Lakewood Ranch Main Street, Business Alliance celebrate 10 years.

Lakewood Ranch Main Street opened with just three stores; today it's nearly 100% occupied. The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance started as a conversation over coffee between a few individuals, and today the group has more than 500 members.

To commemorate a decade in Lakewood Ranch, the entities are joining forces for a 10th Anniversary Celebration Oct. 16 on Main Street.

The event will feature food, drinks, a kids zone provided by Grace Community Church and live music by Shaman, a local band that performs pop, disco and country music.

There will also be more than 45 businesses with booths lining the strip during the block party.

"This is a celebration of businesses and residents coming together for a super fun energized party," said Heather Kasten, executive director of the Business Alliance. "Main Street is a real hub of activity for our community."

For Amanda Zipperer, of Lakewood Ranch Commercial, the company that manages Main Street, 10 years means the street is becoming more of a permanent fixture in East County.

"We see Main Street as the heart of Lakewood Ranch," Zipperer said. "And it has become a local meeting place for many. We can't wait to see what the next decade holds."

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at [email protected].