Lakewood Ranch is a master planned community in southeastern Manatee County, Florida, United States, built on part of what was previously a timber ranch owned by members of Milwaukee's Uihlein family. It is part of the North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population for the 34202 ZIP Code Tabulation Area, in which Lakewood Ranch is located, was 19,816 at the 2010 Census (a 29% increase over the population of 15,335 at the 2000 Census.).
Started in 1995, Lakewood Ranch has an 8,500-acre (3,400Â ha) master-planned community within it, consisting of seven villages.
History
Lakewood Ranch is located within the Manatee County region in Florida. Manatee County covers almost 900 sq mi (2,300 km2) including waterways, which provided transportation. Railroads, bridges, and roadways were later added for easier access in and out of the area.
Along with transportation development came a rapid growth in population during the early 1920s.
The first neighborhood development, Summerfield, went up in 1995. As the area expanded and population increased, a master-planned community was created called Lakewood Ranch.
Today (As of June 2nd 2016), Lakewood ranch is a busy town with loads of schools, neighborhoods, and shops.
Shopping, dining and entertainment
Main Street is the downtown shopping, dining, and events center. The University Town Center mall, opened in 2014, is now a major shopping center.
Schools and colleges
Several schools are located in Lakewood Ranch.
Public schools
- Lakewood Ranch High School
- Braden River High School
- Braden River Middle School
- R. Dan Nolan Middle School
- Carlos E. Haile Middle School
- Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School
- Robert Willis Elementary School
- Braden River Elementary School
- DB Gullet Elementary School
- Freedom Elementary School
Private schools
- Out-of-Door Academy
- Sea of Strengths Academy
- Pinnacle Academy (Lakewood Ranch)
College
- State College of Florida, Manateeâ€"Sarasota
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Keiser University
Vocational school
- Manatee Technical Institute
Notable person
- Dick Vitale, basketball broadcaster
References
External links
- Lakewood Ranch Resident Forum
- Corporate website
