakewood Ranch, as well as in Manatee and Sarasota counties. The Builders Give Back program allows new residents to experience the giving culture of Lakewood Ranch right when they move in.

For more information about the Builders Give Back program and LWRCF, visit 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 $1.5 million to more than 140 nonprofit organizations to directly improve the lives of Lakewood Ranch residents. Let us “Open the Door.”

MEDIA CONTACT

Nyda Bittmann-Neville, Nyda@TNBGroup.com, 828-246-4525