Lakewood Ranch is a 100-square-mile community still growing toward maturity where residents are now studying the possibility of incorporating as a community.
Here are 10 th ings to know about Lakewood Ranch:
A “GREEN” COMUNITY With 14,287 acres certified as “green,” Lakewood Ranch officials believe their’s is the nation’s largest “green” community. “Being green” requires a certain amount of land to be set aside for open space and it also pertains to how buildings are constructed and situated. It also involves preservation of natural flora and fauna, said Sondra Guffey, a spokewoman for Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, Lakewood Ranch’s developer. “Whenever possible, old oak trees are relocated to new locations, allowing development and landscape enhancements to complement one another,” Guffey said.
38-ACRE GOPHER TORTOISE PRESERVE The community has a 38-acre gopher tortoise preserve. Lakewood Ranch is populated by hundreds of types of birds, dozens of amphibians and reptiles, and about 30 different kinds of mammals. The Ranch includes a 110-acre nature preserve, a 451-acre wetland preserve and 400 acres of man-made lakes, and a 2,000- acre conservation easement.
MORE THAN 80 CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS There are more than 80 clubs and organizations in Lakewood Ranch that any resident can join.
TWO NATURE PRESERVE PARKS Family recreation is ample in Lakewood Ranch. There are two nature preserve parks with lakes for fishing and three trails through dense trees and wetlands with stations that point out plants and wildlife. Lakewood Ranch has more than 100 miles of connected trails and sidewalks. There also are community parks featuring picnic facilities, playing fields, lighted tennis courts, basketball and volleyball courts, playgrounds and outdoor grills. SMR also donated 100 acres for a public park.
700 BUSINESSES About 15,000 people call Lakewood Ranch home and about 14,000 work there. There are 700 businesses.
108 HOLES OF GOLF Lakewood Ranch offers 108 holes of golf. The Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club has 72 holes. Legacy Golf Club has 18 holes and the Ritz Carlton Member’s Golf Club also has 18 holes.
LAKEWOOD RANCH MEDICAL CENTER Lakewood Ranch Medical Center offers modern and convenient care in a pleasant setting, just west of the Main Street shopping district and Town Hall.
DINING, SHOPPIN G AND ENTERTAINMENT The Ranch offers a unique variety of dining, shopping and entertainment opportunities along Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, with its intersections at State Road 64, S.R. 70 and University Parkway. In addition, Main Street and San Marco Plaza are well worth seeking out, offering a variety of American and international menus.
NEW DEVELOPMENTS In addition to the new development and rooftops, Lakewood Ranch is a working ranch with cattle, mining, and nursery operation.
STRADDLES TWO COUNTIES The community of Lakewood Ranch straddles two counties, Manatee and Sarasota. To date, most of residential development has been north of the border, but the developer also has significant plans for adding neighborhoods in Sarasota County.
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