There are ongoing concerns about mold issues at Lakewood Ranch High School, with reports indicating that air conditioning is turned off during nights, weekends, and holidays, contributing to the problem.

Operation Thanksgiving provided Thanksgiving meals to active-duty military personnel from MacDill Air Force Base, highlighting local efforts to support veterans and service members.

**Urban Air Adventure Park near Lakewood Ranch**: A 60,000-square-foot family entertainment park opened recently off Interstate 75 near University Town Center, including trampolines, ninja warrior courses, and rock climbing walls. The project was completed by a local construction company and cost $18.5 million, promising a safe and exciting experience for families.

**Narrow approval of a new public high school site plan**: The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners gave a narrow, one-vote approval to a site plan for "High School AAA," a new public high school to be built on an 85-acre parcel at Rangeland Parkway and Post Boulevard in Lakewood Ranch. The school will accommodate 2,500 students and is projected to open for the 2027-2028 school year.

**Ongoing Mold Concerns at Lakewood Ranch High School** Teachers and students continue to report serious mold and air quality issues at multiple buildings on the school campus. The school district is conducting comprehensive environmental studies and has started a $6 million project to replace underground waterlines to address moisture problems contributing to the mold. Community voices stress the need for a safe, healthy environment for staff and students.

**IWLCA Presidents Cup Lacrosse Tournament**: The IWLCA Presidents Cup is taking place November 21–23, 2025, at Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch and other venues nearby. This event features women’s lacrosse teams competing in a high-profile tournament. On November 22, the event includes a Blue-White exhibition game at noon at Premier Sports Stadium.

**Orlando Health Plans Major Expansion**: Orlando Health is moving forward with plans to build a hospital in Lakewood Ranch, following a $12 million land purchase in 2022. The project, which has been in the planning stages for several years, will expand healthcare services in the area, though specific details have not yet been released.

**Lakewood Ranch Farmers Market Named No. 1 in America**

The Farmers' Market at Lakewood Ranch has been voted the top farmers market in the United States by the American Farmland Trust, receiving the most votes out of 1,263 participating markets. The market is recognized for its vibrant community atmosphere, diverse vendors, and unique activities.

**Lakewood Ranch President and CEO Named Community Humanitarian of the Year**

Rex Jensen, President and CEO of Lakewood Ranch, received the C. John A. Clarke Community Humanitarian of the Year Award from the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation on November 14, 2025. Jensen's leadership embedded stewardship into the community's culture, including establishing the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation. Under his vision, the 77,000-person community has become nationally recognized for balancing progress with environmental care and philanthropy.

**Manatee County Development Services Reopens in Lakewood Ranch** — The Manatee County Development Services lobbies officially reopened today at their new location at 9000 Town Center Parkway in Lakewood Ranch after closing on November 14 for relocation from the Downtown Administration Building. Services remained available online during the transition, and inspections were not impacted.