Babcock Bulletin 12/24/22

— Saturday, December 24, 2022 —

COMMUNITY NEWS

Wishing Our Residents the Best of the Season!

We wish all our residents a safe and happy holiday season. Please note that we will be closed on the following days so our staff can enjoy time with family and friends:

Monday, Dec. 26 — closed
Thursday, Dec. 29 — closing at 2 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 30 — closed
Monday, Jan. 2 — closed

Babcock Ranch Community Patrol is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Home Sales at Babcock Ranch Surpass 2,600

More than 2,600 homes have sold at Babcock Ranch, just months after jumping to the 10th spot on the nation’s top-selling communities list by RCLCO Real Estate Advisors. Babcock Ranch’s over 860 year-to-date homes sold have already surpassed record-breaking total sales in 2021.

“While there are a lot of options in Southwest Florida, Babcock Ranch is the top choice for new residents who want an authentic hometown experience, a sense of community, a natural environment and the convenience of on-site schools, shopping and outdoor recreation,” said Syd Kitson, chairman and CEO of town developer Kitson & Partners. “We’re so appreciative to our builder partners who have greatly contributed to helping us reach this significant milestone in just five years since launching sales.”

With 11 existing neighborhoods and six others recently introduced in Babcock Ranch’s second development phase, Midtown, the town continues to expand opportunities for new homebuyers.

Ecologic Pickup Days to Change in 2023

Growth Spurs Route Adjustment

The schedule for Ecologic's residential waste and recycling pickups will change with the new year.

The change was made to streamline collection routes as Babcock Ranch continues to grow, Ecologic Operations Manager Tony Marinacci) said in a letter to residents. The letter was included with quarterly billing statements from the Babcock Ranch Residential Association.

See New Collection Schedule

Blood Drive Tuesday at Healthy Life Center

In the spirit of giving, Lee Health is holding a blood drive from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tuesday in front of the Healthy Life Center at Founder's Square.

The need for blood is especially critical at this time of year, and all of the blood Lee Health collects will stay in the local area. No appointment is necessary — just drop by on Tuesday!

Wildlife Photo of the Week: Larger Florida Mantis

THIS WEEK'S WINNER: Pastor Matt Shapton took this low-angle photo of a praying mantis at Lake Timber.

Species is Important to Local Ecosystem

This week’s Wildlife Photo of the Week was submitted — appropriately — by Pastor Matt Shapton, who photographed this praying mantis in a parking lot near Lake Timber.

As usual, we turned to Babcock Ranch Environmental Mitigation Manager Christina Kontos for her observations:

Officially known as the larger Florida mantis (Stagmomantis floridensis), this species is better known as the praying mantis (Mantodea). It is a master at stealth and camouflage as its body structure and color allow it to conceal itself with the earth's structures and tones.

Their role in the ecosystem is very important for the population control of other hungry insects including stink bugs, grasshoppers, and caterpillars that may affect gardens if in overabundance.

Submit Your Photo

Learn More

COMMUNITY PATROL

ALWAYS ON DUTY: Members of the Babcock Ranch Community Patrol such as Patrol Operations Lieutenant Steve Barilar (above) are available to assist residents 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Community Patrol Always Available

Hours: On patrol and available 24/7
Phone: 239.652.8000
Office: 42911 Lake Babcock Dr.

RESIDENT EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

December

12/30: Live music by Tiger Blue, 6 – 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30, Founder's Square.

January

1/5: Sip N Pour: Candle Making, Thursday, Jan. 5, 5 – 7 p.m., Cypress Lodge.
1/7: Family Movie Night ("Jumanji: The Next Level"): Saturday, Jan. 7, 6 – 8 p.m., Babcock Ranch Field House. Free.
1/12: Cocktails & Canvas, Thursday, Jan. 12, 5 – 7 p.m., Cypress Lodge.
1/13: S’more Night, Friday, Jan. 13, 5 – 6 p.m., Cypress Lodge.
1/15: Mommy and Me Paint Classes, Sunday, Jan. 15, Cypress Lodge; Session 1, 1 – 2:30 p.m.; Session 2, 3:30 – 5 p.m.
1/21: Babcock Ranch Gala, Saturday, Jan. 21, 5 – 9 p.m., Babcock Ranch Field House.
1/28: Ben Allen Concert, Saturday, Jan. 28, 6 – 9 p.m., Founder’s Square; Early Bird VIP Registration (through 12/31) VIP Registration Seating (1/1-15): General Admission (free).

Babcock Bandstand — 2022–23 Series

View Season Schedule

FOOD

Food Trucks

Fridays & Saturdays

5 – 9 p.m.

Founder's Square

Farmers Market

Every Sunday (exception: closed Christmas, open Monday, Dec. 26); open New Year's Day

9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Founder's Square

Food Truck Schedule

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Free Healthy Life Classes

Babcock Ranch Residential Association offers a schedule of fitness classes in partnership with the Lee Health Healthy Life Center. These classes are FREE to all residents. (Membership in HLC is NOT required.) Please see the updated schedule and program format for 2022.

Every Wednesday: Aqua Class, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Please email a member of the lifestyle team or a team member of the Lee Health Healthy Life Center for additional information. All classes are at Cypress Lodge unless otherwise specified.

For more information on any of Lee Health's programs and events, click here.