Celebrating 30 years

Lakewood Ranch marks its 30th anniversary this year, a milestone that reflects not just three decades of growth, but nearly a century of vision and stewardship under the care of the Uihlein family.

The foundation of Lakewood Ranch was laid long before the first home was built in 1994,with community principles that emphasized patience, quality, and a deep respect for the land. These values and the many people who live here have shaped Lakewood Ranch into what it is today: The nation’s No. 1 best-selling multi-generational community for more than six consecutive years.

The vision for Lakewood Ranch was clear from the outset — a mixed-use, multi-generational community where residents of all ages and income levels could find a place to call home. This vision came to life through thoughtful planning, adaptability to shifting market conditions, and a dedication to understanding what is important to our residents today and in the future.

Environmental stewardship has always been at the heart of Lakewood Ranch. Over 40% of The Ranch is dedicated to open space, and this includes 13 community and county parks, more than 150 miles of sidewalks and trails, and numerous wildlife preserves. We even have dedicated a preserve for gopher tortoises needing relocation out of harm’s way from development.

This dedication to preserving nature guarantees that residents will enjoy the beauty and tranquility of their surroundings for generations, with ongoing care provided by the Lakewood Ranch Stewardship District.

Beyond its physical features, Lakewood Ranch is distinguished by its dynamic and ever-evolving lifestyle. The community's town centers, Main Street and Waterside Place, are vibrant hubs of activity, offering a variety of events that bring people together. Monthly traditions like Music on Main, the performing arts series Sights and Sounds, and the weekly, award-winning Farmers’ Market create a lively atmosphere year-round.

Seasonal favorites such as Ranch Nite Wednesdays, Movies in the Park, the Irish Celtic Festival, and BooFest add to the rich tapestry of community life.

Sports enthusiasts find their niche at Lakewood Ranch, with amenities that include golf courses, adult sports leagues, and active biking and running clubs. The Sarasota Polo Club — known as our “Big Green Beach” — was one of the first developments on The Ranch, and continues to be a key part of the community. 

The Premier Sports Campus, spanning 140 acres, hosts soccer, lacrosse, and field hockey leagues and tournaments, further enhancing the community's sports culture. Soon we will even have our own USL Soccer Team, the Sarasota Paradise!

Education is another cornerstone of Lakewood Ranch, with an array of preschools, top-rated primary and secondary public and private schools, and 10 campuses of higher education. The Ranch provides learning opportunities that span from early childhood to the golden years, making it a place where education is valued at every stage of life.

Families often claim the No. 1 reason they moved to Lakewood Ranch was our A-rated schools, and new schools are on the horizon to meet the needs of our growing student population.

Lakewood Ranch is more than just a residential area; It's a thriving job center with a robust economy. The community boasts thousands of businesses in sectors such as information technology, life sciences, retail, and healthcare. With diverse business parks and neighborhood shopping areas, residents have access to nearly everything they need without venturing far from home.

Our healthcare services have also grown with the needs of our residents. The Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, which opened in 2004, has garnered national acclaim and is set to expand in 2024. The Ranch is also home to numerous medical specialty centers, individual practices, and four senior care facilities, with the upcoming Emerson Lakes 1,200-unit continued care retirement campus further enhancing its healthcare offerings. Having cared for two elderly parents in Lakewood Ranch, I can tell you we had access to every specialty imaginable within a five-mile radius of their home.

One of SMR's most strategic early decisions was to establish organizations that would uphold Lakewood Ranch's vision and standards long after the developer's role ended. Legacy partners like the Lakewood Ranch Stewardship District, LWR Business Alliance, LWR Community Activities, and the LWR Community Foundation play crucial roles in maintaining the beauty of our community, promoting business connections, driving community engagement and philanthropy.

These organizations and so many others led by community leaders represent the “software” of Lakewood Ranch.

Talking about “software,” one of the things I love the most about Lakewood Ranch is that you are instantly welcomed into the community and can plug in with relative ease to areas of interest or affinity groups. To help our residents engage with the myriads of services and activities in their community, Lakewood Ranch has introduced the MyLWR app and website. This innovative tool helps residents and visitors alike to find and register for events, reserve parks and venues, join clubs, discover volunteer opportunities, and access HOA information with ease. If you haven't downloaded the app yet, I highly recommend doing so—it will reveal a world of possibilities right at your fingertips.

As Lakewood Ranch celebrates 30 years of community, it continues to build on its legacy of vision, stewardship, and a commitment to creating a place where people of all ages can thrive.

Laura Cole is senior vice president of Lakewood Ranch. She leads the residential and lifestyle arm of Lakewood Ranch. She also serves as Lakewood Ranch's chief marketing officer.