Lakewood Ranch — your local wire.
Lakewood Ranch — your local wire.
Latest reporting from the Local Government desk.
Latest reporting from the Local Government desk.
Latest reporting from the Local Government desk.
Local Government
Manatee County commissioners moved forward Aug. 25 with a proposed ordinance that, if adopted, would give the Sheriff's Office additional enforcement tools against roughly 25 illegal gambling arcades in unincorporated Manatee County. The first of two required public hearings is expected Sept. 22.
Local Government
Manatee County commissioners moved forward Aug. 25 with a proposed ordinance that, if adopted, would give the Sheriff's Office additional enforcement tools against roughly 25 illegal gambling arcades in unincorporated Manatee County. The first of two required public hearings is expected Sept. 22.
Manatee County commissioners moved forward Aug. 25 with a proposed ordinance that, if adopted, would give the Sheriff's Office additional enforcement tools against roughly 25 illegal gambling arcades in unincorporated Manatee County. The first of two required public hearings is expected Sept. 22.
Local Government
Seven candidates are competing for three open Sarasota County School Board seats in the Tuesday, August 18, primary as the district faces $45 million in lost voucher revenue, 259 job cuts, and the expiration of $115 million in federal COVID relief.
Local Government
Lawn watering complaints tripled across Sarasota County after Phase III drought restrictions took effect in April 2026, with fines of $100 to $500 now issued without prior warning on both the Sarasota and Manatee County sides of Lakewood Ranch through Thursday, October 1.
Local Government
Three candidates are competing for the open Manatee County School Board District 5 seat covering Lakewood Ranch High School, with fundraising leader Jonathan Mullis at roughly $28,000, Camden Bedinghaus at $5,800, and Chantal Wilford at $4,000 heading into the August 18 primary.
Local Government
Manatee County residents protested Legacy Village Two, a proposed 72-unit workforce housing complex off Braden Avenue, on Thursday, July 23, citing traffic safety concerns near Easterseals facilities, while developer Scott Eller defended the project as needed affordable housing.
Local Government
Manatee County commissioners are set to vote Tuesday, July 28, on whether to place a $75 million environmental lands bond and 0.16 mill property tax on the November 3 ballot, a move that could cost Lakewood Ranch homeowners roughly $115 a year.
Local Government
Florida's Second Chance Act, which took effect July 1, requires all incoming freshmen and first-time high school athletes to undergo an ECG cardiac screening before participating in FHSAA sports, affecting every program in the state including Lakewood Ranch High.
Local Government
Three candidates — Camden Bedinghaus, Jonathan Mullis, and Chantal Wilford — are competing for the open Manatee County School Board District 5 seat covering Lakewood Ranch-area schools, with the primary set for Tuesday, August 18 and voter registration closing Monday, July 20.
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©2026 Lakewood Ranch Beacon
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©2026 Lakewood Ranch Beacon
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