The Islands on the Manatee River is a gated waterfront community set along the Manatee River and its tributaries. Located just north of Lakewood Ranch, The Islands is comprised of 225 acres of pristine islands, a private sanctuary that celebrates Florida's natural beauty. Avid boaters will love the connection to water with estates that offer private backyard docks from where you can set off and explore the calm waters of the Manatee River or the open expanse of the Gulf of Mexico. ... more.Two picturesque new home neighborhoods offer a range in architectural styles and home sites. Harbourside features homes of Spanish Colonial, traditional, or modern British West Indies design, while River Isle boasts Mediterranean, Tuscan, and Old Spanish style architecture. Properties range from the low $900s to more than $3 million with exquisitely crafted custom homes by some of the area's most prestigious builders. The Fort Hamer Bridge will soon connect residents to Sarasota's thriving cultural scene and Lakewood Ranch's world-class polo and golf. Premium shopping destinations like Ellenton Prime Outlets and the Mall at University Town Center are just a short drive away. The Islands is centrally poised between Sarasota/Bradenton and St. Petersburg/ Tampa, convenient to unparalleled beaches, attractions, and all the amenities of southwest Florida.