A major new development planned for southeast Lake County is moving toward county approval, with developers targeting an early 2027 start for infrastructure and road construction.
Fort Lauderdale-based GT USA is seeking approval for Panther Run, a proposed 2,241-acre master-planned community along the Wellness Way corridor. The project is expected to include approximately 2,600 homes, commercial and employment space, new roads, parks and conservation areas.
The development team plans to add roughly four miles of roadway, including an extension of County Road 455 and a connection to State Road 516. Developers estimate the first phase of roads and related infrastructure will cost about $120 million, with the improvements intended in part to help address traffic congestion in South Clermont and surrounding communities.
One of the project's largest components would be an employment corridor spanning about 200 acres, with more than 1 million square feet of employment space. Developers estimate the area could eventually support more than 3,000 jobs, with potential uses including technology, advanced manufacturing, medical, financial, research and development, hospitality and tourism.
Despite the scale of the project, developers say much of the property would remain undeveloped. About 1,626 acres, or more than 72% of the site, is planned for lakes, wetlands and conservation, along with a two-mile nature trail connecting to the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
Residential construction is currently projected to begin in late 2027, with neighborhoods planned to include single-family homes, townhomes and a 350-unit apartment complex. The community would also feature approximately 11 miles of trails and 20 parks.
The project could also eventually include a fire station, sheriff's substation and a future high school site, although those elements still require additional approvals.
GT USA is scheduled to meet with Lake County's Planning and Zoning Committee on Aug. 5, followed by a planned Sept. 1 consideration by the Lake County Board of County Commissioners. A public informational meeting is scheduled for Aug. 10 from 5–7 p.m. at the Clermont Arts and Recreation Center, 3700 S. Highway 27.
Why it matters: Panther Run would represent another significant expansion of the Wellness Way corridor, bringing thousands of new residents, potential jobs, transportation improvements and public infrastructure to an area already experiencing rapid growth.