In 1994, Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, a large land development and agri-business company owned by the heirs of the Schlitz Brewing Company, began development on part of the Company’s 28,000 acre holdings in Manatee County. Lakewood Ranch, a master planned community, has become one of the most popular communities on the West Coast of Florida.
Today, Lakewood Ranch consists of 7 separate villages, each offering a specific lifestyle and range of products and price points. Lakewood Ranch offers a variety of activities including 54 holes of golf, polo, cricket, and access to numerous parks, lakes, and nature preserves. The newly opened downtown area features fine dining, movie theatres, and shops.
Lakewood Ranch is located just east of I-75 between the SR 70 and University Parkway exits. The community is only minutes from the Sarasota/Bradenton airport and less than an hour from Tampa International Airport.
Lakewood Ranch is also only minutes away from the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, The Asolo Repertory Theatre, The Ringling Museum, The South Florida Museum, Selby Gardens, Jungle Gardens, and more.
The area is only an hour away from major professional sports franchises including the Tampa Bay Lightning, Tampa Bay Bucs, and Tampa Bay Rays. Most locations in Lakewood Ranch are less than a half hour drive to the famous IMG Academies, including the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy and the David Leadbetter Golf Academy. The home of the Orlando Magic is also only a couple of hours away, along with the other countless Orlando attractions. Finally, don’t forget major league baseball spring training – you are in the heart of it with the Pittsburg Pirates in Bradenton and the Cincinnati Reds in Sarasota, plus dozens of other teams within a short afternoon’s drive.