Concerns over big trash bins in Manatee County: Local residents have raised issues regarding the use and impact of large trash bins in Manatee County, which includes Lakewood Ranch.
Announcement of Stillwater gated residential community by Lennar: A new 105-home gated community called Stillwater is set to begin construction this fall on Bourneside Boulevard near State Road 70. Built by Lennar, one of the largest national homebuilders, sales will start this winter with homes ranging from 1,850 to 2,445 square feet, offering two to four-bedroom layouts.
Opening of the Final Phase of the 44th Avenue East Extension: The long-awaited extension of 44th Avenue East connecting Lakewood Ranch and Bradenton was opened on August 9, just in time for the new school year starting August 11. This infrastructure project, conceived in the 1960s and completed after construction began in 2013, is expected to significantly ease traffic by diverting about 21,000 vehicles daily from State Roads 64 and 70. It features safety and accessibility improvements such as a divided median, sidewalks, bike lanes, multi-use trails, and enhanced lighting.
Debate and delay over University Parkway intersection upgrade: Plans for a roundabout at the intersection of University Parkway, Legacy Boulevard, and Deer Drive are moving forward but faced a 3-3 Manatee County Commission vote, causing delays. Commissioner Bob McCann is trying to halt the roundabout due to concerns from Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club residents. The county had previously agreed to reimburse half the $3.25 million project cost to Lakewood Ranch Corporate Park LLC, but a vote to terminate this agreement happened without prior notice.
Opening of the 44th Avenue East extension into Lakewood Ranch: The long-awaited 1.9-mile extension that connects Lakewood Ranch and Bradenton is now open to traffic. This completion marks the end of a project started in 2013 and is expected to significantly improve mobility, alleviate traffic on State Road 64 and 70 by about 21,000 vehicles daily, and enhance safety with features like a divided median, sidewalks, bike lanes, and multi-use trails.
Completion and opening of the 44th Avenue East extension: A major infrastructure project, anticipated since the 1960s, has been completed. The final phase of the 1.9-mile overpass connects Lakewood Ranch and Bradenton and will open to drivers on August 9, just before the new school year begins. This new road is expected to significantly relieve traffic on State Roads 64 and 70, improving safety and mobility with features like bike lanes, sidewalks, and enhanced lighting.
Completion and Opening of the 44th Avenue East Extension: The final phase of the long-awaited 44th Avenue extension connecting Lakewood Ranch to Bradenton was completed, with the roadway opening to drivers on August 9. This major infrastructure project, years in planning and construction since 2013, is expected to reduce traffic congestion on State Roads 64 and 70 by about 21,000 vehicles daily. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on August 4 to celebrate this milestone.
The August 2025 Networking Social is happening today from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Town Square University Parkway, offering an opportunity for local professionals to connect and network with refreshments and door prizes.
Lakewood Ranch has once again been recognized as the nation’s best-selling multigenerational master-planned community. In the first half of 2025, it sold 1,185 new homes, a modest 4% decline year-over-year but still outperforming the broader new home market. Notably, 42% of sales were attached homes such as townhomes and condominiums, showing a trend toward more attainable housing options across diverse buyer segments.
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center has been recognized as a Blue Distinction Center+ for Spine Surgery and a Blue Distinction Center for Knee and Hip Replacements for 2025 by Florida Blue, reflecting its commitment to high-quality, cost-effective specialty care.

