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.

Customer Blueprint recognized as a game-changer in resident engagement and community management

LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL. – Lakewood Ranch and leading proptech firm Cecilian Partners are thrilled to announce that the recently launched resident lifestyle platform, Customer Blueprint, has been awarded the PropTech Breakthrough Residential Platform of the Year. Lakewood Ranch, the nation’s top-selling multi-generational master planned community, was the first to launch and actively collaborate in the design of the groundbreaking platform.

Customer Blueprint elevates the resident experience by providing an all-in-one, integrated digital solution for community management and resident engagement. Lakewood Ranch was instrumental in shaping the platform and ensuring it met the needs of modern residents and community managers.

“Lakewood Ranch is expansive and offers a wide array of amenities and a vibrant events calendar,” said Sandy Shahinian, vice president of sales and marketing for Lakewood Ranch Communities. “Customer Blueprint has played a key role in making the vibrant lifestyle at Lakewood Ranch even more accessible, strengthening connections among residents and enriching the sense of community.”

Part of Cecilian’s proprietary Residential OS, Customer Blueprint gives residents seamless access to all aspects of community living, from event tickets to facility reservations and amenity details. As a centralized hub, the platform consolidates community management tasks, streamlines communications, and provides real-time insights into resident behavior, allowing communities like Lakewood Ranch to make data-driven decisions that continually improve the resident experience.

The PropTech Breakthrough award highlights Cecilian Partners’ dedication to propelling the future of community development technology and emphasizes Lakewood Ranch’s role as a pioneer in adopting and helping design this game-changing platform. Together, the companies are redefining what it means to foster a connected and thriving residential community.

“Lakewood Ranch has always been a leader in innovation and resident experience, making it a natural partner for bringing Customer Blueprint to life,” said Philip Worland, co-founder and chief product officer at Cecilian Partners. “The team’s insights and feedback, combined with real users in the platform, helped us develop a product that can scale across the industry and sets a new standard for resident engagement.”

Since launching in February, Customer Blueprint has seen rapid adoption within Lakewood Ranch, with over 4,000 residents and 1,500 non-residents already registered. The platform’s user-friendly interface and dynamic capabilities have made it a critical tool in managing one of the country’s most complex and successful master planned communities.

Media contact: Lisa Barnott

P:  941.757.1542

E:  lisa.barnott@lakewoodranch.com

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, three town centers, and countless shopping and dining experiences. For more information visit www.lakewoodranch.com.

About Cecilian Partners

Cecilian Partners collaborates with land developers and homebuilders across the U.S. who aspire to modernize their digital footprint, from land to lots to homes to residents. Cecilian’s community development software, 3D maps, data solutions, and resident engagement platforms simplify placemaking and elevate the homebuying experience. Learn more at cecilianpartners.com.

Ryan Homes is thrilled to unveil its latest development, Amber Creek, a vibrant new community in the heart of Lakewood Ranch. The grand opening for VIP sales will take place on September 28th, offering prospective homeowners a unique opportunity to be part of one of the region’s most sought-after locations.

Amber Creek stands out as a premier residential destination, featuring beautifully designed townhomes starting from the upper $300s. This exceptional community offers several key benefits, including no CDD fees, low monthly HOA dues, and a 2-car brick-paved driveway, making it an attractive option for those seeking both value and convenience.

Residents of Amber Creek will enjoy a range of desirable amenities and features:

• Included Lanai: Each townhome comes with a covered lanai, perfect for relaxing and entertaining.
• Scenic Homesites: Choose from homesites with stunning water or nature views.
• Direct School Access: Convenient sidewalk access to B.D. Gullet Elementary and Dr. Mona Jain Middle School, enhancing the community’s appeal for families.
• Dog Park: A dedicated area for pets, ensuring that four-legged family members are well-catered for and have a place to roam off-leash.
• Two Dynamic Town Centers: Lakewood Ranch’s Main Street and Waterside Place offer a multitude of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
• Prime Location: Situated at the corner of 44th Ave E. and White Eagle Blvd, Amber Creek is just 10 minutes from I-75, providing a quick commute to Tampa and Sarasota. The community is also close to the new Lakewood Ranch Library, and to Bob Gardner Park and  the Premier  Sports Campus, which offer ample recreational opportunities.

“Amber Creek represents our commitment to creating high-quality, accessible living spaces in top locations,” said Tony Piscopo, Sales Manager at Ryan Homes. “We’re excited to introduce this new community, which combines stylish, affordable townhomes with excellent designer features and a prime location.”

