Berkadia announced the sale of Vida Lakewood Ranch, a 304-unit, Class AA apartment community built in 2023. The property, located at 11109 Vida Circle in Lakewood Ranch, was sold by Zilber Residential Group to an undisclosed investor for $92.112 million. Vida Lakewood Ranch is highly rated, recently ranked #1 for Best Resident Experience in Florida, and features modern amenities including quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, a fitness center, a clubhouse, and a walking trail around a 4.5-acre lake.

Lakewood Ranch has been recognized in Ideal-LIVING Magazine's 2025 Top 100 Amenity Communities list, highlighting communities with top amenities such as golf courses, tennis courts, watersports, hiking trails, fitness centers, spas, and more that promote healthy, connected lifestyles.

Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed four appropriation requests supported by Manatee County commissioners in the state’s 2025-26 budget. These appropriations would have funded critical wastewater management projects including an equalization tank, sewer lining program, lift station relocation, drainage improvements, and a storage pond at the Bradenton Water Reclamation Facility. This veto has caused concern among local officials about the loss of $4 million in funding for essential community infrastructure.

The 50-acre mixed-use commercial plaza at University Parkway and Lakewood Ranch Boulevard is now fully leased. The development, started in 2019, includes local and national tenants, highlighted by the upscale steak and seafood restaurant 131 Main, which opened in April. The project is developed by Casto Southeast Realty and represents a significant commercial milestone for Lakewood Ranch.

The Lakewood Ranch boys basketball program is focusing on rebuilding under new coach Kaden Knott. The team aims to recapture its past success after a challenging period following the departure of Jeremy Schiller.

The Lakewood Ranch Community Activities are celebrating their 25th anniversary with a golf tournament, the Communi-tee Golf Classic, on September 17, 2025, at Calusa Golf & Country Club.

The Sarasota Paradise soccer team, which plays at Premier Sports Campus, is moving from US League 2 to US League 1 next year, making it the first professional soccer team in Lakewood Ranch. The team is also poised for potential promotion to a new US Division One league with a promotion and relegation system starting in 2027-28.

New laws are taking effect in Florida on July 1, 2025, including protections for hotel owners and operators, and more rights for boaters. These laws include amendments to procedures for removing guests from public lodging and food establishments, and prohibitions on drone use on agricultural lands and additives in public water supplies.

There is ongoing controversy regarding the approval of a roundabout in Lakewood Ranch. Commissioner McCann raised concerns about the project, suggesting it was not community-driven, which was disputed by SMR CEO Jensen. The issue was discussed during a May 6 BOCC meeting, with the board ultimately approving the project 6-0.

The Farmers' Market at Waterside Place is happening today from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. It features farm-fresh produce, prepared foods, specialty items, and live music, among other activities.