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East County | Business

Lesley Dwyer
May 28, 2025

Center Point at Waterside is fully leased

The 50-acre mixed-use project is six years in the making.

East County
News

Lesley Dwyer
May 19, 2025

Twisted Pit BBQ opens on Main Street at Lakewood Ranch

The Twisted Pit is Zach Zeller and Chef Evan Percoco's third establishment to open on Main Street.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Jay Heater
May 16, 2025

Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance presents its Next Gen Awards

Lakewood Ranch Communities' Nicole Hackel earns the Young Leaders Alliance' Member of the Year award.

East County
Business

Marty Fugate
May 16, 2025

Tsunami Sushi continues to evolve with menu items aimed to please everyone

Jeffrey Karasawa and Jason Klamson share their recipe for excellence at Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi Grill's Lakewood Ranch location.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Mark Gordon
May 15, 2025

Check out what's coming soon to UTC

From Tesla to Trader Joe's, the University Town Center districts that straddle Manatee and Sarasota counties just outside Lakewood Ranch have redefined the region's retail scene.

East County
Business

Abby Weingarten
May 15, 2025

New restaurant seeks local following with fresh-first take on casual dining

An Arizona restaurant concept popular with yogis, foodies and lots of health-conscious people in between choose the Lakewood Ranch area to make its Florida debut.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Observer Staff
May 12, 2025

Upscale Japanese restaurant and bar coming to University Town Center

Zoto is being developed by James Beard-nominated restaurateurs Jimmy and Johnny Tung.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Jay Heater
May 9, 2025

L.L. Bean opens at UTC in Sarasota

The Freeport, Maine retail giant opens its first store in Florida

East County
Business

Lesley Dwyer
May 5, 2025

The Juice Pod is open on Main Street at Lakewood Ranch

After a series of setbacks, owners Tali and Jeremy Williams are up and running with the brand's first Florida franchise.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Madison Bierl
April 29, 2025

Self-care enthusiasts open The Wellness Space at Waterside

The Wellness Space, founded by internationally experienced practitioners Maria Luedeke and Kyle Schauenberg, will provide classes to nourish, explore, soothe and thrive.

East County
Business

Lesley Dwyer
April 28, 2025

Florence & the Spice Boys opens at UTC

This is the second location for the Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant that started as a food truck.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Madison Bierl
April 25, 2025

New cafe brings pure juices, superfoods to Lakewood Ranch

Andy and Anna Mignery share their health journey by providing clean eating choices at The Thrivery in Center Point.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Lesley Dwyer
April 11, 2025

131 Main now serving steak and seafood in Lakewood Ranch

The restaurant also features two bars, a wood burning grill, an indoor patio and original works of art.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Jay Heater
March 27, 2025

L.L. Bean sees exciting new market as it opens at UTC

The store at 111 North Cattlemen Road in the University Town Center of Sarasota will be L.L. Bean's first Florida location.

East County
Business

By Eric Garwood
March 20, 2025

Veterinarian lands honor of working at Nate's in Lakewood Ranch

Dr. Sharon Pindar will be the first on-staff vet at Nate's Honor Animal Rescue.

East County
Business

Elizabeth King
March 11, 2025

National healthy restaurant to make Florida debut in Lakewood Ranch

Flower Child offers a menu filled with fruits, vegetables, grains and proteins.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Lesley Dwyer
March 5, 2025

Lakewood Ranch resident plans a new path

Event planning makes Peggy Kronus' heart happy, and now she's doing it for herself with a new business, PK Events & Services.

East County
Neighbors

Jim DeLa
March 3, 2025

Local college administrators tackle issues with the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance

Administrators say partnerships with local businesses strengthen the economy.

East County
Business

Marty Fugate
February 20, 2025

Family values, commitment to quality on the menu at Phelan Family Brands

CEO and co-Owner Grant Phelan discusses the family business, including its newest member, Deep Lagoon Seafood & Oyster House.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Lesley Dwyer
February 17, 2025

Urban Air Adventure Park flies into Lakewood Ranch this summer

The 60,000-square-foot indoor adventure park is anticipated to open July 25 on Professional Parkway.

East County
Business

Vinnie Portell
February 8, 2025

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse opens at UTC

The new Fleming's is the second in the Sarasota area.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Jay Heater
January 29, 2025

Maintaining a positive direction is key to new LWRBA chair

Julie Fanning will guide the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance through its 20th anniversary year.

East County
Business

Lesley Dwyer
January 26, 2025

Jazzercise studio opens in Lakewood Ranch

Former "gym rat' brings her passion to the Lakewood Ranch enterprise.

East County
Business

Vinnie Portell
January 21, 2025

Calusa Country Club to open in Lakewood Ranch in February

Lakewood Ranch's newest golf course will feature 30 holes and a socialized concept.

East County
Business

Vinnie Portell
January 16, 2025

Bad Ass Coffee brings Hawaiian flavor to Lakewood Ranch

The new coffee shop at Center Point takes a community-first approach.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Elizabeth King, Jay Heater
January 10, 2025

Toasted Yolk Cafe opens in Lakewood Ranch

The breakfast and lunch cafe opened its doors in the Center Point development on University Parkway.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Vinnie Portell
December 26, 2024

New Year's resolution leads to new Lakewood Ranch Pilates studio

Two friends mix community and exercise with new Bodybar Pilates location.

East County
Business

Lesley Dwyer
November 30, 2024

Dakin Dairy Farms increases its focus on education

The farm continues to be revamped since former owner Jerry Dakin's nephews took over in May.

East County
News

Marty Fugate, Su Byron
November 21, 2024

Lakewood Ranch is full of places focused on catering to canines

From gourmet treats to holistic care, explore the best local resources for your canine companions.

East County
Business

Eric Snider
November 21, 2024

Golf Society welcomes players looking to take their game to the next level

The Golf Society redefines the game of golf by offering a high-tech, indoor golf experience where members enjoy lifelike golf play on renowned courses.