In the wake of hurricanes Helene and Milton, we are grateful to report that Lakewood Ranch's business and town centers have resumed normal operations, providing services and support to our community. While our area was fortunate to avoid the worst of the storm, our thoughts are with those on the barrier islands, coastal regions, and major flood zones who were severely impacted. In response, Lakewood Ranch is hosting and supporting several relief efforts to assist our neighbors in need. These events will offer much-needed community connection, an opportunity to relax, enjoy great food, and make a positive impact together. A food and supply drive for hurricane victims will be held in conjunction with Ranch Nite Wednesdays from 6-9 p.m. Oct. 16 at Waterside Place, 7500 Island Cove Terrace, Lakewood Ranch. The donation event will be hosted in partnership with Meals on Wheels Plus/The Food Bank of Manatee County. Needed items include:Non-perishable unused, unopened food items, bottled water, shop vacs, push brooms, squeegees, bleach, mold remover, shovels, wheelbarrows, trash bags, plastic storage bins, toilet paper, paper towels, towels, gloves, fans, dehumidifiers, other cleaning supplies. For more information visit www.lakewoodranch.com/event/ranch-nite-wednesdays/?caldate=2024-10-16&calstart=6:00%20pm&calend=9:00%20pm. There will also be free meals from any of the food trucks for all first responders or linemen with a valid work ID or work badge at Ranch Nites on Oct. 16. For more information and other discounts, visit www.lakewoodranch.com/event/thank-you-first-responders-events/?caldate=&calstart=6:00PM&calend=2:00pm. The relief efforts will continue with a food and supply drive at the weekly Farmers’ Market at Waterside Place, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20. For more information visit www.lakewoodranch.com/event/the-market-5. There will be a number of blood drives held around Lakewood Ranch at various locations; to register visit lakewoodranch.com/event/suncoast-blood-centers-blood-drives. Shop to Support Market Night will be held from 6-9 p.m. Nov. 8 at Lakewood Ranch Main Street. This is a special event to give those who have lost their storefronts – permanently or temporarily – an opportunity to sell salvaged and incoming inventory. The vendor line-up will feature stores from Siesta Key, St. Armand’s Circle, Longboat Key, Anna Maria Island, and more. For more information visit www.lakewoodranch.com/event/76325-2. The Lakewood Ranch Information Center, 8131 Lakewood Main Street, is also collecting food items for Meals on Wheels PLUS/The Foodbank of Manatee County through the end of November. For more information visit www.lakewoodranch.com/event/food-bank-drive/?caldate=2024-11-01&calstart=10:00 am&calend=5:30 pm. For additional storm resources and volunteer opportunities, visit www.lakewoodranch.com/hurricane-information.