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.