FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2025

Lakewood Ranch Starts 2025 Strong with Steady Sales and Strategic Momentum

Lakewood Ranch, FL — Lakewood Ranch reported 613 new home sales in the first quarter of 2025, a 2.5% increase over Q1 last year—outpacing broader market trends and underscoring the community’s continued strength in a shifting housing landscape.

Despite softer consumer sentiment and economic headwinds, buyers continue to choose Lakewood Ranch for its thoughtful planning, diverse housing options, and commitment to long-term livability. The nation’s top-selling multigenerational master-planned community since 2018, Lakewood Ranch recently launched four new villages that appeal to a wide range of market segments, with additional neighborhoods on the horizon for 2026.

Interest in attached homes grew this quarter, particularly in well-amenitized villages offering accessible price points. Homes in the $300,000–$500,000 range made up the largest share of sales, while luxury homes over $1 million held steady. Active adult buyers also increased 10% year-over-year, aligning with seasonal patterns and national trends, and tied to the launch of two new active adult communities, Del Webb Catalina (Pulte) and Calusa National (Lennar).

Incentives like rate buy downs and closing cost assistance boosted new home sales to 66% of total sales in Lakewood Ranch—well above the historical average.

“We’re encouraged by these results and remain focused on delivering lasting value,” said Laura Cole, Senior Vice President. “Lakewood Ranch has weathered changing markets before, and our track record of strategic growth and community-first planning puts us in a strong position as we look ahead.”

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

Media Contact:

Sandy Shahinian

VP, Sales & Marketing

LWR Communities

Sandy.Shahinian@LakewoodRanch.com

#941-757-1658

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

Forestar Expands Star Farms at Lakewood Ranch; Creates Largest Village in the Master-Planned Community

SARASOTA, FL, NOVEMBER 21, 2024 – Forestar Group Inc. (“Forestar”), one of the largest single-family residential community developers in the nation, announces the development of Saddlestone ­—

a new neighborhood located within Star Farms at Lakewood Ranch. Saddlestone adds more than 570 acres and 1,300 homesites to Star Farms. With this new addition, Star Farms encompasses nearly 1,300 acres and 2,800 lots and establishes the community as the largest in Lakewood Ranch. Adjacent to Bourneside Boulevard and 44^th Avenue East, the first phase of Saddlestone includes 300 homesites nestled along environmental features.

Groundbreaking attendees included Forestar team members: Tony Squitieri, West Florida Region Vice President; Ted Gadoury, Land Development Amenity Manager; John Barnott, Investments and Development Director; Christian Cotter, Region Director of Resort Hospitality; and Evan DeHart, Land Development Manager.

According to Squitieri, a shared commitment to excellence has driven the growth of Star Farms. “Lakewood Ranch chose us to develop this area because of the success of Star Farms. They thought we were the best fit to overcome the challenges,” he said. “Star Farms could not have become the largest master-planned community within Lakewood Ranch without our featured builders, and we look forward to sharing our vision in more detail as our design progresses.”

Surrounded by the natural beauty of Southwest Florida, this multi-generational lifestyle community offers a unique experience.

“We have designed, in an innovative way, a multi-generational community by creating a hometown that connects and inspires,” Squitieri said. “I credit our onsite hospitality team with shaping this lifestyle for our families.”

According to the Lakewood Ranch sales and marketing team, this tailored approach and product mix attracts homebuyers.

“Star Farms has become a favorite village in Lakewood Ranch thanks to its wide variety of home types, price points and exceptional amenities,” said Sandy Shahinian, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Lakewood Ranch Communities. “We are thrilled to see this community continue to thrive with the introduction of additional phases, providing even more opportunities for buyers to make Star Farms at Lakewood Ranch their home.”

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

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

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 www.lakewoodranch.com.

About Forestar Group Inc.

Forestar Group Inc. is a residential lot development company with operations in 59 markets and 24 states. Based in Arlington, Texas, the Company delivered more than 15,000 residential lots during the twelve-month period ended September 30, 2024. Forestar is a majority-owned subsidiary of D.R. Horton, Inc., 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.

LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (November 11, 2024) – Heritage Golf Group, a leading owner and operator of
private country clubs and high-end daily-fee courses, proudly announces the completion of Phase
1 renovations at Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club, acquired in March 2024. In less than
eight months, the club is set to unveil two fully renovated golf courses, including the addition of
its newest private course, The Legacy, which will open for Member play on November 16, along
with major updates to the club’s racquet sport and wellness amenities.

Phase 1 renovations focused on two of the four private golf courses at LWRG&CC: Cypress
Links and The Legacy courses. These courses have been enhanced with celebration
bermudagrass fairways, newly constructed tifeagle greens, refurbished cart paths, and renovated
bunkers for improved playability and aesthetics. The Legacy course now features multiple new
sets of tees, making it accessible to golfers of all skill levels.

The Legacy Golf Course, an Arnold Palmer signature course known for its distinct design and
challenging play, was previously a daily-fee course adjacent to the club. Heritage Golf Group
made the strategic decision to merge The Legacy into Lakewood Ranch as its fourth private
course. With renovations now complete, the course has been restored to its original glory,
showcasing pristine conditions, paying homage to Palmer’s vision. Cypress Links, also designed
by Arnold Palmer and opened in 2001, has similarly undergone significant improvements.

Two of the club’s three practice facilities have also undergone major renovations, featuring
upgraded amenities, new premier practice balls, laser tee boxes, and new target greens to elevate
the Member practice experience.

Luke Beardmore, Heritage Golf Group’s Senior Vice President of Agronomy, spearheaded the
course renovations. “We are thrilled with the transformations at Cypress Links and The Legacy.
Both courses, each unique in design, now feature upgraded irrigation systems, enhanced
playability, and improved aesthetics. We’re very excited to open them back up to the Lakewood
Ranch Golf & Country Club membership,” he stated.

Heritage Golf Group begun renovations within a week of acquisition, meeting an ambitious Fall
2024 opening despite challenges posed by three named weather events. With the opening of
Cypress and The Legacy, Lakewood Ranch G&CC is now the only club in the Sarasota area
offering Members access to four private golf courses. The addition of The Legacy as the club’s
fourth private golf course has allowed Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club to accommodate
new golf members from a previously existing waitlist. The club is currently accepting
memberships in all categories.

“We’re thrilled to mark a new era at Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club with the opening of
all four golf courses.” Says Jim Oliver, Chief Operating Officer at Heritage Golf Group “This
milestone reflects our dedication to enhancing the experience for our Members and guests, and
we’re eager to bring even more planned improvements to life in the future.”

Beyond the golf courses, Phase 1 improvements include enhancements to the club’s racquet
sports and wellness amenities. The future addition of three new tennis courts brings the total to
23, while new LED lighting upgrades and court resurfacing improve playability and drainage.

The 24-hour fitness center will also be equipped with new cardio and strength machines, along
with additional group fitness equipment.

Plans are already underway for Phase 2 renovations, which include a multi-million dollar
transformation of The Legacy Clubhouse. Once completed, this will become the club’s third fullservice
clubhouse, featuring a member restaurant, patio, pro shop, and more. Renovations will
continue into 2025 and 2026 with scheduled upgrades to the remaining two golf courses, Royal
Lakes, and King’s Dunes, each receiving full renovations on a rotating basis.

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About Heritage Golf Group

Since purchasing Heritage Golf Group in January 2020, the current ownership and leadership
team has grown the company to include 37 clubs across the US. With its home office in northern
Virginia, just outside Washington DC, Heritage clubs are located in Alabama, Colorado, Florida,
Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina,
Virginia, Michigan, and Wisconsin. The company continues to grow by acquiring a mix of
private country clubs in residential communities, member-owned clubs with growth potential
seeking strategic alternatives, and premium daily-fee and resort golf properties in major resort
destinations and metropolitan markets. Guided by the principle of evolving the golf experience to
the highest level, each individual club’s amenities and operational systems are tailored to
augment its unique assets. For more information, please visit www.heritagegolfgroup.com.

Media Contacts:

Mary Moore, Heritage Golf Group
Phone: 703-570-4955
mmoore@heritagegolfgroup.com

Caroline Burroughs, Heritage Golf Group
Phone: 703-909-4317
cburroughs@heritagegolfgroup.com

LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (October 13, 2024) – The Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation (LWRCF) announces the immediate launch of Hurricane Relief Community Match Campaign.

