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
Tickets are nearly sold out for the Library Foundation of Manatee County's second annual Booked for Lunch fundraiser on Friday, Oct. 23, at the Palmetto Marriott, headlined by best-selling author James Patterson, with proceeds supporting local library programs including those at the Lakewood Ranch branch.
Community
The Bradenton Woman's Club and Manatee Performing Arts Center are collecting new sneakers through Aug. 16 during the run of FAME to benefit Project HEART, the School District of Manatee County's program supporting students experiencing housing instability.
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Community
MCR Health is studying whether to open a school-based health center at Myakka City Elementary, a rural Manatee County campus about 20 miles east of Lakewood Ranch with no nearby healthcare providers; two community town halls on Sept. 24 and Sept. 26 will gather parent and resident input.
Community
Lakewood Ranch held its No. 2 national ranking among master-planned communities in the first half of 2026 with 1,064 contracts — a 10.2% dip — while Wellen Park surged 37% to claim No. 3, raising competitive questions as LWR's eastern expansion ramps up.
Community
Country Club East resident Mark Allen Baker, 69, was inducted into the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame in June 2026 and released his 30th book, tracing a writing career that began with a sixth-grade assignment in upstate New York.
Community
Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County and New College of Florida hosted more than 100 Gulf Coast teens for the 2026 Teen Summit in late July, a full-day life-skills event featuring conflict resolution workshops, leadership sessions, and a campus immersion activity at the Sarasota college.
Community
BayCare Health System is seeking a rezone to build a 12,800-square-foot free-standing emergency department near SR 64 and Lena Road, with a Manatee County Planning Commission hearing set for Thursday, Aug. 13.
Community
Lakewood Ranch residents are opposing a proposed 220-unit apartment complex called Point Grand on Lorraine Road, citing traffic, privacy, and drainage concerns, while developer Hillpointe seeks approval under Florida's Live Local Act, which limits local government authority over qualifying workforce housing projects.
Community
Families of residents evacuated from Aviata at Bradenton Villas say they received little direct communication about relocations, with one 80-year-old Alzheimer's patient moved first to New Port Richey and then to Cape Coral.
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