The opening of Amber Creek marks a significant addition to Lakewood Ranch’s renowned real estate offerings. With its combination of modern features, competitive pricing, and a family-friendly environment, Amber Creek is poised to be a standout choice for homebuyers in the area.

Event Details:

• Grand Opening VIP Sales Date: September 28, 2024
• Location: 12570 Amber Creek Cir, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211
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For more information about Amber Creek or to join the interest list to receive pre-construction pricing and the best selection of homesites, please contact (813) 519-4550 or visit our website at RyanHomes.com/AmberCreek

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 70,000 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. 

M/I Homes proudly announced the successful sale of a Benefit Home in the Sweetwater at Lakewood Ranch, as part of an initiative to support cancer research through Pelotonia, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to ending cancer. This effort resulted in over $140,000 being raised for innovative cancer treatments and research.

An integral part of this effort was the contribution of over $12,000 from Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, Inc., the master-planned Lakewood Ranch community developer.

“Lakewood Ranch is proud to partner with builders who prioritize philanthropic causes,” said Sandy Shahinian, vice president of sales and marketing for Lakewood Ranch Communities. “We are thrilled to support this initiative and contribute to the proceeds that will be donated from the sale of this home.”

“M/I Homes is proud to support Pelotonia, an incredibly impactful and mission-driven organization dedicated to funding cancer research that is extending and saving lives,” said Greg Crawford, president of M/I Homes Sarasota division. “This was a community effort, and we are grateful to all of the people and companies that made this donation possible.”

This remarkable achievement was celebrated at an event on Aug. 26 when M/I Homes recognized the participating vendors and trade partners where Eric Olsavsky, vice president of community engagement and partnerships for Pelotonia, accepted the donation.

“We continue to be humbled by this generous, innovative program from M/I Homes to support Pelotonia’s mission of ending cancer through research, said Olsavsky. “The tremendous engagement of M/I Homes at the national level has helped to broaden awareness of Pelotonia, furthering our collective impact on a mission that affects us all.”

This initiative highlights the strengthened role of the Lakewood Ranch community in driving national progress toward ending cancer. For more information, visit www.mihomes.com/pelotonia.

Lakewood Ranch continues to be the best-selling master-planned community for all ages in the U.S., according to national real estate consulting firm RCLCO’s 2024 mid-year survey. The Ranch secured 1,238 new home sales through the end of June of 2024, beating last year’s numbers and maintaining the No. 1 position for more than six consecutive years.

The continued success of Lakewood Ranch, celebrating its 30^th year of community building, is attributable to its multi-generational approach. Built around residential segmentation and lifestyle amenities appealing to a broad variety of age, income, and household segments, The Ranch continues to offer something for everyone.

Lakewood Ranch offers a variety of neighborhoods, home styles and price points from $300K to more than $2 million, in 26 actively selling villages. Four new villages were introduced so far in 2024, ranging from Azario’s townhomes at the entry-level to Monterey’s luxury homes. Year-to-date, homes priced under $500K make up the largest segment of sales, accounting for 33%. This is followed by homes in the $500K to $700K range at 30%, and those in the $700k to $1M category at 19%. Homes over $1M represent a record 18% of total sales in Lakewood Ranch. Builder incentives, including interest rate buy-downs, promotional pricing, and assistance with closing costs, have helped buyers attain their homes.

Consumers are increasingly favoring master-planned communities (MPCs), according to Laura Cole, senior vice president of Lakewood Ranch Communities. “MPCs are seen as an assurance of quality—community has become more important as a factor of total value,” Cole said. “The increase in sales of new homes located within MPCs reflects the lifestyle, community amenities, and quality schools, plus buyers’ anticipation that home prices will appreciate and hold up well in all market conditions.”

Lifestyle continues to be a driver of sales. Lakewood Ranch’s three town centers are the hub of many activities, including an arts series, the award-winning weekly Farmers’ Market, a monthly Music on Main event that benefits a different non-profit each month; and many annual signature events. The Ranch’s parks and trails, and the nearby Sarasota Polo Club and Premier Sports Campus, afford residents numerous sports and leisure opportunities.

The vast array of health and wellness options also appeal to buyers, with Lakewood Ranch Medical Center announcing its second expansion, and Erickson Senior Living’s new Emerson Lakes opening soon.

RCLCO has been ranking master-planned communities since 1994; for more information, visit www.rclco.com.

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.