I went to a monthly networking/marketing event on Friday sponsored by the company (Schroeder Manatee Ranch, or just SMR) that owns Lakewood Ranch and is building out that part of the two counties of Manatee and Sarasota. Over the years we have helped buy and sell both new construction and resale homes in Lakewood Ranch, but I learned Friday that there is so much more to know!

What is Lakewood Ranch (LWR)? Well, to give you an idea, the cities in our region (Bradenton, Palmetto, Sarasota, Venice) are clustered within a 6-mile corridor between the coast and Interstate 75 -- generally, all built close to navigable salt water.

LWR, on the other hand, occupies former farmland EAST of I-75 and straddling both counties -- a 30,000-acre parcel that is roughly 8 miles north-to-south and 6 miles east-to-west.

You can fit all four of those coastal cities within the boundaries of LWR and still have several thousand acres left over!

The planning started 20 years ago, with a master plan for roads, water, sewers, schools, hospitals, commercial areas, and even its own Post Office.

Today, the project is about 25% built-out and going strong. A few more interesting tidbits:

1. The largest development to earn the "Green" designation from the Florida Green Building Coalition (14,000 acres)
2. 16,000 residents
3. 15,000 jobs (9-5 jobs, NOT construction jobs!)
4. 120 beds in the brand-new hospital
5. 5 colleges
6. 4 private schools
7. 5 public schools
8. 6 preschools
9. 7 distinct neighborhood villages so far either built or in the process.
10. 6,000 homes
11. The entire spectrum of price points, from entry-level to the MILLIONS.

Truly an amazing undertaking! www.lakewoodranch.com

And way too much to fit into a single blog. More to come soon!