Lakewood Ranch residents Karyn and Jerry Waxman are hosting the PKD Applied Underwriters Invitational golf tournament on October 27 to raise funds for polycystic kidney disease (PKD) research. Karyn is a transplant survivor and advocate, and the event is the first time the tournament is hosted in Lakewood Ranch. The couple has raised over $2.3 million since 2001 through their efforts.
Critical crash involving a 2-year-old and school buses on State Road 70 in Lakewood Ranch on October 11, 2025. A Ford SUV driven by a Tampa woman collided with a line of school buses carrying Fort Pierce Central High School students attending a band competition. The crash caused the Ford to catch fire, six students and the driver had minor injuries, and a 2-year-old was airlifted to the hospital in critical condition. The incident is under investigation.
Dakin Dairy Farms Harvest Festival is happening today, featuring family activities such as cuddling calves, agricultural education, food trucks, vendors, and live music.
Broadway Performer Inspires Lakewood Ranch High School Community with Music and Mentorship: Broadway performer Darian Sanders spent two days at Lakewood Ranch High School, sharing his journey, artistic insights, and life lessons on resilience and humility with students—an experience that has left a lasting impression on the community, especially on the school’s music program. The visit was facilitated by Dr. John Wilkerson and highlights the impact of integrating real-world mentorship into local education.
Free Movie Night at Waterside Park: A free movie night featuring "Hotel Transylvania" is being held at Waterside Park in Lakewood Ranch. The event includes inflatables for kids starting at 7 p.m., with the movie beginning around 8 p.m. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Benderson Chase Regatta and Oktoberfest Event at Nathan Benderson Park: A major rowing regatta is being held this weekend at Nathan Benderson Park, featuring various boat races and an Oktoberfest event scheduled for October 11. This event highlights local recreational activities and attracts regional participants and spectators.
Kuro Sushi to Open on Main Street, Lakewood Ranch: A new sushi restaurant by restaurateur Daniel Dokko, who owns several popular local eateries, is set to open on November 1 at Main Street. It will offer a blend of upscale fine dining and casual options, aiming to foster community familiarity and accessibility.
Manatee County EMS drone expands coverage area and operating hours to cover 35 square miles around Lakewood Ranch, increasing operational capacity from 4% to 95%, with plans to extend to 24-hour operations as more pilots are trained.
Lakewood Ranch Farmers' Market Named #1 Farmers Market in America: Lakewood Ranch’s year-round farmers’ market was recognized as the #1 Farmers Market in America by the American Farmland Trust, surpassing nearly 1,300 markets nationwide in their 17th annual celebration. The market, held every Sunday, features over 100 vendors offering fresh produce, artisanal goods, live music, and activities suitable for all ages, reflecting the community’s diversity and vitality.
Lakewood Ranch Farmer's Market Opens for the Day: The weekly Farmers' Market is taking place today from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Waterside Park, located at 8131 Lakewood Main Street. This event features over 90 local vendors offering organic produce, specialty foods, baked goods, pet products, jewelry, live music, kids' interactive art activities, and yoga sessions.

