• Alternate Text

  • Loading

  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App
  • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • Things to Do
  • Galleries
  • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Longboat
    • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • Things to Do
  • Galleries
  • More
    • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • e-Newspaper App

East County | Business

    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • September 15, 2025
New Mote SEA facility will open in early October

Members get first views on Oct. 6-7 and public on Oct. 8 at its aquarium located near University and I-75 in Sarasota County.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • August 20, 2025
Linger Lodge serves up a heaping portion of Old Florida

Rita Lewis shares the magic behind one of Florida's most storied and beloved riverfront restaurants.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • August 19, 2025
This Publix bakery staple has been creating confectionary delights for 20 years

Sara Stone is nearing her 20-year anniversary of doing some edible, yet mostly behind the scenes, work: creating and baking some of Lakewood Ranch's tastiest cakes.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Beth Luberecki
  • August 19, 2025
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center's new CEO brings experience to its expansion

Rob Anderson relocated from Texas to Lakewood Ranch to run east Manatee County's largest hospital at a critical time for the facility. He aims to manage the growth smartly.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • August 9, 2025
Peppercorns Steak and Seafood opens on State Road 70

Owner Justin Boudreau is eager to perfect the menu at the Bradenton restaurant.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • July 22, 2025
Jeff's Bagel Run to open in Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch residents Chris and Megan Matras are eager to bring the Jeff's Bagel Run franchise to Lakewood Ranch.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 17, 2025
City Furniture makes grand entrance into Sarasota market

The chain furniture store holds grand opening ceremonies at its new store in UTC's east district.

  • East County
  • Business
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • July 14, 2025
California-based jewelry company opens location at UTC mall

Gorjana makes Sarasota its 106th location.

  • East County
  • Business
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 8, 2025
LWRBA sets up Small Business Bootcamp to teach important business skills

Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance sets up a series of seminars to boost business skills.

  • East County
  • Business
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • June 17, 2025
The Pickleball Club at Lakewood Ranch reopens under new leadership

Matt Lund, who had worked under the previous ownership, says the business model has it right this time.

  • East County
  • Business
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • June 14, 2025
Eatalia Market offers goods imported from Italy in Lakewood Ranch

Owner Jordan Arcari wanted to bring Italian culture to Waterside Place.

  • East County
  • Business
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
1 2 3 4 5 »

Newsletter

Sign up to receive our news in your inbox!
Click to Sign Up

Trending

1
  • September 16, 2025
LRHS instructor nominated for Yale award by former student
2
  • September 16, 2025
East County Athlete of the Week: Brady Cleveland
3
  • September 16, 2025
Manatee County debates banning kratom and other designer drugs
4
  • September 16, 2025
Top residential real estate sales for Sept. 1-5 in Lakewood Ranch
5
  • September 15, 2025
Braden River High student arrested for social media threats of gun violence

Contact

  • 1970 Main St.
  • Third Floor
  • Sarasota, FL 34236
  • Phone: 941-366-3468

sister sites

  • Business Observer
  • Jax Daily Record
  • Orange Observer
  • Observer Local News

  • e-Newspaper App

  • Accessibility Options

more

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Classifieds
  • Advertise
  • Rack Locations
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy

Newsletter

Sign up to receive our news in your inbox!

Click to Sign Up

Verified Audit

FPN Verified
  • 1101 Fifth Ave. Ste 270
  • San Rafael, CA 94901
  • (415) 461-6006
  • www.verifiedaudit.com
  • Auditor's Certification
  • Copyright © 2025 Observer Media Group Inc., All Rights Reserved
Sign Up for Daily Headlines

A daily dose of news from Longboat Key, East County, Sarasota and Siesta Key.

Sign Up for In Case You Missed It

A Saturday dose of the week's top stories from Sarasota, Longboat Key and East County.

The Your Observer App is Here!

Get local news you can trust — now on your phone, tablet or laptop. Fast. Free. Easy to Use.
Stay informed, wherever you are.

Download Now