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.

Residents and local authorities remain alert as Manatee County—including Lakewood Ranch—prepares for the 2025 hurricane season. Some areas are still recovering from last year's Tropical Storm Debby flood impacts. A recent independent engineering study indicated rainfall as the primary cause of flooding, emphasizing the importance of continued storm preparedness and flood mitigation efforts for the community.

A community event, the Boots vs. Badges Blood Drive, is scheduled for August 2nd, where local firefighters and police officers compete in a blood donation challenge, alongside live music events at The Plaza waterfront area, highlighting ongoing community engagement activities.

Lennar to build a new gated residential community called Stillwater in Lakewood Ranch, featuring 105 single-family homes. Construction is set to begin this fall near Bourneside Boulevard south of State Road 70, with sales starting this winter. The new development aims to offer thoughtfully designed homes with 2-4 bedrooms and 2-3 bathrooms, ranging from 1,850 to 2,445 square feet.

Lakewood Ranch remains the nation’s best-selling multigenerational community—According to a mid-year report from RCLCO, Lakewood Ranch led in new home sales with 1,185 through June 2025, showing only a 4% decline year-over-year despite broader market trends. This highlights sustained demand and buyer confidence in the community’s quality, thoughtful development, and variety of housing options, including a notable increase in attached homes like townhomes and villas.