Latest reporting from the Community desk.
Sarasota County commissioners approved $3.79 million to extend the Legacy Trail 1.7 miles to Nathan Benderson Park near the UTC area, with a possible future connection into Manatee County that could benefit Lakewood Ranch trail users.
Community
Dakin Dairy Farms' third annual Harvest Festival has two weekends left in Myakka City, with hayrides, a corn maze, calf cuddling and more drawing families from across the region.
Community
Manatee County library branches, including the Lakewood Ranch location on Rangeland Parkway, are accepting free entry forms through Oct. 16 for a chance to win a ticket and signed book at the Oct. 23 Booked for Lunch fundraiser featuring James Patterson.
Community
Lakewood Ranch Main Street's free BooFest returns Friday, Oct. 30, with a Scooby-Doo-themed Kids Zone, a Mystery Machine photo booth, four live bands and 2,500 free pumpkin totes for early arrivals.
Community
The Manatee County Sheriff's Office holds its annual Spooktactical Night trunk-or-treat on Thursday, Oct. 22, at the MCSO Operations Center in Bradenton, offering families a free evening of candy, vehicle displays, demonstrations and food.
Community
A Lakehouse Cove at Waterside home led Lakewood Ranch residential sales for the week of Sept. 14–18, with more than 30 transactions recorded between $465,000 and $2.18 million.
Community
Sarasota Memorial Health Care System ranked No. 1 in Florida and No. 17 nationally on Forbes' 2026 Best Employers for Healthcare Professionals list, a recognition that comes as the health system expands its Lakewood Ranch-area footprint with a planned medical campus near I-75 and SR 64.
Community
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County's Keeping Kids Safe Golf Invitational drew a record 112 players to the Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club in Lakewood Ranch on Sept. 28, up from 80 in 2025, with proceeds expected to top last year's $116,000.
Community
The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved nearly $44 million to reimburse Manatee County for debris removal and emergency response from Hurricanes Milton and Debby, the largest single county share of a $116 million Florida package announced Tuesday, Sept. 29.
Community
Bestselling author James Patterson will speak at the Library Foundation of Manatee County's second annual Booked for Lunch fundraiser on Oct. 23 at the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa, with tickets starting at $250.
Community
The Lakewood Ranch Garden Club, founded in 2002 with six members, has grown to 46 and is focused on wildlife protection, recycling and gardening education as East County development accelerates.
Community
Lakewood Ranch residents must register to vote or update their registration by Monday, Oct. 5, to participate in the Tuesday, Nov. 3, general election, which includes Manatee County Commission, school board, governor and U.S. House races.
Community
Grace Community Church opened the Barry Martin Student Center, a 15,000-square-foot facility on Lakewood Ranch Boulevard serving about 800 children and middle schoolers, with high school students expected in early October and after-school drop-ins planned by January.
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