In July, Lakewood Ranch took over the No. 1 spot as the nation’s top master-planned selling community in a report released today by real estate consulting firm RCLCO.
With this ranking, growth in the Lakewood Ranch area has been tremendous, and quick. As a result, renovations are now planned for 7 Lakewood Ranch area schools, including a new school.
School District of Manatee County officials said they will be proactive in addressing area growth with their five-year capital plan.
Manatee School Superintendent Cynthia Saunders says “We do have a couple of items that were not on our last five-year capital plan, but due to enormous growth we’ve experienced in the last year, we have suggested moving some of those up so we are prepared and ahead of the curve.”
The Manatee school district plans to construct a new for grades K thru 8. The new school will be located east of Uihlein Road and south of Academic Avenue in Lakewood Ranch. In addition, the tentative plan includes additions at Braden River and Lakewood Ranch high schools, Braden River, Carlos E. Haile, R. Dan Nolan middle schools and Freedom and Tara elementary schools to help with overcrowding and increase capacity at the schools.
With new additions at Braden River and Lakewood Ranch high schools, Saunders hopes the district can hold off on constructing a new high school in East County until at least fiscal year 2026-2027.
To help with the acceleration of capital projects, the School Board of Manatee County unanimously approved a resolution that allows the district to borrow up to $100 million in certificates of participation for capital projects.
As the Lakewood Ranch area continues to grow, the housing market will continue to stay strong. With expanding school capacity and building new schools to be a big draw to the area. Contact Realtor Shayla Twit if you are considering a purchase in the Lakewood Ranch area.