Our vision as the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation is to use the power of giving to serve our community. Founded in 2000, our mission is to enhance the quality of life in our communities by responding to the needs, granting funds, and building lasting relationships. Over the past 20+ years, we have given more than $1.53 million to 140 deserving nonprofits. Let’s Open the Door for this special opportunity.

In difficult times such as these, we want to be the philanthropic pillar of Lakewood Ranch. We are here to help deserving nonprofits seeking grants to help our residents and community who have suffered damage and loss, to build back. Our board of directors has authorized $50,000 to be placed in a special Hurricane Relief Fund. We are asking our community to help match this amount. Every penny donated to this fund will be given in grants.

Donors may simply go to our website www.LWRCF.org, click on the “donate” button and complete the form. We hope every resident and business in our community will step up and help us, help others.

Nonprofit organizations who meet the 501 C (3) requirements and are based in Lakewood Ranch may apply. Please contact www.LWRCF.org or call 941.208.6799 to receive a specific application for this grant opportunity.

Let’s Open the Door…and our hearts and help our Lakewood Ranch nonprofits to help others.

    For more information, visit www.LWRCF.org, or contact 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 $1.5 million to more than 140 nonprofit organizations to directly improve the lives of Lakewood Ranch residents. Let us “Open the Door.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                         For more information please contact:

Oct. 15, 2024                                                                                         Lisa M. Barnott, 941.757.1542

                                                                                                lisa.barnott@lakewoodranch.com

Lakewood Ranch Unites for Hurricane Relief Efforts

In the wake of hurricanes Helene and Milton, we are grateful to report that Lakewood Ranch’s business and town centers have resumed normal operations, providing services and support to our community.

While our area was fortunate to avoid the worst of the storm, our thoughts are with those on the barrier islands, coastal regions, and major flood zones who were severely impacted. In response, Lakewood Ranch is hosting and supporting several relief efforts to assist our neighbors in need. These events will offer much-needed community connection, an opportunity to relax, enjoy great food, and make a positive impact together.

A food and supply drive for hurricane victims will be held in conjunction with Ranch Nite Wednesdays from 6-9 p.m. Oct. 16 at Waterside Place, 7500 Island Cove Terrace, Lakewood Ranch. The donation event will be hosted in partnership with Meals on Wheels Plus/The Food Bank of Manatee County. Needed items include:

• Non-perishable unused, unopened food items
• Bottled water
• Shop vacs
• Push brooms
• Squeegees
• Bleach
• Mold remover
• Shovels
• Wheelbarrows
• Trash bags
• Plastic storage bins
• Toilet paper
• Paper towels
• Towels
• Gloves
• Fans
• Dehumidifiers
• Other cleaning supplies

For more information visit www.lakewoodranch.com/event/ranch-nite-wednesdays/?caldate=2024-10-16&calstart=6:00%20pm&calend=9:00%20pm.

There will also be free meals from any of the food trucks for all first responders or linemen with a valid work ID or work badge at Ranch Nites on Oct. 16. For more information and other discounts, visit www.lakewoodranch.com/event/thank-you-first-responders-events/?caldate=&calstart=6:00PM&calend=2:00PM.

The relief efforts will continue with a food and supply drive at the weekly Farmers’ Market at Waterside Place, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20. For more information visit www.lakewoodranch.com/event/the-market-5.

There will be a number of blood drives held around Lakewood Ranch at various locations; to register visit lakewoodranch.com/event/suncoast-blood-centers-blood-drives.   

Shop to Support Market Night will be held from 6-9 p.m. Nov. 8 at Lakewood Ranch Main Street. This is a special event to give those who have lost their storefronts – permanently or temporarily – an opportunity to sell salvaged and incoming inventory. The vendor line-up will feature stores from Siesta Key, St. Armand’s Circle, Longboat Key, Anna Maria Island, and more. For more information visit www.lakewoodranch.com/event/76325-2.

The Lakewood Ranch Information Center, 8131 Lakewood Main Street, is also collecting food items for Meals on Wheels PLUS/The Foodbank of Manatee County through the end of November. For more information visit www.lakewoodranch.com/event/food-bank-drive/?caldate=2024-11-01&calstart=10:00 am&calend=5:30 pm.

For additional storm resources and volunteer opportunities, visit www.lakewoodranch.com/hurricane-information.